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Friday, October 25, 2013

The Shepherd



Father, Mother, Parent , Friend, Mentor, Pastor, Preacher or Teacher when you think or see these words or tittles, what are your thoughts or the first thing that may come to your mind? Does the words Father, Mother and Parent mean that you are only suppose to raise your children until the become grown or until they are able to take care or fend for themselves? Or does the words Mentor, Pastor, Preacher and Teacher mean that you are only suppose to teach or provide them with enough knowledge to take with them into the outside world? If you answers to those questions were yes, then thank God our Father in Heaven that Jesus didn't think or feel that way. Instead he thought of the people that he cared for, fed, healed, taught and gave knowledge to as his sheep. Jesus was then and now forever is our God. In our time of need he is our shepherd, for the word says, John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.

 The question is are we as prepared as children of God, to go beyond with just being good friends, fathers , mothers or parents and instead be like Jesus, then become a good shepherd? The reason why I ask this question, is because today our children, friends, family and even ourselves require a little more than friendship. Instead we all need someone that will be there for each of us through thick or thin and for better or worse. Which also means if we see someone or if we ourselves try to do something wrong or engage in sin, just like a good shepherd that attends his or her flock, do whatever it takes to make sure their sheep find their way. Its the shepherd job to protect his or her sheep, children, friends and sometimes their own parents from themselves or from the evils of the outside world. Even when we are not able or available to protect them in their time of need, we should never rest until we have at least have prayed for them. Why? Because a good friend, family member, parent, teacher, spouse , man or woman of God job is never done and as children of God we are all required to be good shepherds of our flock. That's right The Shepherd, in Jesus name Amen!!!
Have an awesome day,
Charles
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.




Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand


Ladies has God done anything for you? Had God delivered you or your family from any hardship? Do you see love ones being tormented with worry, fear, of unforgiveness? Does the breakup of families affect your heart? As a born again believer you have the answers to these issues.  You have the key to unlock the inner strength of your family and friends.  You have the tools and power to share the gospel of God that can change their lives. You have the most important information that can be given and you have been mandated by Jesus to share it with all others.  Ladies God is requiring each of us to step out in faith according to the same instructions he gave to is disciples, so that you are not committing the sin of silence.  You must share this knowledge of Christ or you are being disobedient.  Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand!!

Ladies we have learned today that giving the gospel away is one of the best ways of experiencing God’s power in our life, and evangelistic journey.  Can I share something with you? Virtually every earnest Christian is grieved by his weakness in this area. Did you know that? There is not a zealous Christian who feels content with his effectiveness in personal evangelism. We feel guilt for our timidity and regret for missed opportunities.  We have heard it by the grace of God. We have believed it by the grace of God. And we have been saved through it by the grace of God. And now Paul says in Ephesians 6:10 "This is the last thing I want to say: Be strong with the Lord’s strength."  How do we know what Paul said is true? Well we can be certain that:  God has made provisions for us so that we can stand and not fall.  The provision God has for our protection is His armor.  He has given us a sword, and that sword is His word. We use the sword of God as a reference guide to instruct us, and remember is promises to us.  The sword (of the Spirit) Ephesians 6:17 is the only weapon of offense in the armor, but it is also a tool for defense.  Strongholds, arguments and thoughts are all weapons the enemy uses against us.  With the sword we are equipped to deal with them all.  We need to trust in the truth of God's word.  have confidence in the value of God's word.  We must always have a hunger and desire for it.  Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand!!

Strongholds, arguments and thoughts are all carnal weapons the enemy uses against us.  Isn't it funny how people of the world use the same tactics against us.  With the sword we are equipped to deal with them all.  We need to trust in the truth of God's wordLadies you must have confidence in the value of God's word.  Get a hunger and desire for it.  One thing for certain God will always make sure we are equipped through prayer and supplication, and give us a shield of protection as our helmet.  The helmet is our protection so we do not fall in worldly confrontation, are let our thoughts get cloudy with vengeance.  The Lord spoke these specific words: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” Isaiah 55:8.  This is the Lord's declaration!! There is confirmation in 1Peter 3:15 that explains how you should stand when you go forward to share God's word, are even when you are taking a stand against the wiles of the enemy.  Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand

A Parallel in 1 Peter 3:1 The very word "ready" is used in the same kind of exhortation.  Ladies we have to always be ready to make a defense to anyone who calls us to account for the hope that is within us, we must do it with gentleness and reverence.  The more ready and equipped you are to move with the gospel, the more life, power, joy, and security you will know, and have in the Gospel of Christ.  Ladies taking a stand will not only help cultivate your spiritual connection with Christ, but it will help you when you stand to share His word through opportunity.  The 'Armor of God" is not just for our protection, it is a call of obedience and trust we have in God.  God will not leave us without a safety net.  God will give us:

      Belt of truth - "Stand firm in the belt of truth" Eph 6:14

 Be Steadfast and Unmovable:The belt of truth involves two places; our hearts and   
 our minds. 
 Truth keeps us secure in Christ and makes effective all the other pieces of armor.

 Breastplate of righteousness – "with the breastplate of righteousness in place," 
 Ephesians 6:14

A soldier with a breastplate goes into battle boldly with confidence. The devil is constantly attacking with lies, accusations and reminders of past sins. Without the breastplate of righteousness, these will penetrate your heart.  Ladies you have to become aware of who you are in Christ Jesus.  Look what it says in Hebrews 4:16, "Come boldly into His presence." Ladies not only must you walk in boldness, but you must have childlike confidence knowing that God has equipped the very being inside of you.
     
      The Shoes - (of Peace & Preparation): "For shoes, put on the peace that comes      
      from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared." Ephesians 6:15

Shoes allow us to step freely and without fear while we turn our full attention to 
the battle at hand.  They aid in our movement and defense.  

The shoes God gives propel us onward to proclaim the true peace, which is 
available in Christ. Prepare yourself to follow the Lord no matter what. 


For He Himself is our peace" Ephesians 2:14-15 



Shield of faith - "Taking the shield of faith" Ephesians 6:16 


Taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."
 

Helmet of salvation - "Take the helmet of salvation" Ephesians 6:17

Satan's target: Your mind. “Nor is there salvation in any other" Acts 4;12

Satan's weapon: Lies. The enemy wants to make us doubt God and our

salvation. The helmet protects our minds from doubting the truth of 

God's saving work for us. For eternity: 2 Cor. 4:16-18



Ladies sometime we have too take the initiative and lead by example.  Ladies, we do not  have to be helpless victims anymore, just like a child is carried in the strength of his/her father's arms, let God carry you today.  We have to learn how to be strong, not in ourselves but in the Lord and His mighty power!! We are women of God, divinely created in the uniqueness of God.  We have the power and strength to stand on God's Holy word.  God has given us a lantern that is like a beacon of light to direct us in the right path.  Ladies the example has already been paved for our walk with God.  Just think about these women in the bible who stood in the strength of God, which is like a guideline to help us understand exactly what they have learned during their difficult time in life.  


Naomi - Even in her personal tragic circumstances God was showing his providential care. In fact, even in her moment of bitterness she called God "the Almighty", a name which speaks of God as the provider and protector.



Esther - Esther saves her people, brings about the downfall of their enemy, and elevates her kinsman to the highest position in the kingdom. Esther becomes the model for the Jew living in exile.


Deborah – Deborah relationship with God was first. She was also a wife, perhaps even could have been a mother, and she was a judge. She balanced many roles and with each role we are not told she did not have "the time" to fulfill a certain role. She served God faithfully and God provided Deborah a way to balance all her roles according to His calling.  Deborah spirituality, power, and inner peace were not disturbed by either adversity or prosperity. She was stable and of strong character.   


Ladies visualize this in every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Instead remember Paul’s word, “Finally, be strong.” But how, where will you get the strength, how can you receive the strength? We can be strong in God’s strength.  Ladies be blessed, my prayer for you today is that you continue to walk circumstantially in the will of our Lord and Savior.  After you done all you can:
Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand


Sincerely, 



Diane



 


Thursday, October 3, 2013

No Weapon

Have you ever felt like the whole world was against you or that no one believed in your or had faith in your abilities? Or are you in a place where, everywhere you turn people doubt, then talk about you or they put you down? Some may have hated you because you were to tall, short or small and some simply because you happen to have your own hair. While others give you strange looks, because you are over weight, muscular or skinny. Then the really cruel or evil ones that talk about you or look down on you because you were born with or later developed a handicap or disability. If you have faced this, then please understand that this is the world we live in where the rich are against the poor, mothers are against fathers, children are against parents and where in some countries people will hate you just because you are from another race or religion. Its a cold hard fact, that all of us live in an imperfect word and what has or will happen is already written or foreseen.What some  people fail to realize is that we are all God's people and despite a persons income or positions we all were created equal, in the image of God. Its a persons choice if they choose to believe in God , because in the end all shall be judged by their actions, deeds or works. No man or woman has the right to judge or prejudge anyone despite a persons beliefs, handicaps, race or religion, because there is only one true God or judge and that's our Father in Heaven, Jehovah God.

While each of us should recognize that we live in an imperfect world, where there will be lots of trails or tribulations and that there is death all around us.We should never forget that real enemy is the devil that each of us have to deal with daily. Its his job to seek or destroy those who are faithful or those who love God. In order to stay safe one should never forget that, its our faith in God that will keep us safe and it will also give us power over this very powerful enemy.When the enemy attacks those who have faith, one should always know that God cares for them and he will never leave their side. Also when friends, co-workers and even some family members such as our brothers or sisters.If they try to bring you down , don't worry because if one is truly faithful, nothing they can do or try to say will cause you harm. For the word says, Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, said the LORD.
Have a blessed day,
Charles
Isaiah 45:24

They will say of me, 'In the LORD alone are deliverance and strength.'" All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame.

Isaiah 3:10
Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.
Isaiah 26:2
Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.