Meditating On Godly Things

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Part of transforming and renewing your mind is meditating on things or characteristics that are in the right standing with God. When you meditate on true, lovely, pure, noble, virtuous things or things that are of good report, you won't have the time to steer your mind on ungodly characteristics or conduct.

As Christians, we must try to conrol our thought life. Controlling our thought life is part of growing in Godliness. We become mature Christians in Christ Jesus. The more we try to control our thought life and meditate on Godly things the more we won't conform ourselves to the world, but transform ourselves. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)

Another benefit to meditating on Godly characteristics and conduct (besides maturity and transforming) is receiving God's peace. "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you," (Philippians 4:9). Is that awesome or what??? Imagine God's peace overtaking you and making you feel at ease in your spirit and stable in your mind (your thoughts). It's such a relaxing and joyous feeling.


The best way to start meditating is to pick a scripture or two and focus on them. Concentrate on them and really try to hear what God is saying to through His word.
So, I encourage you to meditate as instructed in Philippians 4:8. When you feel crazy or ungodly thoughts trying to creep into your mind, fight them with God's word. Our mind is a battlefield that we have every authority in Jesus' name to control and win.

Don't Run Away......Stand!!!

"So I said, 'Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
Indeed, I would wander far off, [And] remain in the wilderness. Selah
I would hasten my escape
from the windy storm [and] tempest.'" (Psalm 55:6-8)

In this scripture, David would rather run away from his problem rather than stick around and fight. I'm sure a lot of us feel that way some (if not most) of the time. We would rather run away from or try as much as possible to avoid our problems. It's what I like to call the "Calgon Take Me Away" syndrome. Even though we can try, running away from our problems do not solve them. If anything, it can make matters worst.

Rest assure when it comes to facing our problems, (sticking around to fight for a solution), you don't have to do it alone. Even though David's initial reaction is to fly away like a dove, he knew his confidence in God would allow him to face difficulties.


"As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice. He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle [that was] against me, For there were many against me." (Psalm 55:16-18)

We, too, should have that same confidence in God to stand in the midst of the storm. Realizing no matter how hard the wind blows, how much the thunder rolls, or how loud the lightning strikes, God will be there holding your hand and leading the way. All you have to do is trust in God and give everything, every problem or situation to solve or to work out on your behalf.


"Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22)

In the midst of it all, God will sustain (protect, support, nourish, maintain, supply, and defend) you, providing that you cast your burden(s) on Him. As a result, He will never permit you (the righteous) to be moved. You will be more than able to stand on God's word and His truth without wavering to the left or to the right.

It's more of a blessing to stand and fight than to run away. Facing your trials and tribulation builds your character and make you stronger in Christ.



"My brothers and sisters, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have [its] perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James1:2-4)


I pray this post is a blessing to your spirit and that you would be more than willing to face your difficulties. And realizing without a shadow of doubt that confidence in God and casting your burdens on Him will give you strength and stability to stand and not be moved.


Blessings, Peace, and Love,
Toia

Girls Nite Out!!

One thing that a woman needs is a great circle of girlfriends. Girlfriends who would lift you up when you're feeling down. Girlfriends who have your back..ready to defend you (if necessary). Girlfriends who you can trust and pray you through any situation when you don't feel like you have enough energy to pray for yourself. Girlfriends who you can hang out, laugh, or cry with and it still will be OK.

This is what I have with these group of ladies pictured below. I am so bless to have them in my life. I met these beautiful ladies only a few years ago at church per small group and choir, but I feel like I known them for a all my life.

The pictures below were taken during one of our Girls Night Out. We ate dinner at Noisy Oyster (yum!!) and went to the movies. We were celebrating my belated birthday. It was so much fun!!






















"A friend loves at all times...," (Proverb 17:17)

He is a Great God!!!

"For You [are] great, and do wondrous things; You alone [are] God." (Psalm 86:10)

"He [is] your praise, and He [is] your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen." (Deut. 10:21)

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us," (Eph. 2:4)


Reading these scriptures (among many others), always tend to make me feel so good in my spirit. One thing for sure, my God (our God) is truly great. He is great beyond expectations. His love is great. His mercy is great. His faithfulness is great. He is the Great I am. No one can compare to God and all His greatness. This is something we can truly praise God for.

If you need a lifting or encoragement in your spirit, think about how great God is and remember He can do the exceedingly, abundantly far above all we can ever ask or think according to the power that works in us.

"They are new every morning; Great [is] Your faithfulness." (Lam. 3:23)


Blessings to you,
Toia




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Happy Father's Day!!

Praise God to all the fathers, especially to those who are taking their rightful place in their homes, by being a man of God and instilling Kingdom values in their homes. To the father's who are not choosing to put God first in their life at this moment, I pray they will soon and become the man and father that God intended for them to be.




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"Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things." (John 8:28)

Matthew 16:24

Bring Your Tithes

"Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?'In tithes and offerings.

You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, [Even] this whole nation.

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windowsof heaven And pour out for you [such] blessing That [there will] not [be room] enough [to receive it]
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," Says the LORD of hosts;"

(Malachi 3:8-11)

Psalms on the Beach

Joy Unspeakable Joy

I woke up this morning with great joy in my heart. It felt so great. I feel so free almost like a kite soaring up into the clouds. It's a blessing to experience such a feeling. Describing what I feel right now won't exactly do it any justice. If you ever experience God's great joy, then you know where I am coming from.

There are times we wake up in a not-so good mood (that bah-humbug attitude). We become cranky, grumpy, irritable, especially if we haven't had that first cup of coffee yet. When someone says, "Good Morning!" with a smile, our response maybe more or less..."Yeah, whatever, speak for yourself." But hey that's nothing to feel or be ashame of. Thats who we are......human. It's okay.

When we are having such a day as that, we must try to see the silver lining long enough to stop and smell the roses (figuratively speaking). It's so much more easier to get through the day with joy and a smile on your face rather than being grumpy or cranky.

On the other hand, say you are having a great day and you come across Debbie Downer or Pessimistic Pam, try to let some of your joy rub off on them or stay clear of them and pray for them from afar. Because you don't want them draining all of your positive and joyous energy until you begin feeling down or pessimistic like them.

Remember, the joy that we have the world didn't give it and the world can not take it away.





"I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!" (John 15:11)

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)


"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence [is] fullness of joy; At Your right hand [are] pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11)





"Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all [you] upright in heart!" (Psalm 32:11)

"The humble also shall increase [their] joy in the LORD,..." (Isaiah 29:19)

How Great Is Our God

"For the LORD [is] the great God, And the great King above all gods."(Psalm 95:3)


"For the LORD your God [is] God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe." (Deut. 10:17)







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Celebrating Life!!!

Today is my birthday!!! Yay!!! I thank God and praise His holy for seeing another birthday in great health. Life is precious...a gift from God and this is something we should not take for granted. We don't know when our last day will be on earth. However, we should definitely make the most of it by living a life thats pleasing to God. God sacrificed, gave His Son, Jesus so that we might live a life full of abundance, joy, peace, laughter, happiness, as well as integrity.

God doesn't want us to waste our precious time here on earth complaining, being mad, depressed, or oppressed, or being burden-down, held captive by sin. He wants us to live a life that will bring glory and honor to His name.

Celebrate Life!!! Live life to the fullest....LIVE...LAUGH....LOVE...
INSPIRE....ENCOURAGE...DREAM...PRAISE...GLORIFY...FELLOWSHIP...PREACH THE GOSPEL..

When you celebrate your birthday, you celebrate life as well as the Most High God, who gave you your life as a gift to live and be a good steward over it.

Live Your Best Life Now....which is what I am reading...By: Joel Osteen!!!

From me to you.....I wish you a Happy Birthday!!!


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"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

Sharing God's Word

I love sharing God's Word. It's true and real. You can stand and bank on it. You don't have to question or second guess it. God's word can give you direction, instruction, peace, and so much more. So here's just a few scriptures I like to share. I will definitely be sharing more of God's word.






(2 Corinthians 3:18)

Praise and Worship

I love listening to praise and worship songs. They are such a blessing to my spirit. Praise and worship songs have a way of pumping your spirit as well as convicting it. I have a heard many testimonies where people have testified that they were healed, encouraged, empowered, inspired, revived, or lifted through praise and worship service.

There is so much power in praise and worship. It can help through the bad times and even strengthens your spirit while weakening your flesh. The Book of Psalms is a prime example of how David overcame many obstacles through praise and worshipping God through songs.

"Well, Toia, I have so much going on right now. I dont even have the desire or strength to give God the praise." On that note, I am here to tell you that's the best time to praise and worship Him. There's a blessing in pressing your way through praise and worship...burdens lifted....yolks destroyed....shackles are removed. So why not praise God. You have nothing to lose but everything to gain.

Also understand even when things are going great, you still need to invest in your spirit by praising and worshipping our heavenly Father. So, if and when things do an unexpected (not-so-good) turn in your life, you will be able to withstand your undesirable circumstance.

Don't wait until you get to church to praise and worship Him. You can do it in the car, comfort of your home, or even while you exercise. Just make sure you find the time. I am listening to praise and worship songs as I type this post.





"The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." (Psalm 28:7)


"Praise the LORD, for the LORD [is] good; Sing praises to His name, for [it is] pleasant." (Psalm 135:3)





"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." (Psalm 95:6)


"God [is] Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24)

The Lord Has Done Great Things

Sometimes I would ponder and realize how bless I am. I may not have millions of dollars or a lot of money in the bank....yet. At least I have a roof over my head, a wonderful marriage, three beautiful children, a car, great health, and etc. Most importantly, I am not confused about my true living and mighty God. I know who my Father in heaven is....I dont have to question or doubt who He is.

He is my provider, my waymaker, my everlasting, my prince of peace, my savior....

Great is thy faithfulness and great is His mercy towards me.....

It makes my heart feel good to know that I am bless because of My father who sacrificed His only Son so that me and my family can live an abundant life. So if you were to take the time to focus on your haves and not your have-nots, you will realize that the Lord has done great things.

"Then our mouth was filled with

laughter, And our tongue with singing.

Then they said among the nations,

"The LORD has done great things for them.

The LORD has done great things for us,

and we are glad."

(Psalm 126:2-3)

Have a Happy Saturday

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Psalm 119:57-60

[You are] my portion, O LORD;

I have said that I would keep Your words.


I entreated Your favor with [my] whole heart;

Be merciful to me according to Your word.


I thought about my ways,

And turned my feet to Your testimonies.


I made haste, and did not

delay To keep Your commandments.

(Psalm 119:57-60)




Myspace Weekend Comments

Over The Hump!!!

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"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)

"Jesus said to him, 'If you can believe,

all things [are] possible to him who believes.' "

(Mark 9:23)

If I can get "over the hump", there's nothing I can't do. The sky is the limit!!! Enjoy the rest of your week. Blessings to you!!!

It's Tuesday!!!

Its Tuesday!!! As strange as it may sounds, I have to keep reminding myself that's its Tuesday. Its only because I had Monday off courtesy of Memorial Day. So all day I was just out of sync with work, my daily routine (especially since my children are out of school). It really felt like a long day.

However, I thank God for giving me the strength and energy to make it through the day. All and all I can say today was a good day. I must say that if I would have taken just a little bit of time to focus on my heavenly father before going on with my day, it probably would not have seemed as long. For that God, I repent. But it was because of God's grace and mercy toward me that I was able to receive what was needed to go on with the rest of my day.


I give God all praise and glory!!!!



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"This [is] the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)