Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day (Thursday 10/01/09)

Delayed But Not Denied

Habakkuk 2:2-4 (Amplified Bible)

²And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by.

³For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.

⁴Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right within him, but the [rigidly] just and the [uncompromisingly] righteous man shall live by his faith and in his faithfulness.

Habakkuk 2:2-4 (New Living Translation)

The Lord’s Second Reply

² Then the Lord said to me,

“Write my answer plainly on tablets,
so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.
³ This vision is for a future time.
It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,
for it will surely take place.
It will not be delayed.

⁴ “Look at the proud!
They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked.
But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.

I remember when I was growing up, my grandmother lived with us and it seemed she was always in the kitchen cooking, or preparing for a meal. I remember the sounds and smells of the countless meals and baked goods that will fill the air and rest upon our nostrils, enticing us and calling to us with promises of another excellent meal or soothing treat. I remember sitting on a stool many days and evenings watching and waiting for an opportunity to help with the preparation and even greater anticipation was the dream of eating one of her desserts that always accompanied a meal. Many times when I would express my desire to help or participate in the preparation of the meal, I would be denied (or at least that was what I thought), the larger task, because if eminent danger that was associated with that portion of preparation (knives, hot grease, etc.). I remember my frustration and my diatribe that I was big enough to help. I did not understand that I was not denied I was only in a place of delay. As my time in the kitchen went from days to months and months to years, I became proficient at the craft that I had only observed in the kitchen. I had done my time on the stool of observation and I had now become experienced and trusted to handle any and all portions of preparation that were taking place in the kitchen. You see my time of preparation by observation had kept me in a place of denial but only temporarily, but ultimately prepared me for the task that I would later be entrusted with. You see it was not a denial at all even though it looked and smelled like one, it was a delay.

These wonderful memories afforded God an opportunity to speak to my heart about some areas that I had been delayed in my personal life. He gently reminded me that in this season it is me learning through observation. It has been that God has had me sitting at His feet learning my craft and homing the skills needed to be effective in the areas that He is calling me to. For so many who are reading this you have felt God calling you to something, but it seemed that you are being denied access in that area, for whatever reason. It is not that you are not called, it is that you are being delayed right now because God is teaching you through, His Word, by His Spirit and through time spent in His presence; you are learning by observation. God wants us to know Him and learn His ways before He gives us access to the areas we have been assigned or called to. I have been in many churches and have encountered many individuals that did no sit on the stool of observation, but instead were given or thrown into leadership and positions based upon a known call or their zeal. These individuals often inflicted pain and hurt upon those who, (if they had been taught and sat), they would have blessed through service and ministry.

Today as you are faced with delay, don’t look at it as a negative, but see it for what it really may be which is an opportunity for God to love, teach and mold you into your place of destiny, ministry and purpose. It is God in His infinite wisdom that will slow our roll in order for us to be prepared and get all that we need from Him to be effective and all that He has called us to be!

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Wednesday 9/30/09)

Today’s Devotional Written By A Young Woman Experiencing God In A Whole New Way: Tracy Koweh

Evidence on your Face..........

John 8:32 (New Living Translation)

32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

My daughter Jai in all of her infinite 2 years of living, has discovered that she can open the refrigerator door. She grabs and eats whatever she can get her hands on. This past week, she discovered a stick of butter and thought it would be a good idea to sneak it into her room and eat it. I'm assuming she didn't like it all that well, because she hid the rest under her slide. I knew something was up when she wouldn't come and I had called her.

So when I went into her room and saw her, I asked if she had taken the butter out of the fridge. Of course she said no. Even had I not known the truth already, she had the evidence all over her face and hands. She didn't realized that she left evidence behind that told the true story. So many times in our spiritual life's we do the same thing. We attempt to hide from God. We cover up our true feelings because we think we shouldn't think them, or that we are unholy if we have a moment of wondering “why me” or “when will this test be over”.

But just as I saw Jai covered in the physical, God sees us just as clear in the spiritual. He knows us inside and out so why perpetrate. Lisa jokes me all the time because of the “fights” and “tantrums” I throw with God. I told her, whether I say them out loud or not, He knows I'm battling with a certain issue, or He knows I have an attitude about an assignment He has given me. I've learned its so much easier to just confess it and move on.

Today as we enter into this hump day, let us allow God to clean up the sticky situations we get ourselves in, instead of trying to hide and cover them up. Let us expose ourselves to the Father, so He can begin the cleaning process in our lives.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Tuesday 9/29/09)

Today’s Devotional Written By Young Woman whose Purpose Is By God’s Design…Tracy Koweh

Are You Willing to Pay the Price?

Galatians 6:4-5 (New Living Translation)

⁴ Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. ⁵ For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

As a loan officer I process all types of loans; signature, mortgage, consolidation and auto. It never amazes me at the applications I see for cars that cost more that a monthly day care bill or rental note. These young people attempt to get this big expensive cars so they appear to be in a higher status than they are and can afford to live at. They haven't honestly calculated the cost.

They haven't thought about the sacrifices they'll have to make in order to keep up the payments on the car. They haven't figured gas, insurance and maintenance into their budget. All they see is the image they are portraying. They figure if they drive what the ballers are driving, then it will make them a baller, but they are so sadly mistaken.

So many times in our spiritual lives that's what we do. We go after a status that our spirit doesn't have enough collateral to back. We want the relationship with God that our brother/sister has, but we are not honestly calculating the cost. We ask God when is our turn going to come for the house, the promotion, and the new car, but we never ask God what the requirements or sacrifices of praise it will be to get them. We have a don't ask- - don't tell policy when it comes to paying the price for glory. Even something as simple as writing these blogs, come with a price- - - a huge price. The pastor, the praise singers, the worship dancers, the ministers, the ushers, the nursery workers, all have a price they are paying. Don’t just see the praise, see the pressure. Don’t just crave the gratification, understand there is a crucifixion.

Today let us not feign the fame, but instead let us pursue the cross. Let us determine to give God that which He is asking of us and not our brother or our sister. Let us choose to walk out our destiny and the path which God as paved just for us. Jesus cost was Calvary, do you know what yours is?

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Monday 9/28/09)

Today’s Devotional Written By Young Woman whose Purpose Is By God’s Design…Tracy Koweh

Just Gotta Make It

Psalm 73:23-26 (New Living Translation)

²³ Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. ²⁴ You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. ²⁶ My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Today’s message in the music comes from Trey Songz “Gotta Make It”. The chorus of the song says, “Looking at you day after day, I know I Just Gotta Make It.
Just to see that smile upon your face, I know I Just Gotta Make It. Everything I do I do for you and we, Just Gotta Make It”.

I first heard this song about 3 weeks ago and I feel like it has been stalking me ever since: I’ve listened to it almost non-stop. The song is really about a guy telling his girl that he’s willing to do whatever it takes from them to make it. He tells her he knows that they are not were they are destined to be, but he is going to figure out a way to get them there. He is asking her to hold on and stick it out with him until he can get them from a place of dreaming about the house and car and actually living it.

I think this song got to me so much, because recently I find myself in this season saying to God that “I Just Got to Make it”. The hell I’ve been through, the trials and tests that have tried to destroy me, “I Just Got to Make it”. From childhood scars, miscarriages, divorce, and so many other stresses, “I Just Got to Make it”. But the difference now, is that I don’t want to make it without God. “Make It” for me use to be about the money, house, car and status, but now I just want to make Him smile. I just want to make my Heavenly Father proud of me. So many times we lose focus on what the real prize is. We are busy chasing the dreams of material things, we run right into a reality of nightmares.

Today as we prepare to enter another work week, let us do whatever we need to do to “Make it” into the heart of God. Let us vow that everything we do is for Him. If he doesn’t bless us with a single thing other than breathe today, let us press on until we can say without a doubt……………WE MADE IT. Thank you Father for keeping me!!!

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Friday 9/25/09)

Today’s Devotional Written By An Extraordinary Young Woman Who God Just Won’t Leave Alone: Tracy Koweh

Hold On a Little Bit Longer........ Part II

Hebrews 3:14 (New Living Translation)

14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

Earlier this week there was a news story that brought both sad and happy tears to my eyes. There was a husband and wife stranded for about 3 hours in the flooding waters in Ga. The mother was at one end of the rushing water holding their 1 year old son to a tree, and the father was at the other end holding their 2 year old. Somewhere in that 3 hour time span, the father lost his grip and their 2 year old died in the flood.

The part of the story that God dealt with me on, was the mother/child that survived. I can't imagine how tiring and painful it must have been for that mother to hold on to a tree for 3 hours with water rushing and hitting up against her. I can't begin to know the thoughts that ran through her mind. She not only had to hold on for herself but for her child. I can barely stand to be in a line at the grocery store longer than 10mins, so to have to stand and endure such opposition force for 3 hours is unimaginable. The strength, hope, and faith that woman must have had to continue to hold on. The determination and commitment she must have had to not let go. She literally thought, come hell or HIGH WATER, I'm going to hang on until my rescue comes.

So many times in life we don't lose our grip like the father did, we simply decide to let go. We can't see past the rushing floods of stress, bills, health issues, family problems, and lack of desired results to keep holding on. I don't know what happened on the tree with the little boy, but sometimes no matter how tight the Father tries to hold some of us, we all won't make it. Not because God doesn't want us to, but because we won't hold on long enough to get there. We will see the flood coming, panic and began to fight back- - -instead of rest and let God fight for us. We will kick and scream and feel like we are in control, when all the while the waters of life or slowly pulling us under.

Today as we prepare to head into the weekend, let us purpose in our hearts to not let go. Let us decide to hold on to the tree of Life as long as it takes to get our breakthrough, our victory, our rescue. Just as that mother and son clung to that tree for life, Jesus hung on a tree for our life.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Thursday 9/24/09)

Today’s Devotional Written By An Extraordinary Young Woman Who God Just Won’t Leave Alone: Tracy Koweh

Be the Postage Stamp- -Part 1

Psalm 73:27-28 (New Living Translation)

²⁷ Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. ²⁸ But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Monday afternoon before picking up Jaida I checked my facebook page and saw the message “Be like a postage stamp, and stick with it until you get there”. How powerful a statement I thought. As a situation later unfolded in my life that day, the Lord dropped the message in my spirit again. He asked me why it was so easy for me to run away, to throw in the towel, to give up without looking back?

Yesterday I wrote about how Jesus chose to stand by His promise to obey God no matter what the assignment. Knowing who I am right now, I would have been cool with God asking me to heal people who hated me, do miracles for those who had been crippled since birth, and to hang with people who would one day betray me. But my God, that day that the crucifixion talk came, would have been the last time I spoke to God. How could He want me to give up my life for some who would never accept me? How could He put me through so much pain, when all I had ever done was love Him? I'm so glad for Jesus, cause I don't think I could have done it.

But Jesus did and because of that, God raised Him up. His name is the most powerful name in all the world. Demons shake at the sound of it, addictions are destroyed, families are mended, diseases healed- - -all by His name. The reason Jesus is living in His glory right now, is because He stuck with God. He stuck to God, like a stamp sticks to a letter. Letters go through several different destinations and touch several hands on its journey. Letters get tossed and thrown around. They get stamped, inked and shipped off to the next destination. All the while that stamp is right there. That stamp is the physical evidence that someone has “PAID IN FULL” the price to get that letter from one destination to the next.

Today as we begin another day let us choose to stick to God no matter what comes our way. Let us determine that we will get to our destiny at any cost. Let us go from place to place, touching as many lives as possible, with the stamp of Christ letting the world know that we have been “PAID FOR IN FULL”. Happy Travelling.......

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Wednesday 9/23/09)

Today’s Devotional Written By A Young Woman With More Strength Than She Realizes: Tracy Koweh

It Sounds Good........

John 8:44-47 (New Living Translation)

44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! 46 Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”

We've all heard the saying, “Say what you mean, and mean what you say”, but do we really believe it. When we first start a new job, we say we are going to be on time, show up early and be the best the company has ever seen. When we first join a church, we tell God we are going to join the usher board, pray for the pastor, and bring a new soul to the kingdom every week. When we first have children we promise to love them, spend quality time with them, and teach them the way of the Bible. When we first get a pet, we take them for walks, feed them, bathe them and play with them. When we first get a car, we keep the tank full, the inside clean the outside washed and waxed.

And then something happens. Life kicks in. Trials and stresses come. Traffic and unforeseen morning events cause us to clock in seconds before the time we are to report to work. Gossip and rejection cause us to become idle partners of a congregation. Television shows, facebook and phone calls keep us from spending real time with our children. When the puppy becomes a dog or the kitten a cat, we begin negotiations of who will care for the animal. After the cost of maintenance and up keep of the car start to roll in, we slowing let the appearance of the car go down.

Most times it’s easy for us to honor our words when things are easy and painless, but it means the most when it requires a sacrifice from us. The hardest promise Jesus had to keep was to be crucified. He promised God He would obey Him and He did. Not just when He had the power to heal and work miracles, but also when it required Him to face the most painful part of his destiny. If we are to be like Christ, we should choose the words we say wisely. When we make a vow or promise to God or another person, we should do everything in our power to back it up. I remember my mother telling me, “Don't let your mouth write a check, you can't cash.” Where would we be if God let our faults, our plans, our accidents, cause Him to go back on the things He has promised us? How would we feel if God never came through on His word, and He just told us a lot of things that sounded good?

Today let us be a people of our word. Don't say yes, when you mean no. Don't say you're going to stay, and then leave when things get rough. As we begin this hump day, let us purpose in our hearts to be dependable vessels in the kingdom. Let our word be our word, and most importantly, let our words line up with His Word.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Tuesday 9/22/09)

On Some Different Stuff…

1 Peter 2:9 (King James Version)

⁹But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

1 Peter 2:9 (Amplified Bible)

⁹But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own ^[a]purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9 (New Living Translation)

⁹ But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

I was having a conversation with a new friend; we were conversing about convictions, commitments and our responsibility to God. As I was explaining my view point, about relationships, prayer, fasting and time that is spent with God and what is acceptable in this day and age and what is not, this person said I was definitely on a different page from many people they had encountered that called themselves Christian. It was funny because I immediately said I am a believer, I don’t call myself much else and I try to live my life according to what God outlines in His word and according to the Lord will for my life. This person remarked again you are on some different stuff; because they said I challenged those around me to be different just because of who I was, all I could do was laugh. I thought to myself for someone to make that comment, I know I am on some different stuff.

God called us a peculiar people, a people that are rare, odd, out of the ordinary. But so often we blend into the world because of our behaviors, choices, words and the way we live does not identify us as children of the most High King; we are on the same stuff that everyone else is on. When we chose to walk the walk, talk the talk and live the life that leaves no visible markings of God, we aren’t on much of anything that can be recognized as different. My Grandmother use to tell us Grands all the time the devil knows the bible and can quote it to, but it is not what you know but how you live that makes the difference. When we speak do people hear God in our conversation, when we give of ourselves are people able to identify God’s love and grace in the way we bestow our offerings, when we live are people able to see God’s perfect will being manifested through us? If the answer is yes, you too are on some different stuff, but if the answer is no then you are singing the same song that is heard pumping into the minds and hearts of those consumed with this world.

Can you lose with the stuff you use? That is a question only you can answer. Are you using low octane or are you on God’s high performance octane? If so, then you are on some different stuff, stuff that will set you apart and help you to be an example and make the difference in the lives of those you encounter! We should all desire to stand up and stand out becoming the vessel God has chosen us to be!

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Monday 9/21/09)

Today’s Devotional Written By A Young Woman Who Loves The Lord and Loves To Sow Into The Lives Of Others: Tracy Koweh

Made for Him…………..

Deuteronomy 7:9 (New Living Translation)

⁹ Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.

Today’s Message in the music comes from Gerald Levert’s “I Was Made to Love You”. The chorus of the song says - - -I was made to love you, my hands to touch you, my arms to hold you, my legs to stand, my time to spend, with you forever, i was made, made to love you, my lips to kiss you, my eyes to see you, my legs to stand, my time to spend, with you forever, our life together, i was made, made to love you, made to love you.

Sunday after service driving in the car, God dropped this song in my spirit so hard. Although, one of my favorite songs, I had never thought to relate the song to a persons relationship with Christ. Whether a believer or not, this is why we were created- - -to love God. Everything about us, should give God praise and glory.

The words we speak, the way we wear our clothes, our demeanor in and outside of church, our attitude, our life- - -should all lift up the name of Jesus. God created us all with a purpose and a destiny on our lives, but no matter how big or small our calling may be, our first priority is to love Him. God says His greatest commandment is to love………but I don’t think I ever related it to loving Him.

Today as we begin another work week let us remember, that no greater love has a man than to lay down his life for another. God did just that, when Jesus died on Calvary. So let us make a conscious decision to lay down our wills, our wants, our desires, our plans- - - - our lives…..and just love God enough to trust Him, obey Him, and love Him. It should come so naturally to us, because it was what we were created to do.

Words Of Encouragment To Start The Day ( Friday 9/18/09)

Stay In Your Lane …

Hebrews 12:1 (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,

My Mom loves to joke with me when I ask her about things she is doing or if she is not home on time and she does not call. She even will use the phrase, “stay in your lane,” or when it is something she knows it is not hers to do or her race to run, or battle to fight, she will say, “I have nothing to do with I am staying in my lane.” It has kind of become an inside joke between her and I, it has become a way of identifying that we may be out our element and out of the area we are suppose to be tending to. That someone else’s business, has become our and it is time to refocus and get that in order.

In Romans 11:29 it says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Whatever God has called us to it is His calling to be utilized through us the way He see fit. The gifting and calling is uniquely ours through the spirit of God. I have seen over the years so many people in the body of Christ wanting what someone else has, what someone else is called to, but that desire is without knowing what that gifting, calling or revelation cost and why God imparted or rested that gift upon them. I often tell people that have told me I wish I could encourage people like you do, I ask this simple question, “have you counted up the cost.” You see, where God takes us, may require us to be tested, tried, or require sleepless nights that have us steadfast upon our knees or cause us to lose, people, food, things and have our health be challenged. On the outside that call that gift looks so pretty, but have you looked under the hood to see what makes it run?...Probably not.

God formed us, predestined us and called us, for His glory and His honor not our own. He called us to be in His will, not our own. It is His ordering of our steps not our ordering of our own steps that will afford us to go where He needs us to go and operate how He designs for us to operate. Why be in someone else’s lane when God paved your lane with you in mind. So Stay in your lane and appreciate what God called and gifted you to, putting away jealousy, envy and lust to obtain what God never anointed you to do… to embrace your lane, your road, your path..

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day (Thursday 9/17/09)

What Are Your Actions Manifesting?

Matthew 8:25-27 (New Living Translation)

²⁵ The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

²⁶ Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

²⁷ The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”

I remember a time when I was speaking with a woman who was a friend of mine, when I lived in Hawaii. She was relaying to me her story of “supernatural child birth,” (that is birth without pain or drugs to eliminate the pain, totally standing on God’s word). As she spoke I was engaged by the concept of having a child minus the pain, although trying to imagine how that could be after I had experienced 26 ½ hours of labor the first time and 17 hours of labor the second time that ultimately ended in a C-section, was beyond my grasp of reality. I listened to her speak of how she covered herself in prayer throughout her entire pregnancy and spoke life to her body and unborn child, and commanded them to line up in Jesus name, I realized it was her faith that was carrying her, and my heart longed for understanding. As she continued to speak, she began to relay a portion during the course of her labor where she took her eyes off of Jesus and began to allow fear to enter in, she said in an instant all that she had prayed and commanded seemed to have evaporated, but only for a brief moment. When the shock of the second pain hit, she realized the trick of the enemy and how fear had crept in because of her distraction. She began to pray in the spirit and renew her focus on God and she immediately felt relief and only pressure from transitioning stages but absolutely no pain. I thought, as I listened, what an awesome testament to our ability to trust God or not.

Fear is an interesting emotion it will cause us to act out and panic, it will cause us to lose our focus and begin to see and feel things that faith kept us protected and hidden from. It is when we can maintain a focus on who God is and what He said He would do for us in the midst of our storms, trials and adverse situations that gives us the ability to receive rest and peace. When we act out of fear, it always will manifest itself in impatience and anxiety. But when we can have faith and let it take control of our mind, heart and maintain its position of strength in our spirit, it will works to bestow upon us patience, serenity and fortitude. Psalms 37:7 says: “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” It is when we take our abilities, thoughts and perceptions out of the picture and rely upon God’s that we receive the preciousness of God’s peace, even in the midst of our most trying of times.

Today, let us evaluate our convictions, commitments and confessions. Ask yourself “Who is ultimately in control?” If you are, then you have much to worry about and fear, but if God is, it is then that you have only to believe and watch Him calm every raging sea, correct every wrong and defeat every enemy. Let your words and your actions come into alignment and unity to provide you the ultimate combination and patience and peace!

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Wednesday 9/16/09)

Today’s Devotional Written By Tracy Koweh

Come Get Me…………If You Can!!!!

Psalm 23:1-4 (New Living Translation)

¹ The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need ² He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. ³ He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. ⁴ Even when I walk through the darkest valley,^[a] I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

This past Sunday, while at the zoo, I saw a sight I never thought I’d see before. From every true animal show I’d ever seen in life, this scene was not naturally possible. There was one zebra, one rhino, and a den of lions………….in what appeared to be one large living area. At first we made jokes about there being one lonely zebra and one lonely rhino on exhibit, but then we began to wonder why the lions didn’t just make the small leap and devour the zebra.

Well, as we continued to walk around the exhibit, we could see that there was a very, very small stream of water separating the lions from the zebra. By the look on our faces, the lady on the path could tell we where still trying to figure out why the lions didn’t just leap over the tiny stream or jump over the rocks to get to the prize. Without us ever asking the question, the lady said “the lions are afraid of the water.”

Of course the impact of the sentence didn’t hit me until the next night. God showed me that we are like the zebra in a lot of senses when it comes to the devil. We are with-in arms reach to the enemy but protected by the ever lasting water, Jesus Christ. The rhino represents the Holy Spirit because no matter what the circumstances are we find ourselves in, He is never far away. God is the woman on the path, because He has the answers to the questions we have, without us ever needing to open our mouths. He has the ability to see the entire picture and He knows the position of all parties involved. We represented the haters in our lives. The ones watching and waiting on the enemy to take us out, and at the same time- - -lacking the ability to see the hand of God protecting us; Some times it’s just a matter of changing our viewpoint.

Today as we begin our hump day, let us be as cool and calm as the zebra in the face of our enemies. Let us be within enemy sight, but hidden by the blood of Jesus. As the scene unfolded at the zoo, it was clear to see that all parties involved knew their positions and boundaries. Today test your faith and tell the enemy…………..come get me, if you can!!!!!

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Tuesday 9/15/09)

Finish What Was Started….

2 Corinthians 8:10-12 (New Living Translation)

¹⁰ Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. ¹¹ Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. ¹² Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.

As many of you know I am going through a divorce, not because I chose this course, but because this is the course I was given. But during this time, God dealt with me and told me that dating anyone was not something that I could not do until I finished what had been started. It was strange to receive that mandate, because I had watched others, and I myself (in the past) move on before things were totally, completely finished. This time God declared things would be different, He was specific in His instructions and has been showing me purpose in why He directed me this way. God has shown me how I could not move on when I was still tied to another, even if it is only legally; there is still a tie, none the less legally and spiritually. God allowed me to see that the zeal needed to begin again could not fully rest upon me until I had finished what had been started. I would be like someone who was a dual personality disordered tied to one, while trying to have something new with someone else…How ironic. When we start before we are finished we drag the dirt and steamer trunks from the past right into our present and our future…

We do just this with God, in so many different areas. God begins to heal us but instead we don’t let the process continue, because we allow our doubts, our emotions and apprehensions to keep us bond to events, misgivings, and people in our past. God starts to deliver us, but instead of being obedient, we stay when He says go, or we continue to hide when He says come out and stand strong. There are times when God will give us an assignment and instead of us doing what He has told us to do, we want to move on to something else instead completing the task given, because we may view it as mundane, less important, boring or trivial in comparison to something else or the task given to someone else. We are quick to want to keep it moving without any thought to completing anything. But God is a God of completion, and a God of order. He want us to let Him complete in us the works that He has begun, and He wants us to purpose in our Hearts, minds, bodies and Spirits to complete those things that He has commanded and requested us to do. The word of God in James 1:7-8 it says “For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord,⁸[For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides].” When we do not finish a work or allow what God has started to be completed in us we are divided, we are tied to the unfinished work, and yet the other portion of us attempts to move on, which brings instability to all that we do, say and how we approach and serve God.

It is time to let God tie up those loose ends and repair those broken areas, set free those areas of bondage and to give us beauty for all of the ashes we have accumulated in our lives. It is time for us to stop being the half painted room, or the incomplete assignment. God wants to give us great zeal and great joy to go on, but only after He has finished and we have finished what was started!

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Monday 9/14/09)

Today’s Devotional Written By A Women With An Inspired Perspective:

Tracy Koweh

Are Your Spiritual Legs Tired Yet?

Exodus 19:5 (New Living Translation)

⁵ Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.

Today’s message in the music comes from the Five Heartbeats song “Baby, Stop Running”. The title pretty much says it all. The past few months a very close spiritual friend of mine has been running from a very serious call on her life. She told me Sunday that she has been running for close to 4 years, and she finally said Yes to God.

Her story is so dear to me, because I too have been running from the call of God that is truly on life. This past Sunday God spoke to my heart and clearly told me what ministry in the church I am supposed to be on. I called and shared this information with Lisa, and told her I didn’t think I was ready to say yes yet.

To say yes to God would mean a whole new level of sacrifice, obedience and life changes. To say yes to God would open me up to greater attacks from the enemy and my daughter. To say yes to God would require me to say No to my own agenda and desires right now, and I just don’t know if I am ready for that.

But God has showed me what saying No and running the past 4 years of my life has gotten me….and that’s completely off track. I’ve been going through life like I’m right where I’m suppose to be, but really I’ve been floating in the belly of a whale like Jonah. Although I’ll end up where I was going to be in the first place, how much of the non-sense would I have been able to pass up? How many broken hearts, sleepless nights, and tears shed would I have saved, had I just said Yes?

Saying Yes to God may open up the doors to greater attacks, but it also releases greater anointing to deal with those attacks. Saying Yes to God may require me to give up some things I don’t want to, but it will also trigger a desire in God to release His spirit of abundance and favor in my life like anything I can imagine.

Today as we prepare to enter into another week, let us take off our running shoes and rest in the plan that God has set for us. As Freddy Kruger would say………..You can run, but you can’t hide.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Friday 9/11/09)

Today’s Devotional Written From The Willing Heart Of Tracy Koweh

All In My Business?

Ephesians 5:7-12 (New Living Translation)

7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

I have no idea when this obsession with our cell phones came about, but a few weeks back I left mine at home and I couldn't think of anything else but what calls I was missing. I forgot to take it last Sunday to church, and could barely focus on God for thinking about my cell phone. The funny thing about it is that both times I got home to no missed calls. My ex-husband us to take his phone with him everywhere he went, from the kitchen, to the living room, to the bathroom and even from one couch to the next. My baby sister can't eat dinner without her text message notification going off 3 times a minute.

Now, I have this friend who has a password on his cell phone. Not that he has anything to hide, but it’s a way for him to maintain his privacy, a piece of his identity that no man or woman can invade, change or take away from him. Although, to those around him the password has been a source of secrecy, a sign of holding back, and a door for the enemy to use to plant seeds of doubt and mistrust- - -the password can be used as an illustration of how some of us live today.

There are things/secrets/hidden agendas in our souls that we have taken every where with us so the world won't discover them. We can't accidentally leave a trace behind because someone may pick up a small piece of evidence that could reveal what truly lies beneath the surface. Some of us are living behind a “password” and thinking no one has the code to unlock and reveal our true identities.

Today as we prepare to head into the weekend, let us remember that although we may be getting away with living a double life for a moment, God as a unique way of bringing everything to the light. Today let us choose to go before the Father, and allow Him to set us free from the bondage of our secrets so we may live a life where our business and His business...........are one and the same.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day (Thursday 9/10/09)

Today’s Devotional Written By a Someone Truly Freed: Tracy Koweh

Part 2--The Intervention

John 8:35-37 (Amplified Bible)

³⁵Now a slave does not remain in a household permanently (forever); the son [of the house] does remain forever.

³⁶So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.

³⁷[Yes] I know that you are Abraham's offspring; yet you plan to kill Me, because My word has no entrance (makes no progress, does not find any place) in you.

Today's blog is about the true climax of the show, it's the part when the addict shows up thinking they are about to face their final interview for the documentary. They walk into a hotel room and find that all of their loved ones and friends are sitting on a couch waiting for them. At first sight some addicts run, some fall down and cry, some scream and yell out of fear and confusion. Most times the addict will come in, sit and at least listen to the letters their family and friends have written.

Now, this is about the time in the show I lose it. I'm crying my eyes out at this point, because in the first half of the show you learn that one or more of the people on the couch were the true source of the addicts pain. Whether it was their molester, the person who abandoned them, or the person who let them down the most- - -they are now there trying to reach out and save this soul.

This past weekend as I was cleaning my house, I took a moment and sat on my couch. I then had a beautiful vision of God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus sitting around me. I then realized I had sat in the midst of my intervention. I had been dealing with some issues of my past that were hindering my future and I hadn't realized it. I had become a past junkie. I had begun to live, eat and breath my past. I had allowed the hurt and pain to turn into a hard shell around me, protecting me from future disappointments. What I hadn't been unable to see before, was that I was also protecting myself from future happiness, joy, peace and love.

As I sat there and truly heard the letters that my father, comforter and big brother read to me, I could not hold the tears back. Today no matter where you are in life or what you've survived in your past, take a moment and let the power of His word and blood cleanse you. Let it heal and restore you. Let it make you whole. Today accept “the gift” that is Jesus Christ.

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

Today’s Devotional Written By an Insightful Young Woman: Tracy Koweh

Part 1- - - -Pre-Intervention

Matthew 18:6-8 (Amplified Bible)

⁶But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better (more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea.

⁷Woe to the world for such temptations to sin and influences to do wrong! It is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the person on whose account or by whom the temptation comes!

⁸And if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble and sin, cut it off and throw it away from you; it is better (more profitable and wholesome) for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into everlasting fire.

There is a show that I watch on cable called “Intervention”. The show is a documentary of a family’s last attempt to save a loved one whose life is being ruined by an addiction. It’s a very very graphic show of drug, alcohol and sex addictions. The addicts have all agreed to be recorded and interviewed, but they have no idea that their final interview will be an actual intervention.

Now the part that is interesting to me, is the night before the intervention- - - -the pre-intervention. A professional counselor meets with the family and pretty much makes them admit to their part in the addiction. They then are given an assignment to write a letter expressing how much they love their family member, but the action they WILL take if the addict doesn’t accept “the gift” of treatment. Some times the act is as simple as cutting off funds, but sometimes it’s as hard as taking away visitation rights with children, or evicting them from their own home.

The meeting is so profound because it’s as if the family members are as much to blame for the addiction as the substance the addict is hooked on. In our daily lives we have been guilty of this same offense. We have let people and their position in our lives, stop us from being the child of God we have been called to be. We have let the fear of others opinion cause us to close our mouths and turn our heads the other way.

Today as we begin our hump day, let us decide to take a bold stand for Christ. Let us no longer be a co-signer to the things that are not uplifting to the Kingdom of God . Today let us take a stand for Christ, as He did for us on Calvary . Let us choose to get it together the easy way, before God has to evict us from something that He has already blessed us with.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day (Tuesday 9/8/09)

Never Doubt In The Dark, What God Has Told You In The Light!

1 Peter 2:9-10 (New Living Translation)

⁹ But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

¹⁰ “Once you had no identity as a people;
now you are God’s people.
Once you received no mercy;
now you have received God’s mercy.”

When I was younger I use to have what people refer to as night terrors. Those are bad dreams on steroids. They cause you to have a physical reaction to a subconscious event, so my dreams would cause me to wake up shaking and screaming from my sleep, sometimes even crying. I would do one of two things when this would happen, I would find my way (legs wobbly) into my brothers room and crawl into bed with him, which I was always met with the response “what are you doing, why are you in here,” and then he would eventually after my begging or fumbled explanation allow me safe haven for the night; or I would find my way to my mom and dad’s room, where my mother would feel my presence before I fully entered the room, and would pull back the covers and let me in. She would gather me in her arms and pray over me, knowing what I had been through without a word spoken most times. The next morning, things would look so different the house, my bedroom and every element that had spun out of control the night before, in the light I could see clearly was peaceful and safe. But as night would fall after an episode like that I would find myself in dread, fearing the house that in the day light brought me sanctuary and joy. I had allowed my peace to be snatched away, and fear and doubt to replace it was because my vision was impaired and because of the lack of light…

Isn’t that a familiar place that we have been with God? When we are living in the light and all is well in our lives and we can see clearly what God has in store, we find comfort and peace in our lives, our surroundings and God’s promises. But it is in the dusk or the midnight hours when our vision is impaired and our way is not so clear, or we have things, people and events terrorizing us that what we found so soothing and reassuring, in a time in our lives now has become a place of doubt and insecurity. In Isaiah 43:1-2 God promises: “ ¹BUT NOW [in spite of past judgments for Israel's sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. ²When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.” Just because our vision may be impaired, our focused may blurred, terror may surround us and our path unsure, God still is in control and He has everything in hand. He is our safety, our guide, our provider, our healer and so much more. Even when we don’t see it, His word proclaims it and that makes it so!

Today, if you are in a season where it is yet day, remember these days and build up your most holy faith, remember God’s word’s to you in this season. Tuck them in the very fiber of your being and the recesses of your heart. If you are in a season where it is dusk or dark remember that God is true and everything else is a lie. Remember just because you can not see it that your provision and your comfort still exist, because God said so, and He promised it in His word. This means, that even when we can’t see it or tell that He is there, He is. Whatever God has given you, imparted to you and promised you in the light is still yours when you are in a season of darkness. Remember He has not left you, and His promises for you still stand, only believe!

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Monday 9/7/09)

Today’s Devotional Is Written By A Young Woman With A Unique Prospective

The Invisible Man………..

Psalm 33:18 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁸Behold, the Lord's eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness,

Today’s message in the music comes from the old hit song by Rockwell, “Somebody’s Watching Me”. The chorus says…. I always feel that somebody's watchin' me. And I have no privacy.

Last week while talking with Lisa about my recent emotional outburst, we had a flash back to teen ministry in Okinawa, Japan- - - over 10 years ago. She reminded me of the spiritual assignment we were given called, Jesus in a jar. Each teen was given a jar to decorate and then we had to put Jesus on the inside. We had to carry that jar everywhere we went -- -and I mean everywhere.

At first it seemed silly and a means to only embarrass us, but as the days went by the significance of that jar became deeper and deeper. We found ourselves watching the words we spoke, the actions we took and even the company we kept. It was a lot easier to do and live the way we wanted when Jesus was simply the invisible man. But my God when we had an actual tangible God in front of us, our entire view on life was changed.

So many times in our lives, we live with the idea that Jesus is the invisible man, and we forget that he is omnipresent. Today as we celebrate Labor Day, and prepare for the kids to return to school, let us take on the assignment of Jesus in a jar. Let us live, breath, talk, walk, and make decisions knowing the Almighty is watching us, and that as a Christian we have no privacy. There is no place dark or hidden enough that the Light can’t see. Remember we can’t see oxygen, but we know its all around us.

Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Friday 9/4/09)

Today’s Devotional Written By A Young Woman Who God is Causing To Walk Out Her Purpose: Tracy Koweh

Why Are You Still Here?

Ephesians 4:11-12 (Amplified Bible)

¹¹And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. ¹²His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the church),

Some time earlier this month someone said “If you didn’t die last night, God still has a purpose for you.” When I first heard this message, it was very rough and hard to receive, but after the week I’ve had, God has shed some light on the statement for me.

A lot of days I wake up and prepare my mind for work and Jai. I get dressed for work, drop Jai off and do my 8.5hours at work. I get off, pick up Jai and we come home. Almost nothing really out of the ordinary happens. Nothing life changing or self sacrificing takes place. I have told myself that my job is something I have to do. That taking care of Jai is something I have to do, but what is my purpose. Why am I really still here. Navy Federal will still go on if I quit today, and Jai would still continue to grow up if she went to live with someone else.

Yesterday morning I lost it. I totally lost it and snapped on someone very special to me. I said and did some things that would cause God to need to make an 11^th commandment. Then I got an instant message from Lisa. She asked me if I had taken the time to figure out this person’s purpose in my life. At the time I wasn’t trying to hear any of what she was saying, but as the day went on- - -and I calmed down, I could hear the Lord remind me of what He had originally told me this person’s purpose was.

The funny thing is that once I remembered, everything that seemed so large became minuet. Every moment then made sense. It was either something to progress the will of God in our relationship, or something to destroy it. Once I understood that and my purpose, it made the choices and conversations later in the day crystal clear.

Today as we prepare to head into the weekend and go to “before school starts” bar-b-que’s, let us take a moment to find out why we were blessed to see today. Let us begin to step outside of ourselves and start to place our mark on this Earth. Don’t let another day of God’s grace and mercy be in vain.