I'm The Armor Bearer of My Body

Continuing from my last post "Will You Be My Armor Bearer?" God gave me a dream in 2015 to prepare me for an event that was going to take place in my life in 2016. The event involved me battling Gastrointestinal Issues that we will call, “Possible Gastritis.” I don’t label it definitively because I was never officially diagnosed with Gastritis. 

My PC (primary care doctor) placed me on 20 mg of Omeprazole, but I stopped taking them because they seemed to be masking the problem not helping. I changed my diet by cutting out different foods that caused my stomach to burn and ache. During this time I started to develop acid reflux symptoms - burning in my throat and chest and a bile taste in my mouth. I decided to make an appointment to see a Gastroenterologist. She did the routine stool test and pressed around my stomach for pain. She asked questions but didn’t feel I needed an endoscopy. She wanted to put me back on the Omeprazole and raise the 20 mg to 40 mg to reduce the acid my stomach was producing and to help with healing my stomach… aaugh. We went back and forth on this. She basically said I was being foolish and the symptoms will get worse if I don’t take them. So, she chumped me and I stayed on those worthless things for 3 weeks. 

During those 3 weeks, my body experienced so many different symptoms that I basically lived at the hospital. I was given x-rays for chest pain and bladder issues, blood work was checked for liver and diabetes issues, and on and on. Praise God! Everything checked out fine. During this time I also had a major flare up with a cervical herniated disc in my neck which affected my entire body. I woke up one morning with my head and body on fire from nerve inflammation. I could not lay my head on anything or else I’d experience terrible shooting nerve pains in my back and arms. For 3 days I tried to sleep in an upright position on my couch in which I got no sleep. I ended up on the floor most of the time literally crying and begging God for healing and relief (later in my journey I learned I don't have to beg God for healing, it already belongs to me because of what Jesus did at the cross). He said yes of course, but it would not be instantaneous. That soft voice on the inside said, “This is a process that has to be walked out, now BELIEVE!” Ok God… 



So back to the hospital I went. I was given a prescription for a numbing cream, Tylenol, and muscle relaxers to relax my inflamed nerves so I could sleep. I ended up purchasing a wedge pillow to sleep on. Listen, my bedroom was slowly turning into a hospital room with all these pills, creams and this funny looking pillow. The enemy had plans for me and I was definitely walking into his trap. My weight became a concern. My diet had changed so much I hardly looked like myself. I was very thin and frail. I went from 150 pounds to 136 pounds in like 3 months. The pills were not helping and I became desperate for healing so I drastically changed my diet even more by cutting out meat and dairy for 2 months. A few months later my hair began to shed sooo badly (because I suddenly stopped eating meat and dairy) I thought I was going to be bald. Pic to the left was in May of 2017. Side Note: If you plan on becoming a Vegan or Vegetarian please do your research and do it correctly. 

After all of the foolishness, I finally demanded an endoscopy and my doctor agreed. The results were in!! No Gastritis, No Acid reflux, No Cancer. I was perfectly normal Praise, God. But I still had mild stomach symptoms, strange? A month after my wonderful endoscopy report my father became very ill. My family and I were greatly concerned. I started to notice the symptoms I had before were slowly returning but in greater force than before. I also realized I was dealing with stress which worsened the symptoms, plus the neck and back pain. I felt like I was fighting for my life.

When the Lord gave me that dream, He was preparing me for a journey in which he has definitely been a part of. This journey that I'm still on, consists of me being refined (character development), suffering for a time (hey, Jesus learned obedience through his suffering right?) and enduring for a season (learning to be patient, allowing my faith to be stretched and trusting in the promises found in God's holy word). I spent a whole year in and out of the hospital listening to Doctor’s. God said, let’s restore your health and your neck my way, now. 

In my next post, I will share what the Lord has been teaching me about Faith, Health and walking in His Divine Healing. God wants us healthy and whole. I realized it was time for me to stop trusting in man and put on The Armor of God. This had become a spiritual battle because sickness is not from God it’s from Satan. See you in the next post.

Tytenisha

Doing Good Works

DREAM:

"I'm in a clothing store with an older black man with grey hair. I’m trying on white shirts the man is picking out for me. The shirts are very modest. He picked one I liked then went off to help someone else. Now I’m in the dressing room looking at myself in the mirror. I was surprised to see that the shirt I had on had deep cleavage and was way sexier than the modest shirt I was given. Then I remembered I already had a white shirt like the one the old man gave me. I waited to ask him if I could get the sexy one instead."

Symbolism:

Old Man: God, Chief Shepherd 
Clothing Store: Spiritual need
Shirt: Covering (to clothe ourselves in…)
Modest White Shirt: Humility, Righteous
Sexy White Shirt: Self Righteous, Flesh

Interpretation:

When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time. - 1 Peter 5:4

This was a self condition dream regarding the motives of my heart and personal agenda. I was struggling with being humble (spiritually modest) in a position God had me serving in. God allowed me to inspect myself as I looked in the mirror, and I liked what I saw.. but HE didn't. The shirt with cleavage that I wanted to keep, screamed... Hey look at me! Look at what I have to offer! I’m qualified too! In real life I was moving in the flesh. I started out humble but somewhere along the way self righteousness crept in and God had to remind me to put that modest shirt back on! I'm definitely a work in progress. Clothing ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience - Colossians 3:12 is the attire that pleases God.

Many of us are gifted and talented with the call of God on our lives, but we will go through seasons of humbling. You may have gifts and spiritual abilities that are amazing and will impact a populous of people, but a time will come when that anointed gift of yours will be overlooked. You may not be able to make full use of all your capabilities, you’ll sense that your bright light has been dimmed, and you'll begin to question your giftedness. You might even say, "I'm not used to this!" Yeah, those are all blows to the ego but it’s necessary in order to keep us from being puffed up and prideful. God also uses those seasons to stretch us and move us out of our comfort zone to learn new things. It’s not about me or you. It’s about God, following his agenda, and focusing on doing good works (with the proper attitude) in whatever capacity the Lord has you serving at the time.

What is Good Works?

Good works is serving, giving to charity, and participating in positive acts that glorify God, AND will have a lasting effect in the earth long after you're gone. If one person’s life is affected in a positive way as a result of a book you wrote, a song you recorded, or quality time spent with someone - then mission accomplished!! What if your good works result in ONE person’s salvation? The bible says the angels rejoice over one soul that comes to Christ - Luke 15:10.

Doing good works is great! But we ALL must be mindful of our motives behind them. Are they meant to produce fruit for God or for self? Is anyone truly benefiting from your work? Did God give the green light on whatever work you’re doing?

Our works will be Judged:

“Each one’s work will be clearly shown for what it is; for the day of judgment will disclose it, because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality and character and worth of each person’s work. If any person’s work which he has built on this foundation (Christianity), that is, any outcome of his effort remains and survives this test, he will receive a reward. But if any person’s work is burned up by the test, he will suffer the loss of his reward; yet he himself will be saved, but only as one who has barely escaped through fire.”

Don’t be the one who barely gets by. Start checking your motives. Clothe yourself in humility. Let 2017 be the year of doing good works for God. The bible says, "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus."

Blessings,
Tytenisha

Why I Stopped Sneaking Snacks Into Movies

Disclaimer: This post is not pointing fingers or judging anyone who sneaks snacks into the movie theater. This is my own personal conviction and I'm sharing it with you.

Like many of you, I grew up in a home where sneaking snacks into a movie theater was normal. My family would pack goodies we had hanging around the house or we’d hit up a local convenience store and purchase snacks at less than half the price you’d pay for them at the movie theater. We’d drop those yummy treats into our inconspicuous bags and off to the movies we went. I couldn’t wait for the lights to dim so I could whip out my snacks. The funny thing is - most times I wasn’t even hungry. I guess there was something thrilling about sneaking in snacks and getting away with it, scanning the aisles to see if an attendant was lurking in the shadows, and trying my darnedest to softly open a package of chips and not draw attention to myself.

My Story

Yeah, I was all about that sneaking snacks into the movie theater life - even when I had my own children. I remember preparing for the movies one time. I pulled together little juice boxes, mini bags of chips, nutri grain bars, and those cute lil Smuckers frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I stuffed those snacks for my family of four right into my big black coach bag. We arrive at the theater but were not able to sit together. We were separated by a huge aisle, so hubby had one kid and I had the other.

When the lights went down and the movie was about to start I whispered, "Give this to daddy." My daughter walks across the aisle, sticks her hand out and says, “Here daddy! Here's your peanut butter and jelly sandwich!” All loud! This child was born with a voice that carries... She doesn't know the concept of whispering. Anyways, Hubby quipped, "Go sit down!" I'm like, "Oops! My bad." At that time my baby was 6 years old and didn't realize we snuck these snacks in the theater. All my children knew was, mommy brings snacks from home in her big black bag.

Why I Stopped Sneaking Snacks Into Movies

Well, now my daughter Raji was about 7 years old. Our family was in the kitchen preparing for the movies. You know the routine. I'm tossing snacks in the big black bag and I see Raji whizz by me with a pink Disney characters back pack. I observed her as she grabbed chips, a strawberry shortcake pastry, and a juice box, and tossed them in her little pink back pack! I said, "Raji what are you doing?" She said, “I'm bringing my own bag of snacks to the movies.” That bothered me. Something about it seemed wrong. I saw myself in what she was doing. A strong conviction gripped my heart. I thought, what am I teaching my children? How to be deceitful, and sneaky? These characteristics cross over into other areas of life, so this did not sit well with me at all.

I'm not one of those “Do as I say not as I do parents.” If it's not good for the child - many times it's not good for the parent either. That very day my husband and I decided we would pay $1,000 for snacks at the concession stand or buy nothing at all! Desiring my children to be people of character (virtuous and honest) was why I stopped sneaking snacks into the theater. If my children are going to emulate what I do I better start doing a better job at following Gods standard of living.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:12

But Ty, it's not that serious...It's just snacks geesh... Everyone does it! As a Christian I don't want to do “everything” Keke n nem do or what Pastor so and so does… Listen, if I'm hungry and I happen to find a snickers bar in my bag that I completely forgot about... you know I'm gonna tear that candy bar up right then and there.. along with the $100 nachos I purchased at the concession stand. My point is, there's a difference between intentional and unintentional. God expects a higher standard of right living from us. I find that God challenges me in the most minute things to see how I respond. How else will I mature and reach a higher standard of living in Christ, if I'm not challenged to? If I respond the way He expects - then I move on to the bigger issues he wants to deal with me about. Hopefully, I respond by quickly making the necessary changes. That's how character is developed. I'm a work in progress folks - No perfection here!

 

 

Showcase Cinema de Lux Randolph, MA

I Believe in Sowing and Reaping

Movie theaters make their living off of the astronomically priced concession stand food. Why?  Because movie ticket sales "supposedly" go straight to the movie studios - not the theater. This is someones livelihood. "No outside food or drinks allowed" is the policy of these establishments. No, it may not be written in plain view for you to see in most theaters but the policy exists on most of their websites. Plus, why would we sneak snacks if it was ok to bring them?

You’re probably like, is this chic the “no sneaking snacks police?” Lol! No… But I have a small business, so I get there are rules and policies that customers are expected to adhere by. But I also wouldn't charge such outlandish prices for my services. My solution: Eat before I go or I'll just have to be prepared to fork over a good chunk of my paycheck to the concession stand business.

Sowing and reaping is a biblical/universal principle. I want to sow good seeds into my children, my business, and any other things i'm entrusted with - and I want to reap a blessing from them. Thanks to my daughter, I've been clean of sneaking snacks into movies for 4 years now. If I can do it - anybody can do it. Lol!

Food for thought: “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them” Luke 6:31

Blessings,

Tytenisha

Keep Writing...You Big Dummy!!

September 2014 I had a short vision. In the vision, someone handed me a gold colored check for five bucks. On the check was written, “KEEP WRITING.” When I awoke I quickly jotted my lil' vision down in my dream journal, and began to ponder on the details. What does the gold color symbolize? What does five bucks mean? Keep Writing? Keep writing what, and why? At this point I start making excuses, "I have a blog site with about 45 posts written already.. Besides, I’m trying to market this book that I went through all kinds of hell to complete. Ridiculous distractions, physical attacks, and demonic activity all around me; almost succeeded in preventing me from finishing the assignment (book) that God called me to. So no! I can’t keep writing right now. I need to focus on pushing this book!”

Butterfly Experience

I was first introduced to the book Experiencing God about fourteen years ago by my friend Pastor Shawn. She used this book as a study for our young adult group, and ever since it has become one of my favorite books of all time. Two summers ago I had been feeling lost and unclear about where my life was going because anything I attempted to do the doors seemed to be shut. Even in my dreams, God was saying either no or not yet. Finally, I had a dream regarding this book and felt I should read it again for the third time. It gave me peace and reminded me to wait for God to invite me into what he was doing instead of me trying to force something to happen. The book teaches on the different ways we experience God and the ways God speaks to us to confirm his will for our lives. God speaks through people, the bible, prayer, dreams and circumstances. I found out those are not the only ways God speaks to us.

My friend Tiffany would always share with me how God answered or confirmed things she was seeking guidance on through encounters with butterflies. They would show up in random places. Now, I must admit I found this odd at first because I’ve never heard of that before. I didn’t discount it because that was her experience. Well, one morning before heading off to work, I sat in my car and boo-hoo’d like a baby. I mean snots, coughing, and raccoon eye from the runaway mascara - the works! It was absolutely ridiculous. My heart was crying out to God for forgiveness for not spending enough time with him. I was also seeking guidance and confirmation on a book I felt he wanted me to write. All of this stress over a book? Ya’ll just don’t understand. I didn’t want to waste precious time doing something I was not called to do - and then it flops! So, I pulled myself together and walked to the train station so I could get to work.

The train pulls into the station and was pretty empty so I slid into a window seat and we take off. The train comes to a stop before pulling into the next station. As the train sits, a medium sized black and orange butterfly fluttered right outside the window next to me. It was beautiful! I was amazed to see it so close. It continued to flutter for a few more seconds and then took flight. Honestly, no butterfly should have been where it was. I thought about Tiffany, then I remembered what I was sobbing about fifteen minutes earlier and wondered, did I just have an encounter? To me the butterfly represented comfort and freedom.

One month after that experience, I finally got around to reading a book Tiffany sent me titled, “What happens when women say yes to God" by Lysa Terkeurst. I read this book on the train to and from work. At the very beginning of the book the writer shares her journey of becoming an author and the challenges she faced from fear to inadequacy. I thought to myself, wow Lord you must be confirming that I should write my book because this author is speaking volumes to me! Is this you Lord? While walking to my car from the station and pondering over what I read, I spotted a black and orange butterfly fluttering around in circles. I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. I was blown away!! I asked, “Lord, is this you? I need to see one more butterfly” lol!! Why wasn’t that enough for me? God must have been holding his head with both hands like really?? Well, seven days later a black and orange butterfly flew right above my car. Through my sunroof, I watched it soar until it was out of sight. Absolutely amazing!!

I don’t know about you, but I don’t see butterflies that often. It was rare for me to see the same colored butterfly three times. Whelp, I got my confirmation and I wrote my book! I have learned not to keep God in a box. It was truly an amazing experience. I'm constantly looking to see what God is going to do next. There are so many ways to encounter or experience God. If you are focused on one area that you are accustomed to Him speaking in, you’re going to miss out. Keep your mind and eyes open! There may be an amazing encounter waiting for you!  If you’ve had an interesting experience, feel free to share in the comments below.  Here is a link to my book: Confessions of a Praying Woman

Blessings,

Tytenisha

The Highway of Holiness

"A highway will be there, a roadway, And it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, But it will be for him who walks that way, And fools will not wander on it."

- Isaiah 35:8

God said "You must be holy because I am holy" - Leviticus 11:44. I believe Christians have lost their influence in the world because they represent Jesus poorly. Most Christians don't move in the power and authority that Christ gave because they don't walk in holiness. Holiness is rarely being taught as "the way" to live. Instead, Christians abuse the freedom they have in Christ making it difficult to distinguish the believer from the non-believer. If you walk, talk, and act like the world - you're not going to win anybody to Christ. Christians are supposed to be salt and light in this dark world. We should be setting a standard of living on the earth that makes non-believers envious and desire the joy and hope we have in Christ.

In my opinion, the churches today are partially responsible for the people of God lacking holiness. My husband says most churches look and act like a circus. It's all entertainment. The churches are trying to appeal to the non-believer by incorporating "things" that will attract them. I don't have a problem with getting a little creative. It becomes a problem when churches compromise on the ways of God and the message of the bible gets watered down so that people are not offended or turned off. People are leaving church services pumped up from the entertainment, but they're lacking a Holy Spirit conviction and a challenge to change or Come Up Higher in the things of God. In other words, they leave the same way they came - broken, powerless or stagnant in their walk with God.

As a Christian, YOU are responsible for "Walking out your salvation with fear and trembling" -Philippians 2:12. You should know what pleases God and what He requires of you. What places are you frequenting that promote a godless atmosphere? What inappropriate television programs are you watching that consume your time? What kind of relationships are you nurturing that are unhealthy and displeasing to God? Stop tolerating and accepting the sins the world promotes. Stop being a part of it. Stop saying, "A little bit of this is ok" or "As long as I don't do too much of that it'll be fine because I have freedom in Christ." Yes, the bible says "All things are permissible. It also adds, "But not everything is beneficial." - 1 Corinthians 10:23.

Very few men and women of God today operate in the power of the Almighty God. Don't you want to see answered prayer, people delivered from demonic oppression, people healed from terminal illnesses, nations turning their hearts back to God? These difficult requests require God's involvement. The key to seeing a phenomenal mighty move of God is holiness. Holiness is striving to have clean hands and a pure heart. Holiness is walking in obedience to God's commands. Holiness is how you live your life for God in the public eye and behind closed doors. It's not easy walking the narrow highway of holiness, but it can be rewarding.

It starts with a decision to do it! Then it takes discipline. You will mess up, you will fall down, but you must quickly get up and keep pressing forward. We are living in dark times. Our country is falling apart and our families are experiencing demonic attacks. As the people of God we have to get back to holiness, which is a standard of living that pleases God. When we do, He will heal our land and He will move on your behalf in ways you cannot imagine. Read the bible and know the word of God for yourself. Start walking on The Highway of Holiness.

Blessings,
Tytenisha

My Personal Revelation

"Come Up Higher Dream"

April 6, 2014

"I'm standing in my bedroom. I have the remote control in my hand and I'm looking at the television (I don't remember what was on). I feel a sexual urge rise up inside of me. This was not an urge you’d feel toward your spouse, this felt dirty and perverse. I'm lifted up and the feeling is accentuated. I'm floating over my bed positioned in front of the television and I realize “this is not right.” I think to myself, I want to be lowered back down. When I try bring myself down, I can't.  I'm suspended in the air and can't get down. I attempt to yell out for Jesus, but my lips are shut tight - I can't open my mouth. Internally I'm shouting out the name Jesus. Then my nose begins to close up, I'm beginning to suffocate (I'm really experiencing this in my sleep). I continue to call on Jesus internally and command whatever is doing this to me “to get out in Jesus name" and it did! Then I woke up."

Dream Symbols:

My actual bedroom: A place of intimacy/private matters.

Remote control: Having control over an aspect of my life.

Television: Tell - a - vision (the dream is telling me something about my life).

Floating: To rise above what the Lord is revealing to me (come up higher).

Closed mouth / nose, not being able to move: Spiritual attack, not sleep paralysis.

Dream Interpretation:

The Lord was revealing to me that there is an issue regarding what I watch in the privacy of my bedroom that is causing me to experience these perverse sexual urges that were not of God. The Lord wanted me to become aware of this and rise above it – get control of it, come up higher. The enemy wanted to maintain control in this particular area and did not want me to become aware of the issue. Once I realized this was not right, the enemy attacked me. I believe the enemy wanted to shut my mouth because I was going to share my experience (like I always do) and admonish others to assess what they’re viewing and inviting into their homes via the television.

God clearly showed me that certain programs watched on television; will open a door that allows the enemy to come in and negatively affect a person or their family. You may ask, "How does a person open the door for demonic activity to take place in their lives?” In this scenario, when a person willingly and happily and consistently watches a program with content that go directly against God’s moral laws (ten commandments) you've opened a door that gives demonic forces access to your life in that particular area.

Let's say you’ve been frustrated in an area that you can't seem to get victory in. You've been asking God to reconcile your marriage because it’s been defiled by adultery. You've been praying and boldly declaring that the enemy has no authority and that no weapon formed against your marriage will prosper! After you finish calling heaven down, and destroying the enemy with scripture; you jump on the couch or in the bed, grab the remote control and proceed to enjoy a weekly television series that promotes adultery. Isn’t that contradicting? Why would God answer your prayer? If God has a problem with adultery you should too, especially if you’re a believer. Close that door! Oh Ty, you’re killing me right now! It’s only a show; it’s just entertainment, relax! No. That’s how the enemy gets us, we let our guard down; we don’t take the word of God seriously. Next thing you know, the enemy has slipped in and you didn't see it coming.

Once the Lord opened my eyes, I realized how much my flesh enjoyed watching certain programs, but my spirit didn’t agree. There was always this internal conflict. I also saw how the open door was contributing to some of the issues that were going on in my home. I don’t have step-by-step instructions on how to wean your self off of inappropriate programs. I automatically stopped watching three particular shows. I’m far from perfect and I haven’t arrived in this area. I'm still in the process of weeding out shows/movies that my spirit doesn’t agree with. To me, obedience to God's word equals safety lol!! Obedience is more important to me, than trying to keep up with everyone that’s watching a “popular” program, especially when God warned me of it. Hey, I know this post is not for everyone, but it is for some. Don't be afraid to go against the grain. You won't be missing anything. Come up higher!

How about you? Are you viewing programs that glorify sexual immorality, extreme violence and the like? "Don't give the devil a foothold in your life" (Ephesians 4:27). "Be alert! Satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Don't let it be you.

Let’s take a peek at the heart of King David through this Psalm:
"I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.

I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.

I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.

I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.

I will not endure conceit and pride.

I will search for faithful people to be my companions."

- Psalm 101: 3-6

Blessings,

Tytenisha

Seasons of Life - Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and Fasting

Prayer:

No matter what season you're in you should be praying. The bible says, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is a necessity for daily living, especially for the crazy times we are living in. We need God's protection, discernment and wisdom. You can pray anywhere at any time, that's the beauty of prayer. I think we also forget that there is power in our prayers! The bible says, "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much" (James 5:16). The question is how should you pray when going through difficult seasons? 

Sometimes we have no clue what we should be praying when going through difficult seasons. We are quick to pray prayers that come from our hurt and pain because we don't understand what's going on and we want it to be over with. Many times our prayers are not answered right away because we pray incorrectly. When you are going through difficult seasons you want to pray the will of God. Trust me, I know whatever you are going through hurts like hell. All you want is for God to remove the pain and change the situation ASAP! But is that the type of prayer God is looking for? Most times the painful, challenging seasons you face will be to strengthen you in certain areas, build your faith, and develop Godly fruit such as patience, love, self-control and more. Click on more. God has a purpose for your life. Every season you experience, good or difficult - will not go to waste.

As you spend time with God reading and meditating on his word, the Lord will open your eyes and allow you to understand the season that you're in. Once you understand what is taking place in your life, you will know how to approach God in prayer. Your prayer will no longer be, God take this away from me! Your prayer will be, Yes Lord, have your way in me, I trust you, order my steps, I can do nothing without you. Then you will start to take whatever actions needed to move you through that season. 

When the Lord revealed to me what I was dealing with in the area of spiritual warfare, I needed God to fight my battle therefore I needed to pray accordingly. I could not pray sad pitiful prayers anymore. I began to pray your will be done Lord, not mine. I prayed for wisdom to handle things God's way. I prayed and spoke God's word with boldness. I had to move from fear to faith; that was and still is a process. I cried more tears than you could ever imagine. I cried at work, on the train, at my kids’ sports activities - but through the tears and through the fear I still took action! I used the authority Jesus gave me and began to rebuke and trample over snakes and serpents, in His name. I prophesied and declared those things that were not, as though they were - in Jesus’ name. I worshiped and praised God as I watched him fight my battle. When you pray the will of the Father and trust that he will not forsake you, the end result will always be more awesome than what you could have hoped for or accomplished yourself.

I want to share really quickly on praying in tongues. For those of you who do not speak in tongues, speaking and praying in tongues is not a requirement for getting your prayers answered. It's another wonderful way to communicate with the Lord especially when you run out of words to say in your native tongue. Don't feel bad if you can't speak in tongues, just ask the Father for it and when He's ready for it to manifest in your life it will. 

I love to sing and pray in tongues. My spirit enjoys it. After I've prayed for everything under the sun and that lasts about a good fifteen minutes, I'm like ok - what do I pray for now? The bible says,

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. The father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.

- Romans 8:26 

 

The Holy Spirit knows exactly what to say to our heavenly Father. When you pray in tongues, you don't have to feel like, oh I forgot to mention this or that to God. The Holy Spirit searches the secret places of your heart and mind and the Lord gets to know all about the things that concern you. Not only are we able to express our concerns to God through tongues, in return our Spirit man is edified by the Lord. You may not have a clue as to what you prayed about or what the Lord said to you but your Spirit does. Once your Spirit receives instruction from the Lord He will guide you in every step you need to take. Overall you will feel strengthened, encouraged and ready to face the season you are in.

 

Fasting:

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

- Isaiah 56:6

 

There are various reasons why people fast. A fast can be taken for sanctification, to get your prayers heard on high and to break the chains of spiritual wickedness. Fasting and prayer coupled together can be powerful and very effective, but your motives must be right. Is there a purpose to your fast? What are you looking for God to do? If what you are praying and fasting for is going to benefit the Kingdom of God, the Lord just might answer your prayer. If you are going through a challenging season and you feel compelled to fast, then you should. Every believer will fast at some point in their walk with Christ. If you are experiencing a situation that is evil, wicked and demonic you NEED to fast. Jesus said, "This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17:21). Prayer and fasting are spiritual weapons that God has provided for us to use, and I can tell you personally, they work! The length and type of fast to take is up to you and God. A true biblical fast is 24 hours no food, no water. I purchased this book God's Chosen Fast in 2006 and I still refer to it today. It's a very informative book on fasting. Click on the link, you may find the information in this book helpful to you. 

I will leave you with these two scriptures from Jesus with a promise attached:

When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. - Matthew 6:5-6

Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. - Matthew 6:16-18

Could the reward Jesus is talking about be answered prayer? hmmmmm...

 

Next post, Enter Into God's Rest!

 

Blessings,

Tytenisha

 

 

Seasons of Life - God Requires Obedience!

God Requires Obedience!

Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

-Hebrews 5:8

Now that Gods got your attention, what is he personally requiring of you? As I shared in the previous post God Wants your Attention! God told me to stop doing a certain thing that I enjoyed doing. What I enjoyed doing was not sinful but not beneficial either. God used the affliction I suffered in my body to drive me to my knees so that I could be in a position to listen to God and obey his commands. God doesn't tell us to do things for no reason. The Lord was preparing me for the greater issue at hand, the true battle I had to face. 

In order to be victorious in whatever season you're in or whatever battle you're facing, you need to be clean. God was cleaning my house of anything that would hinder victory and it starts with obedience. Everyone wants to be victorious but we need to be clean vessels that God can work through. We have to walk in obedience and we have to follow God's commands. I soon began to see that I was facing a vicious spiritual battle for someone that I love. I began to pray fervently crying out to God morning, noon and night. Following that fervent prayer I received this dream:

I was sitting in a class room with other students. There was a huge mirror at the front of the class leaning against the desk as if it were the teacher. The mirror was dirty, spotted and streaked. I could see myself in the mirror from where I was sitting. I said to the lady in front of me, "Eww, that mirror is dirty"! She agreed and said, "You better believe that WILL be cleaned."

God is so gracious. It took me about a week to understand what God was saying in the dream. The Lord said, "This mirror is a reflection of you and many others. You are spotted and streaked just like the person you are praying for". I knew exactly what the Lord was talking about. There was unconfessed sin I needed to deal with. I quickly and sincerely asked God for forgiveness and thanked him for bringing those areas to my remembrance. I read PSALM 51 out loud several times to express to God how sorry I was. Side note: I did not commit the sin King David committed in psalm 51. I love how King David expressed remorse for the sin he committed.   

If you are facing a wilderness season, dry season or a spiritual battle - especially if the battle you're facing is for someone else because the Lord has placed that burden upon you - It is very important for you to examine yourself. The same issue that the person you are praying for may be an issue of your own and you won't see victory until that issue is taken care of. Make sure there are no open doors in your life that will hinder your prayers. 

It's very important to acknowledge unconfessed sin and ask for forgiveness. It will hinder your prayers. The bible says," But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness" (1 John 1:9). Ask God to reveal the issue/s that you need to confess, confront, change or stop doing altogether. 

Another area that God deals with us in is un-forgiveness. Un-forgiveness will hinder answered prayer. If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. - Matthew 6:14-15

Wow! If you don't forgive, God will not forgive you!" That's serious stuff. We need God's forgiveness every day! Forgiveness is a process but it is imperative that at some point we forgive.

So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God"  - Matthew 5:23

Is there is a relationship you need to reconcile? Don't delay in doing it. It doesn't matter who is right or wrong. Make things right with your brother or sister so you're not left to wander around in the season you're in. You don't have to be best friends with the person/s but you do have to love them. Oh, and pray for them too! I didn't say it, Jesus said it. 

God is loving, gracious, merciful, compassionate and extremely patient. God gives us plenty of time and space to just be. When God is ready for you to come out of that space he will begin to speak to you and you need to respond. It may be a specific command from the Lord, maybe you need to confront unconfessed sin or maybe you need to forgive someone that caused you pain. Whatever it is, be obedient to what God is asking you to do.

God is not a tyrant who roams around seeking perfection. He's looking for broken and contrite hearts. This means he wants you to desire righteousness and a spirit of humility. He wants you to walk in holiness and separate yourself from the world. He wants you to be free from the clutches of the enemy who has had a hold on certain areas of your life. God wants you to be everything He has called and purposed for you to be! You will get through this! You are more than a conqueror, you are victorious! Search your heart and ask God to remove anything in you that is not like him. Here is a great scripture to pray for God to reveal those hidden sins in our hearts.

Search me, O God and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there be any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  

- Psalm 139:23-24

 

Next post will be on Prayer and Fasting

Blessings,

Tytenisha

 

 

Seasons of Life - God Wants Your Attention!

 

God Wants Your Attention!

But by means of their suffering, he rescues those who suffer. For he gets their attention through adversity -Job 36:15

I'm sure you've heard some say 2014 is your year of jubilee, miracles or even double blessings! I too feel that 2014 is a special year. One of the things I've learned in my walk with Christ is, if you are a Christian with a call on your life, your breakthrough or next level appointing will come with a price. Many people entered 2014 receiving breakthroughs and blessings upon blessings. Many entered into a wilderness season scratching their heads like, "God what are you doing"? Some people as I write are entering a dry season or a season of spiritual warfare. You might even be experiencing all three. 

 

• Wilderness season is when you feel alone, lost and confused about what's going on in your life and you can't seem to move forward. 


• Dry season is when there seems to be no open doors, no breakthroughs, your prayers seem to bounce off the walls and everything is dried up. 


• Spiritual warfare is when the enemy attacks God's children or tries to take something away that was promised or spoken to you by God. It's a supernatural battle that takes place between God and principalities and spiritual wickedness in high places. Your role is to put on the Armor of God and stand firm until victory is won. 

I will be writing a series of posts sharing my personal experiences entering 2014 and what The Lord revealed to me. One evening (while in the middle of my season) during my time of prayer and reading the bible, I asked the Lord, "Why do I feel so alone"? As I continued reading - this passage of scripture lifted off of the pages for me to see:

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, It remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels - a plentiful harvest of new lives. 

-John 12:24

God explained to me exactly what was taking place in my life through this scripture. Every believer with a call on their life will enter a wilderness season, dry season and a time of spiritual warfare. It's a process you have to go through in order for your life to be powerful, fruitful and effective not just for yourself but for OTHERS. Your calling or purpose in life will benefit from this spiritual death. When all is said and done you will have developed humility, great character and unbelievable faith in God which will sustain you in whatever the Lord has called you to do. 

 

God got my attention: 

One morning in December 2013, I awoke with numbness in my left arm and tingling in my feet. I experienced this a couple of years prior and I knew what to do - so I thought. I inhaled a couple of Aleve pills and went on my merry way. After a couple of days, it didn't get any better. I gobbled a few more pills and decided to relax by getting a five-minute massage from the massage chair in my home. The balls in the chair were extremely hard and raced up and down my back kneading me in certain areas. It hurt like crazy but I didn't think anything of it because I've sat in that chair many times before.

A week later I still had numbness and tingling on my left side but now it was starting to affect my right side. From top to bottom, my back was starting to hurt. I whipped out a book I had purchased several years ago but never read called "The Makers Diet." I read the book from cover to cover in about a week. I really don't know why I pulled that book out but it blessed me tremendously. The author who is a Christian shared how he spent thousands of dollars searching for a cure for his chronic Krohns disease in addition to all kinds of infirmity in his body. He was sent home to die but his faith in God and the changing of his diet (God's diet) healed him completely. I was very inspired by his story and decided to change my eating habits and follow the plans in his book. There was a healing prayer that you would say in the morning and in the evening as you followed the plan. This led to me spending time with God in prayer. Prayer means everything to me but I had slacked in this area for a while.

Things were not getting better and I refused to go to the hospital. I was going to trust God to heal me through prayer. Hands and oil were slapped on me by my husband, children, parents, brother and sister n law, I even stood in the prayer line at church! There was no healing and no relief. My whole entire body was inflicted with pain and nerve issues. The pain was so excruciating I ended up in the emergency room. The doctors said it was a pulled muscle and sent me home to inhale all kinds of drugs. After that, I was in and out of the hospital. I researched my symptoms for my lower back pain and realized I was suffering from Sciatica. I visited a spine clinic for my upper back and neck because it was affecting the nerves in my arms, face and head. I was diagnosed with cervical sprain. All of this from a stinking massage chair that I've sat in several times? This was not normal. I began to wonder if something spiritual was going on here. The pain was so great that it literally drove me to my knees.

 

I began to cry out to God for healing. I began to spend quality time in God's word again. I was in God's face day and night praying. My kids were like, "Mommy are you going to pray again?" Yup! After a while, I realized I was right where the Father wanted me to be. God wanted my attention. As I cried out to God I asked, "What am I doing wrong? What do I need to change?" Immediately the Holy Spirit told me to give up a particular thing that I enjoyed. That same night, the thing I was told to give up was confirmed in a dream. Without hesitation, I gave it up. The bible says, "I have the right to do anything but not everything is beneficial" (Corinthians 6:12). God definitely wanted a sacrifice from me and wanted to know if I'd obey his command. Had I not been obedient to what God asked of me, it could have negatively affected what I was going to experience in the coming months. All I knew was God wanted my time and attention and He got it. I was so desperate for relief I told God whatever he wanted me to do, I'll do - thus the journey began.

Are you in a wilderness season or a dry season? Are you battling spiritual warfare? Have you tried everything you know to do and nothing seems to work? Give God your undivided attention! Seek his face and cry out to him. Ask him what is going on and if there is something he wants to speak to you about. Ask him if there is something he wants you to change. God will speak to you in that still small voice, through the bible and in many other unique ways. You just need to pay attention and listen. Once you know what God wants from you, act on it immediately. Delay is disobedience. The quicker you obey God's commands the quicker you will move through the season you're in.

 

The next post will be on Obedience.

Blessings,

Tytenisha

False Prophets

“Let these false prophets tell their dreams, but let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word. There is a difference between straw and grain" Jeremiah 23:28

You can’t just wake up one morning and decide, “I’m going to be a Prophet!" It doesn’t work like that. Prophets are personally called by God. John Paul Jackson who is a Prophet to the nations said it best. “If you give a word from the Lord, it has to come true in order to be received as a prophetic voice”. His statement can be backed up by this scripture “All of Israel knew that Samuel was a prophet, because the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Samuel 3:19, 20). Very interesting right? It makes you think about the many prophetic words we’ve received from “prophets” that did not come true or did not agree with what the Lord has said to us personally. The role of a prophet is serious business and not to be played around with.

A Prophet is one who speaks GOD’S words, not his or her own words. A prophet knows and speaks the heart of God. I once heard someone say, “It takes 25 years to become a seasoned Prophet.” I believe it!  In order for a prophet to know the heart of God they need to spend time in his presence. It takes time to learn the voice of God and speak his words with accuracy.

“Have any of these Prophets been in the LORD’s presence to hear what he is really saying? Has even one of them cared enough to listen” (Jeremiah 23:19). This was the Lord speaking through Jeremiah the prophet regarding false prophets. True prophets spend quality time in God’s presence. A true prophet must develop a lifestyle of worship, prayer and fasting. The spirit of humility is extremely important for a prophet to possess. They must go through seasons of humbling and crushing to develop this spirit. Prophets must learn to keep their mouth shut and stop blabbering everything the Lord has shown or spoken to them before it’s time. Without a spirit of humility, prophets become reckless with their gift, therefore bringing hurt to the body of Christ. 

Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people Matt. 24:11 

A false prophet is a minister who deliberately teaches false doctrine. They teach very little about the word of God and they misinterpret it. They take the word of God and distort it for their own benefit to gain money, power and fame. They tell you all of the things that you want to hear not what you need to hear. Jesus warns us that false prophets will perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect (God's children). Look at what the Lord said regarding false prophets, “I am against these prophets who steal messages from each other and claim they are from me. I am against these smooth-tongued prophets who say, “This prophecy is from the Lord!” (Jeremiah 23:30-31). Wow!!

Here are some false prophet red flags to look out for:

• 
  
  Be careful when ministers urge you to make a sacrifice in your giving by stretching your faith so that God will bless you. You don’t have to empty out your account to prove you have faith. You don’t have to pay God for a blessing. Sometimes the Lord will place a dollar amount on your heart but if he doesn’t, give with a cheerful heart whatever you can afford to give.


• 
  
  Be leary of prophets who have a word for everybody. It's possible, but the prophetic does not work like that. I watched a prophet tell a young woman that I knew, she had low self-esteem and tried to give encouraging words because she was heavy set. Far from true. She told another young lady that she needed a beating. I zoned out after that. Like really?? This prophet had a word for everyone that came down the line. Then the church whipped out a credit card machine for those that wanted to give an offering. Red Flag! Red Flag!


• 
  
  Be extremely cautious of prophets who call out your first and last name perfectly, especially if it’s done in the church you attend. I know the Lord can reveal things to people but that should raise questions in your head. You have to think to yourself, hmmm could there have been a conversation about me? Possibly!! False Prophets want you to believe they move in signs and wonders. Don’t be deceived.        

 

In My Opinion

 

As children of God we have to be wise and discerning when it comes to “prophets”. Do you know a false word or prophesy will take you off course? Know the word of God for yourself and don’t be so eager to receive a prophesy from man. If a prophet gives you a personal prophesy it should confirm what the Lord has already spoken to you in your private time with him. Be leary of prophets who say, “In seven days this is going to happen” or “if you sow a seed of $37.16 in faith you will receive your breakthrough." You don’t have to pay God for a breakthrough.

 

Jesus said you will know them by their fruit. True servants of God (what ever the call is) should put God first, follow his commands, and point people to Christ. They demonstrate good (not perfect) behavior and Godly character. True servants should help hurting people find joy and fulfillment in Christ; not deceive them, take from them, and leave them broken. It’s time to question spiritual practices taking place in the church that are not biblical. If it's not correct, don't support it. There's no power in the church because of evil motives running rampant and not enough holiness. Holiness is following the commands of Christ.Are you called to prophetic ministry? If so, you need to understand your gift by studying the word of God. Read books, take some classes. John Paul Jackson has a wealth of information on the prophetic. The Holy Spirit by far is thee best teacher.

Let me stress this one last time, study the word of God for yourself so you'll know truth from fiction. Learn the voice of God. God says, "My sheep know my voice". If you know Gods word you can't be deceived or lead astray.

Blessings,
Tytenisha

 

 

 

Nothing But God Matters

DEEPER COMMUNION

Happy New Year!! This is my first post in 2014. Where do I begin? I have so much to share but I won't bombard you with one post. There will be more posts to  come. I guess I will just speak what's on my heart. God is calling many of us to deeper communion with Him. We have allowed any and everything to stand in the way of our relationship with God. I have spoken to several women this year that have in so many words said, "Nothing but God Matters"! They are willing to obey every command of God and they're willing to trust him in every area of their life. I feel the same way.

God wants much, much more from us. Many people are taking their traditional fast at the beginning of this new year. That's wonderful. Sometimes God wants us to get away from what we're accustomed to doing all the time though. Don't you want a fresh move of God? Don't get me wrong, I'm not against fasting at all. When I feel the Lord is calling me to fast, I do! But sometimes you have to do something different and not just go along with the crowd. What kind of sacrifice does God want from you specifically? Do you need to give the television a break in addition to your fast? Do you need to shut down two, three or all of your social media outlets for a time? Is there something or someone you need to cut out of your life permanently so you can have deeper communion with God?

God wants to talk with you and share some things with you in this season. God wants to speak with you about some hindrances in your life that need to be removed. God wants to develop character in specific areas of your life. God wants to fill you in regarding your future and the wonderful plans he has for you. Many times God speaks to us in a still small voice. We need to be sensitive to hearing his voice, even when he's whispering. How are you going to hear the voice of God if there is nothing but distractions around you? God is a gentleman. He's not going to yell at you or force you to sit down and have a conversation with him, this is a choice you have to make.

Our Spirit is not edified because we don't fill it with God's words. Our vision is blurred because we're focused on the wrong things. Our ears are blocked because we're listening to noise. We need more of God in ours lives. I said, "We need more of God in our lives." It's not that deep and it's quite simple to remedy. Find a quiet space and read his Holy Word. Make time for prayer. It doesn't matter how long you read or pray, you just need a desire for more of God in your life. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6) I love that scripture!

You have an assignment from God. Do you know what it is? No more running after some man or some woman to find direction and meaning for your life. Go directly to the source, the one who created you! He has all the answers. In this New Year let's be all about "Our Father's Business." Surrender all to him without hesitation, because Nothing but God matters.

Blessings,
Tytenisha

Tara Axson - Pursuing My Passion

Pursuing My Passion

People rarely do what they enjoy and hardly ever pursue their passion. Our passion tends to come secondary to what is suggested we should be doing. It’s probably because we always hear our parents in the back of our heads pushing us to be doctors or lawyers. Don’t get me wrong, those professions are excellent, but we tend not to explore what we really want to do. The options given to us may not be the ones we really want to seek. I was one of those people!

My mother and father wanted me to be successful, and pushed me to be the best that I could be. They wanted me to be in the upper echelon of professions so that I could “Make That Money!” They did not want me to struggle and wanted me to have a better life than they had, and you know what? We should!!! But a better life also includes what we are born to do! See, some of our parents had passions too! They may have chosen a career that paid the bills, instead of one they loved that could have paid the bills as well.

It wasn’t until the passing of my mother, and my father’s sickness (which almost took him out of this world) that I realized my profession was not what I really wanted to do! Here I was a Mechanical Engineer by degree, working as a Project Engineer for a construction company, making good money! I was able to support myself and more. I recognized, life was too short and I was actually a shell of what I could be. I wanted to wake up each morning skipping to work. I wanted a profession that someone had to pull me away from.  If long hours were required I wouldn’t mind because I truly wanted to be there doing it.

I did not feel that way about my current job. So, when my mom passed I asked myself, “What do you actually truly love to do, because you can’t leave this world having just existed?”  After soul searching, I realized that I have always secretly loved beauty, most of all doing hair! Well, after I came to that conclusion, a few weeks later I was laid off due to reasons beyond my control. Although I was devastated, I actually saw it as my opportunity to leap into the unknown and go for my dream! So, I enrolled myself into Cosmetology school (mind you I was in my 30’s, so you only know I was so removed from the classroom) to start my journey not only to become a cosmetologist, but with goals of becoming a Salon Owner. 
 
Now, 4 years later, let me tell you, it has been the best decision ever! Have I hit some bumps in my road? Yes!  But without those bumps and bruises, I would not appreciate my journey as much as I do. I would not have learned all that I know now. I still aspire to be a Salon Owner, but right now I’m gaining as much field knowledge as I can by working as a hairstylist. (Update: As of Oct. 2018, Tara opened her own salon! Details at the end of her story)

You may be thinking, well what about that engineering degree? How opposite is that from what you are doing?!! I have a response to that too! Do you know it influences my career now?  I am all about those angles in cutting hair, all about those formulas for color, all about addressing the scalp issues that many have. I try to get to the origin of the problem in order to have a solution. I love hair care! I believe when you work from the scalp to the ends, the styling will be even better and the client leaves feeling amazing! When my client is satisfied, I feel amazing too. I could never trade that feeling, that’s what makes me excited to be in the Salon! So, reflect on yourself and ask, “What am I passionate about?” Like someone once said, “When you discover it, you will then find your oxygen.”

Tara Axson

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH TARA!

LM Hair Styles Unisex Salon 530 Washington St (Route 138) Stoughton, MA 02072, StyleSeat.com/taraaxson 617-858-5226 

Train Up A Child in Prayer

My Prayer Warriors

"Train up a child in the way he (or she) should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

If you're a parent, guardian or caretaker of children, you have a great responsibility. The scripture above says to train up a child in the way he should go. You can train or instruct your child to do anything, but I pray its positive and beneficial for them in the long run. In addition to stressing how important a good education is, instilling respectful manners, and teaching them to be productive citizens; I believe the most important training we can give our children is a spiritual foundation in God. It won't hurt to be good examples before them either. Jesus said, "If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a huge millstone tied around his neck and to be thrown into the sea" Mark 9:42. Wow, Jesus is serious about his little ones. Hmmm. We probably should be too.

Children are a gift from God and we (adults) are responsible for raising them according to Gods instructions. God is not looking for perfection from us; just willing and obedient hearts to train up these precious children to know His ways. Can I encourage someone with a wayward child? If your child has veered off the path, and you've trained them in the ways of God to the best of your ability - pray for them, and love them right where they are. I'm sure the disappointment is overwhelming and the pain is great, maybe even unbearable; believe in faith that God will help them find their way back. For those who did not teach your children the ways of God for whatever reason, be the best example you can, NOW. Love your children, pray for them and trust God to put them on course. 
 
This post will be about training up a child in prayer. Most of us have taught our children the common bedtime prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep," or the popular grace, "God is great, God is good, let us thank him for our food." Those prayers are cute, simple and perfect for getting children accustomed to praying. Those prayers are good for a time, but I want to challenge you not to limit your children to cutesy prayers. I believe children "can be" sensitive to spiritual things because their minds have not been tainted by everyday life. The purity in children allows them to have extraordinary faith, and as their prayer life develops, they will begin to see there is power in prayer.
 
Children should know "The Lord’s Prayer." This prayer encompasses our everyday living in the earth. It's a great template for basic prayer. If possible, explain to your child what each line in this prayer means so they'll have an understanding of what they're praying. A child's prayer is powerful because they simply believe that what they are praying for will come to pass. As parents, we have to nurture that simple faith.

Many times I purposely let my children see and hear me pray, so they'll be comfortable and accustomed to a lifestyle of prayer. My children are seven, nine, and sixteen years of age. I try to set aside time for prayer and bible study in my home, and I always let THEM open and close our study with prayer. In the mornings as I drive the kids to school, we have a short prayer session. Each day, a different child, will lead the prayer session which consists of The Lord's Prayer, Praise and Worship, and Intercessory prayer which teaches the children to pray for the needs of others. I teach my children to memorize bible scriptures because it’s important to couple prayer with the word of God. I feel scriptures add more weight and authority to our prayers.

Our children need to understand there is power in their prayers, and that prayer can actually change things! Cute little prayers for children are ok, but we can’t let them stay at that level. The world we live in is becoming increasingly scary. Our children, who are the next generation, need to know how to pray with power and authority with the word of God if they are going to see change in the world and in their own lives.

Let your child freestyle in his/her prayer by allowing them to pray whatever they want, or you can give them something to pray for. Correct them when you hear the prayer is a little off, they have to learn, right? When my seven year old was first learning to pray he would say, "Thank you for worshiping us Jesus." I would chuckle to myself then correct him by saying, "We love to worship you Jesus" lol!!

I hope you accept my challenge and teach your children to pray mature prayers so they'll start to develop a powerful, effective prayer life of their own. Teaching your children to pray establishes a strong foundation in communication with their heavenly Father, so when they grow old, they will never depart from it.

Blessings,
Tytenisha

Kingdom Woman Book Review

Tony Evans and Chrystal Evans Hurst

  
July 9, 2013 12:07 am:

My heart loves God so much. I want to serve him and know him in such a deep way. What does that even mean? There is a fire inside of me that burns with rage to speak and talk about Him. I long to do what's right. I feel like I keep missing the mark. I want to be present for my family, but I also want to run with God. I want to have it all! Balance and focus. Help me God!! Give me drive and take away laziness. More of you is what I need. I love you Jesus.

You just read my personal journal entry. I was overwhelmed, desperate for God, passionate about purpose and trying to find balance with my husband and children because they need me. I knew where I wanted to go in life, but didn't know how to get there. I was trying to juggle too many balls. When I realized I couldn't juggle all those balls, I let them go! I dropped them! I felt like a failure and allowed unproductive distractions keep me from moving forward. Have you ever felt like that and just gave up? This journal entry was my cry to God for help.

Whelp! This book came into my life at the perfect time! God saw my heart and answered my prayer from just a simple entry into my journal. July 15, 2013, six days later.. I ran across a short video on YouTube where Chrystal Evans Hurst was talking about the new book "Kingdom Woman" she had written with her father Tony Evans. To make a long story short, I was blessed with a complimentary copy of the book to read/review for my blog. 

This book met me right where I was and left me encouraged, strengthened, focused and recharged. It's absolutely ridiculous how almost every page in my book is lit up, due to my highlighting addiction! So many inspirational truths are inscribed throughout this book. Tony Evans expounds on the lives of several Kingdom Women in the bible who experienced life issues similar to you and me. He reminds us how they didn't give up, how they pressed through their situations, and how they became victorious in the end.

I love Chrystal's delivery and transparency in this book. She shares personal stories regarding particular struggles and insecurities she faced walking the path of a Kingdom Woman. I could identify with many of her struggles. This was timely for me because I needed to see how "somebody else" juggled their balls, and handled certain situations.

Kingdom Woman is humorous, thought provoking, and provides you with strategies and tools to help you face and conquer your obstacles while remaining on course to fulfilling God's purpose. This book touches upon a Kingdom Woman's faith, prayer life, value, hope and much more. If you are married, single, divorced or widowed this book is for you! And it will meet you right where you are.

I will share with you one sentence from the book which defines what a Kingdom Woman is:

Therefore, a kingdom woman may be defined as "a woman who positions herself under and operates according to the rule of God over every area of her life" - Tony Evans

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have already started practicing what I've read and highlighted! One of the most impactful lessons I learned was that I don't have to juggle all of my balls at the same time. After awhile some balls will get worn and need a break, then you pick up a few new balls to replace the worn ones and you have a nice balance.

Blessings,
Tytenisha 

What is Wisdom?

"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding". Proverbs 4:7

"Get understanding" is a powerful word of wisdom. In order to get understanding you have to ask God for it and then seek after it. "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you" Matthew 6:33. We seek "His kingdom" by reading the bible and learning the ways of God. When we learn the ways of God, we receive understanding.

So what is Wisdom?

"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom" Psalm 111:10

Did you know Wisdom is one of the 9 Spiritual Gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12?  Unfortunately, not everyone is chosen to be gifted with wisdom. Most people need to seek after it. The word wisdom is used over 200 times in the bible. Clearly, we need wisdom and understanding in order to make right choices and decisions in our lives. Every day we are confronted with choices that may or may not be beneficial to us. Many of us are heavily influenced by friends and family who may unintentionally lead us into trouble if they don't possess wisdom. Sometimes our own personal desires will dictate the choices that we make.

When you study the bible, the choices you make will be a result of God's influence in your life. You won't marry the first dude that comes along (who doesn't share the same faith and beliefs as you do) because you're tired of being alone. You won't frequent psychic hotlines hoping to hear something great is in store for your future. You won't ink 10 thousand silly tattoos all across your body and then regret getting them when you're 50 years old. When you know the ways of God it affects your conduct. You'll think twice about plotting revenge on people, sleeping with someone's spouse, or dabbling in addictive narcotics. A wise person puts bright ideas into action which results in a positive outcome. Wisdom is truly divine! "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere" James 3:17. As you can see, wisdom has wonderful characteristics as well.

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom:

"Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong" 1 Kings 3:9 By age 20 or so, Solomon was named king of Israel. In a dream, God told Solomon to ask for anything he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom so that as the king he would make right decisions for the people. God was extremely pleased with Solomon's request and granted his wish. God also blessed him with unbelievable wealth and honor when he didn't even ask for those things.

King Solomon is a great example of someone asking God for wisdom and receiving it. This is a request I know God will grant every single person that asks lol! Check out this scripture, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking" James 1:5. Most of the time we don't ask God for the right things. We want money, vehicles, wardrobes and we struggle to obtain these things because we don't make wise choices. It's not enough to just have earthly intellect. The bible says, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom" 1 Corinthians 1:25. So true. God's way is the best way even when it seems foolish. 

Let's pray and ask God for Wisdom!

Heavenly Father I ask for a discerning heart so I can make wise choices in my life. Give me an understanding of your Holy Word so that your influence will affect every decision I make. Surround me with people who are full of your wisdom to strengthen and encourage me in this area. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer, in Jesus' name. Amen!!

 

 

Blessings,
Tytenisha