BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED

2010-07-13T22:09:00.002-04:00

FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN.

FAITH WILL MAKE YOU MOVE TOWARD THE PROMISES OF GOD, FOR FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD.

FAITH THAT IS SEEN IS NOT FAITH AT ALL, IT IS EASY TO BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU CAN SEE BUT, THIS IS NOT FAITH. FAITH IS WHEN YOU BELIEVE IN SOMETHING/SOMEONE YOU HAVE NOT SEEN.

WE USE OUR FAITH ON A DAILY BASIS WHEN IT COMES TO MATERIAL THINGS, FOR INSTANCE, SITTING IN A CHAIR BELIEVING IT WILL HOLD US, GETTING INTO OUR VEHICLE AND JUST CRANKING IT UP, TURNING ON THE FAUCET WITH NO DOUBT THAT WATER WILL COME OUT, ETC. ETC. ETC.

BUT WHEN IT COMES TO FAITH IN GOD, IT SEEMS THAT WE HAVE TO QUESTION GOD'S EVERY COMMAND, HIS EVERY INSTRUCTION AND HIS EVERY DIRECTION - THIS IS NOT AN ACT OF FAITH.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO HAVE FAITH IN GOD IN ALL THINGS!!!

These Are Days of the Moving of My Spirit

2010-06-15T15:01:00.002-04:00

TITLE: These Are Days of the Moving of My Spirit
BOOK & AUTHOR: "Come Away My Beloved" by: Frances J. Roberts

Be alert. Be on guard. Give none offense either to the receptive or the unreceptive; for this changeth from day to day, and the unconcerned today may be the most concerned tomorrow, and vice-versa. Do not attempt to make a judgment as to who is hungry for more of God. At any moment an appetite long dormant may be aroused, and the longer it has been dormant, the more voracious it will be.

Give My Word - My Word alone will whet the appetite. Give ye them to drink. The water shall awaken new thirst. Yea, ye shall say, "How shall I be able to satisfy so great demand?" For these are the days of the moving of My Spirit, saith the Lord; and will ye resist if I wish to make you My aqueduct?

Stay clear - allow no constriction nor obstruction, and be not stingy. There shall spring forth herbage wherever the waters reach.

STANDING OUT IN A CROUD

2010-06-08T20:15:00.002-04:00

As Children of God we are to "STAND OUT IN A CROWD!" I'm not talking about just in the way we dress because anyone can dress the part but I'm talking about BEING the part. I've learned in my walk with Christ thus far that in order to "STAND OUT IN A CROWD" there must be a change of heart! When your heart is different you can't help but stand out, why? Because you don't talk the same, you don't walk the same, your way of thinking is different and you don't go or do the same things, which in turn cause you to boldly stand out.

Trust me the difference will automatically show, just as the picture above, they ALL look alike but there is the one with the heart that stands out, that chose to be different. It use to bother me when I would go places and people would always say to me, "YOU'RE DIFFERENT", it made me feel out of place, especially since I was trying so hard to be like those I was with. It's safe to say that I have gotten WISER with time, lol and now I treasure that saying! I love when people tell me that I'm different, there's something about you or you don't act like the others. I have even gotten, "You're Strange", or "You're Weird", hahaha - I've learned to say, "Thank you very much!" I wrote a poem titled, "I'm Not Strange, I'm Chosen" but they would never understand that saying until they have a change of heart.

What about you, do you STAND OUT IN A CROWD? Can people see the difference in you? Can they see Christ living on the inside or are you portraying another kind of difference? I encourage you to stand out for Christ, dare to be different for the Kingdom of God. Get a Heart transplant today so that people can see the difference in you!

HE'S DOING IT IN THE SPIRIT

2010-05-05T12:14:00.001-04:00

As I sit here, I praise God and give Him all of the glory for ALL THINGS! I thank God that I serve the true and living God, the one that is ever present in the Spirit Realm and therefore He has no limits. All that I need He has already provided in the Spirit, I have but to believe and receive.

Learning on this daily walk that I MUST seek the SPIRITUAL things of God and not earthen vessels. When we seek those things which are Spiritual than we are able to cause them to manifest in the natural, it's when we seek the natural things that we MISS it every time. JUST KNOW THAT HE'S DOING IT IN THE SPIRIT! God is a Spirit and those that worship and seek Him MUST do it in the Spirit!

One Day at a Time

2010-04-16T07:02:00.004-04:00

WRITING FROM, COME AWAY MY BELOVED

BY: FRANCES J. ROBERTS

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O My child, hast thou known the way of the Lord, and canst thou trust Him now? Nothing shall befall thee but such as cometh from His hand. None shall set upon thee to hurt thee, for thy God hath built about thee a wall of fire.

Be content with what each day bringeth, rejoicing in thy God, for surely He it is who shall deliver thee and He it is who hath brought thee thither.

His way is discernable to the eye of faith. His heart is surely thy strong tower. In His affection thou hast security. In His love is thy hope and thy peace.

Do not question and do not doubt. Each day holdeth some small joy that shall escape thee if thou holdeth some small joy that shall escape thee if thou art preoccupied with tomorrow.

Nothing dauntys thy Father. Nothing can restore the past and nothing can bind the future, but today thou mayest live in the full blessing of the Father's smile. Hold to His Words, for they are as a nail drivin in a sure place. All else may seem shifting and non-permanent, but His Word is firm. It is a rock that shall not be moved. It is a firm place to stand.

Do not walk in the path of human reason, and resist the pressures that would project thee into conjectures of the future. Live one day at a time! Suffice it to keep thee occupied simply striving to bring joy to the Father's heart. For ye know that He loveth thee, and ye shall find thy peace as thou resteth in Him.

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If you don't have this book by Frances J. Roberts in your personal Library, I encourage you to go out purchase a copy (can't say it enough). It is an awesome book and truly a blessing to me and I know that you would be blessed by the full contents therein, trust me!

AN INSTRUMENT OF PRAISE

2010-03-30T09:24:00.003-04:00

(From the Book: Come Away My Beloved ~ Frances J. Roberts)

O My child, I have chosen thee unto Myself, that I may make of thee an instrument of praise in My hand. I shall bring forth from thee a melody of praise and rejoicing, and cause the harp strings of thy soul to vibrate with a joyful song.

Bless Me with thy lips, and whisper My Name in adoration. I will free thee from the prison house, and thou shalt exalt thy God in liberty of spirit.

How hast thou said, "I am insignificant and unworthy?" Lo, ye are precious to Me, saith the Lord, yea, even as the apple of Mine eye.

Turn not back in unbelief, but press onward and upward until the darkness is left behind, and ye shall come out into the light. Ye shall see Me then face to face, and know Me as a man knoweth his dearest friend.

Bring Me all that puzzles thee. Many questions need no answer, for when the heart is at one with the Father, there comes an illumination of Spirit which transcends thought. Understanding becomes a state of heart rather than an achievement of the mind.

Learn to worship, and thou shalt have rest of soul; yea, ye shall rise to a new place of fellowship, where ye shall be as the writer of the letter to the Ephesians said: "seated with Christ in the heavenlies."

Ye shall be taught of the Spirit; yea, He shall open to thee the mysteries of the Word; for it was by the Spirit of God that the Scriptures were given to holy men of old; even so, by the Spirit shall the treasures of the Word be revealed to thee.

In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15)

Delight in Devotions

2010-03-11T08:17:00.002-05:00

(Taken from: Bread from My Oven by: Majorie Parker)

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectations ~ Psalm 5:1-3

How difficult it is in the early part of the day to sneak away from the family, the telephone, and the household duties, find a quiet place, and take in some food for the soul!

Have there been days when there was not even time for that piece of toast and cup of coffee in the early morning, and as the day wore on you found yourself becoming weak physically? Yet how foolish we are to thing that our spiritual life can be nourished and grow strong without the necessary food for the soul, and that on a day-to-day, meal-by-meal basis. One can lean all day on a certain verse or passage of Scripture read during the early morning hours.

Much can be learned from the practice of George Muller, the man of faith who lived in nineteenth century England. In reciting the pattern of his devotions, he said, "The first thing to be concerned about was hot how much I might serve the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished."

Devotions at the outset of the day can be a real delight. Meditate on the Word of God and obtain food for the soul. The seeking soul will find there all that is needed; and the believing and obedient heart will be made happy in the Lord. "O God, thou art my God; early will I see thee" Psalm 63:1

Daily Inspiration

2010-02-22T09:14:00.002-05:00

"BE NOT AFRAID"

Taken from: Come Away My Beloved (written by: Frances J. Roberts)

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O My child, rest in Me.

Yea, quietly settle down in My care, as a bird settles in a nest

For I am watching over thee, and in love will I care for thee.

There is no danger with which I am unable to cope.

There is no enemy too formidable for Me to handle.

I am able to carry out all My purposes,

and to keep thee at the same time.

Be not afraid;

neither allow terror to strike at thy heart.

My power is at thy disposal.

My presence standeth round about thee,

and nothing can harm thee so long as ye are in My

care, and that is forever. . .

(If you dont already have a copy of this book, I advise. I can assure you that you will be thoroughly blessed by the contents therein).

Move on Faith

2010-02-19T13:47:00.001-05:00

God is an awesome God and He's a God that He don't have a reason to lie. Therefore, if He said it, it shall come to pass. it's not that God has not fulfilled His end of the promise but we hold ourselves back - ye of little faith! Faith is an ACTION WORD, when a person truly believe in something they move on that thing - when we truly believe and have faith in what God has said we can have and do - we WILL move on it! It's one thing to speak it but it's a horse of a different color when we MOVE ON WHAT HAS BEEN SPOKEN! This is your time and your season to step on in FAITH concerning all that God has spoken into your life - be encouraged as you begin to PRESS TOWARD THE MARK that God Himself has so delicately purposed just for you ~

Much love in Christ,

Pastor Melissa

2010-02-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

PRAYING FOR HAITI

2010-01-14T11:23:00.002-05:00

Father God in the name of your precious Son Jesus Christ, I ask that you look upon the people of Haiti and heal their land, comfort hearts, heal bodies, renew minds, refresh their spirit, SAVE SOULS and strengthen them to endure this tragedy. Supply their every need at this present and show us and provide the means in where we can lend a helping hand and show your Love.

My prayer also is that ALL will be well and that you will do a quick work in healing this land but never the less Father, your Will be done! In Jesus name Amen!

The Merry-Go-Round Experience

2010-01-06T09:38:00.002-05:00

Take a look at the above pic, remember those? Lol, I haven't seen one of these in so long, wow! Anyways, I'm sure you all know what a Merry-Go-Round is, I don't see them at the parks anymore but back in the day this very toy was what me and my siblings lived for whenever our parents took us to the park. Everyone gets on except the person who has to spin it and once in motion it goes around and around. As a child I preferred being the one spinning simply because I didn't like how it made me feel - the dizziness, nausea, and light headed (still don't like those feelings, one of the reason's I don't do rides at amusement parks except for the kiddie ones).

While it might be fun spinning on a Merry-Go-Round in the natural, it's not fun when one's life is going in circles and spinning out of control, that dizzy, light headed and nausea feeling is nothing to play around with. One of the things about the Merry-Go-Round above is that, there is not control device on board for the riders - you just have to spin until it stops. But if you're tired of going in circles and your life is spinning out of control, I have good news, unlike the physical Merry-God-Round, YOU ARE IN CONTROL!!! You have the authority to get off, you decide when you want to stop going in circles, the control device is in your hands. Stop taking a ride on things that make you feel bad, depressed , discouraged and disgusted. If what you've always done is no longer working or have never worked, then get the courage to try a New approach! There is nothing wrong with change as long as it's in the Will of God.

When riding the Merry-Go-Round as a kid one of my younger sisters would never get off (we all took turns spinning, although I tried to get more turns than the others and they liked it, lol) but she didnt like spinning so she would just there and go around and around until we eventually was tired out (at the same time complaining about ill feelings). Do you know anyone like this? Some folk clearly see that they are going around and around, on the job, in the home, in a relationship, in the Ministry, etc but because they don't like change or don't want to do the labor, they just sit there and go around and around, complaining at the same time about the ill feelings and the end results. I encourage you today, if you're going around and around, then get off the Merry-Go-Round, it's just that simple. I remember when I rode and my younger brother was the spinner, at times he would literally continue to spin not giving it a chance to slow down or come to a halt - and when ever this happened, I would balance myself as I stood and then I would JUMP off, lol. Yes, I would jump off, it was just that simple, I didn't stay in the torture long, I refused to do so, I might have fell in the process and even got bruised up a little but it was worth not having to go around any longer. This is how we must be when it comes to our life, you may get a little bruised up or discouraged as you transition into change but I can guarantee that it will be well worth it because anything is better than going around in circles and a life that's spinning out of control.

Stop doing the same thing over and over again if it's not working, stop hanging with the same people if they can't speak positivity in your life. NO MORE MERRY-GO-ROUNDS, it's time to move forward into the life that God has orchestrated JUST for you! Philip. 3:14 says, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." It's a New Season, It's a New Day, It's a New Year and it's time to PRESS FORWARD!!!

Much Love in Christ,
Pastor Melissa Sutton

HAPPY NEW YEAR - WE MADE IT!

2010-01-01T10:53:00.004-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, I THANK GOD FOR ALLOWING YOU TO BE A PART OF MY LIFE IN 2009 AND I LOOK FORWARD TO OUR FRIENDSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP IN 2010.

I PRAY THAT GOD WILL PROSPER YOU EVEN THE MORE THIS YEAR, SPIRITUALLY, MENTALLY, PHISICALLY AND FINANCIALLY. I ALSO PRAY THAT HE INCREASE HIS WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, KNOWLEDGE, OBEDIENCE AND REVELATION IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU MAY REACH YOUR FULL POTENTIAL AND BE PLEASING IN HIS SIGHT!

KNOW THAT GOD LOVES YOU, HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU, MUCH LOVE IN CHRIST AND MAY GOD BLESS!

IN HIM I PUT MY TRUST,
PASTOR MELISSA SUTTON

~ NEWNESS of LIFE ~

2009-10-26T08:32:00.003-04:00

2 Corinthians 5:17

IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION; THE OLD HAS GONE, THE NEW HAS COME.

~ I became my own only when I gave myself to Another ~ By: C.S. Lewis

Weekly Psalm ~ Have Mercy Upon Me O Lord!

2009-10-23T11:58:00.003-04:00

Psalm 51:1-4 (KJV) ~ (1) Have Mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto thy multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. (2) Wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (3) For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. (4) Against thy, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: That thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Psalm 51:1-4 (AMP) ~ (1) Have Mercy upon me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to the multitude of your tender mercy and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions. (2) Wash me thoroughly(and repeatedly) from my iniquity and guilt and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin! (3) For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them; My sin is ever before me. (4) Against You, You only, have i sinned and done that which is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified in Your sentence and faultless in Your judgment.

Words of Wisdom

It is God and Him alone that can forgive us of our transgressions and acts of sin. If you repent of your wrong doing/sinful acts, He is faithful and just to forgive you. His Mercy awaits our repentance, it follows us on our daily journey. God will wash and cleanse you from all uncleanliness and it will be as if you've never done it. It's each individuals responsibility to stay clean! Why waddle in sin out of guilt, when you can ask for forgiveness and move ahead? Remember, God is just when He sentence and faultless when He judge, so whatever the verdict may be, GOD KNOWS BEST!

Quote:

~ Happy is the Man/Woman that has asked for forgiveness for He/She has become CLEAN!!!

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I ask forgiveness of all I've said, thought and done against you and your will. Create in me a clean heart and renew the right and constant spirit within me. I thank you for your grace and mercy and for washing me clean from all my sin and iniquities. I could do nothing and would be nothing if it wasn't for you being on my side. I ask that you continue to make me whole in your precious Son Jesus name I pray, AMEN and AMEN!

WEEKLY PSALM ~ My Refuge My Strength

2009-09-11T15:51:00.003-04:00

Psalm 46:1 (KJV) ~ God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1 (AMP) ~ God is our refuge and strength (mighty and impenetrable to temptation), a very present and well-proved help in trouble.

WORDS of WISDOM
As children of God, we must understand that trial and err are going to happen, and what we go through or must endure doesn't really matter but what does matter is how we go through, our actions and attitudes will tell the story. It's always easier to conquer and overcome when we know that you have back up. Well, our Heavenly Father is our refuge, He's our protection from danger or pursuit and not only is he our refuge but He's our strength for when we are weak. He is strong and carries our heavy burdens, and evil nor wrong doing can penetrate or come nigh unto our God. God is a present help when we are in trouble. I love how the AMP says it, "Present and well-proved help." God has been well proved to do just what He says. We don't have a reason to fear if we know that God is a present help when trouble should arise and that He cant even be penetrated by any of it, wow! Know, that is better than being protected by Batman or Superman - they are good at what they do as fictional heroes, but as good as they are, they can only be in one place at a time. God is not fictional and He's ever-present, everywhere and at all times,

QUOTE:
There is nothing man-made that can or will protect you like GOD, so lean and depend on HIM!

PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for being my refuge and strength, and a present help in times of trouble. For this reason I will not be fearful, but I will trust, lean and depend on you in Jesus name, AMEN!

Weekly Psalm ~ WHO WILL ABIDE

2009-09-01T22:12:00.003-04:00

Psalm 15:1 (KJV) ~ Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy Holy Hill?

Psalm 15:1 (AMP) ~ LORD, WHO shall dwell (temporarily) in your tabernacle? Who shall dwell (permanently) on your Holy Hill?

Words of Wisdom:

Question asked, WHO shall abide and WHO shall dwell? Well, to be honest on a personal note, each individual know where their dwelling place shall be. My prayer is that all of God's children get in a place and have a relationship with our Heavenly Father so that we SHALL abide in His tabernacle and SHALL dwell in His Holy Hill. There are requirements to dwell and be in the presence of our Heavenly Father, we cant have just no any kind of attitude, we cant do or have things our way and we definitely cant be without relationship!

Quote:

~ Obey the Lord and stand still that you may dwell in His Holy Hill ~

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, My desire is to abide in your tabernacle and to dwell in your holy hill. You word says that if I delight myself in you, that you will give me the desires of my heart. As I begin to delight in you even the more Father I ask that I become more like you in your Son Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Note To Readers

2009-09-01T22:06:00.002-04:00

Blessings in Jesus name,

Praying all is well, I just wanted to inform you that our "Daily Psalm" will no longer be daily for now but instead will be a "Weekly Psalm". I will post a Weekly Psalm every Tuesday due to the high demand of my homeschooling my kids. Yes, that's right it's that time of the year again I have two middle schoolers and one high schooler - HELP me Father in Jesus name, lol.

Be blessed in Jesus Name!

Daily Psalm ~ DON'T BE A FOOL

2009-08-21T19:34:00.003-04:00

Psalm 14:1 (KJV) ~ The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Psalm 14:1 (AMP) ~ The (empty headed) fool has said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable deeds; there is none that does good or right.

WORDS of WISDOM
Can you believe there are people in this world that says and believe in their heart that there is no God? Well, yes they exist and bible calls them fools! They are considered empty headed fools, cant even comprehend the truth. Scripture also says that none of them do good or right and their deeds are an abomination. Thanking God today that He had enough mercy on me to where I am able to die to self fulfillment and recognize that there is an higher power which is God and that nothing would exist without Him. Arent you glad that you've come to the knowledge of the omnipotent, all powerful God? GIVE HIM THANKS!

QUOTE
A fool has said, there is no God but a wise man know that God Is!

PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the knowledge and wisdom to know that without you I would cease to be, I pray for those that have said there is no God that they come to the knowledge of you and respent of their evil deeds. I thank you and give you glory, honor and praise in Jesus name, AMEN!

Daily Psalm ~ Trusting In His Mercy

2009-08-20T12:37:00.003-04:00

Psalm 13:5 (KJV) ~ But I have trusted in thy Mercy, my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

Psalm 13:5 (AMP) ~ But I have trusted, leaned on and been confident in your mercy and loving-kindness; my heart shall rejoice and be in High Spirits in your salvation.

Words of Wisdom
Trust is a powerful thing and hard to get back once broken. Webster defines Trust as: belief in the honesty, reliability of another, one trusted, responsibility, put in the care of, and hope - I love all of these but it's awesome to know that when we trust God we are in His care! He is faithful to care for those that are His. We must learn to trust in God's mercy, knowing that His mercies are new every day. When going through put yourself in God's care for it is only Him that can save us from all that comes against us. Trust in God's mercy a rejoice in His salvation. We serve a God that has drawn us with His loving-kindness, who wouldn't trust a God like this?

Quote:
Trust is fragile, therefore it's imperative that we handle it with care!

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for your mercy and salvation, I put my trust in you and not in man, with your loving kindness you have drawn me. Teach me to love, serve, worship and honor you with my whole heart that I may be pleasing in your sight, I thank you and give you glory, honor and praise in Jesus name, AMEN!

Wednesday's Psalm ~ HIS WORDS ARE TRUE

2009-08-20T12:12:00.005-04:00

Psalm 12:6 (KJV) ~ The Words of the Lord are pure Words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Psalm 12:6 (AMP) ~ The Words and promised of the Lord are pure Words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over.

Words of Wisdom
Do you know or have ever known someone that you honest to the point where you could "ALMOST" believe their words to the letter? You believed everything they said or say to a certain level but there was always that little bit of doubt or something happened to where their words became doubtful (whether out of their control or not) you became unsure of their words. Well, we have someone that we have to never be unsure of His Words, the words of the Lord are pure! His words are truth and when He speaks it come to pass. His words are tried as silver and purified seven times over, meaning there is nothing fake or fictitious when it comes to the words of the Lord. We serve a God that is so powerful, His words are immediately backed up with actions, just because we don't see it, we tend to be doubtful. Why mankind is so easily persuaded by the words of man quicker than the words of the Lord is beyond me but I encourage you to trust and know that the Words of the Lord SHALL not return void. If He says it, it shall come to pass for His words are pure, true and COMPLETE!

Quote
When standing on Word of the Lord, you have a stable balance!

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all that you have, is and will do for me and my family. I trust and believe that your words are pure tried as silver. I know every word that you have spoken unto me shall come to pass, give me strength to endure the duration of the wait and that I get not weary nor fall by the wayside, I thank you and give you praise in your Son Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

Tuesday Psalm ~ WHERE ARE THE GODLY MEN?

2009-08-18T10:27:00.002-04:00

Psalm 12:1 (KJV) - Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men

Psalm 12:1 (AMP) - HELP, LORD! For principled and godly people are here no more; faithfulness and the faithful vanish from among the sons of men.

Words of Wisdom
First of all I would like to thank God for the "FAITHFUL FEW", "THE REMNANT" that's willing and obedient to the Will and Purpose of God. In Ps 12:1 it says, that the godly men cease and it's hard to find a faithful person among the sons of men. Personally I can see why judgment will start in the House of God, because so many have gone astray, they are preaching but denying the power, teaching but denying the power, singing & etc but denying the power of God and when this happens righteousness has ceased. Many have their personal agenda's and therefore are not faithful to God nor the things of God. The godly man ceaseth because many have made it about something or someone other than God! As I stated earlier, I thank God for the Remnant, those who are willing and determined to stand for righteousness and keep faithfulness running free constantly in the presence of men. The ungodly and the unfaithful shall be judged of God!

Quote:
O Children, where is your Righteousness and why has faithfulness gone far from you?

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that the godly men be restored and that faithfulness will scream from the housetops. I seek to do your complete will, help me Lord not to cease from a godly manner and teach me to be faithful all of my days. Father I ask your help to be an overcomer of all things to to be counted among the Remnant of your people. I thank you and give you all the glory in your Son Jesus name, Amen!

CONNECTED TO THE SOURCE

2009-08-06T14:32:00.002-04:00

John 1:1-5 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men. [5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

~ Have you ever plugged in a television or any other electrical object and it worked without first ordering and having the power turned on by the main source? I don't think so! You can plug objects in and turn the light switch on all day long but if the electricity has not been turned from the main source, its to no avail. There is still darkness and a lot of non working electrical objects.

~ Here's another example; a cell phone after being fully charged may last up to 3 hrs with constant use (give or take), within that time limit the life span is shortened, weakened and if not connected back to the main source will soon die. I've noticed with my cell phone that when the battery is low, it gives me a warning and that a quick charge rejuvenates it, but while it may power up the life span of the battery is shortened and damaged. Therefore quick charges are not good, they still don't last all that long and it damages the life of the battery, it becomes immune to quick charges. If this activity is continued a whole new battery will be needed altogether.

~ There are so many people that fall weak and even die because their connection to the main source is weak or not connected at all. They begin to treat their Spiritual Life as if it were a cell phone. They try to live off of "QUICK CHARGES" not realizing (or not caring) that they are doing more harm than good to themselves. For example, they pray just enough to get an answer or eat just enough Word to make it through a situation, go to the house of God on special occasions or during hard times. It's time out for quick charges when it comes to the Children of God! NO MORE QUICK CHARGES!

~ God is the "Main Source" and Jesus is our "Connection". God created all things and nothing would exist without Him. Life is in Him and He's the source of all being. He's the source of every situation, every circumstance and every detail. God is our "Power Company" and Jesus connects us, if we stay connected, we'll never be in darkness. The light will always shine and darkness will not be able to come nigh unto you. The Power sent the Connection (God sent His Son) that we may have life and have it more abundantly. Only those who are connected will benefit from being connected to the Main Source.

~ You don't have to worry about your light going out if you stay connected to the Main Source!~

~ In order to stay rejuvenated, we must stay connected to the Main Source!~

Thursday Psalm ~ IN THE HANDS OF MERCY

2009-08-06T14:14:00.003-04:00

Psalm 9:13 (KJV) ~ Have mercy upon me, O Lord, consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death.

Psalm 9:13 (AMP) ~ Have mercy upon me and be gracious to me, O Lord; consider how i am afflicted by those who hate me, you who lift me up from the gates of death.

WORDS OF WISDOM
It hurts when you find out that someone actually would hate you and I'm speaking from a personal point of view. I was dealing with a hate issue from a family member but am thankful to God that I rarely have to come in contact with this person (yes, I pray for them) and this is a good thing. I'm sure that many of you can relate to being hated by someone at some appointed time in your life but we serve a God that considers our trouble and sufferings because of those that hate us. God will not allow the righteous to be walked over and beat down, His mercy is new every day and He lifts us up from the gates of death ~ wow, that's awesome, what a Mighty God We Serve! Continue to pray for your enemies, and do good unto those that mistreat you for God will revenge you in due season!

QUOTE:
~ God is always a present help when your enemies rise up against you! ~

PRAYER:
Father, in the name of your Son Jesus, I ask that you please have mercy upon me when my enemies come to cause trouble and suffering, I ask that your will be done for, in and through my enemies that their lifestyles may change for your glory. I thank you and give you all the Glory, Honor and Praise, AMEN!

Wednesday Psalm ~ HE ENDURES FOREVER

2009-08-05T23:13:00.005-04:00

Psalm 9:7 (KJV) ~ But the Lord shall endure forever; He hath prepared His throne for judgment.

Psalm 9:7 (AMP) ~ But the Lord shall remain and continue forever; He has prepared and established His throne for judgment.

Words of Wisdom
Our Heavenly Father shall endure forever, He always was and always will be. He shall continue forever. There is nothing here on earth that lasts forever, one day everything as we know it shall come to nought. Many folk depend on their riches not realizing that no matter how much finance one has it's only temporal and one day it shall have no value. Only God and those that are of Him, in Him and for Him shall endure forever. The Lord has prepared His throne for judgment and all those that are not of His image shall utterly be cut off from "FOREVER" and from our Heavenly Father!

Quote:
~ In order to endure or remain forever you must be of God's image~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, the everlasting Father, He who has made His throne of judgment ready, I praise and honor your Holy name. I thank you for the opportunity to take part in everlasting life, If it had not been for you on my side where would I be? You sit high and you look low, your judgment is righteous and I give you all the glory in your Son Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Tuesday Psalm ~ SING A NEW SONG

2009-08-04T22:06:00.004-04:00

Psalm 9:2 (KJV) ~ I will be glad and rejoice in thee; I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High!

Psalm 9:2 (AMP) ~ I will rejoice in you and be in high spirits; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High!

Words of Wisdom

We must be glad when it comes to praising the Lord. When or if we serve God with a dreadful heart, it is in total vain, but he who makes a joyful noise unto the Lord gets His attention. This is what we do! We worship in the beauty of holiness, make a joyful noise, sing a new song unto Him, enter into His gates with praise, and His courts with thanksgiving, yes, this is what we do as Children of the Most High God! There is nothing boring or dreadful about worshipping and praising the Lord. Everything that you do for the Lord, do it with a glad and a rejoicing heart!

Quote:

~ Sing a New Song unto the Lord with a glad and rejoicing heart! ~

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, as I praise you on a daily basis please help me to always do it with a glad and rejoicing heart, never dreading to worship and praise your holy name. Teach me to sing a New Song unto you joyfully in your Son Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Monday Psalm ~ WITH MY WHOLE HEART

2009-08-03T15:24:00.003-04:00

Psalm 9:1 (KJV) ~ I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.

Psalm 9:1 (AMP) ~ I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth (recount & tell aloud) all your marvelous works & wonderful deeds!

Words of Wisdom
Have you ever got excited about something and rejoiced with your whole heart? For instance, you received something you've always wanted for a birthday or Christmas, the excitement is almost unbearable, the screams, the tears, O what joy! This is how we are to be when it comes to the Lord. Scripture says, "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart" not a half but a "Whole" heart. Meaning we are to give praise with our whole being, with everything we have, it's our duty and not because of but in spite of. In praising with one's whole heart there are signs such as: telling and recounting all that the Lord has done - witnessing to His marvelous works. Praise Him with your whole heart and tell it upon the mountain top.

Quote:
~ Praising God with your whole heart should be a way of living and not a act of kindness as! ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all that you have done, is doing and will do in the near and far future. I'm so grateful for all that you have blessed me with but most of all I'm thankful for who you are and for this reason I praise you with my whole heart and tell of your marvelous works. You are worthy of all the honor, glory and praise in your Son Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

Wednesday's Psalm ~ BLESSING THE NAME OF THE LORD

2009-07-29T12:24:00.003-04:00

Psalm 7:17 (KJV) ~ I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 7:17 (AMP) ~ I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His rightness and justice, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Words of Wisdom
Bless the name of the Most High for He is awesome and is worthy to be praised. His righteousness is above all and cannot be compared. We must get to a place in God, where we can praise and sing unto Him, giving Him a constant praise! It doesn't matter what the problem may be or what we may be going through, God still deserves the praise. I've found that in my lowest state, if I begin to sing unto the Lord and praise Him according to His righteousness, I soon find myself elevated in Spirit, Body and Mind. There are no excuses good enough for withholding praise to God. Remember, If we don't cry out the rocks will and that's one of the least things I want taking my place in praise unto God. I don't want rocks praising God in my stead, especially when I'm well able of doing so myself.

Quote:
~ God is going to get His due Praise, whether it be from man or rocks - but He prefers it from man! ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I lift my voice in praise unto you for you are worthy of all the glory, honor and praise. Your righteousness is not to be compared, for you are righteousness! I lift my hands and I cry Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty! Father, continually teach me to be an instrument of praise that the rocks will not have to cry out in my stead - in your Son Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

Tuesday's Psalm ~ TRUSTING THAT HE WILL SAVE ME!

2009-07-28T11:13:00.003-04:00

Psalm 6:4 (KJV) ~ Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies sake.

Psalm 6:4 (AMP) ~ Return (to my relief), O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love and mercy.

Words of Wisdom
There comes a time that we must cry unto the Lord from deep within. When it seems as though there is no hope, know that you have a God that sits high and looks low and without any doubt will rescue you out of all your troubles. He hear the cries of the righteous and He's faithful and just to answer and save accordingly. Are you crying out to Him? Are you leaning and depending on God? Do you trust Him? Look deep within yourself and see what your answers are. If you answered no to any then you must go back and re-establish an intimate relationship with God because otherwise it would be useless to cry out to someone in whom you do not trust.

Quote:
~ Trusting, leaning, and depending on God will cause you to cry unto Him and seek Him daily! ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help to to trust, lean and solely depend on you as I strive to be pleasing in your sight on a daily basis. I desire an intimate relationship with you so that I know without doubt that when I cry unto you, you hear me from your holy place. Where you lead me Father, I will follow, in your Son Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

Monday's Psalm ~ Keeping the Right Company

2009-07-27T14:02:00.002-04:00

Psalm 5:5 (KJV) ~ The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hattest all workers of iniquity.

Psalm 5:5(AMP) ~ Boasters can have no standing in your sight; you abhor all evil doers.

Words of Wisdom
God has no dealings, neither do He socialize with the foolish, those who are wicked. He abhors all workers of iniquity, evil doers and those who are wicked. These are not welcomed in His company. As children of God we must be careful not to keep company with such a person(s), because it could easily taint who you are in Christ. Don't get caught in such a trap, no matter who the person may be. There comes a time when we must stand up for righteousness at all cost!

Quote:
~ Keeping company with evil doers will cause you to lose your place in and with God! ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I ask that you please help me not to jeopardize my place in and with you. I cut loose anything and anyone that's contrary to your word and I choose to live upright in your sight, in your Son Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

THURSDAY'S PSALM ~ God Has no Pleasure in Wickedness

2009-07-23T19:14:00.002-04:00

Psalm 5:4 (KJV) ~ For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

Psalm 5:4 (AMP) ~ For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; neither will the evil (man) so much as dwell (temporarily) with you.

Words of Wisdom
We serve a God that takes no part in evil nor wickedness. He takes no pleasure in it and therefor despises every aspect of it. He that is evil and does wicked acts will not so much as dwell temporarily with our Heavenly Father. We must do away with all acts and appearances of evil in order to dwell with God and in order for Him to take pleasure in us, His creation. It's imperative that we avoid even the very appearance of evil. We as children of God must walk upright before Him/God or we are none of His!

Quote:
~ All wicked and evil-doers has no place with the Father ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I ask that you please forgive me of all that I have said, thought and done that is against your will, cleanse me of all wicked and evil-doing and teach me to walk upright in your presence at all times in your Son Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

WEDNESDAY'S PSALM ~ Speak To My Heart

2009-07-22T10:28:00.003-04:00

Psalm 5:3 (KJV) ~ My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Psalm 5:3 (AMP) ~ In the morning you hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare (a prayer, a sacrifice) for you and watch and wait (for you to speak to my heart).

Words of Wisdom
There is nothing better than starting your day off with God, making sure that He's in your daily plans so that all will go well. Your morning may begin at 3am or maybe 6am but whatever the case may be, it should start out with prayer, a sacrifice of prayer that your voice will be the first God hears from you when He awakes you. I love how the (AMP version) says, "I will watch and wait for you to speak to my heart", that's where we mess up at times, we pray but fail to watch and wait for God's answer. As children of God we must remember that, He may not answer when we want Him to but He's always right on time for every aspect of our life and prayer!

Quote:
~ To start your day right, is to start it with God ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, as I prepare a prayer for you in the morning hour, I sit patiently and watch and wait for you to speak to my heart. As I start my day right with you, I ask that you orchestrated my day, order my steps, lead and guide me on the path that I am to take, that I may accomplish my assignments in a timely and godly manner, in your Son Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

TUESDAY'S PSALM ~ My King, My God

2009-07-22T10:12:00.003-04:00

Psalm 5:2 (KJV) ~ Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

Psalm 5:2 (AMP) ~ Hear the sound of my cry; my King and my God, for to you do I pray.

Words of Wisdom
We pray to no other God than the "One True & Living God!" No matter what the "Cry" maybe God is faithful and just to answer it. Not only is He our God but He's our King. Wow, just think about it, we're children of the Most High God and of a Royal Priesthood.

Quote:
~ I cry unto none other than the one and only God and King of Kings~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, hearken unto my voice, for I cry unto none other and I pray only to you. Hear me when I call unto you, answer my plea as a Father would answer His child, In Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

MONDAY'S PSALM ~ Father Hear My Words

2009-07-22T10:00:00.003-04:00

Psalm 5:1 (KJV) ~ Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.

Psalm 5:1 (AMP) ~ Listen to my words, O Lord, give heed to my sighing and groaning.

Words of Wisdom
It's a blessed feeling to know without doubt that when you speak, the Lord hear your words and He then considers your sighing and groaning. We all have the same opportunity to speak/talk to the Lord but it depends on each individual whether or not God hears. God's ear is not too heavy that He cannot hear our petitions but our actions/sins can cause us to be tuned out. Be sure to stay in a place where your words are continually heard by God.

Quote:
~ God immediately recognizes the voice of His children, even when our words are just thoughts ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I ask that you hear me when I speak and take heed to all my meditations, as you hear I ask that you answer each petition according to your will. I thank you and give you all the glory, honor and praise, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

FRIDAY'S PSALM ~ A PEACEFUL SLEEP

2009-07-17T08:21:00.003-04:00

Psalm 4:8 (KJV) ~ I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8 (AMP) ~ In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.

Words of Wisdom
Wow, this is awesome! Not everyone can and have the privilege of to lay down in peace and sleep, this is only for those that have a sincere relationship with the Lord. He comforts His children and causes them to have peace as they lay down and sleep. It's a beautiful thing to be worry free, knowing that you are safely tucked in the care of the Lord, trusting that all is well with you, your family and the ministry in which you were called. As I've mentioned before, there is benefits in being the righteousness of God and a PEACEFUL SLEEP is one of them!

Quote:
~ He who sleeps peacefully at night has the Lord on their side, whose on your side? ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for allowing me to take part in your righteousness and for the benefits of living a righteous life. Father you're worthy to be praised and I give you glory and honor for always doing what's right for your children, in the name of your Son Jesus name I pray, Amen!

THURSDAY'S PSALM

2009-07-16T19:46:00.004-04:00

Psalm 4:7 (KJV) ~ Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

Psalm 4:7 (AMP) ~ You have put more joy and rejoicing in my heart than (they know) when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly.

Words of Wisdom
When it seems as though the wicked are prospering and doing well, don't you fret and don't you fear for all that they have is temporary. God has put more gladness and rejoicing in the hearts of the righteous than all of the abundance of the wicked. The riches of this world will soon fade away but the gift of God is for eternity. The gladness that God has placed in our hearts is worth more than any amount of riches/abundance. Haven't you tasted and seen that the Lord is Good!

Quote:
~ He who has a glad and rejoicing heart also has a righteous relationship with the Lord! ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for loving me enough to put your gladness in my heart and for always causing me to rejoice. I ask that you help me to continue in you that I may always have gladness in my heart, In your Son Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

WEDNESDAY'S PSALM

2009-07-15T15:43:00.003-04:00

Psalm 4:5 (KJV) ~ Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.

Psalm 4:5 (AMP) ~ Offer just and right sacrifices; trust (lean on and be confident) in the Lord.

Words of Wisdom
What kind of sacrifices are you offering unto the Lord? Our sacrifices are to be of righteousness, anything other than this is of no effect. We are to sacrifice the pleasure of this world for the Righteousness of Christ. Whatsoever you do, do it in truth because truth will make you free tainted sacrifices. When we sacrifice righteousness, it shows that we have total TRUST in the Lord. Scripture tells us that He will never leave us nor forsake us, so there is no better person in whom we should put our trust! God is pleased with all sacrifices of righteousness, therefore be sure that your sacrifices are pure and righteous that you may be pleasing in the Father's sight.

Quote:
~ When we lean and depend on man, we fail every time but when we LEAN and DEPEND on GOD, He always see us through! ~

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, I pray that as I give offer sacrifices unto you that they are righteous in your sight, teach me your ways that I lean not unto my own understanding, I lean and depend totally on you and you alone that I may not faint on my Christian journey in your Son Jesus name I pray, Amen!

TUESDAY'S PSALM

2009-07-14T10:08:00.004-04:00

Psalm 4:4 (KJV) ~ Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah

Psalm 4:4 (AMP) ~ Be angry (or stand in awe) and sin not: commune with your own hearts upon your beds and be silent (sorry for the things you say in your hearts). Selah (pause and calmly think of that)!

(Awe - respectful fear, wonder)

Words of Wisdom
As a people we've must learn to have a respectful fear of God. Once we get to this place every other aspect of our lives will automatically fall into place. A fear of the Lord (sorrowful for wrong doing) will cause one to be sincerely and truly sorry for their wrongs/sins, they will then examine their hearts, repent and change from their wicked ways for the glory of God. Our heart issues soon manifests in the flesh whether they are good or bad. Therefore, it's imperative that you examine your heart daily as to catch anything that is not like God before it's too late. Have you ever wondered why things are or are not happening? Check yourself, we all need to give ourselves a Spiritual check-up on a daily basis.

Quote:
~ SIN, the deadliest CANCER around! ~

~ If you know SIN is so deadly, why are you so persistent in playing with deadly things! ~

~ SIN is a cocked and fully loaded weapon, and will cause a mass/total destruction to all that come in contact with it! ~

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, I ask that you give me the strength to examine myself daily, to make sure that my heart issues are in right standing with you, your word and your will. I repent from my sin and ask you into my heart in your son Jesus name I pray, Amen and Amen!

MONDAY'S PSALM

2009-07-14T09:54:00.003-04:00

I apologize for Monday's Psalm being a day late but wasn't able to post do to illness. I feel a lot better today, Praise God.

Psalm 4:3 (KJV) ~ But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto Him.

Psalm 4:3 (AMP) ~ But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself (and given distinction to) him who is godly (the man of loving kindness). The Lord listens and heeds when I call to Him.

Words of Wisdom
Wow! Did you know that the Lord have set apart those that are godly for Himself? We now you do! Think about this, a sports team is looking for players, many try out but only those that qualify are set apart for the team. Let's take a short look at Gideon, he was going out to war but only the strong and courageous, those that qualified were set apart for this task. It's nothing like making the team, the excitement of knowing that you did everything expected in order to be set apart. Scripture tells us that the godly are set apart for the Lord - we are bought with a price and because of our distinction He notices us, because of our qualifications, we are set apart and he hears us when we call unto Him. Do you qualify to be set apart with those who are godly?

Quote:
~ We are all set apart for a team but our actions determines which team we make, TEAM - GOD, or TEAM - SATAN! ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, it's nothing like being set apart for your winning team, therefore I ask that you teach me and help me to be godly and pleasing in your sight. I desire to be set apart for you and for your use, in your Son Jesus name I pray, Amen and Amen!

Sleep Apnea

2009-07-14T09:45:00.003-04:00

* What is it: The tissue at the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway during sleep, causing you to stop breathing a number of times a night. It's most common in obese men, but can affect women.

* How you know you have it: You snore loudly, wake up gasping for breath or feel fatigued and sleepy during the day. An overnight sleep test, called a polysomnogram, confirms it.

* What you can do about it: The best, most successful treatment is continuous positive airway pressure, says Dr. Selecky. Also known as CPAP, this treatment involves wearing a mask over your nose or face to deliver air blown gently into the back of the throat, keeping the airway open. Weight loss may help by decreasing the amount of obstruction in the throat. Other options include staying off your back or raising your head during sleep, wearing an oral device that improves oxygen flow or having surgery to remove excess tissue.

Article taken from: healthy living magazine, summer 2009 edition

FRIDAY'S PSALM

2009-07-10T21:58:00.003-04:00

Psalm 4:2 (KJV) ~ O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah

Psalm 4:2 (AMP) ~ O sons of men, how long will you turn my honor and glory into shame? How long will you love vanity and futility and seek after lies? Selah (pause, and calmly think about that)!

Words of Wisdom
Pause and calmly think about this, how long will people turn God's glory into shame? How long will they love vanity and seek after lies? How long will this be? Who will take a stand for righteousness? Think about it, think about the one's that are turning God's glory into shame. Look at all the ones that love vanity and are preferring a lie rather than the truth. Dear ones, if you see that this description fits you, I advise you to repent and turn from your wicked ways, for God is just to forgive you of all your sins, again I say REPENT!

Quote:
~ Sinners and evil doers will have their part in the "Lake of Fire" and not "Eternal Life!" ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for turning your glory into shame, for loving vanity and for seeking after lies. Help me, lead and guide me on the path of your righteousness, that I may be pleasing in your sight. I thank you and give you praise and ask these petitions in the name of your precious Son Jesus, Amen and Amen!

TAKE a POWER NAP

2009-07-10T21:50:00.002-04:00

Napping isn't just for babies. A midday snooze helps if you're hurting for shut-eye and is almost as restorative as nighttime sleep, says Sara C. Mednick, Ph.D., assistance adjunct professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and author of "Take a Nap! Change Your Life."

To get a good nap, find a quiet place where you feel comfortable and safe, and dim the lights. A 15 to 20 minute nap will make you feel more alert and refreshed. Or snooze for 50 to 90 minutes to experience the most restorative stages of sleep. Take note: Longer naps can make you feel groggy the rest of the day. Avoid caffeine, fat and sweet foods and drinks, which interfere with sleep, says Mednick, and don't nap too late in the day.

This article was taken from: MediZines, healthy living magazine (summer 2009 issue). I will continue on sleep habits on Monday. Pray that this article is of help to you and your loved ones.

THURSDAY'S PSALM

2009-07-09T19:30:00.003-04:00

Psalm 4:1 (KJV) ~ Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4:1 (AMP) ~ Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness (uprightness, justice and right standing with you)! You have freed me when I was hemmed in and enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me and hear my prayer:

Words of Wisdom
How great is it to serve a God that has all the answers and help at the time of need. When we're in right standing with God we find favor with Him and also with man. Because of God's mercy He hears our prayers and answer them accordingly. Our God is an awesome God and He reigns on high. Know that you have a Heavenly Father that hears you when you call.

Quote:
~ It is God that hears all, sees all, knows all and answers accordingly! ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I am so grateful to you for looking beyond my faults and seeing my needs. I will forever love you and praise your Holy name - HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! In Jesus name I pray, Amen and Amen.

HEALTH TIP ~ 10 Sleep Steps

2009-07-09T19:07:00.003-04:00

Cant seem to go to sleep an night? Are you one the one's that stay up night after night, wanting to sleep but cant. Well, here's 10 Sleep Steps taken from 2009 Healthy Living Mag. that you can give a try.

When it comes to sleep, some people are their own worst enemy. There are a lot of things that interfere with sleep, says Paul Selecky, M.D. medical director of the Hoag Sleep Disorders Center at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, CA. But most are of our own doing. Try these good-sleep measures.

1. Establish a bedtime routine that allows you to spend some time winding down. Perhaps a warm bath, a soothing cup of warm milk or relaxing music can help.

2. Make your bedroom as quiet, dark and comfortable as possible. Consider blackout curtains, eye shades, ear plugs, fans or a white-noise machine.

3. Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine late in the day.

4. Exercise regularly - but not close to bedtime. That can actually stimulate you and interfere with sleep.

5. Try to quell your worries prior to bedtime so you don't spend precious hours fretting. To help, give yourself time during the day to record your worries, or devote a half hour to worrying well before lights-out.

6. Don't go to bed unless you feel tired. If you are not sleepy at bedtime, do something relaxing until you feel drowsy.

7. If you haven't fallen asleep after about 20 minutes lying quietly under the covers, get out of bed and engage in a relaxing activity until you are sufficiently sleepy.

8. Stay on schedule! Get up at the same time each morning - even on weekends and holidays.

9. Use your bedroom for sleep and intimacy only. Banish bill-paying, work and every other potentially stressful activity to other rooms.

10. Talk to your doctor about using a prescription sleeping medication for short-term or occasional sleeping woes. These can be used as an adjunct to good sleep hygiene, but not replace it, says Dr. Selecky. (Article taken from - MediZine's healthy living magazine).

I hope this article is of some help to anyone that has been having trouble sleeping, I will post more concerning Sleep on tomorrow. One thing that really helps me get to sleep is a long hot shower along with a good book, I usually fall asleep after about 15-20 minutes into my reading.

WEDNESDAY'S PSALM

2009-07-08T20:58:00.002-04:00

Psalm 3:8 (KJV) ~ Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah

Psalm 3:8 (AMP) ~ Salvation belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be upon your people. Selah (pause, and calmly think of that)!

Words of Wisdom
Have you ever been saved from something? That's some kind of relief! It's nothing like seeing yourself in or actually in serious trouble and someone comes along that's qualified of saving us out of our present state and situation. I guess that's why I love "Superman", "Batman", "Wonder Woman" and etc. because no matter where the danger occurs they hear the cry for help and always save their victims, right in the nick of time. Since a little child I've always loved super hero movies and shoes because it always let me know just how more powerful God is! We serve a God that out do any super hero and "SALVATION" belongs to Him. He never leave us nor forsake us, He's always right on time and He has compassion for His people. We had a cruel destiny before we received Salvation but now to all those that received Salvation has the gift of "ETERNAL LIFE!" Those that have true Salvation are blessed with blessings from the Father. Do you see this? There are "BENEFITS" in being a Child of God - yes, that's right, He blesses His Children!

Quote:
~ We serve a God that comes with the whole package, He SAVES, DELIVERS & SETS FREE! ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for being a God of Salvation, I thank you for being the One and only True God. You come with blessings and cursing and I give you all the glory for choosing me and know I'm on the blessing side. Continue to keep me by your Holy Power in your Son Jesus name I pray, Amen & Amen!

Michael Jackson - The Final Farewell

2009-07-07T18:13:00.004-04:00

Michael Jackson is still truly loved by many and will be missed, he is gone but will not be forgotten.

My prayer is that through the bits and pieces of the Word of God that was spoken at His memorial in word or song - someone was touched, changed, better yet saved. My prayer is that someone realized that there is indeed a "KING of KING" and chose to give their life to Him. Out of 20,000 people I know someone had to seek Christ. Lets also continue to pray for the family members and for salvation for any that has not yet accepted Christ as their personal Savior!

I must say that I watched the Memorial on today with my kids and am very thankful for it, simple because if no one else recognized God, my 17 year did! God gave him an awesome revelation concerning the life and death of Michael Jackson and it actually brought me to tears. He even said, Ma in MJ death you can see the significance of God and that was totally powerful to me. GOD GETS THE GLORY IN ALL THINGS, and for this reason, I seek Him in all things, I look for Him because I know that He is ever present and that there is always a spiritual point to EVERY situation.

Know that the Memorial is other I'm praying that the family can grieve, mourn, heal and remember their loved one privately and at their own pace!

TUESDAY'S PSALM

2009-07-07T17:54:00.006-04:00

Psalm 3:6 (KJV) ~ I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

Psalm 3:6 (AMP) ~ I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.

Words of Wisdom
When we have God on our side, we do not have to fear what man will do unto us. One thing we know, as children of God, there is always more with us than there is with the enemy. Just think, if we're surrounded by 10,000 we have triple to more with us. That's just how God operates, He sends His heavenly host to the rescue of His children. We shouldn't have the spirit of fear. Fear has a crippling effect and will stop all those who let's it in from reaching their full potential, it kills and destroys dreams. I encourage you as children of God, don't fear what man or circumstance may try to do to you because we serve a God that has ALL power in His hand and has made it ready for our use. You talk about a gang, we haven't seen a gang until we see God and His posse and He's waiting to come to your rescue at any given time.

Quote:
~ Don't you fret and don't you fear, God and His Posse is always near! ~

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for always making me feel safe in the midst of my enemies. You are ever present and your help is at my dispense. Because of you I don't have to fear what man can and will try to do to me for you have my best interest at hand, I thank you and give you all the glory, honor and praise in Jesus name, Amen and Amen!

Pastor Melissa

MONDAY'S PSALM

2009-07-06T22:24:00.004-04:00

Psalm 3:4 (KJV) ~ I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His Holy hill. Selah!

Psalm 3:4 (AMP) ~ With my voice I cry to the Lord, He hears and answers me out of His Holy hill. Selah (pause, and calmly think of that)!

Words of Wisdom
It's awesome to know that we can cry unto the Lord and not only will He hear us but He answers, wow! Scripture says, He hears us from His Holy Hill - Our God is ever present and waiting for our cry of help, worship, etc. He has all of the answers and therefore it's imperative that we cry unto Him and no other. I must say though, everyone does not have this privilege - He does not hear those who are wicked and ungodly (unless of course they are ready to repent for their wickedness), but He is prompt to hear the righteous for they are His children.

Quote by: Melissa Sutton
~ When we cry unto the Lord with our voice, His attentive ear hears and He answers!

Prayer:
Father, I use my voice to cry unto you, I use my voice to thank, worship and praise you. I'm thankful that you hear my voice and answer. Help me to stay in a place where you are attentive to my voice, I give you all the glory, honor and praise in your Son Jesus name I pray, Amen and Amen!

Friday's Psalm

2009-07-03T10:43:00.003-04:00

Psalm 1:6 (KJV) ~ For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalm 1:6 (AMP) ~ for the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly (those living outside God's will) shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).

Words of Wisdom
I'm thankful that we serve a ALL knowing God for He is fully aware of the righteous and their ways. the righteousness of man is a reflection of God's righteousness. We're His children and we should resemble our Heavenly Father. Sin, wickedness and ungodliness will soon come to nought, their end will be a total ruin. Just as righteousness is of God, wickedness and ungodliness is of the devil. Those who are wicked/ungodly resemble their father the devil. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, therefore him and his children will soon come to an end.

Quote by: Melissa Sutton
~ Those who are righteous shall live for eternity but those who are ungodly shall perish along with all wickedness! ~

Prayer:
Father, thank you for your love, forgiveness, mercy, joy and your gift of Salvation. Thank you for always leading me on the right path in your son Jesus name I pray, amen and amen!

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!!!

2009-07-02T13:58:00.004-04:00

I would like to take this opportunity to share a few of my thoughts concerning the "Life and Death of Michael Jackson." I'm sure by now that many have heard that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson died on June 25th, 2009 at the age of 50. Although sad it's a step in life he had to take, a step that we all must one day take. Micheal has been a performer and star since his early childhood and he was good at what he did. He has accomplished more than some will even think of accomplishing in their life time. One thing for sure, it takes dedicated practice in order to dance and sing as well as Michael did. He was determined to make each new performance better than the previous, he was always seeking ways to improve his game/talent. Michael is a perfect example of having and doing all that you envision, if he though it or saw it, he would go on to attempt it with being successful in many things. Michael wanted to make sure that when it came down to "LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION" his performance would be one that was out of this world and leave his audience in awe. I must say, that he did just that. Michael understood the concept of practice makes perfect, therefore rehearsal was imperative when preparing for a show and one must always be ready, in shape and on top of things to perform as he did. It was announced on the news that Michael's rehearsal the night before his death was absolutely amazing and I see it as a great accomplishment when your rehearsal can indeed be passed off as the actual performance.Well, it's sad to say that Michael's rehearsal was not only the last rehearsal but it was also his last performance. When the curtains open now and we hear those famous words, "LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION", there will be no Michael Jackson (King of Pop) but it will only be a figment or memory of who we once knew. There was none like him before and there will be none after for we are all made unique and we have our own identity. Many will celebrate his life with his many songs, videos and by those that will stand to imitate him. Michael believed in his lifestyle and rehearsals, his performances proved this very well.

Although it's sad when we lose a love one, it shouldn't come as a shock because as I said, this must come to pass. B what's really sad, is that Michael's life and his worth was taken for granted because of his mistakes, being lied on and therefore many went on to talk about and degrade his him. We really don't realize what we have until it's gone and many will take this opportunity to capitalize on his death. We all know that Micheal is an "American Icon", that lived his life to it's fullest and although gone, he will be remembered for decades to come. He has been an inspiration to me for many reasons, but even I failed to realize his worth (to the world) and the importance of his life until his death. As I watch channel after channel recall the Life and Death of Michael Jackson, I'm amazed at how many people that came out to pay their respects to the King of Pop. I only pray that Michael set his life in order and made peace with our Heavenly Father before his departure from this world. I encourage you all to continue to pray for the FAMILY, friends and the many fans of MICHEAL JOSEPH JACKSON!

Let me take this spiritual for hoping that it will benefit those who read. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of not knowing one's worth until their death. Jesus being the "World Icon", "King of the Gospel" also left a legacy for us to remember. While here on earth, many took Him for granted, they lied on Him, talked about, cheated and scandelized His name, simply because He was dedicated to a perfect performance. Jesus took pride in His rehearsals, He believed in His lifestyly and believed in the purpose of His life; therefore, He didnt play around or goof off in His rehearsals. He conducted the rehearsals as if they were the actual performance. Jesus knew that practice makes perfect and thats why He was dedicated and determined to practice what He preached. Jesus lived each day on earth as if it were His last, He lived the life He believed in to perfection as to it's fullest. There is nothing that He could have or should have done different. The life of Christ was orchestrated by God and He walked and lived according to the Will and Purpose of God. His final rehearsal (obedience to death & His Resurrection) brought life to many. Jesus still live strong and lives are still being changed and saved and rehearsals are still yet taking place in the lives of God's children. Philip. 1:21 says, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" and by the death and resurrection of Christ, He gained the whole world for Psalm 24:1 says, "A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."

To all those that read this post, know that your life here on earth is just a rehearsal and we are to use this time and opportunity to prepare for the real thing. We are to live every day as if it's our last. Use the example of Christ and the life of Micheal Jackson to improve your rehearsal, remember, it's awesome when you cant tell the rehearsal from the actual performance. What is your lifestyle saying? Do you have sloppy rehearsals? or do your rehearsals make on lookers want to purchase a ticket? What I'm saying is, do your lifestyle make others want to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior? One day the curtain will close on our rehearsal and when it re-open and those famous words are spoken, "LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION", there will only be a figment or memory of who we once were. What will your memories be? Are you setting the stage to leave a legacy in your departure? I encourage you, while you still have time to live each day as if it were your last. Make your rehearsal count and practice what you preach!

Our life on earth is just a rehearsal, and what we do here will determine our final outcome! Are your rehearsals worth remembering?

Pastor Melissa Sutton

THURSDAY'S PSALM

2009-07-02T10:36:00.002-04:00

Psalm 1:5 (KJV) ~ Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

Psalm 1:5 (AMP) ~ Therefore the wicked (those disobedient and living without God) shall not stand (justified) in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God).

Words of Wisdom

The wicked will not take part with the righteous. It's imperative that we change from our wicked ways so that we can take part with the righteousness of God. The wicked will be judged separate from the righteous because the wheat will finally be separated from the tare (the good from the bad). If you have not accepted Christ as your Savior or if you have fallen from the grace of God, take this opportunity to get in right and good standards with God. Live life so that it's pleasing to God.

Quote by: Melissa Sutton

~ Will you be set aside with the Wheat or tossed and burned with the tare?

Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for allowing your son to die so that I can have life. I ask that you teach, lead and guide me that I may live a life pleasing unto you. I repent of my wicked ways, please forgive me for my desire is to stand in the congregation of the righteous, in Jesus name I pray, Amen and Amen!

Wednesday's Psalm

2009-07-01T08:29:00.002-04:00

Psalm 1:4 (KJV) ~ The ungodly are not so; but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Psalm 1:4 (AMP) ~ Not so the wicked (those disobedient and living without God are not so). But they are like the chaff (worthless, dead, without substance) which the wind drives away.

Words of Wisdom

I'm sure we all know that we get paid according to our works, no work then no pay. Those that are wicked has no place with God for they are disobedient to the will and purpose of God. If we sow in wickedness, we shall also reap wickedness. A wicked and evil doer will not take part in the things of God. They are worthless, dead, without substance and sadly they are so easily driven away with the wind. When your work is wicked your pay will be like wise. Do away with your evil thinking and your evil ways and receive life, John 10:10 says, "the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I am come (Jesus) that you might have life and have it more abundantly." John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life." Choose ye this day, whom you will serve - what fruit will you bear on your tree?

Quote by: Melissa Sutton

~ If you don't want to be "Gone with the Wind", then change from your wicked ways! ~

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for another day and another opportunity to be pleasing in your sight. I ask forgiveness of my wicked ways, cleanse me Father and make me whole. I desire to live in Eternity with you, lead and guide me on the path that I am to go that my works will not be evil, in your Son Jesus name I pray, Amen and Amen!

TUESDAY'S PSALM

2009-06-30T17:47:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-29T19:15:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-23T08:54:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-19T08:49:00.003-04:00

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 ~

2009-06-11T10:07:00.008-04:00

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

2009-06-05T10:25:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-05T10:02:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-02T18:48:00.004-04:00

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

Thank You for Your Prayers

2009-05-28T21:41:00.001-04:00

Thanking all of those that read and prayed for my dear husband. He is still in the hospital but all is going well, all Glory to God! Test results are coming back with very good results.

Much Love in Christ,
Pastor Melissa

STEPS TO SALVATION

2009-05-28T20:37:00.002-04:00

John 3:16-17 ~ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

Although we don't deserve it, God gave His Son to die in the place of man that we might have an opportunity to receive eternal life. He didn't die for just one race or just for one kind but He died for the entire world.

Here are the "STEPS TO SALVATION" for all those that have not yet accepted Christ in his/her life as well as for those that would like to use this information to share Christ with an unbeliever.

1. THE LOVE OF GOD TOWARDS MANKIND
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Note: Jesus died in our place, we we're doomed for eternal damnation but because He died and rose again we can have eternal life.

2 ALL HAVE SINNED
Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Isaiah 64:6 - But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our unrighteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Note: There is none righteous, not one for we all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God - Thank God for His Son Jesus!

3. THE RESULT OF SIN
James 1:14-16 - But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of His own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Note: The consequences of sin is death, point blank.

4. GOOD WORKS CAN'T SAVE YOU
Titus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Eph. 2:8-9 - for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Note: We are not saved by works but according to His Mercy!

5. THE GIFT OF GOD
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 1:12 - But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.

Note: The wages for sin is death, eternal damnation but the gift of God is eternal life. This is awesome right here - there is a price that MUST be paid for sin BUT ETERNAL LIFE is FREE, it's a GIFT from God, our Heavenly Father!

6. REPENTANCE IS REQUIRED
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;

Note: When we repent or ask for forgiveness of our wrong doings (sins) in Jesus name, God is faithful and just to forgive us. Once we have asked for forgiveness, it's as if we've never sinned.

7. CONFESSION
Romans 10:9-10 - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thing heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Note: Confession is always good for the soul.

8. SALVATION
Romans 10:13 - For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.

Note: This verse explains itself, nothing more need to be said.
____________________________________________________________________

If you haven't received Christ in your life and after reading this lesson and have decided that you would like to be saved, say this prayer:

Father God in the name of Jesus, I am a sinner and I ask that you forgive me of all my sins. I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is the Son of God and that He rose from the dead so that I might be saved. Father, I ask that you create in me a clean heart and renew a right Spirit withing me. I submit myself to you God and I resist the devil, and I proclaim that Jesus is my Lord and Savior and the head of my life. I BELIEVE AND CONFESS, THAT I AM FORGIVEN, I AM SET FREE, I AM SAVED!

You have just said the prayer of Salvation and I rejoice with you my dear Sister or Brother. Find yourself a BIBLE teaching church that you may fellowship with the brethren and that you may become strong in the faith. If you have just accepted Christ in your life and you don't have a Bible and would like one (within the US), please leave me a post comment or you may email me at: ladymms@hogiom.org.

WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD!!!

Much Love in Christ,
Lady Melissa Sutton/Pastor

Coveting your Prayers

2009-05-28T11:55:00.002-04:00

I apologize for not posting today's devotion as of yet but been running all morning with husband at the hospital. New devotions will be posted later this afternoon or this evening.

For now I ask that you pray for my husband's health that all is well in Jesus name! Trusting and believing in God for He has never failed me yet.

Much love in Christ,
Pastor Melissa

SAFE IN THE MASTER'S CARE

2009-05-26T14:16:00.001-04:00

Be still and know that He is God! When the storm rise and the wind blow, STAND STILL! In times of trial and era, STAND STILL! When feeling mighty low and it seems as if there is no where to go, STAND STILL!

Be still and know that I am God, It is I that make the crooked ways straight, I bring the mountains low and the valleys low. If I don't do it, it can't be done!

Don't fret and don't you fear for you are safely in the care of an Almighty God, He's mighty in battle! It doesn't matter what you go through or what you may have to face, most importantly, know that you're safe with God.

Lots of Love, Pastor Melissa

Weekly Beauty & Health Tip

2009-05-25T13:54:00.003-04:00

THIS WEEKS HEALTH TIPS ~
Tip #1 - Mushrooms Protect Your Breasts
Women who eat the most fresh white button mushrooms (10 g. or more a day) are almost two-thirds less likely to develop breast cancer than those who never eat mushrooms, suggests a new report in the International Journal of Cancer

Tip #2 - Dairy Consumption and Supplement
We tracked the dairy consumption and supplement use of almost 500,00 people for seven years and found that women who took in about 1,800 mg a day had a 23% lower risk of cancers of the digestive system than those with the least consumption. Calcium reduces abnormal cell growth and prompts normal cell turnover in the gastrointestinal tract and the breasts - Yikyung Park, Sc D, Staff Scientist, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda,MD

THIS WEEKS BEAUTY TIP ~
Tip #1 - Summer Beauty Sleep
Ever notice that it's harder to drift off to sleep in the summertime? The extra light and warmer temps are the main culprits. To get your beauty sleep, smooth on a body lotion infused with natural lavender oil - which is both sleep-inducing and cooling before you go to bed! Try: Aura Cacia Lavender Body Cream ($11.29) at www.auracacia.com - Andrea Dawn Clark

You can check for similar items in any drugstore as well.

Spiritual Nourishment

2009-05-25T13:43:00.004-04:00

Psalm 37:3 - Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. (Read in it's entirety - Psalm 37:1-11)

As we go through our daily journey, we tend to find ourselves drained Spiritually, Physically and Emotionally by the challenges of every day life experiences. It's during such times that we need nourishment to strengthen us in every aspect of our lives. When the Spiritual man is strengthened, the natural man is also strengthened. Psalm 37 encourages us to nourish our spiritual man. We are to feed on God's faithfulness, in His word there is strength, power and might.

In our time of weakness God's faithfulness reassures us that we can continue on in His name and by His power. God's faithfulness gives us strength to carry on today and it gives us hope for tomorrow. Don't give in and don't give out, when you find yourself falling prey to weakness begin to feast on the faithfulness of God's word. There is life in His word, there is strength in His word and there is power in His word!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! (Author Unknown)

God's word has no calories, not additives, it stands all by itself and causes good health. Stick to your "Well Balanced Diet" GOD'S WORD!

YES I CAN!

2009-05-23T09:57:00.003-04:00

Yes I Can!
I am more than a Conqueror
I can do all things
I am victorious
I shall overcome
Why? Because of Jesus Christ our Lord

God is not a God that He should lie
If He said it then that settles it.
Your end shall be greater than your beginning
but you first MUST believe!

A CONCERNED HEART

2009-05-23T09:07:00.007-04:00

Philippians 2:2-3 ~ Let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Read in it's entirety, Philippians 2:1-11)

As believer's we are to look beyond ourselves and our interests and see the interests and needs of others. I love this saying as it is true, "What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you." Philippians 2:3-4 is not saying that you are to neglect your own needs and interests but we are to esteem others better than ourselves, think of others and ways to build them up in Christ.Jesus is the perfect example of esteeming others better than self for He laid down His life entire life for a entire world.

Jesus looked beyond our faults and saw the need, the need of salvation to a dying world. He knew that if we didn't have the choice of "Eternal Life" that we would be doomed for eternal damnation. I'm so thankful that He saw the need of mankind more important than Himself. Jesus truly has a heart of concern for a world undeserving.One reason why its so hard for people to put other's before themselves or make the needs and interests of importance is that so many are focusing on the FAULTS and ignoring the NEED.

As children of God we must be like Jesus and look beyond the faults of others for it is then and only then that one will be concerned about someone elses needs and interests. The decision is in the heart, our heart must be right and lined up with the Word of God. Do you have a concerned heart? or Is it one that's focused on the faults of others?I encourage you to seek a concerned heart if you don't already have one. Having a concerned heart does the body good, you can trust me on that. When we attend to the needs of others, we honor Christ!

Quote: Love thyself last. Look near, behold thy duty to those who walk beside thee down life's road. Make glad their days by little acts of beauty and help them bear the burden of earth's load (Wilcox).

Remember: What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you!

Lady Melissa Sutton/Pastor

ENCOURAGEMENT

2009-04-30T14:07:00.002-04:00

GOD MAKES OUR LIVES A MEDLEY OF,

JOY AND TEARS,

HOPE AND HELP,

LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT

Prisoner of the Gospel

2009-04-21T11:27:00.004-04:00

I'm a Prisoner of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and loving every minute of it!

Are you a "Prisoner of the Gospel" or have you escaped out of the hands of God? Take inventory of your life and make changes today that will better your walk with Christ.

Evidence Speaks Loud

2009-03-04T07:43:00.001-05:00

Webster says that EVIDENCE is an indication, a sign, a basis for belief, easy to see, clear.

Two of my favorite shows (which are a must see - lol) are CSI Miami and CSI Las Vegas and I also love watching the mentalist. It's just something about EVIDENCE that I love. Although just a show, it's awesome how they collect the evidence to solve a case. It just amazes me how they collect the least piece of evidence to the greatest, then how they come to the conclusion of where, how and when the crime took place (the actual crime scene), they are also able to pin point a suspect or suspects by collecting an adequate amount of evidence. Once they go through all the necessary steps in gathering evidence, they are able to now analyze it, and then they connect the evidence to a single or more persons.

People commit and are convicted of many crimes such as: murder, rape, theft, robbery, petty crimes, etc. Some are harder to prove than others, in this case it may be due to the lack of evidence because the person may have covered their tracks well. Some cases are solved right away, while others may take years to never. Whatever the case may be it's the evidence that speaks. I would like to make a quick point that I failed to mention earlier and that is , Evidence is also used to prove one's innocence.

Now let's talk about us just a little.......... We're no CSI but we have the authority over collecting and analyzing the evidence in our life. Questions, Is there enough evidence in your life to convict you as a Christian? Does the evidence speak loud, convicting you of being a Child of God? Do the evidence weigh against you? Are you cold busted as a Jesus person? Do your speech betray or do you lack evidence?

It's amazing how you come in contact with folk who say that they have been saved for upteen years but the evidence says something different. Why waste such valuable time, don't play the part but be the part. It's going to be a sad thing on the day of Judgement to those thinking or claiming to be INNOCENT but when the evidence speak, it's clearly saying something totally different - it's saying "Guilty, I know you not, "your heart was far from me", "you served other god's", "the love for money was more than your love for God!" No one want to hear those ever so dreading words, "DEPART FROM ME, YE WORKER OF INIQUITY!"

Therefore analyze your life now, pay the cost now and get things right with your Heavenly Father. Allow the evidence to speak on your behalf. This is the one time I want to be found guilty!
"GUILTY AS CHARGED!" The jury hereby find Melissa Sutton, guilty of being a genuine CHILD of GOD. I, GOD, hereby sentence you to LIFE in my KINGDOM!!!

Question: What's your verdict?

Up, Down, Round and Round

2008-09-12T20:46:00.003-04:00

As we live out our course of life, we will find that many times we are UP, DOWN, ROUND and ROUND, but through it all God is right there to comfort and strengthen as needed. All that we go through is for the building up of our spiritual man. Actually we're on a roller coaster, the Roller Coaster of Life! I did a post talking about the roller coaster of life on my other blog, Melissa's Quiet Time Cafe , you can go there to read more on that subject.

Many times as women of God our emotions tend to take over when we dont really understand why were up one day, down the next, and it seems as though we're going in circles, well this one thing I do know and that is that "All Things Work Together" for the good to them who love God and is called according to His purpose. We must press our way through the hard times until we reach a place of strength. We must praise and worship until we receive our breakthrough for our breakthrough is in your praise, your healing is in your praise, your answers is in your praise, all that you need is in your praise - so begin to praise Him even when you dont feel it, praise Him even when you dont see no other way - IT'S IN YOUR PRAISE, IT'S IN YOUR PRAISE, IT'S IN YOUR PRAISE!

Always remember your going through is just a part of your brokenness - you're being broken for greatness, yeah I know that it don't feel like it but you are, I know that you cant see it but you are - after reading this, do this little exercise: Look in the mirror and analyze what you see and who you see - look beyond yourself (remember it's not about you it's about God) and see the God in you, look at whom God has called you to be, look deep into the spirit realm and once God show you the real you do all that you can to become the real you. Yes, you are great in the Kingdom of God, you are a child of God so stop beating up on yourself! You are stronger than you think - The Roller Coaster of Life ain't so bad after all, yes we're up, down, round and round but we can handle it with God - We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!

I'm Changing my Mind

2008-04-17T11:08:00.004-04:00

In order to become all that God has said there must be a changing of the mind. The old mindset must be replaced with he a new mindset - The mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5 says; "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus". As children of God we must have the mind of Christ and bear a resemblance of His life if we're to have the benefit of His death. Without a changing in the mind we are none of His. A humble and lowly mind (Matt. 11:29) must take place. Jesus humbled Himself to sufferings and then to death for us, not only to satisfy God's justice and to pay a price for our redemption but as an example for us to follow.

Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee, but his heart is not with thee". What and how a man think in his heart so is he, we become what we think rather than what we speak for we can speak it all day but if it has not been thought/believed in the heart our speaking is in vain. We must have the mind of Christ knowing that "ALL THINGS WILL WORK TOGETHER FOR OUR GOOD". One must get rid of the doubtful mind, because just because we speak a thing doesn't really mean that we believe, with the mind of Christ one will come to believe that "ALL GOOD THINGS COME FROM ABOVE" and that "IF GOD SAID IT, IT SHALL COME TO PASS".

It reads in Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed (fashioned alike) to this world: but be ye transformed (changed, transfigured, metamorphose) by the renewing (renovation) of your mind, that ye may prove (discern, try) what is that good (benefit), and acceptable (well pleasing), and perfect (complete) will (desire) of God. There must be a saving change wrought in us, conversion and sanctification are renewing of the mind. The qualities of our soul must become new: (a) new dispositions, (b) new inclinations, (c) new sympathies, (d) new antipathies, (e) understanding enlightened, (f) Conscience softened, (g) thoughts rectified, (h) our will bowed to the Will of God, (i) our affections must be spiritual and heavenly, (j) new principles, (k) new rules, (l) new in all areas. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new - this scripture wraps up this whole devotion, it says it all.

With this being said I encourage you to get rid of any mind games that has been controlling you - mind games think more of self than it should, after all "IT'S ALL ABOUT GOD and His Kingdom. It's not about us, never has been and never will be. Are you willing to accomplish the Will and Purpose that God has for you? Are you willing to have your mind renewed day by day? If your answer is yes, then begin to deny yourself and think on the things of God.

Philip. 4:8 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.

IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS

2008-03-28T12:54:00.000-04:00

He Never Left

2008-03-27T14:43:00.002-04:00

There are times while being broken when we fill as though we're all alone and all hope is gone. It's a bad feeling to be at the bottom of the barrel - you're so low until you even begin to see above your present state. It's during these times that we begin to question our Heavenly Father, "God, you said that you would never leave me nor forsake, so where are you?" "Where have you gone, I look from east to west, north to south and I can't find you, why have you left me here all alone?"

This is it, it's during your most vulnerable times in life that you will not find Him to the left or right; or in the front or back, why? Because He's present with you, it's during this time that He's carrying you. During our time of being broken we must look for our Savior in a quiet place, a place within our own being. If you seek God in your heart you'll find Him. It's amazing to say that a God so BIG, a God so MIGHTY, a God so AWESOME, a God THAT ALWAYS WAS and ALWAYS WILL BE, would actually come down from His throne to dwell in the hearts of man.

God chasten those whom He love and brokenness is needed in order for us to stay focused on the path in which we were called to travel but rest assure, we never travel alone for God is omni-present, He's forever present as we set out on a daily basis seeking Him and Him only. The sooner we accept that we're being "BROKEN FOR GREATNESS", the sooner we'll find ourselves in the healing process. God is not wasteful nor is He foolish, everything that He does has purpose. You may not like that you were chosen for a specific purpose but who are we to complain - I say, rejoice and be exceedingly glad because He could have chose someone other than yourself. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that it's easy but what I am saying is just receive ALL that God has for you - if you can receive good from the hand of the Father, surely you can receive a little brokenness!

Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

I encourage you to endure hardness as a good soldier knowing that Jesus is the leader of the pack. We serve a God that will not lead us into defeat but into EVERLASTING VICTORY and knowing this we'll accept being BROKEN FOR GREATNESS and not SHATTERED FOR RUIN.
When you feel the weariest, lonely, the saddest and the lowest, know that you're not alone but God is ever present to the point of carrying you for when you are weak, He is strong!

The Word of God & Growth

2008-03-06T22:43:00.002-05:00

2 Tim. 2:15 says to, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth".

When you fail to study the Word of God your growth is stunted. Once the growing process has slowed down or even stopped, deterioration begins to take place in the body Spiritually. On this Christian journey there are levels that we must reach, we must go from glory to glory but this is only accomplished by growth in the Spirit and the Word of God is the only thing that's capable of feeding our Spirit man. There is always a higher plateau that we can reach, for example:

Personal Evangelism, Matthew 4:19 says, "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men". We are all born a soul winner but it's up to us to feed our spirit that we may grow into the full maturity of God's Word.Read the Word of God, pray the Word of God, study the Word of God, dissect the Word of God and watch what happens in your area of Spiritual growth. You will be amazed at how the spirit of God begin to grow within you.

Here are a few ways of how one will grow by studying the Word of God:

1. Studying God's Word will cause spiritual strength and power to war against Satan and the cares of this world.

2. The Word of God is our Biblical Foundation, without it we will not be able to withstand the trials and storms of this life.

3. Studying God's Word causes us to be successful in every area of our lives for the Glory of God.

4. Studying God's Word will reveal His perfect will for your life rather than your will or that of someone else.

5. Studying God's Word will cause one to be effective in Ministry and Evangelism

6. Studying God's Word cause one to be motivated and gives clear vision on the Will and Purpose for one's life.

7. Studying God's Word will cause one to grow in Knowledge and teach Wisdom.

As you feast on the Word of God you will start to become and develop into the man or woman of God that He created you to be. God is complete lacking nothing - as being created in His image, we should be complete and lacking nothing spiritually. If a man lacketh in any area due to not studying and educating himself on the Will and Purpose of God (Studying the Word of God), then you are none of His because God lacks nothing. HOW CAN YOU HAVE GOD and NOT HAVE HIS WORD? Something is wrong with that picture. John 1:1 says, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. How can I be a math teacher and know not God ~ not so! How can I be an Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher and know not God/The Word of God ~ not so! Therefore, you cant have one without the other.2 Tim. 3:16-17 says, (16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. All scripture is profitable to all believers in some way or another. There's scriptures for conviction of sin, some for acts of Joy, love and happiness, some to cause one to come to repentance and others reveal God's perfect will for, in and through the lives of His children.I encourage you all to obey and study to show yourselves approved unto God and after you've done all to stand ~ continue to stand on The Word of God. I thank God for my walk with Him ~ the good, the bad and the ugly (lol).

Through all that I've been through I can say that it's been a learning process all in all. No matter the situation there is always scripture to strengthen, guide, lead and comfort me through it. I say this to let you know that GOD'S WORD IS INDEED IMPERATIVE TO OUR GROWTH. I've grown from where I was a year ago, a month ago and even a week ago but my growing process has yet a ways to go. keep me in your prayers as I continue to pray for you as we all strive to die to our flesh daily and grow into ALL that God has created us to be.

Lots of love, Lady Sutton

Out of the Ashes, Comes your Beauty

2007-11-22T21:03:00.000-05:00

Broken, dirty, filthy, alone and choked. A Savior comes full of newness and love, faith hope, and beauty. All things old burned at my feet, here I come standing tall and strong, no longer worried about things that have gone wrong. FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made beautiful in the sight of my Father no matter how life has burned at your feet. Beauty comes from loving Christ.

Christina

When Satan Writes your love Story

2007-11-22T20:51:00.000-05:00

When Satan writes our love story it's full of doubt and sin, and a lethal word called compromise. When Satan writes your love story the sin leads you to manipulate and scheme to control another person. When Satan writes your love story it's full of pain and anger, bitterness and resentment. Words that bring tears instead of encouragement and uplifting. When Satan writes your love story there is no room for patience and forgiveness.
So as you look around in the relationships in your life who wrote them?

Another Great Poem by: Lisa Matthews ~ "Broken But Not Shattered"

2007-11-13T12:13:00.000-05:00

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN THE WORD OF THE LORD.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN RESTORED BY THE BLOOD OF THE LORD.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE WERE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY BY THE LORD THAT NO ONE CAN TAKE AWAY FROM US.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE WERE GIVEN A CHANCE TO KNOW THE LORD AND HAVE HIM LIVE IN US.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE WERE EMBRACED IN THE TENDER ARMS OF THE LORD.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE CALLED ON THE PRECIOUS NAME WE KNOW THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE BUILD OUR FAITH IN THE LORD.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE ARE HOLDING ON TO THE UNCHANGING HANDS OF THE LORD.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE TAKE TIME OUT FOR THE LORD EVERYDAY.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE ARE NURTURED BY THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE ARE OVER COMERS WITH THE LORD ON OUR SIDE.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE ARE TEMPLES OF THE LORD.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE STAND ON THE PROMISES OF THE LORD.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE HONOR THE LORD EVERY CHANCE WE GET.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE LORD IN OUR LIVES DAILY.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE USE THE TALENTS GIVEN TO US BY THE LORD FOR HIS GLORY.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE TRUST THE LORD TO DO WHAT'S BEST FOR US ALWAYS.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE EXPRESS OUR LOVE FOR THE LORD IN MANY DIFFERENT WAY JUST HAS HE SHOWED US.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE RELY TOTALLY ON THE LORD FOR OUR NEEDS.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE HAVE LEARNED TO KEEP OUR EYES ON THE LORD.

BROKEN BUT NOT SHATTERED BECAUSE WE OPENED THE DOOR WHEN THE LORD KNOCKED.

THIS ONE I WROTE WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM LADY SUTTON
CREATED BY, LISA R. MATTHEWS ON NOVEMBER 12, 2007

For more great inspirational poems by Lisa go to: www.lisamatthews-lisa.blogspot.com

Renewed, Restored & Transformed

2007-11-12T10:43:00.001-05:00

Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right (constant) spirit within me.

CREATE - (Bara) which means to create, to form, produce, to engrave. This word occurs in the 1st verse of the bible (Gen. 1:1) Bara emphasises the initiation of the object, not manipulating it after the original creation. Creation is an activity which can only be performed by God. the word creation also possess the meaning of "BRING INTO EXISTENCE" (Isa. 43:1, Eze 21:30, Eze. 28:13-15).

CLEAN - (Tahor), means to be pure, purified, innocent, righteous, to be cleansed, to be bright, to purge, unadulterated, uncontaminated.

HEART - (Lev), meaning the heart, the center or middle of something, the physical heart or man's inner or immaterial nature, deepest inner most feelings. In the bible the spectrum of human emotions is attributed to the heart. Wisdom and understanding reside in the heart (1 King 3:12, Pro. 16:23) or perceptive nature (2 king 5:26). The heart is the seat of the will (Num 16:28, Jud. 9:3, 2 Chron. 12:14). to refuse to make the proper decision is to harden the heart (Ex. 10:1, Josh. 11:20). The heart is the seat of moral evil (Jer. 17:9). Also meaning the Intellect, to care for, consent, courageous, kindly and mind.

RENEW - (Chadash-khaw-dash) to be new, to rebuild, to repair

RIGHT - (kuwn-koon) to be erect, prepare, apply, appoint, render, sure, establish, prosperous, to confirm, direct, faithfulness, firm, meet, ordain, perfect, to make provision, stable, constant.

SPIRIT - (Ruach) air for breathing, breath, The Creative Word of God, the air put in motion by divine breathe, the blast of God, the visible, intangible, divine miraculous power by which inanimate things begining to move, THE SPIRIT OF GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT, the future empowering of the Messiah and His people, vital Spirit, the element of life in a person, the human Spirit as breathed by God into man, the mode of thinking and action, intellect bestowed by a creative act of God, man's inner being reflects the image of God.

- This verse is significant in 2 area's, REPENTANCE and CREATION, creation refers to only what God can do. We must do as David and ask that our heart be renewed, restored and transformed. God is the only source for this type of renewal.

- Because we are born as sinners (Ps. 51:1) our natural inclination is to please ourselves rather than God. We must ask God to cleanse us from the inside out, cleaning our heart and spirit for new thoughts and desires. The right conduct can come only from a clean Heart and Spirit.

- It's God's prerogative to CREATE! He made the heart and only He can remake it, cleanse it and make it new. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, everything and everyone was created by the POWER OF GOD. It is by the Word of His power as the God of grace that we are cleansed (John 15:3) and that we are sanctified (John17:17). Due to our disorders/wrong doings much of the good work that is wrought in us is undone, therefore we need the Lord to renew the right or constant Spirit in us.

- God needs to repay the decays of Spiritual Strength in which sin has been the cause of and set us to right standards once again. Like David we need to discover the much inconstancy and inconsistency within ourselves and pray that God will fix us for the time to come, that we may never in like manner depart from Him again. We must pray for the continuance of God's good-will towards us and the progress of His good work in us.

God is not a God that He should lie and He's faithful to His word. All those that ask of God concerning spiritual things, He will freely give to thee. Allow God to RENEW, RESTORE and TRANSFORM your inner man today!

Posted by: Lady Sutton

THANKSGIVING BY: LISA MATTHEWS

2007-11-11T23:05:00.000-05:00

T. IS FOR GIVING THANKS TO THE LORD EVERYDAY FOR WHAT WE HAVE.

H. IS FOR HONORING THE LORD WITH A GRATEFUL HEART.

A. IS FOR ACKNOWLEDGING THE LORD AND SHOWING THE LOVE OF THE
LORD TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

N. IS FOR DOING SOMETHING NICE FOR THOSE WE LOVE AND ALLOWING
THEM TO SEE THE LORD IN US.

K. IS FOR HAVING A KIND WORD NOT ONLY FOR THOSE WE LOVE BUT
THOSE WE DON'T EVEN KNOW THAT IS WHAT THE LORD WANTS.

S. IS FOR SHARING A LITTLE BIT OF THE LORD'S GOODNESS TO YOU WITH
OTHERS.

G. IS FOR JUST BEING GENTLE TO SOMEONE AS IF YOU WERE LOOKING
RIGHT AT THE LORD BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

I. IS FOR LOOKING INSIDE YOURSELF AND BEING THE PERSON THAT THE
LORD CREATED YOU TO BE.

V. IS FOR VALUING THE LIVES OF OTHERS AS MUCH AS THE LORD VALUES
YOURS.

I. IS FOR MAKING THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE WITH HELP FROM THE LORD.

N. IS FOR BEING GLAD THAT THE LORD HAS NURTURED YOUR SPIRIT.

G. IS FOR BEING GLAD TO BE ALIVE AND HAVING THE LORD ON YOUR SIDE.

CREATED BY, LISA R. MATTHEWS ON NOVEMBER 11, 2007

To read more Inspirational Poems by Lisa Matthews you can visit her site at: Lisa's Memories

http://www.lisamatthews-lisa.blogspot.com/

A THANKFUL HEART

2007-11-06T08:53:00.000-05:00

Dear Heavenly Father I thank you and give you ALL the GLORY, HONOR and PRAISE for all the blessings, healing and promises that you have bestowed upon the lives of myself and my loved ones. If it had not been for you loving me enough to send your son to die for my sins I would be lost and doomed for hell.

THINGS THAT I'M THANKFUL FOR

1. God being the only TRUE and LIVING GOD

2. God sending His only Begotten Son to die that I might live (Having life, and life more abundantly)

3. For being saved by grace and have a eternal home (Heaven) awaiting me

4. My husband and kids

5. The Ministry in which I was called

6. My home, transportation, food, clothing, etc. (all the necessities plus the extra)

7. Family members, friends and loved ones

8. For having the Joy of the Lord for it's my strength

9. For all of my Internet family (Workers for Christ)

10. Provision for the Vision

11. Health & being in my right mind and for my family & loved ones also

12. For all that God has done, is doing and will do for myself, my family, the Ministry and my loved ones.

MIND CHANGING EXPERIENCE

2007-10-25T11:31:00.000-04:00

In most cases I've found that a persons thoughts eventually become their actions and therefore as Children of God we need mind changing experiences every now and then. Once we receive our mind change then we can begin to adjust our thoughts to line up with the mind of Christ.

This is the first of many studies as well as testimonies and devotions, I pray that through the lessons you're encouraged, inspired and strengthened to take the necessary means of having a "Mind Changing Experience".

~ I'M CHANGING MY MIND ~

Change - means to make or become different, to alter, to give a different position or direction, to replace with another.

Mind - intellect, divine and human, thought, feelings, will and understanding.

Philippians 2:5 says, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: - As children of God we must have the mind of Christ and bear a resemblance of His life if we are to have the benefit of Hid death for without it we are none of His. Once we come to realize that we're not our own then we'll be able to comprehend the mind of Christ. I love the saying, "What Would Jesus Do?" While we'll probably never ask this question every time we're dealing with issues, it's one that really need to be pondered upon. The mind of Christ says, "to love your enemies", where our mind might say, "and eye for an eye, vengeance is mine!". When we're being broken for greatness, we're so easily knocked off task or off track, when a person is going through difficult times it's easier to result to our way of thinking then to Christ's way of thinking. Instead of throwing the saying, "WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?" out there, lets actually put it to action. In order to have the mind of Christ, we must know exactly what He would indeed do.

Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee". - I just want to dwell on the first part of this verse, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he", What and how we think in our heart is crucial to our growth in God. We become what we think, rather than what we speak. We can speak it all day long but if it has not been thought in the heart our speaking is in vain. The word of God says that the tongue is a little member and cant be tamed but it never said that the mind cant be tamed - I mention this because we can speak life or positivity in our lives all day long but if we don't believe it, it's all in vain. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with speaking the Word but if the Word is not in the mind/spirit and then taken to the heart, it cant come alive in your life. Why? Because any seed of doubt will cause us not to believe what we're saying, we doubt that we are indeed called by God or can and will be all that God has said we can be.

Roman 12:2 says, "And be not conformed (or fashioned alike) to this world: but be ye transformed (or CHANGED, transfigured, metamorphosed) by the renewing (or renovation) of your mind, that ye may prove (or discern, allow, try) what is that good (or benefit), and acceptable (or fully agreeable, well pleasing) and perfect (or complete, growth), and will (or pleasure, desire) of God.

a) Good - Good in itself and good for us

b) Acceptable - Pleasing to God, favor is obtained by accepting and conforming to the will of God.

c) Perfect - Nothing can be added

There must be a saving change wrought in us, conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the mind. There must be a change in the qualities of our soul, we must think new as our mind is renewed. Stop conforming to what others think about you, if you call a person silly long enough they actually become that, why? Because they begin to think it of themselves, they conform or fashion their lifestyle to what others think. Don't conform your life to the lifestyle of what others think but rather be transformed to what God has said and ordained for you. We must become new in all things and this can only happen through conversion and sanctification.

We need:

a) New Dispositions

b) New Inclinations

c) New Sympathies

d) New Antipathies

e) Our Understanding Enlightened

f) Our Conscience Softened

g) Our Thoughts rectified

h)Our will bowed to the Will and Purpose of God

i) Our affections must be made spiritual and heavenly

j) New Principles

K) New Rules

l) New designs

Conclusion: We must get with the program that God has so delicately orchestrated for our lives and it cant be done with our way of thinking. We cant control God and the earth cant hold Him, therefore we're either for Him or against Him and with our old mind we are none of His. Are you ready to change your mind? Are you ready to put on the mind of Christ? If so, repent from where you have fell and do your first work over. Talk to your Heavenly Father and let Him know that you're ready for all that He has for you. It's time to get rid of the "MIND GAMES!"

Reference Scriptures: Romans 7:23-25; Romans 8:5; Romans 8:7; Ephesians 4:20-23; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:3.

What Did God Say?

2007-10-20T15:45:00.000-04:00

Thought: "What man think about you is only an opinion, but what God knows about you is truth!"

Our scripture for today is Jeremiah 3:11-12 and I will be giving you (3) three versions.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (KJV) - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (12) Then shall ye call upon me and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (Living Bible) - For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (12) In those days when you pray I will listen.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (Amplified Bible) - For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (12) Then you will call upon me and you will come and pray to me, and I will hear and heed you.

Are you bound by what others think of you? Well, I'm here to let you know that you are to be bound no longer. It's good that we serve a God that has orchestrated our lives from the beginning and still is until our end. Fear not what man say or do unto you for he has no heaven nor hell to send you to but rather fear and believe in the one who after the body is dead is able to cast body and soul into hell.

Man's opinion of you is just that, an opinion and the Webster says that and opinion is someones judgment, what one thinks to be true (not true) and an estimation. We have the power given to us by God to take charge of our lives, we don't have to become what others has claimed us to be. God know the plans that He have for each individual life and it's not an opinion but its truth. You are and will become everything that God has said and proclaimed in and through your life. God did not intend for us to be afraid to step up to the plate for He has equipped us with everything we need to be all that we can be in Him!

Never mind what others think of you, never mind what they say about you. Forget about past opinions and focus on the future truth. Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly and it's hard to live the abundant life stuck on others opinions concerning our life. I decided long ago to not let man dictate my life, if I fail it will be by my own hands and if I succeed it will be by the Power of God but I refuse to quit or not even try because the opinions of those who are afraid to step up to the plate themselves. You're Heavenly Father is just waiting for you to walk in your inheritance, into your destiny. WHOSE REPORT WILL YOU BELIEVE? That of man or that of God, I BELIEVE THE REPORT OF THE LORD!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, first of all I ask that you forgive me of all that I have said, thought and done that is against your will and hear the prayer of your child. Forgive me for believing man's report for my life, teach me Lord to hear and believe only your voice. Heal me of all past hurts and opinions that I may move forward in your name and give me assurance of your word. I speak life into every area of my being and I shall walk and do according to the will that you have for my life. I BELIEVE THE REPORT OF THE LORD, I SHALL LIVE & NOT DIE! In your precious Son Jesus name I pray, Amen, Amen and Amen!

WELCOME

2007-10-17T15:12:00.000-04:00

First of all I would like to welcome the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit to this site to minister to all that visit.

Secondly I welcome all that visits this site, feel free to read and post comments on each entry. This blog is encourage, enlighten and empower all who are in a broken state. As children of God we must be about our Father's business and use what He has equipped us with to build one another up in ministry. I thank you for visiting and encourage your input, testimonies and devotionals.

Some of you know me from my blog titled: "Melissa's Quiet Time Cafe", I thank you for taking the time to read and even comment on posts and I'm sure that you will enjoy this one just as much. Unlike "Melissa's Quiet Time Cafe", "Broken But Not Shattered will be strictly for the Ministry (no personal or funny post). I ask for all of your prayers as I allow God to use this site to minister unto many all for His glory.

If any of you are interested in posting testimonies, devotionals or anything such please contact me with a formal email requesting to do so at ladymms@hogiom.org. Once again I welcome you and thank you for your support.

Much Love in Christ,
Lady M. Sutton