Ready for ANYTHING and EQUAL To Anything Through Christ

Here's an article I wrote for WeUsed2bu Ministries.

Ready for ANYTHING and EQUAL To Anything Through Christ
On my journey with my Savior Jesus, I have discovered that He has not left me alone in this world full of sin, corruption, evil, and destruction. He is actively present in my life, helping me and bringing me comfort, hope, and security through the promises in His Word. There have been times where I have felt like I am just going to break under life’s pressures, that if one more thing happened, I was just going to lose it! But how quickly and faithful the Holy Spirit is to bring to my remembrance the promise in His Word which says,

“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!” (Philippians 4:13)

But Those Who Wait On The Lord

There are times when we are going to feel tired, stressed out, and weak from life’s struggles. Sometimes circumstances will seem too much to bear. If we begin to meditate on our problems and feed our emotions with thoughts of defeat we will become exhausted and worn out. Thinking about all the “what if’s” and constantly asking “how much longer” will eventually cause us to stumble and fall under all the pressure.

When we feel like we just can’t go on any longer in our troubles or battles we need to remember what the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophet Isaiah.

“He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” Isaiah 40:29-31 (Amplified)

I love how the Amplified translates these verses. Our Lord has not left our side. When we are about to faint and give up He is by our side giving us the power to keep going. He is there for us when we are weary and have no might to continue on. It is Him that causes what strength we do have left to multiply so that it will be enough to press forward. He never leaves us or forsakes us!

Let’s look at the first part of verse 31.

BUT THOSE who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] SHALL CHANGE and renew their strength and power;

Those of us who choose to change our perspective from dwelling on the negative and focusing on our problems to expecting, looking for, and hoping for the Lord to act in our situation will truly be changed. We have to realize that looking at our circumstances and meditating on our problems only feeds worry and births fear and anxiety. Our perspective is what is causing us to faint and become weary. We are focused on the wrong thing. We should be focusing on the Word of God not our circumstances.

When we begin to change our perspective from hopelessness and defeat to faith and hope in the Lord we will go from faint and weary to full of strength and power. Our faith pleases the Lord and He rewards us with a hopeful assurance and a peace which surpasses all understanding because we are trusting in Him. It is our faith and hope in the Lord that causes His power to rise up in us. When we put our faith in His Word and promises our minds will be renewed. Our faith will heal us and make us whole. When we truly wait on the Lord and expect Him to move in our lives we know that we are close to God. We know that He is not far away from us. This knowing inside of us is what will cause us to keep pressing forward and not get tired. We will be able to walk and not faint along the way. Then we will reap a harvest of blessing because we did not get tired and give up. (Hebrews 11:6 Galatians 6:9)

Putting our hope in the Lord will never fail us. He is faithful to His Word. He never leaves us or forsakes us. No matter what situation we are facing if we are a child of God and we love Him we must know with all of our heart that He causes EVERYTHING to work together for our good. He has a purpose and plan for our life. We have to trust Him no matter what! We are in good hands with Him.

Do not fret or worry anymore! Put all of your hope and trust in Him today. Wait expectedly for Him to act. Fill yourself with His Word and meditate on His promises DAILY, day and night. Put on some praise and worship music for the spirit of heaviness that will try to attack you. Praising the Lord will lift your spirit because He inhabits the praise of His people. I promise you that your faith will increase if you do these things consistently. Then you will soar high on wings like eagles. You will run and not grow weary. You will walk and not faint. (Romans 8:28, Isaiah 61:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, 1 Corinthians 1:9, Philippians 4:6-9, Joshua 1:8-9)

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!”

"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)

Be Strong In the Lord and In His Mighty Power

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10)

We need to truly realize that on this journey through this world we do not have to do anything in our own strength and power. Instead we are to be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power, not in our own power. That should be a great relief to everyone. I know it is to me. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and the calling that I have on my life. There are also times where I feel I am not strong enough to face certain troubles, tests, and even people. Feelings of inadequacy creep in and I feel incapable of fulfilling the visions that our Lord has given me for my family and ministry. Then the truth hits me dead on. I am NOT able to accomplish any of these things and have godly results in my own strength or power. Over and over again I am humbled by this reality and that is when the sweet Spirit of God reminds me of what His Word says, “For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength”. So it is not by our strength or our might but by the Spirit of God that we able to do all that the Lord has called us to do. Thank you Jesus!

As we go through this life living as a servants of Christ Jesus we must remember that it is truly by His grace and mighty power that we have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading the Good News and by being living testimonies. We don’t have to worry about how everything will be accomplished or where the provisions will come from because our Lord is faithful to always provide everything we need. He will give us wisdom and favor. He has given us His power and might. He has given us every spiritual gift we need to do His work and His will as we eagerly await His return. He will keep us strong to the end. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:7, 1 Corinthians 1:7-8)

We don’t need to fall apart when we feel weak and incapable. There is no point of beating ourselves up. Instead let us rejoice because when we are weak God’s power works best in us. When we go to Him humbled by our weakness we will see that His grace is truly all we need. When we are weak that is when we see Christ’s power manifests through us. So draw close to the Lord when you feel like you don’t have enough power or strength because there is an incredible greatness of God’s power available for us who believe him and take Him at His Word. This incredible power that helps us is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. It amazes me that this power is available to us! But how many believers actually live by this power? I guess the evidence would be in their fruit. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Ephesians 1:19-20)

Brothers and sisters be encouraged by these scriptures provided above because the Lord does not want us to feel like we are without power or strength. Through His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower us with inner strength through His Spirit. We just need to trust Him with everything in our lives. With every problem, trial, tests, persecution, with EVERYTHING we have to rely on Him. He is the Source of our Strength. We can not face this life and its circumstances on our own and that is not what our Lord intended. So remember to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power! Don’t rely on your own strength and power.(Ephesians 3:16)

Blessings to you all in Christ Jesus name..

Overwhelming Victory is Ours!

We did it! We ran 3.1 miles this morning. YAY!! For the past 2 weeks my husband and I have been training to run the 6th annual 5k race for faith scheduled for February 7th, 2009. All proceeds go to First Priority of South Florida. First Priority’s vision is to mobilize the Body of Christ in South Florida for the common purpose of evangelizing, equipping, and empowering middle and high school students on every public school campus. Student led clubs meet every week and the Gospel is shared each month. First Priority builds a bridge from the campus to the church, where students can be discipled and nurtured in a local body of believers. This ministry is doing a great work and we are excited to participate in this run.

It is has not been easy but we have determined that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We know that it is Christ Jesus that has put all of this determination and ability in us to accomplish the dreams and visions that He has given us. Therefore when we set out to fulfill our missions and goals we know that we are not alone in our endeavor. Are confidence is in knowing that Christ Jesus our faithful Lord is right there with us pushing, empowering, and reassuring us that we can do it because He has equipped us for success. Glory be to God! We are more than conquerors!

What about you? Do you realize that you too are more than a conqueror? Realize it, receive it and believe it! No weapon formed against you will prosper. No matter what problems, trials, enemies, and obstacles present themselves we have to realize that we truly are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus who loves us. If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

I love what Romans 8:31-39 says but in an effort to keep this relatively short I want to show you verses 35-37.

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep. No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is our through Christ, who loved us” (NLT)

You see, despite all the troubles that we encounter in this world overwhelming victory is ours through Christ Jesus. There will be times that we will have to go through troubles and we will have to put our faith to action. Through the trials is when we truly learn to develop godly character and faith. That is why James 1:2 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it as an opportunity for great joy.

Great joy? Yes. I understand better now that I have been subjecting my body to this training. It hurts and I get really tired. I do want to give up at certain points during my run but I keep pressing forward knowing that I am building my endurance and perserverance. This will result in my body being healthier, stronger, fit, and better prepared not only for the race but for life. Joy was what I felt this morning when we completed our run.

James goes on to say in verses 3-4,”For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Therefore we should determine in our minds that we are going to go through every trial, trouble, and persecution as more than a conqueror because we have Christ Jesus on our side. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us and we should always remember that He works everything out for our good. Overwhelming victory is ours!!

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.”

Slavery To The Deadly Lower Nature

“I know that I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned.” (Romans 7:25)

“I love to do God’s will so far as my new nature is concerned; but there is something else deep within me, in my lower nature, that is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me slave to the sin that is still within me. In my mind I want to be God’s willing servant but instead I find myself still enslaved to sin.” (Romans 7:22-25)

“Now if I am doing what I don’t want to, it is plain where the trouble is; sin still has me in its evil grasp.” (Romans 7:20)

“My new life tells me to do right, but the old nature that is still inside me loves to sin. Oh, what a terrible predicament I’m in! Who will free me from my slavery to the deadly lower nature? Thank God! It has been done by Jesus Christ our Lord. He has set me free.” (Romans 7:25)

I am quite sure that I am not the only one that can relate to Paul’s words regarding the struggle within. I have to battle daily with the old Lisa that was enslaved to sin who loved to gratify the lust of the flesh. She still lives in me and wants to lead me away from everything that is good, away from God. That sinful nature makes me want to react to certain situtions or people the wrong way. I am not that old person any more who was full of anger, nasty, bitter, spiteful, selfish, and vengeful. That person was being lead around by a hook in her mouth, enslaved to sin. I don’t ever want to be her again.

Although we are new creations in Christ Jesus we still live in these sinful bodies with our old nature that is still inside of us who loves to sin. It battles with the new nature that lives inside of us that desires to please God. Paul says it is a terrible predicament and I agree. However he goes on to say the best part, that we have been freed from our slavery to the lower nature by Jesus Christ our Lord. He has set us free. It has been done! We don’t have to be slaves any more to the old us and its desires. We have the power through the Holy Spirit to put our lower nature in its place.

“So, dear brothers and sister, we have no obligations whatever to our old sinful nature to do what it begs us to do. For if you keep on following it you are lost and will perish, but if through the power of the Holy Spirit you crush it and its evil deeds, you shall live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:12-14)

I want to walk in love all the time, control my tongue, be kind, patient, and not gratify my lusts. My desire is to please and obey God. There are times when I fall short that I get so discouraged, full of shame, and guilt. If I begin to meditate on my failures, mess ups, and sins I want to give up. I forget that the battle has been won. However we can not give up when we fall down.

“But if we confess our sins to Him, He can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. And it is perfectly proper for God to do this for us because Christ died to wash away our sins.” 1 John 1:9

As I am writing this the song “We Fall Down” starts playing and I am hearing the chorus in the background saying “A saint is just a sinner that falls down and then gets up.” That is so true! As children of the Most High God when we fall we must we get up. We can not allow condemnation, shame, and feelings of unworthiness to rule over us. They will keep us from entering God’s prescience to seek His forgiveness, mercy, and grace when we need it most. No..we have to be quick to confess our sin and repent so that we may be forgiven. God will not reject a broken spirit that is full of remorse and penitence. A broken and contrite heart God will not ignore. When we accept God’s forgiveness He can heal us. Then we can grow becoming stronger in our faith. (Psalm 51:17)

Let us remember that there is now no condemnation awaiting those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed us from the vicious circle of sin and death. We can obey God if we follow the Holy Spirit and no longer obey the old nature within us. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus and it is in Him that we are made strong. (Romans 8:1-2 & 4)

Don't Forget The Miracles

“But O my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise Him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God!” (Psalm 42:11)

Do you want to know how to make it through the storms of life with out being utterly consumed and overtaken by the winds? Don’t forget the miracles!! Remember the miracles that our Faithful Lord has done in your life and in those around you. Remind yourself of them especially while you are in the middle a terrible storm. Then meditate on the truth that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is still a miracle working God who is capable and willing to save you and bring you through life’s troubles. Expect Him to act!

Don’t doubt Him and think that He has forgotten you! The God we serve is an Awesome and On Time God. We have His power, the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives to help us all the time. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to comfort us and to remind us of the miracles that He has done. By meditating on the past miracles we will be encouraged and our faith will increase as we wait on the Lord. Our focus will not be on everything else going on around us.

When Peter got out of the boat to walk on water he forgot the miracles that he had just seen not even twenty four hours before. He was there when the Lord feed more than five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. He helped pass out the food. He saw there was even food left over. What an awesome miracle!! Immediately after this Jesus sent them out on the boat to cross over to the other side of the sea while he stayed behind to have His personal prayer time. While they are crossing over a storm comes. In the middle of the storm Jesus walks out on the sea to meet them. They see him and freak out thinking that He’s a ghost. Peter said, “Lord, if it is You command me to come to You on the water.” Jesus said, “Come”.

So Peter gets out of the boat determined to walk to Jesus. However, he took his eyes of our Lord and looked around at the circumstances, the wind blowing, the raging water, and probably even looked down and immediately he forgot about the miracles. He forgot about the power of God to feed the multitudes, heal the sick, and cast out demons. He allowed fear to consume him. He doubted God and began to sink. Of course our Lord stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him “O you of little faith, why did you doubt? (Matthew 14:22-33)

Why do we doubt when we know that our God is consistently faithful and merciful? There will be storms in this life, but blessed is the man who’s trust is the Lord. The righteous cry out, and the Lord delivers them out of all their troubles. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:8,17,19)

DON’T FORGET THE MIRACLES!!

Lord, we thank you that you are still a miracle working God. We put all of our trust in you because we can not make it through life’s storms without you. As we meditate on all that you have done in our lives remind us that you are still doing miracles in and for us. We love you and thank you Lord. In Jesus name. Amen

More Than Conquerors

I have tried in the past to live to please myself and gratify the desires of my flesh in so many different ways. I felt like I always had to do things my way, even if I heard the Lord speaking to me. I allowed my circumstances and problems to consume my mind. I used to be full of stress, anxiety and worry. I am not speaking of the old unsaved Lisa. This was the “Christian” me.

What happened? What changed me? I decided to have childlike faith on the Word of God. If His Word says it, I believe it!

 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7

No matter what my circumstances were. I knew His Word is Truth. I began to spend more time in the Word. I would ask God for understanding before I would sit down to read. I truly began to meditate on the Word and allowed the Holy Spirit to teach me.

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26

I began to speak God’s Word over my circumstances instead of accepting what I saw in the physical realm. The Holy Spirit has been faithful to remind me of what the Word has said about my life. I knew by faith that God was always in control. I have learned that I am more than a conqueror in all things because I have Jesus who loves me.

“We are more than conquerors because we have Christ Jesus. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” Romans 8:37

We can be more than conquerors when we truly understand that Jesus loves us and is on our side. He stands next to God interceding on our behalf. We can not allow our circumstances, problems, finances, jobs, tests, and trials to overcome us. We must allow them to refine us and make us stronger so that we can help others who are going through the same problems. We can give them hope by sharing our testimony of how God gave us strength and courage to go through the fire or storm. They need to know that we are more than conquerors over our situations because we have Jesus, the Word of God.

Lord, thank you for your Word that gives us hope and power. We are more than conquerors because we have your Holy Spirit in us teaching and reminding us of your Words. Thank you for always working everything out for our good. In Jesus name..Amen.

"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.

Do You Love God?

Jesus said, “If you [really] love Me, you will (obey) My commands.” (John 14:15) I believe that many people have been deceived by the enemy of our souls into thinking that because we sin we are incapable of truly obeying God. That is a lie! God is at work in us helping us to want to obey Him, and then helping us to do what He wants. Every child of God can obey him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help them. The only true way to fight and win is by believing that Jesus is truly the Son of God! He knows that we need His help and so He has equipped us with everything we need to fulfill this calling to obedience. (Philippians 2:12-13, 1 John 5:4-5)

He has equipped us by giving us:

 His Word which renews our minds and transforms us into new people by changing the way we think. It is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are in error and teaches us to do what is right. (Romans 12:2, 2 Timothy 3:16)
 His Holy Spirit to instruct, teach, reveal, comfort, counsel, and guide us. He will intercede and assist in prayer, convict of sin, give us power and boldness, empower us to have victory over the flesh, and remind us of everything that the Lord has told us.
(Nehemiah 9:20, Job 32:8, Luke 12:12, 1 Corinthians 2:10, 1 John 2:27, John 16:13, Acts 11:12; 16:6-7; 20:22-23, Romans, 8:13-14, Galatians 5:16-18, Romans 8:26-27, Ephesians 2:18, Jude 1:20, John 15:26, 16:17, Acts 9:31, John 16:8-11, Acts 1:8, Acts 4:31, Ephesians 3:16, Romans 8:4, Galatians 5:25, John 14:26)
 A way out of temptation. He promised to never allow temptation to be more than we can stand. When we are tempted, he will show us a way out so that we can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

As long as we are in this fallen earth we will always battle the temptation to sin and yes there will be times where we will sin. However, as servants of Christ we are not to make a practice of sinning or make plans to sin because now God’s life is in us. We are called to be an example to others. So we can’t keep sinning, for this new life has been born into us and controls us. We have been born again. (1 John 3:9, 5:18) The truth is that we can obey Our Lord because we are no longer slaves to sin. We don’t have to give into sin! There is not condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because we belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed us from the power of sin that leads to death. (Romans 8:1-2)

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to sin and death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.” (Romans 8:5-8) The more we do what God tells us to the more we will learn to really love God.

Holy Spirit, help us daily to be obedient to our Savior. Remind us that we are equipped with your power and your Word to overcome sin and the attacks of the enemy. We long to love the Lord with all of our hearts, mind, and soul. Help us Lord! In Jesus name..Amen!

Do You Really Know Who You Are?

Do you really know who you are in Christ Jesus? When you truly know and receive a revelation of who you are in Christ then you will began to live a victorious Christian life. Meditate on this list. Say it out loud so that your faith will grow. Believe and receive it. You are a child of Almighty God and you have power and ability through Jesus Christ.

I challenge you to confess the following list often and I promise you that you will be changed. In Jesus Name Amen!

"WHO I AM IN CHRIST"

• I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
• I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
• I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
• I am far from oppression, and fear does not come near me (Isaiah 54:14).
• I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me (I John 5:18).
• I am holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
• I have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
• I have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
• I have the Greater One living in me; greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
• I have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
• I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17,18).
• I have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues. I have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm me (Mark 16:17,18; Luke 10:17,19).
• I have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created me (Colossians 3:9,10).
• I have given, and it is given to me; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into my bosom (Luke 6:38).
• I have no lack for my God supplies all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
• I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
• I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
• I shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
• I show forth the praises of God Who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
• I am God’s child for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
• I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
• I am a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
• I am a spirit being alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
• I am a believer, and the light of the Gospel shines in my mind (II Corinthians 4:4).
• I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions (James 1:22,25).
• I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).
• I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me (Romans 8:37).
• I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11).
• I am a partaker of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3,4).
• I am an ambassador for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
• I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
• I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
• I am the temple of the Holy Spirit; I am not my own (I Corinthians 6:19).
• I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
• I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
• I am His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
• I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
• I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
• I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
• I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
• I am called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
• I am healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
• I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
• I am greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
• I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
• I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
• I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14).
• For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7).
• It is not I who live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20).

(This list was taken from joycemeyer.org)

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Power and Ability

Do you feel that you are spinning your wheels in your walk with God? Perhaps you feel like your missing something or just feel like you want more of God. The Lord desires for us to have power (ability, efficiency, and might) to help us fulfill the calling on our lives.

Just recently the Lord has really been laying it on my heart again about the importance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I really don't know the differences between what different denominations think or teach on the baptism of the Holy Spirit because I did not receive teaching on this issue directly from or through a church. I did not grow up in the church. I spent some time in prison almost 10 years ago and it was there that I spent quality time with the Holy Spirit and He taught me His Word. Over the past weeks as I sit in church and see many souls come to surrender their lives to God I began to become concerned. I realized that we are leading these brothers and sisters to the Lord and then sending them on their way with some instructions on what to do next that they can read later on. Then I began to ask myself what about the power and the ability that they will need to fight against the enemy and to continue to spread the Word? I speak of the power that is given to us in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I remember the Lord showing me in the book of Acts that once the disciples where baptized in the Holy Spirit they began to preach the Word with power and ability. (Acts 1:8) They began to fervently fulfill the commission that Jesus gave them to preach the Word to the ends of the earth. It was then that the disciples began leading others to the Lord and then they would pray for these new believers to receive the power of the Holy Spirit too. They did not wait. It was done immediately. There were all on fire. Where is that fire today? I feel like so many new believers today are lacking because they do not know of the power of the Holy Spirit.

I urge you all to read the book of Acts for your selves and ask the Lord to give you wisdom and understanding as you read the Word. Most of all I pray that you all would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and begin to experience this power in your life.

Enclosing let me remind you that the Word is the same yesterday, today, and forever it does not change. Don’t let the enemy tell you that this was just for them.

Acts 2:17-18, Acts 4:29-31, Hebrews 13:8

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Beware Of The Attack

Be careful. Watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

We have got to keep our guards up! We have got to be ready for these attacks. The enemy will try to attack us always in our minds. Whatever you do don’t isolate yourselves. Call someone for prayer. Put on praise music; remember the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. But most of all we must follow our Lord’s example and use the Word of God which is our sword to defeat the enemy.

Psalm 119:28 (Amplified Bible) My life dissolves and weeps itself away for heaviness; raise me up and strengthen me according to [the promises of] Your word. The Word comforts us, encourages, and lifts us up again. Man must not live on bread alone but on the Word of God. Draw close to God and He is faithful to draw close to you. Put on the whole armor of God daily and remember that your Strength must come from the Lord’s mighty power within you. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

I love you all and I pray that our Lord gives you renewed courage as you trust Him more and more each day.

With all my heart,
Trophy of Grace

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