Learning To Rest!

For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 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. 2 Corinthians 12:6-9 NKJV

There are so many things that happen to us in life that are simply not in our control. Some of our life events cause us to be over anxious and frenetic and some have even caused people to seek escape from the problems by committing suicide–which is never the answer, for then we leave those behind to handle those things we refused to face.

Let’s face it–life happens–to everyone, some of it good, some bad, some absolutely horrible, but when we are in Christ, we can rest–assured of His grace and mercy--and know He will work it out for our good.

So when the world is careening out of its orbit–we don’t have to sway into fray–we can lean entirely on God’s Word, the firm foundation of our faith and weather any storm that comes our way. In life–storms come and they go–and we have shelter in the arms of our Lord! Nothing the enemy does--no fiery dart shall ever thwart God’s plans for our lives and if we only Believe.

Believe that He is our comforter when we need to be comforted.

Believe that He is our healer when sickness and disease attempt to make us fearful.

Believe that He is our Father who gives good gifts.

Believe that He is our provider and He will take care of us.

Believe that He is Alpha and Omega–the first and last–and He has us covered with the blood of Jesus.

Believe that when we are weakened by the trials of this world–He strengthens us to endure until the end.

Where does our help come from? Our help comes from The Lord! And when we know that He watches over us–we can rest in the knowledge that He knows all about our troubles and concerns and we can rest in Him–never fearful or over anxious about anything or about what anyone may do.

Now–shake off those feelings of dread or fear or anxiety and enter into His peace and rest–troubled no more by those things we cannot control. For if we can control some things, we should control them and thank God for the wisdom He bestows upon us from on high!

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He Has Made Us Great!

“O LORD, you have made our nation great;
yes, you have made us great.
You have extended our borders,
and we give you the glory!” (Isaiah 26:15 NLT)

In the midst of all the chaos reigning in the land, we who know how awesome our God is, have to stand firm in the knowledge of His Word and His Power!

No matter what things look like, we need to say, “You have made us great and we give You the glory!”

No matter what others do, contrary to His Word, our constant affirmation has to be, “You have made us great and we give You the glory!”

No matter how foolish and ungodly other nations act, our stance is, “You have made us great and we give You the glory!”

We cannot control or change people–only people who see the need for change can change what they do, but we can intercede on behalf of people, acknowledging God’s goodness and maintaining our position, “You have made us great and we give You the glory!”

If we are tired of the violence–we need to take a stand against it and give God all the glory due Him!

If we are tired of political agendas that oppose God’s Word--we need to take a stand against it and God all the glory due Him!

If we are tired of disease robbing us of our loved ones–we need to take a stand against all the enemy would use to destroy our faith in our God and give Our God the praise and glory due Him!

He has made us peacemakers, not peace-breakers!

He has made us the head, not the tail!

He has healed our bodies of all sickness and disease with the stripes He received on the cross!

He has poured His love into us so we may have love to shed abroad to others who do not know Him!

He has made us victorious in the midst of the enemy trying to make us accept victimization!

He has set a table for us–providing all we need–in the face of the enemy who would have us think, our hope is gone.

Our faith–without doubting for a moment–is in Him–the One who created all things and without whom, nothing was ever created!

He has made us great and we will give Him the glory due Him!

Hallelujah to our God–and an Awesome God is He!

Submission Is A Good Thing!

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

So many people tend to think that the word “submit” is a bad word; especially as it pertains to women “submitting” to their husbands. One of the reasons for this disdain of the word is the fact that many have mis-taught the context of the word in the Bible. For clarity’s sake, the definition for submit–deferring to another’s opinion or authority makes it clear that submission is a good thing.

We must learn to accept the fact that none of us know everything and recognize that when we don’t know; it is not a judgment against self to defer to the opinions or authority of someone who does know. Not recognizing the authority of another is not only stupid, but could have detrimental results–depending upon the situation.

James tells us to submit to God–yield, defer to God’s authority. Resist–turn away from, run in the opposite direction, close ears to, anything the devil has to say and when we actively resist the devil, he will flee from us.

The best way to do this is to make sure understanding of The Word has been a priority in life. When we see the attempts the devil makes to cause us to believe anything God did not say; we simply speak The Word against what the enemy has said and do it as often as needed. The devil will get tired of hearing The Word and eventually leave a person alone–for a season. He will return, but if The Word is buried deep in our hearts, whenever he returns, we’ll be ready.

God knows more than we shall ever know! Fact–not opinion–and we know because we have not created a universe and He has. Therefore, we should acknowledge His authority and defer to His authority so we can defeat the enemy at every turn. Submission to God–is a good thing–it guarantees us victory over the enemy!

 

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#God   #James   #Victory    #devil     #Mary M. Hall-Rayford

Be Strong!

“But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the LORD. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the LORD, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the LORD Almighty” (Haggai 2:4 NIV).

“But now” in spite of all the negativity, in spite of all the violence, in spite of all the naysayers, in spite of all the works of the devil that are so evident in the environment, God is saying–“Be strong” and continue to do the works He has devised in our hearts, because He is with us and we have no need to fear.

Strong people–keep pushing to overcome obstacles.

Strong people–know how to think through any development before doing anything.

Strong people–know how to step back and re-think a situation before moving on, not out of fear, but wisdom motivating them.

Strong people–understand that a temporary setback does not mean it’s time to surrender.

Strong people–find reasons to keep going and never make excuses that lead to failure.

Strong people–know how to block out thoughts that would defeat them and replace them with thoughts of confidence and certainty of the victory that is theirs.

Strong people–draw other strong people and their unifying efforts–keeps them victorious in all things.

Strong people–never give up and will not accept defeat as a viable option.

Strong people–continue to hope and faith in God, even when the situation “seems” hopeless.

Strong people–remember that the joy of the Lord is their strength!

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! Never fear what the enemy has planted in the minds of weak people because the enemy has already been defeated, and he just needs to be reminded of that--the blood shed on the cross through Jesus Christ established Satan’s defeat for all times–for those who are strong in their faith in what God is doing and has done and will do.  Be Strong!

With the mind of Christ–always hearing and obeying the Father–we have no need to fear the tactics of the enemy because perfect love (unconditional) casts out fear and we can move forward in this spiritual battle--knowing victory is ours! Be Strong!

What we accomplish in the spirit realm (acknowledging God’s control and praising Him for it), God will accomplish in the natural realm of the earth. Move self out of the way–depend on the Spirit of the Lord to direct us in all things and obey Him. We just have to keep fighting the good fight of faith and be strong in the Lord! Be Strong!

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to remain strong–never giving into defeat, no matter what the enemy does! Help us to remember–that victory is ours, the enemy has already been defeated and in the end–we win!

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He Will Do It!

“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19 NIV)

I’m beginning to think that the reason many people do not believe God or in His existence is because they tend to think of Him in “human” terms.  They try to bring God down to man’s level of thinking, giving Him some of man’s attributes, and then thinking God will respond to situations like man will. They do not understand that God is Spirit and therefore not subject to the limitations of man–physically, emotionally, or mentally. Hallelujah!  I’m so glad He is not like us!  We are so fickle-minded, we change what we do and think in a heartbeat.  We lie to one another, seldom keep promises; especially to children and then we wonder why our lives are such a mess.

God won’t lie to us because truth and integrity are part of His attributes.  He won’t change His mind because He has no need to do so.  He can see far beyond what we can even think and He has already determined how things should be and the consequences of our actions. What He does, is for our good.  Every good parent wants only the best for their children and they plan for their children’s future. God is my “Daddy” and I know that His plans for me are designed to prosper me and not to harm me that I have a future with hope and a promise fulfilled (Jeremiah 29:11 paraphrased).  What He says, He means–He will not change His mind about what He speaks.  What He promises, He will make sure it happens.  When we receive His promises is entirely up to us--when we obey!

God is love!  Love has no desire to harm or disappoint or discourage.  Love comforts, chastises, encourages, motivates, inspires, and holds onto us even when we don’t deserve it.  That’s love!

Hold onto His promises, obey His Word, and watch how He works.  Whatever He has promised, He will bring it pass.  He will do it!  Hallelujah!

 

Joyful, Patient and Faithful!

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, he reminds them about their past and cautions them to care about their present and encourages them about their future. In verses 6-8, he discusses the different gifts that everyone has and encourages them to function in their gift. In this verse, he tells them to have hope with joy and to be faithful in praying for self and others and to be patient when we are afflicted.  Can we be happy while we wait with patience for the hope of our future; especially when we are afflicted by pain or betrayal?  Can we faithfully pray–on a consistent basis–be mindful of the needs of others and not just our own?

I am joyfully waiting with great expectation in the hope and confidence of seeing a prayer answered.  And I boast in the confidence I have in God, daily. Whenever I get a request for prayer from anyone, I immediately pray.  If it is someone on the phone, I pray right then.  If it is someone online, I type a prayer for them and let them know what I have prayed by sending it to them.  When my legs and ankles try to impede my walking, I remind them that they do determine what I do, I determine what they do.  And sometimes, I walk in pain, but I don’t let it stop me.  I know of some people who are in constant pain who refuse to give up on living or their faith in God.  Hallelujah!  I’m praying for them daily.

When we think about it, seriously, we can do all things that are required of us because He has equipped us to do all things well. Are we going to do it?

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for all who have yet come to terms with a decision for You.  I pray that in the light of hope, they will see a need to accept all You have to offer with joy in their hearts and will make a decision to live for you, no matter what.  I pray physical comfort for all those suffering in pain, but yet live for You.  Relieve the pain from nerve conditions, joint conditions, skin conditions, muscle aches and whatever else might assail those who love You. I declare it done for all who will receive the gift of healing right now.  Amen!

 

Excerpt 10 “Battlerama- Super Tweens To The Rescue”

Once they reached the beach, on the far side of an island in Hawaii, they played, swam and had a good time practicing their gifts.  They were having so much fun, that Maria almost missed a scream for help.  She thought she heard it, but wasn’t sure, so she sat still and listened closely.  There it was!  The anguished scream came from a mother whose child had been hit by a car.  She quickly told the others.  On one accord, they ran to The Bubble and found the coordinates as Maria advised them and found the mother and child.  Once they were able to secure The Bubble, they ran to help, but the child was not breathing.  The little boy’s body temperature was already dropping, but Anthony was convinced that he could regulate the child’s body temperature.  When nothing happened, Anthony placed his hand over the child’s heart and focused on making his heart resume a normal beating pattern.  After a few minutes, the boy’s heart was beating and soon his breathing was normal and body temperature rose.  Once the boy was sitting up on his own, The Seven left the scene—after Anthony smiled and whispered something in the boy’s ear.  The mother of the boy had been so upset over the child’s being hit, she did not notice what had happened, but was tearfully overjoyed when she saw her son sitting up as if nothing had happened.

The Seven boarded The Bubble thinking they had not been seen, but they were observed—by The Wisteria and minions of Loftus.  The Wisteria were elated, but the minions Loftus had placed there were baffled and reported to Loftus what they had observed.  Loftus sat contemplating what could be happening and told his minions to be more watchful and if they observed anything of this nature again to notify him immediately.  The Wisteria knew that time was not on their side when they discovered that Loftus knew about The Seven.  Plans had to be changed and accommodations made to protect The Seven until they could complete their mission.

 

This is the last posted Excerpt.  The battle is heating up and you can find out what happens in just a few weeks.  Available on Amazon.com–Battlerama–Super Tweens To The Rescue!

 

Excerpt 9 “Battlerama–Super Tweens To The Rescue!”

“How are we to defeat the evil one when we live in different places?”

Noissa answered them.  “You have more ability than you know.  Tell me one thing that you think will benefit you the most?”

Maria did not hesitate to answer.  “Whatever we need, even if it is each other, we can focus our thoughts on what or who is needed and it will be done.”

Noissa smiled.  “You are right Maria. You have learned wisdom from all the ancients and even some of the contemporary philosophers of wisdom. You have learned integrity and it will serve you well.  Most of all, you have demonstrated a natural compassion and care for others.  When you need one or the other or all, all you need to do is “think on things above and not below”. Focus your thoughts and your thoughts will become reality.  You have learned much and will continue to learn as you train others.  You are never alone.  Someone is always a thought away.  Remember that and remember that your gifts will work collectively to thwart anything that the followers of Loftus can throw your way.  Proceed with wisdom—think everything through—and move forward with courage and conviction, never doubting and certainly, never fearful of anything or anyone.  The moment you fear—Loftus will feed on your feed and you may experience such hatred that you will forget who you are and what you are capable of doing.  Don’t forget—never be fearful!”

Modsi then told them that they would have an opportunity to get to know each other better with the use of their gifts tomorrow when they finalized their training. Still in awe of everything before, they talked almost at the same time and reluctantly knew they had to return to their normal lives.  But not for long.  Nothing after their training ended would ever be normal again.

 

Excerpt 3 “Battlerama–Super Tweens To The Rescue”

The Wisteria left to seek others.  Their collective reasoning led them to a park in the inner city in Chicago.  Derek was playing basketball with a number of young men who were much older than he was.  They shoved him around and he could seldom get his hands on the ball, but when he did, someone always knocked it out of his hands. They laughed at his efforts, but he was determined to get the ball and make a basket.  Finally, one guy slipped on the court and Derek grabbed ball and ran to the other end and threw it.  It made it in.

“That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout.  Yeah, how you like that?” he taunted the others.

The minute he said that, the other players boxed him in and shoved him from side to side, laughing at his inability to elude them. An older gentlemen, passing by intervened and Derek was able to escape and run home.  All the way home, he was irritated by what happened and wished he was strong enough to push back hard enough to keep people from pushing him around.

“One of these days,” he muttered. “I’ll be strong enough to take on all of them.”

As he walked into his house, the stench of garbage that he had forgotten to take out assailed him. His mother was sitting in her favorite chair in a bit of a stupor, totally unaware of Derek’s presence or how the house smelled.  Derek looked at the empty bottles on the table and knew that his mother had been at it again.  He took out the garbage, came back into the house and washed his hands before making himself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  When he had finished eating, he went into his room, laid down on his bed and stared at the ceiling.  Water formed in the corner of his eyes, but he ignored it.  This was just one more time that his mother had slipped away in her drunken dreamland and he was left to fend for himself.  Silently, he started pounding the bed with his fists, thinking that if he was Superman, he would have enough strength to keep his mother from drinking because he would be able to keep her from buying the alcohol.

Available Soon on Amazon.com.  Book Trailer available now on YouTube.