High jumps

Isn't it amazing how the closer you get to God, the easier it is to jump over hurdles? He gives you that extra boost. Psalm 37:5-6 "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,  and you justice as the noonday"

The night before Christ came

Twas the night before Christmas and deep in my heart, I knew something wonderful was about to start.
The Lord God above had heard our cry and was sending His son to be born just to die.
He said my son, to a carpenter's house you must go.
The stairs leading to heaven are broken you know.
My children are trying to get up here to me, they think that because of their sin I am blinded and can't see,
I need those stairs fixed son, as quick as a wink,
I want all my children to see them and think...
My Father God loves me and wants me to come
He's sending Lord Jesus, His begotten son.
My heart leapt within me, it was suddenly clear,
The time of salvation was finally here!
The north star, the shepherds, all pointed the way
To the little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay. Author- Lauren Cooper
MERRY CHRISTMAS! 😍 😇 🤗 🙌🏾 ☝🏽 🙏🏾 👏🏽 👼🏽 💒 🎁 🎉 🎄

The way

John 14:6 "Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  He was telling us that he is the way, the gate, to heaven and the Father.  He is the living truth about the Father (the Word), and he is the representation of the life in the Father.  (He is healing, joy, safety, peace and unselfish prosperity). He then tells us that because of His sacrifice, his obedience to God and the shedding of his blood, there is no other way to get to the Father and a glorious eternity  than to wash away your sin in him.  Is it worth it to walk with Christ?  Just as the recipient of miraculous healing, or deliverance.  Ask the recipient of incredible, unbelievable blessing.  Ask any recipient of His all encompassing agape love.
" For God so loved you.... that He gave His only begotten son."

Love is

Can you imagine knowing someone whose love for you is so real and so strong that you are all they think about.  They care if you're happy or sad, content, or discontent,  fulfilled or unfulfilled, prosperous or in need,  healthy or unhealthy and they spend every moment working to help you be the best you can be and to live your best life at all times. Jesus loves you so much that he lowered himself to the status of a human and considered it worthwhile to live and die for you. Can you imagine that kind of love?😍 🙌🏾 💒

The God of Hope

Hope rises like air.  It fills every empty space and secures your faith. Hope and faith make all things possible.  Together, Faith, Hope and Love walk the earth looking for spaces to fill.  Let these abide in your heart and they will shatter your fears like glass.  Every broken piece makes more room for healing of the body, healing of broken hearts, refreshing  of your mind and restoration of your soul. Let hope fill you. Let faith wrap itself around you. Allow love to lift you up.  "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15.

Hope for the holidays

It may be a struggle sometimes for you to believe that God really loves you, hears you, and cares about you. 
     For Him it's a matter of fact.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Jesus will not die and go to hell, but will have everlasting life. - John 3:16.  Love you.😍 😘 😇 💒 🎇 🎁 🎼 🎄

Still, small voice

You know that still quiet voice.... that nudging. ..Don't ignore it. Remember when you just had a feeling that you should have gone right, but you went left and ran into that traffic, or person who bugs you? Listen to that small, still voice.  It's the Father. He loves you, He loves to watch over and to guide you. That small still voice. It's your daddy loving you up. Don't question it. Fall into it like you would the most comfortable bed you've ever seen.  He's here. He loves you.

Keep the lights on

If you know you've paid your light bill, and the lights go out in your house, what do you do?
Check your fuse box. You know that the main source of power is still available. It's the conduit that may not be functioning correctly.  Likewise, the power of God is always available and always flowing to those who believe.  If your prayers and blessings aren't evident,  check the conduit, (you). Ask, seek, knock continually. Scripture says, " you have not, because you ask not." Get up every morning, declare you are a child of God,  study, pray, believe. God is not a genie in a bottle,  He's a father and a shepherd. He's good and he gives good things. Believe He will do what he says he can do. Keep hope alive!

Financial blessing

Heavenly Father, today we believe for financial blessing for the people  in this prayer group. We believe on your Word. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans for prosperity and not for calamity, plans for a future and a hope".  You said that you watch over your word to perform it.  Thank you Lord that as we walk with you, listen to you, and obey your Word, you fulfill your promises. For you are, "not a man that" you "should lie." We receive your blessings and we pledge ourselves to your love in Jesus name. Amen

Wings of eagles

Don't be afraid, just pray

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things that the Lord hates. Seven that are detestable to him.
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that she'd innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that rush to evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in a community.
Pray for our leaders.  The Word of God tells us to pray for our leaders and our government.
Fear not.  Just pray.

Faith

Faith is the substance of things hoped-for and the evidence of things not seen. Do you have faith that God will carry you through the rough times ?  How else will you make it? Walk by faith and not by sight.  In the times to come, believe none Of what you hear and little of what you see. Know that the Lord your God Is With you. This is a Word from the Lord your God.

NJEA action for teachers

http://m.njea.org/action-S-2810

Hope behind the rock

**Roll the stone away, there's hope behind the rock! **
   They rolled the stone away from where hope had been buried, the Lord spoke  and Lazarus came forth! I don't know what you've got buried, that's between you and God, but if you've buried your hopes, your dreams, your joy, your future...roll the stone away, there's hope behind the rock. 
    After the crucifixion and burial of Christ, people mourned and felt a great loss.  Then, the angel rolled the stone away and people saw burial clothing neatly folded.  It was a sign that Christ wasn't finished and would be returning.  There was joy behind that rock!  Don't allow yourself to fall into despair over the election process.  Roll despair away. There's hope behind the ROCK, there's joy behind the ROCK, there's peace behind the ROCK.
Amen to the ROCK OF AGES. Stand behind Christ he's the rock of our salvation.  There's hope behind the roc💒k!

What should I tell my students?

I teach at a county college in New Jersey. Many of the professors have noticed that in some cases 1/3 of our students are missing from class since Nov. 8. Many of our Muslim students are no longer proudly wearing their covering. Several have come up to me to tell me that their parents have called them from their home country to tell them to come home. (This is a very international area). It's breaking my heart. I feel like crying. My friends and my family members are in suspended disbelief. I get phone calls with my friends and family members just sobbing. We understand that our 2 party system means that sometimes we have one political party or the other in office. That's life in America. That's not why the great feeling of dismay. The fact that a person has lied, used abusive language, bullied and slandered their way into the office of the president is shocking and devastating. Is this the decline of our society? how did this happen? So many of my little college students are so afraid. On Wednesday I walked into class with what was, I admit, a somber feeling, but the room was heavy and quiet. No one in my highly communicative classroom talked. Some of their eyes were filled with tears. One person commented, why do people tell us that certain behavior is unacceptable? He does it and now he's president.

I don't know what to tell them except to stay in faith. God is real and He sees. Throughout history there has been a struggle between right and wrong, love and hate, good and evil. Knowing God doesn't mean we won't have trouble, but knowing God does mean that help is on the way. In the meantime, my suggestion for my students is to listen to their family members and listen to God.

I don't want to be like the 911 operators who were telling people to remain in the twin towers and wait for help on that terrible day. The adherence to those words aided in the increase of the death toll.

Healing

The word of God tells us that He heals. Isaiah " By His stripes we are healed".. " Matthew 8:17 "He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases."  Matthew 8:16 "that evening many demon possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he HEALED ALL THE SICK." We can experience miraculous healing today.  Jesus is real and he is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.   Maybe we take healing for granted.  Maybe we give medicine and doctors all the credit,  but there are times when healing from God looms large.  He heals against all odds.  No one can take credit for His grace and mercy. He makes it clear that His divine healing is beyond that of the ability of man. Examples: My brother was given a death sentence by several doctors because of multiple blood clots, but through prayer, God stood up and said,"no".  My husband was given up as hopeless,  but God said,"I AM the God of hope."  My aunt was given a time limit for life, but God put up His hand.  My friends have an uncle who was given a death sentence by professionals,  but God heard the prayers of His children.   We serve a mighty God.  We serve a God of miracles.  I'm sure that if you think about it, miracles have occurred in your life, too.  Don't give God's praise and glory away. Give it all to Him.  Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals .

God's got you

"The Lord is our shepherd we shall not want. "
This is a promise to us that the Lord our God will supply our needs.  He will protect us.  He will guide us. Our lives have nothing to do with what goes on around us. We have all lived through many things and even when we've seen suffering, we haven't suffered because "the Lord is our shepherd"
*kneel before almighty God in humility knowing that He loves you. Give him your heart, rise up to praise Him in gratitude because He never leaves you alone. Go forth and obey Him in faith. You have the power to change this world and redirect society with kind action, generosity gentle words and faith.  Go forward knowing that things can happen around you, but God's got you. Stay in faith.

Vote for the children

As a teacher, I know that we work hard to build character,social skills and morality in our students. We ask them to be respectful and polite. We teach them to recognize bullying and how to handle bullying. We teach them to be team players and how to help one another. 
It's both a joy and an honor to support parents as we build a new world together. We are all a part of their village. It just wouldn't be acceptable for us to stand in front of children and use unacceptable language or to be bullies. We don't spend any time looking for the worst in people and exploiting it, exaggerating situations, or outright lying on others. That's not the behavior that we want our students to observe or to display. That's not how a peaceful, livable society is built. I'm embarrassed about this political season. We aren't cheerleaders who cheer for any person just because we have always been on one side or the other. It's not so much about a political party as it is about the content of the character and the truth in the heart of a person who is looking to represent us all. What are our students,our children and our grandchildren learning?

http://m.njea.org/news/2016-10-20/breaking-sweeney-pulls-bad-health-insurance-bill

It's not about party, but it's about human rights

For the women whose hands and heads i have held and cradled and for those other women whose have done the same, no man has the right to touch you without your consent, or to continue touching you when you say "stop".
When a man sees a delicious piece of chicken parmigiano on a plate with sauce steaming and cheese melting does he believe that because it looks good and he wants it, he has the right to grab what's not his from the plate that's not his?  Neither does he have the right to brag about, or commit the criminal offense of sexual attack on a woman.  It is a crime.
A man bragging about Walking  into a room full of teenage girls undressing infuriates me. Being the owner of a pageant doesn't give anyone that right.  I'm quite sure their fathers, brothers, uncles, grandparents, mothers and sisters were infuriated, too.  It's disgusting.  No one who leaves a woman feeling helpless and alone by calling her a liar when she summons the courage to complain about being inappropriately touched, deserves a leadership position.  No one who commits the crime of touching a person without their permission deserves to be a leader in this country. NO ONE who brags about humiliating someone's daughter, wife, or mother by unwanted sexual contact should be president of the United States of America. 
I just had to say it on behalf of all the women who have been victims.  It's not funny.  It's not fair.  It's not acceptable. Fathers hold your daughters close.

Pray for salvation and deliverance from evil

I was praying for our country and for us due to the upcoming election and I opened my bible under the unction of the Holy Spirit. I didn't flip pages. Here's what it fell open to. Psalm 36. " "transgression speaks to the wicked deep on his heart.  There is no fear of God before his eyes for he flatters himself in his own eyes so that his sin cannot be found out and hated.  The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit. He has ceased to act wisely and do good. He plots trouble while on his bed. He sets himself in a way that is not good.he does not reject evil."  We know which candidate this is.  Pray for our salvation and security.

Reaping and sewing

"You reap what you sew." If you plant corn seeds, you get back corn. If you plant tomatoes, you get back tomatoes. If you plant petunias, you get back petunias. If you plant roses, you get a beautiful aroma and a beautiful rose bush. Today plant joy in your environment and you'll get back joy. Plant caring today and you'll get back care. Plant patience and you'll get back patience. Plant peace and you'll find that all around your area at work and at home there is peace.  When you go to another area peace will follow you. When you go out you'll change the atmosphere all around where you are.  "You reap what you sew." You'll probably be tested, but keep planting. Change the world.

Child of the king

Proverbs 23:7
"For as a man thinks in his heart,  so is he". The Lord created each and every one of us. He says we are "fearfully and wonderfully made " proverbs 139.  Believe what God, says about you.  Don't be afraid to step away from words, beliefs, people and situations that make you feel small and unqualified.  Be bold and speak greatness into your life. Go for the things that seem impossible.  Go for management positions and entrepreneurship. You have been certified by almighty God. Choose greater by faith. It gives God glory and lets you know that it isn't you, it's Him. You're not alone. Don't settle. You are a child of the king.👼🏽 👸🏽 👑 🙌🏾 🙏🏾 ☝🏽

Forgiven with wings

Everyone expects Christians to be perfect because we say we know Christ. There's no such thing as a perfect Christian. We are made perfect in the Father's eyes through Christ our savior and redeemer.  We fall down, but we rise with the wings of Eagles because of our faith in Christ. He forgives us so that we can shake off the errors we make.  He is our everything.  In Him we live and breathe and rise. 😇 🏅 🌄 🌠 💒 ⛅ ☀

Children of the most high God

And this we declare and believe.  We are children of the most high God. We are washed in the blood of the lamb. Saved by His grace, Healed by his stripes, blessed in His mercy, Comforted in his care. We are known by Him, loved by Him and we walk with Him in peace.  He is a God of hope and of joy.  His promises are for us because we believe in Him. We thank you Lord for your love which provides for us, comforts us and makes our hearts rejoice.  Thank you for our families,  our homes, our blessings and our faith. We walk with you rejoicing because we know that our future and our lives are in your hands. Blessed be the name of the Lord. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Get behind me satan

**Get behind me satan, I have the right to remain silent!**
Yep, they did it again, and some choice words are rising to your throat.  Don't let it happen.  Stay in control.
**Get behind me satan, I have the right to remain silent! * *
Yep, they did it again. The gossip and lies at work and at church tempting you to say things, but not this time...get behind me satan, I have the right to remain silent!  I want to keep my blessings.  Oh no, someone dented and scratched your car car while it was in the parking lot. Your head is about to explode,  but not this time. Get behind me satan, I have the right to remain silent! you can't have my peace.  What happened? You Look at the mess in your house! The kids (or some grown person) have been at it again. You're about to lose your temper, but nope, get behind me satan, I have the right to remain silent!  You can't trick me out of my joy!  Don't let anything take your love of life, peace of mind, or the joy in your heart. Jesus said, get behind me satan! And so can you. Blessings! 😄🙏🙌☝💒💞😈🔦😇

The right to remain silent.

**Get behind me satan, I have the right to remain silent! * *
Yep, they did it again. The gossip and lies at work and at church tempting you to say things, but not this time...get behind me satan, I have the right to remain silent!  I want to keep my blessings.  Oh no, someone dented and scratched your car car while it was in the parking lot. Your head is about to explode,  but not this time. Get behind me satan, I have the right to remain silent! you can't have my peace.  What happened? You Look at the mess in your house! The kids (or some grown person) have been at it again. You're about to lose your temper, but nope, get behind me satan, I have the right to remain silent!  You can't trick me out of my joy!  Don't let anything take your love of life, peace of mind, or the joy in your heart. Jesus said, get behind me satan! And so can you. Blessings! 😄🙏🙌☝💒💞😈🔦😇

Not just grace...AMAZING GRACE

***Not just grace, but AMAZING GRACE.*** Grace is forgiveness, not condemning a wrong suffered. It's turning a blind eye to a small indiscretion, overlooking a mistake, not placing blame and shame.  Amazing Grace is GOD'S undeserved favor.  Not just turning a blind eye to sin, but looking straight at the little lie, the bad temper, the slip of the tongue,  the gossip, the bullying, the hurtful thoughts, and the unforgivable behavior and saying " I love you so much that I'll give my life for you. I'm going to wipe away all the garbage from your life and let you start over brand new. In fact, come on up here with me. I want everyone to see that I'm not ashamed of you, but I'm proud of you. I want to be seen with you. I love you. I forgive you. Come walk with me."
                      With  Love, 
                           God
And this is not just grace, but AMAZING GRACE.

Your Word says...

Single Women
1 Corinthians 11:9 "Woman was made for man"
This is what the Word of God says.  If his word is true and "He is not a man that He should lie"(Numbers 29:13,  then stand on His word and remind the Lord that He said you were made for a man.  There is someone who will think you are wonderful and will treat you with love and kindness.
Stand on the Word of God and trust in Him to deliver.  He watches over His word to see that it is performed.  Jeremiah 1:12  You don't have to worry about a thing.  He will do what He promises.
You can say, Lord, your Word says that I was made for someone.  I am asking that you will bring us together so that I can be with the person who I was made for.

Single Men
"A man who finds a wife, finds a treasure and he receives favor from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22
The Word of God encourages you to find a wife.
"For this reason shall a man leave his mother and father and cling to his wife" Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31, Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7  God is saying that you have a right to strike out on your own and build your own family.   This is in the Old and in the New Testament.  There is a woman for you.  Pray, seek - God is for you.  He has promised that there is a wife for you and He doesn't go back on His promises.

As you search for your spouse remember that
"Love is patient,
Love is kind,
It does not envy,
It does not boast,
It is not proud,
It does not dishonor others,
It is not self seeking
It is not easily angered,
It keeps no record of wrongs,
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth,
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13
Look for these qualities in your love.  It will never fail.

Greater is He who is in you. ...

"Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. "  1 John 4:4
We often feel compelled to eat, say, or do something that isn't going to be good for us in the end.  The bible says,"resist the devil and he will run from you. " For those of you who have trouble with the knowledge that demons exist, Jesus spoke more about them than anyone snd he "isn't a man that he should lie". He warned us that the devil and his cohorts exist to build the kingdom of hell and to tear down the people of God.  He was kicked out of heaven for attempting a coupe de tat. Here's a little something to chew on.  The man from Gaderenes, was called legion because of the 2000 demons who lived in and controlled him. He broke chains that people used to bind him, and he scratched and tore himself.  He was frightful,  wild, and uncontrollable, yet when Jesus came to his area, the human in him ran out to be saved.  The demons couldn't keep the man from running to Jesus for help. They cried out in fear when the man went to Jesus and they were cast out of him.  The God in you is greater than the enemy. Resist the words, thoughts, and action s that you feel tempted to do. (Especially eating too much food). The devil will run from you. THE POWER IN YOU IS GREATER.  Stick with HIM 💒 and you will win. 😈🔦😱🏃💒🙌🙏☝💪🏆

Preparing you for greater

Joseph knew for decades that God had something great for him. He never let go of the dreams that God had given him as a young boy. The dreams carried him through betrayal, separation from his father, slavery, prison and abuse. His time for blessing had not yet come. When his time did come, his elevation was unstoppable and greater than he could imagine. God's promise for your life is real and true. You may feel as though you are in the midst of trouble.  You may feel betrayed, abused and alone. Even if your struggle is just tiresome,  remember that God's plan for your life is real. It's all in the timing.  Trust the Lord. Stand strong. Endure. Hang in there. Timing is everything.  If a cake is taken out too soon, it's not good. If a cake is left in too long, it's not good. Your time is coming. Keep fighting the good fight. You are being prepared for greater.

Wonderfully made

"Psalm 139:14 "You are fearfully and wonderfully made".  When you truly understand these words, you will conquer all your fears and achieve all your dreams.  You CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Shine the light

A flashlight is a vessel of light, but without batteries it can't do its job.  Batteries provide the charge, or energy, if you will for the flashlight to shine a light and remove the darkness.  We are also vessels of light. We must renew our minds daily with the Word of God.  It provides the charge, or energy, if you will so that we can shine our light to remove darkness.  Are you charged? Have you filled yourself with your batteries?  SHINE, CHILDREN.  SHINE!! 🌞. Chase the darkness out of your life. Get the devil on the run!🔦🔆🔋🌑💡😈🏃🔦💡🙌☝🙏

From beginning to end

Start your day with praise and end it with thanksgiving. God's grace and mercy will carry you from beginning to end.

Tragedy to triumph

Everybody knows about King David of Israel.  He is a part of this story, but he's not the point. His best friend,  Jonathan, was the son of King Saul, the first king of Israel chosen by God. King Saul and all his family got into a war with David because God had punished Saul and replaced him with David to be king.  The only person left in the family of Saul was a son of Jonathan's.  When David became king he asked if anyone in Jonathan's family was left alive and he was told about Jonathan's youngest son. Now this son had been dropped by a nurse when he was less than a year old and both his ankles and feet were damaged causing him to be crippled.  This sounds tragic, but this meant he wasn't able to fight in the war that wiped out his family so he was still alive.  King David found him, blessed him, restored his house returned his wealth and took care of him. Maybe you think your situation is a curse, a pain,  a sign of punishment or abandonment by God, but consider this...it could be placing you in the right place for just the right time.  Rejoice in the Lord always and live with joyful expectations. 😘☝🙌

Walk right

This is what the Lord says : " stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. " Jeremiah 6 : 16. The Word of God. Enough said.

Husbands love your wives

The 5th chapter of Ephesians talks about relationships.  Some people are offended by it today. The words tell a woman to respect her husband, and it tells a husband to love his wife more than his own body. The word tells a husband to love her the way Christ loves the church. Jesus gave his energy,  his time, his love, and finally his life to the church.  God made us all, and so He's the expert on who we are and what makes us run.  Women use love as a fuel and we need it to be at our best. Men use respect as a fuel. It helps them to function out in a dog eat dog world. It gives them strength and power, which when added to the harmone testosterone, creates an almost invincible man who will do anything for the woman who is feeding him with a continuous dosage of respect.  I once saw something my daughter put on her Facebook page.  "She is his heart, he is her shield". It's a beautiful description of what God intended.  The word doesn't say only give love and respect when it is earned.  It's fuel. Without gas would your car run? At what point would a vehicle earn gas? It's just necessary.  Fuel makes a transportation vehicle  function and that helps you. SO - wives respect your husbands. Husbands, love your wives.

Light

Just as the sun rose over the earth this morning let the Son rise in your heart. Be the vessel that shines light and warmth on all who come near you.  Surrender yourself to Him and He will shine through you even on your darkest day.

Gun s on campus

Today Texas passed a law allowing students to carry guns on college campuses.  May God help us all.😞🙏.
Boy sees his girlfriend with another guy.  No questions asked 🔫.
Professor gives a deserved low grade. 🔫
Drinking at a party 🔫
Young person loses their temper🔫.
I wouldn't teach there. What's to stop a frat war now?
Have people completely lost their minds?
Pray children,  pray. All the people of God fall on your knees and lift your voices.  Lift up your eyes to the hills from whence cometh your help. Your help comes from the Lord.

Public school trouble

So I'm in Massachusetts where I watched some Satan worshippers petition the public schools in a few states to allow them to sponsor a Satan After School" program. They are contending that if students can have Youth For Christ  meetings,  they should be able to offer a choice.  Are these the end times?  Pray children, PRAY.  Even if your children don't go to public schools, or if they are older and have graduated,  PRAY.  People have discovered that if you want to change a society you can do it easily by introducing it to children in schools. They have already taken prayer out of schools.  Don't allow them to put satan in.

Elohim

Yahweh-Elohim means "Lord God"  in other words, the king of kings and Lord of Lords.  Genesis 2:4 and Psalms 59:5
There is no other God. There is no one higher.  Nothing exists who is more holy than the Lord our God. We must enter His gates with thanksgiving and enter His courts with praise.  He alone is worthy of all honor, glory and praise.  He alone sits on high and rules over all the earth.  His timing is perfect at all times. His love for us is eternal.  We must reverence Him, trust Him and acknowledge His Holiness.  We are incomplete without Him and our work falls short without His hand.
Blessed be the Lord both now and forever more!

Praise is a weapon of spiritual warfare.

2 chronicles 20:21
God gave instructions to Jehosephat to send the praisers out ahead of the army before a battle.  Jehosephat had prayed and had given God praise first.  By the time the smaller army of Judah and Jerusalem arrived, the three large enemy armies had turned on each other and had destroyed each other. There were no enemies left for the people of God to fight. The battle is the Lord's! This may sound strange, but "God's ways are higher than our ways."
The next time you have a battle coming up, or people are plotting against you,  start giving God praise. It is a powerful weapon to be used in our spiritual warfare. Let God  fight for you.  The battle is the Lord's. If you're not sure how to get started with the weapon of praise, read psalms 47 and 48.  They can get you started.  🙌🙏😊

If - then for the answer to your prayers

*An if- then for getting answers to prayer.*
"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, -THEN I will hear them from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (Heal their land can mean anything that isn't right in your life)
1. Humble yourself -set aside pride and rebellion
2.pray -really talk to God one on one
3. Seek His face - really look for His will in your life and learn to listen for Him when He speaks
4. Turn from your wicked ways - stop any behavior or thoughts that aren't Godly. If you wouldn't do or say it in front of God; Don't do it at all.
***GOD WILL THEN
1. Hear your prayers
2. Forgive your sin
3.Solve your problems
How important is confessing your sin to God asking for forgiveness and putting the sin aside?  VERY IMPORTANT.  it's the key to getting prayers answered. Does a child get forgiveness and a reward while he/she is in the midst of spitting in your face, or only once an apology has been made and that behavior has stopped never to be repeated?  Amen!💞😘🙌🙏

Jehovah Rohi

Jehovah Ra-ah, or Jehovah Rohi means the ever present One who is my friend and my shepherd.  We all know the 23rd psalm. It tells us how much God loves us. It let's us know how important we are to Him.  This Psalm tells us  how He will sacrifice for us, provide for us,feed us, take us to a place of safety, protect us, lead us to  places of plenty and give us peace. He is for us Jehovah Rohi the ever present One who shepherds us. A shepherd doesn't lose track of even one sheep. God knows where you are at all times. He will take the time to bring us back when we think we are lost. We're not lost. He knows just where we are. We can call out to him, run to him, or wait for him knowing that he's coming to get us and bring us back to him. He loves us.  Jehovah Rohi- our shepherd.

Jehovah Rapha

Jehovah Rapha means the God who heals us.  When the children of Israel were finally freed from slavery in Egypt, not one of them left as a sick  person. They were delivered from all their illnesses.  When Jesus walked the earth, he healed the sick and cast out demons. In my family several members have been declared terminal,  but God said, "No". Healing is His will.  It is ours today.  He is the final Word. He is the healer- Jehovah Rapha.

Jehovah Nissi

Jehovah Nissi means the Lord who is our banner. In the bible there is a story that tells of a time when Moses introduces God as Jehovah Nissi.  The enemies of the Jews attacked and Moses decided to use prayer instead of a flag. He called on Jehovah Nissi and declared that the Lord was their banner. Moses lifted his arms to God in praise  during  the battle and as long as his arms were up the Jewish people were winning.  When his arms dropped they would lose.   A banner is a proud showing of power and victory. A banner proudly announces that a winner is here. Every time the enemy looked up they could only see that they were being declared the loser. Jehovah Nissi declares you the victor over your enemies!  Stay in prayer! Continue to be in worship and praise until you see your victory! Every time your enemies look up all they can see is your victory over them. Don't give up. P.U.S.H.!
JEHOVAH NISSI -OUR BANNER,  OUR VICTORY! !

Jehovah Shammah

Jehovah Shammah is a name for God that means "the Lord is there".  It is seen in Ezekiel 48:35
It's different from the name the Lord is here.  These two adverbs state place, and sometimes the additional understanding is time. Jehovah Shammah -God is there. In your future, God is there. We don't walk blindly into a future without God.  Jehovah Shammah -God is there waiting for us,  having already prepared a place for us.  How do we walk by faith and not by sight? Jehovah Shammah - God is already there.  If not, how could people in the middle east believe God was with them while being with us?  They are a day ahead of us in ⌚.  That days -hour-globe thing can get complicated,  so just remember; don't be afraid of tomorrow.  Jehovah Shammah,  God is there.

Morning

Our mornings are full of thoughts far ahead of the hour we wake up. We sre already thinking about things like kids, food, work, clothes, even to dinner and evening experiences or responsibilities even before we open our eyes. But the mornings are for fresh starts, and the way we spend our first few moments is the most important thing we can do.  It sets our day.  What if you turned on rainforest sounds, relaxed and spoke to God? Then what if you could get quiet and actually listen to Him.  Nothing that happens later in your day could ruffle your feathers or shake your faith. (Yes, I know, my family is from the south and sometimes my words go right back down south). Lol😜. Use your morning time wisely.  It will serve you well.

Jehovah Jireh

One of the names of God is Jehovah Jireh, our provider.  He provides when we ask Him and even when we dont.  His provision doesn't usually  come the way we expect it, but it does come.  It always benefits all his people who are involved. For example, you need your house painted and you can't pay in the conventional way.  He's a very unconventional God.  Someone who needs money, has the skill required,  and is willing to take installments comes along.  Both parties are blessed. Next time instead of looking for something that is conventional 👀,  look for the unexpected with your eyes closed, 🙈 your head bowed 🙏, and your heart open. 💞Jehovah Jirah is waiting to bless you.

Independence day

Happy Independence Day! 💥💥🎉🎂💃🎶🎶😃
I hope you celebrate by freeing yourself from guilt, depression, sickness and disappointment. Let other people's issues be their own. Don't pick them 🆙
Bury those regrets and be independent of all that baggage.  Celebrate your independence!

Change isn't easy, but it is necessary

Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace because they refused to turn their backs on God. The Lord honored their faithfulness by joining them in the fire.  Notice He didn't deliver them FROM the fire, He delivered them THROUGH the fire.  It was because of the fire that the king believed.
It was because of the fire that the people of all his lands believed.
It was because of the fire that change came to the nation,
And it was because of the fire that the young men received a promotion.   You may not be delivered FROM your fire, but YOU WILL BE DELIVERED THROUGH THE FIRE.  Your own personal struggle could be used to change a nation, a culture, or a situation. People are watching to see how you handle your life. Rejoice in your fire and thank God for the change that is coming. You are not alone.
P.S. Do you think these 9 years were easy for Barack Obama? He went through the fire and change did come to America.  If God can use him, then God can use you. Change isn't easy, but it is necessary.

One Minute Longer

"Heroism consists of hanging on one minute longer." Albert Payson Terhune.
It's really hard to wait,  to hang on, to "keep hope alive" when things are tough.  After you've done all that you could do, or even when you haven't,  hanging on is hard.  After a while your thoughts become a little more negative and hope seems a little  farther away. The idea of God starts to get a little foggy. John 16:33 reminds us "in this world there will be tribulations,  distress and suffering, but be courageous, confident, undaunted and filled with joy, for I have overcome the world. " in the first part of this warning Jesus  says. "These things I tell you so that you may have perfect peace."
His victory is our victory,  so hang on one-minute -longer.

He turns it all for good

Sometimes people think they have power over you and they use their words and their position to try to convince you of that, but God who is all powerful, is using them for our good.  Unbeknownst to them, their actions are digging the foundation for your blessings.  God is all powerful.  Nothing they can say or do will hinder or remove the plans and blessings that God has for you. Stay in faith.

Tools of the trade

Consider this prayer warriors, 
A carpenter needs wood,🔨  and nails to do his work.if he came to your house without his tools, he wouldn't seem legitimate.
  A plumber needs a wrench, pipes and tools to locate a leak in order to look legitimate.
A student needs books, paper and pen, or no progress will be made in their education. They don't seem to be legitimate.
**How can a person call himself/herself a Christian, but never read a bible, or carry one in their heart or in their hands? If scripture says They'll know we are Christians by our love, but no one sees the love, how can they be called legitimate?
** Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing children.  They only desire to deceive, devour and destroy you.

He is enough

God's design for your life is bigger than your doubts and fears.

Guilt

Guilt is defined as a "negative feeling or emotion that people experience when they are convinced that they have caused harm in some way". It is said to be further defined as "remorse sometimes reflecting continual sorrow leading to "beating oneself up", unforgiveness and eventually depression."
No wonder the bible says "there is therefore now no condemnation in Christ Jesus."  His ministry is based on forgiveness.  He died to forgive us for our sins. Psalm103:12 "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west".  Don't accept guilt except for immediate correction and don't pass it on. When you get feelings of remorse, it can be a good thing, but it's better to recognize it, apologize and change the behavior that caused harm. Then forget it and walk away.  God doesn't hold grudges or perpetuate guilt. We shouldn't either. Cut yourself some slack. Let it go.

Nothing is wasted

**Nothing is wasted**
How often do we say, "What a waste of time!", or, "how could I have wasted so much of my life!", or "that job was a waste!"  Well, we are in Christ, and in Christ nothing is wasted.  He knows how to recycle like no one else. " All things old are passed away, and all things become new." He takes every event, or amount of time that we considered a waste and gives it a use. All of your experiences matter.  You learned something from them. That is new information. It's new wisdom. You can believe that there is someone who can use that new wisdom. It will help them more than you know. Forgive yourself,  tuck those experiences in your cap, and be ready to share them.  In Jesus nothing is wasted.

Forgiveness Quiz - How forgiving are you?

Forgiveness Quiz

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How forgiving are you? When someone hurts you, are you more likely to turn the other cheek--or slash their tires?

The quiz below draws on a scale created by forgiveness research pioneer Michael McCullough and his colleagues, offering insight into how we respond to those who do us wrong.

Before starting the quiz, think about someone—a friend, a spouse, a family member, a co-worker—who has hurt you. Then respond as honestly as possible to the following 12 questions with that person in mind, indicating how much you agree or disagree with each statement.

When you’re done, you’ll learn your score and what it suggests about your typical response when someone mistreats you.

1. I’ll make him/her pay.

1.  Strongly Disagree
2.  Disagree
3.  Neutral
4.  Agree
5.  Strongly Agree

2. I keep as much distance between us as possible.

1.  Strongly Disagree
2.  Disagree
3.  Neutral
4.  Agree
5.  Strongly Agree

3. I wish that something bad would happen to him/her.

1.  Strongly Disagree
2.  Disagree
3.  Neutral
4.  Agree
5.  Strongly Agree

4. I live as if he/she doesn’t exist, isn’t around.

1.  Strongly Disagree
2.  Disagree
3.  Neutral
4.  Agree
5.  Strongly Agree

5. I don’t trust him/her.

1.  Strongly Disagree
2.  Disagree
3.  Neutral
4.  Agree
5.  Strongly Agree

6. I want him/her to get what he/she deserves.

1.  Strongly Disagree
2.  Disagree
3.  Neutral
4.  Agree
5.  Strongly Agree

7. I find it difficult to act warmly toward him/her.

1.  Strongly Disagree
2.  Disagree
3.  Neutral
4.  Agree
5.  Strongly Agree

8. I avoid him/her.

1.  Strongly Disagree
2.  Disagree
3.  Neutral
4.  Agree
5.  Strongly Agree

9. I’m going to get even.

1.  Strongly Disagree
2.  Disagree
3.  Neutral
4.  Agree
5.  Strongly Agree

10. I cut off the relationship with him/her.

1.  Strongly Disagree
2.  Disagree
3.  Neutral
4.  Agree
5.  Strongly Agree

11. I want to see him/her hurt and miserable.

1.  Strongly Disagree
2.  Disagree
3.  Neutral
4.  Agree
5.  Strongly Agree

12. I withdraw from him/her.

1.  Strongly Disagree
2.  Disagree
3.  Neutral
4.  Agree
5.  Strongly Agree

forgiveness part 3

Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness

When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge — or embrace forgiveness and move forward.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. Perhaps your mother criticized your parenting skills, your colleague sabotaged a project or your partner had an affair. These wounds can leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness or even vengeance.

But if you don't practice forgiveness, you might be the one who pays most dearly. By embracing forgiveness, you can also embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy. Consider how forgiveness can lead you down the path of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

What is forgiveness?

Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, more positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.

Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.

What are the benefits of forgiving someone?

Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for happiness, health and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:

• Healthier relationships
• Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
• Less anxiety, stress and hostility
• Lower blood pressure
• Fewer symptoms of depression
• Stronger immune system
• Improved heart health
• Higher self-esteem

Why is it so easy to hold a grudge?

When you're hurt by someone you love and trust, you might become angry, sad or confused. If you dwell on hurtful events or situations, grudges filled with resentment, vengeance and hostility can take root. If you allow negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice.

What are the effects of holding a grudge?

If you're unforgiving, you might:

• Bring anger and bitterness into every relationship and new experience
• Become so wrapped up in the wrong that you can't enjoy the present
• Become depressed or anxious
• Feel that your life lacks meaning or purpose, or that you're at odds with your spiritual beliefs
• Lose valuable and enriching connectedness with others

How do I reach a state of forgiveness?

Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change. To begin, you might:

• Consider the value of forgiveness and its importance in your life at a given time
• Reflect on the facts of the situation, how you've reacted, and how this combination has affected your life, health and well-being
• Actively choose to forgive the person who's offended you, when you're ready
• Move away from your role as victim and release the control and power the offending person and situation have had in your life

As you let go of grudges, you'll no longer define your life by how you've been hurt. You might even find compassion and understanding.

so, you think you can't forgive?

 from the Mayo Clinic website

What happens if I can't forgive someone?

Forgiveness can be challenging, especially if the person who's hurt you doesn't admit wrong or doesn't speak of his or her sorrow. If you find yourself stuck:

• Consider the situation from the other person's point of view.
• Ask yourself why he or she would behave in such a way. Perhaps you would have reacted similarly if you faced the same situation.
• Reflect on times you've hurt others and on those who've forgiven you.
• Write in a journal, pray or use guided meditation — or talk with a person you've found to be wise and compassionate, such as a spiritual leader, a mental health provider, or an impartial loved one or friend.
• Be aware that forgiveness is a process and even small hurts may need to be revisited and forgiven over and over again.

Does forgiveness guarantee reconciliation?

If the hurtful event involved someone whose relationship you otherwise value, forgiveness can lead to reconciliation. This isn't always the case, however.

Reconciliation might be impossible if the offender has died or is unwilling to communicate with you. In other cases, reconciliation might not be appropriate. Still, forgiveness is possible — even if reconciliation isn't.

What if I have to interact with the person who hurt me but I don't want to?

If you haven't reached a state of forgiveness, being near the person who hurt you might prompt you to be tense and stressful. To handle these situations:

• Remember that you can choose to attend or avoid specific functions and gatherings. If you choose to attend, don't be surprised by a certain amount of awkwardness and perhaps even more intense feelings.
• Respect yourself and do what seems best.
• Do your best to keep an open heart and mind. You might find that the experience helps you to move forward with forgiveness.

What if the person I'm forgiving doesn't change?

Getting another person to change his or her actions, behavior or words isn't the point of forgiveness. Think of forgiveness more about how it can change your life — by bringing you peace, happiness, and emotional and spiritual healing. Forgiveness can take away the power the other person continues to wield in your life.

What if I'm the one who needs forgiveness?

The first step is to honestly assess and acknowledge the wrongs you've done and how those wrongs have affected others. At the same time, avoid judging yourself too harshly. You're human, and you'll make mistakes.

If you're truly sorry for something you've said or done, consider admitting it to those you've harmed. Speak of your sincere sorrow or regret, and specifically ask for forgiveness — without making excuses.

Remember, however, you can't force someone to forgive you. Others need to move to forgiveness in their own time. Whatever the outcome, commit to treating others with compassion, empathy and respect.