The mind of the flesh is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit. Take the time to meditate on that. Jesus came on the Earth with a Spiritual message. It is why many, then and today, have such a difficult time understanding what He was saying. Thus, when we use the mind of the flesh a lot of what He said does not make sense.
The flesh always wants to reason and figure everything out. The things of God sometimes does not make sense. Just read all of the miracles in the Bible. We can’t figure it out. Some of it does not make sense to our minds. That is why He is God. Moreover, He is the MOST High God. The other cultures and kingdoms during that day had their gods. However, they were idol gods. Their gods can not out do our God. There is no rival or equal to Him (Nahum 1: 2-15, Isaiah 40: 12-31, 46:5, Psalm 86: 8-10))
When Jesus left the Earth He said it would be best for us if He left us. This was because He was leaving the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). The Holy Spirit leads us into ALL truth (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit gives us promptings and knowings in our inner man, our spirit. There is an abundant, victorious life and peace when we set our minds on the Spirit (Romans 8:6). Love & Blessings!
God is GOOD! He has been better to us than we have been to ourselves. He has shown Himself in our lives over and over and over again. Yet, if we do not remember those experiences, Satan is set to kill, steal and destroy them.
In the Old Testament, God required the Israelite to recall the many blessings He had bestowed upon them (Joshua 4:1-24). Why? Because God knows we are fragile. Satan will come and attack us through negativity. Satan will have us to dwell on our failures and faults. To pull us into depression and despair. Next thing we know we will forget ALL what God has done for us.
Paul says we have to stir up our faith (2 Timothy 1:6). That means we have to think on the goodness of the Lord. Further, we have to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Moreover, we offer sacrifices of praise and worship to our God (Hebrews 13:15). The Bible tells us we have to renew our minds daily (Romans 12:2). These are just some examples of how we stir up our faith.
My memorial stones are many. I love talking about how good God has been to me. I remember as a child crossing a busy street with heavy traffic going both ways. My friends and I tried crossing the street one by one. When it was my turn a car was about to hit me. I remember turning my body. I was facing the front of the car. Instinctively, I outstretched my hands touching the hood of the car to stop it. The car stopped! With my child’s mind I thanked God and continued to run to the other side of the street.
The Bible says God protects us from danger seen and unseen (Psalm 121:5-8, Psalm 91:3-16). My memorial stones go back as far as my childhood to today. It is beautiful when you can recall over and over again what God a has done for you. What are your memorial stones? Feel free to share. Love & Blessings!
Seek God and you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). This is what the Bible says. God’s word is true. When people have problems finding God in their lives, it is because they moved. The farther we get away from God the more difficult for us to sense His presence in our lives. It is becomes difficult seeing Him moving in situations and circumstances in our lives. Moreover, our flesh does not like to hear that because pride will tell us I am good. I do my best in helping others. We question why things are not turning out the way we want. We think why are my prayers not being answered. We forget we are ever a work in progress; thus, we never reach a point of arrival. Subsequently, God always has something more to teach us.
It is frustrating when we believe we are giving God our best. Yet, He does not respond the way we want Him to. I remember going through that phase in my life. I became angry with God. I wanted to know what He wanted from me. I was giving Him my best. I gradually realized as God was teaching me, He wanted ALL of me. He wanted my heart, mind, and soul (Mathew 22:37). I had heard and read this scripture over a dozen times in my Christian walk. Yet, I discovered I was just glossing over the words that Jesus said. It is often said, when Jesus speaks, we need to pay attention. His words are represented by the red words in the Bible. We must take heed.
As my faith grew, I started surrendering myself more and more to God. I started seeing Him more and more in my life. As a result, I fell in love with Jesus. I desired to be more and more like Him, as the Bible says (Romans 8:29). The frustration and anger had turned into love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, patience, self-control, faithfulness, and goodness (Galatians 5:22-23). I exercise these fruit in my life. Beautifully, it is when I am putting them into action, I can feel the Holy Spirit helping me. This is proof of God’s living Spirit. The Spirit dwells within each of His children (1 Corinthians 3:16, John 14:16, 2 Timothy 1:14, James 4:5 Ephesians1:13).
We do not have to question where is God. He does not hide from us. He already told us He would never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Clearly, the problem is with us and not with Him. So, draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you (James 4:8). Amen. Love & Blessings!
Happy Anniversary to Where Is God Now Ministries, Inc.!
Join me in celebrating Where Is God Now Ministry, Inc. first year anniversary of being a 501c3, nonprofit! God has been FAITHFUL! I often say if you are faithful to God He will be faithful to YOU! As you know, this ministry is God’s ministry. We are just the vessels who are his hands, mouth, and feet on the Earth! This includes YOU, too! We thank you for all of your donations, support, and encouragement on this journey with Him.
We thank businesses and organizations like PF Harris Manufacturing and Christian Broadcasting Network for their support on many levels. We are now announcing our partnership with In Touch Ministries, the teaching ministry of the late Dr. Charles Stanley.
It amazes me to watch God orchestrate and move in Where Is God Now Ministries, Inc. Dr. Stanley was an instrumental and influential figure in my life. When I was young, I was seeking God. I was trying to figure out how to navigate life with God leading the way. Who knew that God would have us partner together to move His word forward? Undoubtedly, God knew!
Hearing Dr. Stanley repeatedly say in his teachings, “Obey God and leave the consequences to Him.” was something I believed and took to heart. I am here to say, it works! This is why I now say, “You keep your eyes on God. He will get you where you need to be!” This is TRUE! Again, if you are FAITHFUL to God He will be FAITHFUL to YOU!
It is with this partnership with In Touch Ministries, Where Is God Now Ministries is offering Pathway. It is an audio device in English or Spanish. It has Dr. Stanley’s inspirational and encouraging sermons. It also includes New and Old Testament Scripture readings. This is no expense to you. Please send me an email if you would like this device and how many. I will be taking photos when I deliver the devices to you so I may share with In Touch Ministries the impact of Pathway. Additionally, the photos will be on Where is God Now Ministries website and social media.
Jeremiah 29:11 proclaims the plans God has for our lives. He also has these plans for His ministries on the Earth, too. Where Is God Now Ministries is excited about these plans. We look forward to sharing with you the MORE God has for this ministry.
Subscribe to our website to receive our weekly encouraging and inspirational blogs in your inbox. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to the ministry, please click the link to https://whereisgodnow.org/. You can also copy and paste the link to your browser. On the right side of the page click “Subscribe” scroll down and click “Donate.” Or, mail a check to 730 River Strand, Chesapeake, Virginia 23320. Further, if you want to volunteer on any level, please let me know. We would love to have you join God’s journey with this ministry!
Humility is something we should always seek. 1 Peter 5:5 admonishes us to clothe ourselves in it. God gives grace to those who are humble. How comforting is that? Yet, so often we walk around thinking how WE are this or that. Invariably, we forget we can do nothing without God’s help.
When we walk around with humility we rightfully put God in the place He should be in our life. So, when we are constantly looking unto God for EVERYTHING we are in a safe place. It is difficult for us to forget that He is our creator and maker.
God opposes pride because pride hurts us in the long run. It is why Satan was kicked out of heaven because he got full of himself. When we get full of ourselves, we sometimes put our foot in our mouths. We do some other foolish things and later regret our actions.
God tries to save us from all of that, if we let Him. We have to remember we serve a loving God that would never steer us in the wrong direction. We may not understand when the hurts and pains come when He allows it and sometimes orchestrate them.
Moreover, we read over and over in the Bible God always has a bigger plan than what we can imagine. It is why we have to learn more and more to trust Him. Humble thyself under the mighty hand of our God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6). Love & Blessings!
We recently celebrated another jail ministry graduation. This is the 6th graduation the Chesapeake Jail Ministry has had for the women inmates. It is truly a milestone for these ladies. It propels them forward into the plan God has for each of their lives. Please continue to pray for them. They need to seek God on a daily basis. This will help them as we all must do.
As I go to minister to the ladies, God is revealing many things to me. Where Is God Now Ministries is the hands, mouth, and feet of Jesus on the Earth. God has shown me the needs of the inmates. He wants our ministry to fulfill these needs. It is clear the inmates need holistic centers that will address their various needs. God is laying out the plans. Where Is God Now Ministries is to execute them. In the coming months we will share more.
As many start the program, only a few actually finish it for various reasons. Some are being transferred to other facilities. Some are being released back into society. Unfortunately, some are sent back into the regular jail population. They committed violations that would not let them stay in the program. As we know Satan’s influence is everywhere, even in the jails and prisons. He is nonstop.
For now, join me in congratulating the ladies who graduated from the cohort through your thoughts and prayers for them. Additionally, we have started a new cohort with many excited ladies happy to be in the Nurture Block program. I know many of you have been praying for these ladies. It is what they need most in their incarceration.
My constant advice to them and anyone else in life is keep your eyes on God. He will get you where you need to be… It is TRUE! God already knows the plans He has for our individual lives. If we cooperate with Him, He will get us where we need to be. Amen! Love & Blessings!
Allow the Lord to fight your battles (Exodus 14:14). Many wonder what does that look like and feel like in the natural? It looks and feels like a situation you have that is frustrating. It may present anxiety or something that may lead you into depression, which is not of God. It could feel intimidating. It is not a pleasant situation at all.
When we allow God to fight for us the first thing we do is take our situation to Him. It is our way of honoring Him and letting Him know we trust and believe in Him. There may be some things we have to do like talk to someone in charge or in leadership to let them know what our problem or concern is. In this act we display the fruit of the Spirit and let Christ’s light shine through us. Sometimes God may not have us to do anything. This is the importance of our intimacy with Him so we will know what to do.
Once we pass this stage, we hand it over to God and allow Him to work on our behalf. It is a BEAUTIFUL thing to witness! You KNOW it is the FAVOR and HAND of God working on your behalf!
Personal Experience:
A recent situation I encountered with my car inspection started bringing on much stress. Everything passed in the inspection, EXCEPT a rusted area on the frame. The rust was not in direct contact with the car. The inspector told me he would have to fail it.
That was not what I wanted to hear. Immediately, I took it to God. In my quiet prayer I was telling God about my stress of having to get this fixed in 14 days along with everything else I had to do. Ironically, the inspector had a difficult time giving me the correct name of the part of the frame that had rust on it.
Nevertheless, as the inspector and the guy at the front desk are trying to figure this out, I patiently wait to see what the outcome will be. Finally, they came back and told me since the rust was not in direct contact with the car they would pass it this time, but highly recommended it be fixed by the time it was due for next year’s inspection.
Trusting God’s Timing:
PRAISE GOD! I said it out loud! The man said, what did you say? I said it again… PRAISE GOD! He smiled, I smiled, we all smiled! I was thanking God within my spirit, too, acknowledging what He had done for me and relieving that stress from me. Moreover, I now had 365 days to fix the problem! This was the outcome I was hoping for.
Sometimes the outcomes are different. Occasionally, depending on the situation God may choose to intervene right on the spot. Or, He may intervene in days, months, or years. Usually it may manifest in actually what we were expecting or something better. Regardless, the end result will be met!
Needless to say, Satan always tries to throw his influence into things. Predictably, he tries to make us think that God is taking too long, He has not heard me, it is not EXACTLY what I asked for. Without a doubt, these are the schemes of Satan. Invariably, anything he can do to discredit God he will do. Innocently, we are sometimes so vulnerable to Satan that we fall for his schemes. Cast him down when he tries to do that to you. Amen! Love & Blessings!
We so often put God in a box without even realizing it. We often limit him to our human mind when He is beyond our human mind! God is MIGHTY and AWESOME! He has no rival or equal. Who would dare bet against Him?
There is a wonderful story in the Bible on how the priests of Baal bet against our God (1 King 18) These priests were false prophets who believed in their idol gods. Unfortunately, we start to believe in idol gods, like our jobs, money, children, family, homes, etc. Anything we put before our God is an idol in our lives.
Elijah was so bold and confident. He knew our God was the one and true God. The bet was to place a bull on the alter as a sacrifice and pray to your god to light a fire without doing it yourself. What a challenge, right?
Elijah was quite patient with the priest as they prayed to their god from morning to noon. When nothing happened, Elijah joked and said their god must be asleep. Now it was Elijah’s turn to prepare his alter to God. He built an alter with a trench around it, set wood on the alter with the bull on top. He then drenched and soaked the wood with water and had the water drain into the trench. He did this three times!
Now comes the prayer. Elijah prayed that God would light with fire the alter! Not only did God light the alter, He consumed the alter, bull, stones, and water with fire. God left NOTHING intact. That is how MIGHTY and AWESOME our God is! Love & Blessings!
We are God’s loving children. Imagine that! He loves us with an everlasting love and wants the BEST for us in our lives. He uses many tools to deliver His best to us. Some we love when we receive them. Some are painful, too. However, Romans 8:28 says ALL things work together for our good to those who love God and are called to His purposes.
Needless to say, if all things work together for our good, that means we take the good with the bad trusting and believing God is orchestrating and scripting our lives as we live and breathe.
We have to keep God first place in our hearts, mind, body and soul. Satan is always waiting for an opportunity to kill, steal and destroy from us. He is not our friend! Intentionally, each and every day we have to LOOK for God… SEE Him working in our lives. Certainly, we may not understand it all, but when we take on the mind and heart of Christ, we can SEE Him… Embrace it!
Remember, when we dismiss God in our lives, we miss God in our lives. How sad is that when you think about it? Unequivocally, I cannot overstate it enough. God is constantly working in our lives. The Bible says God neither sleep nor slumber (Psalm 121:4).
We have to honor God and acknowledge Him in everything. Why? Because literally He is our EVERYTHING! Love & Blessings!
Psalm 27:14 asks us to wait on the Lord and be of good courage. This is so much easier to write than to do, right? Truly, when we are talking about waiting on the Lord we are talking about the timing of God. The saying goes God is not early, or late but always on time! In our humanity, though, it is sometimes difficult for us to grasp this.
There is victory when we start using our spiritual eyes and minds on a consistent basis. This is why the disciples had such a difficult time grasping everything Jesus was saying to them. Daily, they walked the Earth with him, but lacked understanding. However, it was after Jesus died and resurrected, that they gained understanding and started using their spiritual eyes and minds day-to-day.
I love the Bible because it is our guide book. It tells us what to do and what not to do. It is also there to help us to see things from God’s perspective. Because God knows our beginning to our end, He truly does know what is best for us and at what time. This makes His timing perfect!
We have to trust and embrace God’s timing for our lives. Walking and living in the spirit help us to do this on a daily basis. It is apart of the abundant and victorious life Jesus said He died to give us. If Jesus died for us to have this life He describes, we can rest assured that God’s timing is indeed, perfect and the best for us. Amen. Love & Blessings!
