I Am a Changed Woman!

Last Sunday’s service at Changing a Generation Ministries (Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church) with Co-Pastor Debra Morton as Founder and Host of the event, marked confirmation to me about what God is consistently doing in my life. When my book, The Life of a Lily was shipped to my door two weeks before Christmas last year, I felt as release deep within my spirit like never before. I also heard God tell me, “Now is the time. You are renewed in the spirit of God. I have released you to spread my message. Your life will be your purpose!” Hallelujah!

The sermon during the service was entitled, “Diary of a Changed Woman!” Over the last week, Pastors, Elders and Speakers have come to share the message that “I Know I’ve Been Changed.” Your past just set you up for the glory-your destiny-and your purpose! Pastor Fran Love from Greater Antioch Church of Love in Louisana gave a powerful, spirit-filled word on Luke 13:10-13 which says:

“And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, Behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.”

Eighteen years, this woman could not bend over. Eighteen years this woman was ostracized, isolated, shunned, and disgraced. No one noticed her for eighteen years. And this man, we call Jesus, the son of God, a man who gravitated towards ones that no one else cared for, stopped teaching and called to her to come to him. My God!! Don’t think for one minute that what Jesus had been teaching wasn’t important, for everything that comes out of the mouth of God is worthy to be heard and adored! But He looked beyond her physical ailment and focused on her heart. What a powerful sentiment to the wonderful God we serve!

When He laid His hands upon her, instantly she was healed, set free and delivered! She was changed! So too, are we changed. All of the bondage have been broken, the chains have been loosed, and we can walk in victory! I thank God that He does not judge me for my past, for I am a new woman! The former things are gone away, behold all things become new! That word was for me! Every incident, every broken promise, the neglect and abandonment, has changed into love unspeakable, peace overflowing, and compassion for others who are where I once was. There is hope! Thanks to God Almighty! Praise You Jesus!

My baby is growing up! Awwwh!

Asia and Mommy

I never thought I’d say that I would be sad about my baby’s first day of Kindergarten. But guys, I’ve got to tell you I was. Yes, that smile of ours above marked the start to her ongoing education for years to come, but deep inside when I left her on last Monday, I cried inside. If you know anything about Asia and I, you would know that we’ve been through some things. But all in all, it’s been together. Asia, now five year’s old, is a beautiful and strong little girl, with so much wisdom for such a small, compact, once pre-mature little angel. The times we’ve shared over the years I can not get back, but I look forward to what’s ahead. Friends, please pray my strength. She’s my baby and she’s growing up! I love her dearly and pray nothing but blessings over her life in the mighty name of Jesus! This truly starts the first day of the rest of her life!

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way she should go: and when she is old, she will not depart from it” (italics and emphasis mine). Lord I ask that you help me to do just that all the days of my life. May she be blessed, prosperous, and remembered in the land as having a right standing with you and an example for others. May she bear children, that will follow in her footsteps as Kings and Queens of the Most High God! I thank you for the opportunity to bear her deep within my womb-at a time I never thought I would be able to. For that I am grateful. I pray protection, strength, and love to ever rest, rule, and abide over her life. Her friends and family will honor her, and her enemies will call her blessed! Hallelujah! I praise you Jesus this day and forevermore. Amen.

Asia near her classroom

God of the Possible

God of the Possible

READ Matthew 19:13-30

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

Matthew 19:26

When Jesus said that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven, his disciples were understandably concerned. Was Jesus implying that rich people could not live in God’s kingdom?

No, that was not his point, though he was aware of how much our love for possessions can keep us from full surrender to God. But Jesus knew of a power greater than the lure of riches. The power of God could do the impossible, helping even a rich person to come under God’s authority. The same God who changed the hearts of tax collectors and sinners could transform the values of one who loved riches more than anything else. For the God of the possible, nothing was impossible.

God is still in the possibility business today. You may be facing situations in your life that feel overwhelming. Your work situation may be frustrating. Your marriage may be crumbling. Your children may be rebelling. Yet God is not daunted by the challenges of your life. He can do what to us seems to be impossible.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: What are the biggest challenges you face today? What in your life seems overly difficult, even impossible? Are you actively offering this to the Lord? Have you asked others to pray with you? Are you looking to see what God is already doing?

PRAYER: Gracious God, were it not for your mercy, I would never have entered your kingdom. It’s not that I’m a rich person. But I do want to hold tight to the possessions I have. The fact that I can offer them to you as I offer my whole self to you is evidence of your amazing grace at work in me.

Lord, you know how I can get overwhelmed when problems are too big for me. I love to be in control, or at least to think I am. So when I come upon something that seems to be impossible, I can panic. Help me, dear Lord, to lean into you at these times, to feel your strength, to seek your wisdom. Do in my life even that which seems impossible. And help me to trust you more in all times, knowing that all things are possible for you. Amen.

Mark D. Roberts, as Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence for Laity Lodge, is an advisor and frequent contributor to TheHighCalling.org. A Presbyterian pastor, Mark earned his Ph.D. in New Testament from Harvard University. He has written six books, including No Holds Barred: Wrestling with God in Prayer (WaterBrook, 2005). He blogs daily at www.markdroberts.com.