"I Do!!" Those are two words that a lot of single women long to say. I mean think about it. When we were growing up as little girls we would read or have stories read to us about the princess who was done wrong but in the end got her "Prince Charming." So we think awww, that's going to happen for me one day. After a while, the fairy tales are substituted for movies that have the same storyline. You know, the girl who works hard but is under paid or mistreated and the man of her dreams comes and sweeps her off her feet. Talk about a tear jerker, I cry like a newborn baby. LOL!!
We already have these preconceived ideas of our "happily ever after" but where does that come into play when you are in Christ? Our first and foremost goal is to advance the kingdom. The bible says, "I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs--how he can please the Lord"1 Corinthians 7:32 NIV. We see that God doesn't want us to worry about these natural things but focus on how we can take care of His business.
I have to tell you, it took some time for me to really understand this. As my pastor describes it, I had head knowledge but it wasn't in my heart. I remember saying, there is no way that I will end up alone like my mom and my aunt (no offense mommy). So whenever the opportunity presented itself to date or go out with someone, I accepted. Why, why, why do we do this to ourselves? I'm not saying that there is something wrong with going out on dates. I'm just saying that if you already know that this person is not going where you are going, why entertain the idea just to have someone with you? For instance, I know that whomever the Lord has for me will have to be saved, sanctified, and Holy Ghost filled. I'm not talking about they have the potential for these things. I mean they are already walking in it.
While you are waiting, take this time to seek God unlike ever before. I mean really chase Him and find out His plan for your life. Use this time to pray, fast, and study. In addition to those things, I've used this time to go to school, started this blog, and a blog radio show. My focus shifted from wanting someone to wanting to share the message of Jesus. You never know what God will do through you and the lives that will be impacted from your submission and obedience to Him.
You probably are thinking ok Gina all that's fine and well but you still haven't said when it will happen for me. That's an easy one, it will happen when He (God) does it for you. It will be in His divine timing and not a second sooner. We have to understand that God knows when the time is right. Sometimes we think we are ready for things and God is like no you need me to work a few things out of you first. It may be some past hurt that you need to be healed from before you get into another relationship. If not, you may sabotage what God has for you based on what happened in your past.
So, as the word of God says, "...let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" Galatians 6:9. Praise Jehovah!! If we just hold on to His promises we are going to receive everything that God has for us. That means Boaz and not Bozo!! God knows the desires of your heart. Just continue to put Him first and watch what happens!
Until next time.....
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Trick or Treat
We are approaching the time in which many celebrate Halloween. The first thing that comes to my mind is people in various costumes running around yelling TRICK OR TREAT!!! So I guess either the person is supposed to be tricked or treated. It’s funny how things in the natural realm run parallel with things in the spirit realm. With us, we are a spirit with a soul that is clothed in a costume of flesh. The enemy’s desire is to trick us into damnation but God wants to treat us to eternal life.
Ever heard the saying "every thing that glitters isn’t gold"? Well that's exactly what satan does. He makes things appear so wonderful. I mean it really sparkles just to get you drawn in; however, his ultimate goal is to destroy you. Remember, he’s constantly searching for whom he may devour. He'll have that unsaved man smelling and looking all good with some dimples and a six-pack. Have Mercy!! Oh excuse me... He'll have that quick hustle (that you know you don’t have any business doing) come along at just the right time. You know, when all of your bills are due and you're feeling the pressure because you are supposed to be the provider. Can I get a amen!!
The thing is, he doesn’t hit you with it all at once. No, because that would be too obvious. He's a sneaky lil joka, an opportunist. In Luke 22: 31 - 32 the word of the Lord says, "....satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: ....". He'll start subtly and then when you are at the point where you are most vulnerable emotionally or physically, he will pounce in for the attack.
Jesus came to treat us with abundant life. A life of peace, love, and joy. So no matter how chaotic the situation may seem, he's got your back. In the word of God we're told that "...when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him”. You can find that in Isaiah 59:19.
I don't know about you but I don't have time to be tricked. I want the treat hunny. Or better yet like my pastor says, I want the gift, not the wage. He says that based on this scripture: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. Romans 6:23
So I pose this question: What will it be for you, Trick or Treat????
Until next time.....
Ever heard the saying "every thing that glitters isn’t gold"? Well that's exactly what satan does. He makes things appear so wonderful. I mean it really sparkles just to get you drawn in; however, his ultimate goal is to destroy you. Remember, he’s constantly searching for whom he may devour. He'll have that unsaved man smelling and looking all good with some dimples and a six-pack. Have Mercy!! Oh excuse me... He'll have that quick hustle (that you know you don’t have any business doing) come along at just the right time. You know, when all of your bills are due and you're feeling the pressure because you are supposed to be the provider. Can I get a amen!!
The thing is, he doesn’t hit you with it all at once. No, because that would be too obvious. He's a sneaky lil joka, an opportunist. In Luke 22: 31 - 32 the word of the Lord says, "....satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: ....". He'll start subtly and then when you are at the point where you are most vulnerable emotionally or physically, he will pounce in for the attack.
Jesus came to treat us with abundant life. A life of peace, love, and joy. So no matter how chaotic the situation may seem, he's got your back. In the word of God we're told that "...when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him”. You can find that in Isaiah 59:19.
I don't know about you but I don't have time to be tricked. I want the treat hunny. Or better yet like my pastor says, I want the gift, not the wage. He says that based on this scripture: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. Romans 6:23
So I pose this question: What will it be for you, Trick or Treat????
Until next time.....
Thursday, October 28, 2010
There Is A King In You
I was on my break and began to think about Donald Lawrence’s song and I was so encouraged. The cares of this life can sometimes make us forget who we are. We are children of the most high God yet we sometimes look at ourselves as if we are peasants and powerless. The word of God says, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9.
When I think about a king, I think: ruler, power, and royalty. I looked up the word king and I saw the words: chief authority and preeminent. Wow, did you just see that! We have the ability to rule over and surpass any situation and circumstance that we may encounter. If this is the case, why aren't we walking in our authority?
The devil tries to imitate the Big Bad Wolf by huffing and puffing and threatening to blow our houses down. Sometimes as soon as we hear the howl of the wind or feel our houses began to tremble, we run for cover. We fall down to floor and place our head between our knees while covering it with our hands like we are in the midst of a tornado. However as kings, we should stand flat-footed and speak to the wind, the sickness, the unforgiveness, the bills, the depression, the malice, the anxiety, the confusion, the hurt, the pain, and say PEACE BE STILL!!
God has given us the ability to command everything to line up according to His word. He said that the works He did we would be able to do the same and then some. His word also says "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 NIV. Can we just give God praise right there!!! We are from Him. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords!! His spirit lives in us. So do you know what that means??
That's right! We are victorious in every area of our life! We are more the conquerors! We are overcomers! We never are defeated. I love what my pastor, Dr. Parrott, says, "when you are in God failure is not failure but a seed to your success". So don't be discouraged about what may have looked like a set back. Remember if you are in Christ and love Him, it's working for your good. There is a king in you!!!
Until next time....
When I think about a king, I think: ruler, power, and royalty. I looked up the word king and I saw the words: chief authority and preeminent. Wow, did you just see that! We have the ability to rule over and surpass any situation and circumstance that we may encounter. If this is the case, why aren't we walking in our authority?
The devil tries to imitate the Big Bad Wolf by huffing and puffing and threatening to blow our houses down. Sometimes as soon as we hear the howl of the wind or feel our houses began to tremble, we run for cover. We fall down to floor and place our head between our knees while covering it with our hands like we are in the midst of a tornado. However as kings, we should stand flat-footed and speak to the wind, the sickness, the unforgiveness, the bills, the depression, the malice, the anxiety, the confusion, the hurt, the pain, and say PEACE BE STILL!!
God has given us the ability to command everything to line up according to His word. He said that the works He did we would be able to do the same and then some. His word also says "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 NIV. Can we just give God praise right there!!! We are from Him. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords!! His spirit lives in us. So do you know what that means??
That's right! We are victorious in every area of our life! We are more the conquerors! We are overcomers! We never are defeated. I love what my pastor, Dr. Parrott, says, "when you are in God failure is not failure but a seed to your success". So don't be discouraged about what may have looked like a set back. Remember if you are in Christ and love Him, it's working for your good. There is a king in you!!!
Until next time....
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Take Your Past Off Repeat
I often share on Facebook what's on my heart and mind at that particular time. One day I began to talk about the past. Hmmm...the past. The past is one of the things that can cause a tremendous hindrance when it comes to embracing your assignment and your future in general. Sometimes when we come to Christ, we let the mistakes of our past stagnate us from growing on in God. In fact, we often are hesitant in asking Him to be our Lord and Savior all because of our past. We can feel as though we've done too much wrong for Him to want us. There are some who've messed up so much that even their families don't want anything to do with them. Isn't it wonderful that we can find rest in knowing that God is not like man! The word of God says "When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up" Psalm 27:10.
This was one of my struggles. I felt like I've done too much. I felt like I got so far out there that the possibility of returning was nonexistent. Nevertheless, I've always had an inward yearning to return. I believe this is why we are instructed to bring our children up in the things of God. Anyway, I will never forget the night I accepted Christ. A co-worker of mine kept inviting me to services so eventually I went to bible study with her. My current pastor, whom I love dearly, prayed for me (he wasn't my pastor at the time). He ministered a prophetic word to me and I just broke down and cried. Immediately after that service we went to another service and after the message the speaker grabbed me by the hand, prayed for me, and I accepted Christ.
This was the most wonderful experience I ever felt. I felt burdens lifted I just felt so refreshed and liberated. I called my mom and she was crying. I called my friend and she started shouting over the phone LOL!! I told you I was mess so they were happy. So you're probably waiting for me to say that from that time until now I haven't looked back. Sorry, I wish that were the case.
Taking your past off repeat also means once you're free, don't go back to what had you bound. The word of God says "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1. I lost focus and started trying to fulfill my heart's desires on my own. Let me tell ya once you go back, the struggle to be free is much more intense but God can and will deliver. I am determined not to repeat that process again. Staying free takes an every day effort. You can't expect to stay free if you don't stay in constant fellowship with God. You must continually read your word, pray, and seek God's face. God is able to keep you from falling but you must do your part.
So I say to you if you are free, do not let anything steal your focus. Share the love of Christ with others and help them become and stay free. If you have walked away, you have an advocate with the Father. You can repent of your sins (turn away from completely) and let the Lord restore you. Don't get me started on that...that's a blog all by itself ..Lord knows I've been redeemed and I can't help but say so!!! Ok, back to what I was saying. If you have yet to come to Christ, there's a pool of blood drawn from Immanuel's veins that He's waiting to plunge you beneath to wash away all of your guilt and shame. Come to Jesus!! I love you all with the love of Christ. Until next time...
This was one of my struggles. I felt like I've done too much. I felt like I got so far out there that the possibility of returning was nonexistent. Nevertheless, I've always had an inward yearning to return. I believe this is why we are instructed to bring our children up in the things of God. Anyway, I will never forget the night I accepted Christ. A co-worker of mine kept inviting me to services so eventually I went to bible study with her. My current pastor, whom I love dearly, prayed for me (he wasn't my pastor at the time). He ministered a prophetic word to me and I just broke down and cried. Immediately after that service we went to another service and after the message the speaker grabbed me by the hand, prayed for me, and I accepted Christ.
This was the most wonderful experience I ever felt. I felt burdens lifted I just felt so refreshed and liberated. I called my mom and she was crying. I called my friend and she started shouting over the phone LOL!! I told you I was mess so they were happy. So you're probably waiting for me to say that from that time until now I haven't looked back. Sorry, I wish that were the case.
Taking your past off repeat also means once you're free, don't go back to what had you bound. The word of God says "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1. I lost focus and started trying to fulfill my heart's desires on my own. Let me tell ya once you go back, the struggle to be free is much more intense but God can and will deliver. I am determined not to repeat that process again. Staying free takes an every day effort. You can't expect to stay free if you don't stay in constant fellowship with God. You must continually read your word, pray, and seek God's face. God is able to keep you from falling but you must do your part.
So I say to you if you are free, do not let anything steal your focus. Share the love of Christ with others and help them become and stay free. If you have walked away, you have an advocate with the Father. You can repent of your sins (turn away from completely) and let the Lord restore you. Don't get me started on that...that's a blog all by itself ..Lord knows I've been redeemed and I can't help but say so!!! Ok, back to what I was saying. If you have yet to come to Christ, there's a pool of blood drawn from Immanuel's veins that He's waiting to plunge you beneath to wash away all of your guilt and shame. Come to Jesus!! I love you all with the love of Christ. Until next time...
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