The Battle Is Not Yours
The battle spread over the face of all the country, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword. 2 Samuel 18:8, ESV
The scripture above is about the battle between King David and his son Absalom. Absalom had decided that he wanted to be king and so he conspired against his father, deceived the people who his father ruled, and stole their hearts over to him. Once Absalom felt he had won the people’s favor, he eventually took over his father’s kingdom. Now because King David had no idea that his son was doing these things, when word came to him that Absalom had declared himself king and the hearts of the people had turned toward him, David, his servants, and his army left Jerusalem. His son was coming with his army, planning to kill his father.
Over the course of time Absalom’s army took up war against King David. King David’s army was outnumbered by Absalom’s, but God gave them victory. The battle was fought in the field of Ephraim. Scripture says that the loss was great that day for Absalom’s army, in which twenty thousand men fell in battle. Whenever you are standing for God, He will fight your battle. The scripture says that the forest devoured more people that day than the sword (1 Samuel 18:8). I don’t know how a forest can devour, but I do know who owns the forest and He will cause everything to work in your favor when you are on the Lord’s side.
When our children were young, we wanted to put them into a nice private school in our area. We had to fill out paperwork and put their names on a list. At this school, if you were a member of the perish your name would normally go above those who were not. And because we were not members, we fell to the very bottom. My husband and I prayed and asked God to open the door if this is where He wanted our children to attend.
A week after we put our names on the list, we received a phone call telling us there was space open for our daughter and inviting us to have our children test for the appropriate classes. Both children passed the test and because our daughter was now a student in the school, our son moved up on the list and was placed within weeks of her acceptance.
I love how God will let you know that He worked out a miracle for you. What we learned later was that two of the students that attend the public school our children previously attended had their names on the list at this same private school. They had been on the list for years and were members of the perish. The mother asked me how my children were accepted in the school when our daughters were in the same grade. I told her I had no idea; we just received a call that they were accepted. Later I learned that a new principal had started at the school. When we came to apply, we applied with the new principal. The original list of people waiting to get into the school had fallen behind on her desk, so when we went in to apply, our children’s names were first on her list. God had provided a miraculous way for our children to attend this school. He is always fighting our battles and making a way for His people!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Simple Love and Care of Jehovah
…I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3, ESV
Over my life I have witnessed God do so many miraculous things that I know it was no one but God! We have the opportunity to read the testimonies in the Bible of the amazing miracles Jesus did for so many, but I love when God does the simple, little miracles just for you, showing you His love and confirming your faith in Him.
My sister lives in Texas and she was having surgery. She had asked if I could come and help her as she recovered. I said yes and off I went on a flight to Texas. When I am on the airplane, I love the window seat. I just look out and talk to God. Now my husband always tells me that if I am going to take a window seat, I should not drink too much hot tea when I get on the plane because I will have to go to the restroom. The flight to Texas left at 7:00am so I made sure to have very little to drink before I loaded the plane. I even took a visit to the lady’s room before boarding.
I, of course, had my perfect cozy window seat and I begin to nod off. When I woke up, I had to go to the lady’s room. I was sitting in a row with two other men who were sleeping, and I did now want to bother them. So I started praying and asked God to just give me the strength to hold this until I can get off the plane. By the time I finished my prayer the gentlemen in the aisle seat clicked his seatbelt, got up, and headed to the restroom. Then the gentlemen in the middle seat looked at me and said, “This is a good time for me too”, and he headed to the restroom. I was like, “God did you just do that for me?” The whole row was empty and I got up and walked across my row and down the aisle and to a vacant restroom. When I returned to my seat the row was still clear!
I asked God for help so that I would not disturb anyone, and He did something greater for me. He poured out His love though His power and opened a door I would have never imagined. I did not have to say one word to the passengers next to me. The Bible says that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son to die for us so that we could have eternal life. God not only cares about our eternal life but our every day, every moment life! His love is so precious that He would clear a row for His daughter! That is the dearest love that a father has for His daughter. When the Bible tells us that God will take care of His children, He does just that when we ask Him for help. Every day we can rest in the love of Jehovah.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Stand in Love
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7, ESV
“Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him…” (Deuteronomy 30:20)
“…God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7)
“…if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:12)
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us, God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16)
We have all been concerned about the war in the Gaza Strip. We hear all the news reports and read about all the devastation happening in that area. We see images of the war and we listen to commentators give their points of view - who is right and who is wrong, and what should be done. We see all kinds of protests happening regarding this war. And depending on whom you are listening to will determine which side you believe is right.
However, there is only one side that a believer in Jesus Christ should be standing on and that is God’s side. Scripture teaches that God is not the author of confusion and if you are confused it is because you are listening to another voice. War in the Gaza Strip and anywhere else in the world is not a surprise to God. It is not our job to try and figure out who is right and who is wrong, because we are all wrong according to God. We were given instructions to love.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:7). In other words, if there is anything else inside of you except love, it is not from God. Listen, loving is the minority not the majority. Jesus was a minority. As soon as He started preaching and teaching love, He was a marked man and the leaders of the church sought to kill Him.
The greatest command God has given us is to love. “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39).
When Jesus gave the sermon on the Mount, He specifically told us how we are to treat our enemies: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:43-45).
God consistently demonstrates to us how He loves His enemies; all we have to do is look back at our own life. We were born His enemy and yet God sent His son Christ Jesus who died for every one of our wrong doings before we were even conceived! Hallelujah! Our position during this season and forevermore is to stand in love.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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What Can You Purchase for $35.00?
Nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37, ESV
Over the years, I have been blessed to know so many wonderful people. One of those dear friends is Paula Bryant-Ellis, a very powerful women of God. Every time she speaks the Holy Spirit just pours out of her in such profound ways. If you get the opportunity to hear her speak, don’t miss it because you will be blessed! One of the things I have heard her say many times is that you don’t need to ask God for material things. He already has everything you need handled. I was reminded of that when I wrote the title of this message.
Another dear friend of mine Elder Shelia, another powerful woman of God, who will slay you with the Word, shared with me one of her testimonies:
She was divorced and living in California. The tenants in the lower level of her apartment complex smoked weed and the fumes would rise to her place. She was concerned for her health and for the health of her grandchildren when they would come to visit. She prayed and asked God for help. She told God that she would like a house fully furnished in a safe neighborhood for her and her grandchildren to live in.
She has a cousin who is a prayer warrior that lives in Texas. She called and told him what she was experiencing, and they prayed together. They always ask God to answer their prayer in three days - they believe if God raised Jesus from the grave in three days, they could expect an answer in three days. After the prayer, her cousin started looking on the internet for houses that would be in a good neighborhood for her. He found a place the next day and told her to go look. She was hesitant but went to see the model homes anyway.
When she arrived, the salescerk was busy and told her to go ahead and take a look. Elder Shelia did as the sales lady said and when she returned to the office, she was told they were sold out of the model she wanted. The salesclerk was busy and told her to take her time looking at the model home because it would be up for sale.
Elder Sheila went into that model home and loved it. She prayed to God and said, “If this house is for me, give me time to anoint it and bless it right now.” She had so much time that she not only anointed the whole house, she fell asleep on the couch. When the salesclerk returned she asked Elder Shelia if she was ready to purchase the home. She said yes!
When she sat with the salesclerk, she noticed a referral incentive card. If someone referred you to the home and you made the purchase, you could fill out the card and they would send a reward to the one who referred you. As they started the paperwork the salesclerk told Elder Sheila she would need to put down $5,000.00, which she did not have. The salesclerk said okay, to take this house off the market they’d at least need a check for $35.00 and would worry about everything else later. Elder Shelia gave her a check for $35.00 and the sales clerk started processing the paperwork.
That evening Elder Sheila called her cousin to tell him how things had worked out and about the $5,000.00 down payment for the home. He insisted on wiring her the money that evening. She received the money and took it down to the sales office for her home. She also turned in the referral incentive card since her cousin had referred her to these homes. She was later told that the incentive reward for her cousin was $5,000.00.
When everything was completed, Elder Shelia had a fully furnished model home that she paid $35.00 as a down payment for. The incentive had paid her cousin back and she walked into her new home carrying a set of sheets for her new bed!
God is not concerned about your credit score or how much money you have in the bank. He already has a plan for everything you need. You just have to trust Him and remember that nothing is impossible with God.
Everything made by Him, came through Him, and is for Him Colossians 1:16-17.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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A Heart After God
Scripture says that David had a heart after God, (Acts 13:22) however, scripture also says we were born in sin and shaped in iniquity (Psalm 51:5). What was so different about David that God would tell the Prophet Samuel to go and anoint the son of Jesse “…for I have found in him a man after my own heart and who will obey his will” (1 Samuel 13:14)? We know that David was a shepherd, and we learn through reading 1 Samuel that David faced all kinds of tribulations.
In the story of David, we learn that David’s father Jesse sent him to the Valley of Elah where the men of Israel were fighting with the Philistines. He wanted David to get an update on the war. While David was there, Goliath was challenging the men of Israel and cursing their God. David became offended at the challenge Goliath made and he volunteers to fight Goliath. When King Saul questioned him about his ability, David said,
“Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God” (1 Samuel 17:34-36).
Just in this conversation we learn that David had a genuine heart for God’s creation, he had to fight his attackers, he saw God’s hand give him victory, and he developed a deep reverence for God. He knew Jehovah personally. As we read further in scripture, we learn that the more challenges and difficulties David had in his life the deeper his relationship grew with Jehovah.
David’s life experiences are what germinated his growth and personal relationship with Jehovah to produce the exceptional fruit that we read about. The Holy Spirit showed me that when we ask to walk in greater love, to be humbler, to love our enemies and to have a heart after God, we do not realize that this does not fall out of the sky - it comes with experiences.
See, when we give a request to God, we are asking for experiences that will generate that fruit. Now the seed has to go through a germination process before it can break through the soil to even start the journey of producing fruit. Our prayer request for change is the seed, the answer is the germination process, which are the experiences we go through in life. Just like the seed has everything it needs when it is planted in the ground to break the soil, we have everything we need as well. The Holy Spirit would not prompt you to ask for something until He has made you ready for the experience. Your experiences develop the fruit of reverence that you have towards God. If you just take a moment and look back over your life, you will see that every challenge, the good and the bad, produced in you something you did not have before you went through it. There is purpose in everything. ELOHIM uses it all for the good of those who love Him and are called unto His purpose. God knew David had a heart after Him because David had shown Him through his experiences. Every day, all day long we are being tested and it reveals to God and to ourselves our heart posture towards Him. Everything that comes to us has a purpose and its goal is to transform our hearts after Christ.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Facing Fear
Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land. Exodus 1:10, ESV
Fear will always prove to be a snare. In the scripture above Egypt was the most powerful region in the land, yet they feared the Israelites. They feared being overtaken by another nation. The Israelites had lived among the Egyptians in their land for years and they had never done anything according to the Bible to provoke fear in the Egyptians, yet the king of Egypt feared them because of their large number.
The promised covenant that God had made with Abraham was now coming to fruition. He was making Abraham’s seed into a nation. In all the years prior Pharaoh never thought to put the Israelites under any kind of oppression but now that God’s blessings were manifesting in them, Satan settled in with the attacks.
When God is moving us into the promised blessing there will always be some kind of pushback. Satan is not standing around cheering us on, he is always strategically planning a way to bring us down. He does not care who he uses, he is just looking for the opportunity to break the cycle.
Many times, Satan uses the individuals closest to us to bring hardship. The Egyptians were the closest to the Israelites at the time and Pharaoh lead by fear was the vehicle Satan used. Fear, coupled with pride and arrogance, removed any humility from Pharaoh’s heart. And his hardened heart is what caused his nation to crumble.
Scripture says that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Anytime we are operating in fear, defeat is not too far behind because fear is not from God. We overcome fear by studying the Word of God, knowing who our God is and believing the truth about who we are in Him. Scripture says “…for we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]” (Ephesians 2:10).
Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Because God did not give us a spirit of fear, we can walk in full confidence not matter what we face. Adonai our Lord and Master has already worked everything out.
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Plan Has Been Implemented
According to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. Luke 1:9, ESV
When our daughter got engaged, all kinds of plans were implemented. We had the engagement party, the bridal shower, and of course the wedding. We had planned about a year in advance for the celebration. When the date finally came, we were all excited and ready to implement everything that had been prepared. It was time for a party!
When the priest Zechariah was chosen to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense, he had no idea it was time for the next part of God’s plan for his life to be implemented. When Queen Vashti refused to go before the king and his guest, Ester had no idea a plan had been implemented for her to save her people. When Mary became engaged to Joseph, she had no idea that she had been hand-selected to be the mother of Jesus.
God’s plans rarely ever look like ours. He lets us go on doing our daily activities believing we are in control but in truth, day by day he is moving us closer to the next thing He has waiting for us. I love that His plan is always waiting for us. Oh, how good is that! He even tells us in scripture that he knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). But the best part is that the plan for our life has already been implemented because we are here!
Scientists say they believe through all their study that the earth is over 4 billion years old. If that is the case, then earth has been waiting over 4 billion years for our season of life. We are here because it was in God’s plan. We were specifically chosen to walk this earth after Jesus came. In this season of celebration, I pray that we will enjoy every moment and be the light that He has already ordained for us years ago.
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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How Great Are Your Works
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep! The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever; but you, O Lord, are on high forever.
For behold, your enemies, O Lord, for behold, your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered. But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil.
My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. (Psalm 92, ESV)
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Grace Upon Grace
For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16, ESV
One morning my husband and I were awakened by a phone call from my parents saying there was a man sleeping on their porch. My parents are in their eighties and live down the street from us, so it was easy for us to go and check on them. My mother said that she had gotten up to open the blinds and before she got them completely open, she saw a man on one of the benches on their porch.
My husband and I immediately headed down to their house. On our way down, I asked my husband what we were going to do, but he didn’t say much - he just kept walking. Sure enough, as we walked up to the front of my parents’ home, there was the man, pacing around on the porch.
My husband approached him and asked what he was doing. The gentleman mumbled some words that we could not understand. My husband asked what he was looking for, and if he was lost. He began to tell us that he lived there, and it was clear that he was confused. We told him this was not his home and asked if he wanted us to contact someone for him. He said no, and that he just needed to go, pointing down the street. We said okay, but we asked if we could pray for him first. He said yes, and we prayed.
There were so many other houses this man could have gone to before he got to my parent’s home. But God led him to a home where he would receive kindness, prayer, and the grace of God. Things could have turned out so differently depending on where he went. But God, in His love for us, even when we are not in our right thinking, is still showing His grace and care to each of us. We must always remember to give the grace we so graciously receive. Amen!
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, ESV).
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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God Will Make It Happen
“How can this happen?” Luke 1:34, NIV
The Bible says, “Mary asked the angel, ‘But how can this happen? I am a virgin.’ The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’” (vv. 34-35NLT). Has God been telling you things He wants to do through you, but you’re looking at yourself and thinking, “How can this happen?” You’re saying, “I don’t have the training, the resources, the skill, or the connections. And I certainly don’t have the strength to accomplish it alone.” If you’re wondering how God will bring it all to pass, remember that He will accomplish it! No one else will get the credit. How will it happen? “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (v. 35 NLT). The Holy Spirit can impregnate you with a vision, inspire you with creative ideas, introduce you to the right people, and empower you to do the job. God had a unique plan for Mary, and He has one for your too. You aren’t privileged to see the future and you don’t know all that God has in store for you—but He has a plan. After the angel spoke to Mary, notice what she said: “Be it unto to me according to thy word” (v. 38). Not according to your social status, or your job resume, or your finances, or what you deserve. No, “Be it unto me according to thy word!” Was that easy to say or believe? No, she was taking an extreme risk. To be pregnant and unmarried brought dire consequences in those days. Yet she gave herself willingly to God—and the results were miraculous. And God can do the same for you.
Source: The Word For You Today
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Repentance brings Restoration
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19, ESV
I heard a speaker read the verse above in a message and it just caught my attention. King Balak of Moab saw the large number of Israelites that had come from Egypt across from his land. He sent for the prophet Balaam to bring a curse on the Israelites who were his enemies. When the prophet went before God to see if he could curse the Israelites, he was told he couldn’t curse them because they were a blessed people. Balaam reported this back to the King but he did not like the message and was persistent in having Balaam come to curse them.
After several request, Balaam finally went with the king’s men to the location of where the Israelites were. He told King Balak and his officials to offer sacrifices to God and he went before God on behalf of the king. When Balaam returned, the only message God gave was a blessing over the Israelites. King Balak was upset and chose another spot for Balaam to curse the Israelites. But when Balaam went before the Lord again, God respond with the verse above. God basically said, “I will not change my mind. What I have spoken I will do, so do not ask me again.”
I was so excited about this verse because a few days earlier I had asked God to restore the years lost from some mistakes my husband and I had made. God prompted in my spirit to pray the verse from Joel 2:25-26 which says, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” I wanted to make sure I understood the verse and that I was not taking it out of context, so I went back and read several chapters in the book of Joel.
The children of Israel had disobeyed God and as a result, He brought punishment to them. The prophet Joel was sent to explain to them why they were receiving this punishment. In speaking to the people, he says what the cutting locust left, the swarming locust has eaten. What the swarming locust left, the hopping locust has eaten, and what the hopping locust left, the destroying locust has eaten. “Yet even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster” (Joel 2:12-13).
“Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God?” (Joel 2:14). Scriptures says that the people obeyed Joel and God restored everything to them and more.
Those same promises are for us today. We all have made mistakes that cause us to lose out on the blessings that were there for us. But God is saying if we repent, turn from our wicked ways, and obey Him, He will restore back to us what we have lost! Wow. I encourage you to read the book of Joel and Numbers 22-23. Your heart will indeed be lifted because our God watches over every word He has spoken, and He will perform it. Take Him at His word because He does what He says He will do.
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Control
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34, ESV
In Matthew 5th through the 7th chapter, Jesus is teaching the people about how they are to behave as believers. This is called the Sermon on the Mount because Jesus sat down on the mountain side and began to teach.
I was sitting in a doctor’s office waiting to hear the results of an exam. I had completed two different tests so the doctors could be sure of their analysis before they gave me the results. As I sat there thinking about the results, my mind went to the worst possible situation that could happen. I started to feel anxious and I just wanted to know the outcome. I prayed and sought Jehovah Shalom for peace in my mind so that I would calm down.
Reflecting on that behavior, I realized my anxiety came from not having control. I wanted to know the results so that I could take control over the next steps. I did not like the uncertainty. Scripture tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart, and to not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Jesus even told the people you cannot make your hair turn white or black. I had absolutely no control over the results; they were all in God’s hands, yet I was fretting in my spirit.
ELOHIM, the creator of this world has been taking me on a deeper journey with Him. And He reminded me of who He is and how easy it should be for us to release all and trust Him, and no matter what we are going through. Here’s a little bit of what He’s been teaching me:
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Our earth sits on the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy and is 26,000 light years from the center. A light year is 6 trillion miles. Our galaxy stretches 80 billion trillion miles, and it is estimated that there are two trillion galaxies in the universe. The earth that we live on travels 67,000 miles per second around the sun. It takes 365 days, 6 hours, and 9 minutes to orbit the earth. While the earth is orbiting around the sun it sits on its axis and wobbles around. It wobbles in a circle and takes 26,000 years for it to complete the circle. It is believed that the earth is 4.543 billion years old (you can find this information at NASA Solar System Exploration). The Holy Spirit said, “If I did this in the beginning before I put man in the earth, why should you be anxious about anything if you trust me? I have prepared for every second of life.”
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on” (Matthew 6:25).
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Amen!
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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Angel
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” Luke 1:13, ESV
The angel was given specific instructions by God to go to Zechariah and tell him that his prayer had been heard. God had set up a specific appointment so that Zechariah would be by himself when the angel spoke to him. The angel brought great news to Zechariah, for his wife was barren and they had no children. Although they were now passed the age of childbearing, God was proclaiming that He was going to give them a miracle.
Just like the angel was sent from heaven with God’s message to Zechariah, God is doing the same thing in the earth today. He is sending His message through His servants to tell of the good news He has for each of us. I am reminded of a time when God had a Prophetess call to give me specific instructions on what God was calling me to do. The Prophetess gave me detailed instructions, just like the angel did with Zechariah. The word that I received from her was confirming what God had put in my spirit long ago, something I thought was not going to happen.
I later shared the message with one of my dear friends and she told me that God had told her the same thing. She said she asked God when she was to tell me, and He told her that she would know when it was time. My friend wrote the message on a sticky note and put it in one of her journals. Would you believe she was able to find the note with the date God told her what He was doing in me? God had sent the word through the Prophetess, but He also had confirmation waiting for me so that I would know for sure this is what He had called me to do.
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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Grateful!
Happy Thanksgiving! It is such a blessing to know that each one of us have so much to be thankful for! This Psalms reminds us that we need to give thanks everyday! For God is our light and our salvation!
The Lord is my light and my salvation—Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life—Whom shall I dread? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me,
even in this I am confident. One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord
and to meditate in His temple.
For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, in His tent I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious and compassionate to me and answer me. When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].”
Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not abandon me nor [a]leave me, O God of my salvation! Although my father and my mother have abandoned me, yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child]. Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies [who lie in wait].
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have come against me; they breathe out violence. I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord. Psalm 27, AMP
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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God’s Business
Give us this day our daily bread… Matthew 6:11, ESV
Every morning I seek God for His daily instructions and revelations. I believe that in requesting our day and our daily bread I am seeking after more than physical food - I am asking for His spiritual food to carry me throughout the day. I love that when we ask, God always answers, even if it may not be in the way we expect. If we pay close attention, we can always hear Him guiding us.
My husband and I took a trip to Carmel for our wedding anniversary to get away for a few days, just to spend some time together. The hotel we stayed in was close to the ocean and the rooms had amazing views. The hotel had a roof top restaurant bar that was covered, but guests could see the ocean from the restaurant. One evening we decided to go sit by the fireplace, have a few snacks, and enjoy the view of the ocean as the sun went down.
When we arrived, there were quite a few other guests who had the same idea. We grabbed some seats by the fireplace and began to chat with those around us. We met some lovely families and had great conversations but when God was ready for His work to be done, the conversation changed to being centered on Him. I have no idea how it happened. Before we knew it, God was the subject, and he was speaking to the hearts of those around us. God was using us to minister His word and uplift hearts, reminding us all that He never leaves us nor forsakes us.
We all came to that hotel for our own purpose, but God had other plans and it was about His business. I love how God keeps our secrets, knows exactly what is going on in our lives, and sometimes sends a perfect stranger to encourage our hearts. When we follow God’s commands and ask Him for our day and daily bread, He always has the answer waiting for us.
Jehovah Shammah is always wherever we are. Jeremiah 1:12 says that He is alert and active watching over His word to perform it! What a mighty God we serve! Praise you, Lord. Amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Answer is Waiting
…Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well. Exodus 2:15, ESV
In the scripture above Moses is fleeing Pharaoh after murdering an Egyptian for mistreating a Hebrew. When Pharaoh finds out about what Moses had done, he seeks Moses’ life to kill him, so Moses flees. What looks like an atrocity actually works as part of God’s plan to move Moses out of Egypt. Now, I am not saying God wanted Moses to murder someone, but the circumstances moved Moses in the direction God was sending him.
Moses has no idea that as he fled for his life, God had a plan that would send him right back to where he ran from. God sent Moses away to Midian so that He could prepare him to lead His people out of bondage. Moses lived in Midian for 40 years tending sheep. Remember - God calls Israel His people and the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 79:13). As Moses was learning to care for sheep, God was teaching him how to shepherd His children.
Back in Egypt the treatment of the Israelites had gotten worse. It had reached to such a degree that the people begin to call out to God for help. But God had already prepared their help - he was in Midian, waiting for their cry to God.
Many times, when we are going through a difficulty, Satan can make us feel like God is not hearing our prayers. I remember sitting with my sister-in-law during her cancer treatment. The treatment had got so bad that she just said “I give up! I want to go home. I am done!” She was crying, frustrated, and tired of it all. I put earbuds in her ear and played soaking music to help calm her spirit and prayed for her. At that moment I did not know what to say, but God had prepared the answer for her weeks prior.
The women in our family have a tradition of getting together to check-in with one another other several times a year. At one of those meetings together it was suggested that we all purchase two greeting cards for my sister-in-law and write encouraging messages for her to read during her treatment journey. All the cards were put in a box and were given to her, reminding her that she had a tribe behind her. On this particular day when she just wanted to give up, she grabbed one of those cards and read it. When she opened the card it said, “Brighter Days Are Coming”. She started to cry even more, but this time with tears of joy. She knew God was taking care of her. That card had been sitting in that box for weeks and God had it waiting for her when she would need it most.
It does not matter how big or small the problem is - God has already prepared an answer to take care of us! That is why He tells us in Isaiah 41:10 “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”. Do not fear or worry. In whatever you are dealing with right now, know that the answer is before you. If you can’t see it, just wait. It is there! Just like Moses was there as God’s answer, coming to His people. God bless you.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Popcorn
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:4, ESV
As I was getting out of bed, I spoke to God about all the writings I needed to do and the timeline I needed to get them finished by. God said to me, “Anything you see relates to me and I can have you write about it. There is nothing for you to worry about.” Immediately the word “popcorn” came in my spirit. God started to show me how the kernel of corn must be put under the pressure of heat for it to produce its fruit.
He began to tell me that every believer will be put under the pressure cooker like kernel of corn to produce their fruit. I asked for an example, and He led me to the Hebrew boys: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Because they stood firm in their faith and did not bow down to worship idols, the king, in his anger, put them in a fiery furnace that was seven times hotter than usual.
I asked God for an example in my own life, and he reminded me of my marriage and how hard it was in the beginning. We fought about anything - I mean stupid stuff. At times, I wondered if we should have ever gotten married. We were young and came from very different backgrounds. We had our own beliefs of how marriage should work. We both knew we were married to the right person because of how God brought us together, but that did not stop our flesh from trying to have its own way. God was putting us under the heat like a kernel of corn so we could produce the fruit He knew was inside of us. He had to burn off all the selfish desires so we could be used by Him to produce fruit for the kingdom.
We have been married for 40 years now. I can honestly tell you the joy that we have now is amazing. We are not just a married couple, but we are happy, in love, and looking forward to another 40 years together. Stay in the heat with God so that you can become all He has for you to be!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Moving With God
And the Lord said to Moses, ‘When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power.’ Exodus 4:21, ESV
In the scripture above, Moses received instructions from God to leave Midian and to go back to Egypt to speak with Pharaoh. Egypt was the most powerful and prosperous nation in the region at the time, which would make Pharaoh the most powerful man in the region. Moses did not have an appointment to see him and yet, God told Moses to go to Pharaoh and show him the miracles and power He have given him to deliver His people.
Moses understood the power of Pharaoh and the Egyptian monarchy because he had seen it from the inside. He was raised as one of Pharaoh’s grandchildren. God told Moses that all those who sought to take his life had died and he was to go back to Egypt and speak with Pharaoh. Moses was apprehensive, and although God became angry with Moses, he sent his older brother Aaron to meet him and to be his spokesperson.
Moses left Midian with his family headed back to Egypt and met his brother Aaron on the way, just as God had told him. Here is the amazing part - God prompted Aaron to leave Egypt and go to his brother. Scripture says, “The Lord said to Aaron, ‘Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.’ So he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him” (Exodus 4:27).
In this story, Moses and Aaron learned obedience and how to move with God. He is teaching us how He works and showing us what we can expect from Him. He never told Aaron that He has an assignment for him. He simply told him to leave Egypt and to meet his brother in the wilderness. Moses has been gone for 40 years and Aaron never attempts to go see his brother until God tells him to move. The amazing journey they had together could never have been imagined in their minds. Aaron would become the high priest of Israel and Moses would deliver God’s people out of Egypt. Neither of them had any idea what God had planned, yet they moved with God. They gave him their yes!
We are to move in faith. The reason I believe God lets us read the testimonies of so many in the Bible is for our faith to increase, so that when He call us to what looks impossible, we will move and give him our yes. Amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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The Joy of The Lord
…the joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10, ESV
In the scripture above, the book of the Law had been read and explained so that the people of God understood its meaning. They were grieved after what they’d heard and realized they had disobeyed the commands of the law. But Nehemiah and the leaders encouraged them saying, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Nehemiah was reminding the people that God was their strength and that He would give them the ability they needed to follow His commands. I’m reminded of the scripture in which God spoke to Zechariah and told him to tell Zerubbabel that he wouldn’t build God’s temple in his own strength. “‘Not by might, or power but by my Spirit’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). In the same way, God’s Word feeds us. His Spirit gives us the ability to do His will. Just like with gardening - we can give a plant all the necessary nutrients, but God is the one who makes it grow.
When we think of the joy of the Lord being our strength, we have to understand that joy is one of the Fruits of the Spirits (Galatians 5:22). Jesus describes His Spirit like the wind, saying, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). We all know and understand the power of the wind. When a tornado hits a town, everyone runs for shelter. God’s joy is our strength because it points us to the power of His Spirit.
The joy of the Lord brings gladness to our heart as a result of knowing God, abiding in Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. As we surrender our will to the Holy Spirit, we will see His power move in every aspect of our lives. And His Spirit gives us the ability to do the things we could not ordinarily do, whether physically, emotionally, spiritually, or mentally. All of what we need comes from the Spirit of God. Amen!
I encourage you to let the power of the Holy Spirit be your guide. Remember when David killed Goliath? He said, “I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty…” (1 Samuel 17:45). David did not go in his own strength - and neither should we.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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God’s Joy
…for the joy of the lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10, ESV
I was sitting in my quiet place with God, just taking notes as He spoke to me. I heard Him say “The joy of the Lord is your strength. Find out what that means.” This of course led me to look up Nehemiah 8:10. Ezra the priest had been reading the book of the law to the people of Israel. After the reading, the people’s hearts were grieved because they had not followed God’s instructions. But Ezra tells the people that this is a day of rejoicing - do not be grieved, we will have strength in God.
As I researched further, I found that the Hebrew word for “strength” was koch which comes from a root meaning, “to be able” or “the power to”. God’s joy gives us the power to be able to do what we could not do in our own strength. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit which comes from God and fills us with His power (Galatians 5:22). We can only keep this power by staying connected to God.
Scripture makes it clear in John 15 that God is the true vine and we are the branches. If we continue to abide in Him, we will be able to walk in His strength. If a branch is removed from the tree, it dies. If we keep God’s commands, we will remain in His love and have His strength. Scripture says, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:10-12).
I found this list of ways to cultivate joy in your life:
1) Renew your mind, Romans 12:2
2) Trust in Christ, Proverbs 3:5-6
3) Fix your eyes on Jesus, Hebrews 12:2
4) Rejoice in the Lord, Philippians 4:4
5) Abide in Christ, John 15:11
To walk in the joy of the Lord, we must obey His commands and stay in His word. God’s joy remains in us when we remain in Him. Amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:
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