Are You Standing in Stinky Water?

Luke 6:38 -  Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you. (AMP)

How is the flow in your house? Is there a flow or is there a standstill? Earlier this week as I was fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit in my quiet time, thanking Him for several things, He filled me in with some interesting insights.

Sow into the Kingdom. People need to be a distribution channel & not a reservoir of money & blessings. The great thing about a channel & stream & river is there is a CONTINUAL FLOW!!! A reservoir of water often gets stinky & also in dry times can completely dry up! You always want to stay in the FLOW!!

When we hoard money, time, our gifts, when we keep to ourself what God meant for us to sow, we get out of the FLOW. Just as oxygen & carbon dioxide are essential to the breathing and the life flow, giving (sowing) is essential to the receiving flow. The following excerpt may explain a bit of what a "non-sower" could experience:

Pools of standing or slow-flowing water provide a breeding ground for many insects, including mosquitoes that can transmit diseases. These mosquitoes are known as vectors. Different species of mosquitoes transmit different diseases, and they will also breed in different types of water collections. (World Health Organization)

When we stop the flow of giving, that is when the "stink" starts to happen in our lives. We may begin to experience lack in our lives. We may notice ourselves trending to "inward self", looking to how can "I" solve this money problem, how can "I" fix this, how can "I" provide? When we get out of the flow and stop giving of our time, money, resources, love, etc, we begin to look to ourselves for the answers. We begin to become self-reliant instead of God-reliant. Then we may eventually find ourselves standing in a pool of stinky water, infested with mosquitos. When the flow stops, the stink begins. The lack rises to the service.

Get a picture of this. When there is a continual FLOW, when we continue to give; sow money (or time or love, etc) into places we feel led (our church, ministries, people in need, etc), when we STAY IN THE FLOW an automatic result to that IS receiving. It is a natural cycle, if the giving stops, the receiving stops. If the cycle stops, it begins to breed death instead of life. When you STAY in the flow, you WILL find that you can not get away from receiving. It IS part of the cycle. You give and you receive! According to Luke 6:38, when you GIVE it shall be given back to you! Pressed down (envision packing down brown sugar in a measuring cups - these blessings will be pressed down tight so more can fit!), shaken together & running over! When you STAY in the flow, the AUTOMATIC default is to continue to be blessed! And last time I checked, God gives very good gifts! 30-60-100 fold return from God is WAY better than "keeping what we have" with a closed fist.

So friend, lets stay out of the stinky, mosquito-infested water! Let's STAY in the fresh, clean FLOW!

Part 2: Democrat or Republican.

At 10:00 pm last night, the race was too close to call. Some stayed up to realize victory, some stayed up until defeat was inevitable. While yet even others called it a night early heading to bed. The Democrat & Republican alike saying "I'll find out in the morning." 

The iPhone alarm sounded. Rolling over, he turns off his alarm. Immediately feeling the pit in his stomach return. "Did my party win last night?" He sighed and wondered, "Do I even want to look?" It won't take long to find out. In the darkness of his room, he pulled up his twitter feed, then Facebook feed.... 

Let's jump into the word this morning. 

Romans 13:1 - Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment. 

Romans 12:15-16 - Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 - First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people;  for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct. 

Some, woke up to a day of rejoicing, while others woke to mourning.  Nonetheless, for the Christian, Democrat and Republican, we have a great responsibility to pray for our leaders and our country. It's easy to remember during such a crucial time for our country as an election, but it is actually a responsibility that is ours day in and day out of every year, not just an election year. 

If you follow me via our social networking options, you may already know how I felt this morning upon waking up. Whether my party came out victorious or not. But Tyler, as he always does, reminded me of a good verse. Romans 13:1, For there is no authority except from God, and those (authorities) that exist do so by God’s appointment. Like it or not, authority is put in place according to Romans 13:1, by God's appointment. Did you not like the results? Then pray. Allow your prayers to work and effect the next election. Allow your prayers to raise up the the Christian man or woman after God's heart. 

In response to taxes? :) What a fun subject, huh? I have an interesting view, that out of pure frustration, can forget at times. Often, when I look at the amount of money that comes into our house, sometimes I'm really excited until I look at the large chunk that is taken out to go to taxes. Argh. You may feel the same. Well, that brings me to a story that may help on the issue....

Several years ago, when we lived in an apartment, Tyler's vehicle got broken into for the second time. He walked out to see the window broken, the multi-disk CD player still in tact, but had obviously been pried, jimmied, and ratcheted until to no avail, the thief could not get it out. All of the ministry CD's were left untouched in their spot, but one main thing was missing. At that time, iPod's were a high commodity, just having come out. His new, shiney, sleek silver iPod was gone. It made him sick. 

The police came. A report written up. We were one of many in the area who had been broken into. 

Days went by. Nothing. Tyler was still angry. All of the valuable things he had loaded onto the iPod were important to him. He was frustrated. It was disrupting his normal routine of it's use. Until one conversation changed everything. Not naming any names or anything (uhhh, emmmm) but the most wild idea came out of the frustration. "Tyler, why don't you forgive the person and willingly sow the iPod into him? Sure it wasn't right, what he did, but God can turn things around in your favor." Tyler thought on it and decided it was a great idea! So that is exactly what he did. He prayed, forgave the thief, and though the iPod was already gone, in his mind and spirit willingly sowed it into the person. Knowing God is a God who operates on laws, one law we are familiar with is the law of sowing & reaping. Tyler sowed and was expecting to reap a harvest from that iPod he sowed. He believed for something better. He believed that he would receive something better than the iPod that he "sowed." :) 

I don't remember the exact timing of it, but about 1-2 weeks later, Tyler received a phone call. He had been chosen from a company we do business with to receive free cell phone service and the hot, new  iPhone that was getting ready to come out. He was going to be piloting an app, and they wanted his feedback. So... within days, my techy husband opened a box and drooled over his new iPhone. The gadgets, the apps, the features and even the free service were all part of the Blessing of the Lord! 

Call it coincidence? I don't. I believe because Tyler forgave and Tyler chose to sow, he reaped something better! And FREE cell phone service to boot! 

I say all that to say this. What about taxes? Each month, what if instead of grumbling and complaining about the big chunk of money going towards taxes, why don't you take on a new attitude? What about when you see the money go out, you verbally say, "Thank you Lord! I sow this money into our government. I gladly give and pray that you would bless our government. I pray that this money would bless everything it touches. I pray for a nation that has come back to you. I sow this money! I lift up President Obama, I lift up those in authority and thank you IN ADVANCE for a nation coming back to YOU!! In Jesus Name, Amen!" 

Try that and see how long it takes for the Blessing of the Lord to find you! For a raise at your job. For the new job you've been wanting. For blessings to find you wherever you are! Because last I checked, The BLESSING of the Lord makes rich and He adds NO sorrow with it! (Prov. 10:22) 

Even though you have no choice whether to pay your taxes or not, it's coming out regardless, but choose a different attitude. Like Tyler chose to do. Give with a cheerful heart, not begrudgingly and WATCH what happens.  

Deuteronomy 15:10 - You shall give to him freely without begrudging it; because of this the Lord will bless you in all your work and in all you undertake. 

2 Corinthians 9:7 - Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving].

2 Corinthians 9:7 (GNT) - You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly.

#251 - Democrat or Republican?

Deuteronomy 15:10 - You shall give to him freely without begrudging it; because of this the Lord will bless you in all your work and in all you undertake.

Proverbs 19:17 - He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him. 

Proverbs 22:9 - He who has a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. 

Proverbs 31:20 - She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].

We are on the eve of a very important day. The day we vote for who will be President #45 of the United States of America.

This morning, I'll just be honest with you, in my quiet time I was heavily rebuked! Put your stones down for a minute and I will be transparent with you. In my heart and in my mind, I have extremely strong convictions where politics is concerned. Granted, I don't take the time to study all of the in's and out's like I would like to. I think it would be so fun and interesting to really get into the details, but at this stage in my life, time does not allow. Nonetheless, I still have strong beliefs as a Christian. In the past, as I would be driving and get behind a certain bumper sticker shouting the opponent of how I vote, inside me it was like this different person would come out, almost like I wouldn't recognize myself. I would feel like I would get road rage, and immediately decide I did not like the person behind the wheel of this other car. I know, I know.... put your stones down, I know that that is not the right attitude to have. On the contrary, I would see someone with the other bumper sticker, the one whom I'm voting, and I would immediately think, or even say out loud to Tyler, "Oh look, there is one of my friends." I would classify them as one of my friends without even knowing them.

This morning, I was heavily rebuked. As I spent time listening to the Holy Spirit, in a rather unexpected rebuke, he said the bitterness and almost hatred I was carrying around was dark and hurting me. He said BOTH candidates needed prayer! And He is right. As it stands and according to my Christian beliefs, I'm pretty sure that neither candidate has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. There is something to pray about!

As I received my rebuke and asked for forgiveness for the bitterness that I had, He gave me direction, He told me when I saw either bumper sticker that I am to PRAY. But what He said next was what got me really excited!!! Check this out!!!

"Amy, pray for the godly to rise up in politics. Your prayers DO MOVE things. The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. Pray for a nation after Me. Pray for the RIGHT people into office that this nation would come back towards Me. Amy, I forgive you, but I need you to turn the rage into compassion. Prayer. A nation after My heart! A leader, spirit filled who can hear my voice, receive a plan and implement it! I CAN get this nation out of debt. I can bring the country out! Imagine the President pulling together a Pastor's Conference and asking the Pastor's, based off the Word of God to put into place programs that would financially help the poor. That a plee would go out to Christians to budget in their finances to give to the poor. To help the widows and orphans and poor. What if the President would speak in churches across this nation pleeing, preaching for the BELIEVER to take the responsibility to help the poor. The widow. The orphan. Start with YOU!"

Whoa. Honestly, I would consider myself a "good Christian." I have a regular Quiet Time. I spend time daily trying to listen to where the Lord would have me and doing what. I do my best to help people. We give our tithes and offerings gladly. I love Jesus! I have a passion for Him and growing and learning. But honestly, even as what I feel I was, a "good Christian," we have been dropping the ball in this area. We do give to our church, and I know they support ministries that give to the poor, but we have never fully taken that responsibility on as our own. As THE BELIEVER, we have never owned that responsibility. BUT, it is rightfully ours! As the BELIEVER, it IS our responsibility to help the poor, the widow and the orphan.

Imagine.... if believers across the nation were to take 5% of their income and give to the poor. Allot that money to the needy... or even $10 per month! Imagine the hundreds of thousands of Christians giving. Do you think that we would need a welfare system long? If believers were giving like that, and millions of dollars were going to programs that would help the poor, just IMAGINE what would happen! The trillions of dollars that this country is in debt with, would dwindle. Imagine a country FREE of debt! Wow! Imagine the burden that would be released if just YOU were out of debt. What a grand scale for our nation to be out of debt.

Whatever your political affiliation, as a believer I'm going to ask you to do three things.

1. Make sure to VOTE tomorrow!
2. Pray for both candidates. Pray for both parties. Pray for the godly to rise up into position. Pray that right as we speak, the godly would be moving into position, they would be raising up wherever they are, that we could see the hand of God move on this country. Pray for the people running our nation to KNOW JESUS. To come to know Him as their Savior if they do not now. That ultimately the great commission, Matthew 28:19-20 would be in effect and people everywhere would be getting saved! "GO! And make disciples of ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." 
3. Choose to GIVE! We are FINALLY making this a priority in our lives! Today, we are beginning our monthly giving to Oliver Gospel Missions. Feel free to give to this ministry, and/or pray for how and where you are called to give. Though, the responsibility is now known, need I point out the blessings that are coming back to you for abiding by the Word?!? :) Proverbs 19:17 - The LORD will repay you for giving to the poor! That's good stuff! Proverbs 22:9, you will be BLESSED for giving to the poor. Deuteronomy 15:10 - When you give freely not begrudgingly, the Lord will bless you in ALL your work. EVERYTHING you undertake, (ie: the new business, losing weight, your marriage, your relationships, your finances, writing that book) in ALL you undertake YOU WILL BE BLESSED! 

Wow! That is good stuff!! So... friend, believer.... let's get in the flow! Will you join me? 

#248 - The Christian or The Government?

Question: Whatever you are doing, whatever you are pursuing in your life right now, if you could ENSURE the Lord would bless & prosper it, would you want to know how? 

Question: If you could have your business blessed, would you want to know how to ENSURE the blessing of the Lord? 

Question: If you could have your finances blessed, would you want to know how to ENSURE the blessing of the Lord in this area?

Question: What about your relationships, would you want to know how to ENSURE the blessing of the Lord in this area? What about the dreams you have of being a successful writer? A cook? A teacher? A model? A realtor? An entrepreneur? Would you like to know how to ENSURE the blessing of the LORD on whatever it is that you are pursuing? Then today, this devotion, is for you!!  

Let's begin...

Deuteronomy 15:7-10 - If there is among you a poor man, one of your kinsmen in any of the towns of your land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not harden your [minds and] hearts or close your hands to your poor brother; ⁸ But you shall open your hands wide to him and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.....¹⁰ You shall give to him freely without begrudging it; because of this the Lord will bless you in all your work and in all you undertake.

Proverbs 22:9 (NIV) - The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. 

Proverbs 31:20 - She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit]. 

James 1:27 - External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.  

Have you ever heard it said, 'The two things that you should not talk about with people are this: Religion & Politics?' In all actuality, those are the two most important topics. Today's post is not about whether you are democrat or republican, but today's post is about what YOUR RESPONSIBILITY is as a Christian, as the church, as the Body of Christ. Today is about you! Today is about stacking the cards in YOUR FAVOR to accomplish your goals & dreams. Today is about getting the WORD of God & God Himself working on your behalf!

This message is unsung! I've never really heard ministers talk much about it. I've never heard anyone emphasize it's importance. As Tyler & I sat this morning, drinking our coffee & having our respectable quiet times, he continued to interrupt my time with a statement like this, "Ooooh, this is good." Now, what do you say to that? :) "No Tyler, keep it to yourself, I don't want to know what is so good over there!" No, I definitely welcomed him to share, and he did. Then a minute later, "Oooooh, this is good." - "Alright, come on. Bring it," was my response.  So, he proceeded to share verse after verse after verse. And.... oooooh, it was good! I wasn't planning on writing a blog post this morning, but this was all just too good!

Whose responsibility is it anyways? With politics, debates, bumper stickers.... all in full swing shouting for one political candidate or another, where does the Lord fit into all of this? As believers, if we all have the same Bible, the same God, the same Holy Spirit, shouldn't our views be the same? Because my God, is the SAME God as the Baptist or Methodist down the road. Right? We serve the SAME God. So, I return to the question, "Whose responsibility is it anyways?" Is it the responsibility of the government to help the widow? Is it the responsibility of the government to help the poor? Is it the responsibility of the government to help the orphans? No, it is the responsibility of the Believer. It is the responsibility of the church. It is the responsibility of the Body of Christ.

Wait! Don't turn me off! Keep reading.... if you, like me, are thinking, "Oh great... one more responsibility to pile on my plate." And literally, it's like you are beginning to turn the nob to "off." Just wait... THERE IS SOMETHING IN IT FOR YOU!!!

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME? So... what IS in it for you? Why should I be excited about yet ANOTHER responsibility? I know, you are a busy mom. Maybe a single mom, going to school, working full time, making dinner, doing laundry, and still trying to spend quality time with your kids... I get it! I get it! WHY should we be excited about this word, that in our busy lives, sometimes seems like a dirty word because we don't want any more of it.... you may have even said this, "If only I could go back to being a kid, being in elementary school when I had NO responsibilities!" I have definitely said that comment before. :)

OK... let's get into the GOOD news! WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

When you give to the poor, when you give to the needy, when you, the believer, give to the orphans, THIS is what happens:  

THE LORD WILL BLESS YOU in ALL your work and in ALL you undertake.

Hey guys! I'm not making this up! I didn't come up with that statement! It came straight from the Bible.
And....we're not talking about greed here. We're not talking about being "greedy" because you are doing the right thing. It's OK to be excited about GOD HIMSELF blessing ALL of your work & ALL you undertake! It's OK to be excited about that. You SHOULD BE!

Look at the string of events...

• A. You Bless the poor or needy by giving them some money... maybe helping with some monthly bills... a house payment, a car payment... maybe buying some Christmas presents for their children...
• B. You are a teacher, not making a ton of money to pay your own bills.... but wouldn't you know it, THE LORD lays it on the heart of the administrator at your school, they take notice of you & what a great job you are doing and Whaaa-Laaaaa.... you get a raise at your job! You receive INCREASE! 
• C. With your INCREASE, not only do you tithe off of it (give the top 10%)... but you also decide to sow some MORE money into the Kingdom of God... maybe a ministry that is having a great harvest in seeing people saved. 

Do you think GOD is OK with you being EXCITED about your INCREASE? I would say a hearty, ABSOLUTELY! :) 

As a Believer, as a Christian, it is OUR responsibility to help the poor. It is not the governments responsibility to raise taxes, implement more policies to get more of our money to put it towards this or that. It is the Christians responsibility to help the poor. The guy standing on the side of the road with a sign, it's your responsibility to help him. It's my responsibility to help him. Sure, we can't determine... is he just a "con-man." Once that money is out of our hands, we can just commit it to God. God, I did my part. I saw someone in need, and I gave. 

What's good for you? Check this out, Deuteronomy 15:11 says, "For the poor will never cease out of the land." The poor will always be here. What does that mean to you? According to the Word of God, there will NEVER be any shortage of blessings available to you. Do you need to be blessed? Do you want God to help in the current thing you are undertaking? Give. Reach into your wallet, roll down your window, the guy holding the cardboard sign... yah, him... today, choose to give. Or like my dad did... take him into McDonald's, buy his lunch. When you do that, when you GIVE, you put into affect this principle! You put into affect, GOD blessing YOU in all you do! And God's Word works, it does not return void!

What about the church? What about America? It's not the governments responsibility... but so many Christians aren't doing their part. Well then, let it start with you! Let it start with you. Remember & get excited about this....

THE LORD WILL BLESS YOU in ALL your work and in ALL you undertake.

Then, if you have a need in your life, put God in REMEMBRANCE of His Word! "Lord, I gave!" Stand by and watch Him work on your behalf!

#243 - Are You a Go-Giver?

Luke 6:38 - Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour ^[a]into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you.

Proverbs 31:20 - She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].

Have you ever "given" something that someone does not want? Maybe it's been time. Maybe you wanted to help so bad so you've given your time, all the while it was more than a burden to the recipient than a gift. Maybe you've given a gift. Something that you thought was truly awesome and the recipient SHOULD want it, they SHOULD use it, it would help them out a lot, but it was something they did not want or need at all. Maybe you've given someone an opportunity. Maybe it's an opportunity to be a part of your Bible study, play group with kids, craft group, business expansion, but all the while, they were not looking for that at all. Maybe they were just looking for a friend. Maybe they were just looking for an ear to listen. Maybe instead of the gift, they really just needed help paying a bill.

I read an amazing book, several times, called the Go-Giver. It was a quick read and so inspiring. It talked about giving. It talked about providing a service that people want. Answering a problem that people need help answers to. It encompassed Luke 6:38, GIVE and it shall be given unto you. Give and you will receive in direct proportion in which you give. Provide a service, and you will receive in direct proportion to the number of people that you help. Whether you will receive back in friendships, in monetary means, in respect or honor.

I've caught myself at times trying to give. I'm trying to give, give, give. But looking back, it is not something that the person wants at all. They are not looking for what I am trying to give. So here I am, trying to force them to receive, but they just want a friend. Or... maybe I'm put in their life merely to connect them with someone they need to be connected. The whole idea? Be a Go-Giver! GO and GIVE. Give what people need. Find the need that THEY have and try to connect them with the answer. Try to connect them with a person who can help.

As I was reading this morning, and asking the Holy Spirit some questions, like He usually does, He reminded me of some things. Basically this, just because someone comes into my life does NOT mean that they are there to help me accomplish MY goal or MY objective, but maybe, just maybe I am there to help them with their need, their goal, their objective. Maybe I am there to give not the other way around.

For me, that means a change of mindset. Being focused not on, "How can I GIVE YOU what I WANT to give," but changing that to, "How can I give you what you NEED and what you are looking for?"

The Proverbs 31 woman is doing just that. She is giving to those in need. She is giving an ear to listen to, to the one who needs someone to listen. She is giving of her physical labor, to the one who needs physical help. She is giving of her money, to the one in need of money. She is giving of her time, to the one who needs quality time. She is giving of her love, to the one who needs love. Giving "physical labor" to the one who needs "love" would be a vain use of time. It would be "giving" to a close fist, because it is not what they need.

So... a new focus? Today or this week... how can we GIVE what someone is truly in need of? How can we give the gift that someone truly needs? A compliment. A helping hand. Paying for their lunch. Or just being a friend. It may take asking some questions. It may take not talking at all and listening. It's all about finding the need and filling it. How can we GIVE the gift today that someone really needs? Are you a Go-Giver?

#217 - Let God WIN Through YOU!

Good morning! :) All is well here in Columbia, SC. I've been meaning to post a "prego" picture....since I haven't gotten around to it, I'll at least give you an update! :) I am almost 33 weeks pregnant.... that means only 5 more weeks until I am full-term (38 wks)....technically 7 more weeks until my due date of October 3rd. Trinity is definitely growing and ACTIVE! She has been kicking a TON. I have had a great pregnancy. Praise the Lord, I haven't been sick at all (I'm redeemed from sickness). Other than the need for the occasional nap, I have been pretty good. Sleeping at night has been a bit interesting. For those of you who have been pregnant, you know what I mean! It's like trying to roll over with a heavy bowling ball on your stomach! Arghhhhh! I must admit, yesterday was quite a day. I commented to Tyler, "If I could just take off my stomach for an hour... or even just a few minutes, that would be so wonderful! I'll put it back on... but if I could just have a quick break. Breath normal, not be so heavy." 5, 6, 7 weeks seem like a long ways away yet to continue to be pregnant. Do I sound like I'm getting antsy? OK... preach to me, I need it! "Amy, enjoy ever step of this time. Don't wish it away. You will soon be in a different phase, taking care of a newborn. Enjoy this time with Tyler Junior and with your husband. This will be the last time Tyler Junior is an 'only child.' Enjoy it." 


Ok.... Ok... good preaching! :) I need to hear it sometimes! :) Well, we are going to get started into the Word. I actually did follow today's scheduled reading and got into the Psalms schedule, so let's go!

Psalm 41:1-3 - BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, to be envied) is he who considers the weak and the poor; the Lord will deliver him in the time of evil and trouble.² The Lord will protect him and keep him alive; he shall be called blessed in the land; and You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. ³ The Lord will sustain, refresh, and strengthen him on his bed of languishing; all his bed You [O Lord] will turn, change, and transform in his illness.

Proverbs 31:20 - She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit]. 

Did you ever realize what POWER there was in helping the poor, needy or weak? I remember hearing my mom tell me about my dad giving money to a man on the street. If I remember correctly I believe they were in California visiting my brother. Where there were homeless everywhere, streets lined with different men and women, hands out, asking for money or food. The question came up, "How do you know they aren't going to use the money for drugs? How do you know they aren't a phony and do this for a living? There are so many of them, everywhere, we can't give to all of them." My dad's response was simple, "We cannot control what they do, we can only control our obedience to the Word." At that moment, my dad had felt led to give to that specific man on the street. From there, it was as if he was lending to the Lord. As it says in Proverbs 19:14, "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him." My dad was walking in obedience & a leading he was prompted to follow. 


As we read Psalm 41, we see how GREAT being a blessing and considering the poor really is. Not only is it the right thing to do, but in doing so, the Lord in-turn will sustain, refresh & strengthen us if we are sick, if we come down with something. The LORD will refresh us! The Lord will change & transform the illness to healing! The Hebrew says that it will be overturned, turn about, be reversed, be overthrown! The illness brought on by the enemy will be OVERTHROWN! Boo-yah! God sees. God sees when we give to the poor. God sees when we are kind to the poor. The Proverbs 31 woman opens her hand to the poor. She reaches out to the needy. Whether in body, mind or spirit, she helps them, she offers her assistance, she gives them food, or friendship, whatever is needed. 


If sickness comes upon our body, we can put God in remembrance of His word as it says in Isaiah 43:26, "Put Me in remembrance [remind Me of your merits]; let us plead and argue together. Set forth your case, that you may be justified (proved right)." We can remind God of our merits, our deeds or actions we have done to honor Him. Isaiah tells us to DO IT! We are not being selfish to REMIND GOD. We are putting Him in remembrance of what His Word says. It shows action on our part. It shows that we know His Word. It shows faith & diligence to put Him in remembrance of His Word. Then we are to STAND. Stand on His Word. Stand on His promises. Stand, without wavering. Stand!

My desire, My will is health & wholeness. Don't give up children. Don't give in to the enemy. What the man of God said was true, 'My children give up too easily. They need to fight.' Yes. Fight the good fight of faith, that includes the fight against the enemy. You have everything you need to win. The will to live & the will to win is key. If my children give in to the enemy, they tie My hands. Don't give in to defeat. STAND! Stand! Be strong & courageous  & STAND! Put on your armor, take up your shield & sword & stand. If you feel weak, STAND! Watch MY strength come upon you to STAND & FIGHT! Your stand shows Me your faith. Your stand coupled with My strength & power & your will to WIN! Let the weak say, 'I AM STRONG.' Their strength comes through Me. I will show Myself strong. I need you to stand so I have someone to win through!

Let God win through you! Stand. Fight. Watch your victory come to pass! If God's Word says it, will you believe it?

#57 - The Joy of Giving

Good morning! I take my brother to the airport today. He flies back to LA. We have had a nice time visiting. I'm definitely excited about taking a DOR. It will be nice! I guess once you get used to taking one day out of every week where you don't do ANY work... don't spend hours in the car driving places, you don't try to get things "done" off of your to-do list, you don't do laundry or wake up early... you truly just rest. Sleep in, maybe watch a movie, and just don't have that pressure (usually self-inflicted) to do do do or go go go! Accomplish! Work! Move forward! Well.... I am in need of a DOR. Tomorrow or Friday. :) Ok... well, here we go.... 

Proverbs 25:9 - Argue your cause with your neighbor himself; discover not and disclose not another's secret.

Proverbs 31:20 - She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].

So... I recently had someone tell me about some money they received. Someone was really nice and just felt led to give them some money. I was so excited for the recipient, and though they wouldn't tell me who the money was from, I being the nosey friend started guessing. How appropriate to read the verse in Proverbs 25:9. Discover not & disclose not another's secret. Bottom line, it was none of my business who gave the money. But what a blessing to the recipient! I'm not suppose to try to "discover" it. It was a secret for me not to know. Even amidst my "nosiness", it was none of my business. 


I remember a time in college.... I was broke! I had some needs coming up and didn't have money to cover them. Well, at church a lady came up to me and gave me $50.00. She said she felt led to give me the money. What a blessing!!! It could've been $1000.00! At the time, $50 was like the "mother-load"!!! I just started crying that my need would be met right at a time where I needed it met! What a blessing! 


Our Proverbs 31 woman and friend often is this giver. She is often the one seeking out those to give to and bless. In Proverbs 31:20, it says she reaches out her FILLED hands to the needy. It doesn't just mean the person sitting along side the road holding up a sign, "Will work for food." There are often needy people around us all the time. People who in their minds are wondering where the money is going to come from to pay for their rent or electric bill, groceries for their families, food for themselves, a car payment. In Proverbs it talks about when you give to the poor or those in need, the LORD will repay you! It may be a gift that you pray about and the Lord leads you to buy... or it may be money, or picking up the tab when you go out to dinner with someone. When we are not giving, the Lord has nothing to work with in order to multiply back to us! 


What a joy to give. And how IMPORTANT it is to give with a cheerful heart!! 


I also remember a time when Tyler & I gave a pretty large sum of money to a ministry we support. Tyler felt led to give this money. At the time I remember thinking, "Ahhhh! Are you sure we want to give that much." My attitude when we gave was done a bit begrudgingly. I like seeing the numbers when I pulled up the bank account. Well... just NOW I realized I still "held" onto that money a little bit. So, what did I do? I just released that money! Vocally I released it with a JOYFUL heart! I asked for forgiveness for not giving cheerfully! I believe that money is finally in the place where it can be pressed down, shaken together & running over. - Luke 6:38


So... I guess today, just be open to where the Lord leads. Where you can give into the life of someone else. Even if it's small. Where you can bless someone. The car in the drive-through behind you, picking up their tab, someone at Blockbuster, a friend or family member. See if the Lord leads you today. And.... who knows, maybe He leads you to just not pry and try to find things out that may be none of your business, like He did me. :) 


Have a blessed day! :)

#44 - Change Starts with Me

Good morning! Did you know that as a Christian you can expect and believe for God's favor?! The sentence or two from Friday... not sure if you had a chance to read it, but it is POWERFUL! Confess God's FAVOR upon your life today! "FAVOR FAVOR FAVOR! God's favor rests upon me now and is changing circumstances, situations, rules, regulations, policies, laws and even my mistakes to prosper! God's FAVOR is working for me now! AMEN!" Now, that is good stuff! If I were a preacher I'd say, "Don't shout me down when I'm preaching good!" Do you have a situation that you need or would love to see turned your way? Confess God's favor! As a believer in Jesus Christ, as a born again child of God, your FATHER wants to bless you and wants to see you blessed. He wants you to walk in being the head & not the tail. Confess FAVOR! But... do more than that! BELIEVE IT! Say it, and then smile. Shake your head in awe, look up to the heavens and just THANK GOD that when GOD is for you, WHO can be against you! Child of God, there is no way around it, YOU HAVE FAVOR! 
PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!! HALLELUYAH! As we SPEAK, God's FAVOR is working for us NOW! WOW! What a good thing!!


Well... it seems like awhile since I posted something. We had a great trip to Hilton Head. Tyler's job is a definite blessing, but how awesome it will be when daddy gets to be a stay-@-home dad with me!! We are blessed now, but that will be a whole new realm of blessing. We thank God for AWESOME growth in our business, our passions & our calling! Open doors all the time! To do what we love! Imagine this.... getting paid to do what you love! Now that is heaven on earth! It's happening now, we call it done in JESUS name! I'm pretty jacked... I read 2 books this week. I am on my own accelerated reading program. Nothing changes until something changes. Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results! I am changing me. I am starting with me. I am excited about becoming a better me, reading books that inspire, that encourage, that move me on. Filling myself up so that I can pour out, so that I can give more. Who knows, if you are empty you have nothing to give. If the glass has no water in it, you can't pour out ANY water to share with others. I'm going to FILL UP as fast as I can so that I am overflowing... so that I can continue to pour out and fill back up again. VALUE. The law of value. "Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment." Bless people by exceeding their expectations. Are you serving? Are you adding value to others? 


Ok... let's get rolling this morning. Quite a long intro, ey? I was amening myself! ;-) haha! I needed to hear it, to be reminded! 

Proverbs 3:5 - Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

Proverbs 31:15 - She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household....

Side note: I just said "Hi" to my neighbor, Rick. Had a little "mini-conversation". That's another thing I've tried to change, or improve on. Being NICE to people! What a concept! In the past, I would be so caught up in ME, where I'm going, or what I'm doing... what "I" am trying to accomplish. Head down, focused. Walking fast, let's make a bee-line in and out of this place so I can get to the next thing, so I can accomplish the next task. I'm working on a time-frame here. No time to smile at people. No time to say hello. No time to have a conversation or to listen. Go Go GO!!! Anyways... it felt good to say hi to my neighbor Rick. He is typically a quieter guy... and he stood there and talked to me for a minute. :) It was nice. He's off work for a few days. Good for Rick. This weekend in Hilton Head... I made it a point to smile at people. Something free to give, but often priceless to receive.  Sometimes people just need a smile or kind word. I'm working on not focusing so much on ME!


Well, bless the LORD! To lean on, trust in and be confident in the Lord with all your HEART & MIND. To not rely on your own insight or understanding! Wow. Really think about that. I know I often think that I "know" things. For me... I think the biggest area I need assistance in this is my "daily agenda". To be directed by Him with my activities. This is my choice. As I clear my mind, I confess, "Lord right now, I lean on, trust in & am confident in YOU for my day. For my purpose, for my direction, for things to accomplish. With ALL my mind & ALL my heart, I trust in you! Father, I know that in my own insight or in my own understanding I am limited, BUT when I team up with you, my insight and understanding is LIMITLESS! Through you, I can understand all things. I can be divinely directed. Father, right now I CHOOSE to be directed by YOU! I rely on YOU, not upon myself!" 


Our Proverbs 31 friend... what I've in a bit held out from... dreaded... she rises while it is yet night and gets spiritual food for her household. I guess in reading it, it doesn't necessarily say that she gets up "before" her husband, but rising earlier would bless my husband. For me to be able to get spiritual food for myself, to serve my spouse & son better, to prepare myself more for the day, to not feel rushed upon when the boy is going to wake up. To rise earlier would be better. It would also allow me to bless my husband on another level, to rise while it is yet night and get PHYSICAL food for my husband. To make him breakfast. I already know that he would LOVE that. It would be a blessing to him. SO... a new goal. Rising earlier. Once up, I will be ready to go. Rising earlier will allow me to get more done in the morning. Prepare better. Read in the morning. Plan. Complete other tasks. 


What can you commit to today? Leaning on the Lord, more than on yourself? Rising earlier to prepare for your day? Spending more time in the Word? Giving to others? Smiling more?


What are you going to do? Change starts with me. Changing your world starts with you!