2 Corinthians 1:20 All the Promises of God

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. [2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV]

In order to obtain the promises of God you need understand the message about God's promises. I believe most times blessings are delayed or even missed because we do not understand how to obtain them.  Because one has access to God's blessings and promises does not guarantee their ability to obtain them.  It is not enough to have faith, believe or act.

Look at Sue's story. Sue Justus wins a 10-day all inclusive, all expense paid trip to Spain. She excited because she just got her passport and finished a beginner's course Spanish one month ago. This prize is perfect timing.  Sue shops for clothes, packs and feels more excited as each day approaches for travel. Sue is prepared and ready to go! Everyday of the trip is adventure and she is having the time of her life. Day 10 arrives Sue checks out. She is all smiles and has a twinge of sadness at leaving this paradise. The hotel manager helps with Sue's checkout and asks with much concern if everything was to her liking. "Oh yes, lovely," Sue responds. Relieved the manager exclaims, "Really? We weren't sure since you never came to any of the meals we prepared in your honor." Sue, shocked response, "What meals!?"  

Sue missed out on the meals in which she was given a chief table seat among 100 other special prize winners that received extra attention by the Chief Chef at each meal. Sue was not aware because she in all her excitement didn't read the extra promises of the trip and all that was included as part of her winnings.  We miss out on the promises and blessings of much like Sue because we did not read it all or we do not understand at all.

It doesn't matter how many promises God made or makes; all His promises in Him are yes and so be it to the Glory of God through us. At first glance you think all God's promises are yes and amen, right? I encourage a deeper study of this text: For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. I noticed there are a few qualifiers in this statement of truth.

Let me look at the word for--for is a preposition as are the words in, unto, and by signifying relationship or connection to the noun or pronoun that follows.  Understanding the use of the prepositions in this text is vital to understanding this Word of God. The word for has an expansive syntactic definition, in this instance for is concerning. For/Concerning all the promises of God. Paul is explaining in the entirety of the matter to people in the Church at Corinth how God uses people to gift and benefit other as He wills. Paul acknowledgement that he himself was an Apostle because of God's Will and His plan. Much of Paul's message in 2 Corinthians relates to the gifts and benefits in others for others. The fact of the matter is Paul's situation had been bleak. He spent time in jail in Asia and was on death row. He thought in fact it was OVER. However, he knew that it was God and His mercy that kept him. He credits his rescue from certain death to (1) trust in God, (2) God's will and plan, (3) the Corinthians faith and prayers just to mention a few.

Paul's primary concern for the Corinthians is that get understanding and not be in the dark concerning certain things that have transpired. He really wants them to know and believe God works in all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. [Romans 8:28] Unfortunately, much like us today the Corinthians didn't know or believe that. A good friend and sister in Christ posted on Facebook her thought concerning this very real problem of unbelieving among believers. I wholeheartedly agree it is a huge problem for me--UNBELIEF.

Concerning ALL the promises of God UNBELIEF is a promise blocker. Like in the Sue example, the gifts and benefits were completely missed out on because her lacking knowledge that was needed to obtain them. In the case of unbelief in us today and as in the case of the people of Corinth unbelief, regulates to us to being in the dark or ignorant. Being ignorant or lacking knowledge ("My people perish because...) to obtain the promises of God. Apparently, Paul made plans to go to Corinth but he didn't make it to them. His absence or him not going appears as if he lied. So Paul, expounds in effort to bring enlightenment where there is unbelief. As we read the letter in its entirety--2 Corinthians we understand concerning the statement  For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are unto the Glory of God by us' is truly about partnerships. But not just any partnership but rather a divine partnership (God, Christ, and us).

This is why a simple once over and quick glance won't reveal how crucial Paul's statement of truth is in 2 Corinthians 1:20. This is why most people won't agree with my good friend and sister, Latonya Ellington, Founder of Fit 4 the Kingdom. Latonya posted "I woke up this morning angry, not a fleshly anger but a spiritual anger! I have never seen so many unhealthy believers who lack authority and just getting plundered by that POWERLESS joker we call the adversary. My friend Miles T. Fitzpatrick said this yesterday... In the O.T., you RAN from leprosy, but in the N.T. leprosy runs from YOU! Talk about a "Better Covenant!" There is nothing in this earth that is designed or constructed to destroy you. TAKE AUTHORITY!!" and as I read this my spirit called forth 2 Corinthians 1:20 in answer.  I didn't know at the time it was an answer but I do now. We are not POWERLESS but we do lack. We lack understanding, knowledge, truth and most of partnerships and these areas of lack reduce one level of authority.  You cannot have authority over any area you have not worked to exercise domain. I am going come back in a separate blog about WORK. Believe me work is not what you believe it is.

Let me take you back to 2 Corinthians. I pray real revelation for us all. I understand why Paul opened the letter in very specific way. He wrote, "I, Paul, have been sent on a special mission by the Messiah, Jesus, planned by God himself. I write this to God’s congregation in Corinth, and to believers all over Achaia province. May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours! Timothy, someone you know and trust, joins me in this greeting." Many of you reading this know whose and who you are but despite knowing these things you lack understanding, truth, and partnership, therefore you cannot take AUTHORITY neither can you obtain all the promises if God though they are yes and amen. That is what I meant when I said it is not enough to have faith, believe, or act. There must be work presiding on your behalf in order that you may receive all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father and the Master, (Teacher) Jesus Christ! 

For no matter how many promises God makes to me, Jasmin I cannot get access nor can I disburse them if I do not have presiding work. There is a specific prophetic anointing in my life that's being made manifest in my life regarding work.  I have to exercise dominion in order Master, manifest and walk in authority in the area of work. I tell you truly the journey is intense. The travel coordinates for my journey have been full mysteries as well profound revelations. The real deal is in God's Word being work (energy) that never stops, and I mean never.  God's Word is not just letters. That is why God tells the letter kills but spirit gives life. "And we have such trust through Christ toward God.  Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,  who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." [2 Corinthians 3:4-6] There will come a point in everyone's life the Spirit (rhema-spoken Word of God) that works. This why we are encouraged to not just be a hearer of God's Word but to DO God's Word. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. [James 1:22 KJV] 

Concerning all God's promises the yes and  amen (let it be) is done however by us, well that is going to requiring work.  Let's look at just a few by us moments:

1. Deliverance-- the Promise to the Children of Israel took the 40 years to receive it. Think about the things that held up their obtaining God's Promise. Think of how many perished in the wilderness never obtaining the promise. Moses himself did not make it. Think about why.
2. Healing-- health and healing is a promise of God think of man at pool of Bethesda 38 years or the woman with issue of blood for 12 years. It took them a long time to have their aha moment. How long before you have yours.
3. Wealth and abundance--Joseph the Dreamer comes to mind. Do you realize the road map to his prosperity was not at all easy but is was a work in progress the entire time. At any point he could have given up and stopped believing but his partnership was with God.

Indeed, the by us component is vital to all the Promises of God though all God's promises are yes and let it be done, we have to let it be done.  Remember Jesus could do no miracles save a few in his hometown. Why? Because there was offense, murmuring and unbelief in the people. If you told the truth, what factors in your life are promise blockers? I like Paul say to you,  "May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours!"

Amen. 

Romans 8, 9, and 10 "More than Conquerors"

All things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose {Romans 8:28 NIV) 

Romans 8:37-39 (NIV) says, 
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The key thing herein is LOVE. Love as it relates to relationships, reconciliations and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ are profoundly outlined in Romans.  However, it is very evident love is multifaceted and complicated as it relates to human relations. Nonetheless,  all things are as they should be regardless of our abilities to know or see that they are.  Remarkably, God loved us first and He so loved the world He didn't spare His Only Begotten Son but instead gave Him for the purpose of redeeming and reconciling people who didn't ask or even want Him. Understanding how great a love this is. What is man that God would consider him?  Why is it that He is so mindful of us that He would number the hairs on our heads. According to the Word of God, there is nothing that can separates from the Love of God.  From this moment on I demand and command this archtype of God love to be activated in me.  

Please take and prayerfully study Romans.

I believe Romans 8, 9, and 10 will help us not only understand but to over stand when people walk out of our lives we should let them. The standard that God's sets His affections on us is high. We should not tolerate anything less in our giving or receiving of love. But in order obtain that level of love we are required to become the very love we seek get and ourselves must be willing to love in the same fashion God loves us. But please understand that the life lessons that educate (lead out) us in the art love come from circumstances that test our resolve to love and to be loved. You must also except in order for love to be perfected in us hate must also be present. It is hate that exercises the muscles of love.

I read the most amazing article in the Huffington Post written by Bishop T. D. Jakes, "6 Biblical Lessons on Relationships"-- an eye opening read. For the most part I agree with Bishop Jakes. In light of his 30 plus years in ministry and marriage, I would call him an expert. I would also offer that it takes true courage, compromise and constraint to enter into any relationship. I am going list Jakes 6 Biblical lessons on relationships here but I am going to go a bit deeper.

Before I list Jakes 6, let say for my entire life I have pondered the mysteries of relationships (all types of relationships). If I did not know God, I would believed that I had wrecked every relationship I ever had. But I do know God and I know whether it is clear to me or anyone else no doubt all things are unfolding as they should. When I look at the Bible (my road map for living) I am made aware, in order for function to have its perfect work dysfunction must be present. There seems to be a central theme in the Bible which hinges on creating order out of chaos especially when it comes to God  and man; man and others and man and his ego (self) relating or interrelating.

Bishop Jakes 6 Biblical Lessons:

1.  Overcoming Our Differences in Relationships

God made us in His image and likeness yet we are all different. Different in every way imaginable yet we each have something in our differences that the others need. Let's look at a few examples from the Word of God. God places us in strange places and circumstances in life to bring about they very thing someone else needs to move to greater levels or to be set free. The Prophet Samuel's mother Hannah stood out (differed) from all the wives Samuel's father had--she was greatly loved by her husband but she was barren. She became so despondent about her barrenness that she made vow to God that would open her womb, produce a child (Samuel, the Prophet) who she would not raise because she vowed Samuel to the service of the Lord. Samuel  grew up in the service the Lord, became an advisor to Kings and a nation. Joseph (differed) from all of Jacob 11 sons. He was labeled a dreamer, despised by his brother's and virtually lived in exiled imposed by his brothers because he was different. Yet, his life took such turns the very thing that made him different save a nation from a starving and reconciled him to his family after decades of estrangement.

Overcoming our differences in relationships equates to being able to endure all the hurtful things said about you being different and test your ability to love in spite of being different. Overcoming also requires a level tolerance for your own uniqueness as well as the uniqueness of others. We are not all fashioned to do or be the same. How do you compliment strength or weakness in someone that you are in relationship with? The truth of the matter this is not just applicable in a marriage or intimate relationships; it is applicable in all relationships. Relationships come with expectancy. One person expects the other to be or conduct themselves in a certain way. When that expectancy is unmet time and time again problems begin to settle in the mind of one or maybe both.

Bishop Jakes resolves, understanding is the key that unlocks one capacity to overcome the difference in the relationship. I concur understanding is vital, but it cannot be done from a human (flesh realm).  The type of understanding needed must be Kingdom understanding. Kingdom understand modeled after the type that God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have for us. He understands that we are frail and human. He understands that we are born in sin and shaped in inquity. Until you possess that type of understanding you are ability to overcome differences in your relationships will be hampered by your expectancy you impose in the relationship.  Proverbs 4 is a good source to shed an abundant light on understanding verse 7: "And in all your getting, get understanding."

2. Healthy Relationships Require Emotional and Spiritual Freedom

This was an ouch moment for me, a rude awakening but it is truth and we all know the truth sets us free. "Healthy relationships require emotional and spiritual freedom" OMG. Where do I  start with this lessons? Let it begin with me. I will be real transparent, I cried and cried to break this yoke of bondage. This is warfare. Growing up and living in dysfunction has caused me pain that required me to cry out to God for emotional and spiritual freedom. Once I accessed that emotional and spiritual freedom, I tell you the truth, I will not lose it ever again. No matter the situation, the pain it may inflict or how tough it may appear, I will not, no, I can't let go of that emotional and spiritual freedom. The enemy will use those closest to you to distract you in effort to wreck havoc on your emotional and spiritual freedom. 

Let me give King David as an example of what I mean. David a man after God's own heart learned to be emotionally and spiritually free because he was continually challenged in those particular areas. Don't believe me just read Psalms for yourself. David loved women and he loved them hard. One particular loved resulted in child being born out of emotional bondage. David consumated this unholy matrimonial union by destroying a holy union. The counterfeit emotion of love (lust) led to his downfall and it ultimately cost the sacrifice of love and lost of life  to obtain his spiritual freedom. It was through that child's death that he got emotionally and spiritually free. In order to achieve emotional and spiritual freedom a death of the flesh must occur. Look at David's situation, he sits in mourning, fasting and sackclothes while this son is sick but once the baby died he got up, ate, bathed, dressed and rejoiced. He let go of the shame and weight of the sinful past, the pain that he had caused by his own actions and he allowed God to replace joy for his sorrow. The folks around him didn't get that. No one will understand it when you rejoice when they believe you ought be falling apart in despair. You cannot let their viewpoint pull you back into bondage you must walk in freedom.

3. It Takes Courage to Really Love Someone.

Bishop Jakes' viewpoint here is clear we like David love hard and if it falls aparts we hurt hard. No one wants to experience that pain ever. For me it makes me mindful of the way we reject God's love. How hurt God must feel at His Great Love being continually rejected and tossed aside. Don't think it neccessary to farther in this point. Simple mediate and reflect on how God feels at our rejection of His Great Love.

4. Healthy Compromise in Relationships.

Compromise is a big challenge in all relationships. Husbands and wives; parents and children; business partnerships, educator and student; and employer and employee all need healthy dose of compromise in order to advance in maintaining the relationship. Let look at the parent and child compromise because it is easiest to recognize the stages of progression as the child matures. As the children matures in years it becomes increasing aware of their ability to make their own decision. If the parent has trained that child up in the ways they should go they willing allow them to have more control of life and it evident in them being willing to compromise. Their compromises may be a later curfew, more independence in traveling alone or spending time with peers; things of this nature.  Likewise in our relationship with God, others and self. We grow in stages and levels that require more or less of a thing. God's Word speaks about our ability to partake of Word in stages and level. 1 Peter 2:2 (KJV) says, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby..."  1 Corinthians 3:21 (NLT) says, "I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren't ready for anything stronger. And you still aren't ready," The key in compromising or healthy compromise is to determine the stage and level one is at. A child is not able enter in to a contract with parental permission because that child does not have the capacity to understand the terms of the agreement.  The law usually state under 18 as a child needing parental control and anyone of any age with limited cognitive understanding or ability to reason.

Healthy compromise is also evident in the work and ministry of Jesus Christ. He could not heal where they did not believe. He didn't heal anyone unless He first asked and they believed. This is a Biblicial principle you will not find healing or the dead being raised taking place unless faith was present. Healthy compromise requires faith, belief and we all know the evidence of faith is in hoping for. You cannot have healthy compromise in your marriage if you do not have faith in your partner. You cannot go to the next level in your business or employment relations if you no longer believe or hope for...

5. Safeguarding Your Relationships.

"Safeguarding" is a powerful word, here in this context I believe it most closest signifies stewarding or stewardship. The literal meaning of safeguard is (a measure designed to prevent something undesirable); synonyms: [noun. protection-security-defense-guard] [verb. protect-guard-secure-shelter-defend-shield]. Bishop Jakes says this about safeguarding our relationships:
"In order to maximize your life and relationships, you have to minimize your load. You must focus on what's important when it comes to your relationships. Lightening your load means knowing when to release things. Most of don't realize that the key to release ourselves is within our own hands. You can move ahead and conserve your strength for things that count, things you can change, things you can control. Have the wisdom to see the importance of giving you all to your relationships today!"
I am do not agree entirely with Bishop Jakes and here is where we differ. As I dissect the word safeguard and trace it origins, I receive a different level of revelation. The word safeguard translation to Hebrew/Aramaic mishmereth [mish-meh-reth] watch, i.e. the act (custody or (concr.) the sentry, the post; obj. preservation, or (concr.) safe; fig. observance, i.e. (abstr.) duty, or (obj.) a usage or party--charge, keep to be kept, office, ordinance, safeguard, ward, watch.The word 'safeguard is used once in the Bible in 1 Samuel 22:23 (KJV). David is giving a promise to safeguard  keep the life of  Abiathar safe.  Abiathar has fled from the King Saul who is desires to kill both all with David. David and King Saul's relationship is remarkable in light of the love and hate that existed between the two men. There was a deep love and hate plagued the pair but David was charged to protect it. You can't find an instance of David acting in a manner that upsurped or conspired to act against his charge to protect the relationship though Saul hatred of him was murderous. He fled, he watched and even when opportunity presented itself for David to take Saul's life he safeguarded it. You will not even find an instance of David speaking ill of his King. His charge of keeping watch, duty, ordinance essentially outweighed his emotions.  

The truth of the matter is our relationships will not always go according to our plans. That simple truth is enough for us to safeguard the ordinances of our duties as children of the Most High and seek wisdom in our interaction that bring honor to our stewardship of the relationship that have gone awry. I was told by a wise man, "Jasmin, it doesn't matter how people treat you; but what matters is how you treat people." I found out that he was right. This simple truth helped me learned that I could never be responsible for others behaviors but my own behavior was the thing I should focus on. I went from being a person with a really bad temper and attitude to someone who would control that aspect to someone who grew in love despite having many relationships gone awry.

In essence, as Bishop Jakes says, I minimized my load. I do not carry the burden of what another person does, how the act towards me or what is said about me; that all them. I work toward safeguarding the way I know I am suppose act, speak and care in the portion of me relating to others. I am I always on, not hardly but the intent is to be aware, take care and measure that move me toward being the best steward of my relationships that I have been charged to be.

6. Evaluate Who You Are.

Value, self esteem and setting boundaries are all attributes that Bishop Jakes points to as being essential to these bible-based qualities of relationships. I would agree 200% and I would reference John the Baptist and Jesus Christ as two example of people who knew who they were, the knew their assignments and it mattered not what others did or said about them they were on point.

You must know that you value is not in others and there is nothing another person can do or say that can devalue your worth unless you allow them to. Your value is not lock or tied to a job, your spouse or children. Your value is not your bottom-line, bank account(s) or material possession. Your value is not in your invention, talent or fans. Your value is in you knowing what God has predestined your for. Your value is in you knowing that God created you with purpose and your pursuit of purpose is knowing that what God said He is going to do will be done. You have no business being worried about your life because you should be so intently focused on the God in you that nothing else matters.

Let's take a moment to reflect on the life of John the Baptist. It seems that even before John the Baptist was born he knew who he was. No where in the Bible do we see a baby being filled with the Holy Ghost except John. When Jesus also in his mother's womb enter the same space the in vitro John was quicken.  Luke 1:41 (NIV) says, "When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." Jesus didn't encounter the Holy Spirit until John baptized him the river Jordan. The Word of God says, Jesus had to come and John had to prepare the way for His coming.

A large part of you knowing who you are is knowing who you are called to serve. The maybe a point where you need to know when it time to fall back because your serving is over. Again John the Baptist and Jesus serve as excellent examples of my point. John prepared for his assignment in vitro and as Jesus comes to assume his assignment John is notably falling back. How many us recognize when it is time to fall back? The signs may be very apparent but many us will have a hard time falling back especially if we have become used to being in the headlines. John shows we can readily fall back and not be forgotten if you have adhered to God's purpose for us.

The entire matter about relationships is something I considered to a life-long study of mine. At 50 years old I believe I am an expert on the subject not entirely because of what I have undergone through studying but I believe God predestined me to be an expert who can prepare the way for others to learn.  My ability to relate well with others comes at a price and that price I do not take lightly.

Leaders are Learners

Yesterday, a sister commented on Facebook (in a group called "Executive Life Coach" facilitated by  Dr. Cindy Trimm) on a note I wrote back in March 2012 for the group. As I re-read the words I had written nearly a year ago, the message transformed and encouraged my spirit, and my mind. There are times when I forget that the mission is not mine I am simply a steward and I don't own the plan nor I am responsible for its' path. The things that I must do and be available for are as follows: 1. Ask, 2, Knock, 3. Find and 4. Be prepare to receive.

I ask (not as often as I should) God what I must to today. I then Knock (seek). Knocking or seeking is simply an indication of my faith to get up and get to the task. Find, God will never conceal from us the things we ask or seek out from Him, therefore if we ask and knock...we will find. Understand finding/seeking comes with the very first step ask...asking the right questions to begin with is at time more important than the answers itself. Leaders are lifetime learners. However, to be a true leader you must first become a student and when a student is properly prepared the Master shows up. Who is you Master?

"Sometimes questions are more important than answers." This Nancy Willard quotes truly gave me reason to pause and think. I have always been inquisitve. Yes, I question in order to expand my understanding and knowledge base but I also question to gain wisdom. We are living in a time that is full of deceit and wickedness; we must inquiry of the things placed before us--for things are not always as they appear.

Question: Where is your focus?

I am focused on those things that are spiritual. I don't want to waste another millisecond on things outside myself. I want to hear so I can be led by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Question: Has the path to destiny been like an obstacle course?

If you are like me, you've noticed it doesn't matter what level of education, skill set or connections you have; your divine destiny is leading you on a very sure path. I have noted if I choose to go left, I must go right. When I wanted to go forth at times I would pulled back or if I thought it needful to go up and I'd be forced down.

Question: Is your leadership/authority/command being tried?

I tell you if weren't for people, I'd be okay. Even those closest to us become a mystery. If you feel like you are pulling your hair out by the roots because you don't what more you can say or do--you aren't alone. I tell you, the Father and heavenly hosts know exactly what this feels like. Yet, in order to be effective in leading with authority you must be will to go there. You have to command the space in which you apparently can't give one more inch and than suddenly you find yourself squeezing that very same inch out. How can we know birthing without pain? There are host of sisters and brothers waiting for us to be stretched and squeezed, writhing in agony for their deliverance and breakthrough...and guess what they don't even know it or you. Moreover, they don't want it because they love the darkness. They have become comfortable with the fellowship of the night. But as Children and Heirs we have to bring the light. We have to solve the mystery. In order to lead you have to be led.

Today's Scripture Reading

Matthew 7:7-12 NIV

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!  So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

 

^{Prepare yourself to receive from God.}

Judges 13-16 You need your vision but don't it won't work by by sight

Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years.   A certain man of Zorah, named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, had a wife who was childless, unable to give birth.

The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, “You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” (Judges 13:1-5 NIV)

When the people saw him, they praised their god, saying, “Our god has delivered our enemy into our hands, the one who laid waste our land and multiplied our slain.” (Judges 16:24 NIV)

Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.”  Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other,  Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived. (Judges 16:28 NIV)

Jasmin's Testimony

Greetings All,

Looking back over 2012 and reviewing everything that has gone done in my life I  give God praise. I have to worship God for still being able to stand. I went through things in a 12 month period that would have taken most people out and it should have me but God.

My confession is still "No Lack, No Worries & NO LIMITS!!!" Yeah, I know that is a bold declaration but it is mine. It has been that kind of season in that everywhere I turned doors closed, things withered and died but I still said, Hallelujah. As many believed the Mayan prediction and anticipated the end of the world; I stood firm in my belief "it really didn't matter for neither life nor death will separate me from the Love of God.

I learned so much about me. I discovered a few things about Jasmin one of which is my strength comes from the Lord. There is no other logical explaination as to why I am still here if not for Lord. My plans, devises and schemes have no purpose outside of what He has predestined for me--my life. Everything, literally all else has no merit nor bearing on what God's plan for me is.

Jasmin's Prayer

Father I enter your courts with praise and thanksgiving.  You Are the light of my Life, my strength and redeemer. My whole being makes a boast in you. You are worthy to be Adored and Lifted UP!

In my times of distress, sorrow, anguish, and despair My God, My Father, you have been right there. You saw my every tears, witnessed my deepest pain and though you were saw and were touched you were not moved. I cried and you heard me when my circumstances threaten still to crush me. You stepped in the nick of time and saved me from going completely under. I learned to wait on YOU, trust YOU and not TO lean on anyone not even my own understanding. It was in the darkness hour that I received my vision, and I realized that my strength comes from you & YOU alone; I discoverED my vision can't be obtained by my sight but comes from YOU and everything you have already spoken about me.

I pray now, that your chosen and called come to the knowledge YOUR Will will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Help them connect with their whole hearts to the divine vision you placed in each of us before we were shaped in our mother's womb. Allow them to realize as You caused me to know that no weapon formed against them shall prosper & no matter what they see before them has no bearing or merit on What YOU have spoken about them. For YOUR Word shall not return to You void but accomplish EXACTLY what You Sent it to DO.

KEY FOR WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

 

 

 

Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years.   A certain man of Zorah, named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, had a wife who was childless, unable to give birth.

The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, “You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” (Judges 13:1-5 NIV)

When the people saw him, they praised their god, saying, “Our god has delivered our enemy into our hands, the one who laid waste our land and multiplied our slain.” (Judges 16:24 NIV)

Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.”  Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other,  Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived. (Judges 16:28 NIV)

If someone were to write your life story what would it say? Would you find it hard to believe that it ended up just they way it was supposed to? Some might find it really difficult to believe their life was anything other than a total disaster. Look at Samson's story. many might interpet his life as a great disappointment. Few would find it hard to believe his temperment, disposition and pinchot for the wrong company would have been just what would bring victory to a nation and glorify God.

I am sure you like me have had your share of epic disasters and failings happen in your lifetime. Each time you fell short there was somebody watching and surmising that you messed with God. Your family, friends and even your enemies often make judgements about your life and how you are living that have no merit or bearing on the Word that God spoke before He formed you in your mother's womb.  You nor anyone else on this earth have any idea that the things you go through are being worked out by God for your good and purpose just as He plan. Even the terrible things that cause pain and disappointment in our live work according to the purpose and plan of God. Okay, you don't believe me. Just think of Jesus. God didn't spare His Only Begotten Son. Think about that.

Back to Samson. Samson came into existence from a barren womb. His coming was no accident; it is the exact opposite--it is the PLAN OF GOD.  God had delivered the Israelites into the hands of the Philistines because they did evil in His sight. You will notice God sight is not the same as His vision. God saw before Him the evil they did, delivered they into the hands of their enemy but prepared a barren womb to receive a deliverer. It would not be the first time or the last that He would do such a thing to direct purpose of His Vision. We are God's people and He is our God. He so loves us that He sent His only begotten Son so we can have life more abdundant and have it everlasting.

As you read the story of Samson, understand his lineage and legacy know that what happened in between is not so significant in the entire matter. God's Plan, Will and Purpose for Samson's life is manifested. Despite the wrong turns, the mishaps and ill-fated situations even his own demise, God's Plan, Will and Purpose is achieved.

You and I may stumble and bumble along this journey called life but evenso you nor I can thwarted God's Plan, Will and Purpose for our lives. You may not see your life shaping up the way you want, especially with all hell breaking lose around you; let me tell you don't be discouraged by your sight (what you see). Your sight is not your vision. You can lose the ability to see but never lose your vision. Fight like hell to keep your vision. Make sure your vision aligns itself with God's vision of you. You can find out what God's vision of you is by reading His Word about you. For example you God vision of you goes a little like this...

• You are the head not the tail; above not beneath
• You are bless going in and coming out
• You are healed
• You are fully redeemed
• You are more than a conqueror
• You are the righteousness of God, and shall not beg bread

You get the picture but get into God's Word for yourself and allow the Word & Truth to be your guiding light. Don't look at the highs and lows or the missteps in you or anyone else's life as failing but view them as the carrots that strengthen your God vision and God's vision of you. Though Samson lost his eyesight (he was blinded by those around him, what they did & said, and what he saw) he did greater works and brought the greatest deliverance because in the end he called forth His Vision.

 Here is the Key: "You need your vision but don't it won't work by by sight."

2 Kings 2 -2 Kings 8 Will You Find Favor in the Lord's Famine

" When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.” [2 King 2:9-10 NIV]

"She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.” [2 Kings 4:7 NIV]

"The officer had said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” The man of God had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!”  And that is exactly what happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died." [2 Kings 7:19-20 NIV]

"Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to appeal to the king for her house and land. Gehazi said, “This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life.” The king asked the woman about it, and she told him. Then he assigned an official to her case and said to him, “Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now.” [2 Kings 8:5-6 NIV]

Jasmin's Testimony

Greetings All,

I am so excited about everything that God is doing and is going to do for you. It is great to be alive. This morning I rose early just before 3 a.m. and I was taking in some valuable pearls of wisdom from LaShanda Henry's SistaSense Power Circle Video Chat. Then I started tooling around the web looking for job opportunities. I was struck but not surprised by what I saw on some the temp agencies websites. The job listings with a few of the more prominent temporary agencies were merger. I am looking for a job; not neccessarily a long term commitment and I am finding not only has the job market changed so has the job search. In times past hunting and securing a job was not an issue for me--normally I got something fairly quick. I admittedly felt a pang of disappointment with my a.m. job prospecting.

The truth of the matter is my wee hour morning activity was shaping up into this awesome blog post. As I said, I was enjoying and basking in the pearls of wisdom from LaShanda Henry's SistaSense Power Circle Video, LaShanda, Carol and Yalanda were very candid in sharing on the topic--Stop It! Small Business Killers and How to Avoid Them. (FYI: You can search YouTube for this video and more from LaShanda Henry--you won't be sorry). The key thing was I was operating in two completely different mindsets. Something  was brewing in the spirit realm it was no happenstance, me job search, gleaning business ownership tips and observing the rough economy of today--it all served to bring me divine revelation. When I hit my morning hour for Bible study, worship and prayer, the Holy Spirit tuned me into 2 Kings chapters 3-8. After a short while I got some revelations and of course a key.

I and my prayer partner Phyllis are in the habit of gleaning and reaping from God's Word. This such a dynamic time in our day that many will miss out the dynamics of the times we are in due to wrong thinking, diverted visions and ungrateful hearts, as was the case with many I found in the study. I am known to say "Favor ain't fair" very often. I discovered God's favor is not fair. You cannot trace it really. Better said, you cannot look at someone's life and pinpoint why God is favoring them or how God will choose to give them His favor. The old folks testimony is "You don't know like I KNOW; what the LORD has done for me!!!" And, you don't.

Despite, everything that I am going through, I have got a right to praise HIM. The truth of the matter is in spite of it all, I have God's favor and that all matters. I feel like the Widow with oil and Shunammite Woman blessed and highly favored. After reading through the scriptures and receiving a Word of Knowledge. I clearly have to acknowledge, it is well.

Jasmin's Prayer

Father I enter your courts with praise and thanksgiving.  You Are the light of my Life, my strength and redeemer. My whole being makes a boast in you. You are worthy to be Adored and Lifted UP!

 

Heavenly Father open the eyes of your people and show them there is more with us than with them. Like Widow with the oil and Shunammite Woman they are blessed and highly favored. Despite anything they may be facing right now, help them face it with You and your favor. Let them know that they must be ever ready to expect You to cause them to have leftovers in the famine that you declared. Let them see everything returned to them including the residuals like Shunammite Woman. Help us to avoid attitudes like Naaman, and Gehazi which will only serve to get us twisted up in some stinking thinking. Don't let us become paralyzed by fear of moving out in faith because we are fearful of what may be ahead.

 

You are cleansing and purifying in this season of famine. And evenso, we like the lepers can walk by faith and receive Your favor in your Declare Famine. For that we sing praises and shout Glory.

 

 

KEY FOR WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

 

 

" When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.” [2 King 2:9-10 NIV]

"She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.” [2 Kings 4:7 NIV]

"The officer had said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” The man of God had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!”  And that is exactly what happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died." [2 Kings 7:19-20 NIV]

"Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to appeal to the king for her house and land. Gehazi said, “This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life.” The king asked the woman about it, and she told him. Then he assigned an official to her case and said to him, “Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now.” [2 Kings 8:5-6 NIV]

 

The amazing thing about 2 Kings chapter 2-8 is the people. In that day they were living in some rough times. There were all types of mindsets very much like today. Some humble, some haughty, and some hazardous but God was in the midst of them all and doing great things however, not all were positioned to receive. God declared a famine in that day in the land (much like now). They like us now apparently were experiencing a very spiritual purging but really did not have an understanding that God sent the tough times purge them. (Look at 2 Kings 7) The mindset of the officer was so far removed from the prophet Elisha that it caused his death.

Let me say, now is not the time to be doubtful, fearful, uncertain, arrogrant, naive or foolish. The widow cried out to God and found the man of God for her case (debt) and because she did everything she was instructed to do she obtained more than enough in a time of need and destitution.  The Shunammite Woman, a wealthy woman, was not spared because of her wealth, but rather her wisdom in perceiving and receiving the Man of God. Her astounding heart to serve propelled her to safety and divine restitution of all and even more than she had.

It is wise not get into a mindset that puffs you up and causes you to believe you have entitlements to anything as in the case of Naaman and Gehazi. You cannot afford to have that "I am going get mine" attitude nor should you think you are above dipping in certain waters as Naaman did, that attitude nearly cost him his complete healing. 

I will point to 2 Kings 2- Elisha would not leave Elijah side, though the company of prophet continually questioned why he continued on the journey, knowing the Master Prophet would be soon dead. Elisha said, he would not leave Elijah side as long as God and Elijah lived. He essentially told the company of prophets to shut up about it too. You cannot afford to let situations, circumstances or people change your mind about your place in God. Shut them the up and stay right there (wherever there maybe for you). For me it is right here. Because like the Widow with debt and a small amount of oil God will pour out into your situations more than enough and give leftovers. Or should the Lord move you to place of safety to spare you and yours; He will hold, reserve and keep all that is yours to restore it all back to you with residuals. HE IS A MIGHTY GOD. Get in position for His favor to find you.

Hopefully, as you read 2 Kings 2-8 you to will see and receive the key:

Be positioned for God's Favor to Find YOU.

You can find God's Favor in the Lord's Famine, but will you? It is a choice to position yourself in such a way that God's favor finds you. 

Comfort in the Uncomfortable Circumstance

"The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts." [Proverbs 17:3 ESV]

"And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'They are my people'; and they will say, 'The Lord is my God.'" [Zechariah 13:9]

Greetings One & All,

It has been awhile since I posted a key for Jasmin's Praying a Walking in the Spirit. As most of you know I never write here unless under the unction  or influence of the Holy Spirit. I have been supping with the Father, feasting on His Daily Bread (the Word of God), studying (implementing the supplement in my daily walk of life) and recieving new keys for walking in the Will of God. I am humbled and honor to share some with you now.

You will note a few slight changes to the format of Jasmin's Praying and Walking in the Spirit-nothing major but nonetheless changed. 

Jasmin's Testimony

I last posted exactly seven months ago on May 6, 2012.  Since that time I have experienced a number of battles, hardships; well in a nutshell the issues of life. All in all during the past seven months I arrived at the conclusion, I have the capacity to get comfort in the uncomfortable circumstances or places in my life. I discovered a new key for praying and walking in the spirit. Knowing. Knowing is such a powerful key but it also a very difficult key to obtain. In order to obtain the key of knowing you must become proficient in not knowing. 

There came a time in Apostle Paul's life, despite being a highly educated man,  he started testifying that he decided he know nothing expect Jesus Christ crucified. "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." [1 Corinthians 2:2 NIV] I am admittedly am nearly at that place. I say nearly at that place of resolve to know nothing because I am truly a control freak.  All my life has been about acquiring knowledge--knowing. I needed to know the how, what, where, when & most definitely WHY.  I know no one else is as bad as I in this control thing.

I am a witness and testify that God will take one to place of knowing nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified. On the journey to that place despite have multiple degrees, having obtained accolades of friends and foes; much acclaim one will resolve to know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified. The roads to such resolve came to me under heavy burdens--I had to give them all to Father. At the place of departure I did not have any insights of the delays, detours or deadends that would be encountered along the route to my destination. There were many miles between my wrong turns, missed signs and overshot exits. I cannot tell you of all the U-turns I had to make or how long before I would inevitably need to make that 180 degree turn back to this missed point. Along the journey I discovered in spite of the mishaps my destination is sure--as it was God who started on my way.  I gather my wits and take comfort in the uncomfortable circumstances as I journey as I have given the steering wheel into God able hands.

Jasmin's Prayer

Father I enter your courts with praise and thanksgiving.  You Are the light of my Life, my strength and redeemer. My whole being makes a boast in you. You are worthy to be Adored and Lifted UP!

Father you are most loving and kind. Your Justice and Mercy is not as mine nor as any man or woman I know. I am comfortable with YOU driving and I am sorry (most regretful) that I took so long to give YOU the wheel. I know You want the best for me and I have to admit I don't know what that is or even when I will obtain the best that You have planned to give me --I simply  know now that everything you have for me will be mine.

It has taken much time  for me to resolve  to know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I want to see where I am going, to know what I am doing and how it going to get done at all times, that is just me being real with you, Father. But is also real for me to say, 'I love You and also love the truth'. The Truth is what Your Word says: " No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." [1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV]. I am further resolved to know "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purspose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the first born among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; tos he justified, he also glorified. [Romans 8:28-30 NIV] I am resolved to the know the Truth that there is nothing I, anyone or anything can do to stop this love affair we have going on "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in christ Jesus our Lord." [Romans 8:30-37 NIV] Amen.

KEY FOR WALKING IN THE SPIRIT



"The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts." [Proverbs 17:3 ESV]

"And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'They are my people'; and they will say, 'The Lord is my God.'" [Zechariah 13:9 ESV]

It is not wise, prudent or intelligent to be at odds with the process of life. You are not born into this world with knowledge to life as God intended you to. We are born in sin & shaped in inquity. That is the truth. Jesus left his position in Heaven and came here just like us but choice to sin not. He did what the Father asked him to do by Choice. He gave up his will to do the will of Him who sent and sit him on the path. Jesus said to his disciples, "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come." [Luke 17:1] The mere reality of walking out our journey to the road to living life the way God originally planned is a battlefield. Look at what Jesus said carefully--'things that cause people to sin are bound to come.' Sin to be clear is anything that is disobeys God's instructions for His people. As you continue reading Luke 17 you see Jesus transparency and insightful telling us messing up is part of the journey but so is forgiveness, faith ('as small as a mustard seed') and the expectancy to carry out God's assigned tasks. (Take time and read it for yourself ). 

Let me address the scriptures I openned with that reference silver & gold. Do your own research on silver and gold. Please comment here & let me what you find. These precious metals have to be processed. They must go through their processes in order to achieve value or worth. What of you?  As you go through your processes that are uncomfortable, do not think it strange or attribute your refining process (that is from God's point of view) meant to give you valuation.  There is comfort in the uncomfortable circumstances to know nothing at all except Jesus Christ and him crucified. Think of Jesus' walk, ministry and reign. It was not easy but it also was not with cost. There came a point Jesus couldn't see going through but evenso, though he didn't see how he gave in and way to WHO. He put his trust in the Father's capable hand to do it for him and the rest has given us all access to abundant and eternal life.

What good would it be for obedience to exist if there was no disobedience. Remember God put all the trees in Garden of Eden but He gave man the choice. Jesus despite what you have learned also had a choice. He faced them all the time but he loved and obey the Father who sent him to die. Jesus laid it on the line and allows us to get a clear example that it is a choice to do the will of the Father, which is to love & obey Him.

What is baffling to me is that we are willing to spend so much time & energy in gathering knowledge to achieve results that equate us with the creation but not so much with the Creator. Honestly speaking from your own prospective--what has that yielded for you?  Jesus did many unheard of signs & wonders without exerting any effort. Water-turned to wine; a few loaves of bread & fishes feed thousands; demons fled; dead people rose...fig trees died. Today's we struggle with paying bills, fighting diseases, depression (emotional and economic) despite being highly educated, capable and intelligent. 

Allow me to give  you this invaluable tip--forget about it. God knows all about every uncomfortable circumstance you face, but take comfort in knowing you will be refined through whatever it is and you shall come out as gold. 

Send me your prayer requests. Let me come in agree with you. I take comfort in knowing in all things God is working it out for you.