Fighting the Good Fight….

1 Timothy 6:11 & 12…. “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

In the last few hours there have been some thought-provoking, head twisting, what are you talking about events. Either I am so out of touch with the world or there is a warfare going on that seems to be fighting to keep me off the base I am to be on- So- I keep praying and persisting towards the mark of Christ. He will give me access and full understanding of the what’s and why’s things are unfolding as they have. I suspect God has a plan and no man or woman or demon of hell can keep the Lord’s victory from happening.

Ever think, “did I hear what I thought I heard? or “see something you asked yourself, did I see that?” well there is victory in Jesus. We may have the hindsight of the event that will carry us on into the will of God! Thus, don’t give up. God has a plan. Just fight the good fight! And if there are temporary unexplainable moments…just keep seeking God’s plan!

Fight the Good Fight for Christ and Keep Trusting His plan.

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Cheer Up!

Psalm 32:11…. “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

One of the ladies I know is often gloomy! She has little to be grateful about in her own eyes, but where there is breath- we must praise the Lord and rejoice! Ever tried to look in the mirror and say, “listen, you- cheer up- God loves you- He says be glad and rejoice?” It works! Try it the next time your smile turns upside down!

Another way to cheer up is to talk to a friend! A good Christian friend will nourish you and pray for you!

John Bunyan said…  “Christians are like the several flowers in a garden that have each of them the dew of Heaven, which, being shaken with the wind, they let fall at each other’s roots, whereby they are jointly nourished, and become nourishers of each other.”

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Is God Wooing Us To Pray?

Sometimes in the quiet of the day or night- I love to close my eyes and begin writing. Prayer is an important area in our relationship with God. Below are the words that flowed freely as I meditated upon God and prayer. We will see Moses interceded with the Lord on behalf of many people and thus introduces us to the desire by God for us to partake in intercession. Exodus 32:11& 12 says….   “But Moses interceded with the LORD his God: “LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a strong hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘He brought them out with an evil intent to kill them in the mountains and wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from Your great anger and change Your mind about this disaster [planned] for Your people.”

If there is neglect in intercession there is neglect in love for humankind. Still greater there is a disconnect with God. Far-reaching are the prayers of saints who take time to contemplate and pour out their heart of God over the needs and pains of others. The consistent and constant urgency of prayer increases the attitude and faith that comes in believing. The generosity of God is merely the reflection that He hears and answers prayer. The lack of faith only delays the work of The Father; thus when we pray we must believe in the divine response of God. Imagine if I peeled an apple and lay it onto the counter in the kitchen and never tasted it- it would begin to turn brown with the eventual rotting process. Do you suppose that we may also reflect the same if we do not pray? After all God says we are the apple of His eye – so do we intend to become a useless apple because we did not go beyond allowing God to peel away the layers of our heart and mind? Therefore we must long to kneel and seek the Lord while He may be found. Wasting a moment in the day without acknowledging God in prayer, is lacking praise for the mercies of the day.

The process of prayer to many people is sometimes troublesome, because there is either lack of commitment or a disregard of the importance and power in prayer. Prayer enlivens the soul and tests the spirit. The presence of God arrives during prayer as praise is apparent on our lips. The importance of prayer is indescribable and the genuine humbling of one’s heart, mind, and soul bowed before our Holy God begins a journey towards intercession. Hardly can we proclaim great words from our mouth when approaching the throne of God. We must kneel in awe of His love, mercy and grace with confession and praise. The more we praise Him, the more we will loose ourselves and step into the real freedom and power of prayer. Of course there is much more depth in prayer and the more prayer offered up– the more the love of the Father deepens. A relationship through prayer with God is intimate and sort of complex with a simplicity or adoration towards heaven. The restored relationships in Christ ultimately creates greater desire to pray.

There are times in prayer when there is a holy hush which is a time to listen to the voice of Christ. When that still small voice whispers, or a gentle breeze comes near- you will know and recognize the presence of God. Sometimes when we intercede for others, God will woo us and direct our attention to the needs of people- He then directs our prayer. We must listen and follow His lead as we pray. If we are willing to remain steadfast in intercession. He will answer.”


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The Words Of My Mouth

Psalm 119:103…”How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

Ever hear a children’s sermon at church? Sometimes the simplicity of the message and most times with only one main Bible verse -God gives us huge reminders. In fact on Sunday, Mitch was the visiting preacher and after a couple of songs; the children are summoned to come forward for their Bible lesson. The young woman sat beside the children and gave a very simple lesson-yet with great reminders!

She took a small tube of toothpaste and squeezed it all out into a small container.[She had brought little plastic spoons for a special purpose.] Then she asked if there were any volunteers and yes she had several little children raise their hands to help her. She then passed out the plastic spoons to the volunteers. She held up the container filled with the toothpaste and asked the volunteers to put the toothpaste back into the tube. Of course it is impossible. But the lesson was to the children and to the listening ears was: “Watch our words, sometimes we pour out heaps of words that we cannot take back. Then she proceeded to share the importance of thinking before speaking and how words hurt others if we are not careful. She asked the children, “when you say mean things to other children or your parents can you take them back?” Of course the answer for us all is NO!

How are you doing with what is coming out of your mouths? Are your words sweet as honey or are they sharp and cutting? We must remember to seek the Lord daily to read His word and pray for God to control our thoughts and tongues, or else we may not reflect the goodness of God.

Make this verse from Psalm 19:14 your prayer!

14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

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Why Have a Pure Heart?

Matthew 5:7-9

7 Blessed are the merciful,

because they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

because they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

because they will be called sons of God.

If you believe the Bible then the question will be answered, “why have a pure heart?” It is impossible to have a pure heart apart from keeping your mind on Christ. The important factor to remember is that the enemy-of the world want to destroy what is pure- Just read the headlines; they are devastating!

Beloved reader- do you love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength? Do you attempt to have a pure heart? I looked up what pure means and the dictionary explains purer as something- spotless, stainless and free from harshness or roughness. It is simply overwhelming if we look at the broad sense of life- thus we must take it one day-one hour- one minute at a time yielding to God in Heaven- The success comes as we read scripture and pray- and then pray again. We must tune our hearts towards Christ  so that we can remain free from harshness, spotless and stainless.

What  do I do if I don’t have a pure heart? Confess your sins, talk to God and ask Him to direct your path. God is ready to answer your prayer- so approach Him with your heart’s need. Ask Him to help you- no matter what condition your heart is in right this very moment. Not one person in your eyes view is perfected apart from Christ- Seek Him-Knock on Heaven’s Door- He Will Listen to you-For He cares for you.

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What Happened to Loving Arms?

The studies show that infants need loving arms to care for them and to touch them so that they are nurtured. In fact a touch, a hug has proven to be healing in people who are alone or lonely. But nowadays there is greater need to be on guard. Even in the churches. Thus, I suggest you gather up all the hugs you can by very close friends and family- and then camp out in the loving arms of Jesus. There is no safer place. There is no other place where healing, love, mercy and grace flow. We need the touch of the Savior in our lives, we need to seek Him with our hearts and be overcome with His love. Never forget the importance of the human touch- however be wise. I believe that is why Paul kept encouraging the saints in the early church to love and mentor young believers- it was a way the love of Christ flowed through the church.

How long has it been that you hugged your family member? How long has it been that you placed your hand on the shoulder of a senior adult at church and extended love? The connection from Christ through you to others if very important. In the past I have heard people make remarks like, “those people are not very friendly.” Indeed that is possible even in the church- but sometimes is you and me that are to extend loving arms of care.

Want to see a great story of loving arms opened wide?

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 He also said: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets [c] to them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered  his estate in foolish living. 14 After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing. 15 Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to eat his fill from the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him any. 17 When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I’m no longer worthy  to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired hands.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion.  He ran, threw his arms around his neck,and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father told his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Then bring the fattened calf  and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

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New People In Our Lives

I have lived in Oakland for a year. I have not ventured out too much because I have not really had a great need to. But the more I live here, the more time I spend in prayer, the needs become evident all around me. I love the quote-”Not till we have knelt before God can we stand before men.”  I am gaining a deeper revelation of this quote as I listen to the people around me.

I was at a salon this morning and it was the second time there. The salon owner is simply beautiful in many ways. She hints about prayer and never comes out to talk about God. But today she received a phone call about a friend who just got out of surgery. I could see the expression on her brow tighten as she heard that her close friend had cancer in a lung. So at that point I began to pray for Amy and asked God to minister to her and to begin a healing process in her friends physical body.

So new people that God places in our lives are there for a reason. I am now encouraging and praying for not only Amy but for her business, her friend and son. God loves everyone- and don’t overlook why people are introduced into your world.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own under standing. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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Ever Think About Holiness?

This morning I was sipping on coffee and was praying/contemplating God’s word and the urgent word of the day was “holiness.” I have spent most of the day reading parts of books about holiness and living a life that is pleasing to God and free from sin. I found the following tidbit from a book printed in the 1600′s that will aid us in our daily walk with God. It is from the book called Body of Divinity by Thomas Watson. The following information is from Chapter 7 entitled The Holiness of God. I purposefully chose the practical tidbits to post. Hope you will be challenged!

What shall we do to resemble God in holiness?

(1.) Have recourse to Christ’s blood by faith. This is lavacrum animae [the washing of the soul]. Legal purifications were types and emblems of it. I John 1:1. The Word is a glass to show us our spots, and Christ’s blood is a fountain to wash them away.

(2.) Pray for a holy heart. ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God.’ Psa 51:10. Lay thy heart before the Lord, and say, Lord, my heart is full of leprosy; it defiles all it touches; Lord, I am not fit to live with such a heart, for I cannot honour thee; nor die with such a heart, for I cannot see thee. Oh create in me a clean heart; send thy Spirit into me, to refine and purify me, that I may be a temple fit for thee the holy God to inhabit.

(3.) Walk with them that are holy. ‘He that walketh with the wise shall be wise.’ Prov 13:30. Be among the spices and you will smell of them. Association begets assimilation. Nothing has a greater power and energy to effect holiness than the communion of saints.

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Bowing Before the King!

Romans 14:10-12 reminds us….. ”But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God, For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to Me, and every tongue will give praise to God.  So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”

Do not overlook the message in this scripture. Eventually- at the Lord’s commands you will bow before King Jesus. Do you know Jesus? Is He your Lord? Whenever I read John 3:16 I cannot help but trust the love and salvation of Jesus Christ. 16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son,  so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Do you ever ponder the term eternal? Eternal is forever.

“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:10)

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

Do you have hope in life? If not ask God to become Lord of your life- ask Him to forgive you of your wrongs and confess sin – seek His forgiveness- and accept God’s forgiveness. Ask Him to be your Savior and Lord. Begin to read your Bible- pray and find a Bible study to attend.

Let us know if we can help you in any way.

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Hearing the Word of God!

I have been slow to post in the past few days and just taking breaks- but I will say this morning was an awesome experience at church as our pastor preached God’s word! It is so awesome to hear God’s anointing on a pastor- and a will to preach truth. I encourage you to find a church with a pastor who prays, studies and will preach truths of God from the Bible. The reason I say this today is it is Sunday; a day to worship God. It’s alright to study on your own if there are reasons – but get out of the house and visit churches and find real people who love God and fellowship with them! You will be blessed!

What do you have to say about your worship or visits a church? Share with us your blessings! God is to be praised and worshiped and attending worship will encourage your week!

Psalm 29

1Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

2Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

3The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.

4The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

5The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

6He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.

7The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.

8The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.

9The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.

10The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.

11The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

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