In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1Th 5:18 KJV)
Want to accomplish the will of God? In everything, in every circumstance be giving thanks, be giving thanks for all our favorable gifts, our grace gifts. The focus scripture todays does not say “for.” It states “in” everything give thanks. The word “in” denotes a fixed position in place, time, or space. “In” expresses where we are, the time we are in, and the space we are in. “In” means where you are currently. God is not surprised with our circumstances. He knows where we are, and He is there with us.
When everything in life appears good, it seems much easier to give thanks. Right? Giving thanks is a place. Giving thanks is a fixed position where God wants us to stay no matter our circumstances. God does not change. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 clearly states it is the will of God concerning us to be grateful.
Brothers and sister, we are nothing and have nothing without the grace of God. When we recognize this fact. We are obliged to give thanks to Him in everything. It is the place we must stay. It is where we must be.
Melissa was miraculously healed from stage four metastatic stomach cancer, her life was spared, and her life was changed!
Melissa and Billy turned to, trusted, and believed the Lord.
Since God did it for her, He will do it for you. He will do it for me.
When their video testimony ended, I wanted to jump up and down for Jesus. I wanted to whoop and holler for God, better than if my favorite Georgia Bulldog had scored another touch down. I was the first clap loudly which ignited a small “golf clap” from the large gathering. The crowds response broke me. I began to weep uncontrollably.
“Was this all the thanks that God was going get? Were we not going to stand to our feet and so GOOOOOOO, GOD, SICK’EM? Were we really not go to praise Him?”
Be careful what you pray! You better mean it. Remember, I had just recently asked the Lord, “for opportunities to make Jesus famous and to be used for His glory?” Well, Melissa and Billy had used their pain as a glorious testimony to promote God’s fame. It was my turn.
The Holy Spirit jumped on my shoulders and said, “Let’s go cheer this crowd on.” WHAT? He was not letting this go, “You are and encourager. Go encourage!” I resisted! All the fears (“You’ll look crazy! What if the pastor says, NO! Why are you judging the people?) were whispering in my ear attempting to discourage, but Holy Spirit was swatting them away like flies. I had a job to do…encourage the crowd. YIKES! I still say yikes.
I left my seat on the very back row and walked to the front to find Freddy T, our pastor. I expressed to him my heartbreak and that I want to give a few words of encouragement. To quote Pastor, “The Lord had impressed on my heart that we would have a testimony which is not the normal for me.” Thanks for listening, Pastor. I would not have given up my mike to me. (haha) Only a loving, good Father would prepare the way for me to step on the stage to what seemed like a packed out Neyland Stadium and encourage the crowd to not golf clap for Jesus. God healed a woman of stage four cancer, and He deserved the thankfulness and full praise of the crowd for His great work.
Note! I was there to encourage and to lead a cheer for Jesus.
[There is] therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Rom 8:1 NKJV)
In retrospect, I wish I had started the chant, “Let’s Go, God! Let’s Go, God! Let’s Go, God!” or “Glory, Glory to great Jesus! Glory, Glory to great Jesus! Glory, Glory to great Jesus, and to heck with Satan’s neck!”
So, you think I am a Jesus fanatic? Yes! I am. Why is it ok for you to be fanatic about the arts, food, football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey? What have they done for you lately? Let me tell you what my Jesus has done. HE HEALED A WOMAN or two! HE SAVED US ALL!
I enCOURAGE you to be giving thanks in everything. Do not hold back. Jesus is the indisputable Champion of the world. He fights our battles leading us to victory. He died for us. He deserves our thanks and our praise. Give it up for God!!!! You have a whole day set apart for Him tomorrow. HAPPY THANKS-GIVING!
(a chapter from BE FREE: A Love Story) by Tammy Phillips November 20, 2023
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.(Jer 33:3 NKJV)
The Lord said call, so I did, “Lord, why do you keep waking me up at the same time, 3:33 AM so often?
And why wake Gina, my praying sister at 2:22 AM? The Lord gave her this scripture.
I will give him the key to the house of David–the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them. (Isa 22:22 NLT)
And JoAnne, my other prayer partner at 4:44 AM? Holy Spirit dropped her this verse:
“You are my King and my God. You command victories… Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes.” (Psa 44:4-5 NLT)
And Kristi, why had Holy Spirit given her a crazy dream about driving on ice and overcoming obstacles? And at the same time given me understanding to the dream’s meaning?
(The Lord also added Alli, Josephine, and another, Tammie Lowe to our praying group. How he brought them in is mind blowing and words don’t permit me to share their individual stories right now.)
We know the Lord was calling us individually and collectively to “walk by faith, not sight “and to dare ASK HIM FOR ANYTHING. Our Heavenly Dad, Creator of it All, was/is teaching us all about asking, praying, and interceding. He was instructing us to be asking, not just to ask, but to pray (ask) without ceasing! Jesus said…
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (Mat 7:11 NKJV)
“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Mat 21:22 NKJV)
Repeatedly in the New Testament, Jesus taught the disciples to ASK. We were newer disciples, and we have been asking and He has been answering.
The Lord says we “OVERCOME the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony” in Revelation 12:10-11.
Allow me to testify about the last two weeks…
ASK WHEN UNDERPRESSURE
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair; (9) persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed– (2Co 4:8-9 NKJV)
One prayer warrior sister dialed in a “911.” She was feeling very oppressed at work. We stood with her and ASKED GOD to relive the pressure. The next day at work Holy Spirit intervened and relieved the pressure. Thank God for short battles because some are so long.
“Again, I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. (Mat 18:19 NKJV)
ASK FOR FORGIVNESS FROM GOD AND OTHERS
“He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.” (Psa 147:3 NKJV)
I received AND delivered some relationship pain. The nasty spirit of offence tried to quickly enter, bringing a lot of hurt as a host gift. I stood as best as I could and kicked his unwelcome butt out. I was hurt. They were hurt. We were hurt. I threw it to God because I could not handle it. I asked for peace, reconciliation, and restoration. I asked for back up from my pray warriors, but not exposing any details. Within two days, reconciliation had begun. Praise God!
ASK FOR WISDOM
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. BUT let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” (Jas 1:5-6 NKJV)
The fact is my lifelong best friend’s daughter is losing hers sight. The truth is we have asked and are believing for God to restore her vision. Healing has not been immediate, so she has to deal with the consequences. This week she had to take a driving test and was very anxious. My friend ASKED for prayer, and we ASKED God to assist her daughter in successfully taking the test . We joined our faith and believed in God, who says, “You cand do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”
SHE PASSED and said she says she looks really good in her picture! GO GOD!
ASK WHEN YOU NEED HELP NOT TO GIVE UP AND TO GET BACK UP AGAIN
My help [comes] from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (3) He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. (Psa 121:2-3 NKJV)
Six weeks ago, I surrendered my “weight room” to the Lord, again. It is a door that I have open and shut to Him most of my life. He told me in a dream to slam the door, but I knew I could not do it without Him. In the world of instant gratification, I know this is a journey, but I can happily say after six weeks I am down twenty pounds. All Glory to God. He says in Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you the way, with my eye on you.” I asked and He answered.
ASK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE JESUS FAMOUS
“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (Jhn 14:13 NKJV)
We pray this often in group. “Use us God for Your glory!”
Last Friday, I was doodling in my Bible and a close friend of my husband came to mind, Tina from Kentucky. I love her, but had not thought of her in a while. It was weird, and I texted her the same. I asked how I could pray for her. (PUT ON YOUR SEAT BELT! This gets good and only God, real fast. ) She replied, “OMG! This is a God wink. I am having a biopsy TODAY. I could cry. Please pray my spots are cancer free. Haven’t told family of friends. Hate worrying family after we lost my sis until we know what’s up for sure. WE ARE DRIVING THERE NOW! Love you!”
I texted her this prayer: “Wow! Go God! You are amazing and we love you so! In the name of Jesus! We declare that XXX spots ARE NOTHING…just a blip of fear. We overcome the negative blips by the blood of the Lamb that was shed in Jesus beating and death on the cross! He paid for our healing with his blood. Period and then end! We declare ever cell in her body whole, healed and complete in the name of Jesus, name above every name. Amen!!!
The very next Tuesday, we got this text: “Thank you so much for your prayers!!!! Praise God, I’m good!! No cancer!! Just precancer that can be easily fixed. Thank you!!! What a powerful God moment?!”
ASK FOR ANYTHING BECAUSE HE IS EVERYTHING
“If you ask anything in My name, I will do [it]. (Jhn 14:14 NKJV)
In Prayer group just this past Thursday each of recalled how God had faithfully and miraculously given us all our homes. We were amazed when we put all the stories together. Three of us were gifted houses that were over our budget and beyond our dreams, BUT GOD. We all prayed about each of our homes and how they could best serve God, He delivered more than we could have asked or believe. One member was gifted her house by her son. One-member experienced divorce, after we asked, prayed, and believed that there would be reconciliation. Their marriage was being restored when a family event brought conflict and interrupted up the progress. In the divorce the husband placed their family home in a trust for their child. Recently, he offered to change the terms of the divorce and gave the house back to his God fearing, faithful, ex-wife. Bam! Go God of impossible!
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…” (Eph 3:20 NKJV)
ASK FOR HEALING
“Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains… But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds.” (Isa 53:4-5 CSB)
I had a small procedure this past Friday where I needed to be put to sleep. In Thursday prayer group, I asked for a speedy recovery and no pain. A busy an exciting weekend was a head, and I did not want to miss out. I stood on the promise from Isaiah 53 that says Jesus paid for my pain, so I do not have to take it.
I had asked my husband on our journey to the hospital to make a few stops on the way home if I felt like it. He laughed. Testimony! Overcoming! I awoke immediately from the procedure and did what I wanted and needed to do.
First stop, “Color,” a great little gift shop full of breakables. He anxiously guided me through the store because the effects of the anesthesia were lingering and caused me to wobble a lot. Next, a brief trip to Costco, if there is such a thing. Last was a quick stop by Aldi. I had no pain and none of the side effects they said I might experience. Praise God.
ASK FOR THE LITTLE THINGS
“Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (Jhn 16:24 NKJV)
This was the “ask” on this past Saturday morning that that led me to write this encouragement.
I have used the same candles on my mantle since 2015. They make me happy! I always store them in a clear plastic shoe box in the same place in my kitchen. I had emptied my Christmas cabinet and they were not there. I had been looking for them off and on for about two weeks. I had looked in cabinets, closets, drawers, tubs, under beds, chairs, and literally everywhere. I decided after a 2:22 AM wake up from Holy Spirit that I would look for them again. I traced the same route again, opening and closing doors. I was on my knees after I had looked in the last place I could think of, under a bed. I heard, “ASK.” Did I feel silly about asking the Lord about the location of twelve really insignificant candles? Copying the accent of my Minnesotan friend, Kirsten Licari, “You betcha!”
I called on the Lord who never slumbers nor sleeps, so I knew I would not wake Him. “Lord, will you help me locate those candles?” (A prayer I should have prayed two weeks ago.)
I immediately got up and headed back to the closet where I had begun my early morning search. Instead of looking down, I looked up. I saw a clear box of solid red candles. I thought, “Nope they are not peppermint striped.” I felt lead to look anyway. BINGO! It was my peppermint striped candles. My joy over flowed.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And lean not on your own understanding; (6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Pro 3:5-6 NKJV)
Trust in the LORD and do good…feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psa 37:3-4 NKJV)
These are overcoming victory stories! There are some “asks” that are still in progress. There are some “asks” prayed in accordance with the will of God that WERE NOT ANSWERED the way “I” had asked and believed. However, God is unchanging and remains faithful.
I am so thankful I paused, and Holy Spirit had me write about the “ask.” I knew He was working but just WOW, when written down! There are so many more God stories that I could share from the past two weeks. I know why John said, “Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.” (Jhn 21:25 NLT) I could write and fill a book of His faithfulness in answering the “ask” just from the last two weeks.
I enCOURAGE you to first ask Jesus into your life to be your Savior and Lord. Ask Holy Spirit to fill you and empower you. In every testimony Jesus was allowed to be Lord of the situation and He stepped in as Savior and Helper, every time. He does not love me nor my praying sisters any more than He loves you! He will do the same and greater for you. You just have to ask and believe that God is who He says He is, and He will do what He says He will do.
PS…God was still not done!!! He had one more testimony and one more thing for me to do on Sunday morning at church. Only thing, He forgot to tell me about it!!! Holy Spirit Came without warning and asked me to step way, way, way out of my box. Be careful what you pray! (To be continued…)
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (1Jo 5:15 NKJV)
And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. (1 Jo 3:22 NKJV)
I spent early Saturday morning writing what I hoped would occupy this space. What I failed to do yesterday was get permission to share some of the facts of the great things God HAS been accomplishing. I am going to take care of that today and will see y’all here tomorrow morning!
Love You all! Text, email, or reach out, it would be an honor to pray with/for you!
(Photo credit: Marie Poon from God’s Country, Athens, Ga)
by Tammy Phillips, originally from Jesus (with additional help from Jentzen Franklin and Charles Spurgeon)
Last week, I promised to show you how to pray, so there are no excuses. Here with a little help from brothers is how I pray. It is an expounded version of the Lord’s Prayer. Follow Jesus’ lead in…
Know who your Daddy is! Know your identity and use it. As followers and joint heirs of Jesus, God, Creator of it all, is our Father. Thus, we know Whose we are. We believe that He is Who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. He is Truth and cannot lie. He is a Promise Maker and Promise Keeper.
2. PRAISE Hallowed be Your name. Holy, pure, clean, sanctified, is Your Name. Know His name. Yahweh, I Am. I was. I always have been and always will be. Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. Jehovah Jireh, the God who is more than enough. Jehovah Shammah, God who is there. Jehovah Shalom, the God of peace. El Shaddai, God Almighty. El Roi, the God who Sees. JESUS! Begin with gratitude and thankfulness for all that God is . His name is above every name ever named or to be named… Sin, sickness, Satan, death, disease, cancer, covid, poverty, fear, anxiety… “Holy, Holy, Holy”
3. PRIORITY Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Ask what you need. Ask for God’s will to be done not yours. Seek first His kingdom and then all these things shall be added unto you. Instruct us an teach us the way to go. Order our steps. He has already said there is no lack, sickness nor tears in heaven, so, we can deduce that is His will on earth and ask accordingly.
4. PROVISION Give us this day our daily bread.
We are totally dependent on You, Father, for everything. Your name is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, God of More than Enough. Your word says, “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Ask and it shall be given.
5. PARDON And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
Ask for forgiveness of all your sins. Forgive those who have sinned against you. We owe it. He paid it. He pardons. We must follow His example
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Mat 6:15 NKJV)
6. POWER And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
“The man who is forgiven is anxious not to offend again. The possession of justification leads to an anxious desire for sanctification.” -C. Spurgeon
God lives inside us. He is the power inside to overcome. Jesus overcame EVERY temptation. Holy Spirit will lead, guide and direct how to overcome, every time, in every temptation if we ask, believe. Take authority as a child of God. Put on the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10)
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mat 26:41)
7. PRAISE For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
When we are enlightened and pray through the Lord’s example, it leads us into His presence and to victorious praise to our reigning King whose Kingdom, power, authority and glory knows no end. We are adopted into His kingdom and thus reign with Him now, and forever. We have to take our place. We have to talk with Him. We have a royal heritage and need to speak and act like it, all the while giving Him all the credit and praise due to the Very Best Daddy ever.
Chapel of Queen Elizabeth of Romania. This a small, little hidden room in the bedroom suite of King Carol I and Queen Elizabeth of Romania. In the 34,ooo square feet castle, the Queen had sitting rooms galore and even a lovely office in her bedroom suite, but she believed in prayer. This was the place set apart as her prayer closet.
by Tammy Phillips November 6, 2023
Pray without ceasing. (1Th 5:17 NKJV)
If you could meet with the Richest in the world, would you?
If you could speak with the Wisest in the world, would you?
If you could communicate with the Most Powerful, would you?
If you could attend a symposium of the Most Brilliant Scientist and Creator, would you?
If you could have a consult with the Greatest Physician ever known, would you make and keep that appointment?
If you could have time with the One who knows and understand everything, would you?
If you could talk to the King of all Kings…
If you could converse with the Prince of Peace…
If you could pick the brain of, He who forgives all…
If you could sit and chat with the funniest, happiest, most comforting, best friend and advocate, would you make time for Him?
If you have made Jesus Christ Savior and Lord of your life, every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you have access to God who IS all that I listed above. Either you don’t know it, or you do not believe it. God has the answer to your ever need, problem, or predicament. He is your Man.
When you are happy, pray without ceasing. When you are sad, pray without ceasing. When you are mad, pray without ceasing
When you are at home, pray without ceasing. When feel all alone, pray without ceasing. When you want to reach the Throne, pray without ceasing.
When you are discouraged when you are disappointed, feeling defeated, pray without ceasing.When you are sick, tricked, or in conflict, pray without ceasing.When you are in need, lacking sleep or stuck on repeat, pray without ceasing.
The other day, I was overwhelmed with my house. Everything was a mess. There was a pile here, a pile there, and a pile everywhere. I was feeling anxious and overwhelmed. I wanted to bring a dumpster to the front door and just start pitching everything.
I stopped. I prayed to the Great Organizer. If he can put a human body together, and hang the moon and stars in their place, I figured He could help me out. The great thing is when you go to God in prayer, you don’t just get to talk to speak to the Great Organizer, but you are also in the presence of the Prince of Peace, God Almighty and the Comforter. He can give you not only the organizational prowess to get things done, but also give you the power, and ability to do it all. And He will provide you peace and comfort in the process. PRAYER CHANGES THINGS! It changes everything. It is a game changer.
So, tell me again why you do not pray to God of it all? You have a direct line though Jesus to the control center of the universe, the throne of God.
I hear you, “Well, I don’t know how. I don’t do it good enough.” YOU ARE WRONG.
God created you to walk, talk, and be in relationship with Him. (BTW…I’ll show you how in tomorrow’s blog if that is your excuse.)
When my boys or my new girls call, I STOP in my tracks to speak with them. It is one of my greatest joys, just hearing their voice. God is ALWAYS THERE waiting for YOUR CALL! He wants to hear your voice. And I know HE is more excited to hear from you than I am to hear from my kiddos.
I enCOURAGE you to pray without ceasing.
In Him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Col 2:3 NLT)
Viva Magenta: Live. Breathe. Be praying without ceasing.
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD [is] good; Blessed [is] the man [who] trusts in Him!” (Psa 34:8 NKJV)
I was fighting to choose joy and I did not know why. I thought I was all good with God. I spent hours a day with Him in His word, yet I was sad. Something was off. Holy Spirit had told me that the enemy was attempting to silence my prayer and my praise, but there was more. I did not know what, but more.
Once again, I was feeling sad…AND… on the way to church! This battle for joy had been going on for two weeks. WHY?! Out of nowhere I heard the Lord: “How long are you going to hold this against Me? I did not do it.”
Was I really blaming GOD for things He didn’t do?
I stepped into church, and I could hear the lyrics form the song, King of My Heart, “You are good. You are good, oh oh…” I had to sit and start writing because the Holy Spirit started downloading:
I AM good, not bad. I AM salvation, not destruction. I AM life, not death. I AM health, not sickness. I AM healing, not hurt. I AM sight, not blindness. I AM light, not darkness. I AM right, not wrong. I AM faithful, not fearful. I AM peace, not chaos. I AM comfort, not pain. I AM deliverance, not failure. I AM joy, not sorrow. I AM hope, not despair. I AM truth, not a lie. I AM strong, not weak. I AM complete, not broken. I AM understanding, not confusion. I AM love, not hate. I AM all in all, not lack. I cannot be what I AM not. “I AM WHO I AM,”– God to Moses ” (Exo 3:14 NKJV)
How long are you going to hold God accountable for something He did not do?
I enCOURAGE you to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks: for this is THE WILL OF GOD in Christ Jesus FOR YOU!” (1 Thes. 5:16-18 emphasis) God gave us the “garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness!” (Is. 61:3) We have to choose to put it on! God is not the problem. He is the flavor we need. He is everything we need in every season. Sometimes, He just has to remind us WHO is on our side! Taste and see!
VIVA MAGENTA: Live. Breathe. Be rejoicing, praying, and thanking.
“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33But whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.” [Pro 1:32-33 NKJV]
Yesterday, I heard the Testimony of Alex and Kayla Martin. (I encourage you to listen because it is their story, and I COULD NOT do it justice.) They talked about their lives and that of their young son, Enzo, who had been diagnosed with multiple debilitating diseases. When they spoke, this may not have been one of their predetermine bulleted points, but I could not shake one statement Alex made, “There is no room to be complacent.”
What does that mean? “There is no room to be complacent?”
It means…
There is no room to be smug There is no room to be unconcerned. There is no room to be at ease. There is no room to be careless. There is no room to be nonchalant. There is no room to be apathetic. There is no room to be comfortable. There is no room to be snobbish. There is no room to be self-satisfied. There is no room to be self-important. There is no room to be self-righteous. There is no room to be uncritically satisfied with oneself. There is no room to be uncritically satisfied with one’s achievements. There is no room to be marked by self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.
I personally needed to hear all the definitions above . You might have been fine just hearing this one: “When we think we need God the least is when we really need Him the most.” – Me
Paul said it like this in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
Isaiah said it like this, “Tremble, you [women] who are at ease; Be troubled, you complacent ones; Strip yourselves, make yourselves bare, And gird [sackcloth] on [your] waists.” [Isa 32:11 NKJV]
Isaiah was instructing us to humble ourselves. I do not care how pretty, smart, rich, or well established, we think we might be. We all need to be aware; we all need God. He is all knowledge and all power. When we think that we don’t need him and turn away, beware. “Pride [goes] before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Pro 16:18 NKJV)
I enCOURAGE you to “trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones” [Pro 3:5-8 NKJV]. Don’t be complacent because it will lead to destruction.
Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. [1Th 5:18 CSB]
I was up really early this morning, praying, reading, and journaling. I was recalling what I did yesterday. I wrote in my journal…
“Shopped a little at Ross and Marshalls. LOL. I bought a potato peeler and some tissue paper.”
I STOPPED.
Then I wrote, “THANKFUL, God, seriously, THANKFUL. You have so blessed us in America, and we can be such whiners.”
I was thinking about Israel. I was thinking about an American Mom who is currently in Israel. I was told last night how she was keeping her three young girls occupied inside by counting the rockets going off outside. She can’t take her girls to the store to buy a potato peeler.
I was also told of a young man who followed his Mom’s footsteps as a reserve in the IDF. He can’t go to the store for a potato peeler or even begin his college career because he is being called up and into battle.
I repented because I am not always thankful. I began to be so very thankful and started a list.
I was born free in the United States at this place, and this time.
I have money to even buy a potato peeler.
I have freedom.
I have freedom to go to stores where I can buy anything at any time of day.
I have food.
I have running water to take a shower, wash dishes, clothes, and car.
I have electricity.
I have a pen, multiple pens of all different shapes, sizes, and colors.
I have a journal full of paper to write on.
I have a box of journals sitting in my closet.
I have a computer to easily capture these thoughts and pass them on to you.
I have the most incredible kids and grandbaby. They are all abundantly blessed.
I have a loving husband who works hard and provides.
Today, I AM FREE to get into a car full of gas and gals, drive to Nashville, and spend a day with my friends doing whatever we choose. You better believe, I am going to be thankful for the day and every second with them. I am so thankful that I might even buy them a potato peeler. LOL.
I enCOURAGE you to STOP. Pause. Take the time to BE THANKFUL IN EVERYTHING today. Definitely, thank God for your life and the fullness of it. He did send Jesus to give his life in order to pay for our life and freedom. As we take time to be thankful for what we do have, what we don’t have seems really insignificant and trivial.
Viva Magenta: LIVE! BREATHE! BE THANKFUL!
AND…Be praying for the peace of Israel! It is heartbreaking what’s going on over there! It is war, destruction, and devastation.
The day I decided to break up with “U.F.” I have way too many reasons to live for!
Dear Reader, The next few posts are going be a little bit different. I prayed about how to share what Holy Spirit has recently done in my life. My story has been going on longer, but this is how He has woven Himself through my life in love over the last six weeks. He has used different people, places, events, and most of all His word to continue to transform me into the best me, His bride.
by Tammy Phillips October 9, 2023
“For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.” [2Co 11:2 NKJV]
Has the battle ranged inside you? Have you ever been a relationship that you knew was not good for you? Have you ever had a boyfriend or girlfriend that was bad news? Have you ever had a break-up that lasted way too long? I have, literally and figuratively.
I have a bridegroom awaiting. His name is Jesus. He passionately pursues me in an effort to show His love. He longs for me to be rooted and grounded in Love. He wants me to be able to comprehend what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of His love which passes understanding. His desire is to complete me and that all my emptiness will be filled with all the fulness of God.
I have had a nagging “boyfriend” that would not let go. He wants to control me. He is my enemy and disguises himself as, “Unhealthy-Food.” I would break up with him and he would return, time and time, again. He gave me a false sense of hope and security. He is a liar, and no truth is in Him. He was, is and will always be selfish. He is no good and does no good. His mission is to manipulate, steal, kill and destroy my relationship with my Jesus.
My Groom is always wooing me to His loving arms. I had strayed from the right path. He began the month of September by saying, “Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established” (Pro 4:26 NKJV). He led me once again to break it off with “Unhealthy-Food Choices.” I boldly declared, “I break up with Unhealthy Food! I will never give up! I walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7) and I can do all things through Christ, my Groom, who gives me strength!”
On day one of September 2023, my Groom told me, “The King’s daughter is all glorious within”(Psa 45:13) and that through his gift of grace and righteousness, I would reign with him. (Rom. 5:17).
He called me to, “Awake to righteousness, and do not sin” (1Co 15:34 NKJV). He shared with me in our time alone…
“Greater is He that is in your than he who is in the world. (1Jo 4:4 NKJV).
Don’t give up and you will see the goodness of God.” Three times I heard, “NEVER GIVE UP!”
“You are the temple of God. Imitate God. Make the most of every opportunity. WHATE EVER YOU DO, DO IT WELL.”
“DENY YOUR SELF and PICK UP YOUR CROSS. Follow Me.”
“You are as exciting, my darling, as a mare among Pharaoh’s stallions. … How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful! Your eyes are like doves (Sng. 1:9, 15 NLT).
“He escorts me to the banquet hall; it’s obvious how much he loves me… My lover said to me, “Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one! Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!” Sng. 2:4, 10,13)
I replied, “My lover is mine, and I am his.” [Sng 2: 16 NLT]
I heard my Groom, “You are beautiful, my darling, beautiful beyond words. Your eyes are like doves behind your veil. Your hair falls in waves, like a flock of goats winding down the slopes of Gilead. … 7 You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way. … 9 You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride. You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes, with a single jewel of your necklace. … 12 You are my private garden, my treasure, my bride, a secluded spring, a hidden fountain” (Sng 4:1, 7, 9, 12).
I replied , “My lover is mine and I am His.” (Sng 4:16 NLT]
My Groom promised, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1Co 2:9 NLT).
I heard Him whisper, “ A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the left, the wrong one”(Ecc 10:2 NLT).
My Groom knew that I was still taking calls from “Unhealthy Food ” even though I had broken things off. At 2:26 AM on September 6, my Groom woke me with a call and explained the following:
Eating of “Unhealthy Food” is partnering with Satan to accomplish his mission to kill, steal and destroy…you, your life, your body, your relationships, and our relationship.
Eating of “Unhealthy Food” is sin.
Eating of “Unhealthy Food” will not fuel you to our goal.
“Unhealthy Food” lies to you.
“Why bother reciting my decrees and pretending to obey my covenant? 17 For you refuse my discipline and treat my words like trash” (Psa 50:16-17 NLT). OUCH!
Holy Spirit has been relentless in pursuit of my whole heart. He led me to the Bible, His book of promises, and I read…
“Behold, happy [is] the man whom God corrects; do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole” (Job 5:17-18 NKJV).
“Don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights” (Pro 3:11-12 NLT).
“When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she [is] your life. 14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on… Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil “(Pro 4:12-15, 26,27).
The Groom had said it again, “Think about what you are doing, where you are going and who you are going with!”
Resolutely, and in love, my Groom led me to the letter of Hebrews, “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 6 For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening–it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak, and lame will not fall but become strong.” [Heb 12:1-4, 6-13 NLT]
My God, my Groom, is so good, so loving, so enduring, and so encouraging. His words were leading me back to Him and the right path. He knew I was having a hard time letting go of “Unhealthy Food,” yet He loved me through the first week of the breakup with open arms and loving words. He even provided me with an accountability partner who was on the same path, but that didn’t seem to matter. I was still taking “U.F’s” calls.
What has your attention? Who’s calls are you taking? Who do you need to break up with to be nearer to God? I enCOURAGE you to make the break.
And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father. [1Ki 8:26]
My confession is I believe God is Who He says He is, and He will do what He says He will do. I know God as a Promise Maker and Promise Keeper. Until today, I believed that I followed the direction of Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
I learned I have been leaving money in the bank. God’s promises are surer than any dollar bill, yet I have never been so bold as to say to the Lord, “Be verified. Let your word be verified.” Have you?
King David did it. He prayed in 2 Samuel 7:25, “Lord, do as thou hast said.”
King Solomon, David’s son, prayed it in our focus verse. He challenged God to keep His promises.
“God is no respecter of persons.” [Act 10:34 KJV]
As joint heirs and faithful children of God, the Lord looks on us like He did David and Solomon. We have the same rights in Jesus to go boldly before the Lord.
“But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” [Heb 11:6 KJV]
Faith, bold unwavering faith, in God and His word, pleases Him. The LORD said in Jeremiah 1:12 , “You have seen correctly, for I watch over my word to accomplish it.”
Jesus said in Mark 11:22-24: “ Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore, I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].”
Jesus was talking to His disciples. Aren’t we His disciples, too? He may as well have been answering David and Solomon. I hear Him saying, “Have faith in God. I said it. I will do it. ”
And further, “For verily I say unto you…” I hear the Lord saying, “I verify to you…”
Verified in Hebrew is “aman” and verily in Greek is “amen.” These words are synonymous and mean to be firm, unshakable, true, trustworthy, faithful, be sure, certain, confident, believe, and SO BE IT.
God gave us so many promises in His word. They are His Kingdom promissory notes. They are not meant to just sit on the pages of the Bible, they are meant to be used. They bring help, healing, prosperity, salvation. and anything we need.
Solomon reminded God of His promises:
And he said: “LORD God of Israel, [there is] no God in heaven above or on earth below like You, who keep [Your] covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts. 24 “You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father; You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled [it] with Your hand, as [it is] this day. [1Ki 8:23-24 NKJV]
Then he followed with, “I pray, let Your word be verified, which You spoke.”
I enCOURAGE you to go the Bible Bank, the word of God, and get to know what kingdom promises are available. Know that God will always verify “funds-are-available” because God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Remind God of His promises and then boldly declare, “Be verified.” Know that these two words add fuel to our prayers. They are so powerful! Our job is to obey, ask and believe. The Lords job is to perform His word. AMEN!
Complete in Him 