Daughters Banquet 2010

Women's Ministry Coordinator, Ms. Janet BakerWe are all daughters of the King...Come on Tabby, put on your tiara...Welcome by Pastor Liz Guest speaker, Shanna Myers

Our waitors...Josh, Matt, Ronnie, Floyd, Daryl, PC, and DustinMore tea?Time for door prizes!

Princess Katie wins one,,,

Pastor Clint hugs his mom. Praise the Lord for a delightful evening.

Please remember our 2010 Daughters of the King Banquet to celebrate Mother's Day is this Saturday night, MAY 8, 2010 @ 6:00 pm at the Hackleburg Church of God of Prophecy fellowship hall.

If you signed up to bring food, please remember to bring it. Don't forget to ask your female family and friends to join us.

Word Devotion 05/07/2010

Trust in the Lord with all thing heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

Word Devotion 05/06/2010

But as for me, I will look to the Lord and confident in Him I will keep watch; I will wait with hope and expectancy for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 Amplified Bible

Word Devotion 05/05/2010

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

Update on Alex Hallmark

Miss Alex is much better this morning. Her CT Scan was normal, so the doctors believes she had a virus. She is still running a temperature, but she was able to eat a small breakfast. As soon as her temp is gone and she continues to eat, she will be released. Thanks for all your prayers!

Urgent Prayer Request

Alex Hallmark is being taken to Russellville Hospital as I type. She has been vomiting and cannot stop. They are going to do some tests to rule out appendicitis. Please stop and pray for her.

Update on Briana Dean

I visited with Briana and her mom today at Huntsville's Women's Hospital. Today marks her 24th week! She and the baby are still doing well. She is still bedfast and is being given medications to keep her from going into labor along with antibiotics to prevent infection. God has blessed them so much these last two weeks.

The first doctor that saw her two weeks ago when she went into labor told her there was nothing they could do and that he could give her a pill to cause her to deliver the baby and she could try again later. Basically he was going to abort the baby. A baby who had a very strong heartbeat, who was moving inside Briana's womb, who they could see on the ultrasound had nothing wrong with him. But Briana and her husband Garrett were not about to give up.

And God came on the scene. She was taken to Huntsville Women's Hospital where it was no coincidence that the doctor who would be treating her had gone through the same scenario with his own daughter three years prior (though Briana and her family did not know this at the time). By another miracle she still has enough amniotic fluid to sustain the baby even though she continues to have some leakage. The doctor was doing an ultrasound last week and the baby was turned feet down and was kicking his foot down into Briana's cervix which was extremely dangerous. He said the baby had to turn quickly. The family began praying and God answered; the baby turned head down that night and has stayed that way.

This family is seeing prayers answered every day. They are so thankful to God for what He has done and what He is doing. They also thankful to all of you who have called, sent cards and most of all prayed for them. Please continue those prayers. She needs to hang on until at least 27 weeks; 32 would be ideal. With God all things are possible. This trial has already increased my faith greatly. I'm just waiting to see what God does next.

Word Devotion 05/04/2010

For the Lord your God is living among you. HE IS A MIGHTY SAVIOR. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

Update on Zachary Brock

Received word that he is going to pull through. He's in the hospital and still needs our prayers.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

Please pray for Zachary Brock. He was hit by a car and they are not sure he is going to make it. Zachary is in kindergarten at Brilliant.

Daughters of the King Banquet

Please remember that on MAY 8, 2010 @ 6:00 pm

Hackleburg Church of God of Prophecy Presents:
2010 Daughters of the King Banquet
"A Mothers Day Celebration"

To be held in the fellowship hall. Invite your female family members and friends.

Word Devotion 05/03/2010

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavillon; in the secret of His tabernackle shall He hide me; He shall set me upon a rock. Psalm 27:5

Word Devotion 04/30/2010

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV

Word Devotion 04/29/2010

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 KJV

Word Devotion 04/28/2010

The Lord says, "I will guyide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8 NLT

Word Devotion 04/28/2010

24 May the Lord bless you and protect you. 25 May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. 26 May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NLT

Word Devotion 04/26/2010

Therefore thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone of sure foundation; he who believes (trusts in , relies on, and adheres to that Stone) will not be ashamed, or give way or hasten away (in sudden panic)." Isaiah 28:16 Amplified

Prayer Request

At only 22 weeks along, Briana Lawler Dean went into labor Wednesday this past week. Her water had broken and she was told by the doctors that the baby would have to be delivered within 24 to 48 hours. The baby would have only a slim chance for survival. She had already lost one baby at about 12 weeks. She was devastated to think she might lose another. We were all devastated.

But PRAISE GOD that after some wonderful prayer warriors interceded, the doctors came back in and said that she didn't lose all of her amniotic fluid and that if they could get the labor stopped the baby could survive in the womb with they fluid she had left and that her body would continue to make more. And PRAISE GOD that He had his hand upon not only her and the baby, but on the doctors also. Through God's help they were able to stop her labor.

The goal now is to try to hold the baby in until she reaches 27 weeks. This means that she must lay flat of her back 24/7 in the hospital until the baby comes.

Please pray hard and often for her and the baby. If anyone would like to bless her with a card, letter or just a line of scripture; anything you think might encourage her, please send them to:

Briana Dean
c/o Huntsville Women's Hospital East
911 Big Cove Road SE, Room 207
Huntsville, AL 35801-3750

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Word Devotion 04/24/2010

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 KJ

Word Devotion 04/23/2010

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but HE HAS GIVEN US a spirit of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 amplified

Word Devotion 04/22/2010

ARISE (from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you - rise to a new life)! SHINE (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Isaiah 60:1 amplified

Word Devotion 04/21/2010

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 KJV

April Ladies Ministry Meeting

Our ladies had a wonderful time Thursday night at our monthly meeting...

Several ladies shared testimonies of recent healings...

God is SO GOOD!

Don't miss our upcoming "Daughters of the King" Banquet coming up on Saturday, May 8th at 6:00 p.m. (Details will be posted soon.)

Word Devotion 04/20/2010

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Psalm 119:114 NLT

Word Devotion 04/19/2010

Every word of GOD proves true. He is a shield to all who come to HIM for protection. Proverbs 30:5 NLT

Word Devotion 04/16/2010

Teach me your ways, o Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Psalm 86:11 NLT

Women's Ministry Meeting TONIGHT

Please remember the Women's Ministry Meeting we have TONIGHT in the fellowship hall at 6:00 PM.

Word Devotion 04/15/2010

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on the earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. 1 Cronicles 29:11 NLT

Word Devotion 04/14/2010

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. Psalm 143:10 NLT

Word Devotion 04/13/2010

You have granted me life and favor, and your care has preserved my spirit. Job 10:12 NKJV

Word Devotion 04/12/2010

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I WILL strengthen you and help you. I WILL hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Women's Ministry Meeting

All women are encouraged to attend our Women's Ministry Meeting this Thursday, April 15th, 2010 at 6:00 pm, in the fellowship hall. Please join us for a wonderful time in the Lord.

Word Devotion 04/11/2010

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." Psalm 122:1

Word Devotion 04/10/2010

Call unto me, and I WILL ANSWER thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3 KJV

State of Alabama Ladies Retreat Info

DRESSED TO BE BLESSED

ALABAMA LADIES RETREAT 2010

May 14-15, 2010

Camp Boothe - Green Pond, Alabama

Speaker this year: Anzella Abernathy

"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand...Ephesians 6:11

Oh! How we are excited about His Presence, His anointing on our lives. To be dressed in the whole armor of God so that we will be able to stand against the lies, tricks and deceit of the enemy. That we may be able to war for our God. To be able, by the blood of Christ to stand as a Godly Woman, a Godly Mother, a Godly Wife in an ungodly world. To please our Lord and to make our lives count for Him and His glory. To have an influence on our children, our families, our neighbors, our youth and to have an influence in the work place, in the school house, in the church, and in our homes. We may be dressed in a suit, in heels and hat, or jeans and sneakers but on the inside there is a sword drawn, a belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, feet shod and prepared with the Gospel of peace, shield of faith in place, and on our heads we wear the helmet of Salvation. With a song in our hearts, a prayer on our lips and the joy of worship we march to the sound of His beat. Not as women of the world but women of the Word.

Come, as our Lord Jesus Christ comes to meet with us. Let us stand shoulder to shoulder in triumph and celebration. Bring your needs, He will be there. Bring your worries and fears, He will be there. Bring your prayer requests, He will be there. The Lord of Hosts and Captain of the armies of Heaven will be there to enable and bless you His Soldier, Dressed to be Blessed.

We will have a hat contest (the most innovative hat) which can be pretty or comical. Ladies we are wearing hats for fun. You are invited to wear hat, heels, and gloves in a victorian, pollyanna, modern, or whatever you like fashion for fun at the banquet or if you prefer to dress down and just wear a hat for the banquet.

Friday night after service, we will enjoy snacks, fellowship and fun.

Please, help me out again this year by bringing a few door prizes. Women enjoy them so much. Thanks you so much for all your help.

Sister Donna Howard

State Ladies Ministries Director

Word Devotion 04/09/2010

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Word Devotion 04/08/2010

(Jesus speaking) PEACE I leave with, MY PEACE I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 NKJV

Word Devotion - 04/07/2010

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 KJV

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN WOMEN DARE TO...

Intercede and Pray? Read Hannah's story in 1Samuel 1 and 2:1-11. Hannah was barren and her heart's desire was to bear a son. Hannah's intercession was heard, her prayer was answered and her life was changed. Interestingly enough, not only was her life changed, but the lives of many whom she never knew. She named her son Samuel which means "heard" and "asked of God." A prophet, a priest, a judge, and an intercessor was born due to her intercession. Samuel's courageous leadership proved to be a turning point in the history of Israel. What will happen when we dare to pray? Intercessory prayer will change our lives and the lives of many others in our family, church, community, region, state and world. People will be saved, healed, delivered and set free! Revival will come!
I DARE YOU TO INTERCEDE AND PRAY!

Surrender? Read Mary's story in Luke 1:26-38. And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me, according to thy word," v38. Mary simply surrendered to God's will... His purpose, His destiny and His will for her life! In the natural she didn't know how God was going to bring about the things spoken to her by the angel. Mary just trusted Him and SURRENDERED. We all sing the song, "I SURRENDER ALL...All to Thee my Blessed Savior, I surrender all." He desires for us to surrender all to Him - holding nothing back, nothing hidden, nothing in reserve. JESUS will be birthed in and through our lives so that our life will make a difference in the life of another. "For with God nothing shall be impossible," v37. God is able to bring about His purpose, His destiny and His will for each of us. Is it that He is just waiting for us to surrender.
I DARE YOU TO SURRENDER ALL!

Touch Him? Read the story of the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8:43-48. We all want Jesus to touch us, and He does and He will... But what will happen when we touch him? The woman with the issue of blood was no longer hidden in the crowd when she touched Jesus. She was considered an outcast in her day. She had an issue of blood. For 12 years she spend all she had on physicians. SHE SPENT ALL. Many of us know how she must have felt - We are spent out, exhausted, weak and weary because of our own "issues." No matter how she felt that day, feelings had nothing to do with it, because she was filled with faith. She said, "I WILL TOUCH HIM!" As she pressed toward Jesus, she thought to herself, "If I can but touch His robe, I will be healed." Jesus said, "Daughter your faith has made you well. Go in peace, your suffering is over" v48.
I DARE YOU TO TOUCH HIM!

Janet Baker

Women's Ministries Coordinator

Hackleburg Church of God of Prophecy

Word Devotion - 04/06/2010

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: Be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV

Word Devotion - 04/05/2010

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 KJV

Word Devotion - 04/04/2010

Jesus told her (Martha), "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. John 11:25 NLT

Renewed 2010

Kandace, Michelle, Wendy and Lisa hang out at the Welcome Center Michelle registers with Lisa and Tina

Greetings fom Pastor LizExpressive worship with Sister Donna Howard Ministry of Sister Cathy Payne

Worship Band: Jared, Cynthia, Morgan, and Joey

Guitarist - Daryl Weatherly and Vocals - Halie, Jennifer and SusieAlabama Women's Ministry Director, Sister Donna Howard

A delicious lunch catered by Dollies of Hamilton and served by our Men's Ministry
Partners in ministry, Donna Howard and Janet Baker

Staff: Pastor Liz, Cathy Payne, Janet Baker and Tina Stults

Final Detail Meeting for Women's Conference

Ladies, don't forget that our final meeting before the Renewed 2010 Women's Conference is Thursday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Renewed 2010 Women's Conference

Renewed 2010
Women's Conference is coming March 12 - March 13
to the Hackleburg Church of God of Prophecy.

"...and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, that you put on the new man
which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."
Ephesians 4:23-24

Cathy Payne, International Women's Ministries Director of the Church of God of Prophecy will be our key note speaker for this conference.

Schedule:

Friday, March 12, 2010

Registration: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Meet, greet & seat: 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Worship: 7:00 p.m.

Snacks immediately following service

Saturday, March 13

Talk & Prayer Groups 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Meet, greet & seat: 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Worship: 10:00 a.m.

Lunch immediately following service

Registration Cost is $10 per person which includes conference, all snacks and catered lunch on Saturday.

There are only 200 seats available, so please call 205-935-3549 to pre-register. Free registration for every leader who registers 5 or more attendees.

Free gift for every registered attendee. There will be door prizes awarded as well.

Our host hotel is Econolodge in Hamilton, Alabama. When making reservations refer to promo code AL216.

Econolodge $49.95

2031 Military Street, Hamilton, Alabama 35570 Phone: 205-921-7831

Women called to Worship

In reading the book of Matthew I have found myself both challenged and intrigued as a woman of God. God has shown me great and mighty things through His word. Jesus was constantly challenging the Pharisees, the religious rulers, and the disciples. He went against everything that they had come to believe. He was not trying to destroy the Law but rather to give clear incite into what God truly meant by His rule book. Through parables, stories, and being in His presence people were often offended and put in a position to change their way of thinking or become angry, un-accepting, and indignant. Often this is what happens today. When God challenges our opinion of the truth we have a decision to make to either accept what God is saying or become angry, un-accepting, and indignant.

In Matthew 26:6-13 we see the story of the woman who poured out the costly perfume on Jesus. In this story the disciples become indignant. They tell Jesus that she has waisted so much in her actions because she could have sold the perfume for money to help the poor. Jesus rebukes them and tells them that the poor will always be with us and what she did will be told in the Gospel. He also says that she will be remembered for it.

As I thought of this woman and her actions I thought of her being remembered. She was remembered for her sacrificial worship of Jesus. She might not had been remembered had she sold the perfume and gave the money too the poor. There are not many storied about people selling all they have to give to the poor, but there are many stories of people laying down their lives to follow God. There are three thing about this woman and her story that challenge me as a woman of God. She gave a sacrificial offering of worship, she did her actions in private, and she was rewarded openly.

What an awesome sacrifice this woman made to God. She sacrificed her reputation. She went into a place that she wasn't supposed to be the home of a leper. Lepers were unclean and unapproachable. She chose to go against the law to get to her Savior. She was willing to suffer the reproach of the world for one moment in His presence. And what did she did in His presence was worship. She brought an offering not of money, but of praise, thanksgiving, and adoration. She took the thing that was of most value to her and poured it out on her Savior.

She did this action not in the temple courts or in the market place where everyone could see, but she did it in an intimate setting. Because Simon was a leper I imagine that the only people there were Jesus, Simon, and the disciples. There might have been a few others lepers there, but I don't think all the religious people came to this dinner party. I imagine that the throngs were even repulsed at the idea of going to a leper's house. It was in this private setting that she chose to pour out her offering. There were no people there to see and speak of what she had done except Jesus, Simon, and the disciples. This shows just how much she loved Jesus and not the approval of others. She didn't know that her private act of worship would become part of the Gospel.

The disciples still had enough religion in them to criticize this women for her actions, but Jesus was quick to reprimand them. He saw it as a act of preparation for His burial. How awesome was this act. Through the leading of Holy Spirit this woman did something that would appear as foolishness to others. She prepared Jesus for death before it happened. All she knew was she had to do it. She chose to operate in faith rather than flesh, and what she did in private was rewarded by God in open. She is mentioned in the Gospel and is for every known for her action of worship. Her act has been read by millions. When God chooses to reward you it is no small thing.

As women of God what are we willing to sacrifice to God? Are we willing to go up against our pride to worship Him? Are we willing to do our acts of worship in a place not to be seen by other but to be seen by God? In this day we seem not to be coming against the law, but rather to be coming against our own pride walls that religion has built. We feel that if we go to the altar or place of prayer when the call is given others will think badly of us. We feel that the place of prayer is for sinners only. We feel that we can go there for healing and deliverance on occasion if someone else goes first because people might think if we go first we have sin in our life. All of it is pride and until pride is broken in your life you can't approach Jesus as this woman did. She was humble as we should be. She got to the place where it didn't matter who saw or didn't see. She was going to be with her Savior, and she was going to give Him all that was of worth to her. She is an example of a true worshipper. I challenge all who read this to break down their pride walls and become humble before Him. Through true humility you will become a true worshiper and God will reward you openly for the things you do in secret.

A New Beginning for Women's Ministries

In September of 2009 I stepped down as Women's ministries director and Janet Baker assumed the roll. God has truly blessed us with Janet. She is an awesome woman of God with a heart for women. She has really stepped up to the challenge and is excelling in her ministry skills. God is breathing new life in the women's ministries through her involvement. I look forward to all she will accomplish this year and the years to come.
Expect great things in 2010. God is taking us to a new level with our new leader!

Worshiping God Accomplishes Freedom From the Enemy

1 Samuel 16:23 *And when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, David took a lyre and played it, so Saul was refreshed and became well, and the evil spirit left him.* A little before this scripture, we can see that the spirit of God had left Saul and a spirit of torment had entered into Saul where he could find no rest.

The word of God says that He rides on our praises! The worship of God is discussed throughout the Bible and we are told that we enter His presence with our worship.This tells me that when the enemy is tormenting you with whatever the "situation", he chooses to torment you with or you yourself allow the door to be opened that there is a way to find freedom from the enemy.

We have to pick up our praise, we need to lay down ourselves and focus our attention on the Creator instead of a creation. God will ride in on our praises and because light and darkness have no room together, neither sin or the presence of God, the torment will leave as the evil spirit left Saul. When David played the harp, I believe that he played what he knew and that was worship and not just playing music for the king but playing what he had done all along. David worshiped God and the book of Psalms tells me he knew the Creator!!

God, help me to become more focused on You the Creator and not any creation that can be formed in my life.

Brighter than the Sun...

I have heard a lot of comments lately about the sunshine...about how beautiful the day is or how nice the sunshine is..I have made them myself. After days of rain and thunderstorms, it's always nice to have that day of sunshine that makes for a beautiful day that just makes you feel better.

The Word tells us that Jesus is seven times brighter than the sun. Imagine, seven times brighter! Another place in scripture, it reads that He is the Light of Heaven. Naturally, I can't look at the sun without squintting or wearing sunglasses. Then I think of sin and how it can't be in the presence of God, I imagine its like when we look at the sun and have to turn away, but to be in a place where we will freely stand in a light seven times brighter than the sun is amazing to me. Jesus is amazing, He told us that we are a light to a dark world, knowing how bright He is, I pray, "Shine through me, shine through me God, be that light through me, that no one will see April, but they will see Your light through me, they will see You."

In His Hands

Have you ever felt vulnerable to the attack of the enemy? I have felt that way just this week. I've battled and struggled and felt like I would explode if some relief didn't come. It's during these times of struggle that we need to realize that in His hands we are safe and protected. In Psalms 18:2,3 we learn "The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower. I will call upon the Lord, Who is to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies."

In John 10:28 We learn that nothing can snatch us out of God's hands, but we can jump out. I think it is in the times that we are battling the enemy the most (and not seeing victory on the horizon), that we are near to edge of His protective hands about to jump. Job agrees with John saying that no one can deliver us out of Gods hands (Job 10:7). So what does it all mean?

When we walk with God we have to put our entire trust in Him and him alone. When we start to trust in ourselves, we are dangerously close to jumping out of His hand. God's way is not always the easy way, but it is the safe way. When you walk with God it's like walking blind folded. You have to trust the one who lead. Do you trust Him to lead you? When you have that trust in Him you are in His hands. He won't put you in the path of destruction. It's all about trust with God. That level of trust comes only with intimacy, and intimacy comes only with spending quality time with Him.

I challenge you to examine your relationship with God. Is He leading you or are you about to jump? The relief that we all seek will only come when we get back into His hands.

Drawing Near to God

We have sinned because we have forsaken the Lord and have served the Baals and the Ashtaroth; but now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, and we will serve You.
I Samuel 12:10

Looking back at 12:9, we can see the trouble they were in. They realized and noticed the reason bad things and troubles were all around them. They realized that it was because of their sin, following after a false god instead of the One True God, their First Love. They knew they had to turn back from their sin toward God in order for deliverance from the bad things that was happening.

In our own lives, we will have trouble when we stop following after G0d and turn toward the Baals and Ashtaroth's. Now it may not be a god that we made, a statue of bronze to fall down before. Paul reveals in I Corinthians 10:14, Therefore, my dearly beloved, shun (keep clear away from, avoid by flight if need be) any sort of idolatry (of loving or venerating anything
more than God).

God has to rule and reign and have complete control. This is an area of my own life God has been showing me, that He wants complete control of everything that I am. What gods can we setup? The television or the devotion to certain programs, the computer, housecleaning, shopping, even our friends and family. God has to come first, when He does, everything else will fall into its rightful place and you will be able to endure whatever is thrown your way.

Your flesh has to be fed everyday, no matter how much Christmas dinner you eat. The next day you are hungry like you've eaten nothing. Your spirit has to be fed everyday, no matter how much God you take in, everyday your spirit craves more of Him. That is the way it should be we should all have an addiction to the spirit of God that we will do whatever it takes to get to that secret place to get inside His presence, to feel His heart, to hear His desires not to make our requests but have a conversation with the Lord God Almighty. He waits for us.


Look for God in everything, look for ways to spend time with Him. Paul said in Ephesians 6:18, Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).


This doesn't mean that we have to stop and kneel in the closet all day, although, getting away secretly is a good and beneficial thing. What we can do is put on some worship music and turn off distractions and pray while we do our normal daily activities. When we feed our spirit, the voice of God is louder and more clear, when we feed our flesh, the voice of the enemy is louder and more clear.

As we enter into the 21 day fast, I want to encourage you to seek Him more, as we deny our flesh, let's feed our spirits more. Let's hear the voice of God louder and clearer for 2009!

How close are you God?

While studying the book of Job, God has been revealing some incite into His plan and purpose for my life. I seem to learn something new everyday that causes me to run after Him. God is so great and vast and majestic, yet He chooses to have a relationship with me. He desires to walk with me through out my life and guide me in every step I take if I will only let Him. How awesome to know that the King of the universe knows my name and desires to have a truly intimate relationship with me. In His word He says that He will stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). I never understood that, but through this study I’m learning that God does just that. He sticks closer than a brother, friend, mother, father, child. He never gets aggravated and says, “That’s it. I can’t stand you anymore.” The only way to get rid of the closeness of God is to run away from Him. He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He is a very present help in time of need (Psalms 46:1). I’m learning that God is really always there no matter what I’m going through. No matter how difficult the trial may seem at the time, He is there! He was there for Job and He is there for you, too!

Job had never been through a trial of this difficulty before. It was challenging and it was going to be life changing for him. We go through things like this in our lives also. God challenges us for greatness. It is through these times of trial that our fleshly flaws are exposed. We can allow God to remove these things to make us stronger and to cause our spiritual growth, or we can falter under them, run from them, and find no growth and stay in the same place. If God is allowing a great challenge to come in your life, then consider it an honor that He loves and respects and considers so much of you to allow it. He is sitting on the throne saying things like, “Hey watch what she does here. Isn’t she awesome? I bet Satan never saw that coming. I’m so proud!”

You are truly blessed and highly favored when trials come because God sees what is coming and knows that you can make it through.

The Power of Unity

They all gathered together for the appointed time of Worship. They had done this before. It was a part of their culture and way of life. It was expected of them by their God. What made this time any different than the others? What caused God to manifest this way? What is the key to having God "show up and show out?" The answer is UNITY!

As I began to Read the book of Luke and study out the Christmas story, I began to see somethings from a different perspective. The priest in the Jewish culture had jobs to do. Every morning and every evening they would go to the temple to offer sacrifices to the Lord . One of the functions was to burn incense before the Lord (Exodus 30:7). Burning the incense was probably the closest you could come to God with out being the High Priest. The Altar of incense was sitting directly in front of the veil that separated the Holy of Holies (Exodus 30:6). It was Zachariah's turn to serve in the temple and he was chosen to burn the incense. While serving his function something miraculous happened. We know the story. He was visited by Gabriel, told he and his wife would finally have a child, and he was made dumb until after the child's birth.

Why did this happen? What triggered God to show up. The obvious answer was that God had a plan and this was His appointed time, but there is more. God is governed by His word. God gave dominion and power over the earth to us. We have to invite God in and release His power on the earth. He can influence our thoughts and our actions, but ultimately we have the control and with out inviting God in He cannot and will not move on our behalf.

So what happened to invite God to show up and manifest His will? UNITY, UNITY, UNITY!!! The scripture just before Zachariah sees Gabriel says that ALL THE THRONG were praying in the court at the hour that the incense was being burned (Luke 1:10). A throng is defined as a great multitude. This was not "the intercessors" having prayer meeting. This was not the "prayer chain" calling up the people on the list. This was not the "prayer warrior" down the road covering someone in prayer. This was everyone who came to worship at this time all praying. Talk about unity. The women were not thinking about the chores that they had to do when they got home. The men were not thinking about the work they would being doing later on that day. They children were not playing with their buddies. Everyone was praying!

Because these people decided to come to the house of God, forget about the cares of life, and focus on God, He manifest His awesome power. I can think of another time this happened. One hundred twenty people gathered together determined to wait on God to manifest Himself in some way. They didn't know what would happen, but they would stay until something did happen (Acts 2:1-4).

What has happened to unity in the body of Christ? Church services have become a part of our culture. They are ritualistic. We go not expecting anything from the Lord, but rather we come because that is what we are supposed to do. What would happen if we would drop the cares of life for a few moments and enter into His courts like this throng did? What would happen if we would pray, not screaming out a wish list, but begging for His presence? We would see the manifestation of His presence. We would see things that we haven't even asked God for, come to pass. Healing, Deliverance, and Miracles would manifest.

The next time you come together as the body of Christ think about what unity will bring and put your focus on God. Watch and see what He will do!

God's Heart

God reveals throughout the Word His feelings toward His children. We as believers in Christ are His children and all need to be reminded with the Love His Heart feels for us. Here is just a few thoughts from God's Heart.

Isaiah 40:11
He will feed His flock like a shepard: He will gather the lambs in His arms, He will carry them in His bosom and will gently lead those that have their young.

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all.

Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.

Jeremiah 33:11
Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know.

Matthew 10:30
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

1 John 3:2
Beloved, we are [even here and] now God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall [as God's children] resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is.

Wow! At the awesome love God has for us. What a Father we have!

Know Your Position

Imagine a baseball team standing on the field in position ready to play ball. Now, let's go a step further, imagine that same team but with players who have decided that the position they were placed in was not for them. So, they all cluster to the middle of the field to argue. Can that team play ball? No, each person has to fulfill his position in order for the game to be played. Now, let's go even deeper. Imagine the team is placed in their positions and one in the outfield is angry because he didn't get the position as pitcher. That one thinks he is good enough to be pitcher maybe even better than the one the coach designated as pitcher. So what will the outfielder do? Certainly not play his given position, he is going to be upset and frustrated the entire time, he will judge the pitcher on his choices and all the while think of how much better he would have been as pitcher. Will the outfielder be supportive of the pitcher? No, the outfielder may even let balls go by just to show his anger or let the pitcher know that he is not doing good. Leading to the fact that the outfielder is just as important as the pitcher. His position is to get the baseballs that go out to him, if he gets them he can help the game. Now, imagine if no one stood in the outfield. Every position, Every role is just as important as the other!

Every player works together and depends on the other to play the game. Who decides which position will be filled? The coach decides because he has seen at practices who has got what, who is more talented with certain areas and who could handle the pressure or load of each particular position.

Now, we are going to use this as a comparison to our own personal lives. We as born again believers of Jesus are part of God's team. Our opposition is the enemy. Our goal is to not let the enemy get to us, we have to play the game, we have to fight. The only difference between this game and a physical game is that the final score has been determined the winner has been declared.

Why do we as women get "on the field" and judge one another's position or worse not even support the position and role of each woman. We all have positions, roles, and places in the Kingdom of God. We are the tools in His hands. He is our coach who has determined where we stand "on the field".

What positions or roles do we have? We can see these in 1 Corinthians 12:4-12, Ephesians 4:11-12, & Romans 12:6-8 there are many different giftings given to each person to use for the Kingdom of God.

We all have different roles and positions, God gives them to us, He determines where we will stand "on the field". We should all be supportive of one another, upholding one another, and being helpful to one another. Not to judge how one does things but let God do through that person what He has determined to do, so that the game can be played and run smoothly.

I want to encourage us as women of God to ask God to reveal what our position is, what our role is and then go and fulfill that position to the fullest. Learn about the position and what is expected of you. Some of you reading this may already know your position, because you may be placed in it right now. Some of you may not know and some of you may be filling a position because you were asked, but don't feel that it is the right position for you. Just ask God to reveal your position and if you are seeking, He will reveal it to you. Once we know our position, our role in the kingdom then and only then can God use us to our fullest.

Faith

"You're reading too much into the question. Stop reading too much into the question." That is what our nursing instructors would tell us after our test. What exactly does that mean? Our imagination would paint a picture for us as we read the limited information contained in the question. Based on our understanding of the picture we saw, we would formulate the answer to the question. It was a universal process. All the students did it. What causes people to see something in their mind that they cannot see with their eyes? It's called faith. I always had a preconceived notion that faith was something just for people who were saved. I thought it was believing for someones healing or expecting a miracle, but faith is so much more.



"Now faith is the assurance(the confirmation, the title deed) of the things[we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality[faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]," Hebrews 11:1. Faith is believing in or about something or someone that you cannot see with your physical eyes. On those test we all had faith that the picture our minds painted for us was the truth and factual even though many of those facts were missing. Why would an entire college class do this? Why not just the Christians? The answer is faith. It is a spiritual law. Romans 12:3 says that each person is given a degree of faith. That means that faith applies to believers and nonbelievers alike.

Each moment spent with God increases your faith, after all you are spending time with Someone you cannot see with your physical eyes. With an increases of your faith will come an increase in your understanding of the things of God. As you begin to read the Word of God let your faith take over. That degree of faith that God gave you in your mothers womb will work along with Holy Spirit to unlock the hidden mysteries of His Word. There is so much to be learned from the Bible if you will "read into the question."

Pray for Your Leaders 3

God revealed to Jennifer last week, we need to pray for our leaders. On a more closer, personal note, He revealed as wives; we need to cover our husbands in prayer as the leader of the household.

This past week, God gave me a prayer for us wives to speak over our husbands. This prayer is for you if your a wife of a saved husband serving the Lord or a wife of a husband in transition toward serving the Lord. The prayer is composed of the Word of God, just put into a personal perspective. Remember the Lord says in Jeremiah 1:12.....I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.

In praying for our husbands, we as wives should start with ourselves, proclaiming who God says we are as a wife.

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband. I am an excellent wife. ( Proverbs 12:4)

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers and a prudent wife is from the Lord. I am a prudent wife. ( Proverbs 19:14) This word prudent interested me, so I looked up the meaning and prudent is one who is careful in planning for the future, sensible, economical or thrifty.

I respect and reverence my husband, I notice him, regard him, honor him, prefer him, venerate him, and esteem him. I defer to him, praise him, love and admire him exceedingly. (Eph. 5:33)

Holy Spirit, I ask You to help me understand and support my husband in ways that show my support for Christ. Lord, You teach me to be a wife to him, show me Your expectations of a wife. I pray that I will be the wife You planned to give my husband, no fleshy attitude will stand in the way. Holy Spirit lead me, lead me in what to say or what not to say. Lead me in my role as a wife, that I will glorify You God. In Jesus Name.

A PRAYER COVERING FOR YOUR HUSBAND

Lord God, (my husband), is the leader of this family. God You are the Head of this household and my husband follows after You in every decision affecting this family. He longs for You, O God. His inner self thirsts after You, the living God. (Ps. 42:1,2) God shine Your light so that he can clearly see which way to go as we follow him Lord. My husband leans on, trusts in, and is confident in You, Lord, with all his heart and mind and does not rely on his own insight or understanding. In all his ways he knows, recognizes, and acknowledges You, and You direct and make straight and plain his paths. He is not wise in his own eyes, but reverently fears and worships You, Lord. (Pro. 3:5-7)

He hears counsel, receives instruction, and accepts correction, that he may be wise in the time to come. (Pro. 19:20)

God give him favor as he walks as the leader of this household. You, Lord, will bless him; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill ( pleasure and favor). (Ps 5:12)

By Your favor, O Lord, You have established him as a strong mountain. ( Ps 30:7)

I want to encourage you this week to pray for your leader, your husband. Praying the word over your husband is like creating a force field around him. Let God move by speaking His word which allows Him to provide that covering.

Pray For Your Leaders 2

Last night while sitting under conviction for not praying for my leader the Lord spoke something else into my spirit. Most church people would consider the "leaders" to be the pastors, but lets break it down to a personal level. We most definitely need to pray for our pastors, but we also need to pray for the other leader in our lives.

Who are these other leaders? They are your small group (cell group) leaders at church. They are your bosses and supervisors. They are your teachers. They are your children's teachers. They are your coaches and your kid's coaches. They are your husbands (Ephesians 5:22)! You might not agree with what these leaders in your life are doing. You might not even like some of these people, but have you prayed for them lately? Have you interceded for them in their position as leaders, or have you grumbled griped and complained about how they do their job? Have you even recognized these people as leaders? Do you respect their authority over you, or do you consistently undermine their authority in front of other?

Here comes the conviction again. I am guilty of grumbling, griping, and complaining rather than covering them with prayer. Jesus did not get along with the religious leaders of His time, but He also did not undermine them. The Bible says that Jesus came to fulfill the law not to destroy it (Matthew 5:17). Jesus was submissive to authority and in Ephesians 5: 21 we learn the we are to be subject to one another. What it all boils down to is keeping our big mouths shut and praying earnestly for our leader no matter how insignificant they seem to be. They have been placed in authority over us. Pray for and respect them!

Pray For Your Leaders

As I was studying the story of David and Goliath the Lord gave me some new incite that I would like to share. In 1 Samuel 17:8-11 the mighty champion of the Philistines, Goliath, comes out to challenge the Israelite army. The Bible actually says the he defied the army. He was huge and the Philistines used that to their advantage. My question for you is, are you buying into the rules of engagement that Satan is shouting out at you?

In the beginning of these verses the Bible says that the Israelite army was in a battle array. They were ready to go out and fight. They most likely had their shields and their swords ready and were about to go in when Goliath came out to fight. He completely changed the rules to suit him and his army. He said something like this, " Hey, why are you lined up to battle us. Let's just do it my way. You send one man to fight me and who ever wins will have the opposing army as servants. I defy you today! Now come on and fight!" Since when does the enemy get to set up the rules. Israel was ready to fight and Goliath comes out to change things. Why didn't they just rush him and do battle as usual? As I began to think about this I started to get angry. It's just like Satan to come in and change the rules. He is always tying to get an advantage over us. The sad part is, like the Israelite army, we usually let him make up the rules as he goes. It is no wonder that David was angry when he came into the camp. He probably was thinking the same thing I was. He actually said in verse 26, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

The next thing that made me sad was the fact that Saul the king and leader of the army and the people was letting Goliath dictate how the battle would be fought. What kind of leader lets the enemy control the battle? This question goes deeper than just this battle between Israel and the Philistine. It speaks also of our spiritual leaders. The answer is this. Leaders who let the enemy control all aspects of the battle are leaders who are not covered in prayer, and who are not supported by the people.

How often do you pray and lift up the leadership that you are currently under? Unfortunately I fall short in this area. I say that I'll pray but then "life happens" and I forget. Shame on me and shame on you who don't pray for your spiritual leaders. Without a prayer covering how can we expect the vision of the church to come into existence. With out a prayer covering how can we expect our leaders to even have a vision. In Proverbs 29:18 we learn that the people perish without vision. Pray for your leaders so that they will hear the voice of God, have vision, and follow God's rules for battle not what the enemy has set up.

After you have prayed, you then need to follow the leaders. They might tell you to do something that is absolutely absurd to you, but if you follow their lead you just might see a mighty move of God. What is foolishness to us can change the lives of others. Don't grumble, gripe, and complain about their decisions just follow their lead. After all, if you are doing your part, they should not lead you astray.

Greater is He that is in You

I John 4:4
Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

Recently, I watched an episode of Tom & Jerry, with Brendon. As usual, in this episode Tom was after Jerry with intent to kill and eat him. Jerry runs into this really big dog and this dog sees what Tom is doing to Jerry. The dog gives Jerry a whistle to blow for whenever Tom comes at him. Jerry thought about it and in his mind he pictured himself blowing the whistle and the really big dog coming and beating Tom up.

This is a simple old cartoon, with spiritual insight if you look at it that way.
We are like Jerry, small within ourselves, and we have an enemy who is always seeking to capture us and devour us.
I Peter 5:8
Be well balance (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

In the cartoon, Jerry was given a whistle and we upon salvation are given the Name of Jesus!!
All we have to do is say the Name and believe, He will come to our defense.

It may seem silly to see that in a cartoon, but Jesus truly is like the dog portrayed in the cartoon, He will come and smite our enemy. The enemy, like Tom, will cower in His presence. Sometimes the enemy can be attacking us and all we do is say the Name and He appears behind us, we may not even be aware, but the enemy is and he will cower and he will bow to the Name of Jesus.
I want to encourage you today to walk with boldness. Know that Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!!

Are You Like Jonah?

As I was reading the book of Jonah I had a revelation. I had always pictured Jonah running from God, but I never really thought of why he was running. I guess I always thought that he was afraid to go to Nineveh. I really didn't know why. I guess I pictured him like a missionary going into a savage land with people who might want to kill him. I found out different. Jonah didn't want to go to Nineveh because he didn't like the people of Nineveh. He had aught in his heart toward them.



We know the story. Jonah went in the opposite direction and ended up in the belly of a great fish. While in the fish Jonah cried out to God and offered thanksgiving to Him in the midst of his trouble. The fish spit him out on dry land and God again told him to go to Nineveh quickly. Jonah followed God this time. He didn't even stop for a shower and a bite to eat. When he got there the people heard and heeded the word of the Lord from Jonah. They repented and God spared them.



What an awesome message of God's grace and mercy, yet Jonah was not the least bit happy about it. In Jonah 4:1, the Bible says Jonah was exceedingly angry. He prayed and told God that he knew this would happen. He said that was why he didn't want to go to Nineveh in the first place. He said he knew that God was full of mercy, and that he would revoke the death sentence on Nineveh if they repented. He really did not like these people. He did not want to minister to them not because of fear, but because he did want them to be saved.



How many times do we run from what God wants us to do because we don't like where He wants us to go? Often times we will ask God to send someone else, or we will ignore God and His call. We might not like the color of someones skin or the neighborhood they live in. We might think they are too fat or too lazy to deserve God's grace. We might even think that because they don't go to the same kind of church or wear the right clothes that God really wouldn't want to show them mercy. The truth is this. God loved the world and everyone in it so much, that He sent His only Son to die for you and me and the crack addict down the road and the single African American mother on wellfare and the millioniar in New York city. God loves us all. Who are we to judge who deserves grace. Don't be a Jonah by letting pride and personal opinion get in the way of ministering the Gospel to other. If you do, you just might find yourself in the belly of a fish.

Have You Been Desperate for Jesus Lately?

In a recent prayer time of mine, I found myself on the floor and reaching out as far as I could. In my spirit, I was remembering the woman with the issue of blood, how she fought through the crowd to get to Jesus, just to touch a piece of His garment. She knew if she touched it she would be made whole. So she fought through desperately to get to Him because He was her last hope. Another woman, I thought of, was the woman who came into the private party, where Jesus was sitting with the Pharisee and this woman had to know that she was not worthy, the word says that she was an especially wicked sinner. In knowing that, it had to take a lot of courage deep within her to walk into that room nervous, scared, and shaking, she approached Him crying, and maybe with the thoughts of, I know I am not worthy to come to Him, but I am going to go and bring what I know is worthy and costly and give it to Him. As she walked in, eyes glared at her and she pushed past all that, keeping her eyes on Jesus, going straight to His feet and she began to anoint Him. ( Luke 7:36-50 & Luke 8:43-48)

As I lay in the floor thinking of these women and their desperation for Him, I asked myself this question, when was the last time I was so desperate for Jesus, that I didn't let anything stop me from getting to Him. These women just had to worry about the physical aspect of getting to Him, pushing past crowds, the negative voices, and the stare of a pharisee. We have to push past the spiritual to get to see Him, letting all the weights down. He is waiting on us to lay our weights down, to come to Him in our spiritual nakedness and say, I know You know all that is wrong and I know You still love me, so I am coming to You not holding anything back, You look upon me, get out what is wrong, cleanse me, but I will not leave until I have an encounter with You Jesus. He waits on us to push through, so now my question to you is this. When was the last time you were desperate for Jesus? We serve an Almighty God who desires to be with us, you know that is interesting to me that the God who created heaven and earth, the God who owns the earth and all that is within it and the dirt underneath, would desire to be with us! That is so awesome, to have this Father! (Psalm 50:10-12 & 1 Cor.10-26)

I want to encourage you to fulfill God's desires and go to Him, push everything aside whether its voices shouting, you can't get to Him, push past that and think on the woman with the issue of blood or the fact that there is sin in your life, ask forgiveness and push past that. Think of the woman who walked into a place where Jesus was and all eyes were staring at her for who she was, the sin in her life.

These women pushed past a lot in the physical realm to get to Him, let's push past in the spiritual realm to get to Him and just like these women, who left His presence never the same, we will never leave the same, you absolutely can not have an encounter with Jesus and not leave changed.

Finding ourselves in Battle

Have you ever found yourself in a spiritual battle and feeling overwhelmed? Upon reading Joshua, I discovered that GOD revealed a plan to use during the battle.

Joshua 1:7-9, (amplified bible) Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses, My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua was getting ready for battle, he was nervous because this was after the death of Moses and he was called to step up and be the leader. GOD then revealed a plan for Joshua to follow and that plan is part of our inheritance as a blood bought child of GOD, what HE revealed to Joshua is ours also.

Take the word, read it, and not only read the word, but study and not only study, but meditate, think on it, get it in you. Live by it, and let the word govern your life and your decisions! Don't turn from it, neither to the right or left but stay with it no matter what you have to stand for or how ridiculous you will look, don't turn from the word. GOD revealed it would take courage, boldness, and strongness! Whether we are coming against something in the physical or in the spiritual.

GOD revealed blessing in doing what HE said: Your way will be prosperous, You will deal wisely, and You will have good success. Now who wouldn't want to know that no matter what you come against if you will follow GOD and HIS ways, that your outcome will be good. You could face anything if you knew the outcome would be victory. Joshua followed GOD and HIS voice and he had victory every time, but every time he sought GOD and done exactly what HE said. The next battle we find ourselves in, no matter what it looks like lets follow GOD and HIS voice, refusing to turn any other way, than what we will have is, our way will be prosperous, we will deal wisely, and we will have good success!!

Live Life

So many things happen in the Summer. It is hard to keep it all together. The kids are out of school and then you go to camp. The next thing you know, you're shopping for school clothes. For me I seem to get lazy, but life keeps on going really fast. It's on days like today that I realize that I shouldn't be lazy, but I also shouldn't miss out on life by getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the world around me. We all should cherish every moment that God gives us to live. It's Satan's job to get us distracted. Sometimes we become so focused on preparing for the future, that we forget that we live in the present. I would encourage everyone to enjoy the simple pleasures of everyday. If you spend all your time preparing for the future you just might miss out on the daily blessings God has for you. In James 4:14 The Amplified Bible says, "Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air]." Life is too, short. Live it, don't miss it!

Mother's Day Banquet

The Mother's Day Banquet was a huge success. Thanks to all those who help especially Bro. Daryl Weatherly and the Men's Ministry!

Who is at work?

While reflecting on the story of the children of Israel being delivered from bondage in Egypt, I began to see something different. I've heard the story in church and saw the movie on t.v., but I never saw it in this light. In Exodus 7:1 I discovered that Moses was to be God to Pharaoh, and Aaron was to be the prophet. A prophet is a person that brings the word of God to the people. Aaron was not bringing the words of Aaron or even the words of Moses to Pharaoh and the Egyptians. He was bringing the Words of God. Moses and Aaron would go before Pharaoh and his wise men and magicians and tell them a message from God and then do a sign. The wise men would then produce a counterfeit sign. This happened three times, but the fourth time Aaron, through the power of God caused lice or gnats to come upon the land and the magicians and wise men could not produce. How did they respond? They said, "This is the finger of God(Exodus 8:18,19)."

These men might have thought that Aaron was doing these great signs and wonders through his own power just like they were doing. When they were stumped they realized Who was really at work. How many times have we been in the same position as the magicians and wise men? We try to out do God in our own power. We think, "I got this," but we really are making a mess and can't produce what God can. We need to learn to yield ourselves the the power of God like Aaron did. We need to recognize Who is at work just like those magicians and wise men. Lord help me to realize that You are at work in my life. Lord remind me to yield myself so that You can operate through me. In Jesus name I ask this, Amen.

The Month of May

I Just wanted to share some of the upcoming events for May.

This year our Mother's Day Banquet is sure to be very special. It will be held on Friday May 9, 2008 at the People's Trust Bank Banquet room. The men of the church have eagerly taken on the duty of hosting and serving the women of our church at this event. All mothers and all daughters are cordially invited to attend this special time of celebration of women. We need to get a number so the men can plan for this event, so I will be posting a sign up list and making announcements at church. All women of all ages are invited.

As the month rolls on the ladies retreat gets closer. The deadline for the discounted registration fee is May 1, 2008. I will also post a sign up sheet for this and have registration forms available for all those interested in going. I would like to encourage all our women to attend this time of refreshing. If finances are an issue please see me and we will provide you tuition in a discrete manner. I feel the Lord really has something great in store for all of us. As the day gets closer I will call a meeting to discuss travel to and from the retreat. Hope to see you all there.

Brunch

Ladies, don't forget about our brunch in the morning at 10 am. We will have food fellowship and plan events for the next 3 months. Hope to see you there.

Alabama Ladies Retreat

The 2008 Alabama Ladies retreat is fast approaching. The dates scheduled are May 16 and 17, 2008. The theme for this years retreat is A Continual Feast...A Continual Celebration. The special guest speaker is Cathy Payne, International Women's Ministry Director. I would like to encourage all of our ladies to go. The pre-registration cost is $40.00 and is due by May 1, 2008. If you have any questions contact me. I am looking forward to this great time of ministry for women! Hope to see you there.

Does God Hear Me?

While reading Job this morning I saw something really interesting. I had been struggling to understand chapter 35 and God gave me a revelation. Elihu, Job's friend was speaking about people crying out to God in vain. Have you ever felt like your prayers were going no higher than the ceiling? I have. I some times feel like they are just bouncing off the walls. It is in those times of seeking a breakthrough that we can get really frustrated and not even want to pray anymore. After all, does God even hear me? I think if we will look at this passage (Job 35:9-13) we can get insight into how to touch God and make Him hear us.

First we should look at what doesn't work. The passage says that people cry out during times of oppression. This is true of everyone born again or not. How many times do you see people around you in trouble calling on God for help? When people get distressed the say things like Oh, God! or Jesus! or Oh, my Lord! People treat a holy God like something that is common. That is the point that Elihu was trying to make with Job and his friends. People can call on God all day long, but because of pride and disrespect God is not obligated to hear. He knows us and knows the intent of our heart. He knows when we are full of pride and when we are humble and broken. We should be careful not to approach God with pride but rather with humility.

After we realize that our pride is most likely the thing standing in the way of God even hearing our prayer, we should look at what gets His attention. In verses 10 and 11 we see what captures the heart of God. We first should acknowledge that God is our Maker. He has created me and you and we should give Him credit for His creations. Next we should realize that He gives us reasons to sing and again give Him the credit for it. Last we should realize that it was and is God who gives us wisdom and who also teaches us. The verses say that He taught us more than the beast of the earth and that He made us smarter than the birds. Again we should give God credit for what He has done. When we give God credit for all that He does we are giving Him praise and worship. That is the key to getting God to listen.

When you find yourself in a place where you feel like God is not listening, take a look at your approach. Did you praise and worship Him? Did yo come in with humility? If you find that you opened up with pride or self worship then take a step back, repent, and let humility flood over you. You'll most likely find yourself broken before God with His undivided attention.

Shopping Trip

Ladies, it's almost time for our shopping trip. Bring you appetite because we're going to eat at Olive Garden. Hackleburg ladies meet at the church at 9:00. Hamilton ladies meet at the Bama Food Mart at 9:15. We can all meet at the food court at the mall and go from there. Can't wait to see you.