blessings

Happy Thanksgiving! What Are You Thankful For?

Happy Thanksgiving! What Are You Thankful For?

Thanking God for All His Blessings!

Enjoy the above video “Thankful” by The Skit Guys –
and may we all give God the thanks and praise due His glorious name!

“Blessed are you, LORD God… forever and ever.
Yours, O LORD is the greatness, and the power,
and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty;
for all that is in the heaven and earth is yours;
yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exhalted
as head above all. Both riches and honor come of you,
and you reign over all; and in your hand is power
and might;
and in your hand it is to make great,
and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God,
we thank you, and praise your glorious name.”
— 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

Have a Blessed, Safe, & Happy Thanksgiving!

God bless you always,
Brenda

P.S. Feel free to leave a comment and share what you are thankful for…

P.P.S. Here is a little bit of History about Thanksgiving Day

Share
Continue Reading

Empowerment – When Temptation Comes a Knocking Why Not Let Honor Slam the Door Shut?

Empowerment – When Temptation Comes a Knocking Why Not Let Honor Slam the Door Shut?

Spiritual Warfare – What Do You Do When You Are Tempted?

Spiritual Empowerment thru Honor to GodSpiritual empowerment has its…

source with God.

In life, temptations are going to come to all of us and…

try to zap our power and take us down.

Why give into these attacks?

Empower yourself to overcome…

by tapping into the power source of God.

What Do You Do When You Are Tempted?

When temptation comes a knocking it is time to look to God. Remind yourself that He is always with you. Look at the temptation that is knocking on the door and then look to God. It is not easy when the attacks come, but it is possible to overcome if you stay plugged into God.

Keep in mind, that we always have the choice to honor God in any situation, or we can choose to dishonor Him; and at the same time disrespect ourselves.

Do You Dwell On Dishonorable Thoughts?

Do not be fooled into believing it is okay to dwell on thoughts that, if acted on, would dishonor God. Put a stop to those dark, negative thoughts right away, before they open the door to trouble. Let honor to God slam the door shut when temptation comes a knocking.

Before the knock ever comes, make a sound decision not to dishonor God and not to disrespect yourself. Never lose sight of Him. Thank God for His mercy and grace when we fall short and need it, but purpose to set your standards higher.

Why Lie to Yourself?

Do not be deceived into thinking you can get away with sin without disrespecting yourself. That is a lie. Why would you want to lie to yourself? Don’t you have enough people lying to you right now? Let’s face it, sin always catches up to us.

So when the temptations come, don’t lie to yourself and think you will get away with acting on them. Instead, challenge yourself with questions. Will God be honored and glorified in me if I do this? What message do I give others if I do this?

Living a Higher Life of Honor

Temptations will come, but you don’t have to open the door. You can choose to live a higher life of honor and show others how to do the same. If you are struggling and already opened the door to temptation, then turn to God. Choose to honor God and He will empower you to slam that door shut.

“God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
– 1 Corinthians 10:13

God knows what we are cable of. When we walk in honor, love, peace, and prosperity, we send a valuable message to others. It brings glory and honor to God when His children live right, claim victory over evil, and use their God-given blessings to bless others.

The truth is: What God has for our future is so much better than anything the enemy may be tempting us with. We can overcome temptation when it comes a knocking and choose to live in God’s best for our lives by honoring Him.

May you live empowered, always honoring the King of kings, and enjoying a life of growing prosperity!

God bless you,
Brenda

Share
Continue Reading

Godly Humility – How Can a Humble Heart Put You On the Road to Destination Greatness?

Godly Humility – How Can a Humble Heart Put You On the Road to Destination Greatness?

A Life of Humility that Leads to God’s Richest Blessings!

Godly Humility Leads to Destination GreatnessHumility needs to take root in the heart first…

and then it will begin to grow and expand

into every area of life.

Humility has to be taught to us by God

and is not generally something we easily learn. 

“I believe the first test of a truly great man is his humility.” 
— John Ruskin

Power to Change

Humility changes the way we see God and helps us submit our heart to Him. It changes the way we view others and gives us a servant’s perspective. Humility is not denial of self, but it is an embracing of God’s Word within us. It allows us to lay aside our personal wants and needs and adopt His desires and goals for our lives.

“Be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” 
— 1 Peter 5:5-6

Humbling ourselves under God’s hand allows Him to raise us up to greatness at the proper time. Keep in mind; greatness from our perspective is different from God’s. God is more interested in our humility than He is of our ‘great’ works.

Do you want to be blessed? Then develop a servant’s heart.

“Whoever, wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” 
— Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:26)

Destination Greatness

When we humble ourselves before God, we gain new strength and insight. God prepares us for greatness and blessing. He will often allow intense pressures and adversity to humble us and refocus our thoughts so that we begin to think the way He thinks. Pain, embarrassment, and criticism are like safety checks to keep us from becoming proud and arrogant.

When facing challenges, we have a choice. We can either be hardened by our circumstances or humbled by them. If we choose to be humbled, we will gain God’s perspective and quickly discover that He is guiding us to victory (spiritually and physically).

Don’t be fooled though; if we choose to have a hard heart, we open the door to bitterness and close-mindedness. And remember, God resists the proud. Pride and rebellion are the opposite of humility and they separate us from God.

God says He hates a proud look and a proud heart is a sin. (Proverbs  6:17, 21:4) Pride is not only dangerous it is destructive and does not fit who we are in Christ. Humility transforms us into the image of Christ and empowers us to stand strong through the storms of life.

Many people view humility as a sign of weakness, but it is not. It is a sign of strength and spiritual maturity.

How Do We Gain Godly Humility?

It starts with a commitment to study God’s Word and a willingness to submit to Him. Then God will begin to show each of us individually the steps we must take in our lives to gain true humility. God develops humility within us through the power of His Spirit.

Humility is not something we practice in church or to impress others. It must reflect our lifestyle and who we are deep inside.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” 
— Micah 6:8

In our love for God, we must be careful to walk humbly before Him. When we begin to understand the greatness of God’s love, humility will become our first choice. To bring God glory and honor simply because we love Him is at the heart of true humility.

Needless to say: Living a life of humility may not be easy, but it certainly leads to God’s richest blessings.

May you humble yourself and experience all the abundant goodness God has for you and enjoy a life of growing prosperity!

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

Share
Continue Reading

Growing Prosperity – People Want to Know Your Secret When You Prosper in Tough Times!

Growing Prosperity – People Want to Know Your Secret When You Prosper in Tough Times!

How Do Some Continue to Prosper In Tough Economic Times?

Prospering in bad economic times…

makes people take notice.

They will want to know your secret.

And sharing your secret for –

abundant success…

is a great way to be a blessing to others.

Growing Prosperity in Bad Economic Times

Here we are. Economic conditions are bad. Even so, you continue to drive new vehicles, live in better homes, and wear quality clothes. Everybody at work is saying, “What are we gonna do? Gas prices are going up, food prices are increasing, blah, blah, blah.” They moan and complain and bellyache.

You refuse to be a part of that conversation. These conditions do not faze you one bit. People start to take serious notice of that. They begin to approach you and ask, “What is your secret?”

The Secret for Abundant Success in Tough Times

So what is your secret? You tell them your secret is the fact that you got turned on to the truth of the God’s Word; that you got a hold of some powerful principles in His Word and put them to work by faith. The result is manifested blessings in your life.

If we are going to survive in this world and prosper, we need the blessing of the Lord. Unless of course, we plan to try and make it the world’s way; which generally means having to lie, cheat, steal, etcetera. When we use God’s system of prosperity we do not have to do those things.

What Do You Seek First?

Those who walk closely with God are not bothered much by the things going on in the world around them. Others may become more unstable and fearful as things get worse and worse, but those who live according to God’s ways maintain peace and stability.

“Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” 
— Matthew 6:33

God wants us to seek Him first and not be like so many in the world who seek after money and riches. We should seek the way to please God, and seek to be right with Him. When we seek the kingdom of God first, all the other things will be added unto us.

You know what happens when all the other things begin to be added unto us? People begin to take notice. Others will begin to see the blessing of God upon us; and not just the financial abundance of God, but the priceless peace of God.

Get the secret or share the secret. Now get out there and discover God’s system of prosperity. Put it into practice and begin walking in the full blessing of the Lord. If you are already living by His system, and others are standing up and taking notice, then be ready to share your secret for abundant success.

May you seek first the kingdom of God and be blessed with a life of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

Cheers,
Brenda

Share
Continue Reading

Christian Parenting – Stop Using Negative Verbal Attacks and Start Parenting with Words that Prosper!

Christian Parenting – Stop Using Negative Verbal Attacks and Start Parenting with Words that Prosper!

Parenting With the Power to Help Our Children Prosper

Parenting with a healthy pattern of communication is possible.

Do you want to help your children prosper?

Just as the world around us has harmful elements, so do our homes; even our Christian homes.

As unfortunate as it is, we often hurt each other, especially our children, with our words.

Did you grow up with parents who used words as verbal attacks?

If you did, I’m sure you hoped you wouldn’t do the same with your children. But the truth is, you will probably repeat the pattern unless you purpose to take action and stop it.

Stop the Negative Communication Pattern of Parenting

Changing your parenting communication pattern from one that uses negative verbal attacks is possible. Developing healthy patterns of communication, which reflect the presence of Jesus Christ, is key!

I’m sure you would agree that the cruel, degrading, judgmental, hurtful words we use to communicate with our children must stop. It is like verbal poison that wounds and destroys our children emotionally. Our words are often negative attacks at a child’s behavior, intelligence, appearance, or value as a person.

Verbal attacks can be direct or indirect. The following statements are some common examples:

  • You’re worthless and will never amount to anything.
  • Don’t act so stupid. Can’t you do anything right?
  • You are no good. Why can’t you be like your brother?

Just because we can’t see the inner damage that verbal attacks cause in our children, does not mean a negative impact still isn’t left lingering in them.

Parenting With Words That Prosper

How do we change a negative parenting communication pattern to one that is positive and helps develop our children into prosperous individuals?

Acknowledging the need to change is the first step. The next step is identifying abusive words we use. Then we need to begin exchanging the destructive, hurtful words with constructive, guiding, nurturing, and encouraging words.

James said the tongue is full of deadly poison and out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. (James 3:8-10) We need to lean on God’s help to keep our words, words of blessing and encouragement.

When our words are full of nurture and encouragement, our children know we are standing with them and not against them. Children need their parents to believe in their potential as they guide and discipline them.

Believe in your children. Help your children see themselves the way God sees them. Help them find their unique, gifted potential and you’ll also find they begin to respond in ways you desire. Once they discover you are standing with them, a healthier communication develops.

Yes. Our children try our patience, irritate us and sometimes humiliate us in ways we never thought possible. Problems, difficulties, disappointments, heartaches and failures are an unavoidable part of parenting. But we can choose to respond with words that heal instead of words that wound.

Bottom line: A parents words have power. We can make our children feel worthless or we can choose to learn how to parent with a healthy pattern of communication; one that helps them think as highly of themselves as God does, and helps them prosper.

May you parent your children with words of love and enjoy a family blessed with growing prosperity!

God bless you always,
Brenda

P.S. Feel free to share your comments…

Share
Continue Reading

Happy July 4th! Celebrating Freedom

Happy July 4th! Celebrating Freedom

Celebrating the 4th of July!

Independence Day in America is a time of celebration of freedom, both spiritual and physical.

May you all have a safe and happy day!

And special thanks and prayers go out to all those who have served and are serving in the military on our behalf; that we may continue to enjoy freedom.

Thank God for all His blessings!

John Adams
2nd U.S. President and Signer of the Declaration of Independence

“Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God … What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be.”
–Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, Vol. III, p. 9.

“The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.”
–Adams wrote this on June 28, 1813, in a letter to Thomas Jefferson.

 
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out Your precepts.”
— Psalm 119:45

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
— John 8:32

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
— John 8:36

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
— Galatians 5:1

“In Him [Christ] and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
— Ephesians 3:12

1861 (July 4), Senate Prayer:

“Almighty and everlasting God, be not angry with us for our sins, which we only confess and deplore; but pardon our offenses and extend to us Thy favor. We thank Thee for Thy goodness on this anniversary of the nation a day tenfold more precious by reason of our present troubles, and sacred to the heart for the ever memorable Declaration of our fathers, in which Thou didst begin more openly to give us a name among the nations of the earth. We thank Thee for all Thy manifold and abundant mercies hitherto to make our nation exceedingly great and glorious; but now disasters have befallen us and darkness broods in the land. And now we ask Thy mercy as the Senate is convening at a most momentous crisis of our history. Give to Thy servants all needed help. Add to their deliberations wisdom and unanimity, and profit and speed to their conclusion. Bless Thy servant, the President of the United States, our veteran Commander-in- Chief, and all that have functions in the civil and military power. May the angel of Thy presence walk in the Cabinet and in the Congress and in the camp, to go before, to purify, and to direct the now greatly and universally-awakened love of country. And we beseech Thee to guide us, to overrule and order all things, and so to cause that nothing shall fail, that the disorders of the land may be speedily healed, that peace and concord may prevail, that truth and righteousness may be established, and that Thy Church and Kingdom may flourish in a larger peace and prosperity, for Thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.”
— Rev. Byron Sunderland, D.D.
(Source: Congressional Globe, 37th Congress, first session, new series, 1, 4 July 1861.)

Happy 4th of July!

God bless you always –

Cheers,
Brenda

Share
Continue Reading

Leadership – How Can the Power of Loyalty in a Leader Result in the Blessings of Success?

Leadership – How Can the Power of Loyalty in a Leader Result in the Blessings of Success?

Loyalty is Required to Reap the Full Reward

Leadership is a powerful directing force for any nation, group, or family.

The quality of a leader greatly impacts the followers and where they end up.

And the power of loyalty is a core element that results in leading the people into success.

Loyalty is a Key Qualification for Leaders

It is often thought, when someone is looking to step into a position, that in order to qualify they need to be the most talented or gifted person for the position. However, it is the loyal and faithful who are the most qualified to be leaders.

It is also thought that the friendly, flashy, outgoing person might be the best one for the job. But do not make the mistake in thinking that. A core requirement for leadership is loyalty and faithfulness and not anything else. A loyal person can be taught the skills needed for the job.

“It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” 
— 1 Corinthians 4:2

Loyalty is Required to Reap the Full Reward

Success comes to the loyal and faithful ones. One day we all hope to hear those famous words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In the good times everyone seems loyal. Those who remain supportive through the difficult times are different from those who come in when everything is working well. No doubt, loyalty is most appreciated in hard times.

Loyalty Needed for a Successful Team of People

One person can only do so much. Growing success requires building a loyal team of people. In fact, no team will be strong and effective if they are not loyal.

It would actually be better to work alone than with a team of disloyal, disgruntled, and disunited people. One disloyal person breeds strife, hatred, and murmuring like smoke that quickly fills the whole house. Whenever there is distrust and disloyalty, the people are on guard and stray away.

Effective leaders exhibit loyalty and faithfulness. People are attracted by genuine love and commitment and repelled by disunity and discord. Loyal leaders influence their followers to be an effective and loyal team of people, who in turn create loyal successors.

Bottom line: Those who benefit from the blessings of success are the faithful and loyal ones. Without loyalty every organization constantly undergoes disintegration. Loyal leaders build loyal teams that remain committed in the good times and bad so that all can benefit from the blessings of success.

May you be a loyal and faithful leader and enjoy a life of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

Cheers,
Brenda

Share
Continue Reading

Happy Earth Day 2010

Happy Earth Day 2010

Thanking God for His Beautiful Creation of Planet Earth!

In an article at ChristianPost.com entitled

Creation and Man“,

Chuck Colson says…

“…No doubt you’ll be seeing plenty of news coverage about rallies, marches, and activities associated with this major environmental commemoration…

Saving resources and money, ensuring our human habitat is clean and healthy, this is the stuff of good stewardship and common sense-things that especially we Christians should be known for. I say this knowing I’m going to get letters from concerned listeners…

After all, Christians are rightly concerned that extremists have turned Earth Day into ‘Worship-Earth Day’…

Our faith, our Christian worldview, tells us that the earth is good precisely because God created it and declared it good. It is worthy of our care, and indeed, we were commanded to tend it. Wasteful and immoderate use of natural resources is not a Christian virtue.

We must also realize that creation care begins with the care of the crown of creation: man, alone among living things, created in the image of God. In creating a clean sustainable environment, we do so primarily for humanity’s benefit…

Celebrate that God has created such a beautiful planet, populated by humans created in His own image, and that He has called us to tend His creation as His stewards.” 

You can read the complete article “Creation and Man” by Chuck Colson at ChristianPost.com

Today is a great day to give thanks to God for His beautiful creation.

“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof;
the world, and they that dwell therein.
For He has founded it upon the seas,
and established it upon the waters.

Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD
Or who shall stand in His holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive the blessing from the LORD,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face.”

— Psalm 24:1-6

Happy Earth Day!

Have you thanked God yet today for all His blessings?

Cheers,
Brenda

Share
Continue Reading