Learn to Count Your Blessings, Be at Peace & Put Your Trust in God (1.31.18)

My Child,
It’s time to stop looking around at all the things
     that you don’t have.
It’s time to let go of envying the things of others and
     asking Me why that can’t be you. 

You only think you want their lives, but there is so much more about their lives that you do not see and could not bear. Start appreciating and being thankful for what is in your hand. 

Learn to count your blessings.  
 
Dear one, I know your desires as well as your needs.  It brings Me joy to supply your needs and give you the desires of your heart. However, it pleases Me more when you are content, and love Me, despite the difficulties you face.  When Paul was in prison, he was at peace and sang praises unto Me just because he loved Me. 
 
I want you to be at peace.

How do you get to this place of surety and peace? When you let go of the things of the world, and embrace the things I give you. When you let go of what you hold so strongly, and put it in My Capable Hand, you will be at peace; and then you will come to a place where you will say, "Lord, whether You bless me or not, I will give You praise."
Stay focused on Me and be grateful for what you have. 

When you do this, you will suddenly discover
     all the wonderful blessings around you. 
Your situation may not be perfect; however, be content
     with what you have.

Put your trust in Me. 

  

Read and Meditate on God's Word:

Philippians 4:11 - Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 

1 Timothy 6:6-8 - But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

Hebrews 13:5 - Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 18:13-19 (1.30.18)

¹³ To answer before listening—
    that is folly and shame.

¹⁴ The human spirit can endure in sickness,
    but a crushed spirit who can bear?

¹⁵ The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
    for the ears of the wise seek it out.

¹⁶ A gift opens the way
    and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

¹⁷ In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,
    until someone comes forward and cross-examines.

¹⁸ Casting the lot settles disputes
    and keeps strong opponents apart.

¹⁹ A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city;
    disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

An "Increase My Faith" Prayer (1.29.18)

Father,

Help me to be confident that I will see Your goodness in the land of the living. Help me to wait for You, to be strong and take heart, and to wait. I ask that my life would increasingly become a proclamation of Your greatness and goodness. Make me fearless in the face of trials. Strengthen me, I pray, to stand firm and release my lips to worship You, Lord.

You are great and awesome O GOD! You alone are GOD, creator of Heaven and earth, and I join with all creation and praise Your Holy Name! Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty, who always has been, who is here right now, and who is coming soon!

Forgive me for withholding my praise and adoration, for being silent and even sullen and losing sight of Your Greatness and Glory. In doing so I’ve have taken situations and concerns into my own hands instead of trusting You. You have said that the one who trust in man and depends on the arm of flesh for his strength is cursed. Father, forgive me for the way I have trusted in others or my own strength instead of trusting You. Increase my faith, O Lord. May I become like a tree planted by the water that doesn’t fear when heat comes, but whose leaves are always green.

I choose now to cast my cares upon You. Relationships in my life that are fractured; those who are close to me, who have yet to call on Your Name Lord; I will leave in Your Hands. O Lord, increase my faith! Enable me by Your Spirit to speak Your Word with great boldness into every situation of my life, regardless of what is happening around me. I choose again to put my trust in You Lord, for You are my strength and those who hope in You will not be disappointed.

Thank You that You are at work on my behalf, and nothing is too difficult for You. Nothing!

In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Reflection:  Psalm 27:13 ;  Acts 4:23-31 ;  Isaiah 6:3 ;  Jeremiah 17:5, 7-8 ;
                 Psalm 55:22 ;  Acts 4:29 ;  Habakkuk 3:17-19 ;  Isaiah 49:23 ;
                 Luke 1:37

 

 

Remember.... God Will Take Care of You (1.28.18)

My Child,
Didn’t I say that I would always take care of you?
Then why do you think that allowing your heart to be filled
     with worry will improve your circumstances? 

You must always remember that I hold your future in My Hands,
     and I know the end from the beginning. 
All I need for you to do is trust Me and follow Me.
Knowing that I Will always lead you out of your difficulties.

Whenever you allow your heart to be filled with worry, you give the enemy of your soul the power to create the very circumstances that you fear. You invite him to lead and control you instead of allowing Me to bless you.  My Child, I have not forgotten you.  I have not been too busy to notice the difficulties that you face. I have seen both your problems and the desires of your heart, and I Am here to help you overcome your problems.

If you allow Me, I will lead you to where you can fulfill your desires.

And when I lead you in a direction that you do not understand, do not think that I Am doing this to hurt you.  I Am leading you to avoid things that could cause you harm.  I Am taking you by the best possible route to your desired destination. Therefore, cast your cares on Me; and know that I care for you and that I Want you to have even more than you’ve desired.

I Want you to be blessed above what you have imagined.
I Want you to walk in light and glory, in health and prosperity.

So, do not believe the lies that the enemy has tried to put into your mind; for he wants to stop you from hearing My Voice and following My Leading. Rebuke those thoughts of fear and listen for My Still Small Voice within; then your cares will vanish, the clouds will clear, and the sun will shine brightly once again. And you will see My Hand reaching out to you, to lead along this path of joy and blessing that I have for you. 

Do not worry, for I, the Lord your GOD, will take care of you.

 

 

 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD

Psalm 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.  

Matthew 6:25-26 - Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Matthew 6:30-33 - Wherefore, if GOD so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

 

 

#ScriptureReflection - Psalm 130 (1.27.18)

¹ Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
²  Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy.

³ If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?
⁴ But with you there is forgiveness,
    so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

⁵ I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.
⁶ I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

⁷ Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
    for with the Lord is unfailing love
    and with him is full redemption.
⁸ He himself will redeem Israel
    from all their sins.

It's Time for You to Stand in the Favor of the Lord.... #RightNow (1.26.18)

My Child,
You are in a prophetic season; therefore, you should expect the favor of the Lord to be upon you.  I Am releasing My People into favor, and it’s going to open amazing doors for My Church and cause many people who have hardened their hearts in the past to turn to the Lord.

Know that I have opened that place of honor for you,
    and the time to move toward it is now, right now.
Yes, this is your set time to stand in the favor of the Lord.

I Am providing you with assistance in areas where your hands
     have felt weakened and unable to hold on.
Regardless of what task you are trying to accomplish, know
     that I Will provide you help.

You shall be strengthened to finish tasks and do things you
     have felt unable to before.

So, expect new doors to open and resources to be placed in
     your hands, because My Season of Favor and Blessing is
     surely upon you.

When you expect favor you will step into what I have ordained for this season of time. If you expect nothing, you might miss some of the greatest blessings the Lord has prophetically ordained.

Therefore, begin to talk about favor every day. 
Live every day expecting My favor. 

Begin to expect favor in business dealings during this season. Expect finances to grow and increase. Knowing this, I say, rejoice. You patiently endured trials for a while, and your patience has blessed you with favor. 

Yes, it is My Will for you to step into greatness.

Therefore, go, for your increase of greatness has begun;
     for it’s time to stand in the favor of the Lord.

Read and Meditate on God's Word:

Job 4:3 - Certainly, you have instructed many people: When hands were weak, you made them strong. (GW)

Psalm 90:17 - And let the beauty of the LORD our GOD be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thouit. 

Psalm 102:13 - Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favor her, yea, the set time, is come

Psalm 144:1 - Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

1 Peter 1:6-7 - So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. {NLT}

2 Corinthians 6:2 - For GOD says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation.

God is Our Strength & the Father Enables Us to Rise Above Life's Circumstances (1.25.18)

Father,

I confess that I do not know what to do, but my eyes are upon You.

How thankful I am for the promise of Your Word, that when I grieve, You give me a crown of beauty; that even when I mourn, there is gladness found in You. And when I despair, and feel hopeless in my circumstances, as I look to You - You will cloak me in a garment of praise.

My desire, Father, is to always praise You; but I confess that often, like Peter, I look away from the face of Jesus.  I see the fierceness of the storm around me, I sink into my circumstances, and lose all ability to believe that You will fight my battles.

Why is my faith so small?
Why do I doubt?

Forgive me Father and have mercy on me.
Help me, I pray!

Destroy doubt in my life and help me to believe that although the fig tree does not bud (my dreams do not come to fruition . . .) and there are no grapes on the vines (my burdens seem endless . . .).  Though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food (my financial resources are sadly lacking . . .); though there are no sheep in the pen or cattle in the stalls (my worldly possessions are minimal at best . . .); may I still be joyful and praise Your Name for You are my GOD and my Savior (I have Jesus!).

You are my strength, and you enable me to rise above the circumstances of my life and the cares of this world.

May I follow the example of King Jehoshaphat and the army of Israel, and sing and praise Your Name, leaving the battles of my life in Your Hands. Even in the most overwhelming situations, may I choose to give thanks to You and rejoice in You, knowing that Your Love endures forever.

I choose this day to praise You, regardless of what I see with my earthly eyes; and I rejoice that my name is written in Heaven because of the finished work of Your Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, on the Cross.

Thank You that the victory is sure.
In Jesus name I pray.

Amen

Reflections:
    2 Chronicles 20:12  ;  Isaiah 61:3  ;  Matthew 14:25-33  ;
    Habakkuk 3:17  ;  2 Chronicles 20:21, 22  ;  Psalm 5:11  ;  Luke 10:20

Always on His Mind (1.24.18)

Psalm 139:17-18 - How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O GOD! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O GOD! They are innumerable! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me. (Psa. 139:17-18 NLT)


My Child,
I know you may be feeling like I don’t care, that I’ve forgotten about your needs, or that I have more important things on My Mind.  My Child, I created you in My Image - you are a part of Me. You are My most important creation. Oh precious one, you may be feeling this way, because you don’t think about Me as much as you should. These thoughts and feelings of abandonment will rise up when you allow the problems of life to overrule the promises of the King.

My Child, regardless of what you see going on in this world, I want you to know you are always on My Mind. You are on My Mind when I close your eyes at night. You’re on My Mind throughout the night, for I Am watching over you as you sleep; and in the morning, I Am the One who wakes you up with brand new mercies waiting for you.

You’re on My Mind when you leave your house each day.

I Am the One who guides you safely to and from your daily destinations.
You are on My Mind as I watch over you on your job, giving you
     favor with those in authority over you.
You’re on My Mind when you’re at school, and it’s Me providing
     the wisdom needed to help you achieve. 
My Guidance is always there.

Can’t you see that you are constantly on My mind?

Now, can I ask you to think about Me this day?
Can I ask you to put aside the cares of this world,
     and spend some time thinking about Me?
Think about Me, and take time to pray before you leave your house.
Think about Me and how I Am watching over your home while you’re away.
Think about Me as you’re driving, think about the traveling mercy that
     surrounds you to keep you safe. 

Think about Me as you go about your daily work, the unmerited favor that’s raining down on you and blessing your life.

Then, before you lie down, take some time to think about Me once more, and humble yourself in prayer, giving thanks for another blessed day.

If you do this each and every day, you will never again doubt whether I’m thinking about you - for you are always on My Mind.  

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD

Psalm 8:4 - What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 

Psalm 115:12-13 - The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. 

Isaiah 26:3 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 

Philippians 4:7-8 - And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

#ScriptureReflection - Isaiah 40:29 - 41:16 (1.23.18)

^40:29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

The Helper of Israel

41:1 “Be silent before me, you islands!
    Let the nations renew their strength!
Let them come forward and speak;
    let us meet together at the place of judgment.

² “Who has stirred up one from the east,
    calling him in righteousness to his service?
He hands nations over to him
    and subdues kings before him.
He turns them to dust with his sword,
    to windblown chaff with his bow.
³ He pursues them and moves on unscathed,
    by a path his feet have not traveled before.
⁴ Who has done this and carried it through,
    calling forth the generations from the beginning?
I, the Lord—with the first of them
    and with the last—I am he.”

⁵ The islands have seen it and fear;
    the ends of the earth tremble.
They approach and come forward;
⁶     they help each other
    and say to their companions, “Be strong!”
⁷ The metalworker encourages the goldsmith,
    and the one who smooths with the hammer
    spurs on the one who strikes the anvil.
One says of the welding, “It is good.”
    The other nails down the idol so it will not topple.

⁸ “But you, Israel, my servant,
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    you descendants of Abraham my friend,
⁹ I took you from the ends of the earth,
    from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

¹¹ “All who rage against you
    will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
    will be as nothing and perish.
¹² Though you search for your enemies,
    you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
    will be as nothing at all.
¹³ For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.
¹⁴ Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob,
    little Israel, do not fear,
for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord,
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
¹⁵ “See, I will make you into a threshing sledge,
    new and sharp, with many teeth.
You will thresh the mountains and crush them,
    and reduce the hills to chaff.
¹⁶ You will winnow them, the wind will pick them up,
    and a gale will blow them away.
But you will rejoice in the Lord
    and glory in the Holy One of Israel.

A "Declaration of Praise" Prayer (1.22.18)

Consider praying this prayer out loud as a declaration of praise . . . 
 -  Marilyn

Father God,
I will give thanks to You, O Lord, and call on Your Name. I will make known among the nations the amazing things that You have done. I will sing to You, and praise You, alone. Teach me what it means to “glory in Your Name” that my heart might always rejoice in You. For it is my great desire to seek Your Face always and remember the wonders that You have done.

I give thanks to You, Lord, for You are good.
Your love endures forever!

You remembered me when I was lost and
     You freed me from the enemy!
Your love endures forever!

While I was still in my sin, Christ died for me!
Hallelujah! Your love endures forever!

You have not kept a record of my sin, or treated me as my sin deserves; but through Christ, You have removed my sin from me as far as the east is from the west, and remembered it no more!

Hallelujah!
Your faithful love endures forever!

I will bless Your Name, O Lord, and in Your Name I will lift up my hands, for Your faithful love endures forever! I will praise You, O Lord, there is no other GOD like You in Heaven or on earth.

You keep Your covenant of love with Your servants who continue wholeheartedly in Your Way. There is nothing too difficult for You! Your love endures forever! Yours is the greatness, O Lord, and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in Heaven and earth is Yours.

You are exalted as Head over all.
Wealth and honor come from You alone GOD,
     for You are the ruler of all things.

In Your Hands are the strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. And I join with all of Heaven, and Your people everywhere, in giving You thanks and praising Your glorious Name!

Hallelujah!
Your faithful love endures forever!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Amen and Amen!

Reflect: Psalm 105:1-5  ;  Psalm 136:1-9,23-24  ;  Romans 5:6  ;
        Psalm 103:10-12  ;  Psalm 63:4  ;  2 Chronicles 6:14  ;
       1 Chronicles 29:10-13

 

 

When God Speaks..... (1.21.18)

For GOD speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth It not. - Job 33:14

The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening. - 1 Samuel 3:10

 

Faith Believers,
Are you accustomed to hearing GOD speak to you?
GOD our Heavenly Father, communicates.
He speaks.  He initiates conversation.
To be able to hear GOD is crucial for our spiritual lives.

GOD speaks, and it is our responsibility to listen and hear Him. There are always four voices competing for our attention: the voice of GOD, the devil, others, and our own. We must discern which is which. By faith, we can hear GOD and distinguish His Voice. By faith, we can receive GOD’s Word. By faith, the children of GOD are enabled to hear the Divine Truth and convert that truth into action.

GOD speaks in several ways to us.

He speaks primarily through the Bible. The Holy Spirit speaks to us by impressing GOD’s Word and GOD’s Will upon our hearts and minds. GOD also speaks through godly ministers and speakers - such as pastors, preachers, teachers, and evangelists. GOD even speaks through our circumstances. 

Regardless of the method, when GOD speaks,
     He expects a response from us.
He expects us to hear His voice, adjust our lives to Him,
     and obey.

During our time of need, GOD can speak clearly and when this happens, we must obey His Word quickly. When GOD speaks to a person, that person has encountered the truth. Jesus tells us in John 14:6 that He is “the way, the truth and the life.”

Jesus Christ is truth.
In any encounter with truth, we encounter GOD.
And an encounter with GOD requires a response.

  -  Marilyn

~ Prayer ~
Righteous Father,
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Give me a deep desire to be still and listen, as You reveal
     more of Yourself to me.

May I obediently respond when You call me to step into things that I might be uncomfortable with; but which will bring You great glory.

Help me to hear You Speak through Your Word, through godly friends and mentors, through my circumstances – good and bad, and even in Your lovely created world that surrounds me.

May I follow Your Voice and yield in obedience to whatever
     You call me to be or to do.

Amen

 

 

** The Most Popular Messages This Week (1.20.18) **

1.  A "Revive Me & Release Me" Prayer (1.17.18)
2.  Does Busy Mean "Being Under satan's Yoke"? (3.8.14)
3.  God Gave You a Spirit of Love and a Sound Mind, Not a Spirit of Fear  (1.18.18)
4.  We are Accountable for Every Word We Speak, To & About Others  (7.27.15)
5.  When To BE SILENT (5.13.13)
6.  A Double Blessing (1.14.18)
7.  God Has Destined You to Have a Most Abundant Life  (10.3.13)
8.  Commit Thy Works, Trust and Obey the Lord (7.14.14)
9.  An Anointing Prayer of Preservation (2.19.13)
10.  A Prayer for Perfect Peace (8.22.13)
11.  You May Be Deeply Troubled, But You Must Trust God Through Your Trials (8.24.14)

The top ten most popular messages of all time are always on the right hand side.

Feel free to comment & let us know your favorite message.

#Enjoy     #BlessAndBeBlessed