Slipping Into Other's Shoes

Ever notice how easy it is to make negative judgments about other people?

Whether it’s “idiots” we encounter on the road … or “slower than slow” people who serve us … or “losers” who can’t play sports nearly as well as our kids can – many of us have developed the knee-jerk habit of assigning degrading labels to people we don’t know. We don’t really know them, or their situations, or their challenges. But we sure as heck know what they should do. Or at least that’s the way it seems when we spout out phrases that begin with:

They oughtta … Why don’t they just … It’s easy – all they need to do is ….

Nope, we don’t know those folks, but we know what they are; we’re not in their situations, but we know what they should do. Hmmmm. If all that seems illogical, unfair, presumptuous, and disrespectful to you, you are right. And if all that seems like terrible behavior for leaders to exhibit, you are doubly right!

To be sure, situations involving other people – including those that occur in our teams – can seem clear, simple, and very black and white from where we stand. But we need to remember two things: 1) Unless we’re dealing with (or have dealt with) the exact same circumstances, we’re on the outside looking in, and 2) The real world is rarely black and white – it’s usually shades of gray.

Yes, leaders at all levels need to remember those truisms. More importantly, they need to apply them! That requires less presuming and more understanding. It’s about making an effort to see things through the other person’s eyes … about walking awhile in his or her shoes. And that is called EMPATHY – a critical component of quality leadership.

The Holy Alphabet

Although things are not perfect Because of trial or pain Continue in thanksgiving Do not begin to blame Even when the times are hard Fierce winds are bound to blow God is forever able Hold on to what you know Imagine life without His love J oy would cease to be Keep thanking Him for all the things Love imparts to thee Move out of "Camp Complaining" No weapon that is known On earth can yield the power Praise can do alone Quit looking at the future Redeem the time at hand Start every day with worship To "thank" is a command Until we see Him coming Victorious in the sky We'll run the race with gratitude X alting God most high Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but... Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad! "I AM Too blessed to be stressed!" The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. Love and peace be with you forever, Amen.

Changing Conditions

When conditions change for the worse, there is no need to despair. For you have the ability to respond. With every new problem there are plenty of new opportunities. Every setback represents a new starting point from which you can raise yourself to higher levels of purposeful achievement. Just because things have changed is no reason to give up. In fact, that makes your worthwhile goal even more valuable. There is always a way to get where you have chosen to go. Each challenge gives you new ways to add value to your dream. Always, life is overwhelmingly abundant. When conditions change, you have the chance to see aspects of that abundance that you did not previously know were there. Pause for a moment, take a deep breath, assess the situation, and re-focus yourself on the path you have chosen. Then step boldly and enthusiastically forward with more positive determination than ever. -- Ralph Marston

Focus On Your Soul

1) You will find favour with someone you don't expect. Amen

(2) You will be too relevant to be ignored, Amen

(3) You will encounter GOD and will never remain the same, Amen

(4) The grace for completion will come on you, you shall be blessed till the blessed call you blessed, Amen

(5) The hand that will send this message to others shall not labour in vain, Amen

(6) The mouth saying ''Amen'' to this prayer shall laugh forever, Amen.

Very, Very, soon and I say Very, Very, Very soon, GOD is going to do a miracle and lift u up 4 GOOD.
T.D. Jakes

The Tongue Can Be Your Worst Enemy

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life. What you speak about, you can bring about. If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job. If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick. If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating. If you keep saying you're broke, guess what? You'll always be broke. If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you. If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed. If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you, your very thought will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs. If you keep talking about a divorce or break up in a relationship, then you might end up with it. Turn your thoughts and conversationsaround to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action. Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve. Watch your Thoughts, they become words. Watch your Words, they become actions. Watch your Actions, they become habits. Watch your Habits, they become character. Watch your Character, for it becomes yourDestiny. The minute you settle for less than you deserve,you get even less than you settle for. Thought I would share this with you. In the search for Me, I discovered Truth. In the search for Truth, I discovered Love. In the search for Love, I discovered GOD. And in God, I have found Everything. Be Blessed Watch how your circumstances and situations begin to change when you change the way you speak. 'Life is like melted butter. . .once things cool down, it can be reshaped!' author unknown

Blow Me a Trumpet

This is your day, and this is your Father's world. He created it just for you. You are an heir to the universe. Your only boundaries are your own perceptions of potential. You can reach father than your finders and leap higher than your doubt. If you lift you head and raise your hands, the clouds will run away. You are kissed. Didn't you know it.? Haven't you realized? That's why you are alive to show it. So show up an show off and show out. It is morning!

Never lose that child like belief in the impossible. The fantasies of the faithful dispel the myths of the frightened. Somebody blow me a trumpet! The races are about to begin, and the daughters of God are all dressed up. The have stripped themselves of the cares of this world. They have washed away the abuse of their childhood. They have demanded their inheritance, nursed their won babies, strengthened themselves, and prepared their feet to run.

They are sisters and brothers of the Cross, survivors of the secrets. The have lain awake trembling and even cried through the night. Some have screamed from bruised lips, assaulted bodies, broken hearts, betrayed trust! But what of the night ? That's right, what of it? Haven't you heard? It is morning. Sound the alarm.

Loosed? You'd better believe it. The are loosed from the tragedy of a long and dismal might. They are the sons and daughters of Abraham. They are people with a promise. Precious promises are waiting for loosed people who have made themselves ready to take the kingdom by force. No more forbidden fruit for them; they are taking a bite out of life. No more restrictions or inhibitions. Many have been held back by the fear of failure and rejection. Tell the critics the Father says, "Let My people go!" Only a foolish person would fight a man for his daughter when it is God the Father he will have to fight.

The trumpet has sounded. You are loosed!

--T.D.Jakes

REST

Rest is for the purpose of restoration. It is not just because you're tired. It is during a time of rest that you replenish or receive back those things that were expended or put out.--T.D.Jakes

Celebrate

You should celebrate your survival. Instead of agonizing over your tragedies, you should celebrate your victory and thank God you made it. I charge you to step over your adversity and walk into the newness.---T.D.Jakes

God's Cedar Chest

Is your heart broken because of immoral relationships-perhaps incest-that took place in your home when you were young and vulnerable? Women who have a desperate need for male attention have usually come from a s situation where there have been no positive male role models in the home. Since they didn't get enough nurturing as girls, they find it easy to compromise and agree to do anything to gain male acceptance and love.

Millions of women have longed for a loving embrace from fathers who walked out on them or were never around. If you're one of those women, there is a way to fill the emptiness inside. The Lord will fill that void in your life. He wants to be the heavenly Father who will mend your heart. Through His Spirit, He wants to hold you. He wants to give you a hug.

Look for His helpers in the Church. Many men are learning that a woman who is not their wife is to be treated as a sister. Big brothers protect their little sisters' they do not take advantage of them. A brotherly and sisterly love does not include sexual intimacy or self-gratification.

The Song of Solomon shows a progression of the relationship between the writer and his wife. She was his "sister" before she was his bride. Solomon wrote of protecting a little sister. "Enclose her with boards of cedar" (see Song of Solomon 8:9). The Church is God's cedar chest!

God's people are to nurture and protect one another. It makes no difference how turbulent your past life has been, God still cares. Allow Him the privilege of doing what Absalom did for Tamar. When Tamar lay outside Amnon's door-broken and brutally violated-Absalom took er in and cared for her (see 2 Samuel 13:19-20).

The secret of being transformed from a vulnerable victim to a victorious, loving person is found in the ability to open your past to someone responsible enough to share your weakness and pain. There can be no better first step toward deliverance than to find Christian counselor or pastor, and come out of hiding. If you seek God's guidance and the help of competent leadership, you will find someone who can help you work through your pain and suffering. The Church is a body. No one operates independent of another. We are all in this together.---T.D.Jakes

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.

Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.

He had no army, yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us!

God's Blessing is Over Flowing!

Have A Blessed Day

Treasure Within You

Something inside of you has been locked up. God wants to unlock it. He knows what gifts and abilities and dreams He has put in you. He knows how to touch them and how to bring them out.
When you get beyond your low self-esteem and stop comparing yourself to other people, and you begin to accept what God has given you, then you are in a position for Him to bring to birth all He has created you to be.
There are things in you that have been overlooked by you, ignored by others, perhaps even ridiculed by some, but God calls those traits His treasure. And He wants to bring it forth.
Every man and woman alive is a treasure chest. Each one holds something God intends for them to use in fulfilling His purpose for their life. And in the process, they will bring Him glory. My brother, my sister, find out what treasure God has hidden in you, because the devil is going to fight you for it. He knows the treasure is there and he wants for his purposes. He wants it bad.
So many people today are fight the devil and don't even know why. It's because they haven't discovered the treasure that lies within them. The devil knows it's there. God knows it's there. So the fight is on.
Your treasure is powerful in God's service, and the devil knows it. What he doesn't know is that your treasure is also a weapon you can use to defeat him in your life. The devil will do anything the can to sabotage your self-esteem. He doesn't want you developing your assets because he doesn't want you to give birth to what God has put within you. Being loosed means that your treasure has been released. It means that the gift has been bound within you has been issued an emancipation proclamation. It means that you are free to blossom and bring forth fruit! When the treasure within you is loosed, you are at liberty to deliver God's purpose in your life.
Now giving birth may require intense effort on your part. You may have to push like a woman in labor. You may have to fill your cheeks with air and push with all your might. So get ready, son and daughter of the living God, and soon you'll hold a treasure in your arms.---T.D. Jakes

People try to keep other people "in their place" so they can control them-so they can lead them to what it is that they want them to have, and to nothing else. When you are delivered by God, you may need to say no to those who have kept you in a stall of their own making.--T.D Jakes

The Lord wants to speak a word of faith to you. He wants to set you free from every power that has kept you in bondage. In order for that to be recieved in your spirit, you must allow Him to come in and instill faith.---T.D.Jakes

God's Operating Table

When the Scriptures declare that mean "always ought to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1), they are speaking of living in a state of open communication with God, not necessarily jabbering at Him nonstop. Some people ramble on for hours on their knees and end up watching the clock, trying to get in a specified amount of prayer time.

We are called to live in a state of open-hearted communication with the Lord. Complete exposure before Him brings a sense of vulnerability, yet every one of us desperately needs someone t help us. someone who is able to understand our deepest issues.

Since you never think a thought or say a word that God does not hear and know, there is no need for a sanctimonious misrepresentation of who you are. No need for the strain of continual camouflage. You stand naked before Him in the same way a person lies naked on an operation table before surgeon. The patient is neither boastful nor embarrassed, but understands that their conditions is necessary to the relationship. Whatever the doctor finds in her body-either healthy or diseased tissue-is already present, and the patient must rest the conviction that the doctor possess the skill to perform the proper procedure.

Before your heart can be pure, God must flush away the corrosion and corruption that blocks the flow of His grace and mercy. The Greek word for purity, katheros, is the word from which we derive our English term, catheterize. This is a medical procedure used to cleanse, flush, or release fluids from the body. God is continually sending a deluge of His cleansing grace into the hearts of His children. But He can't clean or purify what you hid in the secret corners of your heart and mind.

My sister and brother, you will never worship God in the beauty of His holiness if you live in the shadows, wrestling with unconfused sin. Whatever you do, find your place in the presence of the Lord. He is always there, waiting to comfort and to heal.

T.D.Jakes

You have been called out and separated by God. You were not created to be popular. You were not called to cliques or clubs. You were chosen to fin in the hands of God who has already accepted you.

T.D.Jakes

Bondage on the Inside

Long after I was saved, I still thought I needed to be delivered from the devil. The popular phrase at the time was "The devil mad me do it." Well, I didn't want the devil to make me do anything, so I prayed hard to be delivered from him.

After a while I realized that the devil wasn't the problem. I stopped wasting my time praying about him. I changed my prayer to, "Lord, save me from me. Please don't let me destroy Your promises with my predicaments. Please don't let me do myself in Deliver me from my own evil tendencies."

Some people don't blame the devil, but they blame other people or a specific person or a group of people. The real issue is this: What matters in the long run is not what people say about you or to you . It's what you say about yourself to yourself.

A spirit of infirmity may not always represent a bondage that another person places on your life. It may represent a bondage on the inside. And you can't walk away from that kind of bondage. It will keep you locked up-until you quit agreeing with the person who has mistreated you or the event that crippled you.

So many people have made it their life's work to change somebody's opinion about them. They are determined to prove that they are valuable in that other person's eyes. Their consuming ambition is to show somebody that they are good, that they are fin Christians, that they are important.

Never allow another person's opinion of you to become your goal. The fact is, some folks might never like you. They many never approve of you r think you're good. They man never change their opinion of you.

If you agree with the person who rejects you or abuses you, the you put yourself into bondage to that person. If you say, "You were right to hit me-I deserved to be hit. You were right to leave me-I deserved to be left. You were right to hurt me-I deserved to be hurt"....then you are tying yourself up with their opinion of you rather than tying yourself into God's opinion of you. When their opinion of you becomes your bad opinion of you, you've built a prison inside your soul with only one prisoner-you. Are you prepared to deal with the fact that the person you've spent your entire life trying to impress may never be impressed? Are you prepared to face the reality that, from God's perspective, it doesn't matter?

If you are going to deal effectively with people in this world, you must be able to work right alongside others without allowing yourself to be controlled by them or governed by their opinion of you. Likely, the deliverance you need most is not a deliverance from the devil or a deliverance from another person. The deliverance you probably need most is a deliverance from some faulty notion you have in your won heart and mind. Be loosed!

T.D. Jakes

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Isaiah 53:4-12

You have been called out and separated by God. You were not created to be popular. You were not called to cliques or clubs. You were chosen to fit in the hands of God who has already accepted you. Insecurity dissipates in the reality of divine truth. How I want you to know the height and the dept of His unfathomable love for you!

Some women or men have never been secure in the love of their natural fathers, and it affects how they view their heavenly Father. But listen to me. There is no doubt about His love. He made the ultimate sacrifice just to prove the authenticity of His love for you.

You are so valuable that Satan held you for ransom, knowing that your Father was so rich! He asked of God, "What would you give to see this woman or man freed?" Your Father sent His Son armed with love and wrapped in flesh. He said, "This is how much I think she/he is worth." Jesus hung His head between His shoulders and died naked on a tree because you mean so much to Him.

Never again insult His great sacrifice by questioning His love. You may not see it or understand it, but believe it. He absolutely loves you. Not just when you are right. He loves you when you are wrong. That is what gives you the power to right the wrongs you've made. He wants desperately to heal the aching heart that has believed the lies of life. You are special and vibrant, full of potential and possibilities. You are the daughter of a King. You are the son of a King. He is the King who spared no expense to pay the ransom that delivered you from the things that held you hostage. Get a clue; catch the hint; you are somebody!

These are the truths He wants every believer to know. There are the words I found in the Bible. It is a living love letter to a dying world. It is a statement of intent from a God who wants you to have it all.

His arms are outstretched. He is waiting for you in the secret place. He will not fail you. Rise up, rise up with a quickened pulse and a gleaming eye. He is all yours, and it is good. A no from His is as sweet as a yes. It is the evidence of His intense attraction to you and His raging love for you. Your life is about to crescendo into a symphony of praise. When His plan crescendos, you will be glad you didn't settle for you own way. He is up to something. Do not miss it!

T.D.Jakes

HOPE

Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Are you still waiting on your healing, family member’s salvation, unfaithful husband’s repentance, trying to get pregnant or breakthrough in a certain area? Do you think God has forgotten you? Fear not, because He has a word for you today. Just as God kept His promises to Abraham, Isaac and Moses He will surely keep His promise with you.

Whatever it is that you are waiting for or whatever that God promised you don’t give up on hope. We are walking in finished works so freight not, you already have the victory in Christ Jesus. Take your eyes off of man and self and focus them on God. Reposition yourself, put on the full armor of God and dig your heels in the word of God. God knows all that He has for you.
Yes, you maybe hurting, yes, you may want to throw in the towel, yes, things may not seem fair, yes the promise is taking a little longer then what you expected. But know this, we serve a Mighty God. Allow God to perfect what He has placed in you. Don’t despise the process from going to the pit to the palace. Let patience have its perfect work in you. God is building you to last in this last hour. You might even be saying, “Jesus already went through hell, so why do I?!” “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” If they gave Jesus the King OF Kings, Son of God living hell on earth then what more do you think you are going to experience. Besides, don’t you want to reign with the Most High God. Are we not ambassadors here on this earth? Aren’t we to set examples of Christ for others to see God’s light and truth through us? No, it’s not always easy, but guess what, “you can do ALL things through Christ that strengthens you!” Philippians 4:13(KJV).

Ask God for more grace and He will give it willingly. Give all of your heart to God for He’s waiting. All the secret areas or hidden sin, and wrong motivate, whatever it is, release it now in Jesus name. Submit all of your concerns, worries, doubts, and fear. And receive His love, assurance, and peace in Jesus name!

Take off the garment of despair, and put on the garment of praise. God has not forgotten you! Speak words of life and not death over your situation. Yes, you are Healed, Yes, you are free and delivered from what the devil has had you bound to. I command the oppression over you to be broken right now in Jesus name! Be free in Jesus name from the lies of the enemy, you are no longer a prisoner. Come out of alliance with fear, doubt, and unbelief and realign yourself with hope, peace and faith. You are the head and not the tail. You are above only and not beneath Deuteronomy 28:13. You are in the final stages of receiving your promise. Don’t give up now. Does a woman giving birth give up on the last push? No! So neither shall you! Receive today and let the words of the Lord recharge you for your promise are here! Now wait on His timing. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt 6:33 (KJV). Remember you are not alone for the Holy Spirit is your comforter. Rest in His arms today and allow God to restore your hope.

I love you and stay encourage.

Yours truly,

The Promise Keeper

Hebrews 11:6

God will reward those who keep on seeking Him. He may not come when you want Him to, but He will be right on time. If you will wait on the Lord, He will strengthen your heart. He will heal you and deliver you. He will lift you up and break your chains. He will give you the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (see Isaiah 61:3). He will keep all His promises.

But you have a part to play. And that part is faith. When we believe God's promises, we are counted as righteous. Righteousness cannot be earned or merited. It comes only through faith. "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible" (Hebrews 11:3). God wants us to understand that just because we can't see it, doesn't mean He won't do it.

By faith Sarah believed that she could conceive a baby even though she was past childbearing age. She believed that God was capable of giving her a child regardless of what the circumstances looked like. From the natural perspective, it was impossible. The enemy certainly didn't want it to happen. But God kept His promise.

Abraham received many promises from God regarding his descendants. God told Abraham that his seed would be as the sands of the sea and the stars of heaven (see Genesis 22:17). The first promise represents the natural, physical nation of Israel. These were the people of the Old Covenant. But God didn't stop there. He also promised that Abraham's seed would be as the stars of heaven. These are the people of the New Covenant. That's the Church. We, too, are seed of Abraham. We are the stars of heaven. The only thing between the seed and the stars was the woman. Can you see why Sarah had to receive strength to conceive a seed when she was old? When she believed and conceived, God multiplied her blessings.

Whatever God give you, He wants it to be multiplied in the womb of your spirit. When you bring it forth, it shall be greater than what you had. The enemy wants to multiply fear in your life. God wants to set you free from fear and fill you with faith. You must learn to trust God enough to allow Him to come in and plow up your life. He may need to root out closet skeletons and replace them with new attitudes.

Satan has assigned fear to block up your womb and cause you to be less productive than God wants you to be. Don't be afraid. You are God's. No matter the desire or the blessing that you seek, God has promised to give you the desires of your heart (see Psalm 37:4), and He always keeps His promises!
T.D. Jakes

Testimony of Venus's Dreams

Read Venus's testimony .



They say “When you have a dream, hold it tight”. I say, “When you dream, don’t let go of it, but hold it loosely.”

"I am a person who likes a million things, wants to be a million things and dreams about a million things. In other words, there is really no dominant thing that I want or dream about. I sometimes think its dangerous to think or desire that way. But it is amazing how God surprises us.

Surprise # 1: A few years back, about 2005, I desired to travel. I love the beach, the sand, the sun and the water. In my country, we have great beaches. One of which is found in the island of Bohol. Bohol is a very beautiful place, but also very expensive. So I started holding that dream tight, - saving, finding another job, and always setting my eye on that goal – GET to BOHOL!But nothing happened. Things worsened. I lost my job, I have not saved a penny and the chances of getting to Bohol slowly dimmed.In 2007, I volunteered to work for my city for less than a year, the government offered us a department outing. And yes!!! In BOHOL – all expenses paid!! And the best part is? I went there twice in one year!!! My cousin, got so heartbroken that she wanted to getaway somewhere, she dragged me along. And yes – it was also an ALL EXPENSE PAID TRIP!

Surprise #2: When I went to college, I stayed at an Uncle’s house in Manila. My Uncle is a very driven and motivated person. He would feed on John Maxwell. I came to love Maxwell too, read his books and listened to him. I wanted to be a speaker.After college, I was asked to speak in a lot of youth camps, tell stories to kids and lead some youth groups. The stage was my throne. I knew very well, speaking is what I am good at.But in my country, and with the career that I have, being a public speaker is only on the side. I mean, I don’t have masters, I have no credibility ( I couldn’t count the times I was asked to speak about love and courtship.. hahahha!!), I have no connections.But God made the events in my life so twisty I lost some confidence is speaking and lost that prowess on stage. Then my employer sent me to join the Toastmasters’ Club. The club’s curriculum helped me a lot , inspired me and gave me hope of recuccitating my dream.Last week-end, I won the Humorous Speech Title – District Level. That’s NATIONALS!!!! I believe I am a good speaker. But a humorous speaker????? I am so way far from being funny! But, well, that’s how God surprises! It was an experience of being nobody to being celebrity! People took turns having photo ops with me, congratulating me, some gave me their card, there was one who asked me for a dance (which I declined! Hahahah). Unbelievable!!!

Surprise #3: My now ex-boyfriend was my high school best friend. We have been best friends for years and years. It only ended when we broke up. It was painful to lose a boyfriend, but it was more painful to know that my best friend went along.Words were said, things were done. I forgave but he couldn’t forgive himself. I had hopes of being friends with him again. I dreamed of the day when we pick up where we left off – as friends. But he kept telling me , not just once, but many times over that “we would never befriends again”. Last weekend, I was in his city. We talked and he poured out his heart to me like he used to. I gave him the same stern comments I use to give him. He gave me this unbelieving look he used to give me. We laughed. We were silent. We embraced. We fought. We are friends again. And yes, purely friends again!!God is a God of Surprises. I keep singing Jars of Clay’s “Eleventh hour”. My favourite line is “I won’t give up on giving you a chance to blow my mind”. I had dreams. I tried running after them but they were elusive. Only when I gave up and held them loosely, did I see them fly. Only when I surrendered and told God to take charge, did they come to reality.Dreams should be sanctified. WE need to align them to the will of God. So I say, don’t let go of them, but hold them loosely.Isn’t it sweeter when you let go of something and then it comes back to you on its own, and fastens its hold on you? And then, it is the Dream that doesn’t let go of you.
Surprise # 4 is on its way. I know it. I just know it by heart!."

Check out her blog @ http://venuspeaksherheart.blogspot.com/2009/05/dreams.html

When Go Says No

Job 23:10

Some of the greatest challenges to our faith are those moments when we must endure that cold blight of a disappointment. The greater the anticipation, the greater the disappointment when we fail to receive what we have anticipated.

I know firsthand the sinking feeling of dejection that comes into your heart when things fall through. It feels almost as though an earthquake has struck in you heart. The very things you were counting on the standing on have slipped from under you, and something inside you begins to sink. The floor gives way, and everything you have planned seems meaningless. The temptation is to have an all-out pity party-complete with candles , cake, and ice cream!

There is no shield that can keep away the days that come teach our hearts submission to God's will and purpose for us. There are no cards that are so poetic, no roses that are so fragrant that they dismiss the tingling sensations of brokenness that come upon us when we see our expectations cave in. It's a feeling that will bring the most mature person into a fetal position. It comes as if it will not leave, but you can be sure that is not so. It will go, and the sun will come again and rebuke the clouds that have hidden the light of God's purpose from shining through to you.

There is within the human capacity a tenacious survival instinct that kicks in when we are at our lowest. It enables us to succeed through the storms of life. The will come, but they will not overthrow you if you learn to trust God even when you can't trace Him.

He is so wise. He knows the greater truths that can only be realized by eyes that can behold today and tomorrow in one glance. His vision supersedes our nearsighted requests centered around the thirst of the day and not the droughts of the future. He must, as a good Father, deny requests that would insult the greater destiny He has prepared for those who are His. He is a God of tough love. He has the ability to firmly decline a request when you would be endangered by a positive response. In short, He love you enough to say no! You may not know why you have had to face the chilling winds of despair, but trust His love. Thrust God t renew you. And just live on.

T.D.Jakes

1. Stop sitting on your assets, gifts and talents. Procrastination is a thief. Tap into your creativity, purpose, imagination, intuition, network and resources.

2. Stop worrying. Action and faith speak louder than fear. Thou shall let go and let God. (Therefore do not worry and be anxious.- Matthew 6:31)

3. Avoid distractions, impatience and clutter. Keep the main thing...the MAIN THING. Follow your list of things to do to remain focused, organized and productive.

4. Find a balance between encouraging and helping others in need and knowing when to distance yourself from "energy vampires" who drain you with their drama and negativity.

5. Do the math and count your blessings. Praise God in the good and the difficult times.

6. Develop the self-esteem and courage to say "no" or "yes" when it is appropriate and necessary.

7. Be a good listener and observer. Keep your eyes, ears, heart and mind open. Blessings and breakthroughs can show up in unexpected ways.

8. Build strong character. Serve others (family, community, employment) with integrity and best practices.

9. Continue to seek ways to grow in your education, faith, self-esteem, skills and personal growth.

10. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, stretch/exercise and take good care of your body. Remain active. Remember a sense of humor is healthy. A daily "laughsitive" moves out joy-blockages i.e. toxins, stress, anger and fear.
Jewel Diamond Taylor
http://www.donotgiveup.net/

Food For Thought

If someone gave you everything you could ever imagine ...wouldn't you call that person just to talk, think of them daily, or even go as far to go by their house?

Whenever your down with your busy day please don't forget to talk Jesus!

Author: T.J. Wilson

Hear My Voice

My Beloved,

Did you know that Jehovah God is always trying to talk with us, always trying to "pull" our ears and touch our Spirit?

During the course of each day and in the stillness of every night, as each minute completes itself, and every hour finishes, God is trying to tell us something we need to know.

There is a message in the power of each storm in our lives, an instruction in every forceful gust of wind in our Spirit, a lesson to be learned from every shock that shakes up our minds. Selah.

Why is it we do not understand, why is it the messages from our Lord rarely if ever get to us?

Is it because we are too busy listening to ourselves or the voices of others like ourselves. Those who have the same fears, the same misunderstandings, the same confusions.

Incline your ears and your Spirit to Christ, stretch to hear the low whisper of the Holy Spirit and move from an acquaintance with Christ to a relationship with Christ.

After all, all you have to lose is the self.

Written through the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit by:
Pastor Rasheed Z. Baaith
Christ Resurrection Community Church

Why Go To Church?

Did you know Jesus attended church? This is something we do not hear about often, but it is true. If we want to follow and imitate Jesus, then we must follow His example; Jesus made it a custom to attend temple services. Once, when He had wandered away from His parents as a child, He was later found in the temple. When Mary and Joseph finally located Him, His explanation for His disappearance was, "… How is it that you had to look for me? Did you not see and know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me to be in My Father's house and [occupied] about My Father's business?" (Luke 2:49, AMP) As an adult, if you were looking for Jesus, one place you would definitely find Him was teaching in the synagogue.

In everything God tells us to do, we have a choice whether to obey Him or not. Hebrews 10:25 says, "Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another…" (AMP). He has commanded through His Word that we should gather together with other Believers in a corporate setting.

Notice God said some forsake this practice. This simply means they ignore it and turn away from it. Why does God take this so seriously? Because gathering together with other Believers in church allows us to connect with others to receive strength and encouragement. When we come to church, we learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives to overcome the things we go through. We receive the wisdom we need to live victoriously in our everyday lives.

If you are a Christian, you are part of the Body of Christ. Give honor to God by obeying His Word with a willing and obedient heart. Consider the wonderful things God has done for you! Come into His presence in a corporate setting to give Him thanks and to encourage a brother or sister in Christ. You can help change someone's life forever by inspiring them to make Jesus their Lord and Savior. Allow your enthusiasm for the kingdom of God to overflow into the lives of others.

God wants you to desire His presence and have joy when you are in His house of worship. Follow the example of this ardent psalmist, who with a fervent heart toward God proclaimed, "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of host! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and flesh crieth out for the living God …O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah" (Psalm 84:1—4).

Just reading that scripture stirs me up inside! You will be amazed at how blessed you will be when you have this much joy about experiencing the presence of Almighty God. To help you get more understanding about the importance of coming to church, be sure you order the message, Faithfulness in Church Attendance, and decide today to be a joyful, zealous, church attendee!

Scripture references:

Luke 2:49 (AMP)

Psalm 27:4

Psalm 84:1-4

Hebrews 10:25

Creflo Dollar

He Lifts You Up

Today's Scripture
"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair…He set my feet on solid ground…He has given me a new song to sing…" (Psalm 40:1-3, NLT).

Have you ever felt like you were in a pit of despair? Just like God lifted David out, God is going to lift you out. Where you are right now is not where you’re going to stay. There are brighter days up ahead for you filled with favor, promotion, and increase. As you walk uprightly before Him, no good thing will He withhold from you.

Notice that God gives us a new song. We have to do our part to sing that song. That means you don’t go around talking about your problems, how bad things are, or how you’re never going to make it. No, you have a song of victory! If somebody asks you how you’re doing, your attitude should be, "I’m too blessed to be stressed! I’m moving forward in strength and power." Remember, praise precedes the victory, and the Bible tells us that God is enthroned on our praises. As you magnify and lift Him up, He will lift you up out of your despair. He’ll set your feet on solid ground, and you’ll move forward in joy and victory in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for lifting me up and setting me feet on solid ground. I will sing the new song You’ve placed in my heart. Keep me close to You always and moving forward in the plan You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Joel and Victoria

Do Not Be Afraid

Today's Scripture
“…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit’” (Matthew 1:20, NLT).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever felt overwhelmed or even afraid of what God has called you to do? Maybe you were pursuing a dream or goal and things didn’t turn out the way you planned. Joseph had planned to take Mary as his wife, but when he found out she was pregnant, he didn’t know what to think. He was afraid that he was making a mistake because things didn’t turn out the way he thought they should. But God sent a messenger, an angel in a dream, to reassure Joseph and remind him that he was on the right path.Friend, let me reassure you today, God knows right where you are, and He knows how to get you where you need to be. Even when things don’t go the way you planned, He has His hand on you. Do not be afraid, trust that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf and that He will lead you into the life of blessing that He has prepared for you!
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, I choose to trust in You. Even when things don’t go the way I planned, I know You are at work in my life. Thank You for Your perfect love which casts out all fear. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.