Be IN courage as you read more from the anointed writing of Leola!
"The year is 1990. I am sitting on a plane on my way to a memorial service for a young niece who committed suicide. She had just turned 18. Had the whole world ahead of her. Not a place that I would say that I would want to be going. Hurting and alone, but unable to express all the pent up emotions. I have to be strong for the family. I have to put on the “mask” that is expected of me. To be the “religious” girl. To bring hope and God’s love to a terrible tragedy that had come to pass. Yet, I don’t feel like I can offer words of comfort to my family. I am still struggling with the “why”?
As I look out the window, I see a rainbow. I am immediately drawn to God’s promise. The rainbow is a reminder of His faithfulness to His Word. I feel His power enveloping me and surrounding me as a warm coat on a cold, cold, wintery day. I begin to receive His peace as I remember the stories of old and how every promise in His book is true and can be claimed for today; for my deep despair. I feel the heavy burdens beginning to lift. He directs me to His Word; “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:2 He had promised to be with me during the difficult times. During the times of despair and grief. I truly was walking through the fire and feeling like I was going under. But, His word is full of promises and hope for those who are hurting. That included me.
“Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee, yes, I will help thee; yes, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
I am once again drawn to the comfort that can only be received when you have Jesus as Lord and King of your life. Yes, I had pain. Yes, I was hurting. But. . . I have a God who cares about me and wants to heal my pain. In the midst of my agony he provided a rainbow; a visual reminder of his faithfulness to me. As I learn to turn my cares over to Him, I then can begin to know that He has it all covered. He will redeem this tragedy for His good. He loved me enough to give me this reminder just when I needed to see it.
It might not seem like that is going to happen for you. You are in such deep despair that you are questioning where God is in the midst of your grief. He is there. He is listening to His children when they call on Him. He so wants to heal your wounds. To set you free of fear, despair and hopelessness. Whatever your situation, He has a way of escape. A way to change your mourning into gladness. Just open His Word and allow Him to heal you. Let Him direct your fingers as they search the Word for the truth He is waiting to show to you.
So, my friend, when you see the rainbow may you be reminded that every promise in His Word is true. Every promise was spoken for you as you yield your will under the skill of our Master and Lord. "
Leola Stotts
May 7, 2010
(Copy Written. All Rights Reserved - Leola Stotts)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
A Flower in the desert: Evidence of God's love
A precious, gifted sister has graciously shared this encouraging devotional to inspire and comfort us along our journey. Be IN courage by this anointed piece I am calling A Flower in the Desert: Evidence of God's love, as this is what it reminds me of when I read it. Let me know how it encourages you.
"Have you ever been in a desert place? A place of heat, and dryness, and lack of energy and motivation? A place where you could not find shelter, shade, water or comfort? I have been there. Seems many times over. Times when I have felt like there is no love or comfort to be found. Times when I have felt alone and forgotten by God. Because it is God that brings the comfort, the shelter, the love and companionship.
I remember camping in the Red Rock area outside of Bakersfield. It can be a beautiful place when the air cools, when the shade comes, and when I am feeling the presence of God. My family was camping one week on this desert. I was being pulled, tugged as it was, to go for a walk, alone, out in the desert. I walked a ways and was crying out to God, “Lord, why do I feel so empty and alone?” I often felt like that when I had been too busy to call on Him. Too busy to spend time in His Word. Too busy to seek His face.
As I walked alone in the barren, hot desert land, I came upon a cactus. As I approached the cactus I saw the most beautiful flower ever. It was fragrant, and vibrant in color and stood proudly amongst the green of the cactus. It was an immediate reminder of how faithful our God is to His people. He provided a gorgeous to the eye and to the nose, reminder of how he delights in answering prayers. He delights in the things that delight us. He knows how much I love flowers and gardens and His nature. I walked back to my campsite in awe of how amazing a God I serve. One who cares enough about ME, in the midst of the desert, to provide that comfort in the beauty of a flower.
“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. Zechariah 2:10
He did indeed come and dwell with me, that day, in that desert place. Let Him do the same for you. He is available. He is able. He is urging You to allow Him to be your peace."
(Copy written - all rights reserved - Leola Stotts)
Leola Stotts
May 10, 2010
"Have you ever been in a desert place? A place of heat, and dryness, and lack of energy and motivation? A place where you could not find shelter, shade, water or comfort? I have been there. Seems many times over. Times when I have felt like there is no love or comfort to be found. Times when I have felt alone and forgotten by God. Because it is God that brings the comfort, the shelter, the love and companionship.
I remember camping in the Red Rock area outside of Bakersfield. It can be a beautiful place when the air cools, when the shade comes, and when I am feeling the presence of God. My family was camping one week on this desert. I was being pulled, tugged as it was, to go for a walk, alone, out in the desert. I walked a ways and was crying out to God, “Lord, why do I feel so empty and alone?” I often felt like that when I had been too busy to call on Him. Too busy to spend time in His Word. Too busy to seek His face.
As I walked alone in the barren, hot desert land, I came upon a cactus. As I approached the cactus I saw the most beautiful flower ever. It was fragrant, and vibrant in color and stood proudly amongst the green of the cactus. It was an immediate reminder of how faithful our God is to His people. He provided a gorgeous to the eye and to the nose, reminder of how he delights in answering prayers. He delights in the things that delight us. He knows how much I love flowers and gardens and His nature. I walked back to my campsite in awe of how amazing a God I serve. One who cares enough about ME, in the midst of the desert, to provide that comfort in the beauty of a flower.
“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. Zechariah 2:10
He did indeed come and dwell with me, that day, in that desert place. Let Him do the same for you. He is available. He is able. He is urging You to allow Him to be your peace."
(Copy written - all rights reserved - Leola Stotts)
Leola Stotts
May 10, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Living a Victorious, Overcoming Life....
Quiting is NOT an option. And neither is compromise. You have come this far by faith and you can make it through whatever it is you are facing right now - regardless of the circumstance.
Be IN courage by these words - ALIVE and filled with real time power - and move forward, even the more, to your place of victory, one step at a time.
When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.
- Author Unknown
Bible Passages On Depending on God To Live a Victorious, Overcoming Life
(Unless stated, all verses are NIV)
Deuteronomy 1:21
See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Deuteronomy 20:4
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
Psalm 44:6-8
I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Mark 14:38
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
Luke 10:19
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Luke 22:40
On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."
Luke 22:46
"Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:35.37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ....No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Corinthians 6:15-20
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.
Galatians 5:16-17
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
Ephesians 4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:26-27
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 6:10-17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
1 Timothy 6:9
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
2 Timothy 4:18
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 2:18
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 12:3
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
James 1:12-15
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 4:7-8
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
1 Peter 5:8-10
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 John 2:12-15
I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 3:8
He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 5:3-5
This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Revelation 3:21
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Be IN courage.
United with you in strength and victory,
Linda Michelle
Be IN courage by these words - ALIVE and filled with real time power - and move forward, even the more, to your place of victory, one step at a time.
When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.
- Author Unknown
Bible Passages On Depending on God To Live a Victorious, Overcoming Life
(Unless stated, all verses are NIV)
Deuteronomy 1:21
See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Deuteronomy 20:4
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
Psalm 44:6-8
I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Mark 14:38
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
Luke 10:19
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Luke 22:40
On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."
Luke 22:46
"Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:35.37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ....No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Corinthians 6:15-20
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.
Galatians 5:16-17
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
Ephesians 4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:26-27
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 6:10-17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
1 Timothy 6:9
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
2 Timothy 4:18
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 2:18
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 12:3
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
James 1:12-15
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 4:7-8
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
1 Peter 5:8-10
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 John 2:12-15
I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 3:8
He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 5:3-5
This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Revelation 3:21
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Be IN courage.
United with you in strength and victory,
Linda Michelle
Monday, April 12, 2010
Incest Recovery Tele-Class begins 15 April - 3 June
Elegant Doves International Inc.
Incest Recovery Tele-Class
(Women Only)
8 Weeks
April 15 - June 3, 2010
Thursday evenings
8pm - 10pm
via private conference call phone line
Registration required
Confidentiality respected and honored
No cost - donations accepted
Please email "Linda Michelle" @
elegantlin@aol.com to register and obtain more information
"The pain of understanding and healing is far less than the pain of denial and despair".
If there is HOPE in the future, there is POWER in the present.
Be IN courage!!
Please share this notice with those you care about.
Don't Fret
As is always with the precious Holy Spirit's leading in my life, I was led to this great reminder of God's love for us: Our loving Abba Father takes care of His own; He is faithful to keep His promises: His Word has been tried and found to be absolute Truth. SO WHY FRET? BE NOT AFRAID! "... The Holy One of Israel must defend and deliver His own. We may be sure that every word of His will stand, though the mountains should depart...."
Be reminded of this simple truth and Be IN courage, even the more by this timeless devotion.
Streams in the Desert - April 9
April 9
Don't Fret
"Do not begin to be anxious" (Phil. 4:6, PBV).
Not a few Christians live in a state of unbroken anxiety, and others fret and fume terribly. To be perfectly at peace amid the hurly-burly of daily life is a secret worth knowing. What is the use of worrying? It never made anybody strong; never helped anybody to do God's will; never made a way of escape for anyone out of perplexity. Worry spoils lives which would otherwise be useful and beautiful.
Restlessness, anxiety, and care are absolutely forbidden by our Lord, who said: "Take no thought," that is, no anxious thought, "saying what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewithal shall we be clothed?" He does not mean that we are not to take forethought and that our life is to be without plan or method; but that we are not to worry about these things. People know you live in the realm of anxious care by the lines on your face, the tones of your voice, the minor key in your life, and the lack of joy in your spirit. Scale the heights of a life abandoned to God, then you will look down on the clouds beneath your feet.
--Rev. Darlow Sargeant
It is always weakness to be fretting and worrying, questioning and mistrusting. Can we gain anything by it? Do we not unfit ourselves for action, and unhinge our minds for wise decision? We are sinking by our struggles when we might float by faith.
Oh, for grace to be quiet! Oh, to be still and know that Jehovah is God! The Holy One of Israel must defend and deliver His own. We may be sure that every word of His will stand, though the mountains should depart. He deserves to be confided in. Come, my soul, return unto thy rest, and lean thy head upon the bosom of the Lord Jesus. --Selected
"Peace thy inmost soul shall fill Lying still!"
End Quote
Be IN Courage.
With love,
Linda Michelle
Be reminded of this simple truth and Be IN courage, even the more by this timeless devotion.
Streams in the Desert - April 9
April 9
Don't Fret
"Do not begin to be anxious" (Phil. 4:6, PBV).
Not a few Christians live in a state of unbroken anxiety, and others fret and fume terribly. To be perfectly at peace amid the hurly-burly of daily life is a secret worth knowing. What is the use of worrying? It never made anybody strong; never helped anybody to do God's will; never made a way of escape for anyone out of perplexity. Worry spoils lives which would otherwise be useful and beautiful.
Restlessness, anxiety, and care are absolutely forbidden by our Lord, who said: "Take no thought," that is, no anxious thought, "saying what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewithal shall we be clothed?" He does not mean that we are not to take forethought and that our life is to be without plan or method; but that we are not to worry about these things. People know you live in the realm of anxious care by the lines on your face, the tones of your voice, the minor key in your life, and the lack of joy in your spirit. Scale the heights of a life abandoned to God, then you will look down on the clouds beneath your feet.
--Rev. Darlow Sargeant
It is always weakness to be fretting and worrying, questioning and mistrusting. Can we gain anything by it? Do we not unfit ourselves for action, and unhinge our minds for wise decision? We are sinking by our struggles when we might float by faith.
Oh, for grace to be quiet! Oh, to be still and know that Jehovah is God! The Holy One of Israel must defend and deliver His own. We may be sure that every word of His will stand, though the mountains should depart. He deserves to be confided in. Come, my soul, return unto thy rest, and lean thy head upon the bosom of the Lord Jesus. --Selected
"Peace thy inmost soul shall fill Lying still!"
End Quote
Be IN Courage.
With love,
Linda Michelle
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Standing on the Promises
I pulled out my original copy of Streams in the Desert devotional by Mrs. Charles Cowman today, and I read a word that truly inspired me. I trust that it will inspire, encourage and motive you to put action in your faith, even the more and stand on the promises of God.
March 24
And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Issac the Lord which saidst unto me Return unto thy county, and to thy kindred and I will deal well with thee; Deliver me, I pray thee (Gen. 32:9,11)
(message translation:)
The Message (MSG)
Genesis 32:9 -12
9-12 And then Jacob prayed, "God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, God who told me, 'Go back to your parents' homeland and I'll treat you well.' I don't deserve all the love and loyalty you've shown me. When I left here and crossed the Jordan I only had the clothes on my back, and now look at me—two camps! Save me, please, from the violence of my brother, my angry brother! I'm afraid he'll come and attack us all, me, the mothers and the children. You yourself said, 'I will treat you well; I'll make your descendants like the sands of the sea, far too many to count.'"
March 24
And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Issac the Lord which saidst unto me Return unto thy county, and to thy kindred and I will deal well with thee; Deliver me, I pray thee (Gen. 32:9,11)
(message translation:)
The Message (MSG)
Genesis 32:9 -12
9-12 And then Jacob prayed, "God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, God who told me, 'Go back to your parents' homeland and I'll treat you well.' I don't deserve all the love and loyalty you've shown me. When I left here and crossed the Jordan I only had the clothes on my back, and now look at me—two camps! Save me, please, from the violence of my brother, my angry brother! I'm afraid he'll come and attack us all, me, the mothers and the children. You yourself said, 'I will treat you well; I'll make your descendants like the sands of the sea, far too many to count.'"
"There are many healthy symptoms in that prayer. In some respects it may serve as a mold into which our own spirits may pour themselves, when melted in the fiery furnace of sorrow.
He began by quoting God's promise: "Thou saidst, " ("You Yourself said"). He did so twice ( verse 9 and 12). Ah, he has got God in his power then! God puts Himself within our reach in His promises; and when we can say to Him, "Thou saidst," ("You Yourself said") He cannot say nay. He must do as He has said. If Herod was so particular for his oath's sake, what will not our God be? Be sure in prayer, to get your feel well on a promise; it will give you purchase enough to force open the gates of heaven, and to take ti by force.
From Practical Portions for the Prayer-life.
Jesus desires that we shall be definite in our requests, and that we shall ask for some special thing. "What will ye that I shall do unto you?" is the question that He asks of every one who in affliction and trail comes to Him. Make your request with definite earnestness if you would have definite answers. Aimlessness in prayer accounts for so many seemingly unanswered prayers. Be definite in your petitions. Fill out your check for something definite, and it will be cashed at the bank of heaven when presented in Jesus name. Dare to be definite with God." (end quote)
For more wisdom along this same line, check out March 23 online devotion from Sparkling Gems in the Greek, called "Refuel with Rick" - Rick Renner, the author of this anointed devotional. In this Pastor Rick shares insight on John 15:7 "If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be done for you." Click the link below to access.
http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/refuel-with-rick/20100323/
Bottom line: TRUST. ASK. BELIEVE. Prepare to RECEIVE and OBEY God's direction, to the letter, as you STAND on the promises of His unfailing Word.
Be IN courage.
In Victory,
Linda Michelle
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Focus!
This is truly a word in due season. Focus is an essential key in all that we do, in order to take us to the place that we truly desire - "in the middle of the middle" of God's perfect, ordained will for our lives. Be inspired to action as you renew your understanding on the importance of the incredible power of getting, being and staying in focus, by Dr. Cindy Trimm.
Cindy Trimm: The Incredible Power of Focus
by Cindy Trimm
Mar 14, 2010
And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, "Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever."—Genesis 13:14-15
Cindy Trimm
The number one thing that stops people from getting what they want in life is the lack of focus. The number one thing that keeps people in realizing their goals, maximizing their potential, fulfilling their God-given assignments and purpose is focus. Wherever you place your focus, the rest of your mind, talents, abilities and emotions will follow.
Let me give you an example of what I mean from the world of race car driving. As I understand it, when new drivers are learning how to race, one of the very first things they are taught is—what to focus on when they go into a spin. If they try to avoid hitting the wall, they usually wind up hitting it. Why? Because avoiding the wall means they have to focus on the wall. So, instead, they are taught to focus on—where they want to go. In this way, they have a better chance of avoiding the wall and successfully getting out of the spin.
Let me give you another example. When I was a young girl, I studied ballet. When pirouetting, I was trained to "spot" or focus on a particular place/spot where we needed to end our spin (a pirouette is a 365° spin for non-ballet enthusiasts). In both cases, focus is the key to success. Sometimes our lives can spin out of control, like a race car driver and a ballerina in a pirouette. It is the focus that gets us out.
People who focus on what they want get exactly what they want. People who focus on problems, hurdles, walls and obstacles will go through life with problems, hurdles, walls and obstacles. It's not what's happening to you now or what has happened to you in the past that determines who you become. Rather, it is your focus upon it. It is the meaning and significance that you give to every occurrence that determines its weight and effect upon your life.
Focus on Your Dreams, Goals and Vision
Whatever you focus on today, you give that thing permission to exist tomorrow. Focus on your dreams, goals and vision. Focus on where you want to be, not where you came from. Focus on what you expect to acquire and what you wish to do, and not on what you do not have or what you have not done. Focus on your healing and not your sickness. Focus on your deliverance and not your detrimental situations. Focus on what remains and not what you have lost. Focus on wearing that size 7 skinny jeans and not on how much weight you have gained.
Dream about how different your life can be, then wake up and focus on making it happen so that you can live the life of your dreams. Think about it only enough to formulate a plan and then put feet to that plan and make it happen. Contemplate it long enough so that your faith becomes the driving force of your focus. Talk about it long enough so that you motivate yourself to act.
Focus makes your faith unshakable. Focus eliminates distractions. Focus is quintessential to discipline, which is always the precursor to success and prosperity. If you do not expect to see something in your future, do not focus on it today. Train your mind to focus on the positive, and you will always have positive outcomes.
I want to encourage you with Philippians 4:7-8: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think (focus) on these things.
Do not allow the enemy to break your focus. Like God said to Abraham, "I say to you, whatever you see, you will seize."
Dr. Cindy Trimm
Cindy Trimm International
Email: info@cindytrimm.com
Cindy Trimm's Itinerary:
Note: Events are subject to change at the ministry's discretion.
We suggest you always check first with the event contact listed here and/or directly visit their Website for latest updates on each event.
March 29-April 3, 2010
Kingdom University Atlanta
School of Ministry, Accelerated Module
Renaissance Atlanta Downtown Hotel
590 W. Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
Contact: 678-565-9888
April 19-24, 2010
Kingdom University New England/Northeast
School of Ministry, Accelerated Module
St. Johns Full Gospel Deliverance Church
27 Brown Street, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Contact: 678-565-9888
May 28-30, 2010
World Summit 2010: Leadership and Prayer
Milwaukee Theatre Center
500 W. Kilbourn Avenue; Milwaukee, WI 53203
Contact: 678-565-9888
(Thank you ElijahList for permission to post this here on our website!)
Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.
ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE, Albany, OR 97321
www.elijahlist.com email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250
Cindy Trimm: The Incredible Power of Focus
by Cindy Trimm
Mar 14, 2010
And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, "Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever."—Genesis 13:14-15
Cindy Trimm
The number one thing that stops people from getting what they want in life is the lack of focus. The number one thing that keeps people in realizing their goals, maximizing their potential, fulfilling their God-given assignments and purpose is focus. Wherever you place your focus, the rest of your mind, talents, abilities and emotions will follow.
Let me give you an example of what I mean from the world of race car driving. As I understand it, when new drivers are learning how to race, one of the very first things they are taught is—what to focus on when they go into a spin. If they try to avoid hitting the wall, they usually wind up hitting it. Why? Because avoiding the wall means they have to focus on the wall. So, instead, they are taught to focus on—where they want to go. In this way, they have a better chance of avoiding the wall and successfully getting out of the spin.
Let me give you another example. When I was a young girl, I studied ballet. When pirouetting, I was trained to "spot" or focus on a particular place/spot where we needed to end our spin (a pirouette is a 365° spin for non-ballet enthusiasts). In both cases, focus is the key to success. Sometimes our lives can spin out of control, like a race car driver and a ballerina in a pirouette. It is the focus that gets us out.
People who focus on what they want get exactly what they want. People who focus on problems, hurdles, walls and obstacles will go through life with problems, hurdles, walls and obstacles. It's not what's happening to you now or what has happened to you in the past that determines who you become. Rather, it is your focus upon it. It is the meaning and significance that you give to every occurrence that determines its weight and effect upon your life.
Focus on Your Dreams, Goals and Vision
Whatever you focus on today, you give that thing permission to exist tomorrow. Focus on your dreams, goals and vision. Focus on where you want to be, not where you came from. Focus on what you expect to acquire and what you wish to do, and not on what you do not have or what you have not done. Focus on your healing and not your sickness. Focus on your deliverance and not your detrimental situations. Focus on what remains and not what you have lost. Focus on wearing that size 7 skinny jeans and not on how much weight you have gained.
Dream about how different your life can be, then wake up and focus on making it happen so that you can live the life of your dreams. Think about it only enough to formulate a plan and then put feet to that plan and make it happen. Contemplate it long enough so that your faith becomes the driving force of your focus. Talk about it long enough so that you motivate yourself to act.
Focus makes your faith unshakable. Focus eliminates distractions. Focus is quintessential to discipline, which is always the precursor to success and prosperity. If you do not expect to see something in your future, do not focus on it today. Train your mind to focus on the positive, and you will always have positive outcomes.
I want to encourage you with Philippians 4:7-8: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think (focus) on these things.
Do not allow the enemy to break your focus. Like God said to Abraham, "I say to you, whatever you see, you will seize."
Dr. Cindy Trimm
Cindy Trimm International
Email: info@cindytrimm.com
Cindy Trimm's Itinerary:
Note: Events are subject to change at the ministry's discretion.
We suggest you always check first with the event contact listed here and/or directly visit their Website for latest updates on each event.
March 29-April 3, 2010
Kingdom University Atlanta
School of Ministry, Accelerated Module
Renaissance Atlanta Downtown Hotel
590 W. Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
Contact: 678-565-9888
April 19-24, 2010
Kingdom University New England/Northeast
School of Ministry, Accelerated Module
St. Johns Full Gospel Deliverance Church
27 Brown Street, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Contact: 678-565-9888
May 28-30, 2010
World Summit 2010: Leadership and Prayer
Milwaukee Theatre Center
500 W. Kilbourn Avenue; Milwaukee, WI 53203
Contact: 678-565-9888
(Thank you ElijahList for permission to post this here on our website!)
Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.
ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE, Albany, OR 97321
www.elijahlist.com email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250
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