Lessons I Never Want To Forget

Many of God's promises are conditional

If we are willing to do His will, all His strength is ours

Whatever gift He promises, is in the promise itself

If we receive the promise, we have the gift

Some measure of faith is imparted to every human being

Faith grows as exercised in the Word of God

Truth, uprightness, and purity are the secrets of life's success

Prayer and faith are closely allied

When praying, we must ask for the things that God has promised

Prayer is a necessity, not an option

Secret communion with God sustains the soul's life

The Bible is a book of good moral instruction as well as the Word that is to mold our actions, words, and thoughts

Yesterday's Testimony

Decorated seashell from Gene's collection

During my door-to-door outreach yesterday I met this beautiful couple, Gene and Carolyn Price. Gene collects a variety of things in nature and displays them in his apartment. Gene is also a singer and songwriter. He is interested in sharing his talent with Everyone. He can be reached at (718)778-3890.

This couple was my very first contact of the day. We connected instantly. While Carolyn  searched The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia, Gene shared his life's journey with me of how The Lord has blessed him and his family. "No one can curse what The Lord has blessed" he said, which prompted me to share the story of Balaam who was called to pronounce a curse over the children of Israel. But instead he uttered words of blessing over God's people, which infuriated Balak, the king of Moab (Numbers 23).

Once again, The Lord preceded me and paved the way. Instead of a slamming door, this family invited me in and shared the many blessings of God.

Testimony

Testimony is not about what you gave up for Jesus.

It's about what He gave up for you.

Don't share what you have done for Jesus.

Share what Jesus has done for you.

Jesus is the one who has done the work.

It is Jesus whom we are proclaiming.

A good, strong testimony will lift up what Christ has accomplished.

With that said, here is my testimony:

God woke me up this morning and I had no idea how this day was going to turn out (yeah right, as if I ever do). But God allowed me to trust Him to precede me to the doors I was to knock on. By His grace I remembered to remain prayerful throughout my rounds. Everyone He blessed me with the opportunity to interact with today was like long lost friends. God allowed me to meet this one lady that after praying, we hugged as friends do. The fact that Jesus keeps me connected to Him pays off. This beautiful experience was all because of His grace.

What's your Testimony?

We Know We Are Growing Spiritually When:

We become increasingly aware of our sinfulness and weakness.

We respond to sin with quick repentance.

Our desire to obey intensifies, and the attraction of sin lessens.

We view trials and temptations as opportunities for growth.

We perceive whatever comes our way as being from Him.

A series of steps led to Peter's denial of the Savior

First: too much self-confidence

Second: following at a distance

Third: hanging out with the wrong crowd

Luke 22:55 shows Peter warming himself at the enemy's fire, in the courtyard of Caiaphas, who was trying Jesus. At this point, Peter was already worn down, defeated, and weak. He was vulnerable, and the last place he should have been was at a fire surrounded by unbelievers.

Sometimes we think we are influencing others, when in fact they are influencing us. Sometimes we think that we are pulling them up, when in fact they are pulling us down. Psalms 1:1 says, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful." Notice the regression in the words in Psalm 1. First, there is walking. Then there is standing. And finally, there is sitting.

When we sin, it usually begins with a series of steps. And when we hang around with the wrong people in the wrong places, we are going to end up doing the wrong thing.

Prayer Breeds Wisdom

In 1996, my husband was severely ill. I was somewhat a newlywed, inexperienced, overwhelmed, and overburdened with a 2-year-old child to care for.

As a new convert in my church, I did not know too much about prayer and its power. That is until I discovered it for myself.

On a Tuesday evening, following the prayer service the pastor, who knew about my situation, said to me, "Hold on firm! Sometimes God is just testing us."

 "Are you kidding?" I thought to myself. "God, if this is a test, I had enough." I couldn't wait to get home and get on my knees and pray, even though I didn't know what I was going to say.

Needless to say, I did pretty well. I knew nothing about confessing sins, ask and you shall receive, and so on...All I knew was that I found myself weeping and wailing and begging for mercy.

"God, please have mercy on me. I can't take this anymore." Before the prayer, if someone asked me what "this" meant, I couldn't tell them. But, God knew exactly what it meant and provided for me accordingly.

I got on my knees heavy laden and rose up as light as a feather. Between work, visiting my husband in rehab, picking up my child from Daycare, and taking care of the house, I was a mess. I was stressed out and getting sick often.

"I was blind but now I see." My days didn't have to be chaotic anymore. Suddenly, I knew what to do. "I don't have to answer the phone when I'm busy."

How wise is that?

Ready, Set, Fight

How often do we have to fight our battles
Sometimes for ourselves and sometimes for our brethren

How often do we find ourselves in a jam trying to find
The right tool or weaponry to fight our battles

How often do we end up choosing the weaponry
That is unfit to give us victory in battles

How often are we reminded as to what
The best weaponry is and yet ignored it

How often does prayer become the first
Weaponry that comes to mind when in battle

How often do we take our battles to God in prayer
And let Him use us as He wants on the battle field

Let us not try to put out forest fires using a squirt gun
Let us use the spiritual weaponry that God has given us.