I Am The Truth

June 30

I am the Truth: the One who came to set you free. As the Holy Spirit controls your mind and actions more fully, you become free in Me. You are increasingly released to become the one I created you to be. This is a work that I do in you as you yield to My Spirit. I can do My best handiwork when you sit in the stillness of My Presence, focusing your entire being on Me.

Let My thoughts burst freely upon your consciousness, stimulating abundant Life. I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. As you follow Me, I lead you along paths of newness: ways you have never imagined. Don’t worry about what is on the road up ahead. I want you to find your security in knowing Me, the One who died to set you free.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
—John 8:32

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
—Philippians 2:13

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
—John 14:6

From the Jesus Calling App 

Strength in Weakness

Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NLT)

Super Food of The Week: Kale (Recipe at The Bottom)

9 Health Benefits of Kale

Move over Popeye and make room for the "queen of greens," kale. Gaining in popularity, kale is an amazing vegetable being recognized for its exceptional nutrient richness, health benefits, and delicious flavor.

Eating a variety of natural, unprocessed vegetables can do wonders for your health, but choosing super-nutritious kale on a regular basis may provide significant health benefits, including cancer protection and lowered cholesterol.

Kale, also known as borecole, is one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet. A leafy green, kale is available in curly, ornamental, or dinosaur varieties. It belongs to the Brassica family that includes cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, collards, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

Diet and Digestion
One cup of kale has only 36 calories and zero grams of fat, which makes it a great diet aid. Furthermore, one cup contains nearly 20% of the RDA of dietary fiber, which promotes regular digestion, prevents constipation, lowers blood sugar and curbs overeating. Finally, kale contains the glucosinolate isothiocyanate (ITC) that fights the formation of H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori), a bacterial growth in the stomach lining that can lead to gastric cancer.

Antioxidants
Kale is a superstar in the arena of carotenoids and flavonoids, two powerful antioxidants that protect our cells from free radicals that cause oxidative stress. The key flavonoids kaempferol and quercitin (not to dismiss the 45 other distinctive flavonoids in kale) have also been shown to specifically fight against the formation of cancerous cells. With the addition of high doses of well-known antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and manganese, kale is certainly a smart choice in the battle against cellular oxidation.

Anti-Inflammatory
One cup of kale provides about 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids that helps regulate the body's inflammatory process. A megadose of vitamin K further aids to fight against excessive inflammatory-related problems, such as arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and asthma.

Cancer
Not only do kale's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities work together to prevent and even combat cancer, a healthy diet of kale also provides glucosinolates, which have been shown to prevent colon, breast, bladder, prostate, ovarian cancers, as well as gastric cancer.

Cardiovascular Support
The high fiber content of kale lowers our cholesterol by binding with bile acids that the liver produces from cholesterol for digesting fat. Because many of these bile acids are coupled with fiber, the liver is charged with producing more bile acid to digest fat, and therefore requires more cholesterol to so, ultimately lowering the amount of cholesterol within our bodies.

Detox
The isothiocyanates (ITC) from glucosinolates found in kale aid in both phases I and II of the body's detoxification process. The high sulfur content of kale has further been shown essential for phase II of detoxification.

Vitamin K
Kale provides a whopping dose of vitamin K (providing 1327% of the RDA in one cup), which is necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that strengthens the composition of our bones. Vitamin K also prevents calcium build-up in our tissue that can lead to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Finally, vitamin K is essential for synthesizing sphingolipid, the fat needed to maintain the myelin sheath around our nerves, and therefore our nervous system as a whole.

Vitamin A
With over 192% of the RDA of vitamin A, one cup of kale is an effective antioxidant, boosts immunity, maintains healthy bones and teeth, prevents urinary stones, and is essential to our reproductive organs.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C, which one cup of kale heartily provides (over 88% of our RDA), is not only a powerful antioxidant, but also lowers blood pressure, ensures a healthy immune system, and fights against age-related ocular diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Kale Smoothie Recipe

Step 1. Take a large piece of raw kale and wash it off reallllll good. Pat it with a paper towel to let it dry. Then using a knife or your hands, remove the large, hard parts and discard. You are finished with this step when all you have left is the tender, leafy part.

Step 2. Place the kale into the blender. Don’t turn it on yet!

Step 3. Add 1 cup of your favorite apple juice. Combine just these two ingredients (kale & apple juice) until the kale is pureed. Use the highest blender setting for this. It might take a few minutes. You can get your other ingredients ready while the kale is pureeing.

Step 4.  Add the following ingredients and blend until smooth:

• 1/2 cup of frozen mango
• 1/2 cup of frozen peaches (slices)
• 1/2 ripe banana
• 1 cup of strawberry nonfat frozen yogurt (optional)

Health Benefits of Smoothies:

Consuming Raw Fruits and Vegetables in a smoothie every day will do several things for you:

·         Save you money and time

·         Ensure you are properly hydrated at the beginning of the day

·         Provide you with the full spectrum of nature's bio available vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants

·         Give you plenty of natural fiber to ensure excellent digestion

·         Provide you with the scientifically proven best "brain fuel" in the form of fructose

·         Help empower your immune system to protect you from illness

 

God’s Unfailing Love

By adminon Wed, 26 Jun 2013

“What a man desires is unfailing love…” Proverbs 19:22 (NIV)

I was asked to speak to a group of teenagers the other day, so I asked God, “What is the most important thing a person needs to know at this age?”  His answer was, “My unfailing love.”  I pondered that thought and started to do some research.  I found many verses on His unfailing love.  Unfailing love is love that never ceases. Because God is love (I John 4:16), His love is incapable of being exhausted, meaning He cannot run out of love–He has enough love to go around.  He can’t stop loving us because His love is reliable, sure, certain, everlasting and personal.  He loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for us before we could love him back or choose to make a profession faith–His love is unconditional.  His love is perfect.  We all need to know that kind of love no matter what age we are.  Accept His unfailing love.  It will change you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your extravagant love poured out through the death of your Son, Jesus.  I need to know that kind of love in my life, love that is sacrificial and unfailing, love that covers a multitude of sin, a love that makes us whole and complete.  Come into my heart and life today and show me in a personal way Your unfailing love.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

A sincere thank you to our Daughters of the King Daily Devotional Writers.

No Breakup Or Divorce | Staying Committed To Your Marriage ❃Bishop TD Jakes

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhU0mCfTjnM
Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiN7hEAEzNs&NR=1&feature=endscreen
Part 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W942U_TMQlk
Part 4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3vAaB0iZBw

Health Talk: All-Natural Remedy For Menstrual Cramps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61d_GPpioE4

There will be no sequel....

A little girl went to the movies with her grandfather the movie was so intriguing that after the movie she said "Granpa can we buy the sequel?" Her grandfather looked at her lovingly and stated "sweetheart there isn't a sequel"..

Which made me thnk about how we live.. Often times we are so caught up in the world enjoying life that we forget there won't be a sequel to our lives, and all we have is today.. Tomorrow isn't promised.. So being that there is no sequel what are you doing with your today? Did you spend time with God? Did you tell your loved ones you cared? Did you smile at the stranger passing by? Did you bother to just say "Thank You God"? We take so many things for granted. 1 Thesalonians 5:18 says "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." So no matter what your going through at this very moment take some time and really go into a secret place and spend some quality time with God. We never know when we will take our last breath. Cherish every moment. Never live a life of stress and worry. God tells us not to worry in Matthew 6:25-34. The Bible should be a daily read not just something that looks good as an app on our phone, or center piece in our living room. God wants all of you, not the sloppy leftovers. What seems fun and exciting now, will it matter when you have to face God? I'm not saying don't enjoy life, but what I am saying is.. "What did you do with the time and talents God gave you?"

I love the song by Kirk Franklin called the Appeal. It puts life into perspective. So I will share a few lines of the song with you, and I charge you to really take head to the posed question.

"When I die, what will they (GOD) say about me? Will the work that I've done Be enough to help someone? When I die, will I draw men's hearts to You (GOD)?"

My prayer is that you take some time out of your busy schedule to remember God...

Have a Blessed and Impactful Day..

No More Secrets

By adminon Mon, 24 Jun 2013

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed…” James 5:16a (KJV)

Did you know that sins power is in secrecy?  Secrets destroy marriages, breaks down families, hinders relationships from flourishing, causes generational curses to continue, and people’s minds to be constantly tormented with fear.  It is bondage that you were not destined to live in.  Jesus came to destroy the works of the enemy and He accomplished that on the cross. Your honesty and openness will bring healing to your life.  It will open the door to the deliverance power of God.  You may fear being judged by others and people thinking differently of you if they knew the truth.  However, no one can help you if you remain silent.  Don’t stop your healing.  Change begins now for you.  You will be able to truly live for the first time.  Whenever you feel the enemy pressuring you to stay quiet about a wrong you have done, speak.  Live free and in the light.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for the freedom I have in Christ.  I confess my faults to you and to those You instruct me to open up to.  I have nothing to hide and the enemy can torment me no more.  I declare I am free from sin and shame through Your power.   I now live free from the pain and I move forward in you.  In Jesus name, Amen.

A sincere thank you to our Daughters of the King Daily Devotional Writers.

Hair Regimen (Updated)

People ask me all the time what I use on my hair so I wanted to share: 

So my hair regimen has been simplified because I don’t have the patience to do all that I was doing in the beginning. Plus my hair is longer than it was so I usually wear little to no maintenance styles. You don’t have to cut your hair you can just continue to get regular trims try to wear your hair in styles that don’t require a lot of heat such as roller sets or rods or buns. I don’t put heat on my hair, the only time I do is when I get my ends trimmed which is about 3-4 times a year, but even then I put a heat protectant on my hair such as grape seed oil or a silicone based heat protectant. I use the following products they are all natural some I purchase online and some in store.

Conditioner/Shampoo:

Oyin Handmade:
·http://www.oyinhandmade.com/hair/honey-wash-157.html

· I actually use a lot of their body products as well. They have an amazing line of products. I always suggest people to get the sample pack that way you can try everything for only $22.00

http://www.oyinhandmade.com/5-piece-snack-pack-for-hair.html

Carol’s Daughter’s Co Wash

·       http://www.carolsdaughter.com/portal.aspx?CN=7BA452627E6D

 

· I also use Shea Moisture shampoo and conditioner. I purchase these products from Target they are inexpensive..You can’t go wrong with these products they are all natural and they have a ton of different variations. You can just read the labels and see which one fits your hair best. ( I use the thickening line of their products)
http://www.target.com/s/shea+moisture

Leave In Conditioners
· Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia: I purchased this from Target in Hampton they didn’t get the line everywhere but this is a very good product. It is on the high end of cost but it is worth it.http://shop.karensbodybeautiful.com/product-p/1000.htm

 

·        Original Moxie: Everyday Leave in: I love this product for daily/weekly use it works amazingly and it doesn’t leave a build up on your scalp! AMEN!http://www.originalmoxie.com/detangling-conditioner/

 

Hair Masks:
· Camille Rose Naturals Blue Algae Renew Deep Conditioner: This is the most amazing deep conditioner I have ever purchased this is something I will continue to buy because it works. Sometimes I shampoo my hair and then put this on for 10-15 min rinse out and put on my leave in and style you don’t have to recondition your hair. It is $20.00 I purchased this one from Target in Hampton as well.http://camillerosenaturals.mybigcommerce.com/algae-deep-conditioning-mask/

Protein Treatments:

· Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner: I purchased this across the street at the health foods store. The Vitamin Shop has it too. I use this once a month to treat my curls then I just shampoo and condition as normal. I put this on dry hair and let it sit for 15 min. I basically follow the directions on the bottle it is excellent! http://www.aubrey-organics.com/Category/121_1/Normal_Hair.aspx

Oils/Moisturizers
· I use different oils like sweet almond oil and Jamaican black castor oil and grape seed oil


To protect my ends I use:
·http://www.carolsdaughter.com/hair/monoi_repairing_split_end_sealer.html it is $25 but it is worth it and it last a LONG time I brought this in December and I have almost a half of a bottle and I use it on my little sisters hair. It helps with breakage and sealing your ends

 

For Styling I use:

 

For very defined twist outs I use: ( I only use one of these products, I don’t use them together)

·        Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Pudding:

http://www.carolsdaughter.com/hair/hair_milk_styling_pudding.html?BCID=EA15632630D3

 

·        Entwine Couture The Manipulator Crème Jelle Styler

http://www.entwinecouture.com/#!buy-now

 

 

Day to Day twisting: (I don’t use all at once I usually pick one)

·        Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie (can be purchased from Walgreens/Target/Wal-Mart)

http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/shea-moisture-organic-curl-enhancing-smoothie/ID=prod6057761-product

 

·        Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey ( Use with CD Margaret’s Magic)

http://www.carolsdaughter.com/hair/mimosa_hair_honey.html?BCID=93465B8EC4DE

 

·        Carol’s Daughter Margaret’s Magic

http://www.carolsdaughter.com/hair/marguerites_magic.html?BCID=B9CA34CD22B4

 

 

 

That’s all I use on my hair. I don’t use it all at once I rotate my products

Quiet Time with God: It's Simple, Really

by Rick Warren

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5 ESV)
Having a quiet time is like many other activities you might do in life — in at least one respect. To be successful, it helps to have a plan. The Bible says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5 ESV).

If you’ve never had a quiet time before, you may not have a good, simple plan for doing one. Simplicity is important with any plan you develop. If you make it complicated, you’re more likely to get off track. All you really need for an effective quiet time is a Bible, notebook, and maybe a hymn or songbook.

So what does a daily quiet time look like?

First, be quiet before the Lord. The Bible calls it waiting on God. You start by simply sitting down and shutting up. As you do this, you’ll find yourself revving your engine down and calming yourself. 
Second, pray briefly. Start off with a short opening prayer. Ask God to open your mind and guide you. Ask him to cleanse your mind.
Read a portion of Scripture slowly. This is where your conversation with God begins. He starts speaking to you through his Word, and then you speak back to him through prayer. Read the Bible slowly. Don’t try to read too quickly or too much. The more slowly you read Scripture, the more you’re forced to think about what you’re reading.

Meditate on the Word. Spend some time chewing on what God is saying. Chew on the Word like cows chew on cud. Ponder and wrestle with it in your mind. There are lots of great methods for meditating on the Word. You can find specific ideas on how to meditate on the Bible in my book “Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods.”

Write down what you discover. When God speaks to you through his Word, care enough about what he is saying to write it down. Writing enables us to remember what God has said to us and record our discoveries.
Pray again. Be quiet. Ask God to show you his Word. Talk to God about what he has said to you. Tell him what you’re thinking about what he is saying. Talk to him about anything else that’s on your mind.
There’s not just one way to have a quiet time, but following a plan similar to this can get you started on a rewarding devotional journey.

Talk It Over

Have you ever thought about your quiet time as an intimate conversation with God?
What distractions do you need to eliminate in order to “be quiet”?

Break Ungodly Soul Ties

By adminon Wed, 19 Jun 2013

“But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for  wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” Ruth 1:16 (NKJV)

Here we see a beautiful relationship forming between a woman and her daughter-in-law.  Ruth wants to know the God of Naomi and is ready to leave her old life behind her.  This bond was divinely orchestrated by God and resulted in the birth of Jesus many years later.  However, there is another type of bond that is destroying lives everyday.  Ungodly soul ties exist in every walk of life, within friendships, dating relationships, in the home, in churches, and in the workplace.  An ungodly soul tie is formed when one or two people in a relationship look to eachother to fulfill what only God can fulfill in our lives.  Who do you count on to make you feel happy?  Who do you rely on to make you feel accepted, loved and approved?  That person you rely on for happiness, acceptance, love, and approval is someone that you have formed an ungodly soul tie with and only the power of God can break it.  At the core of these relationships is “what can you do for me?” and “how can you help me?”.  It is rooted in selfishness.  While at the core of godly relationships is “what can I do for you?” and “how can I help you?”.  It is rooted in love. Strengthen godly relationships and break ungodly ones through prayer, the Word and a proper understanding of godly relationships.  In every relationship there should be a mutual enrichment, a nourishing of spiritual growth and development, and ultimately a total reliance upon God and not eachother.  Allow God to bring godly relationships into your life as you break free of ungoldy ones.

Prayer: Father, I pray that by Your power and anointing that you break and destroy every ungodly soul tie in my life in the name of Jesus.  Help me stay free! I pray that You send divine relationships in my life.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A sincere thank you to our Daughters of the King Daily Devotional Writers.

Peace, Be Still

By adminon Tue, 18 Jun 2013

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39 (KJV)

What Jesus does here caused His disciples to be utterly amazed.  In one moment it looked like they were about to go under in a great storm, and in the next moment Jesus has awakened from His sleep, rebuked the storm, commanded peace and there was a great calm.  You may be thinking, “I wish Jesus was here with me to speak to my storm.  I sure could use a great calm in my life!”  However, did you know that Jesus isn’t the only one that can do that?  Whenever you need peace in your life, you can have it.  In God’s Kingdom there is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17).  If you are a daughter of the King, you have the power to declare peace to be still.  When there’s no peace, either you aren’t in His Kingdom or you are not walking in the authority He has given you through Jesus.  God didn’t save you so that you can live your life rocked and tossed, depressed and worried, with blood pressure rising from the storms that come your way.  You are made in the image and likeness of God. You have the power.  Arise, daughter.  Rebuke the storm in your life.  Command peace to be still, and experience a great calm like you’ve never experienced before.

Prayer: Father, thank You for showing me how to experience peace in my life.  You have given me the power to speak to my storm and I choose to operate in that power now. I arise as Your daughter and I rebuke this storm in my life.  I command peace to be still in my mind, in my home, in my relationships, in my  finances, in my body, on my job, and in every area of my life.  I receive Your peace and a great calm now.  I declare I have righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dear Woman of God

By Toni Jackson

 Dear Woman of God, be still for a while, and praise God for His favor, His grace, and His awesomeness. God is able to do the impossible, and is always near. He loves us unconditionally. Together, let's get 1,000 ladies to praise Him with one voice in this next hour. Please forward this to every woman you want God to bless. Let's all say this prayer during this hour: Dear God, this is my friend whom I love, and this is my prayer for her. Help her live her life to the fullest. Please cause her to excel above her expectations. Help her to shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love. Protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs You the most, and let her know when she walks with You, she will always be safe. Amen! Now you're on the clock...Tell nine sisters you love them. Get going girl!! Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to

 move your feet.  

You Are a Winner!

By adminon Sat, 15 Jun 2013

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV)

Was Jesus a loser?  No, of course not.  While dying on the cross, it appeared as though He was losing.  However, when He rose from the dead with all power in His hands, and with a name above every name, it was clear that Jesus is a winner!  You are a winner too in Him!  When you choose to walk in love, hold your tongue, submit to authority even when you disagree, it may appear like you are losing.  When people leave your life and want nothing to do with you and your decision to serve the Lord, it can appear like you are losing.  However, God will always cause you to triumph in Christ.  You are a winner and you must believe that for yourself!  Whether anyone tells you or not, you must know it within your heart.  Even in adversity, you are a winner.  Even when you hear bad news, you are a winner.  When David was hiding in the cave from an angry and jealous King Saul, David was a winner.  When Daniel was thrown in the lion’s den, he was a winner.  When Paul and Silas sat in prison, they were winners!  You may be in a situation that is uncomfortable right now, but you are a winner.  No matter how you feel, have faith in the winner that is in you. Jesus didn’t go through all that He did for you to live defeated. If you yield to the Lord and do what He tells you to do, He will cause you to triumph in Christ!

Prayer: Father, thank You for making me a winner in You.  I have the victory in every situation because of You.  I declare I am a winner.  I declare I am victorious.  In every area of my life, I win.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

A sincere thank you to our Daughters of the King Daily Devotional Writers.

Being Conformed to His Image

By adminon Thu, 6 Jun 2013

^“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29 (KJV)

Did you know that if you was to glance at God’s map for your life, the “X” that marks the spot would be you being conformed to the image of Jesus?  You may say, “Oh my!  God has a major work on His hands with that one, because I feel so far away from that destination!”  You may feel like your love walk is no where near like that of Jesus, nor your faith or your mindset.  However, God wasn’t kidding!  With every day that passes, with every test and trial, and in every season of your life, God is shaping your character to look just like His Son.  He’s working within you that which is well pleasing in His sight (Hebrews 13:21).  You may desire to be more like the woman on your job who has a great love walk, or like your aunt who always looks so peaceful and unmoved, or like the woman at Bible study who is disciplined and about Kingdom business.  Whether you’ve seen someone’s love walk, faith or discipline, the main Person you’re admiring in them all is Jesus.  If you continue to walk with Him, you will reach God’s destination for your life!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for faithfully working in me that which pleases You most.  There are people that I admire in my life, but I admire Jesus above them all. To be more like Him in my day to day life is what I’m going after.  Help me love like Jesus, respond to situations like Jesus, and walk in the faith of Jesus.  I yield to You and I trust that You will complete Your plan for my life.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Romans 2 Bible Study 6/13/13

In our year of examination it is important to study our motives, and what we are truly placing at the pinnacle of our lives. Romans 2 Helps us to evaluate those motives in our lives. Please read Romans 2 and throughout your study. Ask yourself the following questions:

 

Devotional Questions:

Romans 2:1-3

• Are there ways in which I “pass judgment on someone else” even though I am guilty of doing the very thing that I condemn?
• Reflect on the fact that in our better moments we recognize the horror of sin, and condemn it when we see it in others, or reported in the news. 
• Have I fully embraced the fact that God has every right to judge me for my sins?

Romans 2:4-5

“We, too, can ‘show contempt’ for God’s kindness toward us by using it as an ‘open season’ for sin […] We grow cavalier toward our sin because we think God will simply overlook it out of his love for us in Christ.”[1]

• What is it about human nature that would respond to “kindness, tolerance and patience” with “contempt?”
• Why would God’s “kindness, tolerance and patience” lead to repentance in some and not in others?
• As I look back on my life, do I agree that God has been kind, tolerant and patient to me?
• Why does it make sense that “stubbornness” and an “unrepentant heart” should be met with “God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed?”

Additional Questions:

Romans 2:6-16

• Why does it follow that “those who are self-seeking” will eventually also “reject the truth and follow evil?”
• How does this passage demonstrate that there is no one who is exempt from God’s judgment?
• What implication does this have for me, living in a pluralistic culture in which the violation of God’s innate “natural law” is accepted as a norm or even celebrated?

Romans 2:13, 17-29

“Possession of the law and the covenant sign of circumcision were perhaps the two most distinguishing marks of being Jewish.  Given to Israel by God himself, they signaled the fact that the Jews were a special people, elevated above all other peoples.”[2]

• What are the things that people rely on to “brag about [their] relationship to God?”
• Reflect on the exhortation to live out what we preach.  What are some ways in which discrepancy exists between what I say and what I do?
• How is failing to demonstrate in real life the values that I profess cause “God’s name [to be] blasphemed” among non-believers?
• What is the basis by which one will be “declared righteous” in God’s sight?  How has Jesus accomplished this for me on the cross?

---

Friday Prayer

By: Sharon Morse

Father, Great is your mercy towards me. You can take everything and everybody away from me and I will still cry out to you. For you are the ruler, the keeper, the supplier, the lifter up of my head, the friend, the Father, the lover of my soul. Blessed am I for seeking you because you have shown me your glory, your grace and mercy, removing the blinders from my eyes so I can see your master plan.

 

My life was created with you in mind, you allowed me to be born into a world of sin only to take my hand and show me what true freedom and peace are in the mist of turmoil and earthly pain. You have given me courage to share your plan with the world. You have proven yourself and shown up in the most unlikely of times to prove to me your power and your protection!

 

You take pain and mold it into a plan. You take problems and give a solution. When I begin to complain you hush my lips, you remind me to praise your name through the good and mostly though the bad times. When no answers seem present you tell me to be still because you are God. I trust you Lord. I trust you for provision.

 

Thank you for showing love even during those times when I wasn’t loving. Thank you for showing me the error of my ways and showing me a NEW path. And thank you Lord for allowing us and showing us how to share your love towards your children. You are the Great I AM and we praise you for your grace towards us on this day.

 

Amen.

Spending Fast: 40 Days

I am not the best steward of my finances and it started to cause friction in my marriage and in order to save my marriage and give up my fleshly desires I am embarking on a 40 day fast. I am starting today 6/13/13. If you would like to join me please do so... I'm believing God for a miracle in my financial obedience and my overall understanding of money. I am not a person that goes without paying bills but I do spend whatever is left... Not being a good saver is my downfall.. But I'm GLAD I know God and he is forgiving and he will restore my understanding and help me to grow to be a better steward. During the next 40 days I will be praying dilligently and spending more time with God. I have attached a 30 day prayer chart. Please feel free to use these prayers to get you started on this journey of healing and restoration. During this fast i will not be spending any money ie shopping, online shopping,etc.... My husband will be giving me funds for gas. We will be grocery shopping together and household bills will be paid as normal.  May God's peace be with you!

 

Put Away Childish Things

By adminon Mon, 10 Jun 2013

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.” 1 Corinthians 13:11 (AMP)

When Paul became a man, he put away childish ways. A real woman also puts away childish ways.  She puts away childish speaking.  If what she’s about to say isn’t true or necessary, she doesn’t say it.  A real woman puts away childish thinking.  She doesn’t get lost in a maze of wrong thinking that’s all centered around how she feels and what she wants.  She puts away childish reasoning.  She doesn’t make irrational decisions based on how she feels at the moment. Put away childish behavior, daughter of the King, and let God grow you into the woman He desires you to be.  A real woman is known by her love.  What is love?  ”Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always “me first,” doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Message).”

Prayer: Father God, I choose to put away all childish behavior and be the woman You have called me to be. Develop in me Your character.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

In His Presence

By adminon Wed, 12 Jun 2013

“…in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11 (KJV)

Sunday,  my grandson comes upstairs to wash his hands.  As he comes out of the bathroom, he turns, looks and wants to go to “daddy’s room.”  In my adult mind out loud I say, “Oh, you want to be in your “daddy’s presence?”  He goes in the room and says, “Nanna, where is daddy’s present?” Out the mouths of babes.  How I thought, is it not true for us, no matter how old we are, we just want to be in our Father’s presence and feel his closeness. In our Father’s presence are many presents, we just have to ask and look. His dad was not there, and he just wanted to be in his room; how it comforted him and made him feel close to his daddy. Everything we will ever need or want is in His Presence -  joy, peace, hope, encouragement, rest, strength…. What do you need today? Go into His Presence, sit, ask and look – watch God supply all your need and more.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being Emmanuel, God with us.  Thank you for being my ever present help.  Lord, today as I come into your presence with thanksgiving, let me receive what I need and discover more of You.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Focus On You

By adminon Fri, 7 Jun 2013

^“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8 (NKJV)

Every time I go to God to ask Him to change a person in my life, He always shows me things I need to change about myself.  It’s like “Lord, can we please take the focus off of me right now?”  He responds with an emphatic, “No, I will take care of them, but let’s talk about you.”  It forces growth in me that is unpleasant, but necessary.  Many women today adamantly demand change in others while they themselves either remain the same or slowly improve.  This is not to say that you are to ignore wrong behavior or that you can’t offer positive criticism, but when your entire focus is on what someone else isn’t doing, you’re missing it.  The truth of the matter is, you can’t change others, but you can change yourself.  It’s like driving a car.  You can’t concentrate on the road and be overly consumed with the car next to you.  If you do, you will wreck your car.  You will live a more peaceful life if you learn to focus on you and leave the rest for God to take care of.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for being so interested in my personal growth and development.  Help me to be patient with those around me as You work on me.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

What's your Purpose and How to find it- Answer these questions

By Cindy Trimm and Sharon Morse

 

 

1. What are you passionate about? What excites you and pulls at your heart strings that you enjoy?  

 

2. What ignites your curiosity? What do you wonder about in your mind when you think of a activity that you know you would be great at?         

 

3. What kinds of people attract your attention? Is it lawyers, preachers, musicians, writers, doctors, encouragers.. Etc.           

 

4. What sparks your creative juices? Painting, speaking, selling, dancing, cooking, sewing, decorating etc.                                                    

 

5. What is your choice of a hobby or a sport?What you do in your free time is a indication of your purpose.  

 

6. What do people compliment you on? What ability do people say your great at?                                                         

 

7. Who is your mentor? Who do you admire the most an why?                           

 

8. What makes you feel alive that you could absolutely do every day?    

 

9. If you had all the money in the world(no barriers to keep you from your purpose) what profession would you be in?                                                               

 

10. What do you wish you could do if you weren't afraid to do it?                  

 

11. What do you do naturally, what comes easy to you?                                   

 

12. What do you want people to say about your accomplishments after you die?                                                         

 

A lot of times we are afraid to do what's been put in our heart. A lot of times we follow someone else's plan or purpose but it’s time to start seeking what God has placed in YOU so you can start living your purpose. Then resources will come to you to get you therebecause it’s a part of a divine plan called…Your Destiny!!

 

Need a Mood Elevator? Pick Up Your Bible

by Rick Warren

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 NIV)

Are you down in the dumps? Need a mood elevator?
Put down the piece of chocolate cake. Don’t have a pity party. Pick up your Bible instead.
God gave us the Bible to encourage us. One way you can think of the Bible is as a mood elevator.

The Bible says in Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (NIV).

Everything in Scripture is written for our encouragement. That’s a big statement, but it’s true! Even the tough parts of God’s Word are there to ultimately encourage our lives in the right direction.
That’s why we need to spend time alone with God every single day. Whether it’s your daily devotional, your quiet time, or your personal inspiration time, you need to be getting alone with God, reading his Word, and talking to him.

The Bible says in Psalm 119:114: “You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me” (MSG).
If you’re discouraged and have lost hope, I can tell you one thing about your life without ever meeting you: You’re not spending time in God’s Word. If you were, you wouldn’t be discouraged. The more you read God’s Word when you’re down, the more he lifts you up.

So the next time you feel discouraged, don’t come home and turn on the television. Instead, open up your Bible and read it. Listen to Dr. Luke instead of Dr. Phil.
God’s Word has the power to change your life. It has God’s power in it. Nothing else does. The Bible will give you the “real stuff” — true encouragement.

Talk It Over
What are some of the things that you turn to when you feel discouraged? Do those things really offer you encouragement or give you hope?
 
We can fit anything into our schedules if it’s really important to us. Have you carved out a time in your day for “quiet retreat” so that God can renew you?
*** *** ***

The Lord is Saying...

Sun Stand Still Excerpt