Renew Your Strength

Renew Your Strength

Isaiah 40: 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Even the most inspired Christians can, from time to time, find themselves running on empty. The demands of daily life can drain us of our strength and rob us of the joy that is rightfully ours in Christ. When we find ourselves tired, discouraged, or worse, there is a source from which we can draw the power needed to recharge our spiritual batteries. That source is God.

As time goes on, people in general live more and more in a state of great worry. Indeed our time is full of unpredictable events; in the current world, numerous circumstances are creating a lot of trouble and turmoil. And yet God created this earth and mankind with a most precise aim in mind. In this transitional period, God is saying some things to his people.

Even the strongest people get tired. But God’s power and strength never diminishes. He is never too tired or too busy to help or to listen. His strength is our source of strength. When we feel that all of live is crushing us and we can’t go another step. Remember that you can call on God to renew your strength. We all need regular times to listen to God. Waiting on the Lord is expecting his promised strength to help us rise above life’s distractions and difficulties. Listening to God helps us be prepared when he speaks. Be patient when he asks us to wait and expect him to fulfill his promises found in his word.

Ps 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

God is not a temporary retreat. He is our eternal refuge and can provide strength for any circumstances. His power is complete; and victory is certain. He will not fail to rescue those who love him.

Waiting is one of the hardest things for us to do. Yet God asks us to wait on him and as we do our strength will be renewed. Today, like every other day, is literally brimming with possibilities. Whether we realize it or not, God is always working in us and through us; our job is to let Him do His work without undue interference. Yet we are imperfect beings who, because of our limited vision, often resist God’s will. And oftentimes, because of our stubborn insistence on squeezing too many activities into a 24-hour day, we allow ourselves to become exhausted or frustrated, or both. Are you tired or troubled? Turn your heart toward God in prayer. And while you’re at it, pray for the wisdom to simplify your life. When you do, you’ll discover that, with God as your partner, you can accomplish the important tasks He places before you today, tomorrow, and every day of your life. Be strong in the Lord and the Power of His Might. Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much. Blessings on you. God Loves You and so do I. ...Pastor Tammy

A Better use of 4 letter words

A Better use of “Four” Letter Words

There is a better way to use 4 letter words. Four letter obscenities are used more and more in our society, in the movies and even in our homes. Some may even suggest using 4 letter obscenities help them find a release with stress and tension. It is a temporary relief at best. More than likely, after using these 4 letter words, the user will still have to face the same challenge, situation or circumstance; yet without a different perspective or at least from a different point of view, they can still end up frustrated or stressed out.

Today I would like to discuss 10 four letter words to help you find inner strength, and a healthy mental attitude all day long. Don’t worry if you cannot remember all ten. Remember the ones that “jump” out at you and practice those and watch God strengthen you in the inner man. Your life is a precious gift and is meant to be celebrated.

1. Look. Look squarely at the nature of your problems. Keep looking for the right solutions. Look around you for opportunities. Look for ways to improve your life in every area. Be alert, look for better ways to get some things done.
2. Face. You will never change what you will not face. Jesus had to face some things, and he is our example. Find the courage to face one thing you have been putting off and be determined to accomplish it today.
3. Life. Celebrate Your Life. Jesus came that we would have an abundant life. How are you today? What do you think about your life? Are there some areas that need improvement? Do you feel that you are wasting your life or are you being productive using all the gifts and talents that God has given to you to bring him glory? Begin thanking God that he has a “good plan” for your life and you are ready to receive it. Step back, keep believing and watch what happens.
4. Work. Nothing will so fortify you against stress as hard, constructive work. It helps you forget yourself. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop !!!
5. Time. There is a season (an appointed period) and a time (a predetermined occurrence) for all that takes place under the sun. Seeming chance events are all part of a huge plan. Timing is important. The secret to peace with God is to discover, accept and appreciate God’s perfect timing.
6. Give. Give and it shall be given. Give yourself to people. Be genuinely interested in their problems and in the process you'll overcome reluctance and weariness.

7. Help Everyone needs help at one time or another. Look for ways to help someone in need. Ask God everyday to place someone in your path that you can help. Remember help comes in many forms, it doesn’t always have to be monetary.

8. Word. Read your bible daily. The words in it are spirit and they are life.

9. Pray. Prayer connects you with spiritual power, builds up your inner strength. Men and women ought always to pray and faint not. In everything we are to give thanks. Pray without ceasing.
10 Love. It nourishes and restores you. Love is taking a phone call at three o'clock in the morning. It is going the second mile in caring for people. One way to put love into action is to take initiative in meeting a specific need for someone.

Be blessed today! God Loves You and so do I..….. Pastor Tammy

Domestic Violence Hurts Everyone

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HURTS EVERYONE

Have you or someone you know been a victim of domestic violence? Recent headlines of domestic violence include Rhianna and Chris Brown, both secular song artists and Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Bishop Thomas Weeks. This is an indication that domestic violence occurs inside and outside of the church. Statistics state one out of every 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Domestic violence does not just occur against women, but it also occurs to men.

Domestic violence constitutes the willful intimidation, assault, battery, sexual assault or other abusive behavior perpetrated by one family member, household member, or intimate partner against another. Amazingly, men who kill the women they abuse receive a prison sentence of 2-6 years while a woman who kills her abuser can receive a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Domestic violence affects not only those abused, but witnesses, family members, co-workers, friends, and the community at large. Children who witness domestic violence are victims themselves and growing up amidst violence predisposes them to a multitude of social and physical problems. Constant exposure to violence in the home and abusive role models teaches these children that violence is a normal way of life and places them at risk of becoming society's next generation of victims and abusers.
Domestic violence crosses every racial, economic and social line. Domestic violence is about power and control. There are different types of domestic abuse. There is verbal abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse.

Domestic violence victims may minimize the seriousness of incidents in order to cope, and not seek medical attention or assistance when needed. Victims, because they fear the perpetrator and may be ashamed of their situation, may be reluctant to disclose the abuse to family, friends, work, the authorities, or victim assistance professionals. As a consequence, they may suffer in silence and isolation.

Things to do if you or someone you know or suspect of being abused:
Contact a local domestic violence program. These programs are in many communities around the country and can provide: counseling and support groups; information about legal options, the criminal justice system, and social services; shelter.

Create a comprehensive safety plan. With assistance from a victim service professional, victims should create an individualized plan for safety in all situations, including a checklist of necessary items to take when leaving an abusive situation.

Consider legal options. In every state, domestic violence is a crime.
Remember you were created in the image of God. And God asks each of us to love our neighbor as ourselves. You are not alone! There is a lot of help available for you. Pease visit www.sistertosister.name for additional resources and www.sistertosister.mypodcast.com God Loves You & So do I.

Mountains Can Be Moved

Matt 21:21-22 (NIV)
Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Mountains are any obstacles or barriers we may encounter in life. Are you facing a situation or circumstance that is weighing heavily upon your mind and spirit? Maybe its an employment situation or even a health crisis? Do you try and seek peace and cannot find any? There is a word for you today; Mountains can be moved. Christ tells us that power comes through faith and prayer. The Lord wants us to know that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Three things are noted in the above scripture. We need faith. We must not doubt; wonder, question or be concerned as to whether a thing can be done or not. Thirdly we need God’s authority. The power of Christ came from the authority of God. All he had to do was speak the word. This is not about positive thinking or confessions. It is about declaring God’s Word as the final authority over any obstacle, barrier or mountains that we encounter while on this journey called Life. There is life and death in the power of the tongue. The Lord wants us to grow in trust and belief in him, his word and his power.

How can we truly believe we can move mountains without a personal relationship with the Lord? We must have a personal relationship with God. We must continue instant in prayer. When we possess a personal relationship with God, our prayers should be in harmony with God’s will for his kingdom. I would like to leave you with these final thoughts. With God all things are possible. Mountains can be moved, with prayer and faith. Ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be open. If you believe you can receive. Start speaking to those mountains.

5 keys that will help you move the mountains you may be facing.

1. Power comes through faith and prayer
2. God’s supernatural power is available to us; but it is conditional
3. Prayer is the vehicle and faith is the energy and it takes both to reach your destination
4. Faith stirs prayer and communion with God
5. Believe that with God all things are possible.

A Divine blessing from a divine Diva. God Loves You and so do I.

Shake Us Again

Shake Us Again
“I am blessed to be a blessing”
Neh 5:1-13

Are you a person who believes that your money is just for you and to pay your bills? Do you give to the poor? Is there someone in need around you? Or do you feel that times are just so incredibly tough it is difficult to give? Maybe you pay your tithes or even give an offering to the church but do you look for opportunities to be a blessing to someone else.

In Nehemiah’s day, the people who had money or were considered wealthy were actually taking advantage of their brothers and sisters. They were charging very high interest rates. When the people could no longer afford to pay, the wealthy took their land and vineyards. When the people could no longer support themselves they eventually had to sell their children to try and survive. Nehemiah eventually told the people they were doing was not right. Ultimately, the wealthy people agreed with Nehemiah and gave back the land and the vineyards and the interest they took. Now there is a thought, what if the credit card companies gave back all the interest they have charged, some of the credit cards would be paid off. Nehemiah asked the Lord to shake them out if they did not keep their promise.

In our economy today, we might not find ourselves selling our children. However, it is my understanding that human trafficing is still a problem in our world. Some of us like the children of Isreal have taken multiple mortgages out on our homes. According to a consumer report the average American has at least 7 credit cards, a mortgage, car loan and other unsecured debts. I am not here to stand and judge. I am simply stating when you take a look at this picture, it is hard to see yourself as being blessed to be a blessing. But that is who God created us to be. We are to be lenders and not borrowers. We are the head and not the tail. We are blessed going out and coming in. It is not God’s will for you to be consumed by debt or that every dollar you earn goes into things (debts) that are not a blessing to anyone, especially you. Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, but lay your treasures up in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt or where thieves can break through and steal. Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. So where are our hearts today? Are you any happier because you have a really big house, a nice car, and nice clothes? Or would you exchange some of these luxuries for a peace of mind and to be able to bless someone else.

God told us in his word, my ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts. And the way to get out of debt is to GIVE. St. Luke 6:38 states “Give and it shall be given unto you, a good measure pressed down shaken together and running over shall men give into your bosoms.” There are countless testimonies of people who were hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt and God brought them out. They are now blessed to be a blessing. Do you know that if you could save $1,000 a month that in 7 years you could afford to pay cash for a $120,000 home? If you could sacrifice 7 years, you could live debt free in a home. It may not be the biggest or the fanciest house, but it would be a home that you own debt free. And the best part about it; you will be blessed to be a blessing to someone else, because all your income is not going into debts. Over the next few days, think about where you are, where you would like to be. Pray About It! Ask God to give you a vision how to get from where you are to where he desires you to be and how you can become a blessing to someone else” I am blessed to be a blessing.……..A divine blessing from a divine Diva. God loves you and so do I.

Comparing ourselves to Others

“Free to Be Me”

1 Cor 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am


You are unique. You are special. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God took his time when he created you. He placed within you all the things he wanted to be there. He chose your hair color, eye color, the shape of your nose, the shape of your lips and the curve of your hips. You are so special your fingerprints are specific only to you. Your gifts and talents are specific to you. There is no one else like you in the entire universe. By the Grace of God I am what I am. So why are so many people unhappy with things about themselves and wanting what someone else has or possesses. Short people want to be tall. Tall people want to be short, skinny people want a little more meat on their bones, those who have the extra weight want to take it off. We constantly comparing ourselves one to another.

It is human nature to want to see how we measure up in comparison to others; especially if we think that they are better than us or have more of something that we desire. We should not compare ourselves with others because there is no one like us and this makes us incomparable. It is sometimes almost easier to look outside of ourselves and feel like we are lacking in comparison to other people rather than taking responsibility for our own progress in relation to the fulfillment of the purpose for our life.

It actually takes more courage to look at ourselves to see whether we are measuring up to our standards or meeting our full potential. Each of us has very special gifts. And we are here for very specific reasons. We each have a life purpose to fulfill; lessons that we must learn and circumstances that we must go through in order to develop as spiritual beings. To compare our lives to other people's lives when we have no idea of what they are here to learn or fulfill doesn't benefit anyone, especially you. You have no idea of the plan God has for someone else’s life.

Each of us live under a unique set of circumstances, everybody’s life is not on the same track. We are working on different problems, growing at various rates on varied character traits. We experience different trials and have been influenced by our environment in distinctive ways. A true and accurate comparison is impossible by another human being. It misses the mark of perfection according to the truth of God. So if you want to compare yourself to something or someone compare yourself to the standards of God’s Word. How are you developing and progressing into the person God called you to be. By the Grace of God I am what I am. I am Free to be me.

Life Lessons:
1. I am unique, fearfully and wonderfully made by God
2. Don’t measure your self by yourself (inward)
3. Don’t compare yourself with others (outward)
4. Accept that God has a specific purpose and plan for your life, so you cannot live your life thru another (upward)
5. Don’t let pride set in
6. Do the best you can
7. Do not glory in the flesh
8. Walk in the spirit and do not fulfill the lust of the flesh
9. Strive to become all God has desired and purposed for your life.
10. Remember by the Grace of God, I am what I am. I am free to be me.

A divine blessing from a Divine Diva. God Loves you and so do I.

What are you waiting for?

Lamentations 3:26 -It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Why is it that we find waiting tough? Most twenty-first century people do. We don’t want to wait in traffic, wait in line, or wait for a table. We don’t want to wait until we can afford to pay cash for a purchase and not be in debt so we put the purchase on a credit card and incur the debt.

The Lord will reward you for waiting upon Him. You can remain calm when it appears that nothing is happening when you think it should. Waiting is a response contrary to the ways of the world. And God already told us in his word, our ways are not his ways, our thoughts are not his thoughts.

We don’t want things to be hard or difficult. All of us are waiting on something that the Father has promised us. In Hebrews 6:12 it states that through faith and patience we inherit the promises of God. While you are waiting on the Lord, know that everything and every situation is working together for your Good because you are called according to his purpose. It’s not always about you but its about the King and his purpose.

Waiting helps us realize
1. Things may be bad, but it because of the mercy of God they are not worse.
2. Whatever hardships we meet, we will not be consumed.
3. Great is God’s faithfulness to each of us.
4. If we submit to God’s timing he will honor us.
5. As we wait on the Lord, he will renew our strength
6. We can walk and not faint, run and not be weary.
7. Allow God to choose the best time to change your circumstances.

Wait on the Lord and be of good courage and he will strengthen our heart. A Divine blessing from a Divine diva. Together yes, we can. God Loves You and so do I.