I AM SO EXCITED!

Never in my life have I been excited about "politics" as I am today. I am truly excited and I can and will say that for once....or perhaps, for the first time, I am proud of my country.

Whew! Yep, I said it and I agree with Michelle Obama. I UNDERSTAND what she meant. The nitpickers jumpped all over her statement and wanted to make it seem as though she was not "patriotic". They failed to see what she meant. My thoughts are that she meant that after such a long and horrific history of racism (and perhaps even sexism), America is FINALLY getting it right.

Why has it taken so long for our country to even be in the position we're in today? There is a real chance that our next president will be a Black man! A man who is capable to run this country. Maybe one day, we won't have to even point out the obvious......that he's Black. But today it is necessary because for way too long, America has made it impossible for a Black man to have an EQUAL opportunity in this.

So yes, it is a FIRST.



I absolutely love this picture. I can't even find the words that express my pride and excitement about them.

I go to vote in the primaries on March 11th. That is if it will be necessary (perhaps Hillary Clinton will have dropped out of the race by then). This is history and I am so excited about being a part of it. Even if Hillary is still in the race by then, it will still be history because not only will a Black man's name be on the ballot for the president of the U.S., but a woman as well! Both, a first!

It is no secret that I am voting for Barack Obama. I am thrilled to finally see his campaign ads on television, and I have signed up to be a volunteer for his campaign here in Mississippi. I am just hoping that my new state of residence will get it right. I have to admit that I'm a little bit concerned, as this state, several years ago and before I became a resident, voted to KEEP the confederate flag as the state's flag. I couldn't understand that.

Anyway, I am excited! Oh, have I said that I'm excited? LOL! I know no other word to describe my feelings.

This is history and I'm proud to see it unfolding.

Carla

THE FOURTH MAN (My God is Able!)

The Fourth Man - (My God is Able)
By Carla Y. Nix

He answered and said, "But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." ~Daniel 3:25 (ESV)

Looking at me today, you would never know that I was once a scrawny little girl who was shy and often afraid of others. I was the girl that was teased and bullied in school because I was so timid and meek and the other kids knew that they could push me around. I was once very skinny (“skin and bones” was once a description for me), I always had these large “buck” eyes, and at one point I even had “buck” teeth. I was also the kid who was always picked last for teams at school. The team captains hoped and prayed that I did not end up on their team.

All of this was very painful for me. I very seldom talked about the torture I endured and the heaviness of my heart. I just stayed to myself as best I could and wondered if I would ever be “normal” and fit in.

Well, that never happened! LOL! I am far from “normal” and to this day, I still don’t fit in with most! But, the difference today is that I really don’t care. For I have learned that my “strangeness” is truly my uniqueness that God specifically endowed me with.

I don’t look like that awkward and terrified little girl anymore either. I haven’t been skinny or scrawny (or anywhere near it) in a zillion years, and I have come to absolutely love my big eyes and I think I have pretty decent smile now. Most of all is that my confidence and self-esteem has grown all by the grace of God.
Tonight’s blog is really about confidence, however, not about confidence in myself. When I was that scrawny little girl, there is one thing that often saved me and even kept me sane. That was the fact that each time those kids would tease me, mess with me, and even threaten me (someone always wanted to fight it seems), there was one thing I only had to think or say. That was, “I’m gonna call my big brother Michael!” See, Michael was nobody’s “scaredy cat”. Michael was a big boy and he was bold and could be very mean and intimidating when he had to. I remember in our neighborhood, there was a family of children whom we called “the red-headed children” (well, they all had red hair!). They were some “bad” kids and they did terrible things to not only us, but the whole block. I guess they were the “BeBe Kids” of the late 1960’s.

But, my weapon was to put them on alert that Michael would be informed if they messed with me. I knew that he would take care of them. He would watch out for his little sister.

I was reminded of this because of recent events in my life, but also because of some study I’m doing for a purpose that I don’t even know why (God is preparing me for something that He hasn’t revealed to me yet).

My study has me reading in Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar sent out a decree that all of the people of kingdom would bow down and worship his idol gods anytime that they heard the music play. Of course, all at his whim. The “three Hebrew boys”, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused to do so. They stood their ground. They were not afraid, not even of the punishment that was ordered for anyone who would not obey the king. The punishment was automatic death! They would be thrown in to a fiery furnace. However, the king was so outraged with their defiance, he ordered that they not only be thrown in to the fire, but that the temperature would be raised seven times higher than normal. Even after this threat, the young men still would not denounce their God.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. ~Daniel 3:16 – 17

Bingo! Focus on these words…. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

You see, back when I was being tortured by the other kids, I knew that my big brother was ABLE to save me! Because I knew that HE was able, I was not afraid of what they MIGHT do to me.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew what faced them. POSSIBLE death in the fiery furnace. But even moreso, they knew that God was able to deliver them.

They were tied up (bound) and thrown into the furnace. The first thing that happened was the fact that because the temperature of the fire was raised so high, the men that put them in the furnace fell and died! They were consumed and overcome just from the heat!

Now, this did not prevent the young men from going into the fire. They still went in, bound. The king, seeing what happened to his men, jumped up in disbelief and then got an even bigger shock. He looked in the furnace and could not believe his eyes. He saw FOUR men in there….unbound………walking around…unharmed! “Did not we cast in THREE men?”, he asked. The men around him confirmed that. Now, use your imagination here. Don’t you wish you could’ve seen the king’s face?! He saw FOUR men……he saw the fourth man……and this man looked like the “Son of God” (KJV). The king called the men out of the furnace and they emerged totally unharmed. Their hair wasn’t burned, their clothing wasn’t burned, in fact, they didn’t even SMELL like smoke!

The fourth man not only delivered them unscathed, He got into the fire with them!
That fourth man is still stepping into fiery situations with us today. That fourth man is Jesus! And He stands ready and able at all times to walk with you, stand with you, sit with you, and even go through fire with you. Because He is with you, you no longer have to be afraid. He’s able!

I don’t know where the little red-haired children are today who used to torment me. Hopefully they have matured and grown just as I have and have come to know the Lord. As for me, I still love, respect, cherish and look up to my big brother Michael. And I’m doubly blessed because we have a “little” brother named Ira. They both look out for me and protect me as best they can. However, all three of us know that it is our God who is able and who have delivered us from a number of fiery furnaces.

I AM FREE!

I AM FREE!
By Carla Y. Nix

"When the Son of Man sets you free, you will be free indeed!"
~John 8:36

Last week was an incredibly interesting week for me. I experienced highs and lows and events that I did not understand. It all culminated today during worship service in the form of my pastor’s sermon. Through him, God explained much of what I experienced during the week.

I won’t rehash it all, but the most prominent thing that happened to me was my singing in my sleep one evening. It was confirmed by my daughter who came to wake me when she heard me making all of that noise! When she came into my room, she saw that I was asleep, yet I was singing. She tried to wake me, but I just turned over, she said, and kept on sleeping. As she told me about it the next day, she quoted a few words of the song I was singing, and my heart leaped! I don’t remember actually singing, but I do remember “hearing” the song in what I thought was a dream. I heard it in my spirit. The song played over and over in my spirit even before my daughter told me what happened the night before.

The words to the song are:
I am free!
Praise the Lord, I’m free.
No longer bound, no more chains holding me.
My soul is resting, it’s just another blessing.
Praise the Lord, hallelujah, I’m free.


After this singing in my sleep episode, and me not being able to get the song out of my head, something serious arose in my life that caused me to become anxious and even reeked a fleeting moment of serious fear in me. Yet, I kept hearing the song, “I am free!” I sought prayer and God directed me in my steps. He blessed me by providing the assistance and help that I needed in this situation. He sent the answer to me!

My husband and I later had a discussion about how someone recently misused this passage of scripture:

Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV)

1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn.

Jesus goes on and fulfills this prophesy, and even refers to what Isaiah stated:

Luke 4:16 – 19 (ESV)

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."

Some have used these scriptures to push the prosperity message as far as financial and earthly gain is concerned.

Jesus went on further to say:

And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Luke 4:21 (ESV)

Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophesy spoken by Isaiah. He is the fulfillment of the law. He is the fulfillment of God’s promise. Jesus did not come to make anybody financially rich. His purpose is clearly stated:

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Mark 1:14 - 15

Jesus came proclaiming the gospel, seeking to save those who were lost. Lost in sin is an imprisonment. Therefore, He came to set the captives free – those who are in bondage. When we are not in Christ, we are prisoners of sin and satan.

I allowed the events of last week to make me act as one who did not know that they were free. I acted like a prisoner to my circumstances, and to satan. For God has not given me a spirit of fear. Additionally, I allowed myself to worry and to question God and His will for, and in, my life. I was blind and only saw what I could see with my physical eyes. God had already made promises to me, yet I panicked each time I saw something differently.

God had to remind me that I AM FREE! I am no longer bound, there are no more chains holding me. My soul is indeed resting, in Him, and I ought to praise Him because I’m free. That is why Jesus came – to release both you and I from the grasp of the oppressor. Because He came, because He lives, I can live. I can face anything that confronts me.

God will keep His promises to me. He will, and is providing for me. He wants me to live and walk in the freedom He has given me.

As I stated in the beginning of this, everything culminated for me today in the form of my pastor’s sermon. It was awesome. Not because my pastor, as always, delivered it well. It was awesome because God CONFIRMED everything through the message. I do not believe in coincidences, and I had not spoken to my pastor about this. Yet, his sermon subject was “Instrument of Freedom” (coming from Joshua 3). He spoke about Joshua’s availability and capability of being a leader and how God used him to lead the children of Israel into the promised land. He went on and spoke about how we are not only instruments of freedom, but we are capable of doing so because we are free ourselves! God can use us when we are free. And then, in the midst of his sermon, pastor quoted “my” song……

I am free!
Praise the Lord, I’m free.
No longer bound, no more chains holding me.
My soul is resting, it’s just another blessing.
Praise the Lord, hallelujah, I’m free.

Before hearing it over and over in my head and spirit all week, I had not heard that song for many years. It was one thing to hear it in my own mind, but to hear someone passionately speak the song at this juncture definitely let me know that it was God’s divine doing!

Yes, I am free! Jesus has set me free!

Can you say the same today? Yes, you can, if you have allowed Him to become your Lord and Savior. Freedom is sweet. Once we embrace our freedom, we can rest assured that freedom brings privileges. The greatest is that we no longer have to live under condemnation.

1There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1 – 2 (ESV)

God always provides what we need, when we need it. Because of outside influences and circumstances surrounding my life, my mind reverted back to that of one without hope and faith. I allowed myself to question God, to question myself, and to think as the enemy would have me to. That of a condemned person who had no rights and freedom in Christ. But God………yes, but God………worked on me in the spiritual realm by even giving me assurance and consolation while I slept. Then He tied it all together with a word through the sermon of my pastor, whom had no idea that he was speaking directly to me. What a mighty God we serve!

IT'S ALL ABOUT LOVE...

Today, I am sending my love to you. I know that some will be looking for Valentines gifts, cards, and candy tomorrow from their loved one. Some may even feel slighted or hurt if they do not receive anything. While, some who do receive, may feel that these gifts are the measurement of true love.

Whether you receive or not, please do not feel any of the extremes. And if you even consider yourself alone or have no one special in your life, please do not let that make you feel sad.

Real love......real love......is not measured in tangible gifts. The greatest love of all was given on Calvary's cross and it wasn't a pretty sight. There were no roses, no chocolates, no love poems. It was gory, it was bloody, it was painful, and it was even dark as even God had turn from the heaviness and presence of sin that rested on Jesus for our sake.

I do wish you a very happy day for you tomorrow, but know that I wish you this every day of your life. May each of carry love and show love on a daily basis, love as God has for us.

I leave you these words, which to me are that of a true love poem. The "love" chapter, as many of us call us. Be blessed!

Love
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
I Corinthians 12:1-13 NIV

THIS IS HOW IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE

I guess I should be in bed right now. I will be in just a few minutes. I’m up writing and getting some work down, although it’s almost 2:00 am. I seem to think better and am more creative and functional late at night…..in the still of the night. I am NOT a morning person and my brain doesn’t work very well then. However, I do have to awaken at 5:15 am to get my child up and ready for school. The beauty now is that once she’s on the bus, I can get back in the bed and get a few more hours of sleep.

Anyway, what I wanted to pen tonight (or this early morning) is what’s been playing in my head all day. Actually, for several days. “This is how it’s supposed to be”. That’s a song that was out a few years ago by John Legend.

The song is playing in my head not so much because it’s a song, but because the words are my sentiment. This is how it’s supposed to be…….FINALLY!

I’m speaking about my life, of course. Generally, the direction that my life has taken, but more specifically, my life with my husband.

Overall, I am at a tradewind. The current has shifted in my life. I am changing direction as I am in the midst of entering a new level of productivity and significance. My work is changing. My days have changed. My mode of operating is different. My priorities have definitely been rearranged.
I’ve shared my fears before about the changes in my life. This is truly an adjustment period for not only me, but my entire family.

Through it all, my Jerry has been steadfast, loving, and extremely supportive. He’s been my rock. He has shown nothing but pure love and patience. He has loved me unconditionally.

I cannot help but think of the very rough times we went through. The bad times. The difficult times. The ugly times. The hurting times. There was a time when we both thought that it was over for us. We lost focus of who we were individually, and as a couple. We lost ourselves! As a result, we hurt one another. But one thing that was consistent is the fact that we NEVER stopped loving one another. Even through the pain, through the separation, through the hurtful words, through the devastating actions, and most definitely through the tears. The love never died.

God has sustained us and allowed us to experience that rough patch of time. Those few years were the worse of my life, but God performed miraculously in both of us.
Today, even after the storm and every single thing we’ve been through, we are better and stronger than ever. We were given a new chance and we respect and perceive God with a deeper appreciation. In fact, we appreciate each other more than we ever have before. We are more communicative. We are dedicated to never hurting one another again. We are committed to being the man and woman of God that we were destined to be.

We enjoy life more than ever now. We enjoy EACH OTHER like crazy. And after 25 years of marriage, we are more attracted to one another now than we’ve ever been before! New definition has been given to the term, love making!
My life is beautiful now. Even with the uncertainty of what God is doing in my career life, which ultimately affects our family life, I feel confident, safe, and secure. And I can say that this is how it’s supposed to be. I’m supposed to be happy. I thank God for this blessing!

Carla

EVEN IN THE WILDERNESS

"O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."

~Psalm 63:1 - 8 (ESV)

David wrote this psalm when he was in the wilderness of Juday. His life was constantly in danger and his enemies were plenteous.

What a beautiful show of devotion and commitment to God, even while in the wilderness.

Can you and I reach up and out to God and express our thirst and desire for Him as David did?

No matter what your circumstances are today, remember that God's love for us never fails. We should always be able to say that our soul thirsts for Him and that our flesh faints for Him. Some of us only experience such passion for a man or woman. We do not enjoy an intimate relationship with the only One who will always love us, protect us, guid us, and take care of us.

Carla

WELCOME HOME - SISTERS4JESUS

This is another reminder that the Sisters4Jesus Ministry community is launched. I do encourage you to visit us by clicking here.

Sisters4Jesus is a family and our internet presence is structured like a home. All women are urged to join us.

The following "rooms" have been established in our abode. This is just a peek as to what awaits you as you come home:

BIBLE STUDY ROOM
Weekly Bible Lessons

THE WELCOME MAT
New members are encouraged to stop by the Welcome Mat

GIFT ROOM - INSPIRATIONAL WRITINGS BY CARLA
A room for you to enter in order to receive inspiration and encouragement. This is my gift to you.

THE DEVOTIONAL ROOM
Enter to begin your morning, or any part of your day, by devoting yourself to Him. Come here for devotional reading.

THE PORCH
Think back to the days of your youth. Remember the days when grandparents and older relatives sat on the porch and "schooled" us with their wisdom and experience. Here, on our porch, pearls and words of wisdom will be given.

SINGLE SISTERS SANCTUARY
A room for single sisters to share and relax as they praise God!

THE MARRIAGE MINISTRY ROOM
A room for married women to share insight and encouragement.

THE PARENTING PLACE
Information and resources for married and single moms.

STARTING OVER
Here we would like to minister to those sisters who find themselves without their spouse. Widows and women who are facing separation or divorce can find comfort and love here.

THE LADIES ROOM
Calgon, take me away! Sometimes we just need a place to retreat. This is the place for girl talk!

THE PRAYER CLOSET
Bring your prayer requests to the altar.

THE SHOUTING ROOM
Bring your praise and testimonies here. Bless others by sharing what God has done for you!

WORSHIP CORNER
Enter this place to worship and reverence God!

SALVATION ROOM
Come to learn how to give your life and your self to Christ. Learn what it means to accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Learn what it means to be saved. Here, you can give yourself to Him today!

HOUSEHOLD TIPS AND ADVISE
Here you can help others with practical advise for the house.

RECIPES
Share your favorite recipes

THE BEAUTY PARLOR
Sisters, let's face it. We love to look good! Here is the place to talk about hair, skin, fashion, and all of the things that make us feel beautiful!

THE WELLNESS ROOM
It is important that we learn what it means to be good stewards even in the form of our bodies and health. Here we will speak of good physical health, good mental health, and medical issues (particurly women's issues).

THE GARAGE
Here, we will PARK it! Do you need to unload baggage and release some things that are holding you down and back? Here you may PARK it!


JOIN US AT: www.sisters4jesus.ning.com

Carla

SISTERS4JESUS MINISTRY SOCIAL NETWORK

Back in October, I was encouraged to set up a site as a branch of our ministry Sisters4Jesus, where we could offer Bible Studies, Devotionals, and other information that would be a blessing to others. Sisters4Jesus is a fellowship, prayer, and support group for women, therefore, this site is for women only. We were originally organized strictly for African American women because my co-founder and I found that there were very little places for the Black Christian woman who needed spiritual support at that time. The group went online in 1998.

We remain true to the support of Black women, however, our doors are opened to any woman who desires the fellowship and support of other Christian women. We were all connected at Calvary.

As stated, in October I did set up the social network site, but I have not been successful in keeping the site active due to my time constraints. With everything that has gone on in my life, I actually forgot about the site until recently. That is because I was invited to and joined another Christian woman's social site by a precious and powerful woman of God. I respect what she is and has done in regards to being a true sister and being a strong voice for the Lord.

I decided to revisit what I'd begun with the Sisters4Jesus site and proceeded to revamp and upgrade it. I am now extending an invitation to all women who may be interested in joining.

The beauty of the site, created on the ning network, is that you can join and become a part of the Sisters4Jesus community. You can set your own page up, set up your own blog, make "friends", and still receive the Bible Studies, Devotionals, and other information that I will be posting, as well as participate in forums.

Check us out. I encourage you to join the family.

I know that there are men who are in this distribution. I ask that you would forward this information to the women you believe would be interested.

Just follow the link below to join us.

Click here to join:
http://sisters4jesus.ning.com/?xgi=gAQqao2

To simply view the page, click here:
http://sisters4jesus.ning.com


Blessings!

Carla

CONTENTMENT

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been hearing or reading the reminder to learn to be content in whatever state one find themselves to be in. One way or another, God has found a way to send me those words. Of course, they’re from His Word where Paul speaks very highly and graciously to the church of Philippi (Philippians 4:11). Paul thanks the good people of the congregation for loving and caring enough about him to send support and aid for his well-being. He appreciates their concern and expression of love, but lets them know that he is and will be okay because he knows what it is to have, and not to have. To be hungry, to be full. He has learned, as a result, to be content in whatever state he is in.

Now, after being given these words time after time over the last couple of weeks, of course I began to take notice. Certainly, this passage of scripture is not foreign to me. But, it takes on a new complexion when it relates directly to you………or vice versa………..when you can relate directly to it.

God has a way of preparing you. At least, that’s been my experience. As this is, what I call, my new life this year. Even before I took sick in December, and before my hospitalization, I knew that this would be a new year for me in many ways. God was calling me so loudly. Actually, yelling at me. Pushing me. Nudging me. Telling me that I had to follow His voice and move into my purpose. Yet, I kept being hard-headed and bucked at every turn. Simply because it did not make sense to me. I could not (and still don’t) understand how things would work out or how we could make it on one income; particularly since we were already struggling on two.
God kept showing me that it was time for me to move on from the work that was holding me back from the work that He has called me to. It became nearly humanly impossible to muster the time and energy to do it all. Something had to give. Yet, I kept bucking against the course I should have been on….again, because it didn’t make sense to me. God eventually showed me that I had to stop on the destructive path that I was sailing on.

Well, now I’m home and I am happy to be able to work on the things that bring me the most fulfillment. I am writing. I am enjoying my seminary classes (for the life of me, I don’t know how I managed both school and work last semester). I am devoting more time to ministry. I feel productive and I am extremely happy to be here for my family.

I am walking in my purpose and I know it.

Why, then, you may ask, has God been sending me the reminder to be content in this state. I wondered myself until today when I figured it out. Although He gave me a foretaste at the turn of the new year by telling me that this year, I would have to truly live by faith, somewhere in the back of my mind still resided a sense of reluctance and hesitancy. You see, my rational mind still tells me that we only have one income now. Focusing on that has allowed fear to filter in.
Tonight, God directed me to read, with an open mind and heart, the 4th chapter of Paul’s letter to the Philippians with the emphasis on Phil 4:11. The entire chapter blessed and encouraged me. And then it was all summed up in these words: “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19)

This is why Paul was so able to say that he can be content in whatever state he is in. No matter if he has, or doesn’t have, God will supply his needs. That is what God wanted me to get into my thick head. He is my God. He is my father. He is Jehovah-Jireh – my provider!

He has called me to do His work and He will continue to take care of me. It wasn’t my job that took care of me, it has always been God! Yes, I too can and should be content, for He is with me!

I have to totally rely on Him and understand that He will not forsake me. While I’m wondering where is the new/extra income going to come from, I should know that He has already worked it out.

No, it doesn’t make sense to me, but that’s MY sense. My sense is not spiritual. This day is not a surprise to God. He has already made provisions and He is able to keep me. He’s already told me to have faith in Him. Lord, I ask for your forgiveness because I have allowed myself to forget. I have allowed myself to tune you out and to focus on my own understanding. Please forgive me Lord. I thank You for loving me, holding me, and providing for me. I thank You Lord for putting up with me!

I feel as though I’ve come full circle. Tonight I will go to bed in full contentment, because I know that God has already supplied all of my needs!

The Weight of Unforgiveness

WALKING IN YOUR PURPOSE - Part 2 - FREE TELECLASS


Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Time: 8:00 pm CST / 9:00 pm EST / 6:00 pm PST / 7:00 pm MST

This segment will focus on a major component that hold many of us back. We cannot fully walk in our purpose with the baggage of unforgiveness weighing us down.

Do you carry this bag? Have you been hurt and you don't know how to forgive? Do you suffer daily because you're being controlled by your pain and disappointment? Do you find it impossible to be happy for others because you are so unhappy? Do you harbor bitterness and resentment?

You cannot be free as long as you refuse to let go. Remember, your new beginnings await you. However, something to think about is that you cannot pour new wine into old wineskins (Mark 2:21-22).

Let's talk about it.

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Blessings Galore!

Carla

WHAT DO YOU SEE:

“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."

But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."~Numbers 13:30 – 33

These are my thoughts on the Giants. Being as the New York Giants just won the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, you may believe that I this will be about football.

Well……..yes, and no!

If you are not a football fan, you can still see clearly the thoughts I would like to point out here. As always with my writing, this is all about life and purpose, so please indulge me for a moment. It is my prayer that you are blessed by my thoughts on the Giants.

I have to begin with a couple of questions. What do you see when you see yourself? Is your view of yourself dependent upon your circumstances and the issues that surround you?

It was for the Israelite spies who were sent to survey the land that God had already promised them through Moses. In fact, God had already brought them through “hell and high water” to get them to yet another place of deliverance. Caleb heard the report of the spies that the land was exactly as God had promised. A land that flowed with milk and honey. A place that would allow them to prosper in all ways. A place where they could thrive as a people. A land of abundance and vitality. Because God promised them this land, Caleb was ready to take possession because he knew that God was righteous and trustworthy. He knew that God would allow them to be victorious in possessing the land.

But, the spies soured the report by throwing fear and doubt into the picture. Not only that, they hindered the task at hand by viewing themselves as mere “grasshoppers” in the presence of the inhabitants. Thus sealing their destiny. Because they saw themselves as defeated, they knew that they would be seen as grasshoppers in the sight of the “giants”.

Isn’t that just like us? How many times have you not achieved something because you quickly claimed defeat for yourself even before you set out to succeed?
It’s simple. If you believe that you can’t, then you won’t.

The New York Giants were seen as mere grasshoppers in the eyes of most people compared to the New England Patriots over the past two weeks. With good reason, I must say. The Patriots were a dynasty this season. A powerhouse. They were undefeated, heading into the Super Bowl with a perfect record of 18 – 0. They won all of the regular season and post-season games. It was expected that they would have an absolute perfect season by winning the big one – the Super Bowl.
The Giants started off the season on a rocky foot. They’ve had many ups and downs. They were not perfect. Many wondered if quarterback Eli Manning had what it took to lead his team to victory. Yet, no one doubted that quarterback Tom Brady of the Patriots would win…….yet again! This man has won several Super Bowls in the past. Manning had never even stepped foot into a Super Bowl, other than to cheer his big brother Peyton on in last year’s Super Bowl.

I rooted for Eli and the Giants. Perhaps my reasoning was not technical, or realistic, or even savvy. I simply believed that regardless of the obstacles ahead of them, it was possible for them to win. I was told by some (my own husband included) that my thinking was not logical. I was told that that the Patriots were too strong for the Giants. The Giants went in as the underdogs.

All I kept saying was that it was possible for them to win. I truly believed that.
Obviously the Giants believed it themselves because they won!!!
What lessons did I see in this great “upset”?

1. You don’t have to be perfect to be successful.
2. No matter how big the competition is, you can still stand up and be victorious.
3. With God, all things are possible.
4. You have to see yourself as a winner – even against the odds.
5. Others see you as you see yourself.

We face many obstacles in our lives. We are often told that we don’t have what it takes to get the job done. We are plagued with images of the powerful and it is easy for us to believe that we are powerless in comparison. It is difficult to achieve significant feats in the face of adversity, particularly without support from others.

It is important for us to drop the “underdog” mentality in our lives. If we continue to allow giant and even apparent impossible circumstances poison our minds, we will never be able to stand.

Whatever you’re facing right now can be viewed as the Super Bowl of your life. Are you going to allow the naysayers to hold you back? How long will you allow your view of yourself to be distorted due to your lack of confidence?
Snap out of it! Remember Philippians 4:13 – You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Stop telling yourself that you can’t! Otherwise, you won’t.
The choice is yours.

© February 4, 2008