Tag: encouragment

WHY SOME THINGS ARE BEST LEFT UNSAID…

So many people today feel there is such strength in, TELLING IT LIKE IT IS…GIVING THEM A PIECE OF YOUR MIND…or, KEEPING IT REAL!

Yes, there are times when that has its place, but there’s also great strength, dignity and maturity in keeping some things to yourself.

When the angel appeared to Mary to let her know that she had conceived of the Holy Spirit, and what was going to come to pass…she kept it to herself. She knew some people wouldn’t believe her, she knew some people wouldn’t understand, she knew it wasn’t time.

Luke 2:19(NKJV)

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

You don’t have to tell them how pissed off you are…

You don’t have to be the first one to share bad news…

You don’t have to tell them how attracted you are to them (especially if you’re already married)…

You don’t have to tell them how wrong you think they are…

You don’t have to tell them what someone said about them…

We need to stop and think of the immediate and long-term results of sharing what we feel we must say…especially if we are ‘in our emotions’ (anger, lust, disgust, jealousy, fear, sadness, envy, shame, etc…)

Remember what Proverbs says…

Proverbs 17:9 (NKJV)

He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

Even God Himself doesn’t reveal some information to us until we’re ready for it, in other words…He leaves some things unsaid for a season.

1 Peter 1:10 (NKJV)

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,

Right now, stop and ask God for wisdom and discernment of…

WHEN TO SPEAK AND WHEN TO BE SILENT, BECAUSE…

SOME THINGS ARE BEST LEFT UNSAID!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

0

WHY SOME THINGS ARE BEST LEFT UNSAID…

So many people today feel there is such strength in, TELLING IT LIKE IT IS…GIVING THEM A PIECE OF YOUR MIND…or, KEEPING IT REAL!

Yes, there are times when that has its place, but there’s also great strength, dignity and maturity in keeping some things to yourself.

When the angel appeared to Mary to let her know that she had conceived of the Holy Spirit, and what was going to come to pass…she kept it to herself. She knew some people wouldn’t believe her, she knew some people wouldn’t understand, she knew it wasn’t time.

Luke 2:19(NKJV)

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

You don’t have to tell them how pissed off you are…

You don’t have to be the first one to share bad news…

You don’t have to tell them how attracted you are to them (especially if you’re already married)…

You don’t have to tell them how wrong you think they are…

You don’t have to tell them what someone said about them…

We need to stop and think of the immediate and long-term results of sharing what we feel we must say…especially if we are ‘in our emotions’ (anger, lust, disgust, jealousy, fear, sadness, envy, shame, etc…)

Remember what Proverbs says…

Proverbs 17:9 (NKJV)

He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

Even God Himself doesn’t reveal some information to us until we’re ready for it, in other words…He leaves some things unsaid for a season.

1 Peter 1:10 (NKJV)

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,

Right now, stop and ask God for wisdom and discernment of…

WHEN TO SPEAK AND WHEN TO BE SILENT, BECAUSE…

SOME THINGS ARE BEST LEFT UNSAID!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

1

HOW GOD EXPECTS YOU TO MAKE LEMONADE WITHOUT SUGAR…

wp-1472302013866.jpgPeople love clichés.

A well-placed cliché makes conversations, speeches and even sermons more interesting. One very popular cliché used when people have misfortune is or difficulty is, “When life gives you lemons make lemonade”.

BUT WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANY SUGAR?

What if you have a health condition that doesn’t allow you to have sugar?

Sometimes in life we have to faith our way through some difficult days…

Sometimes we have to take some medicine that just doesn’t taste good…

Sometimes you have to swallow a really big pill that’s hard to get down…

Some people can’t have sugar in their diet…

Sometimes your healing comes from something bitter.

AREN’T YOU GLAD THAT JESUS DIDN’T MAKE LEMONADE ON THE CROSS?

2 Timothy 2:3 tells us to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 12:2 teaches us to look to Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him.

People love quoting Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me” when they are trying to make their dreams come true, but this verse is most powerful when we are enduring life’s most difficult situations.

God wants us to always be able to make something good out of difficult situations, and to always see His will in them. As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, sometimes there’s nothing to make some situations feel ‘or taste’ better.

We just have to faith our way through and learn to sometimes drink lemonade without sugar.

 Psalm 3:19 (ESV)

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
If this post blessed you, please follow like and follow my blog:-)

BE BLESSTIFIED!

1

AREN’T YOU GLAD GOD ALLOWED SOME THINGS IN YOUR LIFE TO REMAIN SECRET?

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SHHHHHH

We know that Peter denied Christ, but that wasn’t the only sin he committed. Peter committed many other sins, but we don’t know what they were. God allowed them to remain secret.

We know that the Paul persecuted the church. We know that He said…

Romans 7:19 (NKJV)

19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.

…but we don’t know exactly what that evil was.

Remember, we also know that Paul had a thorn in the flesh, but God allowed it to remain secret…

2 Corinthians 12:7-9
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Every personality God used in the bible committed some sins that God allowed to remain secret. Yes, we are supposed to confess our faults to one another (James 5:16), but that doesn’t mean you have to tell ALL of your business in every detail. Some people will compel you to do so, not out of concern for you, but to satisfy their curiosity.

Yes, some people are just nosey.

WE HAVE ALL DONE THINGS WE ARE ASHAMED OF…

There are some things that you have done, and truly repented, that no one knows about. You may have squandered money or relationships in your past, but now you aren’t that person anymore. You may have struggled with depression to the point you considered suicide, but you’re far beyond that now. You may have made some poor choices with your body, but that’s not you anymore. You may have had a problem with porn, but that’s now the last thing on your mind. Aren’t you glad God allowed those things to remain secret? The next time a public figure is exposed for something shameful, before you jump on the bandwagon of pointing a self-righteous finger, think of how thankful you are that God allowed your shameful moment(s) to be secret.

And, if you’re presently involved in some shameful behavior… STOP IT NOW!

STOP IT NOW!

Stop it before God makes you stop it. One sure way to make some shameful behavior stop is to expose it. Stop and give God some specific praise today if He has allowed some of your SECRETS to remain SECRET. Because not only is He a PROMISE KEEPER….HE’S a SECRET KEEPER TOO.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

0

WHY YOU SHOULD THANK GOD HE ALLOWED SOME THINGS IN YOUR LIFE TO REMAIN SECRET…

wp-1472674791523.png
SHHHHHH

We know that Peter denied Christ, but that wasn’t the only sin he committed. Peter committed many other sins, but we don’t know what they were. God allowed them to remain secret.

We know that the Paul persecuted the church. We know that He said…

Romans 7:19 (NKJV)

19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.

…but we don’t know exactly what that evil was.

Remember, we also know that Paul had a thorn in the flesh, but God allowed it to remain secret…

2 Corinthians 12:7-9
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Every personality God used in the bible committed some sins that God allowed to remain secret. Yes, we are supposed to confess our faults to one another (James 5:16), but that doesn’t mean you have to tell ALL of your business in every detail. Some people will compel you to do so, not out of concern for you, but to satisfy their curiosity.

Yes, some people are just nosey.

WE HAVE ALL DONE THINGS WE ARE ASHAMED OF…

There are some things that you have done, and truly repented, that no one knows about. You may have squandered money or relationships in your past, but now you aren’t that person anymore. You may have struggled with depression to the point you considered suicide, but you’re far beyond that now. You may have made some poor choices with your body, but that’s not you anymore. You may have had a problem with porn, but that’s now the last thing on your mind. Aren’t you glad God allowed those things to remain secret? The next time a public figure is exposed for something shameful, before you jump on the bandwagon of pointing a self-righteous finger, think of how thankful you are that God allowed your shameful moment(s) to be secret.

And, if you’re presently involved in some shameful behavior… STOP IT NOW!

STOP IT NOW!

Stop it before God makes you stop it. One sure way to make some shameful behavior stop is to expose it. Stop and give God some specific praise today if He has allowed some of your SECRETS to remain SECRET. Because not only is He a PROMISE KEEPER….HE’S a SECRET KEEPER TOO.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

1

WHY EVERYONE’S NOT DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS (Some Pray it DOESN’T snow)…

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“YOUR WINTER FUN IS SOMEONE’S WINTER FEAR” maj

So many people love the cozy idea of sitting by a warm fire, and sipping egg nog or hot chocolate as they unwrap gifts with family or friends.

So many people get excited when they hear the weather forecaster announce snow is coming.

But, while some people rush the grocery stores for extra food in case they are snowed in…

While some people prepare to cook hot meals and watch the snow fall…

While so many children get excited over the thought of a snow day…

While some say, “Hmmm, what will we eat?”…

Others cringe at the thought of snow coming…

Others wait to see what the grocery stores will throw away…

Others wonder what cooked meals they can find in a dumpster…

Others wonder how they will keep their children warm on a snow day…

Others say, “what will we eat?”…wondering IF? rather than WHAT?!

wp-1481505705955.jpgAs we enjoy the blessings of warmth, food and shelter during the Holiday season, let us not forget those who have no place to lay their heads…no place for their children.

Let us remember those who have to struggle looking for someplace to use the bathroom with dignity after a night of sleeping on the street.

Beyond the holiday season, remember your WINTER FUN is someone’s WINTER FEAR.

And, take advantage of the opportunities that God gives you to be a blessing to someone in need. It’s good to PRAY for them, but it’s even better to be the answer to your own prayer for them.

1 John 3:17 (NKJV)

17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

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Please help me share this message…

BE BLESSTIFIED!!!!

 

 

15

HOW GOD EXPECTS YOU TO MAKE LEMONADE WITHOUT SUGAR…

wp-1472302013866.jpgPeople love clichés.

A well-placed cliché makes conversations, speeches and even sermons more interesting. One very popular cliché used when people have misfortune is or difficulty is, “When life gives you lemons make lemonade”.

BUT WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANY SUGAR?

What if you have a health condition that doesn’t allow you to have sugar?

Sometimes in life we have to faith our way through some difficult days…

Sometimes we have to take some medicine that just doesn’t taste good…

Sometimes you have to swallow a really big pill that’s hard to get down…

Some people can’t have sugar in their diet…

Sometimes your healing comes from something bitter.

AREN’T YOU GLAD THAT JESUS DIDN’T MAKE LEMONADE ON THE CROSS?

2 Timothy 2:3 tells us to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 12:2 teaches us to look to Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him.

People love quoting Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me” when they are trying to make their dreams come true, but this verse is most powerful when we are enduring life’s most difficult situations.

God wants us to always be able to make something good out of difficult situations, and to always see His will in them. As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, sometimes there’s nothing to make some situations feel ‘or taste’ better.

We just have to faith our way through and learn to sometimes drink lemonade without sugar.

 Psalm 3:19 (ESV)

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
If this post blessed you, please follow like and follow my blog:-)

BE BLESSTIFIED!

25

APPRECIATE EFFORT AS WELL AS ACCOMPLISHMENT…

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SOMETIMES WE SWING AND MISS…CELEBRATE THE GOOD SWING

Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t take you out every time you fail? Are you glad that God keeps on blessing you even after you have tried, but fallen short. We should never take His grace and mercy for granted. 
God told Abraham that he through him all the nations of the world would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). God told him that He and his wife would have a son in his old age. God told all of this as Abraham and his wife approached 100 years old. The fact is, that when they were told both Abraham and Sarah laughed (Genesis 17:17, 18:12). It took around 25 years between Abraham’s call and his son Isaac’s birth. Even though you can read about all of this in Genesis in the course of an afternoon, those days and nights were as long as ours today. But, Abraham believed God and God honored that faith…
Genesis 15:6 (ESV)
6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness

 

God honors our faith today too. How many times have you really tried to do better, struggled with overcoming doubt and still fell short? The fact that it made you feel bad shows you have real relationship with God. Think about it. You felt bad even if no one else knew you fell short, because you disappointed God. We let me encourage you by reminding you that God made us and He knows us. He knows we are flesh…

Psalm 78:32-39 (NKJV)

32 In spite of this they still sinned,
And did not believe in His wondrous works.
33 Therefore their days He consumed in futility,
And their years in fear.
34 When He slew them, then they sought Him;
And they returned and sought earnestly for God.
35 Then they remembered that God was their rock,
And the Most High God their Redeemer.
36 Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth,
And they lied to Him with their tongue;
37 For their heart was not steadfast with Him,
Nor were they faithful in His covenant.
38 But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity,
And did not destroy them.
Yes, many a time He turned His anger away,
And did not stir up all His wrath;
39 FOR HE REMEMBERED THAT THEY WERE BUT FLESH,
A breath that passes away and does not come again.

Just like when Jesus’ disciples were with Him in the garden before His betrayal,and they fell asleep, He recognized that they were still WITH Him, even though He knew they would scatter.  God understands your heart. He understands that when your spirit is willing, sometimes your flesh gets weak…

Matthew 26:40-41 (NKJV)

40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter,“What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

We must always remember to be as understanding as Jesus in our relationships with one another. Sometimes we find ourselves only celebrating success and accomplishments. But, just as God honors our faith, while encouraging growth, WE SHOULD ALSO APPRECIATE TRUE AND SINCERE EFFORT. This is what encourages us to keep on trying.

BE BLESSTIFIED!!

6

X-TREME X-AMLES IN THE OLD TESTAMTENT…

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 1 Corinthians 10:1-11

10 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

6 NOW THESE THINGS BECAME OUR EXAMPLES, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all[b] these things HAPPENED TO THEM as examples, and they were WRITTEN FOR OUR ADMONITION, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

The Old Testament introduced us to God… through Israel. We learn who He is, and since we’re made in His image we learn who we are. We learn His expectations. We learn how He reacts when we sin. We learn through what I like to call EXTREME EXAMPLES what He loves and what He hates through His interactions with Isreal. We learn that when we sin, before He gets angry – He’s hurt….as implied in Judges 2:1-2…

“Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: “I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you. 2 And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed My voice. WHY HAVE  YOU  DONE THIS?”

Here God asks, “Why have you done this?”

Have you ever asked that to a loved one that hurt you?

Have you ever said that to a child before you punished them?

We learn God’s heart through His interactions with Israel. Through EXTREME examples of judgement we learn how much He hates some behaviors. We also learn through EXTREME acts of mercy and miracles what behaviors He loves.

Those extreme judgements are much like a police officer pulling over ONE speeding driver, when many are speeding. Every now and then they will have to remind drivers of the law by making an example of some drivers and not all.

Some say we don’t have those EXTREME judgements as in the Old Testament anymore…but don’t be too quick to assume so. Many of the natural disasters and calamities of TODAY could be God getting our attention and reminding us of His expectations.

As you read the history of the Old Testament, from now on as you read an EXTREME judgement  (such as the earth opening up and swallowing people in Numbers 26:10, or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19) pay particular attention to the reasons God did it.

Pay attention to the behaviors that He was responding to.

Pay particular attention to what He calls abominations.

God doesn’t change, if He hated it then, He hates it now.

Let’s LEARN FROM OUR EXTREME EXAMPLES

BE BLESSTIFIED!

5

AREN’T YOU GLAD GOD ALLOWED SOME THINGS IN YOUR LIFE TO REMAIN SECRET?

wp-1472674791523.png
SHHHHHH

We know that Peter denied Christ, but that wasn’t the only sin he committed. Peter committed many other sins, but we don’t know what they were. God allowed them to remain secret.

We know that the Paul persecuted the church. We know that He said…

Romans 7:19 (NKJV)

19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.

…but we don’t know exactly what that evil was.

Remember, we also know that Paul had a thorn in the flesh, but God allowed it to remain secret…

2 Corinthians 12:7-9
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Every personality God used in the bible committed some sins that God allowed to remain secret. Yes, we are supposed to confess our faults to one another (James 5:16), but that doesn’t mean you have to tell ALL of your business in every detail. Some people will compel you to do so, not out of concern for you, but to satisfy their curiosity.

Yes, some people are just nosey.

WE HAVE ALL DONE THINGS WE ARE ASHAMED OF…

There are some things that you have done, and truly repented, that no one knows about. You may have squandered money or relationships in your past, but now you aren’t that person anymore. You may have struggled with depression to the point you considered suicide, but you’re far beyond that now. You may have made some poor choices with your body, but that’s not you anymore. You may have had a problem with porn, but that’s now the last thing on your mind. Aren’t you glad God allowed those things to remain secret? The next time a public figure is exposed for something shameful, before you jump on the bandwagon of pointing a self-righteous finger, think of how thankful you are that God allowed your shameful moment(s) to be secret.

And, if you’re presently involved in some shameful behavior… STOP IT NOW!

STOP IT NOW!

Stop it before God makes you stop it. One sure way to make some shameful behavior stop is to expose it. Stop and give God some specific praise today if He has allowed some of your SECRETS to remain SECRET. Because not only is He a PROMISE KEEPER….HE’S a SECRET KEEPER TOO.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

15

HOW GOD EXPECTS YOU TO MAKE LEMONADE WITHOUT SUGAR…

wp-1472302013866.jpgPeople love clichés.

A well-placed cliché makes conversations, speeches and even sermons more interesting. One very popular cliché used when people have misfortune is or difficulty is, “When life gives you lemons make lemonade”.

BUT WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANY SUGAR?

What if you have a health condition that doesn’t allow you to have sugar?

Sometimes in life we have to faith our way through some difficult days…

Sometimes we have to take some medicine that just doesn’t taste good…

Sometimes you have to swallow a really big pill that’s hard to get down…

Some people can’t have sugar in their diet…

Sometimes your healing comes from something bitter.

AREN’T YOU GLAD THAT JESUS DIDN’T MAKE LEMONADE ON THE CROSS?

2 Timothy 2:3 tells us to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 12:2 teaches us to look to Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him.

People love quoting Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me” when they are trying to make their dreams come true, but this verse is most powerful when we are enduring life’s most difficult situations.

God wants us to always be able to make something good out of difficult situations, and to always see His will in them. As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, sometimes there’s nothing to make some situations feel ‘or taste’ better.

We just have to faith our way through and learn to sometimes drink lemonade without sugar.

 Psalm 3:19 (ESV)

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
If this post blessed you, please follow like and follow my blog:-)

BE BLESSTIFIED!

6

YES, YOU TRUST GOD…BUT DO YOU TRUST YOURSELF? (In Case You Missed It…)

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Sometimes the issue isn’t whether or not we trust God, but whether or not we trust ourselves…

We know He will lead and guide us, but are we making the right decisions?

We know He provides perfectly, but are we being the best stewards of what He provides?

When things don’t work out…

Is it punishment?

A lesson?

Or part of the process?

How do we know?

What should I do next?

Sometimes I need a victory to know I can trust myself AS I trust God.

I need a victory so OTHERS can trust me as I trust God and be encouraged.

I need confirmation that what I’ve done is right, rather than people telling me what I should have done.

I know my family loves me, but I want to know that they they’re of proud of me and respect me too.

I need to know that they feel they can depend on me…but can I depend on myself?

I need some victories before I give up, not on God, but…

On myself…

My dreams…

My vision…

My purpose…

I know God is able…but am I?

Can He depend on me?

But, THEN God reminds me of Abraham…

Genesis 15:6

6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

GOD HONORS OUR FAITH….God told Abram (Abraham) that his descendants would be as the sand of the sea. Abram couldn’t see how it would come to pass. Abram saw his physical limitations, but still believed God. The promise didn’t come over night…as a matter of fact it took many years. Abraham and Sarah HAD to many have human moments during that long wait where they questioned if they were doing the right things. This can be concluded by the fact that they got impatient… when Sarai thought she could bear no children and convinced Abram to lay with her handmaid Hagar…which led to the conception of Ishmael. Even though he wasn’t the son with the promise, when Abraham sent Ishmael away, God assured him  He would honor His promise through Ishmael too…

Genesis 21:12-13

“The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. 12 But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring[a] will be reckoned. 13 I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring.”

After Isaac was born, God continued to fulfill His promise to Abraham.

God knows we’re flesh. He made us all and, He knows our weaknesses better than we do.

Psalm 103:13-14

13 As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

He knows we won’t always make the right decisions, even when we trust Him and are trying to be led by Him.

He honors our faith, that’s why He promises…

Romans 8:28

All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

As we trust God, we can’t allow the enemy to undermine our purpose by convincing us to not trust ourselves.

Don’t listen to the enemies lies about yourself…

Be encouraged by Philippians 1:6…

Being CONFIDENT of this, that he who began a good work in YOU will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Trust yourself while you’re trusting God.

BE BLESSTIFIED!!!

11

AREN’T YOU GLAD GOD ALLOWED SOME THINGS IN YOUR LIFE TO REMAIN SECRET…

wp-1472674791523.png
SHHHHHH

We know that Peter denied Christ, but that wasn’t the only sin he committed. Peter committed many other sins, but we don’t know what they were. God allowed them to remain secret.

Every personality God used in the bible committed some sins that God allowed to remain secret. Yes, we are supposed to confess our faults to one another (James 5:16), but that doesn’t mean you have to tell ALL of your business in every detail. Some people will compel you to do so, not out of concern for you, but to satisfy their curiosity. Yes, some people are just nosey. There are some things that you have done, and truly repented, that no one knows about. You may have squandered money or relationships in your past, but now you aren’t that person anymore. You may have struggled with depression to the point you considered suicide, but you’re far beyond that now. You may have made some poor choices with your body, but that’s not you anymore. You may have had a problem with porn, but that’s now the last thing on your mind. Aren’t you glad God allowed those things to remain secret?

The next time a public figure is exposed for something shameful, before you jump on the bandwagon of pointing a self-righteous finger…

Think of how thankful you are that God allowed your shameful moment(s) to be secret.

And, if you’re presently involved in some shameful behavior…

STOP IT NOW!

Stop it before God makes you stop it. One sure way to make some shameful behavior stop is to expose it. Stop and give God some specific praise today if He has allowed some of your SECRETS to remain SECRET. Because not only is He a PROMISE KEEPER….HE’S a SECRET KEEPER TOO.

2 Corinthians 12:7-9
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

BE BLESSTIFIED!

8

LEMONADE WITHOUT SUGAR…

wp-1472302013866.jpgPeople love clichés.

A well-placed cliché makes conversations, speeches and even sermons more interesting. One very popular cliché used when people have misfortune is or difficulty is, “When life gives you lemons make lemonade”.

BUT WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANY SUGAR?

What if you have a health condition that doesn’t allow you to have sugar?

Sometimes in life we have to faith our way through some difficult days…

Sometimes we have to take some medicine that just doesn’t taste good…

Sometimes you have to swallow a really big pill that’s hard to get down…

Some people can’t have sugar in their diet…

Sometimes your healing comes from something bitter.

AREN’T YOU GLAD THAT JESUS DIDN’T MAKE LEMONADE ON THE CROSS?

2 Timothy 2:3 tells us to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 12:2 teaches us to look to Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him.

People love quoting Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me” when they are trying to make their dreams come true, but this verse is most powerful when we are enduring life’s most difficult situations.

God wants us to always be able to make something good out of difficult situations, and to always see His will in them. As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, sometimes there’s nothing to make some situations feel ‘or taste’ better.

We just have to faith our way through and learn to sometimes drink lemonade without sugar.

 Psalm 3:19 (ESV)

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
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BE BLESSTIFIED!

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YES, YOU TRUST GOD…BUT DO YOU TRUST YOURSELF?

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Sometimes the issue isn’t whether or not we trust God, but whether or not we trust ourselves…

Do you ever have this conversation with yourself in some form or another…

We know He will lead and guide us, but are we making the right decisions?

We know He provides perfectly, but are we being the best stewards of what He provides?

When things don’t work out…

Is it punishment?

A lesson?

Or part of the process?

How do we know?

What should I do next?

Sometimes I need a victory to know I can trust myself AS I trust God.

I need a victory so OTHERS can trust me as I trust God and be encouraged.

I need confirmation that what I’ve done is right, rather than people telling me what I should have done.

I know my family loves me, but I want to know that they they’re of proud of me and respect me too.

I need to know that they feel they can depend on me…but can I depend on myself?

I need some victories before I give up, not on God, but…

On myself…

My dreams…

My vision…

My purpose…

I know God is able…but am I?

Can He depend on me?

But, THEN God reminds me of Abraham…

Genesis 15:6

6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

GOD HONORS OUR FAITH….God told Abram (Abraham) that his descendants would be as the sand of the sea. Abram couldn’t see how it would come to pass. Abram saw his physical limitations, but still believed God. The promise didn’t come over night…as a matter of fact it took many years. Abraham and Sarah HAD to many have human moments during that long wait where they questioned if they were doing the right things. This can be concluded by the fact that they got impatient… when Sarai thought she could bear no children and convinced Abram to lay with her handmaid Hagar…which led to the conception of Ishmael. Even though he wasn’t the son with the promise, when Abraham sent Ishmael away, God assured him  He would honor His promise through Ishmael too…

Genesis 21:12-13

“The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. 12 But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring[a] will be reckoned. 13 I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring.”

After Isaac was born, God continued to fulfill His promise to Abraham.

God knows we’re flesh. He made us all and, He knows our weaknesses better than we do.

Psalm 103:13-14

13 As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

He knows we won’t always make the right decisions, even when we trust Him and are trying to be led by Him.

He honors our faith, that’s why He promises…

Romans 8:28

All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

As we trust God, we can’t allow the enemy to undermine our purpose by convincing us to not trust ourselves.

Don’t listen to the enemies lies about yourself…

Be encouraged by Philippians 1:6…

Being CONFIDENT of this, that he who began a good work in YOU will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Trust yourself while you’re trusting God.

BE BLESSTIFIED!!!

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WHY SOME THINGS ARE BEST LEFT UNSAID…

 

So many people today feel there is such strength in, TELLING IT LIKE IT IS…GIVING THEM A PIECE OF YOUR MIND…or, KEEPING IT REAL!

Yes, there are times when that has its place, but there’s also great strength, dignity and maturity in keeping some things to yourself.

When the angel appeared to Mary to let her know that she had conceived of the Holy Spirit, and what was going to come to pass…she kept it to herself. She knew some people wouldn’t believe her, she knew some people wouldn’t understand, she knew it wasn’t time.

Luke 2:19(NKJV)

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

You don’t have to tell them how pissed off you are…

You don’t have to be the first one to share bad news…

You don’t have to tell them how attracted you are to them (especially if you’re already married)…

You don’t have to tell them how wrong you think they are…

You don’t have to tell them what someone said about them…

We need to stop and think of the immediate and long-term results of sharing what we feel we must say…especially if we are ‘in our emotions’ (anger, lust, disgust, jealousy, fear, sadness, envy, shame, etc…)

Remember what Proverbs says…

Proverbs 17:9 (NKJV)

He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

Even God Himself doesn’t reveal some information to us until we’re ready for it, in other words…He leaves some things unsaid for a season.

1 Peter 1:10 (NKJV)

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,

Right now, stop and ask God for wisdom and discernment of…

WHEN TO SPEAK AND WHEN TO BE SILENT, BECAUSE…

SOME THINGS ARE BEST LEFT UNSAID!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

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REMEMBER…EVERYONE’S NOT DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS.

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“YOUR WINTER FUN IS SOMEONE’S WINTER FEAR” maj

So many people love the cozy idea of sitting by a warm fire, and sipping egg nog or hot chocolate as they unwrap gifts with family or friends.

So many people get excited when they hear the weather forecaster announce snow is coming.

But, while some people rush the grocery stores for extra food in case they are snowed in…

While some people prepare to cook hot meals and watch the snow fall…

While so many children get excited over the thought of a snow day…

While some say, “Hmmm, what will we eat?”…

Others cringe at the thought of snow coming…

Others wait to see what the grocery stores will throw away…

Others wonder what cooked meals they can find in a dumpster…

Others wonder how they will keep their children warm on a snow day…

Others say, “what will we eat?”…wondering IF? rather than WHAT?!

wp-1481505705955.jpgAs we enjoy the blessings of warmth, food and shelter during the Holiday season, let us not forget those who have no place to lay their heads…no place for their children.

Let us remember those who have to struggle looking for someplace to use the bathroom with dignity after a night of sleeping on the street.

Beyond the holiday season, remember your WINTER FUN is someone’s WINTER FEAR.

And, take advantage of the opportunities that God gives you to be a blessing to someone in need. It’s good to PRAY for them, but it’s even better to be the answer to your own prayer for them.

1 John 3:17 (NKJV)

17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

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Please help me share this message…

BE BLESSTIFIED!!!!

 

 

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X-TREME X-AMLES IN THE OLD TESTAMTENT…

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 1 Corinthians 10:1-11

10 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

6 NOW THESE THINGS BECAME OUR EXAMPLES, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all[b] these things HAPPENED TO THEM as examples, and they were WRITTEN FOR OUR ADMONITION, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

The Old Testament introduced us to God… through Israel. We learn who He is, and since we’re made in His image we learn who we are. We learn His expectations. We learn how He reacts when we sin. We learn through what I like to call EXTREME EXAMPLES what He loves and what He hates through His interactions with Isreal. We learn that when we sin, before He gets angry – He’s hurt….as implied in Judges 2:1-2…

“Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: “I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you. 2 And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed My voice. WHY HAVE  YOU  DONE THIS?”

Here God asks, “Why have you done this?”

Have you ever asked that to a loved one that hurt you?

Have you ever said that to a child before you punished them?

We learn God’s heart through His interactions with Israel. Through EXTREME examples of judgement we learn how much He hates some behaviors. We also learn through EXTREME acts of mercy and miracles what behaviors He loves.

Those extreme judgements are much like a police officer pulling over ONE speeding driver, when many are speeding. Every now and then they will have to remind drivers of the law by making an example of some drivers and not all.

Some say we don’t have those EXTREME judgements as in the Old Testament anymore…but don’t be too quick to assume so. Many of the natural disasters and calamities of TODAY could be God getting our attention and reminding us of His expectations.

As you read the history of the Old Testament, from now on as you read an EXTREME judgement  (such as the earth opening up and swallowing people in Numbers 26:10, or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19) pay particular attention to the reasons God did it.

Pay attention to the behaviors that He was responding to.

Pay particular attention to what He calls abominations.

God doesn’t change, if He hated it then, He hates it now.

Let’s LEARN FROM OUR EXTREME EXAMPLES

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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YES…SOME THINGS SHOULD BE DONE ‘JUST FOR SHOW’

THE SON IS THE STAR!

Have you ever heard someone say, “Awwe, they’re just doing that ‘for show’!” Or, “Awwe, they’re just doing that to be seen”? Jesus warned us about doing things only to be seen and to bring glory to ourselves…

Matthew 6: 1-3

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 

Jesus told us when we do things merely to be seen, whatever glory we receive from that act, we already have our reward.

However, that DOESN’T mean that some things should NEVER be done to be seen.

How else can God get glory?

How else can people witness His love?

How else can people witness His power?

How else can people be drawn to Him through us…unless they see Him through us?

Yes, it’s necessary that some things be done TO BE SEEN. It’s the intent of the heart as to whether or not God approves.

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

It is true that Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus, but Jesus resurrecting Lazarus from the dead in John 11 was about more than giving the sisters back their brother. It was done so that others COULD SEE AND BELIEVE.

It was done FOR SHOW!

Jesus wept so others could see how much He loved Lazarus, Mary and Martha.

It was done FOR SHOW!

John 11:32 – 40 (NKJV)

32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, “Where have you laid him?”

They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”

35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”

37 And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”

38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”

Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 

Be sure and check your motives when you do anything that could bring glory to yourself. God is willing to share His glory, but we must give Him priority in our hearts.

 Also, be very careful when you’re judging someone else’s intentions as to why they are doing what they do.

When you decide for them their motives, and what’s in their hearts you can be guilty of judging, and when we judge wrongly, we are inviting the same judgement on ourselves.

Matthew 7:1 (NKJV)

Judge not, that you be not judged.

Look upon every act you do in public as an opportunity to let your light shine. Pray that God allow others to be drawn to HIM THROUGH YOU and not YOU THROUGH HIM. Take advantage of the opportunities that God gives you to build His Kingdom through you and remember that…SOME THINGS SHOULD BE DONE FOR SHOW!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

 

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IT TAKES THE SAME FAITH…

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“for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith AS a mustard seed…”

Have you ever been critical of those who opposed Jesus both during His earthly ministry and now?

Many saw Him perform miracles, but because Jesus challenged their theology, traditions and culture they rejected Him and those who supported Him.

In John Chapter 9 after they could clearly see he healed a man who had been blind since birth, rather than accepting the miracle, they sought to put the healed man and his family out of the synagogue and to destroy Jesus.

John 9: 28-29 (NKJV)

Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.”

They claimed to be disciples of Moses.

BUT….

It took THE SAME FAITH to believe in Jesus that it took to believe in Moses. The children of Israel saw the signs and miracles that Moses performed just as the Pharisees saw Jesus.

The children of Israel heard Moses proclaim God’s word just as the Pharisees heard Jesus.

So, if their hearts were hard enough to reject Jesus, it’s likely they would have rejected Moses had they lived in his day.

Why?

Because it took the SAME FAITH to believe in Moses who they claimed to follow as it took to believe in Jesus who they rejected.

It took the SAME FAITH to believe Noah….

It took the SAME FAITH to believe the apostles…

It takes the SAME FAITH to believe the preached word today.

God still performs miracles. 

God still gives confirmations

God still grants His mercy.

God still makes Himself known through His creation…but people don’t acknowledge Him.

Romans 1: 18- 20 (NKJV)

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse…

Those  who resist, oppose or reject Jesus today are without excuse. 

God has given everyone a measure of faith…and that’s all we need to believe.

Romans 12:3 (NKJV)

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.

Matthew 17:20 (NKJV)

20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

It takes the SAME FAITH to…

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

 

 

 

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WHO WILL YOU DOWNLOAD INTO YOUR ‘HEART DRIVE’?

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When we CHOOSE to download or install an APP, that APP asks for permission to ACCESS what is INSIDE our device…

Our images

Our videos

Our audio

Our contacts

Our storage.

Our HARD DRIVES.

In other words before we can begin using an app, it asks for AUTHORITY over our smart phone, device or computer.

The same thing occurs in our spiritual lives. Both God and the enemy are asking for permission and access into us…

Our hearts

Our minds

Our spirits

Our contacts

Our storage/memory

Our ‘HEART DRIVES’.

In other words, both God and the enemy are asking for AUTHORITY and influence over our lives. Some apps even ask if they can post or act on our behalf.

But just as with a smart device, no one gets access and authority unless we DOWNLOAD them by choice and give them permission.

Some APPS are good, but there are many that are bad and can even infect our devices…but none of them get access unless we give them permission.

Don’t give the enemy permission to infect your HEART DRIVE. Don’t give him the permission to ‘post’ on your behalf …only allow the Good Shepherd access into YOU.

Who will you give permission to today?

For whom will you click…ACCEPT?

John 10:1-5

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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WORK YOUR GENIUS!

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Identify…

Perfect…

and Work YOUR genius

to the glory of GOD!

That’s why HE gave it to YOU…

and only YOU!

No one else can do what YOU were placed here to do, so don’t leave it undone.

YOU are GOD’S gift to the world that He wrapped in your skin!

No one else can do what YOU were created to do…

You’re EXPERT and GENIUS at being YOU!

So be unapologetically YOU!

Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)

14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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HAPPINESS VS JOY…

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People just want to be happy. They talk about it, sing about it, dream about it. People spend their lives in the pursuit of happiness. They spend their money, forfeit their families, search the WORLD over looking for happiness…looking for favorable circumstances and conditions. Because that’s what happiness is…being jolly, cheerful, merry or carefree because of favorable conditions and even luck. Even the etymology of the word happy implies….
Happy (adj.) late 14c., “lucky, favored by fortune, being in advantageous circumstances, prosperous;” of events, “turning out well,” from hap (n.) “chance, fortune” + -y (2). Sense of “very glad” first recorded late 14) from etymonline.com.

Happiness can be an illusion. Delusional people can appear to be some of the happiest people. Serial killers are  happy when they are killing and evading capture. People can be happy while doing wrong depending on the state of their heart. Yes, we can be happy over virtuous things too. Happiness isn’t necessarily bad, but it IS still conditional.

As many of you have heard before, joy is not conditional. Happiness is an emotion, but joy is a state of mind. It’s not just a state of mind, but a state of the spirit. Joy, not happiness, is a Fruit of the Spirit, evidence of God’s Spirit and an aspect of His character.

Galatians 5:22-23New King James Version (NKJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

In John 15: 11, Jesus tells us that its His desire that His joy remain in us so that our joy may be full.

John 15:11New King James Version (NKJV)

11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

This kind of joy the world CAN’T give. The joy of the Lord can abide through hardship, heartbreak, tribulation, storms and adversity…no one is happy in any of these circumstances. But joy can abide and produce peace through it all. Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus endured the pain and shame of the cross because of the joy set before him.

Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Happiness disappears when joy flourishes. People search the world for happiness, they chase it….but you don’t have chase joy, because God gives it, and when you have God through Christ Jesus…you don’t have to chase it…it finds you.

 

BE BLESSTIFIED!!!

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APPRECIATE EFFORT AS WELL AS ACCOMPLISHMENT…

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SOMETIMES WE SWING AND MISS…CELEBRATE THE GOOD SWING

Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t take you out every time you fail? Are you glad that God keeps on blessing you even after you have tried, but fallen short. We should never take His grace and mercy for granted. 
God told Abraham that he through him all the nations of the world would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). God told him that He and his wife would have a son in his old age. God told all of this as Abraham and his wife approached 100 years old. The fact is, that when they were told both Abraham and Sarah laughed (Genesis 17:17, 18:12). It took around 25 years between Abraham’s call and his son Isaac’s birth. Even though you can read about all of this in Genesis in the course of an afternoon, those days and nights were as long as ours today. But, Abraham believed God and God honored that faith…
Genesis 15:6 (ESV)
6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness

 

God honors our faith today too. How many times have you really tried to do better, struggled with overcoming doubt and still fell short? The fact that it made you feel bad shows you have real relationship with God. Think about it. You felt bad even if no one else knew you fell short, because you disappointed God. We let me encourage you by reminding you that God made us and He knows us. He knows we are flesh…

Psalm 78:32-39 (NKJV)

32 In spite of this they still sinned,
And did not believe in His wondrous works.
33 Therefore their days He consumed in futility,
And their years in fear.
34 When He slew them, then they sought Him;
And they returned and sought earnestly for God.
35 Then they remembered that God was their rock,
And the Most High God their Redeemer.
36 Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth,
And they lied to Him with their tongue;
37 For their heart was not steadfast with Him,
Nor were they faithful in His covenant.
38 But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity,
And did not destroy them.
Yes, many a time He turned His anger away,
And did not stir up all His wrath;
39 FOR HE REMEMBERED THAT THEY WERE BUT FLESH,
A breath that passes away and does not come again.

Just like when Jesus’ disciples were with Him in the garden before His betrayal,and they fell asleep, He recognized that they were still WITH Him, even though He knew they would scatter.  God understands your heart. He understands that when your spirit is willing, sometimes your flesh gets weak…

Matthew 26:40-41 (NKJV)

40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter,“What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

We must always remember to be as understanding as Jesus in our relationships with one another. Sometimes we find ourselves only celebrating success and accomplishments. But, just as God honors our faith, while encouraging growth, WE SHOULD ALSO APPRECIATE TRUE AND SINCERE EFFORT. This is what encourages us to keep on trying.

BE BLESSTIFIED!!

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THERE’S STILL LIFE IN THE DESERT…

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2 Chronicles 15:7 (NIV)

7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

Just because I feel like giving up doesn’t mean that I will;

even though I feel forsaken doesn’t mean that I am;

when it seems God isn’t listening I will still pray;

Because I trust Him.

I will not give up!

Even when everything around be seems to be drying up,

God reminds me…

there’s still life in the desert.

maj

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

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YOUR SECRET(S)

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SHHHHHH

We know that Peter denied Christ, but that wasn’t the only sin he committed. Peter committed many other sins, but we don’t know what they were. God allowed them to remain secret.

Every personality God used in the bible committed some sins that God allowed to remain secret. Yes, we are supposed to confess our faults to one another (James 5:16), but that doesn’t mean you have to tell ALL of your business in every detail. Some people will compel you to do so, not out of concern for you, but to satisfy their curiosity. Yes, some people are just nosey. There are some things that you have done, and truly repented, that no one knows about. You may have squandered money or relationships in your past, but now you aren’t that person anymore. You may have struggled with depression to the point you considered suicide, but you’re far beyond that now. You may have made some poor choices with your body, but that’s not you anymore. You may have had a problem with porn, but that’s now the last thing on your mind. Aren’t you glad God allowed those things to remain secret? The next time a public figure is exposed for something shameful, before you jump on the bandwagon of pointing a self-righteous finger, think of how thankful you are that God allowed your shameful moment(s) to be secret.

And, if you’re presently involved in some shameful behavior, STOP IT NOW! Stop it before God makes you stop it. One sure way to make some shameful behavior stop is to expose it. Stop and give God some specific praise today if He has allowed some of your SECRETS to remain SECRET. Because not only is He a PROMISE KEEPER….HE’S a SECRET KEEPER TOO.

2 Corinthians 12:7-9
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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LEMONADE WITHOUT SUGAR…

wp-1472302013866.jpgPeople love clichés.

A well-placed cliché makes conversations, speeches and even sermons more interesting. One very popular cliché used when people have misfortune is or difficulty is, “When life gives you lemons make lemonade”.

BUT WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANY SUGAR?

What if you have a health condition that doesn’t allow you to have sugar?

Sometimes in life we have to faith our way through some difficult days…

Sometimes we have to take some medicine that just doesn’t taste good…

Sometimes you have to swallow a really big pill that’s hard to get down…

Some people can’t have sugar in their diet…

Sometimes your healing comes from something bitter.

AREN’T YOU GLAD THAT JESUS DIDN’T MAKE LEMONADE ON THE CROSS?

2 Timothy 2:3 tells us to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 12:2 teaches us to look to Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him.

People love quoting Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me” when they are trying to make their dreams come true, but this verse is most powerful when we are enduring life’s most difficult situations.

God wants us to always be able to make something good out of difficult situations, and to always see His will in them. As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, sometimes there’s nothing to make some situations feel ‘or taste’ better.

We just have to faith our way through and learn to sometimes drink lemonade without sugar.

 Psalm 3:19 (ESV)
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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