Category: Encouragement

The Timing of God

There is a saying that’s been around a long time….He might not come when you want him to, but He’s always on time! One well known gospel singer has a song titled “He’s an on time God”

I believe that in the times that we’re living in requires that we as believers know and understand the timing of God, pertaining to His plans and purposes for our lives as well as the corporate body of Christ more than ever. 

Although we don’t always understand His timing at first when we’re going through situations in our lives, we question Him by saying “God what are you doing? We have the audacity to think that He has to answer to us! LOL

For me it’s only in hindsight that I finally get that “aha”moment and understand why I had to go through what I went through, it was because He had a greater plan and a greater purpose all along for my life.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heavens.

Have you ever thought about how God’s timing always seemingly fits perfectly into our lives? Although, we don’t always discern it at first, and guess what, He doesn’t need our permission to do whatever He knows is best for us.

He crafts our days to fit into His plan and purpose for our lives-He has the perfect timeline drawn specifically for us individually. A timeline is a schedule of planned events, or actions.

God uses these planned events and actions throughout our journey in life to remind us that He has been-and will always be with us.

Along this journey he will give us points of reference to help us remember “ if he brought us through once he is faithful to bring us through again”

When we seek to know His plan and purpose for our lives we can’t see or know the timeline that He has drawn for us. It’s a matter of faith and trust in a God that we can’t see but we learn as we draw closer in intimacy with Him. He’s an on time God! Working all things together for our good. Romans 8:28

But know this dear brothers and sisters along this journey that is called life we will experience seasons that will always have timings and purposes attached with it.

God has divinely designed along our journey something that I’ve termed as “mountain top experiences”and “valley experiences” I believe that they both help teach us how to walk out and live balanced Christian lives. 

They are designed so that we won’t be so heavenly minded that we’re no earthly good; or on the other hand not to be so earthly minded that we’re not good at understanding heavenly things.

We must understand that both of these experiences has a purpose in shaping us for our calling and most importantly shaping us to be conformed into the image of His son Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:29

Most of us if we’re honest would agree that we love being on the mountain top and dislike being in the valley.

On the mountain top we’ve just come out of a fiery trial we’ve overcome a battle and got the victory! We’ve slain Goliath! we’re full of joy, we’re on a natural high… we tell our testimony of victory over and over! It’s a time of great rejoicing, but slowly we get slack in praying, fasting, seeking His face,and fellowship with Holy Spirit. Not realizing that He has a purpose, for you to experience this mountain high in this season.

He brought you here to prepare you for the valley that will surely come. To give you rest, to strengthen, and refine you. 

If you’re seeking Him during this time you will know that this is the place to prepare for the “valley experience”…So…before you get there (the valley) you’ve already built yourself up by speaking the Word “yea though I walk through the valley I will not fear!” For He is with me! It’s a place to deepen your prayer life before you go to the valley. 

The valley has darkness, the dark night of the soul! Where you will question yourself is God truly with me? In the valley you are met with obstacles, various trials, pains, struggles, and disappointments. The valley experience is not all bad, it also brings you to a place of spiritual elevation and growth. You will get a deeper intimate insight of who God truly is in your life. You understand and know that He is a present help and that you can be still and know that He is God!

It’s how you prepared yourself on the mountain before you got to the valley that will help you know that you’re coming out and that you won’t look like what you’ve been through in the valley.! Take heart the good shepherd will never leave you in the valley longer than necessary! He hasn’t forgotten you. He is working on your timeline. (Planned events and actions)

Remember dear saints although the valley has all kinds of problems and situations, It’s a place of transformation it’s also a place of spiritual growth and elevation.

I want to encourage you today if you’re encountering a “valley experience, look ahead beyond the valley there’s a mountain top just up ahead, just keep walking through this valley knowing that the good shepherd is right there beside you walking with you whatever may come in this season you’re not alone! 

As I bring this writing to a close…value and treasure the times and seasons that He brings you to, whether it’s the mountain or the valley most importantly remember all things are working for your good. 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Child of the Most High God isn’t it so comforting to know, that He has promised that He will be with us in the valley? In my Christian walk with the Lord I’ve experienced so much and I can testify without a shadow of a doubt that He is the God of mountains and valleys! 

Amen and Amen!

Blessings to all,

GotWord 

PS… listen to a song on YouTube by: 

Samantha Ebert titled “Flowers “

Flowers grow in the valley.

Continue reading “The Timing of God” →

Have you considered the cost?

Recently while walking through my home, I heard these words in my hearing, “have you considered the cost?” I immediately began to think about the many prophetic words and dreams we as the people of God receive about our destinies. Many people have received prophetic words or have had dreams of doing great things for the Lord. The focus many times is on the greatness for the glory of who we are destined to become. But then reality kicks in at some point in our lives, that the cost of becoming and fulfilling that word or dream must be understood in the context that the word of the Lord will be tried before it comes to pass. We can observe this in the life of Joseph in Genesis chapters 37-50. Joseph was tested and tried in many areas before the dream came to pass. Have you had a dream or vision that was so profound and you’ve been waiting for it to come to pass? As you read this post, I want you to consider the cost that is associated with that word or vision…. are you willing to walk through the process of whatever it takes to fulfill His will for your destiny? The cost is in the process…. the cost maybe the loss of friends, family, the church folks, divorce, death of a spouse or child, loneliness, character assassination, health issues, or financial devastation. I remember going through a spiritual storm that lasted for months. It was so fierce that   I didn’t think I could make it through another day…BUT GOD! I had to walk through the valley of shadow of death. I had to learn to walk in his strength and not my own. You see, many years ago I had a vision concerning my destiny. Now that I look back over my life, I can see the process I have come through and the spiritual formation that is and will be necessary for his glory and my good. In hindsight I think if I had considered the cost in the natural, I would not have been so happy about what He showed me. My focus was on the greatness of the vision, but had no clue that the word would be tried. My purpose in writing this post is to make those that are waiting for that prophetic word or vision to come to pass aware, that you’re in the process of the word being tried…hang in there and yield to the process…keep a mindset that whatever the cost I am willing to stand and having done all to stand I will stand…although the vision may tarry, I’m going to wait for it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it. Because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Hab. 2:3

Blessings to all,

GotWord

Masterpieces: Sculptured by the hand of God

Michelangelo is one of the best-known sculptors of all time. Everyone recognizes his famous work called “The Madonna of Bruges” it is a marble sculpture of the Virgin Mary and Child. 

This famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary with child doesn’t compare to the masterful work God does as a master potter to mold and shape the clay vessels he plans to use for kingdom work in the earth. His work is not an outward work made by hands, of which Michelangelo is famous for. It’s the inward molding and shaping that he quietly does behind the scene in the hidden man of the heart of the chosen vessel. The vessel’s character, and heart motives, must be tested and calibrated time and time again until He sees the image of Himself in the vessel. The finished product is a masterpiece a vessel fit for the master’s use. 

In Jeremiah 18:1-4 we read that the Lord spoke to Jeremiah to go down to the potters’ house, there He would hear a word. He saw the potter working the potter’s wheel to make a vessel, but the vessel was marred so the potter pulled it apart and kept working with it until it became what he intended it to be. So are the vessels that have committed to be used by the Lord, they are shaped, and formed in the hands of the master sculptor.

There are many who want to be used by the Lord but are not willing to stay on the potter’s wheel until He finishes the inward work. They are marred vessels outwardly they look well put together. But they can be easily discerned by their character flaws, to name a few flaws: dishonest, spiteful, unloving, unforgiving and easily angered. Those that have submitted to the process on the potter’s wheel you can also easily discern them. Their character is an intricate part of who they really are. It is displayed by their integrity, honesty, love, kindness, good reputation among people. 

DL Moody once said “character is what you are in the dark” (quotepark.com)

Isn’t so amazing that He takes all our flaws and makes something beautiful in His time…Masterpieces! 

We are called God’s unique workmanship, uniquely made by his hands (Psalm 139:14; Ephesians 2:10).

Here’s a few things about Masterpieces: they take time to develop, God knows how long to work on you and with you. God is making you a unique piece not a duplicate, allow him to do so by submitting to the process of being shaped, formed and sharpened. Lastly, a masterpiece is immensely valuable to the sculptor and they take pride in their finished work; so much more are we in the hands of the master sculptor whose main goal is to conform us in the image of His son. Rom. 8:29

Remember you are a masterpiece sculptured by the hand of God.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Eph. 2:10 NLT

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 2Tim. 2:20-21

1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord.

2 Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.

3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.

4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so, he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Jeremiah 18:2-4

Blessings to all,

Got word

This little light of mine

I believe a majority of people have song this nursery rhyme. The words are so powerful and is very much needed for such a time as this.

This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine

Oh, this little light of mine I’m going to let it shine

This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine

Let it shine, all the time, let it shine

Oh, everywhere I go I’m going to let it shine

Everywhere, I go I’m going to let it shine

let it shine, all the time, let it shine

God has placed a light within the believer.

The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord. Proverbs 20:27

This candle within the believer has a twofold purpose. It is a channel by which the Spirit of God uses to communicate and reveals things to the believer; also, it is a light within that shines outwardly into darkness to draw others to “The Light “Jesus. The candle of Lord within the believer is a light an illuminator!

We are told in the Word, to let our light SO shine so that the world will see and the Father will be glorified Matthew 5:16 In the midst of all the darkness and chaos in the world today, the world needs to see Light. If Jesus (the light) of the world be lifted up He will draw all men to himself. John 12:32

Today I read an interesting article detailing the most sinful states in America. The way they (university professors) rated the states were by using a vice index based on the seven deadly sins like greed, lust, vanity, anger, hatred, laziness and excessive vices, (wallethub.com) The world can analyze what’s wrong in the world but offer no solution. The solution to every demise of this world is Jesus, he is the answer for the world today. Jesus came into the world to take away the sin of mankind and redeem them back to the Father. I believe Jesus is still sufficient today to save a sin-sick world. He is the light of the world, a beacon of hope in the midst of hopelessness. He is that glorious gospel that the god of this world wants to blind the mind of people, so that they cannot see the “Light” 2 Cor. 4:4

We the people of God who carry the light everywhere we go, have the responsibility to lift Him up in this dark world by allowing the light within us to Shine and show forth! We must give voice to the gospel message of salvation everywhere we go. We were commissioned by Jesus to Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15

When we do so, we’re glorifying our Father and showing the way for some lost soul to come into the knowledge and the truth of who Jesus Christ is. He is the only way, the truth and the life. John 14:6

Scriptural reference:

Again, Jesus spoke saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. 5:16

Blessings to all,

GotWord

I AM WITH YOU

This morning the Lord wants you to know that he is with you. There are many scriptures in the Bible that we see where the Lord spoke to his servants and told them that He was with them. In Gen 28:15 Jacob had a dream in which the Lord spoke to him: Behold, I am with you and will keep [careful watch over you and guard] you wherever you may go, and I will bring you back to this [promised] land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

I believe today the Lord wants his people to know more than ever that he will always be with us and not forsake us in any situation we may face. As you go throughout this day know that the great “I AM” is with you and is watching over you. He will fulfill what He has promised to do in your life. Trust Him

Blessings to all,

GotWord

    What I know For Sure

    Lamentations 3:22-23

    I write thoughts down on pieces of paper all the time. Fortunately, for me I have begun to use my iPhone to make quick notes so that I can become better organized. As I was up in an early morning hour praying and doing some cleaning and organizing my bedroom; I came across a sticky note that I had written, the ink was slightly faded on the paper. I had wrote this note many months ago and it read “Some things I know are sure.” 1.Heaven is real, 2. New mercies everyday.

    When I wrote this thought I was going through a very difficult season in my life and needed to remind myself that in spite of what I was facing the Word of God was sure; and that if I died during this time, He has already prepared a place for me called heaven, John 14:3; But because I was alive in this moment I can have and proclaim new mercies everyday Lam.3:22-23. I had to hold onto and stand on what I knew to be true concerning His Word to me. God is faithful!

    The word sure is defined as: true beyond any doubt. The times that we are living in has caused many in the Body of Christ to doubt and walk in fear. I hear the fear when my brothers and sisters speak. I want to admonish and encourage the people of God to believe God’s word like never before in this hour. For such a time as this we can stand upon his Word. His Word is still SURE! It is “true beyond any doubt” it is unquestionable, and indisputable these are two more words that define the “Sure Word of God” to his people. The Word of God tells us to “Fear Not.” Fear not, is found in the Bible 365 times. That’s enough to cover each day of the year! Just think how strong we could become in our faith and overcome fear if we would just speak the Word of God. His Word is SURE!

    What are you facing in this season of your life? Has fear caused you to doubt the faithfulness of God at work in your life? I want to remind you that He will continue and complete the work He has begun in you! Phil.1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. God will perfect everything that concerns you.” Psalm 138:8 NKJV

    I want to encourage you to rise up and begin to declare and speak His Word until you get your breakthrough. His Word is Spirit and life. (John 6:63); and it is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) It’s a Sure Word! Indisputable and true beyond a doubt!

    Blessings to all,

    GotWord

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