Month: August 2023

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12.

I’m truly amazed at how God continues to trust me with various situations, that I’ve had no idea how to handle, at least not on the front end! It’s awesome to see how He uses my human frailties every time to do something AMAZING. With every step, I no longer look down, I’ve learned the art of looking up to the author and finisher of my faith. Hebrews 12:2. I realize He is my help and I have sufficient in Him all that I need. 2 Corinthians 9:8. In the heat of the battle, it always seem tougher than it really is, but our God is faithful and has never failed me yet!

With every test and trial, He has catapulted me to a new level in the spiritual realm, knowing that each time I run to Him, He in His infinite wisdom somehow guides me along and speaks peace to my storms. The journey’s ahead are no longer fearful, they have made me more stronger and a weapon of war against the enemy and his attacks. When we transform our minds according to Romans 12:2 and rely on the Holy Spirit to teach, lead, and guide us into all truth, we can quickly dispel the lies of the enemy.

We are instructed “to endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2Timothy 2:3. And to count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when met with trials of various kinds.” James 1:2.

Over the years I have encountered many test, but those test are now my testimonies. I use the same strategy God used to strengthen me, to now strengthen other women of faith. Building up and encouraging one woman at a time. If you are facing battles that seem unending, don’t be afraid or dismayed, know that God will help you. Isaiah 41:10. He knows that the enemy recognizes you as a threat to the kingdom of darkness and that the enemy can see your light shining ever brightly!

He also knows, Satan will try to do whatever, however, and use whoever to dim your light, if he can’t successfully put it out! But He wants you and I to know that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. 1 John 1:5. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Romans 8:37. And He has given us all power over the enemy according to Luke 10:19. We must put on the whole armor of God and use our weapons of warfare. Spend time in the secret place until we receive our marching orders.

The Holy Spirit is waiting to fight for you and I and give us the necessary strategy to defeat the enemy and win! Are you in the secret place? Be encouraged my sister and be not weary in well doing, for God is a very present help in our time of trouble and the race is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to him that endures to the end. (Galatians 6:9, Psalms 46:1, Ecclesiastes 9:11.)

In His Service,

Carolyn

”Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you and your whole family shall be saved, you and your whole household.” Acts 16:25-33.

The word of the Lord in this passage was spoken to the Jailer who oversaw Paul and Silas while in Prison. As Paul and Silas prayed at Midnight and sang praises unto God, the doors of the prison open. When the jailer awakened from sleep, he assumed the prisoners had fled. He drew his sword and was about to kill himself, but Paul called out with a loud voice saying “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

The jailer fell down before Paul and a Silas trembling asking “What shall I do to be saved?” Paul replied “ Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they ministered the word of the Lord to them that night, all who were in his household. And they took them the same hour and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Acts 16:25-33

Please understand, that the you and I are like that jailer, we are openings for our entire households as well. Rehab is one of the greatest examples in scripture of someone’s faith saving their house. “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies peace.” Hebrews 11:31.

“By Faith Noah also, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness, which is according to faith.” Hebrews 11:7.

It is important to remember every act of our obedience affects our entire families. That is God’s promise to His covenant people. We are now the seeds of Abraham by faith, which allows us to receive this promise for our children also. God’s Covenant promise for our children’s salvation is sure according to Isaiah 49:25 “But thus says the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible be delivered; for I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children.”

“Let they that have an ear hear what the spirit of the Lord is saying.” Rev. 3:22. In Jesus name . Amen.

We live in very uncertain times. Although, we do our best to serve Christ through the service of loving and supporting others, we can sometimes fall short. God on the other hand always keeps his covenant promises to mankind. When God first made a covenant in Genesis 6:18; 9-17, he came into a biblical agreement with man, this agreement was first used with Noah during the flood. A covenant is a binding agreement between two parties who agree to fulfill his/her obligations outlined in the agreement.

God makes a covenant with Abraham, this covenant was made for the purpose of bringing salvation to the nations. He also made a covenant with Israel, the purpose of this covenant was to bring the Messiah into the world. Finally God made a new covenant with man that we as believers are walking in today. The new covenant is one of peace (Shalom). “Christ is our peace” according to Ephesians 2:14.

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall my peace be removed, saith the Lord, that have mercy on thee. Isaiah 54:10. The only way to experience this life of peace with God, is through his son Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. We as believers entered into this new covenant once we accepted Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The Israelites on the other hand rejected Jesus in Luke 19:41-42, for this reason Jesus cried. The very peace they desired would no longer be theirs, but instead a sword.

Jehovah Shalom, He is the God of Peace. He gives another example of husbands and wives who enter into covenant through marriage, when this covenant is broken divorce comes into the picture. Covenant with God is a mutual blessing, but we must align ourselves with His word. Covenant is designed so God can bless us. These are some of the ways God will bless His children:

1. Through His covenant we can experience the blessings of peace which means our children will be taught of the Lord. (Isaiah 54:13)
2. Family members who are far away will experience the peace of God. God’s peace will come to the nations. (Isaiah 57:19)
3. God’s peace will flow into your family like a river. God’s presence (sanctuary) will manifest in your family. God’s presence brings peace. He multiplies us. Multiplication is a symbol of God’s blessing. (Ezekiel 37:26)
4. Christ is our peace (Shalom) The new covenant is ours through Christ finished work on the cross. When salvation comes to a family, the blessings of peace comes.
5. The Lord will prosper your family. He delights in the prosperity of His children. Psalm 35:27; 122:7; 147:14.

Those who enter into covenant, will enter into his rest. You and your family. Will you receive Him today?

In His Service,

Carolyn