A NEW THING

A NEW THING!

Isaiah 43:18-19  NIV

¹⁸ “Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.

Trust God to do what you cannot do. He is able.

Embark upon a new year with gratitude and expectation.

Be grateful for 2018 and its experience.  Be watchful for what’s about to come in 2019.

God is doing a new thing, raising up new leaders,

moving you into new networks, placing the right people in your path, bringing forth  better ideas,

making you stronger in your faith and elevating the unexpected. 

He’s making a way out of no way…making a way out of unknown ways.

He’s bringing things to past that we haven’t conceived in our thoughts, because we don’t have the capacity to do so.

All for His glory.

THE CRACKED POT

http://www.inspirationpeak.com/cgi-bin/stories.cgi?record=20

Happy New Year 2019!

BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED

HIGHLY FAVORED

By Denise Delaine

Luke 1:26-28 KJV

Being Highly Favored:  To be raised from a lowly estate to a place of honour 

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. The angel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Luke 1:26-28

Recently, while attendin worship service at Abyssinian Church in Harlem, the pastor shared the familiar story in Luke 1 regarding the angels appearing to Mary and Joseph and their subsequent marriage.  In those days,  women did not have status such as we have today nor was it acceptable as it is today to have a child out of wedlock.  Yet, God orchestrated every activity unimaginable to man to carry out His divine plan for the Son of God to be born through a young unmarried virgin.  In Luke 1, we see what was normally frowned upon as a woman, God has now established respect that women deserve. Here, we see God also setting the stage for us.

Consider how God has raised us from a lowly estate as an individual woman and as a group of women. And that we have discovered God was in the midst of it all. The songstress, Betty Wright said in a song, “Think back!” Compare your childhood, teenage, or young adult years with where you are today spiritually, mentally, physically, economically, educationally, and/or professionally. Consider major accomplishments of women in our society and the hurdles they had to overcome to get there.  Now, do you feel highly favored? If so, sing the song, or recite the lyrics, or write it in a journal, “Look where He has brought me from. He brought me out of darkness, into the marvellous light. Look where He brought me from!”

Let us first encourage ourselves and then one to another in having the favor of God in our lives. And let us remind one another, regardless of where we are or what is happening to us or around us, as the Angel said unto Mary, it also applies to us, “The LORD is with you!”

Soror Rosa Denise Delaine

AN UNSPEAKABLE GIFT

AN UNSPEAKABLE GIFT

2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.

It's no second-guessing about what unspeakable gift this is.

God gave us His son.

If God had not given Christ, there would be no Christmas.

Oh how much we praise God for His unspeakable gift to us!.  

His gift was priceless.  

There's no gift of diamonds more precious than the gift of Christ.

There's no gift of Pandora charms more precious than Christ.

There's no gift of a car more precious than Christ.

There's no gift of designer clothing or purses more precious than the gift of Christ.

There's no gift of travel more precious than the gift of Christ.

There's NO gift more precious than the gift of Christ.

The true gift during the Christmas season is love.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son... (John 3:16 KJV)

ADVENT - A SEASON OF EXPECTANCY

A Season of Expectancy

Isaiah 11:1-3 1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD- 3 and He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;

Isaiah's  prophesy of the coming of Christ gave hope during that time for what was yet to come.
We are in the beautiful season on advent.  The commemoration of the coming of Christ.
May the spirit of the advent season be a gleam of hope in the midst of despair.
This is not a season to be lonely, depressed, hurt and sad.  Despite the world's anguish,
we can rejoice in The Lord.  We can approach this season with an expectation of
restoration and wholeness.  We can make choices.  We can choose the dwell on
all of the hurt and anguish in our lives, or we can choose to believe God for
restoration. 

We can choose to dwell on the crucifixion or rejoice over the resurrection.
We can believe and pray for a renewed peace in our hearts. 
We can believe and pray for restoration of joy. 
We can believe and pray for a stronger faith.
This is the season of advent, expectation and anticipation.
Rejoice.  We can still rejoice today.
"Keep Jesus in Your Heart."

ABUNDANT ARE THE GOOD THINGS

He's Taken Control of the Riptides 

That Were Intended For You

Psalm 31:19-20 NIV

19 How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.

We don't have to ponder whether God cares of us.  We can rest assured on His Word, His promises and His perfect will for all things.  We've still got a lot for which to be thankful.  Just because Thanksgiving is over as a holiday, don't give up your daily praise and thanks giving to God.  The scripture explains how he keeps us year round.  Take refuge in Him. Have peace in your heart. 

GOD HAS LIFTED US - EVEN IN OUR BROKENNESS

EVEN IN OUR BROKENNESS - HE HAS LIFTED US UP

Psalm 77:11-12 NIV

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
Yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

I will consider all your works and 
meditate on all your mighty deeds.

Can’t you remember a time when you were in a situation in which you’ve overcome?

Can’t you remember a time when you felt like you were all alone, then all of a sudden the phone rang  or you got a text message with some encouragement?

Can’t you remember a time when your debt outweighed your financial resources, but you managed to work some things out or get an unexpected financial blessing?

Can’t you remember a time during a tough situation when God worked behind the scenes on your behalf and you were spared?

If you can’t speak to any of the above, there may be some other experience for which God deserves thanks in your life.

Give Him thanks for He has been better than good to all of us.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A BLESSING IN THE STORM? HOW?

GIVE THANKS AND OPEN YOUR HEART

Colossians 2:6-7 NIV   6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Psalm 95:1-3 NIV

¹ Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
² Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song.

There's a way when you see no way.

Why does God instruct us to pray without ceasing and give thanks to Him in all circumstances?

How do we give thanks beyond the pain of divorce, death, unemployment, hurt, bitterness, disappointment and other negative circumstances?

Yes, it’s okay to embrace your emotions, acknowledge your true feelings and ask questions.

Just know that God doesn’t want us to stay in that place of hurt and pain.  It’s easy to stay in a place of turmoil and anguish. 

But it’s a sacrifice to be thankful beyond all the ugliness in life.  It is not easy.

Make a conscious effort to be grateful.  Every day of life is a gift.

He knows that we are human and in flesh.  He wants to bring us to spiritual fullness.

Our pain may be an alarm clock to push us into God’s will and purpose.

Watch God's work in your life when you open your heart - you'll surely see the blessing in the storm.

Whatever the case may be, give God glory and thanks-prayerfully.

Are you Giving Thanks or Wallowing in Misery?

Are you Giving Thanks or 

Wallowing in Misery?

Ephesians 5:20 KJV

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

We are in the holiday season of Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving, that is giving thanks, is not just a holiday, but a daily walk.  People often relate the holidays, a time of joy and merriment to sad memories and depression.  However, the two (holiday season and depression/sadness) do not match.  

I would agree that this is a mean world and it is sometimes unfair.  But I also believe that God sits high and looks low.  He watches over us.

If we allow the world to steal our joy, it also steals our peace.  When that happens, we lose the spirit of giving thanks.  There is so much to thank God for.  What are you thanking Him for in your life?  What can you thank Him for daily?  

Take the challenge...open your heart, practice a daily walk of  thanksgiving and watch God change things.  I believe that joy and peace will be restored, prayer life will increase, healing will take place, circumstances will improve and you will feel so much better.

Let go of grudges and bitterness.  Click on the link below to read more:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692

I CAN DO ALL THINGS...

I Can Do All Things - God's Promise

Philippians 4:13 NIV

¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

This is a true proclamation of faith and walking in God’s authority.

We are given all authority, power and dominion, but we’ve got to use it.

We must believe in the power we possess.  

God has given us power and authority to do His work.

In times like these, we need all children of God to

 stand up and proclaim the promises of God.  Use what God has given us.

I share a excerpt/quote from Creflo Dollar below:

“God’s church is facing severe persecution by the enemy, but we can exercise our Believers’ authority over this persecution. In order to do that, however, we must thoroughly understand the power we have been given, and learn how to wield it. We know that trouble is bound to come, but it is written that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. So, armed with this knowledge, the enemy can throw whatever he wants at us, but he will not succeed.

Read more:  
https://www.creflodollarministries.org/Bible-Study/Study-Notes/Walking%20in%20the%20Authority%20of%20the%20Believer

LET NO INIQUITY GET DOMINION OVER ME

LET NO INIQUITY

 GET DOMINION OVER ME

Psalm 119:133 NIV

Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

It is so easy to get off track and out of sync with God.  The devil hits us with all he’s got, just to keep us from the grace of God.

In this scripture, the psalmist is asking God to order his steps and keep him in His will.  He is also praying to God to protect and shield him from the iniquity of sin. 

What a cry out to the most high God!  We have to pray continuously for our spiritual health to be in excellent condition.  Don’t let sin have “dominion over me.”

NO WEAPON

NO WEAPON

Isaiah 54:17

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.

This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”

God assures us that we can walk in His authority.  He is sovereign.

We must be obedient.  We must be faithful.  We must be in His will.

He never promised that we would not have weapons formed against us.

He assures us that the weapons won’t prosper.

God promises peace and security as we walk and stay in His will; not the will of our own. 

When you trust God more, you will depend less on people.

Your outlook on life will change because your faith and wisdom will be stronger. 

Be faithful and obedient – it’s not easy, but so rewarding.

GOD-GIVEN AUTHORITY

GOD-GIVEN AUTHORITY

Matthew 28:18 NIV

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…”

This scripture is part of the Great Commission.  As Christ spoke to His disciples, he explained that they were to go forth into the world and make disciples.  The same is true today.  We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).  We are responsible for exercising the authority that God has given us.  

When we are financially secured, we feel empowered, comfortable and in control.  We have the resources to obtain anything our hearts desire.  That's the same assurance we should have when we come against trouble and walk in God's authority.  Know that God has given us the power to fight.  When He fights for us and with us - He/We win!  

Therefore, we have the authority to walk boldly against strongholds, warfare, distractions and warfare.  God has given us the authority through His power.  We just have to exercise our faith and use the power within.  When we receive salvation, we receive Christ who has all power in His hand.  It’s God-given.  It’s in His word. 

Can you vision life - living life with a renewed sense of spiritual authority?

Who's Bigger Than the Ocean and Seas?

Who's Bigger Than the Ocean and Seas?Nobody is Greater Than God

Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Can you think of someone who is bigger or greater than the oceans, bigger the earth, higher than the highest mountains, or  wider than the seas?

We are not bigger than God.  Our problems and circumstances are not bigger than God.

Can you imagine what it must be like to exceed what we can perceive?

We cannot imagine the mass capacity of what God can do.

It is very important to be in His will, His Word, and His Way. 

He won't do what's not aligned with Him.

Whatever you have going on, God can handle it.  Even more.

God's will, God's Word and God's way.  

Walk in His authority.

WHAT ARE YOU BRAGGING ABOUT?

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

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

We can only brag about what God has done for us in spite of ourselves.  Not because we were so deserving.  We’re just beneficiaries of God’s grace and mercy.

It is with His grace that we are blessed.  Even though we may not be diligent in our giving, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, stewardship, talent, skills, patience, faith, etc. God still blesses us.

He withholds the punishment we should receive by replacing punishment with His loving mercy. 

MAKING CROOKED PLACES STRAIGHT

MAKING CROOKED PLACED STRAIGHT

Isaiah 45:2 (KJV)

2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

Can you make a crooked place straight without the power of God?

God's grace blesses us in spite of our shortcomings.  He goes ahead of our steps, covers up ditches and enables us to walk through the wilderness without a scratch.  He gets in ring and fight with us against the struggles and strongholds that we can't fight off by ourselves.

When the scriptures state Him breaking gates of brass and bars of iron, that means God is powerful over all circumstances.  No matter how hurtful,  big and horrible the problem may appear to be, God is in control.  We can only see in the flesh what seems too hard for us to handle.  Indeed it is too hard for us.  That's why we must give it over to THE ONE who is mighty, wise and sovereign.

The devil can make things seem pretty scary.  He can put all kinds of thoughts in your head to make you feel fearful, insecure, helpless, etc.  Those are tactics to weaken you and get you to lose faith in what God can do.

God has already promised.  

The battle has already been fought and the victory is won.

GRACE AND MERCY

Grace and Mercy

Isaiah 45:2 KJV

² I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

This scripture was God’s promise to Cyrus. (Read Isaiah 45:1-4)  He does the same for us today.

Decree and declare God’s authority over your life.  Put your life in His hands.

His mercy (withholding judgment and punishment  from us) and His grace (blessing us in spite of our shortcomings) are what is keeping us.

He covers us.  

Who wouldn’t serve a God who loves us beyond our faults?

Who wouldn’t serve a God who goes before us and protects us from seen and unseen danger?

God’s mercy protects us and covers us from the pits of danger and punishment of sin.

God’s grace blesses us even when we don’t give Him our time and talents as we should.

Suffering for Doing Good

Suffering for Doing Good 

By Anasha Neilly

Suffering for Doing Good 1 Peter 3: 13-22 NLT

13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. 19 So he went and preached to the spirits in prison— 20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. 21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 22 Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.

Extending God's Grace to Others 1 Peter 4:10-11New Living Translation (NLT)

10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Suffering for Being a Christian 1 Peter 4:12-19 NLT

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also, “If the righteous are barely saved what will happen to godless sinners?” 19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

Commentary

Generally speaking, no one wants to harm someone who is good or doing good. This is not to say Christians or "do gooders" not suffer. Just as Christ suffered so shall we. The text emphasizes that we should not fear suffering as long as we are doing what is right. When the enemy poses threats, tries to scandalize your name, or tear you down with insults you must remain faithful that you will be rewarded. The non-believer may ask how you can stand strong in your faith, you have to be ready and willing to explain to God's faithfulness in both your words and actions. This must be done with humility and respect so as to draw them to him and not away from him. The next time you begin to waver in your decision to do what is right, because it is easier to retaliate and avoid suffering and persecution, keep your conscience clear, stand fast in your faithfulness and remember you will be rewarded. THose who speak against you will be ashamed when they see that you belong to Christ. 

In my studies, I found the following breakdown of the scripture. I found it very refreshing and enlightening. Enjoy!

https://www.sermonwriter.com/biblical-commentary/1-peter-313-22/