Jesus is the Reason

Isaiah 9:6
New Living Translation


6 For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com



In your effort to show loved ones how much you love them, don't forget Jesus is the reason for this season. He left His place in Heaven seated next to the Father so that He could give you a more abundant life.

This is also a time of year when many are depressed for a number of reasons. They are grieving because they lost a loved one, they don't have enough money to buy expensive gifts, or they have no family or friends. Remember this, Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

If you don't know Him, I invite you to meet this wonderful Savior
Romans 10:9-10
New American Standard Bible

9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

Just Be B.A.D.


Psalm 91:3
Amplified Bible

3For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.


B.A.D. -- While shopping at a local Wal-Mart, a woman spotted a man with an acronym on his shirt that had B.A.D.

Being the person that she was (curious), she stopped the man and asked, "What does B.A.D. stand for?"

He replied B.A.D. stands for: "Blessed And Delivered". That thought stuck with her as she finished doing her shopping that day. So she came up with a little advice for us today.

1. When the enemy tries to attack you, be B.A.D.

2. When things don't seem to be going right on your job, be B.A.D.

3. When things are not looking good in your marriage, be B.A.D.

4. When folks scandalize your name , just be B.A.D.

Get with somebody who you know that you can be B.A.D. with!!!

May God Bless You And Have A B.A.D. Day! Any person that can kneel before God can stand before anything .

Now send this to the people who you know don't mind being B. A. D.


Aren't you glad you're B. A. D. ?!!

Are You Ready for Bigger Things?

Bishop E. Earl Jenkins

"You...enlarged me when I was in distress." Psalm 4:1 AMP

Did you know that the hermit crab looks for a shell that fits him, then lives in it till he outgrows it? At that point he has to scurry along the ocean floor and find a bigger one; it's a process that repeats itself throughout his entire life. Are you clinging to something that no longer fits you, just because it's easy and familiar? David said, "You...freed me when I was hemmed in and enlarged me when I was in distress." To develop and grow spiritually you must be willing to move out of your comfort zone and deal with a little 'distress.'

What worked for you yesterday may not work today. Maybe it's a job you've outgrown, a relationship you need to reexamine or a behavior you need to change. Regardless of what it is, never become so 'settled' that you can't let go and move on when you need to.

Patience and persistence are admirable, but they won't work in situations you've outgrown. Instead of hanging in and trying harder, at certain points you have to stop and ask yourself, "Is this situation good for me?" If you're not sure, ask God for "an understanding mind [to]...know the difference between...right and...wrong" (1Ki 3:9 TLB). His Word says, "If you need wisdom...ask [him], and he will [gladly] give it to you" (Jas 1:5 NLT).

When God says it's time to move on, it's because there's another shell out there that will fit you even better. But you can't take occupancy till you vacate the old one. So how about it - are you ready for bigger things?

Time to Reap What Was Sown


Galatians 6:7-9
Holman Christian Standard Bible

7 Don't be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, 8 because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up.

2 Corinthians 9:6
New International Version

6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

You are about to enter a season when you will reap what you've sown. The seeds that you have planted are about to bloom. You have sown a seed through tithes and offering, you are about to reap because you did it joyfully. You have sown seeds through prayer and fasting.Marvel at the greatness of an awesome God as you see the manifestation of those seeds. You have sown seeds of praise and worship, watch as God shows Himself strong for you. Don't get tired now. You are entering into a season of harvest.

On the other hand, if you have sown seeds of complaining, fear and doubt...you have delayed your promise. God is not mocked. You will reap what you've sown. If you have held back your finances, prayer, fasting, praise, and worship, you will continue to be in the state you are in.

Today is turn around day. You have sown your seeds in good ground and are about to reap. If you have sown your seeds in ground that is not fertile. You can turn it around and begin sowing in good ground.

God Bless

God is in Control

Unknown

This was sent to me and made me stop and think. I know this as you do, but sometimes we need a little reminder.

God Has It Under Control!
Don't get worked up...
God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up. Matthew 6:34 TM

Fear is just a 'grown-up version' of worry! If you let one in, the other comes with it. Stop and take inventory of the things you worried about last year, or even last week, how many came to pass?

And how many did you change by worrying? And did worrying make them better or worse? And what about the physical and emotional toll it's taking on you? And what does your worrying say to those who kno w you're a follower of Christ?

And when are you going to face up to the fact that you worry so much - and do something about it? "What can I do?" you ask.

You'll only stop worrying about tomorrow, when you learn to place it in the hands of the One who holds all our tomorrows. Listen: "Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you" ( Psalm 37:5 NLT).

By committing each day to the Lord, you're trusting Him to go before you and work things out in your favor. It's amazing what you accomplish when you live trusting God a-day-at-a-time.

When you go through difficulties you discover things about God (and yourself) you never knew before; things that make you stronger, wiser and more compassionate.

Here's an idea - instead of worrying, attack your anxieties with the promises of God. Go ahead, bring your fears into His presence and watch them shrivel: "It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life" God is in Control

Pray without ceasing, God hears what you say, From the moment you rise, to the close of the day, Don't think for a moment, that He turns a deaf ear, Trust and have faith, and you'll never know fear.

Santificaion Through Suffering

Brent Barnett

There is a serious misconception that is becoming increasingly widely held within evangelical circles which teaches that, as believers, we have the right on this earth to have freedom from sickness, financial struggle, and, in fact, struggle and suffering of almost any kind and any nature. This position and line of thinking is so contrary to the full counsel of Scripture that I can only marvel at how and why followers of Christ would believe it. Yet they do, having been deceived. It is true that in Christ we have every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3) and the privilege of being seated at the right hand of God (Ephesians 2:6). In Christ, we are healed…spiritually, from the greatest sickness of all, sin and the wages thereof, namely death (see 1 Peter 2:24). Though it is true Christ healed many, many people during His earthly ministry, it is also true that this was not the main thrust of His kingdom message. His message was to repent for the kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 3:2). It wasn’t that man no longer has to worry about being poor or sick; rather, Jesus’ message was that, though in this life we will have trial and tribulation, we ought not to fear, worry, or lose hope because He has overcome this world (see John 16:33). A true kingdom focus accepts that life on this earth is imperfect because the world is fallen (Romans 3:23, 8:22, Genesis 3:17), and such a mindset looks forward to the hope that is yet to come. The problem with much of the teaching of today is that it is extremely focused on what God can do for me in this life rather than what I should be doing for God in light of the life to come. Temporary blessing which comes to be defined as health, wealth, and prosperity comes to replace true spiritual blessing of holiness, freedom from sin, and the privilege of storing up treasure in heaven. This life is so short when compared to eternity, and eternity, not what rust and moths can destroy (Matthew 6:19-20), ought to be our single focus and driving hope (see 1 Peter 1:13).

The Biblical writers had no problem understanding that suffering was normal in this life. Jesus had said that His followers would be persecuted for righteousness’ sake (Mark 13:13). In fact, persecution itself is to be considered a blessing because it is an honor to suffer for the name of Christ (Matthew 5:10). Paul spoke in 1 Corinthians 4 of this present suffering being relatively insignificant when compared to eternity to come (see 1 Corinthians 4:16-18). He suffered greatly, being beaten, shipwrecked, stuck out in the cold, stoned, imprisoned, and eventually beheaded for Christ’s sake (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). This man knew suffering. Even when he had the privilege of experiencing profound heavenly visions (2 Corinthians 12:1-6), God ordained and allowed a minister of Satan to torment and buffet him. God knew that Paul needed this to keep him humble so that he would not exalt himself (2 Corinthians 12:7). So we see that suffering is both normal in the life of the believer, and it has potential refining and sanctifying qualities. Therefore, let us not suppose that suffering in this life is merely something due to a Christian lacking faith, but let us come to understand and believe that God has a plan and purpose in ordaining suffering for us in this life.

The great part is that He doesn’t leave us in the dark as to what some of His purposes might be. James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Scripture does not say if we encounter trials but when. Trials will happen. Jesus experienced them, even having to die unjustly for our eternal blessing. Paul experienced them, the disciples experienced them, and we also will experience them. Why are we surprised? Peter tells his brothers and sisters whom he loves in 1 Peter 4:12, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you." We ought not to be surprised at difficulties and suffering in our lives. When it happens, we can be sure that God knows what is going on, that He is sovereign over our circumstances, and that He will cause all things to work for our good (Romans 8:28). But suffering will happen, and it is in suffering that we must learn, as Paul did, that God’s grace is sufficient and that His strength is perfected when we are weak (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Suffering is not a sign of weakness; rather, it helps us to see our weakness. It is only when we come to see, believe, accept, and embrace that we are helpless and weak apart from Christ that Christ can truly fill us, use us, and make us strong in His name for His kingdom purposes. It is suffering that produces character, endurance, and hope. Romans 5:3-5 says, "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." If we want to be happy, we must not think that money, health, or earthly prosperity will bring it. It is the love of God alone that can meet our deepest longings and needs such that, even when we are in the midst of great trial, we can still have joy. Trials are not evil, pain is not necessarily bad, and suffering can be for our good. In fact, those who suffer have a great opportunity by faith to be refined unto the likeness of Christ as their weaknesses and impurities come to the surface so that the Refiner can purify their souls. Furthermore, as we see God continue to provide and strengthen us to do His will even under great duress, our faith grows such that we are able to keep believing and keep obeying even better than before.

So let us fix our eyes entirely on eternity, our spiritual blessings in Christ, and the great rewards that are to come. Suffering has its place and purpose here so that we look forward to eternity and live in light of eternal priorities now. My prayer is that where necessary, God would allow suffering into our lives so that we can be refined to His glory. It is a tough prayer, but it is a safe prayer because God is good, faithful, and true. Lord, we are Yours; make us more like Jesus, whatever it takes. Amen.

God Thinks You're Wonderful




Isaiah 49:16
New American Standard Bible

16"Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me.

It may be difficult for you to believe that God knows your name...but He does. Your name is written in His hands. It is spoken by His mouth and whispered by His lips. You have captured the heart of God and He cannot bear to be without you. He is always thinking about you. He is concerned about everything that concerns you.

You are not a face in the crowd. You are not a forgotten child. When the wind blows, He is whispering, " I love you". No matter what anyone has said to you or about you, God thinks you're wonderful.

Holding Patterns

David Langerfeld

Revelation 2:25
New International Version


25Only hold on to what you have until I come.

Many times, God will allow a painful situation or a painful circumstance in our life to "swallow us up." This season in our spiritual growth is a holding pattern. We can't move to the left or the right. All we can do is sit, like Jonah sat in the belly of that great fish, so God can have our undivided attention and speak to us.

God put Jonah in a holding pattern because He needed to speak to his heart. Jonah was all alone. There were no friends to call, no colleagues to drop by, no books to read, no food to eat, no interferences, and no interruptions. He had plenty of time to sit, think, meditate, and pray.

When we're deep down in the midst of a difficult situation, God can talk to us. When He has our undivided attention, He can show us things about ourselves that we might not otherwise have seen.


A few of God's holding patterns...

1. When you are sick in your physical body and you have prayed, but you're not yet healed, you are in a holding pattern.

2. When you are having problems with your children and you have put them on the altar, but God has not delivered them yet, you are in a holding pattern.

3. When you have been praying for a loved one to return to God, and they have not come back yet, you are in a holding pattern.

4. When you are in a broken relationship and you have given it over to God, but it has not been restored yet, you are in a holding pattern.

5. When the doors slam shut before you can even knock on them, you are in a holding pattern.


When we are deep in the belly of a difficult situation, there are no interruptions. God has our undivided attention. All we can do is sit, think, meditate, and pray. Like Jonah, we cannot run from God, because there are no mountains that are high enough, valleys that are low enough, rivers that are wide enough, rooms that are dark enough, or places that are hidden from Him.

We must remember to praise Him while we're waiting, and remember three things:
1. The pattern has a purpose.
2. The pattern has a plan.
3. The pattern has a process.

So stop struggling and start listening, praying and trusting. He'll keep you right where you are until you can clearly hear Him say, "I love you."

"Father, forgive my unbelief. I know you love me and I will come to see the benefit of everything in my life, even this holding pattern, and the manifestation of my Good is assured through You. You have planned nothing for me but victories and I am ready to receive them regardless of how difficult the path."

Do Not Accept a Counterfeit


Romans 4:20-21
New American Standard Bible

20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,

21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

What God has promised, He will perform. Don't give up on the promises that God made. The devil will come along with something that looks like the real thing. Don't be mislead. It is not the real promise. It is a counterfeit. The devil can imitate but never duplicate. The devil will make promises that he cannot and will not keep.

Make up in your mind today, that you cannot and will not accept a substitute. You cannot and will not be denied of what rightfully belongs to you. Do not waver in unbelief but grow strong in faith. Give God glory while you wait. The devil has set up a smoke screen but stay on track. You are so close to the fulfillment of the promise. You are on the verge of a blessing, a miracle, a breakthrough. So, the devil has sent or will send a counterfeit. How do you determine if it is a counterfeit? 1.Try the spirit by the spirit. 2.Does it line up with the Word of God? 3. Finally, do you get a witness in your spirit?

God Bless