I grew up in New Orleans, LA. and never knew what the meaning of Ash Wednesday was. So since I heard someone say that today was Ash Wednesday, I decided to research the concept.
I found out that Catholics place the ashes of palm trees from last year and place them on their forehead as a cross. This is symbolic of the fact that we are sinners and in need of a saviour. It also is a time of giving up something for 40 days leading up to Easter. This part I knew about which is called Lent.
I guess the problem that I had once I found out about Lent a few years ago is that the day before Ash Wednesday which is Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras Day is a day for catholic to wild out and do everything their hearts desire since they will be giving up these things for the next 40 days. This really bothered me. Once I found out this, I have not been to Mardi Gras.
I don't know if my mom or other families knew about this and just decided that they were going to participate in Mardi Gras since it was something they had been doing all their lives or not. But I chose not to keep up that tradition since in my eyes, it does not bring glory to God.
Let me know your thoughts on Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday and Lent.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Who Are You Talking To?
I have a friend of mine who is contemplating leaving her spouse. I suggested that she should spend some time with God in His Word so that He can lead her and guide her.
She has her mind made up that there is no hope for her marriage. This is self talk is what I told her. In order to know what God has to say on the matter, I told her she has to get revelation from God.
After I finished talking to her about choices and consequences, she agreed that she does need to spend time with God and in His Word.
God is our protection and he will keep us from hurt, harm and danger. He can help us to cast down thoughts and imaginations that don't bring glory to God.
Here is a scripture that I believe is one to consider when having to make a serious decision:
Proverbs 11:14 – Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. King James Version
In conclusion, divorce is not the will of God and there is no failure in God. Seek wise Godly counsel before making a decision that affects not only you but other family members also.
http://createaprayerpillow.com
Read,Pray,Know,Then Go!
She has her mind made up that there is no hope for her marriage. This is self talk is what I told her. In order to know what God has to say on the matter, I told her she has to get revelation from God.
After I finished talking to her about choices and consequences, she agreed that she does need to spend time with God and in His Word.
God is our protection and he will keep us from hurt, harm and danger. He can help us to cast down thoughts and imaginations that don't bring glory to God.
Here is a scripture that I believe is one to consider when having to make a serious decision:
Proverbs 11:14 – Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. King James Version
In conclusion, divorce is not the will of God and there is no failure in God. Seek wise Godly counsel before making a decision that affects not only you but other family members also.
http://createaprayerpillow.com
Read,Pray,Know,Then Go!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Talk To The Hand That Protects
Since yesterday was October 31st, the day that Halloween is celebrated, it brought back some scary memories I had as a kid. Here's why:
Growing up in New Orleans was very scary for me. I didn’t know a lot about evil spirits and what to do about them but for some reason, they loved hanging around the house I lived in. I always thought it was because people said that someone was buried under the house. As I would go to bed at night, somewhere during the night, I would see witches and ghosts. Yes, witches and ghosts. It was so scary. When this would happen, I would throw the cover over my head and start calling the name Jesus. I had to remind myself of the warring angels I read about in the Bible that were fighting spiritual wickedness on my behalf. I then was able to go back to sleep in peace. This wasn’t the only thing that made me afraid.
I remember the girl that everyone was afraid of because she could fight really well. So when she wanted to fight me, I reminded myself of the story of David and how he knocked out the giant Goliath that everyone was afraid of. I remember being afraid of being in the house by myself.
The scariest of all my fears was when I had to ride the bus home from my job at McDonald’s while in the 10th grade at 2 a.m. I believe that God dispatched angels to encamp around me so that I made it home safe.
I remember the time when I was standing at the counter of a gas station when a guy decided to pull out a gun to rob it. As the robber pulled out the gun, I looked eye to eye at him but was able to walk away without being hurt. During that situation, I had to pray really fast for God to let no weapon formed against me prosper. I know that there are other children today experiencing some of the fears I had and even more.
I believe that reason I was able to make it through these tough situations was because someone besides myself was praying for me also. Just as I believe that prayer warriors had been praying for me during my childhood, we should definitely intercede on behalf of our youth today.
In the Book of John, Jesus prayed to God for our protection through the power of His name. Pray that God would dispatch angels to watch over his people. Pray that as we teach our children about Jesus, that they will call on His name for protection when they are afraid. As you meditate on scriptures pertaining to protection, let’s believe that God’s grace and mercy will rule, reign and supercede the devil’s weapon that are formed against us to kill, steal and destroy the harvest of souls that are our youth.
“God provides protection for His children, so have no fear for Jesus is always near."
http://createaprayerpillow.com
Read,Know,Pray,Then Go!
Growing up in New Orleans was very scary for me. I didn’t know a lot about evil spirits and what to do about them but for some reason, they loved hanging around the house I lived in. I always thought it was because people said that someone was buried under the house. As I would go to bed at night, somewhere during the night, I would see witches and ghosts. Yes, witches and ghosts. It was so scary. When this would happen, I would throw the cover over my head and start calling the name Jesus. I had to remind myself of the warring angels I read about in the Bible that were fighting spiritual wickedness on my behalf. I then was able to go back to sleep in peace. This wasn’t the only thing that made me afraid.
I remember the girl that everyone was afraid of because she could fight really well. So when she wanted to fight me, I reminded myself of the story of David and how he knocked out the giant Goliath that everyone was afraid of. I remember being afraid of being in the house by myself.
The scariest of all my fears was when I had to ride the bus home from my job at McDonald’s while in the 10th grade at 2 a.m. I believe that God dispatched angels to encamp around me so that I made it home safe.
I remember the time when I was standing at the counter of a gas station when a guy decided to pull out a gun to rob it. As the robber pulled out the gun, I looked eye to eye at him but was able to walk away without being hurt. During that situation, I had to pray really fast for God to let no weapon formed against me prosper. I know that there are other children today experiencing some of the fears I had and even more.
I believe that reason I was able to make it through these tough situations was because someone besides myself was praying for me also. Just as I believe that prayer warriors had been praying for me during my childhood, we should definitely intercede on behalf of our youth today.
In the Book of John, Jesus prayed to God for our protection through the power of His name. Pray that God would dispatch angels to watch over his people. Pray that as we teach our children about Jesus, that they will call on His name for protection when they are afraid. As you meditate on scriptures pertaining to protection, let’s believe that God’s grace and mercy will rule, reign and supercede the devil’s weapon that are formed against us to kill, steal and destroy the harvest of souls that are our youth.
“God provides protection for His children, so have no fear for Jesus is always near."
http://createaprayerpillow.com
Read,Know,Pray,Then Go!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
My Mission Is To Reap The Lost - Is It Yours?
What is your mission as a child of the most high God?
If you read Luke 4, you will see that Jesus gives his mission statement. Since we are created in His image and likeness, we should have the same mission. Jesus is concerned about the lost souls - those who don't realize that He died for their sins - let's do what Jesus wants us to do - reap the lost.
During this season of harvest, let's think about what we can do to reap the lost. As you read the new testament books, you will see that Jesus went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil.
Do you realize that you have been given the same authority? Just like you can water a plant that seems to be dying to bring life back to it, you can bring life to other's dead situations as you sow the word of God to bring restoration, hope, healing and deliverance to them. Give it a try. The word of God is sharp and powerful and does what God intends for it to do.
The next time you sense in your spirit that you have encountered someone who is walking in darkness and is lost, sow into them the word that the Holy Ghost has given you to reap a soul for the kingdom of God.
Here is Jesus mission statement:
Luke 4:17
The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captive, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. King James Version
In conclusion, as you operate in the power and authority that you have been given, you will be able to reap the lost by offering them healing, deliverance and illumination.
http://createaprayerpillow.com
Read,Pray,Know,Then Go!
If you read Luke 4, you will see that Jesus gives his mission statement. Since we are created in His image and likeness, we should have the same mission. Jesus is concerned about the lost souls - those who don't realize that He died for their sins - let's do what Jesus wants us to do - reap the lost.
During this season of harvest, let's think about what we can do to reap the lost. As you read the new testament books, you will see that Jesus went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil.
Do you realize that you have been given the same authority? Just like you can water a plant that seems to be dying to bring life back to it, you can bring life to other's dead situations as you sow the word of God to bring restoration, hope, healing and deliverance to them. Give it a try. The word of God is sharp and powerful and does what God intends for it to do.
The next time you sense in your spirit that you have encountered someone who is walking in darkness and is lost, sow into them the word that the Holy Ghost has given you to reap a soul for the kingdom of God.
Here is Jesus mission statement:
Luke 4:17
The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captive, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. King James Version
In conclusion, as you operate in the power and authority that you have been given, you will be able to reap the lost by offering them healing, deliverance and illumination.
http://createaprayerpillow.com
Read,Pray,Know,Then Go!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
This Ghost Will Move You From Fear To Faith
Halloween is only a few days from today. It is a day when people participating in the celebration of Halloween put on costumes that either bring fear to others or characterizes something else that you are familiar with that is harmless. For example, I've seen people dress up as the devil, a witch, a ghost and any other creature that would bring fear to you. I've also seen others dress up as princesses, angels and cuddly animals.
Having Halloween as a holiday that is celebrated during the month that is considered to be the beginning of harvest time is a setup by the Holy Ghost.
God wants to see if you are going to believe in what the devil's ghost and goblins want you to believe about your harvest or what the Holy Ghost has told you about your harvest.
I believe that the enemy wants you to walk in fear during this time instead of faith so that you won't reap the harvest that God has already intended for you to have. He wants you to look at your situation with the natural eye and not with the supernatural power of the Holy Ghost. In other words, he wants you to see your situation as doom and gloom instead of prosperous and purposeful.
Ephesians 6:16 says above all, taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. King James Version
In conclusion, as you walk in faith instead of fear, you will be able to cast down thoughts and imaginations that the enemy is trying to put in your mind that don't bring glory to God.
As a child of the most high God, you have been empowered by the Holy Ghost to walk in victory and not as a victim, you have been empowered to walk in faith and not fear and you will be prosperous and not pathetic.
Jesus said that He has given us the power of the Holy Ghost to lead us and guide us. Now what are you going to do with it during this time of harvest?
http://createaprayerpillow.com
Read,Pray,Know,Then Go!
Having Halloween as a holiday that is celebrated during the month that is considered to be the beginning of harvest time is a setup by the Holy Ghost.
God wants to see if you are going to believe in what the devil's ghost and goblins want you to believe about your harvest or what the Holy Ghost has told you about your harvest.
I believe that the enemy wants you to walk in fear during this time instead of faith so that you won't reap the harvest that God has already intended for you to have. He wants you to look at your situation with the natural eye and not with the supernatural power of the Holy Ghost. In other words, he wants you to see your situation as doom and gloom instead of prosperous and purposeful.
Ephesians 6:16 says above all, taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. King James Version
In conclusion, as you walk in faith instead of fear, you will be able to cast down thoughts and imaginations that the enemy is trying to put in your mind that don't bring glory to God.
As a child of the most high God, you have been empowered by the Holy Ghost to walk in victory and not as a victim, you have been empowered to walk in faith and not fear and you will be prosperous and not pathetic.
Jesus said that He has given us the power of the Holy Ghost to lead us and guide us. Now what are you going to do with it during this time of harvest?
http://createaprayerpillow.com
Read,Pray,Know,Then Go!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Do You Have Pumpkin Seed To Sow?
Since this is October, in Jacksonville, Florida, as you drive throughout the city, you will see lots of pumpkin patches. These pumpkin patches usually are visited by families as an outing on a Saturday or Sunday. Some of these pumpkins are huge. The kids visiting the pumpkin patch get to pick out a pumpkin to carve out a funny face on it. Those who look forward to making their favorite and famous pumpkin pies, look forward to picking out pumpkins to wow their family and friends. Basically, what I'm saying here is that the pumpkins are in their season and make great craft activities as well as delicious pumpkin pies.
Well, just like it is harvest time for pumpkin lovers, it is also harvest time for you. Genesis says that as long as the earth remains, there will be seedtime and harvest. What you are reaping as a harvest right now is based on what you have sown previously. Just like the pumpkin seeds were sown to produce a harvest during this fall season, you have sown financially and are reaping from it during this fall season as well.
Just like there are huge pumpkins during this harvest season, is your financial increase huge? It is definitely determined by how you sowed financially. When you sow sparingly, you reap sparingly and when you sow bountifully, you reap bountifully. If you want a harvest that is running over an in abundance, then sow accordingly.
In conclusion, know this, as you continue to sow your financial seed,
know that God will multiply it
know tha God will supply all your needs
know that He will give you an abundance of seed to sow
know that there will be a continual flow of His blessings in your life
know that you will walk in His divine sufficiency.
Here is a scripture to mediate on: Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. King James Version
Let's continue to sow our tithes and offerings to reap a financial harvest to the glory of God.
http://createaprayerpillow.com
Read,Pray,Know,Then Go!
Well, just like it is harvest time for pumpkin lovers, it is also harvest time for you. Genesis says that as long as the earth remains, there will be seedtime and harvest. What you are reaping as a harvest right now is based on what you have sown previously. Just like the pumpkin seeds were sown to produce a harvest during this fall season, you have sown financially and are reaping from it during this fall season as well.
Just like there are huge pumpkins during this harvest season, is your financial increase huge? It is definitely determined by how you sowed financially. When you sow sparingly, you reap sparingly and when you sow bountifully, you reap bountifully. If you want a harvest that is running over an in abundance, then sow accordingly.
In conclusion, know this, as you continue to sow your financial seed,
know that God will multiply it
know tha God will supply all your needs
know that He will give you an abundance of seed to sow
know that there will be a continual flow of His blessings in your life
know that you will walk in His divine sufficiency.
Here is a scripture to mediate on: Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. King James Version
Let's continue to sow our tithes and offerings to reap a financial harvest to the glory of God.
http://createaprayerpillow.com
Read,Pray,Know,Then Go!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Trick Or Treat?
As I have stated at the beginning of this month - it is harvest time! Now you are wondering how could this be harvest time when people are still jobless, homeless and can't even see when there will be an end to their financial stresses.
The reason I can say this is because Jesus is still Lord of the harvest. He says in Genesis that as long as the earth remains there will be seedtime and harvest. You have not been tricked by God. God's word is true.
Now you will be tricked if you choose to listen the words that the enemy is feeding you such as telling you that you don't have to continue tithing and giving since you are unsure of what the economy will be like in the future. Don't give into the lie. God's resource NEVER runs out. You just need to know how to tap into them.
Now here's where the treat comes in, read Malachi 3:11 - it says:
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sake, and he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, niether shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, said the Lord of host. King James Version
In conclusion, as you continue to tithe and give during this season of economic uncertainty, God says that you will reap a harvest in the season that you are supposed to as you walk in obedience and in faith.
Read,Pray,Know,Then Go!
http://createaprayerpillow.com
The reason I can say this is because Jesus is still Lord of the harvest. He says in Genesis that as long as the earth remains there will be seedtime and harvest. You have not been tricked by God. God's word is true.
Now you will be tricked if you choose to listen the words that the enemy is feeding you such as telling you that you don't have to continue tithing and giving since you are unsure of what the economy will be like in the future. Don't give into the lie. God's resource NEVER runs out. You just need to know how to tap into them.
Now here's where the treat comes in, read Malachi 3:11 - it says:
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sake, and he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, niether shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, said the Lord of host. King James Version
In conclusion, as you continue to tithe and give during this season of economic uncertainty, God says that you will reap a harvest in the season that you are supposed to as you walk in obedience and in faith.
Read,Pray,Know,Then Go!
http://createaprayerpillow.com
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