Archives for the ‘WordstoLiveBy’ CategoryGet Back Up and Keep Going – July 2K11 WTLB
Friday, July 1st, 2011
Have you ever tripped or stumbled over something and fell; maybe in your house, on the job, somewhere out walking, or perhaps in the mall? True enough, it may have been an embarrassing moment. However, you got up, and if needed, you brushed yourself off and continued on your journey or task. The real question is how many times have you somehow fallen? For many, the answer is countless times.
According to dictionary.com, a just man is someone who is guided by truth, reason, justice and fairness. Also, synonyms or characteristics of a just man are upright, fair, honest and merited. In the song titled, “We Fall Down” by Donnie McClurkin, just men (and women) are the “we” in the song. The song goes on to tell us that it’s not too late to rise back up again. If you’ve fallen, you can get back up again without condemnation. Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned (fallen) and have come short of the glory of God. However, it is up to each individual person to ask God for forgiveness, believe that He has forgiven you, and keep going: keep fasting, keep praying, keep serving, keep trusting and keep believing. Once you have fallen, don’t allow the devil to keep you down. You must immediately pray and ask for forgiveness, forgive yourself and let God put you back in your rightful place. In other words, get back up and keep going. Humbly submitted, Sister Melissa Nibblett Am I Worthy? – June 2K11 WTLB
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
By Missionary Andrea Mabry Are there days when you feel alone and in despair, but you survive seeing the dawning of new days and wonder, why? Do you find yourself going through the motions of life, but yet not living? Do people often notice your smile and laugh, but within there is a voice crying out hoping to be heard?
“When I thought I had overcome, people or things remind me that I would always be bound by my past. My identity is labeled and this is just who I am. I am faced with challenges that are insurmountable. Over and over I try, but there seems to be no other way. My anger, though hidden with my smile, has moved from depression to resentment. Can you hear my voice within? Am I Worthy?” “I still find myself not good enough. Sometimes, I do not feel worthy to be alive, but yet I walk this earth. Tears fill my eyes and I am broken yet again. I have beaten myself mentally and there appears to be no end. Who can truly love me when I cannot love the reflection I see? Am I Worthy? AM I WORTHY?” Most definitely, You Are Worthy! God developed provisions before you were formed in your mother’s womb. God knew your gender and your name. From the moment you took your first gasp of air until now, He was mindful of you. God knew the choices you would make and the path you would follow, yet you were worthy. In spite of your circumstances, your emotions and your past or present, be reminded:For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Jesus went to Calvary to save a wretch like you and me. Why? Did you knowGod said, Behold, All souls are mine (Ezekiel 18:4a)? We belong to God and He loves us unconditionally. Are you worthy? Yes! How many times have you gone against His will? 100, 200, 500… can you actually count the times? From experience, they have been innumerable, but once you ask for forgiveness, He forgives with extended arms. The embrace of God our Father through Jesus His son is so rewarding and warm. Yes, You Are Worthy! Even though He sinned not and neither was guile found in His mouth, Jesus paid the price for the sins of mankind. He endured the humiliation and suffering and made the ultimate sacrifice for you to have the gift to eternal life. He knew the obstacles you would encounter and the falls along the way. Be reminded of this, that His grace is sufficient. Paul says inI Corinthians 12:9, 10, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. If you know Jesus, then restoration is only a whisper away. If you do not know God the Father through His son Jesus, then the greatest gift and miracle that came to this earth is right here for you. Jesus knows all about your struggles and He knows every sin committed, but He forgives, guides, loves, protects and transforms. I John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. To be free and saved, you only have to ask for forgiveness, believe in your heart that Jesus died and God raised him from the dead, and you shall be saved. From that point onward, be strong! Do not look back on your past, you are a new person in Jesus. Do not allow people or things to weigh you down and do not permit your mind to be defeated. Seek God and live according to His word. Look up and rest in the Gospel of Jesus Christ knowing, You Are Worthy! Throwing Stones – May 2K11 WTLB
Sunday, May 1st, 2011
"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the By Sis Daelena Paxton A couple of weeks ago, I was driving through the neighborhood. As I was coming downhill, I saw a woman crossing the street and motioning her hand to me. I thought to myself, “What does this woman want?” As I got closer, I realized she didn’t look too happy. I slowed down because I was approaching a stop sign. Once I stopped, Unfortunately, many people use John 7:1 as an excuse for bad behavior. Judge not, that ye be not judged. Verses 3 through 5 go on to talk about telling your brother about the mote in his eye, when there is a beam in your own eye. Okay, okay, maybe I could stand to slow down a little, but maybe that lady should take the beam out of her eye, and stop worrying about the mote in mine (lol… kidding)! To be fair, I’m sure she’s concerned about the drivers speeding through her neighborhood, especially because there is a playground nearby, where children often play. Let this be a lesson to us all. Before you judge, take a look at your actions first… instead of using "Judge not…" as an excuse. Serve – April 2K11 WTLB
Saturday, April 2nd, 2011
By Mother Doris Cassidy What does it mean to serve God? God is awesome and deserves all honor and glory. Serving God can mean to direct our time, attention and talents toward Him. Serving is a form of worship and requires preparation. SERVE GOD WITH A PERFECT HEART
David was informing his son that he must worship God with a perfect heart and serve him with a willing mind because the Lord searches all hearts and understands our motives, desires and thoughts. Nothing can be hidden from God. God demands complete devotion. You need to be completely open and dedicated to God. SERVE WITH FAITHFULNESS HEBREW 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. Faith is confident trust in God’s promises. Faith enables Christians to face trails. Genuine faith includes the commitment to stay true to God when we are under fire. We need to have faith as the three Hebrew boys. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego was thrown into the midst of the burning fiery furnace believing that God was able to deliver them. We must know that even in the fire God is with us. MATTHEW 25:21, His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou been faithful over a few things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. F= FOUND A= ANSWERS I= IN T= THE H= HOLY GHOST SERVE WITH OBEDIENCE OBEY- To carry out orders and commands. GENSIS 22:18, And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou had obeyed my voice. 1 Samuel 15:22, And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord: Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice . . . 1 HEBREW 13:17, Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your selves for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you. True obedience to God and keeping His commandments bring forth blessings. Disobedience to God and not keeping His commandment bring forth curses. In the word of God, it is written that obedience is better than sacrifice. As Christians, we must fear God, instead of being like Saul, who feared the people. To get over our fear of what people might say or do, we must take our eyes off of people and look only to God. When we can learn to obey God, then we will have no problem doing as it says in Hebrews 13:17, Obey them that have rule over you. Be obedient to your Pastor and leaders of the church. When our leaders are in line with Word of God, WHAT’S WRONG WITH OBEYING THEM? SERVE WHILE SUFFERING When we suffer, we must know that God had not abandoned us. The book of Job shows a good man suffering for no apparent reason. Job lost his possessions, his children and his health. Job never placed his hope in his experience, his wisdom, his friends or his wealth. Job’s wife told him to curse God and die, but Job continued to trust in God. Job endured and God blessed him with more than he had before. SERVE WHILE WAITING Isaiah 40:31, But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles’ they shall walk, and not faint. When you feel all of life is crushing you and you cannot go another step, remember that you can call upon God to renew your strength. SERVE BY HELPING ROMAN 12:11, Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. We must not make excuses for our laying back and doing nothing in the body of Christ. We are many members but one body. There are several auxiliaries where you can serve God. Be faithful and serve with joy and a willing mind. Serve to honor God and let Him get the glory. Seek God’s approval and not man’s. Divine Healing – March 2K11 WTLB
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
A Personal Testimony: Divine Healing
The sonogram and biopsy revealed the nature and size of the tumor and it was diagnosed as a “RT BREAST CARCINOMA.” The surgeon discussed the severity of the tumor. He then said to me, “you are supposed to be dead.” I cried beyond measure, but my faith never wavered nor did I doubt how God was going to take me through. The surgery, a lumpectomy, removed the tumor and 21 lymph nodes. All 21 of them tested negative. The operation was a complete success with no complications. Praise the Lord! I went to the hospital on a Friday morning and was released three days later on Wednesday morning. Truly God is great and His mercy endureth forever! Afterwards, I underwent chemotherapy for six months. The oncologist told me my hair would begin to fall out after the second treatment. But thanks be to God – my hair never fell out. The Lord led me to use A&D ointment on my scalp. God works with the simple things of life. Oh how I bless His name! During chemo I got nauseous once. Two months later, I received radiation treatment, five days a week for five weeks. Once again, God brought me through. He is truly a wonder and very present help in the time of trouble. I ended chemo the day of my birthday, October 30, and I truly praise God for letting me live to see another day. I have been cancer free for 12 years. My God, through His son Jesus, my savior, gets the glory and praise. I wrote this testimony to encourage anyone that is going through any ordeal physically or mentally. Always remember, God made us and can heal any part of the body that suffers any trauma. David said, I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well…oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the people (Psalm 139:14). A Device of Satan – February 2K11 WTLB
Tuesday, February 1st, 2011
By Sis Jewell Miles
Paranormal activity use to be a taboo subject that was rarely talked about in public. As seen from the many examples of paranormal television shows and movies, this has now changed. It is not uncommon to turn on the television and become mesmerized by one of these shows. 2 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV) states, Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Paranormal television shows and movies are devices used by Satan to ensnare or trap people. A trap is a trick of an enemy to take you captive and prisoner. To trap a wild animal some have used a spring like device with a lure or enticing bait to conceal the danger. Digging a big hole in the ground and covering it with branches and leaves so that the danger is not recognized is another way to set a trap. People or animals could fall into this trap if they walk across it. Whether you realize it or not, you are walking down a figurative trail in life and Satan has placed many concealed traps in your path to take you captive. Psalm 119:110 states, The wicked have set their traps for me along your path…. The traps of the enemy are many times laced with enough truth and good that it appears to be something desirable. This is a common practice of the enemy. He usually does not start with the blatant, obvious lies; he always starts with the truth and mixes in a few lies here and there. By doing this he disguises the lies and makes them harder to recognize and easier to accept. While natural traps are hidden dangers to your physical well being, spiritual traps are hidden pitfalls that are intended for your spiritual harm. Since Satan is not physically present in the world and it is not possible for him to be in physical manifestation, he uses people to set traps for other people. Satan works very hard to deceive everyone, but many times he concentrates on a select few to deceive and then he uses them to deceive others. Exodus 23:33 says, They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee [emphasis mine]. One of Satan’s most deceitful tactics is to deny his existence in the world and down play it in the local church. This strategy is the absolute opposite of God’s desire for His people. God desires for His people …to believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, as stated in Hebrews 11:6. Paranormal shows and movies allow Satan to deny his existence by desensitizing people from the realization that he actually exists. He is therefore under-estimated, ignored or denied, freeing him to go about his business unhindered, unheeded and unchecked. In any warfare, accurate intelligence information concerning the enemy’s plan of attack has always been essential to victory. This is no less true of spiritual warfare. In our warfare against Satan, it is vitally important not to be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). Neither give place to the devil – your adversary will strive to influence your mind and irritate your spirit; watch and pray that he may not get any place in you, or controlling influence over you. Perfect Peace – January 2K11 WTLB
Friday, January 14th, 2011
Oh how I longed to be in perfect peace every day of my life! Lord, how do I wake up and just have a wonderful day, all day, every day? I asked myself this question many times as my day had already begun to go wrong. The world would determine how my day would go. Sometimes, even before I got up out of bed, my mind was made up that this was not going to be a good day for me or even the people I came in contact with. We all know the old saying, "misery loves company."
O GOD, thou art my GOD; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Psalm 63:1 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3
Blessings, Aspiring Missionary Williams Christmas – December 2K10 WTLB
Monday, December 6th, 2010
How can we forget the One who made this holiday possible? Jesus gave up His heavenly abode to come to Earth and reconcile us back to the Father. The Father longs to have a relationship with us and did not hesitate to send His son to open up the means of communication with Him. Reconnecting with the Father should be our goal during this Christmas season. Remind others by wishing them a Merry Christmas instead of allowing others to change it to season’s greetings. Instill in your next generation the true meaning of Christmas. Remind them why we celebrate Christmas. Teach them the blessedness of giving and not just receiving.
Take the time to reflect on God’s goodness to you throughout the year. He has blessed you to make it through the difficulties you faced and allowed you to reach the doorstep of another year. Make room in your heart for Jesus. Do not allow Him to wander as Joseph and Mary, did trying to find a place for Jesus. There was no room at the inn, but there should be room in your heart. Appreciate the gift God has given you. As you receive gifts from others, accept the gift God has given you. It came at a great price. No amount of money could have purchased it. Salvation was the greatest gift anyone could have ever bestowed upon you. Cherish it and share it with others. It is a gift that the Father won’t mind if you re-gift it to someone else. My Christmas prayer is that God continues to uphold you and bless you during this wonderful time of the year and that the love of Jesus continues to remain in your hearts. Have a very Merry Christmas! Choosing A Friend – October 2K10 WTLB
Friday, October 1st, 2010
CHOOSING A FRIEND
God will never forsake you; just put your trust in Him and not man. There are times when man will let you down, they change like the weather; but God is the same today, tomorrow and forever more. There were times in my life when friends changed like turn coats, and started throwing darts, persecuting me. But if I love God as my friend, I must have a forgiving heart. Even If you find it hard to forgive someone who has hurt you, forgive anyway. If appropriate, tell this person you would like to heal your relationship. Many times you will discover that the right action leads to the right feeling. Romans 12:18 reminds us that, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceable with all men.” I thank God that He never changes from day to day. I learn to base my friendship on commitment to God, and not on others, because God will remain your friend to the end. I used to run to my friends with my problems. Instead of complaining to man, God wants you to confide in Him. People often complain to one another and nothing gets accomplished. Many of us are good at complaining to each other. We need to learn to take our problems to the One that can do something about them. My God can do anything, but fail; carrying your worries, stress and daily struggles by yourself shows that you have not trusted God fully with your life. Letting God have your worries is active, not passive. Don’t submit to circumstances, but to the Lord who controls circumstances. 1 Peter 5:7 says “cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.”
Our friends are so much like us that they may not have any answers we haven’t already heard. Instead, we should seek out older and wiser people to advise us. Wise people have experienced a lot in life, they are not afraid to tell the truth. Who are the wise, godly people who can warn you of the pitfalls ahead? The word of God say, He that walked with wise men shall be wise, but companion of fools shall be destroyed. Instead of talking to my associates, I learn to talk to the mother of the church or my pastor. Most of all learn to take everything to God in prayer. One thing about calling on Jesus is that the line is never busy, but your friends’ lines could be or may even be disconnected. If you chose God as your friend, your direct line is always connected. Just keep the communication open and always talk to Him about anything. CHOOSE HIM AS YOUR FRIEND TODAY!!! Never Forget – Sept 2K10 WTLB
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
Never Forget I admit I was guilty; it seemed that I had allowed myself to forget. God had picked me up out of the sin I was in and saved me from a terrible death! He blessed me yet again when He allowed me to move into a place of my own. I knew that God had done these things for me, so why did I allow present circumstances to cloud my judgment? I knew that Philippians 4:19 said, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches and glory by Christ Jesus,” but I still worried when my bank account was nearly empty. I allowed myself to forget. It is a given that during our lives we will face many trials and tribulations. It is during these trials and tribulations that we determine who we are, or who we will be in Jesus. Sometimes, if we are not careful and always prayerful, we allow doubt to creep in. Pastor said it best during an evening service when he said, “the devil has a way of putting blinders over our eyes.” The enemy only allows us to see the bad things that are happening in our lives. He wants us to be depressed, to lose sleep and to worry. He knows that if we worry, our minds and hearts are turned away from God. However, we know the truth – that because of our trials and tribulations we are drawn even closer to God. As pastor continued to speak I couldn’t help but cry. I had been going through one of those valley experiences. When pastor spoke those words, I began to praise and thank God for His abundant grace and mercy! I had to thank Him for putting me in a place where I was able to hear His voice clearly. I am sure that each and every one of us has a personal testimony. It was at that moment, as tears fell from my face, that I remembered my testimony. Above everything else, in spite of all that I had done, God was able to save my soul. Because of His love for me, He was able to forgive me! John 3:16 reads, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” I remembered that God had brought me out of many difficult situations even since that time. I reminded myself, is anything too hard for God? Psalms 56:13 reads, “For thou has delivered my soul from death: wilt thou not deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?” I got rid of my blinders that day. I will never forget what God has done for me! |
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In the spiritual realm, we fall just the same when we sin. However, it is up to us to repent of that sin (get back up) and continue on our spiritual journey. Proverbs 24:16a says for a just 
Are you the one in shadow thinking, “Oh my, what have I done? I do not feel anything, I do not know what directions to follow, so much is expected and it is just overwhelming. I have committed the unmentionable sin and am not worthy of anything. I tried to be a positive reflection of good, but am haunted by the destruction I have done to others and myself. Am I Worthy?”
I figured out that she was telling me that I needed to slow down. I know this woman wasn’t talking to me. Not her telling me to slow down (my neck is rolling at this point), while she jaywalks across the street… and they just re-painted the crosswalk markings?!? Is she crazy?
1 CHRONICLES 28:9, And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth, all the imaginations of the thoughts;…
In December of 1999 I was preparing Christmas dinner for my family and, while reaching for a bowl up in the cabinet, a sharp pain struck me on the right side of my breast. I thought maybe I was reaching to high, so I ignored the pain. Three months later the pain returned, sharp and sudden, and this time I said to myself, “I better have a mammogram done.” The image showed a large mass, the shape of a large egg. It was a scary sight. From that moment, my faith increased. I always had strong faith, but I knew this called for unwavering faith, the type Abraham displayed in the Old Testament when he told his son Isaac, “God will provide a sacrifice.” 
Paranormal television shows and movies are now on at all times of the day and can be seen on many different channels. Some of these television shows and movies include The Vampire Diaries, Ghost Hunters, Medium, Ghost Whisperer, Most Haunted, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the ever popular Twighlight Saga.
Well, one day I made up my mind to choose better company. The company I now choose to keep is the one you could introduce to everyone and never be embarrassed or wonder if they would let you down. My company is there for me no matter what time of day it is. I learned to seek His face early in the morning and JESUS now determines my day! Seek Him early and He will make your day!
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I have found Jesus to be my true friend, and I can always depend on Him to guide me. Sometimes when the road gets rough, and the storms are raging in my life, He’s stands true. Sometimes God allows us to go through storms so we truly understand who He is. It is then that we realize that He controls both the storms of nature, and the storms of the troubled heart. Jesus’ power can calm any storm, and help us deal with the problems we face. He is willing to help if we only ask Him. We should not discount His power even in terrible trials. He keeps making a way for me, and bringing me out without a doubt. In the darkest moments, He shows me there’s light at the end of the tunnel. WHAT A FRIEND I HAVE IN JESUS.
Our friends and associates affect us, sometimes profoundly. Be careful who you choose as your closest friends. When most people need advice, they go to their friends first. Friends accept them and usually agree with them, but that is why they may not be able to help with difficult problems. |
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