Cursed is the strong one who depends on mere humans, who thinks he can make it on muscle alone and sets God aside as dead weight... But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. Jeremiah 17:5-8 MSG

 

So many times in life we look to others to save us. Society has painted this picture that having a mate will make all of our problems go away.  You know the story: the man rides in on a white horse, recues the women, they fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. We are bombarded by images on TV that displays the perfect friend, or the perfect family that works out every situation is less than an hour.  If you have been a believer for any period of time, you know the only perfect person is Jesus -- everything else is flawed. But somehow, we continue to trust others to fulfill us. There is a remedy for this so we no longer have to seek others to fill a void. The word of God tells us that if we "trust" in him we will be blessed. It actually says that when we rely totally on man we are cursed. God takes it very serious when we place our full trust in anything but him. That includes money, material possessions, or even our gifts and talents. We are actually "blessed" when we put our hope in God. How are we blessed? We are first blessed with having an intimate relationship with the true and living God who heals, delivers, restores and exalts. We are blessed with peace that produces confidence and strength. Aren't you tired of the disappointment and hurt you receive by placing your trust in man? Seek and put your complete confidence in God; He will never fail you.

 

 

Thought for Today

Where are you placing 100% of your trust?

My Dear Child,

I died a brutal death on the cross for the sheer purpose of erasing your sins in order to have an innermost relationship with just you. Because I took your sins to the cross there is no need to live in guilt, shame and fear. My desire is for you to live in my full-blown love so there is a transfer of that love to impart to others. You only need to come as you are, I’ll fix what is broken, I will clean you up “whiter than snow.” I am the God of impossibilities and I will NEVER fail you. I am love and I created you out of love, nothing will ever separate us because of that key ingredient. Your helper the Holy Spirit will guide and provide wisdom to live a victorious life.  No one can love or provide for you the way that I can and I long to give you every good gift. I need you to be a living vessel glorifying me so the world will know that I am real. Will you submit to the call?

Love Letters from My Father

 

I was having somewhat of a pity party one day by comparing my life with others who appeared to be living the "American Dream”, thinking how nice it would have been if I was born into a family of status so my path would have followed in the sequential pattern that society has developed. In the midst of the party God spoke to me. I am sharing His message with you as a means of encouragement if you ever find yourself in this place.

 

My Child, the playing field is level because you serve me. I can lift you up at the blink of an eye higher than you've ever dreamed. I make the crooked paths straight and always balance the scales for those that belong to me. My dream for you is far better than the man made “American Dream”. Keep trusting and following ME I will take you places no one could ever imagine.

 

I will go before you and will level the mountains;

I will break down gates of bronze and cut through

bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches

stored in secret places, so that you may know that

I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you

by name…I summon you by name and bestow on you a

title of honor…I am the Lord, and there is no other;

apart from Me there is no God... Isaiah 45:2-5 NIV

You're here to be a light, bringing out the God-colors

in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're

going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.

If I make you a light-bearers, you don't think I'm

going to hide you under a bucket do you? I'm putting

you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on

a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Matt 5:14-16 MSG

 

It's your time to shine. Yes, I am talking to you. God has placed His light inside of you to go out in the world to show those that are lost that He Lives. You are gifted with the light of the living God. Isn't that amazing? You need to show and walk in those gifts and talents so others will be saved, healed and delivered. I recently went to a Joyce Meyers Women's Conference for 3 days. It was simply amazing how women, and yes, even men, gathered to receive insight and guidance from Joyce Meyers and the many other speakers. But one of the things that struck me that Joyce spoke on was what if Joyce had decided to focus on her pass and never moved forward in her light? I don't think anyone would have blamed her based on the abuse that she received from her father as a young child. But thank God she didn't. I believe millions have been helped, and saved, because of Joyce Meyers' ministry and many other ministries that were started because one person decided that what happened in their past would not stop their future. People in the world need your light, God has entrusted you with gifts to bless and change the lives of others. So starting today what are you going to do with it? Place it on a hilltop or hide it under a rock? I sure hope you choose the first option, I can't wait to see you shine.

Be Accountable

 

So many of us make excuses for not being all we can be; we blame others, procrastinate and lack commitment. But can I tell you something, and this may be a little uncomfortable, no one can really hold you back; you are the only person that can stop you. Yes people may have done what you've said they have done but that doesn't give you an excuse to quit. You belong to a miraculous God who loves you and has placed purpose inside of you, gifts only provided by Jesus’ shed blood. There is nothing more powerful. Whatever continues to nudge at your spirit as it relates to your dreams and goals -- take a leap of faith and act on it. Lose the excuses and make it happen. You and God are a team that can overcome any force against you. What are you waiting for?
 

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety

of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another…

Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.

Then everything you do will bring glory to God through

Jesus Christ…1 Peter 4:10-11 NLT

Double for Your Trouble

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? Jerm 32:27 ESV

God being the God of "all flesh" allows us over time to realize he is in control of all things and ultimately everything must submit unto him for his protection, love, healing, and guidance. Even Satan is subject to God’s authority. The Word tells us the enemy needed permission from God to inflict Job's life after God removed the protective shield from around him. But even with that God instructed Satan not touch his soul. God had so much confidence in Job he allowed some of the most horrible situations in his life to occur knowing that he would still serve Him. Job recognized God as the "God of all flesh" submitting to him in the worst of times. The question is can we do the same? Can we trust God when everything around us is falling apart? Always remember that even in chaos, destruction, and even death God has the last word and will cause you to come out triumphantly? Our responsibility is to believe that no matter how bleak a situation may look God has the power to turn it around and when he does it will be in your favor.

After Job had prayed for is friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10 ESV

Prophesy over you own life: I’ve Got Double Coming!!!!

Be Thankful In All Things

God’s Word is Not Just Talk, IT IS POWER. I Cor 4:20 GW

…You have removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy so that my soul may praise you with music and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Psalms 30:11-12 GW

In Biblical days wearing sackcloth was “a sign of mourning for personal and natural disaster as a sign of repentance, and at times of prayer for deliverance”

(Biblegateway.com). The Psalmist declares God removed his sackcloth and replaced it with praise giving him the ability to give thanks to God. Many individuals may struggle with being thankful or grateful to God because of very difficult circumstance in their life. I am not trying to minimize the hurt that we experience as we walk through this journey of life however there comes a time when we have to move past the weight of unfavorable situations and determine in our heart that we are going to give God praise in spite of our circumstances. When you consider all things God is the only one that is great, the only true and living God with all power in his hands, including the power to lift you above your circumstances and change your life forever.

I give thanks today for many things but the one thing I am most grateful for is God removing my own personal “sackcloth” on a daily basis so my reflection looks more like him and less like me. And he is doing the same for you. That is definitely something to be thankful for. We are lost without God transforming us and guiding our steps and for that our posture to Him should be Thanksgiving. Praise His Holy Name!!!!

Prayer

God remove the burdens and give us joy unspeakable, peace and a spirit of thankfulness that will bring us into a deeper understanding of who you are in our life. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!!!

Get Ready for Your Personal Parade

In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation, an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse. 2 Cor 2:14-16

So many times we fret and worry along the journey of life. But look back over your life through the many trials, hurt and pain. Did God ever leave you or abandon you? Didn't he make a way of escape and when you came out you didn't even smell like smoke. The word of God says "he leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade." That is something to shout about, it didn't say one victory parade or even two it says "perpetual" meaning everlasting, indefinitely, continuing without interruption. Do you get the picture? You have to get this because it will change how you view obstacles in your life. You will approach them in a different way knowing that you triumph over every one of them through Christ. God's sweet fragrance is on us so we always come out on top. Forget the naysayers, so what if they didn't invite you to the event. You are a winner and soon God will reveal your victory and you will know why you had to walk through your own personal journey of difficulties to get where you are at today. God is not just throwing you a party but a parade placing you on display so the world will know who you serve and who you belong to for the salvation of others. Get ready for yet another celebration full of God's wisdom and joy in spite of your trials. You cannot do anything but win and no one can stop you. Walk Triumphantly!!!!

Life or Death Which Will You Choose

 

Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out.

Is there anyone around who can explain God?

Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?

Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that

God has to ask his advice? Romans 11:33-36 MSG

 

God through His love provides us with a choice to welcome him into our hearts or to deny him. He doesn't force us to accept the invitation (and He could because He is God), but gently offers us to choose between life and death. God desires intimacy with us so that our reflection becomes more like Him and we can be used for His glory. God's desire is for all mankind to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4 NIV). If you are waiting for everything in your life to be right before completely surrendering to God it is a waste of time. You will never have life figured out and you are powerless to fix yourself. God’s love cannot be earned by a stellar performance; it’s a free gift, one of the most precious gifts you will ever receive. Allow His love to penetrate every area of your life. God is sovereign and in His sovereignty He has already written your biography that declares you are free, loved, favored, blessed and anointed. You were not created to figure God or life out, how can the created give instructions to the creator? God has made wonderful provisions for you; your assignment is simply: to believe and act on His promises.

 

…I came that they may have life and that they

might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 KJV

Overcomer

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. Psalms‬ 40:2

Have you ever been in a situation where it felt like you were in a black hole with no way out and every effort you tried to make towards change caused more difficulty and confusion. Based on the scripture I believe the Psalmist can relate to those situations. Life can make us all feel that way some times. But we cannot allow those emotions to become our permanent reality. We have rights, promises and a covenant agreement through the blood of Jesus Christ and if you can't find anything else to hold on too stand firm on the promises of God, carry them in your heart and soul. Many times that is all we will have but it’s the best option.Only God can take a horrific situation and turn it around to victory. Stay in peace and wait patiently for God to change those “pit” situations and circumstances no one can do it like the Father. 

Thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads me intriumph (as a trophy of Christ’s victory) and through me spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere. Corinthians 2:14 AMP

Authentic Love

 

God in His divinity allowed those whom He created to torture and nail Him on a cross, and then allowed himself to die in the flesh because of His love for us. How many people do you know that would suffer and die for you just on a possibility that you might love them in return?  What a price for the only true and living God to pay. He denied His divinity for relationship with what He created. It baffles the mind, and can only be slightly understood with the heart, as you begin to love Him in return.

 

This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trust in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a kind Son of God when introduced to him. John 3:16 MSG

 

What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.

1 Corinthians 2:12 NIV

From the Father’s Heart…

YOU Have Authority

Do you realize the power you have living inside of you? Then why do you continue to squander it on useless endeavors or not tap into it at all?  You ask, "Lord how am I doing this? You disregard my gift of power when you decrease your standards thinking it will gain the acceptance of others. You allow fear to stagnate the dreams and passion I have placed inside of you, and you allow the disappointments and what you see today to define your future. “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 NIV.  My seal of approval has been placed upon you, nothing else is needed its time to walk in the life I’ve designed specifically for you.  Let’s GO!!!

 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. Psalms 40:2 KJV

 Have you ever been in a situation where it felt like you were in a black hole with no way out and every effort you tried to make towards change caused more difficulty and confusion. Based on the scripture I believe the Psalmist can relate to those situations. Life can make us all feel that way some times. But we cannot allow those emotions to become our permanent reality. We have rights, promises and a covenant agreement through the blood of Jesus Christ and if you can't find anything else to hold on too stand firm on the promises of God carry them in your heart and soul. Many times that is all we will have but it’s the best option. Only God can take a horrific situation and turn it around to victory. Stay in peace and wait patiently for God to change those “pit” situations and circumstances no one can do it like the Father.

Thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads me in triumph (as a trophy of Christ’s victory) and through me spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere. Corinthians 2:14 AMP