Death Destroyed

 

O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? 1 Corinthians 15:55

The good news is for everyone who will receive it – just as the angel told the shepherds when Jesus was born, ‘DO NOT BE AFRAID, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’ – Luke 2:10,11.

The birth of Jesus was the beginning of the end for death. ‘The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ’ – 1 Corinthians 15:56,57.

The birth of Christ brought God to man; the cross of Christ brings man to God.

THIS is why we celebrate Christmas!

Father, thank You that through Your Son Jesus, death has been destroyed. We can have eternal life when we say yes to You. Help us to, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Keep Going

 Let not your heart be troubled. John 14:1

Through the rough times in life God is STILL holding us and He has promised at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up and quit (Galatians 6:9).

Friendly reminders:

- DO NOT sweat the small stuff
- DO NOT lose hope
- DO NOT give up and quit
- OBEY God's Word and submit to His will
- HOLD FIRM to your faith
- BELIEVE God for your miracle and your breakthrough
- HOLD ON for God answers
- GO FORWARD FROM HERE for God IS taking care of it
- KEEP your head up, don't you ever let up ... this storm will pass

I don’t know what you're going through, but God does and He says, 'DON'T GIVE UP … KEEP GOING … YOU CAN DO THIS!’

Father, help us to hold firm to our faith in You and in Your promises. Our only hope lies in You, Lord God ... drive our hurts and fears away with Your presence and love. Give us grace and wisdom to go through the process and thank You that You will be with us and see us through to victory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Be Hopeful

Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. Psalm 27: 14

Don't ever think that you or your circumstances won't change. You ARE growing and evolving every day you just don't see it yet.

Let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame, disappointed or let down. Psalm 25:3

The enemy wants us feeling like nobody cares and that we don't have purpose so we'll get depressed, because it's hard to bless others when we're depressed.

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, who is the help of my sad countenance, and my God. Psalm 43:5

So as a reminder ...

- you ARE loveable
- God DOES care about you
- you DO make a difference
- you DO have lots to offer

... so hold your head high and BE HOPEFUL.

Father, thank You that those whose hope is in You won’t be disappointed. May You, the God of our hope, so fill us with all joy and peace in believing (through the experience of our faith) that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may abound and be overflowing and bubbling over with hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.



see also related AFTA blog: The Man with the Plan

Call It Like You See It

As it is written, ‘I have made you a father of many nations’ in the presence of Him whom he believed - God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did. Romans 4:17

The above verse refers to the things determined by God to come to pass but which have not yet been fulfilled. True faith is always fixed upon the facts of God’s Word. Some people think that if a person believes something hard enough it will come to pass (regardless of whether God has said it or not). This is not true.

So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself). Romans 10:17

Faith does not look at the non-existent; it looks at a promise. Every promise that God makes comes into existence. We can count on God’s Word. God cannot lie or go back on His Word.

Follow God's example and call things that are not as though they are. Look through your eyes of faith. Call it like you see it. Don’t use your words to talk about your situation; use your words to change your situation.

Confess and believe these truths from God's Word: ‘I am well able. I can do all things. I have what it takes. I am strong in the Lord.’

Don't think about, receive, or speak what the world says about you or the negative things you hear in your head. Speak words of faith, pray, believe and move forward into the future God has for you.

Father, help us to look through eyes of faith and call things that are not as though they are. Help us to believe, regardless of our circumstances. In Jesus’ name, amen.



 Related AFTA blog: There's POWER in Knowing Who You Are in Christ

The Bible Says ...

 

 

It is better to take refuge in the Lord, than to trust in man. Psalm 118:8

God will love you, be with you, hold you, care for you, supply your needs, and heal you. God will give you strength and will empower you to fulfill the purpose He has called you to do.

There is nothing you can do to escape God's great love. He will never fail you.

The Bible says ... that God can be trusted.

Father, thank You that You’re with us no matter what. We can’t get away from You and Your love and I’m so grateful for that. Never let us go. In Jesus’ name, amen.


 

Got Rest?

 

Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. Mark 6: 31

We can become physically, emotionally and spiritually drained by giving too much time to people, churches or work. How can you know if you are giving too much? Anger, resentment, bitterness, and exhaustion are good thermometers. WE NEED BALANCE.

In order to take charge of our lives and be ready for what GOD has for us, we have to learn to say 'no' sometimes. Don't fear rejection, being passed over, or missing out for times you have to say 'no'. Use those times instead as times of refueling and resting.

We have to be ready in season and out for what God has for us and we can't if we're a 'yes' person that does whatever others want us to do. I.e.,  no people pleasing, people ... because we can't be everything to everyone all the time ... only God can.

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2

The key to avoiding burn-out in any area of your life is balance. Honor God’s laws of physical rest and learn to say 'no' to overwork, demanding people and guilt. Be led today BY GOD ... and no longer fear or beat yourself up for times that He sets you aside for rest ... be human and enjoy it.

Father, we pray for true rest … trusting in You. Help us to know Your voice, when to say ‘yes’ to people and when to say ‘no’ without fears or guilt. Help us to rest in You, knowing You have a good plan for our lives and those around us. Don’t pass us over when You have an assignment because we’re too exhausted to even lift a finger. Give us rest, refuel us, refresh us. In Jesus’ name, amen.



Related AFTA blogs:
The Enemy of Busyness
A Real Rest

YES, THIS IS FOR YOU

Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I WILL NOT forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me. Isaiah 49:15,16

Your family and friends may have forgotten about you, BUT GOD hasn't ... His silence does not mean absence.

You’ve always been right there for me; don’t turn your back on me now. Don’t throw me out, don’t abandon me; you’ve always kept the door open. My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in (and adopted me as His child). Psalm 27:9,10

What you do/don't do, who approves/disapproves of you, what 'they' think/say about you, whether 'they' thank/appreciate you or how 'they' treat you DOES NOT define you ... you ARE loved, you ARE wanted, you DO matter and you ARE special because of who you are, the best you that you can be.

You ARE NOT just taking up space ... you ARE here for a reason and you ARE a blessing to MANY. Enjoy your life as you learn why through trial and error. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the journey.

Father, thank You that despite hurtful rejections from our family, our friends, and the world, You take us up and adopt us as Your own and take care of us. Bring healing to our hurting hearts. Help us to forgive. May the things that life and people have inflicted on us not break us or stop us from the good plans that You have for us. Thank You that we are accepted by You and included in Your family. In Jesus' name, amen.





See related blog of mine:
We're His Kids
DON'T Self-Harm Because of a Relationship
Sister Christian
Encourage Yourself in the Lord
Hands Off

Most Have Had a Hard Life

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other greater commandment than these. Mark 12:30,31

You are a LOT stronger, a LOT smarter and MORE beautiful than you think you are. Do not settle for less than. Do not be gullible or allow people to take advantage of you.

STOP PUTTING YOURSELF DOWN. You are special. You are valuable. And God certainly doesn't make junk. I used to think so little of myself that I would put myself down before others got the chance to hurt me. I reinforced low self-esteem. I did not need any help. When my abuser came along, they did not have to knock me down, I already was down and they fed on that and took advantage. Things others had spoken over me, I spoke over me and the enemy whispered to me sucked me into a 10 year relationship hell. Know that most of the time they at first say and do all the right things and once you are hooked then they turn into someone you do not even recognize anymore.

ABUSERS FEED OFF OF VULNERABILITY AND LOW SELF-ESTEEM. It is better to be alone, I promise, I know. Abuse can be mental, physical, neglect, etc. Abusers do not change. They progressively get worse. And they will separate you from friends, family anyone who cares or could help. Control, intimidation, domination and manipulation are tools of the devil and are used in witchcraft to lead you away from God. FOLLOW GOD and His Way only, all other ways lead to destruction.

ABUSE IS NOT NORMAL AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE SILENT

GET HELP NOW
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1−800−799−SAFE http://www.thehotline.org

Thank God for His mercy and grace. I found freedom when He met me in my mess and shared with me from the Word who I am IN HIM. There REALLY IS life after abuse. Hold your head high. Shake off the shame. Jesus says YOU ARE WORTHY. If you are being abused, get help. If you are headed down that road thru low self-esteem, run the opposite direction and let the love of God set you free. You were made in Gods image, to bring Him glory. Be a slave to NO OTHER.

MOST OF US HAVE HAD A HARD LIFE. Being hurt is NO EXCUSE or REASON to hurt and abuse us. Those who abuse need to get over it, man up, and do the right thing. Treat each other with love and respect.

Father, help us to see ourselves as You see us. Help us to be able to face ourselves, live with ourselves, and love ourselves in a healthy way. Help us to have healthy relationships and remove us from those that are unhealthy. Protect us from all harm. Cover us with Your Blood, Lord Jesus. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Related blog entries of mine:

 

Do You Hate Yourself? (part of my story)

Don't Look Back - Enough is Enough (part of my story)

There's Power in Knowing Who You are in Christ

 

 

 

Life Can Be Really Hard Sometimes

I will exalt you, Lord, for You rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me. O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O Lord. You kept me from falling into the pit of death. Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones. Praise His holy name. For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:1-5

I know it’s hard to see past the pain, but PLEASE don’t hurt yourself. Talk to Jesus, a friend, a parent, a pastor, a teacher or call 1-800-273-TALK.

You ARE worth it. Regardless of how heavy life gets. Tomorrow just might be the day of your turnaround.

Father, help us to call out to You when we're in need. Divinely give us what we need or work through Your people to help us. Put people in our path who care. Give us hope to continue on. May we keep on keeping on. In Jesus' name, amen.


-------------------

Related blog entries of mine:

Has Today Been a Hard Day?
Don't Self Harm
Encourage Yourself in the Lord

Do You Know Jesus?

 Do you have a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ?

Whether you are married, single, divorced, separated, or even engaged to be married, Jesus longs to be your Husband and best friend - the closest you will ever have or find that will never leave you or forsake you, no matter what.

Most important of all, He wants to be your Savior and Deliverer.

1 Thessalonians 5:9/AMP - For God has not appointed us to [incur His] wrath [He did not select us to condemn us], but [that we might] obtain [His) salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

You see, Father God sent His Son Jesus so that we may have eternal life. He died on the cross and rose again. And He's coming back soon for His children.

Would you like to be considered His child, His bride, His friend? If so, pray this simple prayer:
 
Father, I come to you. I thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to take the punishment for my sins. Forgive me of them. I know that He died and rose again, just for me. Because He loves me. Come into my life, Jesus, and take control. Help me to renew my mind and refuse to believe the lies of the enemy any more. Let me be led by Your Holy Spirit, the Comforter. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues. Thank you that You will never leave me or forsake me. Thank You for peace amidst the frustrations and stresses of this world. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Congratulations on your new life with Jesus!

Get into a good, Bible-based church. Get a Bible and read it as often as you can. Worship Him. Expect your Savior to speak to you, lead you, guide you, comfort you, provide for you, protect you, and be with you until the end of the world.
 
God bless you!

 


But seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

 
 
 
 

Feeling Down and Out?

Get up and prepare for action. Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say. Don't be afraid of them ... today I have made you strong ... I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken. Jeremiah 1:17-19

So, in July of this year I got a real bad sunburn on both my legs from floating in the Frio River with sunscreen everywhere on me but my legs (duh). My legs blistered and my feet stayed incredibly swollen for 2 weeks. Then, I got a bad infection on both my legs (from knees to feet), probably from open skin from the sunburn. Those things started to heal and I realized I still could barely walk and was told by the doctor I had vein issues from inadequate blood flow ‘cause my feet were swollen for so long. With compression hose my circulation got better. But almost 2 months later, I’m still struggling to walk. Still severe, gut wrenching pain. Then comes the news from my doctor (all this has caused 9 doctor visits now and 1 emergency room trip) that I have torn ligaments in my ankles and that I need to wear splints on my legs/ankles to let my ligaments heal and give my ankles support. Great. Just what I needed.

You know how it is. I’m sure we’ve all been there at some point in our life. The times that you really have to struggle to find your hope and get out of bed and continue to live your life despite setbacks. I have to keep reminding myself that others have it so much worse than I and God’s been good to me through it all.

The Lord gave me the above verses this morning to help me to motivate to get up today. He wants me to GET UP, GET DRESSED, and GET GOING despite what’s coming against me and to trust Him, knowing He has me and my situation under control.

So … the point is to make sure you put suntan lotion on, everywhere. Ok, that’s not the real point I’m trying to make, but it’s a good one. The real point here is … despite your trials and how down and out you may feel - REJOICE, for He is worthy of your praise. Regardless of what happened yesterday it's going to be a great day today, because you have another day to glorify God. This is the day that the Lord's made ... REJOICE and be glad in it.

Father, I pray that you give us the strength to get up, get dressed, and get going. Above all else today, may Your name be glorified. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How's Your Walk?

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that He exists and that He cares enough to respond to those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:1,6

WE'VE GOT TO LEARN TO DEPEND ON GOD.

Jesus never insisted that the disciples obey Him. Instead, He instructed them to trust Him and to have faith in God. He knew that trust would create obedience because the two naturally go together.

When we don't trust God, we aren't depending on Him. As a result, we begin to feel that we are able to handle things on our own, and we begin to pull away from Him and head in the wrong direction.

WE'VE GOT TO LEARN TO WAIT ON GOD, TRUSTING HIS TIMING.

The Bible clearly states that God acts in behalf of those who wait on Him (Isaiah 64:4). The only way we can learn to do this is to trust in God and believe that He is always working in our best interests.

When we wait, we acknowledge His lordship in our lives, and our trusting faith itself becomes an act of genuine worship.

WE'VE GOT TO WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT OR BY FEAR.

When we learn to walk by faith in God, resting our steps on His every Word, then we will go places we never dreamed of going and accomplish what no one can ever do alone.

JUST DO IT.

There is NO WAY that we can lose when we trust God.

Keep the FAITH - (F)orsaking (A)ll (I) (T)rust (H)im.

Father, this trust thing is hard. Help us to honor You by placing our trust in You. May we believe with child-like faith. In Jesus' name, amen.

While I'm Waiting

Those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. Isaiah 40:31

I told the Lord earlier today when we were talking, 'I would SO like things to be easier ... but I will serve and trust You regardless. I am walking strictly by faith. I am NOT gonna go by what I see or feel.'  

The Lord responded back to me, 'The fire may feel like its getting turned hotter and hotter, but you WON'T get burnt ... you won't even smell like smoke. Refuse to submit to the thought that the devil has power over you. I said in My Word, I give YOU power over the enemy. It's in the waiting that your strength will be renewed. Wait on Me, hope in Me, and I WILL come through for you. I take GOOD CARE of My children.'

I have given you AUTHORITY to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome ALL the power of the enemy; NOTHING will harm you. Luke 10:19

I've made a decision that I WILL worship while I’m waiting.

Father, I'm grateful for You for SO MANY reasons, I love you so. Anything here on this earth that I go through is WORTH IT for the hope that I have to see and spend the rest of my days in Heaven with You … YOU are WORTH IT. Strengthen us as we wait on You. Give us grace to go through and equip us with hope to endure to the end. In Jesus’ name, amen.


see also: (While I’m Waiting) I Will Worship by John Waller
 

Don't Be Afraid

 

God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid. Isaiah 12:2

Frightening circumstances are less troublesome if we trust the hands that control them. If our world and our lives were governed by a thoughtless and indifferent force, we would have good reason to fear.

BUT the hands that control the universe - God’s hands - are wise and compassionate. We can trust them in spite of our circumstances and not be afraid.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’ Isaiah 41:10-13

FEAR NOT … Jesus is holding YOUR hand.

We give so much of our strength and energy to being fearful and worrying about things ... when we should be resting in God's peace knowing that He WILL come through for us. Your current condition does not define God's ultimate intention. Through fire and flood, He is with you and will bring you through. So QUIT fearing and worrying, He has ALREADY taken care of it.

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Isaiah 32:18

God is the One in control … so we have NOTHING to fear.

Father, thank You that no harm will come near us or our dwelling. Guard, protect, lead and guide us. Take care of all our needs and all our loved ones as we lay down our worries and fears. I pray for peace in our mind/thoughts/spirit. Quieten the voice of the enemy. Comfort us with the presence of Your supportive hand. I curse worries and fears that try to rob us of our sleep. I pray perfect peace over us when we lay our heads down at night. Bless us, favor us and move on our behalf even as we sleep. I plead the Blood of Jesus over us. In Jesus’ name, amen.



see also: Christ is My Victory (Psalm 91 to pray)

Bad Bad Boy, Whatcha Gonna Do

Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in bondage again to fear; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. Romans 8:14-17

Why do beautiful and precious women think they have to settle for rough, ugly and/or controlling guys that treat them bad? And if they're good looking but treat you bad, that makes them ugly, too. Choosing a bad boy usually comes with a lifetime of regrets. A bad boy and his actions ARE NOT attractive nor exciting. They are destructive. Don't be seduced into the web of the enemy, thinking you have to settle for less than what you want from a partner. Ladies, you're worth SO MUCH MORE than that. RESPECT yourself.

And oh my, PLEASE don't be with a creep just to get out of the house or to punish your parents/family. It’s not worth it to get sucked into a life of hell on earth with the wrong person just to fit in, or get out, or to have a ride, or get back at people. Trust me, you WILL NOT have it easier once you get out. As a matter of fact, it will be harder because you not only have been separated from your family and support system, but are now responsible for running a house, getting and holding a job, and catering to every whim of a man who probably never loved you in the first place and who will treat you horribly despite you doing everything in your power the right way.

There are many men who are on the prowl, looking for a nice, vulnerable woman to take advantage of. They can tell when you are insecure with who you are and who will probably put up with their actions ... one who will do anything for them, despite how they are treated. Someone with low self-esteem is very attractive to them. These guys are usually sweet talkers in the beginning to lure you in and once you’ve formed an attachment to them, usually by sharing intimate things in your life (see more about soul ties here Step Away ... from that Stale Cracker) then they start abusing you, telling you who you can and cannot see and possibly hitting you. They'll flirt with others but tell you that you can't, not call before coming over, lie, hit on your friends in front of you, etc. These are UNACCEPTABLE actions ladies.

You ARE NOT responsible for babysitting men, for being their mother, for being their slave and/or sex slave, or to rescue them from life or themselves. These 'boys' need to grow up and be a man. Learn how to treat a woman right. Learn how to take care of themselves. Learn how to live within the letter of the laws of God and of man. Instead of rebelling against God and running from Him and anything else that's good and right. Bad boys DO NOT really have confidence, and ARE NOT exciting, they are really insecure and that's why they hurry to attach to those who are vulnerable, ones that they hope will fill the void and make them stop being afraid, i.e. another mommy. They only get more angry though, because it doesn't work. Deep down they are broken little boys who need to control and bed women to try to feel better about themselves. That broken boy CAN NOT be rescued or fixed by you. HE WON'T change as long as he's clinging on to you. Only Jesus and hard work on the part of the boy/man can fix them. You ARE NOT anyone's savior. Let them change their own diapers and hold his own pacifier. Try working on yourself instead. A better you will automatically attract a better him.

The better you feel about yourself, the less you will allow people in your life that treat you wrong. Low self-esteem will cause us to settle with far less than God's best. If a woman feels good about herself, she chooses a mate who communicates both verbally and non-verbally to her that she is valued and respected. She won't allow this other person to undermine her positive self-worth. She believes in her ability to participate in a healthy, reciprocal relationship. If she doesn't feel good about herself, she chooses someone who reinforces her negative self-beliefs.

These men are just distractions sent by the enemy to try to keep God’s will from coming to pass in your life. You're not a doormat, punching bag, a dog or a trophy ... if you belong to Jesus, you are a child of God. There's NEVER a good reason to put up with abuse. HIT THE DOOR running if you're not treated with love and respect. REGARDLESS of how good looking or hot he may be in your eyes. Your dreamboat is dangerous. Do it NOW before it goes any further.

God has called us to live in peace. 1 Corinthians 7:15

Hold your head high, guard your heart and wait for GOD'S best for you.

Father, I pray that You place a hedge of protection around us and our hearts, that we not get caught up in the traps of the enemy. Choose a partner for us IF You have one and help us to wait on You. If we are to be single to serve You wholeheartedly, help us to be and stay devoted to You. If there are any that have already been trapped by the enemy's lies and webs, release them from that bondage. Give them boldness to get away and help them to stay away. In the name of Jesus, amen.

+ + + + + +

If you are being abused GET HELP NOW call

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE

http://www.thehotline.org
or
National Dating Abuse Hotline
1-866-331-9474
http://www.loveisrespect.org
+ + + + + +
 

see also:  Keep it Zipped            Do You Hate Yourself?            Don't Look Back (my story)

A Real Rest

[Jesus says] Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28-30

BELIEVE that the Lord is FAITHFUL to do as He has promised. Rest in the fact that WHATEVER IT IS, God is taking care of it.

We CAN'T go wrong when we let Jesus take control.

Sleep good tonight. I've got a feeling everything's gonna be alright.

Father, the enemy seems to work overtime to rob us of our sleep that we need so desperately. Wash our worries away with Your love. I curse the attacks against our sleep and rest and I pray the spirit of peace and rest over us as we lay down our cares for the night. In Jesus' name, amen.

Oh YES You Can

God is our refuge and strength, a very-present (right now when we need it) help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

 

Everyone has troubles. We all face problems, afflictions, heartaches, suffering and hardships. We all get weary at one point or another in the journey.

 

You need to know something. You CAN make it. You CAN do it. Keep going forward ... one step at a time. You've survived and made it this far, YOU WILL make it further, HOLD ON.

 

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.  The Lord will rescue His servants, and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned. Psalm 34:17-19,22

 

God may not remove all of our problems and afflictions immediately, but He WILL make sure we are able to endure them faithfully. He WILL provide the strength we need to be faithful despite the problems we are going through.

 

Just ask.

 

Father, please strengthen those who are tired of holding on. Send them a sign that You are there and renew their hope. Help us to wait on You, Lord and renew our strength in the waiting. Give grace, grace and more grace. In Jesus' name, amen.


 

see also: So, Are You Still Standing?

              

That's Right ... NO Weapon

NO weapon formed against you will prosper and EVERY tongue that rises up against you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17

God has placed a call on your life and He wants to see the good plans He has for you come to fruition. Right before promotion things get so much more difficult. The fire gets hotter the closer you get to being in God's will. The stupid devil is determined to do everything he can to stop it from being birthed in you. But He CAN'T stop it IF you don't let him.

You ARE NOT a quitter and NO weapon is going to stop you. Don't give the enemy the pleasure of seeing you give up. Press through the pain to experience all that the Lord has waiting for you on the other side of it.

Keep your focus on the vision the Lord's given you and trust Him to bring it to pass, regardless of what's happening or what it looks like.

Be determined and say with me, 'I WILL go THROUGH and do ALL that God has called me to do.'

Help us Lord, to FEAR NOT and MOVE FORWARD into what You have next for us. I curse the enemies who try to stop our progress and their attacks, make them fall in their own traps that they set for us. Give us boldness and grace to serve You. In Jesus' name, amen.


see my related blog: The Man with the Plan

You've Been Armed

The righteous shall live by faith. Romans 1:17

You can maintain joy amidst life's trials by staying focused on God's faithfulness instead of the unfaithfulness of others. You have been armed with strength for EVERY battle. The forces FOR you are greater than the forces AGAINST you.

Don't quit now. You’re experiencing visible opposition because you’re making INVISIBLE progress. Breakthrough IS coming.

God’s given you the privilege of prayer so you won’t worry about your circumstances or what you are going through. He’ll take care of what you commit to Him.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you. Psalm 37:5

Get your hands off of it, you can't do it anyway ... TRUST.

Father, take our worries and fears. Help us clear our minds of the confusion and fog. Give us peace and rest. Help us just to believe. In Jesus’ name, amen.



see related blogs of mine: Encourage Us, Lord
                                      You Can Trust the Father

Daily Manna

You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. Joshua 23:14

Has God made a promise to you? Sure He has. Many. His Holy Word is full of promises for us to seek, find, take and lay hold of as our own.

Stand on God's Word, not your worry ... and don't let what He said be canceled out by what you see. We can’t go by our circumstances nor let them try to rob us of our faith in what He’s spoken to us. It's NEVER too late for God to come through for you.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:8-11

The Word doesn’t say that we have to have everything figured out down to the last little bitty minute detail, we are to trust and have faith that His ways are better and that He knows what He’s doing. He doesn’t need our help. Us trying to struggle via self-effort and reasoning when He’s going to do it, how He’s going to do it, or if He’s going to do it isn’t going to get us anywhere. We don't have to let those thoughts of doubt just run around in our heads, we can speak out a promise God's given us concerning our situation in faith ... believing.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Proverbs 3:5

You may not know how, you may not know when, but He'll do it AGAIN. It may be the midnight hour when He comes through, but HONEY, HE’s GONNA come through!

Daily manna = we get what we need on the day that we NEED it. A daily provision. Whether it be food, money, peace, healing, wisdom, grace, protection, etc. it comes RIGHT WHEN WE NEED IT, for God is an on time God.

Father, thank You for the promises of Yours that we have to stand on. Thank You that You have not, nor ever will, break a single promise to us. Give us grace to wait for Your perfect timing. In Jesus’ name, amen.

No Worries

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’ Romans 8:15

We get SO worked up sometimes over events that are happening in the world today, but NO WORRIES - God is STILL on the throne.

We are facing so many issues in todays times, and they don't seem to be getting any better. Faithful employees being laid off, children are being sold on our streets, children getting pregnant, bills stacking up that are way past due, couples fighting, sickness, death, rejection, betrayal, members of your own household being your worst enemy, people loosing their homes, drugs and alcohol taking over society, physical abuse, prostitution, etc. God's people are suffering. Life hurts. Big time.

But ... MIGHTY is our God, MIGHTY is our King, He is ruler of EVERYTHING. God is our MIGHTY fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. And so ... we WON'T be afraid.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Psalm 46:1-3

Ways to be free from anxiety:

-  pray and believe
-  cast Your burdens on the Lord
-  know that you are in the hands of God
-  be certain that you are prepared to meet Him face to face
-  spend time fellowshipping with your Savior, for His very presence brings peace because He IS our peace
-  read the Psalms
-  trust Him

Be still AND unafraid AND not worried ... know that HE is God.

Father, in our changing times of uncertainty, there is peace and hope in the fact that You are unchanging. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. I find comfort in Your stability. Thank You for being a strong tower that we can run in to and are safe. I speak PEACE over us ... to our spirit, over our mind and over our thoughts. In Jesus' name, amen.




see also: AFTA Blog Worrying Will Never Change the Outcome
                              What's the World Coming To     

What's The World Coming To?

Happy Independence Day - and enjoy it - hopefully it won't be the last time we get to celebrate it.

Don't understand what's going on in the world, troubled by changing times? I was sitting and thinking earlier about the freedoms that we've lost over time. Leaving God out of our lives and the decisions and compromises we make has played a big role in what's happening. The Bible warns of the days to come where there will be wars and rumors of wars. People being deceived. Worshipping idols other than our One true God. Ears will be deaf and eyes will be blind. The times are here NOW people.

The Holy Spirit started singing the above song to me to bring me comfort and to remind me that we don't have to understand everything ... no matter how bad it is right now or how bad it's going to get, and that there's hope for something more. We just need to be ready - be in a right relationship with God and be obedient to the best of our ability.

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33

Let not your heart be troubled.

Father, help us to hold on while we wait for You to come get us. May we hold firm to the faith till the end. Thank You that there is freedom found in Christ. In Jesus' name, amen.


see also: Matthew 24 and 25

We're His Kids

Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:6,7

No longer live as a defeated Christian. Stop hating yourself because of what you've done in the past. Choose to forgive yourself, accept God's forgiveness, and let yourself off the hook.

The important thing is to try to be like Jesus in our attitudes and behaviors and the more our lives are transformed the more everything else begins to fall into place. We need to remember to seek God. To become like Him we must learn to walk with faith accepting the authority that we have as children of the most high God. If we walk defeated, then we are not walking in faith, and then we can't live in the fullness of the blessing in our lives.

… I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). John 10:10

You are special, you are wanted, you are loved, you are accepted, you are the home of the living God.

Father God, You're the best father we could ever hope for, thank You that You call us Your own. Help us to believe and be free ... for we are NO LONGER products of our past. Help us to move forward from here. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Down, But Never Out

From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me - let Israel now say - from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but THEY HAVE NEVER been able to finish me off. Psalm 129:1,2

Has there ever been a people so despised as Israel and the Jews? Despite persecution and numerous attempts at annihilation, the ancient people of God have endured.

Why? Because God keeps His promises.

In a similar way, the church has been a lightning rod for hatred for over two thousand years. Evil rulers (spurred on by the evil one) have attempted to rid the earth of the Word of God and the followers of Jesus - but without success.

Why? Because God is faithful.

Jesus assured us that all the powers of hell cannot stop the church in Matthew 16:18 - On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

We’ve probably all been knocked to the ground - many times, but we will never be permanently grounded. Through all the trials, struggles and failures God always through Christ will give us the strength to get up and get back in the race.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed or distressed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are persecuted and hunted down, but never forsaken or abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8,9

The scriptures above express the fact that though we face troubles, it is our outward circumstances that are effected. We don't have to let those circumstances change us inwardly or take away God's promises to us and the comfort that we have from within knowing we are His. When faced with defeat, we CAN have the inner strength through Christ to turn failure into victory. Through Christ we CAN keep going.

Proverbs 24:16 says, A righteous man may fall seven times but he will get back up again.

This tells us that no matter how many times we get knocked down, we CAN get back up again. The mere effort of us trying to get up, to keep going ... gets God's attention. In our weakest moments God's strength is made perfect and because of this promise, God ALWAYS shows up in our weakest moments. To help, hold, nurture and guide till we're up on our feet and stable and strong again.

Be determined. Say aloud, 'I will NEVER stay down. I will ALWAYS get back up. I'll NEVER, EVER give in!'

We believers may be down at times, but we are NEVER out.

Father, despite hard times and attacks coming against us, our families, our country, our beliefs and the church, be with us. Keep us. Give us peace despite the fact that the world as we know it is ending and things are going to be a whole lot different very soon. Help us to not get caught up in arguments and distractions and even if our 'rights' are stripped away from us, help us to continue to be faithful, try to live right, and share You with whomever will listen. Cause Your people to listen. Protect Jerusalem and may there be peace within its borders. May Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Hurry and come get us Jesus, and help us to be ready. In Jesus' name, amen.

What in the World is Going On?

But my eyes are fixed on You, Sovereign Lord; in You I take refuge - do not give me over to death. Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety. Psalm 141:8-10

We’re not always rejected and attacked because of wrong we’ve done. Sometimes, it’s because we’re doing right.

The enemy is throwing road blocks at us, trying to trip us up … so we’ll think that trying to do the right thing is too much trouble and not worth it. You may even hear doubting voices in your head like, 'What's the use in changing if no one notices and they still treat me as if I were still the old me?'

The enemy wants us to get discouraged and give up and ease back into our old ways and lifestyle. He will even throw people, especially those we want love and acceptance from the most, at us with hurtful things like still judging us for our past and bringing those things up over and over because they haven't forgiven us or don't really want us to succeed. Sad to say, some people in our lives are just waiting for us to mess up so that they can say, 'See, you really haven't changed after all.' We have to remember that it's not really them saying those things, it's the enemy working through them.

God wants us to move forward, continue to grow, continue to do what’s right … and trust that He will defeat our enemies and stop the attacks and that it will make us stronger and encourage us to continue to keep moving forward in the right direction.

We need to change for the better whether others believe that we are or not. Whether they see that we are or not. We are to seek God's approval. Do it for you ... and Him. If someone really wants to be a part of our lives they'll come around eventually. Sometimes we just need to regain the trust of those in whom we've lost it. And that can take time. In the meanwhile, they're missing out on the new, improved us.

Yep, you might actually be doing something right, how cool is that?

Let the attacks cause you to be more determined, not cower back and withdraw.

Don’t you dare let the enemy win.

Father, mold us into Your image. Help us not to fear, for You WILL walk us through the process. I pray that our enemies will fall in the very traps that they have laid for us. Help us to continue on, unscathed and unharmed. Help us to be determined to win the race. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Is it in Vain?

Tears may flow in the night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5b

Weeping may remain for a night, but joy REALLY IS going to come in the morning.

Good will come from that trial somehow, because … what you've been through not only strengthens you ... the pain YOU'VE been through gives you a message to bring hope to OTHERS and helps bring them through, too. 

If God brings you to it, He believes you are strong enough to handle it and He WILL bring you through it. Whatever it is that you ‘think’ is going to break you, it’s NOT. You won’t even smell like smoke. God’s will WILL be accomplished through whatever He’s allowed in your life. 

YES - you DO make a difference.

NO - what you are going through IS NOT in vain.

Father, give us faith and endurance to wait upon You to come in like a knight in shining armor and save us. Help us to trust Your timing. Bring us through our trials and circumstances successfully and unscathed. Give us words and encouragement to help us in our journey and then bring fellow warriors into our lives that we can share the words you gave us with them. Let what we go through to not be in vain. In Jesus' name, amen.


 

Hindrance to Your Destiny?

 
So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?' Hebrews 13:6

Worrying and angered at those who try to steal your thunder, use you, try to force themselves on you, pick on you and/or speak lies behind your back? Wondering if your reputation is going to be tainted and stop you from God's best? Wondering if people will reject you because of it?

I don't know about you, but I've been lied to, lied about, made fun of, harassed, stalked, beaten, and pushed around. Words are sharp and they hurt. People can be SO cruel. The enemy really works overtime trying to make sure God's will doesn't come to pass in our lives. BUT GOD is our defender and will only allow people to hurt us and take advantage of us for so long, before He comes on the scene and says, 'that's enough, that's My child' and stops it.  What God has destined ... NO demon or devil in hell or on earth, NO person, NO circumstance ... can stop.

No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17

We're not built to handle it all, it's ok to break down and cry before the Lord and allow Him to bring refreshment. Tell Him what's weighing heavy on your heart. Tell Him who's hurt you. Give it all to Him. Sow those seeds of offense and allow Him to bring better into your life. There's NOTHING like the presence of Jesus to wash away the hurts and pains that people and life have inflicted on us. You may not have the approval of who you think you need it from, but God approves of you and will give you what you really need, not what you think you need.

Quit stressin' over things that the Lord has already told you He would take care of. EXPECT God's blessings. Trust God to protect your reputation. God promised He's our vindicator, EXPECT Him to defend you. God is always there for you --- He is your hope --- He is all you need. And hope maketh not ashamed, i.e. if we put our hope in God, He WON'T disappoint us.

God loves you too much to put you in a position you aren't ready for. He wants to build your character before He brings you to the next level. There will be tests and trials and most won't be fun at all, in fact they'll hurt, a lot. Rejection, betrayal, gossip, abuse, being left out, feeling all alone - they're all part of the plan the enemy's made to cause you to withdraw and stop moving forward. God's using those same things to mold you to be more like Him. Be willing to go through the process. Advance. It's SO worth it.
 
You are RELEASED from having to please everybody ... because you CAN'T. You are RELEASED from having to be Ms. or Mr. perfect ... because you CAN'T. Relax. Be yourself. Don't back down, stand your ground. Keep doing what you believe to be right. Whether others approve or understand or not. God knows how to 'fix' peoples little red wagon when they get in the way of our destiny. 

Those who BELIEVE and EXPECT the good plans God has for them are the ones that SEE them. Wait for it.

Hindrance to your destiny? Nope, I don't think so. More like a springboard to propel you forward.

Father, I pray for all who feel weary. Help us not to give up. Give us courage and faith to continue on. You, Lord God are faithful. Help us to press thru to victory. Remove any hindrances that are in the way of our destiny. Defend us. Protect our reputations. In Jesus' name, amen.