EVERLASTING LOVE!

A Beautiful Love Letter...

2012-01-28T14:19:00.001-05:00

My Child....
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty GOD

WOW!

2011-10-29T18:01:00.001-04:00

POWERFUL!!!

Wow! Watch this! Eye opener!
This is truth communicated in such a thought-provoking way. There is hope!

For more information visit Heart Changer.

I Belong To Him!

2011-10-17T17:26:00.002-04:00

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!

Divorce/Remarriage??? What does the Bible say?

2011-10-03T16:45:00.001-04:00

Divorce/Remarriage??? What doesthe Bible say?

"Furthermoreit has been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate ofdivorce.' But I say to you thatwhoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her tocommit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery. (Matthew5:31-32 NKJV)

So He saidto them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marriesanother commits adultery against her. And if awoman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."(Mark10:11-12 NKJV)

"Whoeverdivorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries herwho is divorced from herhusband commits adultery. (Luke16:18 NKJV)

Example:

Tim and Susan are married. Susan had an affair in therelationship. Tim divorces Susan because of her marital unfaithfulness.
Scenario 1: Tim marries anotherwoman name Sally. Sally was never married before. Sin or no sin? Adultery or no adultery?

Scenario 2: Tim marries anotherwoman name Sally. Sally was married before but is now divorced. Sally isdivorced because she committed adultery against her husband in her previousmarriage. Sin or no? Adultery or not?

Scenario 3: Tim and Sally getsmarried. Both Tim and Sally were previously married and both of them divorcedtheir spouse due to the fact that their spouse both committed adultery againstthem in their previous marriage. Sin or no? Adultery or no?

Should any of theabove scenarios even matter?

Summary:

Is the sin based upon the one who committed the adulterousact in the marriage which would lead to the divorce? Therefore would the sin be on the one whocommitted the act and as a result should not remarry or he or she will be committingadultery? And is the one who did not commit the adulterous act free to remarrywithout it being accounted to him or her as sin/adultery?

Maybe a valid point/ Just my thoughts and opinion:

Ithink it is just this simple... If you are married and get a divorce because ofinfidelity, you should not remarry period. I think 1 Corinthians 7:10-12 supports this point: "Now to the married I command, yetnot I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But evenif she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to herhusband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. But to the rest I,not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she iswilling to live with him, let him not divorce her. "

The Answer:

The answerlies in defining the word "adultery." What is an adultery?

Adultery according to Easton's Bible Dictionary is

— conjugal infidelity.An adulterer was a man who had illicit intercourse with a married or abetrothed woman, and such a woman was an adulteress. Intercourse between amarried man and an unmarried woman was fornication. Adultery was regarded as agreat social wrong, as well as a great sin.

Now go backto the scripture verses and reread them with this definition of adultery inmind.

ThereforeMarriage is to be regarded as a covenant relationship. So much so that even ifyou get a "divorce," you are still married to that person until deathdo you part. A divorce is simply one ofthe party dismissing the other party or separation from each other. You arestill married because of the covenant/vow that you spoke before God and to eachother.

This revealsto us God's character. He is a covenant keeping God. He is faithful! Whenever he makes a covenant he never goesback on the deal. He is faithful to it and remains faithful even when the otherparty decides to (divorce) dismiss or walk away from the covenant. I believeGod desires us to do the same. He wants us to remain faithful to the covenantthat we make with each other in marriage regardless of what your spouse doeswrong and even if they divorce you, you are still to remain faithful and notremarry.

Last point it is very important to pay attention to this:

Matthew19:3-9 NKJV The Pharisees alsocame to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, "Is it lawful for a man todivorce his wife for just anyreason?" (4) And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning'MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE,' (5) and said, 'FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER ANDMOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH' ? (6) So then, they are nolonger two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not manseparate." (7) They saidto Him, "Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, andto put her away?" (8) He said tothem, "Moses, because of the hardness of yourhearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was notso. (9) 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 commitsadultery."

Conclusion

It isimportant to note that from the very beginning God intended that a marriagecovenant be established between a man and woman for a lifetime. Divorce wasnever intended by God. It is important to note what Jesus said in verse 8, thatMoses permitted divorce because of hardness of hearts. Which means that you canalways work out your marriage with your spouse regardless of what has happenedif you will not allow your heart to become hard (callous, unforgiving, unrepentant,etc.).

Furthermore,God is married to the backslider. Even all the more we should realize that justbecause we think something is invalid does not make it invalid. Everything hasto be judged according to the word. Marriage is something that was established and ordained by God,therefore man's thoughts, opinions, and or actions cannot invalidate it, negateit or cause it to become invalid. WOW! That's why He said What instead ofWho... The what being the institution of marriage... "What God has joinedtogether 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.

Correction

2011-07-16T15:11:00.003-04:00

Correction is Biblical!

"For whom the Lord love He reproves, even as a father the son in whom he delights."
Proverbs 3:12

"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."
Job 5:17-18

"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."
Psalm 94:12-13

"But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world."
1 Corinthians 11:32

"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."
2 Corinthians 4:16-17

"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."
Hebrews 12:5-11

Things Parents Should Do For Their Children.

2011-03-15T22:26:00.004-04:00

Things parents should do for their children:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

10. Be Consistent.

True Repentance!

2010-11-22T20:12:00.000-05:00

Thought For Today:

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.

Characteristics of the Jezebel Spirit!

2010-08-24T14:16:00.000-04:00

Characteristics of the Jezebel Spirit:

1. It is a satanic evil spirit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

7. Carriers of this spirit are sexually perverted: fornicators, adulterers, lesbians, homosexuals, bestiality, etc.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 intimated, 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.)

My Birthday Is JULY 3rd!!!

2010-06-19T14:42:00.000-04:00

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: pastor@fgbbi.org. Or if you just want to do it without making it a surprise you may email me at toya0703@msn.com or leave a comment on this post... Thank you :-)

Birthday Wish List on Amazon

Can God Be Trusted?

2010-04-12T12:50:00.001-04:00

"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~

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.

My Response:

Yes, I have wondered about the same exact things. Some of my conculsions are as follows:

1. We live in a sin sick world.

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."

3. Study the life of Job

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.

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...

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.....

Are You Offended???

2010-04-11T01:46:00.000-04:00

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~

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 Bevere~

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.

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?

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 satan sent to us to trap us in his sick and twisted schemes. That's right satan - the Father of lies (He is a Liar and the truth is never and can never be found in him), he (satan) 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.

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 overcomers 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.

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!!!!!!

An Expression Of LOVE!!!

2010-04-02T11:15:00.002-04:00

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 Everlasting Life.

Because of Jesus Christ!

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, Laugh, and Sing! Because of You, there is a sweet melody in my heart! Because 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!!!

Truth and Wisdom!

2010-03-30T04:11:00.000-04:00

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.

"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 Tilton~

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.

I love these two verses:

(John 8:32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

(Psalms 51:6) Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

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)

A Spiritual War...

2009-12-08T13:04:00.001-05:00

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...

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)

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!

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)

A Time Of Reflection!

2009-12-08T00:09:00.000-05:00

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...

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!!!

Our Identity and Position In Christ.

2009-11-03T21:29:00.001-05:00

The Christian's Scriptural Identity and Position

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.

Who Am I?

Exodus

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).

Matthew

I am the salt of the earth (5:13).

I am the light of the world (5:14).

John

I am a child of God (1:12).

I am part of the true vine, a channel of Christ's life (15:1, 5).

I am Christ's friend (15:15).

I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit (15:16).

Romans

I am a slave of righteousness (6:18).

I am enslaved to God (6:22).

I am a son of God; God is spiritually my Father (8:14, 15; Galatians 3:26; 4:6).

I am an heir of God and joint heir with Christ, sharing in His suffering and His inheritance with Him (8:17).

1Corinthians

I am a temple – a dwelling place – of God. His Spirit and His life dwell in me (3:16; 6:19).

I am united to the Lord and am one spirit with Him (6:17).

I am a member of Christ's body (12:27; Ephesians 5:30).

2Corinthians

I am a new creation (5:17).

I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation (5:18, 19).

Galatians

I am a son of God and one in Christ (3:26, 28).

I am an heir of God since I am a son of God (4:6, 7).

Ephesians

I am a saint (1:1; 1Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2).

I am God's workmanship – His handiwork – born anew in Christ to do His good work (2:10).

I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God's family (2:19).

I am a prisoner of Christ (3:1; 4:1).

I am a new man created according to God in true righteousness and holiness (4:24).

Philippians

I am a citizen of heaven, seated in the heavenly in Christ Jesus (3:20; Ephesians 2:6).

Colossians

I am hidden with Christ in God (3:3).

I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is my life (3:4).

I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved (3:12; 1Thessalonians 1:4).

1Thessalonians

I am a son of light and of the day and not of the night nor of darkness (5:5).

Hebrews

I am a holy partaker of the heavenly calling (3:1).

I am a partaker of Christ; I share in His life (3:14).

1Peter

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).

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 were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (2:9, 10).

I am a sojourner and pilgrim to this world in which I temporarily live (2:11).

I am an enemy of the devil (5:8).

1John

I am a child of God and I will resemble Christ when He returns (3:1, 2).

I am born of God, and the wicked one – the devil – cannot touch me (5:18).

Compiled using Neil T. Anderson's book The Bondage Breaker, some of my personal wording, and The New King James Version of the Bible.

How Does A Person Respond To False Accusations?

2009-10-25T06:27:00.001-04:00

HOW DOES A PERSON RESPOND TO FALSE ACCUSATIONS?

BIBLE READING: Daniel 6:1-28

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)

SILENCE IS OFTEN AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO FALSE ACCUSATIONS.

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.

BIBLE READING: Psalm 35:1-28

KEY BIBLE VERSE: Malicious witnesses testify against me. They accuse me of things I don’t even know about. (Psalm 35:11)

PRAYER IS AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO ACCUSATIONS.

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.

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.

BIBLE READING: Matthew 5:1-16

KEY BIBLE VERSE: God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. (Matthew 5:11)

JOY IS AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO ACCUSATIONS.

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.

Taken from iLumina's Life Application Article

WHAT OR WHO ARE THE SOURCES OF ACCUSATIONS?

2009-10-23T15:00:00.001-04:00

WHAT OR WHO ARE THE SOURCES OF ACCUSATIONS?

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.
Job 2:1 . . . One day the angels came again to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan the Accuser came with them.
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.”
Satan is the ultimate false accuser. He makes believers doubt.
John 7:7 . . . The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of sin and evil.
Jesus is the ultimate true accuser of a sinful world. He helps doubters believe.
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.
Our own conscience can be our accuser, rising up to confront us in our sin.
Deuteronomy 19:16 . . . If a malicious witness comes forward and accuses someone of a crime.
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.
Our enemies often become our accusers, hoping we will stumble and fall.

HOW DO WE ACCUSE THE RIGHT WAY?
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.
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!”
Self-examination should precede accusation. Perhaps then we will accuse ourselves of our wrongs instead of accusing others of lesser wrongs.
1 Timothy 5:19 . . . Do not listen to complaints against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses to accuse him.
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.”
Multiple witnesses are necessary to more equitably determine the facts. Each succeeding witness reinforces the credibility of former witnesses.
Leviticus 19:11 . . . Do not steal. Do not cheat one another. Do not lie.
Proverbs 3:30 . . . Don’t make accusations against someone who hasn’t wronged you.
We should never make false accusations. Accusing another falsely may cast suspicion on a person’s reputation, cheating that person of something precious.
What are the consequences of falsely accusing others?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

HOW SHOULD I RESPOND TO ACCUSATIONS AGAINST ME?
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.
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.
Psalm 119:78 . . . Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
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.
Don’t become so focused on the accusation that you forget about God. Take the matter to him and get strength from him.
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.”
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!”
There are times when we should accept the blame that is rightfully ours.
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.”
Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in responding to accusations. He may give you help you never thought possible.
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.
In some instances it is best to remain silent. There are times when your silence shouts your innocence.
Matthew 5:11 . . . “God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers.”
Jesus was mocked and persecuted. His followers should expect the same. But God will bless us when we are persecuted for Jesus’ sake.
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.
Continue to live an honorable life before your accusers. Christlikeness is magnetic. You may attract the accuser to the Savior.

PROMISES FROM GOD:
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.
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.
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.

Taken from iLumina

The Word Of God on Jealousy!

2009-10-21T02:20:00.004-04:00

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.

WHY IS OUR JEALOUSY SO DANGEROUS?
Proverbs 14:30 . . . A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.
Jealousy brings decay to our lives because it causes us to focus on anger and bitterness.
Proverbs 27:4 . . . Anger is cruel . . . but who can survive the destructiveness of jealousy?
Genesis 13:7 . . . An argument broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot.
Jealousy tears families and friends apart. Jealousy drove Lot’s herdsmen to fight with his uncle Abram’s herdsmen.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT GOD IS “A JEALOUS GOD”?
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.
Deuteronomy 5:9 . . . I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god!
Deuteronomy 32:21 . . . They have roused my jealousy by worshiping non-gods.
Zechariah 1:14 . . . This is what the Lord Almighty says: My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong.
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.

WHERE DOES JEALOUSY TAKE US? WHAT CAN HAPPEN NEXT?
Proverbs 12:12 . . . Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, while the godly bear their own fruit.
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.
Genesis 4:4-8 . . . The Lord accepted Abel’s offering, but he did not accept Cain’s. This made Cain very angry.
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.
Jealousy for attention or affection can drive a person to extreme action, even seeking to harm or kill others.
Galatians 5:22-26 . . . When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us.
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.

NOTICE THE PROGRESSION OF JEALOUSY IN THE LIFE OF KING SAUL.
1 Samuel 18:7-8 . . . This was their song: “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” This made Saul very angry.
Saul suddenly became afraid David might replace him.
1 Samuel 18:9-10 . . . From that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David . . . A tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul.
Saul was tormented by a jealous spirit.
1 Samuel 18:10-11 . . . Saul, who had a spear in his hand, suddenly hurled it at David.
Saul’s jealousy led him to uncontrolled rage.
1 Samuel 18:12 . . . Saul was afraid of him.
Jealousy brought great fear to Saul. The selfish pursuit of harming David became Saul’s lifelong passion.

PROMISE FROM GOD:
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.

Taken from iLumina's Life Application Article

We Must Be Spiritually Dressed In The Full Armor Of God Daily!!!

2009-10-14T00:47:00.000-04:00

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

(Ephesians 6:11-18)

It's Good to Laugh!!!

2009-10-10T13:55:00.001-04:00

"Daily Confession of Faith"

2009-08-18T23:43:00.000-04:00

This has been such a blessing to me personally and I wanted to share it!

In Christ I am anointed and a powerful person of God.

I am a joint-heir with Jesus and more than a conqueror.

I am a doer of the Word of God and a channel for His blessings.

If God be for me, who can be against me?

I am blessed coming in and I am blessed going out.

My enemies are fleeing before me. God has commanded His blessing on my storehouses.

He has opened His good treasures and I shall lend and not borrow.

I am the head and not the tail.

He has given me power to make wealth

I dwell in the secret place I have His protection and provision.

God is my refuge, my fortress I am not afraid of the snare of fowler.

No evil shall befall me and no plague shall come nigh my dwelling.

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.

1 Peter 2:9 establishes I am a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.

I am a peculiar person called out of darkness into His marvelous light.

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.

I am without spot or blemish, an intercessor, the righteousness of God, saved, and washed in the Blood of Jesus.

"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.

I am saved from wrath by Him and justified by the Blood of the Lamb.

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

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

AMEN!!!!!!!

Taken from the book of Prayers

Love Never Fails!!!

2009-08-13T19:03:00.001-04:00

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!!!

1 Corinthians 13 (NIV)

Love

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.

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.

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.

13.And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

It’s a Brand New Day!

2009-08-13T01:52:00.001-04:00

A Brand New Day

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!!!

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!!!!!!!!

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!!!!!!!!!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!!!!

Truer Words Were Never Spoken

2009-08-08T16:13:00.001-04:00

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve.
Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity.
An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people.
As you grow, your associates will change.
Some of your friends will not want you to go on.
They will want you to stay where they are.
Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl.
Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream.
Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.

Consider this:
Never receive counsel from unproductive people.
Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how.
Not everyone has a right to speak into your life.
You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.
Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere.

With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it.
Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life.
Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.
If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.
"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses."
The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad.

Note: Be not mistaken.
This is applicable to family as well as friends.
Yes...do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they will always be your family no matter what.
Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above.

"In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us.
In Adversity We Know Our Friends."

"Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them."

"If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.".......................Colin Powell

Exciting News!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-05T02:34:00.000-04:00

We are excited to announce that we have just celebrated our very first Full Gospel Baptist Bible Institute Graduation. It was awesome!!!!!!!!!!! People were truly blessed and very grateful!!!! We are so thankful to God for doing what He wants to do through us and the ministry that He has called us to. May He and Him alone be glorified in all that was said and done and may He always be glorified in all that we put our hands to in Jesus' Name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It isn't always easy to serve the Lord, because in this life we will have tribulations but He tells us to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world... Amen!!!!! It wasn't easy but it was worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are now looking forward to the upcoming school year and we are excited. Enrollment is now open and we have 3 locations for your convienence. If you are interested in our Bible Institute Ministry or know someone who is, please feel free to visit us on the web at FGBBI, you can also email us at Administrator, or you may call us at the number on our website. Thank you!

Pictures are currently available online for your viewing of our Graduation Banquet and Ceremony, please feel free to stop by and view them. Click Here to see the pictures of our event that took place on Sunday, August 2, 2009. Be Blessed!

Bitter Vs. Better!

2009-07-28T19:14:00.001-04:00

Don’t Be Bitter, Be Better!

Bitter people are cold; Better people are warm!

Bitter people are mean; Better people are kind!

Bitter people are hateful; Better people are forgiving!

Bitter people are angry; Better people are loving!

Bitter people are selfish; Better people are selfless!

Bitter people are sarcastic; Better people are encouraging!

Bitter people are harsh; Better people are gentle!

Bitter people are miserable; Better people are happy!

Bitter people are regretful; Better people are hopeful!

Bitter people are pessimistic; Better people are optimistic!

Bitter people are spiteful /vindictive; Better people are merciful!

Bitter people are prideful; Better people are humble!

Bitter people stay the same; Better people are always growing/changing!

Bitter people tear down; Better people build up!

Bitter people give up easily; Better people endure!

Bitter people focus on what is seen; Better people trust in the unseen!

Bitter people are offended; Better people are grateful!

Bitter people are deceitful; Better people are genuine!

Bitter people are hardhearted; Better people are compassionate!

So much more can be added to this list but I will stop right there with this scripture:

(1 Peter 4:8)
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "LOVE WILL COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS."

On My Mind!

2009-07-25T17:10:00.000-04:00

The following poem has been on my mind lately.

I can definitely relate to the words that the author wrote. The words that have been standing out the most is I Rise and it's a reminder to me that no matter what I may go through it is only going to cause me to be better so much better because Greater is He who lives in me than he who lives in the world. I don't need to be afraid or dismayed but know that what the devil meant for evil God is working ALL together for GOOD. My name is VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame

I rise

Up from a past that's rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise.

Maya Angelou

God Is Good!!!

2009-07-25T17:03:00.002-04:00

Life is filled with ups and downs but one thing still remains the same -- God is Good!

Life can be filled with so much pain but we can be assured that joy comes in the morning!

Life can be strange sometimes but we know that all things work together for good!

Life can be bitter sometimes but we know that God is sweeter than the honey comb!

Life can throw you curve balls sometimes but we know that God remains the same -- He never changes!

Life can seem confusing at times but we know that God is not the Author of confusion and He who began a good work in you will continue to perform it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Life can seem too difficult to live at times but we know that His yoke is easy and His burdens are light.

Life can make you want to give up sometimes but we know that we shall live and not die and declare the works of the Lord and he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty God.

I Like These C.S. Lewis Quotes!

2009-07-25T17:02:00.002-04:00

1) “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

2)"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell."

3) "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

4) "If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning."

5) " If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair."

6) "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this."

7) “There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way”

8) “To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”

9)~ You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. ~

10) “Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained”

11) “Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.”

12)~ Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You, too? Thought I was the only one." ~

13)~ You cannot go on 'explaining away' for ever: you will find that you have explained explanation itself away. You cannot go on 'seeing through' things for ever. The whole point of seeing through something is to see something through it. ~

14)~ When we lose one blessing, another is often, most unexpectedly, given in its place. ~

15)~ God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain ~

16) ~ Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward. ~

17) ~ Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods

18) ~ I have learned now that while those who speak about one’s miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more. ~

19) "Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it."

20) " Are not all lifelong friendships born at the moment when at last you meet another human being who has some inkling of that something which you were born desiring, and which, beneath the flux of other desires and in all the momentary silences between the louder passions, night and day, year by year, from childhood to old age, you are looking for, watching for, listening for?"

A Challenge In My Thinking Is Changing My Perspective!

2009-07-25T17:01:00.002-04:00

Have you ever set standard(s) for yourself that you thought were easy to attain and anyone should be able to live up to them but then you found out that not even you can live up to your own standard(s)?

What do you do?

Do you allow truth to come in so you can see the error of your ways and apply truth to correct it or lie to yourself and stay in a state of deception.

My point here is not so much that it's wrong to have standards but where did they come from? Are they coming from God, His Word, and His principles. Or are they standards born out of shame, guilt, hurt, and pain. If it's the latter then your standards will always reproduce what it was birth from i.e. hurt, pain, death, guilt, shame, etc... If it's the former then it will bring forth life, health, liberty, peace, joy, happiness and all things good. Don't be a victim! Be a Victor and an Overcomer!!!

The Word is always True:

Isaiah 55:8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.

Isaiah 55:9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works Which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us Cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered.

Blogging!!!

2009-07-25T16:45:00.002-04:00

To those of you who read my blog, thank you. I am sorry that I have not been posting. I have been really preocuppied with many things but I have been spending more time with facebook. I really like that network, it's very nice! However, I will be posting here again on a more regular basis and soon I hope. I have a lot to say and I have written alot of things. So I will start posting them here as well. Pictures are coming as well! Anyway, I hope all is doing well, and please check back soon :-). Thank you!!!

Victory Defined!

2009-03-23T18:12:00.003-04:00

Victory is not determined by what I think, see, or feel but only by what God declared. He says that I am Victorious because of Jesus Christ!!!

(1 Corinthians 15:57) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

A New Meme

2009-01-04T01:38:00.001-05:00

I was tagged in the meme started by my sister in Christ over at Caribbean Shulamite and the name of it is Marvelous Musings.

Here are the guidlines:

1. In your post include a link back to the person who has tagged you.

2. Post one of your intriguing, or shocking, or challenging passages/verses of scripture from the Bible, showing scripture references (chapter and verse) and Bible version.

3. (Optional) You may choose to state what you currently understand it to mean; You may also encourage others to comment or share on what they understand that excerpt to mean.

4. Tag at least 5 or more new people to participate.

Here is my Marvelous Musing:

I recommend reading Matthew 5-7 -- I won't post all three chapters but I will post a couple scriptures that has stood out to me for a long time now.

Matthew 7:22-23(NKJV) Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' (23) And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

Me:

This scripture has always stood out to me because of the very fact that the people who will say this to Jesus are those who believe that they are saved/Christians. Notice how Jesus said many -- so we are not talking about just a small group of people here. It makes me very careful not to get caught up in the workings or manifestations of signs and wonders done through others or even this vessel as the Lord would see fit. It makes me very aware of how much I need to rely upon the Holy Spirit's leading and guiding and also to be ever so careful and make sure that I am growing in my relationship with the Lord and doing what His Word says to do. This passage of scripture came after Jesus gave the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5). He was encouraging the listeners to live according to those words and their intimate relationship with Him rather than relying upon external works to save them or make them saved. Notice what the many will say, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" We must be very careful not to mistaken good works or workings of the Holy Spirit through us for our intimacy with God and walking in obedience to His Word. Others should recongnize us by our fruit (fruit of the Spirit). I believe our most important priority in our Christian walk is our relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. When we put God first in all things everything else flows and not the other way around. We must remember that God spoke through a donkey so however He choses to work is solely up to Him.

That's all for now. I tag anyone that comes across this post and would like to participate in the meme.

I welcome any comment on my musings. ;-)

Thank you!

Amazing!!!

2008-12-31T12:52:00.000-05:00

Because of Christ

2008-12-27T22:39:00.001-05:00

THE BELL

I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are?

Keep this bell ringing...pass it on
'The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
And give you peace...
Numbers 6:24-26

It's Been 6 Months!

2008-11-28T21:49:00.001-05:00

For those who are following -- it has been 6 months now since I began locing my hair. It has been quite a journey inwardly and outwardly. I say that because somehow my hair has always reflected outwardly what God is doing in my life inwardly. I am going through a transformation just like a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly and this is only the beginning. This collage is compiled with pictures from months 3 through 6. Let me know what you think! I am loving it!

How to Raise a Brat.

2008-11-20T20:32:00.000-05:00

Here is an interesting post I saw on a sister site and I thought that it was pretty good and accurate:

So many today have been successful at raising brats. Here's some of the finest advice you'll ever receive on how to raise a brat:

1. WHEN A BABY, DON'T LET HIM CRY IN BED Do not allow YOUR baby to suffer any hardships, especially in infancy. Run to his aid as soon as he cries. He'll soon know how to control you, rather than you controlling him. This way, they'll expect to be pampered all of their lives.

2. LET HIM SAY "NO" It's so cute. Let that be his favorite word. Sure, it's rebellion verbalized, but he should be allowed to have a mind of his own.

3. DO NOT GIVE ANY DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES Do it all for them. Then they'll think this world owes them a living. They'll quickly join the crowd of grown up babies shouting, "I've got my rights," rather than those who are men and women enough to fulfill their responsibilities.

4. NEVER SPANK THEM When the senior citizens today speak of spanking as being "the way we used to do it," remember, grandma and grandpa were "child abusers." Don't ever discipline your child. Wait till they're in trouble, and let the penal system (prisons and jails) discipline them. Listen to Dr. Spock (who never raised a child in his life) and the other child psychologists, not the old timers who raised 5 or 10 children successfully!

Throw out the Bible and its admonitions like: "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes (early in life)" Proverbs 13:24. "The rod AND reproof (teaching that exposes wrong) give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame," Proverbs 29:15. You can only develop a true brat if you won't properly discipline them.

5. DEFEND THEM IN SCHOOL Always take the child's side. Teachers and principals have got it "in" for the little angel. Understand that your child can do no wrong. Expect teachers and principals to know that too!

6. CRITICIZE LEADERS AND PREACHERS You can't trust them. Tear down authority in front of them. Make sure they hear you. They'll live in insecurity not knowing who to trust. They will be totally prepared for a life of rebellion. They will not learn to properly fear anyone and will probably lose their jobs when the boss asks them to do something. Don't tell them that 99% of those in leadership positions are good people who are sincere and have never been indicted for anything. Leave them with the impression that they are all bad.

7. DON'T EVER SAY "I LOVE YOU" They can figure that out! After all, you've given them everything they've ever wanted. What more can a parent do (of course, don't give them yourself!)

8. GIVE THEM EVERYTHING THEY WANT Buy something for them every time you go into a store. Never say "no" to them. When properly trained this way, they will be used to having every appetite of theirs fulfilled immediately. When they grow older and develop natural sexual appetites, they will have been trained by you to seek immediate fulfillment. Teen pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases shouldn't really surprise the parent then. Sooo... give them everything they ask for while they are kids.

9. NEVER TEACH THEM THE BIBLE Teach them math, science, history, art, music, reading, physical education, sex education, etc. but don't teach them the Bible. Let them decide for themselves. Make them go to school 5 days a week for all day, but don't take them to church for 1 hour on Sunday.

10. ALWAYS TRUST YOUR CHILD He's a little angel. He wouldn't dare do anything behind your back. Did you ever ask a young person whom you catch smoking, "Do you smoke at home?" Usually the answer is, "You've got to be kidding my parents would kill me." Remember, that's the other kids in town, yours would never do that.

11. SCREAM AT YOUR CHILDREN This is the only type of communication necessary to raise a brat. Time spent answering their questions and instructing them is wasted time. The only training really required of parents is potty-training. After that, it is the obligation of day cares preschools and schools. Scream constantly, and the fond memories your children have of home life will assure you as a parent that your kids will never take care of you when you're old.

12. LET YOUR CHILD COME AND GO AS THEY WILL Don't set any boundaries. This will lead to a life of insecurity. Brats don't need guidelines.

13. MAKE SURE THEY ARE POPULAR They must be in with the crowd, their peers! Don't let them be an oddball. If they follow the crowd, the crowd will become the greatest influence in their lives. Nothing to fear there, right?

14. LET THEM WATCH TV CONSTANTLY Keep them away from reality. Let them live in fantasy all of their lives. Brats need entertainment! A life of comfort and ease produces high-class brats. They won't know how to deal with reality or real people, but maybe they'll just go into seclusion rather than becoming contentious or hostile. It's usually one or the other.

CONCLUSION Brats are produced, not born. It takes effort to obey the above principles. Parents should prepare themselves for a life of heartbreak for it is sure to come.

How To Raise A Brat!

By Pastor Art Kohl

Art Kohl is pastor of Faith Bible Baptist Church of Eden, NY USA

Hallelujah!!! Holy, Holy, Holy -- You Are Holy, Lord!!!

2008-11-16T22:46:00.000-05:00

The Last Days!!!

2008-11-11T22:33:00.000-05:00

Yes, we are living in the last days. We are living in the days where so many are being deceived by the tricks, lies, and schemes of the enemy. We are living in the days when wrong seems to be right and right is wrong. We are living in the days when people would rather you tell them a lie and not the truth. The truth is rejected and you are persecuted for standing up for what is right. You are told to be careful or if I were you I would not say that and watch your back. Even from the people who claim to be Christians --it seems that they are rejecting the truth or they are not intimate with it to recognize it. We are living in the days where it is better to blend in with the crowd and not stand up for what is right and speak against what is wrong. Some don't stand out because of fear or intimidation. But don't we recognize that God has not given us the spirit of fear but He has given peace, love, and a sound mind. We need not be afraid because no weapon formed against us shall prosper... We must speak the truth in love and not fear men because they can do nothing to us when God is with us --He has our back and He will never leave us nor forsake us. We are living in the last and final days before our Lord returns to take us home. Everything that is happening in our world is happening for a reason.

Will you be ready??? If so, how do you know??? What is your greatest concern? Is the Master's Commision your greatest concern or are you concerned with the affairs of this world? Are you willing to be persecuted for righteousness sake or will you fall under the pressure of your peers/circumstances/situation? We must walk by faith and not sight... Without faith it is impossible to please HIM!!! Do you believe the Word of God? Do you love what He loves and hates what he hates? Is the Word hidden in your heart so you might not sin against Him? Is the Word of God your final authority, or is it something that is set apart for people, times or seasons? Do you believe the Word of God is applicable for today? Do you believe that you are accountable for all that you know? Do you believe that you are the salt and light to all you come in contact with on a daily basis or do you think that it's only for certain times, people, or even seasons? What do you believe? How can you be sure? Do you love God more and more everyday of your life or is He just someone you talk to when you are in trouble and you need help? Are you passionate about Him and His Word? Are you sold out to Him? Are you living daily to please Him above everyone and everything even your own wants, goals, and feelings? Who do you serve God, self, or this world?

If you are loving Him and living to serve the King then you will most assuredly be in the firey trials and tribulations of this life. You most certainly will be rejected by this world and you will most certainly always feel alone. However, if you are not sold out to HIM---The KING of kings; then you are just blending in -- you are lukewarm and you are not really in the storms of life and you are blending in the crowd. Your light is not shining through the darkness to expose the enemy and you are not being salt to cause change in your surroundings... Think about it!

What are you willing to do to Stand Out from among them and be separated and holy -- let the World know you have been changed -- be not conformed to this world be transformed by the renewing of your mind through the truth of the Living Word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ (whom the Son sets free is free indeed)...

I will leave you with the Words from Tye Tribbett song:

"Stand Out"

[speaking: Tye Tribbett]

When the enemy comes in like a flood,

The spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him.

I see the enemy coming in like a flood in our houses, in our churches, in our families.

But what I don't see is the standard. People of God where's the standard at?

We in a war y'all. It's time to stand OUT!

[G.A.:]

It's about to go down. The battle has begun.

It's time for you to choose, whose side you gonna be on.

The devil is recruiting, temptin' every man.

But he's already defeated, all we have to do is stand.

No time for mixing light with the darkness.

Be black or be white, no more shades of gray.

Be separated, be holy, no matter what you do, don't bow.

And even if you stand alone, stand anyhow.

[CHORUS]

[Tye:] Rise up!

[G.A.:]

Rise up people, put on your strength.

There's a war going on and we will win.

Stand up and fight, let the kingdom prevail.

With power and might, we will not fail.

Stand out!

[G.A.:] Stand out!

Be not conformed to this world.

[G.A.:] Stand out!

Be transformed, renew your mind.

[G.A.:] Stand out!

Just like the three Hebrew boys,

[G.A.:] Stand out!

[G.A.:]

Everybody's playin' it cool, don't wanna rub nobody the wrong way.

Almost like we're trynna to fit in. Actin' like we don't know the NAME.

It's time for us to stand out and go against the grain.

Forget trynna be down, let the world know you've been changed.

How you going be the praise leader? But you listen to R & B?

And hip-hop is on your ring tone. I'm trynna tell you God ain't pleased.

And since when did it become cool for you to live together unmarried?

Men with men?

Women with women?

I'm tellin you God ain't going to have it.

[CHORUS]

[Tye:]

It's time to recognize.

The war is in disguise.

No time for compromise.

Wake up open your eyes.

[together:] The devil is a liar!

You must be hot or cold.

You can't blend in the crowd.

It's time for God's people to-

[CHORUS]

[Tye:]

Let me hear your war cry!

[G.A.:]

Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!

[Tye:]

Let me hear your war cry!

[G.A.:]

Ooh! (Let's Stand Out!) Ooh! (Let's Stand Out!) Ooh!

[Tye:]

Little bit louder.

[G.A.:]

Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!

[Tye:]

One more time!

[G.A.:]

Ooh! (Cry out loud!) Ooh! (Stand out!) Ooh!

STAND OUT!

[Speaking: Tye Tribbett]

We in a war people of God.

You don't have to fight, all you gotta do is stand.

Make some noise G.A.!

Having done all to stand...

Now stand people of God!

If you gonna stand out with us... SCREAM!

Words of Comfort...

2008-11-09T12:45:00.001-05:00

Over the past several days I have been thinking, meditating, praying and reading. I thank God for the following blogs that I read and have helped to bring my thoughts into words and bring clarity to things. I thank God for the people of God who truly love Him and are dedicated to Him and His Word. We are not ashamed of the gospel or HIS name. We will continue to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the LORD knowing that our labor is not in vain. He is coming soon and we must be prepared. We must continue to fight the good fight of faith, and continue to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. We can trust God because He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is a good God and His mercy endures forever. Great is thy faithfulness oh Lord our God!!!

Links to post:
The Preacher's Wife

Caribbean Shulamite

I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb!!!

2008-11-05T19:33:00.004-05:00

Ray Boltz - I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb Lyrics

(conversation between father and son)

(Son) Dad, has it always been this way?

(Dad)Well, even from the beginning men hated Jesus

Even thought he did nothing but love them

And teach them and heal them.

They nailed him to a cross.

They thought they had killed Him, but they only set him free

To live in the hearts of people like you and me who believe in Him.

Then came the apostles and most of them were killed

For telling other people about Jesus.

So they tortured them and killed them

And even left their bodies to rot as an example to other people,

But the church kept right on growing

Watered by the blood of these precious Saints.

(Son) But Dad, Did they want to die?

(Dad)No. They didn't want to die. I mean, many of them had children

Just like you they had to leave behind.

But they were forced to make a choice.

They could choose to live this one life here on earth and reject Jesus

And be dambed DAMNED or they could to believe in the words of Jesus

And live forever.

(Son) I think I understand.

(Dad)Here, maybe this will help you understand.

(Song)

I have heard how christians long ago

Were brought before a tyrants throne

And they were told that he would spare their lives

If they would renounce the name of Christ.

But one by one they chose to die

The Son of God they would not deny

Like a great angelic choir sings

I can almost hear their voices ring.

CHOURS:

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

With all my strengh

With all I am

I will seek to honor His commands

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb.

Now the years have come and the years have gone

But the cause of Jesus still goes on

And now our time has come to count the cost

To reject this world, to embrace the cross

And one by one let us live our lives

For the One who died to give us life.

Till the trumpet sounds on the final day

Let us proudly stand and boldly say

REPEAT CHORUS:

To the Lamb of God who bore my pain

Who took my place, Who wore my shame.

I will seek to honor His commands

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb.

(converstation between father and son continues)

You've got to remember the it wasn't always this way.

I mean, my dad could even pray in school.

Of course, they took that away from him.

Then it became uncorrect for us to believe in the Bible

And after that they just stripped our right to worship away from us

And we quietly stood by.

But son, I hope that you're never in the position

That you have to choose between your faith and your life.

But if you are - I know which choice you're going to make

Because I know that Jesus lives inside of you.

In the meantime, just pray like I taught you to

And take care of your mom

And remember that God is the Father of the fatherless.

REPEAT CHORUS:

(three times)

Disclaimer: I don't agree with or endorse this song writer's current confessed lifestyle however I do pray that God open his eyes to the truth. It is truth that makes us free.

A Diamond In the Rough!

2008-11-05T11:50:00.000-05:00

A diamond before it can be used looks like a rock with rough and unsmooth edges. It is dull, discolored, and to the natural eye it may look like a piece of stone that should be disregarded or thrown away. That was me many years ago.

I was covered with fear and intimidation. I was not very attractive to just anyone. Not many people wanted to be near me. I was alone – or so I thought. But I had lots of potential locked up inside of me – I just couldn't see it yet. You see I was like a seed with a hard covering but on the inside I was a beautiful plant waiting to break forth. Someone put it like this –"you need to be unlocked and released. However, I stood on the outside of me and I couldn't see me – the person that God intended for me to be. However, it was all there all along. It is true and I have come to know it more and more each day in a very personal way and that is God has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness.

You see the enemy was trying to snatch that away from me at a very early age. He tried to feed me lies over and over early in my life – using the ones that I held very dear to my heart. He would tell me that I was nothing, good for nothing, and will never be anything. He told me I was fat, ugly, and look like I had nobody. He told me I was stupid, dumb, and a fool. But all I can say to that is well, look at me now! Look at what God has done!!!

All I needed was for God to step in on the scene. Yes, He did! He did it for me but for His Glory! He stepped in and then He began to tell me: before the foundations of the world I knew you, I formed thee in thy mother's womb. He told me He made me in His image and likeness and I'm the only one like me. He told me that He had a plan and purpose for my life; He said my daughter "You'll live, you shall not die. He told me you are beautiful; yes, you are because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. He called daughter because He is my Father. He told me you have no need to fear for I am with you always even to the end of this age. He told me don't worry about where you should go just trust me with all your heart and I'll direct your paths. He told me don't worry about pleasing men only please Him that's all that will matter in the end. He told me don't believe all those lies from the enemy in my past because behold He has done a new thing right now – see it's coming to pass. He told me my battle is not with that which can be seen—I must use by faith to tackle that which cannot be seen. He told me His love is real, without conditions, or limitations because see He sent His Holy One to take the punishment of the sinful ones. He told me don't fear the fire because I'm coming out as pure gold. It is true what they said "whatever you hear constantly, you'll eventually believe and act upon. So I want to submit this to you today. Why not start hearing/reading the Word of God over and over again. After all it is His instruction book to us on how we should live this life that He has made us to live.

I am created to give God the glory so I will always tell this story. You see no man is an island we need others to accomplish His plan and purpose. The Word tells us to give honor where honor is due and so I'm gonna give a shout-out to my Pastor, my best friend, my honey, my baby, and my boo. You see if it had not been for him coming into my life at the appointed time I wouldn't be the woman you see now. He taught me how to think for myself. He encouraged me when I didn't even know how to encourage myself. He prayed for me always and continually. He taught me God's unconditional love through his actions. He is more than just my husband, next to God; he is all the man I have ever needed. God has used him so significantly in my life and I'm so grateful that I'm his wife, his baby, his lover, his best friend, and his boo. I thank God for him each and every day because through wisdom he was the iron that sharpened me. He was the voice of truth that destroyed every lie from the enemy. He knew what to do and when to do it in order for that which was inside of me to be released for God's glory.

I am unlocked and continually being released and God is constantly perfecting me.

May God's will be done in all things! Amen!!!

This is good!!!

2008-11-01T21:52:00.000-04:00

Wisdom:

This is a very good video for those who are single and not yet married. I think she made some really good points. I appreciate Dr. Ty Adams straightforwardness, she does not beat around the bush and she tells it like it is.

LOVE Is EVERYTHING!!!

2008-10-30T19:57:00.004-04:00

The longer I live and the more I grow as a Child of God the more I am convinced that at the core of everything we do, say, and be, LOVE, has to be our motivating and most important factor. It is more important to be driven by love than anything else. We find this truth throughout scripture. Jesus told the disciples that the greatest commandment is to LOVE the LORD your GOD with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and to LOVE you neighbor as yourself. We find in 1Corinthians 13 that LOVE is the greatest of all. Everything we do and say must be driven by LOVE.

I don't know about others but I know that I am always growing with God's help day by day in LOVE and learning how to LOVE not as the world define it but as God defined LOVE because HE is LOVE. For some reason all this week my mind has been meditating on LOVE, God's Way. I have been thinking and hearing about God's LOVE towards us and the truth is we cannot begin to fathom or even understand His undying, unrelenting, unending, never changing, ever abounding, everlasting LOVE for us and towards us. I am grateful for God's LOVE to me and I am even in the midst of receiving and understanding as much as I am able to with the help of the Holy Spirit that perfect LOVE of God to me and for me. Thank You, Lord, for LOVING me.

Here is a devotion I want to share that I read today:

Source: Grace For The Moment

Title: Love Is All You'll Find

We know the LOVE that God has for us, and we trust that LOVE. 1John 4:16

Water must be wet. A fire must be hot. You can't take the water out of water and still have water. You can't take the heat out of fire and still have fire.

In the same way, you can't take the LOVE out of [God]... and still have him exist. For He was... and is... LOVE. Probe deep within Him. Explore every corner. Search every angle. LOVE is all you find. Go to the beginning of every decision He has made and you'll find it. Go to the end of every story He has told and you'll see it.

LOVE.
No bitterness. No evil. No cruelty. Just LOVE. Flawless LOVE. Passionate LOVE. Vast and pure LOVE. HE is LOVE.

Me:
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kirk Cameron's Fireproof: Saving Marriages - CBN.com

2008-10-18T15:08:00.000-04:00

This is worth watching. It is so encouraging to see others who aren't afraid to let their lights shine for Jesus so that men may see and glorify our Father in Heaven. This is a great!!!

Stephen Kendrick and Michael Catt, the guys behind the hit film Facing the Giants, introduce the new movie, Fireproof starring Kirk Cameron with The 700 Club. The Christian Broadcasting Network. To see more from The 700 Club, go to CBN.

A Bold Christian!

2008-10-15T15:16:00.000-04:00

Sarah Palin loves Jesus Christ.

Here is a link to a video of her speaking to Master's Commission students.

I don't know about anyone else but I believe that people who love Jesus should not just say it but live it. I am so encouraged by her courage to stand up for what is right and honor God in all her ways. My prayers are with her and I know that God is with her.

Link:
Sarah Loves Jesus!!!

The Truth About Oprah's Beliefs!!!

2008-10-12T17:14:00.000-04:00

Wow!!! Those of you who are Oprah fans -- you have got to watch this. This is something everyone should see and the very truth in it because so many Christians who watch her religiously are being deceived and don't even realize it. Those of you who are not Oprah fans be informed so that you can know how to speak to those who are and pray for them efffectively. The devil is a liar and always been!!!

We also need to keep praying for Oprah -- that God will save her and she will have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ for real...

Oprah's new online class covering Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth is exposed. They conducted the first mass trance. Over 2 Million participated in this new age class, a new book Don't Drink the Kool-Aid uncovers shocking truths that must be shared.

How Fascinating Is This??

2008-10-10T21:34:00.005-04:00

God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... all before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw.

God left us great clues as to what foods help what part of our body!

God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All o f the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

GOD is such an Awesome, Intelligent, Magnificent, Wonder!!!!!

Prophet Brian Carn!!! All I need is Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-03T21:54:00.000-04:00

A Must See Movie!!!

2008-09-29T22:47:00.000-04:00

Fireproof is a movie for everyone to see. To learn more about this movie visit the website at Fireproof The Movie.

New Blogspot

2008-09-28T21:20:00.003-04:00

I have created a blogspot for Tava. She definitely needs her own spot because Everlasting Love was created for other content. So those of you who are interested in promised child of God please visit her blogspot by clicking on the following link The Promised Child! Feel free to stop by and leave your comments. Thank you and be blessed!!!

1st Day For School!!!

2008-09-08T23:33:00.002-04:00

Well, today was Tava's first day at her new school. We were both very excited!!! She had a great day and not to mention that she looked oh so precious in her uniform. Just take a look at these pictures and see for yourself. Doesn't she look beautiful? Yes, she does! God has blessed her with a gorgeous face and smile.

Let It Rain!

2008-09-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

With God's Help I Am Letting It All Go!!!

2008-09-01T14:22:00.002-04:00

LET IT GO ...

by T.D.Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you.

And hear me when I tell you this!

When people can walk away from you: let them walk.

I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you,

loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you,

staying attached to you.

I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk.

Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

People leave you because they are not joined to you.

And if they are not joined to you,

you can't make them stay.

Let them go.

And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person,

it just means that their part in the story is over.

And you've got to know when people's

part in your story is over so that you

don't keep trying to raise the dead.

You've got to know when it's dead.

You've got to know when it's over.

Let me tell you something

I've got the gift of good-bye.

It's the tenth spiritual gift,

I believe in good-bye.

It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful,

and I know whatever God means for me to have

He'll give it to me.

And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it.

Stop begging people to stay.

Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something

that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life,

then you need to ..LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ...

LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth...

LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you ...

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge ..

LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction ...

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents ..

LET IT GO!!!

If you have a bad attitude...

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better...

LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him...

LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship....

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves..

LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed .

LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling

yourself and God is saying 'take your hands off of it,' then you need to...

LET IT GO!!!

Let the past be the past.

Forget the former things.

GOD is doing a new thing for 2008 !!!

LET IT GO!!!

Get Right or Get Left .. think about it, and then

LET IT GO!!!

'The Battle is the Lord's!'

There Is Something Very Special Here!

2008-08-29T15:00:00.000-04:00

Look out everybody -- here she comes. She is lovely and she is a natural. To God be the Glory. She will shine with a godly character, integrity, and no compromise. She will put Christ first in all things and He will be her Everything. Have Your way God and let Your good and perfect will be done in her life in Jesus Name!!! Don't hate just celebrate!!!

Prayer Changes Things!

2008-08-25T13:09:00.000-04:00

The following prayer was taken from a devotional that I received today and I wanted to share it with everyone, be blessed and encouraged today. Amen!!!

Dear Father in Heaven, There are so many couples who long to have children of their own, but they just have not been able to do so. I pray for these families, that you will anoint them and bless the desire of their hearts. On the other hand, there are many children who long to have parents and a stable family to love and care for them. I pray that you will give them hope and bless the desire of their hearts. Please join together those parents and children into loving families. Meet their needs and show your hand in their lives. Thank you for hearing and for working in these special situations. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Hooray for Progress!!!

2008-08-22T08:00:00.003-04:00

I began the hair locking process on May 23rd of this year. When I first started out my hair was very short and it seemed thin. Here are few pictures of the very first day that my hair stylist did my coils and one week later in Erie, PA. I was told by several individuals that I was a good candidate to begin locking my hair and they said it would look nice on me as well. It took months for me to really decide to try it.

Then at my second appointment I saw amazing results that I was impressed with I could not believe how much and how quickly my hair began to grow. My hair stylist was also impressed with the results. Here are more pictures after my second appointment. It was after this appointment that I decided that I would definitely keep the style and I really like it a lot. I was searching for about one year or more for a natural hair style that is easy to take care of, inexpensive, and would look great on me. I have found it. I'm loving it. Thank you, Father.

At my third appointment we saw even better results. It was the icing on the cake because the next day was my birthday and I was just excited. Finally at peace and rest about my hair because I have had such a difficult time in the past with my hair and no longer am I overly concerned about what to do with it. What a blessing and an answer to prayer. Thank you!

Here are a couple of pictures after my fourth appointment.

After my fifth appointment I am so happy to see that my hair has grown alot since the last time I went to my hairstylist. She is doing a great job and I thank God for leading me to her. My hair has locked and it's growing quickly -- I am amazed. I did not expect these results in such a short period of time. I am thankful! Wow, my hair in the picture to the left is touching my eyebrow compared to the first picture up top on the left. :-)

Fun At The Park

2008-08-15T13:41:00.002-04:00

Last week Saturday, we went to the park. We had a lot of fun. Here are some pictures that was taken with Tasha's (Elijah's mom) canon camera. In the photos are Elijah, our godson and Tava our beautiful niece. It was such a beautiful day. Thanks, Tasha, for sharing these pictures with us. Tasha is currently pursuing one of her passions and that is to be a really great photographer. To see some of her work you may visit her blogspot "Heaven on Earth." She is doing a great job! I can tell just by looking at her photos that she loves to take pictures. I hope you will enjoy these great shots. If you would like to see some more pictures, you may visit our godson's website "The Booga Wooga."

Happy Anniversary!!!

2008-08-11T15:55:00.004-04:00

Today marks the 7th year of our Wedding Anniversary day back in 2001. I remember that day very well. It is one that I will not forget. It was a beautiful day filled with love as we promised our love to each other until death do us part. And here we are seven years later still saying "I Do." But with more meaning and intensity. We have been through alot together. We have always been there for each other through the good times and the rough times. We are totally committed to each other. None of this would be possible if we didn't have a strong relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus. He is the one that keeps us growing together and blending as one. We have each sacrificed for each other and put each other above our own individual needs and wants. We have grown more and more to love and appreciate each other. Marriage is work but it is also pleasure. I thank God for my husband and the very fact that He loves God and desires to live his life filled with God's purpose on purpose makes it even more special. God has truly blessed us and we owe Him our ALL and that is what we vow to give Him and each other. I love you, Honey!

Happy 7th Anniversary to us and many more...

The Real Jesus Christ!

2008-08-10T16:09:00.001-04:00

I thank God for the different gifts in the body of Christ today. I thank God for the young people who have a passion to serve Christ and make Him known to the world. I thank God for this young lady whom He is using for such a time as this to proclaim His Truth to everyone. This video has blessed me so much and I pray that others will be saved, delivered, and blessed by it as well. It is the Truth that makes us free. Amen!!!

"I Just Want To Be Me!"

2008-08-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Have you ever found yourself repeating a single phrase to yourself and not necessarily have a full understanding of why?

Well, such was the case for me. I have been repeating the phrase "I just want to be me" for quite some time now -- I would say years. After really thinking about it and asking myself why I have been repeating that phrase to myself and when are the times I find myself saying it most -- I have now come to the realization that all this time I have really been settling in my mind and heart who the real me is, the me God has created me to be, the process that I am going through, and where I am in that process. I have gone through many stages within the past 3-5 years of my life and I can honestly say that I am beginning to see who the real me is. The person whom God has created me to be.

So many of us go through life and fail to really be who we are created to be. No two people are alike. There are billions of people in the world but yet God has not created any two people alike. We are all different -- there is no one else in this world like me. But why do some people try to make others act, look, think, feel, or be like who we think they should be. Especially when we are not the creator of man -- God is. We are merely reproducing what God has already created/manufactured. He is the Giver of Life. God is the only One that possesses the ultimate authority, wisdom, understanding, intelligence, and knowledge to tell us who we are and what we are to become.

With that in mind, I began to pray, seek Godly counsel, mediate on the Word of God and I believe that I have received some insights from my Creator -- God the Father as to who I am and who I am to become in Him.

I have learned that I am a lover of truth. I love to speak the truth and I like for others to speak the truth to me. I have found that the truth is something that is so undervalued in today's society. But I have come to respect the truth so much. The truth has saved me, healed me, delivered me, and made me free to be the real me who God has created me to be. I value the truth because the TRUTH has set this captive free. I was bound -- in bondage to lies I told myself and what others said to me and I believed it because I didn't know what the truth was. I felt like someone who was in jail or someone who was bound in chains but thanks be to God because He sent His Son Jesus, gave me His Word, the Bible; and baptized me with His Spirit, the Holy Spirit; and my life has never been the same again. I am free, free, and free. Thank You, God, for TRUTH. The word of God says whom the Son (Jesus) set free is free indeed. I am Free, thank God I'm free.

As a result of this freedom I have in Jesus another one of my purpose and passion in life is to tell others so that they too can be free. But can you believe that some people prefer to live in lies, prefer to not hear the truth, prefer to stay and be deceived -- y'all this truly amazes me. Some people even get angry at you for telling them the truth even when it is done in a gentle manner and even when it's coming from someone who genuinely love and care about them. It is because love compels me why I want to proclaim the truth to everyone I come in contact with. I am thankful that someone took the time and told me the Truth. Thank you!

I value the Word of God. I strive and am still striving to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer and reader. I am striving to be all that God has commanded us to be according to His Word; i.e. to love Him with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength, to love my neighbor has myself, to forgive others, to be kind, to be tenderhearted, to be patient, to be gentle, to be good, to put others before myself, to always be watchful and prayerful, to give cheerfully, to be a peacemaker, to love unconditionally according to 1Corinthians 13, etc.

Another area is my physical appearance. I am growing and learning to love, understand, appreciate, and accept me as I am. Over the past 2 to 3 years I am learning that I love being in my natural state in order words without a lot of extra unnecesary stuff added. I love all natural foods that are good for my body, I love my hair being natural and manageable, and I love to be in clothing that makes me feel comfortable. There was a point in my life where I was uncomfortable with just about everything -- my hair, makeup, face, body, clothes, shoes, etc. And now I thank God that He is really showing me who I am and what makes me the person who He has created me to be. Others who were well intentioned has in the past try to tell me how I should dress, what I should wear, I must put on makeup, what shoes I must wear, etc. Now I prefer to be comfortable in my clothing, I don't care for makeup, I love wearing my hair natural in locs, I like to wear comfortable shoes, I like my nails being natural, etc. I am so much happier and at peace just being the natural me.

I value my relationship with God. I make more of an emphasis on my relationship with God than anything else. I love to spend time with Him and being in His presence. There is nothing like it. I love to praise and worship Him. He is my source of joy, strength, peace, comfort, and He is Everything to me. He is my Source, He is my ALL. I love Him so much and words cannot begin to describe just how much He means to me. I owe Him my ALL. And that is what I am growing more and more each day to give Him -- My All. Without Him being in my life there would be no me -- literally -- I would be dead and in Hell. But God -- He saved my soul -- so therefore my life is no longer my own. I know others don’t always understand my passion and love for God but it is not easily described – You have to be there to know what I am talking about because it is something that lies deep down inside to the very core (center, heart, foundation, central part) of my being and I am so glad (thankful, happy, delighted, pleased, cheerful, happy) – I wouldn’t have it any other way. Jesus, I love You, always and forever.

I value and love children. I have a passion to see them live a life dedicated to Christ. I have a passion to see them grow up to be all that God has created them to be. I love children. They are a precious gift from God and whatever we pour into them – it is eventually what they will become. However, I must say that God works all things together for good and so that is hope for the one who wasn’t raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord. God did it for me and I know He will do it for anyone who will turn their lives over to Him. He makes all things new.

In conclusion, I am continually growing and being made perfect in Christ. I am normally a very private/reserved person but I am learning more and more each day that it’s not about me but It’s All About HIM –JESUS CHRIST. I pray that this will encourage and bless others to be the real you whom God has created you to be and remember that it cannot be accomplished without a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit being your Guide. Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 NKJV)

This is my testimony -- "Never Would've Made it Without You"

I posted this collage of me to show a snapshot of the different phases I have gone through in the past 3-5 years of my life.

Baby Girl -- Isn't She Lovely!

2008-08-10T01:59:00.000-04:00

She is the first and foremost the daughter/child of the Most High God! We love her and thank God for her. She is a beautiful blessing from the Lord. This is her pose -- she loves to take pictures! Thank you, Lord for Tava!!!

Aww, how precious!

2008-08-03T09:24:00.002-04:00

This is a picture of my baby cousin -- isn't he cute with that sweet smile. He makes me smile everytime I look at his picture. I hope this puts a smile on your face as well.

WOW!!!

2008-08-02T16:17:00.002-04:00

What a great way to make a really good point. It's the truth whether we like it or not. This is one I want to share with my children as soon as they are old enough to understand it.

Funny!

2008-08-02T15:56:00.000-04:00

The Call----DC

2008-07-31T16:11:00.001-04:00

Like Never Before We Need To Fast And Pray!

God's Divine Purpose!!!

2008-07-28T23:00:00.002-04:00

(Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

I am so thankful to God for this little girl. I love her so much and I know that God loves her even more. She is definitely going to do something awesome for God one day. She surely will let Him(Jesus) manifest Himself to her and through her because: ((John 14:21 NKJV) He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.") And she is growing more and more to love Jesus everyday. I am so excited even though she is so young -- God shows no favoritism and so it does not matter what her age is. I refuse to put limits on my thoughts towards God because He is an infinite God and all things are possible in Him. She will grow up in the fear (reverent respect) and admonition of the Lord... She is an awesome blessing to us and a wonderful gift from God to us for His purpose and good pleasure. (Psalms 127:3 NKJV) Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

God began to speak to Samuel at the age of 8... For more details read the book of 1Kings in the Bible.

A strong word of advice to parents please raise your child(ren) up in the ways of the Lord and with the Word of God with no compromise. It is the only thing that will last into eternity. It is the only thing that is profitable and will bear good fruits into their future. And it will last into eternity. Only what is done for Christ will last. This world has nothing to offer except worldly, godless pleasures for a season, and sin which equals death--eternal separation from God (Selah).

Why spend half your life/time doing unnecessary things, sowing unnecessary seeds, only to reach a point in your life and say to yourself oh, no, I have done the wrong things and then have to spend the next half of your life trying to undo what has been done. That's not wisdom, it's foolishness!

(Proverbs 1:7 NKJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(Proverbs 14:8 NKJV) The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.

(Proverbs 14:12 NKJV) There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

(Proverbs 8:11 NKJV) For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

Last but not least those of you who may read this post -- I pray that it will bless you and please, please keep our family in your prayers --- specifically that our personal relationship with Him will only grow more and more each day and that His perfect will be done in our lives everyday. AMEN!!!

Thank you!

Be Encouraged!

The Bible Is Our Only Protection.

2008-07-27T23:00:00.000-04:00

I'm Standing On The Promises Of God!!!!!!!

2008-07-22T00:44:00.004-04:00

"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"

(Numbers 23:19 NKJV)

(Romans 8:28 NKJV)

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. "
(Psalms 37:23-25 NKJV)

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
(2 Peter 3:9 NKJV)

Fireproof -- The Movie

2008-07-11T15:44:00.003-04:00

This Movie will be released in September of 2008. This is a Christian film and it was created by the makers of "Facing The Giants," which was an excellent movie about trusting God and facing your fears. So I am looking forward to seeing this new movie
"Fireproof". I hope everyone that loves the Lord go and see this movie and bring a couple with them whose marriage maybe struggling or who isn't saved to see this movie -- thank God for movies that glorify Him and for the people who are willing to do it without compromise or fear.

Happy Birthday!

2008-07-03T23:00:00.004-04:00

I am so blessed beyond measures in my 28th year and the best is yet to come and it's coming soon! To God Be ALL the Glory!

I am in Pursuit of the Glory!!! I will abide in His Presence!!!

Thank You, Father for enlarging/blessing us in every area of our lives and especially in our family. Our new family -- have Your way God -- let Your good and perfect Will be done in us everyday of our lives and for the rest of our lives. May all of your ways be our ways so that we will be pleasing to You in everything. May our affections always be set upon You only and You alone. As for me and my house -- we will serve the Lord. Amen!

I am so blessed! I thank God for His faithfulness to me. He has answered my prayers and delivered a promise He made to me in Sept. of 2003. I am so thankful that God has given me the desires of my heart and He is allowing me to fulfill the plan and purpose that He has placed me on this earth for. He has heard all my heart's cry and He has blessed me so much --- I am grateful, grateful, grateful! Gratefulness is flowing from my heart.

Thank you, Father for blessing me because of Who You are. It's not about me. It's ALL about YOU, JESUS! I give you all the glory and the praises because it all belongs to You and You are WORTHY. Thank you for saving me, healing me, delivering me, making me free through Your Son Jesus the Christ--the Living Word, and for baptising me in Your Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, thank You for comforting me, for keeping me, for sanctifying me, for leading me and guiding me, thank You for revelation knowledge, for wisdom and for understanding through the written Word of God. Thank you for being my EVERYTHING -- You're EVERYTHING to me -- for me -- You're ALL I NEED AND YOU'RE ALL I WANT. My life has no meaning without YOU! I am nothing without YOU. YOU deserve the glory and all the honor -- I lift my hands in worship and I bless Your Holy Name. You are Great and Greatly to be PRAISED. I Love You more today, than ever before -- I only want to keep on loving You more and more and receiving Your unending, unconditional love for me and to also love others just like You have commanded me to because I only want to Please You and You alone.

All the days of my life and for the rest of my life I will always give You all the Glory, all my Love, all the Praises, all the Worship and Adoration. And I will do it with ALL my Heart, all of my Mind, all of my Soul, and all of my Strength (nothing less will do). I have been bought with a price (the precious blood of JESUS) and my life is no longer my own but Yours, Lord, to Will and Do for Your Good pleasure --- have Your Way in this surrendered vessel and may this life forever give You All the Glory, All Honor, and All Praises (it all belongs to You-- it's not mine-- it's all YOURS!) in the Mighty and Matchless name of Jesus! The name that is above all names. And one day at the name of JESUS every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that JESUS IS LORD!

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
(Philippians 2:9-13 NKJV)

Tava's First Visit To The...

2008-06-21T01:45:00.006-04:00

Philadelphia Zoo

Oh what fun we had at the Philadelphia Zoo today. It was Tava's first visit and I am so glad that I was able to take her. It was just the two of us with hundreds of people -- I have never seen soooooo many people at the zoo of all the times I have been there. I have been there at least 5 times that I can count maybe more. And oh my lions -- people and children everywhere you look. Anyway, that did not deter us from having fun and seeing as many animals as possible. I am quiet sure we saw at least 95% of everything there is to see at the zoo and that is a big deal to me. Of all the times I have visited the zoo I have walked away many times knowing that I did not have the chance to see as much as I wanted to see but today I was able to see alot. I am thankful for that.

My niece is four and she liked it for the most part but I had fun -- maybe more than her -- lol. Well, she really did enjoy the water fountain and her ice cream and the turtles. I think the turtles and the hippo may have been her favorite animals to see. But I must say we were both tired at the end of the day. I hope you enjoyed our slide show. Thanks for stopping by.

It's All About Him!!!

2008-06-19T23:41:00.003-04:00

Click here to see a blog I wrote on my other site about my God. I just wanted to share. I hope this will encourage someone.

He he he he he he!!!!

2008-06-08T00:00:00.002-04:00

Oh, I am so tickled right now. I just went on Godtube and what did I see as soon as I logged on... A video for the children's song I wrote about in my post last week Thursday(Thursday's post)... Isn't that funny --- LOL!!! Sooooo here it is I want to share it with you all --- it is such a cute animated video. I Love It!

Internet Cafe

2008-06-07T14:01:00.008-04:00

Question of the Week

If you would like to know more just visit Internet Cafe

If you could go back in time to a pivotal point in your young life and give yourself one word/sentence of advice, and know that you would accept the advice, what would it be? Imagine what a gift it would be if we could actually go back in time and give ourselves advice…Hmm… Of course we cannot, but I think this is a great question for us to ponder. Although, I think many of us would agree that we learned more from the mistakes we made, but wouldn’t it be nice to not have to learn the “hard way” in some situations? Have fun with the question this week.

Answer:

My advice to myself would be "Don't be in such a hurry to grow up, take it one day at a time and enjoy the journey." That would be the advice I would give myself beginning at the age of 13. At that time I just moved away from my father who lived in NY to living with my aunt in PA. I met some friends who were older than myself. Because I had such low self-esteem from being verbally abused by my father I started searching for acceptance, love, understanding, and care from anyone who would give it to me. Some of the young people I began to hang around with were at least 3-5 years older than me and the pressure was on for me to be accepted by them --I did not know any better at the time. No one taught me. I wanted to be just like them which meant growing up fast to get what they had. For about 12 years of my life I was setting goals so high for myself that all I wanted to do was reach that goal and I did not care for the process. I know now that life is all about the process and we have to go through the process properly if we want a desirable outcome.

I thank God for sending someone in my life that said something to me over and over on a daily basis until it sunk in my mind and heart and that was to take life "one day at a time, be concerned with just today. Don't be in such a hurry to get the end results and miss out on the journey."

I have come to know and understand that it is through the journey that we find God's perfect will which includes His peace, joy, love, wisdom, understanding, and just learning how to trust Him more and more each day. I thank God for His grace and mercy in my life especially during those times when I was in such a hurry. I am stilling learning more and more each day to wait on the Lord and be of good courage. For the race is not given to the swift(those who are in a hurry) but to he who will endure to the end. So I must be patient and have endurance in this life.

"I Am" Bible Study -- Lesson 2

2008-06-06T20:17:00.005-04:00

Lesson Two - Beautiful To God
Background reading: Exodus 2, Acts 7, Isaiah 53

Once again I came across this study a while back and it has truly blessed me. To get the full reading you should visit the website. If you are interested just simply click on the picture above or on the sidebar. Thank you!

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your initial response when anyone suggests you are beautiful?

My initial response to this comment is usually thank you with a smile. Lately I have been adding a "thank you, Lord" and reminding myself that my beauty comes from the Spirit of Christ which dwells in me.

2. Do you find you engage in a lot of negative 'self-talk'? How much of your thought life does this form of thinking consume?

I have to really think about this one... I find that I may have negative thoughts about myself whenever I am trying to find something formal to wear especially because I have issues with my body and my hair. I am currently going through major changes in both areas and I'm just praying for patience with myself. It is a very frustrating time for me because I want to look good and presentable outwardly but I don't want to put so much emphasis on my outward appearance that I draw attention to myself and cause personal distractions. I always try to be mindful of what I wear and to know that it's not about me. I don't ever want to do anything to draw attention to myself and not Jesus. I want others to be focused on Christ whom I am representing and not what I am wearing.

3. What is the most radical transformation you've witnessed in an individual after they were born again? It's okay to tell about your own!

Well, this one I must also think about... I would have to say it's seeing a person go from being sad all the time to being filled to overflowing with laughter, joy, happiness, and peace. Also to be less selfish to reaching out to others and sharing the gospel with anyone and everyone they come in contact with.

4. The imagery of being a City Girl has absolutely changed the way I perceive my worth before God. Does it yours? Will you receive this truth and let it boost your righteous confidence?

Yes, it makes me want to be more Christ-like and apply His principles of being kind, tenderhearted, loving, caring, gentle, meek, good, forgiving, patient, long-suffering, and temperate in all areas of my life and especially toward others. And esteeming others above myself. Yes, I will receive this truth and walk it out in righteous confidence before my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!

A Fun-Filled Weekend!

2008-06-02T23:43:00.001-04:00

Tava, and my godson, Elijah, were here with me this past weekend and oh what a joy it was to have them here. We played with blocks, we painted pictures, we read a book together, we sang, dance, ran around the house, eat, sleep, and watch "Alice In Wonderland." Then finally we went to Church on Sunday and praised the Lord for being so good to us. Hallelujah! Amen! We had so much fun! I love these two children so much. Thank you, Lord, for putting them into our lives.

What does it mean to be a CHRISTIAN?

2008-05-29T20:20:00.004-04:00

Christian Comments

There is a children's song that I have sung many times with my children at school and it goes like this:

I am a C

I am a C-H

I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N

And I have C-H-R-I-S-T

In my H-E-A-R-T

And I will L-I-V-E E-T-E-R-N-A-L-L-Y

And then it repeats with a faster tempo. The children love to sing that song.

Isn't our God awesome He made the message of Salvation so easy to understand that everyone (children included) can understand what it means to be a Christian. People not children complicate the Good News about JESUS CHRIST. JESUS said that we must be like a little child to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

(Matthew 18:2 NKJV)
Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,
(Matthew 18:3 NKJV)
and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 18:4 NKJV)
Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

God's Everlasting Love!

2008-05-18T23:54:00.003-04:00

Nothing Shall Separate Us From the Love of God in Christ Jesus. Amen!

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE KILLED ALL DAY LONG; WE ARE ACCOUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:31-39 NKJV)

Birthday Shout-Out!

2008-05-17T09:33:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday to my Husband!

Today is my hubby's birthday and I thank God for the blessing he has been in my life. He has been my encourager, best friend--faithful friend, lover, all that I have ever need in a husband and he truly loves me unconditionally. I was able to get a deeper understanding of what it means to love someone for real by meeting and falling in love with this man.

Honey, I love you always and pray that you will truly be more blessed today and for the rest of our lives. You are a blessing to me and many others. You are valuable to God and me. You make a difference in this world. I want to encourage you to keep on loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Keep on seeking Him so that His perfect will, plan, and purpose will be made complete in your life. I thank God for the awesome and amazing things He is doing in and through you. May His Blessings over take you in this next season of your life. Your labor is not in vain.

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10)

I love you very much!

True Worshipers

2008-05-16T15:00:00.003-04:00

Check out my new blogspot. True Worshipers It is a site that I was inspired to create because I love to worship God and I am in pursuit of living a daily, continual, and consistent life of worship unto God. Worship isn't just what we do in church on Sundays or Wednesdays -- it's everyday...

So I dedicate this site to my God and to those who are true worshipers. Feel free to visit and leave a comment. Thank you!

My Precious Niece

2008-05-15T22:10:00.002-04:00

This is sweet and precious Tava! I just love this little girl so much! She has a special place in my heart.

She loves to take pictures and have conversations with you.

The New Look!

2008-05-14T22:05:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone!

How do you like my new look.

I am loving it!

Thank you Lindsay -- you did a great job. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. It is very much appreciated. If you would like to know how to get a custom made design for your page please click on the Splat Design link on the sidebar.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-05-14T18:10:00.001-04:00

Testing Out The New Look.

Under Construction

2008-05-01T20:39:00.001-04:00

Please excuse my site... We are getting a blog makeover. Please check back soon to see the final results and let me know what you think. Thank you for visiting.

The Circus!!!

2008-04-24T18:47:00.005-04:00

I went to the greatest show on earth today. Yes, that's right -- we went to see The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, at the Wachovia Spectrum in South Philadelphia. Their last performance in Philly will be on Sunday, April 27th of this year. I hope to go and see them again the next time they come in this area. The show was fantastic. It was the first time I had ever seen this circus and no other compares to this one. If you have never been to their performance -- you ought to make it a point to go -- if not this time -- next time. The children enjoyed it and the adults also... It was great and worth every penny.

Thankfulness!!!

2008-04-07T22:23:00.001-04:00

What difference do you think it made
when the Pilgrims invited the Native Americans to that first Thanksgiving dinner?
What happened after they thanked God,
who supplied the fish, the deer, and the corn
-- and even the Native Americans who helped them survive? Did life become significantly easier
or the winters less cruel?
No.

But the attitude of gratitude that was cultivated kept those Pilgrims' eyes fixed upon the many blessings they enjoyed and upon the one who provided them.

FROM THE BOOK

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!
Psalm 136:1

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

GOD'S PROMISE

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:4-5

ACTION POINT

Make a list of things that you can say thank you to God about, and give him a "thanksgiving feast." Then make a list of things you're worried about. As you ask God to provide for these things as well, thank him again.

What the Bible says about...

2008-04-03T00:31:00.003-04:00

Heaven -- My Future and Eternal Home!

Revelation:

CHAPTER 21
The New Jerusalem
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.* 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” 6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. 7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.
8 “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
9 Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
10 So he took me in the Spirit* to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone—like jasper as clear as crystal. 12 The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. 13 There were three gates on each side—east, north, south, and west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 When he measured it, he found it was a square, as wide as it was long. In fact, its length and width and height were each 1,400 miles.* 17 Then he measured the walls and found them to be 216 feet thick* (according to the human standard used by the angel).
18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. 19 The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones:* the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.
21 The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.
22 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. 24 The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. 25 Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. 26 And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. 27 Nothing evil* will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Trials & Temptations

2008-04-03T00:24:00.001-04:00

"You just have to play the hand you're dealt."
"Keep a stiff upper lip."
It's the advice we get and give when times are tough. Others would have us pretend that
"it's not as bad as all that. "

But sometimes it is!

So how can we remain hopeful when troubles surround us? When we recognize that God is in control!

FROM THE BOOK

Evil does not spring from the soil, and trouble does not sprout from the earth. People are born for trouble as predictably as sparks fly upward from a fire.
Job 5:6-7 (NLT)

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28

Our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NLT)

GOD'S PROMISE

Remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what other's experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

ACTION POINT

Today, when a trial or temptation comes your way, stop ! Ask God to show you a way through the trial or away from the temptation. Then follow his direction, and experience the victory you have in him.

FORGIVE!

2008-04-01T23:31:00.001-04:00

Sometimes the most difficult people to forgive
are ourselves.
"If only" hounds us,
robbing us of peace and piling on the guilt.
We carry around 1,001 hurts and bear so many grudges, filling us with bitterness.
Oh, to be cleansed and freed
- to forgive and be forgiven!

FROM THE BOOK

"Come now, let us argue this out, " says the LORD. "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool."
Isaiah 1:18

He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103:12

You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Colossians 3:13

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32

GOD'S PROMISE

If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.
1 John 1:9

ACTION POINT

English poet Alexander Pope wrote, "To err is human, to forgive divine." Ask God today to help you get free from your load of hurts and anger. Start by accepting God's forgiveness, and then try giving it away to someone today.

LOVE!!!!

2008-04-01T02:41:00.001-04:00

So many singers sing about it.
So many writers write about it.
Poets long for it, and heroes die for it.
What is this thing
that the world needs now?
Love!

As human beings, we all need to love and be loved. God made us to experience love, and God, the source of love, can fill our need for love as no other person or idea can.

FROM THE BOOK

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.

God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.
1 John 4:7-11

If I had the gift of prophesy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:2-7

GOD'S PROMISE

I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.
Jeremiah 31:3

ACTION POINT

Tell someone today that you love him or her, not with your words but with your actions. Tear up that list of wrongs you've been keeping, and believe and hope the best about those you love. Your feelings will soon follow your actions.

All scriptures are taken from the New Living Translation of the Bible.

The Word of God

2008-03-30T23:11:00.001-04:00

All of us long to hear a good word -
a word of comfort, a word of encouragement,
a word of love.
We bloom in the environment of positive words,
while harsh words cause us to shrivel.
Sometimes we say we are tired of words, when in fact
we are tired of empty words, of broken words.
We long for a life-giving word that will not fail.

FROM THE BOOK

God is not a man, that he should lie. He is not a human, that he should change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
Number 23:19, page 172

The word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.
Hebrews 4:12, page 1210

The grass withers, and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so it is with people. The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:7-8, page 713

GOD'S PROMISE

Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.
Matthew 7:7-8, page 937

ACTION POINT

Maybe you're not sure about God and the Bible, but you've already taken the first step. So for the next twenty days, tell God you're here and that you're ready for whatever he shows you in The Book.

World Harvest Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship

2008-03-30T20:33:00.001-04:00

Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship

Our Mission

The Purpose of World Harvest Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship is to be a ministry of resources

that develops individuals spiritually and practically, empowering them to achieve their life goals through Bible study, counseling, mentoring, educational resources, and encouraging relationships.

Our Values

Relationships- We are a spiritual family!

Multi-Culturalism -We celebrate diversity!

Discipleship - We build people!

Excellence - We give God our best!

Everyone is welcome to join us:

Sundays we will have continental breakfast at 10:30am and Service begins at 11am.

Wednesdays we will have our "Destiny Unlimited" Bible Study at 7pm.

For more information visit us on the web: www.whfgbf.org or give us a call at (610) 734-3147.

Success or Failure?

2008-03-30T01:13:00.001-04:00

THE POWER OF HABIT

I am your constant companion.
I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am completely at your command.
Half the things you do you might as well turn over to me,
And I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.
I am easily managed; you must merely be firm with me.
Show me exactly how you want something done,
And after a few lessons I will do it automatically.
I am the servant of all great individuals
And, alas, of all failures as well.
Those who are great I have made great
Those who are failures I have made failures.
I am not a machine,
Though I work with all the precision of a machine
Plus the intelligence of a human being.
You may run me for profit or run me for ruin;
It makes no difference to me.
Take me, train me, be firm with me,
And I will put the world at your feet
Be easy with me, and I will destroy you.
Who am I?

I am habit!

Author Unknown

My Redeemer Lives... Hallelujah!!!!

2008-03-23T20:46:00.000-04:00

Doing What’s Right

2008-03-18T20:11:00.001-04:00

Everyone who is a child of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world-our faith.

~1John 5:4~

You get impatient with your own life trying to master a habit or control a sin and in your frustration begin to wonder where the power of God is. Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit. Dwell on the fact that God lives within you. Think about the power that gives you life. The realization that God is dwelling within you may change the places you want to go and the things you want to do today.

Do what is right this week, whatever it is, whatever comes down the path, whatever problems and dilemmas you face-just do what's right. Maybe no one else is doing what's right, but you do what's right. You be honest. You take a stand. You be true. After all, regardless of what you do, God does what is right: he saves you with His grace.

Walking with the Savior

Devotion taken from Grace for the Moment

Please Be Patient with Me.

2008-03-12T19:59:00.001-04:00

Please Be Patient with Me

When you don't feel My presence, don't feel you have done something wrong.
Why are you feeling as though you are not going forward in your walk with Me?
Those thoughts are not from Me, let them go. The enemy wants you to think that.
He wants you to doubt you ever heard My voice. Know that I am allowing you this time to rest in Me
while I prepare your body for the next mission. Don't worry that you aren't kept busy all the time.
You must know that you are with Me and I am with you. The life that you are living is being smiled upon.
Take this time to pray with Me, to worship me, to learn of Me, to come and sit at My feet.
Please be patient with me

While you wait in silence, or what you think is silence, is My chance to give you new life.
Some things take time for Me to show my children. Some things My children won't be afraid of.
If I gave you what you are asking for on your time, you wouldn't be ready to receive it.
Remember, all things work together for the good of those who love Me,
and are called according to My purpose. I know that you love Me,
and you know that I called you, so Please be patient with Me.

Please, don't call our quiet time together wasted time. I don't waste one second.
If you will be patient I will turn all your reversals into rehearsals for my Glory.
Rest in this and be patient. Use this time to meditate with Me.
What you consider as a move backwards is necessary in My process.
I am controlling all of your time.
I see all your moves; I know all your thoughts, I know all your ways.
For I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Please be patient with Me.

Remember how you trusted Me in the past to work in you?
You were so pleased with what we accomplished, please trust Me now.
You've come to far, don't doubt Me now. Don't worry, I haven't broken one promise yet.
And stop thinking that I don't need you. Please, tell Me why do you think that?
Things haven't change. I haven't changed. I cannot change.
Please be patient with Me, I will bring to pass all that I have promised.

For I am God, I changeth not.

Author Unknown

We are starting a church…

2008-03-05T21:23:00.002-05:00

If you would like more information please visit us on the web at www.whioc.net or www.whfgbf.org. Our Bible Institute website is www.fgbbi.org.

We are so excited for the many lives that will be saved and changed for the glory of God in Upper Darby, PA. Amen