First let me say that I am a tither before I talk about a often misunderstood and suspicious topic in the body of Christ: MONEY.
I believe in making offerings unto God and I believe in sowing seed into ministries that have proven that they help people all over the world and that further the plan of God. It's not up for debate since the instructions come from God. I serve God.
It isn't necessary to list all that I do but just to say that I trust God completely to order my steps. That said, let's move on. I take the Father's business quite seriously.
Money never meant that much to me. Smile. I shop frugally when I do and my money is (Kingdom) mission minded. I can say that quite easily, though my family may be challenged to understand it.
I try to avoid the "M" word on my Blog. The fact of the matter is that people take it the wrong way. Even though many have a financial challenge at one time or another. This is so. I went before God about a huge financial need and He taught me about faith even though I thought I knew quite a bit about it.
I was led to meditate in the Book of Joshua.
The following scripture seemed to jump out at me:
Joshua 1:8 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Then I was led to read Joshua Chapters 1-6 daily for one hour. My focus was on a business matter.
Here's the link in the Online Bible should you wish to read it: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%201-6;&version=9;
I did this for 6 days. On the seventh day, I had promised that I would go to the park and praise God or shout. However, when that day came, I had a lot to do and so I decided not to do it. At the appointed time, I went anyway. I got to the park and the place was packed, but I praised and yelled and meditated. It was a great feeling. Almost to the minute of when I finished, news came of an impending breakthrough.
I rushed off to verify it, but the enemy had plans to thwart it. There was a mix up and I could not find what I needed, what I did find, was better than what I was pursuing. God is good.
It was such a remarkable victory that I've decided to incorporate this plan in my daily prayer style. I felt like tall solid walls had come down that day.
I pray that it will be a Blessing to you. At the end of the week, I was able to write some wonderful confessions specifically regarding business matters.
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Saturday, May 26, 2007
Don't Misunderstand Righteousness (PART TWO) by Allegra Howard, Guest Writer (Sunday, May 27, 2007)
It is as we begin to meditate, consider and call ourselves righteous, that we develop a righteousness consciousness. When we do this, we actually begin to produce better conduct or what the bible calls the fruit of holiness.
The next thing you may ask is, "What about my sin...that terrible unspoken habit I have? Well the remedy to getting rid of sin is merely a confession away. As we exercise our right in this area, maintaining our fellowship with the Father, we do actually see ourselves grow in righteousness and productive fruit thereof. It is as we grow in the Word of God and walk in the spirit that we will no longer fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
________________________________________________________________________________________
* This information cannot be copied or reproduced or distributed without the express permission of Allegra Howard
The next thing you may ask is, "What about my sin...that terrible unspoken habit I have? Well the remedy to getting rid of sin is merely a confession away. As we exercise our right in this area, maintaining our fellowship with the Father, we do actually see ourselves grow in righteousness and productive fruit thereof. It is as we grow in the Word of God and walk in the spirit that we will no longer fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
________________________________________________________________________________________
* This information cannot be copied or reproduced or distributed without the express permission of Allegra Howard
Don't misunderstand Righteousness by Allegra Howard, Guest Writer (Saturday, May 26, 2007)
If you were to ask someone if they were righteous, most people without any effort would say: "No." People usually equate righteousness with the goody goody way that you act. But righteousness has nothing to do with the way that you act. Holiness is conduct; and righteousness is what you become when you receive Jesus as Lord. In fact, righteousness is the reason Jesus came to earth because when Adam ate of the tree God commanded him not to eat of mankind immediately experienced a downward spiritual spiral. His nature changed from one that is righteous or in right standing with God to that of a sinner. Also, if we were to label what Adam's nature had become in uncommon terms, we could say that Adam was actually born again from that of a righteousness "er" to that of a sinn "er." So now, rather than having an inward spiritual tendency to do good, he had now inherited an inward nature to do evil. His nature had changed from one that was born of God to that of his illegitimate spiritual stepfather, Satan.
END OF PART ONE
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Allegra Howard is a noted writer, minister of the gospel, prayer intercessor and full time graduate student. She wrote and published, In The Garden, about the spiritual significance of The Garden of Eden.
She does freelance writing and is a sought after speaker. She loves the Lord, is born again and spirit filled. She is also a very dear friend.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
END OF PART ONE
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Allegra Howard is a noted writer, minister of the gospel, prayer intercessor and full time graduate student. She wrote and published, In The Garden, about the spiritual significance of The Garden of Eden.
She does freelance writing and is a sought after speaker. She loves the Lord, is born again and spirit filled. She is also a very dear friend.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, May 20, 2007
HOW ARE YOU SERVING? PREVAILED, MAY 21, 2007 (MONDAY)
PREVAILED, MAY 21, 2007 How are you serving?,
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9: 8
MY BELOVED BRETHREN, BE YE STEADFAST, UNMOVABLE, ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD, FORASMUCH AS YE KNOW THAT YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN IN THE LORD-1 Corinthians 15:58.
My Dearest Friend, Blessings unto you! It is my prayer that this letter finds you well. I have been praying for you. I just want to tell you to stay in faith. I’m not worried about you either; because you are a mountain mover! Jesus said that if you have faith you can move it (any obstacle or challenge) and I know that you have faith. Today, I am writing to you about a matter that is important to God and important to you. Let me say that I realize that this question may have exact timing or bad timing; but it is expedient that you give it some thought. I thank you.
At a service at my church one day, a call went out for volunteers to serve in church. I didn’t think it applied to me. That’s funny now; but I was serious then. I wasn’t being arrogant or selfish; I was just honestly overloaded. I was wrong and I truly didn’t realize it. You see, I was loaded with assignments and I was doing them and in my brain, I could not envision expansion of my schedule. I wasn’t supposed to be counting what I did; I was just to abound, to thrive, to flourish in the grace given to me by God. I couldn’t envision the Blessings that I was blocking, the spiritual growth that lay ahead, the new friendships, the unlimited reward, the opportunity to please God in a great way, the passion, the fire and the love that would take hold of me as I grew spiritually. The real truth was that; I was like a passenger trying to board a plane with too much luggage. It wasn’t going to happen. Something had to go but I did not realize it.
Well right after that, at an outside organization where I volunteered (and enjoyed great prestige) everything changed and it impacted my schedule even more. I wasn’t working with people who would really understand my spiritual calling; though they were very good people. I was led to step back and take a time out. In prayer one day, I was reminded of a prior instruction deadline to join a particular division of service at my church. In my mind it didn’t seem like I was “experienced” enough to be of any use. Even though I was obedient; I was challenged in that service. There was a lot more to it than my showing up. God was trying to take me to higher levels and I didn’t see it right away though it was clearly there in front of me. Fortunately I served with some wonderful people who helped and encouraged me. I kept my faith up.
Soon, my breakthrough came. I found out by the example of other people that serving is not just about showing up on time and being responsible, prayed up and sincere. It’s really about your heart. You serve with your heart. I was surrounded by tremendous example. You can hear this but knowing it is a whole new ball game. It’s about loving God so much and loving His children and His creation so much that you will go to great lengths to please Him. (maybe even leaving your comfort zone) You’ll show your love to whosoever that you are working or serving with, interfacing with, helping or assisting. You’ll be a Blessing by setting a wonderful example as well. Praise God!
Do you see that scripture at the bottom of the page with an asterisk in front of it? Would you please read it? Let’s just say for the sake of understanding that God has given us all assignments and asked us to do them. Sometimes that might involve front lines work and sometimes that might involve behind the scenes work; but if God tells us to do it-He wants it done. I always ask myself: “What if Jesus came today and I had to give an accounting of the assignments that I was given? How would it look?” That helps me greatly to keep things in perspective. God has given us the goods and my question is: What have you done with the goods? What have you done with the talents that He gave you? I hope this helps you and makes you think. It makes me think too. I’m still working it out praise the Lord! I’m looking forward to stepping up the pace! I declare that we will have a good report when it is time to give it! Please don’t put it off and don’t be afraid to step up. I thank you. Blessings and Love, Sister Elaine D. novelistoo@gmail.com
P.S. Please if you are led, pray for the body of Christ to examine themselves in this area. Thank you so much.
*THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AS A MAN TRAVELING INTO A FAR COUNTRY, WHO CALLED HIS OWN SERVANTS, AND DELIVERED UNTO THEM HIS GOODS. AND UNTO ONE HE GAVE FIVE TALENTS, TO ANOTHER TWO, AND TO ANOTHER ONE; TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS SEVERAL ABILITY; AND STRAIGHTWAY TOOK HIS JOURNEY. THEN HE THAT HAD RECEIVED THE FIVE TALENTS WENT AND TRADED WITH THE SAME, AND MADE THEM OTHER FIVE TALENTS. AND LIKEWISE HE THAT HAD RECEIVED TWO, HE ALSO GAINED OTHER TWO. BUT HE THAT HAD RECEIVED ONE WENT AND DIGGED IN THE EARTH, AND HID HIS LORD’S MONEY. AFTER A LONG TIME THE LORD OF THOSE SERVANTS COMETH, AND RECKONETH WITH THEM-Mt 25:14-19.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9: 8
MY BELOVED BRETHREN, BE YE STEADFAST, UNMOVABLE, ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD, FORASMUCH AS YE KNOW THAT YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN IN THE LORD-1 Corinthians 15:58.
My Dearest Friend, Blessings unto you! It is my prayer that this letter finds you well. I have been praying for you. I just want to tell you to stay in faith. I’m not worried about you either; because you are a mountain mover! Jesus said that if you have faith you can move it (any obstacle or challenge) and I know that you have faith. Today, I am writing to you about a matter that is important to God and important to you. Let me say that I realize that this question may have exact timing or bad timing; but it is expedient that you give it some thought. I thank you.
At a service at my church one day, a call went out for volunteers to serve in church. I didn’t think it applied to me. That’s funny now; but I was serious then. I wasn’t being arrogant or selfish; I was just honestly overloaded. I was wrong and I truly didn’t realize it. You see, I was loaded with assignments and I was doing them and in my brain, I could not envision expansion of my schedule. I wasn’t supposed to be counting what I did; I was just to abound, to thrive, to flourish in the grace given to me by God. I couldn’t envision the Blessings that I was blocking, the spiritual growth that lay ahead, the new friendships, the unlimited reward, the opportunity to please God in a great way, the passion, the fire and the love that would take hold of me as I grew spiritually. The real truth was that; I was like a passenger trying to board a plane with too much luggage. It wasn’t going to happen. Something had to go but I did not realize it.
Well right after that, at an outside organization where I volunteered (and enjoyed great prestige) everything changed and it impacted my schedule even more. I wasn’t working with people who would really understand my spiritual calling; though they were very good people. I was led to step back and take a time out. In prayer one day, I was reminded of a prior instruction deadline to join a particular division of service at my church. In my mind it didn’t seem like I was “experienced” enough to be of any use. Even though I was obedient; I was challenged in that service. There was a lot more to it than my showing up. God was trying to take me to higher levels and I didn’t see it right away though it was clearly there in front of me. Fortunately I served with some wonderful people who helped and encouraged me. I kept my faith up.
Soon, my breakthrough came. I found out by the example of other people that serving is not just about showing up on time and being responsible, prayed up and sincere. It’s really about your heart. You serve with your heart. I was surrounded by tremendous example. You can hear this but knowing it is a whole new ball game. It’s about loving God so much and loving His children and His creation so much that you will go to great lengths to please Him. (maybe even leaving your comfort zone) You’ll show your love to whosoever that you are working or serving with, interfacing with, helping or assisting. You’ll be a Blessing by setting a wonderful example as well. Praise God!
Do you see that scripture at the bottom of the page with an asterisk in front of it? Would you please read it? Let’s just say for the sake of understanding that God has given us all assignments and asked us to do them. Sometimes that might involve front lines work and sometimes that might involve behind the scenes work; but if God tells us to do it-He wants it done. I always ask myself: “What if Jesus came today and I had to give an accounting of the assignments that I was given? How would it look?” That helps me greatly to keep things in perspective. God has given us the goods and my question is: What have you done with the goods? What have you done with the talents that He gave you? I hope this helps you and makes you think. It makes me think too. I’m still working it out praise the Lord! I’m looking forward to stepping up the pace! I declare that we will have a good report when it is time to give it! Please don’t put it off and don’t be afraid to step up. I thank you. Blessings and Love, Sister Elaine D. novelistoo@gmail.com
P.S. Please if you are led, pray for the body of Christ to examine themselves in this area. Thank you so much.
*THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AS A MAN TRAVELING INTO A FAR COUNTRY, WHO CALLED HIS OWN SERVANTS, AND DELIVERED UNTO THEM HIS GOODS. AND UNTO ONE HE GAVE FIVE TALENTS, TO ANOTHER TWO, AND TO ANOTHER ONE; TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS SEVERAL ABILITY; AND STRAIGHTWAY TOOK HIS JOURNEY. THEN HE THAT HAD RECEIVED THE FIVE TALENTS WENT AND TRADED WITH THE SAME, AND MADE THEM OTHER FIVE TALENTS. AND LIKEWISE HE THAT HAD RECEIVED TWO, HE ALSO GAINED OTHER TWO. BUT HE THAT HAD RECEIVED ONE WENT AND DIGGED IN THE EARTH, AND HID HIS LORD’S MONEY. AFTER A LONG TIME THE LORD OF THOSE SERVANTS COMETH, AND RECKONETH WITH THEM-Mt 25:14-19.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, May 17, 2007
OUR WORDS by Elaine Davenport (SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2007)
I was watching television one day; it was a show called STARTING OVER. I think it's off of television now. It was a series directed to help people who were stuck in a so called rut and to help these grab hold of the dreams. Funny how that parallels the life of a believer. They were supported by : "life coaches." It was sweet.
Before I stopped watching for a myriad of reasons, my attention was caught by a very talented woman. She wanted to be a country singer. When she received a compliment, she responded in awe of her accomplishment. By I was struck by a string of "words" I kept hearing her say. It was an expression, but she kept saying: "I could just die."
I wanted to write her a letter, I never did. I rationalized that she'd probably be offended and misunderstand my letter.
I just prayed for her.
We have to watch our words. The angels move on our words. We can best be aided by using words that speak life, Blessing, favor, wisdom and peace into our lives. Just try it. You'll be all the better for it. Have a Blessed Day.
You are taken as in a net by the words of your mouth, the sayings of your lips have overcome you. Proverbs 6: 2
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18: 21
"...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Mat 12:34).
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (Prov. 15:4)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Before I stopped watching for a myriad of reasons, my attention was caught by a very talented woman. She wanted to be a country singer. When she received a compliment, she responded in awe of her accomplishment. By I was struck by a string of "words" I kept hearing her say. It was an expression, but she kept saying: "I could just die."
I wanted to write her a letter, I never did. I rationalized that she'd probably be offended and misunderstand my letter.
I just prayed for her.
We have to watch our words. The angels move on our words. We can best be aided by using words that speak life, Blessing, favor, wisdom and peace into our lives. Just try it. You'll be all the better for it. Have a Blessed Day.
You are taken as in a net by the words of your mouth, the sayings of your lips have overcome you. Proverbs 6: 2
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18: 21
"...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Mat 12:34).
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (Prov. 15:4)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
PRAYER FOR FAITH (Saturday, May 19, 2007)
FAITH
In the Name of Jesus, Father we come before you with
humble and thankful hearts. Father we are asking you to
strengthen________ (you) this day. We stand on your word for
you said:
According to your faith be it unto you. Verily I say unto you
that if you have faith and doubt not, you shall not only do this
which is done to the fig tree but also if you say unto this
mountain be thou removed …it shall be done. The just shall
live by faith, but if any man draw back; my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
Father, ___________( you) is believing for: __________
_______________
And___________________ etc. She/He is standing on
their faith and we stand in agreement that these things
will unfold exactly that way that he/she wants them to
in accordance with your Word; though there is no evidence
that can be seen, __________(you) is stronger and stronger
every day never doubting that these things will come to
pass. We also pray that YOU the God of our Lord Jesus
Christ , the Father of Glory , may give unto ___________
(your name) the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you.
That the eyes of __________’s (you) understanding being enlight-
ened that she/he may know what is the hope of his calling
and the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is
the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought
in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at
his own right hand in the heavenly places….For this cause we
bow our knees unto You the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ
of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.
That he would grant unto_________(you) according to the riches
of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in
the inner man; That Christ may dwell in my
heart by faith, that _____________ you being rooted and grounded
in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the
breadth and length and depth and height; And to know the
love of Christ; which passeth knowledge, that she/he/they
might be filled with all the fullness of God!
In the Name of Jesus we ask and Pray.
In the Name of Jesus, Father we come before you with
humble and thankful hearts. Father we are asking you to
strengthen________ (you) this day. We stand on your word for
you said:
According to your faith be it unto you. Verily I say unto you
that if you have faith and doubt not, you shall not only do this
which is done to the fig tree but also if you say unto this
mountain be thou removed …it shall be done. The just shall
live by faith, but if any man draw back; my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
Father, ___________( you) is believing for: __________
_______________
And___________________ etc. She/He is standing on
their faith and we stand in agreement that these things
will unfold exactly that way that he/she wants them to
in accordance with your Word; though there is no evidence
that can be seen, __________(you) is stronger and stronger
every day never doubting that these things will come to
pass. We also pray that YOU the God of our Lord Jesus
Christ , the Father of Glory , may give unto ___________
(your name) the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you.
That the eyes of __________’s (you) understanding being enlight-
ened that she/he may know what is the hope of his calling
and the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is
the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought
in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at
his own right hand in the heavenly places….For this cause we
bow our knees unto You the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ
of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.
That he would grant unto_________(you) according to the riches
of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in
the inner man; That Christ may dwell in my
heart by faith, that _____________ you being rooted and grounded
in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the
breadth and length and depth and height; And to know the
love of Christ; which passeth knowledge, that she/he/they
might be filled with all the fullness of God!
In the Name of Jesus we ask and Pray.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Pin the tail on the donkey; or not! By Elaine Davenport (Friday, May 18, 2007)
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 2 Corinthians 5: 7
I don't know what games they play at children's birthday parties nowadays. But, when I was a little girl we played pin the tail on the donkey. They put a blindfold over your eyes and stuck a pin in your hand (with a tail on it) and pointed you towards the picture of the donkey. After it was all over, whoever got the closest to the right spot won.
Faith is like that in some ways and in some ways it isn't.
You can't see where you're going by faith. You don't know how you're going to get there. You may as well be blindfolded.
But, it doesn't matter because the angels have been sent to guide you. God will make sure that you get it right. If you by some way get it wrong, you don't lose. God is rich in mercy and He is the God of the 2ND, 3rd, 4Th, etc. chance and you'll get more turns until you win. You just gotta believe! It's not a game, it's your destiny and God has designed it so that you win. Just remember.
______________________________________________________________________________________
I don't know what games they play at children's birthday parties nowadays. But, when I was a little girl we played pin the tail on the donkey. They put a blindfold over your eyes and stuck a pin in your hand (with a tail on it) and pointed you towards the picture of the donkey. After it was all over, whoever got the closest to the right spot won.
Faith is like that in some ways and in some ways it isn't.
You can't see where you're going by faith. You don't know how you're going to get there. You may as well be blindfolded.
But, it doesn't matter because the angels have been sent to guide you. God will make sure that you get it right. If you by some way get it wrong, you don't lose. God is rich in mercy and He is the God of the 2ND, 3rd, 4Th, etc. chance and you'll get more turns until you win. You just gotta believe! It's not a game, it's your destiny and God has designed it so that you win. Just remember.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Monday, May 14, 2007
I GOT A GIFT I DIDN'T EXPECT WHEN I WENT TO HELP AN OLD FRIEND ( THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2007)
Dear Friend, how are you? I hope that you didn’t think that I forgot about you because I didn’t. Everyday, I think about the many people who come to this site and I get the prayers out for you. The word that comes to you today, seems a little different, but it is truly intended just for you.
Proverbs 17 verse 8 says:
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: withersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Let me tell you a true story. I’ll try my best to make it short. (smile)
I never had the ‘knack” or ability for taking care of sick or physically challenged people. I was never really even comfortable, around “the sick” always feeling awkward or that I might say or do the wrong thing. This was so true about me; until I became sick and physically challenged myself. I was so shocked when it happened. At the time, I thought that it was the worst thing ever!
However, I learned some things, the main thing I learned was how it “felt.” I felt bad and people felt bad for me, but very few knew how to help me. During that time, I needed spiritual strengthening; I just didn’t know it! When it was all over and done, I began to view people in a different light. I had graduated to a higher level…I understood how it felt.
This new revelation and my love for God led me to go to visit friends’ mom who was in a Nursing home a while back. I was told that she was exhibiting the physical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease. Her name is Gloria Lamb. My going to visit her Blessed my life. During the last holiday season, I was so moved by her humility, gentle sweet spirit and her faith that I wrote about her in the Southfield Goodfellows Newspaper. Thousands read the article and there was great feedback. You see, many times when people really need us; we forget about them and we just can’t do that.
Many days I read the bible with Gloria. She never ceased to amaze me with her eagerness to pray. She had such a gentle and sweet spirit. One day I went to visit and it was significant because I hadn’t been in two weeks. It was as if she had been waiting for me. When I sat down she started telling me how good God had been to her. She was saying how she had it better than a lot of people, she said that she had no complaints, no regrets…she was just thankful. SO THANKFUL!
As it turned out, that was to be my last visit with her. I attended her funeral earlier this month and I will tell you that she left a legacy by example for the three generations of her family that still remain. I’m asking you to pray for them and I know that you will. Thanks. The more I thought and prayed for Gloria and other people, the smaller my problems became.
Now please just STOP and think for a moment, here is a woman ravaged by Alzheimer’s, but REMEMBERING God through the BARRIERS in her mind and THANKING HIM! I wish that you could have had a front row seat to witness that! I was Blessed. All of this happened as a result of my giving a little of my time..my reward was an incredible gift! It was much more than I can now describe!
In this letter, it was not my intention to tell you of my giving. My intention is to challenge myself and you to “THINK HARD” daily of “whose” life we can make a little or a lot better. We can do that with just a card, a letter, a visit, an email or a phone call. I encourage you. A long time back, I decided I was going to stop apologizing for not thinking of people and not staying in touch. Finally I said, I’m going to FIX my own problem, I’m going to do better with this staying in touch stuff. I didn’t know at the time HOW GREATLY my life would be enriched as a result of that decision …I just didn’t know.
So if you’re down, oppressed, feeling incredible pressure, experiencing money woes, feeling alienated, in poor health or just not feeling like your young self…I ENCOURAGE you to REACH OUT to someone ELSE…THINGS will turn around SUDDENLY for you! I know it, but I challenge you to try it.
All of us have giving spirits; we just have to develop them! Thanks for listening and remember…my prayers for you to be Blessed, to have Favor, and for you to have all of your prayers answered.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Proverbs 17 verse 8 says:
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: withersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Let me tell you a true story. I’ll try my best to make it short. (smile)
I never had the ‘knack” or ability for taking care of sick or physically challenged people. I was never really even comfortable, around “the sick” always feeling awkward or that I might say or do the wrong thing. This was so true about me; until I became sick and physically challenged myself. I was so shocked when it happened. At the time, I thought that it was the worst thing ever!
However, I learned some things, the main thing I learned was how it “felt.” I felt bad and people felt bad for me, but very few knew how to help me. During that time, I needed spiritual strengthening; I just didn’t know it! When it was all over and done, I began to view people in a different light. I had graduated to a higher level…I understood how it felt.
This new revelation and my love for God led me to go to visit friends’ mom who was in a Nursing home a while back. I was told that she was exhibiting the physical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease. Her name is Gloria Lamb. My going to visit her Blessed my life. During the last holiday season, I was so moved by her humility, gentle sweet spirit and her faith that I wrote about her in the Southfield Goodfellows Newspaper. Thousands read the article and there was great feedback. You see, many times when people really need us; we forget about them and we just can’t do that.
Many days I read the bible with Gloria. She never ceased to amaze me with her eagerness to pray. She had such a gentle and sweet spirit. One day I went to visit and it was significant because I hadn’t been in two weeks. It was as if she had been waiting for me. When I sat down she started telling me how good God had been to her. She was saying how she had it better than a lot of people, she said that she had no complaints, no regrets…she was just thankful. SO THANKFUL!
As it turned out, that was to be my last visit with her. I attended her funeral earlier this month and I will tell you that she left a legacy by example for the three generations of her family that still remain. I’m asking you to pray for them and I know that you will. Thanks. The more I thought and prayed for Gloria and other people, the smaller my problems became.
Now please just STOP and think for a moment, here is a woman ravaged by Alzheimer’s, but REMEMBERING God through the BARRIERS in her mind and THANKING HIM! I wish that you could have had a front row seat to witness that! I was Blessed. All of this happened as a result of my giving a little of my time..my reward was an incredible gift! It was much more than I can now describe!
In this letter, it was not my intention to tell you of my giving. My intention is to challenge myself and you to “THINK HARD” daily of “whose” life we can make a little or a lot better. We can do that with just a card, a letter, a visit, an email or a phone call. I encourage you. A long time back, I decided I was going to stop apologizing for not thinking of people and not staying in touch. Finally I said, I’m going to FIX my own problem, I’m going to do better with this staying in touch stuff. I didn’t know at the time HOW GREATLY my life would be enriched as a result of that decision …I just didn’t know.
So if you’re down, oppressed, feeling incredible pressure, experiencing money woes, feeling alienated, in poor health or just not feeling like your young self…I ENCOURAGE you to REACH OUT to someone ELSE…THINGS will turn around SUDDENLY for you! I know it, but I challenge you to try it.
All of us have giving spirits; we just have to develop them! Thanks for listening and remember…my prayers for you to be Blessed, to have Favor, and for you to have all of your prayers answered.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
DREAMZ TEACHES US A LESSON IN FAITH IN SURVIVOR FIJI SEASON FINALE by Elaine Davenport (WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2007)
I'm a writer but I'm also an interpreter of the landscape. I know many faith people
watch little or no television, but I do selectively. I look for faith stories. Television doesn't intend for it to be that way, but sometimes it happens; especially in Reality shows. I won't watch many of them. However, I like watching Survivor.
When Survivor began it's new season, few people expected they would have a formerly homeless young Black man. He wasn't polished or refined but he sure was likable. He talked a lot and too much but we still kept liking him. We have this "thing" for the underdog. I never expected him to get to the end of the game. The pattern is that generally minorities get voted off right off the bat. Somehow, Dreamz made it.
There was a wild Season Finale on Survivor Fiji recently, the popular reality television show. I watched it looking for a faith story. I wasn't disappointed.
Dre Heard, (also known as DREAMZ) age twenty-five years old, had a tough life. He was homeless, was forced to drop out of high school and went back and got his GED. He was a popular underdog amongst many. My friend Anna Holmes always says, We're all going to face lessons but they don't all have to be hard. Dreamz faced a hard lesson in the Season Finale of Survivor Fiji last night.
The significant thing about this is that DREAMZ is reported to be a Christian.
The whole SURVIVOR situation forced him to take what I call: "The Faith Test."
SIDEBAR:
Earl Cole, age thirty-five wins Survivor Fiji. He is the first African American male to ever win. Every single jury member voted for Earl. This has never happened in the history of the show. Raised by a single mother, Earle quickly announced that he would share the money with his mom 50-50. It's safe to say, that if it were not for the faith test that DREAMZ had to take, Earl may not have won.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED:
In one of the competitions, Yau Man (one of the survivors) won a 2008 Ford 350 Truck. He knew how much Dreamz wanted a car. So he made a deal with him that in exchange for the Ford 350 Truck, Dreamz would give up the Immunity Idol to Yau Man if he won it, when there were only four Survivors left in the game. It was a crazy request, but Dreamz agreed to it and took the truck.
THAT WAS HIS FAITH TEST.
END OF PART ONE******************************************************
PART TWO
WHEN EXACTLY DID DREAMZ GET HIS FAITH TEST?
His test was when Yau Man offered him the truck. He had to decide then whether to walk by faith and believe that God would give him the victory or to walk by sight and take the truck.
When there were four people left in the game, Dreamz won the immunity Idol. At that point it was clear that IF he gave it to Yau Man and kept his word, he'd miss out on an opportunity to win the million dollars.
So he had to decide: Would he keep his word and maintain his integrity as a Christian or would he succumb to the temptation to try for the million.
According to your faith be it unto you...Matthew 9: 29
DREAMZ MAKES SOME DECISIONS
Dreamz decided to take the Ford F350 TRUCK! He also agreed to give Yau Man an immunity idol in case he won it with four people left.
HE DID NOT KEEP HIS WORD
DREAMZ KEPT THE TRUCK AND THE IMMUNITY IDOL. FOR THE MEMBERS ON THE JURY; IT PROVED TO BE AN UNPARDONABLE SIN.
Dreamz had an opportunity to sit before the jury to be considered for the one million dollars. However, they had no sympathy for him because they felt he double dealed, back stabbed, betrayed alliances and did not keep his word. They didn't trust him in a game that many call: BACKSTABBING 101. Is it possible to win this game without smear or blemish? It's hard, but the people who generally win have usually managed to do this to a great degree. DREAMZ did not win the one million dollars but, will still win $100,000.
THE WAY SURVIVOR WORKS...It "looked " like Dreamz never could have won whether he kept his word regarding the truck or not. However, I would have hoped to see him keep his word. I truly believe his doing the right thing could have opened up the door for a Blessing for him. We'll never know.
I want to add that anyone can face a test of faith at almost any time. The only reason we saw the test that Dreamz faced was because he was on national TV. Make up your mind today that when your test comes, you'll pass it. If you fail your test, you'll have to take it over.
NOTE: I just want to say to Dreamz that I'll keep praying for you and believing that another door of opportunity will open for you. I know you'll be ready. Keep persevering.
_________________________________________________________
watch little or no television, but I do selectively. I look for faith stories. Television doesn't intend for it to be that way, but sometimes it happens; especially in Reality shows. I won't watch many of them. However, I like watching Survivor.
When Survivor began it's new season, few people expected they would have a formerly homeless young Black man. He wasn't polished or refined but he sure was likable. He talked a lot and too much but we still kept liking him. We have this "thing" for the underdog. I never expected him to get to the end of the game. The pattern is that generally minorities get voted off right off the bat. Somehow, Dreamz made it.
There was a wild Season Finale on Survivor Fiji recently, the popular reality television show. I watched it looking for a faith story. I wasn't disappointed.
Dre Heard, (also known as DREAMZ) age twenty-five years old, had a tough life. He was homeless, was forced to drop out of high school and went back and got his GED. He was a popular underdog amongst many. My friend Anna Holmes always says, We're all going to face lessons but they don't all have to be hard. Dreamz faced a hard lesson in the Season Finale of Survivor Fiji last night.
The significant thing about this is that DREAMZ is reported to be a Christian.
The whole SURVIVOR situation forced him to take what I call: "The Faith Test."
SIDEBAR:
Earl Cole, age thirty-five wins Survivor Fiji. He is the first African American male to ever win. Every single jury member voted for Earl. This has never happened in the history of the show. Raised by a single mother, Earle quickly announced that he would share the money with his mom 50-50. It's safe to say, that if it were not for the faith test that DREAMZ had to take, Earl may not have won.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED:
In one of the competitions, Yau Man (one of the survivors) won a 2008 Ford 350 Truck. He knew how much Dreamz wanted a car. So he made a deal with him that in exchange for the Ford 350 Truck, Dreamz would give up the Immunity Idol to Yau Man if he won it, when there were only four Survivors left in the game. It was a crazy request, but Dreamz agreed to it and took the truck.
THAT WAS HIS FAITH TEST.
END OF PART ONE******************************************************
PART TWO
WHEN EXACTLY DID DREAMZ GET HIS FAITH TEST?
His test was when Yau Man offered him the truck. He had to decide then whether to walk by faith and believe that God would give him the victory or to walk by sight and take the truck.
When there were four people left in the game, Dreamz won the immunity Idol. At that point it was clear that IF he gave it to Yau Man and kept his word, he'd miss out on an opportunity to win the million dollars.
So he had to decide: Would he keep his word and maintain his integrity as a Christian or would he succumb to the temptation to try for the million.
According to your faith be it unto you...Matthew 9: 29
DREAMZ MAKES SOME DECISIONS
Dreamz decided to take the Ford F350 TRUCK! He also agreed to give Yau Man an immunity idol in case he won it with four people left.
HE DID NOT KEEP HIS WORD
DREAMZ KEPT THE TRUCK AND THE IMMUNITY IDOL. FOR THE MEMBERS ON THE JURY; IT PROVED TO BE AN UNPARDONABLE SIN.
Dreamz had an opportunity to sit before the jury to be considered for the one million dollars. However, they had no sympathy for him because they felt he double dealed, back stabbed, betrayed alliances and did not keep his word. They didn't trust him in a game that many call: BACKSTABBING 101. Is it possible to win this game without smear or blemish? It's hard, but the people who generally win have usually managed to do this to a great degree. DREAMZ did not win the one million dollars but, will still win $100,000.
THE WAY SURVIVOR WORKS...It "looked " like Dreamz never could have won whether he kept his word regarding the truck or not. However, I would have hoped to see him keep his word. I truly believe his doing the right thing could have opened up the door for a Blessing for him. We'll never know.
I want to add that anyone can face a test of faith at almost any time. The only reason we saw the test that Dreamz faced was because he was on national TV. Make up your mind today that when your test comes, you'll pass it. If you fail your test, you'll have to take it over.
NOTE: I just want to say to Dreamz that I'll keep praying for you and believing that another door of opportunity will open for you. I know you'll be ready. Keep persevering.
_________________________________________________________
Sunday, May 13, 2007
What do you "really" know about hope? by Gene McGuire (Guest Writer) (TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2007)
"Faith is the substance of the things hoped for the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
NOTE: When the word hope is used in the bible, it is not a wishy-washy wishing kind of thing. Recently I came across an explanation of that word which was so excellent that I wanted to share it with you. (The following is from "The Daily Devotional Bible" by Thomas Nelson Publishers, page 799.)
Hope is the desire for something with the expectation of fulfillment. Hope involves trust in someone or something on which the expectation is centered. The Christian's hope is "sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19). Any hope is only as sure as its source is dependable. Christian hope is fixed upon God and His Word. Since God is omnipotent, He can fulfill that hopeful desire that He creates in His children. The hope of the wicked is described as being as fragile as the hope of the reeds when water is removed from their roots. (Job 8:11, 12) The hope of the godless is as fragile as a spider's web. (v. 14) He trusts in material things (v. 15) and these never endure. So there is only one step between true hope and hopelessness. All depends upon the source of the hope. Only God and His Word are completely dependable foundations of hope.
Today's Thought: Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Mark 13:31
NOTE: When the word hope is used in the bible, it is not a wishy-washy wishing kind of thing. Recently I came across an explanation of that word which was so excellent that I wanted to share it with you. (The following is from "The Daily Devotional Bible" by Thomas Nelson Publishers, page 799.)
Hope is the desire for something with the expectation of fulfillment. Hope involves trust in someone or something on which the expectation is centered. The Christian's hope is "sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19). Any hope is only as sure as its source is dependable. Christian hope is fixed upon God and His Word. Since God is omnipotent, He can fulfill that hopeful desire that He creates in His children. The hope of the wicked is described as being as fragile as the hope of the reeds when water is removed from their roots. (Job 8:11, 12) The hope of the godless is as fragile as a spider's web. (v. 14) He trusts in material things (v. 15) and these never endure. So there is only one step between true hope and hopelessness. All depends upon the source of the hope. Only God and His Word are completely dependable foundations of hope.
Today's Thought: Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Mark 13:31
Can you fight? By Elaine Davenport (Monday, May 14, 2007)
The bible tells us to fight the good fight of faith.
Don't ignore this because as a believer, you are also a soldier. Soldiers fall in so many categories. There are: career soldiers, soldiers just passing through, officers, heroes, dishonorable discharges, medal winners, marines, Navy seals, Special Ops, Special Forces, soldiers who don't want to be soldiers, Elite Forces and many more.
You're going to have to decide what kind of soldier you are, are going to be because the enemy has set his troops in motion and they are moving against you right now as we speak.
We're part of the FAITH FORCES and we not only have to work together but we've got to be ON GUARD AND ON WATCH like the Bible says.
My advice: Stay in the Word, Stay in Faith, Pray, Be on Guard and never forget that you have to fight. Never
EPHESIANS 6: 10-18
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.(B)
Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.
Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Don't ignore this because as a believer, you are also a soldier. Soldiers fall in so many categories. There are: career soldiers, soldiers just passing through, officers, heroes, dishonorable discharges, medal winners, marines, Navy seals, Special Ops, Special Forces, soldiers who don't want to be soldiers, Elite Forces and many more.
You're going to have to decide what kind of soldier you are, are going to be because the enemy has set his troops in motion and they are moving against you right now as we speak.
We're part of the FAITH FORCES and we not only have to work together but we've got to be ON GUARD AND ON WATCH like the Bible says.
My advice: Stay in the Word, Stay in Faith, Pray, Be on Guard and never forget that you have to fight. Never
EPHESIANS 6: 10-18
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.(B)
Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.
Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Friday, May 11, 2007
Faith for supernatural debt cancellation and a turnaround by Elaine Davenport
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11: 6
You reach a point where you almost hate to talk about money, because people so easily misunderstand. However folks in this present world we wrestle sometimes with financial things.
THIS IS A TRUE STORY
I have a friend who had a horrible Child Support debt. He bore some responsibility because he ran from it many years ago and he says that it caught up with him. It went well into the thousands. He says that he paid on it for twenty years and the balance never changed. Then he began to chance his faith.
It was put on my heart to begin to intercede for him that his debt would be cancelled. It was clear that it had him in bondage. It's hard to convince people who are "new" in the faith to stand, but he did comply. Things began to happen in the spirit realm. Where he had met closed doors in the past trying to get reconciliation; people out of state that he contacted began to listen.
THEN SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED!
I was in deep deep prayer one day when my friend contacted me and told me that they took his income tax check! He was devastated. I'm sure he thought to himself that this faith thing ain't working.
BUT GOD....
I convinced him to hang in there. Shortly thereafter, he received a total refund from someone else in the exact amount that was taken from him.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord, lifts up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19b
(REMEMBER THAT)
Not long after that, my friend says there was an audit on his account and his debt was reduced. He says he literally gave up, but I convinced him not to. I told him how Satan tries to put up a smokescreen. He tried to convince me to give up on the situation. My prayers continued. Even when I didn't know it, because I was praying in the spirit. A new person was assigned to investigate his case. He called them frantically. They told him not to call back, they'd take care of it. Months went by. Prayers continued. My friend put the situation on the back burner. Then one day he got a notice telling him he still owed, but not to send any payments.
Every place that my friend wanted to get credit at, he was turned down because of this debt. He was barely making ends meet. One day he was Online and decided to check his credit report, not long after he had been turned down for credit.
The debt was gone, canceled, disappeared! He never got a letter or a notice or anything at all. It just fell off the face of the earth!
Right now, his life has completely turned around and he serves in the kingdom of God. Bless God.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
_____________________________________________________________________________________
(James 5:16b)
Hebrews 11: 6
You reach a point where you almost hate to talk about money, because people so easily misunderstand. However folks in this present world we wrestle sometimes with financial things.
THIS IS A TRUE STORY
I have a friend who had a horrible Child Support debt. He bore some responsibility because he ran from it many years ago and he says that it caught up with him. It went well into the thousands. He says that he paid on it for twenty years and the balance never changed. Then he began to chance his faith.
It was put on my heart to begin to intercede for him that his debt would be cancelled. It was clear that it had him in bondage. It's hard to convince people who are "new" in the faith to stand, but he did comply. Things began to happen in the spirit realm. Where he had met closed doors in the past trying to get reconciliation; people out of state that he contacted began to listen.
THEN SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED!
I was in deep deep prayer one day when my friend contacted me and told me that they took his income tax check! He was devastated. I'm sure he thought to himself that this faith thing ain't working.
BUT GOD....
I convinced him to hang in there. Shortly thereafter, he received a total refund from someone else in the exact amount that was taken from him.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord, lifts up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19b
(REMEMBER THAT)
Not long after that, my friend says there was an audit on his account and his debt was reduced. He says he literally gave up, but I convinced him not to. I told him how Satan tries to put up a smokescreen. He tried to convince me to give up on the situation. My prayers continued. Even when I didn't know it, because I was praying in the spirit. A new person was assigned to investigate his case. He called them frantically. They told him not to call back, they'd take care of it. Months went by. Prayers continued. My friend put the situation on the back burner. Then one day he got a notice telling him he still owed, but not to send any payments.
Every place that my friend wanted to get credit at, he was turned down because of this debt. He was barely making ends meet. One day he was Online and decided to check his credit report, not long after he had been turned down for credit.
The debt was gone, canceled, disappeared! He never got a letter or a notice or anything at all. It just fell off the face of the earth!
Right now, his life has completely turned around and he serves in the kingdom of God. Bless God.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
_____________________________________________________________________________________
(James 5:16b)
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
You've "got" the situation, it doesn't have you. by Elaine Davenport
Maybe it was my imagination, but the other day when the phone rang it seemed to ring a little louder than usual. I knew that it was a distress call. I rushed to get the phone. It was a long time family friend in great distress. She was dealing with some problems and we began to take different strategies as though the two of us weren't faith people.
SIDEBAR
We have to remember that we are "faith" people. We don't think like everybody else. We don't have to deal with the troubles that come. We have a Father who cares so much for us that He says, give it all to Me, I'll take care of it.
At the end of the conversation, we prayed and then I spoke to my friend. I encouraged her to remember who God is. I reminded her of the devil's plan to kill, to steal and to destroy. I reminded her that God's Word says the she has the power over the enemy who when he comes in like a flood, will be met with the standard lifted up by the Spirit of the Lord. We also prayed for her peace. We talked about the unknown situation she's walking into and how God has got it under control whether she knows it or not. I plead the Blood of Jesus over her situation.
What was it that struck me?
I was reminded of the fact that this lady is an active believer. What struck me was the severity of the attacks on believers by Satan and so I want to encourage you today to stay close. There's an end to this movie. The season Finale doesn't lead to another season of ups and downs. In the end, we win and don't you forget that. Stay close to God. Stay close to the Word of God. Build yourselves up in the faith.
Stay encouraged.
______________________________________________________________________________________
SIDEBAR
We have to remember that we are "faith" people. We don't think like everybody else. We don't have to deal with the troubles that come. We have a Father who cares so much for us that He says, give it all to Me, I'll take care of it.
At the end of the conversation, we prayed and then I spoke to my friend. I encouraged her to remember who God is. I reminded her of the devil's plan to kill, to steal and to destroy. I reminded her that God's Word says the she has the power over the enemy who when he comes in like a flood, will be met with the standard lifted up by the Spirit of the Lord. We also prayed for her peace. We talked about the unknown situation she's walking into and how God has got it under control whether she knows it or not. I plead the Blood of Jesus over her situation.
What was it that struck me?
I was reminded of the fact that this lady is an active believer. What struck me was the severity of the attacks on believers by Satan and so I want to encourage you today to stay close. There's an end to this movie. The season Finale doesn't lead to another season of ups and downs. In the end, we win and don't you forget that. Stay close to God. Stay close to the Word of God. Build yourselves up in the faith.
Stay encouraged.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Looking for Writers by Elaine Davenport
Hello, I am currently seeking submissions for two new sites. One will be on THE BLOOD OF JESUS and the other will be focused on DISCIPLESHIP. If you have any expertise in these fields, please write to me at divaport@gmail.com
THANK YOU
Have a great day! I gotta go pray.
THANK YOU
Have a great day! I gotta go pray.
Monday, May 7, 2007
PREVAILED, CONCLUSION TO 4 PART SERIES: Why obedience is Important, May, 2007
Conclusion
A lot of times, we know that God is telling us to do something but we'll ask somebody to see what they have to say. So I asked my husband what he thought about my writing a newsletter for the subdivision. His reply was quite accurate. He said that would be out of order because there was no Board of Directors. He was right. Besides he said, we were moving. He said it was senseless for me to write a newsletter and we were leaving. I agreed.
I wrote the newsletter, the neighborhood unified and I wrote many more. I began to rekindle my passion for writing and then
You don't have enough time to hear the whole wonderful story...of how my life has turned around. I don't have enough time to tell it (smile) in this one sitting.
But then again, this is why I Blog....stay tuned.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
A lot of times, we know that God is telling us to do something but we'll ask somebody to see what they have to say. So I asked my husband what he thought about my writing a newsletter for the subdivision. His reply was quite accurate. He said that would be out of order because there was no Board of Directors. He was right. Besides he said, we were moving. He said it was senseless for me to write a newsletter and we were leaving. I agreed.
I wrote the newsletter, the neighborhood unified and I wrote many more. I began to rekindle my passion for writing and then
You don't have enough time to hear the whole wonderful story...of how my life has turned around. I don't have enough time to tell it (smile) in this one sitting.
But then again, this is why I Blog....stay tuned.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, May 6, 2007
PREVAILED, Why obedience is important by Elaine Davenport
Hear, for I will speak of excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be of right things; for my mouth shall speak truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 8: 6 (KJV)
Part 3 I NEED FOR YOU TO PICTURE THIS SCENARIO
There were many ups and downs that I had while in school. I was still very vulnerable looking back. I was slowly progressing from the paralysis on the left side of my body. I was trying to get victory over the speech impediment. It was still impossible for me to use my left hand. My mother began to make several weekly trips to the emergency room; often going in the middle of the night requiring my presence. My children were being attacked at school; mostly by bullies; mostly verbally. The work load was incredible. Often, I would stay up all night to read and by morning, I would remember nothing at all. My only solution then and even now was to study 3 to 4 times as much. I was a full time student and a housewife and mom. Something came over me in school and I began to seek out those who were failing to try to bail them out. This helping thing came over me. During the course of my studies; my writing gift materialized. God is good, I take no credit at all for it. It actually was a journey.
IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD
While driving through my neighborhood, I began to hear that voice again. I tried to locate it. This time I paid close attention. It was coming from my heart. I just kept getting this message to write a newsletter for the subdivision. I asked the question out loud in my car as I kept hearing it:
HOW IS THIS GOING TO HELP GOD?
PLEASE READ THE EXCITING CONCLUSION TOMORROW...and I'll give you a hint: God's plan for me had nothing to do with the newsletter in fact, it was training ground and it was all about obedience.
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Part 3 I NEED FOR YOU TO PICTURE THIS SCENARIO
There were many ups and downs that I had while in school. I was still very vulnerable looking back. I was slowly progressing from the paralysis on the left side of my body. I was trying to get victory over the speech impediment. It was still impossible for me to use my left hand. My mother began to make several weekly trips to the emergency room; often going in the middle of the night requiring my presence. My children were being attacked at school; mostly by bullies; mostly verbally. The work load was incredible. Often, I would stay up all night to read and by morning, I would remember nothing at all. My only solution then and even now was to study 3 to 4 times as much. I was a full time student and a housewife and mom. Something came over me in school and I began to seek out those who were failing to try to bail them out. This helping thing came over me. During the course of my studies; my writing gift materialized. God is good, I take no credit at all for it. It actually was a journey.
IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD
While driving through my neighborhood, I began to hear that voice again. I tried to locate it. This time I paid close attention. It was coming from my heart. I just kept getting this message to write a newsletter for the subdivision. I asked the question out loud in my car as I kept hearing it:
HOW IS THIS GOING TO HELP GOD?
PLEASE READ THE EXCITING CONCLUSION TOMORROW...and I'll give you a hint: God's plan for me had nothing to do with the newsletter in fact, it was training ground and it was all about obedience.
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Saturday, May 5, 2007
PREVAILED. MAY, 2007 Why obedience is important
But He said, Blessed (happy and to be envied) rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey and practice it! Luke 11: 28
(It's just so important that you know that at the time all of this was happening, I didn't know much about the Word of God.)
PART TWO
When all of this happened, the only two friends of mine who weren't going to think I was crazy was Cynthia and Jerri. Two women of God. We all spent days (I more than they; rightfully so) trying to figure out what the words meant. I needed to understand what God was saying.
God sent me a message...
THINGS BEGAN TO HAPPEN...
Cynthia called one evening about an accelerated Bachelor's degree program at a Christian College about 10 miles away. Cynthia and I had talked for years about returning to school to get our degrees in such a program. We had heard it was hard and many people that we knew that had enrolled; had dropped out. Cynthia got in immediately, but I began to make excuses right off the bat. I decided not to get in the program and right after that I found myself calling the Admissions counselor. I
got in. There was a lot of prequalification criteria in addition to the program. A lot of the people who started dropped out.
To be successful in this program, you had to be a good writer. I felt it was a personal strength. It was, but I needed brushing up. My instructors favored my writing. There were times when I wanted to drop out of the program, but Cynthia and my new school friends were always there to talk me out of it.
Finally, the big day came. I graduated with a 4.0. I prepared to go get a Master's degree. By this time, I not only knew God had sent me back to school, I was anxious to see what He had next for me. This is a key factor. I finished my Master's degree with a high GPA and thought about law school, or a doctoral degree; but God sent another message.
My husband told me that he thought I needed to spend more time with my family. In doing so, I became more active in my neighborhood.
CHANGE WAS COMING AND IT WAS GOING TO BE DRASTIC.
Stay tuned for Part Three tomorrow
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(It's just so important that you know that at the time all of this was happening, I didn't know much about the Word of God.)
PART TWO
When all of this happened, the only two friends of mine who weren't going to think I was crazy was Cynthia and Jerri. Two women of God. We all spent days (I more than they; rightfully so) trying to figure out what the words meant. I needed to understand what God was saying.
God sent me a message...
THINGS BEGAN TO HAPPEN...
Cynthia called one evening about an accelerated Bachelor's degree program at a Christian College about 10 miles away. Cynthia and I had talked for years about returning to school to get our degrees in such a program. We had heard it was hard and many people that we knew that had enrolled; had dropped out. Cynthia got in immediately, but I began to make excuses right off the bat. I decided not to get in the program and right after that I found myself calling the Admissions counselor. I
got in. There was a lot of prequalification criteria in addition to the program. A lot of the people who started dropped out.
To be successful in this program, you had to be a good writer. I felt it was a personal strength. It was, but I needed brushing up. My instructors favored my writing. There were times when I wanted to drop out of the program, but Cynthia and my new school friends were always there to talk me out of it.
Finally, the big day came. I graduated with a 4.0. I prepared to go get a Master's degree. By this time, I not only knew God had sent me back to school, I was anxious to see what He had next for me. This is a key factor. I finished my Master's degree with a high GPA and thought about law school, or a doctoral degree; but God sent another message.
My husband told me that he thought I needed to spend more time with my family. In doing so, I became more active in my neighborhood.
CHANGE WAS COMING AND IT WAS GOING TO BE DRASTIC.
Stay tuned for Part Three tomorrow
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Friday, May 4, 2007
PREVAILED: MAY 4, 2007 Why Obedience is important by Elaine Davenport
Dear Friend, God Bless you today. I have been praying for you for many months; even if this is your first time ever coming to this site. I pray that things are balanced in your life ands that you remain spiritually enriched. I thank God for you and the fact that He has a grand design for your life.
In the book of Jeremiah: Chapter 39, verse 11, it says:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Have a Great day.
The following account is a true account. The most amazing fact that you must keep in mind as you read it is that I was not in a church, didn't know the Word of God and knew nothing about having a conversation with God. I was always a believer, I always had reverence for God; but this was the beginning of change for me. At this point; a messenger wouldn't do, so God spoke to me Himself.
And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to [reverently] fear the Lord our God for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 6: 24 (Amplified)
If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years
in pleasantness and joy. Job 36: 11 (Amplified)
He who turns away his ear from hearing the law [of God and man], even his prayer is an abomination, hateful and revolting [to God]. Proverbs 28: 9 (Amplified)
I'll never forget that day. I was at home roaming around like I had done for the past two years, stumbling and trying to regain my old self. Brain surgery had left my body in a semi devastated state. It truly appeared that God was restoring me; yet it had taken me far too long to appreciate it.
Yet, God was so merciful that He still saw some worth in me.
One day I was in the house all alone and I heard a voice speak clearly; it said: "I've opened up a door for you, why won't you walk through it?"
I turned and looked around knowing I was the only one at home. I was prepared to bolt and run straight out of the front door. I had not a clue what the answer to the question was or if I even heard it at all in the first place as I soon began to doubt.
I knew it was God. I had always had a remote closeness and after I thought about it long and hard; I realized that only God knew the thoughts and intents of my heart like the bible says. I my heart, there were some pressing desires regarding personal goals but there had never been time for them.
I knew I had heard that voice, but I couldn't see anyone. So I did the next best thing: I asked two very close God fearing friends if they knew what it meant. They both returned the question to me.
God was about to open a very wide door for me, but first, I had to obey.
THIS STORY WILL BE CONTINUED ON SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
In the book of Jeremiah: Chapter 39, verse 11, it says:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Have a Great day.
The following account is a true account. The most amazing fact that you must keep in mind as you read it is that I was not in a church, didn't know the Word of God and knew nothing about having a conversation with God. I was always a believer, I always had reverence for God; but this was the beginning of change for me. At this point; a messenger wouldn't do, so God spoke to me Himself.
And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to [reverently] fear the Lord our God for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 6: 24 (Amplified)
If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years
in pleasantness and joy. Job 36: 11 (Amplified)
He who turns away his ear from hearing the law [of God and man], even his prayer is an abomination, hateful and revolting [to God]. Proverbs 28: 9 (Amplified)
I'll never forget that day. I was at home roaming around like I had done for the past two years, stumbling and trying to regain my old self. Brain surgery had left my body in a semi devastated state. It truly appeared that God was restoring me; yet it had taken me far too long to appreciate it.
Yet, God was so merciful that He still saw some worth in me.
One day I was in the house all alone and I heard a voice speak clearly; it said: "I've opened up a door for you, why won't you walk through it?"
I turned and looked around knowing I was the only one at home. I was prepared to bolt and run straight out of the front door. I had not a clue what the answer to the question was or if I even heard it at all in the first place as I soon began to doubt.
I knew it was God. I had always had a remote closeness and after I thought about it long and hard; I realized that only God knew the thoughts and intents of my heart like the bible says. I my heart, there were some pressing desires regarding personal goals but there had never been time for them.
I knew I had heard that voice, but I couldn't see anyone. So I did the next best thing: I asked two very close God fearing friends if they knew what it meant. They both returned the question to me.
God was about to open a very wide door for me, but first, I had to obey.
THIS STORY WILL BE CONTINUED ON SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Faith to keep my job by Elaine Davenport
Years ago, I was on the verge of losing my job. I didn't understand it and it was too challenging. I thought about quitting, but instead I decided to read the Bible and pray about it. There were rumors that they were supposed to fire me when I started. I meditated on Psalms 34 V. 1-9 I began to recite it everyday. It was a faith building exercise for me. I ended up with a promotion. I wasn't expecting it. The whole exercise of faith established me for a great job, a subsequent marriage and even my current service unto God.
Psalm 34
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear thereof and be glad.
3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.
4I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked unto Him and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him!
9O fear the LORD, ye His saints! For them that fear Him suffer no want.
This is not some formula. But the exercise of faith, reading the Word, praying, believing God for the impossible, meditating on the Word, regaining my confidence, regaining my self esteem, improving myself, being obedient led to God honoring my prayer to not be fired from my job. Divine appointments and connections came out of nowhere. It was amazing.
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Psalm 34
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear thereof and be glad.
3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.
4I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked unto Him and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him!
9O fear the LORD, ye His saints! For them that fear Him suffer no want.
This is not some formula. But the exercise of faith, reading the Word, praying, believing God for the impossible, meditating on the Word, regaining my confidence, regaining my self esteem, improving myself, being obedient led to God honoring my prayer to not be fired from my job. Divine appointments and connections came out of nowhere. It was amazing.
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Wednesday, May 2, 2007
My Crew by Elaine Davenport
I'm not "hip" according to my kids. But I want to say this: I run with a crew of folks that LOVE LOVE LOVE God! In some circles that's not cool! But, in my circle it is TOTALLY COOL!
Another thing we like is the Word, the understanding, the study, the research, the revelation; we can't get enough of it. We can't get enough of getting closer to God. So, if it sounds like I'm never going to quit talking about God and encouraging everyone to love Him and to get to know Him; or that I'm always going to have something to say about the subject of faith; I confess, it's true. I can't quit. Blessings
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Another thing we like is the Word, the understanding, the study, the research, the revelation; we can't get enough of it. We can't get enough of getting closer to God. So, if it sounds like I'm never going to quit talking about God and encouraging everyone to love Him and to get to know Him; or that I'm always going to have something to say about the subject of faith; I confess, it's true. I can't quit. Blessings
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