Saturday Sacrifice: When the praises go up, the glory comes down

¹³ It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord;

¹⁴ So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God.

These verses remind me of this song we use to sing in church. The lyrics go like this…

“When the praises go up, the glory comes down, where sin use to dwell, grace now abounds,

There’s healing and hope, and love all around, when the praises go up, the glory comes down.”

Praising and thanking God is shown in these verses as a definite way to get God’s attention.

It’s like that verse says in John 4:23

King James Version (KJV)

²³ But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Praising, worshipping, and thanking God is what God seeks for.

When we do this he can’t help but to show up in our lives, and provide that amazing graze for us.

So, if you are looking for God or wondering where he is right now in your life I dare to take your eyes off of the problem and start focusing on the PROBLEM SOLVER, JESUS. Start thanking, praising, and worshipping him because he will definitely show up and show out!!!=)

Here’s a song that can help you get your eyes on JESUS, our PROBLEM SOLVER =) Enjoy!!!

 

Stay in God’s Peace, not in pieces=)

Saturday Sacrifice: Hannah

Friday Fellowship: God Knows Best

GOD KNOWS BEST

The book of Malachi shows priests that have shown God no honor or respect. Reading this chapter reminded me that GOD KNOWS BEST, because he is God.

Jeremiah 29:11

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Since I gave my heart to God, I noticed a consistent theme in my life. That theme is GOD KNOWS BEST. I can recall a time that I wanted to treat this pretty young lady. I had planned something extravagant, fit for a Queen, but there was a change in her plans. Of course, I was upset because my plans were extravagant. After, that day we hung out, I checked my bank account to realize multiple errors in my budget. I must have been sleep budgeting because had I been awake, I should’ve changed the plans (lol).  GOD KNEW BEST.

This year, I return to Montclair since a layoff of four years. Before I returned, I was advised by a Montclair official that I couldn’t return without proving I could succeed. So I went to county college. After I finished county college, I called back to Montclair to inquire about my readmission status. I soon learned all my efforts were unnecessary.  All I had to do was state, “I’m returning this year” and I would’ve been readmitted. This made me mad, as I thought about the money and time spent.  Then I remembered, I needed that refresher and kept repeating to myself (smiling) GOD KNEW BEST.

I WILL NEVER SAY LIVING FOR GOD IS EASY, BUT I WILL SAY IT’S WORTH IT. TO BE YOUR BEST YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE ONE WHO KNOWS BEST.

My errors or poor decisions since giving my heart to God have been God’s corrections or provisions and I have benefitted tremendously.

.

Isaiah 55

⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 3

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Thirsty Thursdays: Only God Can Judge Me

“Only God can judge me”. We have all heard this phrase at some point or time in our lives. It has become a phrase that is just said but not really thought about as far as its significance and the reality of the phrase. Many people casually say it (usually in defense of negative behavior) while others go around pointing the finger not realizing they shouldn’t pass judgment on others.  

In John 8 the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. “4…Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” Jesus response to them was “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her”. At that moment they all began to leave one by one. All of them have sinned, it may not have been adultery but they all were sinners nonetheless. None of them were in the position to pass judgment for they all had faults of their own.

It can be easy to point out the wrongdoings of someone else and chastise them, but lets remember we all have faults and fall short. As the saying goes “you shouldn’t throw stones in a glass house”.  Instead of putting someone down lets help each other and pick each other up. Don’t pass judgment but provide support and encouragement to help better one another.  “Only God can judge me”, yes he can and he will. The Day of Judgment will come and we will all be held accountable for our actions. Till then let’s strive to do his will, make the conscious decision to be led by the spirit and live righteously. 

Stay Thirsty My Friends  

Thirsty Thursdays

Warrior Wednesdays: Are You a Reformer or a Conformer?

Despite the wickedness of past generations including his own father Hezekiah decided to seek after the Lord. King Hezekiah was described as a king who had a close relationship with God. Above all he desired to obey God. 

Hezekiah was a reformer. He made quick changes to restore Judah back to God. In his first month as king he opened the doors of the temple and made necessary repairs. Sometimes we may see a problems in our church, but are not quick to make changes to fix the problems. Instead we complain, if you are unhappy with something talk to your church leaders and make resolutions. Judah was filled with remenants of a people who lacked trust in God, and Hezekiah made swift changes. Altars, idols, temples for false gods were destroyed. The  Passover was reinstituted as a nation wide holiday and Judah was revived. 

Hezekiah brought back the priests and the Levites who were unable to perform their duties because of Ahaz's evilness. Hezekiah called them back to service reminding them that God had chosen them to minister. Fortunately, we may not have to face a wicked king, but pressures or responsibilities can make us inactive and ineffective for God's service. Do not neglect the duty that God has called you to do. If you have become an inactive Christian servant by choice or circumstance look for ways to resume your responsibilities. Then like the Levities be ready for actions. (Tyndale, Life Application Bible.)

Stay Blessed and Continue Warring for Christ!

Warrior Wednesday: Brittney

TRANSFORMING TUESDAY: When God Charges Us With Responsibilities/Our Calling

How many of you have responsibilities? How many of you are charged with responsibilities that you neither asked for or want? I feel like we all have those feelings when we reflect on our responsibilities. I know that I have responsibilities that I never asked for, but God gave them to me. If you're in the same boat just know that if God gave them to you, then you are fully equipped to handle those responsibilities. 

I Chronicles 28 tells us how God chose David to be king of Israel forever. First God allowed Judah to be a leader, but then chose David and his family out of that tribe. David didn't choose the life that he was given, he just lived the life he was given. This is similar to how it is when we are born into our families. We never get the option of choosing our families but somehow we make due with what we have. Growing up I was born into a family of 5 other sisters. If I had it my way, I probably would have never chosen to be born into such a large family, however I love every second of it. I love the noise, chaos, love, and activity. If I were born into a family of two I'm sure I would love that too. Also, growing up I was born at a time where I was the middle child, but the oldest in the household. I had to adapt to responsibilities quick such as: babysitting, cooking, cleaning, helping with homework, and making sure my siblings were ready for bed at times. I did not choose this life or my responsibilities but God chose that life for me. In the same way that God chose Solomon, the son of David to build the temple, he chose both you and I for the lives that we live.

With responsibilities come pressure. As a child I was always told about my power of influence and how much of a leader/role model I was. Well although it may be a great thing now, I didn't always feel that way. I had to watch what I did, what I said, and even felt like I had to filter who I was in order to live up to the expectations of others. Solomon had the same problem: he had to obey God with all of his heart and keep his commandments first. It seems easy but we all know that as growing Christians  that is not always the case. It is okay to slip up from time to time, but just remember that God has chosen you for a purpose and has  charged you with responsibilities for a reason; they cannot be taken lightly. 

John 7 also shows us the pressure and responsibilities that Jesus was charged with. His responsibilities meant that he would be hated. I couldn't imagine such a thing--living a life where all I'm doing is trying to do the will of God and people hating me in the process. When it comes to being charged with responsibilities from God do we shy away at the thought of hatred towards others, or do we stand firm in our beliefs? It is my prayer that we all establish a mindset similar to that of Jesus where we stand firm in the word of God and continue to live out our responsibilities at all costs.

Challenge: Find out your calling and seek it full force! Everyone plays an intricate part in the house of God and it is up to you to find out where you fit in. And if you don't know, always go to God and ask him...he's always there to guide us into his will. You can be an usher, praise singer, witnesser, prayer warrior, or door greeter. There is always room for you to exercise your calling! The only question is: If God calls you for your calling/responsibility will you answer?

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO TRANSFORM YOUR TUESDAY :)
TRANSFORMING TUESDAY: JAMERA

Merciful Monday: Choose the Small Gate

When we see that a large group of people are doing something, a lot of times we start to wonder about doing it also. I know when I saw that a lot of people had Instagram, and my friends were constantly saying “yeah I saw it on Instagram!” I started to wonder...Hmmm should I get one too? I held out for the longest because I just felt like it was unnecessary, but one day a few months ago when I was bored, I gave in and got one. For me, it was easier to get my own Instagram than to have to deal with people always asking me why I didn’t have one and if I saw stuff on other people’s pages.

In simple situations such as this, I don’t think that following the crowd is necessarily a bad thing, unless of course you are doing it for ALL the wrong reasons. I am not on Instagram that often and I don’t post any wild stuff, so in my opinion, it is a situation where it was ok to follow the crowd. But when following the crowd begins to separate you from God….HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM!

Tell yourself this every morning!

Today’s reading in John talks about a time when many of Jesus’ avid believers and followers started to walk away from him. John 4:66-67 says “At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve [disciples] and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Since he was God living in an earthly body, Jesus knew more than anyone about the natural human desire to follow the crowd. But being all-wise and full of the spirit, he knew that although not as easy, being “different” and not following the crowd was important. In Matthew 7:13 Jesus says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it!” Basically, it takes dedication and commitment to not take “the easy way out” by following the crowd. I am sure the people that walked away from Jesus and no longer wanted to follow him felt that it was easier to just “be normal” and not be seen as fanatics or weirdos.

The craziest thing about Jesus’ question to the disciples though, is that just as he already knows what will happen after the world ends and who will end up in Heaven and in Hell, he knew that Judas would walk away by first betraying him (“Then Jesus said, “I chose the twelve of you, but one is a devil.”  He was speaking of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, one of the Twelve, who would later betray him.”—John 6:70-71), and later by committing suicide. While the other 11 disciples stayed steadfast and were ride or die for Jesus—literally, most of the disciples were later murdered for their beliefs!—I believe Judas acted as he did because like my motivation for getting an Instagram, it was easier.

So God is saying to us, “Are you also going to leave?” Are you going to leave church like that friend of yours because one of the ushers made you mad? Are you going to sleep around because it is easier to be promiscuous than virtuous? Are you going to party your life away because it is easier to get through difficult situations when you are inebriated? Are you going to belittle that handicapped person because it is easier to point out their deficiencies rather than working on your own? No matter how much more difficult it is to live righteously, when answering God, like Peter we should firmly believe in our hearts when we say, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).

Let’s work together on Choosing the Small Gate, taking the local righteous road, which is far less traveled, instead of the parkway.

Merciful Mondays: Jael

^“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 4:31

iNspire2013 Photo Contest: 40-day Inspiration Challenge

We want to encourage and promote "INSPIRATIONAL" thinking across the globe. Whenever we read the Bible we are constantly reminded of God's grace, mercy, love, kindness, strength, and miracles that he has performed in the lives of others. As we read these stories, we should be constantly INSPIRED to: 

• Preach the gospel
• Share the love of Christ
• Be kind to our neighbors
• Love one another
• Be a blessing
• Encourage others

We thought it would be a great idea to show the world how inspired we are by having a 40-day iNspire Inspiration Fast. We chose 40 days because Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness and we are trying everyday to be more like Christ. Some of you may be hesitant to participate because of the term: "FAST." Don't fret! 

We want to "fast" negative thinking, meaning we don't want to think negatively anymore. We don't have to not eat to do so, we just want to use God's word and apply to our lives and encourage others through the use of social networks.  We need God more than ever. We are living in the end times. Life is not promised, but in the midst of everything that is going wrong we need to remember to lean on God. One of the things that we found toxic to life and something that we all deal with is negative thinking. We want to do away with that and get into this notion of positive thinking. Positive thinking is faith. Positive thinking is inspiration. Inspiration is God. So for 2013, we want to say goodbye to negativity and hello to FAITH.

STARTING SEPTEMBER 1ST -

 OCTOBER 10TH!!!

Salvation Sunday: The Living Word

Have you gone through times where you eat something and then a little later you're hungry? Or who gets thirsty even though they just drank tons of water? I know sometimes there are times where I am thirsty after drinking a couple cups of water. Or I can eat a meal and then half an hour later, I'm hungry and looking for food to eat. 

Jesus talks about how He is the bread of life and that whoever comes to Christ will never be hungry. And He also says that whoever believes in Christ will never thirst again. I started off by talking about our physical hunger and thirst. But, our spirits have a hunger and thirst as well. Before coming to Christ, did you feel like you were missing something in your life? Or even now, do you feel like you are missing something with your walk with Christ? This can be spending more time with Christ or receiving a word from God. Our souls are constantly yearning to be satisfied. Now, the world has many things to offer to try to ease the pains or give us answers. Sometimes we use things to try to cover up our pain or whatever is missing in our lives. And these things can cover up what's missing or what's hurting in our lives temporarily. But, the thing is our souls are not satisfied with what was temporarily covering. And that is why Jesus said I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never hunger again. Because everything that we need is in Jesus. If you have a question that needs answered, you can find it in the Bible and you can find it out through prayer. 

Think about it!! When you go to church and you hear an awesome message, you walk away satisfied!!! You walk away feeling good or sometimes even convicted. But, the thing is that we have to continue to go back to Christ. This is part of the relationship. We can't just say okay God give me my fix and then never talk to me. If you have a best friend or your parent that you talk to for advice, you don't just get what you want and then never speak to them again. It's the same with God; we have to continue to seek God and maintain the relationship. 

Now, the other question is what do you hunger and thirst after when your soul is not satisfied? Or what do you turn to when your soul is missing something? Matthew 5:6 says "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." This is what I love about being with God. When you seek God and His righteousness, you shall be filled. The answers that you are looking for will be revealed to you. It may not come when you want it, but it's always right on time. So I encourage you to seek the Living Word. Jesus is that Living Word. He came so that we could have eternal life. Jesus is alive and not dead and whatever you need He will supply. 

Enjoy this song!! It's a wonderful song by Fred Hammond. It's called "You are the Living Word." Jesus is the manna or the bread sent from heaven. The way to come to God is through Jesus!!! Thank You for being the Living Word!!

Here are a couple of verse to remember throughout the week:

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

Stay blessed!!!

Salvation Sunday: Steven Gable

 2 Chronicles 6:41 "Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness."

GUEST BLOGGER FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST: The Darkside

"God Is Light In Him There Is No Darkness"

Since the year began my life has been a mental, physical and emotional roller coaster. Before being baptized and realizing my self-destructive ways every new year I thought life would start with a fresh slate. Celebrating the New Years drinking and partying thinking whatever happened last year is all gone and forgotten. Not true. All my problems, sins, uncertainties, bad habits and reckless behavior would snowball to each and every year. Thinking to myself that I'm a new me when in fact I'm even a worst version than I was the previous year. With age creeping up, motivation diminished, ambition seems non-existent and hope well hope was gone shortly after faith disappeared. Years ago when I had goal and knew what I wanted to achieve I prayed on it. Such as getting the opportunity to work at one of the most well known studios in New York City owned by Hip Hop Mogul and artist Jay-Z all the way to having a relationship to my then girlfriend at the time. Anytime my back was against the wall I prayed. When God granted me all these things I took everything for granted became less appreciative and forgot who he was. After I lost everything that I actually prayed on to achieve I started veering off to the Darkside. Worst part about it I called it the Darkside then when I was very unfamiliar with the bible and now I see my rebellious ways.

I started drinking and smoking more often than usual spending time in strip clubs. Doing illegal things with no disregard or remorse just feeling that as long as I had a good heart I was going to heaven.  That's like a basketball team never practicing and thinking there going to win the NBA championship. If you don't practice being a Christian in the will of God how can you go to heaven? I cut ties with The Lord when all he did was grant me all the things I prayed on and I myself lost it because I became less appreciative and selfish. I used past situations that snowballed to present problems and used that as an excuse for my behavior. Parents thought they lost me and didn't recognize me anymore. I was out of touch. I started going to church just to go but not getting much out of it. I realized I was listening to the word but not digesting it like eating fast but not tasting the food and enjoying it. God tried many ways to reach me to slow down and the worst part is I knew it but ignored it. I wrote music from the heart and when I listen to my old stuff I hear the things I would say such as "Only God could save him but I don't wanna be saved/ he probably tell me to slow down and behave/" writing these rebellious thoughts and be angry for what when Lord has only blessed me and it was me who chose bad and wandered off. Maybe because I was so gone the devil now spoke within me naming a project I did a year ago called The Darkside.

Trouble started following me, which was one of the biggest signs that the Lord is trying to get my attention. Till the day I got sick and was hospitalized for a month and being so close to death. If I died then would I have gone to heaven because The Lord was trying to reach me as my father as my friend an old friend I betrayed when he always did right by me but I decided to engulf and indulge into the Darkside. God showed me a miracle by becoming a miracle thru prayers and faith he carried me thru the valley of death. For me to just stop and realize where I was going that he had better plans for me and always did. Blinded by flesh and searching for self worth without God I would fall and would never get up. But with him a fall is as common as a rainy day but thru him sunny days always follow so you appreciate it even more the blessings that he places upon us.

God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him and yet keep on walking in the darkness, we are lying and not practicing the truth. But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 

(1 John 1:5-7)

GUEST BLOGGER FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST: KEVIN

Saturday Sacrifice: I'm Walking with God

We are all walking down the path called life.

 

 

 

 

Every path is different. Some are straight, some are curvy, some have dirt roads, and some have concrete roads.

Each life path also has different road signs, detours, and other obstacles.

Many times in this path called life we come against many obstacles or sometimes this path called life gets too bumpy or hard to travel on.

In the process we become fearful, afraid, worried, or anxious about traveling further down this path called life.

      We forget who is traveling with us. 

 

                     

²⁰ But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. ~ John 6:20

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. ~I Chronicles 22:13

The Lord their God will save his people on that day  ~ Zechariah 9:16
    as a shepherd saves his flock.

A shepherd protects, feeds, guides, comforts, heals and tends it sheep.

The Lord is our shepherd just like the first verse says in Psalms 23.

Don’t fret and don’t worry when you come against those obstacles in life. The Lord our God is with you. Just be the sheep and let Him be the shepherd. Just follow Him and He will keep you in perfect peace.

Philippians 4:6-8

King James Version (KJV)

⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

 

Stay in God’s Peace, not in pieces =)

Saturday Sacrifice: Hannah

 

Friday Fellowship: I know it’s the Wrong Choice

 I know this is wrong, God will forgive me though. Most of us have said this in our lives and in our journey with God.  The book of Chronicles chapter 21, we find King David, whom does the same thing.

⁸ Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”

Sometimes we sin knowingly. It is important as David did in this chapter to return in repentance and realize how foolish it was. How foolish is it?

                Recently, I had sinned knowingly. I made a wrong choice and said “He won’t mind, God is merciful. I been faithful for most of the year and I can take a break.” Then I thought about the many things God has done for me in just 2013. Foolish! That was extremely foolish of me because SIN SEPERATES US FROM GOD. This year of 2013 I’ve made many choices to follow God which led to my new direction and great year I been having. God’s love and hand in my life is the reason I seek to make choices that please God. Believers learn to make the right choices from the bible, along with our pastors and our own relationship with God.

                Living for God will lead you to a life of abundance.

John 10:10

¹⁰ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Whatever your life is now, it cannot compare to what your life would be if you made the choice to live for God. God can only add more to your life, which explains his offering of abundant life. God is promising anyone who will make that choice to serve him that his plan for their life will go beyond their plans. When you make God’s choices in your life, you will notice the significant differences. God not only grants our hearts desires, but also leads us to peace, joy and righteousness.

Many people seem hopeless today because of random killings, job market, college payments, high divorce rate and because time seems short. God calls these days “the last days”. The bible predicted in “the last days” hopelessness would settle in the earth. In the midst of a hopeless world is a God of hope calling people to make the choice to serve him, and when you do he will provide you a life of abundance.

Joshua 24:15

¹⁵ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Psalms 37:4

⁴ Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Thirsty Thursdays: Rise Up and Walk

Throughout our lifetime we face different troublesome situations. Whether it is being sick or dealing with some type of emotional ailment etc. at some point we go through something. Have you ever been sick or emotionally down and needed some assistance? Reached out to a peer, friend or family member looking for help but was forced to fend for yourself because they were too busy taking care of their own situations, forgot or just did not want to help for whatever reason? Even those with good intentions can let you down and it sucks to feel as if no one is willing to help or you have no one to rely on, but don’t allow external circumstances keep you from “being healed”. As believers, we always have someone we can rely on 100% of the time. Someone who no matter what, through thick and thin will never be too busy to help, to caught up with other things or forgetful. We have Jesus Christ!!!

In John Chapter 5 we read about the pool of Bethesda. This pool when stirred had the ability to heal people, so as you would expect many sick people would hang around the pool waiting for the opportunity to be healed. “3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie – the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for 38years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked, ‘Do you want to get well?’ 7 ‘Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.’  8 Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked”

Many people were hanging around the pool waiting to be healed. None of these people were helping out one another. They were all to preoccupied with themselves, selfishly attempting to get healed not worrying about the next man, one who may have been in worse condition than them. Similar to today's society where everyone is on their own agenda focused on their own well being stepping on others to get ahead not lending a helping hand. We cannot allow this to keep us down. 

The man when asked if he wanted to get well did not even directly answer by saying yes I would. Instead he responded by explaining what has kept him from getting in the pool. He to an extent was hopeless and helpless. He looked at his capabilities, the external circumstances around him and basically came to the conclusion that there wasn’t anything that can be done. He allowed his physical state and the situation around him paralyze him mentally so he was “stuck”. As believers we must not give up, we must know there is always something that can be done. It is not about our abilities, what the situation in front of us may look like or seem like. The Lord our God, hears our cries, he is always there to help us out. God’s grace is sufficient, he can cure us of any situation, he is never too busy for us, he will never forget about us. We are healed and made strong through the Lord. Next time you face a situation, don’t feel alone or inadequate, know that there is a mighty God on your side. Cast your cares and concerns up to him, leave any and every excuse or feeling of self-pity behind; “RISE UP AND WALK”. 

Stay Thirsty My Friends

Thirsty Thursdays

 

Warrior Wednesdays: Whatsoever You Ask, Believing, You Will Receive It!

John 4, tells the story of a nobleman who historians have discovered travelled 20 miles to see Jesus. He had a desperate need, his son was sick to the point of death so he travelled a long journey believing that Jesus would heal his son. His original plan was for Jesus to come back to his home however, Jesus sent him home with the words "Go thy way; thy son liveth..." the man believed everything Jesus said and turned to go home. On his way home his servants met him and told him his son was healed. When he asked what time the fever left his son he realized it was the exact time that Jesus told him his son liveth. Jesus answered the man's request instantly he was rewarded because of his faith. When you are asking God for a miracle remember to ask in faith without doubt. Consider the following topics when you are in need of a miracle.

1. How far are you willing to go for your blessing?

- This man journeyed 20 miles to see Jesus. We may not be able to physically walk to see Jesus but there are other ways to get in touch with him such as prayer and fasting. Are you willing to fast and pray for your miracle?

2. If God doesn't respond in the way you think he should do you believe he will still bless you?

- The nobleman wanted Jesus to come to his house to heal his son, however Jesus refused his offer and told him to go home because his son was healed. This was not the plan the man originally had, but he believed Jesus and went home. 

3. God can provide your miracle instantly. 

- Sometimes we feel that God takes forever to answer our prayer request and that we need to ask over and over. This story shows that God can answer your prayer immediately. Within the same hour that Jesus told the nobleman that his son liveth, the fever departed and his son was healed.

4. Do you believe everything Jesus says?

- "The man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him and went his way." John 4:50 The word of the Lord is truth when Jesus speaks it will come to past. "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matt 21:22

Stay Blessed and Continue Warring for Christ!

Warrior Wednesday: Brittney

TRANSFORMING TUESDAY: Lord You Are So Worthy Of All The Praise

Do you know of someone who is worthy of all of your love and affection? Do you know someone who is worthy of your time? Our Warrior Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday bloggers recently got engaged (I can't wait to get my bridesmaid dress!!!) and I'm sure Ron felt that Brittney was worthy of a ring/to spend the rest of her life with him or else he wouldn't have proposed to her right? My question today is, what are you entertaining in your life? Is everything that takes up time in your life, worthy of your attention? 

Webster's Dictionary defines "WORTHY," an adjective, as: (1) having worth or value (2) having sufficient worth or importance; deserving, good, meritorious. Who would you describe as someone who is worthy in your life? I know for me, my mother and father worthy of my love and respect. My sisters are also worthy of my love and respect. My family and friends are worthy of my loyalty. And the individuals who follow this blog (ALL of YOU) are worthy of my time and dedication. So what do we show these people that they are worthy?

The one who is worthy of everything that we have to offer is God. He died for our sins and because of him, we live. I sin, yet God believes that I am worthy enough to be forgiven. There are times when I say I love God but my actions do not align, yet he believes that I am worthy enough to still be blessed. I will probably never understand just how much God truly loves me, but I can assure you that he will forever be worthy of ALL OF MY PRAISE. I say this because of all of the blessings and miracles he has performed in my life. I wish I could name them all but I know I'd miss too many. 

1 Chronicles 16 shows us just how we can show people that they are worthy of our love, affection, time, thoughts, and praise. David told Asaph and the rest of the people when he preached before the ark, to give praise to God --showing God he's worthy. So how do we show God that he's worthy of all of the praise:

• Proclaim his name
• Never hesitate to tell the world how worthy God is of the glory. Whenever something great happens in our lives, we're always telling everyone. What about telling people how good God has been to you. We pick and choose what we want to tell so let's make sure telling the world about our God as our #1 choice
• Sing to him
• There's an old song  that says when the praises go up, the glory comes down
• Tell everyone of the miracles he has performed in your life
• Testimonies are often what connects non-believers to God
• Remember the miracles he has performed in your life
• Remember what God has brought you through, to trust in what he will bring you to
• Trusting in God's promises that he has bestowed upon your life
• All you need is faith the size of a mustard seed
• Proclaim his salvation
• Everyone deserves to be saved. Are you doing your part to get God's name out there?
• Fear God -- ONLY God
• When God is on your side, the battle is already one
• Give an offering
• The Bible tells us to give 10% of our income to tithes. Even when we do, God multiplies that 10 fold; It's called a sacrifice
• Give thanks
• Sometimes you have to thank God for what he done, what he is doing, and what is going to do
• Go to him when you're in need
• The Bible tells us to cast our cares upon the Lord. Worthy is not having faith and worry is the farthest thing from having peace. You either worry or you give it to God. Pick one.

CeCe Winans - "Worthy"

Even when I am not worthy, God is still worthy. He has allowed me to receive an education although my parents cannot afford it--LORD YOU ARE SO WORTHY OF ALL OF THE PRAISE. He has also blessed me with an amazing family who love and support me--LORD YOU ARE SO WORTHY OF ALL OF THE PRAISE. He has protected me from my enemies and has removed people from my life who serve no purpose--LORD YOU ARE SO WORTHY OF ALL OF THE PRAISE. He constantly surrounds me with love through the people he has placed in my life-- LORD YOU ARE SO WORTHY OF ALL OF THE PRAISE. I have amazing friends who always find a way to inspire me--LORD YOU ARE SO WORTHY OF ALL OF THE PRAISE. I have friends who are seeking after Christ--LORD YOU ARE SO WORTHY OF ALL OF THE PRAISE. I want or need for nothing--LORD YOU ARE SO WORTHY OF ALL OF THE PRAISE. I am healthy and full of life--LORD YOU ARE SO WORTHY OF ALL OF THE PRAISE. Regardless of my sins I know that my God loves and adores me, and for that, LORD YOU ARE SO WORTHY OF ALL OF THE PRAISE.

TODAY'S CHALLENGE: I challenge you to find ways throughout the day to show God that he is worthy of all of the praise. Even if you're day is going terrible, the fact that you're alive shows that God is worthy of all of the praise. You hate your job? You still have one so God is worthy of all of the praise. Also, make sure that what you truly value in life aligns with what you find most worthy/valuable. That means that if God is what you value most, then that is who should get most of your time throughout the day. Everyday that you wake and every breath that you take is a chance to tell God: LORD YOU ARE SO WORTHY OF ALL OF THE PRAISE.

Here is a video that I saw on Facebook last week and shared with friends that has touched my heart. Although it's titled "Grace" it is just another reason(s) why God is worthy of all of the praise and honor in our lives. Once again, even when we are not worthy of what God has for us, God is still worthy of all of our praise!!! I am eternally thankful.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO TRANSFORM YOUR TUESDAY :)

TRANSFORMING TUESDAY: JAMERA