The Confident Woman

The rain, floods, and tornadoes of our lives will come in many different forms. But, as the Scripture instructs, nothing should move our "house." The words of other people – whether good or bad – do not affirm us. The level of our achievement – whether great or less – does not secure us. The success of our marriage – whether glorious or disappointing – does not insure us. And, the memories of our past – whether joyous or painful – do not define us.
The confident woman ... whom we all can be ... knows that her self-assurance comes only from the Word of God.

Before You Complain

Before you think of saying an unkind word—Think of someone who can not speak

Before you complain about the taste of your food –Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife—Think of someone who is crying out to God for a companion.

Today, before you complain about life—Think of someone who went to heaven to early.

Before you complain about your children—Think of someone who desires children but is barren

Before you argue about your dirty house; someone didn’t clean or sweep—Think of the people who is living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you have to drive—Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job—Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wish they had a job.

But before you think of pointing the finger and condemning another—Remember not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down—Put a smile on your face and thank God you are still alive and around.

Life is a Gift of God

LIVE IT….
ENJOY IT…
CELEBRATE IT….
AND FULFILL IT….

Nothing Compares To Your Embrace

Lord, as I look back on my life I can see the footprints of Your protection so many times. So many times You tried to protect me and I went my own way thinking I knew better than You. Yet, You never left me forsaken. Every time I listened to accusatory words You always encouraged me and sent those to me who would love me the way You do. Your Word and the Words You have spoken to me are my life and substance and I will live by them. I will live by every Word proceeding out of Your mouth and heart.

Stir my heart to remember all Your promises and help me to remember every Word You have spoken to me. Help me to remember with a grateful heart all the times You have encouraged and healed me . . . all the times Your love has upheld me and I will be renewed. May the Words birthed in heaven find greatness in my thoughts and thereby influence my actions.

I choose to believe every Word and come into agreement with them in reference to what and who You have said I am. I agree with the walking out of Your Word with mercy and grace flowing through a heart of faith. I will water the Word seeds in my heart by agreeing with You, and in the process I will inject my tomorrows with faith, hope and love. Help me to build righteously and not create barriers in my life or anyone else’s. May the Words of my mouth speak in ONE with the beat of Your heart. In Jesus Name, I pray and believe, Amen

I Love Myself

Deep at the center of my being, there is an infinite well of love. I now allow this love to flow to the surface. It fills my heart, my body, my mind, my consciousness, my very being, and radiates out from me in all directions and returns to me multiplied. The more love I use and give, the more I have to give. The supply is endless. The use of love makes me feel good, it is an expression of my inner joy.

I love myself; therefore, I take loving care of my body. I lovingly feed it nourishing foods and beverages, I lovingly groom it and dress it, and my body lovingly responds to me with vibrant health and energy.

I love myself; therefore provide for myself a comfortable home, one that fills all my needs and is a pleasure to be in. I fill the rooms with the vibration of love so that all who enter, myself included, will feel this love and be nourished by it.

I love myself; therefore, I behave and think in a loving way to all people for I know that that which I give out returns to me multiplied. I only attract loving people in my world, for they are a mirror of what I am.

I love myself; therefore I forgive and totally release the past and all past experiences and I am free.

I love myself; therefore I live totally in the now, experiencing each moment as good and knowing that my future is bright and joyous and secure, for I am a beloved child of GOD and My GOD lovingly takes care of me now and forever more....and so it is.

Because Love Is

Dear Lord:

Because love is patient: Help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen, hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage, remembering your endless patience with me.

Because love is kind: Help my words to be gentle and my actions to be thoughtful. Remind me to smile and to say “Please” and “Thank You” because those little things still mean so much.

Because love does not envy or boast, and it is not proud: Help me have a heart that is humble and sees the good in others. May I celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I am, as well as doing the same for those around me.

Because love is not rude or self-seeking: Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart. When I’m tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world, remind me there’s a great big world out there full of needs and hurts.

Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs: Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. When I want to hold onto a grudge, gently help me release it so I can reach out with a hand of love instead.

Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth: Help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the defenseless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference.

Because love always protects and always trusts: Help me to be a refuge for those around me.When the world outside is harsh and cold, may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.

Finally, because love always perseveres: Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others. AMEN.

The Full Armor of God

Heavenly Father, I praise and worship you because you are God.  I am honored to be your servant and I take my stand today against the devil and his schemes against me, my family and my ministry.  Father, as I take up each piece of the armor, please secure it in place on me. 

I take up the shield of faith and extend it over myself.  It extinguishes all the fiery darts of the evil one.
 
I put on the helmet of salvation, which protects my mind from the enemy's attacks.  I have the mind of Christ.
 
I put on the breastplate of righteousness, which covers my body with the righteousness of God.  In Christ, every foothold of evil has been washed away and I am clothed in righteousness!
 
I gird my loins with the belt of truth.  Your word, O God, is truth.  Father, sanctify me according to your word and remind me through the Holy Spirit of the truth that destroys the lies of sin.  
 
I shod my feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace.  I have peace with God through the blood of Jesus.  I have favor with God and with man.  I walk in my inheritance as an adopted daughter of God and have authority over evil in Jesus' name.
 
I will use the Sword of the Spirit by speaking the Word of God as it applies to whatever situation I may face today.  Father, please remind me of your Word via the Holy Spirit.
 
I will continue to pray in the Spirit throughout the day, and intercede for all Christians as the Holy Spirit prompts me.  I believe that the Holy Spirit is interceding on my behalf according to my prayers.    
Thank you, Father, for the whole armor of God.  Please surround me with your hedge of protection as I move forward on the spiritual battlefield today.  I praise and worship you now and forever, Amen."

Trusting God When You Don't Understand

The bible states that “obedience is better than sacrifice {1 Samuel 15:22}” which should tell you a lot about our God.  God places significance on obedience.  He’ll much rather you be obedient to His instruction than for you to give Him sacrificial praise, money offerings, fasting, etc.  When God gives you instruction and you’re in a situation where you don’t understand what’s going on in your life, you need to be reminded to be obedient and to trust in the one who does understand – Christ.   There are blessings that follow a person who is obedient just as there are curses that follows a person who is disobedient. 

When you learn to trust the Lord, you will begin to have a sense of rest in the Lord knowing that He has everything under control even when life seems to be out of control.  Trusting God will get you to the point where you make a decision to trust in Him and NOT in your own logic and understanding.

As much as we would like God to give us “what where when and how” upfront all the time or all in one shot, God does not operate like that.  Sometimes, God will place you in a satiation where you have to trust Him and He’ll give you piece by piece as you obey and trust Him.

As a person who’s been in this situation, I will tell you that this only increases your faith as you learn to walk by faith and not by sight.

I don’t know what your story is but I encourage you to trust God even when you don t understand what’s happening in your life. You may not understand life and all that’s happening; but God will give you a piece to the puzzle as you learn to step out on faith, trust and obey him.

Don’t let the devil fool you into believing that you’re taking a step backwards in life or that you’ll never make it out of this situation; because you will.  What you’re going through is temporary.  Encourage yourself in the Lord daily; read His word; pray without ceasing and seek His face.  The next time you find yourself in a position where you are stressed and worried about what God is doing in your life remember to:  Trust God to Lead You. He tells us in {Revelation 22:13}  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Who else can say that but God?  No one, only God can say such a thing.  God knows everything: the past, current and future and our knowledge and understanding doesn’t even compare to the knowledge and understanding of God –  even when it applies to our own life.

Let Us Pray.......

Heavenly Father,

I ask that you place within me your obedient spirit so that I may be obedient to your instruction.  Help me Lord to walk by faith and not by sight.  I don’t understand what you’re doing in my life, but I make a decision to trust you God. In this season, I ask that you place within me your spirit of joy, peace and rest.  Give me joy; peace and rest to endure all that comes my way.  Right now, I make a decision to trust you Lord because I know that you’re in control of my life even when my life seems to be out of control. Lord, I thank you for clarity, guidance, provision and strength.  I pray and ask for these things in Jesus name; Amen. 

Pray and stay in the word of God.  There is strength for you in the Word of God.  Trust the Lord and be obedient even when you don’t understand life and what God is doing.  Be blessed and encouraged in Jesus name.