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Time to Hit the RESET Button!

7/5/2012

The new things that are on the horizon are beckoning to you, calling to you, drawing you to them. You know it's God. You know it's what you have nurtured and pondered in your heart for quite some time. You can see yourself getting closer and closer to that place that you long to be. So what's the problem? The harder you try to move forward to get to that next step, that next phase of your journey, the more it feels like you are frozen or stuck where you are.

Many of us have to make sure that we are willing to not only step up, but to step out of where we are in order to get to that next phase of our journey. There are people and things that we have gathered or accumulated thus far on the journey that have to be released in order for us to make the progress we desire to make. Some friends are seasonal. Some things are for a specific time or era in or lives. Some ideas are in need of replacement. We have to be open for change.

Ask God to help you examine where you are and to put it into perspective compared to where you desire to go. That burning passion and vision that you have deep within is real. But often we get stuck on the "how to" and are not open to the revisions that may need to take place in the original plans. Sometimes God can't give us the minute details too early. But when He's ready to lead us into the necessary editing of the original plans, we often cling to what we know and don't realize that what we know only got us to where we are; what we need to know will get us to the next level.

Time to regroup. Time to press the "reset" button. Time to renew your mind and your heart and get that new surge of energy to take it on to the next phase. We make it so hard on ourselves sometimes. I know it's a worn out phrase, but we truly need to "Let go and let God" guide us on this journey. This allows Him to get all of the glory and the lives of many will be changed in the process.

So on the count of three.... 1...2...3... RESET! Now, let's GO!

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Putting Things In Order

6/26/2012

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Don't allow the things, the goals, the accomplishments that you are striving for become your gods. Remember to always put the Father first. Seek Him and His way of doing things. Your way may be good and it may have worked over and over again in the past. But He may have a different route mapped out for you this time. You don't know the details, but He does. You don't see the big picture, but He does. There may be lives that are supposed to be touched on the route you are trying to avoid or haven't even considered. Seek Him for the what, the how, the when... for ALL the details. Divine appointments... not always about you being blessed. More often they are about you being a blessing to others. Sometimes when others simply see your commitment, your steadfastness, your unwavering love for God as you travel on your journey, it encourages others. Believers can take it up a notch and unbelievers take note and can see the realness in the relationship you have with God. Let your main focus and concern be about pleasing the Father. In doing that, all of the other things will fall into place.

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Praying for Our Children

6/21/2012

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We canNOT allow ourselves to be swayed away from what we believe, what we know as truth... God is faithful. Receive His peace and comfort as you cover sons and daughters in prayer. Release yourself, stop blaming yourself for things that are or were beyond your control. A special friend and I were talking on yesterday and we noted that we truly cannot override another person's will. Our children get to a point where they are determined, sometimes, to follow their own minds, wants, desires... We will continue to pray, declaring the Word over their lives, believing that what God says is true, and speaking forth grace and mercy as we anticipate them returning to what they know is true, right, and what they have been taught.

Let's choose to believe that what they are in the process of gathering info, experience, and insight for that testimony that is in the making. Let's choose to believe that what they are learning - even in their mis-steps, mistakes, and foolishness - will be turned for their good and they can reach back and minister to others based on what they are "learning" on their current detour. Let's continue to stand in expectation that they, like the prodigal son, will "come to themselves" and realize that they have wandered away from what was promised to them. In the meantime, let's praise our way through to victory! Celebrate NOW! Be encouraged... and don't stop praying! Thank God for the victory NOW

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The Heart of Your Leader

6/19/2012

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When was the last time you actually prayed and asked God for the heart of your leader or to help you know and understand the person under whom you serve, work, or volunteer? The enemy cannot take advantage of situations when we are committed to not only pray for our leaders, but to also ask that we "know" their heart. Does that mean that we agree with everything? No. Does that mean that the decisions they make and the things they say and do are okay no matter what? Of course not. However, as we pray for our leaders, our perspective, outlook, and perceptions can change - even if the person doesn't change. We can view them through different "lenses" and see what was previously blocked from our "view" when we tended only to act and react on our natural senses.

If you know your leader has a "good" heart, good intentions, and is just trying to do the best job that they can, when situations arise, you are not so quick to jump to judgment, accusation, and resistance concerning them. No matter what, even in the most unpleasant situations, you and God are able to have a conversation, the gist of which is one where you are reassured that you "know his/her heart" and that they would not intentionally hurt, mislead, or take advantage of you. You are able to pray to God and ask for wisdom about how to handle things instead of flying off at the handle or speaking out of emotional reactions. You are able to stay calm.

If you know that your leader is not quite on point, lacking in some character and integrity areas, or are still a major work in progress -- we need to be real -- you are able to communicate with God about it and ask Him how are YOU supposed to handle the situation. You are able to ask Him to help you endure, to grace you with whatever it is that you need to not only survive the situation, but be a testimony to Him at the same time. We have to be reminded that we don't go through the things we go through just as a test for us to pass. Others watch and see what the reaction will be. I've failed quite a few times; said things, reacted, had that "look": on my face when I should have been asking God what do I do so others can see Him in the situation, in me, and in the outcome. If I am diligent with my prayers and am willing to listen, I can begin to see that person through God's eyes. It gives me a whole different perspective. Sometimes God will give you creative and humorous ways to deal the situations at hand. One of my favorite that I've shared with many people is, "Wonder what kind of child they were when they were in the third grade on the playground?" Sound silly? Hmmmmph! Works for me! I imagine the bossy ones, the controlling ones, the wimpy ones, the conceited ones, etc. and how they would act and interact with each other. Then I often say to myself that I probably wouldn't have played with them anyway! For me, it puts a whole new spin on things and makes me realize, once again, we are who we are for may different reasons, shaped by many different factors and experiences. Some of us just are not going to mesh in a way that is ideal. It is what it is... So we should just learn how to adapt, communicate with the Father on an ongoing basis, turning ALL of our cares over to Him knowing that He is concerned about EVERYTHING that concerns us, and keep it moving FORWARD!!!

Leaders don't always "deserve" the respect and honor that we are to give them. However, God knows that. We have an awesome example in the Bible when we look at the interaction between David and Saul. David respected the office, the position, that the king held though the king's character was the pits! He was jealous of David, tried to kill David, but needed David to help keep depression, despair, and gloom at bay. David could have taken care of the situation, eliminated the problem, and moved on with his life. Instead, he endured, respected, prayed... and God took care of the situation. Don't think that God doesn't know what you are going through if you are not in the best situation.

Additionally, know that God is aware when things aren't going quite right and you actually have a good leader with a great heart. Remember, the enemy does indeed come to kill, steal, and destroy -- ANYTHING he can! Be mindful of that and make the commitment to seek the Father and endeavor to do things His way. There is an awesome blessing in it, just because you choose to do things with God's heart, reflecting His character.

I have had experiences in the past that, in my opinion, would have taken many people under. But God's strength kept me and He showed me how to deal with those situations. It was not my job to fix things, to make it right, or to set the record straight. Some of those situations still have not been rectified. But I chose and still choose to do it God's way. I refuse to say or do things that would only make me look good or "set things straight" on my behalf. That's the stance I've taken and I believe that it is pleasing to the Father. I also believe He has helped me understand why things were said or done, because of the compassion He so freely gives to us to help us see and understand individuals from His vantage point. That's why offense is a choice... that's a whole different topic!

Things aren't perfect, people aren't perfect, departments and auxiliaries aren't perfect... but GOD knows all of the details. Making the commitment to be where God has placed you, to serve with the anointing and ability that God has available for you gives you such an awesome advantage. When things come up, when people bring information to you, when you see things that don't quite add up, it is so comforting to be able to say, "But I know his heart... I know her heart..." rather than to jump to conclusions, hop on the bandwagon, and commence to participate in murdering someone's character or reputations. OOOPS! Did I say that? Yup, I did! That's another topic, too!

Be encouraged as you strive to be that mighty weapon in the hand of God. Realize that each day affords us the opportunity to be an instrument, to be a light, and to be a testimony for others to view. God has already equipped you to be successful where you are. So take advantage of the provisions that have already made for you to be a reflection of Him as you act and interact with your leaders, and as you deal with the situations and circumstances that confront you. You are already a winner

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Standing

6/18/2012

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Sometimes you have to check yourself to see if everything is still intact. The enemy will often decide to send a barrage of situations, circumstances, reports, and incidents your way in the hopes that you will fold under the pressure. When this occurs, we should do a "check" and make sure we are still standing tall, firm, and confidently on what the Word says about everything that is going on in our lives. We already know that we've won, but that doesn't mean things will be easy from the beginning of the race all the way to the finish line. Make sure, however, that you are mindful of the fact that though WE don't know what lies ahead along the way, our Father does and He's already taken care of the situation. That's where that trust factor really has to kick in. Relying on Him, knowing He will not leave us out there deserted, and seeking His wisdom concerning the situations will bring about the desired results; we will become equipped to complete the journey with boldness and in a way that brings God glory not only at the end, but as we make our way to the finish line.

Check yourself...

Stand on the Word of God.
Say/Pray what the Word says about your situation.
Renew your mind and get rid of doubt and fear by infusing your mind with what the Word says about your situation.
Declare, testify, share with others as you go through your situation(s); tell them of the goodness, power, and awesomeness of the God who is with you every step of the way.
Praise God for the victory even in the middle of the storm.
Encourage others; that encourages you at the same time.
Continue to stand and watch and see what God will do!

Once we've checked everything, we should stand, and continue to stand with great expectation that the best is yet to come and this, too, shall pass. Let's GO!!!

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The Power of the Prayers of Believers

2/16/2012

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When the enemy comes in.... like a flood the Lord raises up a standard against him, defeats Him, and shows Himself strong on behalf of those who are His. I would like to share two postings from my personal Facebook status updates. I want to share with you how powerful prayer is and what an awesome tool we have when are united in prayer, praying the will of God, according to what is written in His Word and in our hearts. Our family is celebrating tonight because of that great power of prayer. Please read the following and be encouraged!

February 15, 2012 Status Update:
So grateful for that the fervent, effectual prayers of the righteous have much power and get things done! Had to put a call out this afternoon for prayers... my mother-in-love was being rushed to the hospital and wasn't responding at all. Well... tonight, she's resting well, and when hubby sent me a text he said she was sitting up, talking; she'll be there overnight for tests, but we are expecting God's best for His 80 yrs young daughter. When I tell you that my God is GOOD! My, my, my!!! As the prayers continue, we are expected improvement for both of hubby's parents. They are in two different hospitals, but Holy Spirit is where each of them rests tonight. #lovingMYfaithwalk #greatisTHYfaithfulness

James 5:16b
The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

February 16, 2012 Status Update:

God is GOOOOD!!! Hubby's parents are doing much better...

They canNOT find evidence of a stroke in my mom-in-love!!! GLOOORY!!! They have stuck, probed, prodded, taken pics... To God be the glory. They are simply going to make an adjustment to one of her meds that may be too strong - (hubby's been trying to tell them that long before this happened - too many strong meds). She's in the hospital again, overnight... We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Now, Rev. Lott, my father-in-love, is doing much better as well. He is stable, VERY cooperative now, and says he was "almost a goner" there! He began describing how people rushed in the room and he watched as they worked on him -- his heart had stopped, they called a CODE BLUE and he didn't really realize what had happened until he heard, "Code Blue" over the intercom and it triggered his memory. Whew!! He described it as people coming out of everywhere and working on him... God had men working on him in the natural and angels embattled in the spirit realm on his behalf! I cannot wait to hear for myself what he has to say about it!

Yup! The enemy tried to take 'em, but the prayers of the righteous prevailed!!! We celebrate the bigness, the awesomeness, the vastness, the omnipotence, the omnipresence, the omniscience, and the love of our God tonight!!! Instead of planning two homegoing/funeral/goodbye services, we celebrate, we shout, and we give our God ALL the glory!!!

I know some may not believe... that's okay. I choose to do so. I choose to believe that when I pray He hears me and He answers. He's done it in the past and He's done it again. Stop worrying about what you are going through; allow your faith to be strengthened as you are being prepared for what lies ahead. And for those of you who prayed, thank you is not enough. May God bless you immensely for the seeds of faith that you have sown in prayer on behalf of our family. Each time hubby has called me today, I could hear laughter and the sounds of joy in the background. What a God, what a God, WHAT A MIGHTY GOD we serve!!!

MY God is a good God, yes He is!!! Be encouraged tonight, one and all. Be encouraged!

I hope this has brought some encouragement, some hope, some raised expectations on your part concerning the prayers and requests that you have made known to the Father. I also pray that you will seek out those who believe like you do, if you haven't already. Ask God to show you those with whom you can join your faith so that you can pray for one another. Work that faith muscle, develop it, nourish it with the Word of God, and change your perception about your challenges... look at them as opportunities to work that muscle, grow your faith, and to prepare you for what lies ahead.MY God is faithful!!

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10 Important Things To Remember About Relationships

2/15/2012

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I'd like to share something that I sent in a text message. I sent it to someone who was caught off guard by a coworker whom she had considered a friend at work. As I wrote it, I could sense that it really was ministering to me. I've read it several times and would like to share it, slightly edited, because it just may minister to someone else. I know enough not to take any credit for it. I just love Holy Spirit and how He works. If it's for you, receive it. If it isn't, shelve it. If you think someone else may benefit from it, share it.

Here it is:

Ten Important Things to Remember About Relationships

Realize that some people are acquaintances.
Keep relationships professional (at work) unless and untill God says otherwise.
Realize that the enemy is attempting to tear you down. It's not the people.
Understand who you are and Whose you are in Christ.
Find your purpose and realize everybody can't go where you are going.
Accept the fact that growth and maturity involve pain.
Act on and live out all of that Word you have inside of you.
You already have what you need.
If this series of events shakes you this much, it's an indication that the foundation on which you are standing needs a little attention... that's not a bad thing. Thank the devil, square you shoulders, hold your head up, and keep on marching to victory!

10. Continue to allow Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct you in the area of relationships. Don't
forget about your divine appointments.

Make sure that you are aware that...

NO weapon that is formed against you shall prosper!

It may sting.
It might hurt a little bit.
Sometimes it may hurt a lot.
BUT...It won't do what the devil intended, because you are covered by the blood of the Lamb!

It's time to bounce back! Let's GO!

And finally...

Stop being so hard on yourself. You are doing well. You are a lot stronger than you think you are. You haven't been packing on all that Word, for all of these years for nothing! Preparation time, baby! God already knew!

Now go forth and be encouraged, healed, empowered, and expectant as you go! Finish walking out your testimony so your Father in heaven can get ALL of the glory!

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Keep Doing What Is Right

2/2/2012

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Make sure that you are actually in a position for the opportunities to be made available to you. Some relationships need to end in order for the blessing to rest upon you! If you are doing what is right, don't give up and don't get tired... Keep doing what you're doing. You will be rewarded. If you aren't doing what is right, then make the decision to get things in order. There's a payday for all of us... Which line will you be in?

Psalm 1
New Life Version (NLV)

The Difference between Good and Sinful People

1 Happy is the man who does not walk in the way sinful men tell him to, or stand in the path of sinners, or sit with those who laugh at the truth. 2 But he finds joy in the Law of the Lord and thinks about His Law day and night. 3 This man is like a tree planted by rivers of water, which gives its fruit at the right time and its leaf never dries up. Whatever he does will work out well for him.

4 Sinful men are not like this. They are like straw blown away by the wind. 5 So the sinful will not stand. They will be told they are guilty and have to suffer for it. Sinners will not stand with those who are right with God. 6 For the Lord knows the way of those who are right with Him. But the way of the sinful will be lost from God forever.

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It's Not About Us

2/1/2012

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It's not about YOU, it's not about ME... It's about the plan that God has in place. Best place to be --smack dab in the middle of His will!

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God Is Thinking About You

2/1/2012

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You know that God is thinking about you a lot, don't you? I'm just checking to see if you do. Read Psalm 139 and check out how much He thinks about you, cares for you, understands you, and is always with you. Wow! You are the bomb!! You are a part of the Designer's Collection. Bought, paid for, redeemed, rescued, delivered, set free, healed... Your Daddy really does love you. Don't ever forget it!

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Time to Hit the RESET Button!

Putting Things In Order

Praying for Our Children

The Heart of Your Leader

Standing

The Power of the Prayers of Believers

10 Important Things To Remember About Relationships

Keep Doing What Is Right

It's Not About Us

God Is Thinking About You

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