Expect Him

Last night I dreamt I was visiting a friend. In the midst of visiting out came a group of people who made donations towards my calling. Instantly, I was in tears in this dream. I did not know any of the people in my dream and I never mentioned what I was pursuing, people just gave.

This past Sunday I went to the altar and I gave the Lord my all my concerns about finances for this mission He has placed on my life. To dream what I have dreamt assures me that He has received my concerns and it is no longer a burden, for He is to be expected to take care of the finances of His will.

When we expect great things from God and do great things for God, we in fact are following the footsteps of Christ. Jesus expected much from the Father and He attempted much. When feeding the 5000 Jesus expected God to multiply the little to feed masses. When He was on the cross He expected God to bring Him back. These things He expected from the Father were not ordinary things, it was great things. His expectations showed great faith. It showed He knew God on a level of keeping His word.

Jesus constantly worked when He was on earth. As a child he could grasp the attention of others. Once He ministered saying “I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" (John 9:4).

Jesus was disciplined in working; the same strength that manifested within Christ is to be developed in us. Not once do we see Jesus complaining of working. Even when He was on the cross He did not complain.

Our heavenly Father is there for us. “Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered” (Psalms 40:6).

As you lay our concerns on the altar, He wants you to keep them there and He will assure you that He has it all worked out. Some of us take our concerns to the altar and tell the Father to take them but we pick them right back up.

Maybe you think He needs your help. Perhaps you need the problem just a little bit longer.

When you turn your focus from pressing forward you loose sight of 'the will' and create a new will. When you try to design a plan to take care of matters that are not your responsibility you get off the boat.

Today if you are wondering why is this life so hard. If you are tired of never having a balanced life; leave that extra baggage at the altar.

Consider revising your plan. Entreat the Lord to know Him in a more intimate way of reliance. Pray to God to give you strength to look to Him. Ask God to give you the right mind to just depend on Him. Call upon the Lord to give you assurance as you trust, rely and focus on Him.

Help and Tell

The other day I was surrounded by a group of children in a church. They were having a discussion about sin.

An adult asked them if they knew what sin was. Shy to respond to the lady, she replied “Sin is evil doing as well as a mistake you might have made at some point.”

The youth’s eyes were filled with interest once she said “I have made many mistakes.” They sat at the edge of their chairs, as she said “let me include you in on a little secret, so have your parents.”

She revealed one of many mistakes that she made and they opened up. One eleven year old said, “Mistakes are good for you because you learn from them and grow.”

As I thought of this predicament, I considered our young people today and their outlook of sin. Many of them are not aware of what sin is and how it is harmful.

In life the mistakes we make are not a secret. Our heavenly Father knows everything we do. It is when we try to keep our mistakes a secret that someone will fall and be hurt.

Consider Abraham, he went to Egypt because there was a severe famine. He told his wife to pretend she was his sister. Sarah was beautiful and he knew the Egyptians would fall over when they got a look at her. He believed they would kill him but spare her life if they presented themselves as married.

He said to Sara, “Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you” (Genesis 12:13).

The Egyptians did think she was beautiful. She was taken into the palace and they treated Abraham well (Genesis 12:14-16).

But Pharaoh and his household was inflicted with serious diseases by the Lord because of Abrahams wife. Pharaoh called Abraham in his room and asked “What have you done to me, why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?” (Genesis 12:18)

Because Abraham lied Pharaoh and his household had became ill with diseases. It is against God to mess with a married woman just as it is against God to lie. Nevertheless, the trickling of this mistake does not stop here.

Isaac Abraham’s son came to a time that there was a famine in the land. He went to the king of the Philistines in Gerar. “When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he said, ‘She is my sister,’ because he was afraid to say, ‘She is my wife.’ He like his father thought the men would kill him on account that his wife was beautiful” (Genesis 26:7).

Abimelech said to Isaac. “What have you done to us?” one of the men might have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guiltiness upon us. “And Abimelech charged all his people, saying; He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death” (Genesis 26:10-11).

This repeated act tells me that Abraham never sat down to tell Isaac the mistake he made. It reveals that Abraham must have felt bad about his actions. Perhaps it was unheard of for him to speak of it again because of the infliction that he caused upon the Pharaoh.

How many mistakes have you made and not shared with another? The youngster recognized that mistakes are good for you because you learn from them and grow. What area in your life are you not fertile because you refuse to share a mistake that has been made in your life?

Don’t be ashamed to the point that you cause another to fall. Be a blessing and help someone else today from falling. Look at the youth in your life and help the generations that are coming behind you. Reveal what the Lord has placed on your heart to reveal and be a testimony.

Pray to God to help you share the true meaning of sin to others. Ask the Lord to grant you an opportunity to admit your faults or areas you have felt victimized so someone else might not be a victim? Call upon the Lord to help you increase the awareness of sin to others. For the Lord calls us to encourage one another.

I Thank Him

This morning when I woke up the house was quiet for a moment. All I could consider doing was thanking the Lord. He has been so good to me and my family. He has brought me from being arrogant about doing things only my way to yielding to His way. He did not force me to change. He gave me opportunity after opportunity to just say yes to His will. I love Him for that.

Isn’t He an awesome God? Man doesn’t give you chance after chance. If you mess up with man that’s it, they cut you off and do not want to be bothered with you any more but my God…my God gives chance after chance.

I thank Him this morning for being understanding, compassionate, loving when I couldn’t even love myself. I thank Him.

The song says “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:2-3).

Because He is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) we can and shall praise Him. Everyone is facing some sort of trail in there life; there is some issue going on right now today in everyone’s life but that issue, that trail is not bigger than the Lord and for that very reason we shall praise Him.

This is the day that the Lord has made (Psalm 118:24) and on this day you live. I read the oldest man in the world, that happen to be an African American died at 112 years old. It amazed me because this man was called the man of three centuries. "He lived four years in the 19th century, 100 years in the 20th century, and 8 years in the 21st century.”

It was reported that he lived off his children and devoted his life to his friends and family. He survived his four children, 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren. This reminded me that God is still in the business of doing miraculous things.

Today, you might be aware that the year is ending but God is not ending. He is still granting opportunities for us to worship Him and for Him to bless you.

Today consider changing your perspective as you go in the New Year. Ask the Lord to help you focus on praising Him and demoting your problems. Call upon the Lord and praise Him on this day.

Top Secret

When I was younger I had a math test that I did not do well on. I was so ashamed of it I could not stomach to tell my mother. I felt terrible, my mother was a school teacher and I thought because she is a teacher there was no reason that I should do wrong in my studies. I felt she would have thought "I was a failure."

I put so much pressure on myself that I could not face my mother. Several times, I went to her thinking I could tell her but the words would not come out. This wasn’t a test that had to be signed and returned to school so it was left up to me; if I was going to tell her.

The first few days I was okay. I put my feelings and test away. The test was in my cubby but I kept seeing it. I took the test and put it in my folder out of my sight and for over a week, all I could think about was how she would think of me. Then I start feeling like I was wrong because I should not have kept it from her. It was then that I could not take it any more; after all she is my mother.

I am reminded of the Lord saying “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). As I search the scripture it says “we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

When we file things away we leave the door open for the enemy to dangle it in our face. We give the enemy access to show up in our hour of weakness and have victory over us.

But when we face our issue, when we stand up and say” I remember when I did what I should not have done, when I was where I had no business being. When I took what I should not have taken. When I was creeping and I should have been sleeping.”

When we confess boldly before others that we made a mistake and the Lord brought me through. When we confess before the others that I was weak but the Lord saw fit to make me strong again. When we tell people I was a victim too. It is then that we have victory over that issue leaving the enemy no access to show up because he is defeated. The devil is defeated when we overcome our embarrassment of testifying our faults; for the Lord is then glorified.

Maybe you thought I prayed about the issue and it is okay. Possibly you and the other person are not in disagreement any more and you think it is fine. But have you considered you're giving victory over by saying “I will speak of it no more.” It is through our testimonies that we uplift the name of Jesus.

Consider being an open testifier not a confidential testifier. An open testifier tells of their heart aches and pains while glorifying His name; a confidential testifier only tells some of the information leaving things humid. Is there a test you might not have passed and felt like you were an embarrassment? Has someone hurt you in such a way that you can not speak of it?

Allow God to help you face that one thing that hurts in the midnight hour. Ask God to open what you have secretly stored away. Pray to God to give you ability to be humiliated for His name. Call upon the Lord to use you so your testimony may be a blessing. “We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received our reconciliation” (Rom. 5:11). “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1Peter 5:7).

Who

I remember being a young girl, being concerned about our bills, troubled about what we would eat, disturbed about our transportation. We only had one car and I had 5 siblings and my mother was a single parent. There was no other car to get in, if one messed up.

Our car would break down very often. It is interesting, thinking about the things I was concerned about as a child. I wonder, “Why didn’t I just have happy thoughts as a kid and be concerned about my home work.” I know it has a lot to do with, my homework was never a challenge to me because I did good in my studies, but home life was always an issue.

It is not a good thing to say but it is true. In my life, there was always an issue. At one time I blamed my mother because my dad was not with us and then I blamed my dad for not being with us. It was not until I reached the age of 28 that I accepted my parents divorce.

I grew up thinking my life is hard. Then I got married and realized, “Oh those issues I was concerned about as a child, its all coming back to me.”

When I first married my husband we did not have much so I was able to with stand the hardships. We have enough now and I am most grateful for it.

This morning as I search my childhood my mind takes me to David speaking to the Lord.“You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth” (Psalm 71:20) .

David is saying the God who has gave me food when I had no food, blessed with money when I had no employment, made sure I had a roof over my head, provided for me like no other, allowed me to take vacations, see my family, be loved by others, let me see great things, that God.

The God who brought me through Katrina, Stopped the tsunami from swallowing me, restored my marriage, gave me peace in times of troubles; that God shall perk me up, breathe life into me again, stimulate me to move forward.

God has shown His people many severe troubles and will show His people many dear mercies. David said he was almost killed and buried, but the Lord will bring him up from the lowest parts of the earth.

Some of us today feel like we are being buried alive. Some are fleeing from being executed but the Lord will restore you. The fact that you are sinking is not the issue. You must understand that the Lord is allowing you to sink and since He is allowing the sinking He will do the fixing.

The more you focus on the sinking and how you are sinking the less you focus on the who that is in control of the sinking. How gets all our attention and Who is getting the least.

As the year closes consider, Who. Who brought you from the pits of hell? Who saved you from the lions den? Who gave you a blood donation so you may be seen holy? Pray to God that you stop looking at how I got to this point. Ask the Lord to hinder your thoughts from thinking, how am I going to get to the next day. Call upon the Lord to take you by the hand, cradle you so you can stand and focus on Him and praise Him.

Treatment

A child goes to their mother in tears because of doing something he was ashamed of doing. The mother asked him “did you know, you weren’t supposed to do what you did?” He slumps in his chair, with his head down and murmurs the words, “No, but I couldn’t, I shouldn’t have, but I did.”

The mother says to her son in a soft spoken voice, “its okay sweetheart, not that you did wrong but that you noticed that what you did was wrong and that you should not have done it. For that my child it is okay. I want you to work really hard to not do it again.” The boy rises up from his chair with a half smile upon his face, and joyfully says “Yes mommy, I will.”

This scenario captures my attention to Jesus on the cross speaking to God. He says to the Lord, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Jesus was basically saying to God, Daddy, these kids are crazy.

My thoughts lead me to look up the definition of crazy and it means full of cracks or flaws. I continued and considered the word insane which means mentally disordered.

I continued to think more and could see Jesus in my sanctified imagination. He was before the Father saying because these children are crazy they don't know what they are doing. They have a mental disorder;therefore, their plea is insanity.

When a person goes to court and is recognized as being insane the judge sentences the person to treatment. Many of us are doing things today and we know not what we are doing. We sense we should not do it but are vulnerable and leap to the other side, the dark side. We are insane and Jesus is still standing before the Father saying, forgive them Father.

The little boy went to his mother in tears not because he necessarily knew if it was right or wrong but he was ashamed of what he did. Just as the mother forgave her son, we have a heavenly Father, waiting to forgive us of what we have done wrong. As the year is ending don’t carry on your flaws to the next year.

Consider getting treatment before the Lord and asking for forgiveness. Pray to God that He brings to your attention all you have not repented of. Ask the Lord to forgive you and give you strength not to do such thing again. For He sent His only begotten son, so He may see us, as holy.

A.S.K.

My daughter's birthday is today. She came to me the day before advising me of her wish list. She said, "Mom I only want 2 things, one is $24.99 and the other is $10.00. You will need about$35 and you can locate them at Walmart and Toy's R Us." She continued on to tell me, it is okay if you don't get them for my birthday because Christmas is only 7 days away."

I initially wanted to ask her, who she thought she was talking to but I was reminded she is being herself. As I contemplated more on what she actually did I noticed, not only did she tell me what she wanted but she did an assessment. She located where the items were sold, how much they cost and considered a time frame of getting the items. Then I thought, well Lord that is what you want us to do.

He ask us to ask, seek and knock. We are told in the gospel of Luke 11:9-10 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Today, many of us have needs and we have yet to implement an assessment. We pray yet not for what we need. We ask and don't seek and we hate to wait.

As you face each day needing, consider taking the time to research what you need to move forward. Ask God to help you focus on your needs and not your wants. Call upon the Lord to help you wait without complaining. For He waits to supply all your needs.

Child Like Faith

I was sitting reading a card from a friend and it reminded me that Jesus has already paid the price. I immediately start thinking of how God asks His children to do things and it’s already paid for. I continued to think of how my children will ask to go to Chuckie Cheese; they don’t consider how much it cost. When they ask you to get new items they don’t think maybe Daddy doesn’t have money for it or Mommy can’t get it. Children expect their parents to get what they desire as well as need.

It’s interesting because by nature they expect and believe we can. It is when we grow and develop from the chanting words of I can’t get you this or that which spirals our development to think, no we can’t.

Jesus paid the price for you and me. To have salvation, to be free but we keep trapping our minds. Each time we question can I get through this, can I be bold for the Lord; it is as if we are saying God you are lying. Matthew 9:29 tells us we have according to what we believe. When we let our imagination override what God has said we can do which is " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). We tell the Father you are lying... I can't do that.

We all have something that we struggle with but it is up to us to take what we struggle with to the Lord, so He can work a miracle.

What do you believe today? Are you expecting God to give as a child believes? How is your faith? Instead of second guessing the Lord, ask him and believe He will. Pray to God that you have child like faith. Ask the Lord to help you trust Him fully."Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Fear

When I was a young child my sister and I played in my grandmother’s back yard. We ran through the bushes and she came through with hives. As I looked at her I started to wonder if she had them, I must have them. Her upper body was covered in hives and I stared scared because I did not know if I had what she had.

The very thought of having such hives frightened me. Ever since I was a child I have had the tendency to allow my imagination to run in fear of what might be. If I cross someone that has any type of skin rash, I too begin to act as if I have a rash. The issue is it is a fear all in my head.

I recall the story of Job and consider his one issue, fear.
“For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me” (Job 3:25).

Fear is a spirit designed to stop you. Fear can cause the worse of your imagination to be engaged. You can destroy yourself just by having fear. What do you fear?

Maybe your parents had financial problems when you were growing up and now you have fears about money or security. Perhaps you fear your fears. God’s mission is to strengthen us. When we are encountering trouble and can not discern the real problem, it could be that we are in the problem because we have, yet to identify the source.

Don’t allow your fear to control you attracting more trouble. Ask God to help you not focus on your fears. Pray to God that you look your fear in the eye and move it. Call upon the Lord to narrow the source of your fear; so you may take heed to the warning of danger. Have a little talk with Jesus today about your fear.

Release

Two friends were talking about forgiving others when that hurt you. One mentioned “it is difficult to forgive another that you viewed as a true friend, that decides to stay distant from you.” It was as if she was wounded by the pain of them being distant from her and she did not know how to get such wound to heal.

The other friend proclaimed, “If you look at the situation with your spiritual lens, you will be able to shake the dust from your feet and move on with no hard feelings towards the other.”

When a person hurts you it can be an intricate position, to forgive. As Christians we are called to forgive without the expectancy of the other apologizing. That is easier said than done yet the thing one must fathom is, it can be done.

My mind captures attention to Jesus was on the cross. Prior to Him on the cross; the disciples traveled with Jesus, saw Him perform many miracles, knew He was a righteous man yet when the hour came one disciple, Judas turned on Him. Jesus spoke to His Father as He was nailed to the cross. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

Jesus spoke to His mother Mary and His disciple John who were standing together nearby. To his mother he said: “Dear woman, Behold, your son” (John 19:26)! To John He said: “Behold, your mother” (John 19:27)! John took Mary into his home as his own mother. Of all the disciples it only records Him speaking to one.

Imagine your siblings being there for you, cheering you on, supporting you and believing the mission you have set out and even join you in the mission. One day word gets to your siblings, you think you are better than them. Word gets back to your siblings, that you are trying to force them to believe what you are doing and disregard their beliefs. Someone drops a message in their ear, they can pursue their own mission without the help of you because they are just as great, if not better than your selfish, no good sibling.

Your siblings suck in these negative words and form a belief that you are the enemy. It is the hour when all hell breaks loose that you have to jerk off your flesh and discern from a spiritual perspective, what is actually taking place.

When the serpent came to Eve, he came to deceive her (Genesis 3:1-6). Because they failed to look at their scenario from a spiritual perspective, the fall of man came about. The serpent’s goal was to get man to believe they are just as great, if not better than their selfish, strict, no good God. He wanted them to believe God wanted to keep them from the good stuff when God was protecting them from evil. Eve sucked in the negative words and the fall was engaged.

It is easy to allow our flesh to seek out our issues. It is too easy to allow our feelings of disappointment and pain to control our view. When we look at our issues from a spiritual view we have to rely on God to bring us through. It is a time to demonstrate our faith in the Lord and that is much too hard, or is it?

When Jesus was on the cross, what were the disciples doing? The disciples that displayed love for Him moments before He was on the cross, how many lashed out to those hurting Him? Because Jesus kept His eyes on the mission of God He was able to forgive them. He never asked or demanded an apology before He forgave them.

Are you hurt today? Has someone hurt you so deeply, that the wound needs more than a band aid? Call on God to give you a spiritual healing. Ask God to help you zoom in to what is occurring, for you have held on the pain, too long. Pray to the Lord as you see the true essence of the strong hold that is going on in your life, ask the Lord to release it and watch Him release a blessing in you.

Be You

Yesterday, I recalled being a teenager and having to go on stage to say a speech or perform a song or act in drama. I remembered how important it was for me to see my mother in the audience.

I would peek beyond the curtains, over and over until I saw her. If I did not see her I would have a tense feeling all inside. As it came time for me to do my part I would still seek, hoping that she was out in the audience and then I spotted her.

Once I spotted her, I was relaxed. I could say what I practiced to say because she was there. When I knew she was there I could go on with confidence, as if she was the only person in the room.

When Jesus left the disciples, He told them I must go now but I will leave behind for you the Spirit. “... I go away, and come again unto you ....” (John 14:28).

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7) The Spirit is what Jesus left as a constant reminder that He is still within. The Holy Spirit is the life of Jesus. While Jesus was human, this spirit was not available to us.

As we grow into adults we are suppose to have that same type of reliance on the Lord. We are supposed to always seek His presence. Once we gain sight of His smile, His Spirit, a feeling of relaxation shall consume us; allowing us to be free to do as He wills with confidence.

In life, we will face times that we are timid to do things; yet, if we seek the Spirit as I sought my mother, we will know that Spirit resides within us.

Don’t allow fear to override what God has given you authority to do. Pray to God to fill you with His Spirit. Call upon the Lord to rain down on you. Ask God to give you courage to be free and to be the you He created you to be. For He has left us saying “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one ...” (John 17:23).

Your Perception

Today, I got a message from someone so dear to me. She told me, “I always knew you would be successful because you have a sincere heart. That’s all God asks of us. That, and of course, trusts Him.

I sat and tears filled my eyes, feeling, so overjoyed. I can’t recall ever feeling so complete in my life. For years, I struggled with trying to balance my priorities and pursuing my writing. While trying to make such adjustment I did not consult the Lord, I didn’t even know Him enough to know,, I could call on Him about adjusting my priorities.

It was many years, before I came to understand that our Father who are in heaven cared so deeply for me. As I search my life, I believe the rejection, hurt and pain, I experienced was so I could relate to those God sends in my life. I believe the ongoing hassle of “how to balance my life and pursue my calling” is so vivid in my life because it is evident in many others lives.

To come to know who you are in God is a miraculous feeling, like no other. To be in His will is such a delight. As my faith grows daily, I am more and more at odds with the enemy; but, nonetheless, more intimate with the Father.

I compare my ups and downs in life, to the roller coaster of Job. He was doing things in a noble manner but one day he was tested. I felt like all I was doing was right; I went to college; I focused on my writing. But there was an abrupt interruption in my life, as in Job. The interruption tested my strength, but I failed.

I failed so, that I became like Adam, blaming others as He did in the garden with Eve. Because my faith was so low I could not stand. I thought less and less of myself. Others around me would tell me how much potential I had. However, when looking in the mirror I wondered who they are looking at, because I could never see her. The only thing that was clear to me was I failed. Solomon wrote, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

This is further explained when Jesus called a crowd asking them to pay attention to the words he was about to say “It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man"(Matthew 15:11).

Peter did not understand and asked for an explanation. Jesus explained “that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.
These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man"(Matthew 15:17-20).

Many struggle with their life not because they were given a bad hand but because of how they perceive themselves. When we look at our self in a depressing manner, we speak of our self in a negative manner which leads to the determination of what we will be. Our Father is most concerned with what is in our heart and what we think.

Maybe you have wondered if God cared what you thought. Perhaps you have concluded that you are not that great so God doesn’t have great things for you. Yet what is held in our heart effects us spiritually, mentally, and physically.

Consider changing your out look today. If you hear positive things from others about you, speak them over your life and receive them. Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you. Call upon the Lord to eject the negative words within so you may blossom in the Lord. “For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1Samuel 16:7).

Satisfy Him

I was talking to a friend and she was getting around to asking “how will I help in the body of the church?” It is an issue I had been seeking God about because I wanted to make sure where ever I went it was where He wanted me to go. It has been instilled in me that when you’re in His will you will be blessed. She expressed to me that the church really needs my help and hoped I was up for the challenge.

With saying all that I believe, I still have to move. I can’t just pray about it and do nothing. I have to attempt in some area, as the Lord ignites me and moves me as He sees fit. I was reminded of Jesus speaking to His disciples; He told them to go and spread the word. They were not only supposed to just stay in the ambiance of the Lord. They had a commission.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age"(Matthew 28:19-20).

When you are sent to a church it is a two way relationship- you give what you give according to God’s wishes and the church gives what it gives. If you give nothing don't expect nothing: if you half way give expect half way giving back; but, if you give your heart, love, dedication, and loyalty being obedient to God's will, God will give you the same and even more.

There are many churches hurting today for help. There are many people who have been hurt by the some of the people at the church, but we all have a commission.

Maybe someone stopped you from saying the announcements at church, or they did not let you sing “your song” they let someone else sing it. Perhaps you are not able to serve where you desire to serve but being asked to serve some where else. Serving for the Lord can’t be based on how you feel; your emotions can’t be in control. Serving for the Lord has to be based on what is needed in the body of Christ. That doesn’t mean you won’t one day get to the area you desire, it just means you have to satisfy the Lord by giving the church what is needed, first.

Consider not looking at everything that is wrong. Glance around your church and ask the Lord which one of the areas that is broken; how does He want you to serve. Look at the walls of the church and ask God do you need me to paint your house, oh Lord. Ask Him do you need me to donate the paint for the wall. Tip toe in the restroom and ask the Lord do you need me to supply hand soap, air freshener, tissue paper, anything so that when one enters the doors it smells citrus. Possibly you only need to get some plug INS, just so it smells warm when you enter, His house. Instead of rendering a wish list, ask the Father how can I be of service and where you can I serve. “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm37:4).

Happily Married

A woman speaks out loud about her marriage saying, her husband "is at odds with her. He does not help her with what she aspires to do. He never compliments her." She goes on and on as a very unhappily married woman. She states, how she does not understand how a Christian man can be so into God but not into loving her. When asked if she goes to church with him her response is “every now and then, I’ll go because it’s really nothing there for me.” Or is it?

Many view marriage as a certificate that binds two people together. However, it is a public covenant between two people with God. As the economy is experiencing its many earth quakes some people will divorce for financial reasons and then you will have many that join for assuming financial security. Nonetheless, the list of marrying another can be enduring but until the couple starts to properly live out marriage in the terms of a covenant relationship they will not get the fulfillment of being married.

To be married in covenant with God is to obey the hierarchy which God created. It is to be in submission to what the Lord has to say about marriage. When visiting the scripture we see the importance of the wife aligning with the Lord about marriage. In addition, you will discover how honoring the wife will answer the prayers of the husband.

“Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered”(1Peter3:6-7).

Are you thinking your spouse is the reason your relationship is sour? Maybe your relationship is experiencing a mud slide at this time. Perhaps your relationship has lightning every now and then. How is your marriage today? Have you wondered when will I get to the benefits of marriage? When will the happy days begin?

The unhappy married woman was able to dissect the issues she had with her husband but she could not come to terms with what was her role in the down fall of her marriage. This woman did not understand to get to her husband; she would need to follow him to church. Not because every once in a while she felt like going. Not because every once in a while they were going to be singing her favorite song but because winning the heart of her husband could be found in the house of the Lord.

Don’t be fooled by the storms in your relationship, for they could be used to bring you closer or distract you from bringing unity in your relationship. Pray to God to help you honor your spouse. Ask God to bring your relationship with your spouse closer to Him so you may grow happily married. Seek the Father about your marriage and then it shall be altered.

The Source

Saturday when I woke up, the family starts cleaning. My two year old wanted to eat but I told him “no you have to wait until we finish cleaning.” He kept hinting that he wanted breakfast and I continued cleaning. Eventually, he joined in the cleaning as everyone else. I thought it was interesting because he never asked anyone else for food, only me.

As I thought more, I considered my daughter whom went out with her friends Friday evening. I supplied her money; in case she needed something but when she got home, she said she wanted food. All of my children look to me to get them food.

My daughter showed me she could strategically think of what to spend her money on. She returned home with the money and an appetite. When we finished cleaning I then prepared breakfast for the family and my two year old was most excited looking for the next thing to get into.

My children reminded me an important lesson; we should always go to the main source for our necessities. This is how God wants His children to rely on Him. He wants us to ask, wait, join in the working, wait and then He will supply what is needed. For He is God alone, He is the source of all needs, all blessings, all strength, all vitality, "God said to Moses: I AM WHO AM,"(Exodus 3:14).

Today you might be seeking for something. You might be asking, but who are you asking? You might be waiting, but how are you waiting? You might be working, but who are you working for? This is a time in our life to recognize who the source is. Don't look to money as the source for it is "Better to be a poor person who has integrity than to be rich and double-dealing,"(Proverbs 28:6). Don't consider someone else or thing as the healer in your broken life for "He is the healer of the brokenhearted. He is the one who bandages the wounds," (Psalm 147:3).

Consider God alone as the source. Pray to God that you recognize Him as the source. Call upon the Lord to calm you in your race. Ask Him to forgive you for looking to another, for seeking something else as the source. For He is faithfull and just.

Change Come

A couple was married for over 10 years and the husband often told his wife, “I saved you from all the hell you were going through. When you married me girl, I saved your life.” The wife glances at him and roles her eyes mumbling of his arrogance.

Five years past and he is asking the Lord, “When is she going to change? He pleads to the Lord of how willing he is to go to work and provide for the family, how he goes to church every Sunday, how he is a deacon and sings in the church choir praising God but still no change.” However, the Lord is looking at him asking when will you change?

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her; to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word” (Ephesians 25-26).

The husband is instructed to love his wife just as Christ loved the church and gave his self up for the church. This scripture is saying love your wife so much that you would die. Jesus is our savior because He was willing to die.

The husband that boasts about how he saved his wife when she married him is not incorrect; he is looked upon as a savoir. However, his actions are not Christ like. Jesus did not rise and tell the people “if it had not been for me you would not be in heaven with my Father.” He did not tease the people and say “I am the savior so you better acknowledge me that way.” He gave them choice even after he sacrificed himself, because of love.

The husband is also instructed to cleanse her by the washing with water through the word. This is saying in order to get a change in your wife your words have to be raindrops of the word to her.

Some men are wishing their wife would change. Perhaps they want their wife to communicate more, respect them more or care for them more. The thought of her changing consumes their mind but as the husband the thought of you changing is far from your thoughts.

Don’t focus on when will she change, look deeper in the word as of the steps for your request to be granted. Ask God to help you die of your self. Pray to God that you sacrifice something in your life so your mate knows you are sincere. Ask Him to help you evaluate yourself for a change to come. Call upon the Lord to help you embrace your place as being pastor in your home. So your wife may present herself “as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless”
(Ephesians 5:27).

Lord Give

Last night I was in prayer about raising money for the “I Made It conference”. I have one sponsor and many people to serve. I don’t have much time before January and I just needed to hear from the Lord what to do next.

A friend emailed me this morning offering to be a sponsor. I felt odd because she was already helping me from another aspect. She gave me advice and I told her I wanted the event to be free so people can give freely. She understood and as I was emailing her back I realized I was stopping her from being a blessing to me by not freely accepting her sponsorship. I stopped in my tracks and apologized for it was as if I was telling "God no thanks, I will get it another way."

As I have been going through my growing pains; I have had to be willing to obey. I have not always felt like doing all the things in order to get this conference together but I would pray to God help me be willing to want to push forward.

“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land” (Isaiah 1:19).

I recall God talking to Moses, the Lord said “tell the children to pick what they will give as a special contribution. “You must accept whatever contribution each person freely gives. This is the kind of contribution you will accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze” (Exodus 25:1-3-7).

God was specific to Moses he says to him, tell them to give a special contribution such as gold, silver and bronze. He directs Moses to accept what they give and to accept theses exact contributions.

My friend was already helping in one way but I believe God was saying to me this is what you specifically asked for and receive it.

Today my friends we are asking God and saying, “No God I want it another way.” Don’t make the mistake I almost made. I would like to ask each of you to make a contribution of $25 or more. If all you can give is $5 it will gladly be accepted. I pray that your contribution is something that you are willing to freely give. If you are going to hold grudges about it talk to the Lord a little bit longer.

If you are asking the Lord for something and need direction, pray that you are willing to obey. Ask God to give you a heart to exist for Him and be willing to do the work. For after being in the wilderness the Lord “brought Israel out with silver and gold, and no one among his tribes stumbled” (Psalm105:37). No one was feeble or sick every one was healed, because they gave.

God In Me

Things in my life have been very unusual. I have a conference right around the corner and the publishing of my book is almost exactly a month away and every distraction has arrived at my front door, some are even trying to come in my room.

I told my husband, I needed God the other day. As I continued with more distraction popping up I realized, I had the power to not allow such distractions use me as a puppet on a string. I decided I must press on and allow the God in me to move about.

This process I am going through is a growing phase. When I was younger in my faith I would not rely on the God in me to move. In fact, I questioned if I could press on. I got irritated and told myself “I need to rest; this is straining me too much.” However, today I am rearranging things in my life. I am not looking for 12 hours of sleep, I am content with 6.

As I study the scripture “leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1). It is clear to me that I must press on and continue to grow and allow the God in me to push me through and knock the distractions out the way.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).

Paul is saying carry out your salvation. Salvation is victory over sin. Stop rebelling against what the Lord has told you to do and move in the direction He is charging you to go.

He is not going to tell me to go the same way as you but the conduct and manner that we go is the same. Our experiences are different but goal is the same, glorifying His name. As you are going through growing pains know that you will have some challenges but it is up to you to grow up.

Allow a change in your life today. The year is ending, don’t you desire a change. Ask God to point you in the direction He wants you to go and help you follow. Pray to God to give you strength and allow the God in you to take over.

Best Deal

The holidays are very exciting times. People pull out their best recipes, family makes travel arrangements, children write their Christmas wish list and adults go out to grant the little one’s wishes.

It is great to give gifts but at what cost? A security guard was recently killed, as a group of people rushed to get some items that were on sale.

“Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought to be…?” (2 Peter 3:11).

When I was little I always wanted toys but I remember being told it is a season for celebrating the birth of Jesus. I’d ask, “If we are celebrating Jesus’ birthday, why are we getting gifts? On my birthday, we don’t issue gifts to other people.” It was the most puzzling thing for me to comprehend.

As I consider those that have been killed or harmed for possessions it deeply hurts me. Jesus did not die for a possession, so why are people being killed for things?

My mind continues thinking of the scripture, “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12).

People set aside money for the holidays for things. Many plan a party to be just right but few plan for the party of the coming of God.

What are you anticipating this holiday season? A special gift, a vacation, the perfect turkey. Are you moving money or creating debt for something on sale? Have you been planning, how to give the gift of Jesus?

Don’t fall for the cheap schemes because times are hard. Consider the most elegant priceless gift of all. For your wish list ask God to grant you an opportunity to share Christ with others. Pray to God to channel your attention away from possessions. For sharing the gift of Jesus is, the best deal.

Stir It Up

When I was a teenager the only thing I loved writing was poetry. I entered contest and found much pleasure in writing. As an adult I have come to understand more of my gift of writing and as I learn more; it as if it is growing more and more like a person from birth.

This past week as my daughter was persistent about me coming along to help her compose a book. I found myself writing a few children stories. It was fun and a great way to spend time with each other.

As I was thinking this morning I contemplated more on the scripture from Paul advising Timothy to stir up his gift.

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6).

When we stir up something it is blended, roused, or mixed with other things. It is defined as to cause an especially slight movement or change of position of: to disturb the quiet of: agitate: to rouse to activity. The more I thought of what was going on with me with the stirring of this gift it made more and more sense.

With each gift there is another level to your gift. Some are granted many gifts soem few yet if we are dormant to the one we are to lead with, how can we agitate our gift to the flowing of others? Have you felt like maybe you should do something else? What are you being charged to do?

Don’t be afraid to leap out because it seems impossible. Mark Twain said, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear -- not absence of fear.” Pray to God to give you courage to stir up your gift. Ask the Lord to deliver your state of mind from being afraid so you may have mastery over fear. For God has given us spirit of “power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Like Mother, Like Daughter

This week my daughter has been excited because she had time off from school and an opportunity for her and me to work on her writing a book. She asked countless times “When will we work on my book mommy?” However each day I was not feeling my best.

By Friday my daughter woke up gathered all her material and start working on it herself. She did not even eat breakfast; she was in her creative mode. She managed to pull me out of bed and we began to work on her story. My husband saw us working and he said, “Well you have inspired her to write.”

My mind connected to “Like mother, like daughter” (Ezekiel 16:44). I thought of Paul speaking to Timothy about his gift. He reminded him of his grandparent’s faith, then his mother’s faith and stated that he knew it was in him (2 Timothy 1:5).

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

My mother and father are writers; my father is also a great artist. My daughter reminds me of me being a child running to my mother about each story I wrote. I always wanted my dad to see my drawings so I waited eagerly to show them to him. He still holds a picture I created as a child and my mom still remembers the name of the first book I wrote.

All the things my parents hold as great memories of my childhood help inspire me to be the writer I am. The fact that my parents are great writers convinced me that I am a great writer also. As I look at my child I am persuaded that the gift of writing dwells in her.

It is important that we share our gifts with our children so they will know it is in them also. The things the parents know should be made known to the children (Deuteronomy 4:9, 10).

Are you reminding your children of their heritage? Do you encourage them to pursue their spiritual gift so that they may lead by those gifts? Consider encouraging them to do what they aspire to do because God didn’t give them fear, but tools to complete the task.

If you feel you lack knowledge pray to God to give you instructions as of how to lead your children. Ask God for wisdom and guidance in your life. Call upon the Lord to reveal His will to help you hear His voice in all things. For God will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; He will guide you (Psalms 32:8).

Thanksgiving

Today our house is filled with aromas of peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, greens, fried turkey, homemade macaroni and cheese and dressing with so much more.

We have received many calls from our family saying Happy Thanksgiving. It is a joyous occasion for us all. We are joining our friends later to fellowship together about what we are most thankful for.

Our family is in another state but God has made sure we have had a family in Christ to connect with on special days such as these.

I am most thankful for my savior and family. My daughter came to me with the scripture “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4).

Today as you fellowship with your family eating all the wonderful delights that you wait all year for; remember to drop a hint of spices from the word. Share your gift of salvation to another so they will be encouraged to know Christ.

This is the day that the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it, (Psalm 118:24) sharing Him with thanksgiving to everyone. Happy Holidays!

Not Forgotten

My children have been sick for several weeks. I took them to their doctor twice; prayed about their health and continued to do all I was directed to do to help them get better. It appeared that they were getting worse and my thought process was not functioning well due to lack of rest. I continued to pray but felt my prayers weren’t enough.

Another week approached and my children continued in their sickness. 9pm came and I thought, “I have to call my pastor but the children kept crying.” Finally, 11pm arrived and the children were settling down. However, right before midnight one woke up yelling in pain. I held my child attempting to calm him down. I picked up my phone while cradling him and called my pastor, requesting prayer. Immediately, I told him what was wrong with them and he prayed.

The morning came and one was smiling. I went to my computer and played the song, “This is the day, that the Lord has made” and sang praises to God.

One of my other children ear was hurting him badly. He cried and I prepared to go to a doctor. It was Saturday so my husband looked for another doctor’s office that was open. He found one and we were on our way.

At last we saw the doctor; before we left, the doctor had a box which held strips of scripture on it. She offered one to my son but he was in too much pain to reach for one. My daughter reached inside pulled out a scripture and read it aloud.

“This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). I smiled knowing He had healed my child. As we headed home another pastor called us on the cell phone and prayed about the children.

Later on the after noon, all my children were laughing and playing. I was so excited. The next day my pastor preached from the scripture Matthew 15:23-25.

“But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me”.

This scripture is speaking about a lady that was trying to get Jesus’ attention. She kept on until she got a response from the Lord. She did not give up because she was told to go away. Jesus answered her saying “unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour” (Matthew 15:28).

When my children were sick I kept on praying. As things got worse I called on more people to pray. I kept on bugging the Lord about healing my children.

The Lord expects us to unrelentingly call on Him. He wants to know that when push comes to shove we won’t give up. Sometimes He will delay our prayer request just to see how we will respond.

Some of you might feel like God has forgotten about your prayer request. Many of you have stopped being persistent and given up. Others are just waiting. Pray to the Lord to keep His promise. Call on a friend and ask them to pray to the Father to give you healing where there is pain. Shout to the Lord to give you what is needed because He promised you. Ask the Lord to cradle you in His arms this very hour and restore you today. For you are not forgotten.

Call Him

I have been working on the completion of publishing my book as well as a conference. Time is closing in and for the past two weeks my two youngest children have been sick. I noticed this past week that even the two eldest have start showing symptoms of being ill.

My pastor prayed for them but for some reason it seems like this illness will not go away. As they are sick it is required of me to nurse them back to good health.

Interestingly, I discern my children’s health like the planning of publishing my book requires my time. I feel like I am in war struggling to stand. I have to take care of the children. I was lead to work on my book and the conference but I am at war with time.

I can’t help but think of the story of Elijah healing the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:17).

I decided to call my pastor for I felt my family was under attack as I am in pursuit to glorify the Lord.

Today many families are under attack. I would like to ask for your prayers towards all families. Pray to God to rebuke the devil from his tactics to stray our focus from the Lord. Call upon the Lord to keep your spirit in tact. For the battle is not yours it’s the Lords(2 Chronicles 20:15).

Spiritual Lens

A couple of 21 years traveled the road for a surprise visit. However, the couple never arrived. They had a fatal car accident. The car flipped over several times and when the turbulence came to a stop the wife pondered, “Why isn’t my husband yelling my name?”

She survived to see another day but her spouse did not. The time came to tell the children and her reaction was to share her gratitude of the Lord for He spared her life.

It is approaching a year since her husband died. She can courageously stands with appreciation that she can see her children as they grow up. She recognizes her life was secured because God still has something for her. He has granted her more time to accomplish His will. You might read this and say how can she go on without her husband; yet, she wakes up saying it is by His grace and mercy.

This woman reminds me of David. When David was a young boy he went up against Goliath. He was bold and full of courage. He was on his way to give food to his brothers that were on the front line of battle. He spoke to them, saying, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God" (1 Samuel 17:26)?

David knew that the Philistine giant did not have the Lord on his side. King Saul and his army looked at Goliath as an over size giant that they could not defeat. They were afraid (1 Samuel 17:11) but David he was alert that with God he could conquer Goliath.

The lady had a Goliath experience. She is able to look at her situation through her spiritual eyes. How is your view of your Goliath’s? Do you become panic-stricken and run away? Or are you as David running towards your Goliath?

Maybe Goliath is sitting in your living room. Perhaps Goliath is waiting for you at your job. Your Goliath can be the bill collector, death of a loved one, health problems, or any situation that has appeared threatening and you are running scared. Possibly, picking up your spiritual lens will assist you through your obstacle.

Allow God to prescribe you a set of spiritual lens. Ask God to help you see His blessings in all things. Pray to God that you are able to praise Him when your Goliath is before you. Call upon the Lord to flee the spirit of panic. “Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22).

Running on Low Fuel

The other day I was on my way to church and I noticed the car needed some gas. I determined that I could make it to the church but right after service, I would have to get some gas. As I approached the parking lot the light came on notifying me that I needed fuel.

I got out of the car went inside for church service. Once church was over I went directly to the gas station, which was less than a mile. After I got gas I was fine. I wasn’t concern about if I had enough fuel to make it to the destinations I planned on going.

When I left church I was refueled with the word. As the week went along I was able to do what I needed even though there were bumpy hills along the way.

My situation takes my thoughts to the scripture “you are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lamp stand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven(Matthew 13:14-15).

As the light of the world I can’t sit in my house when I am called to do something. I have to let others see me moving for the Lord. When my family needs me I have to let my light shine. When my neighbor calls me I have to let my light shine. When I need me I have to let my light shine and get the fuel I need so I can keep shinning.

Have you ever driven a car to a destination on low fuel? The whole time you are in the car you are hoping that you make it to where you’re traveling? You might even pray to God to get you where you need to go even though the act of you not having gas in the car is because you have not put it in the car.

Cars need fuel to travel. My soul has to be fed the word in order for me to not only get to the destinations I have to go but to inspire and encourage others as I travel life.

When you travel in a car every road is not a straight path some are bumpy, some curve, some wiggly, there are many with inclines, and go downhill just as my journey of life. It is vital for the car to have fuel to go and it is essential for me to be fed the word to journey this life. I am no good to another if I have not been properly fed by God’s word. I can’t encourage myself or any other that comes in my path.

Has your light came on notifying you that you need more fuel? Are you running on auto pilot? Perhaps your fuel is less than a mile a way and you have not made a point to refuel yourself of His word. Maybe you struggle with getting fed His word and don’t push yourself to put the proper word within your soul.

Don’t run on low fuel. Consider opening your bible and meditating on one scripture until you get to the place of worship. Pray to God that you praise your way through your journey. Call upon the Lord to restock you with hope, encouragement and inspiration to yourself and others. For "you are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men” (Matthew 13:16).

Show Thyself Approved

One of my aunts is allergic to ants. There was an occasion she was so determined to move a flower that she sacrificed the one thing she knew she was allergic to. This ant bed formed in it was stopping new growth of her flower which she loved. She contemplated a while about what to do because saving the flower would mean hurting herself. However, one day she decided she would suffer a moment if it meant saving her flower.

My aunt’s feet and legs were swollen; she had a fever and discoloration for several days. Nonetheless, her plant lived in its new location as vibrant as ever.

When I see my aunts in the yard I continue to be reminded of the scripture, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

My aunts are punctual to laboring in their yards. They rush to tend to their garden without question. Although this verse is directed to pastors it is vital for all because God has all appointed everyone with a certain gift to minister to others.

As I reflect on my aunts I am encouraged to make every effort to tend to the gift which God has placed in my heart. There will be times that I might have to sacrifice myself or time to shy myself approved.

When Jacob went on his journey, he saw Rachel. He thought how beautiful I must seek her. He made arrangements with her father, “Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter” (Genesis 29:18).

However, Jacob was deceived by her father. After seven years Laban gave his oldest daughter Leah to him to marry. Interestingly, Jacob labored another seven years until he received the one he loved. I imagine those seven years went by fast to Jacob. Each year he focused on how much closer he was getting to the one he loved.

Jacob was willing to go after his desire by any means. This is the same desire Christ desires us to long for our gift. What are you willing to sacrifice to show your self approved? How can you show your self approved to God? Will you labor for seven years? If it calls for another seven years will you make every effort to hurry and be diligent doing your best to attain the one thing God placed you here to do.

Don’t could your mind with how long it will take. Look towards the goal. Ask God to give you the strength for the long run. Pray that you be focused with confidence to show yourself approved. Call upon the Lord to help you be quick and don’t delay another minute. “Instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are inheriting the promises through faith and patience” (Hebrews 6:12).

Move the Rocks

My friend called on me the other day because she needed help. After seeing her I remembered coming to Georgia thinking how I left my career of writing when I moved from Oklahoma City. I spent four years of my life training to be a journalist and every avenue closed which pertained to me pursuing being a reporter. It was one of the most crushing feelings I encountered.

During the past seven years my confidence was low. I could not see beyond the brick wall in my life. As I looked in the mirror I wanted to give up all hope. Looking at myself made me weep; as my children grew I viewed myself as a terrible mother because I felt I had nothing to offer them. But God made a way. By the time my third child germinated within me, I began wanting more out of life. As my forth child came in the world, I then gave it all over to the Lord.

Thinking of this time in my life captures my memory to the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead.

Mary and Martha were in a hopeless situation. They sent word to Jesus that their brother was sick. Jesus assured them that the sickness will not end in death. Yet, things did no only get bad, they got worse. Lazarus was put in a tomb because he died with Jesus was only 2 miles away.

On Jesus arrival, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. “When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home” (John11:20).

Martha told Jesus, if you would have been here my brother would not have died, my brother would not be in a tomb, and we would not be here in this situation, Jesus, if you would have been here.

“Jesus once more was deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. "Take away the stone" he said” (John 11:38-39). Martha told Jesus he has been in that tomb dead for four days and by this time the odor is strong.
Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"(John 11:40) They took away the stone and Jesus then prayed to God. Jesus called Lazarus and he was raised from the dead.

It was not until Martha showed her faith by moving the stone that Jesus had a talk with God.

My stone was letting go of writing for the world’s paper and come write for the Lord. I knew how to write for broadcast, I invested much money in learning to write for newspapers but God was calling me to write for Him. His training was free of charge but enduring time wise. I had a stone that I couldn’t see beyond and I sat there for seven years, depressed, with low confidence, dragging myself in a pit. One day just as Martha I showed my faith.

Many are trapped not able to move beyond the hard place in their life. Various people are in a dead marriage while Jesus is saying ‘move the rocks’. Several are lost without employment while Jesus is saying ‘move the rocks’. Some people stressed while Jesus is saying ‘move the rocks’. A number of individuals are supposed to be an advocate for the Lord yet is afraid while Jesus is saying ‘move the rocks’.

What hard place is before you today, interfering with your communication to God?
Are you as Mary staying back at the house because you have lost all hope? Or do you tell Jesus what He should have, could have done to prevent your situation?

Don’t miss out on your miracle because of your lack of faith? Ask the Lord to resurrect you. Pray to God that He gives you the strength to move the stone. Call upon the Lord in belief for “if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:22).

Decently and Orderly

When I was an investigative reporter my Editor would give me assignments. I would work diligently to complete every story she assigned me. Occasionally, the Publisher would come in the office and issue a story he wanted the paper to cover. The Editor would then interrupt the itinerary that I had in motion and send me out to cover the Publisher’s request.

I did not always like leaving in the middle of a story I started but I never gave that impression to the Editor or Publisher.

Sometimes my husband comes home and interrupts the itinerary I have in motion. I will have scheduled to clean a certain room in the house and he will make mention of a certain area not being intact. Then there are times he might come home early because instead of eating the dinner I prepared he wants to go out to eat. The goal is to give off the same impression that I did when I was an investigative reporter.

As I thought more of this situation it jogged my memory to the scripture “let us make man in our own image, and after our likeness: and let them have dominion” Gen: 26.

God has given us a leadership position. Additionally, God has given us a ladder of order (1 Corinthians 14:40). “Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:3). All of us are under an authority structure, no one is exempt.

In the mentioned scenario, I am the Editor he is the Publisher. The Editor makes sure the flow of the paper is in order. They are to create schedules, issue assignments to reporters, appoint deadlines for stories to be completed, gather more stories for the next paper, consider more ways to make money for the paper with interaction with advertisement team and still make the meetings with the Publisher.

When the Publisher has a request the Editor must adjust the schedules to make sure the Publishers stories are posted. At times the Publishers stories are tied in with money being accumulated for the publication. The Publisher works outside the company but closely with the Editor. They make sure money is always available for the functioning of the paper.

What is your view of your relationship with your spouse? Are you falling under the authority structure of Christ? Have you implemented a new arrangement of authority?

Possibly you should evaluate Gods order. Pray that the Lord humble you so you may be open to His structure. Ask the Lord to help you find pleasure in the Lord’s way. Call upon the Lord that all things be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Confidently Pray

Lately, I have had a concern and have been uncertain of which option to pursue. A month ago, I was not pressured about my issue because I knew there was still time. It is now approaching a month before my deadline and anxiety has been floating in the atmosphere. I spoke with a friend and she reminded me to pray.

As I prayed about the situation indecisiveness was still hanging about. That night I dreamt of the issue and in the dream everything was wonderful and excitement came over me. I then issued a pray of thanksgiving. Though I do not have the answer now, I am more encouraged and have not lost sight of receiving an answer from the Lord.

My prayer carried my attention to praying without ceasing. My interest was directed to the scripture

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

When I prayed to God about my concern initially I was fine. I knew God will take care of it. However, as my deadline approached time became my focal point. My dream reminded me to keep praising the Lord with high praise; my friends request was to prevent me from loosing assurance because everything will be wonderful.

Have you had a problem and you did not know what to do? What form of action have you taken towards your concern? When you pray for something, do you praise the Lord? Do you know that the request that aligns with His will shall be granted?

Maybe you have started to feel overwhelmed because time is ticking. Perhaps you have been praying about the same thing over and over again. “When you pray, do not babble vain words, as the nations. For they think that in their much speaking they shall be heard” (Matthew 6:7).

Do not loose confidence in our Lord. When pressure knocks at your door, don’t let it in. Ask the Lord to give you reassurance. Pray to God that you continue to praise His name, no matter the deadline. Call upon the Lord to take you by the hand and calm you, “for your Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask Him”(Matthew 6:8).

Condition

A person is about to loose their job and the bills are still flowing in. This person applies for many jobs: jobs they like and even jobs they don’t like, hoping to continue to provide for the family. When the person is called for an interview they pray to get the job. Yet during the interview this person is silently thinking, “I need a job but, I don’t do windows. I need to pay my mortgage but, I don’t clean toilets. I need to pay my bills but, I don’t keep kids. Oh no, this is not for me.”

My attention is intrigued with the apostle impressing how the Spirit helps us in our time of weakness. “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26).

Have you ever longed for something but did not know how to get what you needed? Maybe you have prayed for a job but had preconditions when the offer was given. Perhaps you don’t recognize that your request is being answered because it is not on the silver platter you wanted.

The Holy Spirit negotiates for us with groans. As the Holy Spirit is interceding on our behalf He is expressing the deep desire for the full understanding of what is being hoped for. When the Spirit is mediating for us He speaks directly in agreement with God’s will. Our mind cannot comprehend the words spoken to God.

How is your prayer life today? Is your desire so deep that you don’t know where to begin before the Lord? Are you giving preconditions to the Lord?

Don’t allow your preconditions to condition you. Consider the Holy Spirit placing the right prayers in your heart. Pray to God that you silence yourself before His presence. Ask God to send the Spirit to speak with groans that words cannot express. “He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will” (Rom 8:27).

Possible

When I was a little girl my grandmother would tell me stories about people pulling her hair when she was in school. She would tell me so many cruel stories about being in school I wondered, "how could she bare such pain."

My grandmother was born in 1905 from a little town called Kauffman, TX and our family is bi-racial. During those times it was forbidden for a black and white person to even have a friendship together. Imagine how catastrophic things were for a bi-racial family to survive in such times.

It was close to impossible for them to live day by day not only because the color of their skin but because they were diverse. However, all that is impossible for man is possible for God.

I am reminded today of the story of Lazarus. Mary’s brother was sick and sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick,” (John11:3). Jesus assured them that their brother would not die. “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, (John11:4-5).

Jesus was not in a rush to get to Lazarus and stayed where he was for two more days. Then Jesus was told Lazarus is dead. Lazarus sisters were in pain. They had hope because of Jesus saying it is going to be alright yet the reality was Lazarus was dead.

Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies. (John11:23-25).

During my grandmothers’ time, like Lazarus Jesus was calling on people to just cast their cares to Him and believe. It was impossible to raise a person from the dead. In fact, it was a hopeless situation when all you could see was death and the hope you had was stripped right before your sight.

Yet, our Lord is a way maker. He sees the impossible and says not bigger than me. He sees your pain while you are crying and He weeps with you. When Jesus saw Lazarus lying dead, “Jesus wept,” (John11:35).

Maybe you are in an impossible situation today. Perhaps you are crying wondering if God cares. He loves you; yes He cares for you even in the midst of your mess. In the hour of despair He cares.

Consider not asking God, “Why me but say use me.” Pray to God that you believe Jesus is the resurrection. Ask God to do the impossible. For even today He is raising the dead. For we have a nation were most say, “Yes we can, join hands as black and whites. Yes we can, join hands as Hispanics and Asians. Yes we can, embrace the dissimilar aspects of others and join in unity, as one.” We can do all things through Christ whom strengthens us, (Phil 4:13).

Helping or Hindering

This young lady had a child at a young age, quit her job and stop going to college never attaining her degree and is now faced with, “Why is my life upside down?”

She seeks living the life of fame and relinquishes her responsibilities saying, “It’s too hard.” Day after day she prefers to beg from others than take the initiative to tend to her responsibilities. As a result many bear her load, as she gets more and more cripple in the process.

The thought of helping another can be exciting. Some are deficient in the area of being blessed and lack being able to bless others. Yet, sometimes helping someone can actually hinder the person.

My thought jogs my memory to the scripture, “carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ,” (Gal 6:2).

As a Christian it is my duty to bear another’s burdens. However, it is vital that the verse proceeding is considered. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently,” (Gal 6:1).

The lame beggar begged for money but what he needed was to walk. It was not until he openly accepted the heavenly help that he was able to walk. “Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong,” (Acts 3:7).

I heard a pastor say he could have told Peter, “Be realistic, man I need some money. I am in a bad situation and in the name of Jesus is not going to help.” However, the lame man freely allowed Peter to take him by the hand.

I imagine this young lady has not yet readily opened herself to spiritual help. This young lady was caught in sin. Her life was upside down not because she had a stamp on her forehead that said “kick me down.” Her life was in turmoil because of the decisions she made. When considering the scripture I naturally think I should help her. Yet to “what extent should I help her?”

Perhaps you think helping someone means taking on the other person’s responsibility. Maybe you think if I carry this person for a month or two, possibly six months, “I am being gentle.” But are you doing what you are directed to do. Are you mapping out how to restore the person gently? To be restored is to bring back to or put back into a former or original state.

Help can either help or hinder. The beggar in no way accepting “in the name of Jesus,” never comes to know the joy of walking, if the helper does not ask God, “How shall I be of service?” As a result they hinder the beggar.

Maybe you know someone that has made mistakes and constantly needs help? Are you the person that needs assistance time after time? Are you like Peter and John giving the person what they need or a fix just to get by? Or are you the cripple only asking for a quick fix, putting off what you need?

Reflect on your position. Are you seeking to be a blessing or get a blessing? Ask God to help you impart your faith walk with another? Pray to the Lord that your help is not in vain? If you need help call upon the Lord to give you what you need. God is not going to bless a selfish request. God does not have solitary blessings; He has domino blessings for the masses.

Beyond Mediocre

My mother is a retired teacher. I remember when she taught she would always give assignments to challenge her students to go beyond what was required.

Many students are taught enough to just get by. As the students grow to adults they have a hard time because they spend 13 years of their life practicing how to just get by. As adults many of them struggle settling with low expectations of just getting by.

One story that captures my curiosity is the story of the lame beggar. He was a man that had been cripple since birth. People would go to where he was everyday of his life and pick him up and carry him to the temple gate called Beautiful.

For over 40 years (Acts4:22) he sat in front of the church begging. He was in a hopeless state, unable to stand on his own two feet.

One day the lame man saw Peter and John and he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them," (Acts 3:4-5).

Peter told him I don’t have any money, “but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk," (Acts 3:7).

The lame man spent 40 years with low expectations asking for just enough to get by. Everyday he would sit at the gate asking for money. Some are asking for money today. Like the lame man they never ask for what they need to be a blessing to someone else, just enough to make it by.

Everyday God issues assignments to cause us to hunger after higher expectations. My mother gave her students assignments that made them go beyond the call because she wanted them to desire more out of life.

How is your posture? Can you stand or are you leaning over? Should the King of king’s desire mediocre for His children? Even a baby desires to stand?

Perhaps you should ask God to help you stand. Maybe God is not hearing your request because blessing your request won’t necessarily bless another. Reflect on not living a life as a second-rate child.

Consider changing your request to a testimony. Pray to God that you walk in Jesus name. Call upon the Lord to give you strength to stand on your own two feet. Ask God to create in you a clean spirit and not a average spirit. Pray that you take responsibility of your decisions under God’s authority. For you are a child of the Almighty King.

Still Small Voice

The other day a lady said, “Well how does my friend hear from God but I don’t. Why is God talking to her but not me?”

She revealed, her anger lead her to inquire to God to hear Him as her friend heard Him. It wasn’t long after her prayer that she began hearing a still voice from the Lord.

I recall when Elijah heard a still small voice. After Jezebel told Ahab about Elijah slaying the (false) prophets a messenger went out to him.

“Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time,(1 Kings 19:2).

Elijah was in fear and ran for his life. He journeyed in the wilderness and wished to die. He felt like he was fed up and couldn’t take it anymore. “And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat,” (1Kings19:5).

A second time the angel came and told him to get up and eat. He had much work to do and his time for rest was over. It was time for Elijah to have strength and sleeping was not going to prepare him for his journey.

God instructed him to stand upon the mount. As he stood at the mount the Lord passed Him, a strong wind charged the mountains, rocks broke, “but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice,” (1Kings19:11, 12).

This story of Elijah is vital. It shows us that there is a time for rest and a time to get up. He was fed and the place God told him to meet him was not a place of silence. There was much commotion going on but in the midst of all the noise, all the uproar there was a still voice. That still voice was the voice of the Lords’.

God sent an angel twice to get Elijah up. Have you been cautioned to get up? What turmoil is going on in your life today?

Maybe you can’t hear from God today, because of your earthquake. Perhaps you are in the fire now and you are not listening. The lady got angry when she could not hear from God, she then inquired of the Lord to perceive sound from Him. Elijah was in fear and called on the Lord to hear his voice. How are your emotions rattling to get you to tune your listening skills?

The same God that spoke to Elijah is speaking today. Pray to God that you listen to Him. Ask God to help you drown out the chaos so you may pay attention to His still small voice. Beseech to the Lord that your emotional tension and physical weariness doesn’t bring on depression but tenacity to hear Gods’ still small voice.

Ask

Sometimes I am at a complete loss about which testimony to share in my writings. I pray to God and wait for His directions because my desire is to write about what is satisfactory to Him.

Interestingly, each time I find myself waiting He is always on time. While waiting, I’ll read my Bible and get an idea that germinates in my head. Once that thought takes root to the scripture I am reading, it evolves from there.

My process of knowing what to write is the same procedure Jesus taught the disciples to pray. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” (Matthew 7:7).

When I get puzzled, I pray to God asking Him for direction as of what to do next. I seek the Word by reading my Bible. Once I get to the scripture God wants me to inflate a thought burst in my mind, and then it is clear as of what to do next.

Are you wondering, “What do I do from here?” Maybe you have been struggling because you lack asking, as a result you don’t receive because you never sought to find. Possibly a change for counsel is in place for your concern.

Are you seeking the Father? Did you consider praying to just hear what God has to say about your situation? Time after time do you find yourself repeating and never moving in the forward position? Have you been riding around in reverse?

Perhaps you should take hold of the steering wheel change gears and ask of God. Pray right now about your situation. Ask God to help you not delay another minute. Call upon the Lord to give you direction and a sense to control the distractions so you may hear His voice. “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened," (Matthew 7:8).

Face Your Fear

The other day my daughter saw a spider in her room. She ran crying a spider, a spider is in my room. Typically, her younger brother goes to kill the spiders she sees but this time I told him to leave her alone and let her kill the spider herself. She stood there in tears saying, “I’m afraid of the spider.” I told her she had to face her fear.

She pleaded, “Mommy I can’t, and what if it bites me.” My reply was, “What if you kill it.” With her tears and shoe in one hand she went after the spider but when it was over she was cheering of her victory.

As I thought of her issue, I considered David going out before the Philistines. “When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them,” (1 Chron14:8).

David had a full army looking for him and he went out to them. The size of their army did not concern him, David had confidence. To me this speaks highly of David’s character. He is saying here I am, you don’t have to look for me, here I am.

My daughter’s concern was a spider. David’s dilemma was the Philistines both issues had to be dealt with. Maybe you are in a tight spot in your life today. Perhaps you have to choose to go up against your problem.

Have you been scared to move forward because of its capabilities? Are you looking at yourself to get you through? Or are you seeking God for victory?

Don’t tremble in tears of fears of your issue. Consider asking God to intervene in your situation. Pray to God that you have confidence to take a stand in your situation. Make a request for God to be with you through your storm. For if you seek you shall find.

Let God

This past summer I felt lead to put a family reunion together. I was pregnant in another state and I was supposed to figure out how to join a group of people that were in bliss with one another. Many were feuding over things another did to them 20 years ago.

Yet, I stayed focus on the task and as a result they joined together. It was a beautiful sight.

Thinking of it now, I am reminded of Noah. God spoke to Noah telling him, “make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out,” (Gen6:14).When he was told to build the ark his condition was: previously, he did not know how to build an ark, there had not been any rain prior, he was to store food for his family and the animals. Additionally, the ark was to be big enough to join all different kinds of animals which under any other circumstance would have been out to eat each other or attack the humans. For this act God made a covenant with Noah (Gen6:18).

Noah like me had a condition and bizarre situation when God set us out to complete a task. For my family it was impossible to join people who had held grudges with each other for so many years. With my pregnancy it was eccentric for me to consider traveling across the state, late in my pregnancy, uncomfortable for 14-16 hours in a car with three children, to join with non-cooperative people.

This task for me was unimaginable. I can only believe for Noah his task was unimaginable. To others he looked like a fool doing something that appeared to be impossible.

As I was planning this task, people told me to forget about it, no one will come, I was told to stop because no one else was helping me, I can just hear the distasteful comments Noah heard when God told him to prepare for the rain. When Noah went out pursuing his task he was full with God’s spirit.

As I sought out to prepare this reunion I was filled with the Holy Spirit. I had to be prayed up every step of the way. Each time a decision was made I sought the Lord. If I came to a time of the unknown I left it in His hands. Before Jesus was betrayed He prayed, “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one. I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me,” (John17:22-23).

My task was for my family to become one with the Creator. My family had lost touch of Jesus. Many in the world have lost sight that Jesus was sent here so that they may have eternal life.

Has God given you a task this day? Have you been told do a task yet you can’t get beyond your condition? We all have the task of winning souls.

Maybe you keep thinking you can’t do it. Possibly, you are being used so others ma be able to identify that it was the Lord all along. Perhaps you have people telling you it can’t be done, but God. As along as there is but God there is a way.

The story of Noah is beautiful because like my family, all those that were supposed to come joined together. My relatives like the animals were not fussing, instead a father joined with his children who’d after so many years been stricken to see each other. Siblings reunited after the death of the mother. A mother who secluded her self, after her oldest and youngest sons died united with her relatives. A grandmother saw her grandchildren, children’s playing together. Family joined in worship to be reminded of the savior.

Consider yielding yourself to the Father. Leap out on faith because of your situation. Pray to God for strength to simply yield yourself so you can be used by Him. Ask God to lead you today. Call upon to Lord to switch your focus of your condition to nothing but God. For all things are possible through Christ, (Phil 4:13.)

Stop Aborting Me

The other day my pastor was speaking about abortions. He said, "Church folk commit spiritual abortions on other church folk daily.” Perhaps you are saying, "Oh no,"but I can relate. Possibly you will also.

His comment jogged my memory, to when I was teaching at one church in a certain area and I was placed in another area. No one explained why. As a result I discontinued teaching at that church.

I was offended it was as if the church folk at that church went inside me and snatched what I knew God called me to do.

Each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or cause to fall in our brother’s way,”(Rom 14:12-13).

When I was moved with no explanation nothing was resolved. My stumbling block was so high I couldn’t figure this area of my life. For a while, I felt less of a person. I start feeling I should stop serving at that particular church. In time, I was teaching at another church. I never could understand what occurred at the church I stopped teaching at. My calling to teach was killed with no explanation. I viewed myself not worthy to do the work of the Lord. Had we talked the situation out I believe things would have been resolved. Instead, I felt judged by church folk.

Is that not how the abortion works? The baby begins to grow and before the baby can truly form into a baby the aborting kills the child, with no explanation. Perhaps the mother walks around in despair not understanding that area in her life, feeling less of a woman, less worthy to one day be a mother, feeling judged.

She might even start a relationship with another to get her back on path to being a complete person. No one knows what the person who had the abortion thinks or feels. No one knows what the child would have been when aborting occurs, but God.

What is your view of abortion? Have you only considered abortion as of killing a child? A child is a gift from God, just as the talents He gives you upon birth. Is abortion not, snatching the life out of someone, destroying what God created that could have been?

People are always going to talk about you, judge you and reject you; however, did they not reject Jesus. Maybe you feel spiritually aborted of your gift. Perhaps you have left one church because someone offended you, a friend or family member. Or you did the aborting.

Consider not questing serving God because of how someone has treated you. Our God can restore you and stop the aborting. God can deliver you from bloodguiltiness (Ps 51 : 14).Ask God to shake the dust from your feet. Rely on God to hinder the aborting of your servitude, of your worshiping, of your gift. Pray to the lord that you keep serving Him in spite of what others might say or do? Call upon the Lord to give you a heart of forgiving. Don’t let the rocks out shout you.