Putting Things In Their Proper Place

 

"Though you are a lowly worm, O Jacob, don't be afraid, people of Israel, for I will help you. I am the LORD, your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel."   Isaiah 41:14

Taking care of yourself has got to be paramount in your life. I am guilty of worrying too much; about the security of my family, about what certain people think of me, about my sometimes fluctuating blood sugar, about my ailments brought on by years of military service; just to name a few. It's ironic that one of my favorite verses of scripture comes from Philippians 4:6 which states "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done". (NIV)

  I try to tell myself that I am only human, but that does not satisfy me within because I have actually seen and experienced miraculous things in my short life from a child up to now. Recently I have been tested on many points concerning my faith and my own self confidence. God keeps bringing me back to that one basic truth; "I am all you will ever truly need"

   Daily I press to remember to seek first His plans for me and all other things will fall into place. I tire of hatred, jealousy, guilt-slingers, false witnesses and the like. I am learning more each day to die out to my tender, fleshly man and to gird myself in His armor from day to day so that the fiery arrows of the enemy will not be able to wound my soul. After all, after the enemy has succeeded in destroying and/or killing you they will only ask "Who's next"?

  "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land".  2 Chronicles 7:14

  Hold on to your faith, even when you can't see it. God will always send someone into your life to encourage and help you to stand.
 I love you all,
  Dennis

When We Hold Hands

 


"Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!"
 I Cor 9:24

"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 18:19

 This may just well be the most important blog I have ever written; and it's possible it will be my last "public" one. For several reasons I am considering limiting my inner thoughts to my Facebook page alone. I am still praying about this.

  The ancient proverb states; "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb".  Essentially this connotes that it begins with cold, unpleasant weather but ends mild and pleasant. Spiritually speaking, this is exactly how the last few weeks have been for me. But true to the proverb, the days are ending in pleasant peace; however, not as the world may view peace but only the peace that God can bring.  My voluntary consecration over the last month was for the purpose of overcoming some of my own obstacles but it largely included many of your spoken and unspoken requests. I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the reports which I have received both personally and via messages and my soul is rejoicing. Some months ago I asked if you would agree with me for the needs and requests of one another. This was to include even those you did not personally know. I want to thank you for believing in the power of prayer for God has done, (and is still doing), above what we could ever believe possible. Please allow me to share a few things:

• My dear sisters, I rejoice in the success God has brought to your self-started business. The surge you have been experiencing is not temporary, but a sign of what is to come in the near future. be prepared for fast success.
• Bless you, my brother in Texas, whose heart and prayers are centered on your mother's health. I thank God that He has preserved you through your trials and brought you back in her life to be a blessing.
• My sister, we agreed in the spirit concerning the return of your son to your loving arms. The powers that be said "never" but God, who has all power, said yes. I look forward to many photos.
• My brother, I am thankful for how God has allowed your daughters to be doing so well in school and the pride you wear on your face is well warranted. It is in ways like this that God restores our faith. You have always been a good friend. May God bless everything you touch in His name.
• It took awhile, my sister, but all of your hard and long hours of study and testing has paid off. I don't take your accomplishment lightly and I know you do not either. But what stands out in my mind is how you were continually prayerful and thankful while you were going through. You did not let your single parent status be a reason to offer excuses. I will pray with you anytime. Brighter days are coming. 
• To my former Army brothers in N.C. I ask that you not get weary in well-doing. Change is coming for the better to your VA hospital, just as we have been praying for. That has been a large part of my trial here but things are moving in favor of the Veterans. Didn't you see that God has even but the Secretary of the VA on notice?  Stay faithful. You may learn, as I did, that many other Veterans are depending on you to stand and be faithful to the cause.
• Sister, I am blessed that God saw fit to it to allow you to hold your father again for his Birthday. He can do anything but fail. Are you still looking for that other blessing we spoke of?
• My Sister, Trinity Missionary Baptist Church is just as blessed to have you as you feel about being there. Not too many people come out of church and tell the message to others. Keep spreading the Word just as the woman at the well did.
• The enemy sought to destroy some marriages and last year, this time, we did not know where we would be. But God is faithful and I personally continue to praise God with you and to pray for continued renewal in your home.
• We continue to pray and agree that God will lose the captive man back to his loving family. I have seen men released from prison as God released certain disciples; miraculously! He is able.
• Those who have lost loved ones, (recent and past), such as my wife has, I thank God for his sustaining power; for holding you up when you weep on the inside, when you are reminded of them in a song. I am thankful you are still able to pray and minister to others and that you have not surrendered to the lie that life has no more purpose.
• Sister, didn't God raise your loved one from her bed of affliction when all seemed lost? Encourage someone with that testimony and don't worry about people who say that they are tired of hearing it.
• And finally; there is much thanks to be given for the myriad of financial blessings He has bestowed upon His people. Please be prayerful when your season arrives that you remember those who were there for you during your drought. "Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days". (Eccles. 11:1)

 Thank you for your prayers and love and support.
 I love you all,
 Dennis