Where is your faith?

Those that have faith in God will stay afloat through any storm, but those that have faith in themselves will drown in shallow water.

Live in Love: Love is God

“…God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God… in him.” 1 John 4:16

If you have ever had a love so strong for someone, that you would give your life for them; if you’ve ever had an emotion so deeply touching because of somebody, that it brings tears to your eyes, then you have lived in Love: Hence, you have lived in God!

So, those of you that don’t know, aren’t sure, if they believe in God, or if you waiver back and forth as to whether He is real, then this gives 100% proof that there is no other - God IS, WAS and ALWAYS WILL BE!

Become a living example of Love (God) to all of those around you, not just the ones you choose but to every single person you come across on any given day, because they truly need/want it – we all do.

My gosh, I become more and more amazed everyday as to how special we truly are because of God’s love for us!  I hope you are amazed as I am, and I hope with all my heart that you believe it.

Christ will restore all that is lost

“Restore all that was hers… since the day she left until now.” 2 Kings 8:6

In times of lack (mentally, physically, and spiritually), even when the times seem longer than we think we can take, it is vital for us to remain steadfast in the Lord and His Word. God’s Word promises to restore all that is lost, sometimes one-hundred fold!

My prayer for us today is that we don’t let our outward circumstances destroy our faith in Christ, because if we keep our faith in God, through whatever comes our way, He will return our lost fortunes and then some!  Not only do I believe this with my whole heart, I am living proof of it!

Yes, God heals, restores, replenishes and revives.  Hold on to His promises and soon the floodgates of Heaven will open up for you and your lack will become a powerful testimony for God and His miracles.

 

How do you see your life?

“…And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw…” 2 Kings 6:20

How do you view your life, the world, others? When you look around what do you see – darkness, hate, despair, hurt, pain, fear, etc.? Or do you see light, hope, healing, boldness, confidence, possibility, blessing, love: God?

However you view your life right now, ask and pray that you are seeing it with God’s eyes, not your own worldly eyes.

My hope and prayer for all of us is to be mindful of the way we view this spectacular life we’ve been given.  I truly believe that if we ask the Lord to give us His sight, not our own, that our worlds can be dramatically turned upside down and inside out, filled with God’s miraculous wisdom, grace, glory, blessing, and beauty.  

Thank you sweet Jesus - Thank you!!

Empty or full?

“…your handmaid has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” 2 Kings 4:2

Without God in our lives we are: empty, lifeless, hallow, lonely, weak, lost, and the like.

But…

With God we are: full of life, abundant, blessed, strong, honorable, wise, free and the like.

So…

Ask God to come into your life in a mighty way.  Then, never, ever, ever, let Him go – EVER!!

Praise and glory to Jesus  - AMEN

Jesus already overcame your temptations for you.

"For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man..." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (+Promises for Your Everyday Life, pg. 3, by +Joyce Meyer)

When you are just about to give in; when you are tired, weak, at your lowest point; when it seems like there is no way out; remember, there is! His name is Jesus. 

Whatever temptation you are struggling with is the same exact (yes, exact) temptation that Jesus was put through in the wilderness (by Satan, without food, for forty days,((Luke 4:1-13)), yet He didn't lose His faith or determination because He leaned on, relied on, His God-given foundation.

So, if you think that there is no one who has ever struggled with a temptation such as yours, then you might be forgetting about Jesus - He did.  Therefore, call on Him, cry to Him, pray without ceasing, believe, and have strong-determined faith in Him - He will show, lead, carry you out, to the exit, to the finish line of the struggle(s) that seems unconquerable.

Praise sweet Jesus, because you don't have to worry about conquering this yourself - Jesus already has.

Your personal, God-given, vision - dream - goal: Future.

 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." (Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV)

God has given each and everyone of us our own, unique, individualized dream, vision, goal, for what lies ahead before us. Not sure what yours is? Seek God and He will show you glimpses and visions in your heart. They aren't ordinary visions either, they are the kind that excite you, can make your knees weak, give you chills down your spine, and/or put butterflies in your tummy.

Yes, God has a plan for you; for me; for all of us.  Seek Him, trust Him, rely on Him, and don't let what He puts in your heart die.  Stay focused, and somehow - someway, God will bring it to pass, wait and see and experience the blessing He will anoint you to be.

Yes, You are a blessing to many! God has your plan ahead and if you don't let your dream go, then hold on tight ... God is about to take you for a journey of a lifetime!! 

 

The Way, the Truth, and the Life...

"I am the way, the truth and the life." John 14:6

There is no other Way to a blessed life, but through Jesus! Let's not waste time and go in any other direction.

There is no other answer in any given situation, uncomfortable or not, the Truth will always set us free.

There is only one direction to Life, His name is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Any other direction will only lead us to death and destruction

 

Our challenges are easy for God

"This is but a light thing in the sight of the Lord." 2 Kings 3:18

Our heaviest burdens, biggest challenges, worst fears, and  unending struggles are easy for God.  

Instead of torturing ourselves with negative thoughts, worries, anxieties, and fears, let's hand them off to God and let Him take care of it all; He'll do it right, and He'll do it right the first time.

 Yes, we will have to be patient, but when He knows the precise moment to free us from whatever holds us down, then it'll happen in a split second and no mistakes will be made.  God wants us to spend our time living our lives, blessing others, and enjoying every breath we breath - so, let's do it.  

Give your worst heartaches, challenges, worries, and fears to God right now, and then go about your life the way God has given you to live!!

I pray for you and believe in you, but more importantly, so does God!!!  You are blessed!!

Loyalty ~ Promises ~ Integrity

“As the Lord lives… I will not leave you… “ 2 Kings 2,4,6

If you are going to commit yourself to someone, or something, then do yourself and everyone involved a favor – follow through to the very end.

Have no fear!!

“…do not be afraid of him [or her]…” 2 Kings 1:15

We all have times of fear, (intimidation, apprehension, doubt, dread, worry, distress), but we do not have to give in to it – EVER!!

The moment fear begins to torment us is the moment we must fight back with prayer and the confession of God’s Word, without ceasing, until His strength overcomes us and the fear is suffocated away.  Then, it is at that moment when we get up and face that fear head on!!

Now is the time to become God’s warrior and face our fears. Yes, now is the time my friend, now is the time!!

Hold on to God and don’t let go!!

Hear His words.

“Hear the word of the Lord… “ 1 Kings 22:19

The Bible is more than a book, it is the Lord speaking to your heart. As you read, listen ever-so-carefully and you will hear His voice speaking directly to you. So, read the word with faith, wide open eyes, and a hearing heart, and feel yourself become transformed from glory to glory to glory.

God is so good!!

God is alive!!

“… As the Lord lives… “ 1 Kings 22:14

He is as much alive as  you and me. And if you want proof for yourself, then go and look at your reflection in the mirror.  

YOU are the flesh of God’s living spirit.

God is alive!!

 

Fortify and strengthen yourself so that you can fortiy and strengthen others.

"...Go, fortify yourself and become strong and give attention to what you must do..." 1 Kings 20:22

Before we ever try to help other, we must - with an emphasis on, MUST - make sure that we are taking care of ourselves; spiritually, mentally, physical, inside-out.  How, or where do you start, you might ask? Easy!  Start with God first, foremost and forever-more.

Yes, seek God, seek His strength, His will, His healing, His power.  Fortify yourself in Him and let Him renew you, heal you, from the inside out.  Then, and only then, will you truly be able to begin to help strengthen others.

So, take care of YOU - yes, Y-O-U,! You are a strong vessel to be used in  furthering the Kingdom of God, but you have to make the time to be revived, uplifted, healed, blessed, and nurtured, and God is the only One to do it.

You are an amazing person! Accept God's favor and healing, and let your rejuvenation become a blessing to many others.

Are you in the right place?

"...And behold, there came a voice to him and said, what are you doing here Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:30

Your turn... my turn: What are you and I doing that is truly not working in our lives? What are we doing to ourselves and loved ones that is causing more harm (mentally, physically, spiritually)than it is good? Not sure? Well, neither am I, BUT God is!  He will let us know if we will listen - yes, L I S T E N - to His 's still, small, voice deep within us.

Let's re-focus our minds!  Our lives are way too short to spend harming ourselves and/or our loved ones!  Let's seek God in a brand new way and let Him start making the much needed changes from deep within us so that we can shine with His Spirit through our most outward being.

Doubt and unbelief

“… How long will you halt and limp between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him! … “ 1 Kings 18:21

In other words, How long will you let yourself be plagued with doubt and unbelief? How long will you let the devil rule over your life? Well, how about stopping it right now?  There is a cure, His name is God Almighty.

Start focusing more on your relationship with God - study the Word, pray, worship, believe, receive - and see if your mind and attitude doesn’t start changing for the better.  Then, once you get your mind and attitude are on the right track, you will begin to experience life in a whole new, refreshed, way. You will no longer be a slave to the devil.

God is the Lord – there is no doubt about it.  Therefore, let Him change you from the inside out!!

Yes, life is so good!  Thank you God.

Your #1 relationship

“And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah… “ 1 Kings 17:22

God didn’t send His one and only Son to the cross to die for our sins only to be pushed way down deep within us, nor for us to be intimidated by.  No, He sent Jesus to the cross so that we could have a very deep, very personal, very unique, and very rejuvenating relationship with Him.  He wants you to talk with Him, laugh with Him, cry with Him; He wants you – the real you.

The Spirit of God lives in you. He is alive, He is real, He is listening, and He will answer all of your prayers, but you must open your mouth and ask, praise, believe, and receive.

God is so good!!

Your legacy

“Nevertheless, for David’s sake the Lord gave him a lamp in Jerusalem… because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…” 1 Kings 15:4-5

Become a legacy of blessings to your family for generations to come by following God - not man.

   

Praise God

 

Sin destroys

“And this thing became the sin of the dynasty… that caused it to be abolished and destroyed from the face of the earth.” 1 Kings 13:34

No if, and, or but - sin destroys!

Hard work

“… seeing that the young man [or woman] was industrious, he put him in charge over all the labor… “ 1 Kings 11:28

Industrious: energetic, devoted, diligent, hard-working¹

Hard work, diligence, devotion and energy pay off!! Remember, you are working onto God and not man, therefore, in due time, you will be exalted for it.

Hallelujah

Your unique gifts and abilities ...

"...his [her] wisdom which God has put in his [her] mind." 1 Kings 10:24

Your God-given gifts and talents - uniqueness - aren't to be hidden deep within you for yourself. No, they are to be shared with all who surround you with the utmost God-confidence, boldness, joy, and thankfulness. 

However, it is easy to fall into pridefulness with your gifts and talents, so always - ALWAYS - remember that the answer to those who ask how you do what you do with such ease and grace, should always - ALWAYS - be, "My gifts are not my own, they are from God, otherwise I couldn't do what I do with the ease I do it with."  

Yes, thank sweet Jesus for all you've been gifted with!!

Not one of His words has ever failed!

"Not one word has failed of all His good promise which He promised through Moses His servant." 1 King 8:56

God's amazing promise to Moses wasn't only true for them, but thanks be to Jesus, it is true to us faithful followers in Christ also: 
 

He will free us from the yoke of slavery, and redeem us with an outstretched arm and mighty acts of judgment. He will take us as His own and He will be our God ~ our Leader. He will bring us into a land flowing with milk and honey, abundance, and He will give it to us as a possession; blessing.**

And for that amazing promise to us, do not give up, do not give in, and do not back down. His promise is true for you, and if you will hold tight to Him, stay on course, your God-given inheritance will soon be yours for the taking!!

**Exodus 3:8 & Exodus 6:6 

Darkness doesn't stop God

“The Lord said that He would dwell in the thick darkness…” 1 Kings 8:12

You may be in the midst of pure darkness right now; bad health reports, spiritual torment, unfortunate circumstances, confrontation and/or mental anguish, but know this: God has not left you! He is right in the darkness with you, holding you, carrying, you, and gently guiding you through. So, hold tight to Him, because soon, my friend, He will exalt  you up, out, over, and beyond the darkness into a new light so bright that you will know – without a shadow of a doubt – He IS God Almighty and there is no other!

Re - energize!!

“But now the Lord has given me rest on every side so that there is neither adversary nor evil confronting me.” 1 Kings 4:32

The Lord grants us times of peace and tranquility, and it is during these times that we cannot let ourselves become complacent in Christ.  No, just the opposite!  These are the times when we should re-energize our relationship with God, using the time to strengthen and build upon the foundation in which we have been given.

When peace surrounds you, take some extra time for God.  Focus on Him, and seek His never ending wisdom, love, mercy and grace. Take time to ask Him to direct your path as you step into the future of which you’ve been granted.

Wisdom: understanding and discernment

“So give your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart… [that] I may discern between good and bad.” 1 Kings 3:9

Hence, WISDOM (understanding and discernment)

Our prayers ought not to be for possessions, riches, fame, glory, health, favor, etc. No, our prayers ought to be for God’s wisdom, in our hearts and in our minds, so that we may know how to acquire, (God approved)  possessions, riches, fame, glory, health, favor, etc.

Wickedness and sin cannot be hidden

“…you are aware in your own heart of all the evil you did [do]…” 1 Kings 2:44

                          

Until we uncover the wickedness and sinful ways that plague us from within, releasing them to God and seeking His incredible forgiveness, then we will never be able to be all that the Lord wants us to be. There is nothing to hide, the Lord already knows everything about us, and everything we do.

Thus, let your wickedness and sins be known to God so that you can be forgiven, and released to move ahead with His marvelous call on your life.

Man is not an option

“…let [me] fall into the hands of the Lord… but let me not fall into the hands of man.” (II Samuel 24:14)

If we want our lives to be lived with all of God’s favor, honor, mercy, grace, and blessings, then we have to give ourselves completely to Him ~ 100%! Man is not an option!

Unlike that of man’s, God’s mercies are great and aplenty! His call over our lives will never fail, never forsake, never harm, and never let us down. 

Praise Him!!

God lives FOR us!

“The Lord is my Rock…my Fortress…my Deliverer…my God…my Shield…the Horn of my salvation, my Stronghold and my Refuge, my Lamp…a Tower…¹

[YES] The Lord lives [in, through and for me] ²

WOW! WOW! WOW!   

If you haven’t read II Samuel, Chapter 22, then it is a must read chapter. Read it with your eyes, your heart, your ears, and read it word for word!!

We have got to get that God is: our Rock to ground us when want to run; our Fortress when we are lost; our Deliverer when we are out-numbered; our Shield from the Devil’s worldly attacks; the Horn that shouts through us when we are frozen for words; our Stronghold when we are surrounded by the enemy; our Refuge, in who we can rest in peace; our Salvation when we are lost; our Lamp when we are blind; and our Tower that rises above so we always know which direction to take!!  Praise God – Hallelujah!!

YES! GOD IS ALL WE NEED TO LIVE BECAUSE HE LIVES FOR US!

¹/² - II Samuel 22:2,3, 29, 31, 33, 47, 51

Unconditional love is priceless.

"For you love those who hate you and hate those who love you..." 11 Samuel 19:6

If you've been deeply hurt, rejected, stepped on, stepped over, ignored, etc., by a close family member, you can stop trying so hard to win their love.  It is time to focus on what true family is.

We, as christians, are held accountable to pray for those that hurt us, love them for they know not what they do, and if it is in our best interest, keep our distance, even if they we are of the same blood line.  

You are not called to continually put yourself in the position of being hurt, scared, upset, rejected, and beat down, so walk away, praying that one day they will open their hearts and reconciliation and healing can begin.

Surround yourself, and focus on the people that love you unconditionally, and in return, shower them with the same kind of love. 

It's unconditional, never-ending love that keeps this world going around, and if we can all begin to, and/or learn to focus on it more, this world would be dramatically changed into a world after God's own heart.

Stand tall

“…for the Lord has delivered you this day from all who rose [and rise] up against you.” (II Samuel 18:31)

Like sweet Jesus, proclaim to Satan, “Stand thee behind me!”¹, because God is here to release you from the devil’s power and thrust you forward into mighty blessings.

Stand tall, my friend, this is your day! This is the day that Jesus has come to set you free!

Praise God – AMEN!!

¹Matthew, chapter 16, verse 23.

Release yourself to God

“…let Him do to me what seems good to Him.” (II Samuel 15:26)

Instead of trying to control our own lives, it’s time to release ourselves over to God and let Him take our lives under His control.  Agree?

Let’s let go of ourselves, so He can grab hold of us!