Pressing Forward With Greater Expectations

Praise God for the privilege of serving the kingdom in various assignments as teacher, encourager and sharing the gospel as opportunities are available.  After all of the challenging situations endured, there’s still joy, strength and peace to keep moving forward at all times, in every season. Hidden  treasures are discovered in whatever remains after surviving critical life situations; therefore, keep moving forward, even if on broken pieces (Acts 27:35-44). It’s a new season to fulfill life's purpose for God’s glory and applause.

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Then the remnant left in Israel will take their place among the nations. They will be like dew sent by the Lord or like rain falling on the grass, which no one can hold back and no one can restrain. (Micah‬ ‭5:7)

It’s time to press forward, letting go of past hurts, hindrances and holding on to the promises of God, being confident that in Him we are more than conquerors. Lay aside every weight or whatever can hold you back (Romans 8:37; Hebrews 12:1).  Be thankful in everything (1Thessalonians 5:18) for this is God’s will.  Those who wait on Him have renewed strength and can soar like eagles. #StayFocused

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I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.

‭‭(Philippians‬ ‭3:12-16‬) MSG‬‬

Catalyst for Change

You have been called, chosen by God to a great and noble cause to fulfill His purpose  on earth, and to bear fruit that remains. (John 15:16) Joel 2:25-27 gives a promise of restoration in order to make up for the years of locust devastation that came to devour possessions, promise of refreshing, restoration and fresh hope for the future. What do you see for your future? Do you see hope or despair, faith or fear? Are you tired of the enemy stealing from you and plundering your hope and dreams? (Job 5:19; Isaiah 42:22-23).
Very often, a great deal of time is spent on pointing out personal weaknesses, failures, lack of resources, training and skill. Many excuses are given as to why you can't do something and are not the right person for an assignment.  For example, God called Jeremiah as a prophet; however, initially he could only focus on past weaknesses, because of a limited perspective. God's loving persistence with him provided skill, understanding for developing prophetic eyes to see and ears to hear instructions for his assignment. "The word of the Lord came to me saying, 'What do you see, Jeremiah? And I said, 'I see a rod of an almond tree, (healing streams of refreshing, showers of blessings, hear the sound of the abundance of rain) Then the Lord said to me, 'You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it'(Jeremiah 1:11-12). The Christian journey is a noble and great adventure and on the way to fulfillment of Divine purpose, you are oftentimes confronted with many heart wrenching and overwhelming challenges. Just as in the early days of the Christian faith, today’s faithful must have a persistent, persevering spirit in order to endure difficulties as a disciplined soldier of Christ. Continue to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, building up the faith, praying fervently in the Holy Spirit. Ancient fathers and mothers of the faith boldly stood firm in defending apostolic doctrine set forth by Jesus Christ, continued by the Apostles, to the extent, many of them (male and female) were martyred for their righteous and courageous stand. In Him, you have a sure and steadfast anchor of hope that cannot fail, that cannot slip away. It is each person’s responsibility however, to diligently travail in prayer, making intercession for all people, leaders, the Lord's church (body of Christ) to show love for all, especially the faithful in the fight to overthrow diabolical schemes in any form. You have been called to be a catalyst for change in the kingdom, for such a time as this, to stand and teach the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ. After enduring through a long night of trials and temptations, many faithful warriors are coming out of dark, secret and hidden places to embrace this new season, the dawning of a new day. No matter how dark or difficult situations in the world may become, you have a sure and steadfast anchor of hope in Jesus Christ. Having done all to stand, keep standing in assigned positions, dressed in the full armor of God, and wage war against the forces of darkness. He who endures until the end shall be saved. (Matt.24:13). It doesn’t matter how long it takes before realizing fulfillment of destiny, in the meantime, keep God at the center of everything. You ran well, who hindered you from obeying the truth. You did many good works but left and deserted the Lord, your first love (Galatians 5:7; Revelation 2:2). Let the glory of the Lord arise, for this is the dawning of a new day. Repair broken altars and return to the Lord. Prepare the altar of sacrifice, call out to God in prayer; surrender wholeheartedly and don't conform to worldly trends (Romans 12:1-2). Jesus paid it all; therefore, He conveyed you into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom you have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
(Colossians 1:12-14).

Embrace Change

It is the best of times and the worst of times. It’s a paradoxical mixture of evil and good, light and darkness, joy and sadness. So many things are happening suddenly that’s causing delay in achieving goals, for example: distractions, disappointment, discouragement, disease, death, deception, devastation, to name a few.  During turning point seasons, faith level at your core is being tested and exposed to show its true colors. It takes courage to trust and obey God; therefore, stay focused on the right path in pursuit of designed destiny. No matter the storms or difficulties, God has His hands on you to help navigate through troubled waters. Listening and flowing with sounds of internal music are essential for giving Him a nevertheless praise. Stay in step with inner rhythm as directed by Holy Spirit. At the end of the day, life goes on, whether or not you choose to move with it's flow or remain stuck in messy situations. You can choose to become a catalyst for change.
#PrayAlways #StrengthenWhatRemains
#ExpectGreater #CatalystForChange
#KeepMovingForward
#EmbraceChange
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But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
‭‭(I Corinthians‬ ‭15:57-58‬)‭
The horse is prepared for the day of battle but the victory belongs to the Lord.
(Proverbs 21:31)
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

Adversity Builds Resilience

#Encouragement #Seasoned

#GreatExpectations #TimelessWisdom

#OldAgeFruitfulness
#CatalystForChange

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”

(Psalms 92:12-15)

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During seasons of grief, difficulties or adversity, wait patiently on the promises of God with confidence, knowing that both the authentic and counterfeit will be revealed in His time. For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven, even in advanced years, you can still produce an abundance of good fruit. In these times of confronting multiple challenging situations, be encouraged, focused and faithful to fulfilling your Divine purpose. Faithful ministry requires obedience, discipline, struggle and self-denial.

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Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. ‭‭(2 Timothy‬ ‭2:3-7‬)‭

Amazing Grace

#Remember #TimelessTruth #HumilityEssential

As much as we sometimes believe how great our lives have become because of outstanding achievements, never forget that God is not impressed with our performance. Lord have mercy!🙏🏾

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God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:8-10 

Encouraging the Faithful

You are faithful disciples who may sometimes feel as if all of your time of sacrifice is being tracked by enemies who are doing everything to hinder progressive movement, keep you from pressing into the presence of the Lord and breaking through. Nevertheless, stay the course and don’t allow distractions to get you off focus. Speak life over every dry situation according to the authority of God’s word, it endures forever. Whatever God says do, obey and leave the outcome to Him. Therefore, whenever a lying spirit of accusation is trying to come against you (remember that the enemy is the accuser of the brethren), rejoice in the Lord because you are exposing satan for who he really is 
( 2 Corinthians 2:11). Know that while being tracked, you are also being guarded! Here are a few reasons: Behold the angels of the Lord are a formidable great army who are ready and able to keep watch (Revelation 5:11-12).

He commands His angels concerning you to guard and even bear you up. (Psalm 91:11-12).

Angels are ahead of you to guard and bring you to the place that the Lord has prepared as you transition from darkness to light (Exodus 23:20) Are not angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14 The Lord's throne is firmly established, give Him Praise (Psalm 103:19-22). 

We are true servants of the Lord so; therefore, remember that there are more with us than those who are against us 

(2 Kings 6:16). 

#LetGodArise #LetHisEnemiesBeScattered #NeverthelessPraise #ItIsWell

Turning Point

Turning Point: A Time for Decisive Change

Adjusting to change is very necessary for deciding to either be crushed or propelled forward into fulfillment of your designed purpose. It's very important to pray for discernment in order to choose wisely at life’s turning point. Everything works together for good in God’s time, no matter how challenging or dark the situation. His love will intervene, make a way and bring deliverance, even if you have dishonored Him and made unwise choices that caused a messy situation. He remembers you; therefore, whenever you repent and call out to Him for mercy He will answer your prayer. Luke 23:42- The thief on the cross: cried out: “Lord, remember me when you come into Your kingdom and his request was granted.  Ezekiel 16:1-6 gives a moving account of God's mercy upon people who were bent toward unrighteousness. In God’s time, situations are turned around, bringing about a great change in your life. Come to the healing waters and get Ready for an overflow of blessings. It’s your choice to trust God’s timing, believing that in due season, through faith and patience, your change will come (Hebrews 6:12). The All the promises of God are yes and amen. To those who have endured under tremendous pressure, pressed in to worship in the presence of the Lord, persevered through turning points and chose to earnestly defend the gospel, it's your season to walk into overflowing blessings. To those who are still stuck in a desert or wilderness place, there is hope for deliverance in Christ, your redeemer. Call out to Him with sincere prayer asking for help. He will answer and give you songs of deliverance. Begin with the end in mind, stay focused during turning points along the way, discern and choose wisely an appropriate response to difficult situations. God is doing a great work in your lives (Philippians 1:6; Galatians 6:9) His love is still active in this season and promises of revival, restoration and refreshing are still valid, no matter how messy or challenging circumstances may be.  Through out time, there are many examples set forth in the word about God’s continuous intervention into the lives of people, providing opportunities for learning His will and His ways based on foundational precepts, patterns and principles. His plan delivers from danger, even when you have followed your our own ideas and made unwise decisions. His love gives hope, peace, and joy that radiates from a humble manger, a rugged cross, an empty tomb. Upon receiving clear instructions from Him, you initially move forward with confidence toward a designated place until a turning point situation occurs, requiring a decisive change. You don't choose difficult seasons; therefore, unwise decisions are made while trying to manage seasons of discomfort, fear, doubt or confusion. However, in Christ, there's redeeming value in every decision that's made; He came to heal, save and deliver all those oppressed by the devil.

Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through Me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10)

God's love covers, intervenes in our mess and gives grace in abundance. The journey of faith has many turning points along the way; therefore, you have to choose a course of action, whether to obey God or your own opinion. Sometimes, whenever your pace is too fast, you have an opportunity to mind the speed bumps (pay attention) that are designed to slow you down. In order to stay aligned with your divine purpose, it's very important to seek God's guidance at the altar of prayer before moving forward.

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So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Available to Serve

God Loves His people and desires all to be saved. Whenever  you lose your way, He prepares a messenger or circumstances to bring revival, restoration and refreshing. After enduring through seasons under tremendous pressure, you discover that circumstances were preparing you to birth something new. It becomes clear that the more things change, the more they remain the same. For example:

• The propensity to follow your own way
• Half Hearted Commitment.
• Idolatry
• Pride
• Disobedience 
• Rebellion 
• Impatience                                                      

You were created to fulfill God's plans during the earthly journey. However, because of having  free will, there are times spent doing your own thing. There is a set time given for you to answer the divine call, whether to say yes or no. A turning point in the developmental process is whenever you can recognize the core of strength that survives challenging situations during stormy seasons. After a transforming encounter in the presence of the Lord, you can agree with the divine call to serve His people.

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Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring. Hosea 6:3 

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Philippians 3:10

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10  

...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

BEGIN AGAIN

In Every Season You Can Begin Again! You don't choose the season; however, you can choose to see the beauty in it. Endure the Process- it's a journey  of discovering purpose and beliefs that is painted with seasons of pain, struggles, sorrow, grief, twists and turns. All of the challenges present an opportunity to choose the appropriate response to various situations. Enjoy Every Season! Learn to Wait Well! Timing is Everything!  Waiting Is An Excellent Teacher! Make it Meaningful! Focus! Follow Plan! Rate multiplied by time=Distance Repent/Change Your Mind; Choose to live in the moment; Don't get stuck in the past or be anxious about the future; Manage feelings, thoughts about experiences. Remember to avoid making decisions when: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. Change what comes out of your mouth and declare the promises of God. Pray God's word; Give thanks in every season. Trust/Obey/Worship Continually! Believe all things are working for your good. Stand boldly by faith on Christ, the solid rock-all other ground is sinking sand. He is the stone the builders rejected, the chief cornerstone, a sure and firm foundation.

Stay Focused

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:14

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During these challenging times, it is very important that you remain focused on desired goals and determined to "Finish Strong.” Growing older is mandatory; however, becoming mature is an option you can choose. It's worthwhile to diligently seek the Lord for greater revelations of purpose for your life and ministry in these times. The faithful are so grateful for the opportunity of serving in whatever assignment life presents and to be content in every season, no matter the difficulties.  Stay strong and committed to growth and development for the glory of God.  Endeavor to agree working together more effectively, as a team, toward building up the kingdom of righteousness. Be encouraged and stay focused, keeping the main thing the main thing, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

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When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 

1 Corinthians 13:11

Fight On

Instead of their shame My people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land and everlasting joy will be theirs. Isaiah 61:7
Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:12‬ 
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians‬ ‭6:13‬ ‭
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In the light of so much devastation, discouragement, deception, disease, to name a few, faith levels at your core are being tested. At the opiate of frustration or despair signals that you are the closest to breakthrough. Nevertheless, keep praying, standing and fighting in faith, despite diabolical attempts to stop or hinder your progress. In times of distress or deep despair, when you repent and return to following God's will and ways, He is faithful to bring restoration, revival and refreshing. Let God arise and His enemies be scattered. #Restoration
#RecoverAll #Rejoice

The Triumphant Church

No matter the challenging times with devastating situations, distractions, disappointments and the like, for over 2000 years, the triumphant church of Jesus Christ is still marching forward. The church is not a building, not a program or method but a living organism of people chosen(Ecclesia) to dwell together in unity as examples of truth and righteousness in the world. Those with listening ears, hear what the Spirit is saying to the church in this season. #PrayWithoutCeasing 

In everything give thanks, this is God's will in Christ for you. Don't stop, keep on moving forward until He says it's over. 

#HaveFaith #Trust

#ANDTHEBEATGOESON 

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Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.  

Matthew‬ ‭16:17-18‬ ‭MSG

Embrace Change

So many things can happen along life's journey that cause delay such as distractions, disappointment, discouragement, disease, deception, devastation, to name a few. During turning points in various seasons, faith level at your core is tested. It takes courage to stay focused on the path in pursuit of designed destiny. No matter the difficulties, God is faithful to help you navigate through troubled waters. It is very essential that you listen to the music within and march to the beat of your drummer. At the end of the day, life goes on whether or not you choose to move with it or stay stuck in messy situations. God is our refuge and strength, a shelter in the time of storms. #PrayAlways #KeepMovingForward #EmbraceChange #AndTheBeatGoesOn

Faith Fight

Trouble is very often a vehicle of transportation carrying you to greater levels of spiritual maturity. Trouble allows an opportunity to totally surrender to God with intense prayer and a sacrifice of praise; consequently, you can be launched into deeper waters of faith. 

Whenever expectations collide with trouble or disappointment, don't panic-it's only a test. Whatever the strongest force at your core will dominate in a critical or crisis situation. Let God arise! Let His enemies be scattered.

#ProcessCostly #NeverOnSale

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Direct my footsteps according to Your word; let no sin rule over me. 

Psalm 119:33

Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life, the life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1Timothy 6:12

My troubles turned out all for the best— they forced me to learn from your textbook. Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine. Psalm 119:71-72

When Expectations Collide With Disappointment

There are times along life's journey when high expectations for greater blessings collide with disappointment; therefore, catapulting you into a vortex of discouragement and fear.  The level of disappointment experienced during difficult seasons is measured by the amount of hope that is invested in the situation. Whatever the strongest force at your core will take over at a critical turning point.  God moves in seasons and times that are unexplainable to finite minds. In the appointed time, He relocates you to a new place, according to your designed destiny.

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But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.

Jeremiah 17:7-10 

Expectations

It is a common saying among the body of Christ: “Expectation is the breeding ground of miracles.” In other words, you get what you get ready for. You can conclude from Apostle Paul’s writing, that if you expect to win in a race or compete in an athletic event, the body has to be prepared by going through an intense training regimen.  In the spiritual race, it is also necessary to be self-disciplined-to not only run in the race, but to endure the rigorous training process with the expectation of receiving an everlasting reward. There are times when given a new assignment, you are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the work involved and the task seems way over your head. However, if you know that God has assigned a unique task, you can stand firm on His promise to be with you always until the assignment is completed.  

It is of the utmost importance to keep in mind the reason you are engaged in a particular task in order to minimize discouragement or disappointment.  By staying focused on pleasing God, who chose an assignment, it can help you keep looking to Him for guidance and approval at the end of the day. As you totally surrender everything to Him, it is exciting to watch as He adds grace, strength and downloads strategies for successfully executing given assignment.  You are shown how to make use of what you have already, instead of focusing on what you don't have.  

In everything give thanks, especially during times of being broken and remain confident that you can expect restoration and refreshing, as the need arises.  Insecurities, frustrations during difficult times help define your faith level as well as, who you really are at the core.  Being secure in your identity in Christ, as a worshipping prayer warrior, you can arise to the occasion and earnestly defend the faith entrusted to you. You are challenged in chaos and not in comfort, therefore, continue courageously standing and holding fast on the word of God.  Stay focused, stay on course and stay connected to the true power source in Christ.  

#Persevere  #PrayingAlways  #Finish Strong

Don't Panic-It's Only a Test

Praying for your health and well- being. God is concerned about you.  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 your head, that's when God steps in and asks "What's that you have in your hand?" Surrender everything you have to Him and watch multiplication take place. Make use of what you already have instead of focusing on what you don't have. In everything give thanks and praise. During times of being challenged, know that restoration, refreshing of the soul occur as God leads you in the path of righteousness for His name's sake. The insecurities of challenging times help to define who you really are at the core.  God's intercessors and worship warriors are arising to the occasion in this season to fight the good fight of faith for His kingdom's cause. You are challenged in chaos and not in comfort; therefore, continue standing strong on the word of God.  Stay focused, stay on course and stay connected to your true power source in Christ. During times of transition- (gap between seasons) turning points, the way you exit determines how you will enter the next season. #Pray #Praise #Press your way through the difficulties of tight/narrow places with a joyful heart and hopeful expectation. Maintain an attitude of:  Not my will Lord, but Yours be done." God is able to make you stand. 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.  In so doing, Holy Spirit helps you to become faithful and obedient servants who trust God in every situation. Through worship, praise and prayer you can continually stand firm on the promises of God. 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. (Isaiah 43:18,19)." #Persevere #FinishStrong 

Discovering Beauty in Every Season

There are times along life's journey when current realities clash with expectations; however, at this turning point, you can choose to embrace change and move forward.  There is beauty in every season if you will look for blessings during difficult times. Resolve to keep praying, praising and pressing through stormy seasons.

God makes everything beautiful in His time. Rest in the Lord, wait patiently until expected change manifests.  #EmbraceChange #FinishStrong