To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (Titus 3:2 KJV)

We’ve often heard bless those who persecute us (Romans  12:14). But what does it really mean to bless someone?  In order to get a clearer definition I’ve decided to go to the Greek version of the word BLESS. The Greek word for bless is eulogeō which derives from the words “speak” (lego) and “well” (eu). These words are also where we get the English word eulogize which means to bless, praise, or celebrate with praise.  So in other words you need to speak well, praise and celebrate those who curse you.

After breaking it down this opened my eyes as to exactly how we need to bless our enemies. Instead of stating what they have done wrong to you or even your dislike of what they are doing we need to say something nice, pleasant and pleasing in the sight and ears of God.

A fruit we can cultivate for this challenging task is GENTLENESS. Yes, this is indeed challenging but not impossible.  Proper cultivation of any spiritual fruit is done through power of the Holy Spirit.

It is easy to say something evil about a person. Sometimes you will find some waiting for you to say that evil thing. However, humble yourself and your feelings before God.  Allow the Holy Spirit to use and grow gentleness in your life and spirit through the words you SPEAK.

What I love about Titus 3:2 is that it does not just eliminate our evil words to those who have done wrong to us, but to EVERY man.  You will find the more gentle words you use that you will be more compassionate to others as well as nonjudgmental.  You will be finding creative ways of “speaking well” or being gentle with your SILENCE. We can sometimes say gentle words when actuality we are being condescending. When we say gentle words let’s be sincere in our hearts. I’d rather sow seeds of blessing so that I can enjoy reaping what I’ve sown.

So when you are about to say something about someone, especially those who have used you – speak well!  Bless them, surprise others and teach many how to be GENTLE.

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I was pondering the Fruit of the Spirit and wondered why forgiveness was not one of them.  I feel that forgiveness is produced from a mature Christian.  As I’ve taught before, TRUE forgiveness only comes when you’ve forgotten the offense of the person who has offended you.  Is it like having amnesia? Not quite. But you know you’ve truly forgiven when you see the person and your first, second and even third thought is not about what they have done to you in the past. Just as God has forgiven us we too should forgive others. (Ephesians 4:32) Can you imagine if God reminded us of our offense every time we went to Him?  If so, we probably wouldn’t go back.

I know there are times that true forgiveness may be easier SAID than done.  You may be in a place of wanting to forgive them, but it seems that it’s not that easy to forget, especially, if you are reminded about what they have said or done to you.  This can come from the person directly or from someone who was not involved in the original offense.  So what do you do when you are ready to forgive, but you can’t easily forget?  For me, I’ve decided to go to the basics and truly pray and intercede on their behalf.  Instead of pondering the offense and letting my mind drift and replay over and over, I begin to ask Jesus to bless, forgive and strengthen them.  I guess you can take note from Luke 6:27–28 – But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (Read further Luke 6:27-38).  This text goes on to say it’s easy to love those who love you.  There is true Christian Maturity when you can love those who use, talk about, abuse and judge you.

We have too much at stake to get ourselves “stuck” in unforgiveness.  God has great plans and promises for us, and in order to keep ourselves in a position to receive them; we MUST forgive.  So how long do we have to wait for “true” forgiveness to kick in?  How long do we have to suffer through the backbiting, gossip, hurt and pain? It’s here where the cultivating of the fruit longsuffering/patience BEGINS!

Longsuffering is a fruit that REQUIRES self-restrain, and even-temperedness.  It is really the opposite of wrath and revenge.  This means that when you are thinking of ways to get back at someone you are definitely going in the wrong direction.  Longsuffering doesn’t retaliate in spite of injury or insult.  I believe that you must have PATIENCE to get through the pain and disappointment you may be feeling.  Patience is persevering through problems, trial and tribulations.  Remaining FAITHFUL to the Word of God, trusting that God knows ALL that you are going through, and He understands how you are feeling.  But don’t give up on the PROCESS and don’t give up on GOD.  Patience entails having restraint, leniency, tolerance and mercy towards the offenses of others, even if they have not shown patience towards you. It means having the power to see things through and REMAIN under difficulties without surrendering to them.

The tribulations we go through works patience in us (Romans 5:3–5).  However, we must KNOW that God will give us the STRENGTH to endure through the POWER of the Holy Spirit.  If you try to “truly forgive” on your own it will become quite difficult and frustrating.  You may even feel it’s impossible to do.  But understand that you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13), and there is nothing too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:27 – Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?). 

Our attitude is very important in this longsuffering/patience process.  You need to have the spirit of JOY!  When you have the attitude of joy, God will RELEASE strength for you to endure while you are praying and being patient (Nehemiah 8:10). Remember it’s not the offense that needs to be fixed or corrected – it’s your ability to TRULY FORGIVE the person(s) that offended you.  That’s more important in God’s eyes than you trying to explain to Him that you were RIGHT or have been WRONGED.

So to answer the question, how long is longsuffering, . . . as long as it takes to truly FORGIVE!

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Have you ever asked yourself what God’s will was for your life?
Do you want to know the direction God wants you to go?
Did you want a clear understanding of God’s Will?

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ENHANCING our Relationship with Him!

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North East, Maryland

Healing and Encouraging Ladies with Power
(HELP) Ministries

presents

Did you know that God has a divine purpose for your life?

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

Yes, everything we go though shapes and molds us for our
destiny and is to be used for God’s GLORY and PURPOSE.

God has a purpose and a plan for us
and each day we should be striving (perfecting)
towards that mark

Philippians 3:14 ~ I press toward the mark for the prize
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

We will enjoy 3 days and 2 nights at the Sandy Cove Ministry Restort
filled with wonderful workshops and
fellowship with women all striving towards
God’s perfect purpose and will for
their lives.

Due Immediately!

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IT’S SEEDTIME!!

Are you prepared for to receive what God has for you in the year 2012?

Do you know what’s hindering you from producing much fruit?

Wouldn’t you like to increase your expected harvest?

* * * *

We are preparing our ground (hearts) to receive
God’s Promises for our Expected Harvest of 2012.

By breaking the fallowed ground
and removing any weeds that could hinder
the Word of God to grow and manifest much fruit in your life.

Get your Bible, a pen and pad, dial in
and you’ll HEAR how you can be prepared for the Word of God
to fall “deep” into your soil!

Get READY to receive what God has in store for you!

Join us Wednesday ONLINE at 8:00 pm:

Dial: (712) 432-0900

Access Code: 267958#

For a few days after each session, there will be a recorded version online.
Listen in while it’s still available.

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Divine Direction

Impartation and Celebration

Services

“4th Year Pastoral and Church Anniversary”

Friday, January 13th – 7:00 pm
Overseer Hayward Hamilton
Conquering Power Church of Deliverance
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Saturday, January 14th – 5:00 pm
Pastor Carlton Bowers
Immanuel House of Praise
Seaford, Delaware

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Sunday, January 15th – Noon Day
Evangelist Syeda Woods
Soul Saving Center
Salem, New Jersey

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Sunday, January 15th – 5:00 pm
Bishop Marcia Pitts
Church on the Rock
Wilmington, Delaware

Be there to receive your
Instruction, Empowerment and Impartation
for the Divine Direction
God has in store for you
during the year

2012

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Yes, I am FULL of IT!

When I think of ways I can cultivate the fruit of Goodness, I asked myself what is goodness.  First, I must dispel the theory that good people will make it into Heaven.  The only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6), and every knee will definitely bow when Christ returns (Romans  14:11); and most importantly, we must confess Jesus Christ is Lord and believe He was raised from the dead to be SAVED (Romans 10:9).

So the fact that a person has the nature of being good, doesn’t mean they are producing the fruit that gives ALL of the glory to God.

So what is goodness?  It’s been defined as having good quality, personal virtue or kindness; a good part – the nutrition or other benefit resulting from something.

It’s more than just wanting to be good and even wanting to do good for others, but you must do good unselfishly as the Spirit of God prepares us.  How often do you see a need of someone and know that you COULD help yet you don’t follow through.  Recently we were coming home from church and my daughter asked to go the local way.  About three miles before we were home I saw a church van about to get towed on a flatbed.  What broke my heart was there were members filing out and walking on the side of the road.  I said to myself, Lord they were on their way to Church and the van broke down.  Of course my flesh wanted to remind me that I was less than three miles from home, and I could just pray for them to get to their destination safely.  But instead I decided to ACT.   I looked over to my daughter and said we are going back.  She nodded like “of course we are,” and I proceeded to make a U-Turn.  As I pulled up to the back of the van, the tow man was trying to wave me around, and I wanted to let him know I was there by choice.  I jumped out of the van, extended by hand, and introduced myself to the well-dressed Deacon.  After a brief discussion about their destination, I proceeded to Wawa to pick up the stranded members.  They had traveled over an hour and they were only 20 minutes from their intended destination.   It was for God’s Glory that we were able to get them to their church service.

You see, it takes more than just wanting to do good, we must ACT.  Yes, there needs to be an action plan in place. We need to have in our hearts that we PLAN to ACT! How far do you go to help others?  It reminds me of the story in the Bible of the man who was hurt and folks just stepped over him leaving him there to die (Luke 10:29-37).  Okay, so maybe you haven’t seen anyone dying on the side of the road, but there are people who are dying spiritually every day.  Do you stop to encourage and inspire them?  Or, do you step over them and keep it moving.  Some of us may have good reason why we don’t help others with their spiritual need.  Perhaps we feel we’ve already spoken to them about their issue before or maybe they won’t accept our help.  But whatever your reason (or excuse) you may have to set them aside, and think of their need.

True you may not have all the “right” words to say.  You may say you are not a Bible Scholar, Pastor, Priest or Minister.  However, when you are FULL of the Holy Spirit, it’s THAT power that will give you the right words to minister to their spirit.  When examining the story of the Good Samaritan, he stopped what he was doing, made arrangements for the ailing man to be cared for, and ensured that his needs were going to be met.  So maybe you don’t have a Bible Concordance at your fingertips, but perhaps you can direct them to your favorite Pastor or Christian website, send them one of your favorite devotional emails, or invite them to a Bible teaching, Holy Spirit filled Church.  But no matter which of these (and more) you decide to use, do SOMETHING.

We should be so FULL of God’s GOODNESS that we cannot see someone in spiritual need and just step over them or better yet watch them DIE right before our eyes.  When we see others in need our first instinct should be to give goodness and not be judgmental or even gossip.

Also you need to know that once you have given what God has told you to give them the job is not over.  Now it’s time to continue in prayer.  Interceding and standing in the gap on their behalf by pleading their case before the Father.  We should be so FULL of God’s GOODNESS that it is pouring out of our mouths, spirit and saturating our atmosphere.

One thing to note about the story in the Bible was that the Good Samaritan was not mentioned.  Often times we want people to know it was us who helped them or get some notoriety, but we must recognize that notoriety is a form of pride and when we do GOOD it’s GOD who should get ALL the GLORY!

So I ask again, “Are you FULL of it?”

We want to hear from you!

Tell us how you’ve allow the goodness of God to overflow into others lives.

Sometimes we struggle with things in our life.  Often times we may even know what our greatest battles are, however, overcoming them can be a challenge.

I was once asked what is valuable to me. Outside of my relationship with God and my family, I had to pause and think.  Then just as clear as day there is was, . . . PEACE!  I realized that throughout my life, I’ve place a great value on maintaining peace in my life.  Whether it’s peace in my home, peace in my workplace, peace with others and, most importantly, having peace within.  So my response was having peace in my life is priceless.  There wasn’t a monetary value I could place on having that type of peace.

So I find myself today cultivating the fruit that I love to have, give and bring into every atmosphere I’m placed in — which is PEACE.  But I didn’t always have this peace to give.

Before I accepted Jesus Christ into my life, I can say I had no peace.  If I can be totally honest, I’ve always known who Christ is.  My Grandfather was a Bishop, my Aunt is sure ‘nuff blood washed born again believer, and my mother and father met in the church; so knowing who Jesus is was never my issue.  My ultimate problem was just not surrendering my life to God.   This also meant when I found myself in a real dilemma, I’ve done as a lot of people do — promise God that I would give my life over to Him if He would just “Get me Out.”  But of course, when God delivered me, I did not submit.  So deep in my spirit there was NO PEACE.  There was always that fear of, what if I die before I give my life over to God?  When I was in car accident, and came out with my life, yes, I thanked God; but I knew that if I had died, I was going to hell. That’s why I often thank God for His mercy; because I know that without it I would not have had an opportunity to surrender my entire life to him.  I was in my living room preparing for work when the Lord touched my heart, and I said yes.  There wasn’t anything tragic going on at the moment. I just knew God was speaking directly to me, and said “Come Now,” .  . and I did.  It was the first time in my life that I walked out of my door with such confidence and surety that if it was my last time leaving my home, I would be AT HOME with my Lord and Savior.  What PEACE!

Although I have a great peace from within, this doesn’t mean that I will always have peace around me.  I find that in order to have peace in my atmosphere I must RESIST.  It’s the enemy’s job to steal, kill and destroy; and if he could get hold of my peace, he would be able to shake the foundation of what God has given me.  If the enemy can control the peace I have when I go to sleep, I will be battling in my dreams and wake up a feeling like a wreck.  If the enemy can control the peace in my marriage, I will have hostilities and disappointment.  If the enemy can control the peace in my workplace, I will have conflict with those I work with as well as how I deal with my family at the end of the day.  If the enemy can control my peace with my children, I would be in constant warfare and worrying about what they are getting themselves involved in and whom they are with. If the enemy can control the peace in my finances, then I would be struggling to pay my bills, and my savings will be depleted.  If the enemy can control anything in my life, he can ultimately try to obtain my peace in God.

I want to encourage you and let you know that the enemy can’t control ANYTHING you do not ALLOW him to control.

James 4:7 states for us to submit ourselves to God and to resist the enemy and he WILL flee.  I like the word WILL because it’s so definite.  With confidence I know that this WILL happen WHEN I RESIST him.  But first we must submit to God.  In order to have complete and total peace in our lives, we must be ready to listen and obey God.  Next, we must be PREPARED to resist the devil.  One way to be prepared is to close our ears and hearts to the enemy’s suggestions and temptations.  Another way is to speak the Word of God.  This repels the enemy and he will flee from you.

So today, I’ve made up my mind to take a STAND FOR PEACE, . . . stating that:

I refuse to accept the enemy’s tricks to place confusion in my path.

I refuse to go along with the enemy’s plan to cause me to doubt God.

I refuse to give in to the tricks of the enemy that will want me to hold on to anger.

I stand firm on the Word of God when the enemy comes to tempt me.

I will fight back with the Sword of the Spirit that God has already given me, the Power to speak the Word of God, and to be in constant prayer.

I will keep myself from those who are not about giving, showing or having peace in their day.

I oppose everything the enemy has to offer today by pleading the blood of Jesus over my family, finances, workplace and atmosphere.

Ephesians 4:7 states we cannot give place for the devil to move in our lives or our atmosphere.  Pastor Pearson and I often profess that we will “Leave NO ROOM for the enemy” to move in.  No room in our conversations, our thoughts, and in our spirit.  We squash him with the Word of God to submit to God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

Please know that pride and peace cannot exist in the same atmosphere.  When pride exists the enemy is in the midst.  But when we submit to God, peace can abound. Know that this is not a “do it yourself” process in peace.  But that you must first submit to God and the power of the Holy Spirit will remind you of the Word of God and direct you into a pathway of peace.

The enemy may come, but if we resist him he can’t stay!

Tell us what Scripture you have used to speak to command peace and change your atmosphere!

Oh how I can use some SELF CONTROL!

Out of the blue, my husband decided he was going to purchase a scale.  So for the first time in several months, I was able to “instantly” know how much I weighed.  And to my ultimate shock, it was not what I expected or even wanted to hear.   Could it be the late night snacks of Häagen-Dazs Butter Pecan ice cream that could be to blame? Perhaps I can put the blame on my daughter wanting to go to fast food restaurants and although I may not be hungry decide to grab an item or two.

But whatever the reason, I must admit that the blame has to begin with me.  I can just as easily go on and on about the opportunities and times I didn’t make the right choice in choosing the proper foods to eat.  But that would only be shifting the blame to things that shouldn’t have control over my life.  If we are honest with ourselves we can take responsibility for things that are clearly controllable.

So what does it mean to have self control?  The definition of temperance is: moderation in action, thought, or feeling: RESTRAINT. Clearly this is something I need to put forth effort and practice daily.

Today as I’ve made a decision to tighten the reigns.  I’ve made a conscious decision to choose wisely what I will eat for the day.  Of course that includes some preparation.  I need to make sure that when my stomach reminds me that it’s time to eat, that I’m ready with the proper items.  Part of my preparation will be making a list of things I need to purchase that will be quick to eat.  For those who know me personally, you know that I’ve always been the type with a need to have a snack,  . . . on hand, in the car, in my bag and at my reach at all times.  But this wouldn’t be so bad if I had the proper snacks.  Lately it’s been that quick snack from the drugstore (chips and candy bar) that was to tie me over until my next meal.  It doesn’t take a dietitian to know that that was not a good choice.

As I look to cultivate the fruit of self control, I will be preparing myself to obtain results from my hard work.  Of course I would need to add exercise in this routine as well.  And when I’m ready to take it to another level, I’ll reach out and contact Fitness Instructor Joyce from Moore Fitness and set up a consultation.  However, in the meantime, I will purposely, properly and prayfully prepare my meals and snacks.

Preparation is key when we talk about self control whether it’s physically or spiritually.  Usually when people lose their control it’s because they didn’t prepare themselves properly.  What do you do when you go into the lounge at your office and there is food that you have NOT prepared for on the table for anyone to have?  Has someone ever said something improper to you and you responding inappropriately?  Or perhaps you chose the wrong words or response.  In hindsight if you had time to prepare perhaps you would have  responded differently.

If we do not arm ourselves physically and spiritually to exercise self control we will be vulnerable to attacks of temptation to eat, speak and or even act outside of will of God.  Yes, God wants us to control what we eat.  Remember our bodies are a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1).  A temple where His precious Holy Spirit can dwell (take up permanent  residency) and not be or feel like an occasional overnight guest.  This means God is concerned about what you put into your body as well as what comes out (the words out of your mouth).

So as I prepare myself for what I’m going to eat I prepared my “Food for Thought”.  What I feed my mind and spirit is what usually comes out of my mouth and heart.  So today, I’m feasting on these Scriptures:

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

II Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Ask the Holy Spirit to direct and guide you in making the right choices.  The Bible states wisdom is freely given, but that also means we must use the wisdom as well (James 1:5).  Yes, it takes more than for you to say you have to knowledge of eating or saying the right things, but if you don’t put it into practice or action it becomes a waste of valuable space.  That why in 2 Peter 1:6 self control comes after knowledge.

Let’s prepare to feed our bodies and our spirit that which is acceptable to God.  Arm yourself and read the Bible daily.  This will keep your spirit properly feed.  To exercise your spirit you must choose your words carefully.  It easy to throw out the first words to comes to mind, but it takes great strength, power and determination not to say what you feel you can say, but what you know that which is pleasing to God’s ears too.

And for those who need to “Tighten in the Reigns” with me I’d love to hear from you.  And of course, I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

What are some things that motivate you to have self control?

Today, I’m cultivating the Spiritual Fruit of Joy.

When the little people enter into my childcare business, I make sure that I greet them with a smile because I want them to see by the joy on my face that they are with us today. It is exciting to know that I will be able to show and help instill love into a child’s life in a safe environment, and that thought brought me joy.  I want each child to have the same joyous feeling too. 

That should be the way we look at our relationship with God.  Do we come into His presence with joy in our hearts?  Are we excited about what He has for us even though we don’t know or see the full plan?  When you have a Trusting Relationship with God you can get excited about the journey you are about to take with Him.  It’s through this type of trusting relationship with Him that you can obtain a joyous presence about yourself (Proverbs 16:20). 

Do you sometimes feel joy only when good things are happening around you?  Actually, it’s not about the situation that you are in because if the truth be told, we can always say there is something going on in our lives we are not quite pleased with.  But instead of complaining (which is offensive to God) instead say no matter what trials or persecutions I may be going through, I count it all JOY (James 1:2; 1 Pet. 4:12–14)   Knowing that the joy of the Lord is my strength I can endure and be happy while I’m enduring (Nehemiah 8:10).  When we are content with where God has you, there is a comforting joy in knowing that Jesus is on our side, and He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  Yes, there is “Joy in the Journey with Jesus” when He’s the center of your life. 

One must wonder, how much joy do I have throughout my day?  Am I often pondering what I’m going through or what I’m about to go through?  Or do I meditate on the Word of God throughout my day to gain and obtain strength and joy.  Meditate means to focus one’s thoughts on or reflect on or ponder over, plan or project in the mind.  When we meditate on our problems instead of the Word of God, joy ends and worrying begins.

However, when we are constantly reaffirming and focusing on God we will know there is a good end to whatever we are going through. It’s the Word of God that will motivate us to press on.  You may say I don’t see a good end, but isn’t that what faith is really about?  We walk by faith and not by sight. So don’t look for the end, just trust God and as you walk in His Word God will be glorified; and that alone is a “Great End”.

Often times we worry (which is a sin) about things and situations that sometimes don’t come to pass.  Worrying is a waste of energy, time and effort.  Remember that all things work together for the good of those that love the Lord (Romans 8:28).  And when you realize that no matter what you are going through it will be “all good,” you can tap into the joy God has for your life; and it will give you strength.

Begin your day with the Word of God, grab hold to Scripture that will encourage you, make it your focus and embrace the joy and strength you will have throughout your day.

Tell us what you think!

What Scripture has brought you joy today?