By Tammy Phillips
August 5, 2020

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. – Acts 20:24 NKJV

We do not know what life will bring, we sure do not know what other surprises 2020 will deliver and neither did Paul in Acts 20.   He was hated and many sought to kill him and at the very least, shut him up.  He boldly and courageously said, “But none of these things move me!”  To paraphrase the remainder of the verse 24, Paul said, “I don’t count my life important to me.  I just want to finish the race with joy.  I want to finish my ministry by testifying about the grace of God.”  As I have told you before, my word from the Lord for 2020 is RESOLUTE.  This is just a reminder and some really good advice from Paul:

Bad news comes.
   “But none of these things move me.”
Craziness comes.
   “But none of these things move me.”
Disappointment comes.
   “But none of these things move me.”
Storms come.
   “But none of these things move me.”
Lacks comes.
   “But none of these things move me.”
Pain comes.
   “But none of these things move me.”
Sickness comes.
   “But none of these things move me.”
Co-Vid 19 comes.
    “But none of these things move me.”
Cancer comes.
   “But none of these things move me.”
Death comes.
   “But none of these things move me.”
Distraction comes.
“But none of these things move me.”
Interruption comes
  “But none of these things move me.”
Uncertainty comes.
   “But none of these things move me.”
Shaking comes.
   “But none of these things move me.”

 I enCOURAGE you to let nothing move you.  Our lives are just a vapor.  Finish your race with joy. Share the good news of Jesus and his grace.  Be resolute and boldly say to everything that tries to move you, “but none of these things move me.”

I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved. – Psalm 16:8 KJV 

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. – Psalm 55:22 KJV

 

by Tammy Phillips
August 4, 2019

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. – 1 John 2:6 NKJV

To walk is to go, to tread all around, to make one’s way, to progress, to make due use of opportunities, to live, to journey. A famous, goofy song tells us we should “ walk like an Egyptian.”  God encourages us to…

WALK…

before the Lord and be blameless. – Genesis 17:1

In His statutes and keep His commandments- Leviticus 26:3

in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you,. – Deuteronomy 5:33

in His ways and fear Him. – Deuteronomy 8:6

In all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, – Deuteronomy 10:12

In all His ways, and to hold fast to Him. – Deuteronomy 11:22

after the LORD your God and fear Him. – Deuteronomy 13:4

before Him in truth with all our heart and with all our soul. – 1 Kings 2:4

in integrity- Psalm 26:11

uprightly. – Psalm 84:11

in His truth. – Psalm 86:11

in the light of His countenance. – Psalm 89:15

the path of His commandments.  – Psalm 119:35

at liberty. – Psalm 119:45

in the way of goodness. – Proverbs 2:20

safely in His way. – Proverbs 3:23

prudently. – Ecclesiastes 5:1

In the light of the LORD. – Isaiah 2:5

carefully, all my years. – Isaiah 38:15

and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

by the rivers of waters, In a straight way in which we shall not stumble – Jeremiah 31:9

in His statutes, keep His judgments, and do them; – Ezekiel 20:19

in His paths. – Micah 4:2

in the name of the LORD our God Forever and ever. – Micah 4:5

humbly with our God. – Micah 6:8

on my high hills. – Habakkuk 3:19

up and down in His name. – Zechariah 10:12

in newness of life. – Romans 6:4

properly.  – Romans 13:13

by faith, not by sight. – 2 Corinthians 5:7

in the Spirit.  – Galatians 5:16

worthy of the calling with which you were called.  – Ephesians 4:1

in love. – Ephesians 5:2

as children of light – Ephesians 5:8

circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, – Ephesians 5:15

worthy of the Lord – Colossians 1:10

in Him. – Colossians 2:6

in wisdom toward those [who are] outside, redeeming the time. – Colossians 4:5

worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. – 1 Thessalonians 2:12

properly toward those who are outside. – 1 Thessalonians 4:12 

in the light as He is in the light. – 1 John 1:7

just as He walked. – 1 John 2:6

according to His commandments.  – 2 John 1:6

in the truth. – 3 John 1:3

I enCOURAGE you to walk just like Jesus.  Follow his footsteps, do what he did and say what he said. His desire is that we, His peeps, would listen to Him and just walk in His ways.

“Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways! – Psalm 81:13 NKJV

by Tammy Phillips
August 3, 2020

Paul reminds us in Acts 17:23-25 who God is…

We do not have an UNKNOWN God.  He created us to know Him, to love Him and to be in relationship with Him.  He is not gold, silver, nor stone.  He is not the color of money, the shape of a woman nor the form of a baseball.  God is God.   There is no one, no thing, and nobody like him.

God is the Maker of the whole world.
God is Creator of everything in it.
God is Lord of heaven.
God is Lord of earth.
God is not a dweller in temples made with hands.
God is not served with men’s hand, like He needs anything.
God is the Giver of life.
God is the Supplier of breath.
God is the Provider and Deliverer of all things to all people.
God is the Producer of one blood that formed every nation of men to inhabit the earth.
God is the Appointer of our time in history.
God is the Architect of the boundaries of our dwellings.
God is not far from each one of us.
God is, and did all this, so that we would seek him, reach out for him and find him.

In God we live.
In God we move.
In God we have our being.
We are God’s offspring, God’s children, God’s race.
God is our Father.

I enCOURAGE you to meditate on all that God is today.  Love Him unconditionally and fully.  Choose Him today and every day.

by Tammy Phillips
August 2, 2020

Lately, I have said repeatedly that I am so ready for Jesus to come…as long as everyone I knew was ready.  I wondered to myself, “How could we help speed up the groom, Jesus’ return?”  Ha, ha, ha, like it has anything to do with us, actually, it does.

How excited do you think God is to meet the bride of Christ face to face?  He loves us so much that everyone is invited to the wedding, but all have not received the invitation.  This is where we come in.

“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and [then] comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! – John 4:35 NKJV

The harvest are the individuals who are ripe to hear about Jesus.  People are waiting on their invitations to come to Christ, but we have to invite them.  You realize we are both Bride and guest?

Then He said to them, “The harvest truly [is] great, but the laborers [are] few; therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. – Luke 10:2 NKJV 

As we invite others to come into relationship with Jesus, we also pray to the Lord, to send out more laborers to help get the invitations out.  Many know about the wedding but are not helping get out the invites.   It is a pretty big job.  I mean, currently, we are going on 2000 years to get the invites out.  Our hearts should be the heart of God.  We should want all to celebrate with us.  The invites should read…

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. – Revelation 22:17 NKJV

Simultaneously, we need to get the call out and to prepare ourselves, as the bride to meet the Groom.

Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. – Ephesians 5:25-27 NKJV

As a bride prepares every detail for her perfect wedding, we should ready ourselves with great expectation to be that bride for Christ. This is easily completed. Read the Bible, His love letters to us, and do what He asks us to do.   Just like a bride patiently awaits the day of His return… 

“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed [are] those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” – Revelation 19:7-9 NKJV

Then we wait for the appearance of the groom…

Therefore, be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See [how] the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.  You also be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. – James 5:8 NKJV

James instructs us twice, be patient.  The Greek word for patience in this verse is makrothymeo.  It means do not lose heart.  Persevere bravely in misfortunes and troubles.  Be long suffering, slow to anger, and not easily offended.  He also advises us to “Establish your hearts.” Establish is the Greek word, stērizō, meaning to turn resolutely in one direction, Christ’s.  Have a RESOLUTE heart.

Repeatedly in scripture, the Lord says He is coming quickly.  Do not be caught off guard like we were with the Corona Virus.  Our response should be: “We are ready, come!’

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! – Revelation 22:20 NKJV

I enCOURAGE you to send out your invites.  Persuade the invited guests to RSVP.  It’s a party they do not want to miss.  Bride, make yourself ready to meet your Groom.

Then we who are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord. – 1 Thessalonians 4:17 NKJV

 

by Tammy Phillips
August 1, 2020

Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, – Ephesians 4:1-2 NKJV

I awoke mad, sad and teary, yesterday.  We celebrated our 27^th wedding anniversary and that is no small feat.  However, we were supposed to be in Watercolor, Florida, celebrating and hosting a rehearsal dinner for our greatly loved, oldest son, Brayden and our priceless, “daughter to be,” Mary Claire.  I, ultimately, chose to change my attitude and had a great day with Kris.

Unconsciously, I woke up THE SAME WAY today, only with more tears!   Brayden and Mary should begetting married today!  It was going to be a very, very special time of celebration and love.  August 1^st is also Mary Claire’s parent’s anniversary.  Our kids could have gotten married today, but they chose not to settle.  They did not want to give up their dream, so they  postponed to May 1^st.

I know they are celebrating today.   I have a choice to do the same or I can cry all day.  I can sit and visit with anger and sadness, or I can pray my way up and out of this situation.  I can choose thankfulness, instead.   I can love.  I suppose, I will “walk worthy of the calling.”  I will remain humble, gentle, and be longsuffering.  I will bear with them in love!  I will bear with all in love.  I choose love, every time, because love wins. And, I like to win!

Forever, if I cried, Brayden’s eyes would water, and he would attempt to hold back his tears.    When he was little and I cried, he would take his sweet, little hand and wipe the tears from my cheek.  Then, he would say in his most precious voice, “No more tears. No more tears.”  Know, I am not perfect.  I would like to punch a wall.  I would like to say A LOT.  I would like to slap some people silly and say, “Wake up!!!   Look what ignorance and hate have done to this world!  Don’t you know? Can’t you see Jesus is the answer.  Love is the answer. God is love. God is the answer.”

Today, I choose to gain control of my anger, sadness and tears.   I hear Brayden’s words and I choose to say, “No more tears.”  I am awake. I know the end of the story.  Corona virus, you lose!  Cancer, you lose!  Depression, you lose!  Hate, you lose!  Racism, you lose!  Ignorance, you lose!  Big pharmacy, you lose!  Corruption, you lose!  Racism, you lose!  Media, who have forgotten the truth, you lose!  Death, deception, corruption, you lose!

I choose to love.  I choose this scripture for breakfast.  I take it like medicine for a wounded soul.  It is free.  I wish everyone would choose it.  The world would be a different place.

Love IS patient.
Love suffers long.
Love IS kind.
Love does not envy.
Love does not boast.
Love is not proud.
Love does not dishonor others.
Love does not behave rudely.
Love is not self-seeking.
Love IS not easily angered.
Love thinks no evil.
Love keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not rejoice in evil.
Love rejoices in the truth
Love bears all things.
Love believes all things.
Love hopes all things.
Love endures all things.
Love NEVER fails!

L O V E   W I N S! 

I encourage you to love.  Love God.  Love all.  Love your enemies. Love yourself.

 

 

 

by Tammy Phillips
July 30, 2020

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. – Acts 16:25 NKJV

Remember, Peter was alone in prison and the church prayed him out?   We can learn so much from other siblings in Christ.  My sister, Stephanie, said, “Peter got prayed up and out of his situation.”  I loved that statement.  “Prayed up and out.”   Up and out of there it goes, like a homeroom, sailing out of the park.

This is such a visual to me.   Picture this, I pray for you.  We are now joined together.  When I go UP to the throne of grace, I am taking you with me.  When we pray in groups, we are all entering the throne room together.  We are spending time together with the Father in His presence, praising him, thanking Him, glorifying Him and then asking of Him.  We are not alone when we approach the throne, we take with us whomever we are praying for and with.  We pray up and the problem gets outted.

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and incurred many blows.  They were bloody and found themselves in a Roman jail together.  Their feet were locked in stocks. They were rendered immovable.  They chose to pray and sing in the worst of conditions.

Life hits us with unbearable blows, over and over and over again.  Sometimes, it seems as if we have been imprisoned in our own circumstances.  How do we react when we are whacked?  Do we pray and sing at midnight in the worst of situations?  Do we pray and sing through our pain and trouble?  Do we cast our cares?  (When we do cast our care, Jesus will empower us to bare.)  Perhaps, we should follow Paul and Silas’ example and we might experience similar results.  After they prayed and sang…

“Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were loosed. – Acts 16:26 NKJV

When we pray and sing, remember, we take our current dilemma UP to the throne of God.  Jesus said:

“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.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20

 He takes the problem out. We should expect earthquake movement when God gets involved.  Jesus paid for our “get out of jail free card.”  We are responsible for using it. We are to believe, ask and receive of the Father in Jesus name.  We ARE then, prayed up and out of our situation.  His promises are true; He will do what he says.

I enCOURAGE you to pray and sing your way up and out of your bonds.  Jesus, said:

“Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” – John 8:36 NKJV

UP and OUT!  Be free!

by Tammy Phillips
July 30, 2020

Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. – Acts 12:5 NKJV

Almighty Father God, Creator of the universe, creator of every star, every planet, every person, every drop of water and every grain of sand; that same and only, God answers our prayers.

We are told In Acts 12 that Herod the King had had enough of the disciples.  He determined to injure them and their cause.  He killed James the brother of John.  Then…

 “Peter was therefore kept in prison, BUT constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. – Acts 12:5 NKJV.

Peter was handcuffed to two guards and two others guarded him because he had escaped prison earlier in Acts 5.  The church went into action on Peter’s behalf.  They went straight to God.  They offered earnest, unceasing, not obligatory, prayers.  God responded and sent an angel to escort Peter out of bondage.  Peter was loosed from his chains, his guards, and an iron gate that just opened automatically.  Miracle?  Call it what you want.  God answered, unlocked and set Peter free from his bonds.  He is the same God and will do the same for you, your family and your friends.  He sent Jesus to set the captives free.  Jesus has already paid for our freedom.  We just have to believe it and  accept it.

Think about what happened next!  Peter had been asleep in the prison not worrying about being executed the next day.  After he was set free, he arrived at his safe spot in town in the middle of the night and many were gathered together, still praying. (Acts 12:12)  Don’t you want  friends that will pray you loose in the middle of the night?   I want to be the friend who will intercede for you in the middle of the night.  (It is 3:38 AM.  As soon as I post this, know that I am praying for YOU, our President, our leaders and our nation.)

What happened next was like something out of a sitcom.  Peter went to where they were praying, knocked on the door, and a girl answered the call.  However, she did not open the gate.  She was so excited that she went and told the ‘Prayers’ that it was Peter.  They said, “No way.  YOU ARE CRAZY!  It’s his angel.”

“But Peter continued knocking; and when they opened [the door] and saw him, they were amazed.” – Acts 12:16 KJV 

The answer to their continual prayer was knocking at the door and they could not see it.  They were amazed.

We have every opportunity to be amazed by God, but we have to pray with care and faithful expectation to see results.  Prayers are not wishes that we throw in the air and hope God will catch our words.  When we pray, we must believe that God is who He says, He is and will do what He says He will do.  I want to always be amazed and thankful when He acts on our behalf.

I enCOURAGE you to faithfully pray.  I know that it is easy to say pray, when all the bills are paid, we have food to eat, a place to live, and our family is doing well.  However, God does not change just because our situations do.  So…PRAY, PRAY, and BE AMAZED by our LOVING FATHER.

by Tammy Phillips
July 28, 2020

When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. – Acts 11:23 NKJV

Barnabas, the Encourager, was sent from Jerusalem to Antioch, a city in ancient Syria.  Today, it is Turkish Antakya, a major town of south-central Turkey.  It was the third largest city in the Roman Empire.  Currently In the Unites States, our third largest city is Chicago.  We do not see nor hear a lot of good coming out of Chicago.  Can you imagine a city, so touched by the Lord that somebody from Washington, D.C. was sent to see what was going on?   It was in Antioch where Christians were first called Christians. God was on the move and it could be seen.  They were doing something right.  How cool would it be hear, “Have you seen what is going on in Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta, New York or Nashville,” and it be GOOD NEWS?

When Barnabas arrived:

2. He saw the grace and favor God.
   When others see us, do they see the grace of God in our lives?  In today’s society, I can see others being envious and jealous. However, our lives should be so full of Jesus that others WANT WHAT WE HAVE and in a good way.  We recently had dinner at our friend’s, the Heydel’s home, Rick made this statement: “Most of the world would still trade places with us on our worst day.”    We are blessed and we need to share that blessing of Christ to all.  We need to let our world SEE the grace of God operating in our lives.

3. Barnabas was glad for the Christians in Antioch.   Antioch had been much like present day Chicago.  He was fully of joy at the transformation.  He was happy with what the Lord was doing.  Do people get happy just seeing what the Lord is doing in our lives?  Do our lives promote joy and happiness?
4. Barnabas encouraged them all. He saw obedience, maturity, and good in the Christians at Antioch.  He motivated them to keep on keeping on.
5. Barnabas exhorted them that they should cleave to the LORD. He urged them to remain faithful and devoted to the Lord. As Gentiles, the salvation of the Lord had been shared with them.  He did not want them to turn back to their pagan ways.
6. Barnabas inspired them to purpose in their heart to continue with the Lord. He persuaded them to be RESOLUTE (constant in pursuing a purpose) WITH THE LORD.  No turning back, just spreading and keeping their eyes focused on Gospel of Christ.

The author of Hebrews said it like this:

“Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. – Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV

I enCOURAGE you, no matter what, let them see the grace of God alive and active in your life.  Jesus is coming soon.  In a hopeless world, share the GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST.  You are blessed and highly favored.  Hold fast to your faith.  BE RESOLUTE WITH THE LORD.

           

by Tammy Phillips
July 28, 2020

And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. – Acts 11:21 NKJV

How comforting and reassuring, when you can reach out and touch the hand of a loved one?  Power is transferred when you hold hands.  A hand means presence.

Holding hands…

• benefits physical and mental health
• can reduce physical and emotional pain.
• shows that you are in union or partnership.
• means you do not walk alone.
• Is an act of affection.
• is comforting in sadness.
• is reassuring in gladness.
• is stabilizing.
• is helpful.
• is strengthening.
• Is encouraging.
• is protecting.

 My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father’s hand. – John 10:29 KJV

God’s hand is always with you.  His hand is there for the taking.  His hand is representative of His presence.   Our loving God says:

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ – Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

God’s hand is there to uphold.
God’s hand is there to provide strength and might.
God’s hand provides us security and says, “Fear not!”
God’s hand says, “Don’t look away in amazement!  I got you! Nothing is too hard for me.”
God’s hand will help you lead others to Him. 

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. – Acts 10:38 NKJV

I encourage you to seek the Lord’s presence, reach out and hold tightly to His hand.  He will lead you in the direction you need to go.  Also, hold the hand of the one you love and go with the flow.  Take time to hold the hands of family and friends in need, or the stranger that you see bleed.  Remember, GOD IS WITH YOU.

by Tammy Phillips
June 27, 2020

…For if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it–lest you even be found to fight against God.” – Acts 5:38-39 NKJV

I observed a Snowy Egret standing strong against the wind for a long period of time.  He spread his tall, skinny, little legs and faced the storm.  He would not be overthrown.  The only way he could have remained standing was by divine design.  He was built to be resolute.

You are divinely designed. You are chosen by God.  You are a vessel of God.  You are a plan of God.  And, He has missions for you to accomplish. He has designed plans for your life and they will not be overthrown.   What has God asked you to do lately?

• Cook dinner for family or friends?
• Purge your house?
• Be kind to your neighbor?
• Be kind to a stranger?
• Get out of bed?
• Go for a walk?
• Eat right?
• Share your story?
• Share His story?
• Buy groceries for the person in line with you?
• Treat the person to dinner in the car behind you at Chick-fil-A?
• Tip big?
• Give more?
• Write a book?
• Sing a song?
• Record an exercise video?
• Bless someone with a photograph?

Sometimes, He asks us to do “normal” things.  However, when thinking about His plans and purposes, He usually asks us to step out in faith with Him  and do uncomfortable, extravagant, and extraordinary things.  He is an extravagant and amazing Father.  So, He may require that we step out in faith, out of our comfort zones and into His plans.  Know that “whatever you do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – Colossians 3:17 NKJV. 

I enCOURAGE you to understand that if God called you to it that he will get you through it.  If it is His magnificent plan, it will not be overthrown.  You will succeed.  The Holy Spirit will empower you to do so, just like He empowered that little Snowy Egret to stand, resolute.

“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, – Ephesians 3:20 NKJV”