Warrior Wednesdays: Count It All Joy

Going through my walk with God has been an interesting experience. Lately, I have been going through trials and not understanding why certain situations were happening. I searched various scriptures to help encourage me. Although, I felt encouraged when reading them I was also perplexed. Enduring these trials I now understand the meaning behind these scriptures.

“My bretheren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4

When reading these verses, I could not understand why anyone would be joyful when falling into “divers temptations” or when going through a rough situation. However, I now realize that going through struggles has led me closer to God. I have learned to trust him and to hide in the shelter of the ALMIGHTY! He has given me peace in the storm. I have learned that the struggle is a part of the process and the end of the process makes me a wiser person.

I have begun to rejoice in struggles because I know my help is coming. I believe God has something great in store for me.  I would not trade the experience because it has matured me as a Christian and has led me closer to God.

My example of trusting God:

In January 2013, I was working for a company and was offered a job by one of my clients. The opportunity was tremendous. The company was going to create a position for me, I would be able to work from home and go into the office when I wanted. The transition would have been easy as I already knew the business and knew everyone in the company. My client did not want to steal me away from my job and when it became clear that my General Manager would not let me go my client backed off and I was no longer offered the position.  At first I could not understand why this wonderful opportunity had fallen through although, it did not work out I continued to trust in God. In April my client’s company who offered me a job sold themselves with the idea that they would be managing another company. The company they thought they would manage became in charge over them and began to manage them. By July only 3 people remained with the company the rest had been laid off or found another job. By not giving me that job God was protecting me. Had I taken the position in January I would have been forced to find a new job or fired 7 months later. God being all knowing kept me from that although I had no idea what was to come. This past year has been a tremendous journey. I have been hit by many trials, but I know God will bring me through. If you are going through any trial trust God! When situations do not work how you think they should there is always a reason. God has a plan!

 

Stay Blessed and Continue Warring for Christ!

Warrior Wednesday: Brittney

TRANSFORMING TUESDAY: Blessed Are They That...

A BLESSING is defined as:

• The act of invoking divine protection or aid
• A short prayer of thanksgiving before or after a meal; grace
• Approval; good wishes
• The bestowal of a divine gift or favor
• A happy event or state of affairs

There are so many people, places, and things in life that confirm that we are truly blessed. We can look at the sun and moon to know that we are blessed. If you can see both of them, then that is a sign that you can see. Can you imagine life without sight? I can't but there are people who live without sight everyday. I can turn on the news and understand that I am truly blessed. The news in itself is extremely depressing. I don't know when the last time I was able to turn on the news and see something positive. Just last night, I saw a news report of a young male who shot 2 people over a jacket that he wanted. Some people may look at that as pure stupidity, but the reality is that people have seriously lost their conscience. They have zero emotional connections with other people because there have been disconnect in the homes and in society at large. The point is, you have to understand that you are truly blessed because you are not a victim.

The Bible says in Psalms 128, that those who fear the Lord are blessed. This is true!!! My mom always used to tell me that the only person I should fear was God ( I feared her too when I got in trouble lol). I fear God because this same life that he gave me can and will be taken away. I fear God because he provides for me. I fear God because he is the author and finisher of my life. I fear God because he protects me. I fear God because I do not lean on my own understanding. I fear God because without him I am nothing and with him I am everything. Because I fear him, I am blessed.

Last Wednesday, my father unfortunately passed away. That day and his burial have been the hardest days of my life. Just getting through everyday was and has been a struggle. I've been praying for answers and before his death I had been praying for healing. God didn't give me that. Initially I was upset because I thought that God loved me enough to answer my prayers and everyone who prayed for my father. However, as the days have passed God has given me the clarity and guidance that I have needed to reveal certain things to me. Yes my father (who was my friend, my counselor, my heart, my provider, my protector, who was truly a gift from God) has passed but in the midst of the heartache I am still blessed. I don't fear God any less, and I don't doubt him. I am blessed because I am still living, I still have a mother, my family has grown closer, and prior to my father's death I was able to tell him everything that I wanted to tell him. I was able to express my love, I was able to tell him how important he was to me, and I was able to tell him all of things that I would accomplish because of him. And in return, I was able to know how much my father loved/still loves me. 

KIRK FRANKLIN - BLESSING IN THE STORM

I am blessed because death is unexpected and so many times people don't have those moments to express to their loved ones what they want them to know. You can't get time back, but God blessed me with that time to do just that. This isn't to say that I am not going to miss my daddy, but it is to say that even in the midst of this chaos I am blessed beyond words. And more importantly, his life/presence was and still is a blessing. Thank you God for blessing me! So whenever you can't find something to be thankful for, look around and recognize how blessed you truly are in comparison to others. Your parents may drive you crazy but at least you still have them. Siblings are annoying but you still have them. Bills keep piling up but you have the income and means to pay them. School is draining but at least you have been afforded the opportunity. Blessings come but they also go. As long as you fear God, whenever those blessings go there will be more to follow.

Prayer:

Lord we ask today that you remind us of how blessed we are. We also ask that you keep those blessings flowing because we do fear you. We ask that when we feel the weight of the world is too much we ask that you carry those burdens for us. And lastly we want to thank you for those blessings both seen and unseen. You are amazing beyond words and we love you.

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

TRANSFORMING TUESDAY: JAMERA

Merciful Monday: Be Gentle

Just yesterday I was talking to some friends about someone that has really been trying me lately. This person has been getting under my skin to the point where I anticipate being angry after every encounter with them. The worst part about it is that that this person is a leader to whom I have to submit often. When discussing this issue yesterday I said that I was hoping that this person would say something crazy to me so that I would have a justified reason for going off on them. I was basically hoping to be provoked so that I could act rashly and not feel bad about it after.

As Titus 3 says, as believers we should always be obedient and ready to do good. We should avoid quarreling and slander, but instead be gentle and full of humility. In my situation, I was not ready to do good…actually I was ready for quite the contrary. I was ready to quarrel and I was ready to hit below the belt (in a way that some may consider slanderous lol).

This is why the Bible is so important to me. It constantly reminds me of how to conduct myself as a Christian should; and these reminders come in simple forms that don’t feel like a list of Do’s and Don’ts. In a way this reminds me of talks with my grandmother. She always says “Advice is cheap. You can either take it or leave it” then she proceeds to say what she has to say and leave it alone. Similarly, one purpose of the Bible is to advise and convict us. Ultimately we choose whether to consult the source (the Bible) and whether to follow the advice given, fully knowing that we should follow God’s advice above all else.

While I can’t say that it will be easy to treat this person with humility and gentleness (when in my opinion they are quite proud and a lot of their actions are blatantly disrespectful), I am willing to try and I know that I can always pray if I need help. Furthermore, it’s not all about my feelings, because I don’t know what that person is going through to cause them to act the way they do.  

This was particularly on time for me. Now not only do I know how I should react when I face this person again, but how to help someone else should they encounter a similar situation. I’m sure you can think of an instance when this happened to you or maybe to a friend. Be a friend that gives godly advice and tell them what Titus 3:1-2 says, or send them the link to this page! Knowledge of the word is power, people!

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

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

Salvation Sundays: Hold on!

I want to encourage everyone that no matter what you are going through to hold onto your faith and trust God!!! I know that these are rough times and you may be wondering God how am I going to get through this. It's in these times that you have to hold onto the faith. All those times that you are crying and mourning and stressing about life, don't worry because your weeping will turn into laughter. God has your back and knows what is in your future. Yes, there are some things that happen in your life that are not good at all. There are some things that you may be stressing about or wondering God why did this happen to me. Just hold on to your faith with God. Psalm 126: 5-6 says "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Just know that the weeping times and the hardships don't last always. Know that trouble doesn't last always!! 

God is an awesome God. He is the one that will change the situation that you are in. When you are trusting God, there is nothing that you have to worry about. When you are trusting God, just know that He will always take care and protect you. Just know that God will turn whatever was meant to harm you for your better. God turned the evil attacks to make it for your good. God will turn it!!!

So no matter what you are going through and no matter what is happening, just keep your faith and just hold on. Hold on for a little bit because it will get better!!! Keep your head up and stay strong. God will see you through it!!!

Stay strong and be 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."

Saturday Sacrifice: Dissappointments are not what you thing they are=)

Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers?
No, it is you, Lord our God.
    Therefore our hope is in you,
    for you are the one who does all this.

“Our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this”.

So, this week I had an interview.

The funny thing about this interview is I got this interview from a closed door.

What do you mean Hannah???

I know it sounds funny, let me explain.

So, before this interview I had another interview at the same place, same time =). However, it was a different position.

I was so hyped for this position!!!!^_^ Like super hyped!!!^_^

Not only was the position paying the money I wanted and some. But, it was also in NYC =)(for ppl who grew up in the suburbs you know what I mean) and the position was in a great facility!

So, the interview went well. Honestly better than I expected. I said all the right things and asked all the right questions.

It seemed like the loved me, and would consider me a valuable asset to have on their team.

On my way home from the interview I was sitting on top of the world. Nothing could bring me down.

Untill, a couple of days later when I received a call back from my potential employers.

You could imagine how happy I was when I saw their number on my phone.

I had thoughts going through my mind like this:

I GOT IT! I GOT IT! THANK YOU JESUS!

Wait…would they call me to say I didn’t get the job….NOOOOOO that would be cruel lol I got this!^_^

So, when I picked up the phone my mood suddenly changed from happy-go-lucky to down-n-out.

I didn’t get it.

It took everything in me to talk to that man without an emotional voice.

I was sooooo mad.

I was soooo sad.

I was soooo disappointed.

Then all of sudden questions like why God? Began to come into my mind.

And just as soon as those questions began to flood my mind, the man says:

I’m going to send you resume to another department in the same hospital for another position.

Now this position is everything I wanted my first job to be. When I mean everything, I mean everything.

But of course I was trying to pay attention but my mind was so focused on them denying me the first position that I wasn’t really listening.

Long story short, the first interview opened the door to my second interview =).

This picture bellow sums up my point. I hope it encourages you.

Saturday Sacrifice:Hannah

Stay in God’s Peace, not in pieces=)

Friday Fellowship: The Hopeless, The Forgotten, The Suicidal, The Lonely

The Hopeless, The Forgotten, The Suicidal, The Lonely

Psalm 124

124 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say;

² If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us:

There are so many stories about the triumphant individual whom finds inner will or strength to rise above their obstacles. What about those whom don't rise? There are those whom sink into deadly addictions, those whom commit suicide at young ages and those whom are so purposeless they get trapped into a lifestyle they wish to escape.

To those I am a witness that there is a God, whom can take you out from that dark place into places you desire. One of my favorite scriptures refers to when God reminded his people that his arm has not shortened that he can’t reach them. There is absolutely no state that a person is in that God can’t reach to turnaround their life. My story on God saving me is purely about God and nothing for me to glory in.

Within me I had no power to rise from hopelessness. Hopelessness was my life, but in that place I heard God’s voice that breathed hope in me. God put a desire in me to read his word. This with praying was my only activities. God was sharpening my ears to hear him. Constantly in my darkest hours, God would tell me of the blessings and great things ahead if I just follow him. In that place of hopelessness I fell in love with God. I have a great family, yet none could motivate or encourage me out of my hopeless state. I understand from that experience that God’s love transcends all.

God knows our ins, our outs, our lows our highs, what makes us extremely upset or mad, our faults and deepest feelings. God pulled me out of hopelessness by speaking to every hopeless thought, every hopeless feeling and then after showed me his way which is full of promises. If it had not been for the Lord, I would’ve never risen from hopelessness.

Psalms 34:6

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Thirsty Thursdays: Don't get Lost

“1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”

Turn on the news, it wont take long to see the sad and devastating situations going on not just in the world but in America. People are losing their way, losing hope, and losing their minds. Just the other day a 20 year old male entered the Garden State Plaza mall shot a few rounds and was later found dead from what is believed to have been suicide. YOLO, you only live once, so you might as well do as you please, do what makes you happy, what makes you feel good. It is no longer about doing what is right or being responsible. People are seeking self-pleasure, concerned more about satisfying their own personal selfish desires rather than doing the will of God.

It is becoming more and more common to “turn up” and do as you please rather then do as you should. With all that is going on it can be easy to get distracted and have our judgement clouded. We as believers need to stand strong and not conform to the world. We need to continue to grow spiritually and build our foundation in the Lord. It will not always be easy, at times we may be the minority and our associates may attempt to use peer pressure to get us to participate in their activities. But instead lean on the word of God. Use what you have learned and have been taught to not only remain focused and make wise decisions but to also help others turn their life around and walk righteously. “12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All useful  for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Stay Thirsty My Friends

Thirsty Thursdays 

Warrior Wednesdays: “I’m A Soldier in the Army of the Lord”

 

“I’m A Solider in the Army of The Lord” many of us have heard this song and have sung this song, but have you ever taken the time out to look at the implications. If we are soldiers in the Lord’s Army we have to realize we are constantly in a battle, we constantly have to fight.  Being enlisted in the army is not for the faint of heart or for the weak, but for the strong who are willing to endure hardships for the sake of the Lord. Although, we may constantly go through battles we have the ultimate victory because God is on our side.

Throughout our life we will all endure difficult situations it is during these times that we must fight the good fight of faith. Timothy, states that as a soldier of Christ we will endure tough times “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Going through struggles is one of the requirements that we signed up for when we chose to be a Christian. God will give us the strength we need to endure every challenge that comes our way. With Jesus we have the ultimate victory.

When facing struggles the most important thing that I do is seek God in prayer. It is during these times when I cry out to God that I feel the strength to continue on. I trust that God will take care of every situation. Many times when going through struggles I hear God speaking to me through numerous outlets, it may be a message from a preacher, encouragement from a friend, or a song that I am listening to. These messages of encouragement let me know that God is working on my behalf even when I cannot physically see the progression.

When you are going through a battle I pray that you take the situation to God. God wants to help you overcome every battle he will never leave you or forsake you. Give all of your cares to Christ and he will see you through. I pray for everyone going through a struggle that you will feel at peace about the situation that God will provide you with the strength you need to continue the fight that you will learn, and grow into a deeper relationship with God due to the battle which you are facing. Remember that "all things work together for the good to them that love God…”

 

Stay Blessed and Continue Warring for Christ!

Warrior Wednesday: Brittney

Transforming Tuesday: You Are God's Legacy

Do you ever think about the legacy that you'll leave here on Earth? I know many times we should not care about what happens here on Earth after we're gone, but sometimes I think God makes those exceptions. Legacy was present in today's reading in 2 Timothy. Paul praised God because that's what was passed down from generation to generation. Praise and thanksgiving eventually found a resting place in Paul. If you had to answer today, what would your legacy be? (And if it doesn't include God at the center, it will not be a legacy...just an fyi). YOU ARE GOD'S LEGACY!!!

Legacy is defined as a thing handed down from predecessor; money or property in someone's will. However, for the purposes of today's reading, money is irrelevant. So what property would you consider passing down? Today's reading revealed to me that just like Paul, my legacy has to consist of a spiritual praise. That's it--I want to leave a legacy of spiritual praise!!! That means encouraging those who come after me to keep God first, to continue to develop their gifts in The Lord, and to hunger and thirst after him. My dad often has talks to me about legacy and what I'll inherit from him. My dad also teaches me that I am blessed because of who my parents of and I truly believe that. Blessings and favor flows from generation to generation; it is a product of legacy. YOU ARE GOD'S LEGACY!!!

My legacy of spiritual praise will understand that my help comes from The Lord as Psalms 121 states. God is truly my rock, whether it be through the good times and the bad times. And it is through the promises bestowed upon my legacy that God will protect us and make them safe. Unfortunately, my father is ill and the rest is up to God. I just pray that our talks about legacies and promises continue to motivate me to be all that I can be. He tells me continuously that "parents stumble so that their children can walk upright." For me, that is everything that a legacy encompasses. So again, on the path of building a legacy of praise, I will continue to understand and accept where my help comes from. YOU ARE GOD'S LEGACY!!!!

PRAYER:

Dear Lord,

We pray that you continue to bless us, keep us, love us, and ultimately save us. We ask that you continue to allow bless us through our legacies. Lord we ask that your promises to us individually will manifest themselves through our children, our children's children, and their children, and so forth. Lord we know that you will keep us on the path of a legacy of spiritual praise. And Lord last but no least, Lord we ask that you continue to guide and protect us all the days of our lives. We love you and we honor your name because we are your legacy. Amen. 

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TRANSFORM YOUR TUESDAYS :)

TRANSFORMING TUESDAYS: JAMERA

Merciful Monday: Worshiping Idols

“O Israel, my faithless people,
    come home to me again,
for I am merciful.
    I will not be angry with you forever.
¹³ Only acknowledge your guilt.
    Admit that you rebelled against the Lord your God
and committed adultery against him
    by worshiping idols under every green tree.
Confess that you refused to listen to my voice.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!

¹⁴ “Return home, you wayward children,”
    says the Lord,
    “for I am your master.
I will bring you back to the land of Israel—
    one from this town and two from that family—
    from wherever you are scattered.
¹⁵ And I will give you shepherds after my own heart,
    who will guide you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:12-15 NLT)

Jeremiah chapter 3 and 4 talk about worshiping idols. Like Israel- which had strayed from the God who released them from years of slavery, kept them safe and gave them manna from Heaven while wandering through the wilderness- we have strayed from God. Americans did not used to be afraid to say "In God We Trust" or "Merry Christmas," but we have begun to worship other idols such as commercialism and materialism. We see the value of the dollar and the ways in which we can manipulate it rather than trusting the inscription “In God We Trust" upon it. We see all the things we can get from others on Christmas Day rather than reflecting on and celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have definitely been guilty of it myself. Recently, I have begun to feel anxious about getting gifts for people for upcoming holidays, birthdays, etc. because above all else, I have been focused on only two things--pleasing those that I am giving to, and doing so without breaking the bank! Today's reading reminded me that we have to KEEP THE MAIN THING, THE MAIN THING. 

Jesus should be at the center of our hearts and at the center all we do. Gifts should be given out of love, mirroring the many gifts that God has given to us; gifts of grace, mercy, and redemption. Birthdays, baby showers, and bridal showers should be celebrations of new life and new blessings, not “show-off sessions” where everybody is checking for who gave the best gift and those who could not afford expensive gifts cower in fear of rejection. If we keep God at the center of all that we do, casting aside the idols/demons of DOUBT, FEAR, MATERIALISM, GOSSIP, or whatever else seeks to occupy our thoughts and our desires above God, he will keep us grounded. We will have a relationship with him in which we are not afraid to acknowledge our guilt and rebellion and cry out unto God for repentance (Jeremiah 3:13). We will not be ashamed to tell our business to the "shepherds" that God has given us, remembering that it is far more important to seek guidance through tough situations, knowledge of the word, and an understanding of the Lord  rather than to fuel the idols of pride and self-importance (3:15).

Our convenient acknowledgement of God as number 3, 5, or 10 on our list will not do. It just won’t cut it. God wants to give us the desires of our heart, but he wants to be #1. If we choose to throw away our idols, return to God, swear by His name, and stray away no more, only then can we be content, fulfilling our purpose to bless to the nations of the world and lead others to come and praise His name (4:1-2).

Watch “Counterfeit Gods” spoken word by Jefferson Bethke. Great video!!! 

Also, please remember to keep our Transforming Tuesday blogger, Jamera, and her family in prayer right now as they are going through a very difficult time. Your prayers are much appreciated.

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

Salvation Sunday: It's Your Time to Shine!!!

The reading in Jeremiah really got me today. In Jeremiah 1, God speaks to Jeremiah and gives him his assignment. But, like a lot of us, he started to give excuses to God of why he shouldn't have it. Jeremiah said things like I'm just a child. And was giving excuses of why he thought he wasn't good enough. He was giving excuses of why he thought he wasn't qualified  for the task. But, God said I will put the words in your mouth. God was saying don't worry about what you are not able to do because I will take care of the rest. Don't worry if you are scared to speak in front of others, I will speak for you. I just need you to be a willing vessel. All God wants is a willing vessel who will do His work. He doesn't need perfect, He just needs willing. I think this is awesome that God can use anyone. Its awesome that God qualifies the unqualified and uses the ones that are far from perfect. If God has called you to do something, don't worry about what you are lacking. Don't worry about your flaws. Just trust God and don't waste time. Serve Him and He will have your back.

There's this song that I really love. And it has convicted me as well. When I was a little younger and crazier for God, I had a prayer for this nation and for this generation and I would go in for that. But, like a month ago, I was listening to this song and God convicted me. All I could think about was where did that fire, zeal, and intercessory status go for this nation? I want to encourage you to keep praying and staying on fire. Don't lose the zeal and the burdens that God ha placed upon your hearts. If He has given you a burden for the youth, intercede and stay praying for them. Don't lose it because it's our time to shine and do His work!!! 

The second piece is in Jeremiah 2. This was full conviction and I pray it never gets this way for myself. In Jeremiah, Jeremiah is speaking Gods words about people forgetting who their real God is. He's talking about how the people of Israel were worshipping other gods and forget His commandments. They were forgetting all the wonderful things that God has done for them.  Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in life and with our daily routines that we forget about God. We forget about how God brought us to the point where we are today. We get so wrapped about being on a tight, busy schedule that we forget about our mission. We forget about our assignment, the blessings of God and who is the true and loving God. I know I have slightly forgotten about my assignment. Right now, I'm student teaching and my mind is set on finishing student teaching and being done. But, what I have failed to realize is that God sends us to spots and locations for a specific reason. He sends us to places because there are people that He wants us to save and bring to Christ. Yes, you may be working at a certain spot to get money and to have to pay bills and what not. But, don't forget that Jesus commanded us to go out into all nations speaking the good news and making disciples of all men. Therefore, we're on an assignment to reach those that need Jesus. 

Remember you may be the only Jesus that people see. Therefore, don't get so wrapped up in life that you forget about your assignment or that you forget about your assignment. Don't let your insecurities or failures or shortcomings or doubt overtake your life that you're not willing to God's will. He will cover whatever is lacking. 

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for saving and loving us. Thank You for choosing us to do Your will. I'm so grateful that you consider me for your will. I'm asking that God we will just keep you first in everything we do and that we won't forget the true purpose. Also, I pray that we don't limit you or our potential in you. Allow us to get boldness and to walk in it. In Jesus name, AMEN!!!

Stay blessed!!!
Salvation Sunday: Steven Gable

Saturday Sacrifice: I am His, and He is Mine

Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use. ~ 1 Timothy 4:11-14

 

We are all precious is God’s sight.

No one is inferior or superior.

Whether old or young, tall or short, American or Chinese we are all valuable=).

God has given each and every of us a gift to use for him. This gift is a testament of his glory.

Just like our lives is a testament for his glory.

This morning I attended a Women’s gathering with our 1^st lady. She reminded us that we are not our own. We belong to God, and God belongs to us. It is only through his grace that we are living the blessed life we have.

I thought to myself, man she is so right. My life isn’t my own, it belongs to God. I am his and he is mine=).

I want my life to teach believers to have faith in God.

I want my words, my actions, my demeanor, the way I treat people to demonstrate the grace of God in my life.

So every time they see me, the see the God in me, and would want to know him for themselves so that they too can be a believer=).

 Stay in God’s Peace, not in pieces=)

Saturday Sacrifice: Hannah

Friday Fellowship:How do you have Confidence in Uncertainty?

How do you have confidence in uncertainty?

In the book of Isaiah King Hezekiah and his city were being threatened by the King of Assyria. The odds were clearly against Hezekiah, as the King of Assyria had already been conquering various Kings.  Yet Hezekiah had confidence in this dismal situation where survival is uncertain and unlikely.

Isaiah 36:4-5

⁴ And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
⁵ I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?

Hezekiah’s confidence came as he sought God and the words of God were his confidence .God gives his people a word concerning their situation and it’s designed to give them confidence in uncertainty. In this situation God told Hezekiah to not be afraid as the King of Assyria would return to his land and die in his own land. However, the King of Assyria sent another message to Hezekiah soon after.
Isaiah 37:12
¹² Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed, as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Telassar?

After, this message Hezekiah went to his source of confidence again. He sought the Lord and God’s words encouraged him again. This story ends with the King of Assyria dying in his land and Hezekiah’s kingdom dwelling in safety as God said.

We have to understand that our faith cannot grow or exist without God. Meaning God must answer our prayers, he must show up, or else how would we have faith? Bible says God is the author and finisher of our faith. He prepares scenarios for us to display to us, we can trust him. Our confidence comes as we trust his words.

In 2012 I had an indelible trial, and the words God gave me were: Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
 I had this on my phone home page and constantly repeated it to myself in times of distress. God’s words gave me confidence and strength that not only was I going to make it through, but believed God would do something great for me. Plenty of times I tossed in the towel, but God picked me up and echoed the same WORDS to me again. Our God is a God of mercy and grace.

Looking back at 2012, God’s words were true. If I had the power to change certain parts of my life, 2012 certainly would be a year that I would not change despite the suffering. It was needed as God took me off a path in life, that I didn’t want to be on, and I was ignorant and fearful to help myself. Thankfully, there is a God of mercy, a God of grace, a God of peace whose love is so lofty that he will afflict his people to lead them to peace, joy and prosperity.

Numbers 23:19
¹⁹ God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Isaiah 55:11
¹¹ So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Luke 11:28

²⁸ But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.