Before the new year begins, I need to do a few things:

1. I need to boldly speak to my past seeds, “Harvest, come forth from the seeds I’ve sown”. This is according Galatians 6:9  where God promises that "in due season, you shall reap if you faint not.”
2. I need to speak life over my  family, health, finances, etc. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of your tongue...” My words have the power to give life.
         I believe God will restore to me all lost money, opportunities and years. He will repay me for all that has been lost. I expect double for the trouble, in Jesus’ Name!

Parking problems

When I was not able to find a parking spot, I thought, "This problem just never seems to go away."

Then I remembered pastor Dickow's words, "The problem is not the problem. The problem is the power that you give the problem. Numbers 13:33 says, "We became like grasshoppers in OUR OWN sight, so we were in THEIR sight."
        I declare, over and over, that I am bigger than my problem. My little tongue is more powerful than the biggest mountain. The parking problem has to move because God is with me and because I say so, in Jesus' name! 

       Needless to say I found a place to park my car.

Christian Devotions

A Lesson from a Donkey - Nadia Ianakieva Lesson from a donkey

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV

You need to learn from the old donkey! The thought churned in my mind.

I'd lost my job, felt discouraged, and turned to God for help. Was there a lesson I needed to learn? Turned out there was, and the teacher was a donkey.

The story goes like this: A donkey ended up in an old abandoned well. His owner decided the hole was too deep, the donkey, too old, and it wasn't worth rescuing him. Instead, he called his neighbor and the two farmers agreed to fill the hole with dirt and bury the animal in the well.

When the cries of the animal subsided, the owner peeked into the well to see what had happened to the donkey. What he saw astonished him. Instead of being buried, the donkey dodged the incoming dirt, standing on the ever-increasing mound, getting ready to jump out of the well.

When I feel trapped by the circumstances, when the dirt of problems threatens to bury me, I remember the story of the old donkey. As a believer I declare, “Faith will always find a way.”

The four men in Luke 5 found a way to lower their paralyzed friend who was lying on a mat, through the roof tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. They took action and climbed on the roof. They found a way for their friend to be healed.

Paul encourages us by saying we can do everything through Christ who gives us strength. It takes willingness to accept that truth, but it is what the Bible says we can do. God is our “turn around” specialist. If we trust Him, He can give us the power to overcome any hurdle on the road. He can transform the unfavorable circumstances into a stepping stone for our success, and use us to encourage others.

Don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself. Take action. Do the footwork. Believe God can and is willing to help you in trouble. Get off that couch and declare, “Faith will always find a way.” Stand on the Word of God and believe.

Photo courtesy microsoft.com free image gallery

Nadia Ianakieva is a freelance writer living in Hanover Park, Illinois. She was born in Bulgaria, a country behind the Iron Curtain of Communism. When baptized in the Holy Spirit, she was miraculously delivered and healed of several diseases. In 2000 Nadia’s family moved to America as permanent residents. Her mission is to encourage believers by pointing out the power they have been given in Christ.
Nadia’s articles have been published by Leah, a magazine for Christian women and Breathe Again magazine, designed to uplift the modern women of today. Nadia is the author of The Red Dress Decision: True Stories of a Life Filled with God’s Miracles.
http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61663-168-0 http://www.wix.com/nianakieva/nadiaianakieva

Read Nadia's devotions.

God is the problem-solver

In my subdivision we have a big parking problem. Nobody seems to be able to offer a solution. Today I am fasting from the thought that says, "This problem just never seems to go away."

        Jeremiah 32:17 says, "Ah Lord God…nothing is too difficult for THEE."
        There is a promised solution to every problem I face. God can make a way where there seems to be no way.

God's favor surrounds me like a shield!

In communist Bulgaria I had embraced a false image of God. I thought he didn't like me very much because I was not able to do things "right."

It took years to learn that God's attitude toward me doesn't change with my performance.

God is ALWAYS for me. Romans 8:31 tells me that, "if God be for us, who can be against us!"
Not only God is always for me but his favor surrounds me like a shield. And he loves me with unfailing love.

Your faith will soar

When I talk about God's miracles in my life, people tell me, "I just don't have your kind of faith."

       The truth is that God has already given you the measure of faith you need to walk in victory. (Romans 12:3)

       Your part is to maintain an attitude of gratitude. When you see a promise in the bible, ask for it, and thank God you have it. Claim it with faith in Jesus' name. Your faith will soar. Your prayers will be answered.

Yes, He does!

Stop trying to earn something God has already given. He loves you. It can’t be earned. It is a gift from God. (John 3:16)

Reject the voices of rejection! They are from the devil. Tell yourself that you are chosen by God, accepted and loved. (Colossians 1:12, Ephesians1:6)

Flood your mind with the thought: “My Heavenly Father tenderly loves me!” (John 16:27 AMP)

Accept the truth.

 I believe things are going to improve in my life, and radically turn around.  In Jesus' name I expect a miracle.
       There is nothing that God won’t turn around in my life. Hebrews 4:15 says, “Come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and grace in your time of need.”

 

UpWords with Max Lucado

UpWords with Max Lucado

I am a princess

I don't have to compare myself to others.  I am running the race God has for me. I am just as amazing as the people I most admire. God says in his Word that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

Pastor Gregory Dickow often reminds us, "Who compares--despairs!" So I am watching out for thinking of others highly and putting myself down. I am a daughter of the Most High God after all! A princess!

How to Walk with God

I walk with God. I share my thoughts and my worries with him. I ask him to remind me of what his Word says about my problems.

I've learned how to walk with him. I walk by the promises he makes, not the promises I make to him. 

And I never forget to tell him how much I love him for he has already provided a solution to every one of my troubles.

Christianity is not a religion

Christianity is not a religion. It’s a relationship with God. It’s a love affair with our Creator.

The bible is not a book of rules. It's God's love letter to us.

F.E.A.R. acronym: False Evidence Appearing Real.

Walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)

F.A.I.T.H. acronym: Forward All Issues To Heaven.

Casting all your care upon Him, for he cares for you. (1Peter 5:7)

God knows your name

Sometimes we think, The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us. Look how God addresses such complaints:

       “Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child?
       Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?
       But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!
       See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands." 

If you don't trust me, check it out in Isaiah 49:14-16 (NLT).

Judas, the traitor

Max Lukado's words describing Judas, the traitor, spoke to me, "But for all the things we don’t know about Judas, there is one thing we know for sure: He had no relationship with the Master. He had seen Jesus, but he did not know him. He had heard Jesus, but he did not understand him. He had a religion but no relationship."

       Aren't we, who call ourselves Christians, in a way like Judas? Do we know verses from the bible and are ready to throw them in every conversation to prove our point, or.... Do we love our Savior? Are we willing to go to any length to show compassion, even to our enemies? Do we honestly pray every morning, "Lord, here I am, send me to reach the unreachable. Help me to love the unlovable. Lead me to heal the hurting and to set the captives free."

       And then, instead of shopping all day, do you go and do it? Instead of playing computer games, do you go to an AA meeting, Al-Anon meeting, NA meeting, or anywhere else where you can meet hurting people?

       Do you know the heart of Jesus?

I Love the Word of God

I am in love with the word "surely" in Psalm 23:6:  “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life.”

    Another favorite phrase is in Luke 10:19 which says,
"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

I love the Word of God!

God-of-Angel-Armies protects us

I am still looking for a job and it gets discouraging. But when I open my bible, God faithfully boosts my faith right away. This time I found my anchor in

Psalm 46 (Msg)

God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.
       We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
courageous in sea-storm and earthquake,
        before the rush and roar of oceans,
the tremors that shift mountains.                                         Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

Lamentations 3:22-33 says, “His mercy is new every morning…” I know that according to this promise I will not run out of God’s mercy. The way he looks at me will always be the way a loving father views his child. Despite my weaknesses and bad behavior at times, God will act according to his promise. He will give me the goodness I do not deserve, instead of the judgment that I often deserve, because his mercy and tolerance for me never ends. It is renewed every morning.

         Thank you, Father, for your unending supply of love and mercy!

a safe place to hide

I was inspired by the following verse today:

God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
courageous in sea-storm and earthquake,
Before the rush and roar of oceans,
the tremors that shift mountains.

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

                                                                                                (Psalm 46 MSG)

In most of my prayers I ask God for things I need each day. These are legitimate needs. (I’m not asking God to make me a millionaire, just to help me pay the mortgage.) Is God really concerned about the necessities of my life?

“Give us each day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3).

What is this daily bread Jesus spoke of, tucked inside the Lord’s Prayer? A loaf of warm Italian bread on my doorstep every morning? That would be nice.

Bread is a staple of every culture. From flat bread to yeast-filled loaves, grain has been mixed with water and oil and placed over a fire by every civilization. What’s the first thing a restaurant brings before the meal? Bread. (Okay, maybe Mexcan restaurants don’t, but those chips are made from grain. They’re just fried in oil.)

But how about a slight change to the daily menu: “Give us this day our daily mocha chocolate chip ice cream” or “Give us this day our daily beluga whale caviar”?

Those are luxuries, not necessities. Sorry, God does not promise those.

Bread is a valued necessity, tasty and welcomed, but certainly not extravagant.

Jesus tells us to ask for the necessities in life, but does he promise to provide them?

Soon after this plea for daily bread, found also in Matthew 6, Jesus presents his famous “Don’t worry” passage: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” (v. 25). God takes care of birds, flowers, and grass and provides the basics they need to exist (vv. 26–30). Why not us? Aren’t we more important than a barn swallow, a multiflora petunia, and a blade of Bahia grass?

You bet a loaf of sweet sourdough we are.

In that statement comes a promise from God to provide his most important creation on earth with food, clothing, and drink (vv. 25–34). The necessities once again.

Jesus tells us to ask, then promises to give us the basics we need to survive.

So don’t worry; be prayerful. God has something wonderful for us baking in the oven. Can you smell it?

Max Lucado

It  is amazing how often my low self-esteem sneers at me saying, "You cannot possibly become a good writer. For goodness sake, you are not a native English speaker!"

          Well, Moses wasn’t confident, either, and he had a speech impediment, but God empowered him to do what he was sent to do. The Almighty gave him a chance to deliver God’s people. And he gave him Aaron.

          My Father in heaven is faithful. If he did it for Moses, he could do it for me as well.

My Life is Out of Control

Pastor Dickow in his new Start Thinking Forward series teaches us, “Focus on the inside, not the outside. If you’re like me, there are several things on the outside that are not fully under control, but that’s not your job. Your job is to get control of the inside. That’s what this fast from wrong thinking is about. It’s taking care of the INSIDE. You ARE in control, IF you control your thought life.”

Don't tell God how big your problem is. Tell your problem how big God is!

Lord God, train us to walk on your path. Teach us to see you in situations that are dangerous and difficult. Like David, when we are surrounded by overwhelming challenges may our thoughts and words turn first to you. Rather than discuss the problem, remind us to discuss you. May our first thought in the morning and our last thought at night be centered on you. Rather than worry about the impossibilities, let us major in your mighty power. When we are tempted to look at the giants in our lives, we will choose to look at you, amen.

Let the God of my salvation be exalted!
Psalm 18:46

( from the posting of Max Lucado)

Devil, give me my stuff back!

What has the enemy stolen from you? Your health? Your money? Your peace? Your loved one?

I have been there. I was robbed of all these and much more. But I am determined to act according to 1 Samuel 30:8. “You shall surely overtake them (the enemies) and without fail recover all.” I can get back everything that has been taken from me. Everything stolen, shall be returned, and everything broken shall be restored, whatever was missing, will be found.

I want my family restored, my money returned, my peace coming over me like a flood. I want my stuff back, devil!

(inspired by the sermons of pastor Gregory Dickow)

Wisdom

Wisdom will determine my future, the bible teaches me in Deuteronomy 32:28. "For they are a nation lacking in counsel, and there is no understanding in them. Would that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would discern their future!"

        If only I were wise I could change the outcome of my future. So I am praying for wisdom.

My philosophy is that Life is not to be measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breaths away. The moments, we remember, and thank God for. The little miracles in our lives we only see if we have our eyes open with the key of gratitude.

Do you know what "sole food" is??

Have you misspoken? Were you able to stop before you say something that you regret?

“The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom…” (Proverbs 10:31 NIV)

I do not like “sole food,” the kind of stinky food you eat when you put your foot into your mouth. Nevertheless, despite my dislike for “sole food”, I seem to have a steady diet of it from speaking before thinking, or speaking the right words in the wrong manner.

May God grant all of us the wisdom to “keep a tight rein” on our tongues!

Is it hard to be a Christian?

Sometimes we think, "It's just so hard to be a Christian."

As Pastor Dickow says, “This is the single most often misunderstood concept that is keeping believers defeated.”

I have to change my way of thinking. I should replace the old fear-filled mindset with what the Word of God says. Christian means belonging to Christ. It is not something I did. Jesus purchased me with his own blood.

It is easy to live the Christian life and to be yoked together with Him. He said it is easy. "Take My yoke…My yoke is EASY. My burden is light." Matthew 11:27

He reins!

We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. Death does not reign in our lives. God does!” (Rom. 6:5–9 MSG)

He is risen!

When Jesus made predictions about his death and resurrection, he wasn’t doing so just to warn the disciples in advance. They recalled what he had said after his death and resurrection, and believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. — John 2:22

It’s tempting to scoff at the disciples for their weak faith and ignorance. But to do so is to miss the point: we’re no different.

It is a good thing that Jesus showed patience to them and demonstrates even greater patience in dealing with us.

Are you a winner?

There are many lies we have accepted as truths. The biggest lie from hell is: what you don't know won't hurt you!

God's word says, "my people are destroyed because of the lack of knowledge!”

The bible gives us all the knowledge we need to be prepared for future battles and appy our God-given authority to win.

I expect double for the trouble!

I know what it’s like to lose health, money or even opportunities. My tax return was sent to the wrong bank account three years ago. Doubt entered my mind telling me that I would never get it back no matter how hard I tried, no matter how many calls to IRS I made.

Then, I said, “God will repay.” In Joel 2:25 He has promised me, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten...” He will give me more that I expect because in Ephesians 3:20 it is written, “God is able to do exceeding abundantly above and beyond all that we can ask or think...”

I expect double for the trouble!

I will go back to my Father....

Often, when I mention the word "God," I can see how the expression on people's faces change. Their jaws tighten, they purse their lips as if they want to kill me with theireye sight.  I don't mind.

        I know something that they don't  even suspect. One day they will be struggling with a decision. They may have drifted from the faith given to them by their parents. They may want to come back. They may want to come home. But the price will be high. Their friends may laugh. Their habits will have to change. Their reputation will have to be overcome. They will have to get out of their comfort zone. Can they do it? Will they have the courage?

        That's when they will think of me. As they fidget and look for the guts to do what they know is right, they will think of me. They will remember of how my love for God has been greater than my love for my reputation. They will think of how my obedience has been greater than my common sense. They will recognize how I cared more about their well-being than making a good impression.

        Then, they will say, "Probably, the Woman of God was right! God does love me! Jesus did die for me! I need to go back to my Father."

THE BOAZ BLESSING

"THE LORD REPAY YOUR WORK, AND A FULL REWARD BE GIVEN YOU BY THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL, UNDER WHOSE WINGS YOU HAVE COME FOR REFUGE."  (Ruth 2:11)

I believe we need to personalize and speak that prayer over our friends. Ben Peters prayed like this: "Friends, God has gotten a full report of everything you have ever sacrificed to follow Him and to show love to the people He has put in your life.  He did get the memo and He is well pleased with you. And now may God repay you for what you have done for Him, and may He provide a full reward to honor and show His appreciation for all you have sacrificed for Him and others."

What's going to stop bad things from happening to me?

What's going to stop bad things from happening to me? I sometimes think. This normally happens when I look at life from my human perspective which I call Nadia’s mode. I should remember to switch to God’s mode and think of what the bible says.

God's plans for me are for good and not calamity. (Jeremiah 29:11)  I believe this promise is for me and it is for today.

The children of Israel were protected from disaster by putting blood over their doorposts. (Exodus 12:23)

I have a better Covenant with God through the blood of Jesus, which gives a better protection. (Hebrews 8:6)

            My heavenly Father is a giver of good things not bad. I pray that my family and I will be blessed by good things coming our way today.

Take up your cross

To take up the cross means to take up Christ’s burden for the people of the world.

Though our crosses are similar, none are identical. “If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross each day and follow me” (Luke 9:23 CEV, emphasis mine).

We each have our own cross to carry—our individual calling. Discover your God-designed task. It fits. It matches your passions and enlists your gifts and talents. Want to blow the cloud cover off your gray day? Accept God’s direction.

“The Lord has assigned to each his task” (1 Corinthians3:5 NIV). What is yours? What is your unique call, assignment, mission?

From Great Day Every Day:
Navigating Life’s Challenges with Promise and Purpose by Max Lucado

A Recipe for Happiness

Give thanks in everything. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "For this is the will of God, in Christ Jesus." A continual attitude of thankfulness will land you right in the center of God's will. 

Think of at least five blessings you have received the previous day. Once you start, I am sure you’ll be able to put down more than five.

I try to maintain a constant attitude of gratitude. Some days it is not easy but it always works if I start my day with a prayer and blessing-counting.

Look up!

How can they be so ungrateful?” I often mumble when I read the story of the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness. God performed miracle after miracle for them and they still groaned, moaned, and complained.

                   Just like you? I thought. You, Nadia, look at tomorrow’s demands, next week’s bills, your son’s unemployment, next month’s silent calendar and your future looks as barren as the Sinai Desert.

                     God tells us what to do: “Look up. Manna will be sent just for you! Because He cares.”

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day God lovers!

He first loved us.

Will this situation ever turn around?

We all come up against some stubborn situations or areas of our life, where it just doesn't seem like it will turn around.

Pastor Dickow teaches us: “Expectation is the womb of manifestation.” Ephesians 3:20.

Every turnaround has a turning point. When you turn your thinking—your thinking turns your life. Proverbs 23:7

Father, help me to line up my way of thinking with your Word. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Nobody loves me!

Nobody loves me! That thought sneaks into my head from time to time. Powerless, my prayers seam to hit the ceiling and stop there. Problems pile from all directions and I helplessly open the Word of God for answers.

Then I remember that God loves me. I don’t have to earn his love. It is freely given to me. He calls me “his beloved” in 1Thessalonians 1:4.

He not only loves me, but he paid for me with the blood of his own Son. (1Peter 1:18-19)

My value comes from God, not from what people think about me. I am accepted and loved child of the Most High God.

Do you feel discontent?

If you have a God who hears you, then why do you say you are lonely?

If you are filled with God’s love, the Holy Spirit within you, and all of heaven ahead of you, why do you complain you don’t know which way to go?  

If you have the Shepherd, you have grace for every sin, words of wisdom for every problem, a guide for your journey, a light in your path, an arm to lean on, a friend to confide in, and an anchor for every storm. You have everything you need.

Fox-hole Prayers

Don’t pray those fox-hole prayers when you are in trouble, “Help me, God! Help me and I’ll never do it again!”

You've got the power! God has given man power and authority to stop certain things through prayer, choices, words. (James 5:17. Proverbs 18:21)

Heaven allows what we allow. Matthew 18:18 says, "…and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

        Utilize your power and authority today to shape your future!

Do you know what F.E.A.R. is?

Do you know what the acronym of F.E.A.R. is? It is: False Evidence Appearing Real. Stop listening to false evidence.

Fall in love with "SURELY". Psalm 23:6 says “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life.”

What is the will of God?

Do you wonder what the will of God is for a given situation in your life?

Give thanks in everything. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "For this is the will of God, in Christ Jesus." A continual attitude of thankfulness will land you right in the center of God's will. 

God is With Us

God comes and gives us the gift of himself.

Sunsets steal our breath. Sparkling blue sky stills our hearts. Newborn babies stir our tears. Lifelong love bejewels our lives.

Deep in the spirit we cherish the knowledge that Life has meaning. But take all these away and leave us in the desert, and we still have reason to dance in the sand. Why? Because, we have hope now that he still comes, he still speaks, he still lives in us.