Share Each Other's Burdens

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Last week I wrote the posting ‘Do You Want To Be A Follower?' based on the scripture verse in Matthew 16:24. A comment came in from one of my blogging friends that ministered deep inside of me. He said, “The cross is heavy and I want to lay it down... being selfless is very difficult although I do my best. Thank you Lisa, for helping me carry it.”

I did not realize that I was helping my brother carry his cross, but I praised God immediately and gave Him glory for allowing me to edify and encourage my brother and anyone else who receives from Consecrated to Him. Then immediately the Spirit of the Lord reminded me that Jesus did not carry His cross alone, He had help too. Remember Simon from Cyrene? As Jesus was being led to be crucified they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. That immediately encouraged me because I realized that our heavenly Father knows our needs and in His mercy and grace he puts people in our path when we are at our weakest point or in desperate need of relief to help us carry our cross. Praise God! He never leaves us alone without help. (Matthew 27:32)

The Spirit of the Lord has directed each of us to share each other’s burdens and in doing this we will be obeying the law of Christ. The law of Christ is that we love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, our entire mind, and all our strength. Also, that we love our neighbor as our self. (Mark 12:29-31)

Sharing each other’s burdens is a selfless act of love and it shows that our faith is real. Carrying each other’s burdens is practically helping your brother and sister in their Christian walk and also caring for their needs. Here are some practical applications to help others carry their cross.

• Pray and intercede for them – We all need prayer and it is an encouragement to us when we know that others are going before the throne of God on our behalf. We can pray with our brothers and sisters, touching an agreeing on one accord. Then we should also go into to our prayer closets and lift them up to the Lord, thanking our Father for His faithfulness and provisions in their life, and asking Him how we can serve them in their time of need.

• Give of your time – I don’t know about you but my schedule is always full between my 5 children, ministry work, and caring for my home. However, we need to be good stewards of our time and ask the Lord to help give us wisdom and balance in this area. We have to willing to make sacrifices and lay down some of our leisure time to minister to the needs of others. Maybe it’s as elderly, sick, or handicapped person who needs help cleaning their house or just needs company. Perhaps it’s a single mother or married couple that need a break, offer to babysit. Maybe it’s volunteering in the children’s nursery at church for a season. Take time to listen to others. Sometimes when they respond “Everything’s good” it really isn’t. Take the time to care. Be sensitive to the Spirit in this area.

• Give of your resources – Resources is just your money, its you’re your stuff too. Take a look around your home. What is there too much of? Clothes, shoes, handbags, blankets, or sheets? Whatever it is share it with others. It’s ok to sell your stuff if you’re in need, but it’s even better when you just give it away. We have 5 children in our home and every time we have gotten pregnant we have always handed down all of our baby stuff between pregnancies to others who needed it more that our storage closest did. When the time came for the next child the Lord faithfully provided everything we needed and more. Whoever tries to hold what they have what little bit they have will be taken away. Whoever gives even more will be given back to them.

• Laugh or cry together – There is a time to laugh and time to cry. Be there for your brother or sister in either season. We all need someone to share these intimate moments with.

• Encourage one another – Lift up your brother and sisters with words of encourage. Be positive and speak words of life and power that will help them press forward in their walk. Let them know that they can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens them. Also let them know you are there to help them too. We need to know that we are not alone in our suffering or troubles.

• Edify one another – Speak the Word to one another. Sings praises together. Share your revelations and visions. Tell them what the Lord is doing in your life personally. Testify to them about God’s faithfulness in your life and see if they are not edified.

• Correct, warn, and exhort – Many people have allowed the world to put it in their minds that what others are going through is none of our business. This is a lie from the pits of hell. If you see your brother or sister going down a destructive path or about to make a bad decision you should speak up in love and warn them. Give constructive criticism and godly counsel. Help your brother or sister to stay on the narrow road that leads to life. We should be our brother’s and sister’s keeper.

Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. (1 John 3:16-19)

May the Lord help us to think of others as better than ourselves. May we learn to truly love our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Let us be full of a desire and passion to serve them and to help them carry their cross especially when times get tough. We are all part of the same body and we need one another. Father unite us together just as You and Jesus are united with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name…Amen.

Will You Be Obedient & Tell Them?

“When the watchmen sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people. Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action, it is their own fault if they die. They heard the alarm but ignored it, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives. But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn't sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman responsible for their deaths." Ezekiel 33:3-6

There will be times that the Lord will prompt you to speak a loving word of correction, warning, or even rebuke to others. Perhaps it is a brother or sister in the Lord that is not living a life worthy of their calling or has strayed off the narrow path. It could be a lost soul that needs to know that Jesus died for their sins and if they do not confess and repent of their sins and believe in Christ they will die and go to hell. My question to you is will you be obedient and tell them or will you say it’s none of my business Lord? It's not my place.

Don’t allow yourself to be conformed to the world’s way and its customs. (Romans 12:2)The world does not care about the eternal souls of men. They do not have the Spirit of God and the love of Christ in them so they do not understand the things of the Spirit. But we do and we must watch out for one another and also hold each other accountable. We must speak the truth of God’s Word to each other. It is our responsibility as servants of the Most of God to be watchmen and watchwomen for one another, helping each other to stay on the narrow road. This does not mean that we are to become sin spotters going around trying to spot sin in our brothers and sisters lives to call them out on it. No..what I am talking about is lovingly watching each others back. If you see your brother or sister slipping away from the truth, being drawn into sin or disobedience and the Lord tells you to talk to them then go quickly and address the situation in love. Don't wait when the Lord tells you to go.

We all know it is not easy to give someone a word of correction, warning, or rebuke but our heavenly Father said through Ezekiel that we are to warn others when we see the enemy coming. We are to sound an alarm to warn the people. The alarm is our mouth. I plead with you don’t turn your back on your brother or sister when you see that they are heading down the wrong path and are in disobedience to God. Don’t say it is not your business, because IT IS! Lovingly remind them what the Word of God says about their situation, circumstances, attitude or actions. If they refuse to listen and ignore the warning then they will suffer the consequences. But if we see that someone is surely headed for destruction or is even only ‘a little’ involved in sin or disobedience and we don’t warn them then we are responsible for their bondage and even their spiritual death. (Ezekiel 33:6) Remember also that it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. (James 4:17)

Imagine how the prophet Nathan felt when the Lord had him go to King David and talk to him about the murder of Uriah. He presented a story to the king about an injustice that was done to a poor man and King David became angry at the offender in the story and said that he deserved to die. He ordered for the poor man to be repayed for what was stolen. The Prophet Nathan immediately revealed that the man in the story was King David himself. He rebuked King David and told him that his sins were rooted in dissatisfaction with God's blessings. David just couldn't be satisfied with what God had given him (his own wives) he had to take more (another man's wife). King David repented immediately and Nathan the Prophet encouraged him by saying his sins were forgiven, although there would still be consequences for his disobedience and sin (the death of their unborn child and rebellion in his household). (2 Samuel 12:1-15)

It’s not easy to tell another believer that they are sin or are compromising their faith. Perhaps it is not easy because we don’t want to offend anyone. We want to be liked. We may even fear that the person will get angry with us, but we can not fear what man will say or do, instead we must fear the Lord and do His will at all times. We can not try to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people is our goal then we will not be able to be Christ’s servants and responsible watchmen. (Galatians 1:10)

If our Lord says, "Please tell them that their foul and abusive language, telling obscene stories and coarse jokes and foolish talk are not for them", then tell them in love.(Ephesians 5:4). If our Lord says, "Please tell your sister that her life of fornication and adulterous relationships is not pleasing to Me. This sin is against her own body and Me. Leave this lifestyle and turn back to Me", then do it promptly. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, 7:1-2) Do it immediately when the Lord says, "Share the love of Christ and tell this thirsty soul about the life giving water of Jesus Christ. Tell them that they will thirst no more if they will drink from the Living Water, but if they continue down this destructive path they will surely die in their sin."

Do not hesitate trust the Lord. We can be sure that whoever brings a sinner back will have saved that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. (James 5:19-20)An open rebuke is better than hidden love! (Proverbs 27:5) Love will move you to point out a person’s failings because you know the consequences. Your love for them will want to see them living in the light. The rebuke will benefit the recipient, whether they seem to have received it or not. Our job as watchmen is to sound the alarm. It’s up to them if they heed the warning or not. (Ezekiel 33:4-5)

May our Lord help us to watch out for one another. May we be obedient and go at once when prompted by the Spirit to speak the truth in love. Give us eyes to see when we and others are under attack. Help us to sound the alarm with all the Love that you have put in our hearts for the truth of God’s Word. Help us to do your will even if that means being rejected or persecuted. In Jesus name..Amen.

They Too Will Believe

Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
And He turned to me and heard my cry,
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
Out of the mud and the mire,
He set my feet on solid ground
And he steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing.
A hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what He has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.

I love this Psalm! It’s the story of my life. I was a mess before Jesus. Then one day I realized it and I cried out to Him for help. That was the day my life changed forever. He began lifting me up out the terrible mess that I had made of my life. He drew me closer to Him with the hunger He put in my heart for His Word. That is the solid ground that I walk on today, His Word. He truly has steadied me as I walk on this journey through life with Him. He is there holding my hand so that when I stumble I do not fall.

His praises..Well I am always singing praises to our Lord. I love worshipping Him. I lift my hands up and close my eyes knowing with all my heart that I am in His presence. I can be in a crowded church and I don’t care. I sing and worship Him with all of my heart.

This is something that the old Lisa would have never have done. Today I am new creation in Christ Jesus. The old has gone and the new has come. What the enemy tried to use to destroy me the Lord turned for my good and for His glory. I now stand on the Rock. He is my source of hope, strength, wisdom, and determination. He is the new song that I sing. Many have seen what He has done for me and are amazed. They too have put their trust in Him.

When I read these verses in Psalm 40 I receive comfort and confirmation that I need not be ashamed to share my testimony. You see I know that I am not the only one who was a mess and had to cry to Jesus for Him to lift them up out the pit of despair. Many people today are in despair and our drowning in the mud and miry clay. They are stuck.

What can give them hope and faith? Our testimonies can. Our lives can. We are to be living testimonies for all to see.

“Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.”

It doesn’t get much clearer than that. Others need to know that they are not alone in their mess. They need to know that we were in the pit also at one time but that we cried out to Jesus for salvation and He saved us. Then they will understand why we try to live our lives pleasing to God. Then they will understand why the name of Jesus is always on our lips. Then they too will believe and be saved. Your life can give others hope. So live to glorify Him and be ready to share your story of deliverance. If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it and do it as a representative of our Lord. (1 Peter 3:15)

“You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 4:16-17

You Have Something To Say

Several weeks ago I was invited to share my story on a site called Power Up Love. Power Up Love is a site where real people are sharing real stories, about how Love has really impacted and changed their lives. I went ahead and shared my story with their readers last week. I am trusting God to bring the right people who need to read my story to their site. I know that it will help someone to know that they are not alone and that God is no respector of persons, what He has done for me He will do for them.

What about you? I know you have something to say. A God story. A praise report. A story of deliverance.

You have something to say that someone needs to hear. Don't be ashamed or afraid to share your story of how our Lord delivered you from whatever it is. I had been in and out of jail since I was a young teenager and eventaully ended up in prison because I was so rebellious and full of rage. I was on drugs, involved in gangs, rude, angry, selfish, a thief, and so many other ugly things. I am not happy about who I was, but I am no longer ashamed.

I am one of God's many trophies of grace. He saved me and cleaned me up. He washed away all of my sins and gave me a solid foundation to build my life on, Jesus Christ. Today I share my story without fear. I don't care what the religious Pharisees of today think or what the self-righteous Christian says. I live for Jesus, not for man.

We can not not allow the enemy to try to hold us back by making me us feel that we are worthless because of our past. We have to be sure and confident of who we are in Christ Jesus. I know that I have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, so have you. Our sins are at the bottom of the ocean to be remembered no more. We are no longer worthless and lost. We are children of the most High God saved to serve and help save the lost. We do this by sharing our stories.

I encourage you to not be afraid to share your testimony. Don't allow what you went through to be in vain. Allow our Lord to use these experiences to help others. We defeat the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. We lay down our own lives when we share it with others. (Revelation 12:11)

You have something to say... Don't quench the Holy Spirit of God when He is directing you to speak to someone in love. This is not of yourself. It is not about you. It is about the person that needs to hear what God wants to say through you. Open your mouth, do not be afraid. The Lord will give you the Words to speak and when He does it will be annointed with His power to heal, deliver, and confirm. He will give you courage if you will only allow Him to have His way. Be his conduit.

Little Ms.Victoria

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. (Psalm 71:18)

Last night I had the privilege of joining my daughter and her youth group on their visit to a retirement home. They had decorated their gift bags, brought personal gifts from home, along with treats and candies to share with their new friends. They were also prepared to sing Christmas carols. There was no doubt that Love was in the air.

I had a sense of excitement inside of me from the moment that I volunteered to be a chaperone. As the days neared the event I had a sense of expectancy within that our God would use this experience to touch my heart, and He has.

As soon as we walked in the room there was a very old woman sitting in her wheel chair. Her face was full of excitement. She greeted us with laughter and words of thanks. My daughter saw this cute little woman and chooses to sit with her. Little did she know that this was a God ordained moment for us both.

This precious old little latin woman’s name is Maria Victoria. She is 95 years old. Her body is old and frail, but her spirit is strong and full of God’s love. She spoke words of faith and hope. Her love is Jesus Christ. She constantly gives Him glory, declares His power, and His faithfulness.

All evening she poured her words of wisdom and encouragement down into our young spirits. I was so happy and honored to have this experience with my oldest daughter. I immediately got a pen and paper and wrote as much as I could of Ms. Victoria’s words. It is not often that I get to speak to a 95 year old Christian woman. I wanted to glean as much as I can. I received them as if they were coming straight from the throne room. I hope you do too.

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? (Job 12:12)

From the mouth of Ms. Victoria, lover of Jesus Christ our Lord:

“Tonight you have given me the greatest gift, Love. God shows me all the time that He loves me and that He never leaves me alone. Oh Lord, you are so good to me! Oh Lord!”

“Lord bless these people for coming here.” She looks at my daughter and says, “He writes everything down that you do.” “Yes, Lord bless these people.”

“I am 95 years old and I am so blessed with a family that loves me.” Her face is full of joy and happiness as she speaks of them. You can see that she has tears in her eyes too.

She went on to say, “I always use to give all the time. When you give God always gives back to you. God always gives me plenty because I would always give. You don’t give, you don’t receive.”

“When I was poor, I was rich. I’m good now because I belong to God.”

“In this world you have to be strong. There is a lot of trouble now.”

While the girls sang Christmas carols and praise music she explained that her daughter and her granddaughter come daily to care for her. That she is so blessed to have them. They are her two mommies. I was proud to tell her that my daughter had been sitting next to her. She was excited. When my daughter came back she said to her, “God will guide you. In the future you will be blessed. Believe. Behave. Be good. Don’t be too fresh. I don’t suffer nothing now because I have God.”

She proceeds by saying, “Money don’t make you happy. Too many women today get caught up in that. Loving money kills you. The more you have. The more you want. I was rich, but poor in the inside. Then I married a poor man.”

“I gave so much to the poor and God is giving back to me gifts, food, and flowers. I am blessed. I walk into my room and I find candy!” Her eyes gleamed as she spoke of the blessings that our Lord bestows on her.

“I cry for the people that their families leave here. They forget about them. It’s terrible.”

“But I am the queen around here. I won a crown. Who gave me that crown?” She points up and says, “God gave me that crown.”

Her words full of faith, hope, and the love of Christ have encouraged me. I hope they have encouraged you too.

A Story of A Champion

Let me introduce you to my brother in law and brother in the Lord. He is living proof that our God is still in the business of doing miracles. After a 15 year drug addiction he has been delivered by God and is now completely sold out to Jesus. He is a JESUS FREAK!! I asked him to share his story and his experience from this weekend. I give you Mike Colon.. A story of a champion.

My name is Mike Colon and I am 30 years of age. This weekend I was blessed to have an opportunity to go into the prisons with the Bill Glass Prison Ministry WOC. Before I explain the awesome experience I had I figured I should give my testimony so you can understand just how big our God is.

My early childhood was pretty normal, grew up in a family with parents, an older brother, and a younger brother. We had a typical American Puerto Rican family. We lived in a nice home, had family vacations and grew up very close to our extended family. I was always a model student, played lots of sports and was actively involved in music in school. When I was going into the 8th grade we moved from New Jersey to Hollywood, FL and the transition really started my downward spiral. Within just a couple months of moving to Florida I was hanging with the wrong crowd, skipping school and started smoking marijuana. It was in my freshman year of high school when I just started living for the flesh.

My days started and ended with drugs, I was always late to class, grades fell and the things that were once important in my life didn’t matter anymore. It’s to no surprise that soon enough marijuana was not enough. My school was in a very “upper-class” neighborhood but that just meant drugs were easier to find. I started doing a lot of LSD and cocaine. By the time I was a junior I had gotten arrested several times and had gotten one of my girlfriends pregnant. I dropped out of high school in my senior year with 2 children and started selling drugs. I was seeking every possible fleshy way of filling the void that was empty this whole time.

From this point on in my life I was a “functioning” drug addict… I always had good jobs and even got my GED and was in college for pre-med/nursing. It wasn’t until recently that I realized even though I denied God as a young adult (I even went as far as considering myself agnostic) God always protected me. I continued on this path of destruction, always justifying my actions because I had a job and a family. In the years to follow I dropped out of college and continued living crazy. In that time I met my wife… about 8 years ago.

Our lifestyles were identical. We partied and did drugs routinely; I was a terrible boyfriend and a bad father. We had 2 beautiful daughters that I never appreciated until recently. And before I realized it I found myself deeply addicted to oxycontin and other pain killers.

In early December 2007, my older brother and his wife basically did an intervention on me and I went to a detox facility. Before entering the detox center, I was given a book called “Lose That Man and Let Him Go” by Bishop TD Jakes. This was the beginning of the end of my previous life. On my detox bed I prayed to God and asked him to help me change my life and I promised that if He did this I would dedicate my life to the Gospel.

Well, here I am! I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior on December 19, 2007 at Calvary Chapel Ft.Lauderdale and have never looked back. The addictions, the strongholds and the person I had been were instantly and miraculously gone. Our God, the Ultimate Redeemer, changed what many thought was the unchangeable… ME.

Since being born again, I’ve married my loving wife. God’s miracles didn’t just stop at me; they also impacted my wife… The change God has done in her life is just a whole other story. I’ve redeemed my relationship with my kids and I have dedicated my life to the Gospel. I am now actively involved in my Church and various ministries including the prison ministry event this past weekend.

I have to start by saying this weekend was AWESOME. I kinda expected to have a blessed weekend doing Kingdom work but never expected to be this fulfilled. This was my very first prison ministry event and I was really concerned that I wasn’t going to be ready. After praying over and over, God comforted me and explained that I didn’t need to be “prepared” I just needed to trust God and He would do the rest. Talk about a “conduit”. I truly felt God’s presence in the prison and I knew the words I spoke were the words of our heavenly Father. This experience was confirmation to me that God has a bigger plan for me and I could almost relate to the joy the Apostles must have felt leading people to know Jesus.

There were several incredible experiences I had this weekend doing Gods work but my best experience was at Dade Correctional Facility. After the guest speaker concluded his testimony he asked the inmates to take a look around to see the volunteers who were there to help talk to them about God. I noticed an inmate acting very “hardcore” just a couple feet in front of me (I mean what can we expect of these guys, they are in prison). But when he began looking around we caught eyes and to my surprise, standing in front of me was one of my best friends from middle and high school. When we caught eyes, immediately the “hardcore” image disappeared and in front of me was a very lost, broken individual, screaming for help. At this point I knew why God sent me to that particular prison, we talked for a little while and he proceeded to tell me he needed to change and he knew by my very presence that Jesus was the way. He pretty much said, “If God can change you, I know he can change me.” My heart screamed “THANK YOU JESUS!” and I was privileged to lead my once very carnal best friend to the love of our Almighty Savior, Jesus! Seeing my old friend and leading him to the Lord was incredible and took the cake!

This weekend helped me realize that we are all ministers in the Body of Christ and we are called to spread the Good News. I was able to lead a total of 16-18 once lost men to Christ this weekend and I am confident God will help them change. One of the guest speakers said this weekend we “increased the enrollment in Heaven and decreased the enrollment in hell.” The Bible says angels in heaven rejoice when just one sinner repents. Could you imagine the party in heaven this weekend… Hallelujah and thank you Jesus for this ministry. It has changed me!

Instructions On How To Minister To Others

Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord and if anyone asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way. (1 Peter 3:15)

We all have friends and family that we long to be delivered from the hands of the enemy. The Lord has put it on our hearts to want to see them receive the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and start living life more abundantly. With the power of the Holy Spirit we can lovingly and gently lead our confused or blinded loved ones to the Lord. However, it is important to remember that we are to minister to them with a meek, gentle, and patient attitude. They will be more willing to receive what we have to say if we are truly courteous and respectful. (1 Peter 3:15)

The Holy Spirit will give us direction, wisdom, and discernment as to how we are to handle each individual situation. Asking the Lord to give us the words to speak when we are trying to share the gospel is a must. This person needs more of Christ and less of us. If we are lead by the Spirit of Love then when the opportunity presents it’s self we will make the most of it by being wise and allowing our conversation to be gracious as well as sensible. Then we will have the right answers for them. (Colossians 4:5-6)

Remember that we are not in a battle against flesh and blood, but against unseen spirits that influence and manipulate anyone who is not careful. The enemy does not want to allow these precious souls to be freed from the bondage that he has them in. He will try to create an atmosphere of division and confusion. Therefore we must be careful, wise as serpents but gentle as doves avoiding getting into quarrels or arguments with those we are trying to help. For when we are angry we give a foothold to the devil. (Matthew 10:16, Titus 3:2, James 5:8, Ephesians 4:27)

Through Paul, the Holy Spirit gave Timothy very specific instructions as to how to minister to those who were confused about the truth.

2 Timothy 3:23-26 says, Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish arguments which only upset people and make them angry. God’s people should not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong. Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them they are more likely, with God’s help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true. Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan’s trap of slavery to sin which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God.

Let us also follow these instructions and share the Word of God humbly, patiently, and courteously so that we may bring glory to God.

Lord, please help us to be patient and gentle when ministering to others. Give us the wisdom, self control, and words to speak that will help these individual receive the Truth. Please don’t allow their hearts to be hardened. Let them see Christ in us and let them desire to know Him also. In Jesus name. Amen.

Do You Think I'm Beautiful?

A friend gave me a book to read called, Do You Think I'm Beautiful? written by Angela Thomas. She said that she thought it would be good since I am doing the WeUsed2bu ministry and so many girls and women ask, “Do you think I’m beautiful”. Since this is a question that I have asked on several occasions I was determined to see what this book had to offer on this frequently asked question. I could never imagine the blessing that was in store for me. I know now that it was most definitely our loving and sweet Lord who put it on her heart to give me this book to read.

Thank you Jen for listening to the Holy Spirit. It is an amazing book! I am renewed and revived in my spirit. I have found freedom in areas that I did not know I was even bound. I feel like I am back on track and heading down the right path to fulfilling my calling.

In this book Angela helps the reader to see that our God thinks that we are beautiful and desires to dance with us. I love how real and vulnerable she was about her insecurities and life experiences. She is clear and to the point, honest, and determined to help the reader find freedom in knowing that our God loves us intimately.

Here is an excerpt from the book:

If there is a question attached to the soul of a woman, maybe it’s “Do you think I’m beautiful?” When God answers from the depth of His great love, it makes some of us feel like the wallflower who is asked to dance. But we can become distracted from His invitation because of the other lovers, whispers of unbelief, noise and clutter, and because we are sometimes the prodigal, sometimes the elder brother. To return to the music and strong embrace of God requires a desperate and pursing heart. And when a woman chooses to remain in His arms of devotion, God gives the only hope we have: His perfect love, and a beautiful crown. God is enthralled by the beauty of a woman and calls her His beloved. He wildly pursues her heart with romance and intimacy to make her His beautiful bride.

This book has encouraged and empowered me. I will not let fear and doubt fill me with insecurities any more. I am determined now more than ever to step out in faith and do what God has called for me to do, knowing that I am dancing with the Lover of My Soul.

I encourage you to buy this book and share it with your friends. If you’re a guy this would be a great gift for that special someone, your sister, friend, mom, any woman that you want to truly bless.

Do not hesitate, buy now!

Click here to buy "Do You Think I'm Beautiful?"

Heaven's Grocery Store

Many years ago someone very special to me sent me this poem in one of her letters. I have kept it in my bible ever since and I want to share it with you..

Heaven's Grocery Store

I was walking down life's highway a long, long time ago. One day I saw a sign that read, "HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE."

As I got a little closer, the door opened wide, and I found myself standing inside.

I saw a host of ANGELS. They were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said, "My Child, shop with care."

Everything a human needed was in that grocery store. And if you couldn't carry it all, you could come back the next day for more. First, I got some PATIENCE. LOVE was in the same row. Further down was UNDERSTANDING, you need that everywhere you go.I got a box or two of WISDOM, a bag or two of FAITH. I just couldn't miss the HOLY GHOST, for it was all over the place.I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE TO HELP ME RUN THIS RACE. By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some GRACE.I didn't forget SALVATION, for SALVATION was free. So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.

Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill. For I thought I had everything to do the MASTER'S will.As I went up the aisle, I saw PRAYER; and I just had to put that in, for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run into sin.

PEACE and JOY were plentiful; they were last on the shelf.SONG and PRAISE were hanging near, so I just helped myself. Then I said to the angel,

"Now, how much do I owe?"He smiled again and said,

"MY CHILD, JESUS PAID YOUR BILL A LONG, LONG TIME AGO."

Written by: Ron DeMarco & Friend

Blogroll-Edifying One Another

This blogroll serves the purpose of building one another up in our faith. You can help reach out and spread the word by placing one of the Consecrated To Him buttons on your page. Please copy and paste the code below to add one the buttons.



<a href="http://www.consecratedtohim.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm94/weused2bu/button_logo-1.jpg" /></a>



<a href="http://www.consecratedtohim.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm94/weused2bu/banner1_125x1251blue.jpg" /></a>




<a href="http://www.consecratedtohim.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm94/weused2bu/banner2_125x1251pink.jpg" /></a>


Once you have done this you can submit your request to add your link to this blogroll.

If you have website or blog that will help edify or encourage the Consecrated To Him readers please submit an email to narrowroad777@hotmail.com with the following information:

• Site Name
• A brief description of your site
• Your Name
• Your Email
• Site Url
• The label description for your link that you want me to use.

Once I have reviewed your site and approved it, I will include your link in my blogroll. Your request will be accepted based on the content of your website.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accepted Sites

WeUsed2bu Christian Girl Advice Site
Saved By Faith
Kesi Keys-Virtue of A Conqueror
Christian Women Online
Heading Home-Following God's Compass
The Heart of A Pastor's Wife
Mighty In Spirit
Zemeks Blog
Tea With Tiffany
Your Moment Is Now
Power Up Love
Desperate For More of Him
"Blessed 2 Serve: Thoughts on Living God's Way"
Faith Imagined
Living Between the Lines
This One's For the Girls
As The Scripture Says

A Cry For Help

Yesterday as I was I was working on our WeUsed2bu Girl Advice MySpace ministry answering a girl who seemed to be so angry and hurt. Her page is full of demonic images. It seems that that there is no reaching her. Then I noticed one little banner on her page which reads..

“Sometimes people put up walls, not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to try to tear them down.”

In all of that darkness there was one small cry for help. That one small sign let me see the little girl in her hiding. She is crying out for love. I wonder what she is going through in her life. What has happened along the way that has caused her to hide in darkness? Then immediately compassion flooded my heart. I desperately wanted to save her. I felt like my response to her was vital to her life. I prayed, “Lord please give me the words to speak to her. Only you can save and heal her hurt. Bring her back to you.” I felt His love flowing through me to answer her.

I try my hardest not to judge or lose hope when I see some of these girls’ pages. They seem so far away from God. Sometimes I feel like we will never reach them, or they will never accept Our Love. Finding this banner on this page consumed with darkness has given me a new hope to keep pressing forward and sharing the Word of God. I am reminded that His Word will not return void, but it will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent out. (Isaiah 55:11)

The Lord does not want us to look at people and judge or assume that they are unsaveable or hopeless. There will be people that will cross our path that will be angry, hurt, and miserable with their lives. They may not be kind to us. We may think that they are way to far gone or lost, but maybe they are just looking to see if anyone will notice that they are dying inside. Maybe they just need to hear some encouraging Words to keep moving on with their lives.

Jesus said, “This is My commandment, that you love one another; as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)As Christians we need to be compassionate and understanding. We are called to love one another. Not to just say that we love people but showing our love by reaching out to those that are hurting, sick, in prison, hungry, and are in need. God’s love in us will help tear down those walls that they have built around their heart. With every Word that we speak to them and act of kindness bricks are removed and the heart becomes vulnerable again because they are given hope.

You don’t really know what those around you are really going through inside their minds and heart. Be determined to be conduits of God’s love. Speak words of life to those closest to you. Take every chance you get to be an encourager and lift people up.

Lord, thank you for loving us. Because You have loved us we can now truly love others. Let compassion flood our hearts. Give us the Words to speak to those people that you put in our path. Let us be a tool of encouragement to our families, friends, and associates. In Jesus name..Amen

We Need Each Other

I have learned that in order for me to fulfill God’s calling on my life I need strong Christian brothers and sisters to help keep me accountable in my service to God and my family. I have been blessed to have strong godly women to love me, chastise me, comfort me, question me, encourage, and edify me in the Lord. These women love the Lord and are committed to serve Him in love and truth. I see the evidence of Christ’s love in their lives and service. When I have a problem or I need advice I can email or call them to seek wise counsel and prayer. The best part is that they keep it real. They are not going to tell me what they think I want to hear. They give me counsel or correction based on the Word of God.

We all need Christian accountability to help keep us on the narrow road that leads to life. Traveling this road is not easy. It requires sacrifice, a life committed to service, struggle against your flesh and sin, constant reevaluation of our priorities, and so on. Thanks be to God that we are not called to do this Christian journey on our own. As believers we are called to love and serve each other. In fact we ARE part of each other. The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So is it with the body of Christ. All of us together are Christ’s body, and each of us is part of it. If one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. We have a responsibility to help one another run this race. (1 Corinthians 12:12, 12:27, 12:26)

If you do not already have an accountability partner, group, or mentor I urge to pray for God to lead you to the person or persons that He would have you walk with. Every believer needs at to have at least one other Christian that they can confide in, pray with, and listen to. The more involved we get in our church the more opportunities arise to meet other strong believers who will love and support us. I think Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says it best, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”

Accountability is not to judge each other. Matthew 7 says, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” Accountability is being responsible for one’s actions. When we see another brother or sister straying away from the path of Truth it is our responsibility to in love help bring that person back onto the right path. I think it’s also important to humbly remember that we too can fall into sin. Galatians 6:1-2 says “If another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

And lets us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities… (Hebrews 10:24)

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another.. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Do not be deceived we are not strong enough to do this on our own! We need each other. May God lead you to other Christians who will not be afraid to keep it real with you.

Enclosing I would like to thank Rhonda Clarke, Sonia Gonzalez, Raeanne Hance, Doree Colon, Deana Colon, and most of all my husband. Thank you for not letting me give up and for not giving up on me. Thank you for believing in me when no one else would. Your prayers, counsel, and love are always cherished. I love you all dearly! Xoxo’s