Have you ever been in a place where you have no words? A time where you know the presence of Jesus is so strong with you, that you are in awe? You can not describe to others what it feels like, unless they have been in that place.
To know that it is your season. To know He is guiding you and ordering your steps. You see the manifestation of what He has promised you in your life. You have no words, yet you are so full of joy and peace. You have no words, yet you have so many that you want to express to God. You have no words, so you just break out in worship. Truth is, you do not need any words, because God knows your thoughts. He know the overwhelming joy that you have, He gave it to you. He know the peace you have because he gave it to you. So, although you have no words, God knows exactly what you are saying. Be blessed!!
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Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 KJV The first sermon I wrote, after being called by God, was Fear Not. Surprisingly, when it was time to preach my initial sermon, He gave me a completely different sermon. God knows what is best.. He knew that one day someone would need to be reminded to Fear Not, and today is that day. Read the scripture again, replacing "thee" with "your name". Read it again. I want you to feel the peace and confidence, in God, to do just what He said He would do. He is with you! He will strengthen you! He will help you! He will hold you in his right hand of righteousness! Fear NOT!! We are blessed to bless others. I often hear people complain about the beggar on the street. I have heard people say they don't tithe because the Pastor has a brand new car, among other things. I probably use to be one of those people.
But God! As God was dealing with me years ago, where it relates to tithing, I realized it is not about who/where I pay my tithes; it's about my relationship with Him. Do I trust God? Do I know He is Jehovah Jireh? Is it my money? I do not remember when it was exactly, but I started tithing, and I haven't looked back, even when, my money is funny... Then when I thought that was all I had to do, He sprung some new stuff on me. I would be standing in a store, and would clearly know I was to pay for a stranger groceries. I would be driving down the street, and would be led to pick up a walker (led by the Holy Spirit). And when I say He blessed me for my obedience. I am not talking financially blessed, I'm saying He blesses me with peace, joy, and abundantly He gives. Are you struggling with tithing? Are you finding it difficult to bless others, rather with money/time/talents? Look at it like this, you are blessing God when you bless others. It is not about them or you, but all about Him! Give freely and it will be given to you freely!! ***** Announcement******** Today is the last day to get my 2nd book FREE!! http://bit.ly/toniemapson is the link, please take advantage of this offer, be blessed!!! I looked up the definition of contentment and found happiness and satisfaction. My personal definition is a little more than happiness and satisfaction. My definition of contentment is peace and trust in God, not me. A peace and trust in all circumstances, because all circumstances will not always look or feel good. I have learned to be content in all things. I believe I shared with you last week, not only do I meditate on scripture but I often find myself repeating, I trust you, Jesus.
I started living what I consider my own minimalist lifestyle. To be a minimalist you must live with less than 100 things, I have not gotten there, yet. But I have learned that my peace and trust come from God and not things. I realized in the process that I have also saved finances. It is definitely a process. I might make it to 100 and I may not, what I like about the concept is you realize what is important, for me my relationship with God, serving God, is my priority. Here is a question for you to ponder, what does contentment mean for you? Have an awesome week!! **************Announcement*************** Please download my 2nd book, "Daily Prayer" from Amazon, free!!! Enjoy!! The day of September 11, 2001 is still fresh in most minds. It is very hard to imagine our fellow citizens going through such a tragedy. It was a time where we came together, not as black, white, or Hispanic but as people. Funny, it did not take long to go back to business as usual, and here we are today.
So much is happening in the world. Police brutality, sex trafficking of children, senseless murders among our youth; it is so disheartening. What do we do? How do we make sense of it all? We trust God and we pray. When you are at that point, where you do not think you can take it anymore, tell God about it. Lay it at His feet. Even the things that are happening in your community, church, and job; tell it to Him. Do not carry the burden alone. I know it sounds cliche' but I promise you, He will give you peace and in some circumstances understanding. Tell Him all about how you are feeling. **********Announcement************* You can get my kindle book "Daily Prayer" for a limited time free!!!!!! Go to http://bit.ly/toniemapson!! Enjoy There is a term "straddling the fence", that I would hear from time to time. I did not know what it was, at first. When I began to "straddle the fence", I recognized what it meant.
What a place to be in.... So today, I'm just going to say "stop straddling the fence". I have been there, done that, can write a book about it. When I made the decision to choose life and not death, it was the best decision I ever made. I am not judging you, that is not my place. I am sharing with you that it is possible to live a life completely sold out for Jesus. I only wish I had made the decision sooner. There is a ministry inside of you, God wants to use you completely. I know the excuses, you going to church, you pray most times, you read scriptures sometimes, and you treat most people okay; so you know you in a good place. But wouldn't it be great to be in an even better place? Serving God completely, reaping the benefits of a life pleasing to God, is His desire for you. Stop straddling.... whatever/whomever you are holding on to, is it more important than serving God? The choice is yours..... I have been struggling with random thoughts for awhile now. Normally, after I catch myself in my thoughts, I will recite scripture. The thoughts can be really crazy at times, where I think I'm losing my mind. I recognize the thoughts as distractions and part of spiritual warfare, so I make it a point to dress myself daily with the armor, especially the helmet of salvation. Anybody read the Battlefield of the Mind?
Today, I am praying for others like me, who are experiencing the battle of our mind. Today I read in my devotion time to just repeat, I trust you, Jesus. So today, when the thoughts come, I will repeat those very words, will you try to do the same? Lord, today we come before you, giving you all honor and glory. Thank you for revealing the distractions of our thoughts and giving us the power to overcome. Today, we will tighten our helmet of salvation. Today, we will guard our eyes and ears, careful of what we take in around us. We recognize the thoughts are not of you, because they try to make us fearful, and you have not given us the spirit of fear! Thank you today for victory over the distractions of our thoughts. Thank you that we can stand on your Word this day!! I trust you, Jesus!! Amen. Amen. Amen. Yesterday, I decided to take my child out for his birthday. Honestly, I was low on funds, so I had decided to charge the meal and pay for it later.
I asked my son where he wanted to go, and naturally, he wanted to go to a nice place. I was not concerned about the price anymore because I had made up my mind to charge the meal. So we are seated at the restaurant and there is a lady present, reading a book. I spoke and sat down. I wanted to ask her what she was reading, but she looked liked she did not want to be bothered. It was really bothering me that I could not talk to her, I love talking to people!!! My son and I talked about his birthday, his new experience at the restaurant, and various other topics. We got through the dinner without talking with our companion. The checks came and you know what....... She pulled out cash money, laid it on top of my check and said, "happy birthday". I could have cried!! I was shouting on the inside. After that, she explained, she did not have much to say because she was tired, had just arrived back in Atlanta, and just wanted to relax. We talked about our children, schools, and other topics right before leaving. I did not mention to her just how much she blessed me, but I thanked her!! I hope she reads this post today, because she was truly my angel last night. Thank you God!!! God sent me an angel last night and I'm very grateful!! Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2, KJV You are waiting on a word from the Lord. He told me to drop by and tell you, He is already speaking!!
He said when he opened your eyes this morning, he was telling you, He loves you and you have work to do. He said when you placed your feet on the floor this morning, he was telling you, He is with you and guiding your steps. When you went in the kitchen and fixed your breakfast, he was telling you He is providing for you. When you put your clothes on this morning, he was telling you, He got you covered in His righteousness. He speaks to you everyday, are you listening? As you go about your day, listen for your word. He has been answering you, but you have not heard. He is speaking..... When you live a life pleasing to God, He will give you everything you need. Matter of fact, He will give you more than you could ever ask for or need. He truly is Jehovah Jireh, your provider.
Remember Solomon? Remember when he asked God for understanding/wisdom on how to handle the people. He did not ask for houses, land, or long life; he asked for understanding. Not only did God give him understanding, but God gave him more than he could ever think of!!! Look at God!! Today I challenge you to look to God. Trust God to be Jehovah Jireh in your life. Don't worry about how you are going to do make it, don't worry about how to fix it, don't worry about what you don't have, focus on the God that you have!!! God will give you more than enough!! He will give you more than enough peace, hope, love, joy, faith, favor, and things you do not know how to ask for. When He gives you more than enough, be sure to be a blessing to others!!! Have a terrific Tuesday!! |
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