Archive for faith and family

For My Good

// August 13th, 2010 // No Comments » // faith and family

Things that I’ve gone through in life
I thought were too hard for me, for me to bear
The enemy tried sometimes, to make me feel just like
God did not care
But I remember reading in God’s Word
Where He said He wouldn’t put more on me than I could bear
Yes, Jesus cares, and all that I’ve endured was only for my good.
Now I know it was for good, but for His Glory
For my good, yes it was, but for His Glory
For my good, all that I’ve endured, but God gets the Glory…LaShun Pace

Our troubles and struggles are not designed to glorify US. They are designed to teach, grow, and increase us in the Spirit. However, it is through our troubles that God is…or can be…glorified in our lives.
GOD IS NOT GLORIFIED BY, NOR DOES HE GLORY IN, our pain and suffering. There’s is not a person in the world who will look upon your suffering, loss, or hardship and say, ”I want that.” Rather, He is glorified by the way that we go through; not just in the outcome or testimony, as we would like to think. But, in the actual going through.
Suffering and hardship are inevitable. Life happens to everyone; in the Kingdom or not. (…for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matt 5:45). But you should know that there are many who will be encouraged…maybe even drawn to Christ…by your attitude and endurance in the midst of.
Whether or not your challenges are used for your good, and whether or not God will be glorified in your life, are both up to you. You decide.

Are You Expecting It?

// July 10th, 2010 // No Comments » // faith and family, prayer and intercession

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. Acts 12:5-16
These folks were praying for Peter’s release, but when he showed up at their door, they didn’t believe it was him.  They were praying apparently because it was the thing to do. Obviously, they weren’t waiting for God to do it. Not only that, but when the servant girl came back and said Peter was there, no one believed her either. After she insisted it was him, they then conceded that “maybe” it was an angel. However, still no one got up and looked.
What have you prayed for that you feel God has not answered? Are you praying expecting it to happen? It matters not the words you use or how eloquent you are. It only matters that you earnestly expect an answer. When you expect an answer you are telling God “I trust you”.  Expectation has to be the core of your prayer. When you expect it to happen, your faith is huge! Why even pray otherwise?
You have to expect God to answer your prayers. Many of you may have the answer to your prayer knocking at the door right now. You hear the knock, but you think it’s something else or it’s for someone else. If you’re the one praying then you need to answer the door because you should be expecting something.

Keep At It!

// July 2nd, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized, faith and family

I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Isaiah 62:6-7 KJV

Unemployment is stretching on, and people are struggling financially. Marriages and relationships are under pressure because of finances. Children are stressed out because of the tension, and everybody is cranky cause it summertime and you’re broke, cooped up, bored, and hot! But, you can’t give up now, Saints.  You’ve got to pray, people. Pray!

As tired and aggravated and frustrated as you may be in the midst of your various situations, now is not the time to go on vacation from prayer. You must keep at it. Stop and take a breather if you have to, but don’t rest too long; and, don’t let God rest either. You need to remind God everyday of the word that He’s released over you, and expect everyday that it will come to pass!

The enemy would like to convince you that you’re wasting your time and nothing is going to change, but that is a lie. It’s already changing. Walls are coming down in the spirit. God has promised blessing, favor, and restoration to a faithful remnant. Your job is to remain on the walls, crying out to Him until He’s done exactly what He said; making YOU a praise in the earth!

I Move, You Move

// June 21st, 2010 // No Comments » // Discipleship, faith and family, purpose, vision and destiny

God doesn’t expect you to know it all, that’s His job. You don’t even have to understand for that matter. Revelation will come. He only requires that you be willing and obedient.

Don’t Get Caught Slippin!

// June 17th, 2010 // No Comments » // Discipleship, faith and family, prayer and intercession, purpose, vision and destiny

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8 KJV

Lions are very careful and deliberate in choosing their victims. They prey primarily upon the immature, the isolated and the weak. Though we are all in various phases of our walks and levels of understanding, this season has been one of the roughest ever. The Body has been nearly beaten into submission, and most of you are beat up, worn down and hiding out. You’re tired of talking, tired of fighting and tired of being tired.

Guess what? The enemy is looking for you. He’s so looking for you! Weary, alone and just trying to get some rest. And for the few of you who have had about two good days of peace and revelation and let your guard down; oh, he wants you, too. He loves a good, struggling believer fresh off a mini victory!

This is not the time to hide, quit or get comfortable. You need to keep your eyes and ears open at all times, and keep your spirit guarded. The enemy wants to take you down, but he won’t eat you all at once. His first bite will be sudden and unexpected (usually causing fear, frustration or anger), but superficial; just enough to immobilize you (get you distracted and off task). It’s not until he’s got you shaken that you get dragged to his den where he can really go to work on you!

Watch and pray. He’s looking for you. Don’t get caught slippin!

Praise It Out!

// June 15th, 2010 // No Comments » // faith and family, prayer and intercession

Psalm 34
 
In tough times we often struggle with the truth of our facts. We are consumed with our personal situations and caught up in our emotions. Though we know that God is all and Jesus is Lord, some of us still have a hard time shaking the feelings of heaviness, sadness, depression and despair; so much so that the spirits become tangible and magnified in our homes.
 
The word of the Lord is: Praise it out!
 
Of those who are struggling and can still get a prayer out, only a small percentage of those prayers are prayed in faith and expectation, so there is no praise with it. You may be tapping into a place and going up high in your prayer and feeling good right after, but find that your good “feeling” is short-lived. Prayer alone is difficult because rarely are the results of prayer immediate, leaving the perception that it doesn’t work. Well, we know that faithful, righteous prayer does work…always. But, prayer and praise works better… and faster!
 
Let me encourage you today to allow your praise to pick up where your petitions leave off, as if they’re already done; because even while you’re waiting, God is good. You need to consistently focus on the TRUTH of God’s character and His word rather than the FACTS of your reality, and give God praise. This will shift your spirit and the atmosphere. Praise it out!