God is in Control
This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NKJV)
Happy Mardi Gras! Happy Fat Tuesday!
For those who practice Lent, this is the last splurge or feast day before 40 days of fasting, excluding Sundays. There are many Protestant Christians who will practice this time of fasting, even though this is a primarily Catholic tradition. This is a time for many believers in Christ to abstain from favored items to better hear from God. Also, there are many who put themselves through this voluntary time of suffering to honor Jesus who suffered so much for us by dying on the cross. Our prayers are extended for God’s sustaining power during this time.
This is the day the Lord has made; we will REJOICE and be GLAD! This is an often quoted scripture. We will rejoice AND be glad. Many of us often equate rejoice with being “happy,” or “glad.” But this is far from the truth. Rejoice involves the spirit and glad the emotion. For there are many times we are called to rejoice, that we are not glad. And there are times we are glad but we are not rejoicing.
Rejoice calls for us to re or recall the joy. Joy is something that only God can provide. Joy is the assurance that regardless of how it appears God is in control. We are to rejoice at a funeral of a love one; but we are not glad. We are to rejoice when we get laid off; but we are not glad.
Likewise, we are glad when our favorite sport team wins; but we do not rejoice. We are glad when we eat our favorite food, but we do not necessarily rejoice.
So, when David says, this is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice AND be glad. David is stating that regardless of how it appears: my soul in distress; the nations compass me; fear is attempting to press me; but in spite of it all, God is in CONTROL.
Since I know that God is in Control, whether I feel like it or not, I will tell my self that I will be glad. I will cause my emotions to line up with my soul. So, soul I command you in the name of Jesus to be glad! For in spite of my limited vision and understanding, I release this day to you
So, pray this prayer with me: Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you for this day. I ask Lord to help me. There are so many times that I forget or miss that you are in control. I have often find it difficult to remember joy in trying situations. So, help me Lord, to rejoice and be glad. I thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus name, Amen.
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TOO MUCH STRESS
People who do what is right may have many problems, but the Lord will solve them all. (Psalm 34:19 NCV)
A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience; with a raised glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, ‘half empty or half full?’….. she fooled them all… “How heavy is this glass of water?”, she inquired with a smile.
Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.
She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you’ll have to call an ambulance. In each case it’s the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.” She continued, “and that’s the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won’t be able to carry on.”
There are so many times I have witnessed believers in Christ carry around too many problems. The problem is not having the problem; for there will be problems. But too many problems carried for too long create unnecessary worriment. We therefore give our problems consuming power. When we become consumed, our vision becomes cloudy and all we can see are our problems! There is no room left for faith, much less God. When this occurs, our lives often become full of stress which causes spiritual and physical issues. Too much stress can lead to conflictual relationships, depression and anxiety. Too much stress is an awful enemy!
We are not promised to have lives without stress, problems, or afflictions. But those covered by the Blood of Jesus are promised a problem solver and way-maker. So, today, take a moment with yourself and God. Today, release those too much stress things to God and request Him to solve them! After the request, move out of the way and LET GOD DO IT!
Pray this prayer with me: Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you for this day. I confess my sins and ask for your forgiving power. God, you know the things that have afflicted me. You know what has caused me problems. Today, I release those to you. I move my will and self out of your way. I ask that you solve them. I thank you in advance for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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What Did You Do?
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 136:1 KJV)
We Made It!
Thanks be to God for His mercy endures forever! Of course, I am curious. What did you eat? There were so many who vowed to stay up until 12:01 a.m. this Monday morning to indulge. I heard high hopes of the juice beverage, that favorite sweet, cheese, and meat. Did it happen? Or did you find that even though you desired these items, when the time came it really was not that big of a deal? I am sure there are some interesting stories to tell. So please share them.
As we move through this year, let me remind once again to occasionally check your journals. I am confident we will find that God has supplied our answers. I am expecting God to move in each of our lives in a powerful and awesome way! Thanks be to God, for His mercy endures forever!
Pray this prayer with me: Father in the name of Jesus, thank you for another day. Thank you for sustaining me through 21 days of fasting. I have learned to trust you more as I disciplined myself. I am expecting you to move in a mighty way in my life and the life of others! I thank you Lord, for your enduring mercy. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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Not Too Fast
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. (Psalm 107:8, 9 KJV)
It’s day 20!
It’s day 20 and I know many have already laid out their 12:01 a.m. plans for Monday Morning. I am there has been daydreaming of that Monday meal! I am confident there is much excitement about the over the top splurge of all the missed favorites! So, thank you Yomi, for your previous post in reminding me to share just a few details.
1st: Remember that your body has not had deep fried foods in vegetable oil, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil. So, to break your fast with any of these items will probably spiral you into a two (2) day sickness
2nd: Your body has not had to spend its time breaking down any flesh. It has been three weeks since your body had to break down beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish or seafood. Therefore, take it slow! I would suggest that you begin with fish or seafood. If you have to have that chicken or beef then eat it ground, i.e. spaghetti, beef patty, etc. I would encourage you to hold off from pork until your body has grown accustomed to beef. If you choose to break the fast with steak, beef stew, roast, etc. be prepared for a two – three (2-3) day sickness that will feel like food poisoning.
3rd: Remember outside of the naturally occurring sugars in the fruits and vegetables, your body has been void of our sugary treats. Therefore, on Monday don’t overload! Otherwise, you are prone to extreme headaches.
As we near the close of day 20 and prepare for our 21st and final day, thank the Lord for having sustained us and thank Him for the answered prayers. Throughout the course of this year, check your journals, for I am confident there will be many answered prayers that you would have forgotten you had prayed. Rejoice in the Lord and Expect God to move in your life in a way never imagined!
Pray this prayer with me: Father in the name of Jesus, THANK YOU! Thank you for having watched and sustained us. I am excited about how you will move and operate in and through! I am expecting something good to happen! In Jesus Name, Amen.
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I Think I Can!
May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.
May the LORD answer all your prayers. (Psalm 20:4, 5 NLT)
It’s Day 19!
I think I can! Many of us are familiar with the story of the Little Engine that Could.<!–
If not the following is a summary:
A little railroad engine was employed about a station yard for such work as it was built for, pulling a few cars on and off the switches. One morning it was waiting for the next call when a long train of freight-cars asked a large engine in the roundhouse to take it over the hill. “I can’t; that is too much a pull for me,” said the great engine built for hard work. Then the train asked another engine, and another, only to hear excuses and be refused. In desperation, the train asked the little switch engine to draw it up the grade and down on the other side. “I think I can,” puffed the little locomotive, and put itself in front of the great heavy train. As it went on the little engine kept bravely puffing faster and faster, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”
As it neared the top of the grade, which had so discouraged the larger engines, it went more slowly. However, it still kept saying, “I–think–I–can, I–think–I–can.” It reached the top by drawing on bravery and then went on down the grade, congratulating itself by saying, “I thought I could, I thought I could.”
I believe many of you considered yourselves to be the “little train” when this fast began. What do I mean? Well, some of you considered yourselves to be small compared to the other “heavy weights” of the church. Those others who have been doing this Jesus thing longer. Those others who had fasted before or even appeared to be more spiritual. Yet, while others were giving their excuses for why they were not going to join this corporate fast, some of you were like this “little train.” You saw the need to spend time in prayer and fasting not only for your own strength and well-being, but to also help pull someone else over.
And yes, this task is a difficult one. There have been some extremely hard and challenging days. But instead of giving up, you like this little train declared, “I think I can!” What you have taken time to do, is greater than what you are able to imagine. Not only will you experience great joy for your God answered prayers, but the prayers lifted for others will energize and transform you. I celebrate you today! I celebrate you for looking beyond yourselves to sacrifice your time to pray and fast for others. So on this 19th day, my prayer for you is this: Father in the name of Jesus, May God grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed! So, hang on in there! And keep telling yourself there are only 2 more days and “I think I can.”
Now, pray this prayer with me: Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you for another day. I thank you for your forgiving and sustaining power. I thank you for having brought me this far, and with your continued help, I think I can make it through day 21. Thank you for giving me this time, to get to know you and myself better. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayers. I am expecting my life and the life of others to be better because of this. In Jesus name, Amen.
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Only God’s Best!
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT)
It’s Day 17!
James Cleveland sang these words: “I don’t feel noways tired. I’ve come to far from where I started from. Nobody told me the road would be easy. I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me.” I have often noticed that the last portions of a trip are often the hardest. Perhaps it is because our minds have alerted us we are almost to the destination. Yet, the reality of the situation has not met our minds expectations. Those of you who have traveled with small children have heard that consistent question: Are we there yet?
Well, we are not quite there yet; but we are much closer than we were. I am prayerful that we are still writing, still praying, and still trusting. Some have already shared how prayers are already being answered. Others are finding themselves being drawn closer to God’s presence and hearing God’s voice more clearly.
During this time, get to know yourself better. Learn how to listen to your body. Learn how to understand what triggers certain actions and reactions. In doing this, we are able to develop ourselves into strong towers that will not be easily swayed. Allow God’s hand to mold and shape us (and no, this will not be an easy task). Let us position ourselves to not only KNOW God’s will for us but to also WALK in this will. Why? Because God only wants the best for us.
Yet, let me ask this: “Do we want the best for ourselves?” Wait! Don’t answer this too quickly. For often what God wants for us is not what we desire for ourselves. It might mean some things, and some people will need to be purged out of our lives. And this purging process can be hard, lonely and frustrating. However, the end result is greater than what we could ever imagine. So, as we draw closer to the end of this fast, I want to challenge you to do this: Say to God – God, I only want your best!
Pray this prayer with me: Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you for another day. I thank you for day 17. Please forgive me of my sins. Lord, as I draw closer to the end of this fast, I ask that you purge from my life those things which are not your best. I realize that I might not enjoy or even appreciate you clearing things out of my life, but I trust that you only what is best for me. So, today, I submit my will to yours. Transform the way I think and teach me your will. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
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Leave it to God
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)
It’s Day 15!
The story of the three trees was shared with me. The author is unknown. While we are on this fast hold on and trust God’s divine plan.
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, ‘Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.’
Then the second tree said, ‘Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.’
Finally the third tree said, ‘I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest Tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.’
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, ‘This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, ‘and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, ‘This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.’ The second tree was happy Because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, ‘I don’t need anything special from my tree, I’ll take this one,’ and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.
The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.
Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn’t think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said ‘Peace’ and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things don’t seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.
Pray this prayer with me: Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you for another day. During this fast and afterward, help me to understand that you know the plans that you have for me and teach me to trust you. I thank you for sustaining me this far and I thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus name. Amen
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Red Tails – The Movie
First let me thank the Historical and Preservation Ministry. It was because of their nudging that a group from Carter Tabernacle was able to view this movie on its opening weekend. Thank you for the belief that we should “try” to corral members for this weekend and stating we would never know if it were possible, if we did not at least try. Your optimism is appreciated.
I must admit that I experienced a range of emotions while viewing this film. And as an African-American woman whose father served in WWII, viewing this film helped me to understand my father even more. I can only reflect on the things he shared and now was unable to share. The courage of his manhood to fight for a country and its causes when this same county did not value his own humanity.
I am confident that others viewing this film will be reminded of the rich history and legacy we possess. I also hope we understand the constant necessity to have our story told from our point of view. Finally, to those men who served in the 332nd Division and to all the men and women who have served our county and served it well, I applaud you. I am grateful for the risk you have taken in order that all might be free.
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10 Times Over!
At the end of the time that the king had said to present them, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king interviewed them, and among all of them, no one was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they began to serve in the king’s court. In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them 10 times better than all the diviner-priests and mediums in his entire kingdom. (Daniel 1:18-20 HCSB)
Day 12!
Keep pressing! We are over the halfway point. We have come too far, so don’t turn around now. AND if for some reason, a slip has occurred, get up, brush yourself off and try again.
Today’s scripture speaks of what occurred for the four Hebrew boys at the end of the kings appointed time. Because of their sacrifice and commitment to God’s standards, they obtained favor in the eyes of God and the king. In every matter they were ten times better than all others! 10 TIMES! When God does something, God does it BIG!
So, hang in there! Don’t give up! Yes, there might be some days that the temptation is greater than others. Yet, when I think of my prayers and hope for each of you and Carter, I realize that what I desire for you and Carter is greater than my momentary lapse of will and self-indulgence. Therefore, I simply want to encourage each of you to hang in there. Do not allow anything to sway you from your prayers and hopes. Who knows, there might be a ten times over blessing waiting on you. So, hang in there. Wait on and watch God, “do what He do!”
Pray this prayer with me: Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you for today. I thank you for having sustained me this far. Help me to remain focused. Help me to not lose sight and become distracted. I believe you are not a respecter of persons. You kept the four Hebrew Boys for the appointed time and you blessed them ten times over. I am asking your keep me for this appointed time so I will be positioned to receive your blessings. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Jesus Agent
So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.
And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. (Daniel 1:14, 15 NKJV)
It’s day 10! How does your body feel? If you fasted last year, how are you compared to this time last year?
Daniel requested that he and the other three Hebrew boys not be given the king’s meat and be tested for 10 days. When the 10 days were completed their appearances were to be compared to the others. Daniel’s request was granted and at the end of the 10 days they looked better than those who had eaten the king’s “fine” food. I have come to realize there are times, as believers, that we prove the awesomeness of our God – not by what we do – but by what we DON’T do. Many times those things we don’t do come with a lot of sacrifice and pain. Whether we realize it or not, when others know we are church-goers or profess Jesus as our Savior, they are watching and analyzing everything we do. We are often being observed when challenges come or persons talk to us badly or treat us unjustly. They are standing on the sidelines, sitting in their cubicles, standing behind us in line, wondering how we will act and handle our difficult situations. They KNOW what THEY would do. But now they wonder what will we do: what makes us any different than them? Where is the evidence?
So, as we continue through this day 10 and approach the remainder of our fasting period understand: the world is watching. They are not waiting for failure. They are waiting and watching for hope: wanting us to prove that there is a better and a different way. And when they are able to see that our faith does not waiver but strengthens during adverse and sacrificial times, it might be the very catalyst needed for them to accept Jesus as their own personal Savior. We might be the only example of Jesus they will see. So, let’s be an agent for Jesus!
Pray this prayer with me: Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you for today and I thank you for sustaining me in day 10. When I started, I was not sure I could make it this far. But because of your sustaining power and my community of fellowship, I and others have made it. Thank you. Father, I ask that you allow me to be a strong tower. Help me to be an example of your goodness and your love. I desire to be a change agent for your glory and your glory alone. I thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus name. Amen
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