Hide and seek!

When discussing the rapture, what might seem simple to others was powerful to me when the Holy Spirit revealed this to me a few years ago. I could hear the Lord saying, you know it is a lot like the game of hide and seek. I seek out the lost before they even start seeking Me, but all they want to do is hide, and then one day it is going to be ready or not here I come? when the trumpet sounds... when the rapture takes place. I am thankful to know today that I am ready.I pray that you are too! You can message me through the contact form, on the left hand side of the blog home page, if you need prayer or have questions about salvation.

Beautifully Flawed (in Christ)!

I am well aware of my character flaws (stay with me, because I am going somewhere with this to make a valid point). Maybe I have posted too many selfies on social media, posted about lots of new material items I have, and I can see how others may think that I am vain? I know that I am spoiled (I am the baby of the family). My attitude and mouth can still be my landmines and weak areas in my life that gets me in trouble from time to time, but I do believe I have grown so much. I continue to learn to stay in the spirit and keep silent towards others and certain people. It takes no effort to walk in the flesh, but much effort to walk in the spirit; push yourself to walk in the spirit daily as you crucify the flesh (die daily to your flesh). In April 2018, I will be 34 years old, and I am still way too sarcastic about some things, I talk too loud, laugh too loud, I am not a morning person, and I am usually not perky before noon. After being hurt and betrayed, used or taken advantage of more than once by the same person, it becomes a love at a distance situation for me (I don't want you to be a part of my life and maybe others see that as me not being compassionate). Although I have forgiven that person I desire to protect my heart and character. I can still whine at times but I am 80-90 something % better with that. My looks give me away with how I feel about something or someone, I wear my feelings on my sleeve, I can be tough on others when I know they know better (but not tough enough on myself). I still have a habit of staring, I am bad to interrupt during conversation and have the last word, I can still be oversensitive at times, I still deal with guilt. I am trying to be serious with this post, be transparent, to show that God is still working on me to make me what I ought to be (remember the Sunday School or Vacation Bible School song you learned, if you grew up in church like myself). To show that I am real, that I am human, that I am not some spiritual giant (by the way I dislike that term and do not agree with those who use spiritual giant, because it seems to put the spotlight and emphasis on a person rather than God and His Holy Spirit working and operating through that person), to show how God still uses you despite the enemy lying to you and telling you that you cannot be used of God or be in ministry because of your flaws, to show how patient and forgiving God is with me.

But, despite all of my flaws and shortcomings, I can say with confidence and truth that I know Jesus loves me unconditionally. I know that I am saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost. I know I have a big and caring heart and would do anything I could to help someone in need no matter how badly they may have treated me. I love with all my heart, I truly forgive. I take responsibility when I am wrong and admit it instead of throwing someone else under the bus (that was not always the case but oh how God has grown me). I do not desire to be a part of the world (I desire to conform to God's Word and not the world), I choose to use social media/this blog as tools of ministry and encouragement to testify of what the Lord has done and continues to do for me; to witness for Christ. I continue to be delivered from sins and strongholds. I have a contagious smile/laugh. I am good at lifting others up and sharing joy with others. I do walk in God's ways and have the knowledge, wisdom, and discernment (but I keep praying for more) that I need to keep moving forward in Christ and not be deceived. I am continuing to grow spiritually. I desire to seek God with my whole heart; church and salvation is not a game to me. I realize it has nothing to do with me and it is all about God and for Him to get the glory.

The whole point of this post is that I am growing closer to God despite my character flaws because the Potter is still working on this clay piece everyday, molding and shaping me to be more Christ like. He is helping me to strive for perfection as I press on to reach the day when I enter into Heaven for all eternity, completely perfect and flawless. Do not let your flaws get in the way of what God is doing and wants to do in your life.

The Spirit of Elijah!

In my prayer time today... America needs revival! The church needs revival! I am believing God for revival! God help this Nation! The country is walking in the flesh, because it has not learned to yet walk in the spirit. It takes no effort to walk in the flesh, that is why we see such a huge spiritual laziness across the  church at large. The spirit of rebellion, compromise, confusion, intimidation, bitterness, backbiting, jealousy and envy, is all over including in the churches. I’m taking my God Sword =(God’s Word) and cutting the cords of these spirits and calling forth and declaring the spirits of reconciliation, restoration, repentance, revelation, and release (the spirits that bring forth salvation, healing, and deliverance, and unity in Christ.) It takes no effort whatsoever to walk in the flesh, again that is the problem; we make an effort to be good at everything else, except walking in the spirit. Paul commands us in the Bible to crucify the flesh, stating that he died daily, meaning he died to the desires of the flesh. Rise up, discipline yourself, and make the extra effort to walk in the spirit daily (I'm talking to myself on this)... oh, we have to crucify the flesh on a daily basis. Walking in the flesh is what has got this country in the mess that it is in. People don't know what it is like to walk in the spirit, because they have never experienced the power of God, or read the Bible, or they are still just spiritual babies on the milk way past its expiration sat... and those that are on the meat, are just sitting back as the disciples of God and letting it happen. Oh Lord, what this country needs is a spirit of Elijah and I am praying for it to sweep across this nation, to come into our homes and souls... oh, the spirit of Elijah (a spirit of humility, sorrow, humbleness, and obedience to God) is what we need, for that spirit brings the power of God and the Holy Ghost anointing and fire! I am not giving up on the glory of my Jesus; I am not giving up on the presence of my God. The only thing that is going to drive us to revival and to see miracles, to see chains and strongholds broken, to see salvations and deliverance...  is faithful and persistant prayer, fasting, and the anointed Word of God. You are either for God or you are not (hot or cold but not lukewarm), remember the devil owns the fence! I AM BELIEVING GOD FOR A GREAT SPIRITUAL AWAKENING IN THIS NATION, IN OUR LIVES, IN OUR CHURCHES, KNOWING THAT REVIVAL STARTS IN THE HEART!

Why Ministry is My Life?

Ministering for the Lord is a precious job, and though I have been blessed in my life to minister in about every area you could think of, knowing no job is too big or too small, when it comes to God, I don't think anything is more precious to me than the one-on-one ministry. These messages that I get from time to time allows me to give thanks and praise back to God for using me for His glory. It is my heart's desire to continually be His hands and feet, His mouthpiece, His willing vessel, and to know when I am not accepted to shake the dust from my feet and move on to the next person(s) who need encouragment. Ministry is a full time job to me, and it is only natural to feel as if I should be doing more for the Lord. But I praise Him for the confirmation He allowed me to receive through a social media friend's message I consider facebook as one of my biggest ministry tools, and I don't take it lightly. It is never about me, it is about God getting the glory and honor He deserves, but I feel like someone needs to be encouraged to continue making yourself available to be used of God. He can use you with something as simple as a smile to brighten someones day. Don't think just because you are not in the position you think you should be in, that God is not using you. I grew up in which I was taught, just help when asked. Looking back, I am glad I did because, oh what experiences I have had while serving the Lord. Some areas of ministry, I knew immediately that wasn't for me, yet God saw my desire to try it and I am greatful that I did not miss those opportunities. When I am feeling discouraged or the enemy's lies are in my mind telling me that I am not being used of the Lord, etc... the Lord loves me enough to have somene be obedient in sending me a message to remind me of how He works thru me. As a precious lady reminded me Sunday at church, she knows her ministry for the Lord is to go pick up the elders who can't drive, and bring them to church, and how even though she has to sacrifice to do it, the Word tells us that "obedience is better than sacrifice". In that moment she reminded me that my odedience to minister with encouragement touched more lives than I would probably ever know. God has reminded me this week of how He as allowed me to minister in different ways and different avenues, during particular seasons of my life because in those moments that was the ministry I needed to be involved in to keep growing spiritually, whether it was on the platform in music ministry or in the fellowship hall stacking chairs, etc. In this season of life, I know my purpose is to pray and encourage. I know God wants me to be an encouragement throgh social media and this blog, so He can show His goodness among the bad. I know my calling is a prayer warrior and intecessor and I don't take that lightly either, because everything I have went through  prepared me for these days. I always pray for God to use me and to guide me on what I need to share. My posts are for your benefit, and I am thankful for the reminder to keep going. Let us encourage one another in the Lord, to get ready, be ready, and stay ready because He is soon returning!

The Altar, Alters You!

People can easily spend an hour on social media accounta but after only a few minutes around the altar at church, they are ready to leave. We may be into microwaving but God is into marinating.  “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength”… (Isaiah 40:31).  Some churches have completely removed altar calls and invitations, while others put altar call on a 3-5 minute time frame. In churches today, working to create the guest friendly short service may have cost us the lost art of waiting on God.  The great work that has been done by the Holy Spirit while the saints waited on God around the altar is immeasurable. How can we expect God to alter our lives and our situations if we don’t spend time at the altar?!

God's Holy Remnant!

So thankful God led me to the word about the cost of the anointing and the word on the Holy Remnant. The anointing will not come for those who are spiritually lazy; there is a cost that comes in which there are suffering of consequences and you are misunderstood on all sides, but the Holy Remnant God is rising up in these last days will be small in number. Why small? Because it will be those who continually seek God's face, study His word, those willing to suffer for Him, those who desire to walk in God's spirit and truth, those who want to live holy and sanctified, those who refuse to compromise and conform to the world. Oh, God will pour an even greater anointing on you, and He will speak to you and through you, He will use you in ministry, He will push the enemy and those he uses aside and rise up His Holy Remnant but not without a cost! Below are the two youtube links to these messages as shared by David Wilkerson.

The Cost of the Anointing: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u71I3myRrQA

Holy Remnant: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GHX9yxZL8C8

Being Persistent in Prayer!

After gathering together today to watch the WAR ROOM movie with my church group, and as our women's ministry embarks on our WAR ROOM Bibly Study journey over the next few months, I am making a commitment and want to challenge those in Christ to do the same; a commitment of persistent prayer. Though this wasn't my first time to see the movie, this was the first time something powerful begin moving within my spirit; and how the Lord is teaching me to never cower down to the enemy and his troops. That's why the enemy fought me so hard to even get to church, to watch the movie for that matter. My car wouldn't crank, oh but there was a backup car in the garage to drive. I go to move my stuff including the finger foods I was to bring, to the other car and the next thing I know the food and bowl are laying all over the garage floor, oh but I had backup food in the house to take. When the enemy knows you are fixing to take a great stand against him, he is going to fight in any way possible. But, in the name of Jesus you have to fight back, you have to fight back with being persistent in prayer, pushing through and pressing on.

The next time that you pray, I want you to visualize the demonic forces vanishing as you mention the name of Jesus. I want you to think of them as darkness and to visualize yourself holding a lamp in your hand. Rebuke satan in the name of Jesus and watch him disappear before your “spiritual eyes.” But you have to be persistent, because he will come back continually and try to regain control. Remember that our war is an ongoing war, so don’t ever stop fighting the fight of faith. Rebuke the devil and his evil forces every single day of your life, and soon you will find freedom from those things that bind you. The WAR ROOM challenge is being persistent in prayer. 

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities {satan's the head of this structure}, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. 

As I journal my prayers, I encourage you to pray with me, those who are struggling with an inner war of being bound up with past situations, knowing this no longer has to be a stronghold in your life: "In the name of Jesus, I rebuke all evil influences from my past right now; all demonic forces, I rebuke them in the name of Jesus... satan, I command you to leave now! Get out, in the name that’s above all names; in the name of Jesus! I declare myself free from all past iniquities; I declare victory over my past. I renew my life today, and satan, you have no power over me. I am covered with the blood of Christ. I command you to go now in the name of Jesus; in the name of the Truth. Go back to your place of darkness. My past is behind, and I declare myself free today... satan, get out! I order you to leave NOW. Any demonic force from my past, present today in my life, I command you to go now, in the name of Jesus... satan, you have nothing against me because you were defeated at the Cross, so I command you to depart from me in the name that’s above all names; in the name of Jesus, the Truth, and the light of this world. I declare myself free and ready to serve my Lord. Thank you, Lord. I praise you today and every day of my life. Thank you! Amen."

I encourage you download the kindle version of Willie Estrada's book "Spiritual Warfare for beginners" or order the paperback book on amazon.com.

The Rise and The Fall!

Eli was the High Priest over the Tabernacle in time prior to the Prophet and Judge Samuel.  No doubt in his younger years Eli was true to the teachings of God, but as he grew older he began to compromise.  He had two sons, Hophni & Phineas, that he was preparing to take over for him when he passed on (his successors), and these sons were wicked. Eli knew of their wickedness and rebuke them but ignored it. Eli did not openly rebuke them in front of the Tabernacle crowd. Eli did not tell his sons to go on their way because of their open rebellion and sin towards God. Why? I think bcause Eli was comfortable, loved, and accepted – he did not want to rock the boat. After all, he was the respected and venerable “Old Man” that had served faithfully in his younger days and had been in his position for years. 

God grew angry over Eli’s refusal to openly rebuke sin, and he raised up a young boy named Samuel to replace him.  Even though Eli was old and respected, God’s judgement was that he would raise his own successor and it would not be his wicked sons. When Samuel was a little older (in his teens, theologians say 14 or 15 years old) and Eli’s eyes were so weak to the point of blindless, the Lord Himself spoke to Samuel. In the middle of the night, the Lord “came and stood” in Samuel’s room (1 Samuel 3:10) and told the young boy to deliver to Eli the message that it was almost time for the prophesied judgment to fall upon his family (verses 11–14). Eli humbly accepted God’s decree, and Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord in Shiloh
(1 Samuel 3:19–21).

On the day that the Ark of the Covenant was captured the sons of Eli were killed in the battle, Eli fell over (he was very fat though the word of God states) in his chair and died of a broken neck, and a grandson was born through his son Phineas' wife who died after giving birth but not before she named him “Ichabod”, which means “the glory has departed”. 

**Read the first three chapters of 1 Samuel for the whole story. **

The lesson we learn from this is that it is possible to start out well in any ministry or journey with the Lord and end wrongly. It is possible to allow success and longevity to become a stumbling block to the later years in ministry. It is possible to be true for years, but compromise in the end. 

We must always guard ourselves that we do not become as Eli and grow soft in our later years. We do not want to become a memory of what we were in the beginning. We do not want “Ichabod” to be written over our hearts, over our churches, and over our legacy.  We do not want the glory to depart.

I told satan get thee behind!

Know that the devil is trying to zap everything out of Christians (from your hope, peace, strength joy, healing, salvation). The enemy's furious, he wants to suck the power of God & anointing out of your life, he's at work to try to destroy & overpower you. But turn away from that; wake up and realize that the devil has NO POWER OR AUTHORITY OVER YOUR LIFE, UNLESS YOU GIVE IT TO HIM. It's past time to tell the devil that he's over instead of listening to his lie that you're over! It's time we no longer cower down to the enemy, and bind together rebuking his attacks, lies, schemes, and blasphemes. God will not be mocked. God is control and when enough is enough He will handle it.

Obedience is better than sacrifice!

Luke 6:38 "Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over". I have prayed about sharing what the Lord done today. I know that I am being obedient in sharing this because someone else may be struggling with being obedient to God in this very moment. As I was in a store earlier today, the Lord begin to speak to my heart about purchasing something for someone else. I didn't hesitate in that moment and after finding what the Lord directed me to buy, I went to check out and hesitated in that moment as the items were being scanned because I was thinking this may cost more than I was anticipating? But, the Lord kept directing me to do this, and that He would bless me for it. Although I was not doing it to be blessed, I just wanted the other person to be blessed. I could not see the prices as she was ringing them up, but when the cashier told me my total was $8.64, I was shocked. The cashier assured me that it was the right amount, as there was a sale going on that I was not aware of? Wow, I just started smiling, thanking God in my mind! A friend that was with my mama and me, told me that she knew God was going to give that money back to me, then I heard loudly in my spirit, "by tonight". Well, I did not give it a second thought, as it was not an amount of money for me to be overly concerned about. But, as I pulled up to our mailbox this evening and went through the mail, I felt compelled to open this envelope before I even pulled into the driveway and here was this rebate check for $10.48. There was my money back and then extra. I just sat there amazed for a minute, and as I got out of the car, the Lord was reminding me that He was not man, He does not lie and how if you will trust Him and live in obedience to Him, giving Him what is His, He will take care of you. If He says He will give back what you sacrificed because of your obedience to Him, He will. In 1 Samuel 15, God says that “obedience is better than sacrifice". What seemed so minor and inexpensive on my part was a major need met in this person's life that was not known to others. If it is something small or big, that you are struggling with and God is wanting you to do, just step out in faith and obey Him. He will take care of you and the needs will be met. Getting the check did not move me to tears, but that fact that God proved Himself again to me today, did! Sometimes we are so distracted and upset about the enemy's schemes, that we cannot see God working in our lives. Then, something like this gets your focus back to where it needs to be, which is living for and serving God, ministering for Him, and being His hands/feet each day you are still on this earth!

Forgiveness and Cutting Ties!

You have the right to protect yourself and your family members from danger, whether it is physical or psychological. If you truly want peace, you have to be the one to make the changes. You have to pray and know when to walk away with your head held high. Forgiving someone is biblically mandatory, but you can both forgive from your heart and then remove yourself from further offense; it is called "cutting ties". You know the saying, "shame on you if you fool me once, shame on me if you fool twice". I say that there is not a third part of that saying, because you have a right not to be fooled a third time. But aways forgive without limit, because Jesus has forgiven you without limit. You can forgive and cut ties without harboring bitterness or holding a grudge. But when it comes to the company you keep remember this: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20).

With some relationships/friendships the Lord is wanting to remove you from a toxic situation that He no longer wants you to be a part of. Yes, you may be heartbroken at first, but eventually peace will come. And after a while, you will feel relief, joy, and gratitude. Understand that your Heavenly Father is protecting you and removing a burden from you. Once we have done what we could to live in peace, we are free to walk away. We are only responsible for doing our part, but if the other person is not doing their part, it is time for us to move on and live the life of peace, joy, and freedom in Christ that God intended for us as His children.

And something that has really helped me to grow spiritually is the Lord speaking this to me: "You do not have to prove yourself to anyone except Me. You do not have to defend yourself. I am your defender. You are never going to satisfy or please critical people, no matter how much you try, so you might as well save yourself a lot of time and not try to justify it with a response".

When you quit fighting and let the Lord fight for you, when you quit leading and let the Lord lead you, when you quit speaking out towards allegations and let the Lord speak for you, when you quit defending and let the Lord defend for you, when you quit trying to prove yourself to others about who you really are, and let the Lord prove who you are, and when you quit relying on a relationship more than your relationship with God... oh, how it changes situations and your life; I am speaking from personal experiences!

Victory is on the Horizon!

Praying and staying in the word of God is what will get you through. The Lord led me to Isaiah 43:14-28 which is scripture where God promises victory. Again saith the Lord, victory is on the horizon. God will send an army, He will make a path to cross over in the middle of deep waters, He will redeem. He will also do a new thing in you and create a pathway through the wilderness, to come home to Him. He will create rivers in the desert and that means His people will be refreshed. He will blot out your sins, never to be remembered again. Yes victory is on the horizon, if you ask for God's help!

Isaiah 43:14-28 King James Version (KJV)

14 Thus saith the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.

16 Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

17 Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.

18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

20 The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

22 But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.

23 Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.

24 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

26 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.

27 Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me.

28 Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches.

Do NOT take God's Healing Power for Granted!

I just want to thank the Lord for healing me! I survived the flu! These last 10 days have been rougher and tougher than some of the surgeries I have recovered from. I will spare you the details. I am just very thankful to still have life, and I am ready to praise my Lord for what He's done for me! You know the Lord and me have had a lot of one-on-one time through this. The majority of the time praise & worship music has been playing in my bedroom, while He's been speaking to my spirit about how people forget to praise Him when they recover from a simple cold, a stubbed toe, a cut that heals with no infection, etc. See, we tend to box God's healings into only something big and miraculous such as cancer being gone, blinded eyes opening, the lame walking again, deaf ears opening, a deadly disease suddenly being gone, etc. Oh, but if we only knew the healing we receive when we do survive a small infection, a cold, the flu, pneumonia, etc. when so many others have died because of some illness that started out small. Our mindset on healing would change drastically. God has given me small glimpses into how He has healed me many times over from small illnesses over my life and how I did not praise Him. I have been overwhelmed by His Holy Spirit and healing power through this whole ordeal. He has taught me a powerful lesson through all of this, that I almost cannot put into words. I just know what I had was rough and the meds could only do so much to help the symptoms, but God stepped in and being the great Physician He is, allowed my body to do what it needed to do to fight this off and I waited it out. I do NOT want to take God's healing power for granted, I do NOT want to box His healings into a certain category, and I do NOT want to put limitations and restrictions on Him! ♡

Our Mind is not a Trash Bin for the enemy!

Isaiah 26:3-4 - "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock." NLT

These are very encouraging words of scripture. As long as I keep my mind on the Lord the bad does not seem to bother me, but once I take my mind off Him, the devil takes control and I become heavy burdened and distressed. However, the Lord gives me strength to overcome the bad with His supernatural strength that will never run out. I do not fear what lies ahead, when I keep my thoughts fixed on the Lord. We have a God in Heaven to trust, because who else could we fully trust with our lives? Our mind is not a trash bin for the enemy, because that is where the battle starts; in the mind. When we stay steadfast in God's word and read His word, we begin to empty our minds of all the trash and keep His word in our hearts. He will keep us in His perfect PEACE; that awesome peace which passes all understanding.

Character is greater than comfort!

God is more interested in our character than our comfort. We, on the other hand, are too often more interested in our comfort than the character of God being developed in our lives. If we were to go through this life without any struggle, we also would be without compassion for anyone who does struggle. It is best if we be clay in the Potter's hands, let Him mold us and shape us into His image during difficult times. During those difficult times it is okay for our clay pots (meaning us) to be broken, because that just means God is still shaping us. Then we will be able to minister/show the love and compassion of God to others. Do not be surprised if Jesus allows you to experience some painful circumstance. You may be the subject of a divine setup designed to bring you to a greater maturity level (spiritual growth) in your walk with Jesus. It may not be a fun experience when you go through it, oh trust me, it will be hurtful and painful, but you will become a leader whom God will use to lead others into deliverance and victory. God is working behind the scenes, on your behalf, to bring about your deliverance and victory. As I always tell others going through the testing, GOD KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING... SO TRUST THE PROCESS! (This is exactly what I walked/went thru in 2016, but I would go through it all over again.)

Speak Life to Yourself!

Sometimes you have to look at yourself in the mirror and speak life over yourself and encourage yourself. Look at yourself in the mirror daily (or more than daily if that is what it takes) and say, "I am beautiful. I am a child of the most High God. With God ALL things are possible. I am an OVERCOMER. I am strong in the Lord. I will NOT be defeated. I know God will never leave me nor forsake me no matter how many times I may mess up. I am covered by God's grace and forgiveness, mercy and protection, love and compassion!"

I encourage you today to encourage yourself because sometimes you need it. When it seems like everyone is saying bad stuff about you and you start to feel defeated, you lift your head up and encourage yourself in the Lord, with boldness. Do not listen to the lies of the enemy, and do not sit in the corner and snack on satan's lies when you can be sitting at the head of the table feasting on God's promises.

Bible Journaling Journey!

This is my challenge to stay in God's word daily, to study/read it more, and to only grow closer to Him as His return draws nearer. ☆ Dedicated to my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ and the greatest mother in the world for buying me this special Bible, in perfect timing. This is surely taking me on a "Journaling Journey" to draw even closer to the Lord. ♡ This creative Bible is an answer to my prayers in finding relief from grief, depression, pain, and attacks... through doodling the Lord's words I find peace, healing, and protection. I find calmness in this style of studying and reading the Bible: for someone who has always loved to draw, doodle, trace, color, and write: why not turn that hobby into special time with God?! For it is truly a good thing to be obsessed with His Word, to have the addiction/habit to be in the Bible daily. My prayer in sharing this journaling journey with you, is that it not only blesses and encourages you to saturate your mind in God's Holy Word, but that it will also help someone to turn their life over to God for the first time or again, to help someone not give up, and to help someone realize that the Word of God is the only addiction you need and the only one (i.e. habit, addiction) that will satisfy your soul!

God wants to grow a forest; satan wants to expand a wasteland!

God wants His Word to be planted in your heart, take root, and produce a harvest of righteousness. But just as much, the enemy wants to do whatever is necessary to prevent that from happening. The evil one, satan, is present and active every time the Word of God is spoken, because the enemy doesn’t want God’s Word to get to your heart.

Matthew 13:19 - "When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path."

Do you realize that spiritual warfare is taking place every time God’s Word is shared? When you open your Bible, hear something from God in prayer, listen to a sermon or praise song/hymm, have a conversation with someone about the Lord... God is sowing a seed in your life with the hope of transforming you and making you more like Jesus. But the evil one wants to snatch that word away, he wants you to ignore it, and he wants you to neglect it. The evil one intends to distract you so you forget about the words of/from God. It can  described like this: God wants to grow a forest; satan wants to expand a wasteland. So, when God speaks to you, value that Word, guard that Word, nurture that Word, and then watch as that Word changes your life and the life of others.

Giving it ALL up to follow Jesus!

As I was praying and reading the Bible some time ago, I heard the Lord speak this to my spirit: "My daughter, your loyalty to Me takes precedence over loyalty to family/friends when the two come in conflict".

If the disciples of Jesus had to leave it all behind, take up their cross and follow Jesus, who are we to think we don't have to do the same. A relationship left behind that was jeopardizing your relationship with God, will be worth it come eternity. The Lord is also a jealous God and if you begin relying on another relationship more than Him... He will step in.

"Peter said to Him, 'We have left all we had to follow You!''I tell you the truth,' Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.' "
Luke 18: 28-30

Peter says, however, "We have left all we had." They have no more to give but their all. Yes, Peter may have still owned a boat rented out to other fisherman. And, his wife probably still lived in the family home in Capernaum. In that moment, Peter and his friends do give up everything they have of value to follow; the comfort of their homes and wives & children, their status in the community, friendships, paying jobs, a place to sleep at night, relative security compared to the death threats of Jesus' growing list of enemies. Peter and his friends gave up everything they had to give in order to follow Jesus. Their obedience was truly better than sacrifice, as the Word tells us, your obedience to Jesus will be better in the end than the sacrifice of your relationships, etc.

I will PRAISE the Lord!

Through any sickness I face, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD... through any attacks of the enemy, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD... through the enemy's lies and distortions, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD... through any frustration, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD... through any heartache, pain, trial, and hurt, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD... through any disappointments, exhaustions, questions, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD... through missed church services, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD... through rain or shine, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD... through physical, emotional, spiritual, or financial problems, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD... through it all, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD!

4 quarters or 100 pennies?

As I grow spiritually, I see my inner circle getting smaller. I see a shrinking circle so-to-speak. I don’t think the shrinking circle is a mistake, as I see that we are living in the last days. I believe the Lord directs who is in my life and who is not at each season. Everyone wants to be liked, but you cannot be friends with everyone. In fact the Lord spoke to my heart one time, and said that weeding in your life is hard and painful but good seeds cannot grow in bad soil. When it comes to inner circles, the Lord led me to this Scripture. "…God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, EIGHT persons, were brought safely through water." 1 Peter 3:20b (8 persons were Noah, his wife, his three sons and their wives)

I trust what plans the Lord has for me until He returns to get me, but as you continue to grow in Him it becomes more about fully relying on Him and not others. When it comes to that circle of friends, those I trust, I always say that I would rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies; let that sink in. Trust God when the weeding process is happening in your life.

Good Morning Lord!

This morning as I woke up, I said, "Good morning Lord, I am awake and ready to listen to You". I am not very talkative (i.e. I am not a morning person) in the morning so before getting out of bed, I try to be still and listen to the Lord, ready to hear what He might have to say to me as I get ready to face another day. Though I have been in the midst of great spiritual warfare, God is bringing me through. Before I got out of bed, the biggest smile went across my face because it was just like I could see the ole enemy with his legs crossed, scratching his head, and saying that he was sure this battle would have caused me to lay down in defeat, but I don't understand, how she is still going?! That is right devil, I am still going, you have no power to take me out, I may struggle but you will NEVER see me quit. God goes before me and paves every crooked path straight, He rises up a standard against the enemy when he comes in like a flood. God knows what He is doing, I need only to be quiet, be still, know that He is God and let Him be my shield and defense.

Making the most of every opportunity!

It is my heart's desire to do something everyday, while I am still on this earth, that brings me closer to God. ♡ I think about how I can look for the positive in every negative situation and turn that situation into a way to minister. Even how the enemy rears his ugly head through social media but you choose to now only focus on what the Lord has done and what He is doing with this ministry tool... those comments and messages you get from others letting you know your post(s) gave them the encouragement they needed not to give up, it helped them to pray, to not give up on their marriage, they let you know they got saved and baptized at church that week... that is what I want/choose to focus on... when you are standing in line and make some stranger's day by making them smile or laugh... when you remind someone that God loves them... when all someone needed was a hug at church and no words said and you were obedient... when you study and share scripture that was an on time word for someone... when you teach Sunday School and minister at the nursing home... when you give just because gifts and let the Lord's care shine through you... when you help those in need. Oh, how it brings me closer to HIM, when I allow myself to be His hands, feet, and mouthpiece.

Learning to Not Play the Blame game!

So, like any other time I wake up earlier than scheduled in the wee hours of the night, my thoughts go towards the Lord. As I speak to Him, I know He is about to share something with me... so, I wait with anticipation... this time was no different. The Lord started speaking to my spirit about "blame". You want to know one of the hardest three-word statements to make? It is, "I am wrong." It is so easy to point out the wrong in others. It is so easy to want it to be someone else’s fault. But is it ever hard to see our own flaws and where we went wrong; what we need to own up to. Over the years, I have been blamed for a lot of things, and rightly so. My sin and failures have caused grief, anxiety, and inconvenience for friends and family (and probably even for strangers I will never know about). I have also been blamed for things that were not my fault, things I was powerless to change. But I have stood on the other side of the fence hurling accusations at others in times past. If they had just done something different, I tell myself, I would not be in the mess I am in. But the Lord has taught me to take the blame and apologize not only when I am wrong but when I am not. It is called being humble; being the bigger person. I can honestly assess what I contributed to a conflict, admit where I went wrong, and ask for forgiveness. That response will lead to humility and increase the Lord’s blessing in my (your) life. Blame hurts. So whether guilty or not, we waste lots of time and mental energy trying to find someone else to carry it for us. Jesus offers us a better way to deal with blame. Even though He was blameless, He took upon Himself the sin of the world and carried it away (John 1:29). We often refer to Jesus as the sacrificial lamb, but He was also the final scapegoat for everything that is wrong with the world (Leviticus 16:10). Once we acknowledge our sin and accept Christ’s offer to take it away, we no longer have to carry the weight of our guilt. We can stop looking for someone to blame for what is wrong with us, and we can stop accepting blame from others trying to do the same. Thanks to Jesus, we can stop playing the blame game. And if I am blamed for something I did not do or I find myself being the scapegoat... honestly, I am okay with it, because Jesus did it for me. My prayer: help me, Lord, to be honest when I am at fault and to confess it to You—instead of looking for someone else to blame. Thank You for taking my blame on Yourself, because I know honesty about my (our) sin brings forgiveness.

When Healing Comes (Do Not Doubt God)!

God has been so faithful to me (and He will continue to be), even when I was not faithful to Him. God has clung onto me when I was trying to let go, and He has stuck it out with me always. That is why He continually deserves the glory, honor, and praise. It was the stripes on the back of Jesus, that healed my diseases. I cannot quit praising God this week for what He has done in my life thus far. I remember so clearly how the Lord touched me mightily during the morning church service on December 7, 2014. By the end of that week, I had allowed the enemy to just about steal my healing from me. See, I have lived with an inner ear disease known as Meniere's since December 2006, and for anyone who does not know about this disease there is no cure and no meds on the market to treat it; you just try to play around with meds for other conditions to treat the symptoms, and it can result in hearing loss. Since December 2006, I have endured over a dozen procedures/surgeries on my right ear alone, as well as pretty aggressive treatments. Most times healings are progressive and like the woman with the issue of blood for 12 long years, in the Bible, who pressed on through the crowd of naysayers, she got desperate for her healing and received it. Well a few weeks before that service in 2014, I just happened to turn on the tv late at night to hear a man giving his testimony of God healing him from this same dreadful ear disease I suffered with. Then the week leading up to that church service, I went to my ear doctor and the results of my hearing test were worse then they had ever been, in which means the disease was progressing towards hearing loss. My doctor's words to me were, "it is almost Christmas, and I think it is time for you to ask Santa for a new ear". By that Sunday I was numb and discouraged but the Lord had different plans, and it is a service I will never forget, because that Sunday I did NOT ask Santa for a new ear, I ask the Lord for a new ear. I got desperate for my healing that day. I left church knowing that I was not going to lose my hearing, I left knowing that I was healed. When symptoms returned a couple of weeks later, depression set in but praise God I came out of that, with renewed strength and joy. But do you know something, even though I still have dizziness issues since that service in 2014, every hearing test I have had since then has been NORMAL. My hearing test was completely normal when I returned to the doctor a couple of weeks after that 2014 church service, and I will NEVER forget how the doctor sit in the room completely dumbfounded and just kept comparing the normal hearing test I had during that appointment to the previous hearing test. That is how the enemy works, as he tricks you into believing his lies. See, it wasn't that I did not receive healing, it was that enemy was messing with my mind, because symtoms were returning. I have literally been diagnosed with a dozen different diseases over the last decade, and God has mercifully healed me from all but one and it is the one that cannot take your life, it just makes you miserable at times (but I just believe sometimes the Lord knows what we need to keep us humble.) Sometimes when people have no problems at all is when they quickly forget to praise God. I have, by faith, fasting, prayer, and not giving up, set back and received my healing from each of the diseases one by one, year by year. When I do not understand God's will, I trust Him and this has all been for His glory. Until He comes back to get me, I will continue sharing my testimony, and I will continue to claim my healing and let the Lord work it out. It does not mean I will never face another problem or sickness, but I have no reason to doubt God. It is continued growth and healing until I receive my ultimate healing on the other side of glory (in Heaven).

Everything's Gonna be Alright!

If you think tonight that everything is not going to be alright, let me encourage you it will be alright, in God's time and His way and in His perfect will (I have always said that it is okay if I do not understand God's will, but I always have trust His will). I have never seen the righteous forsaken or His seed begging for bread (that is scripture). God promises to supply all of our needs according to thy riches in glory (that is scripture). When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord will rise up a standard against him (that is scripture). This week God has allowed me to hear the song "I've got a feeling everything's gonna be alright" multiple times a day, through different avenues. I think the Lord keeps drilling it in my head, because He wants me to walk in confidence every day that it will be alright, even when things don't seem like they are going to be alright. When you have God on your side, when you are saved, glory to God, everything's going to be alright because there is coming a day when we won't have to worry about anymore sickness, anymore pain, anymore death, anymore sorrow, anymore tears, anymore fears, anymore frustration, anymore depression or despair, or anymore addictions or sin. Even when I am down and in the valley, I know that everything is going to be alright!

The shout of a King is among us!

In the Bible, Balaam was hired by Balak to curse the people of God (read Numbers, chapters 22-23) The truth is that demons are on hire to curse you, but Balaam came back and said, “I cannot curse what God has blessed!” But that is not the end of the story, besides that, the shout of a King is among them. God has anointed and appointed us for this last day. What God has blessed, satan cannot curse and he cannot stop it. Oh, yes he can fight and resist it, but he CANNOT STOP IT; and the shout of a King is among us! Something happens when you shout; walls fall when you shout, demons tremble when you shout! Again, the shout of a King is among the people of God! Oh hallelujah! Jesus isn’t coming back riding a donkey, Jesus isn’t coming back to be spit upon or to be crucified again, but He is coming back with a crown, with many crowns, for those who have called upon His name to be saved, to take us home to live with him for all eternity!

Are You struggling with Ministry?

I woke up this morning with a word stirring in my spirit, whew glory to God. If you are struggling with where you should be in ministry or what you should be doing, or why aren't you yet doing what God's called you to do??? The Lord says to keep making yourself available... if someone needs help, help them in whatever area you can... pray, feed, clothe, provide shelter, provide transportation... if they need help at church than help... every area is important, whether it is cleaning, cooking, praying, teaching, singing, smiling, encouraging, greeting, or preaching. THAT IS MINISTRY AND REALIZE THAT GOD IS ALREADY USING YOU! The Lord will put you on the platform you are suppose to be on, if you keep making yourself available. You do not have to promote yourself. Your gifts/talents may be ignored or denied, but the Lord says the anointing cannot be ignored or denied! PRAISE GOD!

God's Word = God Sword (Girl's with Swords)!

When this book was given to me in April 2013, for my birthday, I truly didn't know what it meant to take up my God sword and fight for His glory. I was still at a fragile place in my life and had just really begun the process of growing spiritually (spiritually maturing). When you pray to grow spiritually make sure you are truly ready for it. The enemy is threatened by your future and he will do everything he can to lure you off God's path onto a path of destruction. Satan wants to distract you from who you are and what God's plan for your life truly is. Praying to grow spiritually is about as dangerous as praying for patience (just read the book of Job). God will remove blinders, strongholds, and you will see things as they are through your spiritual eyes. God will show unpleasant things to you, in order to help you gain more discernment, strength, wisdom, and knowledge. God will remove hindrances and distractions, but you will also be tested in areas of your life regarding your character, spiritual gifts, and how you handle opposition and adversity. I think that is why people become so complacent, stagnant, and comfortable with where they are in their walk with God. More times than not, they (we, us, I) don't want to admit they have issues nor do they want to have to go through testing. Though these past two year were some of the hardest spiritual battles (warfare) I have ever fought, I have truly learned to hold on to my God Sword and stand firm on God's word. I have bodly learned who I am in Christ; I am confident in Him. In 2016, the Lord showed me that I was going to have to learn how to NOT continually be blindsided by the enemy, and test after test has proved that God is pushing me on to victory each step of the way. God knows what He is doing, because going on five years later He brings this book to my remembrance, as I find it and start reading through it again, it quickly became evident why this book was given to me (I am thankful for the obedient friend in 2013), for these past two years have truly been me taking God's Word = God Sword and fighting through everything the enemy has put in my path (knowing what God meant when He said in His Word, I will go before you and pave every crooked path straight). I truly know what it means now to fight for God's glory! The battle is the Lord's but we have to stay armed with His Word (His Sword). When it comes down to me and the Lord, that is what matters more than anything. The enemy lost his chance to take me out, and the enemy cannot overrule what God has in store for me until He returns to take me home for all eternity. It is a must that I stay focused on the Lord and stay in His word daily! As a Christian, we are a target of the enemy, and we cannot afford to be unarmed in these last days. The church and christians will face persecution to the point where I believe we will be begging the Lord to come back and get us. I do NOT want to be deceived, and I sure do not desire or pray to be a part of the elect that will be deceived. We cannot afford to drop our God sword and crumble. We have to be like David's body guard, Shammah, in 2 Samuel 23; we have to keep the sword in our hand, stay in the pea patch, fight the enemy off and not run for the hills. Each test only brings me closer to God. I have been through enough to know God will be enough for me!

When your Words become a Sword!

The Bible tells us the many ways the Lord protects us. He protects us from the wicked, from illness, from the devil's traps and attacks to attempt to take us out, from bad weather and serious storms, and He protects us from destruction ( physically and spiritually, emotionally and financially). I believe that God’s words are a gift to us; they are a spiritual sword/weapon and our protection (God's Word spells God Sword). Are you speaking and believing His word? Some time ago, I dreamt that all my words became a sword in my hand. I didn’t understand it while I was dreaming. I just noticed that everything I spoke turned into a sharp sword in my right hand –  it would suddenly appear out of nowhere when I spoke. I understood when I woke up, that this is the sword of the Lord- a gift- for us – our protection from evil. Use it! What I spoke over my life and the lives of others was no longer death or negativity, sickness or despair. I begin to speak life and positively about situations, I begin to speak healing and hope. It does matter what you speak, so choose your words carefully. Study, learn, seek Him, and speak God’s Word in faith. I focus only on whom I am in Christ, where He is taking me, and how He is using me for His glory to advance His kingdom. I have complete peace and the Lord has strengthened me over the past year to face what ever lies ahead without fear or doubt. As I had the opportunity recently to minister to someone and pray with them one on one, that is when God reminded me again how important it is to speak His word over our lives daily! May the Lord bless you and protect you. Remember all the Lord’s promises are YES and AMEN in Christ Jesus. The Lord is a shield for all to look for Him for protection. He will protect you wherever you go, for His name is a strong fortress. Run to Him for safety. God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and self discipline (sound mind). Do not fear bad news, but confidently trust the Lord to care for you. He will strengthen you when you feel faint. Wait on the Lord and He shall renew your strength. You shall run and not be weary, walk and not grow faint.

I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
Psalm 4:8

For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Psalm 32:7

The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27