I traced back my doubt

During the wee hours of the morning today, God shed the light on my doubt in Him. I have been in a rat maze, constantly coming up short as I tried to trace back the point in my life when I started to doubt God, but more specifically when I kept asking "would He hear my prayer". There is a long story behind this epiphany and this limited amount of space won't allow me to tell all, but I would like to share a little of what God showed me. Approximately 8 years ago I had a life changing event happen to me. It was during this time of turmoil and so many unanswered questions, that I stopped believing that God heard me. If I'm really being honest, I now see a series of bad choices that landed me in a spot where I was making decisions without consulting God. The compiling of those choices resulted in the being in a spot where I expected God to jump back in and take over where I had failed. I was using God to get me out of the space between a rock and a hard spot. And I expected God to get me out of that spot within my parameters and according to what I believed was the right direction. What I have since learned is that God has always had a plan and He will do things in His time and according to His plan. I also learned that He never really left me, but instead always had a hedge of protection around me, ehen I was making less than stellar choices. But one of the greatest things I learned is I had to turn everything over to Him DAILY if I really was going to call myself a child of God. I have not mastered the act of giving all to Him, but I now feel like I better understand where I went off track, why I started to doubt and what I need to do to help repair my trust in God. I know the point in time where I allowed doubt and fear to rule my life. I now know that God never desired harm to come to me, but instead He has always wanted the very best for my life. I learned that the scriptures tell me to trust Him because He holds my tomorrows.

There is a reason and season for everything

To everything there is a season. Most times we don't understand why, but it's all been predestined. God has always had a plan and purpose behind all that we experience. Even in death, there is a timing and purpose. My prayer for the children of God is that we will listen intently as God leads on the path He has prescribed for each of us. And even as we come to the fork in the road or the boulder that appears to hinder our progression, lead us God to the place you want us to be.

Jesus loves me

Jesus loves me this I know. For the bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak, but He is strong. Yes Jesus loves me for the bible tells me so. Sometimes in times of great crisis and tragedy, the simple things and memories of childhood come to mind and bring comfort. This weekend a very special young man took his last breath and left this world as we know it. I can't for the life of me wrap my head around his death. But it saddens me that left behind is his young wife and two small children. There are no words of comfort that would really make a difference. All that came to mind was a scripture of comfort for those who mourn and the song we often hear children sing - Yes Jesus loves me. Lord be the comforter for those left behind who mourn.

The God of the "I am's"

In both the old and new testament we see scriptures where God tells us "I am". God is the God of the past, present and future, yet He says I am. What I take away from that is that we as humans need to categorize things in the past, present or future, but for God His promises are sure and done. He said it and that settles it. He is the God of the I am meaning he already knows our future, created the path and plan and is just waiting for us to walk into our season. God is the resurrection and life. He is the way, the truth and the light. He is I am.

Prayers of comfort

Tragedy is so hard to deal with for any of us, but when a young life is taken, it appears to be so much harder to handle. While we all know that death is sure, the death of a loved one, especially one so young is tragic. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to a dear friend who right now must wonder what happened. God, I ask for your arms to comfort. Wrap the family in love as they deal with such a great loss. Be the guiding force and words of wisdom during this time of sorrow and grief. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Prayer will make it alright

When you feel there's no way, just get on your knees and pray. Those are the words to a song we sang years ago. I would like to add that you don't have to wait to pray. But certainly when your back is against the wall and you feel panic rise up in you, I would suggest that you remember that prayer was always the option and nothing is impossible with God. Prayer and communion with God will make it alright.

The King always has the last move

In the game of chess, the pieces are used to attack and capture the opponents pieces, the objective being to "checkmate" the opponents king by placing it under an inescapable threat of capture, according to Wikipedia. The game is not over until the king is done. Well the king is alive and has the last move. And no matter how bad things may look and how the devil may plot to capture the king, God doesn't bow out of the game. He is here to prove to Satan that the king will not be captured nor will the kings kids. One of my brothers actually sent me a word of encouragement a few days ago and simply stated, with no explanation needed, that the King has the last move. Well I have no moves left at all. And I am standing on the promise and assurance of the king that He has the last move and say. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. It's not possible. Thank you to my king.

Wait on the Lord

Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage and He will stregthen your heart. Be not discouraged neither be dismayed for the Lord will do great things. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Some trust in horses. Others in chariots. But we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Lots of scriptures running through my mind this morning. What is God speaking to you?

Stir the gift within you

Not everyone is gifted. We are all blessed and many may contribute to the good in our communities. Some of us recognize our purpose snd I hope and pray that you go on to realize your true potential by finding your destiny. But there is a smaller group of truly gifted people out there. Those who have been called out to possess a special gift from God must first recognize that they have something truly special. Now if you are going to use the gift, please know that you will be set apart snd different from the others. It might even get a little lonely. But don't shy away from using and putting your gift out there. Stir up the gift that is in you. As you stir up the gift, many thoughts, feelings, revelations, insecurities may float to the top. But please please understand that you have a God given possession, meant to be shared with the world. Once you fully understand that you have been trusted with something so precious, you must exercise, stir up, use and share that gift, just as God has shared and provided for you. Stir up your gift.

Dead ends

A dead end street means you can't go any further. You cannot proceed. But just when you think you have reached a dead end in life and you are wondering why you can't hear a word from God and you are not receiving the answers you are looking for, please know you are not at a dead end. You are on the edge of opportunity. God is about to show you the plan He has in place. Don't give up. Give it to God. Let go of the doubts. Every ounce of doubt let it go. It's hard, but what is the alternative? Stay on the street that has no option? God is your opportunity. He is not your last resort, He is the way. He has the road paved and waiting for you. Don't give your problems to Him as if you have no other choice. take a deep breath and speak out loud that you yield to God's plan and you relinquish all control. Where you thought there was no hope, recognize that in your darkest hour, when you do not see the way, God has it all in control and He is taking care of it.

If/then statements

We learned in school all about if/then statements in the English language. If you eat your dinner, then you can have your dessert. If you exercise and eat healthy portions, then you will be fit. If you live right, then heaven belongs to you. And of course my favorite: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14. KJV Today I was compelled to sit and commune with God as He instructed me to read 2 Chronicles chapter 7 and do not get stuck on verse 7 alone. For those of you who have known me most of my life you know that 2 Chronicles 7:14 is my signature song. I think the first time I sang that song was over 30 years ago and I still have people request it. So for God to lead me to a favorite passage and tell me to not dwell on something that is in the fiber of my being, I knew it was time for revelation. I read this passage in about 10 different translations and still received the same message. So many things struck me as I kept reading the chapter. First was the glory filling the house AFTER prayer was made, fire came down, the offering and sacrifice consumed. And because glory filled the house, the priests, servants of the most high God could not enter the house. There was no place for them while the glory filled the house. So if you can't enter the house what do you do? You fall to the ground with your face on the pavement and you worship and praise God. Why do you worship and praise God? Because He is good and His mercy endures forever. Oh my Lord. I can't go on until I fall on my face and worship the Creator.