TUESDAY'S PSALM

PSALM 1:3 (KJV) ~ And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

PSALM 1:3 (AMP) ~ And he shall be like a tree firmly planted (and tended) by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper (and come to maturity).

Words of Wisdom
Trees live hundreds of years when getting the right amount of nourishment. It's not common to find trees that aren't firmly planted in the natural and it should be like wise spiritually. We should be "firmly" planted and not just anywhere but by "Rivers of Water!" When firmly planted every tree brings forth it's fruit in due season.

When we're firmly rooted in God and receiving the correct amount of nourishment we will eventually bring forth fruit in our due season, our dreams and visions will not fade and everything we set out to do will prosper and come into full maturity. God is the source and nourishment needed to be all that we can in God, and to reach our full potential.

Quotes by: Melissa Sutton
~ Those who are firmly planted are not easily persuaded and plucked up. Roots that point to God brings forth a firm tree with plentiful fruit. ~

Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, I ask that you teach, lead and guide me to be firmly planted by the Rivers of Waters; that whatsoever I do for your glory shall be prosperous, I thank you and give you all of the glory in your Son Jesus name I pray, Amen and Amen!

Monday's Psalm

Psalm 1:1-2 (KJV) ~ (1) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (2) But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psalm 1:1-2 (AMP) ~ (1) Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous & enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly (following their advice, their plans and purposes), not stands (submissive and inactive) in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down (to relax and rest) where the scornful (and the mockers) gather. (2) But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.


Words of Wisdom
When we deny the things of the world we become blessed with the things of God. As children of God we are not to receive/walk in the counsel of the ungodly, we shouldn't stand in the way of sinners or do do as they do, and we shouldn't sit in the seat of the scornful or those that ridicule, when we're obedient to this we are considered blessed. Delighting in the law of the Lord causes one to meditate on it day and night.


(Quotes By: Melissa Sutton)
~ He who meditates on God's Word is always happy, blessed and prosperous ~

~ God's Word brings peace, joy, happiness, love, and all like things ~


Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I'm asking that you give me strength to abide by your Word and to meditate on it day and night, that I may be pleasing in your sight. Teach me Lord to be a doer of your word and not a hearer only, in your Son Jesus name I pray, Amen!

REPENTANCE

Repentance is an act of turning from sin and changing from the act of rebellion against God to acceptance of God's will and lordship. God is patient but He commands that all are to repent in order to receive salvation. Acts 17:30 says, "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:"

Christ came to call sinners to repentance, Luke 5:32 says, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." he also teaches that we are to forgive our brothers/sisters and those who trespass against us, if they are to repent. It says in Luke 17:3, "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. When we become aware of our sin and guilt, it leads to confession and repentance. It is the Holy Spirit, that is the agent of conviction.

We must be of a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17 - The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise). A person with a contrite heart has a meek and humble spirit, attitude and they also show genuine grief and sorrow for their act(s) of sin. Let me share some reference scriptures on "Repentance":

Acts 4:19 - But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

Matthew 3:8 - Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Luke 3:8 - Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Acts 26:20 - But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Romans 2:4 - Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

2 Cor. 7:10 - For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Hebrews 6:6 - If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:19 - Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Now lets talk a little about sin. Sin, what is it? Sin is rebellion against God and is committed against persons in general.

1. We sin against ourselves ~ Proverbs 8:36 - But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

2. We sin against others ~ Romans 5:12 - Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

3. Most of all we sin against God ~ Psalm 51:4 - Against thee (God), thee only have i sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:

We we're in our act of sin, we're not just hurting self but sin is like a deadly contagious disease, it dwindles down to others but most importantly we are sinning against the "Most High God!"

Let's take a look at some things descriptions of sin:

Sin is a transgression ~ Matthew 15:3 - But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Sin is a perversion ~ 1 John 5:17 - All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

Sin is Disobedience ~ Romans 5:19 - For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Sin is the act of Rebellion ~ 1 Samuel 15:23 - For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Sin is Lawlessness ~ 1 John 3:4 - Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

There are consequences for unforgiven sin which are spiritual death and eternal damnation but thank God that He has given the gift of Eternal Life to His believers through Jesus Christ ~ Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I encourage you, if you haven't already to repent for all of your sins, transgressions and iniquities committed against God so that you may have a right to the tree of Life. If you are a sinner and would like to give your life over to Christ and become a born again believer, please say the prayer below.

Dear heavenly Father, in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, I am a sinner and desire to have new life in you, I repent and I'm sorry for all of my sinful acts against you, I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and the son of God, I believe in my heart that Jesus died for my sins and rose again for my justification. I believe that I am DELIVERED, I am SET FREE, I am SAVED! Father I ask that you give me strength, wisdom and knowledge to live my new life to it's fullest for your glory, AMEN!

Now that you have said this prayer you are indeed SAVED! Welcome to the Body of Christ, you are a "New Creature in Christ" I encourage you to pray and ask God to lead you to a bible believing, truth preaching/teaching church so that you can grow in Christ. Pray and read the bible daily for it is there where your strength begins and end. If you are in need of a bible you can leave me a comment or email me at: ladymms@hogiom.org and one will be sent to you.

BE ENCOURAGED

Wow, it's been a few days since my last post! I tell you God is so awesome, He's good, He's magnificent and He's my healer. I've been sick since Sunday afternoon and believe it or not it all started with a toothache. The toothache led to swollen sinuses and from that to a migraine. I was in bed out of it until Thursday evening and to God be the glory, I'm thankful for all those that prayed. I hate pain and therefore the tooth that offended me, I had it plucked out - my dentist wanted to save it but it wasn't getting a second chance to hurt me again, no way baby! As you probably can tell I feel much, much better today and all that I went through I was still yet encouraged and I'm here to encourage you on today.

It doesn't matter what things may look like because it's never actually what it seems anyways. We must admit there are times that we can blow situations and circumstance out of proportion - am I right? We make the wolf to be bigger and badder than he really is. If we would stop looking at out problems through a magnifying glass, we could see that it's not that bad after all and not only that, trust me you'll be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Here's today's devotion:

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 ~ (7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (8) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; (9) persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ~ (16) For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. (17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things, which are seen, but at the things, which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Our earthly vessels are perishable, but the contents on the inside are priceless. We may be weak at times but God gives us power to do His will and by knowing this it keeps us from having pride and it also motivates you to contact Him on a daily basis. God is the source of power that dwells on the inside of us and people should be able to see Him in us. All of our risks, humiliations and trials are just opportunities for Christ to show His power. We may be surrounded by troubles but there is still a way out, there is still a light at the end of the tunnel. Let me tell you, it is easier to quit and throw in the towel than it is to stick it out in troubling situations. We cant let pain, trouble, criticism or fatigue force us off the job. When we are weak, God is strong and that's all the strength that we need. We must learn to let God stand up and be the solution to our problems. God is the only problem solver, do you know why? I'm glad you asked, it's simple, God is the only problem solver because He's the only one that know the true source to the problem. That's why it's important when counseling or helping others that we seek God before giving an answer (allowing self to be used by and for God). Did you know that there is purpose for the suffering that God bestows upon us? Yes it is, and once we realize this very important fact then we will be able to give God the glory and receive our reward at the end of each suffering process.

I encourage you today to continue to strive in the ways and things of God. Remember it's not what it seems like, it's just an illusion, put the magnifying glass down, and see it (whatever your it is) as it really is. Here's a perfect example, I'm terrified of dentist, well I made an appointment on Monday and the earliest they could get me in to pull the tooth was Thursday. Well I had 4 days to blow this appointment out of proportion (in my mind of course) so by the time I went to my appointment, I already had saw myself in pain, being taken to the hospital, the surgeon messing up and all of the above (lol). I just about left the dentist office and just put up with the pain because I was afraid of what I had pictured in my mind - well to make a long story short, it was the most pleasant visit at the dentist that I've had in a long time (smile). Once I put the magnifying glass down and put my trust in God that every thing was going to be alright, I was able to endure the procedure with confidence. And look at me today, I'm up, out of bed and on the computer, very limited pain and soreness, the sinuses are better and the migraine is gone - and for this I give God the glory!

I pray that before you quit or throw in the towel, turn it over to God, take the time to look at things from God's perspective, (1) WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS, (2) WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST, (3) GOD HAS PURPOSE FOR OUR LIFE, (4) WHAT GOD PROMISED SHALL COME TO PASS, and the list goes on.

Pastor Melissa Sutton

~ NO STRUGGLE, NO PROGRESS ~

2 Timothy 2:12 - If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: If we deny Him, He also will deny us.

Suffer - to stay under, bear, abide, endure, undergo pain or loss

Reign - to be co-regent, union, resemblance completeness, process by association, to rule as sovereign.

We're living in a Society where not may people want nor are willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. We live in a "Microwave World", quick, fast and in a hurry. We live in a world that seek after instant progress. Well I'm here to tell you that if there's not struggle, there will be no progress! There is an amount of suffering that we MUST endure, and I'm here to make you aware of this for it is easier to endure when you know the cause and knowing that trouble will not last always.

Strength comes with suffering, faith comes with suffering and growth comes with suffering. 2 Timothy 2:12 says, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him." If we hold out and endure to the end we will reign victorious. We must come to understand that there's a time of suffering and there there's a time of peace. Also recognize and understand that some of our sufferings are caused by our own hand (committing acts that are out of Gods will). God will never put no more on us than we can bear but we do a pretty good job of that ourselves. Suffering from the Lord comes with His present help but suffering that we cause ourselves comes with enduring until the battle/struggle is over.

How does denying Christ coincides with suffering? Well, let me tell you, If we choose not to suffer with Christ, then we are denying Him. To receive and accept Christ is to receive and accept everything about Him. We pick or choose what type or part of suffering for Christ to come upon us, it comes from God and knowing this we should understand with joy that when suffering comes from the hand of God, eventually He sends a ram in the bush along with rewards for our suffering and enduring to the end. How can we say we are a part of Him/Christ, if we don't want to take part in His suffering? A good example of suffering from the Will and Purpose of God is our dear brother "Job", he did nothing outside of God's will that caused His suffering but nevertheless, God's will was done. Job understood that if he could receive good from the hand of God, surely he can receive a little evil/suffering.

People, listen to me, I am not saying that it's not going to hurt and that you will not shed tears. Of course it will hurt and yes you will shed tears at times, that's all part of the process but in doing so don't give up, don't throw in your towel, but WAIT until your change come! God don't allow things or hardship to come our way to kill us or to take us out, He sends them to make us a stronger vessel in Him. When going through your time of struggle/suffering seek God's face along with a brother or sister that's strong in the faith that will feed your inner man positivity and the Word of God, run from those that are swift to say, "I told you so", get away from such ones, for they are the ones that are seeking to destroy what little you have left.

I pray that this was of encouragement for you and that know you can go just a little further in Christ, knowing that "This too/struggle shall pass!" Remember, that "IF THERE IS NO STRUGGLE/SUFFERING, YOU WILL NOT EXPERIENCE ANY PROGRESS!

Pastor Melissa Sutton

Healing for the Whole Person

I'm learning that many people live beneath their privilege simply because they don't know what their rights are in Christ. In order to know what rights we have, we must have a relationship with God and this only comes about through prayer, reading and studying of His word. God wants His children healed from the inside out to stop living beneath their privileges. Isaiah 53:5 says, "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." We must believe that this is the source of ALL healing before it can be manifested in our lives.

Here are the 3 parts that make up the WHOLE person: (a) BODY, (b) SOUL/MIND, and (c) SPIRIT. We are in the likeness of God, which is also 3 in 1 (a) FATHER, (b) SON, and (c) Holy Spirit. Our Heavenly Father is whole; therefore His desire is for His children to be whole also, so we must receive a complete healing. It doesn't help to have a healed mind but sick in body, or a healed spirit but a messed up mind - We need COMPLETE healing.

There are 3 types of healing that must take place in order for a person to have a complete healing. They are as follows: (1) Physical healing, (2) Emotional healing, (3) Spiritual healing. Lets take a look at an example of each:

1. PHYSICAL HEALING - This is a natural healing process and it applies to the body only. Our bodies were created to heal themselves without supernatural of divine intervention. It's when one have a lack of faith that divine healing is needed. Here's some examples of self healing: (a) Blood clots seals a cut and healing takes place, (b) Broken bones are aligned and mend with time, (c) Splinter/thorns are rejected from the body in due time, (d) an army of cells (anti-bodies overcome, subdue and destroy any foreign intruders and protects blood, and (e) God has given us natural foods that heal the body.

2. EMOTIONAL HEALING - This is a sanctification process for the soul and it also benefits the body. Exodus 15:26 says, "And said, if thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee." God is able and willing to heal all of our infirmities, that we have caused upon ourselves due to disobedience. There are many things that man can indeed avoid if we would hearken unto our Heavenly Father's voice in the name of His Son Jesus! Ephesians 4:22-24 says, "That ye put off concerning the former conversation of the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." God heals us from the effects of sin that causes us to suffer in Body, Mind and Spirit. This healing process begins with our conversation and progresses as we continue our journey with the Lord. This healing is where God heals our minds and our emotions. This can be considered as our Spiritual Wellness Program because we cannot be effective in Ministry carrying a lot of baggage with and in us, therefore we must be freed from our emotional baggage. We must be set free so that we can reach our full potential in God! WE WE'RE PURPOSED SURVIVE, we only must believe.

3. SPIRITUAL HEALING - Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." This process takes place as we trade our characteristics of the Old Nature for those of the Divine Nature. There will be a change in one's emotions, intellect, will, and lifestyle during this healing process. Psalm 147:3 says, "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."

In order to fulfill the entire will and purpose of God for your life you must have a total healing. Once you've healed from all infirmities, it's up to the you to remain healed and in good health. here's a few ways to begin your healing process in all 3 areas of your life. Are you ready to be made whole again? Alright, lets do it!

1. BODY - (a) Exercise Daily, (b) Eat Healthy, (c) Take a Multi Vitamin

2. SOUL/MIND - (a) Repent (ask for God's forgiveness of sins), (b) Pray, (c) Meditate on God's Word, (d) Take time for yourself, have some refreshing moments, (e) Drink a cup of hot or iced tea, this is soothing, (f) Have some quiet time with you and your Heavenly Father

3. SPIRIT - (a) Repentance, (b) Prayer, (c) Read the word of God - Seek a Relationship w/God, (d) Study His word, (e) Fellowship with other saints (home church, friends, family), (f) Show the love of God, (i) FAITH

These are just a few things that were and still are very helpful to me, if you have others and would like to add to this list/devotion, please fill free to contact me.

Lady Melissa Sutton/Pastor

FUN FRIDAY

Sausage and Pepper Hoagie ~ Recipe
(Summer Favorite - WW)

We used extra-large sausage grillers plus provolone chess and a tangy balsamic dressing on our super-yummy hoagies!

~ 1 Tbs Olive oil
~ 1 Tbs balsamic vinegar
~ 1 Tbs Dijon mustard
~ 1/2 tsp sugar
~ 1 clove garlic, minced
~ 2 red and/or yellow peppers thinly sliced, 2 cups
~ 1 sweet onion, such as Vidalia, thinly sliced, 2 cups
~ 4 sweet Italian sausage grillers, 1lb
~ 4 soft hoagie rolls, split
~ 4 slices provolone cheese, halved
~ Basil leaves

* Preheat oven to 400 F. Whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, sugar and garlic. Place peppers and onion in one side of large roasting pan; drizzle with vinegar mixture. Toss until evenly coated. Place sausage on other side of pan. Bake 30-40 minutes or until sausage is browned and vegetables are tender, turning sausages and stirring vegetables occasionally. Remove from oven.

* Place rolls, cut sides up, on baking sheet. Divide cheese among roll bottoms. Bake 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Fill rolls with sausage and pepper mixture. Garnish with basil. (Yellow or red peppers add a sweeter flavor, but green peppers would be delicious, too!)

Servings: 4
Calories: 559
Protein: 34 g.
Fat: 26 g. (11 g. saturated)
Trans fat: 0 g.
Chol: 53 mg.
Carbs: 50 g.
Sodium: 1,307 mg.
Fiber: 5 g.
Sugar: 10 g.
Kitchen Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 55 Minutes

Having A State of Humbleness

State - (1) the way in which one manifests existence, (2) a condition, posture, situation, attitude, position, a state of being, to explain, to expound, to set forth, to express.

Humble - (1) lacking all signs of pride, aggressiveness or self assertiveness, (2) lowly, meek, obedient, tolerant, patient, (3) bowing, to make lower in prestige, status or esteem, to abase, humility.

Deut. 8:2 - And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments or no.

~ God will give us a wilderness experience in hopes of causing one to humble themselves and to see if we are willing to keep His commandments - suffering only comes to make a person better in their state of being and to cause one to be humble in the sight of God. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN WE INDEED NEED A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE!

Matt. 18:4 - Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

~ Believe it or not, there is honor and advancement in humility! The humblest Christians are the most like Christ. They receive a higher level of favor, honor and advancement surrounds them all for the Glory of God. Scripture tells us that whosoever shall humble himself as this little child shall be the greatest in the Kingdom. NO, God does not have respect of persons but He do reward His children accordingly - to who much is given, much is required! When we are humble as little children we receive special care from Christ! Humility is awesome in the site of God and His son Jesus.

Matt. 23:12 - And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himeself shall be exalted.

~ In due season those that are proud will be punished, they will be taken down from on high. It is danger in exalting your self, for he who does this shall be humbled and brought down one way or another; shame will be brought upon them for all to see. Humility is of great price to our Heavenly Father and those that are of such a spirit God Himself shall exalt them to a high place and in the end they shall be exalted to inherit the Throne of Glory and they will be crowned before angels and men.

Philip. 2:8 - And being found in fashion of man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

~ Because Jesus humbled Himself, God highly exalted Him! His exaltation is in honor and power. His name is above every name, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord! Jesus is the perfect example of humility, not only was He humble throughout scripture but He humbled Himself to death all for the sake of mankind. Why is it so hard for man to return the act humility?

James 4:10 - Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.

~ Those who humble themselves in the sight of God shall be lifted up. It didn't say might or maybe but SHALL and God is not a God that He should lie. When we are truly remorseful for our lack of humility, we would repent so that we to could enjoy the advantage of God's favor. Those that are humble, God can trust with His glory knowing that they will return it to Him but a prideful person will take all the glory and this is definitely a no, no!

1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due season.

~ Being that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, it's imperative that we humble ourselves not only to the Almighty God but also to one another. There is so much pride in today's church and it's actually sort of scary but this is one of the reason's that judgement will start in the House of God. God's hand is mighty and can easily pull you down if you are proud or exalt you if you are of a humble spirit. I encourage you on today to seek after the spirit of humility day and night, night and day for it is humility that will take us before the King that we may be honored. Remember that a prideful person will try to still God's glory, but a humble person will return it to whom it belongs ~ The Almighty and Living God!

Lady Melissa Sutton/Pastor