Facing Your Demons!!

Ignore. 

Avoid. 

Look the other way. 

Sweep under the rug. 

Bury it really deep in an unmark grave.

These are some things we do when we have an issue or two that need to be dealt with. Sometimes, it doesn't even matter if it's a small issue or a big one. Because, if it causes some sort of strife and/or hinder you from developing a close relationship with God and people in general, then you need to face it. Not facing your demons do more harm than good. Ignoring them do not make them go away or disappear in an instant. Though it would be nice, we cannot wave a magic wand and make it vanish into thin air.

I know that facing your demons is not easy at all. It's down right scary. Depending on the circumstances, you have to almost take baby steps in order to build up enough courage to do what needs to be done. However, at least you are making an effort and you are one step closer to conquering your fear. Another thing is that you are not exactly sure of what the outcome is going to be. In addition, you are not sure if you even want to find out. For that reason, it seems so much easier to tuck your issues away in their own little corner. Unfortunately, that's the worst thing you can do.


Issues are little demons that prey on your spiritual well being. They try to suck the very life from your spirit-man, while trying to pull you further and further from God. These little demons are known as strongholds.  Strongholds are lies where you can be in a place of personal bondage and oppose God's will. Following each lie, is fear, which the devil uses to kill, steal, and destroy as well as distort your faith in God. But, no matter how much he tries the devil cannot win. We have victory and power in the name of Jesus.

It's that same power that we are going to use to face our demons and rebuke them in the name of Jesus. We should lay fear aside, step out in faith, and deal with our issues. My friend/sister, Tilease, said it best - "Deal with the issues that are holding you back from reaching your full potential."


I fully understand that it's probably easier said than done; And some issues are not going to resolve overnight. However it's a process. We all have issues that need to be dealt with. In other words, we are all a work in progress. It's part of growing in Godliness.

---

I encourage you this day to face your demons. Examine yourself and deal with any unresolve issues. Don't ignore them. Take authority over them by the power of the blood and in the name of Jesus. And remember that you are not defeated, but you are more than a conqueror and have the victory in Jesus' name. Amen.

---

Scripture References:
"For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ," (1 Corinthians 10:4-5)


"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)




"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)

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them," (Ephesians 2:10)


"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." (James 4:7-8)

Job 22:28

Jesus Is All We Need

Have you ever found yourself in a middle of a situation where do you not know if you are coming or going? And the more you try to "fix the problem" yourself, the worst it gets. Many times you probably searched and searched for a solution, but was not quite sure what you need or want. You can't exactly put your finger on it. However, you will know the very minute you come across it. (So, you think.)









Does this sound familiar? It does for me. Needless to say, once every thing is basically said and done (especially after I do more harm than good) I end up realizing that Jesus was all I needed from the beginning. And He is all I need now.

"When we are in a
situation where Jesus is all we have, we soon discover He is all we really need."
~ Gigi Graham Tchividjian

It's a matter of letting go of the problem, giving it completely to Him, and letting God work it out for the good. No matter what you may go through in life, God will take care of you. Trust Him and cast every burden/care on Him.





Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverb 3:5-6)

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

It's Time For A Prune Up!!

Around this time, you see so many flower gardens planted throughout the tri-county area of South Carolina.  They are full of color and life. Needless to say, flowers don't grow and look so beautiful without putting a lot of work into it. It's essential that you take the necessary steps to maintain the health and beauty of a garden. Some steps include watering the garden, making sure it's expose to the right amount of sunlight and even giving it a whole lot of love.


In addition to all of those steps, you must prune your garden. It's va ital step that must be taken in order to guarantee a healthy, beautiful, and quality garden.





How do you define pruning?


Pruning is a horticultural practice involving the selective removal of parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots. Reasons to prune plants include deadwood removal, shaping (by controlling or directing growth), improving or maintaining health, reducing risk from falling branches, preparing nursery specimens for transplanting, and both harvesting and increasing the yield or quality of flowers and fruits. The practice entails targeted removal of diseased, damaged, dead, non-productive, structurally unsound, or otherwise unwanted tissue from crop and landscape plants. (Read more about pruning at Wikipedia.org)


In other words, in order to maintain and improve the health of your garden, you must remove the dead parts and shape it up by contolling or directing its growth. Otherwise, flowers in your garden will fall away, become damaged and/or unproductive, and even die. WOW!!






The same thing applies to us when it comes to growing up in Christ. A pruning process must take place. In order to bear spiritual fruit and be productive in the Kingdom of God, we must allow our hearts to be pruned. We must allow God by the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus remove all diseased, damaged, and dead areas in our life. Otherwise, we will not grow in Christ and become stagnated. As a result, we will become uneffective Christians with no power, no purpose, and no spiritual life. Double WOW!!






"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me,"  (John 15:1-4).






"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples," (John 15:5-8)

Scripture Sunday ~ Psalm 77:1-6

 Psalm 77:1-6
I cried out to God with my voice--To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me.
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord;

My hand was stretched out
in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted.

I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah

You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times.

I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search.

What Do You Know About Spring

A few Spring Facts that are somewhat interesting:

The first day of spring in the southern hemisphere is the date of the autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere, usually in September.

Benjamin Franklin was the first American to propose Dalylight Saving Time in 1784. However, it wasn’t fully implemented in the US until after the Second World War.





Cherry Blossoms, Azaleas, Begonias, Lillies, Marigolds, Daisies, Orchids, are some of the most popular flowers to represent spring.

Children grow faster in spring

Animals and insects associated with spring include the rabbit, butterfly, ladybug, dragonfly and birds.

Things Some People Do in the Spring
1. Spring Cleaning (Cleaning out the old and preparing for the new)
2. Plant Flowers
3. Take a Vacation (Spring Break)
4. Attend Festivals
5. Run/Walk a Marathon
6. Spend More Time Outside
7. Go to the park, lake or beach
8. Fall in Love

Most importantly, which is above everything that is on the list of things people do in the spring , we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  However, this should be celebrated all the time because if it wasn't for God giving His only Son, we would not be free from sin and have everlasting life.

Receiving A Fresh Start in Jesus

Do you remember that infamous Calgon commercial? A mom is feeling overwhelmed from dealing with a long, hectic day as well as her children jumping up and down all over the place in house, screaming their heads off. All of sudden the mom shouts at the top of her lungs, “CALGON TAKE ME AWAY!” Then a tub full of soap bubbles whisks her away to refresh, revitalize, and gives her a peace mind.


Have ever wish that you can do that? Better yet, have you ever wish that you can wave a magic wand so that you can start all over again from one bad experience to another? You just want a chance to start fresh from all the terrible mistakes you made or breaking free of an unhealthy relationship. Well, your chance to have a fresh start begins now!!!




A fresh start gives you an opportunity to put your troubles behind you and wipe the slate clean. It’s what I like to call a new beginning. If you want a fresh start, you must be willing to let go of the past and grab hold of a divine opportunity to have a bright future.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new

(recently made, fresh) creation;

old things have passed away;

behold, all things have become new,”

(2 Corinthians 5:17).

In other words, the moment you make a conscious decision to release everything (your mistakes, failed relationships, your hurts, regrets, etc.) to Jesus is the very moment that your fresh start begins.


Years ago, before I asked Jesus to come into my heart, I felt a sense of loss. I did not know which direction I was going. I knew something was not right. I couldn’t exactly put my finger on it, but I knew there has to be more to life than this. Often, I would try to reflect on what I might have done wrong to have ended up in an empty space.




Needless to say, all of that changed when I decided to say a prayer to invite Jesus in my life. I thought, “What’s the worst that could happen”. What I did know for sure that it was definitely time for a change in my life. After I prayed Romans 10:9, I felt a sense of relief and refresh. Somehow, I just knew that this was the beginning of a new life for me.

It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, it’s never too late for a new beginning. Whatever reason you need a fresh start, whether it’s in your finances, your business, or your marriage, you can have it. God is more than able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think and that includes giving you a fresh start.

If you want a fresh start in Jesus Christ, just pray this simple prayer of salvation to receive Him in your heart.




Salvation Prayer
Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness.

I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.

You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved.

Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved.

Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself.

Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.
Amen.
You can read more at Salvation Prayer


Congratulations on Receiving Your Fresh Start in Jesus' Name!!!

A Poem About Spring!!

To continue my Ode to Spring week, I wrote a poem about Spring. Though I have written poems on more than one occasion, I don't exactly do it on a regular basis. So to all of you poets and the rest of my cyber-people out there, I hope you like it!!





Spring
Spring has sprung
A new season has just begun
So, out with the old and in with the new
God has a special plan for you
For so long you have weathered the storm
Nonetheless, God has kept youu from harm
In this new season, take it all in
Because your journey of blessings is about to begin

Author: Toia Thompson  








"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

A Celebration of Spring

A Celebration of Spring is a celebration of something fresh, something new, and also a new beginning. I came across these inspirational quotes about spring and would like to share them with you.





Awake to Spring
And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.

—Percy Bysshe Shelley
Read more at Belief.net





"Autumn arrives in early morning, but spring at the close of a winter day."-- Elizabeth Bowen

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."-- Anne Bradstreet

"Sweet springtime is my time is your time is our time for springtime is love time and viva sweet love. "-- E.E. Cummings

Read more at EzineArticles.com

Springing Into a New Season

I love spring, not the pollen, but I love spring. I love how everything around us transform. We have trees blooming, beautiful multi-color flower gardens, birds singing, green grass, and breezy, warm, and comfortable weather. On the downside, spring cleaning is not exactly on the top of my list.





Springing into a new season can be fun and exciting. It's the time to get out in the fresh air, take the family to the beach, grill hotdogs, go to the park, enjoy a walk while taking in the scenery around you, and so much more.






Your season is what you make it. You can choose to celebrate each day as a gift from God. There is a season for everything. Or, you can choose to let this wonderful new season pass you by.  This is the season to get up and do something. Allow God do something new in you and for you. The results will be miraculous.

"Behold, I will do a new thing,

Now it shall spring forth;

Shall you not know it?"

  (Isaiah 43:19)

I Embrace ~ By: Shekinah Glory

Shekinah Glory Ministry is one of my favorite gospel choir. Their songs are full of God's anointing. So, I decided to do a lyric video with their song (I Embrace). I hope you enjoy it and it is a blessing to you.

Casting My Care

Casting My Care

Lord I continually set before you
My requests and all my needs
With thanksgiving I come unto you
My concerns unburdened to thee

I wait for your intervention Lord
In quietness of soul and mind
And worship at your footstool Leaving my cares behind

And Lord I express my thanks for you
For all you are to me
I thank you Lord that I matter to you
Though at times I cannot see

Because of the circumstances in life
The things that I go through
I find my eyes are on the storm
When they should be looking to you
So help me Lord each precious day
No matter what life brings me
To carry on with hope and faith
And to rest in you with peace.
© By M.S.Lowndes

Poem from Heaven's Inspirations


"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)




"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke [is] easy and My burden is light,"(Matthew 11:29-30).

Close To You ~ Bebe and Cece Winans

This is one of my favorite songs by Bebe and Cece Winans. I would like to share with you. I hope you like it and pray that it is a blessing to you.






Close to You
Sunshine, moonlight, delight just a couple words describing who You are lovely, so lovely - want everyone to know why I'm in love with you
Patient and strong, always, no matter what I face you've been there to bring me through.
just fine (right on) on time, it took a while to see that Your love was true.
Now no one can (undo)
cause I belong (to You)
until the end (of time)
good to know (good to know You're mine)
and all I want (to say)
'til my dying (dying day)
I just want to be close to You
Honest and sweet
heaven is where I want to be
where I am when I'm with You
perfect(perfect), yes perfect
is what You gave for all the world to see

Now no one can(undo) cause I belong (to You)
until the end (of time)
good to know (You're mine)
and all I want (all I wanna say til my)
till my dying day
i just wanna be close to you

Come on Cece follow me
dah dah, u say (dah dah)
dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah
dah dah (mmm,mmm) dah dah
it took a while to see, but now we know the truth

Now -no one can (undo)
I belong (to You)
until the end (of time)
good to know (good to know You're mine)
and all I want (how long will you stay- till my dying day)
I just want to be close to You
ya ya ya ya (how long will you stay)(X2)til end
I just wanna be close to you

Dressing For Battle ~ The War is On!!!

As many of you may know, there is a spiritual war going on. And it has been for a very, very, long time. Every year, the spiritual war is more intense than the year before. Despite all of that, we do and will have the victory in the name of Jesus. Though we already know that the war is already won, that doesn't mean we won't be subjected to fighting battles along the way.


That is why it so important that we are dress for battle at all time. So, no matter what the devil tries to throw our way, we will be all to stand and fight. However, we must make sure that as Christians, we must abide by our dress code. We cannot afford or risk leaving anything. Every gear is vital to our spiritual survival. Below, there is a checklist for your war clothes to make sure you are dress properly and ready for battle.




Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.


Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;




praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--