His Eye is On The Sparrow

Main Scripture: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Song to Meditate On: Lauryn Hill & CeCe Winans - His eye is on the sparrow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn3ZfpjfPBM)

 When my father died two years ago this song really brought comfort to me. It was really comforting to know that in my time of bereavement and sorrow God was watching over my family and I.

The sparrow is just a very tiny bird, in Jesus’s time it was used by the poorest persons as a sacrifice because that is what they could afford. In the scripture above Jesus is reminding us that we are far more valuable than a sparrow, he watches over them and take care of them. So imagine what He will do for us who are made in His image and likeness.

Civilla Martin in her own words tells us what inspired her to write this song;

Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle's reply was simple: "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" was the outcome of that experience.

—Civilla Martin

Ladies today if you are concerned or worried, if you are sad, you might have lost a loved one or having a very bad week, be encouraged knowing that your Heavenly Father above cares for you and watches over you.

I really pray that as you meditate on the words of this song today, you will feel the comforting presence of God like I did when my father died and still do whenever I feel discouraged.

  

Have A God Filled Day Ladies

Let’s Pray,

Most wonderful Father and Friend, today I pray that you will comfort and encourage everyone who is hurting or discouraged today. Lord be there presence help today remove every suicidal thoughts and tendencies, remove every spirit of discouragement and depression. Replace them Lord Jesus with peace and contentment.

In Jesus Name

Amen  

Blessed and Highly Favoured

Song to Meditate On: The Blessings Of Abraham – Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqrMnwz0U7E)

The Bible tells us that the blessings of the Lord maketh rich and adds no sorrow to it. Therefore as Children of God we can rest assured today that He has favored us and that all things work together for the good of those who loves God.

Today Ladies, I encourage you to trust and obey God because you are blessed and highly favoured. Whatever your situation is today remember that your heavenly father above watches over you and that angels have been assigned to you to ensure that God good plans work in your favour.

Here are some reminders of God’s promises:

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Philippians 4:19

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:37-39

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Proverbs 1:33

But all who listen to me will live in peace,untroubled by fear of harm.”

John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Romans 10:9

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Have A God Filled Day Ladies

Let’s Pray,

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us of your promises, today we grab a hold of them and declare that they shall be manifested in our lives. We give you praise

In Jesus Name

Amen  

Positive Vibes

Main Scripture:  Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.  God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. Ecclesiastes 5:18 -20 (NLT)

Song to Meditate On: What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2VCwBzGdPM)

With everything that is happening around us, with the hard blows that life throws at us sometimes we tend to focus on the negative instead of the positive. As a matter of fact persons who focus on the positive are often told that they live in fairy tale land or have their head up in the clouds.

According to Mayo Clinic “Positive thinking doesn't mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore life's less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach the unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst.”

Romans 12:12 encourages us to “be joyful in hope.” Here Paul is encouraging the Romans and us to hope for the best and to be happy while doing so. Research has shown that health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• ·         Increased life span
• ·         Lower rates of depression
• ·         Lower levels of distress
• ·         Greater resistance to the common cold
• ·         Better psychological and physical well-being
• ·         Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• ·         Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

Ladies thinking positively is something that you have to make up your mind to do. Start by asking God to give you a mind of contentment. As Solomon said in the scripture above “To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life is indeed a gift from God. Ask God for this gift.

Secondly, surround yourself with positive influences – do not listen to negative talk, keep positive people around you, listen to good music (gospel, classical, jazz) and read positive books.

Thirdly, become a positive influence to others – start positive reinforcement, focus on the positive in your friends, co-workers, spouses and children instead of focusing on the negative. This will cause great improvements in your relationships and environment.

Have A God Filled Day Ladies

Let’s Pray,

Lord, thank you for your gift of contentment. Help us to focus on what is good in our lives and not what is bad. Help us to become positive influences to others so that we can all live a happy and fulfilled life.

In Jesus Name

Amen  

Healthy People Don’t Need A Doctor

Main Scripture:  On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 (NLT)

Song to Meditate On: Heal the World – Michael Jackson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWf-eARnf6U)

A very good friend of mine spends most of his Friday evenings hanging out with some security guards and bearers. My friend is one of those persons people may consider  “accomplished”. He has his Masters, owns his own house, owns his own car etc. Most security guards and bearers in Jamaica have a basic high school education and would be in the lower echelon of society.

My friend often tells me that if the conversation or time spent does not add value to his life he would prefer not engage in it. Out of curiosity, one day I asked him what value do these men add to his life? He told me that although his background might not be similar to these men he learns quite a bit from them; in addition to that he uses the opportunity to impact their lives positively. One of them in particular hardly makes a decision without consulting him first.

This is the same approach Jesus took, while the tax collectors and sinners were considered scums by the Pharisees and Sadducees, Jesus sat and eat with them. While doing this he connected with them and used the opportunity to impact their lives and to teach them about the Kingdom of God. Many of these people carried on His legacy and message after He was crucified so that we could be partakers of the Kingdom today. Some of these people are famous today, for example Matthew was a tax collector, one of Jesus’ disciples and the writer of the Gospel of Matthew.

There are many people out there that we sometimes consider to be inferior to ourselves because of their situation or their status in life. For example the young men on the streets or in gangs and the girls who get pregnant too early. Many of these people have low self-confidence or low self-esteem. A lot of them did not get the opportunity to get a good education. So many of them have greatness locked up inside of them, however they are constantly told that they will never turn out to anything good.

These people need someone to believe in them. They need someone to impart positivity and hope into their lives. They need someone to show them a different way of looking at things, someone to mentor them and someone to encourage them.

Ladies, a good leader impacts others around them and makes other leaders. It is not enough to always have persons imparting into us but we must find others to impart into as well. My encouragement to you is to find someone other than your own children that you can impact today. Join a women’s group, encourage someone, volunteer somewhere and start making a difference in someone’s life today.

 “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”—Jack Welch

Have A God Filled Day Ladies

Let’s Pray,

Father God, open our eyes today to see those around us who needs us. Teach us not be selfish with what you have imparted into us, instead teach us to be more like you, living our lives to serve others.

In Jesus Name

Amen  

The Lord Sustains

Main Scripture:  Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you Psalms 55:22 (NIV)

Song to Meditate On: James Fortune – He Always Make A Way (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZaUtR2e5g4)

As humans we tend to rely on ourselves for sustenance. We worry daily about our basic needs and wants. We also worry about our safety, our happiness, our peace and so on. However David encourages us in the scripture to cast our cares on God and He will sustain us.

Can you widen your imagination a bit to think of how much we would gain if we followed David’s advice? The word sustains means:

1.   To keep in existence; maintain. – It therefore means that Lord will preserve us; He will cause us to continue. It does not mean that we will not have problems or challenges but if we trust God to take care of them we will live longer. The Bible tells us that God will give us a peace that passes all understanding, if we have peace, we will have less stress, if we have less stress, we will not have all the sicknesses associated with stress. In preserving and maintaining us the Lord will guide us so that we are protected from dangerous situations; He will also heal our bodies and our minds.

2.   To supply with necessities or nourishment; provide for. – The Lord also provides for us. David said that He has never seen the righteous forsaken or His seed begging bread. Have you ever been in a situation where you do not know where the next meal is coming from or how the bills will be paid, then an opportunity presents itself or someone gave you the money. That is God being our provider.

3.   To support from below; keep from falling or sinking; prop – The Lord will also keep us from falling or sinking. He will be our support. If we put our ideas and our plans before God for Him to guide us and lead us, He will guide us in the right direction. This way our businesses will not fail and we will not make the wrong decisions regarding relationships.

Isaiah 46:4 says “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. "

Ladies trust the Lord today to sustain you, place all your plans, worries and challenges before him. God knows all things and sees all things therefore there is no one more qualified to advise you on these matter. As David says cast your cares on God, He will sustain you.

Have A God Filled Day Ladies

Let’s Pray,

Mighty God, we thank you for your everlasting love. Today Lord we cast our cares on you, we present our plans, our worries and challenges before you knowing that you will take care of us by maintaining, providing for and supporting us.

In Jesus Name

Amen  

Such Reassurance

Main Scripture:  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30 (ESV)

Song To Meditate On: What A Friend We Have in Jesus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XRmGEbH0qs)

It has been quite reassuring over the years to know that if I have an issue I can take it to God knowing that it will be taken care of. This I have been doing since I was a child and have never been disappointed.

Today I want to encourage you with a hymn, written by Joseph Scriven in 1857 to comfort his sick mother. It is said that this song with its “simply stated truths have brought solace and comfort to countless numbers of God's people since it was first written in 1857”

Today if you are hurting, depressed, having some issue that you don’t know how to deal with, I leave this song with you and pray that you will find peace and comfort. I release God’s best over your life today ladies.

What A Friend We Have in Jesus

What a Friend we have in Jesus, 
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry 
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, 
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry 
everything to God in prayer. 

Have we trials and temptations? 
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; 
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful 
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; 
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, 
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, 
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? 
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; 
you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised 
Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to 
Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there 
will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship 
will be our sweet portion there.

Have A God Filled Day Ladies

Let’s Pray,

Almighty God, most faithful and loving father, thank you for the privilege and honour of your friendship. Thank you today for caring about us so that we can take all our issue and problems to you. Lord comfort those who are hurting today, provide solutions for those who are having issues, heal those who are sick and mend the broken hearts. Lord again we thank you.

In Jesus Name

Amen  

Self-Control

Main Scripture: “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Proverbs25:28 (NIV)

“My wife and I just don't have the same feelings for each other we used to have. I guess I just don't love her anymore and she doesn't love me. What can i do?"
"The feeling isn't there anymore?" I asked.
"That's right," he reaffirmed. "And we have three children we're really concerned about. What do you suggest?"
"love her," I replied.
"I told you, the feeling just isn't there anymore."
"Love her."
"You don't understand. the feeling of love just isn't there."
"Then love her. If the feeling isn't there, that's a good reason to love her."
"But how do you love when you don't love?" 
"My friend , love is a verb. Love - the feeling - is a fruit of love, the verb. So love her. Serve her. Sacrifice. Listen to her. Empathize. Appreciate. Affirm her. Are you willing to do that?” 

The dialogue above was taken from  Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change.

The scenario above sounds familiar? It’s one of those kinds of situations where someone basically makes up their mind about something or gives up on a situation based on feelings or emotions.

How many times do we find ourselves in these situations and what are the

consequences?  It made me wonder “suppose God made decisions based on how He feels”. I thought of when Christ was about to die and the cross, him sweating great drops of blood because of the anxiety he was facing when he came to terms with what he had to do. I don’t think he felt like dying on the cross but he did it none the less because He loves us.

  

I thought of Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, did they feel like going to prison or dying? I don’t think so, but they did none the less because of their love for people.

So why do we make decisions based on our feelings or react based on what someone else did? People get divorced because they are no longer in love. People abuse their children because they are angry?

The Bible in 1 Peter 4:7 encourages us to be clear minded and self-controlled because the end of all things are near. Ladies we should not walk out on our families because our husbands did not do something or he has changed. A covenant was made before God and our responsibility is to see it through.

We should not abuse our children because their father walked out on us or because they make us angry. My mother always says “they were not begged to be born”. Yes, we made the choice to have them so we now need to make the choice to care for them, not abuse them based on our feelings.

Ladies today I want to encourage you to exercise self-control - exercise restraint or control over your feelings, emotions and reactions. The scripture tells us that God gave us a spirit of power, love and of self- control (2 Tim 1:7). His spirit also dwells in us and self-control is also a fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22-23). Therefore, instead of making decisions based on your feelings allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. When you are faced with a situation where you don’t feel like it, take a time out, exercise self-control and allow God to lead.

Have A God Filled Day Ladies

Let’s Pray,

Almighty God, thank you for reminding us that we have the power over our emotions, reactions and feelings. Lord take control now so that we will not allow them to control us.

In Jesus Name

Amen 

Distractions

One morning, I was having my devotions and listening to a worship song on You Tube. In the suggestions pane, a video entitled “The Saddest Video on You Tube.” It caught my interest, so out of curiosity I selected it, soon I was so engrossed and forgot that I was actually having devotions and worshipping.

This experience had me thinking of how easily we get distracted. How often are you at the office sending an email or working on something and someone comes to your desk, you start talking and left what you were doing until later? Soon you have wasted half your day or you’re “to do” list for today was not completed.

It is the same way with our spiritual walk, our family time, our “me time” and so on. Often times, the devil in his effort to devour us will place interesting and enticing things in our path to distract us from being successful. Ladies, do not be mistaken, the aim of devil is to kill steal and destroy so by no means does he have our interest at heart. He uses things such as homosexuality, extramarital affairs, gossiping etc to entice us. These all seem very good at first but will lead to unhappiness, pain, depression, discord and even destruction of a family, a generation and a nation.

I implore you today to manage the distractions in your life. Don't allow the devil to steal what God has ordained for you from the beginning of time. These distractions are just temporary fulfillment. I know life gets frustrating at times but be encouraged by those around you who have gone through the same things but have endured and have been successful. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

Remember Ladies God has only good plans for you. He reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11 that he has “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” as such God works all things (bad and good) for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose    (Romans 8:28).

Have A God Filled Day Ladies

Let’s Pray,

Almighty God, our Father, thank you Lord a hope and a future. Thank you for everything that you have done and is about to do. Lord we claim every plan that you have for our lives and we bind up every distraction that the devil may have. Lord we place everything in your hands. We thank you again.

In Jesus Name

Amen 

Becoming Effective

Main Scripture: Read Elisha’s Story in 1 Kings 19-16 – 2 Kings 13:20

According to the Oxford Dictionary to be effective means “to be successful in producing a desired or intended result.” It is also defined in the Free Online Dictionary as “producing a strong impression or response; striking.”

As individuals, leaders, wives, entrepreneurs it is extremely important that we strive to become effective in all we do. Becoming effective however will require changes. My Pastor puts it this way, “a new mindset, a new skill set and a new toolset.”

One of the most effective persons in the Bible was Elisha. He was Elijah’s replacement as God’s prophet to Israel. Before Elisha was a prophet he was a farmer, his ministry concentrated on the needs of people around him. He demonstrated God’s caring nature to all who came to him for help. Let’s take a look at the characteristics of this highly effective individual

1.   Willing - Elisha was open to the call of God from the moment Elijah approach him in the field. He quickly did what he had to do to follow the prophet. In order to be effective we have to be willing to go some places that we have never gone before. Often time we are walking around with unused potential because we are unwilling to face new challenges.

2.   Perceptive – To be perceptive means to be aware, discerning and keen. Elijah did not have to tell Elisha why he came for him. He quickly picked up on the purpose of Elijah’s visit and followed him. Opportunities often pass us by because we are not aware, we do not pick up easily. Work on becoming sharp and keen so that you can see opportunities when they come your way. Pray and ask God for discernment.

3.   Proactive – When Elijah was being taken up he asked Elisha what he can do for him, Elisha quickly asked him for a double portion of his anointing. Elijah then gave him specific instructions to ensure He saw him when he was being taken up. Elisha did not miss a beat he ensured that he did exactly what he was told without delay. To be effective it is important to be proactive instead of reactive. Stop taking things personal and taking forever to think over things and ensuring it is logical before we do it.

4.   Teachable Spirit - Elisha allowed Elijah to teach him all that he knew about his craft. He followed Elijah everywhere, watched his every move and did it with a humble spirit. Pray and ask God for mentors, also ask God to give you a teachable spirit as there are others who have been where you want to be however, you have to be ready for teaching before the master can appear.

5.   Built on Elijah’s Achievements – Elisha did not only learn from Elijah but he built on what Elijah already achieved. Elijah’s worked concentrated on building an atmosphere for persons to worship God freely and publicly. Elisha built on that by demonstrating God’s powerful and caring nature to those who came to him for help. In the same way to become effective we have to build on what we are taught by our mentors, this can be done by learning more and seeking to have a greater impact than those who came before us.

Have A God Filled Day Ladies

Let’s Pray,

Father, thank you for all that you have done in our lives. Help us to be more effective as of today. Impart into us father; help us to develop characteristics like Elisha so that we will be more effective today in all we do.

In Jesus Name

Amen