Blog Posts

Tear Down the High Places

1/3/2019

Welcome to a new year! We made it through 2018.

As I thought about goals for the new year, I was reminded of God's word.
I realized, as believers, we don't need to make a bunch of promises that we know we can't keep. As believers, we only need to lean and depend on the living God. However, there are some things that hinder our relationship with the father.

Take a look at the following scripture from the book of Exodus:

"Observe what I command you this day. Behold, I am driving out from before you the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. Take heed to yourself, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be a snare in your midst. But you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and cut down their wooden image (for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God)"

Exodus 34:11-14

As we read these verses, we may think about the wooden images and the false gods that were designed by the people of those days. However, we have some idols and high places that need to come down in our own lives. We have some altars of worship that are not true worship.

When we define the terms, they give us more insight.

Pillars - as monument, personal memorial
Image - a statue
Altar - a place of worship

We notice they all represent something that is placed above or in high esteem. Again, this may not be what is done today, but we have some places of worship in our lives. There are some people individuals hold in high esteem, some sins that have become idols. There is a greater desire for that thing than God. There are also some things in from the past that people won't release. Therefore, they have become monuments.

What ever it is, that thing or person can hinder our walk with God. Notice that God instructed them to tear down their false gods and places of worship. God was saying those things would cause them to sin against him.

What do you need to tear down to draw closer to God? Tear it down in 2019 and draw near to Him.

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Do I Really Need Friends or Nah? (A Word for Youth) Author Jessica LeeAnn

6/25/2018

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John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

          Friends. How many of us have them? Okay, so that’s a line from an old school rap song by Kool Moe D but it’s still relevant today. Making and keeping friends is one of the hardest things you’ll do in life. People grow, change and in some cases, betray you and the friendship falls apart. Sometimes friendship can be so hard that you have to question yourself: do I really need to have friends?

Friendship can definitely be a roller coaster ride if you aren’t careful about the people you consider a friend. There will be times that you feel lost without them. There will be some days you wish you had someone to laugh with, talk to and create memories with. You will also experience days when all you want to do is be by yourself and that’s perfectly fine.
Nevertheless, you still need a good friend or two. I mean, it’s not like you want to be an outsider or loner. You want to have fun and you should. So friends are needed. However, you want to be careful about who you make friends with.

          Unfortunately, not everyone has good intentions about wanting to be your friend so you have to be cautious before giving someone the honorable title. You don’t want to become friends with people who will misuse you. It’s important to be aware of how people treat you and expect for you to treat them. You don’t want to be friends with people who peer pressure you into following teenage trends. You certainly don’t want to be friends with people who make you feel insecure or intimidated by them.

   So what kind of friends do you want?

          You want the kind of friends who will laugh with you, not at you. The kind of friends that will support you when you want to sign up for class president, join the cheerleading squad or the drama club. You want friends who will give you tissue when you cry over your first heartbreak or give you a hug when your parents disappoint you. You want friends who will laugh with you until your stomach hurt over an inside joke. You want friends who will let you be you unapologetically.

          Bottom line, your friends should complement who you are. You should share similar interests, have a mutual respect for one another and feel safe around each other. You friends should be your biggest cheerleaders. They should not compete with you or try to hurt your feelings in any way.

          Now, when making friends, you should focus on the quality of the person and not the quantity. Yeah, it sounds cute to have a squad or if you’re a Drake fan, woes. However, if the people you surround yourself with aren’t authentic and genuine about being your friend, you’ll set yourself up for a failed friendship. And who wants that?

          I know that it can be really hard to make friends because you’re so unique and most people don’t understand your quirkiness. It’s hard to see people walking around campus with a group of friends and you feel like a loser or loner. You may feel that you’ll never have anyone who understands you. Trust me you’ll attract the perfect friend. Just keep being who you are.

When it comes to making friends you have to be open to the possibilities. Life is so unpredictable. The person who you think you have nothing in common with is likely your future bestie. The person that is labeled the uncool kid is most likely the best friend anyone could have but is over looked because of not fitting in the category of teenage normalcy. Let’s face it: no one is normal. I mean, absolutely no one. So when making friends don’t try to hide your unique personality. It’s best to show up as yourself right away so that you can draw the right friends into your life.

          To be clear, you definitely need friends. Why? They help guide you through life. People rarely grow up with the same belief system, rules and outlook on life so it’s great to meet someone else who views life differently and can provide a different perspective. Having friends build character, communication skills and expands your understanding of culture.

          I know you may think friends are just people you have fun with but friendship is much more important than just a few laughs. You should be able to depend on your friends for moral support. This is why it’s important to choose friends who actually have morals. Sure, it’s cool to be friends with the kids who crack jokes and seemingly do whatever they want but ultimately you want friends who have respect for themselves as well as others. You want friends who follow the necessary rules and guidelines at school and in life in general. You want friends who have a good heart and a positive mindset. You want friends who will help you become a better you.

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Where there is a design, there is a designer!

6/24/2018

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Have you ever stopped to listen to the birds sing or the other animals move about? Have you ever wondered about their purpose? Have you considered that they go to and fro on the earth doing the will of the Father?

Many people today believe that we just somehow exist. They have many philosophies, but I venture to ask, “How is everything so well organized? Why don't the animals or the waters overtake us?”

You see the truth is found in scripture, God's word. The Bible declares that God created us and the animals, but we (humans) were made in His image and likeness. We have a soul and spirit!

If we just evolved, then why do we have a mind to think? Why do we know the difference between right and wrong? Good and evil? How was the human body designed so perfectly to work in harmony? Why isn't everyone doing the same job? Why is the world being managed by humanity? Somehow there is an even distribution of gifts and talents.

Where there is a design, isn't there a designer? We as humans are designed in a marvelous way! Think about how babies are formed and grow in the womb. We have memories! We have knowledge and a free will that we use even against our own creator! Where did all of this come from if not from an original designer?

In addition, most often when there is a design, there are not many designers. There's only one because the design would then become confusing based on all the different patterns and fingerprints. Every artist has their own unique way of drawing. The painting points directly to them.

Therefore, we are the handiwork of one God, creator, and LORD, Jesus Christ! Here are a few confirmations from scripture.

Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”
Isaiah 43:7 NKJV

"O LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭37:16‬ ‭NASB‬‬

“Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100:3‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Re-Presenting God!
#hope-in-Christ

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Every Good Gift - Author Marsha A. Malcolm

6/8/2018

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"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (James 1:17, NKJV)

There are some things I've never been able to do. I can mend a hem, but don't ask me to produce complicated stitches. I can cook well enough, but my meals pale in comparison to my mother's. I can sing, but not exceptionally well. And forget about eye liner. I've never been able to apply it correctly. Don't even mention contouring and highlighting; I'm not ready.

Imagine a situation where my church building is being refurbished and they need someone to make curtains. What if they're going to put on a concert and sell food to raise funds? I couldn't make the curtains for the stage; I would never try to sell anything I cook; nobody in their right mind would pay money for the privilege of listening to me, and I couldn't even help the performers with their makeup. There are so many things that come naturally to others that completely mystify me. And you know what? I'm perfectly okay with that.

The Bible tells us that every good gift and every perfect gift is from God (James 1:17). And while reference is made to several gifts of the spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, I don't believe that those gifts (faith, healing, and more) are the only ones we can be given. People are, in my opinion, gifted in innumerable ways. In fact, we learn in Exodus 35 that during the building of the Tabernacle, gifted craftsmen were specifically tasked with making various elements of the place of worship (see verses 34 and 35). In verse 10, Moses called on "gifted artisans" to "make all that the Lord [had] commanded" (NKJV), including the tent, the anointing oil, the priests' clothes, and much more. Through the use of their gifts, these artisans were able to prepare a temporary home for the Ark of the Covenant and bring glory to God's name.

What does that mean for you and me? I think it means we, too, can use our skills and talents to bring glory to God. I have a keen eye for catching typos and grammatical errors; it's one of my gifts. As a copy editor, I work with Christian writers to improve work that glorifies God. I'm also a writer, and in my second novel His Last Resort, main character Claire uses makeup artistry as a tool for getting young women to classes where she can talk to them about being who God created them to be. “In real life,” teachers, sanitation workers, secretaries, caregivers, marketing gurus, nail technicians, landscapers... everyone is gifted in some way and can use that gift to go into all the world (Matt. 28:19) and reach people for Christ.

We can’t all preach, but with prayer, thought, advice, research, and divine guidance, I believe we can all find a way to use our skills and talents in the furtherance of God's kingdom. What gifts has God placed inside of you?

Prayer:
Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus giving You thanks. I thank You for Your mercy and Your grace. I thank You for the fact that because You created me, You know me inside-out. You know my faults and my flaws, but You also know my inborn skills, talents, and gifts, because You gave them to me. I pray that You will help me to identify them, and that You will help me to find avenues to use them to bring glory to Your name. Help me not to belittle my gifts or the gifts of others, but to be constantly aware of the bigger, eternal picture and the need to find creative, divinely-inspired ways to usher souls into Your kingdom. Amen.

M. A. Malcolm

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The Crossover

2/23/2018

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Predictability is so comfortable. It feels good to know where we are and where we are going. It is a wonderful feeling to plan every step of our lives and watch it execute perfectly as we planned. It's great to know where we are and where we are going. Our predictable lives are comfortable but have we ever grown in comfortability? As far I know, being comfortable never made us stronger in faith. Being comfortable only causes us to rely on our own finite strength to get to the next level.

The in between place is the most uncomfortable place to be in. We have one foot in what we know and another foot in where we headed. In place feeling great because it is familiar, the other place filled with uncertainty. Why is it so difficult for us to cross over to new things? I believe it is this thing in us that loves to be in control and loves to know everything that will happen. God thrives in our uncertainty. Our comfort zone keeps us in a place of predictability. If we are to be transformed by God's spirit, we must get more comfortable with change and recognize the moments when we need to shift.

Crossing over to new places can often be scary. The Israelites were in the wilderness. They got comfortable. They were used to the provision in the wilderness. They were used to the challenges in the wilderness. They were used to the pathway since they walked it so long. The promised land was on the horizon. As spies got to take a look into this land, they saw giants and ultimately many chose not to crossover because they saw a challenge. How many of us have closed off our promises because of comfort and familiarity? The reality is there are parallels to every season. One, there will always be an enemy. There will never be a time when we will not face warfare of some kind. As long as we are serving the Lord with passion we will meet opposition, so we might as well cross over into our promise. Two, there will always be provision. In the wilderness, there was provision for God’s people. If He provided in the wilderness surely He will provide and meet our need in any place He will take us. If they knew who God was to them, they would know that crossing over into lands, God will provide there as well.

There are many crossover moments we will experience in our life. God stays the same but we don't because we live in time, past, present, and future where He is time. He knows where we are and how to get us to where we need to be. Crossing over will cost us something. We can't take our old habits and old mindsets into the new place. There is a shedding. The shedding is usually what hurts because we don’t know what God is doing. If we have to let this thing go, do we trust God to give us something greater as we crossover?

Where does God want to take you? What is He asking you to release so that He can take you to greater things? Trusting is more than speaking the word or reading the word or even lifting our hands to surrender in worship. Our trust comes with obedience to being led by His spirit. Never allow fear of the unknown to keep you stuck in a wilderness place. Yes, it may be familiar and may be comfortable but allow God to bring into new places. Trust Him and don’t be afraid to crossover.

Connect with Belinda at www.puritynation.org
Facebook: Belinda Marie
Facebook Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/PurityNationInc/
Instagram: @puritynation
Twitter: @PurityNation

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Don't Get Bitter, Get Better!

1/1/2018

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Ruth 1:20-22 (Amplified Bible)
And she said to them, Call me not Naomi [pleasant]; call me Mara [bitter], for the Almighty, has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, but the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?

If you have never read this story, here we have a woman whose life was drastically changed. First, she and her husband, Elimelech, and their two sons left Bethlehem because of a severe famine. Looking for a better life, they journeyed to Moab. While in Moab, Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, dies, and ten years later, her two sons die, leaving her to care for her two daughters-in-law. Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, but upon returning she has no husband or sons, instead, a bitter heart.

I can’t recall how many times I have read this passage of scripture and each time God would speak to my heart. I believe all the scriptures are written to teach us valuable lessons that will be taught through life’s experiences. I had no idea the one day I had to practice applying this principle to my life.

Just as Naomi did not understand why God had chosen to take her through one of the most challenging experiences in life, I pondered as well. Just like a child growing up in life you have expectations and plans that usually don’t include bruises and bumps in the road. But I found that even when the unexpected things in life do occur, God has a plan and purpose to make something good out of the worse situations.

While going through the hardest times in life, I found hope, encouragement and a renewed spirit while going through a divorce. Although my plight was not one in which I welcomed or embraced, I had to accept that God had already known about this part of my life before the foundation of the world.

He was taking me through one of the most unpleasant times in my life, but I had to trust that the one in which I had given my life to, knew exactly what was best for me. There was something about my life that He was going to reveal and what I had faced and conquered was really going to alter my life forever.

I had one choice to make either I was going to allow myself to be bitter with what He had allowed to happen, or I was going to let the situation develop and make me into a better person. I decided to use the situation to make me better.

God was using my circumstances to bring me to a place of maturity, confidence and total dependency on Him. I learned not to look at my current condition, although quite hard at times, but I had to realize that someday God would show me why He had chosen me to carry this particular cross.

So many times I wanted to give up, throw in the towel and quit but something inside me would not let me. Gods’ spirit was constantly bringing comfort to me, guiding me and assuring me that everything was going to work out for my good. God had a wonderful plan and purpose for my life even when I couldn’t see how things were going to turn out.

I encourage you, even if things don’t go according to your plans, that God has a plan that is so much bigger and better for you. Trust Him you will not be disappointed.

Paulette Harper, an award winning author, bestselling author, writing coach, and speaker. Paulette seeks to inspire women from all walks of life. She is a, mother, grandmother, Bible teacher, and owner of Write Now Literary Book Tours. She has been mentoring and teaching women for years though seminars, workshops and conferences. Website: www.pauletteharper.com

This article content is provided free of charge by the author. You are welcome to place this article on your site or in your publication as long as 1) it’s used in its entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you previously request permission through Paulette Harper Johnson@[email protected]

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Don't Return, Go Forth!

11/13/2017

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Peter 2:20-22

For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

    I don’t want to go to Hell. So, the reality of being saved from Hell is a beautiful comfort. I don’t want to live in unrighteousness, either. And so, being saved from this is also a beautiful comfort. In the same way that I couldn’t save myself from Hell, I couldn’t save myself from unrighteousness behavior - I needed God for both salvations. We all do.

    If we want to live in the way God has called us to live, we can’t “muscle” our way through. We need the Spirit of God. It is too easy for you to fall back into the ways of the World; lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. God never intended for you to go back.

    Jesus died on the cross in order to free you from both Hell and unrighteousness. The Bible warns us not to return to our “vomit.” Did you know that vomit is the body’s way of getting rid of things that disagree with your stomach? Jesus has saved you for righteousness. You are a new creation, so don’t return to the things that have been expelled for having been in disagreement with the new Spirit inside of you.

    There is more available to you than a “Get out of Hell Free” card. There is power to live righteously, the same way Jesus did. God has not destined you to return to the sin that he has freed you from. He has equipped you to stay free from the grip of sin. The Bible will supernaturally fill you with faith and wisdom to avoid the enemies traps but you must be aware.

    When we learn of all that Jesus died for we can walk in victory. We have the Spirit living in us; the same one who raised Jesus from the dead. Let’s not take the Spirit back to where we came from (and the very reasons for which Jesus died), instead let’s allow the Spirit to take us to new places.

Ryan A. Sturgis is founder/writer @ At the Fountain Ministries, author of Working Out What God Has Worked In, and blogger at @MeetingJesusBlog (FB).

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Reaching for Life

11/6/2017

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My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style”
Maya Angelou - R.I.P.

Sometimes, life can feel like you are only recovering from one crisis after another. You get through one event just long enough to take a breath before the next one comes at you. Other times, it can feel like a dodgeball game; just trying to keep the ball from hitting you in the face. This is especially true for those who have had to overcome a traumatic event; child abuse, rape, domestic violence, etc. The very essence of the trauma causes a person to lose hope and the desire to continue living. Navigating through the myriad of obstacle courses within one’s mind can cause sheer exhaustion. Combine that with juggling work, family and life in general and you have the perfect ingredients for a bad case of ‘Merely Existing’.

Merely Existing can be explained with one word…Blah. There is no real excitement in the depths of your soul. You breathe. You move. Your eyes blink. You even grunt sometimes just to let people around you know that you are still in the land of the living. But is that why Christ came? Did He come to give life and that more blasé? The bible that I ascribe to says that “Christ came that they might have life and that they might have it more ABUNDANTLY!” (Holy Bible, KJV) You can’t be a believer and be alright with your life being blasé.

When Jesus breathed His last breath and gave up The Ghost, He essentially released The Holy Spirit unto the earth and into His believers. The Holy Spirit resides in us!! Therefore, we are endued with power! Dunamis power at that!! We have authority! Luke 4:36 speaks of it very clearly. The bible also says that the same Spirit, Hallelujah, that raise Jesus from the dead resides in us (Romans 8:11). We are the carrier of THE Holy Spirit. The One responsible for raising Christ from the DEAD!!! Come on now!! You can’t be a believer and not understand the power and authority you yield just be the virtue of accepting Christ as our Savior.

You have been through some things. O.K., I understand. It was painful, hurtful, devastating, life-altering, death-defying and cataclysmic. Yes, I understand too. BUT GOD!! There is nothing that you went through that caught God off-guard. He already knew. He knows your beginning, middle, and end. He knows your going in and coming out. He also knew that one day you would be restored, renewed, rejuvenated, revived, reborn, recharged and re-directed straight into your purpose. Come on somebody! I feel like preaching!!

God is reaching for Y-O-U, now it is your turn to reach right back to H-I-M…reach for Life. When you do that, He will give you an opportunity for a divine exchange. God promises to exchange your ashes for beauty; mourning for the oil of joy; AND the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3). Give God your trash, and in exchange, He will give you His treasure; Life in full HD color.

In late fall, I am coming out with my second book called “Thrive-ology: The Art of Boom!” The inspiration for the book came from recognizing that thriving in the midst of or after adversity is an art form. Many survivors are unable to hit the thrive-zone, therefore, they are relegated to living a life of mediocrity when a future of pre-destined greatness awaits them. Even more, there are those who will die with unfulfilled destinies in their bosom never to be released. Don’t die in your survival (Olivia Benson, Law and Order: SVU). Instead, reach for Life and attain ALL that God has in store for you.

The etymology of the word ending ‘ology’ comes from the Greek word logia which means the subject of study. Therefore, the word “Thrive-ology” is the study of how to thrive. One cannot just fall into it, it is a learned behavior. There has to be a paradigm shift of a huge magnitude. Victims of abuse, rape, sex trafficking, etc. are taught by the abuser and the circumstances around them that they are not important. They are taught that their life does not matter. Without knowing it, the victim begins to give up all hope of truly living. That is why it is so important to be purposed and intentional about reaching for life and learning how to thrive and not just survive.

Like Maya Angelou so eloquently penned, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.” Are you ready to Thrive? Life is waiting…reach for it!

About Min. Annie Bell

Min. Bell was reared in military schools throughout the U.S. and abroad. She furthered her education at Liberty University majoring in Psychology-Life Coaching, Religious Studies and minoring in Christian Counseling. She received her ordination from Bread of Life Ministerial Association and has completed her Ministerial Internship at Bread of Life Bible Training Center. Currently, she is the Founder/Chairperson and Executive Director of Wealth Management Ministries, Inc. as she endeavors to cultivate financial faith and prosperity through the teaching of biblical principles, financial education, and deliverance from financial bondage.

In addition, as an Advance Life Coach and Christian Counselor, she has opened the counseling arm of the organization in 2015 to offer Life Coaching, Wealth Coaching and Christian Counseling to the underserved communities. I R.E.I.G.N.® is a Victorious Lifestyle Brand (an outreach of the counseling arm of Wealth Management Ministries, Inc.) that serves the national and international communities through: Talk Radio Show, workshops, conferences, books, and workbooks. We endeavor to bring Talk Therapy to survivors of child abuse, sex trafficking, and other traumas. As well as providing advocacy, awareness, prevention, and resources to the community.

She was also the President of Heavenly Music, as well as a recording artist under the Heavenly Music Label. Heavenly Music made available affordable recording to those who are gifted in the ministry of music. In addition, she served as Pastoral Counselor and Financial Counselor for the residents of Menchville House Women’s Shelter in Newport News, VA.

Min. Annie Bell began her tenure in the business world in the hotel industry where she rose into management and then to an executive level position at Colonial Williamsburg. She made a career change into the Financial Services industry through American Express Financial Advisors where she obtained her Series 7, 66 and Life and Health licenses. Her corporate career transitioned into Wachovia (Wells Fargo) and for eight years she has helped a multitude of people to achieve their financial goals and reach for their entrepreneurial dreams. Min. Annie Bell launched out in January of 2008 toward her own entrepreneurial dreams and opened Wealth Management Financial Solutions, Inc., the parent company of Wealth Management Financial Services, LLC.

Go to www.anniebellministries.com to download a free workbook and join her to get updated information on all of her events, books, devotionals and much more.

For Financial Literacy coaching, workshops, conferences, and other information go to www.wealthmngt.org

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth”. Deuteronomy 8:18

Min. Annie Bell
Founder/Executive Director
Wealth Management Ministries, Inc.
Website: www.wealthmngt.org AND www.anniebellministries.com
Email: [email protected]
1st Book: I R.E.I.G.N.: A Survivor’s Guide to Thrive (amazon.com)

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When You are the First!

7/31/2017

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"When You Are The First"

Well, this is the very first devotional blog made available by Hope In Christ Ministries, and I want to be the first to thank you for reading it. WELCOME!!! If you are the first in your circle to experience this blog, please also be the first to share it with others! The very first at something can make all the difference in the world for the middle and the last.

Are you the first born child in your family? I was and that blessing continues to resonate in my life, throughout my life. Psychologists have revealed that the birth order among siblings can effect their personalities throughout life. Jocelyn Voo from American Baby wrote an article for PARENTS Magazine and revealed this important statement:

"The first born (child) enjoys ruling the roost, but must deal with parents' great expectations" as revealed in this entertaining video - http://www.parents.com/baby/development/social/birth-order-and-personality/

I am the first born of four daughters, and I can relate to that statement. When you are the first, you continue to be the "First" throughout your life. I am the first contributor to this blog and I pray that this article has lived up to the publisher's expectations.

Were you the first to go to college in your family? What kind of pressure was THAT?!

"Gotta pass these standardized tests"
"Gotta pay these application fees"
"Gotta decide on a major"
"Gotta get accepted to a good school"
"Gotta get a scholarship"
"Gotta ask for any more money"
"Gotta Get a job"

Let me be the first to tell you that when you are the FIRST in your family to do something, and you put your trust in God to lead you, you will experience the ultimate, glorious "GOTTA"... let me spell it out for you...

G - God
O - Orchestrated
T - those
T - times
A - Always

When you are the first to do something you can set a standard that all others will follow, so let GOD lead you FIRST! My first scripture introduction in this blog comes from the book of Psalms 119:133

"Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me." King James Version - or as revealed in my favorite New Living Translation it says "Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me." http://biblehub.com/psalms/119-133.htm

When you are traveling to a new destination, do you have your GPS navigating the way for you? What about a map? Yes, some folks still use maps, compasses and even the placement of the stars in the sky to guide them. However, when you are facing a new living situation or a new job or even a new relationship, what guides you to that FIRST destination? Have you asked the Holy Spirit to guide you? Jesus told the disciples that he would leave them a comforter to be with them, after his departure... but what about Jesus? He was the FIRST to allow God to guide him and he set that example for us all, as well!

When you are the first, there are all sorts of opinions, comments, scrutiny and challenges that go along with that status. Jesus was the first person that I had ever heard of to be crucified. People had been put to death in that manner long before Jesus died in that manner, but because of his sacrifice, I learned all about that torturous method of execution.

The Obama's were the first African American leaders to work and live in the White House, yet I bet you that there were other first families that were blessed to have African ancestral genes in their bloodline. Sometimes you are the FIRST in a situation to grow, evolve or lead your family to a better destination. You are the first to get a job that leads your family out of living in the projects. You are the FIRST with an illness that teaches you a lesson of personal care; you pass that lesson along to your children (therefore breaking the generational curses of illness). You are the first to have a grandchild for BOTH sides of the family and you are the first to submit during a life lesson, in order to receive love.

When you are the first you can cause stability in a situation. As you are driving down the road, are you the first to be a defensive driver, or are you the aggressive one? Are you the first to start an argument or the first to apologize and forgive? Are you the first in your relationship to ask for sex or are you the first to encourage abstinence and wait for marriage? Are you the first to wake in the morning and set the atmosphere of your home, giving glory to the living God? Are you the first?

My husband and I wrote our very FIRST book together and it debuts on August 1, 2017! It is entitled "In The Beginning There Was God, Me & You" the true love story that only God could have written. God gave us life through the first of his creations; Adam. Jesus redeemed us from death through the first (and the only required) sacrifice of his life and now God has given me the first true vessel in my husband, that allows me to give and receive love. When we met four years ago, my husband was not trying to get married again; he was enjoying the life of a bachelor after his divorce. I was "never" going to *submit* to another man EVER AGAIN after surviving two failed marriages. We were not the FIRST spouses for each other, but we are the FIRST married lovers and leaders in our situations that God has ordained us to be!

I want to thank Denise Walker for this opportunity to be the FIRST to contribute to this blog. I thank my Lord and Savior through the power of the Holy Spirit for giving me guidance in this writing and I thank my husband for tolerating my hot flashes! (LOL!). When you are the first daughter in a family that is having hormonal changes....
well, that is a different story!

I thank each of you that were the FIRST to purchase our book online at www.LaderoPress.com and I hope you are downloading the e-book on Smashwords as well. There will be book sales throughout Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, and we have a few anticipated readers from Africa that are waiting to receive the book. Will you be the FIRST in your family to own your copy of the book? Have you listened to your copy of the audio book yet? Visit www.DaQueenBee.com to order your digital download. Angie BEE Productions specializes in producing audio books for authors, and our audio book project was SO MUCH FUN to produce for each of you. We can't wait for you to hear it!

Be the first to invite Bartee and I to speak at your marriage conference or singles' retreat and we hope to see at the next book festival. As we continue to travel with The TOUR that Angie BEE Presents we are lead by God to bring concerts, workshops, book signings and the love of the Lord through His preached word to communities and families everywhere.

When you are the first to travel down a road, your footsteps can leave a path for another to follow. I pray that this reading opens your eyes to possibilities of achieving the life that God desires for you; and sets your ears to hear from God. Share this article, share this word, stay in touch and BEE Blessed!

Written by "Da Queen Bee" Evangelist Angie BEE Author, Producer, Promoter and Servant of the Lord APPS

Call us today at 407-914-6519

www.DaQueenBee.com

Audio Book Production Specialists "Bringing Your Words To Their Ears" http://daqueenbee.com/services.html

2012 Female Radio Show Host of the Year
Recognized by the global One Accord DJ Alliance http://oneaccorddjs.com/

2014 Ordained as an Evangelist by
Fellowship Church of Praise of Volusia County http://www.fellowshipchurchofpraise.org/

2015 recipient of the Outstanding Ministry Leader Award for our Moms-n-Ministry Workshop <https://www.facebook.com/MomsNministry/?fref=ts
Presented by the Professional Women of Excellence, Inc.

2016 recipient of the prestigious "Palm Tree (Endurance) Award" Presented by *Mary & Martha Ministries, Orlando http://maryandmartha.weebly.com/

April 2017 recognized as an Amazon #1 Best selling author by Melanie Bonita Enterprises for contributing to the book Daily Dose of Direction for Women In Business
http://daqueenbee.com/books.html

Author, Media Producer, Promoter & Motivational Speaker *View our past events, commercials, VIDEO NEWS segments * *and TV show episodes at http://www.youtube.com/AngieBEEpresents

Purchase your Kindle copies of my books:
"Last Week... I Wanted To Die"
"Evolution of Da Queen Bee
"In The Beginning There Was God, Me & You"

Visit us online today at www.Facebook.com/DaQueenBeeEvangelistAngieBEE

Twitter.com/AngieBEEtour

Follow Evangelist Angie BEE:
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www.ooVoo.com - account Angie BEE [email protected]

Learn about The TOUR online at www.Facebook.com/TheTOURthatAngieBEEpresents

Then I heard the Lord asking,
"Whom should I send as a messenger to this people?
Who will go for us?" I said, "Here I am. Send me." - Isaiah 6:8

BEE Blessed!

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Does the Eternal Creator Change His Mind?

6/23/2017

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Scripture Focus: Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved" in His heart. The Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them."
(Gen. 6:5-7 NASB)

As I was reading Genesis 6:5-7, a question arose in my mind. Could the eternal creator somehow change His mind? The scripture was recorded as humanity began to become more and more wicked upon the earth. As our creator, the Lord couldn't have somehow made a mistake. Humanity couldn't have had some type of malfunction like a machine. God doesn't have to start over and throw out the parts that were made wrong. No, that couldn't be the case. As I looked closer, I came to one conclusion, the free will of man and God's Word.

I went on to read the cross reference scriptures found in the popplet below. They all show God's desire for a relationship with His creation and His warning of the consequences of turning away. They show that God extends grace and mercy to humanity. However, they also show that God continues speaking to His creation through his apostles, ministers, and prophets because of our own fleshly desires. His standard for humanity doesn't change. The result of disobedience doesn't change.

You see, we belong to God. We we created in His image. He is not created in our image. His will, not ours. His way, not ours. Our creator's word is set and settled. He has to keep His own word because it can't be voided. It must go forth. It's cause and effect.
Here's a real world example that popped in my mind as I studied. I pictured myself as an educator. I have a contract with my school district. That contract is written out, read over, and signed (Agreed upon). I thought to myself, "What if I tried to go work for another district while still under contract. Or even worse, what if I were abusing the children of my district, not teaching, or even stealing from other staff or students." All of these things would breach the contract.

Notice that the wording of the contract never changed. The agreement never changed. The district expected me to adhere to the guidelines, but some poor choices were made in the example. If that would cause me to lose my teaching license and contract, then I shudder to think of my choices of rejecting the one true God on a spiritual level. God is our creator, yet we worship other gods, family, or even our careers. We sin against the Holy One but expect Him to somehow look away. Yet, He is oh so merciful. God knew that we couldn't keep His way on our own, so our power comes through Christ. Yet, many reject Him.

So God's response in Genesis 6 was a result of the heart of mankind turning to wickedness and away from God. God didn't decide that he had made a mistake. Humanity had left His presence and was destroyed. However, Noah found grace because He remained with the life source.

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