TODAY’S INSPIRATION: GOD’S MASTERPIECE…

No matter what anyone says or thinks about you, never allow them to make you feel unworthy or less than! We are masterpieces created by The Master. We don’t have to do anything to become one, we were born a masterpiece. To state this fact does not make us vain, to say anything different would be criticizing God’s work and disputing His Word. We certainly do not want to dispute the sovereignty and wisdom of God. Regardless of what we look like or how we feel, we are masterpieces. I choose not to believe what the world says I am but what the Word says I am. Love and Blessings…

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
(Psalms 139:13-14)

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10.)

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

We make mistakes. We get hurt. However, We bounce back quickly and fiercely like the women lioness that we are! We don’t have all the answers but we know who does and we know our worth. We are mothers, we are strong and will fight to the end for our children and those we love. Each day no matter what we face, we put one foot in front of the other and walk by faith. One thing we know for sure, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!
Celebrate today and every day that God blesses you with the gift of a mom. A mother’s love is a gift that will never die even when her fleshly body is no longer here, her love lives on in our heart and memories. Love and make memories while you can because the memories will forever be with you. The love will forever be with you. Today is bittersweet for some, and I pray that it comforts you knowing that those who have accepted Christ will see each other again. If you are still blessed to have your mom with you now, I encourage you to make everyday Mother’s Day!

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” ( Proverbs 31:25)

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” (Proverbs 31:26)

“Then the mother of the child said, ‘As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So he arose and followed her.”
(2 Kings 4:30)

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: GOING THROUGH?

We all go through trials and tribulations of some sort in this life. If you are not going through something now, you have been through or you will go through. That’s life. Jesus told us in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” That last sentence, “I have overcome the world” is our hope and comfort in times of troubles. Sometimes we must go through to get to the next level God is taking us. I call it growing through. Sometimes we go through so that when God brings us through, we will have a testimony to help someone else. We get the victory and God gets the glory! Sometimes we go through because of our own bad choices but God is still in control. He can turn our mess into a message, just as He turns our test into a testimony. It’s really about how we handle the situation, do we focus more on it than the One who is in control of it? There is a difference in being concerned than being worried and anxious. We must trust our Father who has already won every battle we will ever face. When storms come, Jesus will calm them or He will calm us until they past. Scripture helps us realize that we are fighting from a vantage point of already having victory, rather than trying to win a victory. The Apostle Paul writes, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loves us.” (Romans 8:37) Through every trial, we must keep our focus on God and always believe what His Word says more than we believe what the world says. We must not let our  doubts and fears hold us back from living the life God has for us. We may have to walk through some difficulties but we can stand strong in faith, because we know how the story ends! We have the victory through Christ Jesus! So be encouraged. Love and Blessings…

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippines 4:6-7)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:39)

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: I’M NOT PERFECT…

No need to lie, our flesh loves sin, sin can feel, sound, look, smell, and taste oh so good! Have you ever asked yourself, Lord why everything that seems so good is a sin? The key word here is seems. That’s the deception of the enemy. It has to seem good for us to be tempted. When it comes to owning up to our own sins, the phrases “But I’m not perfect.” Or “God knows my heart” is often used as the go-to justification. I have used them. And I am sure most people have. They are both true statements but should not be used to justify our wrongdoing. God knows we are not perfect, He knows all of our weaknesses. The Apostle Paul understood the struggle. He wrote, “I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?” (Romans 7:22-24) In verse 25 Paul gives us the answer, the answer is in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!

God’s intention is for us to have victory over sin, which is why He sent His Son, Jesus to save us. There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. When we mess up and fall short, God shows us grace. Jesus is our advocate, so that sin won’t keep us from our Holy God. We will dwell in God’s shelter, not because of our own righteousness, but in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. It is not wise to take God’s grace for granted, using “I’m not perfect” or “God knows my heart” as an excuse or to justify our sins. There is a difference between making an occasional mistake and being willfully disobedient to God. We cannot repent and ask for forgiveness but at the same time we are planning our next trip with sin. Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6:15-23, “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” In other words we can be slaves to sin, or we can be slaves to righteousness. We have a choice. Yes God gives us choices. He does not want puppets on a string. His desire is that His love for us, His mercy and His grace will give us the desire to live right in His eyes. And when we choose to be disobedient there are consequences. Sin separates us from God. The enemy knows this. This is where he wants us to be, away from God who protects us and where we get our strength and authority over him. He can’t come in and and take control when we are under God’s protection. Oh he will attempt too but nothing he tries with prosper. We do not have to run and hide from God when we mess up. In Christ, we have the confident assurance that we are forgiven, loved, and righteous. (Eph. 1:7, Rom. 8:37, 2 Cor. 5:21). Thank God for Jesus, who gives us the strength we need to get the victory over sin that we already have. Yes, we already have the victory over any sin because God said He would always give us a way out. Sometimes we have to tap into it by drawing from Jesus. We can do all things through Him.
When we fall short as we all do, we must not just say “I’m not perfect” or “God knows my heart.” We must sincerely repent, and we will be forgiven as Jesus forgave the woman at the well in John 4:1-42. This story is an example of Jesus’s love, truth, redemption, and acceptance.

This new life we live in the grace of God should not be taken for granted. God’s kindness and goodness toward us, should motivate us to change and have the desire to receive the divine nature, the mind of God. Grace is inseparable from God’s law, and God’s law is inseparable from grace. Both work to produce righteousness in a child of God, keeping us free from sin and death. Love and Blessings…

“Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrew 2:17-18)

“Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” (1John 3:6-7)

“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:4-8)

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1)

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
(1 Corinthians 10:13)

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: SEND ME!

I have heard people say haters motivate them. I thought about that this past week and how the enemy has been trying his best to stop what the Lord has proclaimed for me to do. Every time he takes me down, the Lord pulls me back up. I say to the devil, ha, you lose again! Then I get excited because I know the devil is running scared. Each time the enemy tries and fails, it motivates me. Because it proves the Lord is with me every step of the way! Again I say, Lord, I’m ready, send me!

We sometimes hear stories of God supernaturally, miraculously appearing to people in dreams and visions, which leads them to finding Christ and putting their trust in Him. This is awesome when it happens! But usually the way people hear about Christ is God sends someone like you or I to tell them the Good News of Salvation. Jesus was clear and straightforward to his disciples on what he wanted them to do. The authority was delegated to the disciples to announce the Good News to all and to go out and make disciples. Today God still sends us as His disciples to spread the Gospel. We can tell them about Jesus who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” However Jesus is the only one who can save them and then only if they open their hearts and allow Him too by accepting Him as their Lord and Savior. Every Christian is either someone who God’s send, or someone who God uses to help those He have sent. We too, like the original disciples are fishermen of souls. We throw the rod out (plant the seed) and Jesus will reel them in if they allow Him. God doesn’t need our help, just like He didn’t need the original disciples to save us. It is a privilege to be called to help save lost souls from a Christ-less eternity. God does not want to lose one soul! We don’t want our family, friends, not even our enemies to live a life without Christ, and worst not to experience the joy of everlasting life. Whether it is around the world or across the street, there are people who need to hear the Good News. People need to hear this incredible story of love, sacrifice, and salvation! True disciples strive each day to be Christlike and to do that our words and actions must line up with the Word of God. I pray that the Lord blesses us and makes us worthy disciples as we continue the task He gave to His original disciples. My personal prayer today is Lord use me to save souls, send me! What about you, have you inspired others to follow Jesus? Love and Blessings…

“If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:13-15)

TODAY’S INSPIRATION:WHERE ARE YOU LOOKING? 👀

Don’t talk yourself out of your destiny and purpose believing what you see. Where are you looking? Now is the time more than ever for us to keep our gaze on God and only glance at the world. When you look at the world you see doubt, fear and panic. When you look at God you see your purpose, you see protection and peace. When you look at the world, you see desperation, death, and destruction. When you look at God you see eternal life, you have no fear, because you walk in the authority and power of the Holy Spirit living within you. When you look at the world, you see who society says you are, when you look at God, you know who you are. When you look at the world, you see lies, injustice, and the devil’s schemes. When you look at God, you recieve spiritual strength, discernment, and wisdom to defeat the devil. Keep your gaze on God who has given you power over all things, ALL THINGS! Where are you looking? Love and Blessings…

“So  God created man in his own image
in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

“I  praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (1 Corinthians 16:11)

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)

“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:5)

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: STAND FIRM IN THE BATTLES; THE WAR HAS BEEN WON!

Last week was challenging to say the least. It took me down. I’m still recovering. I felt like I lost the battle. But then I was reminded that there is always a purpose in our pain and there is always a message in our mess. The Holy Spirit reminded me that we should still rejoice in the mist of the battle because the war has already been won. So I got back up with the help of the Lord and I am prepared to fight again. If you think about it that’s a win when we get back up. You may be thinking make it make sense. A lost is a lost is a lost. Wrong thinking. First you must know that a battle is not a war, a battle is part of a war. You cannot have a war without battles and fights. And if you lose the battle, it does not mean you have lost the war.  

{A Psalm of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.} “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

When we are in a battle, we need to recognize who we are fighting. It is not our family or friends. It is not our coworkers or spouses. It is not physical, financial or mental issues. It is not the darkness we see happening in our life or in the world, it is the darkness we cannot see, not with our natural eyes. Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that the battles we have in life are not flesh and blood but are evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. In other words the battle is spiritual, not physical. Every day we are in warfare with the enemy. Satan and his demons are working overtime to wreak havoc in our lives by any means necessary. They know our weaknesses and they know our sin patterns, and their job is to exploit them. Every battle or problem we have in the physical, started in the spiritual. Every negative thought in our mind, which is the battlefield, is satan working overtime to discourage our walk with God. The Bible tells us in our fight with this enemy, we must be aware of his tactics. The Apostle Paul tells us the main characteristics of satan. He uses his power for evil and destruction. He is connected with darkness. He has authority to rule the world. We can look around us and see his work in progress with our natural eyes. However, we need spiritual discernment and awareness because Satan and his demons are deceptive, they sometimes can disguise themselves as wolves in sheep’s clothing. We must pray as Elisha, asking God to open our spiritual eyes so that we may see and not be deceived. ( 2 Kings 6:17) We need to be knowledgeable of spiritual warfare and the tricks and schemes of the enemy. Hosea 4:6 tells us that God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

“So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”( John 15:5)

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29)

Jesus tells us in Luke, chapter 10:19, that He has given us authority and power over the enemy. The Bible also tells us that Jesus Christ defeated satan and his demons and took away their power. So why does satan who knows he has been defeated continue to attack us? And why is he so determined to rob us of everything the Lord has promised us, which includes eternal life for those who choose to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I will tell you why, we are a threat to the devil’s kingdom. As Believers we have a target on our back. The enemy will attack the strongest and most faithful followers of Christ as well as believers who are not as seasoned. It doesn’t matter if you have big faith or faith as small as a mustard seed. He is relentless because he is scared. Why is he scared? Because he knows the truth! It is vital that we know these truths as well;

1. The devil can only operate within the confines of what God allows him to do. (Job 1:12)  

2. Satan will never be able to attack us or harm us any more than we are capable of handling through Christ. (1 John 4:4)

3. Jesus gave us authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt us. (Luke 10:19)

4. God gave us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ who triumphed over the principalities and powers! (Colossians 2:15, 1Corinthians 15:57)

These truths are why the devil wants to remove us away from God. He knows we cannot fight spiritual warfare in our own strength. He knows if God opens our spiritual eyes we can see exactly what he is up too. We must stay connected to God by seeking Him daily. Tony Evans said it best, “Stand firm in the area that has already brought victory.” Jesus who won the war will also fight our battles. He will protect and strengthen us through our trials and difficulties. In James 4:7 we are reminded to submit to God and to resist the devil and he will flee. The enemy cannot defeat you in his power, he can only defeat you if you give up your power and give him permission. I encourage you to not give up if it looks like you are losing the battle, instead stand firm, push, praise, and pray! Know that it is not over because the war has been won and the enemy has been defeated. Because of Jesus Christ, we have the victory! Love and Blessings…

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: YOU CAN’T HURRY LOVE…

“Love and hurry are fundamentally incompatible. Love always takes time, and time is the one thing hurried people don’t have.” This quote by John Ortberg is on point. I was reminded this morning while reading my devotional of how hurry and love is incompatible. It brought back a memory of a song back in the day by the Supremes called “You Can’t Hurry Love” I get it. Love can be time-consuming. Parents, spouses, and most relationships where there is true love can testify that just like oil and water, love and hurry does not mix. It’s hard to show love when you are in a hurry. Hurry leads to impatience, tension, stress, even anger which are the opposites of love. The Bible tells us what love is:

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Just like everything else, in this fast-paced world, worldly love is at a high-tech speed. There’s a reason people talk about “walking with God,” and not “running with God.” God’s love has an inner speed. It is a spiritual speed. Jesus was never in a hurry. Jesus who was living out His purpose still took the time to spend with His disciples and friends. He took the time to show love and compassion. Jesus said “I Love You” with his life by showing up for all of us and giving us hope. We didn’t deserve it which tells us true love should not be conditional. Jesus is a perfect example of how to love. Love is not just a feeling. It is a choice. Sometimes all we need to do is choose to take the time to show up.  

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10)

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)

Jesus commanded us to love one another. When asked what the greatest commandment in all of Scripture was, he responded with “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength,” but he refused to stop at one command; he added another, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34).  

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)

How we relate to the ones we love is important in any relationship. Do we get impatient and agitated when we are in a hurry? It comes as no surprise that in the Apostle Paul’s definition of love, he describes patience first. We make time for those we love. Or we should. Life is busy and full of interruptions. These interruptions should not affect the way we relate to those we love. You can’t hurry love. May the Lord helps us to look for ways to un-hurry and be present for the people we love. Love and Blessings…

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3-4)

TODAY’S INSPIRATION:WAIT FOR THE SUN(SON)!

The Bible says with age comes wisdom and understanding. (Job 12:12) Wisdom is to be shared. I share with you what I have learned about the Sun and THE SON. (Jesus Christ) When the sun is shining, embrace it and enjoy its warmth. And when the storms come, remember that the sun will return and sometimes it even returns with a rainbow! When we experience the storms of life (and we will), instead of focusing on the storm, we must hold on and wait for THE SON. I was taught in school that even when it is storming, the sun does not go anywhere, any more than you or I don’t vanish when we walk behind a building or a large tree that blocks us from view. When it rains the rain comes from clouds, and these clouds are usually thick and you can’t see through them, like that building or tree that blocks us from sight. The sun is still there, it is just being blocked from our view by the rain clouds. The same applies to THE SON. Just because we can’t see Him doesn’t mean He is not there.

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19)

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)

Jesus promise is to be with His followers in Spirit and in Truth every minute of every day, until the very end of life and into eternal life beyond. He did not say only when the sun was out but in the storms as well. Even when we don’t feel or see Him, He is there. Whenever we are feeling confused, our hearts will grow weary, and THE SON may seem to disappear. A life storm, be it mentally, physically, financially, or spiritually (warfare) will have you thinking you are alone. But we are not alone. The storm that is surrounding us may keep us from feeling the presence of THE SON, but He sees us, and He is surrounding us in the storm. The devil wants us to believe we are alone. He wants us to doubt and question God. The truth is that THE SON will never leave or forsake us. The truth is Jesus is always working on our behalf even in the mist of the storms. We must keep our mind on the truth, and not the enemies lies! God’s purposes for us are so much infinitely bigger than the confusion, stress, and fear we experience in a storm.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17)

“Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Sometimes Jesus will stop the storm, and then sometimes He will calm us through the storm. That. Is. His. call. We certainly would prefer if He just removed the storm, but then we may miss the tools we need for our purpose ahead. Jesus knows there are valuable lessons to be learned in a storm. The storms of life teach us patience, perseverance, humility, and most importantly they help us to grow spiritually. The storms of life will draw us closer to our Savior. Whatever is happening, God is good! And no storm of any kind will stop His great plan to replace darkness with light. Nothing will stop or block His love and care for us. Not war, violence, plagues, pandemics, demons, darkness, hurricanes, politics, or even death. All of these things? Their days are numbered. But THE SON remains!  

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

“The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

“then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you.” (Deuteronomy 30:3)

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Maybe your finances are tight. Maybe you or someone you love is extremely ill. This world is full of darkness and you feel fear rising in your heart and are tempted towards anxiety and despair, ready to give up. Don’t panic! Look through the storm for THE SON and allow Him to remind you of what to do in this dark season; keep the faith, keep praising, and keep giving glory to God! And just like nature’s storms, when it passes, there is sometimes a rainbow in the form of restoration, healing, and peace. Learn the lesson which the sun and THE SON teaches us, they never disappear just because we don’t see or feel them! Love and blessings…

TODAY’S INSPIRATION! SPEAK UP!

I am sure you have heard people talking to themselves, I am one of those people. Not only have I learned to talk to myself and encourage myself, I have learned to talk to any obstacle the enemy puts in my way! So call me crazy if you want, I call it crazy faith. In Samuel 30, David was greatly distressed, but he encouraged himself in the Lord. And in Mark 11:23, Jesus instructs us to speak to our mountains, “For truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says.” Notice Jesus instructs us to “say” not think. Say means to utter aloud, to express in words. Scripture also tells us that, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). So what we speak is powerful, good or bad. It is important in our Christ walk that we understand Scripture wasn’t just “inspired’ by God, but “breathed” by God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) All of Scripture can be trusted if we approach God’s Word with wisdom and humility.

The Lord wants us to encourage ourselves so we can encourage others. He wants us to use our tongue which is powerful to rebuke the enemy. Why is it that we are quick to rebuke people if they say something we don’t agree with but when it comes to using our authority and speaking aloud to the enemy, we are hesitant? Jesus did just that in Matthew 16:23 and Mark 8:33. He commanded “Get behind me, Satan” We know Peter was one of Jesus’s most devoted disciples but Jesus knew even if Peter didn’t, that he was speaking for satan. Sometimes the enemy will try and use our family or friends, and we must not be afraid to speak get thee behind me satan and get away from my loved one! The Bible says resist the devil and he will flee. (James 4:7) Jesus spoke to things! He spoke to a storm. He spoke to a fig tree. “When He saw a fig tree by the road, He went to it but found nothing on it except leaves. He said to it, “Let no fruit ever grow on you again.” (Mark 11: 12,14,21) The fig tree responded to what He said. You may say, but that was Jesus, the Son of God. While He walked this earth, Jesus was fully human and fully God. He was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, but Jesus took on human flesh to provide salvation to those under the law. Now He has all Power in heaven and on earth! When Christ left this earth, He left us with this promise in Luke 10:19, “Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing by any means shall hurt you.” He left us with power and the Holy Spirit which lives within us. He tells us in John 14:12 that we are called to greater works. We can be confident that through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to rebuke the devil’s attempts to harm us.

Most Believers get that we should not speak negative, critical, or judgmental. We get that we need to pray. But some don’t get that we also need to speak to our mountains in the name of Jesus, and because of our faith, expect them to disappear. We may look and feel foolish. The world may think we are crazy, but the world does not know the power of Jesus! There is power in our words. We pray and pray about our mountains. That’s a good thing. We should pray, but there comes a time when we must also speak to it. Don’t stop praying. Go one more level and speak to your mountain. When we are faced with a mountain-sized problem, we get scared and run to tell God all about it. That’s good, no better one to run to. But the truth is, He already knows about our problems. He’s already provided everything we need to overcome them. (Corinthians 10:13) So praise the Lord for carrying all of our infirmities on the cross and then command the mountain to bow to Jesus! (Titus 2:15)  

The enemy will attempt to use mountains to make us lose hope and lose faith. He will attempt to use mountains to block our vision of our future. He wants us to get upset with people and get upset with God. If he can do this, then he has won. The Bible says no weapon formed will prosper, it does not say that they would not form. (Isaiah 54:17) So whatever lies the enemy attempts has a name. Cancer, depression, financial burdens, it doesn’t matter what the mountain is, speak to it and rebuke it in the name of Jesus. There is a miracle in your mouth! There is power in your words! There is power in the name of Jesus! Love and Blessings….