Using Your Authority

 

Anybody can praise God whenever things are going great. What about when your children are ill, you lose your job, divorce, death in the family, and the list goes on. What do you do then?

I have had many circumstances over the years come against me and my family.  I had a choice to make to either duck tail and run or go right through the middle of it. To tell you the truth at times I would love to have run, but God on the inside of me just would not let me do that.

He’s always been bigger than anything I have ever faced.  At times I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me, and then I would remember that He was right there with me, seeing me overcome every obstacle that came my way.

I’m so glad that I have learned how to believe God for myself.

Confess His word and watch it come to pass.  Mark 11:24 says, “Therefore I say unto you, whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you shall have them.” The devil is just the devil; he will always put up a fight to keep you from the things of God.  Don’t listen to his lies. If the Bible promises you something, you have a right to fight for it. God has given us every tool we need to win.

The sword of the spirit which is the Word of God is one of our greatest weapons against the devil.  Jesus always used it when He was tempted of the devil. Now, it is our turn to do the same thing. The next time the devil comes telling you anything contrary to the Bible, and trying to beat you up, use the Word.

Just like David said to the uncircumcised Philistine, You come to me with a sword, and a spear, but I come at you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the ranks of Israel, Whom you have defied.  ~1 Samuel 17:45

~Tammy Sanders

Image Credit: Tammy Sanders

My Bucket Has A Hole In It

Jeremiah 18:1 As the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

I have a friend who is a nurse. She told me that pain is my friend. She said it lets me know that there is a problem. I have to disagree. It is not my friend. Another word I don’t care to hitch my wagon to is stress. Some Issues I have been faced with have caused me to be more aware of stress than I care to be. I am thankful that in all we may face, we are never alone. I know I couldn’t make it through these hard places without Jesus. He lets me know He is with me in so many wonderful ways. He sends friends to encourage me. He sends his peace. A scripture may come to mind at just the right time. With all of this, I still complain.

2nd Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not us.

Earthen vessel to me could be a fancy way to say bucket. I have felt like lately  that I am a bucket with a hole in it. I know there is still much work to be done in me. I have been letting situations I am facing reflect how my attitude has been. I have not been allowing the fruits of the spirit to pour out of me. I usually like to make people laugh. I may tell them a silly story, or a corny joke. I love to see a smile come on someone’s face. It helps me feel better too. This is a small way the Lord uses me. We all have ways to be a vessel that God can use.  We must guard our hearts and minds. The enemy will try and cause us not to use whatever the talent is God has given us. He likes to keep us focused on the negative. I am determined to allow God to mold me into a vessel to be used however He may choose. A hole in a bucket can make the light shine out of it brighter, right?

2nd Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use and prepared unto every good work.

~Connie Robinson

Image Credit @ Tammy Sanders

Where is Your Focus?

“Focus, focus, focus, you have to learn to focus.” How many of you have ever heard that in your lifetime? I know that I have. I have also been guilty of saying that same phrase or something similar. How about you?

As a teacher, I catch myself saying something similar like keep your eyes on your job, quit watching what someone else is doing. I teach students with special needs where there is a lot of repetition to master each task. There is also a lot of redirection to keep the focus on their task at hand.

In my classroom there are a lot of opportunities for students to get distracted. The slightest movement, change in routine, visitor to the room can cause them to lose their focus on their task. How many of us have bee guilty of letting the little things come in to take our focus off of the task that God has on doing? I have been guilty of that and I am sure you have been to. You might look at the new car your neighbor just bought and start thinking and focusing on wanting one as well. Before you know it, your focus is off of the task God has for you and it is on a new car. In Matthew it tells us to seek FIRST the Kingdom of God. When we seek God first despite the distractions He will take care of all that we need. He will provide for us.

So the next time that a distraction or circumstance presents itself to you just remember to keep your focus on God. Continue to seek Him in spite of what your circumstances are saying and He will take care of you.

~Ronda Sullivan

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God makes amazing Lemonade!

I happen to be one of those odd people who actually enjoy eating a lemon. However, most people do not. But how many of those people when they’re sitting on their porch with a warm summer breeze flowing through their hair, crave a refreshing ice-cold glass of lemonade! I personally enjoy a tall glass of lemonade just like the rest, but remind me, what is the main ingredient in lemonade (besides sugar)? Bingo! Lemons!

These past few weeks, I feel like I have been assaulted with lemon, after lemon, after lemon! At work, experiment after experiment seemed to fail or go disastrously wrong. I’ve been sick for two weeks with the flu followed by a lovely sinus infection. My family is now going to court against each other and I may have to testify for both the plaintiff and the defense. Talk about leaving a sour taste in your mouth! But…when I sit down at my piano and pour my heart out to God, or come together with my brothers and sisters in Christ on Sunday, or listen to our church’s live praise and worship or sermons online, I am overwhelmed with a supernatural peace and love. Overwhelmed by the sweet, sweet presence of God Almighty.So I finally got tired of going from sweet to sour to sour to sweet. I made the decision to allow God to mix the two. I told God about my lemons and said, “Take them! I can’t deal with them on my own. I am going to trust You with my lemons.” Well, apparently that was exactly what God had been waiting for me to do! Once I released the worries and despairs in my life to Him, some amazing things have begun to happen. My health is greatly improved and continuing to with each day. I talked with my mentor about my “failed” results and we have come up with a new angle to present the data which is both pertinent and important to our field of research. My family situation is coming up next week, but after seeing how God has turned my lemons into some invigorating lemonade, I have no worries!

The Apostle Paul put it this way, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose” (Rom. 8:28). I see it as God is the master maker of amazing lemonade! He is faithful to take your lemons of life and turn them into a refreshing, life-giving beverage for you to enjoy. So stop with your puckered lips! Give those lemons to God and see what amazing lemonade He has waiting for you!

~Dr. Matt

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Comfort and Joy

What does it mean to walk in comfort and joy anyway? I have been asking myself this same question.

 

For starters, what is comfort? Comfort means to “soothe, console, or reassure; bring cheer to, to make physically comfortable, to aid; support or encourage”. So looking at the meaning, and hooking it up with scripture, then when we say “Jesus is our comforter,”we are saying that He provides relief in our afflictions (healing), and He gives us peace.

 

I don’t know about you but I have not been walking in a lot of comfort and joy. At least not until recently when I got a breakthrough. You know when you take your eyes off of the one who gives you the comfort and joy and start to focus on all of the circumstances surrounding you that comfort and joy leaves you. You may be able to put on the façade of joy but it does not last long. I should know since I had been doing that for a while.

 

It is important that when thoughts that do not line up with God’s Word are flooding your mind, that you take those thoughts captive. I went to leadership for advice for assistance and was provided a good swift kick in the rear that I needed to help me get back on track. Don’t get me wrong, God had already been dealing with me about the price and the swift kick in the rear was done in love. It was the truth and the truth will set you free if you will listen. I chose to listen, and I have felt more joy and comfort than I have felt in months!

 

My focus has shifted to where it needs to be and not on the circumstances that have tried to infiltrate my mind. Will I have to battle thoughts in the future? I  know I will.

 

Gateway leaders are here to help you overcome all circumstances that has tried to present itself in your life. You just have to be willing to take correction and to change and grow. Showing up for services and ministry opportunities is a vital role in your spiritual growth. At one time it was said that 80% of our victory is just showing up. Spending personal time in the Word for yourself, worshiping and praying are also necessary in order to overcome obstacles and circumstances in your life. Trust in Him and His Word for His Word is His Will. He sent His son to die on the cross for our salvation, healing, comfort, and joy. Embrace the comfort and joy that comes from the love of our Father.

 

Ronda Sullivan

 

Image Credit © Tammy Sanders

No More Excuses!

For me, this month started off with a bang! I purposed in my heart a long time ago to do all that God had for me no matter my circumstances. Believe me, the circumstances of life have not always been in my favor. Countless surgeries, physical pain, and much more have tried to hinder me from doing what God has called me to do. Even on the days when excuses could roll off my tongue with ease, I’m reminded of my commitment to God.

That simple choice has led me to where I am now.  I’m doing more than ever thought possible a few years ago.  For example, I’m continuing to write articles for church magazine, transcribe sermons into books, all while maintaining my courses in communication at college. It’s in His strength and grace that I’m able to do all these things. What excuses have you let creep into your life? Whether you realize it or not, these excuses slowly eat away at the passion you once had for life. You may have been a vibrant person, and after you let the weight and cares of this life weigh you down, your friends and family may not even recognize the depressed person you’ve become.

It’s not too late to make a change, though! Humble yourself before God and ask him to let his thoughts about you be your thoughts about yourself. When you start to see yourself as God sees you, you will realize his grace has always been there. You just have to reach out and grab it! After you recommit yourself to God, do something! You’ve heard it said time and time again that actions speak louder than words. If your passion is children, go where they are. Spend time teaching them how to read through the school system. You’ll be surprised at the opportunities that will come your way as a result of your decision to quit making excuses!

~Madison Sanders

Image Credit © Tammy Sanders

Hey, Lord

Hey, Lord. It’s time my prayers were said. After all, it’s time to go to bed.

I’ve been real busy with things today. I haven’t found the time to pray.

Many chances today slipped through my hand.

I didn’t exactly sin though, Lord. I just didn’t do your command.

I spoke to my neighbor when I went out to get the mail.

I wonder if she is saved? Does she know that there’s a hell?

I would ask her, but I wouldn’t want to pry.

What if she got emotional? She may even cry!

There wasn’t time today to read Your Word

Susan’s husband is running around on channel three.

I just had to know if she’s heard!

I haven’t told my family how I have come to know Your son.

I am sure they must’ve noticed that something has been done!

My friend came by and I poured her a cup.

I would have told her about You, but You didn’t come up.

When I mention salvation, folks look at me strange.

If they don’t already know You, they don’t want to hear they need to change.

When I go to church, I listen. When they sing, I sing along.

The people at church know that I am saved.

I must not be too wrong.

I can’t seem to go to sleep. Think I’ll catch the late show.

I will talk to you tomorrow night, Lord. After all, I need to grow!

~Connie Robinson

WOMAN
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Dig In

“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, [And] to heed than the fat of ram.” ~1 Sam 15:22b

 

It’s late, I’ve been working hard, I’m tired… Pretty much the last thing I want to do right now is write an article for the website. But there’s this thing called FAITHFULNESS that I can’t get away from. Believe me, I’ve tried. I’ve tried to tell God that I have way too much to do. I’ve tried to get some pity from Jesus because He is the reason I’m so busy, after all. I’ve asked Holy Ghost to help me deal with the chaos in my life, but I often just hear…nothing. Nothing until I do the last thing He told me to do. Nothing until I stop grumbling over the call He’s placed on my life. Nothing until I just go ahead and dig in and do what I know He needs me to do.

 

So, as I have started to write this, I am reminded of HIS faithfulness to me. He is always with me, never leaves me, and loves me regardless of my flaws. He is GOOD like that. But not only that, He has given me a born again spirit that is infused with His very own character, the fruit of which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, FAITHFULNESS, gentleness and self-control. That FAITHFULNESS I can’t get away from is part of me… part of my spirit. When I’m tired and just don’t feel like pressing on, I tap into my spirit and draw heavily on the faithfulness that is already there. It’s HIS faithfulness in me that gets me through. Thank God!

~Linda

Image credit: FARMING UTENSILS
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Time To Get UP

After my internal alarm clock woke me up on a Monday morning, I rolled over and looked at the clock; it was 6:50 am. Knowing that Triniti and I have to be on the road by 7:20, I knew there was no way that I was going to be able to give both of us showers, dry hair, get dressed, etc in 30 minutes. I quickly woke Triniti up and explained to her to hurry up and get in the shower because we had to be in a hurry because I forgot to set my alarm clock the night before. Of all nights, I also didn’t set her clothes out for the next morning.

I was rushing around gathering her clothes and other supplies needed for the new school week. In the midst of the rushing and silent argument with myself because I forgot to set the alarm, I was trying to motivate her to be in a hurry, which is not an easy task for a five year old. She finally rolled over and looked at me and realized what I was saying about if we didn’t hurry up, we were going to be late for school and work.

With the most beautiful smile and sweet voice, she said, “Mama, it’s ok to be late one day, it’s not the end of the world.”  My body and mind came to a complete halt. I looked over at her and smiled and told her that she was absolutely correct. In the end, we were 15 minutes late, and we certainly lived.

How many times do we get caught up in the little things in life that really doesn’t have any effect on the whole scheme of things?  In the hustle of waking up late, all I could think about was how this was not a good start to a Monday morning. I immediately started thinking about if this was how my Monday started, what was going to go wrong the rest of the week.

It took a five year old to remind me that things were going to be just fine. When I heard her comment, I turned my thoughts around about the week, smiled and thanked the Lord that He put breath in our bodies for the day. Being 15 minutes late did not change the fact that we are blessed nor did it change the outcome of my day. Stop; look around and thank God for the things that He was given us that can be so easily taken for granted.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

~Christi Duncan

Image Credit © Tammy Sanders

A Look at Discernment

I heard a word recently that caught my attention. That word was discernment. The definition is keeness of judgment; insight. It is a spirtual, God given gift. There is a counterfeit to discernment. It is suspicion. Suspicion is fleshly, of the soul. It is emotional.

People have been hurt when one has been mistaken for the other. I remember a time when this happened to me. I had been invited to hear a man who was said to be spiritually gifted. He was going to be ministering at someone’s home. My friend and I were going to dinner earlier in the evening. The restaurant had a dress code. We dressed accordingly.

Later, we went to the house meeting. I immediately felt out of place. Everyone else was in jeans and sneakers. The service had not yet started. The speaker approached us. I assumed he was going to introduce himself. He then said to me, “You are full of yourself. You think you have arrived.” Nothing could have been futher from the truth. I was fighting a battle at the time. I had come hoping to be ministered to.

Maybe on the outside I appeared to have it all together. On the inside, I was broken and hurting. I can’t judge this man. I have been guilty of being suspicious of others. I have mistaken it for discernment. There has been more times when true discernment has kept me from being deceived. I am in no way saying not to operate in this gift. I don’t think it has ever been more needed in the body of Christ. It is important we learn to recognize the difference. How do we do this? We learn from others who practice true discernment. We check our spirits. We cover ourselves with mature leaders who can help us develop this area of ministry. Most of all, we pray. God will give us this good gift.

I am thankful for Gateway Believers Fellowship. I feel safe there. I know that Apostle David and the leaders are gifted with discernment. What a blessing that is.

~Connie Robinson

Image credit: ©Tammy Sanders