Joyce Meyer: Stepping Out & Finding Out...

I found joy in teaching, and it was obvious I was good at it. I knew then that I had found my place in ministry.

Sometimes the only way to discover God's will is to practice what I call "stepping out and finding out." If you have prayed about a situation and don't seem to know what you should do, take a step of faith. Don be afraid of making a mistake. Step out and God will guide you.

Prayer Starter: God, I trust You, and I know that You will direct my steps, so I'm not afraid to step out and find out what You have for me....Amen

My Walk With Christ: Persistence Wins in the End!

Luke 18:1 out of the NLT version sparked me to do this post. It states:

"One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always PRAY and never GIVE UP."

How many times have we given up on a dream or goal that God has planted within us or put something on our hearts to only walk away from it?

How often do we give up on God because we think our timing is better than His plan?

Everything that I'm speaking of is directed to myself as well.

What stuck out to me in Luke 18: 1-7 was that this widow was persistent even though she knew that this judge didn't care about the people, nor did he fear God!

Like really? 

Why would you even feel as though what you come to this judge, or he would hear you out about it? Or better yet, harm you?

Fear was something that didn't live within this woman. She was PERSISTENT!

She wanted justice! It also says "The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice  because she is wearing me out with her CONSTANT REQUEST!" Luke 18: 4,5

Key word: "for a while" therefore she kept coming back, and he finally gave in!

Whew!

My message here is don't allow a situation, or the process to scare you from what awaits for YOU at the end. There will be times when things don't come easy & you will need to be persistent in doing what it is He has called you to do. But call on HIM!

You cannot have a testimony without a what? TEST!

"Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day & night? - Luke 18: 6,7

I'm learning to be persistent in crying out to God about everything.

Seeking Him in all that I do!

Remember to keep going. He will always be by your side.

God bless <3

Reminder: Giving...

Luke 6: 38 says "Give, & you will receive. Your gift will return in full pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, & poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back."

Keep that in mind everyone...Be blessed!

The Power In Prayer....

As I've been doing my own bible study with myself, praying, fasting, & things like that...I find myself writing (pen & paper) to God. I like to write. Just for no reason at all sometimes. At times, it's about how I feel, goals, personal notes from church etc.


But I've been more consistent in writing to the Lord. I write my prayers down as if I was really talking to Him through prayer. And it works! There is no right or wrong way to pray. I've learned that.


I've been inspired to do more writing because I'm teaching myself. I may have graduated from college Dec. 2010 but I'll forever be open to learning new things. I have so many things that I want to do in life, it gets me excited! 


Anyways, the book from the tab of My Book Shelf on this blog, I added the book Write It Down Make It Happen to the list. I've been wanting to read it since Jan. I purchased it in Feb & read it every so often & finally finished it. A powerful book. I won't give it all away. I may talk more about it in another post, but it has really inspired me, and has brought me closer to Christ & believing in my goals. I've never left His side, but my relationship is stronger than ever.


As you may have noticed, I've been posting scriptures, quotes, pieces from bible plans that I have read throughout the week. That's just where I am in my life right now. I'm still into my natural hair, and other things...it just hasn't been my main focus to blog about. But I will be sharing my fitness regimen, new products I've been using (fitness related, & hair products).


Thank you to those that continue to check out my blog.


& thank you to those that have stopped by for the first time & have followed me. I'm returning comments :)

Leave Your Footprints On The Moon...

Problem solvers are sought after, paid more and shown greater respect than problem creators or finders.


Make your mark, leave your footprints on the moon and become a solution to somebody's dilemma.


Genesis 41:8-16
Genesis 41:33-40


Which one are you? 

Part 2: Let Go, Let God...

It's 8 something in the morning. I'm somewhat half sleep...Since I got a great response from the first post, there was something I wanted to share with everyone. The other day, I was reading one of the lesson plans on the Bible app I have on my iPhone. It's called YouVersion. I know this app is compatible for iPhone & BlackBerry users. It's free, so check it out! It maybe available for other phones as well.


Back to the post...I was reading Day 140 of the plan which is Life Application. It said:
God's messenger described a time of trial when even wise believers may stumble. This could mean (1) falling into sin, (2) being fearful and losing faith, (3) mistakenly following wrong teaching, or (4) experiencing severe suffering & martyrdom. If we preserve in our faith, any such experience will ONLY refine us and make us stronger. Are you facing trials? Recognize them as opportunities to strengthen your faith. If we remain steadfast in these experiences, we will be stronger in OUR faith & closer to God.
It then gives you a scripture at the end -Daniel 11:35


I knew I had to share this with you all. I also needed to write this down somewhere for myself. It def. moved me. Time & time again I tell myself "Ashley, use this time wisely. Use this time to get closer to God". I mean, the main important part is having a relationship with him, & serving him. It's always great to tell others what He's done for us. I hope this was helpful to someone :)

Continue To Do Good: Speaks Volumes

"So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up."-Galatians 6:9


This scripture really touched me.


Because I started to think, "Why should I continue doing the right thing, treating people how I want to be treated, seeking out to help others?" 
This tends to cross my mind every so often, but since my Down Time: Me time, it's been heavy on my heart. All the good I do, only for people to forget, overlook, or criticize it. As the scripture says "...At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up."


I believe this is true. I'm not going to lie, I do get tired of doing the right thing only to be forgotten, and things of that nature. All I can do it pray about it.

What's Next?

Not much has been going on this way.


Things seemed to have been going well but, now they've come to a complete stop. I can't win worth for losing. Nothing new today, last week etc. Anyways, going to post a few scriptures:


"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed"-Pslam 34:18


"The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble"-Pslam 9:9


"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, & trust also in me"-John 14:1

Late Night Text...

"When your situation seems hopeless, determine that no matter how bad things become you will continue to pray. God will hear your prayer, and he will rescue you. When others reject us, we need God most. Don't turn from your most faithful friend"


"But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayers with your salvation."-Psalm 69:13


I just recently read this from my YouVersion-Holy Bible app on my iPhone


I see the signs that God is showing me. I just recently blogged about this & have been dealing with things that has allowed me to slightly give up goals/things. At times when faced with certain circumstances, you tend to want to give up, or your prayer isn't being answered? Patience & faith are the two things that I'm working on. 


I'm thankful that God has given me the ability to see the different signs. I am not perfect ( as you can read) but I'm learning.


Thank you for the kind words Kiah. I appreciate you reading my blog. 
I actually do reflect back on what you say...


God bless everyone

Luke 11:9

“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."

Bible Quotes

"But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation"-Psalm 69:13


"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right besides me"-Psalm 16:8


"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you"-Psalm 143:8


"How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?"-Psalm 13:2


The storm will not last forever. The struggle won't last for long. Take what you please on your down time. When you're down, you don't have to stay down. I myself, take things and learn from it. A little of everything. God is beyond good. He keeps me, heals me, strengthens me, teaches me, loves me & so much more. The rain will NOT last forever.-Ashley