Not Prevail

One afternoon, I prepared to take my children to piano practice. I loaded all four children in the car, grabbed my purse and reached for the keys and they were not in its place. I asked the children, “Have you all seen the key?” They were very silent. I knew then someone made a toy out of the keys. 30 minutes passed, I was becoming irritated. I was ready to go but I had no keys. I called their teacher to let her know we would not be able to make it to practice due to the keys not being available.

I unloaded the car and after 10 minutes my oldest son came to me, batting his big pretty eyes with the keys dangling in his hands saying, “Now we can go mommy, I found the keys.”

This scenario captures my thoughts to the keys which the Lord gives to us.
Jesus was speaking to Peter and He told him, “That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:18-19).

Jesus was telling Peter that I am giving you a church, a ministry and the enemy will not be able to defeat it because it is my church, which I am appointing you as the leader. He continued to tell Peter, He will give him keys of the kingdom. These keys are power which gains Peter access to get through the turmoil, to make it to the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus was letting Peter know there will be some hills for you to climb but if you use my key, my game plan, you will succeed, for you have already succeeded.

Have you ever lost your keys? The time is ticking and you have no time to waste but the keys are misplaced. What do you do? Does a rage come over you? Do you only focus on you not having the key and not being at a certain place at an appointed time? What do you do when you don’t have the keys to the kingdom of heaven? Can you fix your eyes on Christ? Picture Him giving you access to gain authority to reach your destination.

Because I did not locate my keys, I could not go. It did not matter if I prepared ten days ahead a time. Having no keys meant I wasn’t going any where.

Maybe today you are being faced with confusion. Perhaps an uproar is going on in your life, disorder is taking place so you can become muddled and just give up. No matter what strategy of attacks the enemy throws its okay because Jesus is saying “I got your back.” No matter how impossible it might seem its okay because Jesus has already defeated hell.

The Father has a given you a key of peace when everything is rattling. You were given a key of light when it’s dark. You have a key of regulation when things are disorderly. You have a key to open every secret place to get you through the hell.

The keys are symbolic of having authority. You can plan to buy a house, get it at a discount, sign the papers, buy the furniture you want, all the paint for each room, the flowers you want in your garden but if you don’t have the keys to the house, you don’t have authority to dwell in the house. You don’t have ownership to rule.

As our society is faced with a famine, can you locate the keys the Father has already granted you? He has given you divine power and defeated the enemy. What ever He has appointed you leader of you are required to just be obedient. Your responsibility is not to make sure the flock comes, for He sends the flock. Your responsibility is not to make sure people keep their word, for their commitment lies with Christ. You are only responsible for doing what God has told you to do. Pray to be obedient when things don’t look like its going as you thought. Ask the Lord to help you be obedient when people have stood you up, broke their promises, said negative things, or attempt to push you down. Remember Jesus has said “hell will not prevail.”

In Turmoil, Use My Oil

A woman had been pursuing to be obedient and follow the instructions of the Lord. As she got closer and closer to doing what the Father said her mind was attacked with distraction after distraction. People broke their commitments, lies were told, people conspiring, her heart was broken, and manipulation was transpiring as she moved to do as the Father directed her. Yet in the middle of all the turmoil she could see God’s oil being poured before her, anointing her, as she pushed through the storm giving glory to the Father.

This woman was at her wits. People whispered with lies, trying to degrade her character, her integrity, her all was on the line but her faith would not compromise. This woman went before the Lord saying to Him “You brought out the children of Israel from under burdens of the Egyptians, you delivered them out of bondage and redeemed them with your arms stretched out, and surely you can do the same for me, my Lord( Exodus 6:6).

This woman was speaking life over her life. She spoke favor over the lies, life over negativity, and life over prosperity for her life. She stood there crying with her hands out to the most high as He lifted her, holding her, loving her for, he favors her.

This image of this woman made me weep before the Lord as my hands were stretched out He reminds me who can turn back what He has planned. “For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back” (Isaiah 14:27)?

The Lord was speaking to me saying what famine shall turn my plans, what break down in the economy can overshadow my will. The Lord is “I Am.” Who or what dares to challenge Him? God has given you directions. Are you constantly being attacked by commotion? Have several disruptions occurred as you pursue righteousness?

As the economy is going through turmoil the Father is showering us with love. Disorder is turning, kicking, biting, and punching to knock you out as a spell of rain is taking place in each home with drops of anointed oil.

I don’t know what might be taking place in your home today. Maybe you have lost your home, wondering if your loosing your job or your loosing the love of your life. Perhaps you are feeling as if you are disappearing right before your eyes being consumed by so much negativity.

Consider hindering the thoughts of what you lost or might be loosing. Channel your thoughts to how the Lord can deliver you from what ever you might be experiencing. Focus on Him “Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear” (Isaiah 59:1).

Shout before the Lord “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me” (Psalm 138:7).

Stand before the Father, stretch your arms out, don’t let your faith bend, don’t let it fall. Yell to the hills, “Yes, I have divine power.” Call upon the Lord to keep your mind focused on Him. When the levee breaks, speak Jesus. When the darkness falls and you can no longer see, shout Jesus. When your whole body hurts from the kicking, pulling, the noise, from the heartache, from the disappointment say “God favors me.” Pray with confidence; claim your favor from the Lord. He is saving you at this very moment. It looks like a super sized problem yet God is saying "super sized blessing." It feels like turmoil but He is saying “use my oil.”

Rest

The other night, I was before the Father and asked for His help. I knew I was too involved in my flesh because I saw my issues. I could see where money was lacking, bill collectors calling, children needing what I could not provide. My issues were too big, too vivid and I cried to the Lord deliver me from these issues. As I prayed I cried knowing He is the only one that can help me endure this race.

I got a phone call of a miracle. I was most thankful. Later on that day I could see the Father's favor, seeing more from my spiritual eyes. I saw Him doing far more than I could imagine. To see the unimaginable requires much faith and praise.

I noticed that my faith was in increments and the Father was providing in increments. He wants to see if I can manage the increments of what He gives. He wants to know if I can be thankful for the little. God wants to know if I can praise Him when I don’t know. He wants to know if I will go when He says go. In the midst of all this, I can only rely on Him. For this is a work He created and ordained.

Lately, I have had to remind myself that I have gone through a flood; I have gone through the fight, been broken, put in pits, and even secluded with lightning flashing all around. I can say I have been delivered through the pits, fights, floods, because my Father loves me. The Lord will never put more on me than I can bear.

As I remind myself I recite “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:1b-3a).

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10)

Sometimes we get caught up in the natural and loose sight of the spiritual. In the spiritual realm we can see victory. In the flesh we can not only see pain but dwell in the midst of the pain and time retrains. It is with my spiritual eyes I can see what the Lord is pulling me through.

What type of rest are you seeking ? Rest from the Father? Are you caught up with how much rest you are not getting? Or are you seeking His rest for endurance for the race?

I encourage you to know your circumstances are reminders of how involved you are with your flesh. If you can only feel pain when a miracle occurred, ask God for His peace. If you are only seeing what you lack, call upon the Father to give you wisdom to see your victory. Request to the Father that your imagination is open to His will. It is vital to believe in the success of the mission for victory. Pray to the Father for ongoing Faith and not faith of increments. Seek the Lord, and he will answer, and deliver you from all your fears (Psalm 34:4). For the Lords “presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14).

Creation

February is a month in which many across the world recognize African Americans for multiple reasons of accomplishments. Some children are starting their day in schools with a brief mentioning of a highlight of an African Americans’ invention or achievement.

In thinking of this month and how many speak of the achievements of many my mind travels to Garrett Morgan. He was an inventor and businessman from Cleveland who is best known for inventing a device called the Morgan safety hood and smoke protector in 1914.

One of his most popular inventions children are told about is the stop light. Morgan created the stop light which directs people when traveling. His invention was created for people all over the world. His invention gives drivers a sense of when to move forward and stay put.

Everyone has some type of invention within. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them“(Ephesians 2:11).

I imagine before Morgan created the improvement to the stop light he had a purpose in mind. Prior to the traffic signal being placed on the street I believe Morgan desired to help people understand when it was safe for them to go. Perhaps as he was driving he thought, this invention will decrease the number of car accidents.

God has given each of us a purpose in life for good works. He desires for us to all have eternal life and knows the temptations of this world. Because this world is corrupted He has given us good works inside of us to help us get to heaven. Are you embracing your work from the Lord? Have you found the invention in you?

Your purpose is not just for you but for the many. Maybe your purpose is to encourage through your testimony. Possibly your purpose is to join people as they eat your blessed and highly flavored food. Perhaps your purpose is to remind people of the Father through your words, your art, your song, your grace, your smile or your acts of kindness. We all have a creation inside of us.

Don’t let your days pass by as if you have no purpose. Seek the Father for guidance. Pray to God to open your ears to hear Him. Ask the Father to help you imagine your creation. You were created in the image of God, (Genesis 1:27) being a creation of the Creator gives you divine power to create as He.

In The Midst of Haters

I have been preparing for our upcoming conference and it has been a challenge. A few days ago a person told me I needed to "wait a year before I had the conference because ‘no one knows me’”. I politely told them thank you for your insight.

I moved away from them quickly and as the day went on their words, start forming negativity within. I start questioning if I should change the date. I start thinking maybe it can’t be next month because it’s too soon. I was frustrated and said, “Well I should cancel the event.”

I spoke with my husband and he encouraged me to seek God.

That next morning, I rose early to have a meeting with the Father. I cried thanking Him for victory. I asked for forgiveness for putting limitations on God and I felt lead to move forward. Once I got up a bursting feeling of energy came over me.

I could see couples joining renewing their vows. I saw couples being healed from jealousy, broken of pride, encouraged to love and grow spiritually with each other. I saw women with formal gowns on, as if they were going to the prom with their date. Men were pulling chairs out, as if they were trying to impress their loved one, to win them over.

For a moment my understanding was clouded, it became darkened, “being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:18). But God is a God of His word.

When God tells you to do something you have to be careful who you share it with. Jesus spoke on the Mount warning the people to "Never give what is holy to dogs or throw your pearls before pigs. Otherwise, they will trample them with their feet and then turn around and attack you." (Matthew 7:6)

I knew in my heart I had to move on, the conference is to build and help the growth of the institute of marriage.

God was speaking to my heart “Open the gates, That the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in. You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength. For He brings down those who dwell on high,” (Isaiah 26:2-5).

Today the economy is messed up. But the Lord is saying trust in me forever. As I considered the economy, I could see Joseph when the Lord placed him in position to help during a famine. If Joseph did not do as the Lord directed him, how many people would not have had food? Would he have been there for his family when they needed food? Would he have reunited with his father and brothers?

As I kept thinking it became clear to me “if I don’t continue with this conference people won’t be at God’s appointed time, people wont’ see that even through the hardships God is saying “Come with me on the honey moon and I will pay the fare.”

The Lord wants you and me to understand the power of His word. The psalmist wrote “Your word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path” (Psalm 105). The word helps guide you through the bumpy areas. When darkness is all around the word gives you a clear path so you can maneuver through.

What is your image of what God is telling you? Can you see yourself doing what He is asking of you? Do you desire Him in the night? Are you listening to the haters?

Consider praising the Lord, as He fights the battle. Separate your self from the haters and allow the Lord to sanctify you with the truth (John 17:17). Shout to the heavens above “by my spirit within me “I will seek You early; For when Your judgments are in the earth, The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness” (Isaiah 26:9). Pray to God to release you from putting restraints on Him, as you pursue relying on Him.

Divine Order

Last night, I went to sleep early because I wanted to complete several task in the morning. As the midnight hour came my children awoke one, by one hour by hour.

The time was approaching for me to wake and my baby was a bit agitated. I decided to hold him so he would fall back to sleep. As I held him I recognized how exhausted I was yet I had appointed myself to rise early to tend to certain task so I prayed to the Father to give me strength to endure through my weariness.

I got up praying for strength and as my foot touched the floor I was in good health and spirit. I lost an hour when my baby woke up but I told myself “I have divine power for all I need, I have victory.”

While it was still quiet in the house I knelt before the Lord and just thanked Him. Interestingly, though my night was of less rest I was at peace.

I had 25 minutes before my children would awake and I read a scripture I was meditating on and began to prepare breakfast. Then the children went off for school and I began to write. As I wrote I thought “Six days you shall labor and do all your work” (Exodus 20:9).

Initially, when reading this verse it appears as if it is directing us to basically work hard for six days. However, it is in fact telling us to serve for six days and do all the natural skill God has imparted upon you for six days. To labor is to serve. You might be appointed to serve at a local church or volunteering at a youth center. Perhaps you are to serve by assisting or supporting your spouse as they are serving. Or maybe you are simply to serve your children. Yet you have six days to complete you task of serving.

First, God has instructed you to serve for six days. Secondly, the Father has directed you to do all work. The work He is implying is not busy work. This scripture is referring to God’s creative work. There is something that He created you to do; something that you do as a unique being that He ordained for you to do. He is saying do it for six days.

God directs not only what you are to do but He tells you how often. When I went to sleep I had intentions on only the creative work He wanted me to do but God is orderly. I have to serve before I get to the creative part. Even when I was seeking to do the second part first He kept pushing in my face do what “He said to do first, and then I can get to the second task.”

Many times parents are stressing to their children “Do what I say first.” But how often is the parent doing what God says to do first? It is easy to get caught up in doing the creative work first because at times it’s the fun part. Yet people often want to skip out on the serving, the labor because it is not so fun.

What are you resting to do? Are you preparing for serving first? Consider doing things in an orderly fashion. Pray to God to bring to your attention how He would have you serve. Call upon the Father to forgive you for trying to do what you desired to do first. Ask God to direct you to serve and do all the creative work He ordained you to do for six days. Commit your self to do the will of the Lord in His order. “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Saving Faith

Recently, I had to go into Atlanta to pick up some material. I printed out the instructions to go to an unfamiliar location I had never gone. I was going to this unfamiliar location; therefore, it was important for me to leave early.

As I approached the location, I saw a cloud of dust from construction ahead and a panic came over me. I was considering, I might miss the store because of the loud construction. Pressure began to build as on coming traffic was coming from behind. I decided to pull over and call for specific directions.

A gentleman answered the phone and guided me directly to the location which was around the corner beyond the construction site.

After I got what I needed from the location, I noticed the map did say the road curved and I laughed. I followed the directions up until the pressure of the traffic and the distraction of the construction site. I did not loose site of where I was going until I panicked and stopped looking at the directions. However, when I did loose sight I was able to pick up a phone and call for some personal guidance and was guided directly to the store.

Jesus said, "Ye are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you"(John 15:14). What instructions has the Lord given you? Do you know how to call on your friend when you get lost? If you get distracted by loud banging noises, people with negativity, do you seek the Father or look to others? What keeps you connected to your friendship with Christ is your obedience? Your obedience expresses your friendship of faith. Your faith saves you in the midst of it all.

My intentions where to follow directions but I was distracted by the pressure of being in an unfamiliar location with cars approaching the rear of my car and the loud banging construction site. I felt lost and out of touch with my directions and made a call to get back on track.

Being lost can be overwhelming. Before getting lost you have the directions but distractions can cause you to get off course delaying your arrival time of your specific destination.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16: 31). I believed when I called the store I would get personal directions how to get to my destination in the midst of all the distractions. We have to have the same approach when seeking the Father. Believe He will help you through with His spiritual guidance. Believe He has it all worked out before you even make the call. Believe in the success of the mission through Christ Jesus.

What happens when you get lost? Do you know when to pull over to get personal help? Do you know who to turn to for directions? Or are you stuck on the mistakes you made and give up?

Following directions are not always going to be easy but they can be accomplished with guidance. Allow yourself to pull through by making a call for personal guidance from Christ. Pray to God to give you control over panicking in the midst of construction. Ask God to take your sense of doubt away and replace it with the sense of faith. Call upon the Lord to release you from the fear of being lost, so you can call Him today. Ask the Father to ignite you to follow through His instructions. "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:26).