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Reset…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Psalm 103:12 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Philippians 3:13-16 New King James Version (NKJV)

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.  Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

Reflection:

On your mark…get set…Go! [Poof…goes the gun] That phrase is a build up to an explosion of human adrenaline like you have never experienced. I used to run track in college. One race stands out in my memory.  I was in the 55-meter dash at an indoor meet.  I had been training hard in the off season and I was ready to show that out on the track.  The race announcer said “Runners, on your mark, get set….” Then I jumped in anticipation of the gun.  Well they charged me with a false start and I was disqualified from the race.  Just like that, I abruptly started over the preparation cycle for the next race.

Sometimes over the years you may feel this way. We have been plodding along preparing for the next “big” moment like a vacation, a birthday or some other special event and then in an instant it is behind you…the buildup to the excitement is gone.  In those instances, how do you reset your mind set? The Word tells us that we should be always pushing ahead not to the point that we don’t enjoy the precious moments in life, but also so emotions or disappointments don’t’ derail us to our assignments set before us in the Lord.

I love comparing past experiences to my walk with the Lord. We are all on the same track team. Once it comes to our lives we all have our individual event.  It is up to us to be disciplined and encourage each other in the faith.  So, when that moment comes to witness, pray or lay hands on someone we will be ready.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Think back over the course of this year and list out your blessings and testimonies.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever – Psalm 107:1

 

When all you hear is an echo….

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

1 Kings 19:11-14 New Living Translation

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  He replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

Reflection:

Have you ever cried out to God desperately and felt like all you heard was an echo? Like standing at the edge of a lake and yelling out hello and just hearing hellooooo back. It has been my observation, that we expect that the Lord will show up and answer us immediately.  Like our social media feeds, that give us instant validation/gratification.  Beware saints that we take the things of this world and try to apply them to the things of God.  In our Bible passage, we see Elijah feeling very alone.  He cried out to the Lord and the Lord did answer, but not in the grand way one thinks He should respond.  Having spent a lot of time seeking the Lord, Elijah comes out just at the right time.  Then and only then does the man of God get specific instructions as to how to carry on in a seemly impossible situation.

I don’t know what challenge you may be facing, but know that God is still on the throne and He will never leave you or forsake you. Cry out to Him and then be still.  Seek His answers, not in the obvious solutions, but in the solutions, that bring you the most peace in your spirit.  The Holy Spirit is leading us all through the peace in our hearts.  It is in His witness there is the true answer.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What subjects or topics have you laid before the Lord that you feel is getting an echoed response.
  • Take time to dissect each request as it relates to the Word of God. Is what you are asking for and the motive behind that request lined up with the Word? Are you walking out that prayer in the faith? Are your words lining up with the Word?
  • If after the last bullet there are still things on that list that seems that no answer has come, then start seeking the Lord on where you should be focusing. Once you get that peace in your spirit, hang on to it, your answer is right around the corner.

Sow Thanksgiving. . . Reap Blessing. . .

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Genesis 8:22 New International Version (NIV)

“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

Luke 16:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

Reflection:

I once got in an accident with a parked car….yes parked car. Living in the Northeast, snow is just a way of life, but still sucks. Due to my husband’s position, he must be at work basically in the middle of the night to make sure his division, supervisors and operators are prepared for the morning commute.  That leaves me to drive into school and then work by myself.

This past storm, I got on the highway and at every onramp traffic was flowing so nicely that I was not concerned for one minute about the inclement weather. Halfway down, the Holy Spirit brought to my attention that each time that I passed an onramp without incident, I thank the Lord.  Not that I didn’t hear an audible voice, but a whisper in my heart, He said “That acknowledgement of the Lord’s mercy, orchestrated the next situation.”  Now that He got my attention, I observed the remaining way of the ride down.  Sure enough, after each smooth merge with the cars coming on the highway, I continued to thank the Lord.  I ended up getting the kids to school safely and on-time!  As I headed to work, the Holy Spirit dropped Genesis 8:22 in my heart.  Then he said, “with each acknowledgment of thankfulness sown, you will reap another blessing from the Lord.”  Hallelujah! What an amazing example for such a simple truth!

What are you lacking today? Start being thankful for things that you may be taking for granted. The Bible says in Luke 16:10, if you are faithful with the few things that the Lord gives you, He will give you more, if not then even the little that you have He will take away.  These are spiritual laws!  Just like you can’t fight the law of gravity, the same is true here. The more you are aware the more you can thrive for in Kingdom of God.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • List out your blessings big and small.
  • Make it a point for the next week to thank the Lord for the simple things.
  • Take note of the unexpected blessings that well occur.

 

Grace Growers

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Scriptural Foundation:

2 Corinthians 12:6-9 New Living Translation (NLT)

If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.  Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Romans 12:18-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Reflection:

The Lord spoke to my heart, “Grace growers are the dung that fertilizes your purpose.” Well that is a little graphic… For those of you that live near a farm, dung is used as an asset.  The Lord in this example uses fecal waste to help grow plants.  The same is true with individuals in your life, Believers and non-Believers.  Note I listed the Believers first…sometimes sisters and brothers in the faith are first line of opposition.

The Holy Spirt is constantly cultivating in you the fruit of the Sprit….But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22-23). How is this fruit going to grow? In and out of season you have to prepare the soil of your heart to endure adverse situations.  The Lord prepares you daily with the Grace Growers in your life.  Individuals that are always correcting you; overly critical of you; people that play the victim card; etc.

Beloved, the only way the devil can attack a prayed-up Believer is in the mind and in the flesh. Paul mentions the “thorn in my flesh” and how he asked the Lord to remove on different occasions, however He didn’t for the purpose of growth and enlightenment.  Personally, I think these are the people that God allows in our lives to heap on the dung. That is the only way the fruit of the Spirit will grow.  The devil thinks that he is breaking us down, but if we stand on the Word of God all these mental/fleshly distractions will make way for beautiful blessings.  When family members, spouse, friends, or co-workers challenge you in the natural, remember the commission of Romans 12:18-19 and choose to live in peace instead.  My Pastor said recently, “correction gives us direction…time is a great teacher.”  We may never know why a certain person is so difficult, but we do know that the Lord is using it all for our good.  Embrace your Grace Growers today and watch how your harvest begins to flourish.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • List out all the “difficult” people in your life.
  • Ask the Lord how you can use challenging interactions with them for His glory.
  • Make it a point not to enable negative behaviors in others, if you actions feed them then change your approach.

Double the blessing…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

2 Corinthians 9: 10-11 New Living Translation (NLT)

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.  Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

Philippians 4:18-19 New Living Translation (NLT)

At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Reflection:

It is said that there is an orchard in every apple seed. When Jesus died for our sins, this sacrifice was a seed that is still producing souls today.  As Disciples of Christ, we have an obligation to sow the seed that we are given.  Immediately the mind jumps to momentary seed.  Nope the first seed that the Lord gives us to sow is our time.  Each morning we are given the gift of more time on this earth.  This is our full bag of seed.  Throughout our day we are given opportunities to sow seeds in our words and actions.  Now we have seed that carry over from day-to-day, the gifts that the Lord has placed inside of us to fulfill the plan that He has for our specific life and how our life will impact those around us and the next generations.  So you see, like Jesus we have the potential for sowing and harvesting a great crop for the Kingdom.

Think about it, every action, every word if done in love will create a doubled blessing – a blessing for the sower and a blessing for the receiver. God is all about the multiplication.  Creation just mirrors His majesty in the purest form.  An apple produces an orchard.  Your life can produce something so vast that your current mindset can’t fathom it.  That is why we have the Holy Spirit.  He will help you develop the mind of Christ! This multiplication mindset is limitless.

As we head into the Holiday season, we will have increasing opportunities to be a blessing to those around you. This accelerated seed sowing season sets the stage for next year’s blessings.  So I have just one question for you, what are you doing with your seed today?

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Over the next few weeks seek the Lord concerning individuals in your life. Look for ways with His direction to bless someone this Holy season. That torch of love that you pass will light up another’s heart. Isn’t this what this season is for?

Tough act to follow…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

John 14:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  

Reflection:

It doesn’t happen often, but while in the car by myself, I start thinking about things and I start crying. This past week was one of those times.  I had just gotten a gift box from my mother for the kids for Christmas, my mother is so prepared and on-time for things.  I was out and about running errands and I started reminiscing…that’s how it always starts.

My mother has always sent the best love-o-grams. It didn’t matter the size of the box, but they are always filled with thoughtful little items.  It started when I left for college, when a box came it was a big warm hug from her.  These days not only does she send one for me on my birthday, but for each of the kids on their birthdays and don’t forget the holidays.  It is always a box full of surprise with the most thoughtful things in it.  It is truly a gift that she has.  My mother cares about my total wellbeing, she sends me teas to help with weight loss, books to read and expand my mind, and clothes because she knows that I put myself last when it comes to purchasing anything for myself.  Her unconditional love is staggering and it shows in her actions.  She is truly the heartbeat of heaven on earth.  I started thinking to myself, how will I ever be that awesome for my kids?  I do my best, but remembering my childhood, I wish I could do more for my family.

Always in His sweet way, the Holy Spirit laid John 14:12 on my heart. Just like in the natural I don’t feel like I could ever be as good of a mom as my mother, as Believers we feel the same way when the Lord has identified your calling and your walking it out. In the beginning you don’t know what you are doing and you will feel inadequate, however over the process of time you will get to a point where someone else is looking to you for guidance.  The thing is everyone’s path is tailor made for them and for the people they have been ordained to touch for Christ.  That is why Jesus says earlier in John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Jesus left the Holy Spirit here on Earth to help guide us during our journey in life. To help us show more love, more mercy, more grace, and do greater works than Jesus did during His time here.  Our assignment as Believers are to perform better than our predecessors. Not a jab at our parents, pastors or mentors, but the Holy Spirit is the only person that is going to get you through this life. Jesus left the blueprint and you must build up your piece of God’s Kingdom here on Earth.

I have accepted that following in my mother’s foots steps won’t be exactly the same as my mother, but I pray that the soul touched warmth is passed down to my children’s children times seven generations. The same is true for my walk with the Lord. My intent is not to be perfect, but to hear when I get to Heaven….well done my good and faithful servant.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • List the things that you don’t think you are doing well.
  • Present your list to the Lord ask the Holy Spirit to help you get better in these areas for the glory of the Kingdom.
  • Review your list periodically and watch the Lord move on those things for you.

 

Embrace the Wilderness

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Exodus 3:1 New King James Version (NKJV)

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.

Matthew 3:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’”

Matthew 4:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.

Reflection:

Since I was young, I dreamt of getting married, buying a house, having kids and living happily ever after. The funny thing is about dreams, is that they are far from reality.  At the time I had no idea how hard it was going to be obtaining that dream.  I have achieved pretty much the elements that my dream consisted of, however looking around it doesn’t look or feel like I thought it was going to feel.  I never knew how much work laundry was until I was doing ten loads a week….I have a particular separation and wash cycle.  The washing is not the issue, it is the folding, putting away and twice a year the season shift of everyone’s whole wardrobe.  It is in these repetitive mundane tasks that one gets lost in the daily grid.  It is when we have reached the end of ourselves that is when we enter into our wilderness time.   This process is necessary to bring about change in one’s life.  There are two paths in life, one that is wide and one that is narrow (Matthew 7:13).  Although life could be easier on the wide path, there is not a sense of satisfaction.  The narrow path is trying; however the reward that is attained far out weighs any of the suffering that brought you to this point.

There are several examples in the Bible, where the Lord had to draw individuals out into the desert each time for the purposes of reaching the end of self and depending solely on the Word of God. Anything outside the Word is fruitless, that is why the pursuit of certain objects, job titles, or experiences seems hollow when reached.  The wilderness periods of your life are not meant to break you down, but are to indicate that a certain season of your life is ending and is helping you build endurance for the next season of your life.  It is like having a test prior to looking at the all material.  Remember the Holy Spirit knows everything and where He leads you. He will support you and will be satisfied.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What parts of your life is just not satisfying? What do you think that is?
  • Ask the Holy Spirit what are you missing?
  • Always remember the victory always comes on the heels of your wilderness season.

Do you exploit God?

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

 

Scriptural Foundation:

Galatians 6:7

New International Version (NIV)

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

If you think you can fool God, you are only fooling yourselves. You will harvest what you plant. 

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.

The Message (MSG)

Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. 

Reflection:

I don’t know about you, but I love looking up the same scripture in a bunch of different versions as well as the Greek or Hebrew to get the full breadth of the meaning of the passage. This week’s scripture has always pushed me to reflect on my words and actions as it relates to my relationship with God. Dictionary.com defines exploit as follows: make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource). You can fake it until you make it in the world, but when it comes to the keeper of your soul, you can’t hide from your own heartbeat. Sure there are coping mechanisms we think will fake out the Lord with phrases like…“With all due respect,…”; “In my humble opinion,…”; or ”Lord, I don’t want you to think I am ungrateful, but…”  My Pastor taught me a long time ago that the word but throws out everything that was previously stated.  So where does that leave you with your conversations with the Lord?  He is the Alpha and the Omega of eternity.  What makes you think that he doesn’t know what is happening in between?

Every action and word that is spoken has weight, has currency as it relates to your future. The Lord is merciful to forgive and completely forget all wrongs, however we as Believers have to be sincere in our requests.  Anything less is indirectly calling God a fool.  Yes that seems harsh, but in a world that more and more things are being put into the gray area the Word of God remains black and white.  You either trust God or you don’t.  You either live out your days on this earth for Him or you just play church which doesn’t help anyone and something you will have to take account for in Heaven.  Saints time is growing short, lace up and get your head in the game.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What areas of your life have you hung a “keep out” sign on the door?
  • Think about why you have consciously or subconsciously done that.
  • Ask the Lord forgiveness and the strengthen to do a 180-degrees on the subject.

Jesus said to the father, “Why did you say ‘if you can’? All things are possible for the one who believes.” Immediately the father shouted, “I do believe. Help me to believe more!”

-Mark 9:23-24 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

I am tired of being the strong one…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Matthew 11:27-29 New Century Version (NCV)

“My Father has given me all things. No one knows the Son, except the Father. And no one knows the Father, except the Son and those whom the Son chooses to tell.

“Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives.

Reflection:

I have always been the responsible one. I am the oldest child in my family, was one of the older children in my grade….not to mention I have the propensity to like things in order as much as possible. As are result, people tended to look to me when things were falling apart. Given that I have the gifting of exhortation, I sincerely love listening and helping in any way that I can. However, I found out later on in life that sort of approach leaves one very tired. Not tired of helping people, but tired of the constant drawing of one’s spirit.

My time with the Lord is very precious to me. I am always filled up and recharged for the day ahead. However at times I feel like people seek me out because they feel like I have this special line to God. Those are the times I feel like I am not doing enough for the Kingdom of God.  Then the Holy Spirit reminds me that it is not job to receive blessings for other people, just to pray for them and have faith that God will be faithful to His Word. Blessings are for the individual to receive and unwrap from the Lord. In our message scripture this week Jesus emphasizes that we should give our burdens to Him. I don’t have to be the strong one, I just have to be faithful to my calling in Christ and in that I will doing my part for my Kingdom.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What issue(s)/situation(s) are you taking ownership of today? Is it your own or a loved one?
  • Meditate on the below scripture.
  • Release the ownership to the resolution of that issue(s)/ situation(s) to the Lord.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

– 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

TV is like quick sand…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Ecclesiastes 1:8 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

Words cannot fully explain things, but people continue speaking. Words come again and again to our ears, but our ears don’t become full. And our eyes don’t become full of what we see. 

Proverbs 27: 20 New King James Version (NKJV)

Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Reflection:

My husband and I have two different approaches to TV. He likes it on, even if it is just for back ground noise, whereas I like it quiet.  I remember when you waited all week for a specific show to come on and then when that show was done, off went the TV.  Now a days there are cable and satellite packages that have hundreds of channels to surf through. Granted some of them could be duplicates, but by the time you get to it you don’t notice the repetition.  It doesn’t matter what is on the TV, it calls its viewers to the screen, like a siren to the rocky cove.  Don’t get me wrong like the internet there is some valuable information that can be communicated via the TV, however it is all the other stuff that comes across that lulls some into an unproductive stupor.

I speak for myself when I say I have way too much to do around the house – hobbies and house work to be bogged down by sensory overload. I get more accomplished on a given evening when we come in and don’t turn on any TV than when my husband puts it on first thing as a way for him to unwind from his day.  The issue is that this pass time gives the elusion that things can wait, while you relax from your day.  Instead it is like quicksand, the more you try to accomplish with it on, the less motivated you become to keep moving and ultimately abandon your task to watch your favorite episode of Friends for the 100th time.  In our opening passages in the Bible warns us about our eye gates that if we don’t guard them, they will turn around and rule our behavior. I sincerely believe this is the issue young and older individuals alike when it comes to things like video games or pornography.  It starts off as something that is fun, a manageable activity then before the person knows it; they have sunk so far down into the quicksand that they can’t mentally/physically get out.  Thank God for His Word, in 1 Corinthians 10:13 it reads,  No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. You may lead a sedentary life style, pinned up and trapped in by your desires and temptations; however the Word is that branch that if you reach out and grab hold will get you out of the deepest pits and put you back on solid ground.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What are your biggest temptations or time burners?
  • Determine in your heart that you will leave unproductive cycles in 2017 and look ahead to a totally different 2018
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to help you gradually release and abandon these temptations.