There will be GLORY after this!

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope... Romans 5:1-4

Just because you are going through, you are tested on every side, oppressed, stressed, depressed, and can't understand why God won't or when is God going to bring you through, doesn't mean that God is not concerned nor that He already knows about your situation. There's a reason for your testing, and He allowed you to go through because on the other side, there will be a strong testimony. He determined that you would be able to handle it. And He knows that through this process, you will remain faithful.

Do you know the enemy thinks he has the upper hand, but he does not? Do you know he feels he has won the battle every time it seems you have been defeated? But do you know that God even has the enemy under wraps? God will never let the enemy get the upper hand in your life. It may seem in the natural that you are under water in your situation, but God is your life guard and He has thrown you the life jacket and expects you to put it on and float your way to the surface. Hallelujah! God will never let you drown, whether in debt, depression, sickness, hurt and pain--it doesn't matter.

At the end of the day, there will be GLORY AFTER THIS! Your testimony will be a catalyst for someone else's breakthrough! Know that God is not through with you! You are a prime candidate for DOUBLE for your TROUBLE! Just keep the faith, hold on and allow God to be the remedy to all of your sorrows! He counts every tears and has engraved your name in the palms of His hands. He cares for you! Keep praising in the midst of it! There will be GLORY! His WAY, His WILL, His GLORY!

God bless you!

Elder Lily

My Purpose to Fulfill

Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant (Jeremiah 1:8-10).

What has God told you lately? What has He reassured you of time and time again, but you have dismissed it as if it was never said? From the foundation of the world, God had you in mind. In your mother’s womb, He implanted in you purpose and destiny. He gave you something He did not give anyone else. Only you were made to fulfill the role that He created you to fill. Only you have been assigned to certain individuals or events to bring about change for them. You have a purpose to fulfill.

When the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, Jeremiah thought that God couldn’t possibly be calling him to do a major assignment because he was but a young boy. However, God was not concerned about the statue of Jeremiah or even his age. What was most important was that he could be used and that Jeremiah was teachable. God told him to be not afraid but to stand firm and proclaim His word. Many of us will listen to people all the time to the point of negating the potential we have inside of us, for fear that we couldn’t possibly measure up. But it’s not about what we can do. If it’s up to us, we could never measure up. But greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world! (1 John 4:4). We can do all things through Christ that strengthens us! (Phil. 4:13).

You have something in your mouth to say that will change people’s lives. God allows experiences to happen to us so that we can use those to be a testament for others. Your story could be the vehicle to getting someone saved. God wants each of us to be ready to say whatever He commands us to say. Will you allow him to use you for the Kingdom?

Many times in our lives, seasons come and go to test our faith. Within seconds, our once happy, productive day can be changed by unexpected distractions, causing us many times to forget what the Lord had just told us about His promises. The circumstance seems to outweigh the faith that we said we had. It’s during these moments when we need to remember who we are in Christ Jesus and start to take the word of God seriously for what it is: LIFE! If God said He has made us joint-heirs with Christ, and that our inheritance is wrapped up in Him, then we are to overthrow all manner of evil, destroying all imaginations attempted to kill our witness and use our voices to build us up and ultimately the saints of God and our families. We are Ambassadors of Christ! (2Cr 5:20) So start today by truly reflecting on where you are in your faith walk, and declare that from this day forward, you will use your mouth and your thought life to confess who God has already created you to be, a person of purpose to fulfill.


Selah—(Think on These Things)

* Has fear stopped or delayed you from going after God’s call for your life?
* What limiting beliefs have you bound from taking the next step?
* Ask God to reveal those fears to you, seek forgiveness, and commit to making change in that area.



Prayer:

Lord, I thank you that even before my being in my mother’s womb, you had me in mind. You crafted me and made me to be a force in this world. I appreciate my uniqueness and all that makes me who I am. There are times when I may forget who you created me to be, resulting in doubt and fear. Forgive me, oh Lord. As I connect with you through prayer and your Holy Word, I will be so careful not to forget what you have promised for my life and will walk in your commandments, making it an example for my life for all to see. I declare that I have purpose and that purpose is alive on the inside of me! In Jesus Name, Amen!



Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved (From the Upcoming Book, "There's Hope for the Weary: God's Promises for Life's Greatest Storms''-By Lily L. Ratliff-Jenkins).

My Grace is Enough

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power (strength) is made perfect in weakness. (II Corinthians 12:9)




“Your grace is enough….Your grace is enough….Your grace is enough for me!”

These are the words we frequently love to sing as we all choral together with fellow believers in Christ each week at our churches. But while we are lifting up Holy hands and singing praises to our God, how many of us truly know the level of grace we actually have with knowing our heavenly Father, especially in times of trouble?

Grace is the favor and loving-kindness that our Father shows to His own, not from our own merit, but because we have been redeemed through Christ Jesus. Because of His love for us, He continually gives this grace, not only when we sin and approach Him in forgiveness, but when we need His protection, provision, and healing power.

How many times have you been within seconds of a major life-altering dilemma that could have truly taken you out, but because of God’s grace, you lived to tell about it? An auto collision happens before your very eyes that could have been you…in the knick of time, money comes in the mail that can now be used to keep your car from being repossessed …doctors who once told you that the tumors you have in your body could not be healed, have now looked and can’t find anything moments before they draw the first incision. God’s grace is enough! Not only is it enough, but it is sufficient during any major storm in your life. You don’t need anything else but God’s grace because that’s the only thing that will stand strong in your time of need.

During times like these, you may feel like you can’t go on. You have more bills than money, and it seems that once you get out of one situation, you wind up in another, leaving you shaking your head in despair. But it’s during these trying moments that the power of God is at its best. Hallelujah! God’s mighty hand picks you up and makes you strong when you should have lost your mind. You see, when you put your trust in Him, and cast your care upon Him (1 Peter 5:7), he will make the situations and people around you who meant to do you harm of no effect!

I have a friend of mine that months ago lost her job and ultimately lost her home, all with a husband who was disabled and two kids to have to feed and clothe. No one seemed to show her remorse. For three months, her and her family went from hotel to hotel, all with just the little money her husband received every month for his disability. But she believed that the grace of God would sustain her. After seeking God about her matter, one day she ran into a friend who was truly sent just for her situation. This person knew somebody who in turn also knew somebody that was a mortgage attorney. All in all, she was able to not only get her home back, but eliminate all of the back payments she would have had to pay, lowered her monthly payments and interest rate, and have a little extra money to put aside for her next holiday for the kids. God knows how to turn any situation around if you would only trust that during your time of weakness, God will strengthen you in the battle!

Selah—(Think on These Things)
• When have you been in a situation where you felt all hope was lost? How did you react to it? In fear? Doubt? Anger? Worry?
• As you look back, what could you do differently now to show God your level of faith in Him?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you that when we are at our lowest, your grace supports us and keeps us from utter destruction. We know that as we call on you, you will answer, and show forth your mighty hand to protect and shield us from all harm. We never have to fear the unknown because your grace is sufficient of the day. We can rest assure of your presence and peace upon our lives. Every battle is won and the victory is already ours! In Jesus Name, Amen.


Copyright 2011: All Rights Reserved. (From the upcoming book, 'There's Hope for the Weary: God's Promises for Life's Greatest Storms'-By Lily L. Ratliff-Jenkins).

Begin Today and Everyday~~ This WAY!

Blessings everyone!

He's Working of Your Behalf

Today's Scripture:

“We know that God will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Today's Word:
God is working behind the scenes in your life, today. No matter what you may be facing, no matter what trial you may be going through, God has a plan to turn things around in your favor. Right now, He is working out a plan for your good. Right now, He is orchestrating the right people to come across your path. He is orchestrating the right opportunities to open up to you. You may not see it in the natural, but look with your eyes of faith today.

Keep standing. Keep believing. Keep hoping. Keep following His Word. Focus on His goodness in your life, knowing that He rewards the people who seek after Him. As you meditate on the faithfulness of God and show your love for Him by following His Word, you will see His plan come to pass. You’ll experience His peace and joy. and you will live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. Give me Your strength and peace today and fill me with Your faith to overcome. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

2010-The Year of Promise and Promotion!

Happy New Year Everyone! 2010 means many things to many people. For me, it's the year of promise and promotion! Hopefully during last year, you've set up some things. Let me explain: On your job, you should have laid some foundations, made some connections, put your best foot forward to show your colleagues that you have the skill set it takes to push your company or organization to the next level. All the while, you kept a smile on your face, didn't ruffle any feathers, but let your actions speak louder than words. You understand?

Maybe in your relationships, whether business or familiar, you've helped others along the way who were down and out, needed a place to stay, or a little extra to get them through until next pay day, or better yet, gave them advice for a major problem they were having. All the while, you continued to smile, even though deep down inside you were crying on the inside needing someone else to give you a helping hand.

But understand that in your patience and overwhelming love for someone else, God has counted all of your tears, has seen what you've put your hands to at your job, and in the community, knowing you never wanted anything in return.

Now in 2010, my friends, God is getting ready to do more than you could even ask or think! Hallelujah! You are being set up for the Promise and the Promotion. For as we know, Promotion doesn't come from man, but from the Lord (Psalms 75:6-7)! Keep on keeping on! Continue to put a smile on your face, for God is going to come through for you!

I know as I look back to 2009, I've had some down times in some areas of business, but I've had some extraordinary times in other areas. I had to decide that with all of the hats that I wear, which hat(s) could I put down and which ones do to hold on to in order to focus my efforts on things that gave me the most enjoyment, and where my gifts and talents really were. By doing that, I found myself many times with Favor from God and Man! I praise God for that because now within weeks, God is going to elevate me even further!

So get ready everyone! Change is coming and you are about to embark on an incredible journey this year that you will look back on and get excited about all over again! Happy New Year and God Bless!

Where is your confidence?

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (Hebrews 10:35 KJV)

Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. (Hebrews 10:35 AMP)


How many times have you worked diligently with your hands to help someone, maybe even stuck your neck out and covered for someone, gave generously from the little that you had, all to be ostracized and ridiculed by the very people that you thought had your back?

Or what about this--you consistently pay your tithes and offerings, give to local charities, sacrifice time out of your day to lend a listening ear, serve in various capacities--yet the goals, dream, and desires that you have so deep in your heart, still has not come to pass?

Many of your reading may be, right now, in one of these situations.

But while you may be down and out, wondering when your prayer will be answered, the devil is also telling you things that contradict God's promises for your life. See, it's when we take that second thought of doubt, that we stop or delay the harvest that is meant just for us.

I believe many of us have been on the verge of promotion on our jobs--have been given the tasks of training others that come after us, to then be sideswiped by seeing that very same person be elevated to the position we felt we were supposed to get. Why? Because we took the second thought--or we murmured and complained to our friends and co-workers about the problems of the company instead of being the one to see change take place, by being the change (setting the atmosphere for promotion to take place). Also if you are doing your job as unto the Lord, your gifts will make room for you. We as Christians should never be the ones up in a conversation of gossip and slander. We should run away from that, lest we also be seen as fools. The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. (Proverbs 9:13 NIV) And in Proverbs 12:23 NIV, it says, "A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly."

Another thing that is important to point out is just where we should put our confidence. Our confidence should not be just enough to make the status quo in this world--obsessed on the cars, the house, the fine designer clothes and shoes, our outward appearance-what to get to be seen by people or to fit the world's or society's way of doing things. Yes, many of those things are nice, and God does want us to prosper in every area of our lives, and will give us those things when and if He sees fit to bring it to us. However, your confidence should be more on what we should be storing up in heaven--our Heavenly treasures. How do we do that, by sowing consistently into the Kingdom of God. Not just with our monies, but our time, our talents, whatever we can out our hands to work to do.

Our confidence should be built in patience for what God has for us. Remember what God has for you will be just for you. No one will be able to take it away or boast about having any part in it. God will be the one to get all the glory and you can tell everyone how you made it over! Thanks be to God!

Keep putting your hands to the plow, do more than what's expected of you, keep a smile on your face, and display longsuffering towards ones that have despitefully used you--target them and be steady in order to win them to Christ!

When we have that fearless confidence, as the word suggests, we can hold our heads up high, because we already have the victory, even though in the natural, it may look like we are falling apart. We will still be confident-never wavering from our faith that God will continue to provide and that what you sow into the Kingdom, God never forgets and he counts it all toward your ultimate reward. And shouldn't we only want to do what is pleasing to God anyway? Only what we do for Him will last! So be confident, my brothers and sisters. Stand strong and in the power of His might! We will always be victorious, in Jesus Name!

In His Love,

Do unto others...

How many times have you told a friend or two about what God has purposed in your spirit only to have that very thing stepped on by the words of ones you thought loved and cared for you? What about when others on your job laugh and talk bad about you behind your back--simply because of the jealousy and envy they have for you--because you obeyed your boss and did what your hands were perfected to do? They scandalized your name and spread evil rumors about you when you've done nothing to cause them to feel this way? You've shown nothing but love-- you share-- you even help them to get major projects done before the deadline, not wanting anything in return. It's just the love of God in you.

Now many times, when these situations happen, the first thing we want to do, is get back at them, tell them about themselves, and seek to clear our names. But God doesn't desire for us to do what he said he would do for his people, if we trust him, and know that we know that we know that he's for us. Think on these things:

"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep...Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."(Romans 12:14-15, 17-21 KJV)

We're not to repay evil for evil or seek to get revenge. Because when we attempt to do that, we are stepping out of the will of God and deciding to do things according to flesh, which never wins. But we as children of God fight not with flesh and blood, but against principalities, and rulers of darkness in this world. We war in the spirit, for we are spirit, just made flesh. We have to constantly be mindful of that by praying without ceasing, and pulling down those strongholds. We shouldn't be mad at the people, associates, friends, co-workers, or family members that despitefully use and misuse us. They are operating in the flesh, and the devil uses those people to take us off focus for his plan and purpose for our lives. Yes, it may frustrate you to the point of truly wanting to curse them out. But remember we don't want to put that kind of language out into the spirit realm, nor do we want to grieve the Holy Spirit. We need to discern those wrongful interactions that may be trying to come and steal our joy and turn away from them.

In the end, the devil will have to go somewhere else to cause havoc while we're rejoicing, because when he thought he had us, we didn't give him the time of day. He will have lost that battle. We always win when we obey God and his commands! Praise the Lord!


In His Love,