Author: Primary Contributor

The Gate Keeper by definition is one who is alert and trustworthy. They are to guard the entrances and exits of important establishments at the the first sign of any trouble. We, the children of God, have an obligation also to be gate keepers over our own lives, by keeping a watch over our souls. When we place barriers that help us according to Galatians 5:16 “walk after the spirit, so we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh” we protect our personal spiritual territory from being invaded by the enemy.

Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free from perversity, keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your feet from evil.” Proverbs 4:23. We are to be morally aware of what we allow in our hearts and minds (through our eyes and ears)that drive us away from the desires of the Lord.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you have been bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. “Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided”. Proverbs 16:6.

“We have an adversary the devil, we must be alert and sober minded. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. If you are experiencing spiritual turbulence or attacks in your home, marriage, finances, job, health, or your children have gone astray. Look for the root cause. The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy. Root out sin from your camp and fortify your mind, body, soul and sprit with the word of God through fasting and prayer.

Today our homes require us to be gate keepers. We are to protect the doors/ window and entrances of our homes. Like these entrances spoken of in the Bible, we have an enemy we need to be on guard daily to make sure there are no breaches that expose us to spiritual attack. When we become lazy and not diligent, the enemy uses this as an opportunity to raise havoc in our lives and family. Today homes are being broken, marriages destroyed, children’s lives wasted and spiritual territory lost because there are NO GATE KEEPERS!

“How can anyone enter a strongman’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first tie up the strong man?” Matthew 12:29. We must “Put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11. The Holy Spirit will lead and guide us into all truth as we wage an effective warfare against the enemy. We will overcome the wiles of the devil, when we seek God for His divine strategy. If you are currently under attack, please know who is responsible for that battle. It is not your spouse, boss, neighbor, etc. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12.

Rise up! Do not leave your home wide open for the devil to come in and destroy it. It’s time to take your rightful place, reclaim your territory (take back what’s rightfully yours) and reign victorious for the Kingdom of God!

In His Service,

Carolyn

“Let the weak say I am strong; let the poor say I am reach. Joel 3:10

When you need to be strengthened, as we all do, look to the word of God to find the encouragement you need. Our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we ask, but He has instructed us to ask for His help in our time of need. Psalm 46:1. Through God’s covenant with man, He is committed to helping us find strength and peace as we navigate life’s journey. For Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Chrsit who strengthens us.”

When we pass through the waters, God has promised to be with us; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow us. When we walk through the fire, we shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch us.” Isaiah 43:2. I pray that you will find encouragement through the scriptures when life trials become overwhelming. With uncertainty on every hand, we must look to the word of God for strength and guidance. No matter what challenges you face or where life leads you, God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing has happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12-13. We are to be anxious for nothing as we trust God to unfold His perfect plan for our lives, even if it requires him to reroute our path. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles ; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 4031

Daily God provides us with the strength we need to get through each passing day. We must continue to “Wait on the Lord and be of good courage, And He shall strengthen our hearts; Wait I say on th Lord!” Psalm 27:14.

Father, may you strengthen our hearts for the journey ahead. May we find the strength and courage to wait patiently upon you, as you direct our paths. We place our trust in you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

Are you hungry? In todays passage the Lord Jesus reminds us that we are to have a spiritual appetite for the living word of God. I, am the Lord your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide and I will fill it. “For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; He will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk up rightly” Psalm 84:11.

Our souls are to thirst for God, for the Living God. (Psalms 42:2). He promises in Revelation 21:6, that He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He will give to the one who thirst from the the spring of the water of life without cost. So won’t you quench your thirsty soul, with the living water that’s comes from God’s word today? For Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I give will never thirst, but the water that I give him, will become in him a well of water, springing up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14.

“Jesus is the Bread of Life, those who come to him will not hunger, and he who believes in Him will not thirst.” John 6:35. In Revelation we are reminded that “The Spirit of the Bride says, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wished take the water of life without cost.” Revelation 22:17. In order for transformation to come we must allow the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out. It will change our desires and appetite for the things of Christ the more we hear and study the word of God.

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8. The goodness of God can be seen everywhere we look today, with so many uncertainties our God proves faithful time and time again. He allows the sun to shine on the just and the unjust, as well as, the rain. “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works.” Psalm 145:17. Jesus is the same today as He was back then, “Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying. “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” John 7:37. The question still remains today…Are you thirsty? My answer is yes! My soul thirst for God, the Living God…” Psalm 42:2.

In closing, “May The Lord grant us the grace to hunger and thirst after His righteousness daily, that we may be filled.” Matthew 5:6. May He create in us all clean hearts and renew the right spirit within us.” Psalm 51:10. In Jesus Name. Amen!

“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

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange was happening to you. “ 1 Peter 4:12

________________________________________________________________________________________

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials…”. 1 Peter 1:6. God uses fire “to test the genuineness of our faith, which will prove to be more precious than gold though perishes when tested by fire-may we be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Christ Jesus.” 1 Peter 1:7. I think it’s safe to say we all know what the feeling of fire feels like and the kind of pain it brings, but the word of God uses this scripture to explain how He also uses fire (painful experiences) to purify us. These experiences are used to burn away experiences in our lives that limit our full potential in Christ and take away His Glory. Malachi 3:3 explains how “God sits as a refiner and purifier of silver, He purified the sons of Levi and refined them as gold and silver, which resulted in them bringing offerings of righteousness to the Lord.”

With God nothing is wasted! In Romans 8:28 “ He uses All things to work together for our good and His glory.” When we are refined by fire as in Job 23:10 “we shall come out as pure gold.” As believers in Christ we are reminded in “John 15:1-27 Jesus is the True Vine “ I am the vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. All ready you are clean because of the word I have spoken to you, unless you abide in me , and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing…”. Although, “we are tried for a season, pure for eternity” says Warren W. Wiersbe, he reminds us when God permit is His children to go through the furnace, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat. His loving heart knows how much and how long. 1 Peter 1:6,7.

The word ensures us through the toughest of times to “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. So we are not to loose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away , our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen, but the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. May God be glorified! In Jesus Name. Amen.

When you face repeated cycles of attack, stagnation, retrogression, and delay find a Secret Place to spend time with God. “For he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1. The word of the Lord gives strength and when we pray the scriptures, our prayers invoke the power of God to fight on our behalf.

Hebrews 11:6 says “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to Him must believe that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him “

Begin to put God in Remembrance of His word, keep not silent, and give Him no rest. “Put me in remembrance of my word; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right.” Isaiah 43:26. God here is the judge, Jesus is our advocate (lawyer) when we go to court we have to go prepared. God is asking for your proof, your evidence, to prove why you are due what it is you are requesting. This is why we study the scriptures and locate the promises of God for ourselves. When we are prepared with His word, He is able to grant us our request. “The word of God will not return unto Him void, but it will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sends it.” Isaiah 55:11. “Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12.

Father, you said, “You know the plans that you have for me, they are good and not evil, to give me hope and a future, to bring me to an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11. You said, “My latter shall be greater than my beginning, I will lend and not borrow.” Deuteronomy 15:6

Father, you said, “The prayers of the righteous availeth much.” James 5:16. “I am more than a conqueror and you hold victory in store for the upright and the moment I began to pray, the tide of the battle began to turn.” Romans 8:31, Psalm 56:9, Daniel 9:23. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of the Parable of the Persistent Widow. ” In a certain town, there was a judge who feared neither God nor man, there was a widow who kept coming before this judge requesting justice from her adversary, but for a time, he refused, even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because you keep bothering me, I will see that you get justice, so you won’t eventually come and attack me!” And the Lord said, “Listen to what this unjust judge says, Will I not bring about justice for my chosen ones, who cry out to me day and night? Will I keep putting them off? I tell you, I will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the son of man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1-8.

Dear Lord,

Let my supplications come before you, just as David in Psalm 30:8-12 “I cried to thee, O Lord, and unto the Lord, I made my supplication.”The Lord delivered me according to His promised word.” Psalm 119:170. In Jesus’ Name! Amen

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” James 1:2

Life has a way of shaking us to the core, but aah only if we let it! God has made us unshakeable and whatever life throws our way, we have been endowed with the Holy Spirit’s help to withstand every challenge! I don’t know about you, but during the midnight hour, it’s my hour of power! I get recharged and armed with “unshakeable faith” in God’s word to be able to withstand any challenges I may face. This verse James 1:2, it encourages us as believers to view trials and challenges in life as opportunities for growth and development, rather than a time of despair. We should approach difficulties with our eyes on Jesus and our faith anchored in Hope, which is Christ Jesus, our Living Hope, recognizing that when we go through each difficulty we are not alone, but our character is being refined through patience and perseverance, which leads to spiritual maturity.

How does one focus on joy, especially at a time when storms are raging? We are encouraged to turn our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith during these times of adversity. “For the joy of the Lord is our strength” Nehemiah 8:10. “We are to look to the hills from which cometh our help, all our help comes from the Lord.” Psalm 121: 1-2.

As believers we are encouraged to have an unwavering faith, even when faced with adversity, and to trust that God can use every situation for our ultimate good. Here are a few scriptures to remember when adversity strikes:

1 Peter 4:12-13: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange was happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”

Daniel 3:19-25: “Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans, and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that were tied up and thrown into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty,” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the God!”

Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

These verses highlight the testing of faith, the potential for persecution, and the assurance of God’s presence and protection during our times of trial.

Let us pray,

Father in the name of Jesus, thank you that we have a confidence in your word, that when we pray according to your will, that you not only hear us, but promise to grant us the petition that we have asked of you” 1 James 5:14-16. Thank you for promising to never leave us nor forsake us, but to be with us in trouble and bring us out victorious. In Jesus Name! Amen.

“The greatest glory in living, lies not in never falling, but in rising everytime we fall.”

Nelson Mandela

.