Thank You Lord!

Luke 17:15,16 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. In ancient times, lepers were social outcasts because of their highly contagious disease. In this passage, ten lepers came to Jesus begging for mercy and He graciously healed them. Can you imagine? These lepers had an awful disease. Their bodies were slowly deteriorating — and worse, they were shunned from their friends and family and forced to live in a community of only those who were too withering away. Suddenly merciful Jesus comes along and "poof!" the sickness leaves them! How life changing! These people must have been overjoyed! Now they could go back to their families, their homes, their communities and live normal lives! But as I reread this story today something struck me. Only one of them returned to thank the Lord! But how often do we do the same? We get so focused on our blessing and forget about the One who gave it! Just as the Samaritan returned to Jesus to thank and worship Him who had redeemed his life, we too must thank God — for every good and perfect gift comes from Him and He deserves all the honor and the glory! And as a matter of fact, one of the cornerstones of effective prayer is entering His gates with thanksgiving and praise. Let's start thanking God for all His goodness toward us! It's easy to get caught up in the blessing — God has given us so much! But let’s be sure that we make daily habit of thanking God first! Love, Bertrina

Check Your Heart

If there’s one thing that needs a constant check up, it’s the heart. Jeremiah 17:9 describes the heart as being deceitful and desperately wicked. Perhaps this explains why David cried out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). There’s so much the Bible cautions and says about the heart, however, I would like to briefly talk about the heart in relation to ones prayer life. Let’s look at this Biblically in James 4:1-3 for insight: What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. James 4:1-3 reveals the importance of praying with right motives. Motives are clear indicators of what’s in the heart. Although scripture tells us that if we pray and have faith we’ll receive what we’ve prayed for (Matthew 21:22), James 4:1-3 shows us there’s a prerequisite to praying and receiving – your motives must be pure. It’s a matter of the heart. It’s important to assess why you’re asking God what you’re asking Him for. Are you seeking self-pleasure or the will of the Father? Don’t allow flesh, self-centeredness or an unclean heart to become hindrances to your prayer life. Prayer God I pray that you cleanse the heart of the brother or sister reading this. Father, I ask that you would remove every unclean spirit and ungodliness lurking around in their heart. Just like David, I pray God that you would create within them a clean heart and renew within them a right spirit Oh God! Lead them by your Holy Spirit to pray prayers that stem from pure godly motives in Jesus name! Lord I thank you for the blood of Jesus that cleanses away all our debts and sins! I thank you for the Blood of Jesus that cleanses away the filth in our hearts! We receive you’re cleansing oh Lord! Help us Lord to pray your will and not our own will in Jesus name! Keep the Faith Elder Bertrina

First things First

“They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:5) Do you ever look at the needs around you and wonder where to give yourself first? In this chapter of 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul is talking to the believers about grace and generosity. In verse seven Paul says, “see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” This verse is particularly challenging because this past season has been quite busy in our home. There was a whole host of needs that needed to be met and I wasn’t sure how it would all work out. As I read the words “excel in this grace of giving.” I instantly thought, because my house needs then we need to give a seed. Sowing financially, sowing your gift/talent or even your time will open tremendous doors. We must excel in this grace of giving. Then, the next moment my eyes fell again on verse five. Here it reads, “They gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to others.” I was shocked at how incredibly simple this truth was! First I give myself to the Lord. I dip into the well of all He is and draw up all that I need for this moment and this day. Then I go and give out of that to others. When I get the order wrong that is why I get so tired. My job is first to please the Lord and not run around meeting everyone else’s needs while not being connected to Him. His presence has all I need. I will embrace His presence in this moment. I will engage in His presence by drawing on His resources and I will enjoy His presence as He enables me to excel in this grace of giving far beyond my own limited resources. Lord God, You are so good! You give us all we need as we need it. You simply call us into Your presence to receive. Forgive me when I rush past You and try to do it all in my own strength. Remind me always to first give myself to You as I dip into Your deep well. Then I can go and give generously out of all that I have received. What joy You give! Thank you Lord. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen. To join our email listing, send us your email at infor@nowfaithministries.org Keep the Faith, Elder Bertrina Hebrews 11:6

Flowing with God!

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Some time ago, two university students in Moorhead, Minnesota painted a mural on the wall outside their dorm room. It was of a school of fish all swimming in the same direction except for a single fish heading the opposite way. That one fish going the other direction was meant to be Jesus. Included in the mural were the words, "Go against the flow." Sadly, university officials argued that the mural might offend non-Christians, and told the students to paint over it. God has called us, as believers, to do things that sometimes go against the flow of the flow of the world around us. It’s not always easy, either. Noah built an enormous ark at God’s command. Abraham took his only son to be sacrificed. Gideon went to war against thousands of enemies with only three hundred soldiers on his side. The disciples left all their possessions and followed the Lord. And there are countless other examples we have to follow! Let's choose to start swimming in the other direction today! Do that thing that God has been putting on your heart! Hug that person who’s been on your last nerve! Give away something you have to someone who needs it more! There are many mighty and miraculous victories that God desires to demonstrate in our lives, if we would only be willing to go against the flow!

“What A Wonder”

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14 If anyone knows anything about me they know I love shoe designs. One of the things that makes high-fashion shoe designs so expensive is that they are one-of-a-kind creations. Or, have you ever got a blouse or dress made tailored for you? Every aspect of that garment was carefully conceived and constructed with you in mind. I don’t know about you but I’m willing to pay the price for an original or custom design. And so it should be with our lives. God created us in His image. He has molded us in a way that cannot be replicated. He placed in us special gifts and talents and just like a tailored blouse we have purpose that only fits the individual. I like to say we are custom-made! You are an original. You were authentically created. You are one of a kind. Nobody else has the combination that you have…HA! You were put on the earth with purpose inside of you. Today is a good day to celebrate you! Celebrate your authenticity! Love your big feet, small ears, beautiful eyes, dark skin…loving every part of you makes God proud. I encourage you to dig deep, stand strong and pursue what God designed especially for you. You are a Designers Original! Oh, What a Wonder! Keep the Faith, Elder Bertrina

Pouring Out With No Oil

Pouring Out With No Oil In our everyday hustle and bustle of life, there are times in which we give and give and give and give. From the manager to the co-worker, we work countless hours in our jobs to come home and give to our families as mother, husband, spouse, etc. Whatever the role you have, the bottom line is that you give your time, energy, knowledge and sometimes money to various activities. But what happens when you continually pour out and into people, places and things when you have nothing left? Recently, a friend of mine spent countless hours at work and then at home to complete a project. I remember talking with her online at 3 in the morning. She said, I have so much to do and this is the 4th day that I have gotten in the bed between 4 am and 5 am. I said to her, where is your help? Why are you burning the midnight oil while others are sleeping? You are pouring out with no oil. Just as I said that, she let out a sigh. The reality hit her and it should hit you. When God fills your cup, the filling is for you. When David was anointed as King of Israel, Samuel used the horn of a ram; that was different from the flask of oil Samuel used for King Saul. The oil and its container which is poured is for you. It is for the task and assignments God has entrusted you to accomplish. Just like Aaron when he was anointed high priest, the oil ran from the top of his head down to his beard. That oil was for him and what fell on his beard down to his garments was for everyone else. Stop giving people the oil meant for you and give them the overflow. I know it is often easier said than done to tell someone No! This is more difficult when you are an individual who is committed and dedicated to any task for which you have been assigned. Yet there is a time when that dedication and commitment leaves you unable to fully accomplish your task because your cup is empty. As with anything we do for Christ, we must pray and be led by the Spirit to take on the assignments. God does not fill you for you to misuse or misappropriate the oil he has given you. He fills you to complete the task He has specifically designed for HIS glory. Just like the woman with the alabaster box, no one knows the cost of the oil. So when you pour out remember the person who filled you…You were bought with a price. Written by Miss Kijafa Parker

Humble Us Lord!

Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men - extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. ~ Luke 18:10-14 So often we come to God with a list of our accomplishments, trying to prove how worthy we are of His love. But God isn't interested in that; His love for you isn't based on what you've done or haven't done. He loves you because you are His creation, lovingly crafted in His image. When we focus on our accomplishments as a way of earning God's love or rewards, we allow pride to come in and draw our attention away from God and to ourselves, and we find ourselves becoming distant from God, unable to hear His voice. We begin to look at others, and judge them by our standards, seeing them as unworthy of God's love or consideration; after all, they haven't done anywhere near as well as we have!! We become like the Pharisee in the verses above, haughty and proud, and our prayers are empty boasts. The tax collector understood his unworthiness before God - he knew that his accomplishments were nothing, and he also knew that God is merciful and forgives us our sins. Todays Prayer: Lord, help us to be like the tax collector today, humble in Your sight, knowing our accomplishments don't earn or lose Your love and mercy. Help us to lay aside our pride and approach You with humility. Help us to see that our deeds do not determine our value in Your sight, or the value of others. Use us again today to touch the people we meet in this lost and dying world. Keep the Faith, Elder Bertrina www.nowfaithministries.org

Making it to Freedom

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36 “Making it to Freedom” After walking into many churches for many years and seeing beautiful woman like you, dressed in the finest apparel, fresh hair-do, nails perfect, shoes and make-up and blush looking good, I was more concerned about the weight of issues I saw and felt from these same women. It dawned on me, that we wear the mask well but I knew without a doubt that someone out of the groups of hundreds of women was dealing with depression. Somebody couldn’t find a job, somebody had a child that wouldn’t stay out of jail, somebody was scared to make the next move, somebody felt like God wasn’t real, somebody had been looking for love in all the wrong places. Ultimately, somebody wanted to be free! In thinking about what Freedom meant to me, my mind immediately went to my first born child. My daughter whom I named Freedom has lived up to her name. She’s such a free spirited girl without any cares. Fear has no hold on her and she is willing to try anything once. I begin to think about her name and how it came out of a place that my husband and I were in during the year 2005. We were in bondage. In our mind. In our finances. In our church and stuck amongst so-called friends and we no longer wanted to live that way. I began to understand that I could honor the actions of my past whether it was bad choices I made, what I did to someone else or what someone else had done to me. The Lord revealed that I could take the drama, the hurt, the guilt, the regret and the pain of my past and count it all joy! Acknowledging them all was hard, but once you have conquered facing the reality of your past you have taken the first step into freedom. My husband and I dedicated our time, studies and prayer life to becoming free. We committed to do such things like: o Forgive ourselves because God had already forgiven us o Forgave others because God forgave us o Flooded our minds with the Word of God-it transforms us!!! o Prayed for our enemies and ourselves Let me say that this was not an overnight process. When you have layers and layers of junk, resentment, bitterness, rejection and the list goes on, the healing to freedom process can take years. However, when you get there you will be able to freely scream, “Liberation Looks Good on Me!” I’m not sure what you may feel stuck in, in bondage with or just feeling bound but whatever it is you can be free. I encourage you not to be held bound or back by the perception for others, everybody has an opinion but the only opinion that matters is God’s! The Lord said, He whom the Son has set free is free indeed…that’s good news! Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Share Your Story with Us! If you have a testimony, writing, a poem or anything you would like to share, send it to us and you will be featured in one of our upcoming blogs! Email us at: info@nowfaithministries.org For more information on Elder Bertrina Lyons visit www.bertrinalyons.blogspot.com or www.nowfaithministries.org Keep the Faith, Elder Bertrina Hebrews 11:6

CHANGING!

Scripture of Inspiration: Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. This Fridays inspiration is written on Change. I speak with many people and one commonality is that we all are changing daily and sometimes the process can feel and look very difficult. Change does not come through struggle, human effort without God, frustration, self-hatred, self rejection, guilt or works of the flesh. Change in our lives comes as a result of having our minds renewed by the Word of God. As we agree with God and really believe that what He says is true, it gradually begins to manifest itself in us. We begin to think differently, then we begin to talk differently, and finally we begin to act differently. This is a process that develops in stages, and we must always remember that while it is taking place we can still have the attitude, “Im OK and I’m on my way!” Its been a difficult task but with prayer and the Word I have learned and so you must learn to enjoy yourself while you are changing! Enjoy the journey! God is smiling as He walks ahead of you, yet with you, every step of the way. Don’t waste all of your “now time” trying to rush into the future. Remember, tomorrow will have troubles of its own. (Matthew 6:34). Relax. Let God be God. Stop being so hard on yourself. Change is a process; it comes little by little. I love you all and I look forward to seeing the Change in YOU!

Are You Content?

I Timothy 6:6 tell us that godliness with contentment is great gain. Contentment comes from within. It destroys jealousy and celebrates the success of others. It does not matter what you accomplish, if you never master contentment you will never be free. The great gain of godliness, which should remain our goal and contentment should become the birthing place where the greater in you comes to fruition. Enjoy Where You are Until You Get to Where You are Going! How do we lose contentment? I have come to know that you must learn from others without ever losing the core of who you are. Cultivation is good, but do not allow anyone to mutilate the person you were created to become. Remember, you have the power over your life because God gave it to you. No, you are not exempt from life’s challenges and adversity. Be prepared for the unexpected events that are sure to occur. Whatever life sends your way, pursue the peace of God. With that, what should I be content in; what do I have to hold on to…some may ask? I say, be content in knowing that you are a melody waiting to be sung. That you are a best-selling book waiting to be written and that you were created in the image and likeness of God, now that is Good News! Be content in knowing that when everyone’s back is facing you and everything is changing…you can hold on to God’s UNchanging hand! Im Content in Knowing that My Soul is Anchored in Jesus! As I close this very brief message I feel the need to tell you one of the things I love about Jesus. Hear this; His love is not contingent upon your performance. He loves you without restriction and in that love you can be perfectly content. I pray you are blessed by this reading and that you will pass it along. I love you with the love of Christ. Step out of fear and into Faith, Elder Bertrina Hebrews 11:6

God is Good!

Give this a try. Sit in a chair, and then try to sit in the chair. I know it sounds a bit silly because you are already sitting in the chair. Once you are in the chair, you cannot get into it any more than you already are. The same idea applies to Christ and His righteousness. Jesus has made us right with God through His sacrifice and we cannot do anything to make ourselves more righteous than He has made us. Our behavior can improve, but not until we fully accept our righteousness through Jesus. Jesus puts us in the seat of righteousness and we need to learn to relax and stop trying to be what we already are. No amount of right actions can ever make us right with God apart from Christ. Affirming this, the apostle Paul prayed that he would be found and known as being in Christ, having no righteousness of his own, but only that right standing that comes through faith in Christ. Philippians 3:9 When we truly understand that we cannot do anything to make ourselves righteous and that we do not have to prove anything to God, we are able to rest in the gift of righteousness Jesus gives to us and that will make us bold in our petitions and confident in God's desire to answer us. I know that God does not hear or answer my prayers because I am good; He hears and answers because He is good! Keep the Faith Elder Bert Hebrews 11:6

Yes, Im a Proud Mom!

Where is that instruction manual on raising kids? You know, the one the hospital gives you just before you leave with your new baby? What do you mean, there isn't one? Raising a child is such an important, seriously sobering task, it should at least come with a manual, don't you think? What do you suppose this instruction manual would look like? Can't you just see it? It would contain some great categories like, "How to Stop the Whining," and "How to Get Your Kids to Listen When You Talk." A huge part of that challenge is passing on your faith to kids whose priorities are more focused on video games, sporting events, and the latest trends in clothes. And let's not forget to mention peer pressure and media pressure that offers temptations to kids to do drugs, drink alcohol and get involved sexually. Today's kids face an overall absence of godly examples and moral living in a society that is moving toward "freedom from religion" instead of "freedom of religion." But the good news is that there are things you can do to raise godly kids and even share your faith with them along the way. I have used them and Freedom and Reign are well on their way! First, as a parent you must live out your faith in your own life. It is impossible to give away something you don't have. Kids can spot a phony from a mile away. They're looking for the real deal from their parents. Living your faith can start with simple things, like showing love, kindness, and generosity. If your kids see you finding ways to "be a blessing," it will become a natural and normal way of life for them too. Second, start sharing your faith early in the lives of your kids. Being a part of an active Christian church shows your kids that you think spending time with God is important. Make it a point to let them hear you talk about the great things happening in the church. Let them hear how much you've been helped by being in the midst of people with similar beliefs who pray for you and you for them. Lastly, sharing your faith also means reading the Bible with your children in a way that causes it to come alive for them. I just wanted to share a few things that you can take with you this mother’s day. I pray this day is especially special for YOU and that raising your children will continue to be one of lifes greatest gifts! Many Smiles & Much Laughter Keep the Faith Elder Bert Hebrews 11:6

Trust God!

Faith is more than positive thinking. Positive thinking will NOT produce faith. Faith is trust in God, and the only way to develop faith is to learn to know God. Since He is trustworthy, as we learn to know Him, we spontaneously learn to trust Him. Faith is trusting God when things don't turn out the way we expect. Hebrews 11:6 is the classic text: "Without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is (that God exists), and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." God IS a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Not those who seek merely His blessings, but those who seek Him, are the ones who find their reward. For He is the reward! Only two things are necessary in order to trust someone. First you must find someone who is trustworthy. Second, you must get to know him. But when it comes to the Christian life, only one thing is required; that you come to Jesus, and that you keep coming to Him day by day. If you will keep coming to Him, God has made Himself responsible for taking care of everything else that needs to happen in your life. "If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit does not cease until the soul is conformed to God's image." Have Faith. Trust God. Everyday with Him gets sweeter than the day before. Elder Bert Hebrews 11:6

Midnight Prayer

MIDNIGHT – halfway between dark and the breaking and dawning of a new day. Over the course of the last two years I have been charged to Pray at Midnight. The Lord said to me that while others may be “on the wall” at 5:00am, 12:00noon and or 6:00pm there are some generals being called to watch and pray at midnight. Psalm 119:62 “At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of Your righteous judgments.” I have chosen to follow Christ, putting aside my personal feelings and emotions. I have chosen to Rise, Give thanks and Pray during this hour. Have you made the choice to follow God no matter who or what you leave behind? Do not fear, know that when the Holy Spirit speaks and gives direction that we need not expect clear sailing but should ready ourselves for Satan's attack. However, we must not be in dismay but know that divine protection and direction will be given by God. During the Midnight hour imps are released to stress you, depress you and keep you from entering into God’s perfect will for your life. The devil often tries to tamper with our emotions but our emotions are usually provoked, confused, and even vexed due to the lack of the presence of God in our lives and surrounding atmosphere. However, we have the power through Jesus Christ to rebuke the enemy. The more you encounter in life, the more you ask questions, the more you need answers…the more you should develop an even greater life of prayer. The Body of Christ lacks intimate time, meditation, prayer and worship with our creator, God. You may not be called to pray at midnight but I encourage you to pray without ceasing and meditate so that you can then hear the Lord speak back to you. Join me tonight and every 4th Friday for Midnight Prayer. Dial In: (605)475-470 Access Code: 205919# We will be shifting lives through prayer! Tell somebody to tell somebody all about it. Send your special prayer requests to our private prayer center at www.nowfaithministries.org and click the link “Got Prayer.” Keep the Faith, Elder Bert Hebrews 11

Don't be afraid...STEP OUT!

Joyce Meyer once said, "Those who try to hang on when God is trying to move on will always be miserable."

I have definitely been there! There are times when God wants to take us to the next level in our spiritual development, but we hesitate because of fear, doubt and uncertainty. At these moments, we are between two worlds - one in which we understand, and the other that is beyond our comprehension. Instead of launching out in faith, we tend to linger where we feel comfortable and secure. In doing so, we miss the destiny that God has for us. We can never grasp the future blessings if we are still holding on to the past. The problem most of us run into when we get to our breaking point, is that instead of tapping into the Lord's power through prayer for a breakthrough, we depend on our own strength, and end up in a breakdown.

WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE: God's power is always there for the taking! Sometimes though, the Lord requires us to take the first step of faith and then the resources will be provided.

The widow in II Kings 4 saw God's bounty unleashed when she obeyed the prophet Elisha who asked her to gather as many jars as she could find, and fill them with the small amount of oil she had on hand. God's miraculous power multiplied her resources, and the oil supply ran out only when no more jars could be found to fill. Likewise, God's power will flow through our lives continually as we make ourselves available to Him.

"You determine the depth of your relationship with the Lord and He determines the next level of blessings for your life." Make yourself available for the Master’s use.

Everyday a Friday! (By Joel Olsteen)

Honest Abe would have enjoyed a recent study that found happiness increases 10 percent on Fridays. Why is that? People are excited about the coming weekend, so they decide to be happier. They make up their minds on Fridays to enjoy their lives more.

John was ninety two years old and blind, but he was just as sharp as could be when his wife, Eleanor, went to the Lord. He didn't feel he should live alone, so John decided to move into a nice seniors' home. On the morning of the move, he was up and fully dressed by 8:00 a.m. As always, the elderly gentleman looked impeccable, with his hair perfectly combed and his face neatly shaven. A cab picked him up and took him to the seniors' home. John arrived early, as was his habit, and waited more than an hour before a young aide, Miranda, came to show him to his new room. As John maneuvered his walker through the hallways, Miranda described his room in great detail. She said sunlight came in through a big window, and there was a comfortable couch, and a nice desk area.

Right in the middle of her description, John interrupted her and said, "I love it. I love it. I love it."Miranda laughed and said, "Sir, we're not there yet. You haven't seen it. Hold on just a minute, and I'll show it to you." John said, "No, you don't have to show it to me. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged. It depends on how my mind is arranged. Happiness is something you decide ahead of time."

As wise old John understood, happiness is a choice. When you wake up in the morning Happiness is a choice. you can choose what kind of day you want to have. You can choose to be in a good mood, or you can choose to be in a bad mood.

I challenge you to let every day be a Friday. Give yourself permission to be happy every day. Not just on the weekends. Not just when you have a special event. Not just when you're on vacation. If you have the right mind set, you can be just as happy on Monday as you are on Friday. The Scripture doesn't say, "Friday is the day the Lord has made." It says, "This is the day the Lord has made" (Psalm 118:24 nkjv;).
(THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ)

Leap of Faith,
Elder Bert
Hebrews 11:6

Joy Comes in the Mourning!

Today I decided to share an excerpt from a book entitled "Joy Comes in the Mourning" written by a very close friend Korika Johnson. This book is a must read and a daily reminder to me that no matter what we go through or what problems we face there is still JOY in IT and all things work together for our good.This chapter is about one of my favorite characters.

Joy Comes in the Mourning ~ Chapter Thirty-One

Carolyn

I don’t know what to expect when I show up for church this morning, but I take a deep breath before walking through the sanctuary doors, prepared for whatever. The only reason I came was because my honey asked me to come. Said service ain’t the same without me.

It’s obvious by the way folk either stare at me or ignore me that I am the subject of scandal. Most folk are trying a little too hard to act like I don’t exist. I don’t get a “Praise the Lord,” smile, or even a head nod.

I know I probably deserve this, but it still hurts. It pains me to see folk who generally greet me with loving hugs twisting their faces as I make my way through the sanctuary. Folk who used to call on me weekly for prayer or favors act like we’ve never met. Walk right by me like my sin will rub off on them like cheap makeup. And Minister Wyman…I tried to search out at least one ally, but when I made eye contact with her, she swung her head around so fast, I wouldn’t be surprised if she had whiplash.

I’m thinking maybe this wasn’t such a good idea—coming out this morning. But I couldn’t let the devil win. But now, I just want the service to be over. I just want to be outta here. All morning I’ve been trying to put on the mind of Christ, but really my mind is in turmoil. One little mistake seems to have outweighed all of the good that I’ve ever done. I need to hear a word that’ll pull me completely out of this depressing state.

The audio/visual ministry has piped in the waiting music, the songs we listen to before the service gets started. Smokie Norful’s “You’ve Been Good” floods my ears. Yes, God has been good. Too good for me to dwell on my mistake like he’s not a forgiving God. My God is in the blessing business. King David was on to something when he said, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” So why do I feel cursed?

I slide into an empty pew, near the back of the sanctuary, and although nobody else is on the row, practically pin myself to the wall at the end. I close my eyes and silently pray the words of Psalm 32:5: Lord, I confessed all of my sin to you, and you forgave me and took away my guilt. I am speaking things that be not as though they are, because I still feel guilty. WHen i open my eyes...

That's all im going to share today. You must buy the book! Have a great weekend and Mark Your Calendar for the next "60 Minutes with the Father" on Friday, April 27, 2012 at Midnight!

WHY WE PRAY!

I hope to see you all tonight as Now Faith Int’l Ministries host “60 Minutes with the Father” Midnight Prayer. Held at Another Level Ministries ~ 8839 Walker Mill Road, Capitol Heights, MD~ 12am-1am

THERE IS A CONVERSATION taking place in the spiritual realm. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were part of it. Throughout the history of humanity others have joined it, and there's something in each of our hearts that tells us we were created to be part of it as well. We long for it. We yearn to be in on it. ~Dr. N. Cindy Trimm
This big conversation concerning our lives is taking place in heaven and the only way we can be a part of it is if we connect with our Father in Prayer. Anyone can pray, anywhere and at any time. Whether we're kneeling, sitting or standing, praying out loud or silently, praying in groups or by ourselves, God will hear and answer us. Prayer is so easy and so simple we might not appreciate what a privilege it is. It is a direct line of communication with our Heavenly Father who wants to help us with all of our problems and questions. Though He may not always answer right away or in a way we expect, we believe the scriptures when they say, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7).

The Power of Prayer
We are commanded to pray often because the more we speak with God; the more open we will be to His guidance through the challenges we face. The Holy Spirit that lives inside of you is waiting for you to ask for His guidance, He is not an “it” but He is a very important part of the Trinity. The more you speak to Him, use Him, and activate Him in your life the closer you become to the Heavenly Father. The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." No matter the person praying, the passion behind the prayer, or the purpose of the prayer - God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God's will, God responds powerfully!
Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer, as a model prayer and Jesus himself often went off to pray, setting an example for us to do the same. In Matthew 14:23, it says, "And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone." (KJV) If Jesus needed to go off and pray, how much more do we need to? Praying should not be something we do out of duty and routine. Prayer is talking and listening to our loving, all knowing, heavenly Father.

The book of James tells us to pray for wisdom when we don't know what to do (James 1:5).

In Philippians 4:6, 7, prayer is connected with receiving God's peace.

In Ephesians 6:18, prayer is a very important part of battling the forces of evil.

We are also told to pray for those in Authority over us (I Timothy 2:1, 2).

In the midst of our busyness let's remember how much we need God and need prayer and make a daily practice and our first resort instead of our last.
Keep the Faith,
Rev. Bert
Hebrews 11:6

I Want to Hear God!

Have you ever asked the question “How do you hear God?” Ever wondered how to differentiate His voice from the voice of the enemy?

For Starters
We have to choose to give the Lord our members and faculties, In other words, we offer Him our bodies, minds, abilities and emotions. We must be careful not to let the devil use our minds. The human mind is his favorite battleground and he will fire thoughts at us all day about any and everything. These foolish, confusing and degrading thoughts will often times drown out the voice of God. Things such as our surroundings, music, people and our environment are all things that can play a part in being confused on whether you are hearing from God.

What I Know Now
We cannot stop him (the enemy) from sending thoughts our way, but we can resist them in the power of Christ. To be honest, there are many days where I have to cast down thoughts and imaginations that enter my mind. I do it as I shower and get dressed in the morning. We have to do it as often as needed. Each day we must continue to fill up, gas up, and refuel on the Word of God. Often times that is what’s missing. We want to hear God. We want the power of God. We want the glory of God but very rarely are we spending alone and study time getting to know who God is through His Word.
I remember sitting in my bedroom many years ago one evening following church service. I said to God, “I pray but still don’t know when you are talking and I don’t understand why?” I heard Him so clearly say “I speak through my Word. If you don’t know my Word then you can’t know Me.” Very powerful for me and it still rings true today. The Bible tells us to Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately the Word of Truth. II Timothy 2:15 AMP We have to study the Bible and other resources that are made available to us today.

What I Want You to Keep
Think of it this way: two voices are competing for your attention. You can focus on one or the other. Choose to hear the voice of God. When we fill our minds with the right things then the wrong ones have no room to enter. When I came across this scripture I felt as if I hit the jackpot. I have chosen this scripture as my meditation each morning.Philippians 4:8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

What I Suggest
1)Set time for God - 60 minutes each day
2)Buy Devotionals
3)Become Still & Meditate – get in a quiet place
4)Journal- writes what you hear and feel in your spirit

I encourage everyone to spend at least 60 minutes with God each day; the results are life-changing! Also, I’d love for you to join me for “60 Minutes with the Father” Midnight Prayer on Friday, February 24, 2012. Bring a friend.
Have Faith,
Rev. Bert
Hebrews 11:6

Yea & Amen!

One of my favorite scriptures is found (2 Corinthians 1:20)
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of
God by us. The “yea” in this verse means= to concur or agree with. The Amen
means= so be it. Therefore; it is saying I concur with His promises and let
them be so.

When the angel Gabriel was sent to the virgin Mary, her life was pretty much uneventful. She served the Lord but not much excitement happened in her life. Then God spoke the wonderful words that she was blessed among women, found favor with God, and would bring the Messiah into the world. Mary - being a human with free will to choose - could have said “no thank you. That sounds VERY scary.” But Mary's faith and dedication to God showed up as she responded:
Luke 1:38 “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word.” To put it into one word: Mary said,“YES” to the will, direction, and promises of God! NOW, Mary's life begins to change! Not only did she have a beautiful baby, she had a great (God loving)husband (Joseph), her finances improved (God sent Wise Men with gifts), she had a life of purpose, and became a great blessing to ALL people! Luke 1:34,35 “HOW shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee.”

Mary could not figure out how, when, nor all the details of this miracle. When she asked, the answer was by the power of the Holy Ghost. When God said He would bless, lead, guide, direct, and prosper us, we could not and still cannot figure out how, when, nor the details of the miracles He has lined up for us (from Genesis to Revelation) but the answer is “by the power of the Holy Ghost!” How can you get that job when so MANY others have applied for it? By the power of the Holy Ghost! How can your family members become born again? By the power of the Holy Ghost! How can your health and finances improve? By the power of the Holy Ghost!

Today, when the enemy of your soul tries to make you believe that God isn't
concerned with you - because if He was, He would just speak the word and “poof”
it happens, keep trusting the promises of God and remind your enemy that YOU have said YES to all the promises of God (by your faith in and obedience to Him) and your God can NOT fail!!When you say yes - God says Yes, it remains Yes and no devil in hell can change it. The world may try to block and mess you up to the point of frustrating all your hope but people’s ill actions against you becomes the very formula for your exaltation. The more people plan and strategize to bring you down the more they are helping you to be easily lifted up.

YES, every promise of God is, Yes and Amen in Christ Jesus. When we act on those promises and believe that our actions released the blessing of increase that is in them, then they are Yes and Amen in us. It is done!

I can’t Stop, I won’t Stop because serving God is always a
winning situation!

Keep the
Faith,
Rev. Bert
Hebrews
11:6