Commit To The Lord And Your Plans Will Succeed

My friends, to God be the glory! I came home today, expecting to take me a quick nap before I head out to New Year's Eve Service, but I am too excited to take a nap. I am excited because the Lord has been good to me each and every day of 2009! Even when I was not good to myself, God was still there to comfort me and keep me safe. Even though I made my own plans for all I wanted to do in 2009, God is the one who directed my plans. Proverbs 16:1-3, "To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue. All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

My friends, as you make those resolutions for 2010, commit them to the Lord, He will direct your path. Ask God for His blessings over your plans. We just need to remember that we must ask God to make our plans come through. We can make all the plans and commitments to certain people and things, but if it is not in the will of God, no matter what you say or do, it will not succeed.

I pray that we will all continue to ask God for guidance over our plans. In fact, let us let go of our selfishness and let the Lord know that we will commit to Him and His plans for our lives, whatever they may be. I have a feeling that we will start to succeed more if we just commit to the Lord and what He wants us to do.

God bless you today and always. God bless our families as we lead them into the new year with thanksgiving in our hearts. I pray you and your family good health, happiness, peace, joy, prosperity; I pray the Lord's favor over your lives in 2010.

Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

It Is Connected To Your Environment

These past few days I emphasized about being in storms no matter who we are, where we live, what we do. Storms just do not discriminate. Now, I must give you the reverse of a storm, that is, a blessing. The same way storms can be connected to our environments, blessings are also connected to our environments! That is right because when we have the favor of God, we are blessed, and it does not matter what or who is around us. Isn't it just amazing?

Rev. Felix G. Williams, III had taught that blessings can be connected to our environment because God put people in necessary places. This is just great and encouraging to me because I know that when my family and friends are doing things that are not of God, but because I am highly favored, they are still being blessed because I am being blessed. When I pray and intercede for those around me, blessings still come down to them because I am highly favored.

I read my favorite apostle's letter in Romans 10:12. Paul puts me on notice with this: "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him." Paul could not have brought that awareness to me any clearer than he did in this letter. My friends, we are put on notice time and time again in the Bible that God blesses those who call on His name. We get blessings when we walk in obedience to His will; we get blessings when we keep on praying and praising God despite the people around us. I know that I will keep on praying and praising God no matter my environment I will just keep on calling the name of the Lord because I know He blesses those who call on His name.

My friends, be encouraged that no matter who is and around your environment, you just keep calling on the name of Jesus and you will be blessed. You keep calling on the name of Jesus on behalf of those who are in and around your environment and you will see the blessings pour out over their lives. Keep praying, keep praising, keep pressing. God bless you and those in your environment.

Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

Storms of Correction For Those Like Me

My friends, sometimes I am lost for words in explaining how the Spirit moves. After I wrote the blog, "How Did I End Up In This?" from Rev. Williams' Sunday sermon, the Spirit led me back to my notes. In particular, regarding storms of correction. Through prophetic intervention on behalf of his congregation, Rev. Felix G. Williams, III told us that that sometimes a storm comes into our lives to correct our actions. He said that sometimes our behavior needs to be modified and adjusted, and that is why we end up in a storm of correction. You know, when I ponder on this, I realize that sometimes as disciples we get so comfortable, we forget that we should be striving towards that Christ-like attitude and behavior. Sometimes, God just have to knock us down off our "high horses" in order to come under His submission.

Rev. Williams gave another important teaching. He said that one of the reasons we end up in storm of correction is because of the people we hang out with; people we hang on to; people we allow onto our "ships". I know it is really hard to let go of certain people in our lives, but until we realize it is because of them that we get in these storms of correction, we will continue to be whipped by God. Those such people may be our very own family members, our husbands, our wives, our children, friends, neighbors. I have gotten some good whippings from the Lord because of certain people I used to hang around, certain people I used to listened to daily with pessimistic attitudes about everybody and everything. I got in storm of correction because of the places I used to go (the clubs, people's houses that I had no business going to because of what took place there), because of words I used to speak (maliciousness, gossiping, cursing). But glory to God, when I got tired of being in storms of correction, I adjusted my behavior real quickly!

I have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. I take heed to the lessons of my past experiences; I no longer get fool so easily by the "pleasant conditions" because I have a spirit of discernment and I try my hardest to not give way to pessimistic attitudes. In fact, the Spirit that lives within us helps us to move away from such attitudes and behaviors. This only comes by being obedient to the will of God, staying in the Word, and praying regularly and continually.

I am proud to say that in my small circle, I do have folk who can unlock the storm door on my behalf. They know how to pray and they intercede on my behalf. When they do, God hears them. I thank God for those such people who are in my life. The unknown author(s) of the Book of Hebrews, in Chapter 12:1, reminds me that "since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." In verse 2, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." I thank God for carrying the cross for me. As a gratitude to God, I am fixing my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. I pray you will do the same, that is, if you are tired of being in storms of correction.

God bless.
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

"How Did I End Up In This?" - Rev. Dr. Felix G. Williams, III

I am truly blessed! God gives me the tools I need to continue my walk in submission to the Lord each and every day. I say so because my Pastor's prophetic intervention was for me. His message was delivered to me. Rev. Dr. Felix G. Williams, III, taught on "How Did I End Up In This?" Rev. Williams reminded me that even in my spiritual life there are going to be some "Caesars". Rev. Williams defined a "Caesar" as a storm. He went on to remind me that "Caesars" are unavoidable no matter how saved I am. Nevertheless, he assured me that everybody is either currently in a storm; has been in a storm; or has come out of a storm.

Why Storms Happen?
According to Rev. Williams, when storms come our way it is because:
1) We did not heed the lessons of past experiences;
2) We get fooled by pleasant conditions;and
3) We allow ourselves to give way to pessimistic attitudes.

There are several kinds of storms, taught Rev. Williams:
1) Regular storms - physical, financial, environmental. We have sickness, we have unemployment, we have shootings;

2) Storms of correction - this is the type of storm that requires a modification of our behavior. Our behavior needs to be adjusted. For example, the storm may not be mine, but because of the people I hang around or allow in my space, I face the consequences of other people's actions;

3)Storms for perfection - God is trying to mature us spiritually. This is an opportunity God gives us to get in His Word, meditate upon His Word and carry out His Word.

4) Self-Imposed Storms - these are storms that we bring upon our own selves because of our own stupid decisions. We do not listen or take heed to the advice of our parents or our mentors or our pastors.

My friends, Rev. Williams prophetically intervened in my life. He prophesied that I will be able to handle storms if I begin to give up hope in "stuff" and begin to have hope in God. His prophetic intervention is that if I re-evaluate those I have in my life, I should look for friends with powerful connections. Powerful connections, not the Mayor, not Coach Cal, not President Lee Todd, but powerful connections to the Lord. Hallelujah! I need friends in my circle who will intercede on my behalf; I need friends who will pray for and with me. Rev. Williams urged me to have somebody in my circle of friends who has a key to unlock the door to get me out.

Galatians 6:3, "If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself." My friends, we have all fallen short of the glory of God, but we know we serve a true and loving God who sent His only Son on this earth to die for our sins, and because Jesus Christ paid the price for us, He is able always to save those who come to God through Him because He always lives, asking God to help them (Hebrews 7:25).

My friends, I encourage you to seek friends who will intercede and intervene to God on your behalf. I surely did not leave Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church the same way I went in. Glory to God.

Be blessed,
Therese from Belize

Submitting To God's Will

My friends, I pray all is well. I have been relaxing and enjoying the quietness of my home, reflecting on my life, all I have been through, where I am now, and what God has in store for me in the future! With all that being said, I know I must stay in the will of God. Staying in the will of God requires spiritual maturity, being a student of the Word, steadfast praying and obedience to God. However, the reality is that sometimes it is difficult to stay in submission to God's will. I find myself getting in trouble when I allow the devil to have his way with me. By this, I mean that sometimes I find it difficult to say "no" to people who I know should have no place in my life or I do things that I know is not the will of God. What I am saying, my friends, is that I am only human and every now and then I have to wrestle with the flesh. I know that sinning is not God's will, but no matter how much times I fall, I will get back up and keep serving the Lord. Hebrews 12:2 encourages me, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand throne of the hand of God."

I just thank God for bringing me out of my many circumstances that I knowingly and unknowingly put myself in. I thank God for always having my back. I thank God for opening up doors that were closed in my face. I thank God for opening my eyes so I can see certain things for myself. I thank God that He is a merciful God, a God of second chances, no, a God of many chances. My friends, I am asking you to please pray for me as I keep on fighting to stay in submission to God's will.

God bless you today and always.


Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

Starting Over

My friends, Season Greetings!

I pray everything is well with you and your families. I used to watch a show on CBS called, "Starting Over". Starting Over was about women who had messed up in life; women who had lost all hope in life. The show was about women who wanted a fresh start in life, but they just did not know how to start over; they did not know how to achieve their goals in life. The show also focused on the life coaches counseling these women, hooking them up with mentors and putting a plan together for these women so they may accomplish their goals. My friends, God gives us a fresh start everyday when He wakes us up. God promises us that if we obey His commandments we will be rewarded in Heaven. The great Psalmist, King David, reassures us that the Lord helps those who have been defeated and takes care of those who are in trouble (Psalm 145:14). The NIV version says, "The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."

My friends, to get a fresh start in life, we do not need to hire any life coaches, we do not need to go on any reality show; we only need God in our life and He is free of charge! God promises us success, long life, peace, happiness and joy when we obey His commandments. I am a "Start Over" woman. I used to live in darkness, I did everything under the sun and the moon that was not of God. But thanks be to God, I am redeemed and God gave me a fresh, new beginning to start over. I got that start over when I accepted the Lord as my personal Savior. I asked God to forgive me of my sins and to come into my heart. I asked the Lord to create in me a clean heart and to renew my spirit. Starting over is the best thing anyone can do for themselves. When God gives us a fresh start and we stay in obedience to His will, we enjoy God's grace. When we start over and stay in obedience to God, the Scripture tells us that "even when we have trouble, we will still have joy because we know that trouble produces patience; patience produces character; character produces hope and hope will never disappoint us because God has poured out His love to fill our hearts. He gave us His love through the Holy Spirit whom God has given to us." (Romans 5:1-5).

As we approach the final days to 2009, are you ready to start over? My friends, there are three easy steps, as easy as ABC to start over.
1)ADMIT that you are a sinner. "For all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
2)BELIEVE that God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, on this earth. Jesus was crucified, He died and was buried. But on the third day, He arose from the grave. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ, our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
3)CONFESS your sins and ask God to come into your heart. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

My friends, three easy and simple steps, no life coach is required to take these steps. Do it today, do it now because tomorrow is not promised. Send me an e-mail, write me a letter, if I do not have the answer, I will ask my Pastor for assistance and I will get back with you.

Prayer request? Send me an e-mail or a letter and I will lift you up in prayer. May God have mercy on us; may we walk in the path of the Lord. May we turn from our wicked ways before it is too late.

God bless,
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

Parents Who Dreamed

Greetings, my friends! To God be the glory! Today, I came home and reflected on my Pastor's sermon, No Child Left Behind, which was based on Matthew 2:14. Rev. Williams made three statements which have really stuck in my mind. They are:
1) Know that your geography has nothing to do with your destiny.
This is so true. I am from Belize, a small Central American/Caribbean country. I come from a low socio-economic background. However, my parents did not let our low status defined who we are or who we will become. Today, I am a U.S. citizen, I am employed by the local government; I am well-traveled; I am educated; I have a bank account.

2) As parents, you have to learn how to dream for your children because the devil wants to destroy the present in order to cancel your children's future.
My parents, Tony and Marva Wright, are from families that did not inspire them to dream; their parents did not have any dreams for them, but what a mighty God we serve! You see, my parents did not let their family history and ignorance stop them from being the parents they always wanted to be. They dreamed big dreams for their children because they know the promises of the Bible. My parents always told us we can be whatever we want to be. They always told us the sky is the limit, we just need to do the work, they will be by our sides every step of the way. My parents made sure we were not "left behind" despite our social, economic and geographic status. During the summer, when our neighborhood friends would be taking trips to the United States or attending camps, my parents bought us books to study; my Dad would leave spelling words for us, so when he came home in the evenings, he reviewed those words with us. My friends, the message is this: just because you are where you are right now does not mean that your children have to be there too in the future.

3) People try to kill dreams, but your purpose will always outlast the devil's plans.
That is right. As parents, we must not let anyone interfere with our children's future. In fact, we must dream big things for your children. Imagine your children being astronauts, doctors, educators, lawyers, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, scientists, and you speak this into them, guess what? They will believe. Do not let your situation, economic, social or geographic, determine your children's future. Speak life into your children; confirm and affirm over their lives what great treasures of God they are. Inspire your children to become.

My friends, let us take a look at the Book of Matthew Chapter 7, verses 7 and 8. These verses tell us to "ask and it shall be given to you; seek and ye shall find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, received; he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (NIV) All glory to God for parents who love and adore Him; for parents who put God first is rewarded fully. Parents who put God first know the reward that is in store for their children; they see God's promises come to past in their children's dreams coming through!

Be blessed, I pray blessings over your children's lives, in the name of Jesus.

Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

When I Think About My Story - God Favors Me!

My friends, as we near the ending of 2009, I pray that you will find love, peace, happiness and joy. I pray that you will not end this year in hopelessness, sadness, depression, anxiousness, or any of those feelings that make you feel like you are not a child of God. As I look back over my life in 2009, all I can say is that I have God's favor. That is all it is - favor of God. I say favor because I have not always been in obedience to God and His will. I have been through heartache and pain, sickness, I have cried countless nights, but despite all the setbacks that have taken place in my life, I am so grateful for God's favor.

I love Hezekiah Walker's song, "God Favored Me".
I play that song whenever the enemy attacks me. You see, Hezekiah reminds me in his song that even when people whisper, conspire, tell lies, attack my character, God still favors me. I am highly favored by God because He tells me that I am His own. My friends, I have learned to speak life into me, but it is not always easy. The harder I try to live for God, the harder the devil attacks, but that is when I turn to God and ask Him to fight the battle for me. Oh, I tell you, when I turn over my battles to the Lord, that is when the enemies do a double-take, wondering why they couldn't tear me down; why they couldn't make me cry; why they couldn't stop me from achieving my goals. Well, I have two words for the enemies, "God's favor", that's what it is.



Seek God's favor; all it takes is obedience and following the will of God. We see God's favor when we ask for forgiveness and we begin to walk in obedience to God. This is clearly shown in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13, "In his distress (Manasseh, king in Jerusalem for 55 years) he sought the favor of the Lord, his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers." We see in this scripture that Manasseh was disobedient to God, and the Lord brought the king of Assyria's army to attack Judah. Manasseh was captured, and was suffering. In verse 13, the scripture tells us that Manasseh prayed to the Lord; the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and his kingdom. "Manasseh knew then that the Lord is God."

As Hezekiah sings, "and if God did it for me, He will do the same thing for you." We see God did it for Manasseh; you see my life and know that God did it for me. My friends, do not envy a sister or a brother, just ask the Lord for His favor. Rev. Williams had said, "favor is what God gives us even when we do not deserve it." Just ask the Lord.

I pray that God will give you peace, joy and happiness. I pray that the Lord will give you a forgiving heart, a loving heart, a joyful heart.

Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

Take Your Troubles To The Lord

These past few days have been very difficult for me as a disciple, because I had to ask the Lord why so many of His children are being attacked spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, psychologically. Do not get me wrong, I know each and every day God's children get attacked, but for some reason, this week a sense of sadness came over me as I reached out to my brothers and sisters in Christ who are hurting. However, God sent me to Rev. Angela Lee Price blog site. Rev. Price had written a blog, Jesus Is The Way, from John 14:1, "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me." I thank God for always giving me confirmation of what I need to do.

My friends, in times of trouble our Lord Jesus Christ can give us comfort, can dry our eyes, can give us our sanity and peace and joy. "Oh what a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear. Oh what a privilege to carry everything to the Lord in prayer." God tells us we do not need to bear the load on our own, we just need to take the load to Him in prayer! Sometimes, because we are so emotionally caught up in a situation, we forget that all we need to do is pray and take it to the Lord. When we get in agreement with the Lord, He moves mountains, he removes every obstacle that is in our way. Sometimes, we seek out family and friends first and we must be careful who we seek out. Seek out friends who will get on their knees and pray with and for you. Turn to friends who are spiritually rich because they will be able to lead you to the Lord; they may lead you to the right scripture that will provide comfort and optimism to you. My friends, we must discipline ourselves that when we face trouble, we must first take our troubles to the Lord.

My friends, be careful who you share your troubles with because misery loves company. In John 15:15, our true friend, the Lord Jesus Christ assures us, "...I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you." Jesus wants to be our friends, but this will only happen when we believe and trust in Him.

May God bring you peace, love and joy today and always.

Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

When Evil Spirit Lurks

My friends:

I pray all is well. I am great. My life has been consumed with extra-curricular activities, so please forgive the lax in my blogs. However, I am writing for that one that is looking for the message of hope and promise from God. It seems that as disciples, we are afraid to intervene on behalf of a sister or brother who is suffering from depression, anxiety, abuse, financial hardship, uncertainty of future, unemployment, sickness, I can go on and on. In Psalm 51:10-12, David prayed to the Lord, "Create in me a clean heart God, and make my spirit right again. Do not send me away from you or take your Holy Spirit away from me. Give me back the joy of your salvation." Further, in 1 Samuel 16, we see that Saul suffered from depression and what did he do? He called to one that was anointed and appointed by the Lord God. In verse 23, the scripture tells us, "when the evil spirit troubled Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then the evil spirit would leave him, and Saul would feel better."

My friends, when you have evil spirit troubling you, you need to declare, in the name of Jesus, that it must leave your mind and your body. In the name of Jesus, you must declare that God is your redeemer. When evil spirit lurks, you must get on your knees and pray because no weapons formed against us shall prosper, according to the prophet, Isiah (Isiah 54:17). Remember, as a child of God, depression, has to go; anxiety, has to go; cheating, has to go; lying; has to go; fornication, has to go; abuse, has to go. Anything that is not the will of God has to go. I declare in the name of Jesus that there is a woman, a man, a youth out there who is reading this message and I pray that whatever it is, it has to go. It has to go. In the name of Jesus, it has to go.

"Give your worries to the Lord and He will take care of you. He will never let good people down." (Psalm 55:22). My friends, what are you waiting for? We know that tomorrow is not promised to you or to me. Only God knows what tomorrow holds, so be careful. Stay in the Lord, keep in the Word; keep pressing, keep progressing, keep moving until the victory is won.

I pray God's peace and blessings over your life.

Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

I Am Just A Humble Servant

The Holy Spirit nudged me to revisit Luke Chapter 1, and instead of just re-reading the verses that Rev. Williams had focused on in his message on Sunday, December 6, 2009, (v. 39-45), I continued to read the entire chapter. However, this is where the Holy Spirit wanted me to concentrate: Verse 46, Mary proclaims, "My soul praises the Lord; my heart rejoices in God my Savior, because He has shown His concern for His humble servant girl. From now on, all people will say that I am blessed because the Powerful One has done great things for me. His name is Holy." My friends, I am only a humble servant girl. I am blessed because God has done great things for me. I am blessed because I know God will continue to do great things for me and I thank the Lord in advance.

I recall a class by Rev. Maxine Thomas, which was titled, "Series of Fortunate Events". Rev. Thomas directed her class from Luke 1, focusing on the pregnancies of Elizabeth and Mary. Rev. Thomas encouraged women that when we get pregnant in the Spirit, no one can take away that pregnancy. Sometimes we may be afraid to speak about the movement within us, but we must not be afraid because a true woman of God will understand and provide encouragement and support along the way for us. Rev. Thomas encouraged women to look for other women to encourage and inspire because it is just simple that we need to encourage one another. Rev. Thomas said many times we fail to accept another sister's divinity. I had pondered that statement for some time and all I could come up with is jealousy and envy as the root causes for such failure. To confirm my answer of why women do not support other women, I had the pleasure of sitting in on Dr. Ellen Marmon's class, The Hour of Purpose. Dr. Marmon, Assistant Professor of Christian Discipleship at Asbury Theological Seminary, referred us to Genesis 16:1-10 of Sarai and Hagar. Here we see jealousy and envy in its purest form. Dr. Marmon, however, reiterated,urged and encouraged us as women to provide support, commitment, time and energy to other women.

My friends, we see in the Scripture that Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus turned to Elizabeth (who was pregnant with John the Baptist) for support. Elizabeth did not become jealous of Mary when she came to visit her, knowing that Mary was pregnant with the child who would save the world, but instead Elizabeth became filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke life to Mary letting her know that God has blessed her, that is Mary, more than any other woman. Elizabeth was not jealous, in fact, she was happy with her pregnancy (Luke 1:39-45). As women, we must not be jealous of another woman, instead, we must support that woman in her pregnancy; in her divinity. In fact, we can look at Ruth and Naomi, Ruth became pregnant with Boaz's baby and Naomi took over that baby like he was her own (Ruth 4:16); look at Lois and Eunice, Timothy's grandmother and mother (2 Timothy 1:3-7); Martha and Mary (Luke 10); Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna worked together to help Jesus and His apostles (Luke 8). These are women who loved and supported each other because they all had two things in common; one, they were all humble women; and, two, they loved and served God with all their hearts.

My friends, don't you agree it is time for women to support other women? Do not forget that there was a woman who helped you along the way.

Be blessed, be forgiving, be prayerful.

Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

Just Say No!

I had declared, in the name of Jesus, that I was going to have a blessed and productive day, and thanks be to God, that's exactly what happened. My friends, when we speak and affirm life over situations and over people, positive things happen because God hears us and He knows our hearts. We can only speak life when we are determined to fight the kryptonite. The kryptonite can be whatever is holding us back from fulfilling God's will. A kryptonite can be a person, animal, place, or thing. Kryptonites include, but not limited to, gossiping, pornography, lying, deceiving, stealing, adultery, drugs, prostitution, family's pet, a man or a woman who is walking in a different path than you.

Rev. Williams in his sermon on Sunday, December 6, 2009 said that sinning comes easier than being saved. Of course it is, don't you think so? We find it easier to give in to that thing or that person, rather than to walk away from that thing or person. That thing or person gives us instant gratification, so we do not think about the later consequences. It is easier to cuss somebody out rather than ask God to intervene in the situation. It is easier for us to tangle in sexual sin rather than prayer, asking God for strength to live in abstinence until marriage. A kryptonite is sexy, dark, seductive, loving, fun, playful, gratifying. Jesus' heart weeps every time we submit ourselves to our kryptonite.

Paul wrote, in 1 Timothy 6:11-12, "But you, man of God, run away from all those things. Instead, live in the right way, serve God, have faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever." My friends, we must deal with our kryptonites in order for us to live that life that God wants us to live. Remember the Nancy Reagan drug slogan, Just Say No, that's exactly it, we must say "No", but say "Yes" to the Lord.

When we say yes to the Lord, we are walking in faith, we are walking in love, we are walking in prayer. Say yes to the Lord and submit to His will. Say no to lust and envy and jealousy and all those things and persons that look and sound attractive. Jesus will be with you every step of the way when you commit your life to Christ.

Just say no, do what God wants you to do.

Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

All In The Family

Greetings, my friends! To God be the glory!

I was really excited at Sunday School today because the lesson was about the genealogy of Jesus, from Abraham through the birth of Jesus. I was so thrilled because once again being a student of the Word has its reward! Our Sunday School teacher, Sis. Alice Brent, taught with excitement and because I now pride myself on being a student of the Word, I was able to stay on the course right there with her.

My friends, what intrigues me about Jesus' genealogy is that His family makeup consists of murderers, adulterers, liars, rapist, deceivers, and prostitutes. What God shows us is that He uses people with a background of sin, He uses people who are not perfect to do His will. However, Jesus, the only perfect One, was sent by God to save us and deliver us from darkness. So, when our family members do something that is not the will of God, we need to still love them and forgive them. Most importantly, we need to tell them about the goodness of Jesus and that He can forgive them of their sins.

Jesus wants to clean up our past. It does not matter how much we have done, or what we have done, or to whom we have done it; God wants to forgive us of our sins and He wants to use us to do His will. By living for God and doing what He wants us to do, will get us to eternity with our Lord. Our goal should be to get to Heaven. That's what we should be concerning ourselves with, not what we have done in the past.

Dr. Phyllis Jones indicated that knowing our history can strengthen our self image. She said that it is important to keep in mind that a person's family tree does not necessarily determine his or her present or future. In Jesus, a person gains new purpose, fresh energy, and amazing love. No matter what your background may be, you can have new life through Jesus Christ (Living The Lesson, Adult Christian Life 2009).

I pray that you will not let your past define your present and certainly not your future. God has forgiven you and you need to forgive yourself. As for our family members, we all have a relative who does things that are not right, but who are we to judge? We ourselves have done things that are not of God, we still do, because we know it is a constant struggle walking in the path of the Lord. Do not judge, but forgive and pray for family members. Turn them over to God.

With love, peace and joy,
Therese from Belize

It's A Beautiful World

Our Lord God is magnificent! Do I have a witness? Amen.

My friends, I live in the gorgeous state of Kentucky. Every time I go on the interstate and I pass the horse farms, I give God glory. This state is so very beautiful with all its greenery and farm animals. I just give God the glory for the beauty of His land.

Have you had time lately to appreciate the beautiful surroundings of your county, town, state, country? Have you had time as of late to admire the blue sky? Admire the beautifully,well-manicured lawn of the Bluegrass? I pray God's peace, mercy and love over your life. No weapons formed against us shall prosper! Psalm 51:12, Give me back the joy of your salvation." My friends, when we have salvation, we have joy. Oh what joy we have.

Peace and love
Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

We All Have A Testimony

I pray everyone is doing well and, of course, staying prayed up. My friends, when we put God first in our lives, I am telling you, something exciting always happens! As David said in Psalm 65:5, "You answer us in amazing ways, God our Savior." My testimony is that we serve an awesome God who always answers us in an amazing way. The Lord our Father always sends someone our way to give us that extra push, that extra word of encouragement or sends that person to speak life into whatever situation we are facing. My friends, I am finding out each day in this walk with Christ that we all have a story; a story of how the Lord kept us; a story of how the Lord saves us from destruction; a story of how the Lord provided for us when we did not even have two nickles to rub together; a story of a loving God who gave us promotion on the job even when the qualifications did not match the position; a story of forgiveness and service, all in obedience to His will. To God be the glory!

My friends, my testimony is simple, but true...God always, always, always hear the prayer of His children. He heard mine. I just give God all the praise and glory for the people I surround myself with who speak life over me. Today, I was encouraged by three women who shared their personal testimonies with me. I was truly not expecting testimonies, but the Lord knew I needed to hear their testimonies. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. To God be the glory!

Psalm 67:1-2, "God, have mercy on us and bless us,and show us your kindness
so the world will learn your ways; and all nations will learn that you can save."
I pray God's mercy on us. I pray for God's continued intervention in our lives. I think back to what Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant had said at a sermon, prophetic intervention is an at-risk procedure, but it will open the gates of Heaven! Speaking life is a prophetic intervention, we need more women speaking life. When we speak life in situations, in the name of Jesus, the Lord hears our prayers; the Lord knows our hearts. The gates of Heaven opens up and flood us with blessings. Remember, when praises go up, blessings come down! Can I have a witness?


Ta ta,
Therese from Belize

God's Help Is Never Late

Greetings, in the name of the Lord, my friends!

I give all glory and praise to God our Father, for His name is worthy to be praised. My friends, I just love it when God hooks me up with someone or something I need. As I had told you some time ago, the Lord has placed New Beginnings Ministry in my heart and He has given me several instructions and directions of what I must do with this ministry, so have been slowly, but diligently working on the ministry. I am reminded in Ecclesiastes 4:16, "...So fame and power are useless, like chasing the wind." My friends, God does not want us to seek fame and fortune, He wants us to seek His kingdom first and then all these things will be given unto you, so I have been acting in obedience to God's will.

I had a meeting some time back concerning securing grants for this ministry. The lady asked that I go back and add in some additional statistics about certain people, places and things in Fayette County. Well, as hard as I tried, I was not able to find those numbers she had asked me to get. However, God works in mysterious ways, as we know, and I was able to get the numbers from a direct source. I just thank God for favor! I know we do not all have God's favor, so I am just grateful to God. When it is God's will, believe me, He will show up. God may not show up when you want Him to because you are not the boss of God, but He will show up in His own time. I have often found that God is never late, in fact, He is on-time God! Hallelujah!

My friends, I am finding that each book of the Bible, as I study, just seems to become my favorite. I am also finding out daily just how cool these books of the Bible are. I am studying Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon. The book is so very down-to-earth and put things in perspective for you. However, do not take my word for granted, you go and read Ecclesiastes for yourself and let me know.

I pray that God will show up just at the knick of time when you need Him. Oh, I know He will because He is able, my Lord is able!

God bless,
Therese from Belize

"Christianity Is Not A Spectator Sport" - Rev. L. Slatter

My friends, I pray all is well. As we enter the last month of the year, I
know you will begin to think about resolutions for the new year. However, before the year end, I challenge you to become an active participant in ministry.

I remembered back in late September of this year, there was a guest preacher at church, Rev. Leon Slatter. The theme of Rev. Slatter's sermon was "Christianity Is NOT A Spectator Sport". Rev. Slatter preached that as Christians we must not be spectators, but we must be participants. Active participants, that is. In Acts 1:8, Jesus told His disciples, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria and in every part of the world."

Jesus commands us and expects us to obey his command to go to every part of the world and spread the gospel. In other words, we cannot be servants of Christ and not serve others; serve others by telling them about the good news of Jesus Christ; serve by helping a family in need; serve by giving a stranger an encouraging word of hope; serve by tithing; serve by telling someone about the free gift of salvation; serve by providing fellowship. My friends, if we are to be the servants that God wants us to be, we must get out of the comforts of our homes; get out of the comforts of the church walls and serve.

I am challenging you, as you begin to ponder your resolutions, to put God first on that resolution list, put service to God, service to others, service to your community, and service to the world on that list.

Ta ta,
Therese from Belize