Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Wednesday 7/1/09) 6/25/09)

Today's Devotional Written By a Beautiful God Gifted Woman..Tracy Koweh

Lions and Tigers and Bears, “Oh, My”

1 Samuel 17:47 (New Living Translation)

⁴⁷ And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!”

I’m sure we all know the story of David and Goliath, but do we really KNOW the story. Today I found myself in the middle of two similar situations, involving two very different people. Both people were in the midst of a stormy season on their jobs. Both are under a level of attack that could easily be compared to the size of Goliath. Both have the outward appearance of David to their enemies right now.

What’s so crazy is that throughout my day I kept hearing “the story of David and Goliath” in my spirit. So last night I read the entire story and the points that stuck out blew my mind away. 1.David wasn’t even in the army- - -so he wasn’t a “qualified” fighter in the eyes of the Philstines, the king, the army, or his brothers. 2. David was simply asking a question about Goliath when word got to the king. 3. When the king finally agreed to let him fight, he gave David his armor- -- -but David gave it back. 4. Goliath wasn’t David’s first victory- - -he had taken down lions and bears that tried to take out his sheep.

So what does all of this mean. 1. If we are soldiers in God’s army there is nothing we can’t defeat. 2. God has a way to get us right in the position we need to be in for battle. 3. God has a plan and destiny tailored made for each of us. We don’t need to borrow another man’s suit because it’s not equipped to handle our battles. 4. No matter where we are in life, God has given us little pop quizzes along the way, before the final exam.

Today as we head into another day on the battlefield, let’s do what David did. He let Goliath know that God was going to bring about the victory, and that he was simply the vessel being used. Sometimes God has to let it get to a point where only He will be able to get the glory in the end. Be encouraged and know that although David had 5 stones (5 = grace), it only took one ROCK to kill the giant.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day (Tuesday 6/30/09)

Today's Devotional Written By a Beautiful God Gifted Woman..Tracy Koweh

In Case of Robbery

John 10:10 (New Living Translation)

¹⁰ The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

As some of you know, I’m a loan officer at a credit union. Every quarter we go through different trainings to protect ourselves and our company’s assets. One of the trainings we go through is “In Case of Robbery”. It’s a DVD that shows an actual robbery in progress and what actions we are to take once the robbery is complete.

The first step is to let a team leader know and they immediately go into securing the branch. If a robbery occurs at our institution we must call 3 people: the police, the FBI, and our regional managers. Last week as I was going through my robbery ‘stand down’ the Lord quicken in my spirit that when the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy us, we too should call on 3: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

A robbery can come in any form. It could be the un-destined lost of a loved one, the loss of a job, a divorce, a bankruptcy, and the list goes on. No matter what the enemy has stolen, we can always call on our enforcer to retrieve it. God is greater than anything we could ever acquire or lose. Anything meant for us, will be ours if we put it in God’s hand. What doors He opens, no man can close. What doors He closes, no man can open.

Today as we look back over the things that have been taken from us, let’s turn over our information to the proper authorities and let God handle it. Job lost everything, but God gave it all back, greater and better than before.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Monday 6/29/09)

Today's Devotional Written By a Beautiful God Gifted Woman..Tracy Koweh

The Future is in our Hands……..

Psalm 127:3 (Amplified Bible)

³Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.^(A)

Today’s message in the music comes from Whitney Houston’s “I Believe the Children are our Future”. The song is about encouraging our children of today, because they will soon be our adults of tomorrow. So many times our children our pushed to the side while we carry on about our business.

Television and video games have replaced mothers and fathers. Fast food and microwaves have become breakfast, lunch and dinner for some. We have to remember that the children our future. That each generation is faster and smarter the one before it. We need to redirect our priorities and show our children that they are irreplaceable and not an inconvenience.

When God sent Jesus to die on the cross, He didn’t just do it for those alive at the time, but for all of His child to come. As a parent your child’s need, wants and desires are suppose to override your own. I’m so thankful to have a Father in heaven who does just that. God doesn’t always say yes to our requests, but He is always there and that’s what matters most.

Today as we prepare to head into another week, lets purpose in our hearts to sow a seed into our future. Whether its taking a child out for a walk in the park, reading them a bed time story or just dropping off an outfit…………….. Together one child at a time, we can reshape our future.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Friday 6/26/09)

Today's Devotional Written By a Beautiful God Gifted Woman..Tracy Koweh

Time for a Rebound

Matthew 24:36 (New Living Translation)

³⁶ “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.^[a] Only the Father knows.

This past Monday night on MTV’s Run’s House, Rev’s oldest son JoJo was arrested for smoking weed. The show went through the normal ups and downs of the situation and the consequences, but what stood out the most was the family moment at the end. Rev had the family meet in the gym for a game of basketball. He said that even though Jo Jo had made a mistake, he could still rebound from it. He still had time to make a change.

Yesterday’s blog was focused on the people that God didn’t give a second chance too, but today’s message is about those of us still here to repair our destinies. As we all know the Farrah Fawcett and legendary Michael Jackson passed away yesterday. Any unfinished business or unfulfilled assignments on their lives, will have to stay that way. They won’t be able to repair, explain, or correct the things they didn’t get quite right.

The blessing that we have is that we still can. No matter how bad we may have messed up, for whatever reason, God has purposed for us to live another day. If we learn nothing else from this tragic event other than tomorrow is not promised, then we have learned a great lesson.

Today as we prepare to enter the weekend, let us not take another minute for granted. Let us thank God for his second and third chances in life, but let us show God how much we appreciate Him by living each moment for Him. If you missed the shot. Don’t stay down. Get up and grab the ball. And get your REBOUND. R.I.P Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Thursday 6/25/09)

Today's Devotional Written By a Beautiful God Gifted Woman..Tracy Koweh

One Shot

1 Samuel 15:22 (New Living Translation)

²² But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.

Recently there have been several sad stories in the news of lives taken and no second chances given. Sometimes in life we take God’s grace and mercy for granted and live as if tomorrow is a sure thing for us. The story of 16 yr old Neda in Iran, the 39 yr old security guard in DC, the innocent people dying everyday because they have gotten caught in someone else’s crossfire. None of these people will get a second chance to make things right, or do things differently.

So I started to look at stories in the Bible and realized that the First Family of Faith (Adam and Eve) didn’t get a second chance. They ate the fruit and God kept his word. He kicked them out of the garden. No if’s, and’s or but’s about it. They were evicted with no second chances. Lot’s wife immediately turned into a pillar of salt and Judas killed himself. None of these biblical people had a second chance.

Now there are just as many stories in the Bible where God’s grace and mercy kept certain people, but the point is that we never know. Do we really want to keep testing God? Last night in Bible Study my pastor said that if you’re still fighting the same demon as the day you first got saved, then you’re not maturing or growing.

Today I challenge you to give the devil a run for his money. If he’s going to keep attacking you, at least make him have to attack you with something new. You never know if you’re going to get a second chance to make it right, repent or say you’re sorry. So today let’s strive to live life as if God is only giving us……………..One Shot.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Wednesday 6/24/09)

Today's Devotional Written By a Beautiful God Gifted Woman..Tracy Koweh

Abortions Anonymous…….

Deuteronomy 30:19 (King James Version)

¹⁹I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Recently there was a big story in the news of a doctor who was shot to death at church. Apparently he was shot for performing abortions on women who were in there third trimesters. I believe that any abortion kills a child, but almost all people agree that abortion so late in a pregnancy is the same as a murder. There is no denying that an embryo that far along is beyond question or reason a human being.

This morning as I was preparing for work I thought of all the visions and assignments from God that over the years I had aborted. I recalled different people I was suppose to bless or minister to and never got around to it. Anytime God lays a plan, a promise or a petition on our heart, he is planting a seed in us. Over time that seed begins to grow within us, the same way a child grows inside the womb. Each seed goes through different stages and progressions like a pregnancy, until it is time for the labor to begin.

Carrying a child for any period of time is no easy task. It requires diet changes, routine changes, and multiple blood testing. In life we go through the same process when its time to birth a new level in our spiritual lives. We should check what we are eating, what we are involved in, and that our blood tests come back positive for child of God. The next time you judge a female for aborting her unborn child, ask yourself what unborn vision have you aborted in secret.

Today let’s not give up or let the fear of the labor pains scare us into a third trimester abortion. So many times we are right there in the final days and just need to push, but we give up and never get to experience the joys of our pregnancy. Male and female alike carry destiny within, and we all need to bring our destinies to pass. Where would you be today if Jesus aborted the cross?

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Tuesday 6/23/09)

Today's Devotional Written By a Beautiful God Gifted Woman..Tracy Koweh

One Day You’ll Need Your Judas

Psalm 110 A Psalm of David.

¹THE LORD (God) says to my Lord (the Messiah), Sit at My right hand, until I make Your adversaries Your footstool.^(A)

Its funny how sometimes God will use the person you dislike the most in life, or the person who you treated the worst to be the gateway to your blessing. I always admired Judas for one thing: fulfilling his destiny. I believe he did exactly what he was supposed to do. What he thought was for his own personal gain and greed, started the greatest testimony of Jesus’s life.

For 30 pieces of silver Judas betrayed the one person who was to save mankind. I only wish that Judas had realized he only needed to ask for forgiveness. But in life we have people who we assume God is going to use to bless us, and we count out our haters, abusers, and doubters. They are the greatest blessings because we know they were truly from God.

God turned what was meant to destroy Jesus, into the very thing that made Him Jesus. They meant to break Him down, but God raised Him up. They lied on Him, but God made sure the truth came out. We should really be careful who we decide to turn our backs on, lie about, stab in the back, talk about and just out right mistreat…………. because we don’t know what role they may play in our destiny.

Today as we evaluate ourselves and how we treat others, let’s remember that the bridge we burn down today, maybe the very bridge we needed to get to the other side of our destiny.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Monday 6/22/09)

Today's Devotional Written By a Beautiful God Gifted Woman..Tracy Koweh

Don’t Give Up Now……..

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (New Living Translation)

⁴ And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. ⁵ I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

Today’s message in the music song comes from Paula Abdul’s classic song “Opposites Attract”. The message is actually from the first two lines of the chorus; I take two steps forward, I take two steps back. In life sometimes we feel like every time we finally make a little progress and move forward, the enemy comes in and finds a way to push us back. But what if the pushing back is just a test of our faith.

Sunday morning I woke up knowing that something amazing was going to happen to me at church, but a series of events almost stopped me from going. I went to make Jaida breakfast and discovered my refrigerator had went out. I recently got the plumbing and heat issue fixed and now this. Realizing no stores would be open until after service, I determined I was going to go to church.

Next was the spilled milk, all over the counter. By now I’m frustrated and border line not going again. My spirit kept reminding me that God had been too good for me to let some spilled milk stop me. So leaving late, we were headed to church. Now, I feel something on my back. Yep, while driving to church there is a bee on me. I thought I have to get to church because everything is trying to hold me back.

In life, and in the moment of crisis, little things can seem so big. Sometimes we feel like we will never get ahead, but sometimes God is testing us to see if He’ll be able to trust us with the blessings He has in store for us. The father’s day message was just want I needed to hear, but had I let a few minor things- now in hindsight- stop me from going, I would have missed out on a great moment of healing and deliverance for myself.

Today let us stay focused on the big picture and realize that everything in the middle is stepping stones to our destiny. Turn your obstacles into opportunities to show God that you trust He will make a way out of no way. The road maybe rough and rocky, but there is a driver who can handle the wheel……………….if we turn our will over to Him and let Him drive.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Friday 6/19/09)

Today's Devotional Written by a Young Woman Who is Found a Voice and A Word To Speak, Tracy Koweh...

A Fatherless Nation

Proverbs 3:11-12 (New Living Translation)

¹¹ My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. ¹² For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.^[a]

This week on the Michael Baisden show, the topic has been fatherhood. Some days were about good fathers, some about bad and some about fathers taking care of kids that are unknowingly not theirs. Different fathers called in to speak what was on their hearts; involved fathers, M.I.A. fathers, step fathers, adoptive fathers, and some single mothers.

The caller that got my attention was a father who read off the statistics of a child who grows up with no father figure in their life. A child is more likely to drop out of school, do drugs, become incarcerated, commit rape, attempt a robbery, and the list went on, if they grow up without a father figure in their lives. This was not a black or white issue, it was simply the stats of a fatherless childhood.

Now am I saying that all children are doomed to failure without the presence of a father? No, but the truth of the matter is that everyone needs a father figure. Someone who will keep them in line when they start to drift off the course, and someone who is strong enough to protect us from the storms of the world. Some of us have been blessed with this in our natural fathers, but all of us can experience this with our Heavenly Father God was strong enough to send Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, and still gentle enough to calm the raging seas.

Today as we prepare to enter into the weekend and celebrate Father’s Day, lets not forget to appreciate the Father who gives us the breathe of life each morning. If you know a good Father, encourage and support him- - - - not just on the holiday, but everyday. Remember, to the adults………… it’s about the dime, but to the children……….. it’s about the time. Happy Father’s Day

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Thursday 6/18/09)

Today's Inspired Words Of Encourgement Written By A Tremendously Gifted Young Woman, Tracy Koweh

Time for a Time Out

Philippians 4:7 (Amplified Bible)

⁷And God's peace [shall be yours, that ^[a]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall ^[b]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Something crazy happened to me on Tuesday evening, I went to bed at 745pm. I never go to bed that early, even if I want to. Every night I have a list of things that I have to do, so that the next morning things will run smoothly. I have to clean and fill Jaida’s cup, pack her bag, do her flashcards and read a book with her. Then there’s packing her lunch, breakfast and snack for daycare. After she’s asleep I normally write the blog and then get my clothes picked out for the next day. I finally turn it in around 930-10, but not this Tuesday.

I got home and found myself unable to move. Unmotivated to do anything. I didn’t want to cook, fed J, or even get up to change out of my work clothes- - - -I just wanted to rest. Problem with my personal request is that I live at home with a two year; someone unable to take care of herself, so I had to push. I managed to feed her and that was about all. I called Lisa and asked her to write the blog and then prayfully and thankfully, me and Jaida feel sound asleep.

Now, aware of the many things I still needed to do, I woke up a little earlier the next morning, but I felt so refreshed. I felt brand new. Completely restored. I had just rested. No talking on my phone. No checking emails or profile sites. I just rested. I let go and trusted that everything would be taken care of. Not only did I get everything accomplished, I left earlier than normal. I got to work early and noticed how much calmer I was.

Sometimes in our lives, spiritual and natural, we get caught up in all the things that need to get done, we forget to rest in the Almighty. We drain ourselves down to empty, and roll on fumes instead of pulling into the station for a fill-up. It doesn’t take God long to pour into us, but we have to stop sometimes and make ourselves available. Today let’s check to see if our gas light is on, and take a moment to fill up on God. Enjoy His peace and strength today.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Wednesday 6/17/09)

Shedding Some Unneeded Pounds...

Hebrews 12:1-2 (Amplified Bible)

¹THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,

²Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Summertime is here and everyone is on a kick to loss weight, get in shape or tone for the remaining months of the summer. Like everyone else I am no different, my daughter and I about two weeks ago determined that it was time to get "crack'in" and hit the diet and exercise trail. We each have our own reasons for wanting to lose some pounds but we both know that it is necessary and something that we need to do for our own betterment. During the winter months it seemed so easy not to pay attention to those extra pounds and that excess baggage I was carrying because it was covered by layers of clothing and welcomed almost by the need to keep warm, through cold months.

Strangely enough this is the cycle we must all come to in our spiritual walk, if we desire to move forward in Christ and if we are desirous of a closeness and an intimacy with God that clears the clouds of the winter and dries the rain of the spring and fall. God's love warms us and covers us so we do not need fear, anger, mistrust, control, judgement and so many other characteristics to cover us. For when He comes in, to run the race that He sets before us we must get in shape and shed the pounds of every thing and anything contrary to the knowledge of Christ. Have you ever tried to run with a backpack filled, or tried to run after a long lay off from a fitness program? Oh my goodness, the first time you attempt this you feel as if you might die, because the weight you are carrying is not something you are use to and it is weight that is not really yours to carry. But after you begin to shed some pounds and get into a regular work out routine you find those feelings of dying are few and far between.

It is time to shed those weights that hold us back from God and hold us back from really being obedient to the will of God. As you climb the hill of the week and begin your decent towards the weekend, ask Go and your self what is really weighting you down, keeping you out of God's presence and out of His perfect will? If only we can be honest with ourselves we might just find we need to take off some weight, and strip away some pounds that have been added to our lives, because of things we have lived through or gone through. It's time to detox from all those toxins in your spirit and get on a diet of prayer, the word, devotion and time with God. It is time to get fit for the journey, it is time to eat to live and live to eat!

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Tuesday 6/16/09)

Today's Insightful Devotional Was Written By Tracy Koweh...

It’s All About Your Point of View……….

Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified Bible)

³You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

In life we are constantly faced with situations that cause us to have to search deep within ourselves to find the answers. I’m sure at one point in your life you’ve been asked the question, “Is the glass half empty, or half full”. I don’t believe there is a right or wrong answer, but I do think it depends on the mindset of the individual pondering the question.

Jaida has an Elmo DVD that she loves to watch, and there’s a song called “It’s All About Your Point of View”. The song is sung by Vanessa Willams, who owns what with the human eye, appears to be a junk yard. Elmo stumbles upon it and calls it just that, a junk yard. Vanessa Williams and her little creature friends begin to share with Elmo that she sees a kingdom. To her there is a treasure and a story behind each token in her home.

In life I believe we are trained to be Elmo, but with Christ we should be like Vanessa. We should look at the world, test and tribulations as God would see them. God didn’t see a loose woman at the well, He saw an opportunity to heal and show love. God didn’t see David as a puny little boy, but as a warrior who would take down giants.

Today as we prepare to start another day, let’s choose to change our point of view. Let’s make good, what the enemy and our haters meant for evil. Let’s begin to allow the Lord to give us a mind that is set on Him. God didn’t see death at the cross, He saw salvation. Amen.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Monday 6/15/09)

Today's Inspired Words Written By Tracy Koweh...

Who’s Controlling Your Swagg?

Isaiah 40:31 (New Living Translation)

³¹ But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Today’s message in the music comes from the hit song “Turn My Swagg On” by Soulja Boy. Swagg as defined by an unknown yahoo writer is - - - - a persons style, the way they walk, talk, dress. Swagger as defined by another yahoo writer is- - - to move with confidence, sophistication and to be cool.

I first heard this song Thursday morning on my drive home from work. I then heard it again at the UniverSOUL circus Thrusday night. It took me a few times listening to it, to actually catch the words but the theme of the song is that he wakes up in the morning and encourages himself. He looks in the mirror and tells himself “what’s up”. He pumps himself up before starting his day.

In the song he questions why he has so many people hating on him- - -when he hasn’t done anything to any of thing. The two points the Holy Spirit showed me was 1. that I don’t need anybody but myself to tell me how beautiful and wonderful I am and 2. that no matter how hard I try to please the world, there will always be those on my journey trying to stop my swag.

Today as we start another work week, let’s determine to be in control of our swag. Let’s make up in our hearts that no man or woman will have control over our swagg. I think the reason Jesus was able to do what He did on Earth, was because He was rooted in who He was in God. Therefore, no devil in hell could break His swagg. So children of God, determine today to walk in the boldness that your creator blessed you with and have a swaggalicious wee

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Friday 6/12/09)

The Inspired Word For Today Written By Tracy Koweh

You Can’t Go With Me…………..

2 Timothy 4:8 (Amplified Bible)

⁸[As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor's] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day--and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return).

     A few Sundays ago in church, my pastor said that if you’re doing the will of God, chances are you’re not too popular. This statement struck me hard at first, but then brought about a sense of peace. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been popular. I’ve always had that special something about me that drew crowds, but these past few years I’ve noticed a decline in numbers in my life.

 

      At first it bothered me, but then I began to understand that everybody can’t go where God is taking me. Sometimes we miss out on what God has for us trying to hold on to dead weight. Sometimes we miss out on His favor, because  the people around us, cause us to doubt who we are in Christ. No matter how far you go in life, there will always be someone trying to hold you back. It’s not always easy to let go of somebody, but holding on can be fatal. When the Lord comes back, everyone won’t be leaving with him.  

 

     Today as we prepare to head into the weekend, let’s do an inventory check on the company we are keeping. Are we hanging out with people trying to push us pass the limit, or people trying to take us to the limit? Do we associate with people who rejoice when we are blessed, or people who try to make us question if our blessing is from God? Being voted most popular by peers, but most unknown by God, will land us in a very stalemate state of living. 

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Thursday 6/11/09)

Today's Devotional Written By a Insightful and Inspires Woman Of God, 

Tracy Koweh

Are You Expecting a Trophy?

Colossians 3:23-24 (New Living Translation)

²³ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ²⁴ Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.^[a]

 

I’ve been a single mother for a little over 2 years, and in that time I can count on my hands how many times Jaida’s dad has been there for her. Now, I’m not putting him in the deadbeat dad category because I do know that his job has been a very large factor to his absence. However, the thing that cracks me up is that when he does show up, it’s like he is father of the year.

 

If he gives her a bath, or gets her dressed its like the whole world should stop and applaud, I’m in the background thinking, “I do this all day- - - everyday, and there is no end of the day standing ovation for me.”

 

The other day as I was talking to God, He showed me that a lot of us are like this. If we tithe, pray or give Him some praise, we expect Him to bless us with a house, car or promotion. If we help out a friend that may be less fortunate than we are, we expect the windows of heaven to open up and flood our lives. When Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and saved us sinners…………………He didn’t shout it out on the mountain top, or wait for a crowd of people to come witness His acts of godliness. In fact He did His father’s business and kept it moving. It was word of mouth that got the news of the wonderful miracles of Jesus out.

 

So as we get ready to start another day, let’s check our motives for doing the things we do. Let’s make sure we are doing them as unto the Lord, and not for bragging purposes or recognition rights. If we do what we are supposed to do, the world will take notice. Take a clue from Nike………. don’t talk about what you’re going to do, JUST DO IT!!!!!!! 

Words Of Encouraegment To Start The Day ( Wednesday 6/10/09)

Today's Devotional Written By a Insightful and Inspires Woman Of God, 

Tracy Koweh

God’s Google……….

Hebrews 4:12 (New Living Translation)

 ¹² For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

  The internet can be a very dangerous and scary place for people who abuse it, but in the right hands it can be a life saving tool. There are a million search engines to help you find just what you are looking for. You can find videos of people, pictures, articles, criminal records and the list goes on.

 

   With the world being so crazy lately, it has been advised that you “google” a person before getting into any type of relationship with them. On the radio the other day there was a report that  companies will “google” a qualified applicant and use what they find to make or break a job offer.

 

  This morning as I was googling a particular person I’ve recently come in contact with, I was very amazed at how much he had accomplished in the world and his community. It showed me another layer of this person in a few minutes that it may have taken me months to discover on my own. Well, as I was going through the many links I thought “what if there was a God’s Google”?

 

  What if you could go to a site and check out someone’s TRUE spiritual profile. Instead of how many friends they have, it would show how many lives they brought to the kingdom. You’d be able to see if they were a faithful or conditional tither/giver. What if there was a list of sins committed in the past 12 months posted as a blog? What if you could see if they were a dead beat dad, a loose woman, a molester, a praiser, a prayer, a faker, or the real deal all in the click of a button.

 

Today as we head into hump day,  let’s work on cleaning up our spiritual page, because although there is no God’s Google on the internet, there is one in heaven. When you get to the gates and Gabriel pulls up your profile on the big screen, what do you want it to show? You and only you, control what will be uploaded on your page.   

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Tuesday 6/9/09)

Today's Devotional Written By a Insightful and Inspires Woman Of God, 

Tracy Koweh

Unexpected Visit

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁹Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own, ²⁰You were bought with a price [purchased with a ^[a]preciousness and paid for, ^[b]made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.

 

My mom has a beautiful house and I often tell people it could be on MTV’s Crib. No matter when I decide to “drop by” for a quick visit, her house is acceptable for a guest. Now me on the other hand, I have a well kept clean house as well, but if you catch me on the wrong day, you’d think a hurricane came through it. I was talking to Lisa the other night about how the possibility of company has made me stay on top of things in my home. I have a two year old with the energy of a mustang, so this is not always an easy task.

 

The conversation sparked something in my spirit about the condition we keep our spiritual homes in. Are our homes ready for a pop-up inspection from the Father at anytime, or just moments right before a service? Could the Lord just show up today, or would you need a 15 min notice when He is on His way? Our bodies belong to the Father, and we should do our best to keep them pure and holy. This is not just about sex. It’s about the words we allow to come out of our mouths, the things we allow to come into our souls- - -both visual and auditory, the lies we speak, the rumors we spread, the drugs we use, the people we abuse. If God stopped in today and needed a scripture, would you know where your Bible was? Would you have to run to your car to get it? Or better yet, would you be able to assist the Lord from your spirit. The word is what will wash us and make us whole. It’s what will sustain us and keep us clean. Its bleach compared to regular household cleaners- - - - - - it sanitizes, disinfects and leaves a sweet aroma that fills the entire room.

 

Today as we tidy up the external places in our lives, let’s spend some time cleaning up the interior places. Holiness is a daily process and we will all fall short at times, but the key is to dust yourself off and get back up. No one likes to visit or eat at a dirty house, and God is no different. Don’t miss out on the greatest house guest to ever walk this Earth, because you didn’t make the time to get rid of the garbage in your life.  

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Monday 6/8/09)

Today's Devotional Written By a Insightful and Inspires Woman Of God, 

Tracy Koweh

Closest Christian

2 Corinthians 5:17 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁷Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

  Today’s message in the music is from Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out”. The song is known to people as the anthem for homosexuals to come out of the closet, but the message of the song can be used for a multitude of situations.

 

  These past few weeks I’ve found myself in some situations with people where being a Christian wasn’t the easiest thing to be. I had to choose to stay in the closest or speak out about my God. It’s easy to be a shouting saint on Sunday in the sanctuary, but what about when you’re looking the devil straight in the eye? What about when your friends call you weak or crazy for upholding the principles in the Bible? Do you fold under pressure or lie and say you’re not going to obey God verbally, but secretly you plan on doing the God’s will when no one is around.

 

  The Bible says that if we are ashamed of Him in public, then He will do the same to us. I’d hate for God not to bless me because Satan is standing around. I’d hate for God not to heal me, because a doctor in my hospital room is not a believer. The song says “There is a new me coming out”, and this past Sunday God has shown me out important that statement is. It doesn’t matter what’s in your past, its over with. You have to choose what you want to do from this point on.

 

  Today as we start this new week, let’s ask God to give us a boldness to stand up for Him. Let us no longer be closest Christians. God has been too good to us all, for us to be cowards for Him. Be blessed, be brave and be bold!!! 

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Friday 6/5/09)

The Thing You Cursed Was Really The Blessing That Kept You...

1 Corinthians 2:13-15 (Amplified Bible)

¹³And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].

    ¹⁴But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

    ¹⁵But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].

     People are funny.  They often have an odd way of showing that they love and appreciate the very thing that they have prayed for.  I have a friend and before she came to work for the company she previously worked for, the business was falling apart.  But when God allowed her to came in, she came armed with God's favor and anointing.  Those who encountered her ( for the most part), loved her, but those very individuals who prayed for help to come the most began to call her a curse instead of a blessing, a hindrance instead of a help.  But God is funny about stuff like that, He very rarely allows His people to stay in  a situation to be misused and abused, for long.  Eventually He removed her, and the business began to fail at an alarming rate, it dissipated at a rapid pace and was worse than before she started working there.  You see when she left so did the peace of God, the anointing of God, and the favor that was abiding on her went with her when she left.  

     It is seldom that people will correlate their mistreatment of others and misunderstanding of God to what is happening in their lives. It is easier to blame everything but our lack of connection to God, to others and our lack of disconnection from our own selfishness and self absorption. You see God will send our deliverance and it may not come, look, walk, talk or act like we may want it to, but it is still the blessing that we need.  But so often we label it contrary to what it is just because it does not fit our profile.  All the while God is saying didn't you ask for my help, didn't you ask for a blessing, but we reject it because it doesn't look or act right to us.  After God tries to send us sign after sign that it is Him and we continue to reject His will and blessing for our lives, He will remove it.  It is often only then that we are able to see recognize that things are messed up or that we are struggling worse than before, but often pride and lack of true connection and submission to God will keep us from seeing that our reaction, lack of acceptance is why we are where we are today, right in the midst of a struggle.

     So as we enter the weekend and end our work week.  Look at where we were and where we are now. Who has God sent our way that we refused to receive or see through the Father's eyes? You see blessings rarely come the way we want them, but they are there for a purpose and they are sent to help not to hurt, to aide not to destroy, to uplift not to take down. But if we are looking through a dirty glass how can we ever see the content of the container?  We can't, let God clean our hearts, our minds, and our vision, so that we will be able to see His blessing in our lives, even when they don't come in the form we want, or think they should.  

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Thursday 6/4/09)

Today's Devotional Written By One Who I AM Sure God Is Watching With Great Pleasure...

Tracy Koweh

Still in Pull-Ups?

1 Corinthians 13:11 (New Living Translation)

 ¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.

This week my 2 year old daughter has been going to a new daycare, while her normal provider is on vacation. For the past 6 months we’ve been playing the “I’m a big girl, I’m a baby” game when it comes to potty training. Monday when I picked her up I was so surprised to hear that she went to the potty all day by herself, and without even being prompted .

 

Well, later on that evening Jaida went potty all over herself. I thought what happened. How could you be on the ball in front of strangers and come home and just digress? Why do I have to ask you all day and night if you need to go, but when I’m not around you can go all by yourself? The answers were so simple. When she is at home with me she wants to be the baby, but to the world she wants them to see her as a big girl. Even as a toddler she has learned to play the game.

 

In our adult lives we do the same thing. When we are alone and needing God to deal with our problems we turn into little babies. We don’t know how to do anything at times. We become afraid and childlike. We act like we can take down a small demon on our own, but when the world shows up- -- -  we act like we got it all together. We become grown up when our pride is on the line.

 

Today as we begin to look at what stage of growth we’re at in life, strive to move to the next step. It’s time to take the pull-ups off and handle our own poop. If he still has to ask you to pray, tithe, or just be faithful….then chances are, you’re not as grown up as you think you are.   

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day (Wednesday 6/3/09)

Today's Devotional Written By One Who I AM Sure God Is Watching With Great Pleasure...

Tracy Koweh

And the Winner is.....................

Jeremiah 17:9-10 (New Living Translation)

 ⁹ “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? ¹⁰ But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”

   For the past two years I’ve been trying to make it to the Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards Show in Las Vegas. Last year my girlfriend didn’t buy a plane ticket early enough so we cancelled. This year we waited too long and it sold out. The reason the Hoodie Awards appeal to me is because it’s for honoring the everyday superstars in our communities. The categories range from “Best Hairdresser”, to “Best High School Teacher”, to “Best Church Choir”. You can nominate anybody, any person and any group. Then the top 3 or 4 from each category go on to possibly win the actual title or category.

 

   I thought what an impact a person or group would have to make on a community to first be nominated, but then to inspire so many votes to make it to the finals. It made me ask how the Jesus Christ Heaven or Hell Awards would go down.  With the way you are living your life today, how many people would feel you were worthy enough for their vote. And more importantly what would they vote you for. Would your lifestyle get you in the “Most Faithful of Followers” or the “Most Likely to Fall”? Would you be up for the “Most Anointed Prayer” or the “Greatest Perpetrator” category?

 

   These awards won’t be for the T.D Jakes and Eddie Longs. God is watching all of us and he is waiting for us to make an impact on the world. We are suppose to be the light of the Earth. We need to start being a part of the light, and stop trying to hang out in the dark. We can touch just as many people as the Joel Osteens in the world, if we just do our best to live right on a daily basis.

 

   Today as we enter this hump week let’s check our witness. It doesn’t matter what people think of us because God knows the core of who we are and what we do. So today make sure that when the angels cast their vote, you’re known for being a “Child of God”, and not a “Devil in Disguise”. When God calls your name, what category would you have won…………………………And the Winner is!!!!!

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day (Tuesday 6/2/09)

Today's Blog was Written By Tracy Koweh, A Young Women God Is yet Revealing Himself To.

Turn the Radio Off……………..

Philippians 2:5 (King James Version)

⁵Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

On my drives to work in the morning as I’m talking to God, its just me and Him. No distractions, no cell phones, no radio playing in the background. I can hear so clearly what God is speaking to me. After that I listen to worship music until I get to work. Well, after work the party is on. I am blasting my radio close to the highest volume. I’m singing and dancing and acting a plum fool sitting in rush hour traffic.

 

It almost never fails that when I get home or to my final destination, I open my phone to a missed call or text. I think to myself, “How did that happened?” Well, common sense would tell me that the sound from my radio drowned out the call. Sometimes the call has been from a old friend just wanting to catch up, but sometimes it was from my boss who had or needed some vital information from me.

 

This is sometimes how we operate in our spiritual lives. When we are in ‘Jesus’ mode we tune the rest of the world out, but when we are going throughout the rest of our day we let the sounds of the situations and circumstances drown out the voice of God. So many times we miss a call or text from God because we have so many sounds blasting through our spiritual ear drums. Some calls may have been just to say hello, but other calls may have been to give you healing, deliverance or peace.

 

Many things can be radio’s in our lives………….family, friends, temptation, our past, our fears, and the list goes on. Today as we begin our day, let’s begin to turn the volume down on the foolish things in our lives. The more we allow the voice of God to play loud in our hearts and minds, the sooner the radio will automatically shut off.