Be Not Conformed !

( A Repost From 12-23-10)

Please understand that I AM NOT advocating eating at the places mentioned in this post.  I AM making a point!

 

Stop allowing the world to dictate how you should behave. As I was reflecting over the past year, I decided that I would let go of trying to conform to the images and ideas of mainstream America. No matter how hard I try, I will probably never be the super woman- mom - wife that the world portrays. I have spent too much time being frustrated , aggravated, disappointed and depressed all because my life does not measure up to my co-workers life, my classmates life, the life of someone that I read about, the life of someone that I heard about. I realize that I have put too much pressure on me trying to be the perfect this or the perfect that. I have come to realize that it's okay to strive for perfection . As a matter of fact, the bible admonishes us to press toward the mark...
However, we must understand that there is nothing wrong with us if we don't have dinner on the table at six.
There is nothing wrong with us if we don't look like Claire Huxtable or June Cleaver 24 hours a day-7 days a week.
There is nothing wrong with us if little Jessie or little Jenay don't look perfect all of the time.
There is nothing wrong with us if we can't bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan. Please understand me - it's okay to bring home the bacon and let somebody else fry it up in a pan. That's why there is a McDonald's. That's why there's KFC. So, sistergirl, free yourself in 2013. Be the unique woman that God created you to be and be not conformed to this world.

Happy Sunday!

 

...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James 5:16

 

Click the Sunday Community button to join Deidra and the Sunday Community!



Merry Christmas!

Isaiah 9:6

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

When The Believer Is In Despair

When the pain is not tangible, but yet almost unbearable

When the suffering doesn’t quit,

When the darkness won’t leave,

What do you do?



What do you do?

-When there is no one to talk to,

-When no one will listen,

- When no one understands,

- When there seems to be no one to trust,

　

So often, even as believers, we find ourselves in despair. No one wants to talk about it - because, after all, we are believers, right? We are suppose to have it all figured out. We are
suppose to have all the answers. We are not suppose to be in a rut, depressed, down in the dumps singing the blues.

What, then, is a believer suppose to do? - when despair grasps the very essence of who we are and forces us to question our faith in God.

Now, as believers, we know the “spiritual” answer. The “spiritual” answer is found in Psalms 121:1, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” But, there are those days when so many of us don’t feel like walking in the spirit and doing the “spiritual” thing.

There are days when we choose to wallow in defeat,

When we make a conscious effort to shout to our soul “Woe it’s me!” as opposed to shouting unto the Lord with a voice of triumph!

During these temporary lapses in spiritual sanity, it is a tedious challenge to walk away from the fleshly mental agony of defeat and to walk toward the Spirit for wisdom and understanding.
 

Happy Sunday!

Mark 11:22-23
King James Version (KJV)

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Happy Sunday!

　

Click the Sunday Community button to join Deidra and the Sunday Community!

Isaiah 54:17
King James Version (KJV)

17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

Friends - Part 2 (Click here for pt. 1.)

Sometimes, people will disappoint you.

Sometimes, people will fail you.

Sometimes, people will let you down.

Sometimes, people just don’t react or respond the way we want them to when we want them to.

Refuse to allow your disappointment in others to cause you to be bitter with the world.

Stop making SUPERHEROES out of people who are not worthy to be heroes. Only God is worthy of superhero status.

Like and love others for who they are and not for who you expect them to be.

Click here for "Friends - Part 1".

Happy Sunday!

Be still, and know that I am God...

Psalm 46:10

Click the Sunday Community button to join Deidra and the Sunday Community!




 

Friends - Part 1

Understanding that other people are sometimes incapable of filling voids has been a major hurdle. I have recently come to grips with the fact that sometimes people mean well, but they just can’t do what we need them to do and they can’t be what we need them to be. For a very long time, I resented the fact that a dear friend was not the “knight in shining armor” that I thought she should be. I was angry because I picked her up when she was down, and she did not reciprocate the deed when I went through tough times. There were no calls of reassurance, and there was no ministering to rebuild my spirit. I was angry because I really needed a shoulder to lean on. I didn’t feel like being the strong one. I didn’t feel like being in control. Yes, I knew better. Yes, I knew that I should not succumb to my feelings. Yes, I knew that I should walk by faith and not by sight. I knew better!

But, this has taught me what I already knew (when it comes to others). Isn’t it funny how we have great advice for others- but none for ourselves? We should never expect any man/woman with flesh and blood to possess the qualities of Almighty God.

God is the only one

- who can truly pick me up when I am down,

- lift my heavy load,

- ease my troubled mind,

- heal my broken heart,

- make all things new, and then, turn around and do the same thing for you. Now, that is a friend!

I have learned that I was ever so wrong to be angry because a human failed to live up to expectations that only God can fill. There are certain voids that can only be filled by the miracle working, problem solving, mind regulating God. God wants our total dependence upon Him. Trust in HIM!

Psalm 56:4
King James Version (KJV)

4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

(In Retrospect) , I Give Him The Praise!

I thought that I should share this praise report. I trust that it may help someone else. Never take the little things for granted! It was God who bestowed this blessing upon me, and I give HIM all the praise!

(November 13, 2012) Tonight, I ran! You may be thinking, “Big Deal - So What”. I’ll tell you why it is a big deal. It is a big deal because I have not run in almost two years. Two years ago, December 26, 2009, I was in an automobile accident that left me with a broken leg and a messed up knee that had to be reconstructed. So, tonight, I praise Almighty God for allowing me to be able to jog in place. I praise Him for restoration. He is awesome! He is not through with me yet. That which He has already begun will be completed . I declare that my limbs are being made strong ,and that they will function to full capacity.

To God Be The Glory!

Philippians 1:6

Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁶ And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

Rejoice!

This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

 

Psalm 118:24

Prayer (When I Am Overwhelmed, Burdened Down)

Father God,

* My Bible tells me that you are my very present help in a time of trouble. (Ps.46:1)

* My Bible tells me that you are always with me. (Matthew 28:20)

* My Bible tells me that you can do the impossible. (Matthew 19:26)

* My Bible tells me that you will never leave me, nor forsaken me. (Hebrews 13:5)

I believe this to be true. But, today, I find myself feeling overwhelmed with the cares of this world. I find myself feeling as if no one cares. I find myself heavy laden with trouble. So, I look to YOU. God, YOU said - in your WORD - we are to walk by faith and not by sight. I ask, in the name of Jesus, that - as I walk -YOU would

-flood my thoughts with YOUR thoughts, (Is. 55:9, Jer. 29:11)

-keep my mind stayed on thee, (Is. 26:3)

-overshadow me with YOUR presence, (Ps. 91:1)

-guide my footsteps, (Ps. 119:133)

-be a lamp unto my feet, (Ps.119:105)

-cast away my fear, and (Jn 4:18, 2 Tim. 1:7)

-prosper me in all my ways . (Josh. 1:7,8)

Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen

HE IS GOD !

HE is mighty,

HE is awesome,

HE is terrific!

HE does not need your help, nor does HE need mine.

HE is mighty all by HIMSELF!

 

Don't Quit!

Dismiss the lies of the enemy. You are not defeated. You are more than a conqueror. Veer neither to the left, nor to the right. Instead, stay on course. You must not lose focus.

* What you see is temporary, and

* What you feel is temporary.

Both situations are subject to change! Hallelujah! Your temporary situation is nothing more than a meager ploy designed by the evil one to cause you to lose focus, to fear, and to faint. Although this temporary attack appears to be great, it is not greater than God. Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

　

Galatians 6:9


And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

2 Corinthians 4:18


So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

You Ain't All That!

       In 2 Kings 5, the Bible records a story about a man who had prestige and influence. Verse 1 describes this man, Naaman, as captain of the host of the king of Syria who was a great man with his master, and honorable. Naaman had

1) power

 He was the captain of the army.

2) prestige

He was influential as the captain of the army. He was the man who commanded the Syrian soldiers.

3) prominence

He stood out. Wherever he went in Syria, he was considered a man of importance. Not only did he stand out as captain, but he also stood out because was a leper (verse 1).

The Bible describes him as a mighty man of valor. This was Naaman’s reputation in the land of Syria. Chapter 5 goes on to inform the reader that Naaman, by way of his wife’s servant, sought help for his leprosy in the land of Israel. The problem here is that Naaman thought that his power, his prestige, and his prominence that he had in Syria should have granted him exceptional privilege and favor with the man of God in Israel. 2 Kings 5:9 lets us know that Elisha, the man of God, did not favor Naaman with any special privilege. Elisha sent his messenger with a word for Naaman. Naaman, who had power, prestige, and prominence in his own country was highly offended in the land of Israel.

This story reminds every believer that we are not to think of ourselves more highly than we are. Just because you are important in one place does not mean that you are important somewhere else!

Romans 12:3

3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Your Layover Is Not Your Destiny!

Understand that your present condition or situation is temporary. Whatever it is that you are facing will soon be over. It is only for a season. The Word of God promises that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

　

　

Understand that the enemy wants to make you believe that where you are is the way it is going to be. The devil is a liar! He wants you to buy into the phrase that says, “it is what it is”. However, I must let you know that things change, situations change and people change. Regardless to how bad things look, feel or seem, things do change. Too often, the darkest hour is just before daybreak.

I am reminded of the Bible story of Jacob wrestling with the angel. According to the Bible, Jacob wrestled with the angel all night long. The angel tried to get away from Jacob. However, Jacob relentlessly continued to wrestle with the angel and announced to the angel that he would not let go until the angel blessed him. According to the story, right around daybreak, the angel of the Lord blessed Jacob with a new name and a new destiny. No longer was he called Jacob (the trickster). He was then called Israel. No longer did he have to rest his head upon rocks, but according to the scripture, he returns with great riches. … (Gen. 32:22-31)

This Bible account reminds me to remind you that your midnight experience is not in vain. The dawn will come and when it comes, the morning brings a new destiny - a day that you have never seen and an experience that you can not fathom. Hang on in there! Where you are now is just a layover. Your layover may delay you, but it will not deny you!

Turn The Page !

　There are chapters in every novel.  Metaphorically speaking, the life that we are given is one big novel.  It begins with conception and ends with death.  Some people have short novels, while others have very long novels.  Within each novel, there are chapters in our lives.  Some are filled with joy, peace, abundance, bliss, approval, acceptance and all that is good.  However, there are also chapters that are filled with sadness, sorrow, disappointment, rejection, etc.  In time, people change and situations change - often resulting in chapters that we refer to as “good” or “bad“.

   Too often, we get stuck in what we view as a very painful, embarrassing, helpless chapter.  That is exactly where the enemy wants us.  He wants us to feel rejected, abandoned and hopeless.  Why does he want this?  I’m glad you asked.  He wants us to feel this way because feeling this way
1) blinds our outlook,
2) stunts our spiritual growth, and
3) forces us to dwell on the problem (as opposed to looking for a possible solution).

    The Bible promises us that eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Cor. 2:9) Therefore, you and I  CANNOT fathom the solution that God has in store for us.  Our minds are too finite!

What then, do you do when you are stuck in a chapter?

1. Recognize that you are not alone.  Jesus promised in Matthew 28, 
    "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. "

2. Realize that where you are now is temporary.  Just because it is raining
    in your life now does not mean that it will be raining tomorrow.

2 Cor. 4:18

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Psalm 30:5

…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

3. TURN THE PAGE ! You will never experience the next chapter if you
never turn the page at the end of the last chapter.

Philippians 3:13

… forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before

Thought For Today

Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there.

~Author Unknown

I came across this thought today.  I wanted to share it with you.  Have a blessed day!

Product Review

The Ultra Care® Moisture Blend™ Oil Rich Serum

I was so excited to discover a natural oil that did not cost a fortune. At a mere $3.96 per 2 ounces, I honestly did not expect much. My initial thoughts were that it might be sticky - especially since it is advertised as a serum. Before purchasing it, I had convinced myself that I would use it as an after bath oil if it did not work for my hair and scalp. After the initial application, I was surprised! My scalp felt greatly invigorated after gently massaging it between my small plaits. I really do believe that this oil will definitely become a keeper in my regimen. I don’t know how long this product has been out, nor how long it will be available. Therefore, I plan to buy another bottle or two when I return to Wal-Mart .

Ingredients Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado) , Coconut Oil , Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (Castor) , Lavandula Angustifolia Oil (Lavender) , Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil (Lemongrass) , Ocimum Basilicum Oil (Basil) , Oilbanum Oil (Frankincense) , Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil (Bergamot) , Salvia Sclarea Oil (Clary) , BHT

Prayer Of Thanks - (For God's Word)

Thank you, Father, that your WORD does not fail me.

Your WORD is true.
 
It is sharper than any two-headed sword.

Unlike, man, your WORD does not lie, but it accomplishes everything that it was sent forth to do. 

Thank you for your WORD that comforts in a time of sorrow,
strengthens in times of weakness,
heals in times of sickness,
provides in times of lack,
nourishes in times of famine,
gives freedom in times of bondage,
protects in times of danger and has the ability to make possible any and every impossible situation!

In the name of JESUS, I thank you and I exalt you!

Everything is going to be alright!

Although he (the enemy, the adversary, the devil) slay me, yet will I trust HIM (God) (
Job 13:15 KJV )

Everything is going to be alright!

Although I can not see it ,nor do I feel it; I must hold on to the belief that everything will be alright!

How do I know this?

1. The psalmist wrote in (Psalm 30:5), … weeping may endure for a night,

    but joy cometh in the morning.

2. Apostle Paul wrote,

(2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed ; we are perplexed , but not in despair ; Persecuted, but not forsaken ; cast down, but not destroyed;

(2 Corinthians 4:18)

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal .
　

　

Have confidence within your spirit man that , "Everything is going to be alright! " Despite what it looks like, what it seems like and what the evidence shows - "Everything is going to be alright! "

It does not matter what the doctor's report shows,
it does not matter what the judge has pronounced,
nor does it matter what the psychiatric evaluation states, 
"Everything is going to be alright! "

Let It Go! - Part 2

Sometimes, you’ve just got to let it go!

Understand that you can not chase down every lie. There are some people in your life that lie about any and everything. There is no truth in them, and you must come to the realization that they are just not going to tell the truth. There comes a time when you have to take what they say with “a grain of salt”. In other words, view what is said with skepticism. Don’t take it literally.

But, please - for the sake of peace - stop challenging them on every lie. Sisters (brothers), if you know that your sweetheart, husband or significant other does not always tell you the truth, make it up in your mind that you will challenge him (her) on an issue only if it is important or relative to the situation at hand. If it is not that deep, decide what you will deal with and what you will let go. Please understand me - you can not live peaceably with anyone if you are always confronting trivial issues. Choose your battles!

Sadly, most of us have been programmed to believe that we have to deal with e-v-e-r-y issue - regardless to how big or small it might be. We have been programmed to believe that if we do not confront the situation then we are weak or being made a fool of. If we are going to win in this game , we must …

1) reprogram our minds to choose our battles wisely, and

2) stop grumbling about everything.

Someone once said, “Don’t grumble and stay. Grumble and be on your way.” The late Teddy Pendergrass said it best in the song , “I Think I Better Let It Go”.

To view "Let It Go - Part 1", click  Let It Go - Part 1

Just Wondering !

It never ceases to amaze me how others seem to only understand
- pain,
- grief,
- disappointment,
- frustration, etc... when they are experiencing it .

BUT

    When the roles are reversed, the same one(s) that once experienced the pain, the grief, the disappointment, the frustration, etc..., don't even have a clue how to reciprocate the concern and empathy that was once given to them.
     Doesn't it just frustrate you when you have been there to bear the burdens of others, and they have not been there for you?
     Doesn't it anger you when you tell someone what you are going through, and they respond so apathetically?


Just wondering...

Celebrate Your Victory!

As a born-again believer , you are the privileged and you have been promised protection. 

Isn't that comforting news during trying times?

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.  (Isaiah 54:17)

Break It!

      In Mark 14, a woman with a precious oil in an alabaster box went to Simon’s house to worship Jesus. According to scripture, she broke the box and poured the oil upon Jesus’ head. Notice , she broke it. This scripture reminds me that there are things in our lives that sometimes need to be broken.

      Some of those things that need to be broken are:

- strongholds,

- addictions, and

- unhealthy relationships

        When something has been broken , it has been shattered - often beyond man’s repair. But, God is able to:

- repair your shattered situation,

- put together everything that the devil has broken and

  destroyed

- return that which the enemy has stolen (David’s Ziglag

  experience)

- give you double for your trouble (Job), and

- to restore (it, you, them) better than it ever was before.

     Sometimes, God will take the broken stuff and use it as a foundation to make the new stuff. On one occasion in the Bible, after Jesus had preached to thousands of people (Matthew), the people were hungry. Jesus took a child’s fish lunch, blessed it and BROKE it. When He BROKE it, the Bible tells us that it multiplied from two fish and five loaves to an excess of twelve baskets of leftovers.

    He can not use the old broken stuff if you are trying to pick it up and put it back together. You can not have the new and repaired situation if you are trying to hold on to the old broken, busted and disgusted situation. God does not need your help, nor does He need mine. He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20)

    So, I challenge you to break whatever it is that has you bound and give it to Him . Old things will be passed way, all things will become anew. And, as long as you stay connected to THE source, He will shatterproof the new thing in your life and give it abiding power so that it remains stable and fixed for your enjoyment and for His glory!

If you don’t include me in your plans, don’t put me on your schedule!



Wisdom by Trinity

Happy Resurrection Day!

He Is Risen

1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door,[a] and sat on it.

3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.

4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.

6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

The Women Worship the Risen Lord

9 And as they went to tell His disciples,[b] behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.

10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Knowing When The Season Is Over

Many years ago, Kenny Rogers wrote the following lyrics to a very popular song. 

You've got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run

These lyrics are a reminder that , in life, wisdom must be applied if decisions are going to be made. Too often, we get caught in the middle of decisions and end up sitting on the fence. However, there comes a time when there is a “time out” for straddling the fence. There comes a time when life forces you to get over the fence without looking back . In life, there are no perfect decisions.

How ,then, do I know when it is time to leave the present season and move into the new season?

You know …

- You can walk away and move to the next chapter when you finally have no regrets about what you should have/could have done.

- You can walk away and move to the next chapter when there is no fear nor hesitation about taking the next step.

If this is your season, walk boldly into it!

Isaiah 43:19

King James Version (KJV)

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

After This ...

There  WILL BE glory after this. After what? Whatever you are facing right now.

After the pain -

After the brokenness -

After the divorce -

After the sickness -

After the embarrassment and the humiliation -

After the bankruptcy -

After the ______________________ (fill in the blank) -

It may not look like it. It may not feel like it. It may not seem like it. But, there will be glory after this.  There will be victory after this.  The WORD promises that we walk by faith and not by sight. Hang on in there. Stand your ground - even in the middle of the battle that you are in. For, the battle does not go to the swift, nor to the strong. But, it goes to the one that endures unto the end.

Galatians 6:9
(KJV)
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
　

James 1:12
(KJV)
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

　
Ecclesiastes 9:11
(KJV)
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

Today I Choose …

Today, I choose to be thankful. In spite of the fact that things are not as good as they seem, nor are things as bad as they seem. I choose to focus on that which is positive. Thank you, God, for your bountiful blessings. Thank you that YOU are God and without you, there is none other. Open my eyes, today, so that I may only see the good. You said, in your WORD, that we are to give thanks in everything (not for everything, but in everything). Thank you, God, for keeping my mind focused on that which is true, honest, pure, lovely, virtuous, praiseworthy and of a good report.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Do You Really Care?

If a person does not display love and respect when you are well and able, should you expect it from that person when you are down and out? Too often, we expect others to make unrealistic transformations during times of sickness or sadness - to show concern and lend a helping hand when we are unable to do for ourselves. We expect them to visit or share an encouraging word. How irrational!

If you care about someone or love someone, give them their flowers when they can appreciate them. Praise them when they are up. Don’t wait until something is wrong to show that you care.

Image'>http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2664">Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Display the same love and compassion to others that you so desperately desire from others.

You Can't Undo The Past

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending     - Carl Bard

Let It Go! (PART 1)

Blessings are tied to promises. What has God told you to do? We do not serve a fickle God. If God made the covenant on Monday, God will back His covenant on Tuesday. He does not need your help, nor does He need mine to carry out His purpose and plan.

In the book of Genesis, God told Abraham that the blessed seed would come through Sarah, Abraham’s wife -not Hagar (the servant). When Hagar gave birth to Ismael, though he was Abraham’s seed, he was not the seed of promise. There came a day, as painful as it was for Abraham, when he had to send Hagar and Ismael away. The promise was through Isaac - not Ismael.

Sometimes, in our lives, people, situations and things may be fulfilling and good to us, but they may not be good for us. Don’t confuse your provision (that which was produced from human effort) with God’s promise (that which was manifested and ordained by God).

As painful as some things may be - regardless to the gratification and pleasure it may have brought, part with it- if it is not in line with the promise. Detach yourself from it - least it becomes the accursed thing! Let it go!

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659

Image'>http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659">Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


To read "Let It Go - Part 2", click HERE

Do You Even Have A Dog In This Fight?

In the movie, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, there is a scene where an innocent Chihuahua ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Chihuahua finds himself in a dog fight with el Diablo (which by the way means “the devil” in Spanish). The chihuahua is forced to face a monumental opponent. He has been placed in a fight where , for him, there are no rewards.

So, today, I ask you, do you have a dog in the fight?

When King David stood before the great giant Goliath, he was well aware of the pending reward.

In the Old Testament story of David and Goliath, King Saul promised a great reward for anyone who would defeat the giant Goliath. King Saul promised 3 rewards (I Samuel 17:25):

1. Riches from the king

2. Marriage to the king’s daughter and

3. Tax exemption for the victor's father's house

Are you fighting a battle and there is no reward? If so, it may be time to call it quits.

Some people are fighting battles and there is no apparent reward.

Some people are fighting battles for other people.

Some people are fighting the wrong opponent.

Examine your situation.

While watching TBN, I heard Pastor Ron Carpenter sum it up best - Don’t ever fight a battle that has no reward !

Confession Against Satan's Attacks

We come boldly against

- the weapons of the enemy

- the will of the enemy and

- the workings of the enemy.

We denounce his power in our lives. We cancel his assignments. We serve him an eviction notice effective right now. We evict him from our mind. We shall have peace. We evict him from our body. By Jesus’ stripes, we are healed. We evict him from our finances. We are blessed - to the full, in abundance, and to it overflows. We reject his credit and we refuse his offers today, tomorrow and in the future. We refuse to allow him to grant us sickness ,disease or poverty right now or forevermore.

True Love

For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Psalm 91 (KJV)

1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.



May this Psalm bless everyone who reads it!

Come Out From Among Them!

Everybody that's making you feel good is not making you live good.


Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. (2 Cor. 17)

Disappointment or Disaster?

Don't confuse your disappointments with disaster.

When Peter began to sink (Matthew 14:30) - that was a disappointment.
Had Peter drowned - that would have been a disaster.

Have You Gotten Out the Boat ,Yet?

In Matthew's gospel, chapter 14, Apostle Peter teaches us a valuable life lesson. He teaches us that it is possible to do the impossible. When this particular passage is preached, preachers often teach us about Peter's failure (he began to sink - Matthew 14:30). However, they often fail to tell us about Peter's success (he walked on the water - Matthew 14:30) .

If we only focus on Peter's failure (he began to sink), we would never be motivated to move from where we are to where we want to be. It is only when we focus on Peter's success will we move from ambition to action. So, I ask

Are you going to get out of the boat and venture into the unknown - do something that you have never done before?

OR

Are you going to stay in the boat - become a lifetime rider and play it safe?

Wounded Spirit

Most people understand the effects of physical wounds. Because physical wounds are tangible, we can see the scars, the cast from broken bones and listen to the wounded individual share complaints of pain and physical distress caused by the side effects of prescriptions. Therefore, we are constantly reminded of physical wounds. However, emotional wounds are not as noticeable; And, so often, they leave pain that won’t go away, scars that can’t be erased, and very few talk about the psychological torment that is securely hidden from the public eye.

Today, I pose the question - Has your spirit been wounded by humiliation, degradation and unresolved issues? If so, is the wound beyond repair? A couple of days ago, I thought about how easy it is to wound someone’s spirit. I thought about how so many people (especially spouses) inflict this pain on the weaker vessel without knowing the impact that it has on the other person. Often, without knowing it, the emotional wounds destroy trust, confidence and character.

How can you truly trust someone who constantly harms but is suppose to help?
How can you have confidence when you are torn down instead of being built up?
How can you have strong character when your character is under attack?

If you recognize that you have been emotionally wounded, I strongly urge you to seek help. Emotional wounds will heal when they are properly treated. Just as deep tissue wounds have to be properly treated, so do emotional wounds. Don’t ignore them and just expect them to go away.

I challenge you, today, to BELIEVE that
· You are better than that.
· You do have a purpose.
· You are beautiful.
· You are SOMEBODY!
· You have worth.
· You are valued.

Not only must you BELIEVE, but you must treat yourself as if you believe it. DISBELIEVE the negativity and the LIES that the enemy has wounded you with for so long. You have been set apart for such a time as this.


1 Peter 2:9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Jeremiah 29:11

I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.

Whose Holding Your Hand?

A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge.
The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter:
"Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said:
"No, Dad. You hold my hand."
"What's the difference?" Asked the puzzled father.

"There's a big difference," replied the little girl.
"If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."

In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond. So hold the hand of the person whom you love rather than expecting them to hold yours...

(taken from www.boardofwisdom.com)

Lasting Relationships

As I perused the recent posts of one of the many blogs (Curly Nikki) that I frequent, I was reminded of the importance of reconnecting. It is vital for couples to set aside time to reconnect and to understand that ‘what it took to get him/her is the same thing that it takes to keep him/her’. In other words, The bond that bound the relationship should be the basis for maintaining a wholesome relationship.

Relationships share bonds that tie the participants together. Strong relationships share strong bonds. A bond is the glue or the connecting agent that binds a relationship. Some common bonds are blood, race, religion, shared passions and common interests. Although there are many types of relationships, the relationship that I refer to in this post is the relationship between a man and a woman.

A reconnecting should include the following:
1) reconnect - Set aside time at regular intervals where it is just
the two of you minus the distractions of other parties including
children. (Hire a babysitter or leave children with a trusted
friend or family member.)
2) reevaluate - Take inventory. Look at the positives and the
negatives. Look at what works and look at what doesn’t work.
3) restructure - If it’s broken, fix it. If it’s not, keep doing it.
If the two of you can’t repair it, seek help from a professional
(clergyman,therapist, doctor, etc.)

Refuse to allow the cares and distractions of life to take priority over your relationship. Certain things in life take time - like marinating a tender steak or preparing a holiday meal. Invested time is the key to a robust relationship. Remember, even Rome was not built in a day.