Many people have come to adopt the popular saying that seeing is believing. They have come to accept this as a viable way of expectation for living not realizing that this very way of thinking is actually robbing them from living fruitful lives. To say seeing is believing is literally saying that you won’t believe in what you’re waiting for until you can you see it with your own eyes. The greater problem is that while you stand around waiting to see what your waiting for to manifest, you are constantly being drained from any real hope or faith that it will ever come to pass; because your already built the mindset that you won't believe it until you see it, and as believers that mindset will zap your strength and your faith.
However, there is an abundant amount of scirptures in the word that help give hope even when we can't see yet what we are expecting. Psalms 27:13 "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living." (NASB)
As believers we have to believe that we will see God’s grace at work in our lives before it happens. So often we live defeated lives because we operate by what we see currently happening and we get stuck thinking that things will never change for our good. We allow the negative mentality of this perspective to take root in us and overshadow the faith we possess. But we must always remember that the faith we possess isn't because of the tangible things we see or understand, but because we have built a firm foundation from Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (NASB). No matter how things look now, no matter how long they've been in that state you must make knowing that God is working an absolute fact in your life.
When God gives you a vision and purpose for your life you must resolve within yourself that even though you can't see how it will work, even though you can't see the clear path and things seem dark, dreary and hopeless; that you won't merely settle for waiting to see before believing rather you will believe even when you can't see.
Be Blessed
Minister Tamara Jones
Thursday, October 3, 2013
WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING IS KEY
Unhappy with your life? Not content with the direction things are taking? Wondering why it seems you know so much, but that information isn't helping you the way you expected? Taking inventory of your life and dissatisfied with what you’re finding? Sometimes we get to a place in life where we stop to take stock of our lives only to realize we don't like what we find. Often times it’s not that we don't like what we've acquired instead the problem is we've placed too much expectation in what we've acquired.
Many people take time purchasing cars, homes, jewelry and other material possessions to fill the voids in their lives. Others attempt to fill the voids in their lives by obtaining various degrees and becoming knowledgeable in many areas to make themselves seem and feel important. While it's nothing wrong with wanting nice things nor with wanting a great education; these things cannot take precedence over the principle priority of life in having a relationship with God and getting to know Him, and ultimately yourself. Proverbs 3:13 says “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.” (NKJV)
Too often people spend time accumulating what the world deems as worthwhile assets while not spending any time investing in the only thing that counts now and in eternity; your relationship with God. Gaining wisdom means to gain insight, knowledge, discernment, and understanding by experience and through learning; however the key to wisdom is not how it's obtained but the source it's gained from. Godly wisdom is imperative for Godly living, and is the key to true happiness. When you learn of Gods great love for you through His Word and how He has made the greatest sacrifice for you, when you learn that He possesses everything you need and that there's nothing you can't accomplish with Him; when you sit at His feet you gain the wisdom of who He is in totality. Further gaining wisdom of who He is opens the door to you gaining an understanding about everything else life has to offer. You gain understanding of who you are, what you’re called to do and how to get there; that leads to not merely being happy but having joy!
Be Blessed
Min. Tamara L. Jones
Many people take time purchasing cars, homes, jewelry and other material possessions to fill the voids in their lives. Others attempt to fill the voids in their lives by obtaining various degrees and becoming knowledgeable in many areas to make themselves seem and feel important. While it's nothing wrong with wanting nice things nor with wanting a great education; these things cannot take precedence over the principle priority of life in having a relationship with God and getting to know Him, and ultimately yourself. Proverbs 3:13 says “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.” (NKJV)
Too often people spend time accumulating what the world deems as worthwhile assets while not spending any time investing in the only thing that counts now and in eternity; your relationship with God. Gaining wisdom means to gain insight, knowledge, discernment, and understanding by experience and through learning; however the key to wisdom is not how it's obtained but the source it's gained from. Godly wisdom is imperative for Godly living, and is the key to true happiness. When you learn of Gods great love for you through His Word and how He has made the greatest sacrifice for you, when you learn that He possesses everything you need and that there's nothing you can't accomplish with Him; when you sit at His feet you gain the wisdom of who He is in totality. Further gaining wisdom of who He is opens the door to you gaining an understanding about everything else life has to offer. You gain understanding of who you are, what you’re called to do and how to get there; that leads to not merely being happy but having joy!
Be Blessed
Min. Tamara L. Jones
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
OVERCOMING WHAT HAS OVERCOME YOU
Many times in life we find ourselves stuck in seasons where we are emotionally bound to negative thoughts and sinful actions that consume our time, and draw us away from God. These seasons are not intentional on our part, however when we don’t purposefully guard ourselves we wind up here nonetheless. We find ourselves in these seasons because we failed to consistently put and keep on the full Armor of God as directed in Ephesians 6, where the Apostle Paul gives us the keys to living upright and how to stand against the attacks of the enemy. The helmet of salvation is given to guard our thoughts, the breastplate of righteousness to guard our heart, and we are to gird our waist with the truth so it can guard our emotions and keep us from making unwise and ungodly decisions.
So if we have what we need, then what happens? How does the enemy get in and lead us away? Well, at one point or another we most likely failed to keep one or more components of the armor on; therefore leaving ourselves open and susceptible to all types of attacks that draw us away from God’s perfect will into bondages that we were not designed to fight or endure. We then find ourselves in unnecessary and harmful perpetual cycles of defeat and hardship, wanting a way of escape but seeing no way out. But there is so much hope nestled in the word of God in how to overcome what’s overcoming you. As children of God we can change the course of life by first acknowledging that we’ve been led astray or that we are overwhelmed with thoughts that are trying to destroy us. Secondly, if your thoughts have led you into a sinful action repent immediately and call out to God for deliverance, knowing that He will come to your aid. It says in Psalm 107:19 “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble And He saved them out of their distress” (NKJV).
Take courage in knowing that even when you fail to protect yourself from falling into bondage (physical or emotional) the fact remains; that there is nothing that you can get yourself into that God cannot get you out of! How do we know this?
1 Corinthians 10:13a says: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful!” (NKJV) — with Heather Jenkins and 4 others.
So if we have what we need, then what happens? How does the enemy get in and lead us away? Well, at one point or another we most likely failed to keep one or more components of the armor on; therefore leaving ourselves open and susceptible to all types of attacks that draw us away from God’s perfect will into bondages that we were not designed to fight or endure. We then find ourselves in unnecessary and harmful perpetual cycles of defeat and hardship, wanting a way of escape but seeing no way out. But there is so much hope nestled in the word of God in how to overcome what’s overcoming you. As children of God we can change the course of life by first acknowledging that we’ve been led astray or that we are overwhelmed with thoughts that are trying to destroy us. Secondly, if your thoughts have led you into a sinful action repent immediately and call out to God for deliverance, knowing that He will come to your aid. It says in Psalm 107:19 “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble And He saved them out of their distress” (NKJV).
Take courage in knowing that even when you fail to protect yourself from falling into bondage (physical or emotional) the fact remains; that there is nothing that you can get yourself into that God cannot get you out of! How do we know this?
1 Corinthians 10:13a says: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful!” (NKJV) — with Heather Jenkins and 4 others.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Down But NOT Out!!!
Life sure does have a way of barreling at us from a myriad of directions. Issue after Issue seems to be at our doorstep, with no seeming end in sight. We find ourselves in a “Job” position, questioning God on just why He is allowing us to go through all of this turmoil even though we’ve been faithful and obedient. We feel like surely this season is a mistake, because we have done all God has commanded us to do, and that very soon our deliverance will come.
But what do you do when your season of hardship doesn’t end when or how you expect it to? What do you do when your circumstances cause you to be bombarded by a number of emotions? How do you overcome what’s trying to overpower you?
We must first remember that we don’t have to take ownership over everything that we feel! Often times with trials come emotional traps sent by the enemy in the form of depression, frustration, fear, doubt or worry. Although these emotions may present themselves we have the power and authority to deny them, and walk in the emotions and mindsets God has given us. For the Word of God says in 2 Tim 1:7 (NKJV)” For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Just because you feel it doesn’t mean you have to live it!
Then we must take courage in knowing there is a purpose to this season! Remember that being a child of God does not exempt you from facing hard times, James 1:2-3 (NKJV) reminds us; “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience”. We are encouraged even further in 2 Corinthians 4:8-We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” As a child of God trying times will come but we are to remain joyful because they don’t come to harm; but to produce Godly characteristics in you so that God’s glory may be shown through you. Know that our Father will never allow anything for your destruction!
You may be down for a moment, but with God on your side you will NEVER be out!
But what do you do when your season of hardship doesn’t end when or how you expect it to? What do you do when your circumstances cause you to be bombarded by a number of emotions? How do you overcome what’s trying to overpower you?
We must first remember that we don’t have to take ownership over everything that we feel! Often times with trials come emotional traps sent by the enemy in the form of depression, frustration, fear, doubt or worry. Although these emotions may present themselves we have the power and authority to deny them, and walk in the emotions and mindsets God has given us. For the Word of God says in 2 Tim 1:7 (NKJV)” For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Just because you feel it doesn’t mean you have to live it!
Then we must take courage in knowing there is a purpose to this season! Remember that being a child of God does not exempt you from facing hard times, James 1:2-3 (NKJV) reminds us; “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience”. We are encouraged even further in 2 Corinthians 4:8-We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” As a child of God trying times will come but we are to remain joyful because they don’t come to harm; but to produce Godly characteristics in you so that God’s glory may be shown through you. Know that our Father will never allow anything for your destruction!
You may be down for a moment, but with God on your side you will NEVER be out!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Christian Love
Have you ever had someone tell you “I love you with the love of the Lord”! Ever walked away wondering what that really meant? Christian love is a very powerful yet misunderstood principal. Oftentimes people equate Christian love with having pleasant feelings towards another. But love is not just a set of feelings you have for someone, love is an action you DO towards others. When you place the word Christian in front of it; it literally mean’s to act in a manner towards another the way Christ would.
Scripture is littered with various acts of kindness, healing, and caring Christ exemplified to those who came in contact with him. When people met Christ they left in a better condition than they arrived, likewise when people leave our presence they should leave in a better
state. This means one must constantly observe the needs of others with godly intent; and when God gives opportunity meet those needs.
Christian love isn’t only acting good to those who are good to you. Christ said in Matthew 22:39,“And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (NKJV) When we think of the definition of“neighbor” we limit it to one who lives in close proximity, however another definition for neighbor is a fellow human. Is it possible that Christ commanded us to love ALL of those in whom His Father created? Absolutely! He even covers those who don’t act in a lovely manner to us. In Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. (NKJV)
Christ doesn’t exclude your accountability to love those who hurt you, nor does he say to just think good thoughts toward them, He states we should do good to them as well. Is this easy, No; however you can STILL exemplify Christian Love to all, no matter who they are or what they’ve done. Yes, it will be difficult; you will fight against your natural thoughts and feelings, you will have to come out of your “comfort zone”. But rest knowing the power of God’s indwelling Holy Spirit can accomplish and manifest anything in and through you, when you completely avail yourself to HIM.
Scripture is littered with various acts of kindness, healing, and caring Christ exemplified to those who came in contact with him. When people met Christ they left in a better condition than they arrived, likewise when people leave our presence they should leave in a better
state. This means one must constantly observe the needs of others with godly intent; and when God gives opportunity meet those needs.
Christian love isn’t only acting good to those who are good to you. Christ said in Matthew 22:39,“And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (NKJV) When we think of the definition of“neighbor” we limit it to one who lives in close proximity, however another definition for neighbor is a fellow human. Is it possible that Christ commanded us to love ALL of those in whom His Father created? Absolutely! He even covers those who don’t act in a lovely manner to us. In Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. (NKJV)
Christ doesn’t exclude your accountability to love those who hurt you, nor does he say to just think good thoughts toward them, He states we should do good to them as well. Is this easy, No; however you can STILL exemplify Christian Love to all, no matter who they are or what they’ve done. Yes, it will be difficult; you will fight against your natural thoughts and feelings, you will have to come out of your “comfort zone”. But rest knowing the power of God’s indwelling Holy Spirit can accomplish and manifest anything in and through you, when you completely avail yourself to HIM.
Joy in the Midst of Trials
Growing up I always loved walking around the house singing the songs I heard sung by our choir. One of these songs was “I get joy when I think about what He’s done for me”. Whenever I heard this song I would just smile, start singing, and just be full of happiness. I thought I had a full understanding of what it meant to be joyful. I thought that life would always be full of happy and joyous moments. What I didn’t realize as a child, was that there would be times when life’s circumstances would hit me like a ton of bricks, and that retaining or living in that joy would be strained.
As I grew in age, wisdom and understanding of whom God was and what was made available to me as His child; I began to understand how to identify the great things God was doing in my life and remain joyful. But I also found that real joy doesn’t only come through happy moments in life, but real joy can also be experienced in the midst of hard trials.
How is that possible? You can you experience real joy in the midst of trials when you have a true understanding of God’s purpose and plan for you, and that nothing that happens can change God’s course of action for you. The Lord assures us in His Word in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV) Talk about a reason to be joyful!!! God has a plan for your life!! That should be reassuring for every child of God that no matter what you face or go through, no matter how hard the trial; your life isn’t something that just happened. It’s all been planned by the Almighty God! If that isn’t assuring enough His Word also teaches in Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (NIV) This knowledge should produce great joy!! As we continue on this journey let’s determine to find joy in everything we go through knowing God has a plan, is in control, and that as long as we’re in His hands things will always be alright!
As I grew in age, wisdom and understanding of whom God was and what was made available to me as His child; I began to understand how to identify the great things God was doing in my life and remain joyful. But I also found that real joy doesn’t only come through happy moments in life, but real joy can also be experienced in the midst of hard trials.
How is that possible? You can you experience real joy in the midst of trials when you have a true understanding of God’s purpose and plan for you, and that nothing that happens can change God’s course of action for you. The Lord assures us in His Word in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV) Talk about a reason to be joyful!!! God has a plan for your life!! That should be reassuring for every child of God that no matter what you face or go through, no matter how hard the trial; your life isn’t something that just happened. It’s all been planned by the Almighty God! If that isn’t assuring enough His Word also teaches in Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (NIV) This knowledge should produce great joy!! As we continue on this journey let’s determine to find joy in everything we go through knowing God has a plan, is in control, and that as long as we’re in His hands things will always be alright!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Fasting
Down through the years fasting has become an undesirable, unused, and misused tool that most Christians shudder and cringe upon hearing. Seemingly, the mere thought of having to give up one’s favorite meals or snacks somehow hurts the human psyche. Food has become such a crutch for so many people instead of the source of nourishment it was ordained to be, that some people view fasting as a completely unattainable task.
Fasting is not only attainable for every believer, but it should be regularly practiced by believers as it is beneficial for one’s spiritual growth and intimacy with God. Spiritual fasting should never be used as a way to “earn” favor with God; nor should our fasting be a bargaining tool. Instead our fasting is to induce a change within us and give us the ability to be more focused on the work of God in our lives, and consecrate our hearts, minds and spirits to hear the voice of God without distractions. Having a clear understanding of the purpose and benefits of fasting will increase one’s willingness and expectation during this time of consecration.
• What is spiritual fasting? Spiritual fasting is one purposefully choosing to deny or refrain from one’s specific habitual acts of living and continually choose to await direction from God as well as drawing close to God.
• The main focus of spiritual fasting is to abstain from eating all foods and concentrate on continual prayer. It is a means of redirecting your attention from temporal (earthly) things, to God. It is also a way of demonstrating to God that you are totally dependent on him, and you have assurance that he will sustain you during this time.
Fasting is a great time of consecration as you give total submission to God, petitioning him with a certain need; you may be seeking deliverance, clarification, or direction. Fasting is not only a way to petition God for yourself, but can be done as intercessory for another or corporately as a church body. When starting out, set a realistic timeframe; start off slowly and as you grow in your experience in fasting increase your time.
Also note there are many ways to partake in a spiritual fast: there is a complete and total fast, in which you completely abstain from all foods for a certain amount of time, only consuming water. Then there is the Daniel Fast, in which you only consume fruits, vegetables, water and 100% natural juices. Your decision to fast should be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Fasting should never be done publicly for acknowledgment or accolades, but fasting should be done in a private way. Jesus spoke against this type of false act of religious demonstrations (Matthew 6:16-18)
My brother’s and my sister’s whenever you fast, however you fast, how often you fast, make sure that your purpose is pure and honorable before God, and watch the Lord bless you for your act of sacrifice, and for your desire to be closer to him.
**Scripture Ref: 1 Kings 19:7-18, Daniel 1:3-13, Esther 4:13-16, Nehemiah 1:4-2:10, Isaiah 58, Luke 2:37, Matthew 4:1-11, Acts 9:9
Be Blessed
TLJ
Fasting is not only attainable for every believer, but it should be regularly practiced by believers as it is beneficial for one’s spiritual growth and intimacy with God. Spiritual fasting should never be used as a way to “earn” favor with God; nor should our fasting be a bargaining tool. Instead our fasting is to induce a change within us and give us the ability to be more focused on the work of God in our lives, and consecrate our hearts, minds and spirits to hear the voice of God without distractions. Having a clear understanding of the purpose and benefits of fasting will increase one’s willingness and expectation during this time of consecration.
• What is spiritual fasting? Spiritual fasting is one purposefully choosing to deny or refrain from one’s specific habitual acts of living and continually choose to await direction from God as well as drawing close to God.
• The main focus of spiritual fasting is to abstain from eating all foods and concentrate on continual prayer. It is a means of redirecting your attention from temporal (earthly) things, to God. It is also a way of demonstrating to God that you are totally dependent on him, and you have assurance that he will sustain you during this time.
Fasting is a great time of consecration as you give total submission to God, petitioning him with a certain need; you may be seeking deliverance, clarification, or direction. Fasting is not only a way to petition God for yourself, but can be done as intercessory for another or corporately as a church body. When starting out, set a realistic timeframe; start off slowly and as you grow in your experience in fasting increase your time.
Also note there are many ways to partake in a spiritual fast: there is a complete and total fast, in which you completely abstain from all foods for a certain amount of time, only consuming water. Then there is the Daniel Fast, in which you only consume fruits, vegetables, water and 100% natural juices. Your decision to fast should be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Fasting should never be done publicly for acknowledgment or accolades, but fasting should be done in a private way. Jesus spoke against this type of false act of religious demonstrations (Matthew 6:16-18)
My brother’s and my sister’s whenever you fast, however you fast, how often you fast, make sure that your purpose is pure and honorable before God, and watch the Lord bless you for your act of sacrifice, and for your desire to be closer to him.
**Scripture Ref: 1 Kings 19:7-18, Daniel 1:3-13, Esther 4:13-16, Nehemiah 1:4-2:10, Isaiah 58, Luke 2:37, Matthew 4:1-11, Acts 9:9
Be Blessed
TLJ
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