I Am Redeemed

Idly, sitting in church one morning and the song leader started singing, “I’m redeemed”! As that song registered in my mind, I started thinking to myself, “I too have been redeemed”! The Holy Spirit was certainly moving in the church while singing that song which brought tears to my eyes. Looking back over my life and all the trials and tribulations I faced, I never thought I would be where I am today.

God can do the impossible and can make some changes in your life if you want it. Redemption means to free someone from bondage. It often involves the paying of a ransom, a price that makes redemption possible. The Israelites were redeemed from Egypt. We are redeemed from the power of sin and the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13) through Jesus (Romans 3:24; Colossians 1:14).

We were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23). Originally, the payment of a price to secure the release of a prisoner of war, the word came to be used also of the release of a slave and sometimes of a person under sentence of death (Exodus 21:28-30). Christ death on the cross was the payment of a ransom price (Mark 10:45) by which sinners were set free.

Now that we are redeemed, we must live as free people (Galatians 5:1). I’ve learned that the Bible is a book of redemption. God wants us to communicate the story through His Word. There are so many life changing situations we have when we become redeemed. By God’s grace, I have been redeemed.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,-Ephesians 1:7

We’ve all been there, feeling guilty for having sinned against God. Feeling tired of saying sorry to Him but committing the same sins or worse over again. We beat ourselves up and think of thoughts not according to the will of God. Then, the enemy attacks us by using our own thoughts to condemn us. As much as we don’t want to, we will make mistakes. We will commit sins. We will break God’s heart again and again. We will repent, then break His heart some more. That’s the reality as long as we are human and living in our earthly bodies.

No one is perfect. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”- Romans 3:23 But the awesome thing about God is that He forgives us if we repent wholeheartedly (and we should not use this as an excuse to willfully sin and disobey Him time and time again). The good news is….It’s not too late for God to work wonders through.

God is no respector of persons! He loves and treats us all the same. Stay focused!

#ConsultGodFirst #ThePowerofGod #TheFaithWalk #TheSpirirtualBattle #DeliveranceisMyTestimony #DiscoverYourPurpose

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Entertaining Strangers Unaware

Let us give thanks for everything that we  have and don’t have and help those who are in need. Around this time, sometimes we forget about everything that God has done for us. I know around this time, everyone is so happy about gift giving, spending time with family, and spending money, etc. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nothing wrong with that. Have you considered the real reason around this time? Let us not forget about Jesus, He is the greatest gift of all. Don’t worry whether you will receive a gift or not. It’s better to give than to receive. There are many who are without and don’t have anything but they are not complaining. Instead of complaining, let’s continue to give thanks and be grateful in this season.

“Be Content with what you have and God will give you the desires of your heart”-Hebrews 13:5

Jesus, is all WE need. Waking up every morning with eyes to see, nose to smell, ears to hear, and feet to walk on is a gift from God, called LIFE! Have you ever thought about someone who is less fortunate? Have you considered the poor this season? Sometimes we get so caught up in this ” material stuff” that we forgot about those who are really in need. I know that we want to make sure that are kids have everything they need and some of their wants, but it’s good to teach them the real reason why they should cherish life and understand the real reason behind this holiday season.

It feels so good to come together with family and exchange gifts. But it is also good to be able to serve and help someone who is need. Let’s think about others for a change. For example, In Luke 16:19-31, it talks about the rich man and Lazarus:

There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family,  for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

This Bible story reflects on how we as Christians should not follow that same path. We have to be kind to one another and help each other in their time of need. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

So, during this season and any other season, let’s not forget to help our brothers and sisters who need our help.

Merry Christmas and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! God Bless!

#ConsultGodFirst #TheFaithWalk #ThePowerofGod #TheSpiritualBattle #DeliveranceIsMyTestimony #DiscoverYourPurpose

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Suffering Is A Part of Life

I was raised in the church as a little girl and I renewed my relationship with God over 4 years ago after  deciding to go my own way for many years. If you are anything like me, you thought that once you completely surrendered your life to Christ that all the suffering would end. Unfortunately, suffering is a part of life and it is also a part of the Christian’s life. The difference is that once we enter a new life with Christ, our suffering takes on a new meaning.

Our ability to understand the spiritual truths concerning testing and hardship is vital to our continued spiritual growth and development. I want to share with you FOUR spiritual truths that have developed me to overcome many difficult and trying times in my life:

1.) Suffering is Temporary. “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So, after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10). While you are in your season of suffering, it seems to feel as though it will last forever. It’s easy to get caught up in the “fact” that you are experiencing hard times and neglect God’s truth. The truth is that He has called you to share in His eternal glory because He loves you and your suffering is only temporary. Focus more on what’s waiting for you on the other side of your suffering: restoration, support, strength, and stability. If you rejoice in the truth of God’s eternal Word, it will ease the pain of what you are currently experiencing.

2.) Your suffering does not define you. “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are” (Romans 8:18-19). Many times, when we experience very difficult or trying times in our lives, we allow our temporary hardships to define us. You are not the events that have transpired in your life. God has yet to reveal the fullness of who you are and His Word confirms that what you are currently facing is nothing compared to what He has in store for you. We serve a great God, so we know that nothing but greatness awaits us!

3.) Suffering produces fruit. “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. So, let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1:2-4). The Word of God tells us to consider the troubles and hardships we face in life as an opportunity for great joy. Understanding of this scripture has literally transformed my life and it can do the same for you. Anytime God allows you to be tested, He is opening the door for spiritual growth. As you learn to seek God for the lessons that are stored up in any trial that you face, God begins to shape and mold your character.

4.) Suffering opens the door to God’s grace. “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). This is one of my life scriptures. It is a scripture that has brought me through some of the most trying times of my life. When you are facing situations that just seem to suck the very life out of you, the door to grace is wide open. The key is understanding how to access and embrace God’s grace. When you are weak, God is waiting to stand up on your behalf.

Allow the power of God to work through you and carry you through hard times. I am a living testimony that He will bring you out if you let Him. Continue to stay in God’s grace!

#TheSpiritualBattle #ConsultGodFirst #ThePowerofGod #TheFAITHWALK #DeliveranceIsMyTestimony #DiscoverYourPurpose

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How To Discover Your God Given Purpose

Growing up as a kid, I used to write poetry and my mom would always tell me I did a good job. I never looked at it as if I was going to be a writer or needed to take my writing to the next level. I believe I have been waiting on someone to encourage me to write. My mom is a writer but I didn’t think I would take after her footsteps. In early 2016, in the middle of the night, I woke up and started to write and from then on, the journey began. I never stopped! And I’m still writing today.

I asked God what was it that He wanted me to do because I knew that He had a purpose and plan for my life. He also has a purpose and plan for everyone. He is no respector of persons. I never knew what my purpose was growing up but God had to open my eyes to a lot of things that I never saw before. I also had to make myself available to be used by God. No matter who you are, or what you want to accomplish, the only leader you need to move toward your purpose in the Holy Spirit. If God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31).

Throughout Scripture, men and women who were called to do something significant for God experienced criticism. When Moses led the children of Israel through the desert, he cried out to God many times because those who followed him blamed and criticized him. Noah’s neighbors laughed and mocked him when he built the ark. Paul was labeled as overzealous, unimpressive in person and insincere. Every one of the disciples was criticized, and with the exception of John, all were criticized right to their deaths.

The point is this: If we insist on being comfortable by avoiding criticism of others, we will not fulfill the purpose that God has for us. Even though comfort and freedom from criticism is on our checklist it’s not on God’s. His is a higher standard of virtue and redemption. Even though power is available to follow godly principles, the enemy wants to withstand any good thing that God sets out to do. He will attempt to thwart God’s divine purpose fro your life.

As you can see, one of the main ways that Satan wants to thwart your purpose is by causing you to fear criticism. But God wants to provide you with the courage you need to say no to fear of criticism and yes to Him. Isaiah 53:4 says that Jesus was despised, rejected and not esteemed; so He knows full well the battle that rages against us with criticism.

The question is this: Will you hold His hand, look the fear of criticism in the eye, step out in faith and live out your God-given purpose for the sake of others and for Christ? The purpose for every Christian life is to be a blessing to families and people on earth. It doesn’t matter what your occupation is. Ephesians 3:20 states; “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”.

What’s the purpose of life? Why was I created? Why am I here? Many ask these tough questions and many live their entire lives with these questions unanswered. Well, I have good news! God has great plan for you!

#DiscoverYourPurpose #ConsultGodFirst #TheFaithWalk #ThePurposeofGod #TheSpiritualBattle #DeliveranceIsMytestimony

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Life and Favor

As I reflect back on the trials and tribulations I’ve endured in my past. I was in pain almost everyday because of the hardships that I faced. Sometimes the pain was so unbearable and other times it was manageable. The question that plagued my mind at times was why? Why can’t I have a problem free and normal life and not have my life interrupted daily by these conditions/ What did I do to deserve this? Even to this day…..

I’ve come to realization that God did not promise us a problem free life…The reason why He allow things to happen in our lives is to build our faith and trust in Him. I thank God for all the pain, the trials, the tribulations, hardships, etc that I have experienced in my life and experiencing now today. Is there anything too hard for God, I ask? We all know the answer to that question, NO!

I will not give up, give in, nor lose hope in God. I will continue to keep pressing forward. After a careful observation of my life, to make sure I’m in right standing with God and others, I realized that it was because I decided at the age of 13 years old to give my life to Christ withholding nothing asking God to increase the Holy Spirit within me and to use me for His glory.

As Christ gave up His life on Calvary over 2000 years ago, I did the same night I cried out to Him and received His precious gift of the Holy Spirit. During my pain, there were four things I had to realize that:

1.) I am not my own: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body”-1 Corinthians 6:19-20 The Christian life is a life of sacrifice.

2.) God’s way is not my way: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways”, declares the Lord”-Isaiah 55:8. Often, we want to put God in a box, the way we think things should be done but God is letting us know that He doesn’t think the way we think.

3.) Don’t try to understand: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all you ways acknowledge him; And he will make your paths straight- Proverbs 3:5-6 One of my problems when going through was trying to understand why I am going through. But God reminds me in His Word, to trust Him. Once I realized that it’s not my job to understand but to just trust God, things begin to get better. I stopped stressing trying to figure it out and began trusting God to work it out.

4.) Anytime is a good time to rejoice: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us“-Romans 8:18 Why would someone rejoice while they are going through hard times? Because you are simply going “through” this is not your final destination. The best is yet to come!

You may be suffering now, but what you are going through now will not compare to what’s to come. What you are going through is not only designed and crafted by God to make you stronger but it’s to encourage others that will be blessed through your testimony. 

As believers, we’ve all been there or will be there. We may earnestly seek God, but in return, only sense His silence. And this silence can be difficult, frustrating, and even excruciating. God showed defeaning silence in 37 Chapters in Job and in the 38 Chapter, that’s when He answered Job. God’s timing is perfect for our lives. He knows the right time that we need to be blessed!

We are all Blessed and Highly Favored by God!!! stay blessed.

#ConsultGodFirst #TheFaithWalk #ThePowerofGod #TheSpiritualBattle #DeliveranceIsMyTestimony #DiscoverYourPurpose

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More Scripture Every Day

We all know that God’s Word is powerful and can change our lives, but sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the morning shuffle and skip Bible reading altogether. And while an inductive study of Scripture is immensely helpful in mining the riches of the Bible, that’s not the only way to benefit from God’s Word. For thousands of years, God’s people didn’t have their own personal copy of the Bible, yet they still found ways to learn it and live it.

Today, we have an abundance of resources and tech tools to help us carry God’s Word with us wherever we go, so it’s easier than ever to include Scripture in every part of our day. So, whether you struggle to get some time in the Bible or you want to infuse more of it into your day, connecting Scripture to your daily routine is a great way to immerse yourself and your family in the Word of God.

I want to share with you some ways you can tap into Scripture every day:

1.) Every Morning, start off with a Scripture, it doesn’t matter which one. Whatever Scripture pricks your heart. Me, personally, I have so many Scriptures in mind, but my go to scripture is Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” That Scripture reminds me every day to be patience and wait for the Lord, because no matter what I face the Lord will renew my strength.

What a great way to start your morning! Wake up with praise on your lips and your heart will follow…

2.) You may want to have the Bible downloaded on your phone or maybe a memory verse kept in your wallet or your purse. For me, I have the Bible downloaded on my phone. I have made a list of Scriptures that when I feel like giving up, that’s what I reflect on. It’s good to know that you can go to the Word of God and find peace and comfort in the midst of your storm. Even if you are waiting in line for something and I know we tend to open up Facebook, right? Instead, open up your Bible app and read a Scripture.

3.) If you have any children, ask them what they learned in Sunday School or in Church. That way you can see was they paying attention and also learn something at the same time. How wonderful is that! I know every Sunday, I ask my kids what did they learn in Church. I have them to take their note pads and write down Scriptures and what the preacher is saying. That’s a good way to start your kids off on the right foot as well.

4.) Subscribe to a verse of the day email or text message. I know it always feel good for me to wake up and see a Bible verse or even and Inspirational message in my phone or email.

It’s good to stay equipped with your mind focused on God. This is the only way to peace and to keep our minds sane. It’s so much going on in this fallen world. Whatever you feed your mind the most, that is what you are going to adapt to. For example, If you are the type of person who loves to listen to explicit and trashy music instead of reading your Bible, then that’s all you are going to know. But if you read the Bible the most, then that’s what you are going to adapt to and overpower the music.

It’s nothing like being Spiritually fed on a daily basis. I love going to Church and any Bible study we have, if it’s the Lord’s will, I’m there. I love my Church, my Church family. It feels good to have a pastor who preaches True Gospel and makes it easy for you to understand. I try to equip my mind with the Word of God on a daily basis. By equipping our minds daily, it does not give room for Satan to attack. That’s the only way we will be able to fight off attacks is through the Word of God.

So, I want to encourage each of you to just read a Scripture daily and feed your mind with the Word of God!!! God Bless!

#ConsultGodFirst #TheFaithWalk #ThePowerofGod #TheSpiritualAttack #DeliveranceisMyTestimony #DiscoverYourPurpose

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How Strong Is Your Faith?

Do you have faith? You may think you do, or you may feel like your faith is weak and puny. As Christians, we all have faith to some degree. The Bible says in Romans 12 that each of us is given a measure of faith.

Is Your Faith All Talk?

Some of you might say, “Well, I have faith. I believe in Jesus.” Frankly, its one thing to say you have faith, but it’s an entirely different matter to apply your faith to life challenges. When the storms of life come (and they do for all of us), do you stay calm, cool, and collected? Or do you allow fear to overpower your faith? Do you give the situation completely over to God, or do you try to figure everything out?

Stuff Happens

It’s easy for us to feel like we’ve got great faith when things go well or play out like we want them to. And it’s easy for us to have faith when something new comes along and life is exciting.

But stuff happens. And when stuff happens, how does your faith respond?

We operate in faith all the time and don’t even think about it. I’m not just referring to big dramatic events that take place…I’m also referring to the little things that pop up and can easily sidetrack you. Sometimes it may seem as if life’s events have run us into a brick wall. We stop, wondering how to proceed from here. How do we get over, under, around, or through this brick wall? We warp hard on the walls where our knuckles get bruised. This is not going to be easy. But if we let them, the brick walls may help us learn, stretch, and grow. We find ways to move forward, despite how much we may feel like we’d like to just sit down and quit. Quitting will do us no good!

How To release faith

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen”- Hebrews 11:1. Faith is something that must be released. You can possess faith, but you must put it to use. A muscle that is not used gets weak and shrivels up. If you don’t use your faith, then it’s no different than not having any.

When you sit down in a chair, you have faith that it’s not going to collapse. You don’t start sweating and trembling with fear saying, “Oh, I’m afraid to sit in this chair. I don’t know if I should be doing this!” It’s a silly illustration to make the point: You just go plop in the chair because you do have a measure faith.

But what about when you have a problem? Do you go plop down in the arms of Jesus and say, “I’m asking You to take care of this and I believe You will”.

Do you release your faith through prayer, line up what you speak with God’s promises, and do whatever He asks you to do without trying to figure things out? Now that’s the way to release your faith!

Give your circumstances over to Jesus and be confident that He’s got it all under control. Your life will change dramatically once you unleash your faith. Don’t just have it in your heart- let it out, put it to the test and be amazed at what God does through your life!

#ConsultGodFirst #TheFaithWalk #ThePowerofGod #TheSpiritualBattle #DELIVERANCEisMytestimony #DiscoverYourPurpose

http://www.lucretiacargill.com

 

 

When You Feel Like God Has Forgotten You

If you’ve ever been in a tough situation and wondered……..

“How Can God Forget About Me?”

I have an answer for you. God can not and will not forget about you.

Why?……..

Because He created you, which means He wrote the book of your life at the moment of creation. Every detail of your life, God knows about. So that creative idea you’re afraid to start working on, He knows about that. The desire in your heart that you’ve been carrying around for years, that you feel God hasn’t acknowledged, He is totally aware of that too.

He knows. God is our Heavenly father, which means, He is our parent. He takes care of us at times when we didn’t even know that we needed Him. That definitely doesn’t sound like a God who forgets about His children. I think we need to make it a daily habit to remind ourselves of all the things God has done for us. God doesn’t forget about us, but we often forget about how He has made a way for us throughout our lives.

When we are able to recall the many blessings God has showered on us, we get into a mind frame of gratitude. Then, gratitude opens the door to seeing life with a totally different perspective. God’s abundance resides in our gratitude. There are so many possibilities, when we are just grateful for what we have.

Through that gratitude, we learn to be content in our circumstances (not to be confused with complacent), because we are 100% confident in who God is and His timing in our lives. I want to share some Biblical truths for you to meditate on when you feel like God has forgotten about you:

We are to think on positive things,

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and receive, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you“. (Philippians 4:8-9).

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies.

Every good and perfect thing comes from God.

“Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and very perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (James 1:16-18)

So, my dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven . The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all His creatures.

God wants to give you the desires of your heart.

‘Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; and trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:4-5)

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths“ (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Remember, that God is still good in the midst of our situations. There will be times in our lives where we may feel that God is nowhere around, but just know that He will never leave you nor forsake you. God is always there and He is our ever present help in time of need. Stay focus my friends and stay the course no matter what comes your way!

#ConsultGodFirst #TheFAITHWALK #ThePowerofGod #TheSpiritualBattle #DELIVERANCEisMyTestimony #DiscoverYourPurpose

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“How A Simple Prayer In The Morning Can Start Your Day Right”

Prayer is one of those rare moments during the day where we take a step back from our busy lives and talk to God in a beautiful exchange. Such a simple act takes just moments, but it can have a big impact. Here’s how a simple prayer each morning can set your day on the right track from the start.

Not TODAY, Satan

When you say a morning prayer, you’re basically saying, “Not today, Satan”. It’s a purposeful way to turn towards good and away from temptation. You’re gathering all of yourself, your hopes, worries and responsibilities for the day, and you’re surrendering it to the father who always has your best interests at heart.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and hope”-Jeremiah 29:11

By praying to God in the morning, you’re not only surrendering your day to His will, but you’re taking the chance to delight in Him. Pray that you remain at peace with the Father who guards and protects your life. You will experience the difference in your emotions and outlook, because our God does not turn deaf ears to those who call on Him.

“Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live”. Psalm 116:2

Each Day Anew

We also need to stop letting our days blur into one another. Praying each morning helps us to realize that each day is a gift, something we can fully give up to the Father. We can start each day setting our hearts right. It allows us to put the focus on Jesus. He knows that we can be most fruitful by doing everything to glorify Him; we simply can’t do that when we’re focusing on ourselves and starting our days with a sigh out of bed.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us”-1 John 5:14

Call on Jesus in the mornings, delve into His truths in the morning light, and let them wash over your heart, mind, soul, and spirit. Though, you may have external matters from family, work, or friends that can potentially disrupt your peace, entrust all of it daily into God’s hands and see Him work in your life from the inside out.

#ConsultGodFirst #TheFaithWALK #ThePowerofGod #TheSpiritualBattle #DEliveranceIsMyTestimony #DiscoverYourPurpose

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“Why God Allows Trials & Tribulations”

We often hear Christians say things like I have been doing everything right. I have been fasting and praying, giving, loving my neighbor, obeying the Lord, reading Scripture daily, and walking faithfully with the Lord. I have found myself blurting out those same sayings. I even ask myself, what did I do wrong? Why has God allowed me to go through such hard times? Does He not care about me? Am I saved? If we are honest, we have all felt a little something like this.

Here is what I have learned on my walk of faith. Be on guard because when you’re asking all these questions and questioning God, Satan will try to attack. He will say, “no He doesn’t love you. Look at those unbelievers who are not going through adversity, but you say Jesus Christ died for you, and yet you are going through the worst troubles of your life”. Don’t let the devil give you fear!

When your faith is shattered, the devil is the busiest. Don’t let him put you in despair and bitterness towards God. Don’t ever forget the other times God has delivered you because He will do it again. The devil will try to say it was a coincidence, but with God there is no coincidence. Cry out to God. Block Satan off and always remember that we have victory in Christ.

I remember when I said why God, why this, and why that? God told me to wait for His timing. God has delivered me in the past, but when you are going through bad times all you’re thinking about is right now. I’ve seen God use trials to build me up, answer different prayers, open doors, help others, and I’ve seen many miracles where I knew it was only God who could have done this.

While I was worrying, the Lord gave me comfort, encouragement, motivation, and He was working behind the scenes. Always remember that He loves us and He reminds us time after time in His Word that He will never forsake us.

I just want to share with you reasons why God allows Trials and Tribulations:

1.) Trials help our Perseverance:

James 1:12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.

Hebrews 10:35-36 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

2.) Sometimes we suffer because of our own mistakes.

In my life, I’ve suffered because I followed the wrong voice. I did my will instead of God’s will. I can’t blame God for my mistakes, but what I can say is God brought me through it and made me stronger and smarter in the process.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed from a  lack of knowledge. “because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.

Proverbs 19:2-3 Desire without knowledge is not good-how much more will hasty feet miss the way! A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.

Galatians 6:5 Assume your own responsibility.

3.) God could be protecting you from a bigger problem that you don’t see coming.

Psalm 121:5-8 The Lord guards you. The Lord is the shade that protects you from the sun. The sun cannot hurt you during the day, and the moon cannot hurt you at night. The Lord will protect you from all dangers; He will guard your life. The Lord will guard you as you come and go, both now and forever.

Psalm 9:7-10 But the Lord rules forever. He sits on His throne to judge, and He will judge the world in fairness; He will decide what is fair for the nations. The Lord defends those who suffer; He defends them in times of trouble. Those who know the Lord trust Him, because He will not leave those who come to Him.

Psalm 37:5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you.

4.) God is making you more humble.

2 Corinthians 12:7 Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

1 Peter 5:6-8 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

5.) Your testimony= God’s Glory

The storm will not last forever and trials are an opportunity for a testimony. It gives God so much glory when everyone knows you’re going through a tough trial and you stand strong, trusting in the Lord until He delivers you. You can help someone because you have been in that situation. Throwing around Scripture will be hard to understand to someone who is hurting, but you can comfort them because you have been through the same thing and through pain you trusted in God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

6.) So you can become more dependent on the Lord.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness”. So, now I’m glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong!

Jon 15:5, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

7.) It helps us grow as believers and become more like Christ.

Romans 8:28-29 We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him. They are the people He called, because that was His plan. God knew them before He made the world, and He chose them to be like His Son so that Jesus would be the firstborn of many brothers and sisters.

Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it  is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

8.) It teaches us to be more thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Always be joyful. Always keep praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always and for everything to God  the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Colossians 3:1-4 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you dies, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Stop saying I’m going to pray and actually do it. Let this be a start to a new prayer life you never had. Stop thinking you can do things on your own and trust in God. Tell God I can’t do it without you. I need you Lord in my life. Come to Him with all your heart. God help me, I will not let you go. I will not listen to these lies. You must stand strong and have faith that God can bring you through it even if it seem impossible.

Isaiah 55:8-9 ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

Sometimes we have to admit we just don’t know and instead of going crazy and trying to find out why, we must trust in the Lord that He knows best.

#ConsultGodFirst #TheFaithWalk #ThePowerofGod #TheSpiritualBattle #DELIVERANCEisMyTestimony #DiscoverYourPurpose

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