Get A Grip! Keep Believing!

I don’t know about you, but my life is NOT perfect. I have problems, trials, and testing’s daily. It’s only by God’s grace and mercy that I have the strength to overcome life’s adversities. I have moments where my faith and hope is so big that I immediately remember who I am in Christ and I stand on the Truth of God’s Word. Its during these times that I can instantly resist fear, doubt, anxiety and all the other spiritual forces and emotions that will attack my mind. However there are those other times (which are not often, but they do happen) when I feel tired and worn out. I start looking at my circumstances and over evaluating them, instead of remembering what the Lord has already spoken to me about the situation. That is when I begin to feel despair, anger, bitterness, depression, doubt, and sadly even hatred. God forgive me. I’m sharing this with you because I KNOW that I am NOT the only who has gone through this or is going through this now.

Sometimes we have been praying and hoping for years for a breakthrough in a situation or in the life of a loved one. Since we haven’t seen the full manifestation we may begin to feel a little faithless or hopeless. We may even find that we are allowing our hearts to be hardened over the situation which will only lead to unbelief and it will begin to push us away from God.

IT’S TIME TO GET A GRIP!!

All I Want You To Do Is Stand

I woke up this morning with a word on my heart specifically for the faithful remnant who serve our Lord with sincere hearts and who have laid down their own will to see God’s will fulfilled on this earth.

“In this world you WILL have many troubles, but remember that My Spirit lives in you and I have overcome the world. Don’t allow your perception to become distorted by the troubles and trials that come your way. Keep your eyes and your heart focused on the promises that I have given you. You know what those promises are because I have engraved them in your mind and in your heart. I’ve given you visions and dreams that will most certainly come to pass in due season, but you have got to keep standing, even though the vision tarries you must continue to wait on it.

All I want you to do is stand! Stand strong in the truth of My Word! Stand strong in My Spirit and in My might! Do not do anything in your own strength. It is by My Power and by My Spirit that you will be able to keep standing strong until the end.
There will be attacks in your life and on the life of your family because I have destined you for great things. I will use you to tear down strongholds and to speak the Truth in others lives. Once you served the enemy and he used to use you to destroy other’s lives, to influence them, to hinder them, and to keep them in bondage. But today you serve the Most High God! Today you are more than conqueror because of My Spirit that lives in you. Know who you are! You are Mine! You are a child of the Most High God! You are full of My love, compassion, and My Spirit. I will allow you to see things and hear things through My eyes and My ears so that you will learn to love the way that I do. It is not impossible IF you continue to surrender your will for Mine.

Do not allow compromise to creep into to your heart. Compromise is a terrible parasite that will consume you if you give into it. Stand for Truth at all times. Do what is right, what My Word says at all times, especially in your homes. This is where compromise will try to have its way first. It is what will tear your family apart. So beware!

The enemy will not easily give up on you, so stay alert but do not fear because I am greater than any spirit that comes against you. Continue to abide in Me, in My Word. Many of my children are in great turmoil because they do not abide in My Word. They are being destroyed for lack of knowledge and understanding of My will for their lives. They are drawn away by foolish teachings and philosophies because they do not recognize my voice and do not know My Word. They are drawn away by their own selfish and sinful desires because they are lacking in understanding of My Word. My Word is what is needed to overcome the attacks of the enemy. My Word needs to be spoken in faith over every situation, problem, concern, attack, trial, and victory. My Word is what never returns void and stands forever after everything else has gone. It is Everlasting, Faithful, and True. It is in my Word that you must stand firm in.

I understand that you will get tired. I see you when you are drained and overcome by your emotions, but don’t allow yourself to be lead by them. Be lead always by My Spirit. Don’t give up on those that I have given you to watch over and intercede for. Be patient with them and longsuffering. It pleases me when you suffer for good. When you lay down your own will and life for others then you can be called My servant. Remember that a servant is not greater than His master, just as I have done so you must do.

I will come to when you are weak and I will be your strength so you can continue to stand strong. I will be your shield and your fortress as you keep pressing forward. I will be your Source of power and hope. Stand no matter what! Don’t give up! I have already won the war for you, just continue to stand strong in Me and you will see that your labor is not in vain. I love you and am with you always!”

"I See You"

This posting was orginally posted February 22nd, 2009. I just read it again and I wanted to share it once more. Even as I read it now our Lord's love flows through my being. I am encouraged knowing that He is with us in every situation and nothing we go through can separate us from His love. Here is "I See You"..

“For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39



“I see you”, says the Lord. “You know who you are..

“Yes you, I see that you want to give up on life… You can’t it’s not your time yet. You have to keep fighting to live. The enemy of your soul has deceived you and is trying to get you to give up all hope on life. I know that the deceiver has been trying to convince you that I have forgotten you, that I can’t hear you, and that I just don’t care. Don’t believe these lies. I have seen your tears. I keep track of all your sorrows. I have collected all of your tears in My bottle. I have recorded each one in My book. Not one has been wasted.

I have been trying to speak to you this whole time. You ignore Me or say that was just a coincidence. You refuse to accept in your heart that I divinely appoint moments for you to see clearly that it is ME talking to you. I love you and I have a plan for your life if you will only truly trust ME. I have loved you from the first day that I started to form you in your mother’s womb. My plan was never for you to have all this heartache. I do want you to die today..die to yourself, to your flesh, to your own will. Die to fear, give up your life to Me. Lay it down on my altar of love and I will lift you up and give you a new life. A new life in ME, Christ Jesus.”

“I see you”, says the Lord. “You know who you are..

“Yes you, I see you struggling under a heavy burden…When will you stop trying to do things on your own and in your own strength? Have you forgotten that My burden is light and my yolk is easy? You came to me for rest. If you want to find rest for your weary soul then you have to let go of your burdens. Cast all of your cares on Me because I care for you. Stop being so stubborn! Be patient. My timing is not your timing and my thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways of doing things are so much higher than yours. Don’t forget that I see the future. I know what doors to open and what doors to close. You must allow Me to have your worries and stop being so anxious. Trust Me to work things out. The only thing I asked from you is that you have faith. When I tell you to go or do something don’t hesitate do it in faith. The rest I will take care of. Remember that I will always work everything out for your good, no matter what. You can’t figure everything out all the time. You have to allow Me to be God in your life. Stop carrying these heavy burdens that the world has put on you. They did not come from me.”

“I see you”, says the Lord. “You know who you are..

“Yes you, I see you are tired of trying, tired of believing, tired of doing the right thing… Don’t be tired my child. I know that it seems to have been a long time since I gave you the vision. Don’t be discouraged because you have not seen it completely come to pass. Take a look around and you will see that so much has changed since then. All of this must happen for the vision to be complete. Don’t lose hope. I promise if you do not get tired and give up you will reap a harvest of blessings. You have no idea the number of souls that you have influenced with your faith and love for Me. I will give you the strength you need to keep going. I will feed your determination and your desire to do My will. Thou the vision tarry wait on it.”

“I see you”, says the Lord. “You know who you are..

“Yes you, my faithful and obedient servant who loves to spend time with Me… You put a big smile on My face. Your desire and hunger for more of Me is pleasing unto Me. I will fill you will more and more of Me. My Spirit will teach you of many things to come. Your discernment will increase and your love for others will overflow from Me. You will be my conduit of love to the world. Many will see Me in you and will believe and trust in Me. They will love Me because of you. Your love and faithfulness please me.

I see you stumble, sure. But I don’t focus on that my child. What I see is that you put out your hand to hold on to Me. You know that I am always there no matter what. You allow me to help you and so you do not fall. You trust Me. You don’t give up on us. You don’t give up on believing Me no matter what the enemy tries to tell you. You know you are mine. I am you’re True Love."

I see you ALL, my children… You are all mine! I love you and there is nothing that can separate you from Me. I will not allow the enemy to pluck you from My hand. Hold on to My Word because it will be the sword you need to fight till the end. I AM with you always..I see you!! El Roi..

"You Are Gifted For Your Calling!"

Dear brothers and sisters,

I have been a busy bee with WeUsed2bu Ministries and I have not been able to write as often as I’d like to. The Lord is expanding our territory and I am humbly at a new learning curve. So keep me and WeUsed2bu Ministries in your prayers. I am going to try to do at least one posting a week here until I can start writing regularly again. You are always on my heart and in my prayers. Thank you for reading Consecrated To Him.

“You Are Gifted For Your Calling!”


Each of us has a God ordained purpose in this world. We are divinely placed right where we are at for such a time as this. It is not an accident that we are who we are. We were destined by God to be us. Our personalities, talents, and skills were given to us by God to bring glory to Christ Jesus. While we were being formed in our mother’s womb the Lord knew us and determined how He wanted to use us in the body of Christ. He gave each of us spiritual gifts which would help us fulfill His calling to become servants of the Most High God. We are a gifted people. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

"To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-11

I want you to receive this deep inside of your spirit “You are gifted for your calling.” “We are gifted for our calling!” We are empowered by God to change the world around us. This is awesome! Knowing this should encourage and motivate us to move forward and work towards fulfilling the vision that God has put in us. You know what I’m talking about. The Spirit of God has put a vision in you to do something. Whether it’s to start a Christian band, pastor a church, lead a bible study, feed the homeless, become a foster parent, or open your home to missionaries; what ever the vision is He has equipped you to do it. You will never have to do it alone. I promise.

Not only does the Spirit of God empower us to do our part but then He also brings others along side of us with the same vision and heart that we have to fulfill the vision. Let us not forget that we are all together Christ’s body, and each of us is a part of it. You will see that if you just step out and put your faith to action the Lord will bring other gifted people to help you along the way. Trust me..I have seen this happen in my own ministry. I am so blessed that I am not alone. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Often times we allow the spirit of fear to come in and talk all up in our ear. We start to listen to fear telling us how inadequate we are for our calling. We begin to focus on how weak we are and how we still have so much more room for growth. Before we know it we have given up before we ever got started. We talked ourselves right out of stepping out in faith. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Brothers and sisters remember that our Lord did not give us a spirit of fear. The Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind is what we have residing in us. We need to remember that and walk in the Spirit. When the spirit of fear comes we are not to give it our ear. Instead of listening to all the negative junk that only serves to keep us from making progress we need to chose to listen to the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God will encourage us and bring us back to Truth. This is the Truth…

None of us has reached perfection. We will be imperfect for as long as we are here in this imperfect and sinful world. But praise God that we can be certain that God, who began a good work within us WILL continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. In the mean time.. Our Lord has saved us and equipped for every good work that He has called and ordained us for. It is ok to feel inadequate. Our Lord can work with this because feeling inadequate reminds us that we are dependant on the Lord to see the vision through. When we think that we know it all or we think that we are standing strong we are in danger, be careful not to fall. When we are humble our Lord will exalt us and expand our territory. When feel weak it is ok because His grace will be all that we need. His power works best in weakness. So be glad that you are weak, because when you are weak He is strong and that is worth boasting about. (Philippians 3:12, 1:6, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 10:12, 1 Peter 5;6, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Few of us were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called us. The world might look at us and consider us foolish, but God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think that are wise. And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. So be excited! We are perfect for our calling. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)

Go out into the world and fulfill your destiny knowing that you are gifted for your calling. Be strong and courageous. Let your confidence be in Christ Jesus. Meditate on the Word day and night and then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. Our Lord is with you and in you helping you. We have everything we need in the power of the Holy Spirit to serve Christ Jesus and fulfill the calling that Christ Jesus has put on our heart. Don’t be afraid any more! (Joshua 1:8-9)

Don't Be Afraid of the Vision!

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives." Psalm 37:23

I have spent years reading the Word of God. I was hearer for so long until I realized that it was not enough to just hear the Word but I had to begin to really do what the Word said. As I began to walk in the Word the Lord began to confirm what He had implanted in me many years ago when I first got saved. I had this knowing deep within that I was called to be His servant and hand maiden. I knew that He had a divine purpose for my life that involved being more than just a Sunday and Wednesday Christian. I knew that all that I had gone through in my life would some day bring glory to Him. I have been sitting at His feet learning, growing, and longing to go and fulfill the visions that He has given me. Now the time has come.

Over the past year I have stepped out in faith like never before. I have trusted His Word above all else. This is why I believe that I have seen our Lord do mighty things in my life and in those around me. My ears and eyes have been opened like never before and the visions I have are much clearer. In fact at times I feel overwhelmed and honestly even fearful. I often times feel incapable of fulfilling these great dreams that He has shown me.

Has our Lord given you a great vision? Whether it is to start a business, get of debt, lose weight or start a ministry; whatever it is you can do it because He does not call us to do something that He has not equipped us to do. He will direct out steps and make provisions along the way. Trust Him and don’t be afraid of the vision even if it seems so big.

I want to share with you what He spoke to me last night:

“You were trained for such a time as this. Your growth can only continue through exercising your faith now. The time is near for My return and there are still many souls that need to truly receive a revelation of My love and sacrifice for them. It’s through My obedient and faithful remnant that I will be able to show them that I have always loved them.

You will tell them that they are never alone and without hope, if they put their trust in Me and lay their lives down at My feet. I will empower you with faith and ability to fulfill your destiny and calling. It’s by My strength that you will succeed. You truly have no idea what I can do with your willingness to serve Me. You can not truly imagine the good things that I have planned for you.

Remember My servant Moses. He too was afraid and concerned about his abilities. But I gave him power, authority, and wisdom to lead My people. It was My Spirit that led them day and night. It was My Spirit that spoke to Him on the mountain.

Put your trust in Me not in your own ability. I chose you because I know that I can be glorified through you. Don’t be afraid of the vision! I will be by your side the whole way, guiding and leading you.

I have already gone before you and given you favor. Many will stand in awe of what will happen through your faith in Me and your willingness to obey Me. Generations will be changed. There will be empowerment. There will be salvation. So don’t be afraid of the vision.”

A Soul Is Saved! Rejoice!

"There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:9

My whole being has been rejoicing since last night. I am overflowing with joy and standing in awe of our God's majesty. When the Lord is calling you and looking for you He will find you. He does not leave us alone without hope. He answers us when we cry out to Him. Our Lord will never reject a broken and repentant heart. He accepts the sacrifice of a broken spirit laid down at His feet. Thank you Jesus!!

As many of you know I founded a ministry called WeUsed2bu. It is a Christian girl/woman advice site. I have been co-laboring in this minsitry with my partner and dear friend, Deana Colon aka Saved by Faith, for almost a year. We get questions from women seeking advice and counsel for their lives all the time. We had no idea how much our Lord would use this site to impact and influence other women's lives.

Recently a young women found us online and befriended us on our WeUsed2bu MySpace. She explained that she lived in Ft.Lauderdale and that she just recently started attending Calvary Chapel Ft.Lauderdale. She went on to say that she found the church big and felt a little lost and asked if we had any suggestions. I emailed her and encouraged her to get involved in small groups and women bible studies. I also explained that I too attend Calvary and would love to meet her there this Wednesday night. So last night I had the priviledge of meeting up with her at church.

We got to talk and listened to the service together. It was very apparent that the Holy Spirit was working on her heart and confirming to her what she already knew, that she needed to lay her life down at Jesus feet. At the end of the study when Pastor Bob gave the altar call we immediately went right up rejoicing and crying tears of joy and excitement. I am so honored that the Lord allowed me and WeUsed2bu to be apart of this divine appointment. Glory be to God.

Melissa sent us her testimony and I will be sharing that here with you tomorrow. Please keep our new sister in your prayers and if anyone has anything that they would like to say to her please post it here.

Enclosing I would just like to encourage whoever it is that is afraid of stepping out and doing what our Lord has put on your heart to stop making excuses. He has given you a dream and a vision to help change the lives of others around you. You were saved to be used by Him to be a blessing to others. Don't despise small beginnings because that is where He will teach you to be faithful and diligent in your service to Him and others. You just have to be courageous and step out in faith.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who loved Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

Reflecting On This Past Year

As this new year quickly approaches I feel the need to sit back and reflect on the blessings, revelations and miracles that our Lord has done for me and my loved ones. He has been consistently faithful and merciful to us. His provision is always right on time. He is my Loving Father who is always quick to forgive and bestow his grace and mercy on me. Instead of criticizing and complaining about my faults He has encouraged me that I can do all things through His Son. It is our Lord that has put this desire on my heart to live my life pleasing to Him and fulfill His calling. He has opened the windows of heaven and poured out His blessings on our family just as He said He would. My cup is overflowing because I am His. I truly am not deserving of any of this.

This year I have seen mountains moved and hard hearts softened. I saw several family members believe in Christ our Lord, repent, and confess their sins before the altar. Others rededicated themselves and were baptized. Close friends are starting to seek Him and question their purpose in this life. My immediate family has endured trials and hardships resulting in the strengthening of our bond with one another and increased faith in our Savior. This year I attended a wedding that the enemy tried to keep from happening, but the Lord had another plan. Now what He has joined together let no man separate.

Ministries were born and founded. 2008 was the birth of WeUsed2bu Christian Girl Advice site and Consecrated to Him – Real Christian Talk. It is His Spirit that has given me the courage and determination to trust Him to use these sites to help edify and encourage both believers and unbelievers. My husband and I also had the privilege of becoming two of the founders of Out of the Miry Clay Prison ministry formed by ex-offenders for ex-offenders. It has been a very busy year of reaping and sowing.

I wish I would have jumped off the fence sooner and submitted to His Word. It has become very apparent to me that our Lord truly does have a wonderful plan for our life just like the Spirit said through the prophet Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) I have also received a clear understanding that it is not enough to just hear the Word of God, but that we HAVE TO be doers of the Word. That is how we truly know that we are His because The Word/Jesus Christ is truly Lord of our life. (James 1:22, Matthew 7: 21)

I am excited to see what 2009 has to bring. Even now as I write this I am full of excitement and hope because I know that this next year is going to be full of breakthroughs and miracles. Lives and generations will be changed forever. We will see territories expanded and more given to those who were faithful with what Jesus has already given them. He will use those believers/workers who are self controlled, committed, and determined to help reap from the harvest that is ripe and ready.

In preparation for 2009 I will continue sit back and reflect on this past year. I will not be posting any new articles, instead I will repost articles from the archives that have really impacted my life or that I may just have to revisit. Lol..During this time I will continue to write what I feel inspired to share, however they will not be posted until the New Year.

To my faithful Consecrated to Him readers. I am asking you to please pray and intercede for me and the ministries that are listed above. My heart’s desire is to help encourage and edify you with the love of God and the truth of His Word. So pray for the Lord to continue to use me as His conduit. Also, please prayerfully consider becoming a partner with me in this ministry by not only praying and interceding but by sowing a financial seed. Consecrated to Him is just the beginning of a greater vision that the Lord has given me and your contribution will help bring this vision to pass. I assure you will be sowing into fertile ground.

Blessings to you all in Jesus name…Keep your eyes on Jesus this Christmas season and don’t allow the cares of this world to come in and choke the joy and peace that this season of celebration should bring.

I love you all..

Christ’s handmaiden,

Lisa aka Trophy of Grace

PERSEVERANCE

“Do not let this happy trust in the Lord die away, no matter what happens. Remember you reward! You need to keep on patiently doing God’s will if you want him to do for you all that he has promised. His coming will not be delayed much longer. And those whose faith has made them good in God’s sight must live by faith, trusting Him in everything. Otherwise, if they shrink back, God will have no pleasure in them.” Hebrews 10:35-38

When I sat down to read the Word I opened up my bible and found a book mark that was given to me years ago. On the back is written ‘To: Lisa From: Jesus’. The front says PERSERVERANCE and it has this scripture “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” Hebrews 10:36

I laughed and cried because I know that the Holy Spirit is reminding me that the promise that the Lord made years ago to me about my family would be fulfilled. It is coming to pass, but not as fast as I would like. I find myself often times impatient and frustrated with the problems and trials. There are times where I just want to give up. Have you ever felt like you just want to throw in the towel? Like things will never change?

Giving up should never be an option for us as believers. We have to persevere no matter what! Persevere means to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly. The scripture that I keep hearing in my spirit is Habakkuk 2:3 “For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.”

We have to trust our Lord is going to do all that He said He would do. Faith is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead. Some of us become impatient giving up hope and faith right before we get our break through. (Hebrews 11:1-2)

It is only through problems and trials that we can learn this perseverance. It is for our own good. Imagine if we always got what we wanted right away or if life was easy with no problems. Smooth sailing the whole way. We would be weak, impatient, and our faith would be little. However, if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn’t happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently. (Romans 8:25)

It is apparent that we can not learn perseverance without learning and applying patience. I feel the need to clarify that patience is not just waiting. It is waiting with a good attitude. Patience is bearing provocation, annoyance, misfortune, delay, hardship, pain, etc., with fortitude and calm and without complaint, anger, or the like. WOW and OUCH!!! That’s why they say “Patience is a virtue.”

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know they are good for us- they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5

When you find yourself feeling impatient and losing hope don’t hesitate to draw close to the Lord, because He is ready to draw near to you. As quick as you can read or listen to the Word of God so that your spirit is encouraged and renewed. His Word helps us sift through the drama of life. It brings clarity and inspires us to keep pressing forward knowing that though the vision tarries we can be sure that it will come to pass. We know that God’s Word never returns to Him void. So let us keep patiently and confidently trusting our Lord learning perseverance and becoming strong in faith and character.

Your Break Thru Is Coming!

Don’t give up. Your break thru is coming. Keep praying, fasting, and praising Him because every promise from God shall surely come true. Trust Him no matter what opposition comes against you. Remember that He is always for you and never against you. Let us not get tired of doing what we know is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up. (Galatians 6:9)

Consider Mary the mother of Jesus Christ our Lord. She was a mighty woman of faith, who believed that God would do what he said; that is why he gave her such a wonderful blessing. She was carrying the Messiah, the Savior of the world, in her womb. She accepted the honor and was determined to serve her God. She trusted God’s will for her life. She knew that she would face opposition and be talked about and persecuted by those in her community because she became pregnant while she was engaged to her fiancé, Joseph. They were not allowed to have sex until they were married. Joseph could have had her stoned for this apparent unfaithfulness.

Instead of fear she was filled with faith and determination to do God’s will. Mary said to Gabriel, the angel that brought her the good news of her immaculate conception, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true.” (Luke 1:38)

Like Mary we have to trust our Lord’s Word no matter what. We have to know that He has not forgotten his promise to be merciful to us. We will have trouble and trials but we can not give up and turn from God in anger or disappointment. We must not allow ourselves to be consumed by fear, anxiety, worry, doubt, and unforgiveness to those that have hurt us or even towards God. Our Lord never said that we would have it easy because we are His children. In fact Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Our peace is in Jesus. Knowing that Jesus is the Word of God, that His Word is truth, and never returns void is powerful! It should give us hope, faith, and determination to keep pressing forward. If we continue to trust His Word and never stop believing it then we will see His Word come to pass and we will fulfill God’s will, just like Mary did. She knew the Word of God and she spoke it out of her mouth and we must do the same. (Luke 1:46-55)

Don’t give up! Start speaking the Word of God with authority and confidence. When you feel that you can’t keep going ask the Holy Spirit to bring to remembrance His promises and then confess them out loud.

Say..”Lord…”

 "I know that you have good plans for me, not for disaster, but to give me a future and a hope. When I pray you will listen. When I look wholeheartedly for you, I will find you." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
 "I know that You cause everything to work together for my good because I love You and I am called according to your purpose." (Romans 8:28)
 "In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me." (Psalm 86:7)
 "I am strong, courageous, and firm; I fear not and am not in terror, for it is the Lord my God Who goes with me; You will not fail me or forsake me." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
 "I will not let the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." (Mark 4:19)
"You are the source of my hope. Fill me with all joy and peace by means of my faith in Jesus, so that my hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
 "I live by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)
 "My faith does not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God." (1 Corinthians 2:5)
 "I’m sticking with You. You have proven to be good to me and to all who passionately wait and diligently seek You. It’s a good thing to quietly hope for help from You." (Lamentations 3:24-26)

Don’t give up your break thru is coming. Keep pressing forward believing and confessing His Word over your circumstances. You are about to reap your harvest!

"Not By Might, Nor By Power, But By My Spirit"

To those that did not shrink back and accepted the call to truly serve the Lord by dying daily to your own selfish desires; I would like to say you have made a wise choice. You have a great responsibility and I know it is not easy. You will be talked about and persecuted for your commitment to serve Him and to be different from the world. The tests and trials that you must endure will be overwhelming at times. The transformation process that the Lord brings us through may seem strenuous but it fulfills its purpose to refine, purify, and prepare us for the work that Our Lord has for us.

King Solomon understood that he had a strong calling with tremendous responsibility to govern God’s people. When the Lord approached Solomon in a dream and offered him anything he wanted the king answered, “Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between what is right and what is wrong. For who by himself is able to carry such a heavy responsibility?” (1 Kings 3:9) We should follow King Solomon’s example to pray and ask God to give us wisdom to fulfill His calling on our lives. We need His wisdom to make wise decisions in our own lives for the sake of our families and our ministries.

I want to encourage you by telling you that this burden/heavy responsibility He has given us to serve Him comes with His power and anointing to fulfill our calling. It is not in our own power, strength, or wisdom that we are going to succeed. We do not need to worry and fret about how we are going to accomplish the dreams and visions that He has given us. So if you are feeling unworthy of your calling or perhaps you feel weak and incapable, praise God!

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit”, says the Lord Almighty-“You will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak”. (Zechariah 4:6)

“Take courage and work, for “I am with you”, says the Lord Almighty. My Spirit will remain among you; so don’t be afraid. (Haggai 2:4-5)

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

So it is Christ’s power in us that will help us to fulfill our calling not by our own might, nor by our own power, but my His Holy Spirit we will succeed! Amen to that!

Lord, help our hearts not to be troubled and afraid about all that you have called us to do in your son’s name. Teach us to rely on your Holy Spirit for wisdom, courage, and strength as we determine to run this race and win souls for your kingdom. We long to be a light in this dark world and we are relying on your Holy Spirit’s power to help us. In Jesus Name..Amen.

Take The Ball And Run With It!!

Often times I am attacked by the enemy of our faith with lies straight from the pit of hell. He tries to tell me that God can’t use me. That no one is going to listen. He tells me “Who do you think you are?” “You’re a nobody!” You’re a Loser!”

Then I begin to pray and ask God to help me to meditate on Him, His Word, and the Truth that He has put in my heart. I begin to realize that God often times chooses the foolish things of the world to deliver the Goods News. He wants to use the drug addicts, the ex-cons, the adulterers, the weak, and the losers to become conduits of His Love. We WERE nothing without Him. But with Jesus and His Holy Spirit there is NO stopping us! We are now children of God Almighty. We are descendants of Abraham, the father of faith. We are overcomers!

Last Sunday after church we were running some errands and we saw a bible in the middle of the road. Well of course we could not just drive by and leave it there for the cars to run over, so my husband pulled over and picked it up. I opened it up to find a little pass it along card that read “Take the ball and run with it” There was a picture of a football and on the football was the scripture Mark 16:15. Of course I immediately looked it up. It says, and then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”

For me it was all the confirmation I needed to keep moving forward in my ministry work. I am encouraging you too, “Take the ball and run with it!” Don’t be afraid. God is with you. The vision and dream you have on your heart to reach out to others, to give back, to help the hopeless, and to make a difference in just one person’s life was put there by God himself. Now go and in faith one day at a time work toward fulfilling that vision. Don’t worry about how you’re going to do it. Don’t worry about whether you’re equipped to do it or not, or where the money will come from. Just trust God and don’t limit Him! The resources will come! Along the way you will see that as you seek Him he will be changing you, molding you, preparing you, and equipping you for what He has called you for. Don’t look back! Don’t listen to the negative attacks that will come, because they will. Focus on who you are in Christ and the power that you have through His Holy Spirit. Go and make a difference in the world. Let your light shine.

Ready set “Hut! Hut! Hike!!!

He Will See Your Vision Thru

He’s given you a dream in your heart and in your spirit. That vision will be fulfilled. He’ll see it thru. Trust Him! (Habakkuk 2:3) Don’t let the enemy of your faith steal it. (John 10:10)

No dream or vision is unattainable with God on your side. When you put Him first you will see many wonderful and exciting things come to pass in your life that will give glory to His name. (Matthew 6:33)

He loves to work in and through those who consider themselves weak. It is in Him that they are made whole and strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Don’t worry about what people say. The Lord our God will prepare a table for you in the presences of your enemies. (Psalm 23:5) Those that persecute and talk about you will be put under your feet.

He is doing a mighty and quick work in your life. You will see this new thing and will not remember your former ways. (Isaiah 43:18-19) That time will seem so far away. You will not even recognize that person. The Author and Finisher of our faith will complete the good work that He has started in you. (Hebrews 12:2)

Hold tight to your dreams. Our God will give them wings.

AMEN!!

Articles Listed by Title

Articles Listed by Subject

Prayer Requests