tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316679062024-02-21T03:33:55.027-05:00EVERLASTING LOVE!The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
(Jeremiah 31:3)Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-45135461026954611692016-05-10T05:30:00.000-04:002016-05-10T06:37:34.020-04:00Happy Spiritual Birthday!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Spring is my season!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For quite some time now I notice that I enjoyed the spring
season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept thinking duh, it's Spring
and everything comes alive during Spring especially after a long, dark, cold,
and dreary Winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now I realize
that it was during the Spring of 1995 that God rescued me from my sin and
shame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was April 13-14 in the year of
1995 that I dedicated my life to serving the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was during that time I received a new life
in exchange for the old and dead one that I was living. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LOVE came down and rescued me... I remember
many years ago but it is still fresh in my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would say I was at the lowest point in my
life. I wanted to die and even tried to take my life. It felt like no one understood
me, no one loved me, and no one cared. I felt unworthy, worthless, and
unwanted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like a throw away, I
felt lower than dirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was searching
and searching for Love and Acceptance. I did what I could to try to fulfill
those needs. After engaging into some sinful activities I realized that nothing
and no one could satisfy the deeper hunger of my heart and soul. I was
searching for something permanent and not temporary. But God! You see I was
always in church even as a little girl but I did not have a personal relationship
with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not know He was Real for
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said the sinner’s prayer many
times prior to this defining moment but somehow the moment that made the most
impact on my life was the moment when God embraced me and spoke to me. It was
at a youth convention in Hersey, PA in the mid 90s. So at this convention the
speaker spoke about breaking the chains... And at the end of the message he
gave an altar call. I felt the Spirit of God tugging on my heart very strongly
and I went to the altar. At the altar I began to weep and my youth leader at
the time hugged me and began to pray for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It's in that moment that my Life Changed Forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that moment I felt the warmth, comfort,
love, and God’s embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that moment
I Knew HE was and is Real and He Cares and He Knows me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that moment He began to Speak to me and He
told me how much He loved me, He told me He Understands me, He Cares about me,
He Sees Me, He Knows me, He Wants me... That moment is a moment I will never
forget because it was the moment God changed my life and my destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that moment He broke the curse of sin and
shame from my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was that moment
He gave me new life and new meaning...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So to me I say, Happy Spiritual Birthday to
Me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's my 21st birthday as a Born
Again Believer in Christ Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hallelujah and Amen!</span></span>Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-28701126947867435952012-04-16T08:48:00.000-04:002012-04-16T13:46:53.423-04:00Pressing on to Know the Lord<b><span style="font-size: small;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSyjuxpLw1SyFW8Rw1cMJJx73AkDGclGPmmKXrHEgJ95lySDlAxR-WjSffbWWA8Yn2ay45VwHeDamEzSVebe-dZQ-HnioO-Dke5gsz3dyVGHAgJFrOI2z1x29HQDH-NAZ3cAx/s1600/Cross_Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSyjuxpLw1SyFW8Rw1cMJJx73AkDGclGPmmKXrHEgJ95lySDlAxR-WjSffbWWA8Yn2ay45VwHeDamEzSVebe-dZQ-HnioO-Dke5gsz3dyVGHAgJFrOI2z1x29HQDH-NAZ3cAx/s200/Cross_Sunset.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Pressing on to Know the Lord<br />
</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but <b>one thing I do</b>, <b>forgetting</b> those things which are <b>behind</b> and reaching <b>forward</b> to those things which are <b>ahead</b>, I press toward the <b>goal</b> for the <b>prize</b> of the <b>upward call</b> of God in Christ Jesus.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i></i> (</span><u><span style="color: green; font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-size: small;">Phi_3:13-14</span></span></u><span style="color: green; font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We have noted that <b>humility</b> is one of the relational realities that God wants to develop in our lives so we can live daily by the grace of God. "<i>God resists the proud, but gives <b>grace</b> to the <b>humble</b></i>" (</span><u><span style="color: green; font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-size: small;">Jam_4:6</span></span></u><span style="color: green; font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">). Here we see evidence of the godly humility that had developed in the Apostle Paul through the years. "<i>Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended</i>." When these words were written, Paul had been walking with the Lord for 25 to 30 years. Yet, he admits that he had not "fully arrived." He confesses that he did not know the Lord so completely that his entire life was a demonstration of resurrection living. Consequently, he had one great goal that directed his life and service: "<b><i>one thing I do</i></b><i></i>." His all-consuming passion was to get to know the Lord more and more: "<i>that I may <b>know Him</b></i>" (</span><u><span style="color: green; font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-size: small;">Phi_3:10</span></span></u><span style="color: green; font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">One of the significant issues that keeps believers in Christ from knowing the Lord better is their <b>past</b>. Many Christians focus their attention on their past. Failures of the past plague them with condemnation. Wrongs done to them in the past tempt them to self-pity or bitterness. Past successes give false assurance that things must go well today. Past blessings distract them from seeking the Lord's fresh work in their lives now. Paul gives us all a wonderful example of how to deal with the past: "<b><i>forgetting</i></b><i> those things which are <b>behind</b> and reaching <b>forward</b> to those things which are <b>ahead</b></i>." Things of the past need not dominate our present. God's grace can cover past failures and pains. Today, we need to look forward to the next work of grace that He wants to bring forth as we walk on with Him. <br />
<br />
God wants us to move <b>forward</b>, looking <b>upward</b>. "<i>I <b>press toward</b> the <b>goal</b> for the <b>prize</b> of the <b>upward call</b> of God in Christ Jesus</i>." The goal is to get to know the Lord better. We are to press toward that goal, exerting all of the spiritual strength and energy that God's grace supplies. This is our reply to God's heavenly call to seek Him, to know Him. Along the way, we will partake of the prize that comes with that goal. The prize is every blessing that results from getting to know Him better. Let's press on to know the Lord!<br />
</span><b><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;">Lord Jesus, help me to forget things of the past that would distract me from You. I want to press ahead to get to know You better. Please reveal Yourself to me through Your word. I humbly ask You to demonstrate Your grace to me in and through my life, in Your name, Amen.<br />
</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source ~Day By Day By Grace Devotional by Bob Hoekstra~</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"></span></span>Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-72454030965243951542012-01-28T14:19:00.001-05:002012-01-28T14:19:29.609-05:00A Beautiful Love Letter...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPy-4rhZacaNgLjyR3gkjp75YzcrHwxAkRRerV6cCasLjFQhTuRKSWDAW8CqL41D9qcmneyqf3iBd9vcKf08ZOvF3vSpqaibJ5KuxiypRedIWtxGETRXXj6hPMZUC2dxTAxE6j/s1600/thing-called-love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPy-4rhZacaNgLjyR3gkjp75YzcrHwxAkRRerV6cCasLjFQhTuRKSWDAW8CqL41D9qcmneyqf3iBd9vcKf08ZOvF3vSpqaibJ5KuxiypRedIWtxGETRXXj6hPMZUC2dxTAxE6j/s320/thing-called-love.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My Child....<br /> You may not know me, <br /> but I know everything about you. <br /> Psalm 139:1<br /> I know when you sit down and when you rise up. <br /> Psalm 139:2<br /> I am familiar with all your ways. <br /> Psalm 139:3<br /> <br /> Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. <br /> Matthew 10:29-31<br /> For you were made in my image. <br /> Genesis 1:27<br /> In me you live and move and have your being.<br /> Acts 17:28<br /> For you are my offspring. <br /> Acts 17:28<br /> <br /> I knew you even before you were conceived. <br /> Jeremiah 1:4-5<br /> I chose you when I planned creation. <br /> Ephesians 1:11-12<br /> You were not a mistake, <br /> for all your days are written in my book. <br /> Psalm 139:15-16<br /> <br /> I determined the exact time of your birth <br /> and where you would live. <br /> Acts 17:26<br /> You are fearfully and wonderfully made. <br /> Psalm 139:14<br /> I knit you together in your mother's womb. <br /> Psalm 139:13<br /> And brought you forth on the day you were born. <br /> Psalm 71:6<br /> <br /> I have been misrepresented <br /> by those who don't know me.<br /> John 8:41-44<br /> I am not distant and angry, <br /> but am the complete expression of love. <br /> 1 John 4:16<br /> And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. <br /> 1 John 3:1<br /> Simply because you are my child <br /> and I am your Father. <br /> 1 John 3:1<br /> <br /> I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. <br /> Matthew 7:11<br /> For I am the perfect father. <br /> Matthew 5:48<br /> Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. <br /> James 1:17<br /> For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. <br /> Matthew 6:31-33<br /> <br /> My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. <br /> Jeremiah 29:11<br /> Because I love you with an everlasting love. <br /> Jeremiah 31:3<br /> My thoughts toward you are countless <br /> as the sand on the seashore.<br /> Psalms 139:17-18<br /> <br /> And I rejoice over you with singing. <br /> Zephaniah 3:17<br /> I will never stop doing good to you. <br /> Jeremiah 32:40<br /> For you are my treasured possession. <br /> Exodus 19:5<br /> I desire to establish you<br /> with all my heart and all my soul. <br /> Jeremiah 32:41<br /> <br /> And I want to show you great and marvelous things. <br /> Jeremiah 33:3<br /> If you seek me with all your heart, <br /> you will find me. <br /> Deuteronomy 4:29<br /> Delight in me and I will give you <br /> the desires of your heart. <br /> Psalm 37:4<br /> For it is I who gave you those desires. <br /> Philippians 2:13<br /> <br /> I am able to do more for you <br /> than you could possibly imagine. <br /> Ephesians 3:20<br /> For I am your greatest encourager. <br /> 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17<br /> I am also the Father who comforts you <br /> in all your troubles. <br /> 2 Corinthians 1:3-4<br /> When you are brokenhearted, <br /> I am close to you. <br /> Psalm 34:18<br /> <br /> As a shepherd carries a lamb, <br /> I have carried you close to my heart. <br /> Isaiah 40:11<br /> One day I will wipe away <br /> every tear from your eyes. <br /> Revelation 21:3-4<br /> And I'll take away all the pain <br /> you have suffered on this earth.<br /> Revelation 21:3-4<br /> I am your Father, and I love you <br /> even as I love my son, Jesus.<br /> John 17:23<br /> <br /> For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. <br /> John 17:26<br /> He is the exact representation of my being. <br /> Hebrews 1:3<br /> He came to demonstrate that I am for you, <br /> not against you. <br /> Romans 8:31<br /> And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.<br /> 2 Corinthians 5:18-19<br /> <br /> Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. <br /> 2 Corinthians 5:18-19<br /> His death was the ultimate expression <br /> of my love for you. <br /> 1 John 4:10<br /> I gave up everything I loved<br /> that I might gain your love. <br /> Romans 8:31-32<br /> <br /> If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, <br /> you receive me. <br /> 1 John 2:23<br /> And nothing will ever separate you <br /> from my love again.<br /> Romans 8:38-39<br /> Come home and I'll throw the biggest party <br /> heaven has ever seen.<br /> Luke 15:7<br /> <br /> I have always been Father, <br /> and will always be Father.<br /> Ephesians 3:14-15<br /> My question is…<br /> Will you be my child? <br /> John 1:12-13<br /> I am waiting for you. <br /> Luke 15:11-32<br /> <br /> Love, Your Dad<br /> Almighty GOD<br />
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<span class="fcg"> </span></div>Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-5687122163609017962011-10-29T18:01:00.001-04:002011-10-29T18:05:17.081-04:00WOW!<span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}">POWERFUL!!!</span><br />
<br /><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}">Wow! Watch this! Eye opener!</span><br />
This is truth communicated in such a thought-provoking way. There is hope!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7y2KsU_dhwI?rel=0" width="460"></iframe><br />
<br />
For more information visit <a href="http://heartchanger.com/" target="_blank">Heart Changer</a>.Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-64019206268259299292011-10-17T17:26:00.002-04:002011-10-17T17:26:56.553-04:00I Belong To Him!I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus. I believe in my heart that God sent His Only Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. I believe in my heart that Christ Jesus came to this earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, took the wrath of God upon Himself for the punishment of my sins so that I may recieve the gift of eternal life. I believe in my heart that Jesus died and the Spirit of God raised Him up on the 3rd day. I believe that Jesus is alive forever more and He is now seated at the right hand of God ever interceeding for me. I believe that Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to live in me and be with me so that I may live this life according to His will. I have confessed with my mouth and believed in my heart that Jesus is my Lord and Savior and that I am saved. Hallelujah! I believe in my heart and therefore it is accounted unto me as righteousness, therefore I am in right standing with God. My name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Hallelujah! I am no longer a slave to sin because I have recieved the Spirit of adoption by whom I cry, "Abba" Father! I am adopted into the Family of God. I am accepted by God. I am loved unconditionally by God. I am valued and valuable. I am precious in His sight. I am the apple of His Eye. Jesus has made me worthy. I am adequate. I am unique no one can do what God has created me to do. There is only one of me. I am adored by God. I am clean because of Christ. I am a daughter of the King and that makes me a Princess. I am eternally secured, because God will never let me go. I am forever forgiven. I am sealed by the Spirit of God that bears witness with my spirit that I am a child of God. I belong to Jesus, I am in Him and He is in Me. I am anointed by God. I am a powerful woman of God. I am a joint heir with Jesus. I have power, Holy Spirit Power! I have love, God's love dwells in me. I have a sound mind. I have the mind of Christ. I am led by the Spirit of God because I am a son (daughter) of God. I am free because Jesus has made me free. I am a new person (creation). The old has gone and everything has been made new. I am filled with the Spirit of God. I am a bold and courageous witness for Christ Jesus. Amen!Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-59719129141576635842011-10-03T16:45:00.001-04:002011-10-03T17:47:39.892-04:00Divorce/Remarriage??? What does the Bible say?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Divorce/Remarriage???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does
the Bible say?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">"Furthermore
it has been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of
divorce.'</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="color: red;">But I say to you that
whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to
commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.</span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: teal;">(Matthew
5:31-32 NKJV)</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">So He said
to them, <span style="color: red;">"Whoever divorces his wife and marries
another commits adultery against her.</span> <span style="color: red;">And if a
woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."</span>
</span><span style="color: teal; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">(Mark
10:11-12 NKJV)</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">"Whoever
divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her
who is divorced from </span><i><span style="color: grey; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">her</span></i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">
husband commits adultery.</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="color: teal; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">(Luke
16:18 NKJV)</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Example:<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
<br />
Tim and Susan are married. Susan had an affair in the
relationship. Tim divorces Susan because of her marital unfaithfulness. <br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Scenario 1</u></b>: Tim marries another
woman name Sally. Sally was never married before. Sin or no sin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adultery or no adultery?<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Scenario 2:</u></b> Tim marries another
woman name Sally. Sally was married before but is now divorced. Sally is
divorced because she committed adultery against her husband in her previous
marriage. Sin or no? Adultery or not?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Scenario 3:</u></b> Tim and Sally gets
married. Both Tim and Sally were previously married and both of them divorced
their spouse due to the fact that their spouse both committed adultery against
them in their previous marriage. Sin or no? Adultery or no?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Should any of the
above scenarios even matter?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Summary:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
Is the sin based upon the one who committed the adulterous
act in the marriage which would lead to the divorce? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore would the sin be on the one who
committed the act and as a result should not remarry or he or she will be committing
adultery? And is the one who did not commit the adulterous act free to remarry
without it being accounted to him or her as sin/adultery? <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Maybe a valid point/ Just my thoughts and opinion: <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #0070c0;">I
think it is just this simple... If you are married and get a divorce because of
infidelity, you should not remarry period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">1 Corinthians 7:10-12 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>supports this point:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Now to the married I command, <i>yet</i>
not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from <i>her</i> husband. But even
if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to <i>her</i>
husband. And a husband is not to divorce <i>his</i> wife. But to the rest I,
not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is
willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. "<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">The Answer:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">The answer
lies in defining the word "adultery." What is an adultery?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Adultery according to Easton's Bible Dictionary is<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>— </b> conjugal infidelity.
An adulterer was a man who had illicit intercourse with a married or a
betrothed woman, and such a woman was an adulteress. Intercourse between a
married man and an unmarried woman was fornication. Adultery was regarded as a
great social wrong, as well as a great sin. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Now go back
to the scripture verses and reread them with this definition of adultery in
mind. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Therefore
Marriage is to be regarded as a covenant relationship. So much so that even if
you get a "divorce," you are still married to that person until death
do you part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A divorce is simply one of
the party dismissing the other party or separation from each other. You are
still married because of the covenant/vow that you spoke before God and to each
other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">This reveals
to us God's character. He is a covenant keeping God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is faithful! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever he makes a covenant he never goes
back on the deal. He is faithful to it and remains faithful even when the other
party decides to (divorce) dismiss or walk away from the covenant. I believe
God desires us to do the same. He wants us to remain faithful to the covenant
that we make with each other in marriage regardless of what your spouse does
wrong and even if they divorce you, you are still to remain faithful and not
remarry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Last point it is very important to pay attention to this:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="color: teal;">Matthew
19:3-9 NKJV</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Pharisees also
came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, "Is it lawful for a man to
divorce his wife for <i><span style="color: grey;">just</span></i> any
reason?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: teal;">(4)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And He answered and said to them, <span style="color: red;">"Have you not read that He who made </span><i><span style="color: grey;">them</span></i><span style="color: red;"> at the beginning
'MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE,'</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: teal;">(5)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: red;">and said, 'FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND
MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH' ?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: teal;">(6)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: red;">So then, they are no
longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man
separate."</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: teal;">(7)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said
to Him, "Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and
to put her away?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: teal;">(8)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said to
them, <span style="color: red;">"Moses, because of the hardness of your
hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not
so.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: teal;">(9)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: red;">And I say to you,
whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another,
commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits
adultery."</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">It is
important to note that from the very beginning God intended that a marriage
covenant be established between a man and woman for a lifetime. Divorce was
never intended by God. It is important to note what Jesus said in verse 8, that
Moses permitted divorce because of hardness of hearts. Which means that you can
always work out your marriage with your spouse regardless of what has happened
if you will not allow your heart to become hard (callous, unforgiving, unrepentant,
etc.).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Furthermore,
God is married to the backslider. Even all the more we should realize that just
because we think something is invalid does not make it invalid. Everything has
to be judged according to the word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Marriage is something that was established and ordained by God,
therefore man's thoughts, opinions, and or actions cannot invalidate it, negate
it or cause it to become invalid. WOW! That's why He said What instead of
Who... The what being the institution of marriage... "What God has joined
together let no man separate or the KJV says put asunder." A lie has crept into the church which is basically making people believe that God has one perfect person for you to marry. And if you don't marry that one perfect person then you can get a divorce. LIE! I think based upon the fact that the institution of marriage is ordained by God. It is the act of marriage that is to be revered and not the who. When you make a vow before God to be joined in a marriage covenant with another divorce should not be an option. In doing so you are honoring God and what he has established which is the covenant of marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-14241179797417023142011-07-16T15:11:00.003-04:002011-07-16T19:29:05.888-04:00Correction<h2 style="font-size: 14px;">
Correction is Biblical!</h2>
"For whom the Lord love He reproves, even as a father the son in whom he delights."<br />
<strong>Proverbs 3:12</strong><br />
<br />
"Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For He inflicts pain, and gives relief; He wounds, and His hands also heal."<br />
<strong>Job 5:17-18</strong><br />
<br />
"Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Lord, and whom You teach out of Your law; that You may grant him relief from the days of adversity, until a pit is dug for the wicked."<br />
<strong>Psalm 94:12-13</strong><br />
<br />
"But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world."<br />
<strong>1 Corinthians 11:32</strong><br />
<br />
"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison."<br />
<strong>2 Corinthians 4:16-17</strong><br />
<br />
"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him, for those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives. It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? ... Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."<br />
<strong>Hebrews 12:5-11</strong>Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-19629188641529197172011-03-15T22:26:00.004-04:002011-07-16T12:15:37.966-04:00Things Parents Should Do For Their Children.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKksLAc5bTnE3_BeCStg8alkCG9pzI-h13L1ffHKwBqHTRt2UmMzJFmZPYrggwVAGU_SWgEhsKFVhCJ0vHY7qEICuewq9co1gaMHEY_BUJR3ZQaZWGrgulXiiwd4ktWrgJZYn/s1600/children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKksLAc5bTnE3_BeCStg8alkCG9pzI-h13L1ffHKwBqHTRt2UmMzJFmZPYrggwVAGU_SWgEhsKFVhCJ0vHY7qEICuewq9co1gaMHEY_BUJR3ZQaZWGrgulXiiwd4ktWrgJZYn/s320/children.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Things parents should do for their children:</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. Pray for and with with your children. I believe one of the most powerful things a mother can do for her child is to pray for them. Pray for their well-being. Pray for their spiritual health, physical health, emotional health, social health, mental health, and their future success.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. Teach them about Jesus Christ. I wish all parents would realize that the most important gift that you could give your child is the knowledge of Who Jesus Christ is and what He has done to redeem man back to the Father. Then give your child the opportunity to receive the gift of salvation - Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3. Help your child to discover who they are according to the Word of God. Teach your child about themselves and help them to have a positive self-esteem. Help build confidence in them by praising their efforts, encouraging them, and allowing them to explore different things in life so they can begin to have an idea of who they were made to be when they grow up.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4. All parents should recognize that you are to be the primary influencer in your child's life. Not the t.v., video games, friends, the babysitter, etc. You are to be your child's primary influencer. God has given you that ability - please don't pass it off to someone else.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">5. Parents should realize that your children will learn more about life and what to do by your example. Children learn by what they see quicker rather than what they hear you say. "Do as I say and not as I do." -- Does not work! If you want your child to be obedient, respectful, loving, caring, kind, gentle, patient, etc.... You must first model that before them and be consistent.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6. Discipline is not a bad word and you can discipline your child without spanking them. Spanking is not the only form of discipline. Discipline is love. Love is not just kindness, goodness, caring, and gentleness. It also includes selflessness, correction and discipline. Your love for your child will (when necessary) sometimes lead you to discipline your child because true love brings correction. Discipline should flow out of a genuine love and concern for your child and not anger. Seek God for wisdom when disciplining your child.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">7. Spend time with your children. Kids spell love - T-I-M-E. NOT, T-H-I-N-G-S. Parents take time to spend good quality time with your children. It will help to build a sense of love and security for your child and they won't feel the need to look outside of the relationship to get what they are lacking at home.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">8. Communication is very important in any relationship. Communicate with your child and allow them to communicate with you by listening to them when they speak. It's very important to them and it builds security, love, and trust. I cannot begin to tell you how many children I have taught and the majority of them say their parents don't listen to them.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">9. Let your yes be yes and no be no. Don't change up, don't be fickle. Mean what you say and say what you mean. Stand firm! They want to know that there are boundaries and they are looking to you who is the adult to teach and show them.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">10. Be Consistent. </span></b>Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-22170646864465342552010-11-22T20:12:00.000-05:002010-11-22T20:12:56.038-05:00True Repentance!<strong><u>Thought For Today:</u></strong> <br />
<br />
The Lord wants us to bear fruit of repentance. Repentance involves the mind, will, and the emotions. Recognizing your faults (mind); Feeling sorry (emotions); Doing something about it (will). Often times a person may recognize and feel sorry for what they have done and may even confess it to the Lord and ask for forgiveness. But neglects to act upon the will - doing something about it to make things right, in other words -Restitution. I submit to you today that some of us are going around being sorry for the same thing over and over again and never walking in victory over that thing because they have yet to make restitution for the wrong they have committed. Example: If you have stolen something you ought to replace it, if you have wrong your brother/sister/neighbor/friend - you ought to go to them and reconcile. I believe that Pride is the reason why some won't take it to that step. I encourage you today to humble yourself - walk in victory and make restitution for any wrong that you have committed between you, God, and anyone else that was involved in the situation and watch what happens in your life as a result. I promise you - your life will never be the same again :-) I challenge you to walk in Victory and not defeat.Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-52612445368677421722010-08-24T14:16:00.000-04:002012-04-12T00:18:55.946-04:00Characteristics of the Jezebel Spirit!<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Characteristics of the Jezebel Spirit:</span></u></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
1. It is a satanic evil spirit.<br />
<br />
2. The root of this spirit most often lies from hurt and pain bottled up within the carrier from childhood or unforgiveness from many hurts, pains, disappoints, abuse, etc. throughout the individuals life that has not been properly dealt with. This person was more than likely hurt by someone they loved, cared for, or trusted. The person carrying the jezebel spirit most often don’t know that they are carrying it because they have been deceived into believing that they are well and nothing is wrong. They most often deal with their hurts and pains by inflicting hurt and pain on others or getting others to sympathize with their pain to the point of bringing them under their control. They usually find people who have low-self-esteem, people who are genuinely loving God - minding their own business, and focus on the work that God has put in their hands, and people who lack discernment in regards to this spirit in particular. The carrier of this spirit usually has secrets bottled up inside of them in other words skeleton in their closet. Part of the reason why this person has not yet been freed from the evil spirit is because the evil spirit is dwelling in that darkness that is within them. A key to their freedom is to reveal or let the light shine on these secrets/skeletons that are in their closet. The person who desires to be free from this spirit MUST REPENT OPENLY BEFORE GOD and CONFESS THEIR FAULTS ONE TO ANOTHER AND PRAY, FOR THE FERVENT PRAYER OF THE RIGHTEOUS AVAILETH MUCH.<br />
<br />
3. The carrier of this spirit seeks to control, manipulate, and intimidate all so that they can have their own way and pursue their own agenda. They are not satisfied if they are not in control of everyone and everything around them. They will go at any length to get total submission to their authority or they will leave or you have to get out. Out of their house, church, school, place of business, etc. <br />
<br />
4. The carrier of this spirit usually takes great pride in their appearance, dresses seductively and provactively, they are usually very attractive outwardly but eventually they begin to transform from the inside out looking like the very witch like spirit that is influencing/possessing them.<br />
<br />
5. The carrier of this spirit rejoices in evil or the misfortune of others because they like others to be as miserable and unhappy as they are deep within themselves.<br />
<br />
6. Carriers of this spirit do not have a genuine love relationship with God. As a matter of fact they don’t know what the true meaning of Love is.<br />
<br />
7. Carriers of this spirit are sexually perverted: fornicators, adulterers, lesbians, homosexuals, bestiality, etc.<br />
<br />
8. Carriers of this spirit are very selfish and self-centered. They put their needs and wants above others and if they have children, their children will be neglected at their expense. <br />
<br />
9. They are money lovers. They will do anything to get money even to the point of it being illegal and immoral, even to the point where they will neglect their own family and friends who care for and love them very much.<br />
<br />
10. Carriers of this spirit likes the finer things in life and most often will not settle for anything less. They can never get enough or have enough. They are usually very materialistic.<br />
<br />
11. Carriers of this spirit hate it when you ask them questions and will often make it seem like you are questioning their authority. Whenever you speak truth – they will most often avoid it or deny it and will seek to shut you up from speaking truth to them and around them. They will even go at lengths to shield or protect those who they have under their influence from hearing the truth. They will even try to block you and cut you off for FEAR of them (the Jezebel spirit) and their evil deeds being EXPOSED.<br />
<br />
12. Carriers of this spirit are more interested in their self than anyone else. They will most often talk about themselves and rarely does anyone else get a word in the conversation. It’s all about them!<br />
<br />
13. Carriers of this spirit have deep-seated HATE. Hate for themselves, Hate for those who they have perceived to hurt them, Hate for those who they believe is responsible for their misfortune. They don’t like to take responsibilities for their actions and if they do it will always be because so and so did this then that is why I did that. It’s always an eye for an eye. They seek revenge every chance they get! Their desire is to punish and inflict pain continuously. <br />
<br />
14. Carriers of this spirit do not like to admit wrong because of PRIDE. They don’t admit their faults or wrong doing. They usually believe it to be the fault of everyone else involved and none of themselves. Jezebel spirits LOVES to play the VICTIM. Carriers of this spirit have a victim mentality. They like it when others feel sorry for them and they like to play on the emotions of others to have their own way. Sometimes they will be in abusive relationship – physical, mental, sexual, or spiritual abusive. If they should escape such a relationship and they not have Jesus Christ at the center of their lives they will become the abuser in current and future relationships.<br />
<br />
15. Carriers of this spirit usually have recurring physical ailments because of the bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness that they abhor inside. They won’t let it go! They like others feeling sorry for them when they aren’t feeling well and most often use their ailments as a way of controlling their victims and getting what they want – promoting their agenda which is usually in complete opposition to the will of God. God created our bodies to heal itself and when we allow unhealthy things to go in and stay there the body will manifest unhealthy results such as sickness and diseases (cancer is the main one).<br />
<br />
16. Carriers of this spirit will often find fault and criticize anyone and everyone because they have low-self-esteem and they are trying to make themselves feel better about themselves.<br />
<br />
17. A true man or woman of God filled with the Spirit of God is usually hated, rejected, and despised by the carrier of the Jezebel Spirit. <br />
<br />
18. Carriers of this spirit are a major hindrance to the body of Christ growth, maturity, and the furtherance of God’s Kingdom and His Will being done. In the Church they desire to promote their own agenda and at the same time God’s vision/will goes undone for the body. Contending with the Jezebel spirit is very tiring and just like the devil he/she will continue to fight for total control through manipulation or intimidation until they get it. It is never satisfied with second place. He/she has to be first and will try to sabotage anyone who gets in their way to get there. To defeat this spirit one must be prepared with the full armor of God, fight in fasting and prayer, praise, worship, repentance must be a continuous theme, the word of Truth must be boldly proclaimed, lies must be exposed, and you must confront that spirit with truth, boldness, consistency, and steadfastness. You have to CONFRONT the Jezebel spirit and DO NOT run away from it. Confront AND STAND AGAINST it with GODLY BOLDNESS, COURAGE, AND WITH THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH – THE HOLY SPIRIT. USE THE POWER, LOVE, AND SOUND MIND THAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU AND DO NOT OPERATE IN THE SPIRIT OF FEAR.<br />
<br />
19. Carriers of this spirit sometimes may appear to be friendly or on your side but secretly they are not and they don’t like you.<br />
<br />
20. Carriers of this spirit are avid liars. They are pathological liars. They will go to any lengths by lying and even exaggerating matters to make themselves look better, more important, or more spiritual and holy-super holy than others.<br />
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21. Women Carriers of the Jezebel spirit usually don’t have a spouse, never been married, and or cannot keep a man. And if they do have a man or is married that man usually have an Ahab spirit (avoids confrontation; denies fault; is easily intimidated, manipulated, and controlled by her; doesn’t take responsibility for his actions; abdicates his authority; very weak and fearful; loves his position but fears confrontation, afraid of his spouse with the Jezebel spirit, looks for others to do his “dirty work;” doesn’t exercise his God-given authority.)Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-28147096505207944752010-06-19T14:42:00.000-04:002010-06-19T14:42:54.393-04:00My Birthday Is JULY 3rd!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>This is a simple to post to let everyone who is interested know that my birthday is coming up on July 3rd and it's a big one... I decided to create a Birthday wish list through Amazon.com for the first time ever. The items on the list are ones that I so desire to have and will be very thankful to receive from a generous person who is looking to be a blessing to someone... Here is your chance, I will include a link below this post to visit the website where the list is located. If you so desire to get me something as a surprise you may contact my husand directly at his email address: </strong></span><a href="mailto:pastor@fgbbi.org"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>pastor@fgbbi.org</strong></span></a><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>. Or if you just want to do it without making it a surprise you may email me at </strong></span><a href="mailto:toya0703@msn.com"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>toya0703@msn.com</strong></span></a><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong> or leave a comment on this post... Thank you :-)</strong></span></div><br />
<a href="http://amzn.com/w/2W3G7S9RQ79F9">Birthday Wish List on Amazon</a>Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-82243366069054145662010-04-12T12:50:00.001-04:002010-04-15T13:31:22.747-04:00Can God Be Trusted?<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong>"You ever wonder why some little children, or faithful followers of Jesus end up experiencing disease, crisis, and other terrible things. Is God fair? Can we trust God? " ~Pastor Bradwell~</strong></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div>The above quote and title of this post was posed by Pastor Thomas Bradwell whom I met many years ago... I thought it was a very good question and it is one that many many people have asked over and over again. I replied to the above statement and question below. I just wanted to share and hope and pray it blesses and encourages others. I hope it gives insight to those who are in need.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffd966;">My Response:</span><br /><br />Yes, I have wondered about the same exact things. Some of my conculsions are as follows:<br /><br /><br />1. We live in a sin sick world.<br /><br />2. Romans 8:28 - "And we know all things work together for good, to them that love God and are the called according to His purpose."<br /><br />3. Study the life of Job<br /><br />4. Focus on Jesus - He endured alot for us. The Word tells us that in this world we will have tribulations but we must be of good cheer because He (Jesus) has overcome the world. I believe that one of the things the church has failed to do particularily here in America because we are so comfortable is to tell people that we will face trials, tribulations, and persecution... But there is hope because it tells us in James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.<br /><br />I think that we are too comfortable and we think that we should not have to go through anything. Some times we think that trouble is doom and gloom but God is meaning it for our good. Just look at Job! When we are tested our faith is being built up in God and it is causing us to become stronger and wiser. If we never go through anything that caused us to be uncomfortable we would not grow in our faith/trust in God, we would lack endurance, we lean on ourselves and others more than we would God, we would not be made perfect and complete lacking nothing. When trials come it is to expose and remove what does not belong and cause us to become more like Christ - perfect and complete lacking nothing. We often times forget that the sufferings of this world are temporary and is nothing to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us... We have to remember constantly that we must walk by faith and not by sight. The word of God has to be the foundation that we stand on because all other ground is sinking sand... God's word is powerful and living... God's Word will never return unto Him void but will accomplish that which it has been sent out to do... We must remember to trust (lean on, depend on, believe, have faith) in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding and in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths...<br /><br />Finally, I believe we must remember that God's will and goal for all is to be saved (enter in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ)... His will and goal for His children (those who have accepted the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf) is to become more and more like Jesus everyday. He has begun and is continuing a good work in us and with all of the negative things that happen to us and those around us -- God will if we allow Him to Work it all together for good to those that love Him and are the called according to His purpose because He has predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son... :-) We should also remember to give thanks in all things for this is the will of God concerning us... Yes, even the trials, tribulations, etc.....Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-13930890745127775422010-04-11T01:46:00.000-04:002010-04-11T01:46:35.470-04:00Are You Offended???<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may come to their senses and escape the snare [entrapment] of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. ~2Timothy 2:24-26, Emphasis Added~</strong></span></div><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong>Many people are unable to function properly in God's purpose and calling for their lives because of the wounds, hurts, and offenses in their lives. ~John <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Bevere</span>~</strong></span><br />
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I have found this to be true through personal experiences and the experiences of others that I have witnessed over the years. I find that people who have been wounded, hurt, and or offended experience much frustration. The frustration comes sometimes because this offense may have occurred many times by many different people over many years. It maybe that the person who have experience such pain in their lifetime showed immediate forgiveness and was able to be reconciled back to a healthy relationship with the individual or individuals who have inflicted much pain in their lives on the onset. But because of repeat performances this individual find it more difficult to move on in a healthy way according to God's standard.<br />
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However, what does a person do who have experienced this offense or pain over and over again by the same person or many others over a long period of time??? What should you or anyone who has experienced this unfortunate reality do??? What must a person do with all the frustration that they are experiencing? What must they do with the confusion? What should they do with the lack of information on their part as well as the offender? How does one move on with life as a "normal" person before the pain, hurt, or offense? What is the healthy way to process such wound that literally cripples you spiritual, mentally, emotional, and or physically??? Is it God's will for a person to stay in a state of confusion or bondage because of a wound, hurt or an offense committed by another person? <br />
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So many questions... I don't have all the answers but I know who does... God's WORD (The BIBLE) has all the answers and the perfect solution for every situation and circumstance we may experience in life. Adverse things happen simply because we live in a fallen world. One thing we must always remember is we live in a fallen world that was corrupted by Sin. The fact is hurt people hurt people... It is a vicious cycle... One thing that can break that cycle and this one thing being key is FORGIVENESS... Yes, we have to forgive and must forgive in order to not do to others what has been done to us... In order to release ourselves from the grip of the enemy we must forgive... In order not to hurt, wound, or cause another person pain in the same way we have been hurt we must forgive. Forgiveness for the most part sometimes is easier said than done. We are humans and as children of God we are learning each and everyday to be more like Christ. We are becoming more and more like Him - perfect and complete... We must remember that we have flaws and we won't always do what is right according to God's standard 100% of the time. That should bring a sense of ease with what we expect from ourselves as well as what we expect from others. As a matter of fact what it should do is cause us to say and continually remember to not put unrealistic expectations on others and be open to know that others will cause us hurt, pain, and offense. Even though the less we expect or demand from someone else the better off we will be in not receiving an offense, hurt, or wound that is a bait of <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">satan</span> sent to us to trap us in his sick and twisted schemes. That's right <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">satan</span> - the Father of lies (He is a Liar and the truth is never and can never be found in him), he (<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">satan</span>) is a deceiver, his goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. Those are his main mission in life. He literally want peoples lives to be miserable, incomplete, lacking, unhappy, unhealthy, unfulfilled, unloving, unattractive, etc. He wants to put you in captivity, hold you in bondage, and steal everything away from us that God wants us to have and has sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the Cross for us for. The devil wants to cripple us so that we won't fulfill the Will of God for our lives and be a Blessing to others. The devil goal is to take as many people to HELL with him as possible. HELL is not a nice place and God did not make HELL for people. It was created for the devil and his followers.<br />
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God does not now or ever intend for us to get hurt, wounded, offended, and ultimately be trapped by the devil. We must remember Jesus came to set the captive free. He (Jesus) came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. So when a person experience things in life that causes pain, hurt, etc. we must remember that the source is not God, the source is not people, but the source is the devil himself. With that in mind we must put the WORD to work by praying, singing, and putting into practice the WORD of GOD which is powerful, and living... In order for us to not seek revenge on those who hurt us, in order for us not build up walls to protect ourselves from being hurt again, in order for us to live in freedom and in truth, in order for us to live the life that God has ordained for us to live before the foundation of the world we must believe and put the powerful Word of God into practice. God's Word, the Scriptures says, we must Trust Him with all our heart and lean not to our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge Him so that He will direct our paths. His Word also says we must submit ourselves to Him(God), resist the devil and he will flee. His Word tells us in everything we are to give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us. He says that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places... Wow, did you get that? Our struggle/fight is not with people but with the devil and his imps. The Word of God says we are <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">overcomers</span> and Jesus gave us the Victory. It also says that Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. The Word tells us that we know that all things work together for good to them that love God and to those who are the called according to His purpose.<br />
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I don't know about anybody else but I'm tired of the devil and his games and I declare war against the kingdom of darkness right now in Jesus Name... I have on the Helmet of Salvation, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Belt of Truth, the Gospel Shoes of Peace, the Shield of Faith, and the Sword of the Spirit. I'm ready to battle for what's right and I'm taking back all that the enemy has tried to steal from me. I decree and declare reconciliation in every broken relationship in Jesus Name, I decree and declare restoration of finances, health, and everything that God has for us is for us and we will stand in position ready to receive and to give all that God has for us to receive and give in Jesus Name. Thank you Father for new life, a fresh anointing, for release from debt, for increase in finances, and open doors that You open and no one can shut. Thank you, Father! You are a good Father that only desire good for Your Children... In everything Father, I say "THANK YOU!!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!! AMEN!!!!!!Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-74283944655504315302010-04-02T11:15:00.002-04:002010-04-02T11:18:51.334-04:00An Expression Of LOVE!!!Today I am very thankful to my Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ, for dying on the cross to save me from my sin and the sins of this world. I am forever grateful for the sacrifice He made on my behalf. Thank You, Jesus!!! John 3:16 says for God so Loved the World that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have E<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">verlasting</span> Life.<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Because of Jesus Christ!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Thank You, Jesus, for what you've done for me! Because of You I am Free! Because of You I have everlasting Life! Because of You I have Joy! Because of You I have Peace! Because of You I have Victory! Because of You I can Love Unconditionally! Because of You I've been Forgiven and I can Forgive! Because of You, I have been given Grace and Mercy! Because of You, I am Healed, Delivered, and made Whole! Because of You, I have been Called, Chosen, Anointed, and set Apart! Because of You, I was Created! Because of You, I Worship! Because of You, I Live, I Move, and I have my Being! Because of Who You Are I Love You more today than ever before! Just Because and only Because of You! Because of You I can Smile, L<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">augh</span>, and Sing! Because of You, there is a sweet melody in my heart! <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Bec</span><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ause</span> of You I Dance! Because of You I Shout! Because of You I Pray! Because of You, I Believe! Because of You I have Everything I Need... Because of You I Exist! Because of You, I have been Redeemed! Because of You I still Remain! Thank You for being present in my heart! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I LOVE YOU, JESUS!!!</strong></span></div>Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-78722514390806301572010-03-30T04:11:00.000-04:002010-03-30T04:11:55.466-04:00Truth and Wisdom!The truth is the truth regardless of anyone's opinion that should try to contradict it. The question is what are you going to do about it? If you reject it you will stay in a state of bondage or deception. If you accept truth and apply truth to your life it will give you freedom and clarity. <br />
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"Did you know this? You can be lied to; you can believe something to be true, but yet it's a lie. And that lie can get down into your spirit, and it can keep you goofed up and seeing things from the wrong point of view. You can remain wrong until it get plucked out and the right thing gets put inside your spirit." ~Robert <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Tilton</span>~ <br />
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It is so important to know Truth intimately so that we don't believe a lie or so that we will reject a lie when we hear one or when it tries to impose itself on us. I am so convinced that so many of our recurring problems can be resolved if we just seek truth, know it, and apply it in our lives, hearts, and situations. When we believe a lie it causes us to be in a continued state of darkness, blindness, deception, bondage, etc. It is only by receiving and applying truth that we are made free and no longer in bondage, darkness, deception, etc... I am reminded of the song I can see clearly now that's what happens when we believe, accept, receive, and apply truth to our lives. <br />
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I love these two verses: <br />
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(John 8:32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. <br />
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(Psalms 51:6) Behold, thou <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">desirest</span> truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. <br />
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If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-82145387158314223242009-12-08T13:04:00.001-05:002009-12-17T17:24:59.747-05:00A Spiritual War...I am constantly being reminded that we are in a Spiritual War -- our fight is not with flesh and blood (people) but it is with the devil and his demons (imps) -- powers, principalities, spiritual host of wickedness in heavenly places, rulers of darkness, etc. Our weapons are not carnal (of the flesh) -- 3 of our most powerful spiritual weapons are praise, prayer & the Word of God and we must speak the powerful Word of God and do what it says so we can overcome the enemy...<br />
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For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:12-18)<br />
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The moment we make another person our enemy that is the moment we get off track and we are fighting in the flesh when we should be fighting in the spirit because this is a spiritual war and we must use spiritual weapons to defeat the enemy. Amen!<br />
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Our Spiritual Weapons are found in the power of Praise (A Shout), The Word (declaring and doing), & Prayer. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:4-6)Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-42097974425498009972009-12-08T00:09:00.000-05:002009-12-08T00:09:21.775-05:00A Time Of Reflection!This year has been an interesting year for me and so much as happened but through it all I have learned to trust in God more and more. After all He has me in the palm of His hands, He holds my future, and He always does what is best for me and for His Glory! I have so much to write about all the things that has happened this year but perhaps I shall do it a little at a time or not at all. We shall see! However, I will say the first half of this year I was extremely busy and for the last couple of months or so I received the rest that God gave to me and I am grateful. I will say that through it all He has been faithful, merciful, gracious, loving, kind, and so good to me. I am nothing and no one without Him and I'm glad He is my Savior, My Friend, My Lord, My ALL...<br />
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I learned something very very important this year and it is we must always be watchful and in prayer and put on the whole armor of God everyday because we are in a spiritual war and the enemy will stop at nothing to try and take you out especially if you should be off your guard for just a little bit so I am learning to constantly be prayerful on my guard and dressed in the whole armor of God so I may do all and STAND in the midst of it all and through it all and give God the Glory. Amen!!! He is Worth It!!!Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-72970867490740324402009-11-03T21:29:00.001-05:002009-11-03T21:29:35.543-05:00Our Identity and Position In Christ.<span xmlns=''><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'><strong>The Christian's Scriptural Identity and Position<br /></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>The following statements summarize your scriptural identity and position in Christ and form the foundation for your freedom in Christ. Read these statements aloud often. If you are presently involved in a spiritual conflict read these statements aloud at least once each day for a month.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy; text-decoration:underline'><strong>Who Am I?<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy; text-decoration:underline'><strong>Exodus<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am Not the Great "I AM" (3:14; John 8:24, 28, 58), but by the grace of God, I am what I am (1Corinthians 15:10).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy; text-decoration:underline'><strong>Matthew<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am the salt of the earth (5:13).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am the light of the world (5:14).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy; text-decoration:underline'><strong>John<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a child of God (1:12).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am part of the true vine, a channel of Christ's life (15:1, 5).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am Christ's friend (15:15).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit (15:16).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'><span style='text-decoration:underline'><strong>Romans</strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a slave of righteousness (6:18).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am enslaved to God (6:22).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a son of God; God is spiritually my Father (8:14, 15; Galatians 3:26; 4:6).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am an heir of God and joint heir with Christ, sharing in His suffering and His inheritance with Him (8:17).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'><span style='text-decoration:underline'><strong>1Corinthians</strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a temple – a dwelling place – of God. His Spirit and His life dwell in me (3:16; 6:19).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am united to the Lord and am one spirit with Him (6:17).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a member of Christ's body (12:27; Ephesians 5:30).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy; text-decoration:underline'><strong>2Corinthians<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a new creation (5:17).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation (5:18, 19).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'><span style='text-decoration:underline'><strong>Galatians</strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a son of God and one in Christ (3:26, 28).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am an heir of God since I am a son of God (4:6, 7).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'><span style='text-decoration:underline'><strong>Ephesians</strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a saint (1:1; 1Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am God's workmanship – His handiwork – born anew in Christ to do His good work (2:10).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God's family (2:19).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a prisoner of Christ (3:1; 4:1).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a new man created according to God in true righteousness and holiness (4:24).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy; text-decoration:underline'><strong>Philippians<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a citizen of heaven, seated in the heavenly in Christ Jesus (3:20; Ephesians 2:6).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'><span style='text-decoration:underline'><strong>Colossians</strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am hidden with Christ in God (3:3).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is my life (3:4).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved (3:12; 1Thessalonians 1:4).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'><span style='text-decoration:underline'><strong>1Thessalonians</strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a son of light and of the day and not of the night nor of darkness (5:5).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'><span style='text-decoration:underline'><strong>Hebrews</strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a holy partaker of the heavenly calling (3:1).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a partaker of Christ; I share in His life (3:14).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy; text-decoration:underline'><strong>1Peter<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am one of God's living stones, being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (2:5).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that I may proclaim the praises of Him who called me out of darkness into His marvelous light, who once <em>were</em> not a people but <em>are</em> now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (2:9, 10).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a sojourner and pilgrim to this world in which I temporarily live (2:11).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am an enemy of the devil (5:8).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'><span style='text-decoration:underline'><strong>1John</strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am a child of God and I will resemble Christ when He returns (3:1, 2).<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy'>I am born of God, and the wicked one – the devil – cannot touch me (5:18).<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Lucida Calligraphy; font-size:10pt'>Compiled using Neil T. Anderson's book The Bondage Breaker, some of my personal wording, and The New King James Version of the Bible. </span></p></span>Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-26365684716657564722009-10-25T06:27:00.001-04:002009-10-25T06:27:00.261-04:00How Does A Person Respond To False Accusations?HOW DOES A PERSON RESPOND TO FALSE ACCUSATIONS?<br />
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BIBLE READING: Daniel 6:1-28<br />
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KEY BIBLE VERSE: So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the requirements of his religion.” (Daniel 6:5)<br />
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SILENCE IS OFTEN AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO FALSE ACCUSATIONS.<br />
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At this time, Daniel was over eighty years old and one of Darius’s top three administrators. He was working with those who did not believe in his God, but he worked more efficiently and capably than all the rest. Thus, he attracted the attention of the pagan king and earned a place of respect. He also attracted the envy of coworkers. These jealous officials couldn’t find anything about Daniel’s life to criticize, so they attacked his religion. If you face jealous critics because of your faith, be glad they’re criticizing that part of your life-perhaps they had to focus on your faith as a last resort! Respond by continuing to believe and live as you should. Then remember that God is in control, fighting this battle for you.<br />
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BIBLE READING: Psalm 35:1-28<br />
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KEY BIBLE VERSE: Malicious witnesses testify against me. They accuse me of things I don’t even know about. (Psalm 35:11)<br />
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PRAYER IS AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO ACCUSATIONS.<br />
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This is one of the “imprecatory” (cursing) psalms that call upon God to deal with enemies. These psalms sound extremely harsh, but we must remember: (1) David was fleeing from men who were unjustly seeking to kill him. As God’s anointed king over a nation called to annihilate the evil people of the land, David found it difficult to understand. (2) David’s call for justice was sincere; it was not a cover for vengeance. He truly wanted to seek God’s perfect ideal for his nation. (3) David did not say he would take vengeance, but gave the matter over to God. These are merely his suggestions. (4) These psalms use hyperbole (or overstatement). They were meant to motivate others to take a strong stand against sin and evil.<br />
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Cruelty is far removed from the experience of many, but it is a daily reality for others. God promises to help the persecuted and bring judgment on unrepentant sinners. David cried out to God to defend him when he was unjustly accused. When we pray for justice to be done, we are praying as David did. If you are unjustly accused, your natural reaction may be to lash out in revenge or to give a detailed defense of your every move. Ask God to fight the battle for you. He will clear your name in the eyes of those who really matter. When Christ returns, the wicked will be punished.<br />
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BIBLE READING: Matthew 5:1-16<br />
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KEY BIBLE VERSE: God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. (Matthew 5:11)<br />
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JOY IS AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO ACCUSATIONS.<br />
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Jesus said to rejoice when we’re persecuted. Persecution can be good because (1) it takes our eyes off earthly rewards, (2) it strips away superficial believers, (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure, and (4) it serves as an example for others to follow. We can take comfort in knowing that many of God’s greatest prophets were persecuted (Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel). Our persecution means we have shown ourselves faithful. In the future God will reward the faithful by letting them enter his eternal kingdom where there is no more persecution. <br />
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Taken from iLumina's Life Application ArticleLatoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-83178830177084535592009-10-23T15:00:00.001-04:002009-10-23T15:00:01.274-04:00WHAT OR WHO ARE THE SOURCES OF ACCUSATIONS?WHAT OR WHO ARE THE SOURCES OF ACCUSATIONS?<br />
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Zechariah 3:1 . . . Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. Satan was there at the angel’s right hand, accusing Jeshua of many things.<br />
Job 2:1 . . . One day the angels came again to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan the Accuser came with them.<br />
Revelation 12:9-11 . . . This great dragon-the ancient serpent called the Devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world-was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has happened at last-the salvation and power and kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ! For the Accuser has been thrown down to earth-the one who accused our brothers and sisters before our God day and night.”<br />
Satan is the ultimate false accuser. He makes believers doubt.<br />
John 7:7 . . . The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of sin and evil.<br />
Jesus is the ultimate true accuser of a sinful world. He helps doubters believe.<br />
John 8:9 . . . When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.<br />
Our own conscience can be our accuser, rising up to confront us in our sin.<br />
Deuteronomy 19:16 . . . If a malicious witness comes forward and accuses someone of a crime.<br />
Ezra 4:6 . . . Years later when Xerxes began his reign, the enemies of Judah wrote him a letter of accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.<br />
Our enemies often become our accusers, hoping we will stumble and fall.<br />
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HOW DO WE ACCUSE THE RIGHT WAY?<br />
Matthew 7:3-5 . . . Why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, ‘Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye; then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.<br />
John 8:7 . . . They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!”<br />
Self-examination should precede accusation. Perhaps then we will accuse ourselves of our wrongs instead of accusing others of lesser wrongs.<br />
1 Timothy 5:19 . . . Do not listen to complaints against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses to accuse him.<br />
Deuteronomy 19:15 . . . “Never convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of just one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”<br />
Multiple witnesses are necessary to more equitably determine the facts. Each succeeding witness reinforces the credibility of former witnesses.<br />
Leviticus 19:11 . . . Do not steal. Do not cheat one another. Do not lie.<br />
Proverbs 3:30 . . . Don’t make accusations against someone who hasn’t wronged you.<br />
We should never make false accusations. Accusing another falsely may cast suspicion on a person’s reputation, cheating that person of something precious.<br />
What are the consequences of falsely accusing others?<br />
Deuteronomy 19:16-20 . . . If a malicious witness comes forward and accuses someone of a crime, then both the accuser and accused must appear before the priests and judges who are on duty before the Lord. They must be closely questioned, and if the accuser is found to be lying, the accuser will receive the punishment intended for the accused.<br />
False accusations are as bad as the crime itself. Don’t accuse someone falsely. God may punish you with the punishment you intended for the other person.<br />
Jeremiah 37:13-16 . . . As he was walking through the Benjamin Gate, a sentry arrested him and said, “You are defecting to the Babylonians!” . . . “That’s not true!” Jeremiah protested. “I had no intention of doing any such thing.” But Irijah wouldn’t listen, and he took Jeremiah before the officials. They were furious with Jeremiah and had him flogged and imprisoned. . . . Jeremiah was put into a dungeon cell, where he remained for many days.<br />
1 Kings 21:10, 13, 19-21 . . . “Find two scoundrels who will accuse him of cursing God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” . . . Then two scoundrels accused him before all the people of cursing God and the king. So he was dragged outside the city and stoned to death.<br />
1 Peter 3:14 . . . Even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t be afraid and don’t worry.<br />
Although false accusations sometimes lead to unjust earthly punishments, the ultimate judge, holding both punishments and rewards, is God. As the just Judge, God will always bring justice. Sometimes his justice is swift. Sometimes it is deferred beyond this earth.<br />
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HOW SHOULD I RESPOND TO ACCUSATIONS AGAINST ME?<br />
Psalm 35:20-24 . . . They don’t talk of peace; they plot against innocent people who are minding their own business. They shout that they have seen me doing wrong. “Aha,” they say. “Aha! With our own eyes we saw him do it!” O Lord, you know all about this. . . . Rise to my defense! Take up my case, my God and my Lord. Declare me “not guilty,” O Lord my God, for you give justice. Don’t let my enemies laugh about me in my troubles.<br />
Realize that God has full knowledge of the accusation and the truth, and that he has the authority and ability to handle the situation. If you are innocent, leave justice with God.<br />
Psalm 119:78 . . . Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.<br />
Nehemiah 6:8-9 . . . My reply was, “You know you are lying. There is no truth in any part of your story.” They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could break our resolve and stop the work. So I prayed for strength to continue the work.<br />
Don’t become so focused on the accusation that you forget about God. Take the matter to him and get strength from him.<br />
Genesis 3:11-13 . . . “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten the fruit I commanded you not to eat?” “Yes,” Adam admitted, “but it was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God asked the woman, “How could you do such a thing?” “The serpent tricked me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”<br />
Hosea 4:4 . . . “Don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame! Look, you priests, my complaint is with you!”<br />
There are times when we should accept the blame that is rightfully ours.<br />
Luke 12:11-12 . . . “When you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about what to say in your defense, for the Holy Spirit will teach you what needs to be said even as you are standing there.”<br />
Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in responding to accusations. He may give you help you never thought possible.<br />
Matthew 27:12-14 . . . When the leading priests and other leaders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. “Don’t you hear their many charges against you?” Pilate demanded. But Jesus said nothing, much to the governor’s great surprise.<br />
In some instances it is best to remain silent. There are times when your silence shouts your innocence.<br />
Matthew 5:11 . . . “God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers.”<br />
Jesus was mocked and persecuted. His followers should expect the same. But God will bless us when we are persecuted for Jesus’ sake.<br />
1 Peter 2:12, 15 . . . Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world. It is God’s will that your good lives should silence those who make foolish accusations against you.<br />
Continue to live an honorable life before your accusers. Christlikeness is magnetic. You may attract the accuser to the Savior.<br />
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PROMISES FROM GOD:<br />
Romans 8:33-34 . . . Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? Will God? No! He is the one who has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? Will Christ Jesus? No, for he is the one who died for us and was raised to life for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us.<br />
1 Peter 3:16 . . . Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak evil against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.<br />
Colossians 1:22 . . . Now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. <br />
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Taken from iLuminaLatoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-84484683058485824252009-10-21T02:20:00.004-04:002009-10-21T02:20:52.511-04:00The Word Of God on Jealousy!Jealousy is one of the most common emotions, but we often fail to see how it can also be one of the most dangerous. We’re jealous of those who have better houses, nicer cars, more vacation time, more attractive spouses, happier families, more talents. Jealousy is an emotion of passion, and jealousy uncontrolled leads to passionate hate. If allowed to go that far, it can drive an inflamed person to kill, as Cain killed Abel. Short of that, families have been broken, businesses poisoned, relationships destroyed through jealousy.<br />
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WHY IS OUR JEALOUSY SO DANGEROUS?<br />
Proverbs 14:30 . . . A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.<br />
Jealousy brings decay to our lives because it causes us to focus on anger and bitterness.<br />
Proverbs 27:4 . . . Anger is cruel . . . but who can survive the destructiveness of jealousy?<br />
Genesis 13:7 . . . An argument broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot.<br />
Jealousy tears families and friends apart. Jealousy drove Lot’s herdsmen to fight with his uncle Abram’s herdsmen.<br />
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WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT GOD IS “A JEALOUS GOD”?<br />
Exodus 34:14 . . . You must worship no other gods, but only the Lord, for he is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you.<br />
Deuteronomy 5:9 . . . I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god!<br />
Deuteronomy 32:21 . . . They have roused my jealousy by worshiping non-gods.<br />
Zechariah 1:14 . . . This is what the Lord Almighty says: My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong.<br />
When people give their honor, praise, and love to other things, God is jealous that the honor due him has been squandered elsewhere. Because God deserves all our honor, praise, and love, this is an honest recognition of what he deserves.<br />
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WHERE DOES JEALOUSY TAKE US? WHAT CAN HAPPEN NEXT?<br />
Proverbs 12:12 . . . Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, while the godly bear their own fruit.<br />
Thieves steal from others in response to their jealousy and lust for someone else’s money. Generous people, on the other hand, love to give and that becomes their driving force in life.<br />
Genesis 4:4-8 . . . The Lord accepted Abel’s offering, but he did not accept Cain’s. This made Cain very angry.<br />
Acts 17:5-6 . . . The Jewish leaders were jealous, so they gathered some worthless fellows from the streets to form a mob . . . They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas . . . Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason.<br />
Jealousy for attention or affection can drive a person to extreme action, even seeking to harm or kill others.<br />
Galatians 5:22-26 . . . When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us.<br />
When we seek the character traits that come from the Holy Spirit, we are spared from petty human jealousy and the hard feelings that come from the competition for honor and popularity.<br />
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NOTICE THE PROGRESSION OF JEALOUSY IN THE LIFE OF KING SAUL.<br />
1 Samuel 18:7-8 . . . This was their song: “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” This made Saul very angry.<br />
Saul suddenly became afraid David might replace him.<br />
1 Samuel 18:9-10 . . . From that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David . . . A tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul.<br />
Saul was tormented by a jealous spirit.<br />
1 Samuel 18:10-11 . . . Saul, who had a spear in his hand, suddenly hurled it at David.<br />
Saul’s jealousy led him to uncontrolled rage.<br />
1 Samuel 18:12 . . . Saul was afraid of him.<br />
Jealousy brought great fear to Saul. The selfish pursuit of harming David became Saul’s lifelong passion.<br />
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PROMISE FROM GOD:<br />
Mark 11:24-25 . . . Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. <br />
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Taken from iLumina's Life Application ArticleLatoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-90356113030440088012009-10-14T00:47:00.000-04:002009-10-14T00:47:53.968-04:00We Must Be Spiritually Dressed In The Full Armor Of God Daily!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints</strong></span> <br />
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(Ephesians 6:11-18)Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-58150628438762085632009-08-18T23:43:00.000-04:002009-08-18T23:43:53.093-04:00"Daily Confession of Faith"<span style="color: blue;"><strong>This has been such a blessing to me personally and I wanted to share it!</strong></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>In Christ I am anointed and a powerful person of God.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>I am a joint-heir with Jesus and more than a conqueror.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>I am a doer of the Word of God and a channel for His blessings.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>If God be for me, who can be against me?</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>I am blessed coming in and I am blessed going out.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>My enemies are fleeing before me. God has commanded His blessing on my storehouses.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>He has opened His good treasures and I shall lend and not borrow.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>I am the head and not the tail.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>He has given me power to make wealth</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>I dwell in the secret place I have His protection and provision.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>God is my refuge, my fortress I am not afraid of the snare of fowler. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>No evil shall befall me and no plague shall come nigh my dwelling.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>God has given His angels charge over me and they are bearing me up in their hands lest I dash my foot against a stone, as declared in Psalm 91.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>1 Peter 2:9 establishes I am a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>I am a peculiar person called out of darkness into His marvelous light.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>1 Peter 2:24 states, I have been healed by the stripes of Jesus. Cancer, sugar diabetes, heart disease, sickness, afflictions, infections, or any other disease can not enter my body.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>I am without spot or blemish, an intercessor, the righteousness of God, saved, and washed in the Blood of Jesus.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>"No weapon formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against me in judgement You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their Righteousness is from Me,"Says the LORD. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>I am saved from wrath by Him and justified by the Blood of the Lamb.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Lord, I pray that those may prosper that love Jerusalem and that peace will be within them and prosperity in their houses according to Psalm 122:6-9</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
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<strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!</strong></span></div><br />
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AMEN!!!!!!!<br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;">Taken from the book of Prayers</span></em>Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-85538868268831454292009-08-13T19:03:00.001-04:002009-08-13T19:30:40.345-04:00Love Never Fails!!!<em><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Love, God's unconditional Love in us and through us is the answer to overcome all the disappointments, hurts, pains, setbacks, misunderstandings, and everything we experience in life that tend to give us a negative side-effect. Thank You, Father, for teaching me more and more each day, week, month, and year to Love unconditional as you have loved us. I am beginining to understand more and more why the greatest comandment is to Love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and the second greatest comandment is to Love my neighbor as myself. Thank You, Holy Spirit for teaching me and giving me understanding and the chance to show the proper application!!!</span></strong></em><br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color:purple;">1 Corinthians 13 (NIV)</span></strong></em><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:magenta;"><strong>Love</strong> </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#660000;">1. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. </span><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#660000;">4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. </span><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#660000;">8. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10. but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. </span><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#660000;">13.And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.</span>Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31667906.post-16643947025794279332009-08-13T01:52:00.001-04:002009-08-13T01:52:14.664-04:00It’s a Brand New Day!<span xmlns=''><p><span style='color:#c00000; font-size:12pt'><span style='text-decoration:underline'><strong>A Brand New Day</strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><span style='color:#c00000; font-size:12pt'>It's a brand new day and I'm giving God the praise. He is worthy of all the praise, worship, adoration, love, and all that I have to give Him. As long as I live I will bless the Lord at all times and His praise shall continually be in my mouth!!! God is so good and there is none like Him!!! Hallelujah!!!<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#c00000; font-size:12pt'>I am thanking God for the test and the trials because they have made me stronger and better for His Glory, for my good, and to bless others. I thank God for removing every hindrance and roadblocks that has been unproductive in my life and not needed to fulfill the vision He has written down for me before the world began... My life was, is now, and will always be in His Hands. There is no other place that I would rather be. I am very safe in His arms. Thank YOU, FATHER, for holding me, for keeping me, for comforting me, for sheltering me, for guiding me, for understanding me, for loving me unconditionally, for always being there, for changing me, for maturing me, for taking care of me, and doing what is best for me even when it hurts and I don't understand it. You are the Sovereign God, the Great I Am, the Living Word... I am so grateful to be called your own! I am so grateful that you saved me, healed me, delivered me, washed me in the precious blood of Jesus, took my sin and shame, gave me a brand new name and now I'll never be the same... Hallelujah!!! My chains are gone, I've got a brand new song, I'm finally free and I will NEVER be BOUND again... I've got my LIBERTY, FINALLY, FINALLY, FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#c00000; font-size:12pt'>Thank You, Lord, for setting this captive free and I will now and forever live to Love, Serve, and Worship You daily and Minister to those who are lost, dying, bound, and hurting according to the leading and guiding of Your Holy Spirit, through the gifting and the anointing that You have place in me, to give back to You. Have Your Way and let Your Will be done always and forever, in Jesus' Name! AMEN!!!!!!!!!<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#c00000; font-size:12pt'>TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!!!!<br /></span></p></span>Latoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01482665927764415033noreply@blogger.com0