Tag: POWER

Power To Move Forward – Part Two

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anchored-boat-230x300 BWYou can move forward and live victoriously with the amazing power of God!  As mentioned in Part One, moving forward requires leaving the past behind.  Letting go is not always easy, but if you do, you will be free to access a new future.

Why is it so difficult to let go of the past?

The past wants to be a permanent anchor in your life.  Not a shiny, robust one that stabilizes you during the storms of life; but an old, rusty one that consumes your soul.  It securely attaches itself to your pain, shame, regrets, negative emotions and your flesh (a carnal mindset).  It is a stubborn reminder of your imperfections and the person you no longer want to be.  This anchor is heavy and burdensome.

At times you think you are making forward progress, but you realize you are only going around in circles.  You can spend years entangled in its existence.  This anchor constrains and blocks you from reaching your future destination. It redirects your hopes and dreams, causing you to miss the path God has specifically mapped out for you.  It is a faith destroyer.  An anchor of this magnitude requires supernatural assistance to retrieve.

How do I let go of it?

Go to God.  He is the only one who can redeem you from your past.  He will heal you of all your wounds.  He will protect you.  He will strengthen you.  He will deal justly with all who have harmed you.  God will restore you! Your anchor of the past will no longer exist.  Instead, you will discover your spiritual anchor, grounded in the Word of God, keeping you on course toward success and teaching you how to thrive.

For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot;
yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear:
Because thou shalt forget thy misery,
and remember it as waters that pass away: – Job 11:15-16

I am thankful that God was the only one to free me from my deep-rooted anger.  Much of me was still chained to that rusty, old anchor of the past.  I began the process of letting go by drawing closer to God.  I had to trust Him with every aspect of my life.  I had to think higher thoughts.  I had to accept His grace and forgive.  The more I sought out God and…

His Love,

His Ways,

His Words,

and His Power

the more my heart was opened to the new direction God had for me.  My soul was liberated and I was finally able to take steps forward.  You can move forward, too.  My prayer is that you let God in and allow Him to release you from the past.  It is time to live victoriously!

If you want to learn more on how to move forward with God, go to Week 26: Look Ahead in the Power Over All book.

(Remember the discount code found in the post – Thank You For Power dated June 21, 2013)

Trusting God with the Unexpected

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My husband Daires and me

One summer morning, I woke up eager to go to church.  While getting dressed, God spoke to me about completely trusting Him in every area of my life.  I remember that my heart was full of expectation and I was ready to receive the Word.  That particular Sunday was extremely crowded (plus I was a little late) so the usher had to search for an available seat for me.  She finally found one and sat me between two gentlemen I had never seen before. 

A strange thing happened that day.

Once the pastor began service, his microphone stopped working and the entire sound system went out.   The congregation went silent.  We then were asked to turn to each other, exchange prayer requests and begin praying for each other in small groups of two or three.  I turned to my left, touched the arm of the man next to me, listened to his request and began to pray.  When I finished, he thanked me, took my hand and earnestly prayed for me.  His spirit immediately ministered to mine.  As he prayed, my heart released bitterness that had been deeply suppressed.  Maybe two minutes into the prayer, I collapsed to my knees and wept in front of everyone.  It was so embarrassing, but I could not control the flood of tears.  It felt like my soul was purging.  I never experienced anything like this before, especially not in church in front of so many others.  Instead of stopping to see if I was OK, the tall man held my hand tighter and continued to intercede for me through prayer.

He stayed strong while I was weak.

The usher brought tissues and the other prayer groups nearby cleared a little space for her to check on me.  As his prayer ended, my tears subsided.  Eventually, I was able to regain my composure.  Although my make-up smeared, my sundress wrinkled and I felt totally exposed, the stranger just smiled at me with all sincerity.  The sound system began working and the pastor resumed service.   Almost an hour went by and I realized I was still holding hands with a man I just met and whose name I did not even know.  Yes, it was very awkward, but it was one of the most peaceful encounters I have ever experienced in life.   I knew God was present and trusted Him with this unexpected journey I was about to embark on.

And that is how I met my husband.

I greatly appreciate how we work together at our marriage and respect each other’s personal relationship with God.  One thing that has helped us tremendously is that we continue to pray for each other daily.   Prayer is powerful and essential for victorious living!  Through all of our growing pains, my husband loves me, encourages me and leads me…still holding my hand.

BUT IT IS GOOD FOR ME TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD: I HAVE PUT MY TRUST IN THE LORD GOD, THAT I MAY DECLARE ALL THY WORKS. – PSALM 73:28

Power and Deception

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The other evening, I got a call from a scam artist representing himself as someone working for Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes.  According to him, I was a second place winner of approximately 19 million dollars and he needed to give me detailed instructions on how to claim my winnings.  Surprisingly, the man was very thorough in explaining the claim process and of course, the small fee I had to pay up front to receive my claim receipt.  He stated that I had to act immediately or I would forfeit my winnings.  Everything the man said seemed credible.  He was professional and polite.  He even provided a website, check number, package code and other details that could persuade anyone into thinking this was really true.  But when I questioned him about the upfront fee and requested another point of contact to verify that I was a winner, the once polite man turned ugly.

In a tone of disgust, the man scolded me stating that I needed to stop questioning a “blessing from God” and that “God works in mysterious ways.”  Wow.  Really?  At first, I was shocked that he tried to use the name of God to manipulate and defraud me.  On top of that, he acted as if I was unappreciative of what God was doing for me. 

Very calmly, I told the man that I would not be paying for a claim receipt and thanked him for the opportunity.  The man could not understand why I had an issue with this simple process and why I would deny a “blessing” of this magnitude.  Anyway, I hung up the phone.  About 15 minutes later, he called back to make sure I realized I was about to forfeit my winnings.  He even called again a third time, but my husband handled it.  I was then reminded of how wickedness works.

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud:
under his tongue is mischief and vanity. – Psalm 10:7

Beginning with Eve, Satan always twists God’s words and takes them out of context with the sole purpose to deceive.  He likes to create doubt in our minds by questioning and confusing the truth of God.

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: – Genesis 3:4

You must be aware that wickedness has an agenda for your life:

  •         lure you into disobedience and foolishness
  •         create unnecessary hardships
  •         deceive you into hardening  your heart against God
  •          subdue God’s power within you

It is so important to seek the Word of God and understand it for yourself.  When you spend time with God, you become familiar with His ways and His power.  You will gain spiritual discernment to easily recognize a true blessing of God.  A personal relationship with Him is the best protection against all wickedness and deception.  Now is always a good time to start seeking Him!

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give unto you the spirit of wisdom
and revelation in the knowledge of him: – Ephesians 1:17

Power To Do The Impossible

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As mentioned in a recent press release, I have always admired the historical figure, Harriet Tubman.  Not only because she led many slaves to freedom, but Harriet was known for her unwavering faith and dependence on God.   She always gave honor to Jesus for His guidance, protection and supernatural strength to endure the harsh conditions on the long journey to freedom.   Despite the fact that Harriet could not read, she would memorize scriptures that were read to her.  She would recall them in song to encourage herself and others.  She realized the power of meditation, confession and praise.  

Tubman’s biography shares many accounts of her total dependence on God to do something that seemed impossible for one person, especially a woman.  During the 1850s, it was believed that a person of such strength, dedication and courage must be a man.  Harriet sought God and experienced supernatural power to do a heroic feat!   She never took credit for her unselfish desire to free others.  She knew it was God who empowered her and thanked Him continuously for His healing, grace and wisdom.  Her life inspires me to think big and trust God to do something against all odds.  If there is something you feel is impossible for you, trust God and experience His power!

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible;
but with God all things are possible. – Matthew 19:26

Who is in need of Power?

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Anyone who is doing something they cannot do in their own strength needs power to go beyond, to have victory or to make history.   For some, power is needed to move forward from loss, devastation or betrayal.  Others need power to achieve success for new responsibilities and greater opportunities.  People often search for power from many different sources hoping to create a life they always dreamed.    However, God is the ultimate source of power that already dwells inside of you.  The key is to seek Him so that you can tap into the wisdom, love and power of the Creator.  God’s power overcomes evil, torment, curses, lack, bondage, depression, fear and condemnation.  This year make God and His power a priority in your life.   There is only victory to gain!

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. – 1 John 4:4

What is your Power Scripture for 2013?

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There have been many times in life where I have confessed a Power Scripture.  It is a Scripture that immediately motivates and encourages me in whatever situation I may be facing.  It is also my defense to block fear from entering into my thoughts.  Whether I feel frustration building or I am super-excited, my Power Scripture brings peace in my spirit.  I often recite it in the morning and sometimes after a long day.

Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.  – Psalm 71:21

That has been my Power Scripture for several years.  It is discussed in Week 40: Comfort and Strength in the book.  These simple words have provided so much extra strength in my life.  God will increase my greatness (efforts, abilities, righteousness, results), and comfort me on every side (in any situation, in every area, at any time).  This Scripture has been established in my heart and brings an assurance of God’s love when no one else is around.  It will do the same for you when you meditate it and believe.

Do you have a Power Scripture? 

If not, this year can be the perfect time to search for one that speaks directly to you.  It will become a source of strength and power as you face the trials of life.  A continual dose of the Word of God is essential for victorious living.
Please share your Power Scripture!

How Do You Define POWER?

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Power (noun): force, energy; ability or strength; the faculty of doing or moving; that quality in any natural body which produces a change or makes an impression on another body

 

I have always been fascinated with power.  Something about its presence commands respect whether its among humans, nature or animals.  I like when power is shown to unite people, build up communities, liberate nations, perform miracles – you know, all the good stuff power can do.  Before looking in the Word of God, power meant control over my life and circumstances.  Now, it has expanded to mean that nothing in life is impossible.  Absolutely nothing!

What does POWER mean to you?