I’LL TRY GOD LATER

                                         

The explanation “I’ll try God later” doesn't match up at all against the truth of the gospel. The following was adapted from “A SIMPLE EXPLANATION OF THE GOSPEL/ The Four Spiritual Laws”. 
Please use your bible.

Just as there are physical laws that govern the physical universe, so are there spiritual laws that govern your relationship with God.

GOD LOVES YOU AND OFFERS A WONDERFUL PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE.  John 3:16; 10:10

Since God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life, why is it that most people are not experiencing God’s love and the abundant life?  Because…

MAN IS SINFUL AND SEPARATED FROM GOD. THEREFORE, HE CANNOT KNOW AND EXPERIENCE GOD’S LOVE AND PLAN FOR HIS LIFE.  Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:2

Man was created to have fellowship with God.  But because of his own stubborn self-will,         
man chose to go his own independent way and fellowship with God was broken. This self-               

will, characterized by an attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference, is evidence of  

what the bible calls sin.

God is holy and man is sinful. A great gulf separates the two. Man is continually trying to  

reach God and the abundant life through his own efforts such as a "good life", “good works” or  

religious ceremonies. This does not work because “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags”.  
Isaiah 64:4 “The wages of sin is death”.  Romans 6:23

Additional comments: Let me point out why the “I’ll try God later” explanation doesn’t work.

Since God has a universal plan and purpose for  mankind which needs our participation; if we

reject or neglect God , we remain enemies of God . John 8:42,44; Romans 8:7

God’s offer for  us to partake in His plan, may never come later. In John 6:44 Jesus say’s “No  

one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him”. It is strictly God’s decision.

Once God has made an offer, it’s not something we can put on the shelf for later. Because as  

Jesus said; “Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their  

(hard) hearts.” Mark 4:15  (Mark 4:2-8, 13-20)

We only waste our time (“Ain’t no half-steppin’”). As stated before “all our righteous acts

are like filthy rags”, because “they that are in the flesh (unsaved) cannot please God.” Roman 8:8

We must “count the cost” and be very sober about this offer, because ultimate failure to do so

will result in eternal punishment. Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:11-15

JESUS CHRIST IS GOD’S ONLY PROVISION FOR MAN’S SIN. THROUGH HIM YOU CAN KNOW AND EXPERIENCE GOD’S LOVE AND PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE.  John 14:6; Acts 4:10-12

God has bridged the gulf that separates us from Him by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the  

cross in our place to pay the penalty for our sins. Colossians 1:20; 2:14.
He rose from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (This is an important element of your
understanding because the resurrection is the proof that Jesus Christ’s claims about sin and  
salvation are true.)

WE MUST INDIVIDUALLY RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD, THEN WE CAN KNOW AND EXPERIENCE GOD’S LOVE AND PLAN FOR OUR LIVES.  John 1:12; Romans 10:9-10

Receiving Christ involves repentance, turning to God from self, AND faith, trusting Christ to  

come into our lives to forgive our sins and make us what He wants us to be.
We come to know and receive Christ through a personal invitation from God.  Revelation
3:20; John 6:45-47
When we receive Christ, we experience a new birth.  John 3:1-8; 1 Peter 1:23

WHERE TO FROM HERE? YOU CAN RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST BY FAITH THROUGH PRAYER.  

“Come as you are”

There is no magical formula as regards to the words you are to use. However, when spoken

from the heart, the “ideas” expressed in the following prayer illustrate the main thoughts
which we should share with God.
My Father and my Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me  
eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the person You want me to be.
If the ideas in this prayer are expressed from the heart, Jesus Christ will come into your life, as  
He promised.  Revelation 3:20

by Maurice

Come Apart

Sometimes I have to pull away or I will be pulled apart. I'm sure you know what I mean. When the pressure is on at home or work, everyone is demanding your attention or project deadlines are looming, you could be easily overwhelmed! I get easily irritated when I'm overwhelmed, even in ministry. It is great to pour out to others but necessary to get refilled as well. 

Jesus sweetly calls us away into His presence,  away from distractions and the busyness of life, into His arms. I love that place. No appointment or preparation necessary. I can unload before Him, cry, release, laugh and really be myself, the way He likes. The way He created  me.

How refreshing to be with someone who completely understands you! It's exhausting to pretend isn't it? Painting on a happy face when you'd rather be doing something else, talking to someone else or being somewhere else takes work! Friendship facades can go on for a very long time. This can even happen in marriage. But it truly is living out a lie. Ever been in the place where you felt merely used. Where everything was for the other person? Even what was supposed to be for you was really for them? Yeah, I've been there too. Every once in a while, you find someone genuine, a soulmate. When we find someone like that - wow - what a relief! But they still don't know everything. Sometimes the very person that you have entrusted your heart to, breaks it best.  

I have had very few close friends in my life because at some point you are made fun of, ridiculed, laughed at or trust is broken. I love hard and deep. Not everyone can handle that and that's a a fact I learned the hard way! Putting your heart out there is a risky thing, but not so with Jesus. I have to just tell God about my feelings, secrets and embarrassments because He Gets Me! No need to paint a picture, break it down or make an outline. He understands completely and loves you still.

If you never have, I highly suggest taking the risk with Christ. He has yet to disappoint me. Even when my prayers are not answered the way I think they should be, He surprises me with an even greater blessing! What an incredible Savior! No one knows you like He does and no one can  solve your problems like He can. We can rest in Him. We can rely on Him. And when we come apart with Him, He puts us back together. Whole. Complete. Lacking nothing. 

Mark 6:31

Colossians 2:8-10

Announcement!! Announcement!! Announcement!!

Coming 2014, my husband Maurice and I will be giving this blog a facelift including a new title, design and it will also include contributions from my dear husband! I am madly excited about what God is up to. This will be a couple blog in January!

Your breath stinks.

"Your breath stinks" he said. That's hard to hear from your husband, especially if you are feeling super cute, your hair is on point and you have on his favorite perfume. You are hoping that you get to do one of your favorite married activities with him and he totally kills the mood. I KNOW I am not alone!

I cried and cried. He hurt my feelings so bad. He is supposed to love & cherish me no matter what! But let's get real. Your breath stinks. That's a fact. That's real married life.

It's hard to even think about getting close when there is something like that between us. It is not the most pleasant thing to tell your spouse, but honesty is more important than tolerating something that is wrong.

So my question is, how come we can't take God's rebuke as his bride? Your sin stinks. He's just "keeping it real" with you right now. He kindly tells you that you need to brush, floss, swish and spit out that nastiness. Be hot or cold but that in between kills!

As followers of Christ, the most important thing we need to do is to stay close to Him! Sin is the ONLY thing that separates us. So go get that mess right. God is holy. He truly is as much a God of love as He is a God of wrath. We MUST be holy.

Fortunately for us, He is also a God of great mercy. We do not get what we deserve because Jesus paid the price for our sin. We have everything we need to be fresh before our King.

No man wants to cuddle up with the dragon breath wife. Every little sin is a problem. Every time we commit sin, we practically push God further and further away, until we repent. I know it hurts your feelings hun, but your sin sticks. Go wash up under the blood of Christ, floss away those hidden things that no one sees behind your smile. Swish yourself in the Spirit to make it harder for the enemy to attack and leave the mess at the alter. Right now please.

Your King is waiting.

Marriage Mistake

Have you ever felt that getting married was a mistake? Perhaps you married the wrong person? Perhaps you married too soon? Maybe this was your idea and not God's idea? You did not realize that they were like that. You didn't know they had that habit, or that their life would change so drastically later on and affect you as well. Maybe you thought this family would look differently once you got married. Welcome to Zecharias and Joseph's world!

Joseph had plans to marry a beautiful girl and to have beautiful children with her. He planned to marry a virgin. He planned to marry a woman without kids, or a "reputation". How about Zecharias. He had plans too. By this time, he had hoped to be a grandfather or maybe even a great- grandfather with an awesome family legacy! He had plans to be fertile and marry a woman who would bear him an heir - a son who would carry HIS name. But my how God disrupts our lives to bring His plans and His purposes.

You may not regret your marriage, but you may have some disappointments in who you married, the surrounding circumstances and how many kids or lack thereof you have at this time. It's almost understandable disappointment....from our perspective.

Look at how these two men reacted. Zecharias did not believe that anything miraculous could happen. God did not allow him to speak until the word from the angel was performed. Then he had to give that child the name John, not his family name, as he had hoped. Joseph on the other hand was perplexed. He needed to hear from the angel himself so God sent an angel to him. He also had a dream and God confirmed everything. I think it's because he believed. God will bring things to light in time for the believer. But he still had to endure the mocking, and comfort Mary in times of other people's doubt. What misunderstandings! These were illegitimate circumstances. They looked like sinners. They looked like liars. They look like idiots to those who could not comprehend God's mysterious plan.

If you are married,  you may be facing perplexing circumstances. No you do not have the exact set of issues as Joseph and Zecharias but it's hard to keep the faith.  Don't doubt that the God you took your vows before is able to reconcile and mend your marriage into a beautiful picture for His glory. You may be hurt, embarrassed or disappointed but God specializes in the miraculous.

Trust Him!

In your confusion, believe that He is with you as you go through this time. Whatever has happened has been allowed in order to shape you for what he has planned in the future. Remember to keep the right perspective. Marriage is SO daily. I mean, you can't really run away from your spouse. So trust God. Do what He has told you to do. You are only responsible to be obedient to His commands. Anything that happens after that He has allowed. Keep your eyes on Jesus. If you are not sure what to do ask him. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. If God cannot go back on his own word, then he is trustworthy to do it. He will answer you. Stop asking other people and stay before God until the next step is clear. He is a revealer.

Even when what we call "mistakes" happen, that word is not in God's vocabulary. If you trust Him, even those will be for His glory. Jesus was not a mistake and Joseph (who had a choice) did not make a mistake by marrying his fiance. It's all in God's plan.

Luke 1-2, Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 1-2

My husband and I feel strongly called to marriage ministry. If you have questions, comments or desire prayer, please feel free to email me at coach@wifestyleimagenetwork.com.

Go tell the Disciples

As I was doing some laundry over the weekend, I caught my son looking at the new Bible App for Kids. He was sitting in a laundry basket and enjoying himself. Then I heard the narrator talking about the Resurrection of Christ and the Holy Spirit opened my heart to something new in this situation.

After Jesus had been buried Mary and some other women went to the tomb to put spices on his body. Think about this. When the Angels told them that Jesus was no longer there they were instructed to go and tell the disciples that Jesus was risen from the dead. They were the first who would share the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a calling! What a awesome command!

I’m encouraged because they were told to tell disciples, not just anyone, but disciples.Disciples are people who follow Christ and encourage others to do the same. The gospel was given to dependable followers by women who were obedient. What if they had decided that they would sit at the tomb and wait around instead? What if they went off and told some other people who were not disciples? What would have happened then? Thank God for Mary and the other women who shared the Good News first!

Today after church I went out to grab a bite to eat. I was feeling sorry for the woman was serving me. She was working all alone and seem to be a bit stressed. She was the one taking orders and she went on to make and serve the food. At that moment, I felt led to share the gospel. I was waiting for the right opportunity. I offered a daily bread devotional to her with a secret $25 gift card inside as a big tip. As I prepared to give it, another worker, a guy with tattoos covering just about his entire body walks in and gets behind the counter. I asked the woman, "If I give this to you, will you read it?". She refused. In disappointment, I Immediately asked the guy who willingly accepted the devotional. Perhaps that was God's plan after all. He may share the good news with someone else if they can get past his tattoos. He just may become a disciple for Christ!

I wonder about that initial reception and rejection of the good news by the disciples and by people today. If they only knew!!

If you take the time to research other biblical stories, you will see that God has used women first to share the Gospel, to bring Jesus into the world and The Bride of Christ herself is a female character. Females are instrumental in God's plan of salvation and discipleship. I got excited. Maybe just maybe, God can use me after all!

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There is so much to be thankful for. There really is! I am in much prayer for my brothers and sisters in the Philippines this week. They are still suffering. That typhoon was huge and has disrupted their lives in an immeasurable way. The country has literally changed shape overnight. Those of us that were unaffected have much to be grateful for. I hope that you will take the time to support ministries that are reaching out to those who are now homeless, jobless, widowed, orphaned, or naked and are in much need of the Savior today.

In my giving thanks I am also driven to my knees to look at the others who do not have as much as I do. We always say we are going to pray for others but do we really? Find that sometimes if I do not pray for people right away I become a liar when I say that I will pray for them. That is just unacceptable. So if I ask you for a prayer request and you give me one, know that I really am praying. And God has been answering those prayers. I am grateful this morning for life, health and strength and all of the other things that are so intangible like salvation, the Holy Spirit working in my life and forgiveness of my sins. How about you what things are you grateful for this week?

Being grateful should drive us to our knees. Not only because we are overcome with God's blessings but because there are so many others who we should be being a blessing to. Your blessings are never just for you. God puts you in a position of overflow to flow over into the lives of others.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because there is less fluff and more substance. That is, if we take the time to enjoy the substance. It is not about filling ourselves full with food, but filling ourselves up with the Holy Spirit in a time of gratefulness and appreciation to God. So many of us are so spoiled and we cry over things that do not matter. We concern ourselves over things that are not eternal and we worry about things that we cannot change even though we do not need them.

It's time for believers to wake up and to realize their blessings and share a little...no, a lot! That's right, if we have more than enough why aren't we sharing? We are like a spoiled little kids who whine about the least important things. Please take time to be thankful this week really spend time evaluating how God has bless you. Not only that, but reach out to someone else who is in need. This life is all we get to share Christ. Feed His sheep not your face...lol!

Totally freezing today, but grateful for the snow that reminders me of summer.

Clean this House

When I was single, I would often look up to married women who seemed to have it all together. They knew the Lord, had Prince Charming, a couple of kids, a pet and a beautiful home. I told myself that this was a dream that could be real for me. Very early I knew that I would be a wife one day. I actually looked forward to marriage much more than even having children (which is another reason why it was about five years later). I knew that I could do this wife thing: submission, sex and cooking. What I did NOT prepare for well was the cleaning!

Now, I'm a neat person. I really am. I put things back in their places and most people are rather impressed that my home is not a pigsty considering that I have two boys that are eight and "about to be seven mom". However, my husband has one idea of cleanliness and I had another. We are both neat, but there is neat and there is "excellence". My hubby says to strive for what is excellent. We are stewards of our home and therefore it ought to be kept as unto the Lord. Well...okey dokey then. I got to work after I got home from work and from doing my homework and helping the kids with their chores and homework and doing my workout. Whew..I got tired. Fast! So we made a schedule and that was a challenge as well. My boys got messier, they ate more, people came over, they ate more...it was overwhelming to do all this work and clean afterwards, right away and in an excellent way.

Then, doors opened for ministry. Woo-Hoo! We are busy serving the Lord, so I served at home a little less. Hmm...mistake. We got busy in ministry, so I planned to clean the next day and the next day and over the weekend. What started as excellence became not even quite ok.

What I began praying for was a mentor. I needed a woman who had it all together to show me how to organize my life. It's not cool to be ministering to a broken wife with piles of dishes in the sink and your kids wearing last week's socks! I was determined to do what God had called me to do, but my priorities were all out of whack. Honestly, my heart was not in the right place. I needed to clean there first. I work for God, not any man. God reminded me (very often through my hubby's looks of disappointment) that the goal was not perfection but right priority. I sought out a woman who had it all together and could show me how to make the money, keep the hubby happy, have nutritious meals and a perfectly clean home. And guess what? I had to stop looking. She doesn't exist.

What I have learned instead is this. If I clean my house from the inside out, meaning replacing my ideas of what I should be with God's ideas, I am making God happy, and consequently, hubby too! I learned how to manage my time better from a woman who was always on time. I invited a great cook into my kitchen and gleaned from her. I follow women in ministry with clean homes. I need to see that you have Christ in first place and your primary ministry in order before I am mentored by you. I sit among great mothers with their children. Because one thing I notice is that they actually have a relationship with their children. What I am trying to convey to you is that we ALL have something to share with someone else. You have succeeded in something and instead of keeping it to yourself, you should help someone else out! The Proverbs 31 woman is the Body of Christ. She can do it all but look closely - she has help. If we are the Body of Christ, when we all help one another instead of putting our mouths on each other, we make Christ look good! It's nothing that you can accomplish on your own. So perhaps, like me, this is your struggle. Or maybe, you can relate in a different way. It really is all the same.

And guess what? God wouldn't even let me post this on Sunday as I had scheduled until i completed my mopping, did two loads of laundry and cleared the sink from our last meal. Real ministry.

Once I realized the power of community, my marriage, family and ministry changed. Now, I am in the process of teaching other women to do the same thing. Networking is a untapped power that women are afraid to use. Often we just don't trust each other. But that just shows me that there is housekeeping of the heart that needs to be done. Clean that house first and the rest will follow.

My Source

God is my Source. He is the reason for and the reason why all things exist. When I think of the word source, I think of money of course, but I also think of my source of salvation and of life.

I did a bit of a word study on source, resource and outsource. Here are their definitions:

Source - a place, person or thing from which something comes; someone or something that provides what us needed or wanted; where something springs into being; origin

Resource - a stock or supply; other assets for effective operation; something used for support or help; provision

Outsource - obtained from an outside or foreign supplier; to send off to be done by people from outside the "company"

God is the source in the sense of being the Creator. He also is the supplier. He gives us everything that we need to do what He has made us for. In addition to that, He sends others from outside to assist us in what He wants us to do. This can be in the form of unsaved helpers or even enemies who push you to your destiny in Christ.

When we realize that for Him, and through Him and to Him are all things (Romans 11:36) we realize that our lives and whatever we think we can offer God are already His. This brings me to the conclusion that God owns us and we are caretakers of whatever He generously supplies.

I then had the thought that I am the Lord's resource. If He lives inside of me and I am usable by Him, then I become a conduit of His blessings to others. Think of how electricity works. It is its own source and the use of its power comes only through something else. The Holy Spirit works through those who are willing to be used of God, but the power of God in our lives and in our gifts and talents are not just for us. They are for others to the glory of God!

When I read Revelation chapter 1 this morning, I stopped when I got to the part that said that John was "in the spirit" on the Lord's day. We can be in the flow of the Spirit, but the capacity of use is in our power. How much of us can the Lord use freely? If we cannot be used by the Source, He is able to outsource to get His will accomplished by other means. In no way does the wire that is supposed to conduct electricity diminish the source. It is simply disposed of and replaced.

My prayer is to be a live wire for the Kingdom. I never want to say "God you can have only this much of what You have given me". What?! That doesn't even make sense. We are stewards of His blessings, our lives, money, time and marriages. When He returns, will what He gave you be multiplied?

Hunger Pains

This morning I read Acts chapter 27 where imprisoned Paul and other shipmates were caught in a life-threatening storm and were so worried that they did not eat for 14 days! After a while, Paul prophesied that God revealed to them that their lives would be spared.This is what the Lord showed me:

We are not in control. When we do not listen and obey the voice of God, He may allow the storms of life to redirect us. God is always merciful. His ambassadors have a different perspective in the storm. We can be optimistic and hopeful and fearful situations. We still have bread. God is maintaining us.

When we fast, we do not worry about not eating later. We know that at least we have bread coming later on. While Jesus was here, there was no need to fast, but now that He is not, fasting is a discipline to keep us dependent on the Bread of Life and to recognize our true source of real sustenance. God will sustain and uphold us until we reach the destination that he has predestined for us. We may lose things but Jesus never loses us. Our lives are held secure even though we are experiencing the hunger pains. So we can fast without fear. We know that The Bread is coming.

Big Announcement!

So I have been working on something and it has finally been completed!

I'm so very excited to introduce to you my new book entitled "The Titus Ten".

https://www.createspace.com/4460079
www.wifestyleimagenetwork.com

This book is a resource for Wifestyle Image Network women. It explains Titus 2:3-5 in a very practical way and gives examples from my personal life and others who have shared their stories with me.

There are ten things in Titus that every woman needs to teach younger women. So even if you do not consider yourself older or younger, this book is for you!

Please get a copy for you and for a friend. This is a journey through the bible that you do not want to take alone.

Follow up video training that accompany the book will begin in December so buy  your copy now.

I pray that this resource is a blessing to you and to the women in your life!

Fall Back, Spring Forward

The blessings of following Jesus far outweigh the trials that He allows us to go through to refine us. Even in our sin and disobedience, His grace is ever sufficient. 

It's daylight savings time. Someone had this idea to "save the light" of day by making everyone in the time zone gain an hour in the fall and lose an hour in the spring. This usually happens as we all sleep here in the U.S. We lose an hour of sleep and people complain about that because their internal clocks become disoriented. While we attempt to rest, our rest is stolen unless we prepare ourselves for falling back.

Perhaps you already see where I am going with this. God knows that we will fall into sin. So he has made provision in not sparing His Son to die. The Son is gone; but when Jesus left this world, He gave us the Holy Spirit to direct us internally. You see, the Holy Spirit convinces us of the truth of the Bible and convicts us when we fall into sin. When we fall back, He redeems the time for us.

When we have been redeemed, the night is like day to us. The world is dark and sinful and many people are asleep to the truth of the gospel. But we are children of the day. So even when times change here on earth, our internal motivation is based on eternity. Work while it is day. Night is coming when no man can work.

As the Lord redeems what we consider to be lost, our perspective changes. When we were sleeping, lazy and non-complacent Christ died for us. Once we believe and receive Him into our hearts, time is not the issue anymore, our obedience is. Now everything you do counts for eternity! Now that is a change in perspective.

God has redeemed us. Have you been awakened from your sleep and filled with the Holy Spirit? If not, I encourage you to do that today. Tomorrow may be too late.

Pray with me.

Lord,
I have sinned and have come short of your perfect standard of holiness. I am sorry. I repent and turn away from what has displeased You. I accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for my sins on the cross at Calvary. I give my life to You. I believe that I am saved from sin. Fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit to confess before others the change that You have made in my life. Give me power to overcome sin, self and satan in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

If you have prayed that prayer, I'd love to hear from you. Your next step is to get baptized among a group of other believers and join a discipleship group that will teach you more about the Bible and sharing your faith with others.

Welcome to my family!

Stop being chased

Earlier last week, my son was being chased around the house by his brother. I was watching the whole thing from the top of the stairs. One of our house rules is no running in the house. So when I confronted my son about running, he blamed his brother. "He was chasing me", he said. I responded, "Then stop being chased. You can choose to stop running and obey the rules. That is under your control".

When I thought about that a short time later, it made me think about how we often blame other people and circumstances for our present failures in life. We seldom take full responsibility for our own actions even though we are completely under control of ourselves. I've heard it said that people may act a fool but your reaction shows if you are one as well.

Then I thought about how the enemy likes to "chase" the saints. He likes it when we give him the credit for our hardships. "The devil made me do it." or "That devil is so busy!" Stop being chased! The one who is the chaser can only chase something that is running away. God has not called us to run from our enemies, the devil or hardships in life. He has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

It is close to Halloween and folks are enjoying being scared. They get a thrill out of fear. I do not. I don't want to be chased so I will not be. The chasee gains power over the chaser when they stop running. Stand and face your fears. You have more control than you claim. Use it.

God's grace is sufficient for you. So even if you feel like you are being chased, God will not allow the enemy to overtake you. It's a scare tactic...to make you run in fear. Stand still. Do what you know is right. Your Father is watching the whole thing!

One Month on the Web

How do you know when God has His hands on something? It grows, it multiplies. Whenever God speaks a word, it is never just for a moment in time. No, He makes big plans that started before we were formed in the womb. His plans are never about just one person. He does not make a tree just to show it off, He makes multiple forests throughout the World to show His glory.

That is why I am in awe of my Savior today! He has done marvelous things and that my soul knows well! So what am I talking about? I am referring to Wifestyle Image Network (www.wifestyleimagenetwork.com). The Lord planted this seed in my soul back in September a month ago. I had no idea what would happen. At first, there was just a pebble in the pond that left a ripple, but the ripple has been rippling ever since! As a matter of fact, I am seeing waves that I can surf on coming at me. I am waiting for the typhoon because that is how God works.

When the ideas for the network were forming, I envisioned a web, an interconnection of relationships to support one another and build each other up. It is intertwining and complex yet ever so simple. Be a disciple, make a disciple and teach them to make a disciple. That's it. The Great Commission on a web. First, it starts in the corner of a house, then takes over a room then the house. What I did not expect is an international web. Really God? "Really" he said. It is the body of Christ. Ever reaching and never ending.

Sometimes we think our part of the web is too weak or we compare her web to ours. It's more decorative. She has the gift to make creative webs. She has finances and people build her web for her. Lol! Sounds funny doesn't it? But we have to ask ourselves, how should I be building my web. What is my calling? My ministry? My spiritual gift?

I ask you friends to explore that question with me. How has God supernaturally gifted you to impact this world for His glory?

If you care to share, I'd love to hear it. I will pray with and for you.

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If you are a wife anywhere in the world, I encourage you to join the network of women who are passionate about using what God has given them to make disciples of future generations. If you are not interested in fellowshipping with other christian women, learning about discipleship or mentoring others to do the same, please do not join the network. I follow up with every woman so we can brainstorm how God will use your own gifts, talents and abilities to win the world for Christ Jesus. We do not have much time.

Ordain Me

When most people think of ministry activity and ministers, natural questions follow. Where did you get your training? What church or organization are you associated with? Have a license? Degree? Credentials? Experience? These are important questions that deserve a response.  As a matter of fact, even Jesus was questioned regarding His teaching because He had no formal education in Rabbi school and His disciples were "unlearned men".

The Lord taught me a long time ago that everyone who follows Christ is a minister of the gospel. We are legitimate carriers of the Word of God to others by our lifestyles and our testimonies. Before the world was formed, God's purposes for you were established. Our authority to minister is backed by divine authority. We have God's stamp of approval!

In John we see that those who are identified to be used by God are not the volunteers because of their great love for Him, but ones whom God has chosen.

John 15:16 KJV

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

God ordains people. They are legitimized by God Himself. They give account to God and not to men. Anyone who needs proof of your authority to minister can take it up with the Father! God can use whoever He desires. He even used a donkey to speak once! It's not the superstar or the great speaker He calls, but those who will obey.

Look at I Corinthians 3:5-16.

Once God showed me this truth, I became much more bold in sharing my testimony and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am one of the weak and despised that confounds the wise of this world. But it's only because Greater is in me. Now don't get me wrong. We are always learning, always the student of the Word. It's okay to be licensed, ordained, certified, whatever, but my point is...when is it enough to teach or preach? It is when God gives you something to share. Period.

I encourage every woman of God to realize their calling, gifting, authority and ordination by God. Embrace it and do not be afraid to make disciples. Go!

Schooled on Gameday

For some, Sunday is gameday. Football specifically at my house. My hubby loves the game. As his biggest cheerleader,  I needed to get educated. I was not the groupie or the fan. But to know my man I need to understand what captivates him. Football is captivating. No, I'm not competing with the game, I'm learning about it in an effort to communicate with my husband better.

One thing I learned early in the season is this. If your quarterback is injured (in our case - Brian Hoyer of the Browns), then you need a humble replacement who can still give the team a victory. In our case, that person was Brandon Weedon. It reminds me that if my husband is ever "down" or unable to make the call for our family, I can play the quarterback position. I think I'm pretty good actually. Lol!

Another lesson is timeouts. Most games last three hours at a time. That's a long time to just watch a game. I've often told my husband that his time could be spent in a more productive fashion like reading or spending quality time with me for example, but then I learned a valuable truth. Watching football with him = quality time! Who knew! When I give myself a timeout from giving my opinions and actually practice listening more, my marriage works better. I suggest you try it. Think before you speak. Now that's a new idea...lol! Not really, but it definitely works!

Well, let me get back to the game.

Purity is Better

God has a blueprint - the Word of God. It tells us what the perfect building will look like. He gives this precious plan to us and as we construct our lives accordingly, but there will be setbacks and times when we try to alter His masterpiece. In the end, He will compare His plan for your life to what you have done with what He gave you. 

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Keeping yourself pure of sexual exploits for your spouse is a noble thing. Even if you have given away your virginity, or it was stolen from you, God can re-new you for His purposes. God delights in making people new! He can still carry out the plan for your life!

II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Most of us know that maintaining virginity and celibacy equals purity when one is single, but what does it look like in marriage? The bible speaks of keeping the marriage bed pure. Pure physically, mentally and sexually. Any perversion or accessories to God's original blueprint are not what He is building. Remember, marriage is to represent Christ and His Church. He washes her. He covers her. He presents her without spot or wrinkle.

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

I recently had a conversation with several women who shared their stories. We chatted about women addicted to porn and those with issues of masturbation in their marriages. This is hard. This is real. There should be nothing else needed or required by you to fulfill your sexual needs beyond the marriage bed with your husband. What happens in your bedroom is personal and private bringing other things and people within those sacred areas can prove to be a hinderance to what God has originally intended in the blueprint.

Sometimes the issues that affect a healthy sex life in marriage are hidden in our pasts. A vast majority of women have had some sexual encounter by their teen years that will resurface during marriage. This can affect your marriage later whether is it a disease history, promiscuity, rape, incest or abuse of any kind. This is why pre-marital counseling can be so helpful to women. In marriage, you dedicate your body to your spouse. It is only fair that you both know what has happened in the past so that you can move into the future without fear.

Just a few testimonies form women I have spoken with in the past week.

Testimony #1

One woman had been abused by a man close to her and was already dealing with that pain when another man approached her sister. In an effort to protect her younger sister from rape, she offered herself instead out of desperation. Today she is married and tells others her story.

Testimony #2

Another woman lives with the memory of a rape that she hid because she was threatened. He told her that he would rape her sister if she told. However, today she is married to her Boaz, a caring man who treats her with dignity.

Testimony #3

Two women with sex issues prior to marriage have decided to combine their testimonies as a stepping stone into a ministry for other women.

No matter what has happened to you in the past, put God in control of your future. He alone can bring forgiveness, restoration and reconciliation in your relationship. If you are in need of counseling, I can do my best to put you in touch with a christian counselor in your area. Get the help you need to free yourself from bondage in any form and prepare for the calling that the Lord has already placed within you! He makes all things (even marriage) BETTER! You are His architect. Stick to the design.

"Better" - Tye Tribbett

Wifestyle Image Network

Once upon a time there was a wife. She was frustrated. She had a husband to care for and children to raise, a job to keep and a house to manage. It was overwhelming. She wondered if she was alone. She wondered if other women went through the same things as she did. She was busy. She was always busy doing something that she felt like God wanted her to do. But she was not focused. She was not doing whatever the one thing was that she could do best for the Lord. Then she decided to fast and ask the Lord what He wanted for her life. She came before God and told him that she would not move until He gave her specifics as to what to do. Wifestyle Image Network (W.I.N.) was then birthed in prayer and fasting.

Sometimes in life we overlook the simplest things. Even as a Christian who reads the Bible, nothing in it is truly understood until the Holy Spirit reveals it to you in a way that you can understand.

Just five days ago, God showed me a vision of Titus 2 in action. In just an early morning time devotion, I received a revelation and quickly worked in obedience to the Holy Spirit. There is just enough time to do excactly what God is calling you to do. You may be wondering exactly what God is telling you to do. The answer lies in the Great Commission. In the book of Matthew, Jesus leave his disciples with a mission.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:16-20).

The work of spreading the gospel and teaching others to do the same is hardly complete. There is still much work to be done. It is the how to that is the issue. If you are a born again believer then you already a great desire to share the Word of God with others. You may be ignoring it or you may not have clear direction as to where to start. If you are married then sharing the gospel may not even be among your highest of priorities. You may feel you are too old. You may feel you are too young. You may not have enough money and resources to spread the gospel. Your church may not have the right program in order for you to spread the gospel. Or, someone else can. Someone else has more experience more money that spiritual gift or calling, more training or a degree to do what God has called you to do.

Stop making excuses. I gave all those excuses to God (because they were mine as well) and He gave me His Holy Spirit to direct me in how to fulfill the mission He has clearly laid out. We only have so long to live and influence the world around us and then it is over. Jesus is coming back. He will want to know if the mission is complete or not. The bible speaks of seedtime and harvest time. The time to work for the Lord is now.

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4)

Never before in the history of mankind have Christians all over the world been able to share the gospel so quickly and on such a massive scale. Never before have women in particular been able to have such a voice in other people's lives. Social media has become one of the primary means by which women of the 21st century communicate. It is through this vehicle that the Lord has blessed me to establish Wifestyle Image networks across the globe. Wives network to establish mentoring relationships with younger women based on the ten Titus 2 directives given in scripture. Now that I know what to do and how to do it, I invite you, my readers from all over the world to join me on the greatest mission of all time!

www.wifestyleimagenetwork.com

Let's Go!!

Commitment vs Compromise

This last vlog was hard for me to articulate. At one point, I was a bit emotional. But if the things of God do not move you, what can? This is a difficult subject, but necessary. I am a teacher of God's Word and I pray that this peek into my personal devotions is a blessing to you!

Tru Image Wifestyle Vlog #3 Commitment vs Compromise

Numbers 24, Revelation 2

I love Tru Image

Click HERE to see us singing on our Google+ page. Our CD release concert is in November!!

My mom, sisters and I have been singing together for many years. We have two CDs out "I'll Be Glorified" and "Acapella: Crystal Clear". Our third is being released later this fall. Not only do we sing but God has opened doors for us to minister the Word of God as well. My mother is an ordained minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My sister has authored books and bible studies. My husband and I are over the marriage portion of our ministry. God has been good to us and we just desire to know Christ, allow him to transform us and to make him known thereby transforming others. 

You can find out much more about us at our website www.tru-image.org, on facebook (Tru Image), LinkedIn, YouTube (Trutube4U) and Instagram (truimagelsm).

Be Confident of this!

Phillippians1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ".

This morning I read first king chapter 1 and it was about King David who had become lax in preparing his successor to reign. How many times have we known of the promises of God to us, but fail to act on them? 

God has promised David an everlasting kingdom. While he was cuddled up with a cute young thing in his old age, another person had begun to steal his legacy. Imagine how Bathsheba feels. King David had her previous husband killed and now she had to come and humbly ask him while he was snuggled up with someone who could have been her granddaughter about her son being the king after him. Could she at least get that justice? If this were in the 21st century, after that lawsuit, she would be Queen! But God did something better. He continued the royal legacy through her all the way to Jesus Christ Himself!!

Solomon was Bathsheba's son by David. He was the rightful heir that David had failed to promote. Maybe cuz his new little girlfriend has his old self in a coma. In any case, God's plan to 1. Keep His Word and 2. Continue the legacy, would be fulfilled in spite of this disfunctional family mess.

Even though life does not appear to be happening in your favor, God will complete what he has started in us. If you are like David - too old, tired or have a past; or whether you are like Bathsheba - a one-night stand ruined your life, you have a broken heart or feel like injustice follows you around, God is faithful. On that you can depend!

Be confident of that. I am.

I GET to serve!

This morning I feel so honored and priviliged that God would use me in any capacity whatsoever! I had three people tell me what a great teacher I was. I was their favorite and they enjoy learning from me. I was flattered. But flattery is so temporary. My goal is to hear my God say "Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord". WOW!!

In the Kingdom of God we have responsibilities. I have never understood how people can say that since they are now saved, they can relax. O no! Yesterday I attendee the Tye Tribbett concert here in my city and my sister was with me. Since it was at her church, she was asked to serve. She willingly accepted to serve instead of enjoying the concert as an attendee. She got up, gave her seat away and simply said "I GET to serve". What a humble attitude! Jesus with skin on. Her husband was also serving in the parking lot outaide missing majority of the concert himself. He willingly stood out there to manage vehicles of the happy concert-goers and comers. Even when it started pouring rain! What a picture of service and humility.

When things do not go my way, I'm tempted to complain or to compare myself with others. But I cannot continue that practice. God has plans for all of us. We can't sulk. We can't grumble or complain. Even when things go well, we should have an attitude of gratitude and humility. One day we will be rewarded for secret closet ministry and for feeding those without. One day God will let the world know that He is proud of His children. Today, we get to serve!

Tru-Image Wifestyle Vlog #2

Here is Tru-Image Wifestyle Vlog #2. I actually was not sure if the Lord wanted me to talk about this or not, but as I wondered over the last month, things began falling into place. A message here, a sermon there, quiet times and other conversations confirmed it. So please do listen. There is only one video this time...lol.

Notes from this vlog:

Scriptures: Isaiah 58, John 4, Psalm 23

Your only complete satisfaction is in Christ. Don’t expect perfect love, understanding and contentment from a man. He can’t do it.

Concentrate on respect and being a helpmeet.

Learn that man. Write down what you love about him and respect him for. Accentuate the positive.

How can I help you?

Marriage is about service and sacrifice on both ends, then satisfaction comes!

R - Remember that you are a sheep

E - Embrace intimacy with the Shepard!

S - Sabbath

T - Trust God!

*Feel free to leave thoughts/comments about this vlog here or at TruTube4U!*

Call your daddy

It's Labor Day weekend! Time to just sit back and relax right? No way! Not if you are a mom and wife like me. It's so strange but at my house when I wanr to "do nothing" is when everyone else wants to make plans. When I'm excited to "go and do" everyone is a homebody! Weird.

So friends, next week is my next Tru-Image Wifestyle Vlog on google hangouts! You can rsvp for the event right HERE. Please pray that God will bless this event and that everyone who participates and/or watches later will be blessed! Thanks.

Has school started for you? It has for me. I am taking a bible class and my nursing classes for my MSN. It's hectic because I'm also teaching fulltime. This is what I do to myself....lol! So the struggle becomes DISCIPLINE! I must be disciplined to wake up and spend time with my Heavenly Father, go to bed at a decent time each night, remain organized and sure to prioritize and re-prioritize my life as the Lord leads. But when I get busy, it gets hard. Not only do I need the right amount of time to work, but I must rest.

My favorite time to rest is on Sundays! Gotta have that mid-day nap and I'm so right! My family is aware that I will be resting and they need to go away. I tell my boys "Call your daddy!'. I will be of no use to them...at all for like two hours. Yes, two hours! Sometimes I might even wake up early but I don't let them know just so I can enjoy the lack of hearing "Moooooommmm!!" "Mooooommmmmmeeeeeee!" "Hey babe!". However, there are other times when their calls to get my attention are music to my ears. I mean, I almost long to hear it.

To be needed and wanted is so fulfilling. God does not need to be fulfilled but the Bible tells us that He wants to be depended on, reached for, wanted. Do you put a smile on God's face by telling Him how much you need and want Him? Like any good dad, God desires the reliance of His children. He is waiting to give us good things, to deliver us, rescue us and be our hero...if e would only call out to Him!

This morning in my quiet time I read Exodus 20. God had just rescued the Israelites and was now instructing Moses to give them the Law. However, the people were so afraid that they asked not to hear from God (Exodus 20: 19-21). It is ok to be a protective Father and loving miracle-maker, but please don't make us respect you or have a healthy fear of you. God wanted to keep them from sin (what got mankind where they were in the first place) but they did not like that side of God. Sounds like the parenting relationship to me! It's ok to call when you need them but don't tell me what to do. Really?? We expect love but refuse discipline. A good Father knows we need both.

At some point, slow down enough to thank God for being a good Father. Then tell Him how you couldn't have made it this far without Him. He wants to be needed and appreciated so He can show off in your life. And does He ever show off! He wakes you up with the sun, gives you strength, purpose and a reason for going to work and then He'll top it off by putting a rainbow in the sky for you to see on the way. He also has no problem giving correction so that we do not continue the habit of sin.

What a great God we serve. Thank you dad. I love you and I will need you later today, tomorrow, the day after that and  forever!

Don't touch the ducks boys!

Jeremiah 33:3, Psalm 91:15, Exodus 20, Matthew 7:11