The Gift That Keeps On Giving

We hear the old cliché that it’s not about the gift it’s the thought that counts? So, while you were shopping, how much thought actually went into your purchase?  

When you were in search for the perfect gift this season, did you let the Light guide you?  What type of special gift will you present to your loved ones?  Will that gift be high in value or love? Did you offer you best? 

While you were in search for the best and perfect gift, know this: THAT gift has already been given and that's the Gift that keeps on giving.  Nothing you've purchased had as much value as The Gift whom is Christ.  And when God gave, He thought enough about you to give His best! - John 3:16   
Christmas is a time of miracles. Did you offer your loved ones the Miracle Gift of Jesus?
God gave us a chance to be saved therefore, Jesus was and still is the Perfect Gift that keeps on giving.  I pray that you gave from the heart this season; not so much in value but in love.  For God so loved...that He gave His BEST! - John 3:16

For unto us a Son "was" given...(Isaiah 9:6) and that's the Gift that keeps on giving!!!
Be blessed and Merry Christ-mas to all! -Pastor D

 

 

 

Joy to the World

As we prepare to end November and after we've given thanks to God, let us celebrate and remember the birth of Jesus.  Joy to the World!  Sing joy to the world!
I am so grateful and thankful that God sent His Son to save a person like me.  To give me a chance at salvation.  To free me from eternal sin and death...He came for me...for us...Immanuel!  For the believer, He's with us - always.  Thank you Lord! Joy to the World!!!

Praise

All Praises to God, my Father, this morning.  I praise Him because He's been good to me.  I praise Him because He's faithful.  I praise our Creator for giving me another opportunity to love; to give and to share His promise with grace a I preach the Gospel Truth to others. 

I praise God for another opportunity to be in the land of the living because not everybody got up this morning; some went home to be with Him. For those of us who are still left, that means our work is yet done.  I praise God for allowing me to continue the work He's called me to do for His kingdom.  I will continue to do GREAT things for Him regardless of the obstacles that I face for I shall use them as stepping stones to learn and reach my pre-determined destiny...AMEN!

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.  Praise God today...everyday...and forever more!

That's Why I Praise Him

Good Morning Saints! 

Today, I celebrate the turn of a new decade in my journey. As I sit and wonder how God could love such a person like me, I am equally amazed at why God can take so much time to mold and spin a life like mine. He said to me: "daughter, you're worth the clay." I KNOW God has a GREATER plan and purpose for me so I believe I'll RUN ON and see what the end's gonna be. As I begin a new season of hope and promise today, God had said to me "remember I am with you" (Matthew 28:20) every step of the way. Today I celebrate every blessing and say Hallelujah! For THIS day Lord, I give YOU praise, as I do every day you allow me to have life. Thank You Lord for 50 years of being on this earth. I pray God that YOUR will is done in my life over the next 50 years and then some. I love You Lord and I thank YOU for loving me even the MORE.

Thankful Today

Lord, I thank You for this day.  Thank You for the many blessings given to me. Thank You for all that you are doing in my life. Thank You for favor beyond favor.  Thank You for my infinity x infinity - the explosive blessings from You.  Lord, I love and adore You for keeping and protecting me. When I wanted to give up - You wouldn't let me, and I thank You.

As your servant, I will continue to serve you and your people, according to your will and measure of divine mercy and grace given to me.  I ask Your continued blessings over my life, in Jesus name, Amen!

Today's Prayer

Good morning God, it's your humble servant, looking up to You to say, thank You for another day. Lord God, thank You for my morning stroll with You.  Thank you Lord for reminding me of WHO
I am and WHOSE I am, and I say -- Thank You! 

God, You are my Father and I adore Thee so much so until I am crazy enough to obey You and do just what You've asked me to do and that is to Finish My Assignment; I'm going to finish what You have started in me and only YOU can perfect that which is IN me and I am grateful.  

Lord, the enemy has tried to steal that which You have placed in me.  The enemy has tried to steal my compassion, My joy, My peace and My purpose.  The enemy has attempted to divide and conquer but no weapon -- forged against ME will prevail, and God - You will refute every tongue that accuses ME.  This is my heritage as Your servant LORD, and this is my vindication from You - You have declared it in YOUR Word!  I know that NO devil in hell can stop what YOU have ordained so nothing will stop me; perhaps attempt to delay me but it will not stop me because YOU, oh God, has called it forth.  It's a done deal! Ministry is my life's work and I will continue as Your will is done.  Make any changes YOU want Lord because I trust YOU! 

Lord, I AM confident of this, that YOU who began a good work in ME will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6  AMEN!

Thank YOU Lord for this opportunity to work for YOU.  I know You will give the provision to make this journey to what YOU have promised.

In Your time and season - regardless the reason and however long it takes, I am in it to win it, in Jesus name, Amen!

God Has Done Enough

When you think about God's goodness and all He's done, He's done enough for His people.  How so?  Because He gave up His Son for us; to die on a rugged cross for our sins. How much more do we need?  We don't have to beg God to change our circumstances; just trust that He will and wait in faith.

 

God loved us unconditionally.  He could have said to the world..'too bad so sad for your sins' but He didn't. For He SO loved the world that He GAVE His BEST - His one and only Son - and He did it for people who are to believe upon  His Son.  

 

The only requirement to heaven is to accept Jesus as Lord. Works can't get you there. Money can't do it. Friends sho' can't get you there. Spouses can't do it. Kids can't do it. Morality won't do it because if the stipulations were all about morals, then we've ALL failed and will never get to heaven!  Now, having a set of standard of morals is good. And having good character is great! But believing upon Him is the ticket to heaven and no other method. No other door. Many avenues may lead to Him but there's only one way that opens the door to salvation and that is The Way! 

 

Not believing in God's Son will get you a ticket to Hades.  Stop listening to the devil's advice.  You WILL surely die but only this time...forever without Him...

 

Remember, Jesus has already paid the penalty for sin and eternal death so don't let anyone nail YOU to the cross and there is NO need to keep nailing Jesus back up there either.  He went there once and that's all it took.  Now move on and be free indeed. 

 

Now, once you accept God's Son, you have to follow the love commandments - as your adhere to the guidelines of the Bible for healthy and prosperous Christian living.  Do we all fall short - of course we do - we're not perfect BUT, we cannot make that an excuse to sin.  We have to keep striving for righteousness for His name's sake!

 

So, when you think about what you'd like for God to do for you, He's done enough. God has been REAL good to us.  Think about all the drama He went through just for YOU; He paid the ultimate price to save you. Has God done enough???  You BET He has so, why not honor Him and respect Him and follow Him??? It sure beats the alternative...

 

- Pastor D

Today's Prayer

Thank You Lord for another day that was not promised.  Lord, I honor You today and praise Your name, giving You glory.  Thank You God for Your continued blessings.  Thank You for grace and mercy.  Thank You for Your faithfulness.

Lord, I believe you for all things good because you do all things well.  Let Your Son's precious blood continue to cover Your children as we move through this Christian journey.  Lord, we trust You in all things.  We have the faith of a mustard seed to move mountains of despair, confusion, doubt, fear, lack, hatred, and anything that's not like You.

God, help Your children be more like You.  And as we continue to mature in You, let us walk the paths of righteousness.  When we reach our destination that you've set out for us, I pray that you will say: well done, good and faithful servant. 

As Jesus taught God's people to pray, Abba Father, I pray that You will make me anew each day I arise.  As I shed off this sinful nature, Lord God, help me stay on the narrow path.  And with each step I take, may they be blessed steps, according to Your will, through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.

You Can't Oppress God's People

Psalm 105:14-15 (KJV)
He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; saying, Touch NOT mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

You can't oppress God's people.  If you do, you may find yourself falling short of the blessings and inheritance from God.  Famine could set up. Crops might be eaten up by locusts. Fig trees and grape vines destroyed.  Fish poisoned. Instead of rain from the Holy One, you'll get hail. Don't let rebellion and greed be your strongholds.  Avoid pride and opt for humility in order to get to your purpose as you function according to God's plan.

Do what's right by all of God's prophets and His chosen ones, and He will do what's just and best for you.

Just food for thought...

A Fool's Game

Just when you think you've gotten over on others, it's that one somebody who sees YOU for who you REALLY are...

Just when you think you're slick, don't forget -- someone else might have the oil can and you COULD find yourself sliding on the floor of despair...

They say the one who laughs last laughs loudest but -- is it really funny when no one is laughing at all?..

Thinking you are smarter than the average bear will only lead you to the wilds of destruction...eventually...

Don't play a fool's game or you're subject to find yourself out in the cold looking foolish.

Deep Reflections

It's funny how people treat you when they think they've arrived; they forget about the people that really helped them to progress through the toughest times of their lives and get where they are now.  I've seen the slogan: there is no U there is no US.  Some people get to a certain level of success and forgot their truth.  Don't omit the people who really helped you and always remember, no one reached the top on their own - somebody helped you get there.

 

• Don't think just because you've gotten that six-figure job, you're too big for little things
• Ok, now you've gotten that college degree so you are too smart for your own good?  Or you just hang out with your professional associates but still make miscalculated and not-so-smart decisions

• Now that you have that high rise or dream house, you can't be bothered with your old neighbors
• The nouveau riche individual who can't associate with people of a certain caliber but still act like they live in the "hood"
• Now that you own the company, you feel it is OK to mistreat your employees and attempt to abuse your authority!  Cheap labor is the bottom line!  Triple work and less pay - that's the name of the game. And fattening YOUR pockets is the ultimate goal while discounting your knowledgeable, loyal, and hard working associates, called employees, that keep you in the black instead of out of business.   

 

Reaching the apex in one's life is always a wonderful thing but never disregard or omit people who really have your back.  Check for people you can count on when you are down and out. Invest in people who understand when you struggle with your inner-self.  Acknowledge the friends who know you BEST.  Get close to the people you can be open with about who you really are AND what you really want without any reservations.  The few people you can really speak vulnerably with [from the heart] and not just about what sounds convincing.  How long can one pretend? 

Having that close and personal friend who you can honestly reveal your true identity without a censored view or caution, fearing rejection or rebuke is really important.  As long as you do what is right by others; honest about your role in their lives; define who you are, where you are in life and how to have a peaceful journey living your life.  You don't have to pretend to be somebody you clearly are not.  It's safe to be your real self with your real friends.  No need to be afraid of people who know you; only the ones who find you out...later...

 

It's good to know when you are surrounded by people in your life who really care.  Unconditional love is  HARD to find so when you find that love, cherish it.  My mama always told me "you never miss your water UNTIL your well runs dry"....I say "bone dry!" I also know that when you have found one friend in this life [on this side of heaven] then you've done well.   

 

I'd like to think that I'm doing well because I have a beautiful family and a few choice friends because not everybody you know can go... 

In many ways I feel VERY blessed; so blessed to have  an awesome family of choice and genuine friends who really care.  They make me laugh until my stomach hurts and we hold each other accountable for the things we do...or rebel to do.

I honestly believe that God has specifically designed my family and friends for me; who I am, and will become, as I evolve into the image of Christ.  My family is small and friends are few but both are intimately important and that's what counts.  It's all about quality for me!

I have a dear friend whom I've known since 3rd grade and we are having lunch tomorrow.  I am soooo looking forward to our time together and feel blessed to have known her for so long.  We lost touch for a while but it was the death of a classmate that brought us back together. 

 

These deep reflections are ways of saying: I appreciate my family life and friends, AND extremely honored that God has chosen them especially for me.

Life is a classroom and I am forever learning and growing.  I am 2 Blessed 2 B Stressed and looking forward to the BEST days of my life in Christ!

It's A Celebration!!!

As I reflect upon the past 17 years, I think of my son and when he was first born.  He was a big bundle of joy; 8 lbs 1 oz, 20".  A Beautiful baby boy and now a Handsome young man.

 

Tonight, as we continued to celebrate Josh's birthday at The Twisted Root, we enjoyed  burgers, fries, root beer floats, and root beer soft drinks.  As we sat enjoying each other's company, I thought of the journeys we'd taken together and how wonderful they have been.  The highs...and even a few lows, have helped to balance out our lives in such an awesome and blessed way.  We work hard, play hard, and pray even harder!! LOL...

 

I KNOW God is real and that He truly watches over us because of some of the battles we've fought and won!  Trying to be positive role models without being ridiculed and ostracized for being who we are as a family....as parents, doing our best to teach and train him in the way he should go...giving him the Christian foundational tools needed...teaching him about God/Jesus and how to pray for himself...offering him the best education [even though it has been a major financial sacrifice]...all of it has been a joy and the sacrifice has been worth it!  

 

As parents, we've managed [with the help of the Good Lord] to teach and train up a Christian son and Honor Student.  He also has a little P-T job, which is a bonus within its self because - working teaches him responsibility and discipline, as well as how to save and manage money.  

 

Life is full of classroom lessons.  I hope and pray that we have been that constant teacher and mentor to our son.  I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to be his mother, for without the experience, my life may have taken a different turn.  Either way, I know that God has been with me...with us and good to us; and I KNOW He will continue to be Lord over our lives, as we journey together and prepare for college now.  Whew...it's funny how time flies when you're really having fun!!! 

 

I thank and praise God for my helpmeet of 15 years, for helping me rear such an accomplished young man.  Thank God for my co-parent and extended family too!! God IS good and He is trusting all parents to teach and train up His children accordingly.  

 

 

I pray that God's protection, favor, and covering continue to surround our lives, as we journey through this Christian walk together, by faith in Christ - Amen. 

 

Happy Birthday son!

The Beauty of God

God’s beauty goes far beyond the eyes can see

Colors of the rainbow paint brush across

The mysterious skies for you and me

 

Hues and shades of royal purples and majestic golds

Are a picture of God’s glory forever to be told

 

The colors of love are infinite

And stretch above the gracious skies

For they are bouquets and arrangements of God in disguise

 

His mercy is non-deserving and His grace is everlasting

He was born, gave his live, and forever loves in times passing

 - Doris G.

The New Face

Tonight, my spouse and me attended a "mixer" but the people in attendance seemed to only mix and mingle with familiar faces rather than try and get to know the new faces in the crowd.  To me, if you want to expand your organization, try reaching out to the new faces in the crowd instead of only mixing and mingling with people you know.  One never knows who and what those new faces could do to help reach your organization's milestones, goals, AND perhaps budget for the year. 
Just a thought...

Today's Prayer

May today be all you need it to be.  May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit restore your thoughts, rule in your dreams, and conquer all your fears.  May God manifest Himself today in ways you’ve never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams are closer, and your prayers are answered.  I pray that faith enters a new height for you.  I pray that your territory is enlarged.  I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God, in Jesus Name, Amen!

Happy New Year!

AS I look back over my life, and I think things over; I can truly say that I've been blessed...I've got a testimony!

I am grateful for a brand new season of power and prosperity! Like many, I faced numerous challenges last year and had a few disappointments but -- I am thankful for them all. I love the transitional me -- which means I will continue to evolve in Christ, Amen!

My advice is to take last year's experiences and use them as learning tools on what NOT to do or how to do something better. I was reminded that every person you meet along life's highway, is not meant to travel with you for the long haul; and to be at peace with that -- and I am!

I've learned to let go of what ever hinders my growth and let God handle it because -- only He can make the best out of a bad situation.

I believe [in Christ] that the BEST for me is YET to come! Happy 2013! 

  - The New Me