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Showing posts from June, 2016

The-God-Who-Sees

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Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” — Genesis 16:13 (NKJV) The Angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the wilderness, after she ran away from her mistress Sarai. (Genesis 16:7-8). He told her, “the LORD has heard your cry of distress.” (Genesis 16:11). You may be wandering in the wilderness or going through a low valley, but know that God sees you and He has heard your cry. Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the LORD rescues him from them all (Psalm 34:19 AMP). The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles (Psalm 34:17 NLT). Amen. Call on His name today.

God Knows

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But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” So she went to inquire of the LORD. — Genesis 25:22 (NKJV) When Rebekah sensed a struggle between the babies in her womb, she inquired of the LORD and received the answer she sought. The mind of the intelligent and discerning seeks knowledge and eagerly inquires after it, but the mouth of the [stubborn] fool feeds on foolishness. (Proverbs 15:14 AMP). Don’t feed on the foolishness of worldly advice. When you sense a struggle, inquire of the One who knows it all. As you encounter puzzling circumstances, seek answers from the LORD. When you experience uneasy feelings that all is not well, ask for revelation from our heavenly Father and continually examine His Word for understanding.

He Cares!

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And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” — Mark 4:37-38 (NKJV) Jesus loved us so much, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. (Philippians 2:7 NLT). He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The punishment required for our well-being fell on Him… (Isaiah 53:5). The Message Bible says, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. (Philippians 2:8). He did it all for you. Have no doubt. JESUS CARES about you. No matter what storms come, He is in your boat and He is not asleep. … casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV)

He Will Provide

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So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” — Genesis 22:14 (NIV) Your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need before you ask Him and He is totally trustworthy and completely faithful to provide all that you need. He provides sight to the blind, healing to the sick and peace to the anxious. Our God provides protection to those in danger. He gives wisdom to those that ask. He shows the lost, the way to Him. He provides light to those who dwell in darkness. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11) And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 (NASB)

What Do You See?

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Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. — Matthew 14:28-30 (NLT) As long as Peter focused on Jesus, he was able to walk on water. The moment he looked at the wind and the waves, fear gripped him and he began to sink. Let us be careful what we look at. When the storms come, do not let them be a distraction. As we keep our eyes on Jesus and continue moving closer to Him, He will enable us to do all that we are called to do. Instead of studying your storm, examine the living Word of God. Instead of worrying about your storm, worship the One who is greater and higher than any weather pattern. Jesus! He is King of kings and Lord of lords and He reigns. Hallelujah! … keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who init

There is a Set Time

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“But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.” — Genesis 17:21 (NKJV) Even though Sarah was in her nineties, well past childbearing years, she did conceive and bear Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. (Genesis 21:2). It may seem like it is well past the time for you to have given birth to the dreams and aspirations God  placed inside of you. But things don't happen on our timetable. Just as there is a time for conception, growth and development, there is a set time for you to give birth. You don't want to push it out prematurely. Put your energy into what God has called you to do today. The manifestation of your desires and dreams will happen at the appointed time and it will be sweet. Is anything too hard for the LORD? (Genesis 18:14a)

Blessed to Be a Blessing

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Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” — Genesis 12:1-2 (NKJV) Abram was 75 years old when God told him to go. No matter what your age, if you have the breath of life in your lungs, then God still has a plan for you. Like Abram, we have to be willing to leave what is familiar and comfortable to go to the new place God is calling us to. That will involve giving up those things He is telling us to let go of, whether its fear or some unhealthy relationship, etc. We can be confident that as we faithfully walk with Him and fulfill His call and purpose, the blessings will come. Instead of hoarding them for ourselves, may we let the blessings flow through our hands and touch the lives of others. He overflows our cup (Psalm 23:5) so we have more than enough to share with others. The ble

The Blessing is in Our Obedience

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So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him . — Genesis 6:22 (NLT) Then God blessed Noah and his sons... — Genesis 9:1 (NLT) When God told Noah to build an ark, he did according to all that God commanded him. His obedience put him in the right position for God’s protection. Can you imagine if Noah had kept putting off building the ark until the rain started to fall? It would have been too late. Or what if he had given up when others mocked him for building a boat in the middle of the desert? Even though there was no sign of a storm, Noah believed God and obeyed His instruction. As a result, him and his family were saved. And his obedience also preserved the human race. The commands of our heavenly Father are not about restrictions. God is not trying to keep us from something, as much as He is trying to get us TO something. His guidance and direction are for our protection and well-being. When we obey God, it shows our faith, that we totally trust Him, His will, and H

Seedtime & Harvest

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“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” — Genesis 8:22 (NIV) God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. (Genesis 1:11 NKJV). As long as the earth remains seeds will produce according to their own kind. If we want a harvest of good and positive, we have to speak words (seeds) that are good and positive. If you want peace, speak words of peace. Negative words suck the life out of those who hear them. Proverbs 18:21 says, Death and life are in the power of our tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. As we speak positive words over our lives and the lives of others, and continue to water those seeds with the powerful Word of God, we will produce a harvest of like kind.

Empowered by His Grace

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But Noah found favor and grace in the eyes of the LORD. — Genesis 6:8 (AMP) Noah was a good man, a man of integrity in his community. Noah walked with God (Genesis 6:9 MSG), and him and his whole family were saved. As we faithfully walk in close fellowship with God, His grace and favor abounds in our lives. And it is the grace of our great God that empowers us to live the kind of extraordinary life that He has called us to live. His grace enables us to fulfill the calling He has for us. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16 NIV). The Amplified Bible says, “[ an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment ].” For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD bestows grace and favor and honor; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11 AMP)

Choose Well

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“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” — Genesis 4:7 (NIV) Sin crouches at our door, ready to pounce. We don’t have to go looking for it. However, the temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability to resist, but with the temptation He will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13). We always have a choice. Choose well. When you make the wrong choice, don't let the enemy condemn you and cause you to run away from God. The love of our heavenly Father never fails. If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

A Place Prepared

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Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. — Genesis 2:1 (NKJV) Just as the LORD God prepared a place for Adam and Eve, He has prepared a place for you. There is a mountain with your name on it. A place that you were destined to occupy, a place where you will thrive as you tend and keep it. And as you activate the gifts and talents God placed inside of you, others will be blessed also. Follow God and He will lead you to place He has for you. He will enable you to overtake the giants in the land, whether it is fear, doubt, etc.  You can recover all the enemy has stolen and occupy the place prepared for you. “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” (Exodus 23:20 NIV)

God Bless You

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So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them… — Genesis 1:27-28 (NLT)  Genesis 1:28 tells us the first thing on God’s heart after He brought human beings into existence was to bless us. The very fact that He created us, shows us that God had us on His mind. His thoughts of us are so great they cannot be numbered. (Psalm 139:17). He created us to enjoy a rich and deep love relationship with Him, one of continual fellowship. The best indicator of love is a desire to spend time with that person. God didn’t just put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and forget about them. Genesis 3:8, says He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day. God didn’t bring you into this world to forget about you. He wants a daily walk with you too. Let us nurture our relationship with the Lord. Make Him the number one priority in your life. Don’t let the lies of the enemy or worldly distractions keep you

Made in His Image

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Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” — Genesis 1:26 (NKJV) So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27). God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good! (Genesis 1:31MSG). That includes you! He knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:13-14). Let us have no identity crisis. We were made in His image to reflect His nature. Just as God is love, we are to love. Our heavenly Father is generous, in that He gave His only Son. Let us also be generous. Just as God is forgiving and full of mercy and grace, may we also imitate Him.

No Worries

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The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. — John 10:10 (NLT) Every minute the enemy can get you to worry about the future or feel guilty about the past is valuable time he has stolen away from you. The most precious gift we have at any given moment is to enjoy the Presence of our great God. In His Presence, we experience true peace and fullness of joy. As long as the enemy can get you to worry, be anxious or fearful, he has destroyed any chance of you living the rich and satisfying life Jesus came to give you. Worry is a distraction that drains the energy and passion you need to pursue and fulfill the wonderful purpose and plans God has for you. Let him who steals, steal no longer. Cast all your cares on the LORD and totally trust Him with every area of your life.

Victory through Faith

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All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. — Revelation 21:7 (NLT) Never lose faith. For we are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26). And no matter what challenges come, we are well able to overcome them. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith (1 John 5:4). Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? (James 2:5 NLT). Keep fighting the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

His Reassuring Presence

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I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can’t take it all in! — Psalm 139:5-6 (MSG) Psalm 139:7 (NKJV) asks: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” Even the darkness is not dark to Him and conceals nothing from Him. May we never try to hide from God. He knows everything about us and He still loves us and wants the best for us. As a loving Father, He enjoys being close to His sons and daughters. His Presence is with us to reassure us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). His Presence goes with us to help, to lead, to guide, and to protect. His Spirit comforts and refreshes our souls. Enjoy His Presence today.

Opportunity Abounds

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Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. — James 1:2-3 (NLT) When troubles of any kind come your way, there exists a opportunity for advancement and success. Your perseverance leads to your perfection. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:4 NIV). The challenges we face, are opportunities for God to show Himself strong and mighty on our behalf. Any obstacle we face gives us a chance to strengthen our faith. They remind us that we walk by faith and not by what we see. What appears to be a drawback is really a set-up for your success.

Are You With Him?

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“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” — Revelation 17:14 (NKJV) If you are with Christ, you are on the victorious side. We have already won the victory because greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because Jesus has overcome the world. (John 16:33). Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV). In Him, we are more than conquerors. Be faithful to His call. …you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)

Rise Up

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But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired. — Isaiah 40:31 (AMP) Let us look with expectancy to our great God. Instead of reading your horoscope, seek the One who has all your days recorded in His Book. Study God’s Word and rely on Him to give the answer and direction you seek. Before you call the doctor, go to the Great Physician, by His stripes, we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5). Before you phone a friend, get on the line with Jesus, our constant Companion. As we continually rely and depend on our Creator, we will gain new strength and rise up closer to Him.

Ready to Help

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I look to you for help, O Sovereign LORD. You are my refuge... — Psalm 141:8 (NLT) Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there (Psalm 146:3 NLT). God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1 NLT). With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes (Psalm 60:12 NLT). I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. ( Psalm 121:1-2 NIV )

Conquer All!

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“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” — Psalm 46:10 (MSG) Step out of the constant flurry of activity and close a door to all the noise of the world. Let us be still and recognize that Almighty God is GOD. Draw near to Him and get to know Him, His ways, His will and His Word. Understand that He is exalted above all. He is over every circumstance in your life. If all others forsake you, God stands by your side. He is with you and He enables you to persevere and conquer all.

It’s War!

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And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus. — Revelation 12:17 (NLT) “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” (Revelation 12:12 NKJV). Wake up! We are in a war. Lives are at stake. First Peter 5:8 (NLT) warns us to “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” But take heart, because Jesus has already overcome the enemy. We defeat him by the blood of the Lamb and by our testimony (Revelation 12:11a NLT). Let us continually speak God’s Word over our lives. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.

Be Spirit-Led

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So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. — Romans 8:6 (NLT) May our minds be governed by the Spirit. The mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever]; (Romans 8:6b AMP). For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God (Romans 8:14 NIV). In Matthew 4:1, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, and He overcame. We will live a more abundant life of peace and joy as we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. ‘ Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6 NIV)

Security & Stability

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And He will be the security and stability of your times, a treasure of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the LORD is your treasure. — Isaiah 33:6 (AMP) What tumultuous times of natural disasters, social indifference and government insecurity. In the midst of the chaos, the LORD is a sure foundation. While the world screams scarcity, He has an abundant supply of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. Our mighty God is unmovable and unchanging. His love is constant and never fails. The LORD keeps in perfect peace all who trust in Him. (Isaiah 26:3). And His peace surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7). The LORD has a rich store of everlasting joy and in His right hand there are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11 AMP). The LORD is our rock, our fortress and our deliverer! (2 Samuel 22:2) In Him, lie our strength, security and stability. Amen.

Plan Your Course

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In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. — Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) Few would board a plane with no flight plan, one that was just going to fly around awhile and then possibly land before it ran out of gas, at some unknown location. However, many coast through life, with no plan, jus t reacting to the winds that blow their way. Yes, the LORD has plans for us, plans to give us hope and a future, but we have to take the steps necessary to bring the plan to life. Chart your course and He will show you the way and the time. The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. (Psalm 37:23 NLT).

He Brings Us Out

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You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment. — Psalm 66:12 (NKJV) No matter what we go through we can take comfort in the fact that God is with us. His Presence is priceless. His mighty Presence enables us to overcome every obstacle. His Presence ensures our victory. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you (Isaiah 43:2 NKJV). When you are in the midst of fiery trials, keep following the Lord and know that He is bringing you out!

Created with Purpose

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“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they exist, and were created and brought into being.” — Revelation 4:11 (AMP) We exist because it was God’s will and good pleasure. He chose us for Himself, as His own dearly loved children, before the foundation of the world. He intentionally created us with purpose and vision. It is no mistake that you are here for this time and season. We are to display His glory in our own unique way, utilizing the gifts and talents He has given to each one of us. Passionately pursue God and He will show you the way to overcome challenges and reach your destiny. May His light shine brightly through us, like stars in the sky, drawing others out of the darkness and into His marvelous light.

Open Door Opportunities

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‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”’ — Revelation 3:7-8 (NKJV) God opens the doors that are for us and closes those that are not. Seek His will to discern which door of opportunity is for you and be ready to walk through it and pursue all that God has purposed for you. The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand (Isaiah 14:24 NKJV). A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the LORD directs his steps and establishes them (Proverbs 16:9 AMP).

Thankful

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Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG) Prayer (talking to God) is much more powerful and produces better results than worrying (talking to self). It is definitely more beneficial than complaining or gossiping (talking to others). No matter how complicated or difficult the situation there is always something to be thankful for. Thank God that He can restore the years that the locust has eaten. Praise the LORD that He is able to give you double for all your trouble. Amen and Hallelujah! ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)