Dont Let GO!

After all that I have done, Lord please don't take turn your back on me. I am not blameless and have made many mistakes. But God!

While reading the book of Hosea, and briefly reminiscing on the repeated rebellions of my own life; the following passages ring clearly in my head. And yes, FEAR is one of the main reasons why I must press forward, and not return to those days of sorrow.   

“For this reason I will fence her in with thorn bushes. I will block her path with a wall to make her lose her way. 7 When she runs after her lovers, she won’t be able to catch them. She will search for them but not find them. Then she will think, ‘I might as well return to my husband, for I was better off with him than I am now.’ 8 She doesn’t realize it was I who gave her everything she has— the grain, the new wine, the olive oil; I even gave her silver and gold. But she gave all my gifts to Baal. (Hosea 2: 7-8)  

You see for years I was trapped; no peace, no escape, doing things my way, wrapped in defiance, rebellion, and disobedience. At that time it was not clear, I was blind to the fact that God requires reverence and obedience and not pieces of me.

I plead with you, examine your situation. Take a good look at your actions and really view them for what they are. Are you in God's will, living according to his purpose for your life? Or, are you doing what you want to do? These things which are of this world consume and lead to death? "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12) Worldly actions provide temporary happiness. When the buzz fades, you are left alone, hurt, and broken?

Today I exclaim: There is a cure for your woes. God requires a YES! And the next passage describes his longing to be in our lives. He does not want us to stay in that never ending cycle of ciaos.

14 "But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. 15 I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble^c into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt. 16 When that day comes,” says the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’ instead of ‘my master.’^d 17 O Israel, I will wipe the many names of Baal from your lips, and you will never mention them again. 18 On that day I will make a covenant with all the wild animals and the birds of the sky and the animals that scurry along the ground so they will not harm you. I will remove all weapons of war from the land, all swords and bows, so you can live unafraid in peace and safety. 19I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. 20 I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord. (Hosea 2:14-20)  

Not only did he win me back, but through grace I am forgiven. I understand, since I am forgiven and have corrected my walk; I am under constant attack from the enemy. However, my response must coincide with my faith. My belief is immeasurable. Therefore, my solutions to crises changed from cursing and fighting to fasting and praying. We must live by example to others. It is easy when you love people. Remember: Jesus loves us then and he loves us now.

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)

Solution: Follow this advice: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  (Mark 6:33)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Importance of Prayer

We are instructed to pray our way through all situations and circumstances. "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17). That means all the time. Hence, we should also pray when the storm has passed. Prayer is the time we use to talk and build a relationship with God. Yes, it is our direct line of communication to our Father. As Grandma use to sing, "Jesus is on the main line, tell him what you want."

"ATTENTION" HEAR THIS: We can pray for ourselves. That is one of the privileges we have. A gift provided by the sacrifice of Jesus. Who was beaten and crucified on a cross for our sins. His selfless act paid the debt for us to talk to God. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son so that who should ever believe on him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) That is just on of the many benefits. When we build our relationship with God, things begin to change. He wants to talk with us. "And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him." (1 John 5:14) Most importantly, we will become aware of our ability to hear his voice guiding, leading, and protecting us. He is waiting on us.    

Don't get me wrong, there is Great power in intercessory pray. I know that during those times when I was not consistently praying for myself; it is the prayers of My Mother and My Grandmother that are still credited for my well being. In fact, when I think about a few past events, I can only say God is faithful. He did not, and he will not fail. Because of them, I proclaim my Father kept me. "We walk be faith and not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) Furthermore, the reason why my team continuous to grow is because I believe in this: "The effectual fervent prays of the righteous man availed much." (James 5:16)  


Solution : Continue to pray, not just sometimes, but all the time.  You will see things begin to improve in your life and you will build a relationship with God.

My God My God

Today I had a true reality of what the Peace that surpasses all understanding feels like. Our team prayed all day for all who needed it. And although the enemy tried. Ha, he could not take my peace. I owe the Glory to God. He is healing and restoring. We have the faith of a mustard seed. And he is doing just what he said. I love you Jesus and I thank you so much ... Glory to God who reins in heaven and on earth. He gives what we need. And if he doesn't do anything else , I can truly say he has supplied all my needs.
Recognize the power ! For at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Jesus is Lord ! Again Thank you Jesus Thank you Jesus! 

God's Will Versus my desires

God's Will Versus my desires.. 

 

This morning I am struggling. I am in process of checking my heart for anything that is not of God. I am praying for wisdom and continue to seek the kingdom. I say this because I know Only what is for God will last. I do not want to move left, right, forward, any direction without him. I only want to do God's will. But with that I must constantly study the word and learn exactly what that means. I must also pray, fast, and use discernment to stay connected to God.

For when we are connected and obedient Deuteronomy teaches in (1:29-31) 29"Then I said to you, 'Do not be shocked, nor fear them. 30' The LORD your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, 31and in the wilderness where you saw how the LORD your God carried you, just as a man carries his son, in all the way which you have walked until you came to this place.'…God will provide. I do not have to fear or doubt. I only need to seek, listen, and obey. 

You ask: how will I know? I know because I listen for my Father's voice. And I am thankful for the Holy Spirit that convicts me and keeps me on God’s path.  (John 16:) 8. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment.

Bottom line is that I want to do God's will and not my own. It is true he loves me and he will provide. He will provide what is in his Will which means what I need; not necessarily what I want. So in my prayers, I have learned to ask for things in his Will and in Jesus names.


Solution - Pray for Wisdom.

Faithful with a few!

So, In my obedience, I can hear my Lord speaking. He is now saying be faithful with a few. 

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matt 25:23.) 

I do not know what is to come. I am excited and thankful for the possibilities. 

My happiness comes when I have the opportunity to pray for others and share the goodness of Jesus. I have always been an extremists; and so now, I am radical for Christ. I am ALL IN.  I have no preconceived motives, no deceit. I only want to help the lost reunite with Jesus or bring souls to Christ. 

I feel God all around. I am so thankful I am in this place. There is much to do and I have to stay focused. When others come I must provide substances (the truth) and lead them to Jesus. I no longer say: no, I cant. I have to do this or I have to do that. I say Yes to God. I am aware, listening, and obeying God studying and praying. 

For, this is a movement. I must stand for purpose. No more laying down or silence. God will provide all I need to be successful on this journey. "He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."     

(1 Thessalonians 5:24)   

Solution for overcoming "I cant;" is remove self. There is always a way. Tell the Lord Yes. But most importantly remember this: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36). Worldly things are temporary. We have eternal life through Jesus!.

Spiritual Warfare

Amazed and thankful for the provisions God has provided. So grateful for the opportunities of escape. I love him beyond understanding. Although the enemy attacks, I know I am a child of the most high and stand firm in the knowledge that my Lord is supreme to all. Jesus has already won. And salvation is mine.

I learned in Ephesians that I must:
"Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:11-12 NLThttp://bible.com/116/eph.6.11-12.NLT

Be ready, never let down your guard. For if you do , the evil one is waiting to sneek in with deceit and lies. For that is all he is darkness. His purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants to divide and separate us from Gods love. Satan has no power over us! He cannot win!

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.8.39.NLT

However, we know God has provided Jesus who is the light. He is Joy Love Peace. "Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Ephesians 6:13 NLT http://bible.com/116/eph.6.13.NLT

As they say, no test no testimony. I know after the test, victory is mine.

Solution never stop refueling and meditating on the promises of God.

Is this Judgment or Correction?

Sometimes I find myself questioning motives. As I move forward on my journey, I am discovering everyone may not understand or most importantly: may not be where I am. Some are more advanced (who I strive to surround myself with) or beginners. I am somewhere in between. And, I acknowledge that. I know my walk with Christ is unique to me. So, I choose to do things a little different. I am not traditional. And I am ok with that.

So as I consider the topic: Judgment or Correction. I am reminded in Matthew how I should handle sin in the church. (Everyday life as well.)    

¹⁵ “If your brother or sister^[a] sins,^[b] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. (Matt 18:15) My take on this is that correction is something that should be done in LOVE. Never in a crowd hiding behind a joke or any instance that can cause embarrassment.   

Judgment defined: "1. the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions." 2. a misfortune or calamity viewed as a divine punishment." 4. the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, as from circumstances presented to the mind: 5. the opinion formed: 7. a misfortune regarded as inflicted by divine sentence, as for sin. 

 Synonyms:

discernment, acumen, shrewdness, astuteness, sense, common sense, perception, perspicacity, percipience, acuity, discrimination, reckoning, wisdom, wit, judiciousness, prudence, canniness, sharpness, sharp-wittedness, powers of reasoning, reason, logic; savvy, horse sense, street smarts, gumption

 MoreNow what does the Bible saw about this topic:

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. ² For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. ³ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Matt 7:1-3

Solution:

My golden rule is encourage and uplift all. And as the saying goes: If you do not have anything nice to saw, do not say it. Then delete that thought from your mind. In Essence, correct in Love and in Private.    

Cite: dictionary.com: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/judgement;
BibleGateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/

 

Obedience -What Now Lord

Why Must I Do What I Hear God Saying To Me?
Please allow me to explain…

Less than 12 months ago my life began a transformation, a new journey. At the time, I was unaware. But it did. And once it began I could not stop / change it. (Well, unless I stepped outside God’s will) Which I did over and over. And true to his word in spite of me, He kept me and did not allow me to sink.

I was hurt emotionally, battered and financially drained. But God. He never left. I strayed. Good thing for me I know my way back when I hear my Fathers voice. Jesus said: 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (John 10:27 NKJV)Problem was I was hearing but it was faint. You see, I had to stop some things in order to clearly hear him calling to me. How do I know? Well, I no longer do the things of the world I loved to do. The cursing and clubs no longer appeal to me. (Listen)

But the most obvious reason is that I began to hear: Get up go to Church. Then, come here every Sunday. Next, I heard: Get to Sunday school. Then, come here every Sunday. Next, I heard you need to be at bible study on Thursday night.

Well, after my first bible study. I was troubled all night. I tossed and turn. God was calling for me and it grow stronger and louder. But I was still outside of his will and I was lost. I woke up saying Lord what do you want me to do? My soul was troubled. Then it happened, God began giving me the strength to say no to the things and people of the world that are not meant to go where he wants me to go. He began putting people in my path that sent me to the word to rediscover him for myself. Over and over, everywhere I turned I heard and saw “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matt 6:33

All I know is I have PEACE JOY LOVE and COMPASION.  

I am hungry for the knowledge. And I want to share the message of SALVATOION to others. So you see, I have to obey because the world does not love me. “Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”  John 14:23

How do I know he loves me? Because Jesus died and rose again so that I can have eternal life. Who else would do that for me or you?

Brothers Keeps

We have all heard the saying " I am my brother's keep."  However, the irony is sadly in most instances this is not a true declaration.

The exact occurance is found in Genesis 4:9 "Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" "I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?"

We are accountable for our actions and our behavior towards others. Greed, jealously and ill intentions are tricks of the enemy used to keep you from the will of God.

Studying today I read the following:

Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. 1 John 2:10 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1jn.2.10.NLT

The light is peace, the light is love, the light is Salvation: Eternal life through Jesus.

I want to be more like Jesus so that I can stay in Gods will.
#shareJesus #byallmeans #iamNicholesf

Tears of the chosen

Today as I fight for peace, I woke up  sad and feeling somewhat dismayed. But on my way to church a word if encouragement reignited my hope.

Psalm 56:8New Living Translation (NLT)

8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
 You have recorded each one in your book.

I find relief knowing this. So why should I feel sad? God loves me and wants the best for me. It is at these times, when I am not studying as I should, reading and hearing the word, that I feel this way.

Therefore my solution  to overcoming sadness and gloom: Stay in your word!

Matthew 6:33King James Version (KJV)

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

There  is an old saying that tells us: "An idle mind is the devils workshop." Hence, Stay focused, busy working for the kingdom, building you.

How do we handle adversity?

There are so many tricks and snares we must be on guard against. Adversity- difficulty. Well we are instructed to live in peace.  If at all possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Roma's 12:18 (niv) So remember we must remove self and remember we are all guilty of being difficult and stubborn.

However, when you surround yourself and the situation in love , you can conquer the most difficult circumstances.

Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.  Pslams 34:14. Continue to do what God desires of you. And focus on good.

Hence the cure for adversity is peace.

Be Encouraged

There is an old saying "if you think you can't, you won't.' This is a trick of the enemy and your declaration of self defeat. Remember you are a child of the most high God and you can do anything in his will. So start saying I can because I am a child destined to not fail.
Continue to pray, all the time, constantly, without stopping. Pray for each other. Have faith, believe in the truth, the light. Jesus is the way the truth and the light and his sacrifice saved us. And seek the Kingdom. Do stay the course. Continue to fight the good fight. That is against the enemy. Do God's will. Spread the message of Jesus Christ. Love one another. #shareJesus #byallmeans #iamNicholesf.