Category: Christian Living

The Power Behind Money

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money in the wallet (2)Do you handle your money or does money handle you?

Although some people feel empowered by it, money by itself has no power.  When it comes into the hands of a human, it will carry out the motives of the spirit within its possessor.

In other words: If you are wicked, sneaky, bitter or stingy, so will your money be.  In contrast, if you are compassionate, generous, wise or strategic, so will your money be.  Your money will either be controlled by an evil force or a Godly one.  Money gets its power from whatever spiritual force that is influencing you.

But people who are trying to get rich fall into temptation.
They are trapped by many stupid and harmful passions
that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
Some have wandered away from the faith and have impaled themselves
with a lot of pain because they made money their goal.
– 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (Common English Bible)

I had to learn hard lessons on how to handle my money.  First, I had to trust that God is my total provision.  No longer would I allow wrong influences to alter my values and character to obtain wealth.  Here are some past examples:

  • Turn a blind eye to those who were mean to others to protect my income flow
  • Engage in activities that did not agree with my spirit for the potential to make more money
  • Befriend or date someone based on their perceived “money status”
  • Tolerate “mess” because money was involved and to be gained
  • Pretend, instead of being my true self, for financial promotion

Even in today’s modern society of enlightenment, you and I witness evil influences causing humans to act in the following ways:

  • Lie, steal or cheat others for notoriety and monetary bribes
  • Judge and oppress the less fortunate for increase
  • Sell themselves or others for sex, slavery, abuse, etc.
  • Marry, Uproot or Divorce their family solely for financial gain
  • Kill people or animals for blood money
  • Reject God in order to engage in deplorable acts for immense wealth

Understand that the last days will be dangerous times.
People will be selfish and love money.
They will be the kind of people who brag and who are proud.
They will slander others, and they will be disobedient to their parents.
They will be ungrateful, unholy, unloving, contrary, and critical.
They will be without self-control and brutal, and they won’t love what is good.

They will be people who are disloyal, reckless, and conceited.
They will love pleasure instead of loving God.
They will look like they are religious but deny God’s power.
Avoid people like this. – 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (Common English Bible)

There is nothing wrong with having an abundance of money.  The final result depends on what power lies behind it and how you manage or “handle” it.  You may desire to be rich and to use money as a means to fund mission projects and aid others.  You can do great things and impact the world with significant monetary resources.  However… Money is a tool, not a Savior.

Friend, know that only God can provide all the things money tries to buy.  Money can buy the best medicine, but only God provides ultimate healing.  Money can buy you status and companionship, but only God can provide unconditional love and joy.  Money can buy you a nice car, but only God provides your daily life to enjoy the ride. Your Heavenly Father wants to fulfill all of your needs.  You will never have to devalue yourself to increase with Him!  Trust that His ways always lead you to an abundant, peaceful and successful life that you can handle.  Allow God to be the power and influence behind your money!

Power of Stability

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Do you sometimes feel like you are losing your mind?  Is it difficult to focus and stay the course?  Maybe you feel unstable and have reached the limits of your patience.  Don’t fret…you are not alone.  This fast-paced society can inundate you with opinions and options that are not based in truth.  These corrupt philosophies devise stress, division and confusion for all.  You may find yourself living in fear of the worse, although you want to live in faith for the best.

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.  – James 1:8

The good news is that you can find stability meditating on God’s promises.  His Word never surrenders or diverts from its purpose despite the pressure to conform to modern day culture.  He will never abandon you or disregard your life as terrorists do.  He does not deceive as some politicians do.  His agenda for your life is not hidden.  Your Heavenly Father desires for you to live in pristine physical, spiritual and mental health.  He will never give up on you and His love is eternal no matter what you do.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
– 2 Timothy 1:7

You can experience power, comfort and unconditional love in the midst of chaos.  The Kingdom of God and His Word are permanent, incorruptible and firmly established.  It cannot be shaken or overthrown by any nation.  It is constant and unwavering among a fickle society.  God desires for you to be stable, whole and confident.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty
[Whose power no foe can withstand].
– Psalm 91:1 (Amplified Bible)

Your next move is to discover Him for yourself.  Take time out to hear His perspective.  He knows how to ease your mind and prepare you for your successful future.  When you dwell with God, your life becomes lighter because you increase in Kingdom knowledge and trust in His perfect plan.  No matter what the situation, He is the only one who can ensure that everything works out for your good.
God is the ultimate stabilizer!

Looking for Love

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couple walking on beach

Many people are looking for that one true love. A good mate can contribute to a healthy, happy and prosperous life. I am amazed at how far some people will go just to experience love. Opening your heart to love and to be loved by someone special is a very important decision. Who we love is so significant, great care and wisdom should be taken before we proceed.

Consult with the One who is love.

I could have avoided serious heartaches if I only consulted with God before entering into a relationship. I did not understand that He wanted to be the lead in every area of my life, especially my love life. The internet, friends, clubs and social events were once the trusted source for finding companionship. I never thought that God could or would find a mate for me.

God is concerned with who you love and who loves you.

After looking for love in all the wrong places, I finally realized I had to open my heart and trust God.  I shared with Him what I was looking for in the man I would like to marry. No topic was spared…personality, character, height, sexual intimacy, family values, financial acumen, health, hobbies, spirituality, food preferences, physical strength, vocal tone, love language, etc. God listened to all my desires and qualifications. I even wrote them down and confessed them. I was excited and ready to meet this awesome man I had envisioned.  However, the Holy Spirit revealed another step in my quest for love that I had never before considered.

Pray for your mate before you meet them.

Initially, I was unsure how to pray for someone who I did not know even existed. My faith had to believe that this person was real and in need of prayer. I knew of all of his good attributes since I requested them, but I did not consider the areas where he may have weaknesses. Praying for him took the focus away from my desires and taught me a deeper level of compassion. We all are in need of prayer for something and true love covers all. I began to pray for my future husband, trusted God and waited patiently for Him to bring us together.  I know that even the best marriages should be covered in continuous prayer. I am glad God prepared me ahead of time. Prayer is powerful!

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation;
continuing instant in prayer;
distributing to the necessity of saints;
given to hospitality. – Romans 12:12-13

If you are looking for love, I encourage you to consult with God first and begin praying for your future mate. To read more on the power of prayer, go to Week 28: Pray and Give Thanks in the Power Over All book.

Dependent Power

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baby hand holding parent hand (2)Are you independent? Tired of relying on people who have let you down…a parent, spouse, business partner or politician? Whoever they are, you want to be liberated from their influence over your life. Being independent provides a sense of freedom from their control and a release from their authority.  Self-reliance compels you to take charge of your own destiny.

This sounds good, but carrying the weight of every decision and provision in life is a heavy burden. Being independent can often breed loneliness, stress or depression due to the heavy mental load. It may cause you to lose your accountability to others.  At some point, independence morphs into some form of interdependence. You and I are designed to be relational and connect with others.

So, who can you depend on?

Your Heavenly Father.

My deliverance and glory depend on God.
God is my strong rock. My refuge is in God.
– Psalm 62:7 (Common English Bible)

Yes, God is dependable in every sense of the word. You can trust Him with every area of your life. He is the Creator of everything. When you depend solely on Him, He reveals the people to connect with, as well as those you should run from. You can rely on His ultimate power for provision and protection.

Dependence on God provides a supernatural freedom.  He is the unlimited supply of joy, grace and peace. You can count on His love for you to never wain. He is intimate and discreet. His commitment to you is eternal. He heals all your wounds – physically and emotionally.  Best yet, He is a phenomenal leader.  Nothing is impossible. He leads you to your purpose and empowers you along the journey.  All you have to do is depend on Him.

Powerful Beauty Tips

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beautiful-black-woman 2How do you define a beautiful woman? Some may describe her by the glow of her skin, the quality of her clothes or the shape of her physique. Others may characterize her by a friendly smile, a loving personality or a warm-hearted demeanor.

By worldly standards, beautiful women are most often measured by their outward appearance regardless of their moral character. Make-up artistry, hair styling and plastic surgery of today can create jaw-dropping presentations. But after all the cover-ups and push-ups are removed, what type of beauty remains?

One way the Word of God describes a beautiful woman is…

Your adornment must not be merely external—with interweaving
and elaborate knotting of the hair, and wearing gold jewelry,
or [being superficially preoccupied with] dressing in expensive clothes;

but let it be [the inner beauty of] the hidden person of the heart,
with the imperishable quality and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit,
[one that is calm and self-controlled, not overanxious,
but serene and spiritually mature]
which is very precious in the sight of God.
– 1 Peter 3:3-4 (Amplified Bible)

According to this scripture, a beautiful woman is defined as poised, kind, compassionate and stress-free.  God sees her as very precious… adored, beloved and highly favored.  Although she still adorns herself outwardly, she nurtures her deep inner spirit that is often unseen.  Because of this, her confidence, influence and fearlessness are powerful! She radiates an everlasting beauty inside and out.

You are beautiful, too! Be lovely in God’s eyes and your beauty will inspire others. Take time to consistently adorn yourself in the spirit with grace, truth and love. Your inner spirit will glow. And though there are many ways to enhance the outer, here a few tips to cultivate the powerful combination of both external and internal beauty.

  • Seek to develop a more intimate relationship with God through daily prayer
  • Drink a glass of water at the start of your day to hydrate from within
  • Clear your heart of any unforgiveness, bitterness or past regrets
  • Have fun trying something new…fragrance, a lip color, hairstyle, etc.
  • Meditate on a scripture that brings you peace
  • Add a new exercise to your fitness routine
  • Esteem and appreciate others to refresh yourself
  • Rest, breathe deeply and rest some more
  • Regulate what you put in your mouth and what comes out
  • Trust God with every area of your life

Take good care of your whole self and remember…your beauty and power are everlasting with God!

Powerfully Discreet

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Social-Media-3
How can you be discreet in this age of social media? Almost every event and opinion is broadcast through cyberspace for public judgment.  Most would agree that the internet is a powerful tool to spread uplifting and informative content through tweets, blogs, posts and pins. But sometimes, this unregulated medium is devastating when discretion is forgotten.

Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
– Proverbs 2:11 (New International Version)

So, what does it mean to be discreet?
It does not mean to keep secrets or to behave in a sneaky or deceitful way.  For example, you should not refer to someone as “discreet” if they have an affair with someone’s spouse and do very well at keeping it quiet. That would be an inaccurate use of the word.

To be discreet has much more substance and responsibility…
–  to be wise in speech or written word
–  respectful of delicate matters
–  avoid causing offense by one’s actions or words
–  prudence with regards to one’s own conduct
–  to select the best means to accomplish a purpose

My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. – Proverbs 3:21-22

Discretion requires wisdom and wisdom is a prerequisite for power. I believe you can still be “real” or “transparent” with others you are connecting with while also being discreet. I admire the way Jesus spoke in parables to encourage and teach. His purpose was to love, not judge. He used discernment. Even during public correction, He was kind to protect the identities and feelings of others. Social media is the new public arena. You and I can follow His example. Our words can be intentional, impactful and discreet.

Stress-Free Power

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Photo Credit – Awana.org

What gets you pumped up and ready for each day? Are you invigorated by your favorite cup of joe, the early morning show or a good cardio workout?  Maybe your daily routine begins with quiet time or meditation.  If you are looking to relieve stress and take your morning routine up a notch, invite God to power up with you!

Here are a few benefits of powering up with God for a stress-free day:

Maintain patience and peace – Any first-thing-in-the-morning crisis, nagging pain, grueling commute or a cantankerous start with kiddos can deplete patience reserves by 9am! There is still an entire day left.  Starting the day with God through prayer or reading His Word provides a supernatural peace to protect our sanity.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God,
and of Jesus our Lord, – 2 Peter 1:2

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

Withstand Haters – All of us encounter those who do not like or support us. This negative opposition can drain our emotions.  In some cases, “haters” relentlessly attack our character, work and personal well-being.  They often outnumber us and attack without a cause.  Thankfully, God does not want us to be distracted from our joy or from going forward.  He gives us strength through His Word to remain peaceful and focused until “haters” no longer have an effect on our daily lives.

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee;
for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.– Jeremiah 1:19

Eliminate anxiety and stress – Nothing in the world is for certain…relationships, economy, weather, national security. This uncertainty can fuel stress and lead to numerous health complications.  Without God, the weight of protecting our assets and constructing a future solely on self-effort is exhausting.  Some engage fortune tellers, idols, rituals or even drugs just to ease the burden.  Worrying about life destroys hope, debilitates faith and hinders the power of God in our lives. 

Therefore, don’t worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ Gentiles long for all these things.
Your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
– Matthew 6:31-33 (Common English Bible)

Praise God! With your Heavenly Father, there is certainty of success!  All things that have happened and will happen in the future work together for your good.  You may not always understand how God works, but you can be sure that His power does work!  Communicate with Him through prayer, praise or worship.  Invite Him to lead your path each day and power up in His amazing presence!

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits,
even the God of our salvation. Selah. – Psalm 68:19

 

Unashamed Power

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unashamed of the gospelDo you feel that you must hide the fact you are a Christian? Are your moral beliefs unpopular with the social crowd in which you engage? Maybe you fear judgement or feel ashamed since your righteous lifestyle is still evolving.  Don’t let the opinions of the world disgrace your faith or dilute your passion for the Holy One. Be encouraged and keep growing with God!  Remember, you are a Christian because of what you believe, not based solely on what you do.

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. – Romans 10:11

I have witnessed God’s awesome power in my life and in others.  He saved me from a pit of darkness. He healed and restored me even when I did not deserve it. God gave me a new life.  I am forever grateful for His grace and mercy.  Regardless of how I act, these are just a few reasons why I am not ashamed…

  • My Creator is more powerful than any person, system or wicked force in the universe
  • God loves unconditionally – He teaches me how to love and forgive
  • He sacrificed His son to conquer sin once and for all – Christ is the only King who died and rose again for the entire world
  • God is the source of truth – I trust and need Him daily
  • He provides unlimited access to His power, protection and provision
  • God teaches me how to be compassionate without compromising my faith
  • The gospel of the kingdom brings joy, peace, healing and grace
  • God empowers me to live fearless and help others

The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him
[who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him]
will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed.
– Romans 10:11 (Amplified Bible)

No matter how the world portrays God and Believers, being a Christian is nothing to be ashamed of! Friend, stay grounded in His love. Be bold in His promises and stand firm in your faith!


Heart of Power

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heart-bookHow do you feel when you imagine your life in the future?  Does a flood of emotions emerge when you intentionally refresh your heart, soul and mind to new thoughts?  Invigorating yourself when everything around you remains the same requires supernatural guidance. Thankfully, you can look ahead to a new year of victory in any area with faith and the light of God’s promises.

Your heart is very powerful.  It can harbor pain and bitterness or it can generate love and encouragement. Your heart influences emotional decisions and leads strategic actions.  Filling your heart with the Word of God is the best way to ensure a bright future.  Even in a dark circumstance, you can access His powerful light to change any situation for your good.  Seek God and find out how He has prepared you to shine!

In the light, there is power over the symptoms of darkness such as: depression, fear, shame and lack. There is an abundance of peace, joy, love and truth.  God wants to fill your heart with light!

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
will give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation
that makes God known to you.
I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see
what is the hope of God’s call,
what is the richness of God’s glorious inheritance among believers,
and what is the overwhelming greatness of God’s power
that is working among us believers.
This power is conferred by the energy of God’s powerful strength.
– Ephesians 1:17-19 (Common English Bible)

Friend, God loves you and desires for you to live your best life ever!  A life better than you can ever imagine! Take the first step towards a powerful life with God. Make this a year that your heart is enlightened!

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life. – John 8:12

Power Over Terror

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Small-Group prayingHave you ever felt terrorized…mentally or physically?  Terror is defined as extreme fear or the violence committed to cause extreme fear.  At first glance, terror and those who distribute it appear powerful or unstoppable. However, it is only an evil tactic to distract and rattle your faith. In these times, a strong and wise spirit is critical to dominate over the terrors of this world.

Terror wants to literally “scare you to death” and make you relinquish your power to serve its cause.  It is not a person, but an evil, dark presence that is revealed through, but not limited to, the following forms:

violent attacks against innocent persons, racism and other “isms”, brutality, abuse,
human trafficking, slavery, threats, kidnapping, wicked secret societies,
bullying, propaganda, genocide, pestilence and injustice

Although terror is atrocious, God’s grace is greater! You and I are not hopeless or defenseless.  As Believers, we must unite in strong faith.  We have the power of God inside our spirit to disarm and disrupt the schemes of terror globally and in our own communities!

You shall establish yourself in righteousness
(rightness, in conformity with God’s will and order):
you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction,
for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me.
Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you.
(Isaiah 54:14-15 Amplified Bible Version)

 Here’s how you can fight terror…

 

  • Focus on God
  • Speak His promises of victory – Be Fearless!
  • Unite with other Believers – we need each other in these times of spiritual warfare
  • Put on the whole armour of God – now is the time to be skillful
    Helmet of Salvation, Shield of Faith, Breastplate of Righteousness, Belt of Truth, Sword of the Spirit (Word of God) , Feet prepared with the Gospel of Peace
  • Pray for your enemies – pray they are no longer used by the evil one – pray that their wicked plans will not be executed – pray to forgive them: forgiveness keeps you disconnected from fear
  • Pray for the safety of your families, communities, churches, leaders and your country
  • Trust God as the ultimate Vindicator

 

 

Praying, believing and speaking the Word of God over any form of terror is key to success! Victory is your inheritance! Today is the perfect day to align with the only One who is victorious!