GOD’S HOLDING PATTERN

6/9/14

Most of us have been on a plane at one time or another during our lifetime.  The thought of travel is always exciting to get away from home, experience a new adventure, visit family and friends or just to relax.

There is one thing I think we can all agree on is the fact that the air traffic control is the most critical parts of the equation in air travel.  The air traffic controllers are responsible for coordinating the takeoff, in-flight progress of the plane and the landing.

Although we may love to fly there’s always a chance that we’ll be on a plane that will have a hold. Holding is when a plane has a holding fix and waits for clearance to land.  A holding pattern is a predetermined maneuver designed solely to keep the plane within a specified airspace. It is a state of being inactive or no change. 

Presently there are many of GOD’s children who are in a holding pattern, including myself, waiting for clearance to land.  We were on course, some of us doing well and others doing not so well and now we find ourselves in a holding pattern waiting for our air traffic controller (GOD) to clear us for landing.

I’ve been in a holding pattern for the past 3 years in different areas of my life and I will be the first to admit that being in a holding pattern isn’t the easiest place to be.  There are too many variables and questions and let’s not mention the requirement of patience and longsuffering.  

Holding patterns are not timed events.  We don’t know when we’re going to enter into a holding pattern or when we’ll come out of it.  There’s no warning, we’re going along with our lives minding our own business, following our dream or our blueprint of what we want our life to be, we set goals and timelines and then out of the blue we’re forced into a holding pattern where it feels like a lifetime of waiting to be cleared to land, cleared to continue on our journey, and to get on with our lives.

Since a holding pattern is a predetermined maneuver (by GOD) then anyone who is in a holding pattern has to realize that we have no control over the maneuver.   GOD’s got this.

So while we’re waiting for our clearance to land GOD is saying: "MY child you’re at a different altitude but it’s your attitude and your pride that has to be broken and adjusted." " MY child I’VE been chasing you for years calling you to service, yet the more I chase you the faster you run." " MY child, your heart for the things of GOD needs to be changed; you lack compassion and love for others and you refuse to serve." " MY child your love for the things of this world and status exceed your love for ME." "MY child I’VE been trying to have a conversation with you for some time but you’re always too busy to listen."  "MY child the choices that you’re making aren’t in line with MY will and purpose for your life." "MY child, I’m working things out in heaven to soon be manifest on earth for your promotion to a new level in ME, be patient it is on its way."  "Until you are transformed in these areas I can’t permit you to land."  There are some people who keep circling and circling and circling while in their holding pattern and never are permitted to land.  Because they just won't surrender.

Some of our holding patterns are caused by our own disobedience, resistance to change, hardened hearts or unteachable spirits.  Others are caused by other people in our lives who are purposely holding us back.  And some are caused by reasons and circumstances we have no control over.  But the best holding pattern to be in is the one where GOD is preparing us for the next season and the next level in HIM. 

In all these areas as well as others not mentioned here, GOD allows us to hover and wait in a holding pattern for a season of spiritual growth or adjustment.  The one thing about whatever holding pattern we’re in, this maneuver by GOD that put us in a holding pattern has definitely gotten our attention.  And when it gets to this point there’s nothing for us to do but believe HE knows what’s best and remain obedient in our faith and praise HIM anyhow.  In our praising HIM remember this:  The holding pattern we’re in has a purpose.  The holding pattern we’re in has a plan.  And last but not least, the holding pattern has a process. 

Deuteronomy 32:11-12 ESV: 11 Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that flutters over its young, spreading out its wings, catching them, bearing them on its pinions, 12  the LORD alone guided him, no foreign god was with him

These verses tell us that GOD is a disturber, a developer and a deliverer.  HE will disturb our lives and put us in a holding pattern in order for us to become developed in areas that HE requires for service and spiritual growth and then HE finally delivers us by giving us what we’ve been longing to hear “YOU’RE CLEAR TO LAND” but only in HIS timing.  Prior to our landing there may be a few bumps in the road or difficulties.  HE may close some doors to open others; GOD has plans for us that most often don’t align with ours. We either obey or defy and either fly like an eagle or die a spiritual death.

Our spiritual growth as children of GOD is always dependent on GOD disturbing us, developing us and delivering us.  We’re wired to fly by HIS strength beneath our wings as HE swoops beneath us and catches us on HIS pinions.  HE is perfecting us to be the person we are meant to be in CHRIST.   Get ready to hear “YOU’RE cleared for landing." When we finally embrace this truth then we will see HIS glory on earth in ways we couldn’t ever imagine.  We shouldn’t be too eager to come out of the holding pattern and land too soon or we may crash and burn. 

GOD BLESS!

NO For the Greater YES

5/27/14

A few weeks ago I was watching a trailer of a movie, like I often do to find and acquire movies for my Christian movie ministry.  I was writing a blog draft as I watched and listened to the trailer.  As I was writing I heard a series words that caused me to stop what I was doing and pay attention to what was being said.  Why?  Because these words gave me a revelation that was well overdue.  It felt as though my heart stopped beating and quickly restarted once the words were heard.

The focus of the movie (true story) is about a young terminally ill woman.  The young woman, her family, and the whole town were praying for her healing.  For a time things looked like their prayers had been answered, she was in remission, doing well and serving GOD to the highest degree in missions work but then there was a sudden change and it became obvious to her and somewhat a denial for others that she was indeed going to die.  Her faith kept her hopeful but as time passed she began to surrender to what she knew was the inevitable.

This synopsis of the movie isn’t what shook me, but when the young lady said these words, “When GOD says NO it’s because there’s a greater YES in the future”  an ah ha moment took over and I began to see things differently.  After hearing these words, I had no choice but to do a life review and I began to replay in my mind the times when GOD said NO and the significance and impact of HIS decision on my life.

Some of the most heartbreaking NO’s in my life were the most damaging to my spirit.  One of the most significant times in my life when GOD said NO was during a time when my whole world began to crumble beneath me due to a great personal loss.  My best friend, her unborn child, one of her other daughters and my 15 month old son were in an auto accident in 1976.  I drove upon my friend’s car on my way home from work and knowing she had my son with her I was frantic.  My son’s heart stopped several times. As I looked around me it was like a scene from a movie their bodies had been thrown from the car and now were bruised and broken and being transported to the closest medical facility.  I was in shock.  This couldn’t be happening.  This had to be a dream or a hellish nightmare but unfortunately it was real.  I found myself in an emergency room in such emotional pain and agony that I felt I wouldn’t survive.  My son’s condition was grave, his tiny skull had been crushed and if he lived he’d be a vegetable.  Surgery was immediately scheduled to release the pressure on his brain.  I began crying out to GOD, begging, pleading with GOD and it was during my last resort, as I was in the process of bargaining with GOD, that my NO came.  My son died within four and a half hours of his arrival to the hospital never regaining consciousness or having the surgery.

This happened a week before Christmas, I was angry at GOD and even went so far to say I hated GOD because HE said NO.  My best friend, her unborn child, one of her daughters and my son were taken from me forever.

During my life review the greater YES was exposed and I found myself seeing the validity of those words which are also true of GOD’s character.  If you think about the characters in the Bible those with the greatest impact for the kingdom were people to whom GOD said NO. 

When we’re going through our life’s journey and GOD says NO, whether it is to the degree of my NO or a lesser degree, we must remember that there is a greater YES in the future for HIS glory.  We can’t see the plans and purposes of GOD, there’s no snapshot for us to see of the greater YES so this too is one of those mysteries about GOD that we aren’t privileged to.  Therefore, by faith we must trust it to be true.  If HE says NO there is a reason unknown to us but known to GOD.

My greater YES came much later as I was silently drafted into a life of marketplace ministry in the workplace.  I was placed on the front lines of the onset of the AIDS outbreak in 1981 and for many years that followed in order for me to show GOD’s love and compassion to those affected.  I started a women's ministry out of my home and that blessed the community in many ways.  I later was called and instructed to host prayer breakfasts bringing competitors in the health care industry together to fellowship and support one another.  In my most recent years I've had the privilege to minister through the prayer and altar ministry at my church and in February, 2014 my territory continued to expand through the starting of my Christian movie outreach ministry.  This blog site is one of the greatest in the YES category because GOD has continuously touched lives, week after week, in 9 countries and the USA since the first post on December 6, 2013.  These YES moments have set me on a path to walk boldly in my destiny, one that I couldn’t ever imagine. 

GOD has used me in so many ways and venues to touch lives on HIS behalf that although my loss and my NO was devastating, over time the results have proven the YES in my past, and the YES in my present have been indeed for the greater YES and the greater good.   The comfort in all of this is knowing that one day, when my work is done, I will see my son and my GOD face to face.

Be encouraged, when GOD says NO lift up your eyes towards GOD and look forward to the greater YES in your future for HIS glory, honor and praise.  There is where you will find the help you need until your YES arrives. 

Psalm 121

¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

GOD bless.

Transfer of Ownership

5/21/14

The last post I shared with you was on the difference between stewardship and ownership and the weight that we carry when we choose ownership as it is defined in the world over steward-ship as it is defined in GOD’s word.

The one thing that is crystal clear throughout the Bible is that GOD owns it all.  The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” Psalm 24:1 (NIV)  We can either be owners in our own right or stewards in the eyes of GOD and not just stewards, but good stewards.  To be a good steward we must transfer everything we own to GOD.  Our family, finances, time, possessions, gifts, education and anything else we call ours to GOD.  There is evidence that GOD wants us to be stewards which is found in: Luke 16:10-12 (NIV):

¹⁰ “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. ¹¹ So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? ¹² And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

There’s no gray area here, there’s only two choices; we’re either an owner or a steward.  There is nothing in between.  But for the sake of this blog we’re focusing for a few minutes on stewardship and the transfer of ownership of all we have to GOD. 

So how do we transfer ownership and become stewards?  It’s really simple, we must give up ownership rights and all that it entails.  That means giving up our possessions, anything that we think we own, anything that we call ours or mine, anything that we’ve place that ownership label on and now call it GOD’s.  That means the tangible and intangible possessions including our money, time, skills, talents, gifts, education and anything that we could be blessed with in the future.

GOD’s will is for us to become faithful stewards, take personal responsibility for caring for the things of GOD and the things that GOD has entrusted to and use what has been given faithfully.

As GOD blesses us and we allow HIM to work on our thoughts about stewardship it will become easier to make that transfer of ownership to the creator of all things.  As with everything in life GOD allows us the freedom of choice.  But surrendering it all is the only rational choice.  Let’s choose to handle what HE’s given to us faithfully.  There is nothing more endearing than that of  servants returning our possessions to GOD.  This type of thinking changes our attitudes and as a result of the change in our attitude GOD can begin to release the blessings that HE has saved for us.

If you’re ready to make that transfer write this down :  (don’t limit the possessions to finances alone, there are many other possessions we claim as our own like our time, skills, gifts, education, business, etc.) 

Ownership Transfer

From:_________________

To:  GOD

I hereby transfer to GOD the ownership of all things on this list of possessions: 

(List all your possessions that you’re willing to transfer here)

Signed:___________________________________   Date:__________

Put your signed copy somewhere that you can be reminded of your transfer.

If we allow GOD to take ownership and we allow HIM to guide us in all that we do we will see the power of GOD’s transforming power across all areas of our lives as we never have before.  Don’t take my word for it, take HIS word for it.  You can take HIS word to the bank: Deuteronomy 5:32-33 (NIV) 32 So be careful to do what the LORD your GOD has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left.  33 Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your GOD has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. 

GOD BLESS YOU!

Stewardship vs Ownership

5/5/14

My house, my kids, my money, my job, my car: Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine. 

As children there is a specific stage of development. At twelve months, a child: Babbles, but with inflection, which sounds like talking and says their first word. At eighteen months, a child: Says 8-10 words others can understand, has a vocabulary of about 5 to 40 words, uses mostly nouns, repeats words heard in conversation and uses “hi,” “bye,” and “please” when reminded. At two years, a child: has a vocabulary of 150 to 300 words, uses 2-3 word sentences, usually in noun-verb combinations, such as "Dog bark," but also using inflection with combinations like "More cookie?" and refers to self by name and uses “me” and “mine” and we carry this mine/ownership mentality throughout our lives.

Everything we see we want.  All the media advertisements are geared to activate our emotions and plant a seed of the desire to own that thing whether it is large or small.  Cars. houses, jewelry, clothes, food, etc.   

The need to own is like an epidemic, renting something or leasing something is no longer enough, we have to have it, make it ours even if it means swindling someone out of it, lying to get it, taking it from someone else to make it ours and some have gone so far as to kill for that it.  The need for ownership rights becomes the drug of choice and a monkey on our back that we can’t easily get rid of.  The world has impressed in our minds that there is power and status in ownership.  We take pride when we tell someone about the house we just bought or the car we are buying. No one ever brags about renting anything because renting doesn’t carry any significant status symbol.  The name of the game of life in this world is keeping up with the Jones’, the Smiths’ and even the Kardashians. (lol)  This is what compels us to want more and, get more regardless of the consequences.  

Possession (ownership) is about owning something, calling it ours and the drive to make it ours sets us on a path of destruction, stewardship is the safest way and the only way to peace of mind.  Rent to own, lease to own, lease with option to buy are all phrases we’re familiar with and these options lead right back to that path of destruction IF THE PERSON IS OWNING IN TERMS OF THE WORLD’S DEFINITION.  

The best car, house, clothes, jewelry, gourmet foods, lavish living, and exotic travel breeds ownership rights and this ownership comes with a high price when stewardship isn’t the focus of what we are given and are blessed with.  Those fancy cars, houses, jewelry and money may be in our possession but in essence GOD owns it all.  1 Chronicles 29: 11 says “Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is YOURS."  Not some things are GOD’s but it says EVERYTHING IS HIS. We never really own anything here on earth in this life no matter how we get it or how long we have it and the main proof of evidence is that we can’t take it with us.

There is nothing wrong with owning things when we look at it with spiritual insight.   GOD entrusts us with HIS things, HIS children that we so proudly call our sons and daughters, our spouse and our possessions, all on loan and entrusted to us by GOD.  We can possess things and still not own them.  All we have in our possession is what GOD has freely given to us, our time, our talents, our gifts, and our financial resources, etc. and is not ours to take ownership over.  Psalms 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”

When we truly recognize our stewardship rights in lieu of ownership rights and acknowledge that GOD owns everything and that every good thing and every blessing comes from HIM alone it becomes easier to accept the stewardship role.

Stewardship links us to GOD; it is a partnership with GOD. I Corinthians 3:9 says:  ^"For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building."   Our relationship with GOD as our FATHER establishes our role as GOD’s co-workers, GOD’s field, and GOD’S BUILDING. As stewards we are to be concerned about managing the people and things that HE has entrusted to us.  Everything we have has been obtained through the skills, gifts, wisdom, talents and dreams and visions that GOD has given us.  Regardless of the popular belief that successful, well off or well to do individuals are SELF MADE.  There’s no such thing as a self-made man, woman or millionaire.  We can’t fool ourselves into believing that GOD had nothing to do with any of our success or wealth. 

Since GOD is the owner of all things and HE entrusts us to manage what HE has loaned to us then HE will change our thoughts and unhealthy attitudes about ownership and spending if we are willing. Remember we still have free will even in this area.   Anxiety and fear for most people is focused on finances and the future.   If we truly take on a steward mentality, manage HIS possessions/property in a manner that will please GOD, take full responsibility for our stewardship role, HE will be faithful to keep HIS promise of meeting our need and maybe even give us some of our wants.  Philippians 4:19 says: And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  Now let's say “GOD IS IN CONTROL” and mean it!  The key to stewardship is to transfer all that we do, all that we have or ever will have to HIM.  But before this transfer can take place a heart to heart conversation must take place between us AND GOD.  When we are in constant communication with someone it makes it easier to give something to someone you have a relationship with, trust and are in communication with.  This is where faith becomes crucial.

So, do you own what you have?  Or are you entrusted with what you have?  Are you a faithful steward? Or a world class owner?  In the next blog post it will be broken down on how transferring ownership to GOD enables us to become faithful stewards but it will require faith and action on our part.  I personally want to become a better steward and I'm still a work in progress and it's worth it. More on how to make the transfer next time.  

GOD BLESS

The Potter or the Clay

4/16/14

“Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the Potter; we are all the work of YOUR hand” Isaiah 64:8

Many of the rich and famous are constantly getting plastic surgery, nips and tucks and who knows what else.  A few people I know have gotten Botox or some other treatment trying to alter their looks.  Many people spend most of their lives trying to be someone or something else other than what GOD made them.

Have you ever seen a potter at work? It’s amazing to see how the potter creates the pot.  The potter puts the clay in the center of the wheel which is a very critical step as it is the foundation of the pot. The pot is only as true and as strong as the centering.  The next step is opening the centered clay so the potter's hands can begin to pull the clay up vertically from both inside and out.  Excess water is removed from the bowl with a sponge which also smoothes the surface and contributes to the strength of the finished bowl.  The freshly thrown bowl is then removed from the wheel and allowed to dry to a "leather hard" state at which point it can be trimmed to remove excess clay from the bottom and establish a foot.  Once the pot is trimmed it is again set on the shelf to dry. This will take several days for a bowl this size, as the drying rate must be carefully controlled to prevent cracking.  The next stage in the creation of the pot is the application of glaze.  First the potter checks the pot and removes any bumps or imperfections we see. The potter may sandpaper to smooth surfaces.  Then the potter will sponge the entire surface of the pot to remove any dust left from sanding to provide a clean surface for the glaze to adhere to.  Once the pot is glazed, it is returned to the kiln for a second firing, in which the clay and the glaze are matured, meaning stoneware is brought to a temperature at which it is no longer porous and the glaze achieves a glasslike finish.  And it is finally a finished product.

If an earthly potter can make a thing of beauty out of a lump of clay, wouldn't it be expected that GOD’s creation of each one of us is far more beautiful and is worth protecting?  We are so fearfully and wonderfully made that no one has the same DNA or same fingerprint.  We are each unique and wonderfully made by GOD, for GOD and for HIS purpose.  Knowing this why do we make attempts to change our path?

We are said to be a preculiar people, set aside for the glory of GOD.  Yet, we try to force our round peg into that square hole of the world.  We’re constantly throwing ourselves back on that potter’s wheel to remake what GOD has already perfected.  We’re not content with who we are, how we look, what we have, what we do, so we constantly climb back on that potter’s wheel at different seasons in our lives trying to mold and shape ourselves into what we want to be and who we want to be based on nothing more than a whim or a desire to be someone that the world says we should be.  What is in us that makes us want to change what GOD has made, who HE’s molding and who HE wants us to be?  We have chosen jobs and spouses during our remolding of ourselves that were not what GOD wanted for us.  We have made decisions that were not in line with GOD’s will for our lives reshaping our path and we set out on a path that we were never supposed to be on because we were too bored being the clay and wanted to take on the role of the potter and re-create our lives, our dreams, our desires, our ethics and our standards. 

As children of GOD created by GOD we are the clay in the hands of the Master.  Clay is pliable so it can be formed into something beautiful.  We are not yet the finished product, GOD is constantly reshaping us for HIS work, HIS plans, and HIS purpose but HE can only do this if we remain on the wheel.  We were never meant to take on the role of the potter.  When we chose personal gratification over GOD’s will, we become the potter.  When we shape our lives and our character by our own choosing we no longer remain the clay in the hands of GOD and we lose any chance of being all we can be in HIM because we are no longer being shaped by HIM.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

¹¹ 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.

GOD says, HE knows the plans that HE has for us.  This is HIS declaration.  Plans to prosper us and not harm us plans that give us hope.  But if we do not allow GOD to continue to mold us and shape us into HIS plan and purpose we will never experience the true plans or prosperity that is needed for hope for our future.

It is not too late.  If you’ve been more of a potter in your life instead of the clay, you can still be reshaped by GOD.  All you have to do is climb back on that potter’s wheel, remain focused and let CHRIST be the center of your life because the pot (you) are only as true and as strong as the center.  Our GOD has begun a work in each of us, and even in our flawed or broken condition GOD can restore and reshape us while in the midst our brokenness.  Never forget the power of the hands of GOD. 

 GOD BLESS

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?”

3/17/14

Years ago in 1966 there was a song by Jimmy Ruffin called What Becomes of a Broken Hearted?  I don’t know why this song has been in my spirit for the past few days but it has.   As I drive through the city of Los Angeles I see people, children and our youth with expressionless faces.  There is not one ray of hope in their eyes and no sense of joy on their faces.  It’s almost like they are they are the walking dead. 

The question I pose to you is, what becomes of the broken hearted in Los Angeles? In the community?  In your neighborhood?  This city is full of brokenhearted people.  There are people who once had dreams and hope for a future.  There are people who had the love of loved ones but have been separated by circumstance, trial and error.  They are roaming the city as lost souls who can’t find any peace of mind searching for something that will allow them to succeed in this life according to their definition of success.  And maybe their type of success is what’s got them where they are today.  But for whatever reason they are on the streets, those that may know JESUS have lost faith and hope in HIM.

What happens to these people who have been broken is so many pieces that there appears to be no foreseeable way to mend them?  What I see is a society who mocks, oppresses and ignores the poor and the worst part of this picture is believers are woven into the fabric of society and are intertwined just like every other person we know. 

What is our responsibility?  Are we doing enough as believers?  What does GOD expect from us? When I say us, I mean each of us as individuals.  Us doing something outside of giving our tithes and offerings. This isn’t a trick question.  Just what is expected of us? If we read the Bible then we are well aware of what GOD expects of us, it is very clear. But what has our response been as a people?  The Bible says this:

Deuteronomy 15:11 "For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.'
Proverbs 14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Proverbs 14:31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
Proverbs 17:5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.
Proverbs 21:13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.
Proverbs 22:9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.
Proverbs 28:27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
Proverbs 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Matt 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Matt 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Matt 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see thee hungry, and fed thee or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

In every one of these verses, and others not listed, GOD and JESUS are adamant about our attitude, our response, and the level of compassion that is required of us.  There is much need in our communities and there is time to regroup, be a blessing to others and follow in JESUS footsteps loving the disadvantaged unconditionally.   

How close do we resemble CHRIST in our dealings with the poor and needy?  Do they see us or do they see HIM?  What has our response, your response been when you saw the hungry? the naked? the thirsty? the one in prison? the stranger?  And finally, what would JESUS’ response be to any of us? Depart from me or well done?  It's something to think about.

GOD BLESS

Keep Faith/Hope Alive

3/11/14

This is one of those weeks where I felt a now word in prayer form was due.  And I came across this prayer that I felt the need to share it.  I have been getting         e-mails from as far as the Philippines for prayer from total strangers.   I have been befriended by a man in Malaysia who needs hope to stay and remain alive because he is struggling and hurting.  I am in a place of weariness due to the continued attacks on my body for the 3^rd year in a row that now have taken a toll on my heart and have bruised my Spirit but I still seek GOD for deliverance according to HIS will.  I feel in my heart I could easily give up but in my Spirit I know I must go on.  Life has to be lived on the foundation of Faith and Hope or we drown in our despair and depression.  There are those who are drowning going down for the 3^rd time without a life preserver in sight because they have lost their faith/hope.  Pass this on to someone you know who needs a NOW WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT, GIVE SOMEONE HOPE TODAY! And not just hope in anything, but hope in GOD.  I too am reminded, to keep Faith and Hope alive.

MY PRAYER OF HOPE….By Elena Ramirez, Christian Author

FATHER, almighty GOD, I am not letting go of my Faith.  I am holding on!  Lately, I have heard a lot of negative reports, even from the clergy, where they just are not holding on to their faith; they are letting the enemy lie to them.  LORD how I long to see YOUR power working in my life, and in other lives also.  That we would be inspired, and take responsibility for our own faith.  For our own miracles, because of YOU!  LORD, I believe YOUR word, and I know all things are possible, with YOU, my GOD.  I am not letting go.  I do care if people believe.  I want to give someone Hope, not discourage them.  LORD, many are sick and tired, yes, of being sick and tired, well, I believe, by YOUR stripes, we are healed.  Emotionally, physically, and yes, even financially, YOU say YOU are not a liar, and I submit to you and I am blessed by YOUR word.  I pray this, stir us up to remind us, YOU are GOD, and YOU are able, in all things, after all YOU created the earth, and the fullness thereof and the universe and I believe.  I am no longer claiming I am sick and tired.  But claiming, by YOUR stripes, I am healed and rejuvenated by CHRIST and by YOUR word.  Thank YOU LORD, and all glory, and honor, and praise are YOURS.  In JESUS name.  Amen.

There is nothing more to be said except this: Ask, Believe and Receive.  Faith/Hope in CHRIST is alive and well.  I needed this more than you because when you’re in physical pain on awaking in the morning, throughout the day and as you retire at night in pain and toss and turn all through the night because of pain or discomfort and there appears to be no end in sight it is easy to become weary. I have to believe that my Faith will continue to be renewed even in the midst of my trial, if I Believe. Whatever your prayer needs are today, this prayer covers them all.  GOD IS WILLING AND ABLE.

GOD BLESS