You Just Have to Do It!

"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."— Robert F. Kennedy

 Every day people take risks that could ultimately provoke danger, mishap, or loss, all for the chance to win at this game called 'life'. Some do indeed have victory, while others are defeated, only to get back up and try again.

How many of you can say, you've taken risks? Have a dared to start a new business venture, write a book, or close a potentially big deal that made you lots of money? Or is what you dream about only that...a dream?

No one has the opportunity to succeed unless they were willing to fail first. And to be honest, they may have failed many times. But the key is to NOT QUIT!

Try these strategies when you decide to take the next leap of faith: 5 Ways to be Better at Risk Taking

And let me add my own advice to you:
1. Always know that if God sent you to it, He will bring you through it.

2. God always makes provision for the vision He has given you.

3. There is nothing new under the sun. Remember what you have thought about others may have already tried, failed, and quit! The difference is: Don't you quit!

4. Each risk will bring you further and further to the promise. Keep etching away!

5. One day you will look back at how far you've come and you'll say, 'I Made It!'

Copyright 2013. Dr. Lily Jenkins. All Rights Reserved.  You may share or print any and all posts as long as you quote or cite Dr. Lily Jenkins' name on, within, or by the posts. http://www.lilyjenkinsministries.com
http://www.keystothekingdomcoaching.com

Time to Register! WWLG2013

Now is the time to register for the hottest summer retreat this side of Atlanta! It's the 2nd Annual Women Who Love God & Each Other, brought to you by Lily Jenkins Ministries! Exciting and powerful speakers, dynamic worship, Victory and Praise Party, a Saturday Prayer Breakfast, great vendors and so much more! Registration is only $25! $75 a night for a room at the Hyatt Place-Perimeter Center, near shopping, dining, and a grand time! While here, you can also purchase City Passes so that you can take in the sites once the retreat has ended Saturday morning! Come on, grab your girlfriends and head to Atlanta, this summer, July 18th-20th, 2013! For more information on Itinerary, Speakers, Hotel, and Vendor Opportunities, go to http://wwlgretreat2013.eventbrite.com or http://www.lilyjenkinsministries.com.

Happy New Year!! 2013

Well! We have made it to another year... Isn't that a nice feeling?

Many of us have goals, dreams, visions and desires that we have brewing just waiting to see it come to pass. I won't talk about New Year's Resolutions, because personally I don't believe in them, but I will say this. With each passing day, it will be absolutely important that we invest in time of reflection. We can say we are going to do this or that all day, but without a sure fire plan in place, it won't happen. We must write the vision and make it plain. We must also run with the vision. Put feet to our faith, and go into uncharted territory, in other words, go where we have not gone before. You can't take the same steps, and go in the same direction thinking that it will happen the way you intend it to. Sometimes we just have to do it differently. And when we do, obstacles may come, but push those out of the way, and steadily move forward. You will have what you say this year, just make sure what you say lines up with the Word of God.


Three things I think all of us should be focused on doing MORE of this year:

1. Pray
2. Fast
3. Study the Word

Sounds redundant right? Many of you were like, 'She didn't say anything profound.' But how many of you did that is 2012? Not just on occasion, but were consistently doing it? It takes discipline, doesn't it? But the more you do it, the easier it becomes. It will not feel like a duty, but a lifestyle. One that you can't live without. And really...you can't.

I want to wish all of you a Happy New Year! One of significance, and great joy!

 “Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” ― Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Copyright 2013. Dr. Lily Jenkins. All Rights Reserved.  You may share or print any and all posts as long as you quote or cite Dr. Lily Jenkins' name on, within, or by the posts. http://www.lilyjenkinsministries.com

Even Through It ALL...God Still Blessed Me!

I know it has been a minute since I've written a blog post. But I believe I have good reasons. :-) The last few months have been busy to say the least. In June of this year, my husband and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary in Miami, FL! And what a blast we had! But I also went back to school and had been in school since early part of 2011. Going back to school is no joke, but this time instead of going to a secular graduate school, I decided by the unction of God to go into seminary. I know right?! Well, I did, and finished, praise God, my Doctorate in Christian Education, from Jacksonville Theological Seminary in June of this year. Here's a pic standing outside of the school.

When God called me to the role of Pastor and Teacher, little did I know He would give me a heart for women. I can attest to you that being around a bunch of women has never been my passion, for prior to the ministry, I had always been to myself, with only 2 or 3 close friends (who live in different states) in my inner circle. And I was cool with that. :-) Nevertheless, God brought a passion and a mandate to speak to the inner workings of a women, flaws and all, and promote sisterhood on a completely new level. Well this last July I had the opportunity with a team of 9 other women to put on the first retreat sponsored by Lily Jenkins Ministries entitled, 'Women Who Love God & Each Other'. It took place right here in Atlanta, one weekend, and God showed up and showed out at the Hyatt Hotel-Perimeter Center. Here's a couple of pics from the event. Thirty-one women from 14 different states took part!

Immediately after that wonderfully blessed time, Lily Jenkins Ministries was on the move having back to back engagements in Georgia, Florida and North Carolina. I teamed up on two occasions with my husband, Apostle Donald Jenkins to speak to the voids of marriages in an effort to ignite Purpose on the inside of them through our Married on Purpose Ministry. Here is a picture during one of these engagements.

Once on one stop, in Tampa, FL, God showed us our future covering in the ministry. We are so thankful and looking forward to having Apostle Mark Jones and the Center for Manifestation Family as a resource and a vehicle to push us into the next move of God which is our new church location starting October 7, 2012 at The Pursuit of Purpose Church, 200 Hannover Park Road, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30350 at 10AM. Why don't you join us! In Durham, NC, I went to speak during a Women of Wisdom Conference on the subject: 'Reveal Your Glory in Me: Releasing Your Passion for My Purpose!' Here's the pic below...

And now I have come to this DAY! A day I have been waiting to see for a long time. Months turned to years of writing this new book and now it is here! My new book was released two days ago...'There's Hope for the Weary: God's Promises Through Life's Greatest Storms'. It is available in Kindle format, and Paperback at Barnes & Noble.com and Amazon.com! It is truly a 30 Day Testament to the love God has for you. Here are the various links where you can order. There's Hope for the Weary

I showed this visual depiction of this year because after all I've been through, my life as I used to know it, will never be the same. God has blessed me beyond what I ever thought it could, despite my faults, despite my past, despite my previous doubts and failures. He did it! It was nothing I could do on my own. He saw fit to use me...and for that I am grateful! In His Service,

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

I am a Prayer Away

Do not be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7) (NIV)


I know how hard it can truly be to want something so badly. I even know how difficult it can be to have to wait on it. There’s been countless of times in my life, when I had a great plan to do something in business, and put a date to my plan, all to see the date come and go and still not fulfill the plan that I had.


God loves to see that we have desires to succeed. As a matter of fact, He placed it there. When He created man, He blessed him and said to subdue and have dominion in the earth (Genesis 1:28). So He already placed in our DNA the drive to use all of the vast resources that the earth has to give glory to God and to serve Him and man. Many decide to use them in other ways that lead to deceit and greed. Theirs is their just reward. Others who use it to please their heavenly Father, prospers in all that they do. He uses the creative devices He’s given us to create wealth.


However, when a downturn in your business occurs or when you’re seeking God for a major breakthrough in your life, He wants us to not only put the situation in His hands, but also to leave it there. Now that’s not to say He doesn’t want you to continue to ask, and be persistent in your prayers. In the amplified version of verse 6 above, it says that “in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God (italics mine). So even when plans fail or are delayed, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s denial. He wants you to keep asking, all the while thanking Him in advance for the promise.


Many times during our prayers, we get impatient with God. We say prayers that are half-hearted or in a rush without waiting around to see what He has to say about it. As we know, God answers prayer in three different ways: Yes, No, or Wait. But we would never fully know that unless we stop to listen for His voice. God is not the author of confusion, and if you ever feel that you are going back and forth on a major decision in life, you may need to think twice before moving on it. Go back to God, make your requests known, continually ask for what you need, and allow God to answer.


What He wants each of us to understand during times of trial and tests is that He is just a prayer away. We are not in this life alone. We have a Father who loves us and wants nothing but the best for us. He has said in His word that no good thing will He withhold from us (Psalms 84:11b). We’ve got to hang on to that and trust that with the peace of God, we can handle any of life’s circumstances.


Selah—(Think on These Things)

~Can you honestly say you have full trust in God for all areas of your life? If not, what is causing the doubt?
~Have you asked God for help in your time of need, only to find yourself picking the situation back up again? Reflecting, how could you handle it next time when praying to your heavenly Father?



Prayer:

Lord, in my time of need, I have forgotten about the risen Savior who died for me, so that I might have life, and have it more abundantly. I also forgot that because of what He did for me, I can now come boldly before your throne of grace to obtain help in my time of need. Forgive me God. Help me to cast all of my care on you, for you care for me. Give me peace amidst my storm and allow me to see over the clouds of pain and despair. As a little child, I call upon you! And with you, I have all of the help I need. 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 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).