Faith-Filled Words (9/20/11)

Greetings Everyone,

I've attached a poem entitled "I am a Christian," because I believe that it perfectly conveys my personal views of who I claim to be as a "Christian." The author is debatable, hence the disclaimer at the bottom of the poem. I just gotta give God some praise right now... Hallelujah, is the highest praise Father, thank you! Man, God is so AMAZING! The enemy is trying so hard to put me back in a rut, but I REFUSE, NEVER again. What I knew then and what is still true today, is that I have the power in my words and my faith to tell the devil to flee in the name of Jesus. The difference between who I was then, and who I am now, is a determination to do things God's way this time around. I AM going to really let go, and let God work things out in my life. I have made too many steps without His permission, but NO MORE! I have the victory, because my Father promised me that; 17 years later, I ACCEPT that blessing. I was 14 or 15 y/o when my mom introduced my brother and I to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and it was the first time as a child that my spirit was fed, yet I chose self over God. Despite God's truth, I wanted to do things my way. I chose to live the way of this world. And at 30 y/o, although very accomplished by society's standards, I am far from where I'd prefer to be spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. But today my affirmation is "God take the lead, and I WILL follow." Hallelujah! Despite the adversary's attempts to bring me down, I find solace in the presence of the Lord. Thank you Jesus. Speak your desired outcome into every circumstance, and DENY the problem the right to exist in your life. Do NOT lose sight of God in the midst of adversity. God Bless!

Passage James 3:5-8 (NIV):

"Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (John 15:7). You know, I'll admit, I am still developing my faith, but I will continue to speak my daily affirmations until they become one with me, because I BELIEVE God's word is true. Positive prayers and positive speaking is so what I needed. I mean, in just a short time I have made significant attitude adjustments. Do you recall my tone, and my moods from the last few SODs before that absence due to my rut? I am just so excited and filled with the Spirit; I'm maintaining a positive attitude, and even when interrupted, I REFUSE to allow it to last more than a brief moment. Woosah, and then back to the word of God. Hallelujah! God honors faith-filled words. Matthew 12:34 says, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." In order for good things to depart from our mouth, and to be backed by our faith, we must first program the word of God in our spirit (heart). Proverbs 4:23 says, "above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." In the heart, resides our feelings of love and our desires, and to a great extent, the heart sets the foundation for which direction we choose to go in life. If we spend time concentrating on the word of God, then our heart's desires shall remain on the right path. Make sure that the things that you set your heart on, will not lead you down the wrong path; do NOT lust over the things that belong to those around you, keep your eyes fixed on God's word, and allow the Father to lead your heart into desires that fall in line with His will, that you will not be sidetracked by the adversaries detours of sin. You can have what you say, so STOP speaking the WRONG things into existence; STOP speaking your UNDESIRED outcomes and SPEAK THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART into existence, as they fall in line with the Word of God. We need to learn to lead our lives based on the word of God and NOT our feelings, because how we feel changes day to day, but God's word NEVER changes; The Word remains the same no matter what our mental or emotional state of being may be. Be moved by what God's word says; speak ONLY what the Word says, and it will work out for the better as long as you stand firm. If you can't say anything positive, then just remain silent and "be still," IT WILL WORK OUT! Like J. Moss' song says, "DON'T PRAY AND WORRY, BE STEADFAST AND DON'T FEAR." Ephesians 6:14 says, "stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." If we are praying for healing and/or deliverance, but do not have faith that we have already been healed and/or delivered, then that prayer is in vain. God's word says, "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up..." (James 5:15). Learn to operate in the ABILITY OF GOD and release that ability IN YOU, by the FAITH FILLED WORDS of Your mouth. (Capps, Charles. The Tongue - A Creative Force. Tulsa, Oklahoma: Harrison House, 1976.)

Prayer of the Day:

Father God we thank you for life, health, and strength. We thank you for giving us back the strength and faith in our ability to use our words to produce favorable outcomes. We thank you that we are redeemed, and are able to reverse the negativity we once spoke into existence. Today we deny the right of the enemy to exist in our lives. We thank you for restoring the years that we've spent in tears Father God. We thank you for removing the heavy load that we once tried to carry alone. Hallelujah Father, we thank you that you are able. We thank you that despite our previous doubts, you gave us another opportunity today to get things right. We thank you Father for being everything we need. We thank you that our worries are no more, that our struggles are no more, that our pain is no more, and that our suffering is no more. Father God we thank you for the ability to stand firm, even in the test of trials. We thank you for the discernment to know when the enemy is afoot, and for the strength to take control through our faith-filled words. We thank you that no weapon formed against us will prosper. We thank you for your continued blessings of protection, and we thank you for the peace that surpasses all understanding. This is our affirmation of faith Father God, we submit to you in the name of Jesus, Amen!

~~ Tylesha ~~ 

"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8)

http://sodbytye.blogspot.com/

***See Attachment Below***

I'M A CHRISTIAN

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'.

I'm whispering "I was lost," Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say..."I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak and need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain,

I have my share of heartaches ...So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,

I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow.

Author:

~Maya Angelou~
 

***Disclaimer: This poem also claims origination to a Carol Wimmer, with a slightly different variation of some stanzas. The origination of this poem is unclear. I do not give credit to either author over the other. The contents of this poem are agreeable and worth sharing, but I am not liable for the continued circulation of this writing by other parties***