Guard Your Heart

Prov. 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

There is nothing more heartbreaking than expecting love and acceptance from someone who is unwilling or incapable of giving it.  

Give your heart to God.  He will not reject you.  He is willing to give you love.

Aha!

Ever have those aha! moments?  Times when God is trying to convey a message to you, but you just don't get it?  Then finally........aha!  Sometimes we make life so hard.  God is constantly speaking to us, showing us the way to go  -  "GO HERE, TURN AROUND, NOT TODAY, STOP, LEAVE IT ALONE, MOVE, TRUST ME".  I know I'm not the only one!.  God wants us to have an abundant life.  This means provision, great health, and relationship with Him.  I've discovered that I have to just listen and be obedient.  I don't always "get it" right away, but I do eventually.  So.... if you find yourself stressed out, if things aren't going right, take the time to listen and see that He has your best interest at heart.  God is love.

Waging War

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds"  - II Cor. 10:3-4

Performed by the Beulah Tabernacle Christian Outreach Drama Team

Peace

Some things are not worth the battle.  They're just a waste of time.  As for myself, I refuse to argue with people.  It is up to them whether to accept or refuse my words.  I have nothing to prove.  No use arguing.  I choose peace.  

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peacefully with all men - Romans 12:18

Mighty To Save - Michael W. Smith

Words to this wonderful song

Everyone needs compassion, love thats never failing, let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a savior; The hope of nations

Savior, He can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save

Forever, author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as you find me, all my fears and failures, fill my life again.

I give my life to follow everything I believe in, now I surrender.

Savior, He can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save

Forever, author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave (2x).

Shine your light and let the whole word see, we're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (2x).

Savior, He can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save

Forever, author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave (2x).

Shine your light and let the whole word see, we're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (2x).

Its amazing that when confronted with truth, people tend to become angry and deny its existence.  Here's some truth:  the sooner you face, admit and deal with it, the sooner you will be free. 

Say Yes

 Why is it so hard to say yes to God?

Mary's Alabaster Box

Seek God First

I once heard an Elder say that we give people too much access to ourselves.  Instead of seeking the Lord about our deepest concerns or issues, we seek man.  In other words, we put man in the place of God.  When we reveal our deepest fears, doubts, etc., we are giving man control over us.  Their response to our issues may cause us to stumble and fall out of the will of God.  People may mean well in their response, however, they don’t know you like God knows you. 

Am I saying that we should never confide in anyone?  No, but always check with your heavenly Father.  If their input doesn’t line up with the word of God or what God has spoken to you, go with God.

PUT GOD IN HIS RIGHTFUL POSTION - #1

His Love for Me

I'm always amazed at God.  He knows the desires of my heart.  He is concerned about what concerns me.  Without me even asking Him, he provided the answer I needed.  His love is truly amazing.  He knows what I need when I need it.  He knows the desire of my heart.  If it is in His will, He will bring it to pass.  Thank you Lord

God May Open Your Eyes

It can be devastating when are eyes are opened to the faults of those we love or admire.  The rose colored glasses come off and we see people in their true light.  Over the years, God has revealed to me that I had esteemed people more than I esteemed Him.  Unknowingly, we can make people our Gods by seeking them before seeking Him.  If you are constantly seeking approval from others, you are making them your God.  Think about it. 

Joyce Meyer said something very interesting, "When you esteem someone above Him, He is obligated to show you their faults." 

Try the Spirit

God uses man, by His Holy Spirit, to give us messages. Unfortunately, there are those who give false messages to control and hinder us from releasing our potential. Their words can be a source of unhappiness that can ruin and abort God's purpose for our lives. If these words are spoken by people we trust, we tend to believe they have our best interest at heart.  In reality, they want what’s best for them.  However, the word of God says we are to try the spirit by the spirit. How do we do that? Let’s look at these scriptures:

I John 4:1-3 - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby, know ye the Spirit of God. Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesses not the Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist (against God), whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  God and His word always agree. All spirits are not from God, even if they say good things. This is why we need to know God and His word to discern those who are speaking from His spirit or their own. 

 I John 4:4-5 - You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.  They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them.  With the word of God in us, we are stronger and more powerful than the enemies of God.  The words and opinions of the world are not the words of God.  As Christians, we have the power and are able to speak against every false and negative word spoken into our lives.

I John 4:6 – We are of God: he that knows God hears us:  he that is not of God hears not us.  Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.  The only way to know is to know the Lord for yourself.  Only He has the answers you need.  Invite Him into your heart and life:

Romans 10:9-10 says if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.  For with the heart man believes and is righteous (right standing with God); and with the mouth confession confirms salvation.

Once you’ve done this, read the word of God daily, pray and spend time with God.  Find a faith filled church with the spirit of God, loves Him and obeys His word.  Stay connected to your savior, know Him, and know His spirit.

Do I Really Believe God?

Recently, I was so overwhelmed and stressed out.  I couldn't think, hear God, prayed less, and didn't seek Him.  I allowed myself to be distracted by things that, acutally, aren't that big a deal.  Sometimes we can be so focused on the wrong thing.  Whenever we move toward good, something always comes along to try to steer us away from it.  In the midst of my stress, headache, and irritation, when I was about to "go off", I heard God's voice saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it".  I got clear direction from Him.  He just directed me toward what he originally instructed me to do!  Where did I get off the track?

When God instructs us to go one way, why do we add our own stuff to it?  His instruction was the best way, yet we sometimes think we know better.  The question is, did I completely trust God's instruction?  Remember when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus as he walked toward him on the water?  Peter began to sink.  I took my eyes off of Him and looked at everything else.  Thats when it all began.  Lord, forgive me and help me not to get distracted by the things of this world!

Let the Holy Spirit Do It

Why do Christians try to change people?  We can lead people to the word, however, the Spirit of God transforms people by His power, not man's. I’ve witnessed Christians try to change people, only to have people turn their back on Christ, thinking of Him as a tyrant and a hard task master.  This is a false representation of my Lord.  Although He has requirements of His people, His love brings about these changes, not legalities.  We have been set free from the law.  We have liberty through Christ Jesus.

Byron cage - Thou art a shield for me

This song has helped me when I felt the world was against me, when I felt like giving up, when I was afraid and didn't know what to do.  In, Ps. 3:1-7  David called out to the Lord in his time of despair.  David had to remind himself that he belonged to the Lord.  The Lord who hears him, sustains him, loves him and who had his back.  O Lord, save me!  I will lay down and sleep in peace.  My trust is in you!

Israel & New Breed - Deeper

One of my favorite songs

My Solution to Stress

Stress is an interesting thing.  It can affect your spirit, soul and body.  It can cause you to take your eyes off of God and on yourself.  Worry is really self-centered if you think about it.  Once you make the decision to focus on the Lord, the things that seem so big, really aren't. 

God said that if you do the things He says, you will have peace.  So simple!  Trust in Him.

Phil. 4:6 - Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. (Amplified)

Phil. 4:7 - And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phil. 4:8 - Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue , and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Phil. 4:9 - Those things which you have both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Awesome! 

TAKE ME TO THAT PLACE Martha Munizzi & Israel Houghton

Not there after all!

So, I run into a co-worker at the store today and immediately, we start gossiping.  Afterwards I realized what I had just done!  How easy it is for us to slip into sin!  I had what my grandmother would call "diarrhea of the mouth".  Mess was coming out of it.  Harmful, slanderous, mess!  Phew!  God convicted me on this right away!  Sometimes when we think we've got it together, God shows us that we don't!  None of us are perfect.  No matter how long we've been following Christ.  Whenever we think higher of ourselves than we ought too, God is obligated to show us that we are still imperfect beings.  This was just a reminder that I will always need God to keep me out of trouble!

Power, love and a sound mind.

Fear makes you powerless.  Fear makes you imagine the worse.  Fear is the opposite of love.  Fear warps our perception of God. 

Fear causes you to miss out on God's best for you.  How can you discover what you were created to do if you are frozen with fear? There are so many people living unhappy lives because they are afraid to step out of their comfort zones.  I believe that there are so many wonderful possibilities in our lives, but most of us are afraid to discover what they are.  God has given you the power to take that step of faith.  Fear takes power from you.  God has placed purpose in you through His love.  Fear hides that purpose and obscures God's love for you.  God gives us a sound mind, but fear brings confusion and deception.

God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (I Tim. 1:7)

God is My Source

I had to call in sick today for work.  The manager on duty told me that she had to enforce the attendance policy.  I told her that I could come in and "spread the love" to everyone if she wanted!  I was angry because I have a good attendance record and I do not call out unless I am real sick.  I have to take care of me.  Then I realized, God is my source, not that job!  He is my provider.   If they wanted to act up, He has another employer in line for me!  His word says that He will not forsake me.  He has already made provision for my every need.  God has proven this to me time and time again. 

My God shall supply all my need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus! - Phil. 4:19

Trusting in Him

For years I have confessed and believed God's word concerning me.  However, I realize that with every new step, opportunity or stage in my life, I must renew my mind and revisit my faith.  Doubt, worry and fear creep in, sometimes drowning out the voice of the Holy Spirit.  There were times when I would either move backward or stand still, paralyzed by fear.  In other words, I aborted the opportunity God had placed in my path.  God was not surprised by my actions.  He knew that I would take that step of faith one day, trusting in Him.

Single Parenting: Your Lifestyle Impacts Them

First and foremost, get this in your head:  your children are number one.  You have to put aside your desires in order to take care of them.  They are your responsiblity and your ministry.  Your choices, attitudes, spirit, friends, have an impact on your children. 

Since you are the main parent in their life, they pick up on everything you do.  Children mimic our habits, language, the way we relate to others, our work ethic, the way we dress, our choices in men, our hygiene, yes, I mean everything!  You must be conscience of this.  Your lifestyle will affect your children positively or negatively.  It's not about you.  It's about them.

Think of it this way:  If someone loaned you their car, you would want to return it to them in the same condition that you received it.  Perhaps you would go the extra mile by vacuuming, washing and shining it out of appreciation.  It's the same with children.  God has loaned them to you for a season.  God  has placed them in your hands and expects you to raise them by His word.  Chlidren are a blessing.  Consider your ways.

Ps. 51:10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Single Parenting: Come Against Those Negative Words.

I became a single parent when my son was three years old. These were some challenging years for me.  The only thing that bought the two of us through was our faith in God.  Yes, I said "our" faith.  I raised my son in the Lord.  Every morning before he left the house, we prayed together.  Whenever anyone spoke a negative word about my son, I would firmly tell that person that it would not happen.  In my time of prayer, I would come against every negative word made in my presence and those made behind my back.  I made a point of praying the word of God over my son and teaching him how to pray for himself.

As my son became older, he made some mistakes, but I always relied on the word which says, "Train up a child the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).  No matter what state your children are in, continue to pray for them, even when it looks hopeless.  God is faithful.  Believe in His word.  Pray the scriptures over their lives.  Come against those negative words.  Most importantly, get your life aligned with God's agenda!  Cover your children with the word of God. 

My son is now 25 years old, a grown man!  I still pray over his life!  He has returned to the Lord.  God is faithful and His word is true.  IT IS NEVER TOO LATE!

God Did Not Give Us a Spirit of Fear

"God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. - I Tim. 1:7.  There are many things and situations to fear in this world.  However, if we let it, these fears can overtake us and cause us to forget the love and power of God.  Fear does not come from Him, faith does.  The reverential fear of the Lord is different than the fear of the world.  A reverential fear is showing honor, respect, and having awe of your heavenly Father.  Its not a fear where you are scared to death and want to hide.

When we are in fear, we usually don't think clearly, make mistakes, and make decisions because we feel pushed "to do something".  Sometimes me make the wrong decisions.  Fear does not come from God, but from Satan.  Satan's agenda is to bombard you with so much fear, that you'll make a decision that will take you out of God's will, and into his will. 

Praise God!  Your heavenly Father has power available to you.  That power is His Holy Spirit who will lead you into all truth and remind you of the love of your heavenly Father (read John 14:26-27).  Rebuke the devil and he will flee.  There is power in the word of God, but you must act on it.  The Lord has given you love, the most powerful weapon of all.  He has given you a sound mind.  Don't allow the devil to push you into insanity.  When a thought of fear comes along, speak the word and have faith in it.

GOD HAS NOT GIVEN ME THE SPIRIT OF FEAR, BUT OF POWER, AND OF LOVE, AND OF A SOUND MIND.