TODAY’S INSPIRATION: RELATIONSHIPS

We know that relationships are important to God. So much so that He made sure Adam had a helpmate so he would not be alone. Our Father cares about how we operate in our relationships. It can be husband and wife, parents and children, siblings, friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors. Basically anyone that you interact with. He calls on us to love one another as brothers and sisters, honor one another beyond what we would give ourselves, share with others who are in need, and possibly the hardest part, not repay with evil when someone hurts us. How do you handle relationships on your end? Do you build people up with your words, or do you tear them down? Are you kinder to people who can do something for you in return, or do you treat everyone with honor and respect? We must choose how we love and live with the people around us. Do you have relationships in your life that are unhealthy? Think through the people in your life and how you interact with them. Decide what is healthy and what needs to change to ensure your relationships are honoring to God. Sometimes we have to love from a distance. And in case you do not know what love is, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 instructs us.

“Love is patient and kind. It does not envy or boast, it is not proud. It is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on it is on way. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Sisters and brothers if we are not giving and receiving that kind of love in our relationships, then we are not doing what God has instructed us to do. Now that we know better, let us do better. Love and Blessings…

9Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you live at peace with everyone.”

Romans 12:9-18

 

 

TODAY’S INSPIRATION:SPEAK TO IT!

 

Clipart: mouth speaking | Mouth or lips talking — Stock Vector © Krisdog  #22146451

Our words combined with the name of Jesus have the power to move mountains. We get that we cannot be negative, critical, and judgmental. We get that we need to pray and add thanksgiving to our petitions. But sometimes we do not 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. We may sound crazy, but it will have an effect upon our mountains. When I could barely walk, I was told that there was a chance I may never walk at all. At that time I did not know how powerful my words were, but I knew how powerful Jesus was, so I said, “The devil is a lie, and I will walk!” They thought I was crazy, but I refused to believe, instead I chose to believe what Jesus said, He said we are healed by His stripes (Isaiah 53:5). So no matter what it looked like, my mouth confessed the opposite! There is power in our words. I am a walking witness! We pray and pray about our mountains. That is a good thing. Praying is great, but do not stop there.We should pray, but we must also speak to it. Go another 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 is good, no better one to run to. But the truth is, God already knows about our problems and He has already provided everything we need to overcome it. God has supplied everything we need by grace (Ephesians 1:3). Faith does not move God to do what He has already done; faith with action and words is what moves mountains! Our words activate and manifest what already is. I hope that makes sense to you. Praise the Lord for carrying all your infirmities on the cross and then command your mountain to bow to Jesus! (Titus 2:15) God gave us authority. “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:19) The enemy will use mountains to make us lose hope and to doubt ourselves. His hope is our faith will weaken and we will become too afraid to speak to the mountain. He will use mountains to block our vision and God’s purpose for our futures. He wants us to get upset with people and get upset with God. If he can do this, then he has won. He has kept us from experiencing all God has for us with a simple mountain. Yes, I said simple, it may look big or complicated to us, but to God it is simple. What helped me is when God said to me, look at these mountains through your spiritual eyes and not your natural vision. No one in the Bible ever faced an obstacle and did not come through or even advance if they handled it correctly. If we are not afraid, we can even use the mountain to help us reach our destiny. God can cause that mountain to be a stepping stone! (Romans 8:28). Sometimes we are assigned mountains just to show others it can be moved! Your mountain has a name. Cancer, Lupus, Corona, Depression, Financial, to name a few. It does not matter what the  mountain is called, if it is outside what Jesus has planned for you, command it to go in Jesus name! Jesus said we could do what he did and even more. (John 14:12).There is a miracle in your mouth! There is power in your words! There is power in the name of Jesus! Love and Blessings….

 

 

TODAY’S INSPIRATION:WARRIORS

Sometimes I do not even recognize myself. I am changing. I know it is nothing I have done but all of what God is doing. It is a subtle change. I have this peaceful calmness even when the enemy tries to attack me. I am learning to not rely on what I feel or what this world believes to be true, but to believe God’s Word which is the only truth. My loyalty now belongs to God, not to man. I am learning to keep moving in spite of the devil’s lies and destruction. I am learning to claim my victory that our Lord God has given me. I am stronger than I have ever been. I know this new-found strength comes from God. I know the God I serve is alive and that the Blood of Jesus covers me. I know who I am because I know whose I am. I am a warrior for God.

We are not born warriors, we are made. We are not self-made, we are shaped and molded by the Master Himself. We become warriors through trial and error, pain, and suffering. Through tears and heartache. We are sometimes shattered into a thousand pieces. But God! We are bent but not broken. We become warriors when we still stand up after being knocked down again and again. We may not be rich, famous, or look like models, but we are so much more than that. We are warriors of God! We have substance. We are kings and Queens. We are survivors. Each day we grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. We are purpose driven.  God’s warriors possess a determined spirit, they have an I can do attitude, this attitude drives their actions towards their goals. When faced with limitations, disappointments or opposition, warriors are more determined to make what they envision happen. A warrior’s prayers can move mountains! Warriors know that when the force of their will is aligned with the will of God, they can say to the mountain, “move” and it will move! Warriors move forward with their head high and with a strength that only the Lord can provide. 

A warrior knows that their strength comes from God and the armor of God is their weapon. They are unstoppable, not because they do not have failures, fears, and doubts, but because they keep moving in spite of them. Warriors stand up for themselves and for others. They have a righteous anger when it comes to injustice. Warriors refuses to be disrespected, mistreated, or taken for granted. Warriors are bold in the authority God has given them. A warrior knows what they bring to the table, so they are not afraid to eat alone! (come correct or not at all). Although strong, a warrior feels deeply and loves fiercely. They cry as quickly as they laugh. Warriors forgive easily because they know God forgives just as easily. They are both soft and powerful, practical, and spiritual. Warriors know how to live in this world without conforming to the world.  They know they are winners  because God does not birth failures! Warriors are confident in their power because they are confident in God’s faithfulness. Warriors understand their purpose and what God has called them to do. Warriors are all these things because they listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. They are committed to God and to being obedient to His Word. I am a warrior! Are you a warrior? I believe there is a warrior inside the heart of every one of us.

Love and Blessings…

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:1-7

“So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10

 “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 28:1-2

 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46: 1-3

 “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.” Mark 11:23

 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24

  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

 “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4

 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

 

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: WHAT MAY LOOK LIKE A MESS, IS A MIRICLE ABOUT TO HAPPEN!

Those of you who are going through a storm, I have good news. The. Storm. Cannot. Stop. You. I know it seems the wind is coming at you in every direction but what you can’t see is that the wind is blowing you into the direction of God’s plans for you. What may look like a mess right now , is a miracle about to happen! I know it seems the rain will never end but we know that after the rain, comes the rainbow. Hang in there! According to Scripture, the rainbow is the sign of God’s promise to mankind that He will never again flood the earth. Rainbows often indicate that the rain has passed. A rainbow is a symbol of hope, inspiration, and promise. If you are in the middle of a storm, and you are waiting for the rainbow. Remember anything magnificent often requires a battle, struggle, and patience. I urge you not to give up because that is the only way the storm will win. Peter walked on water until he took his eyes off Jesus! We all have been through, are going through, or will go through our own personal storms in this life. And in these times of pandemic and uncertainty, the entire world is going through a storm. However, we must choose to trust God and focus on Him. So much is happening and sometimes we may lose focus, but as long as we are willing, Christ is waiting and ready to catch us. Remember Peter did not sink when he took his eyes off Jesus because immediately Jesus reached out to save him. He will do the same for us. Storms can sometimes feel so overwhelming, as if you are drowning and there is no way out. It can seem like one big hopeless mess. Don’t panic. I have learned from experience that all miracles look like a mess in the beginning. Keep holding on, keep praying, keep trusting, and keep your focus on God instead of the storm. The storm is a setup for your comeback!!! Believe it, claim it, prepare for it. I don’t know about you, but I am thanking God in advance! Love and Blessings…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremy 29:11)

” I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” ( Genesis 9: 15-16)

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,”(A) he said, “why did you doubt?” ( Matthew 14: 28-31)

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
(2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

“But now, this is what the LORD says– he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” ( Isaiah 43:1-2)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: FAKE IT OR FAITH IT

There was a time when I wrestled with anxiety constantly. I worried about big thingssmall things and everything in between. I lost my cell phone last week and it made me think about the time I lost my phone years ago. I worried myself sick about it. I was still worrying about that phone even after I got a new one. How crazy it that? In my defense, we do keep a lot of information in those phones, so it is justifiable to be concerned. However, scripture tells us to not worry or be anxious about anything. I did a good job of hiding my anxiety most of the time. It did not fit my “strong woman” image. I am sure I am not the only one who have tried to fake it, not wanting any one to see the fears or anxiety. We believe we will be judged or looked upon as weak. Let me tell you that God does His best work in our weakness. In our weakness, God gives us strength. We do not have to fake it with God, as my son says, we just need to faith it. Anyway, we cannot hide our fears from God. He sees them and He wants us to trust Him so He can comfort us. He can give us a peace that is priceless. It sucks I lost my phone, however when I focus on how good God has been to me, how He keeps me and protects me, and His promises for my future, I just cannot get upset about a phone. No matter what the situation or how hopeless you may feel, you must know that God is in control. You must believe He works everything out for our good, even lost phones. I am glad I learned to take the small things to God as well as the big things. He cares about every area of our lives. Scripture repeatedly tells us not to be afraid. Because of Jesus Christ, our fears do not have to rule our lives. Sure, we will face challenging times in this life. But God promised to be with us through it all. Our Heavenly Father never takes His eyes off His children. We cannot avoid some situations and heartaches, but we can live with confident faith relying on our Helper and Protector who watches over our lives. As I look over my life, I can see God at work. I am sure you can too. He will comfort us through the rough times, and sometimes He will stretch us through the trials and storms. The stretch makes us stronger. The stretch builds our faith. The struggles we face in this life can seem so big, but only if we take our eyes off God. He is so much bigger than anything this world can throw at us. I am not saying fear and anxiety does not try to creep into my being, but now I lift my eyes from my fears, and with faith and dependence, I focus on God. I now look to the One who promised to comfort us. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, no bad circumstance can or will ever cause us to be destroyed or forsaken by God! He is God! He is able and He is more than enough! When we surrender our anxieties to our Father and leave them there, He comforts us and gives us a peace beyond all understanding. God’s comforting presence is more powerful than anything we may face! Love and blessings… 

 “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yok e is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) NIV 

 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) 

 “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothesLook at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6: 25-34) 

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: A JUDAS HAS TO BE CLOSE ENOUGH TO BETRAY, WHO SITS AT YOUR TABLE?…

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When we have challenges, sometime it requires more than a personal desire or goal, we have to be driven by the desire to be obedient to God, knowing that He appointed us the assignment and there is no way we can fail. And God blesses us for our obedience. We are thankful for our blessings and everybody is happy for us, right? Wrong. Some people are upset at what God does for you. There are times when God blesses you, relationships are lost. Some people have the spirit of Cain; they hate the fact that you have favor with God. You have to be aware because sometimes the very ones that you think have your back are waiting to stab you in it. It is not your enemies you have to worry about, your enemies cannot harm you because you keep them at a distance. Everybody will not celebrate your successes with you. They cannot be glad for you because they feel your success came at their expense. That should have been their job, their house, their husband. They irrationally believe that you have their blessing. A jealous heart, which is not of God, can be the beginning of betrayal. They do not get that success is success only because it relates to struggle. How can you have victory without conflict? Success is the reward that God gives to the diligent, who through perseverance and patience obtained the promise.  There is no way to receive what God has for your life without fighting the obstacles and challenges that block your way to victory. One thing I have learned is that there is no way to reach the goal without going through the struggle. There once a time I  looked at people and wondered how it felt to be where they were, now I look at people and I wonder what they had to go through to get where they are. What did they have to give up? How many relationships did they lose? Everyone cannot go where God is taking you. Your struggle helps you to appreciate the blessings when they come. But some people do not want to know your story or what price you have paid to get where you are. They just want what you have. When I speak of successes, I am not just talking monetarily; sometimes people cannot understand why you have the blessings of peace and joy. These are gifts from God. Unfortunately, sometimes those who are closest to you will try to steal them from you. I think about Jesus sitting at the table with Judas. He had no problem discerning who would betray him with a kiss. Do not beat yourself up if you did not see the betrayal coming. Sometimes a good heart does not see the bad. We have to pray for discernment. When God blesses us, we must keep our eyes on the Giver, not the gift. Because the Giver will protect us from those who mean us harm and will sometimes remove them from our lives. And if He does remove them, we must not try to keep them or let them back in! Even people who betray us is a part of God’s plan. Because of Judas’s betrayal, Jesus ended up on the cross and saved us all. God will place people in our life, and He will remove them, and there is always a reason for both. We serve an intentional God. What God has for us is for us and no one can take it away unless we let them. Guard your heart. It is easy for us to fall into jealousy in our society and become a Judas. But it is important for us to realize what is most important in our lives and what matters most. We should encourage one another and rejoice at others blessing. We must pray that the Lord will help us to keep our eyes on Him; people change, things change, but God will forever stay the same. Love and Blessings… “Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests  and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.  From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” (Mathew 26:14-16)

“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” (Deuteronomy 5:33) NIV

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)ESV

“A heart of peace gives life3 to the body, but envy rots the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30)

“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” (Psalm 37:1-3)

“Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” (John 1:3-12)

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” (Psalm 37:7)

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) ESV

“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness.” (2 Peter 1:5-6) ESV

“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.” (Jeremy 29:11)

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he falls, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)

 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

 

 

 

 

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: PARASITES

According to the CDC parasites are organisms that live on or in a host and gets its food from or at the expense of its host. They can cause all kinds of damage. This life is full of another kind of parasites that can suck the life out of you if you let them. I am not talking about organisms. What parasites am I talking about? I am glad you asked. To name a few, there is low self-esteem, jealously, lying, despair and guilt. There is immorality, corruption, and greed. There is fear, who nurses itself in your thought life, feeding off your inner struggles and hang-ups. And last but so deadly, there is the past, which you cannot let go. And that is just to name a few. It seems every day we are ducking and dodging these parasites. Your home, which should be your escape, can also shelter them. If we let them, these parasites will attach themselves in our life, and destroy us, they will destroy our family, success, our dreams, and our goals. They can also block our blessings. Everyone has had to deal with these parasites at one time or another. If you have not, thank God. But most likely you will. I know because God put it this way, in this world there will be troubles. He also said the enemy walks the earth, watching and waiting to destroy us. Did you know that these parasites are the enemy’s weapons to use against us? As Christians our life is a fight, and it is not one against people but against the forces of darkness in this world. Some are what I call parasites. The enemy is vicious but also sneaky, he does not always attack us in ways that are obvious. He is discreet. His tactics are clever and cunning. The parasites I am talking about belong to him, and unless we are aware and on guard, they will suck the blood out of us. Thank God we are covered under the blood of Jesus. That is the Good News! We have a God that is greater than the enemy. This same God will give us the strength to reject, overpower, and defeat the enemy’s parasites. Yes, they may come for us, in our mind, in our homes, at the workplace, even in our relationships, but we can refuse to feed these parasites, and they will eventually die. We can think positive until every negative parasite is choked to death by God’s light and our positive energy.
Ok, you may say I am ashamed, and I am broken. I have let these parasites suck the blood out of me for so long, I feel powerless and I do not know where to begin. Begin by thanking God that He is all powerful and ask for His help. Everything good comes from the Lord. If  it is not good, and it is hurting you or others, it has to go! Parasites can live in your thoughts, actions, and your words. They will disturb your peace and joy. They will redirect your focus. They will disrupt God’s plan for our lives, and the only way we can fight back is to know the truth, and have the truth set us free. (John 8:32) I don’t know about you but it gives me comfort to know that we have the power through Jesus, prayer, and His Word to stand up, release the grip of parasites and boldly walk into our God given destiny.  The promises of God are waiting for us.
 Love and Blessings…
 In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
 “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is not truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44)
 “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, you shall not eat of any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1)
 “Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.  God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” (James 1:17-19)
 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” ( 1 Peter 5:8-10)
 CDC https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/index.htm/

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: INVISIBLE PAIN

TODAY’S INSPIRIATION: INVISIBLE PAIN

I knew I was in trouble when the pain went above my tolerance level. I have always had a high tolerance for pain! I knew something was wrong when the pain began to move from my wrist to my ankles, from shoulders to my chest, from head to toes. And finally, my entire body. I knew something was wrong when two days of pain became four days and four days became weeks. And four years later, it is still hard to explain to people a pain that never goes away. A pain that affects your entire body and that can sometimes get so bad it is hard to breath! What do you say when they say, well you look like there is nothing wrong? Some days you just want to curl up in bed and medicate. So, you hide it most of the time. I am not sharing this because I want pity, I passed the pity party stage a long time ago. I now only have Holy Ghost parties! I am sharing this again because someone is dealing with their own pain, and it may not be physical. Someone is hurting on the inside, and it is invisible on the outside. It could be the pain of depression, the pain of divorce, the pain of loneliness, financial pain, the pain of addiction, or the pain of losing a love one. Whatever it may be, I want you to know that God will sustain you. When the pain is unbearable, when you cannot move, when you just want to give up.  Do. Not. Give. Up. Instead pray. Give God the pain, and then trust Him, not your feelings. You can call me crazy, but I refuse to accept defeat, in spite of a diagnosis. I refuse to accept defeat because of what my bank account looks like! I refuse to accept defeat because someone walked out of my life! I just refuse to accept defeat! We serve a God who is greater than any diagnosis, circumstance, or problem! We serve a God who can and will kick their butt! If we trust Him. I choose to live by God's promises, no matter what it looks or feels like! We must breakdown the strongholds of satan against our bodies, our finances, and our families. Greater is He who lives in us than he who lives in this world. We must trust God through the good, bad, and the ugly. When everything is going good in our life, we thank God and praise Him. We should do the same when things are going bad. We should glorify God and trust in Him because we know He is our help in times of trouble. He will either remove it, restore it, or give us the strength to endure it. What He will not do is leave or forsake us!  I know the struggle is real, but so is our God! You may not see the light at the end of the tunnel right now. You may feel that you cannot stand any longer, that is ok, just kneel. Keep praying, keep fasting. Sometimes God does not answer in our way or our time, but He answers in the best way and at the best time! Sisters and brothers do not give up when it is raining, or you will not see the sunshine when it comes.
 Love and Blessings….
“For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.” (John 5:4)

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”  (1 John 4:4)  

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On  demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

“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)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

“Be ye strong therefore and let not your hands be weak: for your awork shall be rewarded.” (2 Corinthians 15:7)

“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)

TODAYS INSPIRATION: ARE YOU STINKING?

There have been times in my life I could really stink, wait, let me clarify that, my attitude stank! At times I did not give off the aroma of Christ! I probably could come up with quite a few examples, but I will give you just one. I am ashamed to say I was egotistical. Back in the day as they say, I was self-centered, proud, and arrogant. In other words, I had the “it’s all about me” syndrome. Even though I was a nice person, that mind-set showed up far too many times in my attitude. Our attitude determines how we relate to those around us. Some people may have seen this in me, and others may not have. But God did and I am sure He was not pleased! One of the lessons God taught me during my time in the wilderness is that nothing is about me, it is all about Him! When the attitude we possess places others first and we see people as important, our perspective will reflect their viewpoint as well as ours. Our attitude determines how we smell to God. Consider these questions; Is your thinking stinking? Are you self-centered, proud, or arrogant as I was? Are those around you drawn to God as a result of the sweet aroma of love and peace you display? Do your conversations constantly honor God, representing the fruit of the Spirit, and eject the fragrance of life, or are they sometimes laced with bitterness, resentment, anger, complaining, and gossip?  Imagine what message it sends to our families, children, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, when we intentionally misrepresent Christ. And that is exactly what we are doing when we have nasty smelly attitudes and claim to represent God, our attitude deforms the face of Christianity. Anytime negative thoughts or behavior creep into our thoughts, conversations, or behavior, we must reject them and pray to God for a clean heart. Pray to God for an attitude that gives off an aroma of Christ? Everyone may need an attitude adjustment now and then. I made a list of attitude adjustments I needed to work on. Over the years, day by day, that list gets shorter. We all are a work in progress. I found out that with the help of the Lord we can clean up and smell right nice. I am working on taking captive of my thoughts before they come out of my mouth. In doing this I find I am inclined to speak the best, not the worst, to speak of beauty and not the ugly, and to praise and not curse. I am working on my attitude because I want to smell good to God all the time, not just sometimes. We can dress up on the outside all we want, and be looking really cute too, with our stinking self. It is not until we clean up on the inside will we have that sweet aroma, the one that is pleasing to God. I realized a long time ago that I cannot do it alone. We all must spend time in prayer asking God to reveal areas in our life that does not smell as they should and to help us clean up. Love and Blessings…
 “If we say, “We aren’t sinful” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)
 “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.” NLT (2 Corinthians 2:15)
 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
  “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6)
 “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
 “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” (Colossians 4:5-6)
 “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 4:29; 5:3–4)
 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
 
 
 
 
 

	

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: MASTER MECHANIC

God is our spiritual mechanic. He refuels us every morning. God can change, rotate, and balance our life. When we are broken, damaged or defective, He can repair us. Whatever malfunction we are experiencing, body, soul, or mind, He can fix it! The best part is Jesus already paid the price for us, so it is all free! Because of Jesus we can have an eternal warranty. If we allow Him, God will even rebuild us. Sometimes we need detailed from inside, cleaning up on the outside will only get you so far! When God cleans us on the inside,  it ensures that our integrity and soundness is in tact. This is important because our structural integrity is essential to the survival of others, if we fail in our Christian duties, others can go down in flames along with us. We must not resist God’s ordered stress test, but use them as indicators to gage where we are in our Christian walk. The lives of others may depend on our ability to withstand. Consider these questions; how do you react when your stress test is at hand? Do you go to the Master Mechanic? What did you learn from your last stress test? Are you committed to the maintenance and upkeep of your body, the temple of the Holy Spirit? How joyful it is to have God as our master mechanic and to keep us tuned up for eternal life!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.” (Philippians 4:6-7) NIV

“And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) AMPC

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corithians 6:19-20) ESV

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)