Don't be afraid of Conflict

Don't be afraid of conflict.

It is both a necessary and healthy part of life.

Without conflict, you'd never know what you needed.

Without conflict, you'd get much fewer things resolved.

Without conflict, you'd have a harder time establishing your boundaries, respecting your needs, and discovering who you are.

Conflict is healthy.

Repressing your feelings is a disaster.

Don't be afraid of conflict.

Allow it to help you get to know yourself better and - especially - allow it to show others who you are.

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Devotion: What a God!

September 28

What a God!

Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker . . . Does the clay say to the potter, "What are you making?" Does your work say, "He has no hands"? (Isaiah 45:9).

Scripture: Isaiah 45:9-13

Song: "All Praise Be to God"

As Uzziah's reign drew to a close, a tranquil interlude for the nation ended. Isaiah understood the potential political turmoil and urged the country to stand on firm theological principle. The people must affirm the sovereignty and supremacy of God. They must know God is in charge.

Before the battle of Waterloo, Napoleon said to his staff, "We will place the infantry here, the cavalry here, and the artillery here." A member of his staff spoke up, "Shouldn't we pray about this, sir?" Napoleon stood to his full stature and responded, "It is Napoleon who proposes and disposes." From that moment on, the battle of Waterloo was lost. The rain came in torrents and bogged down infantry, cavalry, and artillery.

While attempting to explain the role of president of the United States to her 4-year-old son, a mother said the president was the boss of the country. Using his newly acquired Sunday school wisdom, the little guy exclaimed, "No, Mommy, that's not true. God is the boss."

Dear God, my past, present, and future are in Your hands. All the tenses of my life are under Your sovereignty. You know where I am, and You know who I am. So, please, direct my steps today. In the name of Jesus, amen.

This devotion is from the book, 365 Devotions, brought to you by Standard Publishing. Buy 365 Devotions and other great resources at www.standardpub.com.

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Letting Go

Sometimes the Uni-verse will ask you to let go of the things you cherish most, not
to punish you, but because there is something even better for you on the horizon.

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Forgiveness

You might understand the intellectual concept of forgiveness, but you will only 
learn how to truly forgive when someone has done something that requires you to 
love them and let it go.

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Pray without ceasing

I just have to say that God is good and he is on time. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much". Just remember to PUSH and pray without ceasing; He will provide.

We have not because we ask not!

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Recipe for Peace, Joy and Victory

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

How can we have love, peace, joy, and victory in our lives? Well, God’s Word tells us to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). And when we are filled with the Spirit, we not only have love, peace, and joy, we have the beautiful qualities of patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We can be filled with the Spirit, and continue to be so by following these Scriptural instructions:

Repent: Of anything–actions, attitudes, words, bad habits–anything that might stand between you and the peace and joy of the Lord. True acknowledgment of sin and sorrow over it releases its hold over you and your life. (See James 4:8-10)

Surrender To God: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in views of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifice, holy and please to God—which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:1-2).

Ask God’s Forgiveness Whenever You Err: To keep Christ’s peace and joy, don’t ever let anything come between you and Him. (See 1 John 1:9)

Forgive: God, Yourself, Others: Ask the Lord to reveal to you if there is anyone who has ever done you ill whom you need to forgive; and with His help, forgive that person. Do this to exorcise the ghosts in your past that may rise up periodically to haunt you and hurt your life and relationships. Do this to have peace with God, yourself, and others. (See Luke 11:4, Mark 11:25-26, Ephesians 4:32.)

Trust In The Lord In Everything:
Be anxious about nothing (Philippians 4:4-8).
Begin Your Day By Rejoicing In The Lord praising and thanking Him (Psalm 34:1). Enjoy life to the fullest! Report to the Lord for duty each morning, willing to serve Him however He may wish, in whatever He may want to do through you, in ministering to others, in being His light to your world.
Whenever Something Gets You Down, Praise The Lord (even and especially when you don’t feel like it). This will lift you out of the dungeon of despair (Acts 16:25-26). It worked for Paul and Silas; and it works for me every time!

Control Your Thoughts: Bring every thought into obedience to Christ (1 Corinthians 10:5). Be on guard against our enemy Satan and his devious devices. Study Ephesians 4:26-5:11, Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Peter 5:8.

Serve The Lord: He has given you a gift or gifts–and talents–with which to serve Him, His people, and others for His glory. Seek His guidance.

Read: Psalms 23, 34, 37, 51; Matthew 5 to 7; John 14 to 17; Romans 6, 7, 8, and 12; Galatians 5; Book of Ephesians; Philippians 4–until you fully understand what it is to die to self and walk in
the Spirit.

Memorize: Psalms 23 and 34; Proverbs 3:5-8; Isaiah 26:3; Matthew 6:9-15, 31-33; Luke 10:17; John 10:27-28; Romans 5:8, 6:11; 8:18, 28; 10:9-13; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 10:13, 31; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, 12:9-10; Galatians 2:20, 4:7, 6:2; Ephesians 2:8-10, 4:32, 6:10-18; Philippians 1:6, 3:13-14, 4:4-8, 11, 13; Colossians 3:2-3; 2 Timothy 1:7, 12; Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 John 1:9, 4:4, 18-21.

Lord, give me your incredible joy, peace, and victory! Amen


Questions: We’re only human. How can we consistently have Christ’s joy, peace, and victory? How can we find time to do all the things we need to do to have Christ’s joy and peace?

Life Declarations

Life Declarations

1. This Year I’m Going Higher, Seeing Clearer and Hearing Better Both In My
Personal Life and In My Walk with God.

Revelation 4:1 After These Things I Looked, and Behold, A Door Standing Open In
Heaven. And The First Voice Which I Heard Was Like A Trumpet Speaking With
Me, Saying, “Come Up Here, And I Will Show You Things Which Must Take Place
After This.”

Read: Matthew 13:16-18

2. I Am Anointed To Bring Forth...... No Matter What.

Genesis 9:7 And As For You, Be Fruitful And Multiply; Bring Forth Abundantly In
The Earth And Multiply In It.”

Read: Matthew 1:20-21

3. Since The Enemy Could Not Stop Me From Conceiving, Could Not
Convince Me To Abort And Could Not Prevent Me From Bringing Forth, This
Year I Declare That In My Life: The Devil Is A Liar.

1 Peter 5:8: Be Sober, Be Vigilant; Because Your Adversary The Devil Walks About
Like A Roaring Lion, Seeking Whom He May Devour.

Read: Revelation 12:1-4

4. I Am Allowing God To Place Me In Proper Alignment, Plant Me In My
Divine Assignment And Position Me For Kingdom Advancement.

Psalm 1:3 He Shall Be Like A Tree Planted By The Rivers Of Water, That Brings
Forth Its Fruit In Its Season, Whose Leaf Also Shall Not Wither; And Whatever He
Does Shall Prosper.

Jeremiah 17:8 For He Shall Be Like A Tree Planted By The Waters, Which
Spreads Out Its Roots By The River, And Will Not Fear When Heat Comes; But Its
Leaf Will Be Green, And Will Not Be Anxious In The Year Of Drought, Nor Will
Cease From Yielding Fruit.

2 Samuel 7:10 Moreover I Will Appoint A Place For My People Israel, And Will
Plant Them, That They May Dwell In A Place Of Their Own And Move No More;
Nor Shall The Sons Of Wickedness Oppress Them Anymore, As Previously,

5. This Year I Will Not Measure My Possibilities Only According To What I See In Myself But According To What I See In God For Myself.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But As It Is Written: “Eye Has Not Seen, Nor Ear Heard, Nor
Have Entered Into The Heart Of Man The Things Which God Has Prepared For
Those Who Love Him

Read: Jeremiah 33:2-3
Read: Jeremiah 1:10-12

6. I Am Willing To Stretch And Be Stretched In And Thru My Prayer Life
And My Study Of The Word Of God.

Hebrews 4:12 For The Word Of God Is Living And Powerful, And Sharper Than
Any Two-Edged Sword, Piercing Even To The Division Of Soul And Spirit, And Of
Joints And Marrow, And Is A Discerner Of The Thoughts And Intents Of The Heart.

Deuteronomy 17:19 And It Shall Be With Him, And He Shall Read It All The Days
Of His Life, That He May Learn To Fear The Lord His God And Be Careful To
Observe All The Words Of This Law And These Statutes,

7. Since My Future Is As Bright As The Promises Of God, This Year I
Am Determined To Fight For My Future.

1 Samuel 30:8 So David Inquired Of The Lord, Saying, “Shall I Pursue This Troop?
Shall I Overtake Them?” And He Answered Him, “Pursue, For You Shall Surely
Overtake Them And Without Fail Recover All.”

Jeremiah 29:11 For I Know The Thoughts That I Think Toward You, Says The
Lord, Thoughts Of Peace And Not Of Evil, To Give You A Future And A Hope.

8. While I Understand That The Devil Has A Deliberate, Willful Plan Against My Life To Steal My Dream, Kill My Potential And Destroy My Destiny, This Year I
Will Expose The Enemy For Who He Is In My Life.

John 10:10 The Thief Does Not Come Except To Steal, And To Kill, And To
Destroy. I Have Come That They May Have Life, And That They May Have It More
Abundantly.

Revelation 2:9 “I Know Your Works, Tribulation, And Poverty (But You Are Rich);
And I Know The Blasphemy Of Those Who Say They Are Jews And Are Not, But
Are A Synagogue Of Satan.

Read: 2 Corinthians 2:10-12

9. Since I Accept That He Who Does Nothing Should Expect Nothing, Then This
Year I Shall Attempt Great Things For God And Expect Great Things From
God.

Deuteronomy 15:10 You Shall Surely Give To Him, And Your Heart Should Not Be
Grieved When You Give To Him, Because For This Thing The Lord Your God Will
Bless You In All Your Works And In All To Which You Put Your Hand.

Deuteronomy 10:21 He Is Your Praise, And He Is Your God, Who Has Done For
You These Great And Awesome Things Which Your Eyes Have Seen.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever Your Hand Finds To Do, Do It With Your Might; For
There Is No Work Or Device Or Knowledge Or Wisdom In The Grave Where You
Are Going.

10. I Am Stepping Out Of The Boat And Walking On The Water.
This Year, I Am Going After Greater Glory.

Haggai 2:9 ‘The Glory Of This Latter Temple Shall Be Greater Than The Former,’
Says The Lord Of Hosts. ‘And In This Place I Will Give Peace,’ Says The Lord Of
Hosts.”

2 Corinthians 3:1 But We All, With Unveiled Face, Beholding As In A Mirror The
Glory Of The Lord, Are Being Transformed Into The Same Image From Glory To
Glory, Just As By The Spirit Of The Lord.

Read: Matthew 14:28-30

Two Wolves

Two Wolves
Author Unknown

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson abouta battle that goes on inside 
people. He said, "My son, The battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, Inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope,
serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence,
empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute
and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

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Spiritual Pickpockets

"Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up” (1 Peter 5:8-9a, The Message).

Ever been mugged? I hope not. Praise the Lord, I haven’t. Hmmm…or have I?

What exactly does “mug” mean? The dictionary defines it as to assault, menace or threaten a person with the intent to rob. In the Old Testament, God told His people not to consort with those enemies surrounding them (you know, all the -ites – the Amalekites, the Canaanites, the Amorites, and the others) because of their unholy ways. God separated His people to keep them holy. He knew that, if they mingled with the -ites, their holiness would be stolen.

As insatiable suitors, enemy -ites always prowl around in the back alleys of temptation, lurking under the shroud of seduction. Just waiting to jump out and mug us! Peter warns us of The Enemy -ite, “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up.” (1 Peter 5:8-9a Message)

What did the disciple John say was the enemy’s purpose? “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.” (John 10:10 TLB)

So, what areas of our lives does the enemy target? Our:
* joy
* peace
* health
* comfort
* finances
* holiness?

What are those sticky-fingered muggers, those spiritual pickpockets, that the enemy uses to assault us, menace us, and rob us?

How about doubt, worry, unbelief, strife, unforgiveness, bitterness, cheating, stealing, depression, murmuring, jealousy/envy, complaining, rebellion, hypocrisy, bitterness, lying, lust, pride, judging, gossip, addictions, marital affairs, porn, other impure thoughts, negative attitude, speaking against others, busy schedules, or anything else that grieves the Holy Spirit?

Any one of these -ites can be hazardous to the health of our bodies and our spirits. Guarding our hearts is so vital, in all we see, hear, and do.

So, what are the -ites, the petty thieves that entice you, desiring to invade your heart’s home and snatch away your treasures? Does their wooing prompt you to pack your bag of temptation, sneak out the window of your room of separation, climb down the ladder of immorality, and run off with these vendors of swill?

Unless a “No Solicitors” sign is posted, a heart that does not fully pursue God will be enticed by outsiders selling their wares and will run off with any swindler. Remember, where you are on Saturday night represents who and what you say you are on Sunday morning! What you do and who you are with will either draw you toward God or draw you away from Him.

Let me encourage you to hang onto what you have gained spiritually. Guard those treasures with all your might and all your faith, as Solomon said, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT).

Question: What picks your spiritual pockets?

Heal Your Land - Part 1

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 

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A Renewed Journey

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Today I embark upon a new journey that will take me to greater destinations. Happiness is no longer distant but it starts right now. I manifest. Everything that is promised to me, is coming to pass.

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Why Worry?

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Everyone worries, but do we need to? In this powerful passage, Jesus uses illustrations from nature to answer this question. Have you ever seen birds store food in barns? Or have you seen lilies work to clothe themselves? If you have, it may be time to worry, because this shows that God no longer cares about his creation. But the good news is, you haven’t seen lilies struggle to dress themselves or watched birds plant, harvest, and stockpile food. And if God cares for them, how much more will he provide for us?

It’s easy to let useless worries and “what ifs” consume our thoughts and crowd out our confidence in God as provider. But Jesus says, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Jesus tells us to place our focus on eternal things rather than temporal needs.

So why worry? God is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. He knows our needs, and we can trust Him to provide. That frees us to think about building his kingdom rather than fretting about concerns. Let’s allow the worry-free birds and flowers to remind us of God’s constant provision.

Lord Jesus, remove my worries and keep me focused on your kingdom and your righteousness. You know my needs and will provide. Thank you. Amen.

Questions: Give some illustrations from the Bible where God talks about the fact that we need not worry. What is generally the result of worry?

Facts about Fruit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."(Galatians 5:22-23) (NIV)

-by Rick Warren

One of my fondest memories of growing up is my father's garden. It seemed my dad grew everything in his garden. In fact, he always grew enough to feed the entire neighborhood. Whenever people would stop by our home for a visit, they'd usually leave with a sack full of fresh vegetables and luscious fruit.

The kind of fruit my father grew is just one kind of fruit – natural fruit. There is also biological fruit, the offspring of animals and the children of people.

Then there is spiritual fruit, and that's what God is talking about in Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (NIV)

The question is: How do we develop these character qualities? Obviously, God doesn't just zap us one day and suddenly these qualities materialize in our lives. He uses a process that involves a partnership with us and also the time to grow.

It requires partnership. The apostle Paul describes this partnership in Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV), where he says "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling," but then he also says, "for it is God who works in you …."

It's important to note that Paul doesn't say, "Work for your salvation." The Bible clearly teaches we don't have to work for our salvation. It is a free gift of God's grace.

In a sense, Paul is talking about a spiritual workout, just like when you physically work out to develop or tone muscles. We're to make the most of what we've been given. God provides the power for our spiritual growth, but we must flip the switch.

It requires time. It takes time for fruit to ripen, and in the same way, there's no such thing as instant spiritual maturity. When you try to rush fruit, it doesn't taste as good. If you've ever eaten tomatoes that have been artificially ripened to speed up the process, then you know there's no comparing them to the wonderful taste of naturally, vine-ripened tomatoes. It takes time for fruit to ripen, and it takes time for spiritual fruit to ripen in your life.

You can begin by telling God right now that you want to be a productive, fruitful disciple, one who cooperates with his plan.

Ask God to use his Word to change the way you think. Invite the Holy Spirit to have free rein in your life. Don't hold anything back. Ask God to help you respond to difficult people and unpleasant situations just as Jesus would. God wants to produce the fruit of the Spirit in your life, so partner with God on your spiritual growth and watch what develops over time.

Question: How can you make time, either personally on your own or with your church, to work with God in growing spiritual fruit?

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Life Transitions

"Life is a good teacher and a good friend. Things are always in transition, if we
could only realize it. To stay with that shakiness - to stay with a broken heart,
with a rumbling stomach, with the feeling of hopelessness and wanting to get revenge
- that is the path of true awakening. Sticking with that uncertainty, getting the
knack of relaxing in the midst of chaos, learning not to panic - this is the spiritual
path."
- Pema Chodron

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Going Through Changes

One thing that I have noticed lately is 'change'. A change in environment, a change in direction, a change in attitude, a change in priorities, and a change in tolerance. Change can indeed be an uncomfortable thing; however it is needed to bring out the best in each person.

Change reminds us that to come out refined you have to go through the fire.

**I am grateful for my present because now is where I live and now is where I love. I rejoice in every moment that God has given me, and I take great delight in all the changes life brings. God made life a never ending journey of change and growth. Don’t fear it. Embrace it, rejoice in it, and be grateful for it. It is all beautiful. It all can work for greater happiness, love, and goodness if we let it. Life’s changes never stop but neither does life’s joy.**

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Darkness before the Dawn
Written by Helen Lescheid
June 2, 2010

In the Bible a new day begins with evening. In the creation account in Genesis we read: “and there was evening and there was morning, one day.”

When God wants to take us into a new day (a new experience), he begins with darkness. He leads us into a period of confusion, pain and disappointment. Take, for example, Joseph. God had told him he would be ruling one day. Instead, we find him in an Egyptian prison wrongly accused. Forgotten by family and friends and even by the cupbearer whom he had helped. Where was God in all this? He was preparing Joseph for his “new day” experience. In God’s perfect plan and timing, Joseph did reign over Egypt. God’s promise was realized.

Can you relate to this process? I can.

Since my teens, I’ve had a deep desire to reach others with God’s message of hope and salvation. I wanted to be a good Christian – a good testimony.

Instead, God led me through a dark, confusing time when it seemed that I was losing everything I valued – even my credibility as a Christian.

Still, in the midst of it all, I had a deep knowledge that God was in it. “This suffering is measured,” I seemed to hear him saying. “It has meaning not just for you, but for others as well.”

Now looking back, I can honestly say, “It was the best thing that happened to me.” Because of this night-time experience, I can now connect to people in a more compassionate way. The pat answers are gone. In no time at all, people want to share their hearts with me. Christian and non-Christian alike. Love and empathy fills my heart for them – I want to hear what they have to say, I want to know them because I truly care.

Perhaps, you’re going through a night-time experience right now. Be encouraged. It will end and you will experience the excitement of “a new day” when your deepest longings will be realized.

Lord, I want to have courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience for the small ones; and when I have accomplished my daily task, I want to go to sleep in peace, knowing that you are awake.

Question: What are some examples of people who experienced periods of darkness in their lives yet through the grace of God were able to not just make it through, but excel? What can we learn from their experiences?

Better through Criticism

"The trouble with most of us is that we'd rather be ruined by praise than saved 
by criticism."

- Norman Vincent Peale

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Set Your Value

If you really do put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price.

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My Heart, My Passion

Absence does make the heart grow fonder and it creates a greater appreciation for the shared times and memories. Maturity is hidden in the essence of time and after all this time my fondness and passion is still there for you.

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Silence and Trust

God is waiting in the silence
For a heart that He can fill;
He must find it cleansed and empty,
With a spirit calm and still. —Smith

True trust in God stays strong even when He is silent.

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Today's Quote

"You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage - pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically - to say 'no' to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger 'yes' burning inside. The enemy of the 'best' is often the 'good.'"

- Stephen Covey

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If you believe it, speak it!

After challenging work assignments, early morning rising and unpleasant attitudes, you can now focus on relaxing your body and mind.  

For some, this week will challenge your walk with the Lord.  For others, this week will be a breeze.  

Have you ever found yourself praying for God to perform a miraculous deed in your life?  With everything going against you, the hand of God was needed immediately.  

Have you ever sat in your car trying to prevent interacting with certain people? You really was not in the mood to be bothered by gossiping co-workers or nosy church members.  

Have you ever asked God to strengthen your body during long and exhausting tasks?  Do you believe in the things you pray for?  Do you really believe God can?

My friend, If You Believe It, Speak It!  Often times we ask God to do something awesome in our lives, but we never walk out what we asked the Lord to do.  The Bible declares in Job 22:28 - Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.  

If I speak (out of my mouth) the word of God and not waver against it, God will do it according to His will.  

The challenge is not God's abilities, but our faith to speak it and walk it out.  

No matter how difficult the situation appears, no matter how deadly the report, no matter how crazy it sounds, If You Believe It, Speak It!    The Bible declares in Proverbs 18:21 -Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.  

You have the power to believe in the Lord.  God will do what He promised He would.

My brother, my sister, what are you faced with today?  Has the trial become hard to handle?  Are you frustrated beyond control?  Have you asked the Lord to help you?  Do you believe He will step in?  

The Bible declares in Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.  

If You Believe It, Speak It!   

Whether it is chaos on your job, confusion in your home, attacks against your body, scandal against your character or hurt in your heart, if you speak the word of God against your attacker, that situation has to move. 

The Bible declares in Mark 11:23 - For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  

Scripture Reading for Today: Romans 4:17

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Overcoming the Grasshopper Mentality

Focus Text

(Mark 9:23 GW) Jesus said to him, "As far as possibilities go,
everything is possible for the person who believes."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. God has no limits - there is nothing He cannot do.

2. God desires to overcome our limits with His limitless ability.

3. What we believe determines what we are available to receive (unbelief stifles God).

4. We limit what our limitless God can do for us when we fail to believe He can or will.

5. As we expand our capacity to believe we release God to freely operate in our lives

A good example of this is found in Numbers 13. 12 spies went into the land. Two believed they could take it and 10 did not. When Caleb said, "Let's go... I knowwe can do it!" The other men replied, "We can'tattack those people;
they're way stronger than we are." If this was all they said it would have been
bad enough, but they went on to spread scary rumors among the people, saying, "...everybody we saw was huge.. giants... alongside them we felt like grasshoppers. And they looked down on us as if we were grasshoppers"
(see Numbers 13:30-33).

Let's seek to glean a few golden nuggets that apply to our lives today:

1. Believing God will often put you in the minority:

Many Christians today are so accustomed to participating in "religious activity" without any real manifestation of God that they criticize those that have the audacity to literally believe God and His Word. Those who believe they can receive and do what the Bible says they can receive and do are often labeled as fanatics, even within the Christian community. So just know up front that if you are ready to expand your capacity to believe God and to expect the blessing of God to flow in your life that you will be in the minority.

In spite of the fact that 10 out of 12 were against them, Joshua and Caleb did not doubt. Even when the rumors spread and millions doubted God, Joshua and Caleb remained in faith. What was the result? Millions died in the wilderness without ever possessing the promise of God for them. Joshua and Caleb were the only two of
that generation to receive that promise. Are you ready to believe even when it is
unpopular?

2. Doubting God leads to fear:

Doubt is the precursor of fear. Once you doubt God for one moment you
open the door to fear in your life. Faith moves God, fear moves satan. Faith is
having confidence in God and His Word. Fear is having confidence in satan and his word. God said the land was theirs, but they doubted when they saw the obstacle they had to overcome to receive the promise (the inhabitants).

Once doubt was present, fear crept right in. Successful Christians doubt their doubts and have faith in their faith.

3. Fear messes with your mind:

Faith will cause you to look at a giant and say, like Caleb, "Let's go... I know we can do it!" On the other hand, fear will cause you to look at the same giant and say, "we felt like grasshoppers." Even worse, they went on to imagine
that the giants saw them as grasshoppers as well.

If you are going to receive God's blessing and do great things for God in His kingdom you must overcome the grasshopper mentality. The grasshopper mentality looks at obstacles and looses heart. The giant-killer mentality (also remember David and Goliath) looks obstacles and sees an opportunity for God to manifest His glory.

4. Doubt and fear are the fruit, but unbelief is the root:

When you operate in doubt and allow fear to overtake you it is simply because you do
not believe God. If you believed God and believed the Bible, then you would not believe the thoughts of doubt,fear, and failure.

There are constants thoughts running through your mind; thoughts from God, satan, and
you. You must sift your thoughts through the filter of faith - the Word of God - so you can know which thoughts to receive and which ones to reject (2nd Corinthians 10:3-5).

Confession for Today:

Father, I believe You and Your Word. No matter how many people doubt You, I refuse to be one of them. I walk in faith and not fear. I walk in trust and not doubt. I sift my thoughts through the filter of faith. I am a giant-killer in Your
kingdom. I overcome every hindrance, every obstacle, and every attack. I am a believer and not a doubter.

I feed my faith and starve my doubts. I overcome the grasshopper mentality
and I maximize my purpose and potential in YOU! In Jesus' name. Amen!

Remembering Dorothy Height

I'm taking a moment to honor Dorothy Height who passed this morning. She was a wise, knowledgable, and instrumental individual that was a leading voice in the Civil Rights of African Americans as well as the citizens of the United States. Truly a life well lived and job well done.

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WASHINGTON — Dorothy Height, the leading female voice of the 1960s civil rights movement and a participant in historic marches with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others, died Tuesday. She was 98.

Height, whose activism on behalf of women and minorities dated to the New Deal, led the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years. She continued actively speaking out into her 90s, often getting rousing ovations at events around Washington, where she was immediately recognized by the bright, colorful hats she almost always wore.

She died at Howard University Hospital, where she had been in serious condition for weeks.

In a statement, President Barack Obama called her "the godmother of the civil rights movement" and a hero to Americans.

"Dr. Height devoted her life to those struggling for equality ... and served as the only woman at the highest level of the Civil Rights Movement — witnessing every march and milestone along the way," Obama said.

It was the second death of a major civil rights figure in less than a week. Benjamin L. Hooks, the former longtime head of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, died Thursday in Memphis at 85.

As a teenager, Height marched in New York's Times Square shouting, "Stop the lynching." In the 1950s and 1960s, she was the leading woman helping King and other activists orchestrate the civil rights movement, often reminding the men heading the movement not to underestimate their women counterparts.

One of Height's sayings was, "If the time is not ripe, we have to ripen the time." She liked to quote 19th century abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who said that the three effective ways to fight for justice are to "agitate, agitate, agitate."

Height was on the platform at the Lincoln Memorial, sitting only a few feet from King, when he gave his famous "I have a dream" speech at the March on Washington in 1963.

"He spoke longer than he was supposed to speak," Height recalled in a 1997 Associated Press interview. But after he was done, it was clear King's speech would echo for generations, she said, "because it gripped everybody."

She lamented that the feeling of unity created by the 1963 march had faded, and that the civil rights movement of the 1990s was on the defensive and many black families were still not economically secure.

"We have come a long way, but too many people are not better off," she said. "This is my life's work. It is NOT a job."

When Obama won the presidential election in November 2008, Height told Washington TV station WTTG that she was overwhelmed with emotion.

"People ask me, did I ever dream it would happen, and I said, `If you didn't have the dream, you couldn't have worked on it," she said.

Height became president of the National Council of Negro Women in 1957 and held the post until 1997, when she was 85. She remained chairman of the group.

She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 from President Bill Clinton.

To celebrate Height's 90th birthday in March 2002, friends and supporters raised $5 million to enable her organization to pay off the mortgage on its Washington headquarters. The donors included Oprah Winfrey and Don King.

Height was born in Richmond, Va., and the family moved to the Pittsburgh area when she was four. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees from New York University and did postgraduate work at Columbia University and the New York School of Social Work. (She had been turned away by Barnard College because it already had its quota of two black women.)

In 1937, while she was working at the Harlem YWCA, Height met famed educator Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder of the National Council of Negro Women, and first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who had come to speak at a meeting of Bethune's organization. Height eventually rose to leadership roles in both the council and the YWCA.

The late activist C. DeLores Tucker once called Height an icon to all African-American women.

"I call Rosa Parks the mother of the civil rights movement," Tucker said in 1997. "Dorothy Height is the queen."

10 Foods That Can Affect Your Mental Health

Is food getting you down? Quick. What's the first thing you grab in the morning to ease the throbbing of a hangover? Most likely, it's something with lots of sugar and fat. But what if we told you those high-carb, high-sugar foods you choose can put you in a stank mood? And in worst-case scenarios, lead to depression.

A recent British and French study examining the connection between what we eat and our overall mental health found that people who eat more processed foods are at a higher risk for depression, while those who eat whole foods are at a lower risk and generally have more energy. If your mental health is as important to you as your physical health, check out our list of five foods to that get you down and five that get you "up".



5 Unhealthy Foods

Potato Chips and French Fries
Not only are fries and potato chips high in calories, they also pack a punch when it comes to saturated fats and sodium, which has been linked to high-blood pressure. Saturated fats are difficult for the body to digest, putting you in an unpleasant food coma, aka, the "itis."

Burgers
The average fast-food burger weighs in at between 500-900 calories. That's almost half of the daily-recommended calories. This all-American staple is also filled with saturated fats and trans-fatty acids, which increase the levels of cholesterol, thus putting you at a higher risk for heart disease. All those carbs raise your blood sugar level and leave you feeling lethargic.

Soda
The average 12oz soda can has about 10 teaspoons of sugar and, and on average, about 40 milligram of caffeine, nearly as much as a cup of coffee. Although the sugar gives you a momentary high, it also raises the insulin levels in your blood. But studies show that consuming too much sugar eventually lowers the body's ability to naturally produce endorphins, which has been linked to depression.

Hot dogs
Processed meats are generally an unhealthy choice because of high levels of fat and sodium. They're also full of nitrates (a food preservative) which when encountered with the amino acids in our bodies, can produce a cancer-causing chemical called nitrosamine. Nitrates have also been linked to migraines and tension headaches.

Cookies
Not only will the sugar in cookies give you the best momentary "high" it's also a fast track to the "crash and burn" effect. Too often a sugar rush leaves us feeling groggy and craving for more. It becomes a cycle.


Foods that get you "up"

Almonds
Besides giving you energy, almonds are said to arouse passion in females. They're packed with vitamin E, a natural sex hormone stimulant, and magnesium, which helps the body convert sugar into energy.

Avocado
In ancient Mayan culture, avocados were thought to have health benefits and aphrodisiac qualities. They're said to be one of the healthiest fruits on the planet, containing 25 essential nutrients like Vitamin E, folic acid, copper and iron. Their high fiber content is great for your digestive system.

Bananas
With their phallic shape it's no coincidence that bananas are thought to be an aphrodisiac. Potassium is a natural diuretic and energy booster that helps muscles contract, which can cause stronger orgasms.

Chocolate
Quietly, cocoa is the boss of sexual mood enhancers. It contains chemicals called phenylethylamine, a stimulant that encourages a sense of excitement conducive to getting aroused.

Garlic
Never mind the stink, this all-around healthy food helps the body release allicin, a chemical that increases blood flow to all the right places. Garlic also contains inulin, a fiber that keeps you feeling full and gives you energy.

Read more:
http://www.essence.com/lifestyle/health/foods_and_moods.php#ixzz0lZO3sG2a

Memo From God

MEMO FROM GOD:

Effective immediately please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. I know, I already gave you the 10 Commandments. Keep them. But follow these guidelines, also.

1. QUIT WORRYING - Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST - Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list, put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.

3. TRUST ME - Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials with the kids. Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE - Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME - I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH - I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE - You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT - I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND - Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF - As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget that! With all My heart I love YOU!

GOD

Ask God - Trust God - Expect His Blessings

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Positive Steps in a New Direction - Purpose

Live Life on Purpose

Everyone struggles at some time in their life to find meaning. Right now, accept that you already have a purpose--living intentionally.

Wake up each day determined to take advantage of all the opportunities this particular day has to offer.

The night before, make a list of things you want to accomplish the next day, and from the moment you wake up, face them head on. Include work items, family things, and leave room for spontaneity…time to be "silly."

Whatever You Do, Be Steadfast!

So often in our lives, we experience testing times.
Sometimes life can place you in a position of discomfort.

The things you grew accustom to are no longer accepted. You are now forced to decide how you will live.

My friend, Whatever You Do, Be Steadfast! The Bible declares in 1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

The more you live, the more you understand that everyone will not remain steadfast. The fear of rejection causes many people to reject their faith.

Your life is not a mistake. No matter how you were brought into this world, it was not a mistake. Where you are in your life is not a mistake.

To say it is a mistake, is to say God has lost control (we all know that is untrue). Where you are in your life can be used as a testimony of God’s goodness. Many people are watching to see if you will hold on and believe.

My brother, my sister, Whatever You Do, Be Steadfast!

There are many who have walked away from the body of Christ. There are many who have rejected the Word of God. If you can testify about the faithfulness of God, you must be willing to do just that. The Bible declares in Revelation 12:11 - And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; …Your testimony can be the one thing that keeps someone from falling apart.

No it is not easy. Yes there are challenges everywhere you turn. But my friend, Whatever You Do, Be Steadfast! At your lowest point(s) in life, God remained faithful toward you (Lamentations 3:23). He never walked away from any opportunity to help you.

The Bible declares in Hebrews 3:14 - For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. Hold on and see the salvation of the Lord.

Question to Ponder: If everyone walked away, would you?

Scripture Reading for the Day: 2 Peter 3:17

At Your Weakest Point, God Is At His Strongest!

Have you ever found yourself backed up against the wall? Somewhere along the line you lost control. Have you ever had weak moments in your life? Times when you did not want to leave the comfort of your home? You thought everything would go away if you stayed in bed all day? Have you ever cried until you could not cry anymore? Have you ever screamed until there was no more sound coming out? Have you ever prayed yourself to sleep at night? Have you ever spent all day worrying about tomorrow? Have you been there? Are you there now?

My friend, At Your Weakest Point, God Is At His Strongest! When you can no longer think of something or someone to count on, it is then that God can manifest Himself. As long as you think you have the answer, God will stand back. When you finally submit and surrender to the All-knowing, All-powerful God, He can show Himself strong. The Bible declares in 2 Corinthians 12:9 - And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness … In your life, there’s nothing too hard for God to handle. What seems impossible to you, is possible to God (Luke 1:37). At Your Weakest Point, God Is At His Strongest!

While it may be true, you know a lot of people, there will come a time in your life when your networking and contacts will not help. A time when money cannot buy an answer. A time when you must trust in the power of God.

My brother, my sister, At Your Weakest Point, God Is At His Strongest! The Bible declares in Matthew 11:29-30 - Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

Dear friend, what are you faced with today? Where do you find yourself feeling weak? Are you tired of being tired? Are you in need of relief? You must understand the strength of God.

Many forget God created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Since He created all that we know, He is able to handle it all. Nothing can occur in our lives, that God finds difficult. Since He created all things, that makes Him stronger than everything. At Your Weakest Point, God Is At His Strongest!

Thought To Remember: If you focus on God’s strength, you can overcome your weaknesses.

Scripture Reading for the Day: Nehemiah 8:10

Progress

We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress
means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in
that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most
progressive.

     -- C. S. Lewis

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When we experience faithlessness

Even when I'm faithless, HE is faithful. Days might be rough, but the steps of a good man are ordered and he will honor you and your seed. He is not only with me, but he dwells inside of me.

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Be the Answer

You can't depend on some expert or guru to provide you with the answer you seek. Instead of looking for the answer outside yourself, choose to be the answer by the way you think and act. 

You are the world's most knowledgeable expert on your own life. Put some of that expertise to good use. Certainly others can give you advice, suggestions, inspiration and expanded perspective. Yet it is up to you to choose what is best for your own unique situation.

The most valuable course of action is not to be found by plugging yourself into someone else's formula. The success you will achieve is the success you work to define on your own terms. Speak with your own voice, think with your own mind, and act according to your own vision. 

The expert advice that will be most beneficial is the control you exercise over the choices you make. 

Live in such a way as to be the solution to the problems you face and the answer to the questions you ponder. And be the fulfilled, successful person you are destined to be.

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Uplifting Thought: Choose to Live For, Rather than Against

Choose to live for, rather than against. Focus on what you love and not on any kind of hate.


Practice genuine, cleansing forgiveness, and let the burden of resentment fall softly away. Remind yourself that worry accomplishes nothing worthwhile, and give your awareness to more productive pursuits.


Put your energy into building what is creative, valuable and empowering. And you won't have to constantly fight against what is destructive and draining.


Concern yourself more with accepting responsibility than with assigning blame. Let the possibilities inspire you more than the obstacles discourage you.


You have so very much to live for. Look at each twist and turn in the road with a grateful heart, and you'll find real treasure in every direction.


Live your days on the positive side of life, in tune with your most treasured values. And in each moment you'll have much to live for.

Lesson's Learned from The Celebrity Apprentice (Seasons 1 & 2)

I must admit that I love both 'The Apprentice' and 'The Celebrity Apprentice'. I would love to be on the show myself. I respect Donald Trump's decision making and I value his Lesson's Learned. Here are a few:

Lesson one: Always focus on the goal. Two seasons ago, Gene Simmons and his team were assigned a task that they could only win if they raised more money than the competition. So Gene pulled out his address book and started calling his wealthy friends to ask them for checks. He didn't worry about designing beautiful posters or making his teammates happy. He identified the goal and he nailed it. It was a revolutionary moment in Celebrity Apprentice history that taught us that singular focus is a key to success. The lesson? Do what you are asked to do first. If you get sidetracked, you won't succeed.

Lesson two: Don't hang back. Over the first two Celebrity seasons, we have seen many contenders -- like Brande Roderick and Jennie Finch -- who waited to step into leadership roles. Some of these hold-back contestants seemed to think that if they never took on leadership roles, they could never be fired for a failure. It's a strategy that might work until the middle point of your career, but no farther. If you want to reach the top, you need to claim leadership roles.

Lesson three: Don't be unsteady. Jesse James and Clint Black seemed like reliable, hardworking guys. But then they suddenly became angry, threatening, and unsteady. They lost the trust of the other contestants -- as well as the trust of Donald Trump -- and they were quickly gone. So the lesson is, people can only count on you if you are a reliable presence, not a loose cannon. To succeed, you need support.

Lesson four: Treat serious business with a serious attitude. Herschel Walker is a great example. He always bore down, identified problems, and worked hard. Compare him to Tom Green, who was more concerned with getting a laugh than with winning. The lesson? Clowns might earn a living, but they work for other people.

Lesson five: Have a great work ethic. Two seasons ago, country music star Trace Adkins set aside his ego and did whatever was asked of him -- including playing errand boy for The Backstreet Boys. Nothing was beneath him. Even though he did not win the season, his great attitude won the respect of Donald Trump and all the other celebrities. He is still remembered as one of the strongest contestants in Celebrity Apprentice history.

Lesson six: Share credit, like Piers Morgan, Marilu Henner, and other good leaders. People who let other people look good get ahead, while people who shoulder into the spotlight come out looking petty and mean. So when you score a success in your career, be sure to spread the credit around.

Lesson seven: Clean up your act. Dennis Rodman's drinking got him fired from the show. And Khloe Kardashian's onetime DUI arrest did the same for her. The lesson? Addictive behaviors can knock you off the path to success. If you have problem in this area, seek help before you damage yourself and others.

Lesson eight: Don't expect everything to be orderly and logical in your professional life. Last season, Joan Rivers won after breaking many rules of business behavior. She let family loyalty cloud her judgment. She attacked Annie Duke on a very personal level, calling her "Hitler." She walked off the job, then she came back. You aren't supposed to do things like that and succeed, yet Joan won the season anyway. So the lesson is, unpredictable things happen in business. Learn to deal with them. If you want to succeed, you have to learn to adapt and adjust.

7 Modern Sins

The 7 modern sins: politics without principles, pleasures without conscience, wealth without work, knowledge without
character, industry without morality, science without humanity,worship without sacrifice.

     -- Canon Frederic Donaldson


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Know Your Path and Know Yourself!

"The Law of Attraction, Power of Positive Thinking and Intention are all extremely powerful tools to help you attract and manifest your highest potential. 

However, they are all secondary to intuition. 

Unless you are walking on the path that your soul knows it must walk on none of these tools will work properly for you.

If you're living a fear based life and believe that your dreams aren't real, then the Law of Attraction will give you unrealized dreams, the Power of Positive thinking and Intention will turn into hopeless wishing because you're taking action based on fear. 

Once you cross over and say "Yes!" to what you soul knows it should be doing, only then will these tools be of any use to you! We are not five sensory beings; we have 6 senses, intuition being the sixth and most important sense. 

Once you learn to trust and take action only on your own guidance the world will bow at your feet."

- Mastin Kipp, founder of TDL.

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10 Habits of Highly Organized People

1. Walk away from bargains
Just because you can buy a cashmere sweater for $20 or three bottles of ketchup for the price of one doesn't mean you should. "Ask, 'Do I have something similar?' and 'Where am I going to store it?' before making a purchase," advises New York City professional organizer Julie Morgenstern, author of Shed Your Stuff, Change Your Life.

2. Make peace with imperfection
Efficient people give "A-level effort" to the most important projects (say, work assignments or a kitchen redesign), and for the rest they do just enough to get the job done, says Renae Reinardy, PsyD, a psychologist who specializes in hoarding disorders. Maybe you give yourself permission to bring store-bought cookies to a school bake sale or donate a bag of stuff—unsorted!—to Goodwill. "Trying to do every task perfectly is the easiest way to get bogged down," says Reinardy.

3. Never label anything "miscellaneous"
You put a bunch of things into a file or box and write this catchall across the front. "But within a week you've forgotten what's in there," says Morgenstern. Instead, sort items into specific groups—"electric bills," "lightbulbs," and so on.

4. Schedule regular decluttering sessions
Rather than wait until an industrious mood strikes (we all know where that leads), have a decluttering routine in place—whether it's spending 15 minutes sorting mail after work or tackling a new project every Sunday afternoon.

5. Stick with what works
"I have clients who will try every line of makeup, every cell phone—it's exhausting," says Dorothy Breininger, president of the Delphi Center for Organization. Don't waste time (and money) obsessively seeking out the best thing.


6. Create a dump zone
Find a space to corral all the stuff that you don't have time to put away the moment you step in the door, says Breininger. Once you're ready to get organized, you won't have to hunt all over the house for the dry cleaning or your child's field trip permission slip.

7. Ask for help
"The organized person is willing to expose herself to short-term embarrassment and call for backup," says Breininger. Which is to say, that elaborate four-course dinner you planned? Change it to a potluck.

8. Separate emotions from possessions
It's healthy to be attached to certain items—a vase you picked up in Paris, your grandmother's pearls. But holey concert tees or cheap, scuffed earrings your husband gave you years ago? Just let them go.

9. Foresee (and avoid) problems
You wouldn't leave the house on a gray day without an umbrella, right? People who appear to sail through life unruffled apply this thinking to every scenario, says Breininger. Have a cabinet packed with leaning towers of Tupperware? Organized folks will take a few minutes to short-circuit an avalanche before it happens. (In other words, rearranging that cupboard now is easier than chasing after wayward lids as they scatter underneath the fridge.)

10. Know where to donate
It's easier to part with belongings if they're going to a good home. Identify a neighbor's son who fits into your child's outgrown clothes, or choose a favorite charity. "It will save you from searching for the perfect recipient every time you need to unload something," says Morgenstern.

The Secret to Health

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.

Yoke Check!

Jesus said, "for My yoke is easy, and My load is light." [Matthew 11:30] when you start feeling undue pressure on you - a burden too heavy to carry, you might want to do a "yoke check."

See if you may have picked up a yoke that looked holy and seemed right to your natural mind, but unknowingly had been placed in your path by someone in a religious outer shell....an angel of light sent to put you on an unholy tread- mill and cause you to veer off the path God has chosen for you.

When God says move..you move!

It's a wonderful day to be a child of God.  Have you ever stayed in a position too long?  Your entire body became numb.  Have you ever heard God tell you to do something but you did not?  You decided to do what you wanted to do.  Have you ever went against God's will and later experienced hell on earth?  You knew it was wrong but you did it anyway.  So often in our lives, we pray for the Will of God to be manifested in our lives.  We ask the Lord to have His way with and through us.  It sounds wonderful when you utter those words, "Lord I surrender all!"  Many times our mouth speaks what our heart does not desire; and many times our heart desires something that our mouth does not declare.  Have you ever been there?  Are you there now?

 

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you.  What has the Lord told you to do?  Are you attempting to ignore the call of God for your life?  My friend, When God Say Move … You Move!  Have you ever known someone who attempts to bargain with the Lord.  They try to make deals with God.  Are you this person?  In your life, have you heard the voice of God speak directly to you and/or your situation?  Is God telling you to make a move?  Are you in order?  The Bibledeclares in Isaiah 55:8 - For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD.  God formed and ordained you for a purpose.  Sometimes we become comfortable in one position too long.  Our body and mind stops functioning properly.  The Bible declares inEcclesiastes 3:1 - To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  What has the Lord said to you?  Where does God want you?  Are you on the right side to receive?

 

My brother, my sister, When God Say Move … You Move!  You must understand, delayed obedience is still disobedience.  When God spoke, you heard Him.  Since you heard Him, you are now held accountable for your actions.  The Bible declares in Hebrews 3:15 - While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.  When God Say Move … You Move!  Many times, we move before God says move and we later regret our decisions.  We become anxious until we get ahead of God's plan.  The Bible declares in Philippians 4:6 - Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  What are you waiting for?  Who are you waiting on?  The friend you desire to take with you, may not be the person Godwants to go with you.  Understand, the move of God does not depend upon your position in church, your years of membership or your many degrees.  When God chooses you, He chooses the one He can use for His glory.  

Thought to Remember:When God Say Move … You Move!

 

Scripture Reading for the Day: Psalms 119:11

 

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

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Thought of the Day - 3/2

Happiness keeps you sweet
Trials keep you strong
and Sorrows keep you human
Failures keep you humble
Sucess keeps you glowing
But only God keeps you going!

Don't tell God how big the storm is...
Tell the storm how big God is!

First Is Not Always Best

by Bishop Eddie Long

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 10:28–31

Key Verse: Mark 10:31

Many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Sometimes you wrestle with the problem that you were not “first” to tackle a particular task in the kingdom. Do not, because that is not a bad thing. The people who are “first” often get there by cheating. Some of them did not have enough faith to step into what God ordained. Many did not have enough faith to cut unwholesome but profitable relationships, or to give up things that they loved too much. Their baggage kept them from moving into what God ordained.

Prayer:

Father, I have worried and wept over my “place” in Your kingdom in days gone by. Today, I choose to rejoice that You know my name, no matter where I stand in the line of faith. I trust the words and leadership of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and I am content to be the last in line as long as it is His line. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Harvest Principle

Harvest Principle: Give generously
by Rick Warren

Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. "There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?" John 6:8-9 (NLT)
Whenever you have a need, acknowledge your faith by planting a seed. In other words, take your focus off your need and look at ways you can provide for the needs of others, planting a seed in their lives.

This isn't easy; it goes against our nature; it's totally illogical. If I'm out of money, I'm probably going to think, 'I can't give away any money?' Or, if I'm out of time, I'm probably going to think, 'Why should I spend more time on something else?' Or, if I don't have any energy in a relationship, I'm probably going to think, 'How can I give more energy away?'

Yet, God says this is exactly what demonstrates faith: when you have a need, you plant a seed.

You can see this principle imbedded in our blood. When you give away blood, you get more blood. You don't end up with less blood; you end up with as much blood or more than you had before.

God often works through this harvest principle, that when you have a need, you give -and what you give away, God replenishes. Faith is like a seed, so it has to be planted - deposited.

Remember the story of the little boy who had five loaves and two fish? He gives them away, and God uses it to feed 5,000 people. Jesus takes what the boy gives; He breaks it; He blesses it; and He uses it.

That's what God does in our lives. He takes us; He breaks us; He blesses us; and He uses us. He multiplied a little into a lot because it was planted as a seed.

I Prayed

"I prayed for change, so I changed my mind.

I prayed for guidance and learned to trust myself.

I prayed for happiness and realized I am not my ego.

I prayed for peace and learned to accept others unconditionally.

I prayed for abundance and realized my doubt kept it out.

I prayed for wealth and realized it is my health.

I prayed for a miracle and realized I am the miracle.

I prayed for a soul mate and realized I am the One.

I prayed for love and realized it's always knocking, but I have to let it in."

- Mastin Kipp, founder of TDL.

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Life Will Always Present a Test

Have you ever found yourself under attack?  Have you ever felt as though everyone wanted you to fail?  No matter how much love you sow toward others, it often seems as though you reap hell from them.  Have you ever experienced that?  Are you currently experiencing that?  Do you find yourself having to bite your tongue more often?  Do you have co-workers and neighbors who love to stir up strife in the office or community?  Are you surrounded by double-minded people?  Their attitudes change like the weather.

Life will always present test.  Each day offers a different test than the day before.  You find yourself on the defense at the job, in the home, at the church, in the community, in the classroom.  People are always trying to get you to denounce the name of Christ.  My friend, Be Not Ashamed Of Christ!  The Bible declares in Mark 8:38 - Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.  We are charged to represent Christ wherever we go.  Even when times become difficult to handle, we must still display a Christ-like attitude.  Be Not Ashamed Of Christ!  Many of your friends, who are not Believers, are searching for the truth.  There is a hunger within them.  If you begin to waver in your faith, they will turn in another direction.

My brother, my sister, the Bible declares inRomans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Never allow your current situation make you conform to it.  Through a renewed mind, you can bring about a change.  Be Not Ashamed Of Christ!  When you are on your job, you do not have to tell everyone you are a Believer.  Through your attitude and actions, the glow of the Holy Spirit will radiate the atmosphere.  When you attempt to cover up who God is in your life, you are telling Christ that you are ashamed of Him.  The Bible declares in Joshua 24:15 - And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Thought to Remember: Christ is not ashamed of you, so never be ashamed of Him.

Scripture Reading for the Day: Psalms 25:2

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee

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