December 30, 2010
The Lord Is The Strength Of My Life
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go…..NIV
With the close of 2010 approaching us, we can look forward to the upcoming New Year with Strength and Courage! Our Father has commanded us to be strong and courageous. When we adhere to his commands, and put them in our hearts we will not be afraid to step out on the path that he has prepared for us to take. When adversity comes against us, and it surely will, there will be no need for us to become discouraged or afraid because we have it written in our hearts that God has said if we would be strong and courageous he’d be with us wherever we go.
God wants to be the strength of our life. He equips us with his empowering grace to do whatever he asks us to do. It takes courage to follow God’s plan and not man’s plan for our lives. He gives us the strength to overcome obstacles that are set in our path, and courage to stand strong and not cave in.
The courageous will always be found standing strong, as they have made the Lord the strength of their lives. When we boldly confess in the face of adversity, “The Lord is the strength of my life, whom shall I fear?” we are confessing the Lordship of Jesus Christ over our lives and the greater one that is on the inside of us is greater than anyone or anything on the outside!
The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go is a promise we have from our Father. Where you go, he goes with you. You are never alone for he is there to watch over you, uphold you, support you and keep you up and running! He will not and cannot fail you, assuredly He will not!
So, this new year take these two words into your heart, “courageous and strength.” Make the Lord the strength of your life, and be courageous to do whatever he asks you to do. At the end of 2011 you will look back on the year with praise and look forward with purpose to continue to run the race that He has set before you with courage and surely you will finish your course with joy!
My Heartfelt Prayer: I confess that the Lord is the strength of my life, and gives me courage to accomplish all that He has planned for me to do in this lifetime. With the strength of the Lord I courageously step out and do the works that you Lord have planned, and I take the paths which you have prepared ahead of time for me to take. Thank you Lord for being with me wherever I go.
Rev. Joy Haynes
December 29, 2010
Thou Shalt Not Fear Holiday Depression or Oppression
Isaiah 54:14
In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shall be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee.
Many pastors report that more people suffer from oppression and depression during the holidays than any other time of the year. It has also been noted that police departments report domestic violence due to depression also rises at this time. There are more suicides and attempted suicides, and more counseling sessions in Psychiatric Hospitals than at any other time of the year.
Why? Because people start allowing themselves to feel sorry for themselves.
The reason for this is that people take their eyes off the Lord, and start thinking about themselves, and dive right into oppression. Isaiah 54:10 says “but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.”
When we are established in righteousness, and we know who we are in Christ we will keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus. We won’t be in any fear, and oppression and depression cannot come on us. God has established a covenant of peace with us. Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” A troubled heart can often be a depressed heart full of fear. Fear of what’s going to happen to me? What am I going to do? Where am I going to go?.....And on and on it goes!
The devil will throw all kinds of trouble at you. But it can’t hurt you if you refuse to let go of the peace that Jesus has given to you. Refuse to let go of your covenant peace. Peace will drown out any depression that wants to steal your joy during the holidays, or any other day of the year.
So, instead of crying the blues, start shouting the victory and you will rise up and walk right out of oppression and into the glorious light. Take authority over oppression, take authority over depression, and claim what is rightfully yours. You are established in peace and refuse to let anything be a peace stealer.
My Heartfelt Prayer: Father I thank you for the peace that has been given to me through your Son Jesus Christ. I am protected from all oppression and depression as I keep my eyes on you the author of peace. I resist the onslaughts of Satan, and I have no fear, because you keep me in perfect peace as I trust in you. Amen!
December 23, 2010
Wise men Still Seek Him:
Matthew 2: 1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea …..behold there came wise men from the east saying......Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.
The wise men walked in a tremendous amount of wisdom from God. They came to Jesus for one reason and that was to worship Him. That was the right reason. They were truth seekers. They would do anything to find Jesus, because they had the right motive, and that was to worship Him.
So, the wise men came for the right reason with the right heart, and the right motive.
They didn’t want to find him to see what they could get from him, or what He could do for them, which is so often the case today with some people. So often people use Jesus for their own selfish reasons. But the wise will seek Him for truth, for who He is, and not for their own selfish gain.
The wise men brought to Jesus the best they had. They didn’t bring him their leftovers or something they couldn’t use themselves. The gifts they brought were carefully considered, thought through, and given not because they were pressured to give, or felt under obligation to give. The three gifts that were presented to Jesus were significantly important.
Gold is a gift you would give to a King. In those days, tribute was paid by bringing a gift of gold to the Kings. It was the most precious gift of the time. So the wise men presented it as a precious gift to the KING.
Frankincense was a kind of incense, which was used in the temple to worship God. The wise men not only looked at Jesus as the Christ Child, but worshipped Him as a King.
Myrrh was a spice which was used for embalming the dead. A dead body was wrapped in linens with a spice applied to it. They recognized Him as being the Savior of the world, who had come to die for our sins.
This Christmas season along with the wise men of old, let us gather together with family and friends, showing love, honor and respect to the King worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. With a heart of gratitude let us show Him how much we do love Him and offer up thanksgiving and praise to Him. For some, you may be facing situations, circumstances or adversity of some kind or another. Most often it is 10 % circumstance and 90% response. When we respond with the Word, we respond in love, and we will then win every time.
My Heartfelt Prayer: We come to you Father, In Jesus Name. As you gave your best gift, your one and only son, this indescribable gift, we offer up to you a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. We seek you in truth, we seek your face in righteousness. We seek you because of Who you are. Giving you glory, honor and praise. Today and everyday, we behold and gaze upon the beauty, the sweet attractiveness, and the delightful loveliness of the Lord. You are altogether lovely, this is my beloved, and this is my friend! In Jesus Name we pray, AMEN!
3-6-2010
There Is Contentment In Grace and Peace!
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Too often we, as Christians allow discontentment to control our thoughts. When we do this we open the door to bitterness of soul that begins to take root, and this makes a place for the enemy to begin an evil work against us.
Contentment comes only from faith and trusting that God is working for us and not against us; we can take comfort in knowing that He is always for us, multiplying His grace and peace upon our lives which keeps us content. We find all that we need in His great and precious promises. It is so important you set your sights higher than the temporary things of the earth. Look heavenly, look upward, and renew yourself in the hope of His promises. When we do this, we will be at peace, and find ourselves being a partaker of His divine nature.
My Heartfelt Prayer: Father by faith I accept your grace and peace in my life. There have been times in my life when I have not been content. I ask you to forgive me. I am a partaker of your divine nature, so I look upward and renew my mind in the hope of your promises.
Psalm 50:14 NKJ
During the month of November, it is a special time for us to bring to our remembrance “thanksgiving” for all that we are, for all that we have, and for all that God has done in and throughout our lives, and all that he continues to do. Of course, we should give thanks everyday of the year, but because Thanksgiving Day is drawing near, it is an opportunity to be even more mindful to give thanks throughout the day.
We all want to be in the presence of the Lord throughout the day. A sure way to stay and remain in His presence as we go about our daily tasks, at our work place, and in our homes, is to have an attitude of gratitude, which is giving thanks! Before the days of having permanent press clothes, I used to iron my husbands shirts, and give thanks for him while ironing his clothes. To this day as I prepare meals for my family I give thanks for the abundant life we live, and for provision that was made to purchase the food, and for household utensils that make it all possible to prepare a healthy meal. Even in our work places we can give thanks for our work mates, and employers. When you begin to give thanks it automatically leads you into praising God for His goodness and blessings that He has bestowed upon us.
In Strongs Concordance #8426 thanks, thanksgiving: This word is derived from the verb yadah : It means to “give thanks, to praise.” The root of yadah is yad; (“hand”) So when we thank and praise God, we are extending our hands, or lifting them up in “thanksgiving” to Him.
Oh! Wouldn’t that Bless the Lord, and be a sweet sweet sound in His ears if he were to hear us thanking him throughout the day. Thanksgiving and praise will help us to remain in His presence and when we are in His presence we are being carriers of His presence wherever we go.
I’m not saying one should walk around with their hands extended and raised in thanksgiving and praise when we are out in public. The lifting up of hands can be done in our prayer closets, quiet times, and church services when we unite and come together with other believers. But God will see your heart lifted up towards Him when He hears your voice of “thanksgiving.”
No matter where we are, or where we look, or what we do, there is breath in us to give thanks for His goodness. Let’s bless the Lord today and let Him hear our voice of “thanksgiving” for He is good and His mercy endures forever!
My Heartfelt Prayer: Heavenly Father we come to you in the Name of Jesus. We ask that by your mighty Holy Spirit He would help us to be ever mindful of your goodness to us. Sharpen our spirits to notice your goodness, your kindness, and your bountiful blessings to us. Thank you for blessing us with your mercy and grace as we find favor today with you and with man! In Jesus Name we pray! Amen.
Faith Is Now
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV
We should always be found in a state of hope. Why? Because faith is the anchor of our soul according to Hebrews 6:19. Hoping everyday for which we believe, will come to pass. We have faith for things to come to pass present and future. This kind of hope has nothing to do with wishful thinking. It has all to do with your faith giving substance to that very thing you are hoping for.
“Now Faith” is not for the flippant who say “well, whenever!” Faith is for NOW. For those whose heart is sincere towards the thing of God, and who are obedient to God’s word. Now Faith Is: It’s the God Kind Of Faith! The God kind of faith is always at work, working on the behalf of the believer. The NOW Faith works behind the scenes, not whenever it gets around to it, but NOW, even while we are resting in God, faith is working for us! When we pray, praise and give thanks, faith is working to bring what we are believing for to pass.
Now faith is: Simply believing God will do what He says He will do. He says He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. If you are diligent in seeking first the Kingdom of God , then everything else will be added unto you. All that you are believing for, all God’s blessings, all God’s goodness will be brought to you.
Living a life of faith is living in the NOW. Now is the time to take God at His Word and believe He is working everything out for your good. Do you believe He is at work NOW? He is bringing promotion to you on your job, health to you in your body, restoration in relationships, and prosperity in your finances! He takes pleasure in the prosperity of His children! God is a God of faith, and He loves to bless us with everything that is good!
Stand strong, declaring that Victory is yours! You are an overcommer by the Spirit, the Blood and the Word! God has plans to prosper you, and lead you every step of the way. What ever looks impossible to you, is never impossible with our God. he has your miracle today! Rise to the top, and trust God to work everything out. Look away from everything else, and look to God with faith that gives substance to the things your are hoping for!
My Heartfelt Prayer: Father, I come to you in Jesus Name! I release my faith this day for those things I have been believing for. Without faith it is impossible to please you. I have faith today for the impossible, because with you all things are made possible. You are in control of everything, working it out on my behalf. Thank You for the victory, and thank you for the blessings that are overtaking me today. Amen
Dethroning Self:
For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:21
All too often we hear of and see many Christians who seemingly are interested in their own interests, talk always about themselves, where they have been, what they are doing, and what they have accomplished. It reminds me of the above scripture. It is good to take an inventory of ourselves, and listen to ourselves, as to how often we say in the course of the day,…..me, myself, and I. When we check up on ourselves, as we often should, it puts us in perspective of our own actions. We never want to find our hearts being cold, and not taking an interest in the things of Christ Jesus, the body of Christ, and those who are not yet saved. We want to be people who are considered to be amongst the interests of Christ Jesus! If we lose interest in people, we have also lost interest in the things of Christ Jesus.
When we have eyes for self only, we won’t be mindful of being devoted to increasing the Kingdom of God . The big “I” will always be on our mind. I heard someone say one time, that a man wrapped up in himself makes a very small package. There is nothing less becoming than a person wrapped up in himself, thinking of self only most of the time, and being so self centered that others aren’t thought about. That is a person seeking their own, and forgetting about the important things which are in Christ Jesus.
We need to take the “I” in us, and bend it to a “C.” That is when we become Christ centered, forget about ourselves, our problems, and begin to think of others, as Christ thinks of them. We want to be emptied of “self” and full of God.
It is wonderful to be saved from hell, and know that our names have been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. At the same time, it is also possible to be self centered and sitting on the throne of our own life. What about “me” diminishes when we surrender all, and enthrone Jesus Christ upon our hearts. We then will not be counted among those that are found seeking their own, but we will be found amongst those that are seeking that which is of Christ. Because He is our all and all, He will be on our minds continuously, and He will put other people on our minds, bringing them to our remembrance and inspiring us to intercede and pray for them. When we let God rule and reign in our lives, we then taste a whole new realm of Victory! We see others as God sees them, and we see less and less of self, and talk less and less about what we are doing, where we are going, and what we have accomplished. Self then becomes dethroned, and Jesus becomes enthroned, and our lives are lived for our wonderful Lord. We then have eyes for HIM and Him alone.
Now don’t misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with glorifying God and talking about the work He is doing in your life, and the accomplishments you have made through His grace. But that is not all one talks about. At the same time, one shows an interest in our brother’s and sister’s accomplishments, their lives, their needs, and being a good listener, as they share what God has done for them, and is still doing in their lives.
Let’s always prefer one another, speak the truth in love, and seek the interest of others in humility and love.
My Heartfelt Prayer: Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus. Forgive me when I have been self seeking, self centered, self loving, and self – exalting. Help me to dethrone self, and be Christ like, Christ centered, and Christ loving. Show me ways to bless others as you so richly and lovingly have blessed me. I Thank You for it, In Jesus Name. Amen!
Though Troubles Surround Me:
Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will bring me safely through them -Psalm 138:7
Everyone might as well face it, we are going to have troubles – that’s just all there is to it! No one wants troubles, but they seem to sneak up on us sometimes. Yes, troubles seem to be everywhere in all different degrees and phases of life. They will come, but they also will go! While we are going through trouble we can trust in our Father’s unfailing love. While we are trusting Him with our whole heart He is at work making everything that the trouble meant for our destruction, to work out for our good. When we look to Him, we can be at rest, even though the storm rages we are confident that He will bring us safely through. He is the only one that can bring us peace, as He upholds us with His right hand, causing us not to stumble or fall during those troubling times! Yes, even in the eye of the hurricane, there is peace for those who live their lives for Him.
Put your trust in Jesus today. Rest in His love, and think about His goodness as He will bring you through to safety. He has a hold on you, and He will not relax His hold, because He will never, no never leave you or forsake you, assuredly not!
My heartfelt prayer: Oh Lord, today I have your assurance that you will bring me safely through any trouble that I may encounter. Thank You for keeping me in perfect peace as I whole heartedly put my trust in you. Amen!
Satisfaction For The Day:
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14 NIV
When we go to the Word of God for satisfaction, our day won’t be spent in dissatisfaction. We will have a contentment about us that will spell peace to others around us. I recall in my earlier days when I worked in a Nursing Home caring for the elderly as a med nurse, a co-worker of mine asked me this question before we went on duty at 6 a.m. She asked,
“ What is it with you anyways that you always seem so content, full of joy and satisfied with life?” My only answer to her was, “ It is Christ in me the hope of glory…..” It was an opportunity to share Christ with her as her life was falling apart all around her. You see, when God’s unfailing love is tapped into first thing in the morning, we will have a song in our hearts, a smile on our face, and a contentment that far surpasses any problem that will want to steal our joy. Surely it will cause us to sing for joy all day long! Before you know it, others will be singing with you!
My Heartfelt Prayer: Lord, may all my days be filled with joy and singing because you satisfy me in the morning with your unfailing love. No matter what comes my way today I will not grumble and complain, and display dissatisfaction. In you I am satisfied and content.
God Is A Responder:
“Oh that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him, and He will respond to us as surely as the coming of dawn or the rain of early spring” Hosea 6:3
As I search the scriptures, I can rest in assurance that God is a “promise keeper” and He will never break His covenant with us. As surely as the sun rises in the eastern sky, and as surely as it rains in early spring,... well, surely that is forever and always, now isn’t it? Forever and always He will keep His covenant with us!
This must mean then that as surely as the sun rises every day as he has promised, then when we cry out to Him there is never a time He won’t respond to us. He won’t stop the sun from coming up in the morning, and He won’t stop it from raining in the spring, so surely He won’t stop hearing our cries when we cry out to Him for help in times of trouble.
We have that blessed assurance that when we cry out to our Father, who has loved us with His ever-loving kindness and has drawn us to Him with His everlasting love will respond to us and answer our call! As we bow down, He will lift us up! He never slumbers or sleeps, so He is on call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Now isn’t that a blessing?
My heartfelt prayer: Lord I want to know you more today than I knew you yesterday. As I abide in you, and you abide in me, you will hear me when I call and you will respond.
The Apple Of His Eye:
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings. Psalm 17:8 KJV
It has often been said in times past that a little girl is the apple of her Daddy’s eye. When a child knows they are the apple of their Daddy’s eye they will always do their best for him because they know how much their Daddy loves them.
This scripture has always been a favorite to me, and I have always held it dear to my heart. How I long to be the apple of His eye, and having the confidence that I am, then I know I can take shelter under the shadow of His wings! When we desire to live for Him and Him alone, then we desire to be the apple of His eye, and want to do everything that pleases Him, in our thought life, our words that we speak, and in everything that we do.
No matter where we have come from, no matter what we have done, He loves us and He yearns to keep us as the apple of His eye. Oh how he loves you and me, and will always hide us under the shadow of His wings, providing shelter from all adversity that may come our way. We can trust in this dwelling place of safety and take refuge there!
My Heartfelt Prayer: Abba Father, I thank you that today you keep me as the apple of your eye. You hide me under the shadow of your wings from oppression, depression and adversity. No matter what comes my way today, I am hid under the shadow of your wings, and I am not coming out!
Thank you for loving me, and making all provision in all things for me today. Amen.
