God Will.... If You Will

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God Will‌ If You Will

Carol Nash Lester

God Will‌ If You Will

By Carol Nash Lester

God Will….if You Will Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture notations are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture notations marked AMP are taken from the AMPLIFIED BIBLE, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org, Scripture notations marked NJKV are taken from The New King James Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture notations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Scripture notations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Scripture notations marked ERV are taken from the Holy Bible: Easy-toRead Version. Copyright © 2006 by World Bible Translation Center, Inc. and used by permission.

Copyright © 2012 Carol Nash Bethel Temple Publications All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America

For my parents, Willie and Juanita Nash

Foreword Each year, prophecy and speculation occurs to forecast the tenor of the upcoming year.

One way that this is seen is through the use of biblical numerology. It is true that God was often known to speak to His people in symbols and patterns and that numbers were often part of the equation (pun intended).

The Biblical Meaning of Number 1 is normally associated with being the number that refers directly to God. •

The number one is also used, when marking the beginnings of things.

•

Unity is also very common when defining this number, for it stands alone and cannot be divided.

The Biblical Meaning of Number 2 is generally linked with the word "separation" for it deals with things that are divided, or things that bring about division.

•

By it being the first number that can be divided, it is often look at as the fundamental number for division.

The Biblical Meaning of Number 3 is often used when describing the Godhead (divine perfection).

•

Body, soul and spirit

•

Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

The Biblical Meaning of Number 4 is normally associated with God's creative works or perhaps "Earth's Creation" as in (material

completeness). The number four is always used, when referring to God's creation.

The Biblical Meaning of Number 5 is generally linked with one having grace and redemption.

The Biblical Meaning of Number 6 is almost, for the most part, dealing with the number of man. Know that this number is also used when referring to (human labor) or (secular completeness). The number six is also attached when describing the constant battle between man's spirit and flesh.

The Biblical Meaning of Number 7 is associated with one obtaining some type of spiritual perfection, or spiritual completeness. The number has also been used, when describing the covenant between man and God. The Biblical Meaning of Number 8 normally deals with one who abounds in strength. It has also been used, when referring to the Resurrection or new beginnings.

The Biblical Meaning of Number 9 describes the perfect movement of God. The Biblical Meaning of Number 10 is associated with a completeness that happens in some type of divine order, or something that's completed during a course of time. Know that there's nothing that is left wanting, from within the cycle the number "ten" has just completed.

The Biblical Meaning of Number 11 is associated with things that would be considered imperfect, or a disorganization of systems, of some sort, and the overall disorder or chaos of things.

The Biblical Meaning of Number 12 normally deals with placing things from within perfect order, or achieving (according to one's opinion) some type of governmental structural perfection.

The Biblical Meaning of Number 13 is at times associated with: the rebellion of things, corruption, abandonment and defection, revolution, to break or destroy. Anything that is added to rule, order, and perfection is chaotic.

While one would assume that this would mean that 2013 will be fraught with chaos, confusion, corruption and destruction, the same could be said of any other year.

What does this mean for the child of God? Is the prophecy, the promise, the provision, the peace, the power of God held hostage by a calendar? Does God have to wait until the numbers line up in the heavens to do what He said He would do in us, for us and through us?

When thinking of what can happen this year, I choose to look at it as a revolution against evil and the spirit of mediocrity; a rejection of the enemies’ plan for our lives and vigilantly embracing God’s plan for us.

I believe that when God’s Word goes forth, it is a foretaste of glory divine; it is His indication that it is His will to move on your behalf. The other part of the equation is what you choose to do in response to who God is and what He has done for you.

God said that His word would not return to Him void, but would complete the assignment He gave it to do (Isaiah 55:11).

So, what or who can hinder God’s plan from coming to pass? We can….. with unbelief, by not meeting the prerequisites for the blessing, but not doing our part to manifest the prophesy spoken over our lives.

Don’t believe me? Let’s say that God has promised you a career promotion. If you haven’t: •

Put God first in all things;

•

Been a good follower, when given the opportunity;

•

Lived with integrity through doing what you said you would do;

•

Completed your work in a spirit of excellence;

•

Walked in obedience with your former or present leadership, whether at work, church or in the family;

•

Kept abreast of developments in your field, don’t be surprised when promotion doesn’t come. God was not unfaithful…. You were.

In short, we have a role to play in seeing the will of God manifest in our lives.

This year, it is our plan to order our lives so that we are positioned to realize every promise that God has spoken over us. This means that every ragged habit, relationship or situation needs to be cut off at the root and then replaced with that which is true and honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).

Studies show that it takes approximately 21 days to either break old behavior or fully institute new behavior.

Before beginning this time of consecration, seek God, look inside yourself and identify the ways you may have held yourself back in experiencing God’s promise for you. Are you living your best life now? If not, why not?

Then:  Write down what you’re reaching for in this New Year, especially in this time of prayer and fasting. What do you need to do to get there?  List your reasons for changing or eliminating your habit(s) that hold you back.

 Find substitute routines. For example, if you are changing eating habits and you have identified a particularly difficult time of the day when eating habits are poor, create an activity, a new routine for that time.  Read and repeat the Faith Affirmations that are given for each day.  Complete the Consecration Challenge for the day.  As you are talking to God, have a talk with yourself, too.  If you need to, solicit a support team to assist you along the way. Their support may be needed encouragement.  Be prepared for people who may sabotage your change. Be assertive and tell them what they are doing.

I believe that we when we keep our heart fixed on what pleases God and allow Him to order our steps in alignment with what His Word declares that we will experience “God’s goodness in the land of the living.”

As we walk into this season of consecration, I leave you with the words of Michael Charles Messineo…

Life's too short to dwell on things that pull and tear on your heart strings so park those thoughts that make you worry and create new goals to which you'll hurry.

Make your list of things to do that always seemed not part of you make yourself explore unknowns write down your thoughts dig up those bones Take a step toward things that scare you Show who's boss while mind prepares to

overcome what seems unrealistic before you lose it and go ballistic Do something different every day and watch as life shows new path ways Life's too short to dwell on things that pull and tear on your heart strings .

Table of Contents Foreword Table of Contents Clarity Character Change Competence Calm Courage Completion

Clarity Back in the Day, the Friends of Distinction sang a song that said, “I'm an ever rolling wheel without a destination real. And I'm an ever spinning top, whirling around 'till I drop. You got me going in circles, O round and around I go….”

While they were talking about love, I’m sure you’ll testify that there are people whose lives are going in circles, round and round… and they’re the only one in the building. Dazed and confused, running from pillar to post, with no direction and no purpose.

There is no reason that a child of God should ever be lost in this world, because we have the spirit of Creator God in the inside; we have the spirit of wisdom and might (Isaiah 11:2) as our divine GPS system.

When it comes to decision-making, problem-solving and direction moving, we have Eternal God at our disposal, ready to guard, to guide and to glorify.

May your steps be sure and your mind clear in the days and months ahead. Read on….

“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Psalms 32:8 The writer of this psalm speaks of the burden of un-confessed sin and the release that comes with being honest and transparent before God. While hiding his sin, the writer suffered physically, psychologically and spiritually – it was in essence a death, because the writer felt separated from God. Once the writer has cleaned his slate, he encourages others to keep short accounts with God, because doing so becomes like an “insurance policy,” in God becomes their place of refuge, their counselor, the protector, and Way-maker.

God, in this psalm, is saying that I don’t want to control you or treat you like a slave; I want to guide you, I want to walk beside you show you how to safely navigate the landmines of life. Just work with me, not against me. Now, who wouldn’t serve a God like that?

Faith Confession God helps me to make wise decisions. [James 1:5] Thought for the Day A problem is a chance for you to do your best.

– Duke Ellington Consecration Challenge Make it a point to pray today for someone who has hurt or offended you.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7 I remember, while eulogizing her father, Bishop Abney’s daughter told that what we were able to see was the shell of her father. She said that he had left this world empty, because even after his sight left him, that he continued to preach the gospel, and when he wasn’t doing that, he spent hours and hours praying for us.

In contrast, it is said that the cemetery is the richest place on earth, because it is filled with ideas, dreams and plans of those who didn’t activate them, while living….

As he penned those words, the apostle Paul knew that his days on earth were numbered. As he wrote his protégé’, Timothy, he left sage words of advice, and gave him instructions on what and who to bring with him as he came to visit the apostle in the days ahead.

The most important thing to note about the passage is that Paul had no regrets. He was able to make his peace, knowing that he left the world as an empty vessel. The reason that is so is that he not only fought a good fight, but that he finished his course, while keeping the faith.

How much time have many of us wasted, in trying to be what others wanted us to be and do what others wanted us to do? An exercise in futility, which leaves us with a bitter taste in our mouths, repeating the mantra of the “If only’s….” “If only I had gone to college; if only I had pursued this major; if only I had married this person; if only I had accepted that position….”

The first step in living without regret is knowing what your course is, and taking steps to complete is with all the ability that God has given you.

Life is way too short to live it, looking backward at what might have been.

Faith Affirmation This is my set time of favor! Psalm 102:13

Thought for the Day “Begin with the end in mind.� ~ Stephen Covey Consecration Challenge Develop a list, folder or journal of your favorite scriptures. Use them to feed you when your spirit is hungry.

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge.

With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil. If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.”

Proverbs 3:5-8 (ERV) Today’s text encourages us to trust God completely, and not to depend on our own knowledge. Easier said than done, isn’t it? Human beings that we are, the temptation is to trust what we can detect with our natural faculties (touch, see, hear, feel, etc.) Our limited experience tends to make us more comfortable for that which we can understand.

Note that the text is for believers, however. It is for those of us who have had some sort of experience with God. We may not have seen Him like we can see each other, but we can see the fruit of His power; we can feel His presence much stronger than the presence of those we can see with our eyes.

The songwriter said it this way; “I can feel Him moving through the trees, in the wind, and the breeze. And I can see Him shining through the night, in the stars that shine so bright. If God is dead, what makes my life worth living? I'm glad I know He lives!”

God has done so much for us that we know of, He just asks that we trust Him on credit, that we follow His lead, as He gives it in His Word and in prayer.

Even if our relationship with Him has not been an intimate one, we know in our inner self what would please Him. If we stick with who we know (God), and what we know (His Word), we can’t go wrong.

Faith affirmation I guard my heart because it determines the course of my life. Proverbs 4:23

Thought for the Day There are seven things that will destroy us: Wealth without work; Pleasure without conscience; Knowledge without character; Religion without sacrifice; Politics without principle; Science without humanity; Business without ethics.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

Consecration Challenge Today, go a “Speed Communications” Fast. Unplug from electronic modes communication (e.g. Email, Texting, Facebook, Twitter, Cell Phone etc.) you may want to let friends and family know in advance what you’re doing and when they can expect to hear from you.

Character One television show that is getting a lot of buzz these days is the show, Scandal. It is a TV drama loosely based on the life of a woman who is known in political circles as “the fixer.” The lead character in the show is known in circles of power as the one to call on when you need to clean up the mess you’ve made, whether the mess is with your marriage, your money, or your political campaign. Each week, multiple scandals are highlighted, as we are exposed to how deals are done in this country.

The sad thing is that some of the same drama goes on in the church!

Lord have mercy…..

Proverbs 18:16 tells us your gift makes room for you and brings you before the presence of great men. It’s true. The gifts and talents you possess can open doors for you, but it’s your character that ushers you in the door and keeps you before great men and women...

We wouldn’t need to look very far at women and men of power and position that talk a good game, but lead raggedy lives. Sad to say, but when the mess hits the fan (and it will), all they’ve built falls like a house of cards. Sad… While it is prudent to work on our gifts and talents, get a coach, take classes and tighten up our resume’s, it is a greater investment to work on that which is not readily seen by the public, but only to God…. our hearts. That’s an investment that pays massive dividends in time and eternity.

In the words of Elisha Hoffman, “You can only be blessed and have peace and sweet rest as you yield Him your body and soul.”* * Is Your All on the Altar? Elisha A. Hoffman, 1900. Copyright: Public Domain “Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future lies before those who love peace.”

Psalm 37:37 When I was in high school, I took a class in Home Economics (I know that’s hard to believe). It was really a sewing class. After we were taught the basics, like how to hem a garment, sew on buttons, etc., we were instructed to go to Woolworth’s (that’s like Walmart, for those of you under 30 years old) and get a Butterick or McCall’s pattern of something we wanted to make.

The pattern consists of parts that made up a designers garment, customized according to the size of the buyer’s choosing. After we bought the pattern, we would lay it on the fabric of our choice and use a tool to mark out where the buttons would be, how long the sleeves would be, the size of the collar and so on. The cloth would then be cut, according to the pattern and the desired size.

Sometimes, we don’t have clear cut instructions on how to handle what life brings to us. When our backs are against the wall, we may not have time to whip out a concordance and find a scripture that addresses a specific situation. What we can do is model our lives after One we know to be a person of integrity, truth, compassion and excellence; Jesus, the Christ. I know that it sounds trite, but when we come across perilous predicaments and serious situations, I believe the wise question to ask is WWJD – What Would Jesus Do? We may not be able to identify book, chapter and verse, but we know the heart of Jesus, through what we’ve heard and read in the gospels.

Following Jesus is not easy; it may take you to your own personal Calvary, but that’s ok….. Resurrection Day is coming; when you can rise with power in your hands.

Believe that… and live like you do!

Faith Confession God is faithful. He’ll complete the good work that he has begun in me.

Philippians 1:6 Thought for the Day “If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?” – Unknown Consecration Challenge Giants do fall! The bigger they are, the harder they fall! Identify which giants you’re going to slay this year with God’s help. Write them down in your journal, along with a plan of attack.

“By the time David had finished reporting to Saul, Jonathan was deeply impressed with David—an immediate bond was forged between them.

He became totally committed to David. From that point on he would be David’s number-one advocate and friend. Jonathan, out of his deep love for David, made a covenant with him. He formalized it with solemn gifts: his own royal robe and weapons—armor, sword, bow, and belt.”

1 Samuel 18: 1, 3-4 (MSG) Much has been written about the spirit of entitlement that we find running rampant in society today. While many people point to the youth as being captivated by this spirit, I have found it in old and young alike. You know that spirit; it operates on the premise that the world owes them something because they showed up; the same spirit Mavis Staples sang about in the 1970’s song, Respect Yourself.

You find that spirit in the boardroom, the courtroom and the classroom.

It runs rampant in the streets and in the sanctuary; the sentiment that the world revolves around you.

Jonathan could very well have expected to be the next king of Israel; after all, the first king was his father, Saul. Biblically, there were certain rites that were given to the first-born of a family. Wealth, rank and privilege were among them.

It must have been the presence of God in his life to allow him to embrace and ultimately submit to one that the world believed was lower than he.

While he was next in line to the throne, while he possessed wealth and power, the God in him allowed him to see the anointing upon David’s life. We see the real heart and spirit of Jonathan where, instead of feeling threatened or intimidated by David, Jonathan loved and supported him.

The scripture declares that not only did Jonathan give him the godly affection of friendship; he gave him his personal tools of warfare. The apostle Paul later explains what they are for: • • •

Armor, to cover him Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God Belt of truth, which holds the sword.

They were symbols of his authority and he willingly gave them to David, out of submission.

What kind of man would do something like that? One who recognized greatness; one who possessed the kind of humility that said, even though I could hold on to the symbols of power and prestige, I yield them to you because I know that you will get the best use of them.

That’s the kind of character that God wants to see in us; the kind of character that “gives up our rights” for the greater good.

Faith Confession: The Lord is my Shepherd. He provides for all of my needs. Psalm 23:1 Thought for the Day: “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Consecration Challenge: Add to your “personal development” library. It may be an audio book, paperback, e-book or reference material that stretches your mind and challenges you to take your life to the next level. Schedule time to make use of the resources in your ever-expanding library.

“My dear friends, don’t believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world.”

1 John 4:1 (MSG) There is an old spiritual that says, “Everybody talkin’ ‘bout heaven ain’t goin’ there… heaven!!!”

You know that’s the truth! In these days and times, there are wolves in sheep’s’ clothing everywhere, along with snakes in shepherd’s clothing.

Talking good and saying nothing, quoting scriptures and living like the devil.

John, the apostle of love, gives the criteria between the real thing and the pretender: the real thing says that Jesus is God and shows that they know it by the way they treat their brothers and sisters.

He goes on to ask the question, “How can we say that we love God – that we’ve never seen, all the while hating our brother (who is made in His image) that we see every day?” (1 John 4:20 – Nash Lester translation) Long story short, John tells us that the acid test of the disciple of Christ is how they love.

In the words of the Bee Gee’s, “How deep is your love?”

Faith Confession God is love and He is in me, so I am love. 1 John 4:16

Thought for the Day “The best proof of love is trust.� ~ Joyce Brothers Consecration Challenge Find an accountability partner. This person should be someone what you can trust to tell you the truth and keep you on point. Make it a point to check in with them regularly.

Change A few days ago, I heard a minister berating someone for being a “chameleon.” The minister’s problem with the person was that he felt as if the man was not “keeping it real,” and that the man was being political. His exact words were that the man would act one way with one group of people and another way, with a different group of people.

While listening to the minister, I asked myself, “Don’t we all do that?” I act one way with my family and another way with my students, because we have different relationships that bring out different facets of our nature.

It’s important to be versatile, when we’re serious about Kingdom business. Zig Ziglar, the famous motivational speaker, said that we must “be firm on principle but flexible on method.”

God forbid that we should be “Johnny One-Notes,” only able to work in one specific setting, being able to connect with one type of person, only able to do one thing well.

If you want God to enlarge your territory, enlarge your way of thinking.

Stretch your capacity. Enlarge your arsenal. Become familiar with all facets of your personality and refuse to be boxed in by other’s idea of whom or what you should be. God made you to be a dynamic force in the world. Celebrate that and let God take you to places you have never been.

“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.”

Genesis 14:40 We know Joseph’s story. He was anointed by God and slated for greatness, even in his youth. His life didn’t always look like that on the outside, however. His life seemed like a revolving door of favor and frustration…. One moment, God would open a door and then man would shut it. Over and over again, he experienced both praise and rejection from family, friend and foe. After a while, life must have felt like a lost cause for him.

Two years after his promise to bring Joseph’s name before Pharaoh in hopes of releasing Joseph from prison, the cupbearer remembered Joseph’s gift of interpreting dreams. Immediately thereafter, Joseph’s gift made room for him and was about to bring him before greatness.

As soon as the Pharaoh heard of his gift of interpretation of dreams, he immediately sent for Joseph. As soon as Joseph heard the news, Joseph shaved himself and changed his clothes before coming to meet him.

Anytime the bible specifically points out a detail, it’s something we need to note not only for understanding, but for application to our lives, as well. What is the significance of this, you ask?

Though the Hebrews normally grew and wore beards, the Egyptian custom was to be clean-shaven, except in times of mourning. In order not to offend the Pharaoh, Joseph followed the local custom and shaved his beard.

Because he was summoned so hastily after waiting years for an audience, Joseph couldn't have known the reason he was being requested! For all he knew, execution was just around the corner… It is said that when a person is caught off guard, who they are at their core is best revealed. Remember that Egyptian custom was to let the beard

and hair grow when in mourning. Yet, Joseph, who had been thrown into prison without justification (a perfect reason to mourn), made sure that there were no signs of despair showing in his life! Joseph had no plans to throw a pity party, no designs on playing the sympathy card with Pharaoh; Joseph was on a mission from God and whatever the outcome, he was ready.

What does this have to do with us? Even though shaving was not a part of his culture, he adapted to the culture of his captor, in order to a) take the attention off of him and onto God; b) be respectful to the culture of his captor (or leader). In changing his clothes, he manifested a shift in his thinking from that of a prisoner, to that of a politician; from one receiving orders, to one calling the shots. We know the story. He was rewarded in the end and given position next to only Pharaoh himself. The difference is, through his adaptation to the larger culture, he was never again demoted by anything or anyone, all because he was faithful to his mission.

Think about it: are we closing a door that God wants to open, because we don’t want to adapt, because we refuse to shift our thinking?

Faith Confession As I give up control, release my life to God and allow Jesus to live through me, God-sized things happen. - Galatians 2:20 Thought for the Day "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain." - Maya Angelou Consecration Challenge Do something you’ve putting off doing today.

“Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!”

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 MSG The apostle Paul was inarguably one of the most effective servants of God that we will find in the scriptures. Even before he came to saving faith in Christ, he had a zeal for God that compelled him to action. No lip service for Saul. When he came to real, right relationship with God, the zeal was powerfully directed to make him a force to be reckoned with.

One of the things that made him so powerful, was his ability to present the gospel in a myriad of ways to different types of people: to the philosophical, he was able to appeal to their desire for wisdom; to the intellectual, he appealed to their knowledge; to the Jews, he appealed to their rich heritage; to those without faith, he appealed to their desire for something greater. In other words, there was no way that he could be intimidated by anyone unlike himself. He stood and stayed ready to make a difference for the Kingdom.

One of the ways he was able to do that was because his life was a rich texture of relationships with different people, places and experiences.

God used it all to make him a powerful five- fold ministry gift to the Body of Christ.

In order to “reach the masses, men of every birth,” in order to be a force to reckon with in our community, we must be flexible enough to be able to communicate with and relate to people of all kinds of

backgrounds. This is at times difficult for me, for my nature is to be quiet and to work behind the scenes. That’s simply my comfort zone.

God, however, doesn’t call us to be comfortable, He calls us to be effective; so when the door is open, I must speak, even when I want to stay silent; I must reach out to others, even when I want to be alone.

You must do the same, if we want to experience what God has in store for us. Get ready to s-t-r-e-t-c-h in 2013!

Faith Confession: I don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants me to do. Ephesians 5:17 Thought for the Day: The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them.

– Unknown

Consecration Challenge: Do “random acts of kindness” for people you don’t know.

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1 When I lived in Colorado, I became thoroughly acquainted with the concept of seasons. School started in the fall, and you could see marked change in the air and in the leaves in the trees. The air took on a different smell – the atmosphere was different, as well. Winter was long and extremely cold. It was in Colorado that I experienced my first snow storms and had to have a real winter wardrobe for the first time in my life. Spring was beautiful, as was summer; each season distinctly different, with a different atmosphere, different wardrobe, different activities, and different ways of relating.

I’m not talking about activities or relationships that were wrong or sinful. It’s just that different seasons bring with them different ways of doing things.

Our university didn’t have a football team. Ice hockey was and is the major sport of the institution (did I tell you I went to school in the mountains?). We did have intermural football, however, where different dormitories would play each other on Friday evenings for prizes. Nobody came to see the teams except the ones who lived in the dorms; there were no scholarships for the wannabe athletes; no press was written about them. It was simply a way to have fun, get exercise and get to know our neighbors. It was wonderfully recreational and highly appropriate for about two months out of the year. However, after the snow began to fall, what we saw as a means to get to know our neighbors became totally unfeasible and inappropriate.

You have to know what season you’re in.

In life, we have different seasons, as well. Each season has a product; something we are to do, to learn, to receive, to enjoy. When that

season is over, that lesson has been learned, we’ve received what God intended, we’ve maximized the experience and we are to move on the next season or chapter in our lives. What’s profitable in one season may be inappropriate in another. How can we know the difference?

Seek God, be watchful for the shift in season, and release the fear that comes with experiencing transition.

Faith Confession Because I seek the Lord with all my heart, I lack no good thing Psalm 34:10 Thought for the Day If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living. ~ Anatole France

Consecration Challenge Develop a system (Saving You Stress, Time, Energy and Money)* for moving out of your last season, and into the next. What support systems will you need?

Competence Once, on a trip home to Houston, I was talking to a young man after church. As we began to converse, my uncle approached us from out of nowhere, told us that we were cousins and made a formal introduction.

The brother looked at me and asked me to smile. When I did, he said, “Yep! She’s one of us. Have mercy!” In other words, there was something in my smile that reminded him of himself and those in our family. Some people say that we favor, or take after each other.

Genesis 1:27 tells us, “So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. (AMP)” If God is a spirit, how can we be made and created in His image or likeness? How can a mortal be made in the image of He who is immortal?

I believe that this means that are spirit beings, which possess a soul and live in body. In short, that which makes us most like God is our spirit.

In what ways do we favor God? What about us reminds God of HimSelf?

Our… •

Imagination - Our ability to face and resolve difficulties; resourcefulness;

•

Ingenuity - Our quality of being cleverly inventive or resourceful; our creativity;

•

Insight –Our penetrating mental vision or discernment; the ability to see into inner character or underlying truth.

•

Inspiration – In that we have divine influence directly and put into use in the mind or soul.

Where God takes nothing and makes into something, our nature can take something that God made and turn it into something else. We can take that power, that ability and use it for good or for ill.

God is, in essence a God of excellence. As those who are both made in His image and have been born in His Spirit, we are people of excellence.

Being human beings, we may not be excellent in everything, but we are excellent in something. That excellence we have is a gift from God and our use of it is our gift to Him. That means that we are not only capable of doing the right things, we are capable of doing things the right way, in a spirit of excellence, because excellence is our nature.

See what God’s Word has to say about competence…

“… And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.” Colossians 3:22b-25 (MSG) (Emphasis mine)

We just all need to pause right now and give teachers a standing ovation!!! Even though I’m not a full-time professor, I’ve just about seen it all…

Once, I told my class that I would grade their assignments in the same measure that they completed them. If they took their time, followed the instructions and completed their assignment with diligence, I would take my time, read their assignment and grade it with diligence. In the same vein, if they threw their paper together, I would throw my grade together…

It was sad that I had to take that measure. The reason I did it was because of the sorry excuse for homework I received from students – expecting to receive college credit! Dirty, wrinkled up paper, smudged ink, 59 typographical errors, bad grammar, etc. I get a headache just thinking about it.

As I explained my modified grading system, I told them the importance of their name and explained that whatever they produce is a reflection of them.

I would never want to submit something inferior, especially if my name is on it. To do so would broadcast that I am inferior and God knows that’s not true.

The same is true for each of us. Whether we’re speaking of work, school, ministry, marriage or money, whatever we present to others represents not only who we are, but who God is, because He calls us ambassadors of the Kingdom (2 Cor. 5:7).

While others may want to name the name of Christ as an excuse or a reason for others to look the other way, rather than bringing praise to God, it is a reproach to his name.

Faith Affirmation The fruit I produce brings great joy to God, my Father in Heaven. John 15:8

Thought for the Day Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

-Antonio Smith

Consecration Challenge Write a thank you note to three people who have been a blessing to you.

“Observe people who are good at their work - skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don't take a back seat to anyone.”

Proverbs 22:29 MSG

I think this is self-explanatory, don’t you?

Faith Affirmation In God I live and move and exist.

Acts 17:28 Thought for the Day “You is good. You is kind. You is important.”

“The Help” (Movie) Consecration Challenge Write the vision and make it plain (Hab. 2:2). Write down what you want your life to look like one year form today.

“And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.” Genesis 1:28 (AMP) When someone says to you that they are “blessed of the Lord and highly favored, it doesn’t necessarily mean that everything is going their way; it doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily happy; it doesn’t necessarily mean that that they have everything they want or feel that they need.

When you are blessed, you could be content, you could have everything you want or think you need, but it definitely means that you are empowered. When you are blessed, it means that you are set apart for God’s use and God doesn’t use junk.

The book of The Beginnings tells us that God blessed them (male and female), enabling them both to produce and reproduce; and empowering them to govern over everything moving in the earth realm.

This makes God the owner of heaven and earth and makes us the manager of everything moving on the planet.

A wise owner would never make someone a manager of his most precious possession unless that person was empowered and enabled to maximize that which is precious to the owner. You wouldn’t hire someone that you knew would bring something or someone you loved to ruin.

When God called you from before the foundations of the world; when God chose you and set you apart, it was so that you could represent Him in the earth realm by governing, managing, multiplying and maximizing everything that God placed at our disposal.

This is a trust that God has given us, one that is not to be taken lightly.

God has confidence in you! He trusts what He has placed within us; the ability to magnify everything that God has provided for us. With the spirit of God within us, and the provision of God around us, there is no way we can lose. Believe that, handle your business and watch God move!

Faith Affirmation I’m like a tree, planted by streams of water. My life bears fruit and prospers because I meditate on God’s Word. Psalm 1:1-2 Thought for the Day All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine. ~ Jim Rohn Consecration Challenge Make a commitment to learn something new today.

Calm This hymn, It is Well, was written after several traumatic events in Horatio Spafford’s life.

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The first was the death of his only son in 1871 at the age of four.

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Shortly thereafter, the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer and had invested significantly in property in the area of Chicago which was decimated by the great fire).

His business interests were further hit by the economic downturn of 1873 at which time he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the SS Ville du Havre. In a late change of plan, he sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire.

While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sea vessel and all four of Spafford's daughters died.

In grief, the mother (his wife) collapsed in the ocean, only to later awaken and find that she had been propped up by a floating board. As she began to mourn her daughters, the story reports that she heard God say that she was saved for a purpose, and now was not the time to be a fair-weather friend of God.” Wow…. Talk about the peace of God that surpasses understanding.

Their lives are a testimony that God can keep us together when it feels as if our world is falling apart.

The words of the song follow: When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.

As Spafford writes, it is God who teaches us to declare that it is well, when it looks like hell. Read on, to hear how we can learn that powerful lesson‌.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NLT As I write this, the news has announced that 20 children and 7 adults were killed in a Connecticut school. As I write this, I see President Obama, with tears coming from his eyes, describing how our hearts are broken as a nation, to witness this violence yet again…. As just this same week, a lone gunman walked through an Oregon mall, shooting people at random.

Sometimes, life is hard.

At times like these, the temptation is to rail at God, speak of injustice in the land and wonder how a good God can allow such heartbreak in the world.

In the verses prior to the text, Jesus was not spouting myths and sharing fairy tales. He was telling His disciples that life was rough for them then and that it would be rougher for them later, but to take heart, for He would be with them, especially when they could not see Him. Over and over in John 16, Jesus, in essence, says, “I’m warning you about how it’s going to be out there… but don’t worry…. I’ve got you!!!”

While it doesn’t make it easier to swallow, it’s not God who masterminds evil in world – it’s man or rather, men who allow themselves to be used by the enemy of our souls, that are responsible for most of the tragedy we see in the earth realm.

Truly life can bring us heartbreak that makes us feel that our hearts are physically broken. What happens, though, is that as we continue to breathe and take one step at a time, that God takes the wounded vessel that we are and transforms us into weapons of His grace and glory.

So, while we cannot tell what the next moment holds, we can take a measure of comfort in knowing that God is with us. I pray that this thought blesses you.

Faith Affirmation As I cast my cares and burdens to God, He sustains me and I have peace.

Psalm 55:22 Thought for the Day You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.

Consecration Challenge Start your “personal ministry fund,� to be able to bless someone when God directs you to do so.

“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT One time, I went to my doctor for my annual physical. She had done all the tests: blood tests, examining the body, etc. and we were coming together afterward to chart the course for the upcoming year.

She took out her prescription pad and wrote, “Take care of yourself at least 3 times a week.” I looked at her as if to say,”Say what?!?!”

I had a few physical complaints, some that she had treated with various and sundry medications. Her conclusion, however, was that some of what I was feeling physically was rooted in what I was feeling emotionally –long story short, I was plagued by stress and it was wreaking havoc on my body.

Our Great Physician has given us a remedy for the ailment of stress – prayer. Having that talk with Jesus, pausing from the drama of our day can pay dividends, if we would take the time to do so.

A prayer pause in the midst of perilous predicaments and serious situations can give us: • Answers to our questions • Solutions to our problems • Insights into the causes of our problems • Assurance of His presence.

While my doctor prescribed self-care three times a week, our Great Physician prescribes God care 24/7…. if we would only receive it.

In the words of the hymn, “O, what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pains we bear all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”*

*Hymn, What a Friend we Have in Jesus. Lyrics by Joseph Scriven, 1857.

Faith Affirmation I cast my cares on You Lord (right now!). [I Peter 5:7] Thought for the Day VISION is not the ability to see the future. It's the ability to see an opportunity in your current situation & jump on it. – Rick Warren Consecration Challenge Just try to do something you thought was too hard for you.

“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”

Psalm 34:14 I thank God for my Mamma’nem. When I was little, I tried to take the easy way of doing things (like most children).

Whenever I lost something, I would ask Mamma’nem if she’d seen it or if she knew where it was.

Her answer, every time, was “Did you look for it? If you look for it, you’ll find it!” Lord, I thought she was being mean at the time, but what she was doing was teaching me how to be a seeker.

A seeker doesn’t expect the world (or God, for that matter), to hand them things on a silver platter. If they want something, or if they want to know a thing, they actively pursue it until they find it.

In this brief verse, God shares us what Mamma’nem was teaching me all along…. It’s not enough to just not sin…. We have to do the right thing; do what’s pleasing in God’s sight.

It’s good to pray for peace, but we can’t stop there. We are to seek peace, to pursue peace, to stalk peace, until we catch it. We can’t wait for peace to come to us; we’ve got to go get it!

As the Word says, if we seek, we will find. Thank you God. Thank you, Mamma’nem.

Faith Affirmation God blesses me with peace and gives me strength. Psalm 29:11 Thought for the Day Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. — Albert Einstein Consecration Challenge

Employ John Maxwell’s Rule of Five: Write down, “What are the five things I need to do every day to achieve my goal?”

“Moses spoke to the people: "Don't be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you're never going to see them again. God will fight the battle for you. And you?

You keep your mouths shut!"

Exodus 14:13-14 (MSG) Have you ever felt like the enemy (or one of his servants) was breathing down your back? A few months ago, I was sharing with someone that “I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s like open season, up in here!!!”

The enemy would like nothing better than to throw us into a panic, so he tries to intimidate you will words, intrusive thoughts, trial and tribulation. That’s “the way he rolls,” so when we see these things coming, we know that it’s from his hand, rather than the hand of God. God gives us a game plan, for when these times come. What is the plan, you ask?

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For us to not let our feelings order our steps. God has earned the right to order our steps; our emotions haven’t. We know that this is true, because while our emotions can change several times a day, God never changes.

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God says in the text, “Slow your roll, watch me work; I’m handling this!” He gives us assurance that once He takes care of this problem, it no longer has any power over us; we won’t have to contend with it again.

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Watch the words you say, during stressful seasons. God knows that the power of life and death is in the words we speak (Prov.

18:21), and that we have the capacity to talk ourselves into a panic, if we allow ourselves to. Look… whatever we focus on grows. The more we speak about something, the bigger it becomes in our mind and the more intimidating it can be. God

says in the text that we don’t have to give the enemy any more power than he THINKS he has. Keep our words to a minimum and watch God handle it, on our behalf.

Faith Affirmation I live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 12:7

Thought for the Day “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” ~Harold R. McAlindon Consecration Challenge Visualize yourself walking into your new season. Set the stage to make it so. If the season includes living healthy, change your grocery list; make your appointments for your annual physical; go to the dentist.

Courage Courage has been described as, “The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.” It is also defined as “having the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism,” according to Dictionary.com.

When you think about the times we’re living in, one must have courage in order to successfully navigate in this world. One only has to watch television or listen to media, whether radio, social media or network news, to know that there is much in this world that has the potential to threaten our well-being and peace of mind.

I don’t know how people who don’t acknowledge God can have any measure or peace or courage. As for me and my house, knowing that God is my chief defender; my sole provider; my consummate confidante; my shield and exceeding great reward (Gen. 15:1) and that His goodness and mercy follows me all the days of my life (Psa. 23:6), is what gets me out of bed every morning, and gives me the courage to face the vicissitudes of life.

You don’t have to start out that way, though. Even when we feel fearful, even when we have doubts about how God will bring us out, if we feel the feeling and take a step in alignment with God’s Word and His will for us, we will gain courage with each step we take.

As the songwriter says, “Ask the Savior to help you; comfort, strengthen and keep you. He is willing to aid you. He will carry you through.”*

Lyrics, Yield Not to Temptation. Horatio R. Palmer, 1868. Public Domain.

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”

Psalm 27:14 (NKJV) One of my favorite restaurants in Houston’s in North Miami Beach. It’s not just because I’m from Houston (even though I am). It’s not just because the menu is awesome and the food tasty (even though it is). It’s not just because of the ambience, with all windows overlooking Biscayne Bay (even though it does).

While all those things are true, what sets it apart for me is the service. I don’t there is such a thing as your server. Every employee that walks by is ready to answer questions and get what you need, sometimes before you know you need it. That’s because, as servers, they watch their guests, anticipating their needs.

I believe that this is a key to getting through the mean times and the meantime’s (interim periods) of life.

Many times when we’re awaiting a move of God, or are expecting God to come through in a certain way, in a certain time, we can be anxious after that time elapses. If too much time passes, there is the temptation to be fearful or concerned that we may have heard God wrong, or that we did something wrong.

When and if those times come, I believe that if we get wrapped up in serving God; if we could shift our focus from our feelings onto what God needs in this season, that God HimSelf would strengthen our hearts. We would be encouraged and receive courage to wait through the season.

Our shift in attitude and focus may even accelerate the movement of God on our behalf. All that is required is a change of perspective on our parts, from being a receiver from God to being a servant of God. Today’s text assures us that if and when this is done, we’ll receive what we need to get through and go to our set time of favor.

Faith Affirmation I think and speak positively. I focus on what is good. I refuse to fear or dwell on the negative. [Phil. 4:8; Eph. 3:20,21]

Thought for the Day “Act the way you want to be and soon you’ll be the way you act.” ~ Les Brown

Consecration Challenge Decide to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

“Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.

Look, some people are angry with you, but they will be ashamed and disgraced.

Your enemies will be lost and disappear. You will look for the people who were against you, but you will not be able to find them. Those who fought against you will disappear completely. I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand. And I tell you ‘Don’t be afraid! I will help you.”

Isaiah 41:10-13 (ERV) The Word is true when it says that God’s way is not our way.

Once upon time, there was a person who hurt me deeply, on several levels. I was sent on a tailspin, because from my perspective, I had been a pivotal person in their supporting cast of characters, doing what I could to help them go forward.

I wasn’t sure how to handle this, because it was my first time knowingly experiencing this kind of breach of relationship (sometimes, you can be in the midst drama and not even know it). That experience caused a shift in my thinking and in my actions. I became very deliberate about each area of my life and thoughtfully planned every step.

As God would have it, that time of my life was when I saw the hand of God move strongly and swiftly on my behalf; making ways of provision, forging new relationships and partnerships, opening new doors, exposing me to another level of warfare and seeing the hand of God as my defense. It was an awesome time for me. I ended up learning much about myself and about God and as a result, I grew light years, as a byproduct of walking with God during a painful time.

God fixed it where I could reach out to the person who hurt me, to help them (not at the same level as before), but to provide tangible assistance. I had learned to put on my Big Girl clothes….

I remember asking God if there was another way for Him to teach me what He wanted me to know, then getting the revelation is in no position to tell the teacher what (s)he needs to learn and how (s)he needs to learn it.

Looking back, I wouldn’t have traded that experience for anything in the world. Even though it was a painful time, I’ve since learned that difficult experiences add much value to your life.

Today’s text brings to us the same truth: that when we are in a perilous predicament, that God’s help and presence is assured. In the words of our offering song, “Late in the midnight hour, God’s gonna turn it around! It’s gonna work in your favor!” Receive that, in Jesus’ name!

Faith Affirmation God gives me success and favor with people. [Psalm 1:2,3; Proverbs 12:2] Thought for the Day “Your decisions to live offense-free and leave emotional baggage behind will grant you the agility to maneuver towards your future.” ~ Bishop I.V. Hilliard Consecration Challenge Make it a point to pray for everyone who has hurt or offended you.

Completion Do you remember the story about the tortoise and the hare?

One day, they decided to have a race to see who could get to the finish line first. Well, the hare started the race with a burst of energy that was so powerful and so amazing, that he left the tortoise swinging in the wind.

He was way ahead of the turtle, who took his time on completing his task.

The story is told that the hare was so far ahead that he got cocky and took a nap, played with his friends, talked trash about the tortoise, only to find that the tortoise had passed him by and gotten to the finish line first. The moral of that story was “slow and steady wins the race.”

I share that, not to talk about the virtues of taking your time, but to illustrate the point that anyone can start something, but not everyone can finish.

When dream are fresh and new; when we’re convinced that God had spoken direction and destiny to us, we all begin well (for the most part).

We may even compare ourselves with others who started with us.

Doing that can either make us arrogant (because we think we’re further along than they are) or devastated (because we feel as if we’re behind everyone else.)

The apostle Paul gives a remedy for comparisons and a prescription for when the road looks and feels long: to look, not at others, but at Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

He’s the one that: •

Speaks destiny in our hearts

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Shows us the strategy to reach our destiny

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Provides the resources to reach the finished line

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Gives us strength to run the race

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Encourages our hearts along the way

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Rewards us when we complete our goal.

With Jesus in our view, we can accomplish anything He calls us to do.

In parting, I leave you with the words to this hymn, penned by Harrison Johnson, so many years ago ….

“The road is rough, the going gets tough, and the hills are hard to climb.

I started out a long time ago, there’s no doubt in my mind; I have decided to make Jesus my choice.”

“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning of it, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 AMP Recently, I was watching an episode of The Cosby Show, where the Huxtable children serenaded their grandparents on their 49th wedding anniversary with the Ray Charles’ song, The Night Time is the Right Time. If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll remember it… Rudy singing “Baby!!! Baby!!! You know I love you, No one above you….” It makes me smile, just to think about it.

Later on that evening, Cliff’s parents are at home reminiscing over their years together and marveling over the family they built. The question is asked if Cliff’s dad ever imagined that he would have such a fine family.

The answer was that he was wondering exactly how Dr. Huxtable was going to turn out, after Cliff tried to be superman and fly off the top of the garage, when he was a boy…

When we’re beginning an enterprise, whether with a relationship, a job or ministry, we are filled with dreams and high expectation for what will happen….. until we hit the first roadblock, until we feel the heartbreak of resentment, “Hatorade” or betrayal. Sometimes it can be a matter of finding out that the investment required is more than we’re willing or able to make.

Well, that’s where the rubber meets the road. Anybody can give up when things start looking rough around the edges. When those times come, it may be necessary to take breather or to “catch yourself,” but don’t stop. Remember, nothing worthwhile comes easily.

Faith Affirmation Because I place my hope in the Lord, my strength is renewed.

Isaiah 40:31

Thought for the Day “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” ~ Dean Karnazes

Consecration Challenge Write a letter to yourself, detailing who and where you want to be by this time next year or in the years ahead. Put today’s date on that letter. At the appointed time, open the letter and; a) determine if you reached your goal; b) discover where you need to tighten up.

“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

John 19:30 We have a wonderful opportunity in these twenty-one days; a chance to begin again, to elevate our minds, to build our spirit man and to cleanse our bodies from toxins seen and unseen.

There are many wonderful benefits to spending time with God. You get a chance to rid yourself of shaky ways of thinking; you receive an opportunity to hear the mind of God regarding certain aspects of your life, to get to hear what God thinks about you. You also get to know yourself better. It doesn’t get better than this!

The beauty and power of consecration is that, through increasing our time spent with God, we are given insight in knowing the time and season we’re in. Not only are we able to recognize the season when it comes, He gives us the power to declare it finished and to let it go, when the time has completed its course.

Use this consecration to get in God’s face, so you can recognize when the wine has gone sour, as a sign to declare your season finished. After you’ve done so, release it in Jesus’ name, regardless of the circumstance. Loose your hold on the situation. It was only after Jesus declared it finished and gave up His spirit that He was able to then say, “All power of heaven and earth is given unto me.”

Faith Affirmation I think and speak positive. I focus on what is good. I refuse to fear or dwell on the negative. [Phil. 4:8; Eph. 3:20,21] Thought for the Day

“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” Ferdinand Foch

Consecration Challenge Simplify and unclutter your life. Start with purging your closets of things that no longer fit, along with things that are of no use to you. Give away those things that would be a good use to others.

“In the meantime, the disciples pressed him, "Rabbi, eat. Aren't you going to eat?" He told them, "I have food to eat you know nothing about." The disciples were puzzled. "Who could have brought him food?" Jesus said, "The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started.”

John 4:31 – 34 In life (especially in the lives of the ones who know that they are called and sent by God), there will be people, places, situations that will be presented as opportunities, which are, in fact obstacles.

Let me say it like this: Everything, everyone, every place that looks good ain’t good. Or, permit me to say it this way, “Just because it’s good doesn’t mean that it’s good FOR YOU.” The enemy of your soul would love for you to take the carrot of convenience, comfort and contentment, in order to take you off your track to God’s destiny for your life.

Don’t fall for it. Phone a friend, if you like. Bite your lip, if you must. Go on a run, if you need to. Do what you must, but keep your focus until you cross the finished line.

The call on your life is too important for a moment of distraction.

When you know that you’re on target for what God wants for you and from you, there’s nothing better in the world. Accept no substitutes.

Don’t fall for the fakers and the perpetrators. Accept God’s call for you and nothing else.

Guard your focus toward the will of God for your life. It is there that you will find peace, contentment, “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (1 Peter 1:8)

Faith Affirmation I am anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, I let my requests be known to You Lord; and the peace that surpasses all understanding guards my heart and mind through Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6,7] Thought for the Day “You cannot be yourself if you are busy being what others want you to be.� ~ Philip Arnold

Consecration Challenge Make it a point to speak positively to everyone who crosses your path today.

…When God’s Word goes forth, it is a foretaste of glory divine; it is His indication that it is His will to move on your behalf.

The other part of the equation is what you choose to do in response to who God is and what He has done for you.

God said that His word would not return to Him void, but would complete the assignment He gave it to do (Isaiah 55:11).

So, what or who can hinder God’s plan from coming to pass? We can….. with unbelief, by not meeting the prerequisites for the blessing, but not doing our part to manifest the prophesy spoken over our lives.

Taken from, God Will… If You Will

Carol Nash Lester serves as the Senior Pastor / Teacher of Bethel Apostolic Temple, Inc. in Miami, Florida. She is the author of numerous articles, devotionals and books.