Standing on the Promises of God

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.   How simple to repeat and how difficult to follow! Lol!  I mean, how many times have you questioned, “God what exactly are you doing?”  Even though the Word refers to us as "His sheep," I don’t think that many of us, if any of us, make very good ones.  If you could imagine a herd of sheep pestering the shepherd asking, “Where are we going?  What are we doing here?   Why did you bring us this way? ...”  Eventually, wouldn’t the shepherd get fed up?  How annoying would a journey be if all the sheep ever done was complain and hassle the guide for reassurance that they were headed in the right direction and that they were all going to be okay?   In reality, sheep don’t talk back and aggravate shepherds like that.  I’m thinking that we, as the Lord’s sheep, ought not to as well.

I often think of the Israelites on their journey toward the Promised Land and how they seemed to always get snagged with the same old doubt.  All they had to do was remember back to every time that God came through.  Really, just remembering how God led them out of Egypt in the first place should have been enough to keep them in perfect peace.   God proved from the very beginning that He loved them and that He was enough to handle even their toughest enemies.  But there were many times that they forgot about His goodness and about His strength.  They chose to accuse Him and they chose to complain.   They acted as if they had never even met God or received any of His provision and care.  They made a huge mistake not believing that God was faithful to what He had promised.  Instead of standing on the promises of God, many got stuck in doubt and never went any further.

How is your conversation going with God lately and where do you stand?   Did you spend time thanking Him for all His goodness and wonderful work concerning you and your future?  Or was your time with Him more about you asking where, when and how?   The truth is that God’s promises don’t come with an outline nor will He schedule an appointment with you.  If God shared His schedule and timed His promises with us then we would have no need of faith; and without faith it would be impossible to please Him.  Here’s my stand… If God promised it then He will surely bring it to pass.  Not when I want it or when I think that I need it, but in His perfect time.  I shall remain in perfect peace as I keep my mind on Him.  I choose to remember every time that God came through for me and I expect Him to do it again!  How about U?    Loving U like A sister, Regina

Next week, look for my new teaching series, “Hannah’s Heart.”   The teaching text will be from 1 Samuel chapters 1 & 2 (you will be surprised at how much truth and revelation can be derived from these two chapters).  You don’t want to miss a single blog!  Sometimes women feel left out and left behind; but I’ve learned that those who sit on the back burner the longest are usually the ones with the greater destiny.   Learn more about how God wants to give you a future and fulfill your desire.   He has always had a good plan in mind for you.  God’s not deaf and He’s not a liar… He’s listening and He cares.   There’s definitely more in store for you but you’ve got to learn how to live into it.  Log in soon and find out more about it and Him!

Woman... God's Good Thing!

I would like to thank everyone for their comments and the wonderful response to the study of the Shulamite.  It is always encouraging to hear from you.  I would also like to let everyone know that our new website for women will be finished soon!  I know that this will be especially encouraging for those of you who left private messages and prayer requests because the website will not only offer great resources to help women in their Christian walk but will be a place for prayer requests as well.  It is always a good thing when we can find a place of agreement in prayer.  In a world where women are hurting and suffering in so many ways please note:  we are honored to pray for you and are in agreement with what God’s word says for your life.

I would like to invite everyone to log on next week for the beginning of a new teaching series... "Woman… God’s Good Thing".  The word of God says that a man who gets a wife gets a good thing.  To tell you the truth, not only was I curious about what God himself would call a good thing, I was surprised at how much I really wanted to be one.  It is amazing how much we can learn about our feminine nature when we let down the guard and let the Holy Spirit show us what’s hidden on the inside.  Deeply hidden on the inside of me was a woman who wanted better and wanted to do better.  I have also found that no man in his right mind can resist a good thing!

Women’s lives have changed so much down through the centuries but God’s word still retains its meaning and is in every way applicable today. I can assure you that masculinity is still very much captivated and somewhat intoxicated by femininity.  There are some counterfeits out there that try and mimic femininity or imitate it.  I always say, "You can doll it up to look like a woman but what makes us women is God given and it goes way down deep past the skin and bone."  You can shave its legs and put a wig on it, but being a woman is more than smooth legs and fixed hair (although the men really appreciate us for doing so lol!).  Femininity is in the very depth of our soul and spirit.  It’s more than the way we walk and more than just the way we talk.

God knew what He was doing when He made a woman and He declares us a good thing.  Maybe you are not convinced of that or maybe you are curious as to the details of what God would call a good thing.  Perhaps you want to have something better or you are looking to become something better.  It will always begin with the word of God.  Read Proverbs Chapter 31 this week.  From this teaching series in this one little chapter of the Bible, you will see what men want and need in women.  You will have a better understanding of what women find rewarding and fulfilling.  You will see what God values and praises in women.  You will see the blessings that accompany balance and order and so much more.  You will see that the Proverb 31 Woman was a good thing and you are probably more like her than you think.  So log back on soon and check out …Woman… God’s Good Thing!

Loving U Like a Sister,
 
Regina

#7 Her Responsibility to the Younger Generation

# 7:  Her Responsibility to the Younger Generation - the final segment in the study of the Shulamite woman from the series "Then I Became in His Eyes as One Who Found Peace"


In our nation, we see many examples of people being blessed to be a blessing.  Celebrities give out of their wealth.  Social clubs and colleges are routinely involved with humanitarian work.  I’ve even seen people living here from other countries send back assistance to help family and friends reach selective goals in business or education.  Many of us have caught on to the idea that when we find ourselves in a better place, we should help someone else.  For the church though, our outreach should exceed the work of the average helping hand.  Christians have a responsibility not only to reach out, but also to help carry the Gospel to every nation while living a life of enticement that will inspire future generations.

In Song of Solomon, It seemed that the Shulamite woman understood her responsibility to the next generation.  Her role as Queen was an opportunity for influence and favor given to her by God.  It’s interesting and inspiring how she used her position to instruct the young women who ran after her.  She was careful to help them understand her success.  The Shulamite woman not only made it to a better place but she wanted to teach other women how to make it as well.  You would be surprised at how many successful businesses and ministries have been built on these same desires.

Today, there are many offers on the table for women.  The world is offering promises and rewards from many different products in many different ways.  As women, we are more likely to be targeted by manufacturers than men.  They understand that a lot of women are not only desperate for change but they are more than willing to pay for it.  Unfortunately though, most of what the world is selling women is a farce and the end result will probably be pain.  God’s offer is and shall remain the best on the table.  He offers truth with an end result of peace.  The Shulamite woman found peace.  She put all of the elements of virtue and godliness together and found lasting peace.

If you are searching for a better result than what you keep getting then it’s time to make a change.  If what you are applying is not bringing a return of peace then it’s time to apply a new principle.  Sometimes we blame a bad harvest on the ground and never check into the kind of seed that we are sowing.  Only the word of God has power in every principle, that when applied, can and will bring a positive change.  God’s word works!  For the women who said amen to that last sentence, what are you doing right now to help the younger generation?  Let me challenge you to make it a priority today to tell a young woman about the love of Jesus Christ and the peace that is genuinely found in GOD.

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

#6 Her Understanding of True Love

#6  Her Understanding of True Love - the continued study of the Shulamite woman from the series "Then I Became in His Eyes as One Who Found Peace"

I am convinced that at least half, if not more than half, of the world is clueless to the meaning of true love.  We have piles of love songs, poems, books and movies that portray the romantic notions of love, but very few icons where its depth and true meaning are clearly seen or defined.  This is a sad truth because if we live in a society that only understands love in the concept of romantic feelings then we are all in trouble.  Young men and women who don’t understand the difference between emotion and devotion will never have any quality relationships.  These young men and women I am referring to could easily end up being our children and grandchildren.

One of the most admonishing passages to young women from Song of Solomon is the words of the Shulamite woman: “His banner over me was love”.  She was fully convinced of the king’s love for her.  Not only could she identify it, but she obviously knew the importance of pointing it out to the younger women who were following her example.  She understood the value that the king had placed on her by making her his bride.  His banner over her was obvious and identifiable by the engagement and ceremony as well as the wedding night.  His banner over her was love, not lust.  The Shulamite was able to return and validate the King’s desire for her because of her knowledge and proof of his banner.  No woman should ever accept a man’s desire for her without it being inside the boundary of true love.

A man’s desire for a woman without the shelter of love can easily end up in disaster.  Desire alone has the potential to rob, devour and devastate a woman.  God gave men a STRONG desire for women but He only gave it legal access under the banner of love.  Why?  Because God knew that a man acting within his desire wouldn’t be much more than a taker but, in love, he would want to protect and give to her as well.  What a brilliant God!  Pretty good set up if you ask me. 

God never intended on women being used or abused and there are certainly women who have ended up in both situations unaware and unintentionally. Truthfully though, we all know of someone (maybe even us) who decided to go into a relationship without checking or even acknowledging what his banner over them (or us) really was.  It is not as difficult as we sometimes make it out to be.  Identifying the banner can be as simple as asking a few good questions.  Is there a ring or a wedding date?  What is his banner over you, love or something else?  I have learned that women who understand true love will not settle for anything less, but women who lack understanding will settle for just being desired time and time again.  Be smart and remain in peace like the Shulamite woman...  His banner over her was love.  She understood and so should you.

Log on next week for the final study of the Shulamite woman and how to find peace in  #7, "Her Responsibility to the Younger Generation".

Loving U like A sister,

Regina

#4: The Fight for Her Sexual Identity

#4: The Fight for Her Sexual Identity - the continued study of the Shulamite woman from the series "Then I Became in His Eyes as One Who Found Peace"

The correlation between past experiences and now behavior is evident and can be used as a study to help people understand how they ended up where they are.  This is extremely good news to the people who struggle with their sexual identity.  A lot of times we tend to think only of homosexuality but there are many areas of sexual confusion that are developed or programmed into women because of situations from their past.

For many years I have prayed with women who have had struggles ranging from sexual deviance all the way to being indifferent or cold toward their husbands.  These are very intimate issues so most of the time they suffer silently in their anger or shame.  The good news though is that none of these issues are too difficult for God.  Through the power of His anointing, yokes are destroyed and identity can be built back by His word.  We really can be reprogrammed back into the person that God intended us to be before we were wounded.

In Song of Solomon, there is a passage about a dream that the Shulamite woman had one night.  She was awakened by an inner struggle of passion, timing, and confusion over what was appropriate.  In her struggle, she left the safety of her room and went out into the night.  The watchmen found her and they struck her.  They wounded her and took her veil away.  The veil can represent anything from virginity to specifically belonging to a certain person or group.  So in other words, taking away the veil was damaging to her identity and damaging to her future.

For the Shulamite woman, this was just a very bad dream, but for millions of women around the world this is a reality.  The number of women that have suffered some type of abuse keeps growing... Therefore, the number of hurting women coming through the church doors is growing and growing… Only God can change back what would have been and should have been before one was struck down and wounded.  The Shulamite woman found peace when she woke up from her bad dream.  For the rest of us, peace will be found in a relationship with a loving and healing God.

Log on next week and find out more about the Shulamite woman and how to find peace in study #5, "Her Respect of Jealousy".


Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

#3 The Law of Attraction

#3:  Her Attraction to Him  The continued study of the Shulamite woman from the Old Testament book: Song of Solomon

You have probably heard the statement, "want what you have".  The enemy is always ready to deceive and devour those who dwell in the land of discontentment.  A wife who is able to keep an attitude of “I’m here because I want to be” has not only become a defense against many enemy forces in her own marriage but she has also created an area of great expectation for her daughter and her future marriage.  In other words, why would a daughter want to save herself for something that looks miserable?  It’s a proven fact that children learn what they live and a woman who lives scornfully inside her marriage need not expect her daughters to have a high regard for it.  On the other hand, a woman who knows how to celebrate her husband within her home will not only help cultivate a healthy desire but also a hope of something worth waiting for in all her children.

The Shulamite woman was able to express clearly how she felt about her marriage.  She certainly displayed an attitude of “I’m glad to be here”.  She was able to model a woman who was content and at peace with how things had turned out.  Her celebration of her husband was enticing and admonishing to us all!  She definitely knew how to talk to the King.  She understood how to affirm his masculinity, praise his strength and appreciate his power.  What man could resist such a woman?  I mean, if you were a man, wouldn’t you want to be with someone who takes pleasure in your company rather than be with someone who makes you feel like a chore?  As Christian women, we should always remember that under our husband’s Christian tag is a human tag and God made us human first.  The sin nature has an unhealthy appetite but there is such a thing as human hunger (more on that some other time).

Having trouble celebrating your husband today?  Maybe desire isn’t what it used to be?  Then be encouraged by the study of the Shulamite woman and her ability to find peace.  She was able to sustain her desire for the King by keeping her focus on his strength.  She describes his body as carved ivory, his hands as rods of gold, and his legs as pillars of marble (all of these symbolize great value and strength).  Every man has his own value and strength whether his title is "King" or not. If you ask God to anoint your eyes, you will see your husband’s masculinity as never before and your praise of him will unlock many doors of new desire between you both.  I tell women, “never underestimate the power of attraction” and most people will get up early for something they desire (and even stay up late).  There are perversions and counterfeits to both sides, but it’s only through the connection between masculinity and femininity that people find true fulfillment and peace.

Log on next week and find out more about the Shulamite woman and how to find peace in study #4, "The Fight for Her Sexual Identity".

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

#2 The Importance of Her Self Esteem

Insight Number Two: The Importance of Her Self Esteem

It’s easy to feel insecure in a world that constantly tells you that you’re not enough.  Most women have to battle negative thoughts and feelings about themselves. It’s funny though - most of us never even question where those negative thoughts are coming from. We need to stop and consider where it is that we are getting our information. As Christian women, we have God’s Spirit of truth and acceptance that lives on the inside of us. We can train our ear to listen to what His voice says about us instead of what the world is telling us.

The Shulamite woman seems to have battled thoughts that caused her to doubt and question her value as she compared herself to other women. How many times have we been there? In the first chapter of Song of Solomon, she is apologizing for the color of her skin as if she’s not enough or not as beautiful as all of the other fair skinned women (how funny is that to our generation of tanners?!). It’s interesting though, at the beginning of the very next chapter she is referring to herself as the rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valleys. It seems that a deeper voice of esteem and assurance took dominion over those insecure thoughts. According to the scholars, she was a poor country girl who worked with her family tending grapes. She would have had every imaginable reason to feel less or lower than the others but her words reveal that she was able to identify herself as something beautiful that she was offering the King.

The Shulamite woman was able to exemplify that being different from everyone else doesn’t make you less it makes you unique. She found favor and acceptance through looking into the eyes of the King instead of comparing herself with everyone else around her. I believe that she decided not to compete for a position that was already hers. You would be surprised at how many women end up there! She was able to withstand the challenge to a power struggle and never gave into the pressure to perform. Again, you’d be surprised at how many women end up there! Her response to the King was with words of the utmost sincerity, honesty and vulnerability. Now, as women, we all need to end up there!

Near the end of the last chapter in Song of Solomon, the Shulamite declares that she had found peace. Her self esteem was the second element that was a part of her finding it. Knowing that we are enough will not only help us win a serious war, it will also keep us from silly little battles that rob us of our time and energy. Next week's insight: #3 Her Attraction to Him!

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

#1 Maturity Will Help Bring Peace

The teaching, “Then I Became in His Eyes as One who Found Peace”, is perspectives from the female point of view from the book: Song of Solomon. I shared some of this teaching a few years ago during a women’s conference at a local church. The teaching was born through a desire for a better relationship  between my husband and I. I have learned that you can be a good Christian, in love with God, and yet still be defeated in your relationships. I was defeated for a very long time in many ways until the Holy Spirit opened my eyes and revealed God’s word to me. There’s power in His word! Every application will bring a positive result. That is what separates the Bible from everything else you will ever read. These insights were life-changing for me and I know they will be for you too!


The Shulamite woman had everything in her life that most women desire. She had the King (which sounds like more than enough) and all of the pleasures of being his bride. Most of all, she had peace, which seems to be the very thing most women are lacking these days.

Seven Areas of Insight from the Study of the Shulamite Woman

Number One: Her Maturity

This might not seem like any information that is life-changing, but you’d be surprised how many little girls are walking around in women’s bodies. I always say, “Little girls are cute and fun to be around but they make horrible wives!” Don’t believe me? Just spend some time talking to a man who’s in a relationship with a grown woman who acts more like a child. Your husband is in need of a mature woman who can handle the pressures of life in the same way that the Shulamite woman was expected to handle the pressure of being married to the King.  Men need a responsible partner and want someone capable of helping them "build".  I’ve talked with many single women in the church who are hoping for a husband. They say to me, “I’m waiting for the King! “, I reply, “That’s great as long as you let God make you into queen material!” Never underestimate the ability of the King to discern the difference between a little princess and a real queen! Little princesses want to BE SERVED, but real queens SERVE.

Women who desire to be in a close relationship with a man need to be aware of every area of defeat in their life, especially areas of immaturity. Most men have a very low tolerance for “child like behavior” in women. Maturity will help bring peace. If you are single and you want to attract the right one, you must become the right one. The peace is in knowing that you’ve done your part so that God can do His. If you are a married woman, the peace is in knowing that you can change your attitude and you will be surprised at what will change after that!

Log on next week for INSIGHT # 2 from the study of the Shulamite Woman:  The Importance of Her Self-Esteem

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

Men... Who needs them???

It doesn’t take a genius to recognize that people are more confused today about their relationships than ever before.  Women are bombarded with information about love and sex but aren’t convinced that they are getting all the facts.  They seem to have caught on that magazines from the checkout aisle are lacking depth about these subjects and they are now more inclined to seek the truth which can only be found in the Word of God.  This is a good thing.  I mean, it’s great that women are coming back to the Bible for answers and help.  The world’s contradiction is very noticeable as it sends messages that blatantly disdain men (especially tv sitcoms where men are portrayed as incapable and useless) and at the same time, give women tips and suggestions on how to entice and captivate one!  A great relationship between women and men will only be built upon the high value that God places on both sexes.

To begin this teaching, we must understand God’s design for women:  a normal woman would want to be loved and desired by a man.  It was His plan and His design for women.  I have had women shamefully confess to me at the altar that they wanted a husband.  They drop their head as if they were seeking the most inappropriate, hideous thing.  It would be humorous to me if it weren’t so sad.  I find it interesting that "the world" has tried to convince women that they don’t need a man and now they feel guilty that they want one.  Another disheartening situation that I have frequently witnessed is women who feel that their marriage is a lifeless, loveless, even hopeless situation.  They are not convinced that God will change things.  They seem to think that He could care less or that He is just not concerned with that part of their life..….Oh but He is…..that is why the Song of Solomon was included in the word of God!

In Song of Solomon, we see a couple who had everything good that God ordained for marriage.  They seem to have had a fairy tale romance and marriage but God’s word is no fairy tale book at all -- it is The Book of Truth!  God wants women to know that He desires for them to have the same type of intimacy and friendship with their husband that the Shulamite woman had with King Solomon.  It was written to be proof that awesome relationships not only exist but they are worth praying, waiting and working for.  Just like anything else though, we each have a responsibility to learn what the Word of God says and apply it to our lives in a daily walk.  I tell women, "God’s Word works:  if you don’t have what is says you can have then it’s because you are not doing what it tells you to do!"  His Word is a system, and like any good system, you must learn how to work it to get results.

I have and I am a personal testimony that great relationships can be built.  It’s good to know that we have been given a way to build one because most of us will not inherit one. You too can build something so awesome between you and your husband that will make others jealous - just kidding!!  I mean it will be a light and offer hope to others in a lonely world where people are desperately seeking help and wanting something lasting and real.  Get out the Bible, go to the book of Song of Solomon, and read it this week and I will begin the teaching in a few days…….come on its only eight chapters!!  It will probably be the most interesting and steamiest thing you’ve read all summer!

Loving U Like a Sister,
 
Regina

Then I became in His eyes as one who found Peace

Starting next week, I will begin sharing some of the material from my teaching entitled:  "Then I Became in His eyes as one who found Peace".  The teaching comes solely from the book of Song of Solomon. The material is basically a teaching on women’s sexuality and the feminine role.  Some church people get nervous when we enter these waters and a few women especially don’t seem to amen this kind of teaching.  I have often asked them, “in the sixties, when the world was yelling loudly for sexual deviance and spreading filth about human sexuality, why didn’t someone stand up and teach the truth?”  I have checked to see what the CHURCH was teaching young women back then and I cannot find a single word.  It seems the world had a loud, obnoxious voice and the church had no voice at all!

Coming from a background of sexual abuse, I had so many questions and so many areas of defeat in my life when I entered the church.  Not right away, but when I felt safe enough to ask for help, I didn’t get any.  I once asked a pastor’s wife about a certain passage in the Bible, as it seemed to pertain to my situation, but she couldn’t answer me.  She really didn’t know how to help me.  I then went to God and found out that He had a lot to say to women regarding sexuality.  That is when my personal journey of getting out of Egypt began!  Those that call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.

Through the years, I have come to realize that there are countless numbers of women who struggle in the most intimate areas of their lives.  You’ll be glad to know that I’ve never asked God anything that His Spirit couldn’t help me find the answer to.  God has never been offended at any of my questions.  He is only offended at our unbelief.  God wants women to be helped and to know the truth.  You, as women, have confirmed that you are interested in learning how to come into a place of peace in your relationship with men.

The Bible has a lot to say about romance, sexual desire, personal responsibility, and loyal love!  Don’t think these subjects are interesting?  I assure you some day, if not now, your daughter will!  She will want to be loved and desired (hopefully in that order).  She will want to be “happy” and have a wonderful, fulfilling relationship with a man but it’s hard for our daughters to inherit what we don’t have.  We will all leave some kind of inheritance to our children.  Why not invest now into understanding and be able to pass it along with the rest of your "valuables".  Not only is she worth the investment but you might be surprised at how much help this teaching can really be to you!  I always say, "God can fix a small dent but He also works well with broken pieces!"  I am living proof.  For I truly have "become in his eyes as one who found peace".

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

Whew!!! What a Situation!

So many times, we get into situations and wonder where God is.  We don’t feel like He has heard a word of our prayer and there are some of us who feel like he heard but refused to help us.  It really is times like these that develop faith in us.  I have noticed that it is easier to get people to read the word of God than to get them to trust it.  Unfortunately, reading the word of God alone will never develop faith in anyone.  I know women and men who have read the Bible regularly while in jail and prison (for a lack of anything else to read) and they never developed any faith.  Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Therefore, we must all be granted a situation where we cannot see the evidence but our hope is in the fact that God said He would do it!

I don’t know what your IT is today, but I know God.  I know that if He allowed it to be in His word, you can trust it.  I know that He is a healing, delivering, restoring, saving God!  I didn’t just read that He was all these things but I went into a situation with Him where it was developed in me that He is all these things.  I had a sickness situation, a bondage situation, a bad marriage situation, and above all, a "badly needing saved" situation.  God came through!  He proved that He was everything that His word said that He was.  I found out that God was bigger than all of my situations!

If you are in a situation today, check and see what the word of God says about it.  Ask God to help you renew your hope in Him.  Remember, there is a difference between wishing and hoping.  Wishing for God to move is just waiting. Hoping in God is waiting with an expectation!  Be like King David in the Bible, he expected to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  You may not believe me right now, but some day you will thank God for the situation.  Without IT you would never know God beyond what you’ve READ Him to be instead of whom you will KNOW Him to be.  Those of us in the ministry probably testify more than we preach that He is certainly worth getting to know.  HE IS GOD!

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

The JOY of the Lord

Hello friends!  It is well, or is it well with your soul?  The Word of God teaches us that "the joy of the Lord is our strength".  Oh so many days I've had to rely on the joy of my salvation to get me through a miserable situation!  So many times, I've had to understand that I was working toward something greater than the task at hand and on my way to something better and brighter. As Christians, we learn to face "spiritual" fires and floods, and travel long journeys by relying on the joy of our salvation.

Our joy in the Lord is greater than any discouragement or hardship that we face.  I have learned from past experiences that the times when I lost my joy were times when I lost sight of what really mattered.  The Holy Spirit taught me that everything in life matters, but some things matter more and some things matter most.

If it IS well with your soul today then everything else in your life has to line up under your joy.  If it IS NOT well between you and God then your career, appearance (women care about these things), bank account, relationships and even your state of health are dependant upon some other source of happiness that will shift every time the seasons change!

When salvation matters most, joy is never lost and strength for endurance is easily regained through the right perspective.  As women, we should care about every matter involving our lives, but as women of God, we should be able prioritize them.  In life's journey, our joy will always be about where we are in the Lord instead of where we are on the map.

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

Mercy and Second Chances...

Hello friends!  Good Monday morning...  If you messed up last week, here's your opportunity to start all over again!  lol  Most of us have had to depend on a second chance once or twice in our lives...  But, the question would be, "how willing have we been to give them"?  Sometimes, it seems that we want mercy for us and judgment for our enemies without even thinking about how far off our mentality is from the Word of God.

A few years back, a woman would routinely seek me out for prayer.  She was always heavily burdened by her grown children's sinful behavior.  She had two children who were both addicted to drugs and alcohol and wanted the comfort of knowing someone would help her pray.  So, to me, out of what seemed to be a hemmed-in, no choice situation, I would routinely help this woman pray.

We prayed with tears of the utmost sincerity and declared the Word of God over her children's lives.  We refused to believe God for anything but mercy and second chances, especially for her son who was then facing criminal charges.  She believed God and He showed up with handfuls of mercy, not taking away the penalty but certainly softening the blow.  I know personally that her children have been given many second chances.  lol

One day this same woman asked me to help her pray about a situation involving her husband.  I couldn't help but notice that for her husband, she lacked that same desire for mercy that she had for her children.  She quickly passed up God's promise of help and went straight to ask Him for judgment and sentencing against her husband.  Not only did I notice it, I called her on it!   I reminded her of what Jesus said.  He had a lot to say about mercy and judgment.  God's Spirit was able to help her see the anger and fear in her prayer and she was able to readjust. 

Maybe there's someone in your life who doesn't deserve it, but needs mercy and a second chance...  One thing that we can all be reminded of today is that Jesus said when it comes to mercy and judgment, we can expect a return on what we have given.

Loving U like a Sister,

Regina

Miracles in the Local Church!

Hello friends!  Good Monday morning.  What a great day for a miracle to happen!  Do you believe in miracles?  Yes, probably most of us do.  Do you expect to see miracles?  Probably some of us do.  An older gentleman once told me that he didn't believe that the kind of miracles from the bible still happen today in our time.  Now, I was not this gentleman's teacher, so I remained quiet.  But of course, I do believe in modern day miracles.  As a matter of fact, I believe that the local churches are filled with them!

In our church alone we have the prodigal son who has now returned home, and a woman with an issue of blood dried up!  We now have many seeing people who were once blind, and many who were unclean that are now well!  We have groups of people who have travelled long journeys with God parting rivers and oceans of opposition so that they could pass through.  There are several prisoners who once had a life sentence and are now seated on the pew after receiving a pardon. There's a woman who was once bowed over who now stands up straight, and I have to point out that there are many, many of us who were once dead and now have been brought back to life! 

Now, to the believers, I know you remember the scripture where Jesus sent back John's (the Baptist), disciples to tell him what they saw...  The blind see and the lame walk;  the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the Gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.

In the local church, we see these miracles EVERY service.  Thank God for local churches and pastors who still believe in the miracles of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  If you don't believe that miracles still exist today in our time - maybe you better look again!

Loving U like a Sister,

Regina

HE sees better than me...

Hello friends!  How easy it is being on the outside looking in instead of being on the inside looking out!  Have you ever listened to someone speak and very quickly you recognized an area of their thinking that needed some adjustments?  We all have, most likely.  I was listening to a man talk last night when almost instantly, I percieved that his perception of a certain situation was a "little cloudy".  lol  Then later I thought to myself, "If only our self-perception was as keen as our perception of others!!" 

I say this because we really are the only one in our life that can make personal adjustments.  Do you know what I mean?  It's up to each of us as individuals to make corrections in our own thinking, character and behavior.  No matter how clearly others see that we need some adjustments, if we can't see it, it will never happen!

How wonderful though to have the Holy Spirit with us.  What illumination He is able to bring to every thought, word and action.  He doesn't miss a thing!  I was recently in prayer and the Holy Spirit corrected something that I had been saying for several months now without any idea that what I had been saying was offensive to God.  In reference to ministry, somehow I had gotten into the routine of saying, "My only qualification is that I care."  I am not sure how I even got started saying that but the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, "Caring is not a qualification!  Lot's of people care.  Your qualification is the Spirit of the Lord is upon you because He has annointed you to preach the Gospel!" 

WOW!  Correction received and adjustment acknowledged.  Thank you God for not leaving us to figure all of this out on our own.  Thank you God that when self-perception fails, your Spirit is sharp!

Loving U like a Sister,

Regina

Our Steps are Ordered by the Lord!

Hello Friends!  I once said, "Good morning" to an old man and he replied, "Yes, it's always a good morning when you wake up on this side of the ground!"  So, good morning to everyone on this side of the ground! lol

Have you ever driven through a tunnel? There is a long, dark tunnel in Mingo County, West Virginia that I have had the scary privelege of driving through several times for family reunions.  This tunnel is about one mile long and only has room for one lane of traffic.  You have to pay close attention and have clear vision to know when to enter the tunnel because you can get so far in and find out that another car is coming your way and have to back all the way out.  Now this may seem strange but because of the lack of lighting in the tunnel, sometimes headlights look as if they are on the other side waiting, when they are actually coming through.  There are other times when both sides of the tunnel have cars waiting thinking that the other one is coming through and they are both just sitting with neither side moving.

Why did I share this story about the tunnel?  Because "our journey" is so much like the tunnel.  It's sometimes passable, sometimes waiting and sometimes we even have to back up.  God promises to order our footsteps.  We can trust Him to advance, block and even back us up a bit if He needs to. 

A Test of Trust:  If God says "Go", will you go forward even if you don't feel ready?  If God says, "Stop here, hold up!  We've got to get something adjusted.", will you humbly say, "OK, I'm not ready to go forward..."  If God says, "No, no, no!!  You've got to go back and get this thing corrected."  Will you patiently go back?  In a world where I don't see what He sees and know what He knows, the answers are YES, YES and YES.   For I am but a sheep.

Loving U like a Sister,

Regina

Don't Settle...

Hello Friends!  Happy "Middle of the Week"!  We've made it half way through...  Reckon we can hold out  and make to the end?  lol  Of course, we can.  Have you ever heard the Lord tell you, "finish strong"?  I have. 

Have you ever thought about the 2 1/2 Israelite tribes who settled before the Jordan River?  They were satisfied to not go any further with the rest of God's people.  Today, I wonder, how many of us came from homes where our parents decided to settle or just couldn't seem to finish strong...  I think about addictions, strongholds and every bad way of living that holds people back.  Had some of our parents went further, we would have inherited a better lot.

It's not too late, you know.  We all have the right of passage given to us by Jesus Christ, our Savior.  We don't have to stay in the lot (spiritually speaking) where we were born.  We have the right to get up and walk out and we have the document to prove it, it's in the BIBLE.  We have a deed to a better lot in life, it's in the BIBLE.   We have promises of rewards and great dwelling places, and yes, it's all written in the BIBLE.  God's Holy Word has a lot to say about where you are and where you are going and where you are living and where you could be living!

Loving U like a Sister,

Regina

God is a "Heart Turner"!

Hello Friends!  My heart is for you today. 

The Word of God tells us that the King's heart is in the hands of God and like the rivers of water, God can turn it in any direction He chooses.  So that is why I say, "My heart is for you!"  God has turned my heart toward you.  My thoughts are for you...  My prayer is for you...  And, my heart is for you...

My thought for you today is if God can turn the King's heart in any direction He chooses, then how much more easily can God turn someone's heart in your life toward you?  In other words, my prayer is that you trust God to turn the hearts of those you need favor from in your direction.  Relationships can be very difficult in the natural, but we can trust God to work in the supernatural.  Whether a spouse, boss or superior, or maybe even your child, God can and does heal relationships.  God works well with matters of the heart.  I am living proof.

God is able.  Trust in His Word today.

Loving U like a Sister,

Regina

Saved and Serving!

Hello friends!  Thank you to everyone who is praying for this ministry.  As always, we are praying for you.  Also, thank you for your posted comments on Facebook and the emails!  We appreciate your feedback.

I had a conversation recently with a young woman who reminds me so much of me when I was her age.  She has settled into motherhood (with three children) and sometimes feels isolated and unfulfilled.  Well, I understand exactly how she feels.  For those of us who are older, we know very well how quickly this season will change.  Children grow fast!  But for this young woman, the season of close mothering and being home bound is right here, right now.  She needs prayer and communication with other people.

A solution found in the word of God:  find someone to serve other than those in your own household.  The Proverb 31 Woman extended her hands to the poor.  You would think that with all she had to do and take care of, she would not have enough time to reach out to the needy.  She made time.

There is something that is so edifying and fulfilling about serving someone who has no expectation of you.  It doesn't take much to invest a little into someone else.  Remember, most of us are busy but busy doesn't mean you are serving.

Loving U like a Sister,

Regina

At the Feet of Jesus

Hello friends!  I pray each day for you.  I am wondering how many of you are praying also...  In a world filled with worry, remember we worry less when we pray more.

Over fourteen years ago, the Holy Spirit began to pull me to the feet of Jesus.   Through the years, some have tried to tag me a "prayer warrior" but that's not so.  I do know some prayer warriors personally and can tell you that I don't deserve the title.  I am just a woman who was led by the Holy Spirit to spend time at the feet of Jesus.  Today I still have my same spot on the floor.  What a difference and change it has made in my life!  Please be encouraged to spend a little time at the feet of Jesus today.  You dont have to be a prayer warrior to know the value of this special spot and there's always room for one more!

Loving U like a Sister,

Regina