Category: Uncategorized

by Tammy Phillips
July 16, 2020

As every man hath received the gift, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. – 1 Peter 4:11 KJV

As I write this, I know that I am going to be sitting in airport and then on a plane for a couple of hours.  It is also a “time” of “social distancing at least six feet.”  Fear attempts to creep in, as I wonder what  God will ask me to do next.  Will I step in faith?  I shut the door to fear.  I choose to minister (serve or attend) as called.

The other day in the doctor’s office, my spirit was stirring, and I thought I was going to have to act.  I was about to minister to a lady who could hardly walk or breathe, but she was called back for her appointment.  We have to make the most of our opportunities, correct?   I know since I am writing this, I am going to be given a ministry opportunity.  It is a little bit harder to navigate with the fears of the corona virus in peoples mind.  I’ll just follow the lead of the Lord and let him do the talking.

Since I do not work outside the home, a few years back, I was looking for creative ways to make connections with people to share the love of God.  Connections build relationships.  Relationships build trust.  Trust builds faith and confidence.  Leave it to the Holy Spirit.  I was seeking and He directed with this question: “WHO IS SITTING BESIDE YOU?”  He whispered, “You only have to talk to one person at a time, not the whole room.”  I am an introvert, so this really worked for me.  How many times have I sat beside someone at church and just gave them the perfunctory, “Hi. How are you?”  I began to attend to the “one beside me.”  I would introduce myself.  Make conversation and then ask if I could pray with them about anything.  It’s amazing how many different people God has placed beside me at church.

It started at church, but it poured over to football games, business dinners, restaurants, and grocery stores.  It is a little more challenging with the virus, but we will let God handle that. Of course, this just dropped in my Spirit, “Who sits beside you most often?  Family?  Friends? Our spouses? “

We can focus on family members.  We can be intentional about reaching out to them and leaning in.  We can pay special attention to our spouses.  The ones we love should receive our best and that is not always true.  We, or I, take for granted the ones closest to us.

I enCOURAGE you to minister to the one who is sitting beside you.  Attend to their needs.  Serve happily.

(PLEASE READ TOMORROWS!)

 

 

 

by Tammy Phillips
July 14, 2020

Furthermore, then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more. – 1 Thessalonians 4:1 KJV

Exhort means to encouraged greatly; to comfort, beg, beseech, entreat, call to one’s side.  We received many exhortations in the New Testament. Here are few paraphrased:

I exhort you to be of good cheer.  (Acts 27:22)

I exhort you by the Lord Jesus, to walk and to please God,
So, you may abound more and more.  (1 Thessalonians 4:1)

I exhort you to warn them that are unruly.
I exhort you to comfort the feebleminded.
I exhort you to support the weak.
I exhort you to be patient toward all men. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

I exhort to be sober minded. Exercise self-control and curb your passions. (Titus 2:6)

I exhort you to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.  (1 Peter 2:11)

I exhort you that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for kings, presidents, congressmen, governors, mayors, and all who are in authority. (1 Timothy 2:1)

I exhort you to earnestly contend for the faith which was one time delivered unto us the saints (Jude 1:3). The Gospel of Christ was delivered one time for all, no changes and no additions.  There will never be an addition of the Gospel of Tammy nor 1 Stephanie 2:3 that exhorts all to “sparkle” on!

Exhort, reprove, rebuke, with all longsuffering and doctrine.  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season.  Stand when there is opportunity and when there is not.  (2 Timothy 4:2)

Exhort one another daily. (Hebrews 3:13)

I encourage you to take the advice of the word of God.  I exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that you follow his example about how you ought to walk and please God, just like you are actually doing, and that you excel even more and more.  Pursue a life of purpose and live in a way that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation.

 

by Tammy Phillips
July 14, 2020

“And So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of [such as were] oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors [there was] power; but they had no comforter.”- Ecclesiastes 4:1 KJV

Before Jesus died, was resurrected, and rose to heaven, only certain people heard  and walked with God.  They were leaders and voices appointed by God.  Israel then pursued leaders who followed and heard from God.  The Lord changed all of that. When we choose to follow and obey the words of Jesus, then the Holy Spirit abides in us.  The Holy Spirit can be interpreted as the very Breath of God.  Jesus said:

I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; – John 14:16 KJV

Uncomfortable in life?  Uneasy about the present state of the world?  In pain? Anxious? Upset?  Troubled? Restless? Grieved? Depressed?  Go to the only place of rest, the Comforter.  When I have been depressed in the past, I did not want to get out of bed.   I wanted to stay hidden under the protection of my comforter.  The problem, I was seeking the wrong comforter.

The Comforter is the Holy Spirit.
The Comforter teaches us all things.
The Comforter brings to remembrance Jesus words. (John 14:26)

 The Comforter is our Helper.
The Comforter is sent from the Father.
The Comforter is the Spirit of Truth
The Comforter will testify of Jesus. (John 15:26)

 The Comforter provides all comfort.
The Comforter encourages in tribulation.
The Comforter exhorts so that we may be able to
comfort them which are in any trouble.  (2 Corinthians 1:4 KJV)

The Comforter gives us what we need, when we need it.
The Comforter delivers to us what to say and when to say.
The Comforter actually speaks and not us.   (Mark 13:11 NKJV)
‘The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” – Luke 12:12 NKJV

We got to the doctor when we are sick.  If we do not receive  the answers or results that we desire, we go to another doctor, perhaps an expert.  When we are uneasy, do we immediately, go to the Comforter?  Why not?  When we need answers, encouragement, knowledge, healing, help or words to speak, do we run to the Holy Spirit?  Do we turn to the throne before the phone?

I enCOURAGE you to allow the Comforter entrance into your life.  Permit the very Breath of God to speak to you in your darkest hours.  When you think you are alone, He is there.  When you are at your end, He is there.  Allow the Comforter to comfort you.

“As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you shall be comforted…” -Isaiah 66:13 NKJV

by Tammy Phillips
July 13, 2020

 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, – Acts 4:36 NKJV

Kris and I have always had nicknames for each other.  On our honeymoon, we called each other Jerome and Sheronda.  We have been Moto and Photo; RŌand DŌ.  His contact in my phone is currently KrisP (pronounced like crispy).

Nicknames can be a term of endearment or reproach.  Every name and nickname have meaning.  However, the Bible does not record the interpretation of every name.  Luke thought it necessary to give an exposition of Barnabas’ name.  I find it very interesting that in Acts 4:35, Joseph was nicknamed Barnabas, Son of Encouragement.  Joseph must have been some kind of motivator.  What a legacy!  I would love to be called Daughter of Encouragement, enCOURAGER, or even DOE.  What about you?  What nickname would you like to yield?

Jesus says in John 14:26 that the Father God will send the Holy Spirit, also named the Comforter.

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. – John 14:26 KJV

 The Greek noun for Comforter is Parakeltos which is translated: Helper, Aid, Advocate, Intercessor, Assistant, Encourager.  It literally means to be called or come to one’s side.

Barnabas simply followed the lead of the Holy Spirit, his Encourager, in encouraging others.  The disciples were afraid of Paul when he came to Jerusalem to join them.  Barnabas came by Paul’s side and encouraged the disciples to accept Paul as a disciple.  Paul in return exhorts us to come along side others and help them.

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV

 But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. – Hebrews 3:13 NKJV

Comfort and exhort in the above verses are the same Greek verb, parakaleō.  It means call to one’s side; to call near; to comfort; to console; to encourage and strengthen; to instruct.

The Comforter comforts.  The Intercessor intercedes. The Encourager encourages.  Now, do you see why I would not mind being nicknamed Barnabas? His job was to encourage and so is ours.

I enCOURAGE you to be all God has called you to be.  He has given each of us specific gifts to use to further His kingdom.  What nickname(s) has He given you?  Are you living up to your name?  How about living up to the name, Christian?

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NKJV

by Tammy Phillips
July 12, 2020

“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” – Acts 4:29-30 NKJV

Peter and John were full of the Holy Spirit when they were arrested for preaching about Jesus. They spoke with boldness to the Sanhedrin, after they were told to cease and desist speaking about Jesus.  They were released and returned to their own.  They lifted up their voice to God with one accord and then prayed for all boldness.

They had no intentions of not freely and fearlessly continuing to spread the gospel of Jesus. Even though they had previously been endued with power, they were asking for all boldness to speak God’s word.   They asked God to continue to pour forth His word from their mouth.  They knew that could only flow in and through Him.  They asked Him to continue healing and doing signs and wonders through Jesus for His glory.  Boldness was not enough to go against the ruler’s orders.  The knew it would take all boldness to continue on their mission. 

I received an email on July 4, 2020, from Andrew Womack, a pastor in Colorado. It reads:

“We were served a cease and desist warning by our state attorney general on July 2. This was right in the middle of our Summer Family Bible Conference, which went from June 29 – July 3. We had been in contact with our city and county officials and complied with everything they asked except the requirement to limit our attendance to 175.

 In light of the fact that protests with thousands had been permitted and even encouraged, and retail stores were allowed unlimited numbers in their stores without near the safety measures we employed, I felt completely justified in what I was doing. But the bottom line is that we have the constitutional right to freely exercise our faith and to peaceably assemble together.

  And please be in prayer for us. I’m convinced I’m doing what the Lord would have me do, but I don’t relish the battle we find ourselves in.  Jamie and I–along with all of my staff members that are having to deal with this–really need God’s wisdom and guidance to navigate these waters we have never sailed through before. There are hidden mines everywhere, but we will make it to the other side.”\

The rulers told Peter and John to stop speaking about Jesus.  Phil Weiser, the current Attorney General for Colorado sent a cease and desist order for Andrew Womack Ministries to stop gathering and speaking the truth.  This is America 2020, Land of the Free.  It does not feel free anymore.  However, it is still home of the brave!

The disciple’s prayers were answered:

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. – Acts 4:31 NKJV

I enCOURAGE you to join me and pray for all boldness for yourself and our spiritual leaders.   Be bold and brave.  You are going to need it to endure to the end.  I pray that you are shaken and filled afresh with the Holy Spirit so that you can be led to speakthe word of God with all boldness.

by Tammy Phillips
July 11, 2020

“For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” – Acts 4:20 NKJV

I am reading through Acts which was written between 60-160 and my mind is blown.   I feel like I am reading the headlines from 2020.  The Governor of California, Gavin Newson, ordered places of wordship to “discontinue singing.”  Specifically, his order said:

“In particular, activities such as singing, and chanting negate the risk reduction achieved through six feet of physical distancing.  Places of worship must therefore discontinue singing and chanting activities and limit indoor attendance to 25% of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower.”

“Even with adherence to physical distancing, convening in a congregational setting of multiple different households to practice a personal faith carries a relatively higher risk for widespread transmission of the COVID-19 virus, and may result in increased rates of infection, hospitalization, and death, especially among more vulnerable populations.” (https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-places-of-worship.pdf)

Peter and John received a similar order 2000 years ago after healing a lame man.  The powers that be, the rulers, elders and scribes, said they could not deny the lame man’s healing…

“But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name. So, they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. – Acts 4:18 NKJV

They were under government order not to speak in the name of Jesus.  They were threatened to not dare spread the hope of his resurrection and healing.  The Governor of California has mirrored the words of the Sanhedrin, “Stop the spread!  Stop singing about Jesus!”  The boldness and authority of Christ in Peter and John answered,

“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you and obey you rather than God, you must decide (judge).   But we cannot help telling what we have seen and heard.” – Acts 4:19-20.

The governing authorities threatened the disciples again before they let them go.  “Everybody was praising and glorifying God for what had occurred.” It was undeniable and they had no choice but to release them.

What Jesus did and continues to do is undeniable!  We cannot be silenced.  We cannot stop spreading the Hope.  We cannot help singing and telling what we have seen and heard.

I enCOURAGE you to sing today.  Praise Him for what He has done.   Spread Hope.  Spread Love.  We, as sons and daughters, have been silent for too long.  Encourage yourself and others. SING OUT LOUD.   SPEAK OUT LOUD. 

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great [is] your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. – Matthew 5:11-12 NKJV

 

 

 

 

by Tammy Phillips
July 9, 2020

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13 KJV

John and Peter who cowardly, denied Jesus three times before his death, were arrested for preaching and teaching Jesus’, resurrection from the dead.  Peter and John stood in judgement before the very men who had paid off the Roman guards at Christ’s tomb to spread fake news.  According to Matthew 28:11-15, the soldiers were paid a large amount of money to report that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body.  Bribery and fake news, not much has changed in 2000 years.

Peter’s previous fear had vanished.  He had been transformed and chose to boldly face the enemies before him instead of running.   In Peter and John, the Sanhedrin saw:

1. Boldness

The Greek word for boldness is parrēsia. It means openly frank; unreserved in speech; free and fearless; undoubting confidence; cheerful courage. 

We are to be bold, speak and live without fear.  It is the Lord who gives us the words to say anyways. We need to report His Good News.

2. Unlearned

The Greek word for unlearned is agrammatos.  It means illiterate in the Jewish schools and writings.  They didn’t know the scripture like the Sanhedrin. However, they knew Jesus and that was all that mattered.  They were filled with the Holy Spirit who gave them the words.  The Holy Spirit is our helper and teaches all we need to know.  When is the last time you ask Him what was going on and what to do? Jesus said:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. – John 14:26 NKJV

3. Ignorance

Idiōtēs:  This does not need much translation from the Greek.  I guess King James used kinder words instead of saying, out right, that they were idiots. They were uninformed of the things in the world.  They were not idiots in the kingdom.  They boldly took their places. 

Peter said: “As His divine power has given to us all things that [pertain] to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, – 2 Peter 1:2-3 NKJV

4. And Marveled

The rulers, elders and scribes were filled with wonder and admiration that these two men who were unlearned, ignoramuses in their eyes, could speak so eloquently.  We should rather that men glory in our knowledge of the Lord than the degrees hanging on our wall.

5. They knew they had been with Jesus.

I have chewed on this one for a while.  We should want people to know that we have been in the presence of Jesus.

When we travel, to other states or countries, we often begin to speak the language and dialect of the places we visit.  If we stay long enough, we will learn the language.  Eventually, we will adapt our clothing and food to reflect our environment.

The disciples had spent so much time with Jesus that they walked and talked like him. They look like him because they reflected his glory.  We should want the same.  People should be drawn to us because we love like Jesus in all we say and do.

I enCOURAGE you to be bold in Him.  Spend time with the Lord.  Snuggle in his presence.  Walk fearlessly, talk bravely and act courageously.  Shine brightly and reflect His GLOry!  Let him rub off on you, so that they will see and know you have been with Jesus.

 

 

 

 

by Tammy Phillips
July 9, 2020

 So, I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry. – Ecclesiastes 8:15 NKJV

We all are going through so much in 2020.  Craziness and pressure attempt to close in on us.  Lately, the fiery darts have been coming faster and with more fury in our family.  I could make a long list. I could share the trials and tribulations, but I do not want to depress nor overwhelm you with our trouble.  You have your own  mumbo jumbo, poppycock, gobbledygook to deal with.  I also do not want to concentrate on the challenges but stay focused on Jesus.  We are all good because we have God.   We must choose to make the best of the bad and enjoy every moment that God has given us.

I, along with the Preacher of Ecclesiastes, recommend enjoyment!  LAUGH!  Enjoyment is the Hebrew word simach which means joy, gladness, to be very joyful, specifically, joyful voices and joyful cries.   

Yesterday, the Holy Spirit led me to Psalm 2:4,

“He who sits in the heavens shall laugh.”

If God is sitting and  laughing with all He has to manage in the world, then His example is good one to follow.  Later in the day, I received more encouragement , my friend, texted:

“Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great [is] your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. – Matthew 5:12 NKJV

I hear you Lord!  I feel the pressure.  I am going to stop.  I am going to laugh.   I am going to laugh out loud.  I am going to choose to laugh hard and long until my sides hurt.  One cannot laugh and brood at the same time.  I am passing on the same instruction to you that I received:

LAUGH! REJOICE!
BE EXCEEDINGLY GLAD! BE MERRY!

“Trouble knocked at the door, but, hearing laughter, hurried away”. – Benjamin Franklin

LAUGH:

It relaxes the whole body.
It relieves physical tension and stress.
It improves the immune system.
It decreases stress hormones.
It increases antibodies.
It increase endorphins.
It relieves pain.
It replenishes the lungs.
It prevents heart disease.
It increases blood flow.
It may increase life span.
It stops distressing emotions.
It helps relax and recharge.
It helps with focus.
It is contagious!

I enCOURAGE you to LAUGH!  LOL!

“With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh, I should die”. –Abraham Lincoln

By Tammy Phillips
July 7, 2020

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12 NKJV

In Acts 4, Peter and John were arrested after healing the lame man and for preaching the good news of Jesus.  They were questioned by what power or name was the lame healed.  When Peter addressed the religious leaders of the day, the Sanhedrin, he was filled with the Holy Ghost. He spoke boldly.  He fearlessly told them that it was by the name of Jesus that the man was whole.  He told them that salvation exists in no other.  Jesus is the ONLY NAME THAT SAVES.

The President cannot save.
The government cannot save.
The media definitely cannot save.
Family, friends, nor physicians can save.
Medicine cannot save.
Masks cannot save.
We cannot save ourselves.

Only Jesus heals.
Only Jesus makes us whole.
Only Jesus has all the answers.
Only Jesus saves.

In whom do you put you complete trust?

I enCOURAGE you to believe and trust God completely.   Jesus is your salvation in ALL circumstances.  Paraphrasing the words of Peter in Acts 4:10 , “Let it be known everyone, to all the people of Israel and the Unites States  and to ALL the world…that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom we crucified because of our sins and  whom God raised from the dead, by Him we are all made  whole. We are all saved.”

by TammyPhillips
July 7, 2020

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. – 1 Timothy 6:17 NKJV

Enjoy the good of your labor.
Enjoy the work of your hands.
Enjoy the grit of the grind.

Enjoy the presence of the Lord.
Enjoy the company of friends.
Enjoy gathering of family.

Enjoy peace.
Enjoy plenty.
Enjoy prosperity.

Enjoy life.
Enjoy laughter.
Enjoy love.

I enCOURAGE you to enjoy every breath that you take.  Enjoy every step that you make.  Enjoy all things richly.