Moving Forward into Uncharted Territory!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Now is the time; now is the season to move forward into uncharted territory having the assurance that God is loving, faithful, merciful and a present help in every situation or circumstance. He is a strong deliverer; mighty to rescue His people from all dangerous situations. He is well able to do above and beyond what you ask or think according to the power working within.  Don't ever forget how He has delivered you from the power of darkness. Be assured, courageous, fully convinced and persuaded that He is able to keep everything together and bring you into fulfillment of designed destiny. If you are willing and obedient, you will enjoy the best from the land. At the end of the day, it is better to trust and obey God in everything; Do things God’s way; expect a successful outcome; the end justifies the means. You are called, chosen, for such a time as this.

 

Don't Panic! Help is Here!

So much going on all around the world in varying degrees, to the extent, that many are becoming discouraged because of such overwhelming situations or circumstances. God's word however, provides hope, encouragement, comfort and peace. "...You are My servant, serving on My side. I've picked you; I haven't dropped you. Don't panic, I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength, I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you." Isaiah 41:9-10 MSG.  Therefore, no matter what the situation or circumstance, there is help for God's people. If you can trust and believe His word, for every trial or test, multiplied grace is added to help you ride through every stormy season.  God never fails, He is faithful and will never leave or forsake His own. There is help for those who call out to Him; His name is a strong tower, a place of safety.  All things are possible to them that believe.  Stay encouraged knowing that God never fails, His love is everlasting.  In the wake of so much trouble or darkness- Don't panic; God is your help at all times. Praise Him; He is good, His mercy endures forever. He is worthy of all glory, honor and praise.  The Lord be with you.

Perseverance in All Seasons

There are times along life’s journey when expectations of successful endeavors clash with the daily reality of overwhelming challenges. However when seeking the Lord for directions-He steps into the middle of difficult or dead situations and speaks a life changing word. Sometimes it may seem as if you have exhausted all strength, resources to continue enduring under int...ense pressure. Nevertheless, it is amazing how God steps in, just in the niche of time, saying: push harder, further and deeper to receive a greater blessing. At the end of the day, all things work out better when we obey His plan. Never Quit; Never Give Up. Continue to press through every situation, every circumstance, standing on God’s word that will never fail. He is faithful; His love and mercy are everlasting. Having done all to stand, keep on standing in faith.
…Master we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. But if You say so, I’ll let out the nets. It was no sooner said than done- a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity….Luke 5:5-6.
So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10.

Take the Next Step

Life is a journey, not a destination, consisting of many tiny steps to be taken; although, many times negotiating ups, downs, twists and turns along the way. Every finish line is a series of tiny, tiny, tiny little steps that must be consistently taken; however, not everyone is willing and obedient to press through difficulties necessary for taking the next step. If you can be faithful in small things, you can be faithful in greater things. Jesus said. “If any one comes after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23). Each person’s cross varies in that each person is chosen to bear certain struggles according God’s plan. Commitment to following Christ is a continual practice of faith, obedience and daily taking one step at a time, one day at a time, in pursuit of divine purpose.  On the way to the next place in destiny, it is very important to have great expectations for realizing fulfillment, remaining confident in knowing that your steps are Divinely ordered.  It is your set time of favor; it is your turn to hear the Lord calling- take the next step; fight the good fight of faith and patiently endure life’s challenges.   In light of so many uncertain and challenging situations, it is critical to follow the Lord’s steps as He daily leads along the right path. Resolve to do things God’s way, in every situation, in every circumstance; at the end of the day, all things will work out favorably. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything else will be added to you. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free; So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men] then you are really and unquestionably free.  (Matt. 6:33; John 8: 32, 36) The kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a dealer in search of fine and precious pearls, who on finding a single pearl of great price, went and sold all he had and bought it. (Matt. 13: 45-46)

Called to Serve

Whoever desires to be great must first become a servant to one another in the body of Christ, which however calls for daily dying to self.  Although the process is by no means easy, it is necessary for growth and development into mature Christians. Loving God, loving and serving His people are foundational principles.
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to give His life in exchange for the many who are held hostage. Matt. 20:28.
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of Himself that He had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, He set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, He stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process....He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death- and the worst kind of death at that- a crucifixion. Philippians 2:5-8
In these times of distress, darkness and every form of evil, there is a call for faithful servants who will rise to the occasion; persevere through every challenge, difficult situation or circumstance.  Continue to trust God, obey and stand firmly on His word; He is more than able to help you finish strong. Through it all, resolve to never give up; never give out; never lose your praise. The Lord be with you. +MEA

Stay Focused

Kingdom Perspective: These are times of great distress, challenges, so many distractions, to the extent, many people of God are becoming weary and losing focus on the main thing. Just to encourage  and remind you today that our sovereign God already knows what you are going through. He is building a kingdom that will outlast this world of trouble and will keep you standing strong, if you can believe that all things are possible.  We are called to serve a unique purpose in life but not without going through a transformation process which goes through a tunnel of great difficulty. Times of difficulty however, are used as tools for developing character, discipline, obedience for becoming more like Christ. Please remember Jesus said: "Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matt. 16:18. Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain... Ps. 127:1 If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14  Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession..."1Timothy 6:12.  Stay focused, stay connected, keep the main thing the main thing- Jesus Christ is Lord of all. May grace, peace, love be multiplied to all.
The Lord be with you. +MEA

Remember to Obey

REMEMBER- Keep and live out the entire commandment that I’m commanding you today so that you’ll live and prosper and enter and own the land that God promised your ancestors. Remember every road that God led you on for those forty years in the wilderness, pushing you to your limits, testing you so that He would know what you were made of, whether you would keep His commandments or not. He put you through hard times. He made you go hungry. Then He fed you with manna, something neither you nor your parents knew anything about, so you would learn that men and women don’t live by bread only; we live by every word that comes from God’s mouth. (Deut. 1:1-3)MSG   

Remember to trust, obey the word of God in every situation; now we are standing on the precipice of entering greater dimensions.  It is becoming increasingly apparent that oppositional forces are poised to distract us from moving forward into uncharted waters. It is written  in scriptures that many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers out of every one. Therefore we are not exempt from trials, tests or attacks from the devil. These struggles present an opportunity for learning to be faithful and obedient to the will of God. Although He was a Son, Jesus learned obedience through the many things He suffered. (Heb. 5:8) Please know that before promotions or entering into a new place of blessing, there are enemies(giants) waiting to hinder or prevent safe arrival. These are times of intense spiritual warfare which are challenging, therefore, now is the time to awake, arise from complacency to make necessary preparations for fighting the good fight of faith and engage the enemy in battle. (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph.6:10-19) Prayer, Intercession, Worship are anointed weapons of warfare critical for destroying strongholds, yokes of bondage and removing heavy burdens. (Isa.10:27) In that we live in a fallen and dark world, the faithful are encouraged to walk as children of Light in alignment with the teachings of Christ. Unfortunately, oppressive spirits, rebellion, disobedience, gross misuse of power, to name a few, are becoming increasingly prevalent within places of worship. Therefore, the place of fellowship, healing and restoration have given rise to some who exhibit ungodly behavior.  It is extremely important for a successful outcome to continue standing confidently on the word of God. Remain obedient, undaunted, committed to enduring the tests of times, keeping focus on Christ- the author and finisher of our faith.  Let us endeavor to stay connected to the Divine power source, for without Christ we can do nothing.  God's grace is sufficient for empowerment, making us effective in utilizing management strategies that can prevent being left exposed and vulnerable to the wiles of the devil. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, molded for God's use and have been called into the kingdom for such a time as this. Always REMEMBER! Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered.  Keep a cool head, stay alert. The devil is poised to pounce and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up, you’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith, the suffering won’t last forever.” (1Pet. 5:8-9)Msg.

 

 

Streams in the Desert

God can break the cycles, tear down systems to bring change in circumstances, shifting the atmosphere. He is able. Trouble, adverse situations are often used as an opportunity, vehicle or tool for Him to be glorified. At times running around with so many things to do, we reach a point of exhaustion, feel like giving up, on an emotional roller coaster: frustrated, weak, hungry, thirsty and in need of immediate provisions, streams of healing and refreshing. However, sometimes substitutes are used that does not satisfy the thirsty soul. Jer.2:13. Matt.5:6. God already knows what needs to happen to change the situation. Miracles can be in the hands of people who don't count as being significant. God is concerned about us, He sees, He cares; He already knows just what to do. Expect that every need is already provided. Don't get discouraged in the process, the solution is already completed. When the task seems overwhelming, way over our head, that's when God steps in and asks "What's that you have in your hand?" Surrender every thing to Him and watch multiplication take place. Make use of what we already have instead of focusing on what we do not have. In everything give thanks, during times of being broken, restoration, refreshing of the soul occurs as God leads us in the path of righteousness for His name's sake. The insecurities of challenging times help to define who we really are at the core. Worship warriors will arise to the occasion and fight the good fight of faith for His kingdom's cause.  We are challenged in chaos and not in comfort to continue standing strong on the word of God. Stay focused, stay on course, stay connected to the true power source in Christ. During times of Transition- (gap between seasons); the way we exit determines how we will enter the next season. Praise/ Press through the difficulties of tight/narrow places with a joyful heart and hopeful expectation, having an attitude of"not my will Lord, but Yours be done." God is able to keep us standing. The more excellent way to manage multiplied challenges is through loving God, loving His people. The greatest commandment is to love God and one another. Mk. 12:30,31; Lk. 10:27; Matt. 22:37-39. In so doing, Holy Spirit helps us to become faithful and obedient servants who trust God in every situation. Through worship, praise, prayer we continually stand firm on the promises of God.( 1Cor. 15:58,59, 16:13)
Don't lose heart during desert or wilderness seasons. Hear the word of The Lord saying:
"Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isa. 43:18,19.

Season of Refreshing

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the water; and you who have no money, come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. (Isa.55:1)

Life's challenges, changes experienced during transitional and dry seasons very often can render the soul weary and thirsty.  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God where the thirsty can be refreshed and restored.  For the weary traveler on the journey, there is an open invitation for the thirsty to drink from healing streams flowing from the river of God. These streams breakthrough every obstacle or any other hindrances in its path. The timing of the Lord is perfect; He already knows the outcome of every situation but will allow conditions that are necessary for growth and promotion.  Pain is a passageway to fulfillment of purpose, although enduring under seasons of tremendous pressure or difficult circumstances, for a moment can leave you feeling thirsty, tired and uncomfortable. At the right time, in the right place, He makes all things work together for His purpose. The Lord is our Shepherd; He restores the soul and leads to quiet streams of refreshing.

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jer.31:25)