September Cover Photo (2013)*

Flower Bloom in February @ Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC
                                                                        - Photo by Rachel J Newman

When You are Down to Nothing, God is Up to Something (9.29.13)

This writing was shared with me, and it blessed me again as I meditated on it this morning. 

I pray it will bless you as well.
Wishing you a blessed and peace-filled Sunday. 

          - Marilyn Chaney
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Remember, there is only one place the enemy cannot find you. 

There is only one place where opposition cannot steal from you. 

There is only one true place of safety and rest for your soul.

And that is in the arms of Jesus.

When you are down to nothing, GOD is up to something. 

When it looks like your crops are being eaten up, 

GOD is not on the throne saying, “Oh man. What are they going to do?” 

No, GOD is in complete control. 

He has a way even when we don’t see a way.

But understand, just because you write off your dreams,  

doesn’t mean that GOD writes them off. 

GOD remembers you and He remembers the dream He put within you. 

He remembers the goal, the promises and your deepest desires.

You must believe that GOD is watching over you. 

Believe that nothing can keep you from your destiny. 

Know that you will see GOD show up and show out in amazing ways. 

He will give you favor to accomplish your dreams.

There is nothing about you that is an accident. 

All things will work together for your good. 

The bible doesn’t say that everything is good. 

You may be uncomfortable for a season. 

Things may be taking longer than you wanted. 

 But if you keep the faith, GOD will use your challenges for your good.

Therefore, wait on the Lord. 

Do not give up on Him. 

Rest in His peace and know it’s going to work out.

Psalm 37:34a - Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land:

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

Do Not Concern Yourself with the "Tomorrows" of Your Life; Focus On Today (9.28.13)

Beloved, 
I hold your times and seasons in My hand. 

Do not concern yourself with the "tomorrows" of your life. 
Concern yourself with only the things of today, 
knowing that GOD is with you and He has your best interests at heart. 

Tomorrow is not promised to any of us, not even the next 15 minutes are promised. 
We now live in a world where people wake up every morning - to go to work or school - not knowing whether or not this day will be their last day on earth. 

Extreme evil has taken over the world we live in. 
Be diligent in prayer to the Lord our Father, and He will send His Angels to surround you and keep you. GOD said, 'I am with you and will never leave you nor forsaken you.' 
His word says, 'You have not been left to your own devices to overcome by the strength of your flesh. Put your faith and trust in Me, says the Lord.'

Matthew 6:33-34 - But seek first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Remember, there is nothing you will face today that the Lord can't bring you through.

Thank GOD for what you have. 
Trust GOD for what you need.

Being Still Before God will Change Your Life (9.27.13)

GOD has invited each of us to trust Him as our restorer. 

JESUS invited us personally when he said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" - Matthew 11:28-30

When our lives become busy and worries pile up in our hearts, 

we often forget the power of coming before the Lord 

and asking for His rest and peace. 

The power of being still before GOD 

 will change things in your life, always. 

The power of listening to that small still voice 

during our time of need
is such a comfort that cannot be explained. 

As you pour your soul out to GOD,
He will surely restore you
because restoration is one of the things He has promised
to those who love Him.

His presence will overcome you with comfort
and He will give you such a peace that you will not be able to understand.
He will address each issue that you bring to Him,
but He will answer in His timing only.
If you seek Him,
His presence will never leave you unfulfilled.

How great is our GOD?
He is an awesome GOD!

Take some time to be still before Him today.
Remember, there is power in being still before the Lord.

As you accept His invitation for peace and restoration,
pray for others that are going through trying times as well.

They need the Savior in their life too, just like each of us;
so they also can experience His love, power and peace.

Expect to Hear My Voice, says the Lord; and Expect to Be Blessed (9.26.13)

Genesis 18:14 - Is anything too hard for the LORD?
2 Corinthians 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight

My Child,

I have promised that all your needs shall be met, 

and I will not turn a deaf ear to your cries. 

When you call Me; I will hear and answer. 

I want you to start expecting to receive an answer. 

Expect to hear My voice.  Expect to be blessed. 

Why do you pray and don’t prepare yourself to be blessed? 

You should pray without expectation. 

You should know by now My promises are true. 

I am Jehovah Jireh, Your Provider.

I need you to trust Me.  Let Me lead and guide you. 

I long to whisper words of love and affection in your ear. 

I promised that I wouldn't leave you comfortless. 

You must believe that what you have asked for, will come to pass. 

You must not doubt. 

Expect to be blessed.

Trust in Me.  

Do not be moved by what your circumstances dictate.

Do not be moved by what you feel. 

Be confident that I have risen in your midst to bring healing, to bring salvation, to bring victory and to bring counsel to those in need. Even now I am interceding for you. 

I expect you to pray to Me.  

You must expect to receive your blessings when you pray.

Know that I have heard your prayers, 

and that I am bringing all you ask to pass. 

I am bringing about a complete change in your life. 

Trust in Me and believe that I am faithful to do those things 

I have promised to do. 

Expect Me to bring the natural in alignment with the spiritual. 

I am the GOD of Abraham, of Isaac and of Moses; is there anything too hard for Me? 

Expect, My Child, to be blessed.

All That You Have Experienced Has Been Formed Into Your Blessings (9.25.13)

There are great, new things ahead for you.

I know right now all you can see is the storm and the raging seas;
but I see the land that lies ahead.

If you could just take your eyes off your circumstances, off the waves ahead of you, and look to Me; then your spiritual eyes would reveal to you the new land that’s ahead of you.
The new land I have promised you.

Right now all you can see - in the natural - is an ocean of need, problems and conflicts that seem to continue to roll in. Oh, how I wish you would see things through the eyes of faith. If you did, you would see that just beyond the horizon there is brand new land waiting for you. A brand new land that was created out of all that you went through.

Yes, all that you have experienced has been formed into a blessing, just for you.

So do not give up now, but press on, forward.  For the time will not be long now, until you see the things that I have said, come to pass in your life.

Once you arrive in your new land,
you will understand why you had to travel through that valley.

You’ll understand why your boat was tossed upon the stormy seas.
And you will understand and see why everything that you went through was well worth it… for it was for My glory.

So, rise up now, in the authority and the strength that I have imparted in you;
for the journey will soon be over.

Deuteronomy 27:3b - when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee

Does My Spiritual Life Line Up with God's Word, or Am I Just an Actor? (9.24.13)

It is amazing how much popularity and money the entertainment business generates. 

Whether it is the big screen, television, or DVD rentals, both Christians and non-Christians alike, "invest" much of their time and money in these forms of entertainment. Just as amazing is the fact that most of it is make-believe. It is the "make-believers" for whom the world, and a great part of the church,  has set apart and on a pedestal as celebrities and icons of our culture. The skill of "acting" has become a profitable endeavor for both reward and award. 

 Our society has heaped praise and trophies upon those who are professional pretenders. 

Sadly, some of the greatest actors and pretenders are not in the Hollywood hills, but within the city that is to be set upon a hill – The Church.

Hypocrisy or pretension has its origins in the root of idolatry. 
The church-attending actor(ess) is desperately seeking the approval and affirmation of man rather than GOD as his or her primary source of meaning and direction. Worse yet, many of these individuals have been walking in man-centered idolatry for so long, that they are led to believe that they are superstars, and that they are doing GOD a favor whenever they mention His name. 

Without the healing touch of GOD to liberate us into transparency and truth, the "actor" will come to a point of believing their own warped natural and spiritual viewpoints. The proof of spiritual truth in our life can be summed up by asking ourselves two simple questions: "Does my public life (the life that I "present" to others) reflect my private life?" and "Does my spiritual life line up with GOD's Word?" 

From noticing some of the Christian worship services on television, the world has taken the church and turned it into a place of entertainment, instead of a place to worship. 

We must pray for the churches that have lost their focus of serving the Lord. 

The Lord said, His house will be a house of prayer and worship to Jehovah our Father. 
He will not accept anything less!

Pour Out Your Soul to God & Let Him Restore You (9.23.13)

GOD has invited each of us to trust Him as our restorer.

JESUS invited us personally when he said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" - Matthew 11:28-30

When our lives become busy and our worries pile up in our hearts; we often forget the power of coming before the Lord and asking for His rest and His peace.

The power of being still before GOD will always change things in your life.
The power of listening to that small still voice during our time of need is such a comfort that cannot be explained. As you pour your soul out to GOD, He will surely restore you because restoration is one of the things He has promised to those who love Him.

His presence will overcome you with comfort and He will give you such peace, that you will not be able to explain it. God will address each issue that you bring to Him, but He will answer only in His timing. If you seek Him, His presence will never leave you unfulfilled.

How great is our GOD?
He is an awesome GOD!

Take some time to be still before Him today.
Remember, there is power in being still before the Lord.
As you accept His invitation for peace and restoration, pray for others that are going through trying times as well. They too need the Savior in their life; just like each of us do, so that they to can also experience His love, power and peace.

Call out to Me, My Child - A Letter from the Lord (9.21.13)

1 Peter 5:10 - But the GOD of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.

Why are you feeling down? 
Don’t you know I long to hold you close? 

If you would only call out to Me, I would come and take away your pain, your hurt and your sadness. There is no need to lash out at others close to you, because of the hurt and despair you’re feeling. When you do that, it only causes more negative feelings and unforgiveness to linger in your heart. Release what you are feeling to Me, so I can perfect all that concerns you. 

Don’t continue to shut Me out. 
It hurts Me to see you suffer needlessly.

Don’t allow the words of others to destroy you.  Forgive them My children. 
Don't hold onto the pain and hurt.  Release it. 

Just call out to Me, and I will hold you close and wipe away all your tears. Trust Me with your family and all your needs. It is My desire that you should live peacefully with everyone. Watch the words you speak, so  that those who are hurting won’t take things the wrong way.

If you lift your eyes up, you will see that I am all you need. I can make all that is wrong in your life so much better, if only you let Me in. I have so much peace and joy that I want to share with you. Try Me and you will find Me to be faithful and true. So much is waiting for you, if only you would release what you are feeling. I long to fill you up so that you may be overflowing with an abundant life. I am your healer.

Praise Me, talk to Me often, for I am right here with you. 
I know your every desire, your every need. 
I love you My child, and I only want the best for you. 
I promise you only good and perfect gifts. 
You are precious to Me; I want you to walk in My joy. 
So release your pain and allow Me to perfect that which concerns you.

- My Prayer Confession - 

Father, 
Thank You for wanting me to have only good and perfect gifts. 
I confess there have been times throughout my life when I have settled for second best 
because I didn’t seek You first, or didn’t have the right motives. 
Thank you for teaching me how to forgive so I may receive forgiveness. 
Now Lord I release all I am feeling so You can perfect all that concerns me. 

Thank You for making me blessed and highly favored.

Amen

God Will Never Fail You (9.20.13)

It is okay to cry out to God for help.  For He is the One to turn to when things in your world start to fall apart. Why do you wait until things become so unbearable before you cry out to the Lord? 

God wants you to have a intimate relationship with Him. 

Come to Him with all of your distress and your pain.  He will never fail you, nor fall short of His promises to you.  Cry out to God, and do not try to fight your battles alone, especially when they become too much for you to bear.  

God knows all.  He understand all.  Therefore He is always willing to carry the load for you. God has more than enough power to help and deliver you from all of your trials and tribulations. Don’t allow pride to get in the way of surrendering all your cares and your needs to God. 

God promises to always have a listening ear, open hands, and a loving heart towards those who seek Him. Your tears are never wasted, not one tear that you shed goes unnoticed by God. You have no idea how much healing can be released through your tears. Crying doesn't mean that you are weak. So cry out to God and receive restoration. 

Release all of your pain to God and allow the healing to begin in your life.

But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my GOD for help.  He heard me from His sanctuary; my cry to Him reached His ears - Psalm 18:6 (NLT)

Choosing a Route of Gentleness and Grace (9.19.13)

Have you ever wanted to put your Christianity on a shelf,
and be as mean to someone as they are being to you?

Maybe not, because you are a nice person : ). Most of the time, all of us are probably nice people; however, sometimes being nice to extreme rude people is easier said than done. When someone replies to you with a sarcastic or nasty answer, the first thing we want to do is set them straight. Sometimes, the answer we reply with is just as sarcastic or nasty as the other person.

When this happens, you have two choices - you can choose to follow GOD or choose to follow satan.  If you choose the route of anger, a harsh comeback or retaliation; you would have basically stepped into satan's camp and caused the conflict to escalate. However, if you choose the route of gentleness and grace, you would be partnering with GOD to deflate the situation.

GOD want us to exercise gentleness, grace and peace when confronted with situations of confrontational anger. Why would you want to exchange a few minutes of hurtful words with someone?  Eventually, that will only leave a heavy burden of regret in your heart, for once words are spoken, they can never be taken back.

Typically, people who are on the edge have stored up misery that they are not dealing with. Their reaction probably has a lot less to do with you, and a lot more to do with another situation in their life. Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Situations such as these feel hugely offensive when they are happening, but in perspective, they are not huge at all. These incidents were not some sort of major injustice in your life, they were actually just minor inconveniences. Why would you want to trade the gift of peace from GOD, for a few cheap moments of putting someone else in their place?

It's all about perspective!

In all honesty, if this was the worst thing that happened to you all day,
then it was still a pretty good day!

Choose to Believe in God at All Times & He Will Deliver (9.18.13)

Have you ever prayed for something, but in the back of your mind, 
you did not really expect the Lord to answer your prayers? 

Every one of us is guilty of this, at one point or another. 

The Lord certainly is not pleased with this type of disbelief.  The Bible tell us that without faith, it is impossible to please GOD.  Believing that the Lord will not answer your prayers, will certainly cause Him not to answer your prayers.  Simply because you do not believe that He can nor that He will. 

When you ask the Lord for a certain thing, believing that He has all power to deliver what He has promised, then He will show up and show out!!! 

The Lord stands over His word to protect it and to bring everything He has promised, to pass. GOD is not a man that He should lie. He is Holy and He cannot lie. So whatever you are believing GOD to fulfill in your life, and regardless of what you see with your natural eyes, choose to believe GOD and He will deliver what you have believed Him for. 

He will answer you according to His timing and according to His purpose. 
He is faithful and can be trusted!

Dear Lord, 
I am bringing my prayers before you today. 
Forgive me for praying and not expecting You to answer. 

Here is my prayer: (Fill in this spot with your own prayer.) 

I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly for your answer. 

In Jesus name I pray, 
Amen

Focus on the Truth of God & not on Doubt, Conflict, Criticism or Comparisons (9.17.13)

Has conflict, criticism, and comparison by others ever cast a thick cloud of doubt over you? 

When conflict and criticism arise, do you automatically assume it disqualifies you from what you are trying to do?  Does criticism paralyze you into believing you cant do certain things?  Or, has comparison by others convinced you that someone else can do it better than you? 

Thankfully, we can allow GOD to change the way we think, which will change the way we feel, and eventually transform the way we live!  Identifying our insecurities and identifying what triggers them is the first step to overcoming them.

The next time you feel insecure, ask GOD to show you what triggered your doubts.  Process that trigger through GOD's perspective and through the promises which are written in the Bible. 

Ask Him to reveal the lies you believed and replace them with His truths.  Then allow GOD to change your thought process by focusing on His thoughts about you, instead of your thoughts about yourself. As an example, when doubt tells you that you can't do something, remember GOD says. "you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you" - Philippians 4:13.

When doubt tells you that you're not good enough, focus on the truth that GOD says "you're fearfully and wonderfully made; all of His works are wonderful and you are one of them" - Psalm 139:14.

Jesus wants us to live with a confident heart, so we can accomplish what He's calling us to do.  He wants to change us from the inside out, so we can learn to completely depend on Him!

Dear Lord, 
I'm tired of feeling paralyzed by insecurity. 
Show me what triggers my self-doubt. 

Help me to focus on Your thoughts about me,  
instead of my thoughts about myself. 

I want to learn how to rely on and live, 
in the security of Your promises. 

In Jesus name, 
Amen

Give Thanks & Do Not Be Afraid (9.16.13)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4

In everything give thanks!

For this is the will of GOD. 

Give thanks when you are going through struggles; 
knowing that these trials will produce endurance. 

Understand that He is at work behind the scenes, always working on your behalf.  
He wants to bless you with the desires of your heart.  
He is at work to smooth the rough edges in your life. 
So be patient when trials come, and understand that with each test, 
your faith in GOD will become stronger.

Do not believe the enemy when he comes - like a roaring lion to devour you. Do not back down to his schemes, nor be intimidated by his viciousness.  he is unable to make you fall, for God has placed His angels all around you; and the Lord's blood stained banner is over you. So do not be afraid when trials of all sorts come, but embrace them and give thanks to your Heavenly Father; who is working on your behalf to produce fruit in your life that will glorify His kingdom.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is GOD's will for you in Christ Jesus -  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

God's Patient and Loving Presence in Our Lives (9.15.13)

Loving Father,

I acknowledge Your patient and loving presence in my life today! 

Believing that the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, and having the full knowledge of knowing that with You I can be victorious in all things - is a blessing.  

Help me to stand against the attempts of the enemy to steal my joy in the midst of the abundant life You have blessed me with.  Help me to stay focused on You and the Work You are doing in my life.  

Father GOD, I acknowledge Your patient and loving presence in my life today and I'm so thankful that You promised to be forever present with me and my family; keeping us safe from all harm!  Father, I thank you for never letting wealth, physical appearance, or earthly powers influence the way You feel about me. 

Father, I want to commit myself to seeing people as you see them, and not as our society sees them.  Help me to share the good news of Jesus Christ with someone today. The worldly events unfolding before our eyes, on a daily basis, is a sure sign that Your return is very close and could happen any day now. 

Father, Your word said You wish that none should perish, so help me Lord to share your Word with someone today. I want to thank you Lord, for all You have done in my life.  You woke me up this morning, and that, in itself, is a blessing. 

Thank you Father 
for everything, 

Amen

The Lord will Restore & Reinstate You; Rely on Him (9.14.13)

Beloved, 

If you will indeed seek Me you will surely find Me.

And when you find Me, 
I will reinstate you into the place of favor with men. 

I will open doors that no man can shut, 

and I will shut doors that no man can open.

Beloved, 

Rely upon My strong right hand, and rest in Me. 

Cease from striving, rely upon Me and upon My grace and favour. 

Reinstatement will come in My own timing 
and with the people to whom you need to be restored.
They will come to you and you will go to them. 
Go in humility, love and with a heart filled with compassion. 
Go and bless those who rejected you and those who neglected you, 
and bless them in My Name.
For this, I will surely bless you and honour you before them.

As you give away what I have freely given to you, which is love; 
and as you bless those who have caused you so much grief and pain,
you shall see what I will do in their hearts.

If those who rejected and hurt you persist in their rejection and judgments, 
what will befall them will be of their own choosing.

GOD has promised in His Word that everyone will reap what they sow. 
No one is exempt from this promise of GOD.

I am extending mercy, grace and life through you, to them.
For their sake and the sake of My Kingdom; 
seek My face and seek My Kingdom first.  

Then go in peace and bless those people, 
and see how I will restore and reinstate you before all men. 

The favour of GOD and man will be given to you as you go and bless. 

Go and bless and receive My favour!

Nothing is Too Hard for Me, says the Lord (9.12.13)

Nothing is hidden from Me. 

There is no situation or plan of man, that I cannot turn the tables on. 

Some of the most evil plans being devised, I am going to turn inside out. 

Instead of the victim being the injured or destroyed one, 

the perpetrator will find himself/herself the recipient of their own evil. 

Nothing is too hard for Me, says the Lord.

There is absolutely nothing that can be hidden from My gaze. 

Many men are doing things "in the dark", but no matter how deep the darkness, 

I can still see as clearly, as if it were the broad daylight. 

Don't worry, nothing is hidden from Me.

Stop worrying about what others are doing. 

You don't need to concern yourself with what they are doing. 

I know what they are doing and that's all you need to know. 

Keep your eyes on me and do not become distracted, 

if you allow this to happen you will lose your focus. 

Remember I am with you. Nothing is hidden from Me.

I want you to know you can rest in Me. I need you to know you can trust Me. 

I need for you to know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that no weapon formed against you will prosper. 

Allow your love for Me to send the spirit of fear running out of your life. 

I didn't give you a spirit of fear; but of power, love and a sound mind. 

Rest in the knowing that nothing is hidden from Me.

GOD's got it all under control. Trust Him!

We Have to Rise Up, Pray Up & Stand Up for Jesus! (9.11.13)

Sometimes, after we have prayed, and done all we know the Lord has instructed us to do; then it's time to STAND in faith on the Word the Lord has given you.  And not be moved by what the enemy tries to whisper in your ear.

Some of us will become discouraged when we don’t see the word of the Lord coming to pass, as soon as we get up off our knees. Even more of us will become discouraged when a few days or weeks have gone by, and nothing happens. 

GOD moves on His time, not ours. 

And if your blessing has not come to pass yet… WAIT ON IT! 

It takes time for us to be fully prepared to receive what GOD has promised us. 

Did you hear that? Ok, let me say it again. 

It takes time for us to be fully prepared to receive what the Lord has promised us.

It doesn’t take time for the Lord to manifest His blessing. There is nothing slow about the GOD we serve. We’re talking about THE MAN who created this world in 6 days, and had time to rest on the 7th. 

The Lord is not slow at all. 

You see from the moment we pray and believe, it’s done. GOD is working. 

But the question is, are we ready to receive what we have asked for? 

If we become mad at the Lord because our blessing hasn’t come to pass yet, 

then we are not ready to receive it. 

Let’s stop delaying our blessing by complaining; and instead, start getting excited and delight ourselves in the Lord.  So that we may receive that for which we have asked.  Didn’t He say that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He would give us the desires of our heart?

It’s time we stop being moved by what we see, or don’t see, happening in our lives.  We must STAND firm on His Word. Don’t allow what the enemy says, or tries to do, affect our faith in Jesus. The enemy will do all he can to lure us away from GOD. Stand on the Word the Lord has given you.

We must STAND against the enemy at all costs. satan will try to make us believe that there is no way the things GOD said will come to pass, will pass.  he will try and make us believe that the Lord never spoke blessings into our lives and that we made everything up in our mind. That is why we must STAND and put on the Helmet of Salvation.  So that every lie satan throws at us, will bounce off and not enter into our mind.

As a child of the King, we should know our Father’s voice, follow Him, and know that Jesus will never allow  the enemy to succeed against us. We have to rise up, pray up and STAND up for Jesus! Then, when the enemy comes against us, we must do as David did, and encourage ourselves in the Lord. Reflect upon the past miracles and blessings the Lord has brought into your life, and get excited about what He is getting ready to do again! GOD has been faithful, so be faithful to Him!

STAND firm and watch the salvation of the Lord come through for you. It doesn’t matter what your situation looks like.  It’s not over!  STAND and believe in our Lord and Saviour! Jesus died for us, so why would He lie to us? 

Rise up and STAND for Christ. 

Trust in Jesus like never before. 

He will do what He has promised. 

STAND!

So the next time you read Ephesians 6:10 -17, read through it like this:
I will be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. I will put on the whole armour of GOD, so that I will be able to STAND against the wiles of the devil. For, I am not wrestling against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.I will STAND, and put on the full armor of GOD, so that when the day of evil comes against me I will be able to STAND my ground, and after I have done everything I know to do, I will STAND. I will STAND firm with the belt of truth buckled around my waist. I will STAND, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. I will STAND with my feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

I will STAND, and take up the shield of faith, so that I can extinguish all the flaming arrows the enemy throws at me. I will STAND, with the helmet of salvation covering my head and I will STAND with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of GOD to fight against every lie coming from the enemy.

NOW STAND!

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say unto you, Whatsoever things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye will receive them, and ye shall have them.

Psalm 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

John 10:27-28 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

He Is a Master Planner!!! (9.10.13)

Beloved,
Do not be surprised when unexpected avenues open the way
to answered prayers and spiritual growth.

I am moving in ways that seem to be mysterious to you,
but will ultimately perfect and bring to completion those things
that concern you.

Refuse to give up at this crucial time; keep pressing on.

The day will come when you will look back and say,
"Oh!  Now I understand what GOD was doing!"

Jehovah's ways are higher than our ways.

You might not see the full picture now,
but the LORD will reveal everything to you
once everything has been completed.

He is a Master planner!!!!

Isaiah 55:9 - For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

"Trust Me to have your best interest at heart," says the Lord.

A Great Change is Coming, A Great Change. (9.9.13)

1 Corinthians 2:9 - But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD hath prepared for them that love him.

A time of great change is coming
and I am preparing you to receive it. 

Do not fear, for this change is of Me, 
and it will be a blessing to the many that have been hurting. 

I have heard your many cries 
and I am moving on your behalf. 

You have felt this change coming in your spirit for a long time. 
Now I am here to answer your petition 
for the things you have believed me for.

Watch and see what I will do in this hour. 

This change will bring about a joyful peace in your spirit 
that you have longed for. 

I have many blessings for you, 
which you do not yet know of. 

Trust Me, it is My desire to bless you 
more than you could ever imagine.

For the plans and blessings I have 
are far beyond your understanding. 
I want you to have a mind for change 
and a mind for increase. 

A great change is coming, a great change. 

So be encouraged and rejoice.


- My Prayer Confession -Oh Heavenly Father,

When I think about my life with you; 
I just rejoice!!! 
I am so excited Lord.

I am watching and waiting for what You 
are getting ready to do in this great hour. 

I am praising You in advance 
as I continue to seek Your face. 

Thank You Jesus! 

Amen

We Must Be Aware of the enemy's Schemes (9.8.13)

Put on the full armor of GOD, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes - Ephesians 6:11

The enemy of our GOD is our enemy. 

We are not in a neutral position. 

When Christians gather as the church, we become a real threat to satan. 

We are there to worship, to pray, to teach, to instruct and to encourage one another

to live and proclaim the kingdom of GOD; and to proclaim the enemy’s defeat. 

It is apparent that satan will do all he can to prevent that from happening.

The real danger for us is being unaware of the enemy’s schemes. 

We accept every attack on the church from the enemy
as though it’s just a natural thing. 

When churches divide over whether or not to use hymn books
or a contemporary choir, 

it is not natural. 

When the flock turns on the shepherd, it is not natural. 

When Christians, who are called to live in love,
spend their time criticizing and accusing one another, 

it is not natural. 

The devil has come to church! 

He beats the door down every Sunday to make sure he is on time for church.

Prayer: 

Father Lord, 

I know how much You love Your Church. 

Because of that great love, help us to wake up 

and begin to understand the schemes of the enemy against Your people. 

Give us insight into the spiritual attacks 

against the Bride of Christ, which is the church. 

Show us how to pray in a way that sets the devil to flight 

and brings the overcoming power of Your victory into our congregations. 

Amen

Listening with Compassion & Speaking with Grace (9.7.13)

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and out of nowhere you start to disagree with each other.  And before you know it, you are in a shouting match?  One minute the conversation is going fine, and before you know it, hurtful words are being spoken. Do you try to understand the other persons point of view, or is your mind made up and you don't care to hear what the other person has to say? 

Almost always, conversations like these turn into shouting matches where hurtful words are spoken that cannot be taken back. 

I'm sure most of us have found ourselves in a situation like this but the Word of GOD says in Proverbs 17:27 - A truly wise person uses few words; A person with understanding is even-tempered. The Word of GOD also says in Proverbs 15:1 - that a gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger. 

GOD want us to listen to each other with compassion and speak to each other with grace. 

The next time you find yourself in a conversation that appear to be spiraling out of control, before you speak another word, ask yourself if what you are about to say would be pleasing to the ears of JESUS. 

GOD, He Is.... (9.6.13)

GOD is my Redeemer, He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!

He is my Joy, He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love, 

His burden is light,
and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful, 

The ancient of days, 

The ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders, 

The overseer of the overcomers,
and the sovereign Lord of all that was, all that is and all that is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, understand.....

His goal is a relationship with ME! 

He will never leave me, 

Never forsake me,
Never mislead me, 

Never forget me, 

Never overlook me,
and Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up! 

When I fail, He forgives!

When I am weak, He is strong! 

When I am lost, He is the way!

When I am afraid, He is my courage! 

When I stumble, He steadies me!

When I am hurt, He heals me! 

When I am broken, He mends me!

When I am blind, He leads me! 

When I am hungry, He feeds me!

When I face trials, He is with me! 

When I face persecution, He shields me!

When I face problems, He comforts me! 

When I face loss, He provides for me!

When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time and every way.

He is God, He is faithful. 

I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world which is the enemy.

So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, 

it is because My Father said it, and so that settles it.

GOD is in control, I am on His side.

And that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is! 

He is Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end.

Choose to Dwell on the Positive Things of God (9.5.13)

You must control your thoughts. 

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD which is the Word of GOD and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ - 2 Corinthians 10:5

If you do not rebuke satan’s lies they will destroy you mentally and physically. 

If you choose to dwell on negative thoughts of defeat, poverty, and sickness then you are basically speaking these things into your life. 

GOD is NOT limited by your trials and tribulations. 

GOD is limited by your FAITH. 

Without faith it is impossible to please GOD.

Choose to dwell on the positive things of GOD. 

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live - Deuteronomy 30:19

Do you feel your life is boring? 

It could be you are not believing GOD for the things he has promised. 

Find a promise (or promises) in GOD’s Word that pertains to the thing(s) you want.  

And then believe GOD for them. 

Asking the Lord to bring positive excitement into your life may appear trivial to some, but GOD is an all-knowing GOD and nothing is trivial to Him when you ask with the right motive, according to His will for your life.

As an example, if it’s a new car that you are believing GOD for, then go down to the dealership, find the model and color you want and believe GOD for it. Place this request on your prayer list and pray over it. 

If it’s a husband or wife you want, then ask GOD to bless you with a companion. Once you meet this person lift them up to the Lord in prayer asking Jehovah if this person has been sent to you by Him. The enemy will also send people as well, so be sure to pray about this person. GOD will reveal their motive to you.

The Word of GOD says that you do not have because you do not ask.

There Is Nothing Too Difficult for God (9.2.13)

There is nothing I cannot do.  

I am the GREAT CREATOR.  

I am the One who creates something, out of nothing.  

When you feel you have gone as far as you can, 

and you don’t have the will to go on, 

I will be there to strengthen and encourage you.  

There is nothing too difficult for Me.

I will break through the clouds on stormy days, 
just to have the sun shine on your situation.  

Nothing can stop My word, 
nothing can stop My promises from coming forth in your life.  

So when I speak a word into your life, 
and you don’t see any signs of it happening - rest assured that I am working.  

And I will never stop, until all that I have promised has come to pass.

All I require from you is your faith to believe in what I have said.  

Trust in My words and My proven faithfulness.  

Haven’t I always been faithful to you?  

Do not allow the enemy to cause you to doubt any of My promises.  Do not allow the words he whispers in your ear, to bring discouragement to your life.  Do not let the enemy talk you out of your promise.

Remember who he is, a thief.  he will try and steal your promise.  he’s out to destroy everything about you, because he knows who you are.  You are destined for greater things, and you must hold fast to your confession of faith, regardless of how circumstances may appear.  

Trust Me to bring it forth.  

And trust Me to bring it forth in My appointed time.

So remember it does not matter how impossible it may seem, 
I am the GOD of possibilities.  

All you have to do is believe and wait for the appointed time.

Jeremiah 32:17 - Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee.

Habakkuk 2:3 - For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Being in God's Peace at All Times (9.1.13)

Praise the GOD of peace!

Thank Him for making that peace available to all that seek Him.
Confess all the ways in which you have added to an argument, or refused to let GOD’s peace be established between you and another person.

Commit to being at peace with GOD, and at peace with others, by being both pure in heart and a peacemaker (Matthew 5:8-9). Ask GOD to spread the wholeness of His salvation through you. Pray for any marriages or parent-child relationships among family and friends where GOD’s peace is not being experienced right now.

 Ask GOD to help you know how and when to speak, and when to be silent.

When you have the peace of GOD deep in your soul; and you know without doubting, that the Lord is with you - nothing will be able to move you. People will not understand why you are not stressing out because of your circumstances.

Let them know there is only one name you have to speak
in order to bring peace into your soul
and that one word is "JESUS".