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What’s Stopping You From Propelling Into Your Purpose?

January 30, 2016

As we continue to move forward into 2016, the excitement of the new year may have finally begin to subside. Alternatively, some people might have already become complacent. In any event, if you are not thinking about boosting your passion, in order to propel into your purpose, it’s now time to move forward.

God has not called the already equipped people. He equips the people He calls. You might have been worried about your finances and your busy schedule; however, God wants to see your faith (Hebrews 11:1). If God has given you a vision, it’s now time to act on this vision. More importantly, you should pray, fast and ask the Lord for His directions.

Do not let the enemy whispers lies and doubts regarding your ability. God knows that you are trying to come up on the road side of the mountain. Be that as it may, when God has already sanctioned your walk; all you have to do is to ask Him to guide your steps.

Listen to this inspirational song, and hold to God’s powerful hands, as you propel into your purpose.

Tags: 2016, directions, faith, fast, God, guidance, journey, obstacles, peace, prayer, propel, purpose

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Which Crown Do You Want To Wear?

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September 20, 2015

“And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (1 Corinthians 9:25) NKJV.

The idea of being successful in this world today is to acquire power and position, which comes with financial gains. Everyone is competing for the next big break to win a crown. Notwithstanding, there’s nothing wrong with trying to achieve success. What is wrong is when people become overly greedy and zealous in putting all their emphasis in the material things of this world. These things are temperate, meaning that they are not lasting. The crown that one will win is a perishable crown. For people who are committed to their faith, know that they run a race for an imperishable crown. This crown will take you beyond life on this earth.

Our culture glorifies celebrities, power, position, money and material things; however, these people and things are not lasting. ^“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) NKJV

On this earth, one has to strike a balance. You can aim for the sky, but understand that at the end of your journey on this earth, you have a report and accountability for how you spend your life while here. What will your report be? Have you fulfilled your God-given purpose? Or were you more caught up in the perishable crown phenomenon?

Let’s strive for an imperishable crown today.

Tags: celebrities, crown, Earth, faith, God, greedy, Heaven, money, position, power, purpose, soul, success

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You Shall Be Delivered!

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February 1, 2015

Are you going through sickness, demonic oppressions and attacks, as well as various tribulations?

You shall be delivered. I hear the prophetic voice saying, “Deliverance has come!”

Praises be to God for his tender mercies towards you. It’s not over until God says it’s over. I would like to speak deliverance into your life, as you battle the strong-hold of darkness.

The enemy can’t win, because greater is He who is in you, than He who is in the world. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

The spirit of darkness is powerless before the Spirit of light. As I pray over each and every circumstance that hold you captive today, I want to declare that the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17).

I declare liberty in your life today!

Be free in the name of Jesus! Be free in the name of Jesus! Be free in the name of Jesus!

Your mountainous problems are not too big for God to handle. Use faith to conquer fear, and confidence to conquer doubt today.

Tags: blessings, confidence, deliverance, doubt, faith, freedom, God, Healing, Jesus, peace, power, prayer, problems, prophetic

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Faith Is The Ability To See God In The Dark

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January 4, 2015

Have you ever felt that God isn’t with you? That when life became tough and darkened God abandoned you? Such a feeling is common to many Christians. However, you must not rely on feelings; instead, you must rely on faith, knowing that God is always there—you just may not always be able to see him in your circumstances. That’s why faith is so important.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. For example, if a family member dies, you may understandably question whether or not God could possibly be with you during such difficult times. However, by faith, you can be certain of what [you] do not see—certain that God was there watching over the whole situation.

Romans 4:19-21 describes how Abraham had faith even though it looked like God could never do what he said he would: Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

In his dark circumstances, Abraham could still see God—he had faith. That’s the same type of faith to which God is calling you.

Contributed: Christ Notes

Tags: blessings, committed, deliverance, faith, God, happiness, Healing, Jesus, joy, peace, prayer, strength, trust

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If God took you to it, He’ll get you through it

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November 15, 2014

Exodus 14 records the story of how the Hebrews escaped from bondage and slavery in Egypt. On their way out of Egypt, they camped in the desert near the Red Sea. They thought God was leading them out of Egypt. However, Pharaoh led the Egyptian army to where the Israelites were, and he trapped them against the sea. The Israelites must have felt betrayed by God, for it looked as though he didn’t follow through on his plan to lead the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt. But God was faithful to his word — he didn’t let his people down. He led them through the Red Sea and delivered on his promises.

You have probably faced times when you thought that you could never do something, never complete a particular task, or never make it to the finish. However, if God has promised you something, then you can be confident that God will get you through the difficult times in order to bring about his promise.

This is true in Joseph’s life. God took him through years of pain and suffering for an ultimate benefit; Joseph realizes this and, in Genesis 50:20, says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” God had a bigger plan for Joseph’s life, and God didn’t let him down. God led Joseph through his struggles.

This principle is also true in your life. Even though you may be going through extremely painful times, do not fear for God will get you through the hard times you face (see Psalm 23:4). If God took you to it, He’ll get you through it.

Contributed: Christ Notes

Tags: deliverance, depression, doubt, faith, fear, God, peace, prayer, problems, strength, testimony, trials, tribulations, trust, victory

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Don’t run from your trials

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October 25, 2014

Everyone faces many trials; however, these trials are not in vain. God uses them to do a work in us, developing us into mature Christians.

In James 1:2-4, we are told, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. In other words, God uses the tough times in life to sharpen us, making us mature and complete Christians.

Furthermore, God will not permit you to remain in the same trials all of your life; in His proper timing He will deliver you. Psalm 34:17 says, The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

So don’t run from your trials, because the testing of your faith develops you into a mature and complete Christian.

Contributed: Christ Notes

Tags: Christ, Christian, deliverance, faith, God, joy, Lord, motivation, peace, perseverance, righteous, strength, trials and tribulations

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When Ministry Knocks You Down

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October 16, 2014

If you’re a pastor, a missionary, or serve in a church, you can’t avoid discouragement, disappointment, or hurt from ministry. The bible even uses the not-so-complimentary metaphor “sheep” to describe those we serve. And sheep get dirty and smelly and often kick and bite.

Sometimes those sheep in the church do the same to their shepherds.

So when you get kicked, forgotten, disrespected, ignored, mistreated, gossiped about, or misunderstood, how do you move forward?

The story recorded in 1 Samuel 30 gives great insight. David had just begun his career to fight the bad guys. Early on he faced a huge defeat. While he and his army were in battle far from home, the bad guys, the Amalekites, attacked the city where his family and the families of his army lived. They burned the city and kidnapped their wives and children. When David’s men discovered this, they considered removing him from his position, not by a vote of a board or a congregation, but with big rocks to the head by stoning.

The Scriptures then record one of the most beautiful verses ever written. The King James Version captures it well:

David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. (1 Sam. 30:6)

It worked because his guys didn’t stone him but marshaled their energy and once again pursued the bad guys under his leadership.

As I’ve faced discouragement in ministry, these simple choices have helped me encourage myself in the Lord.

Acknowledge your pain and emotion to the Lord, but don’t wallow in it.
Journal your thoughts. Writing them down helps me stop the tendency to incessantly mull over the hurtful situation.
Read God’s word, especially those verses that speak of hope and victory.
Do something pro-active. Take action to move forward. In David’s case he took specific action to resolve the problem. He rallied his troops to chase down the Amalekites.
Stop condemning yourself and remind yourself that you are a child of God, loved by Him with great intrinsic value regardless of whether your church is growing or whether people treat you with respect.
Pray for those who have hurt you. I’m amazed how God diffuses looming bitterness in my heart when I pray for the sheep that bite me.

If you get knocked down, sincerely seek the Lord and rise up in His strength to begin anew.

Contributed: The Ministry Advantage: A Weekly Mentoring Newsletter for Church Leaders.

Tags: church, deliverance, destroy, encouragement, faith, glory, grace and mercy, hope, Ministry, Pastor, peace, strength, victory

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Frustrated? It may be because you’re trying to make something happen that only God can make happen.

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August 14, 2014

Whenever you are doing what God has called you to do, it is important to rely on His strength, His grace, and His power to complete your task. You will become frustrated if you try to make things happen on your own strength instead of relying on God. God is the author and finisher of His plans (Hebrews 12:2), and you must not try to take the place of God if you expect things to work out.

In Colossians 1:26-27, Paul reveals a mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations… Christ in you, the hope of glory. In other words, there is something that people of the past didn’t know—it was hidden from them, a mystery to them—but Paul is now revealing that mystery to us: Christ lives in all who believe in Him! No longer is God just with his people—God now lives in his people!

Also, note that it is Christ in you that’s the hope of glory—not Christ and you.

Paul then continues by saying that he labors and works for the gospel, but all of his labor is really done by Christ’s power, which so powerfully works in [him] (Colossians 1:29).

If you’re trying to labor without Christ’s power at work within you, then your labor will be frustrating and in vain. You need to stop trying, and start dying to self so that you may be alive to Christ’s power.

Struggle and frustration occur when you try to do God’s job by your own strength—rather than relying on Christ’s strength, which is at work in you.

Contributed Christ Notes

Tags: blessing, Christ, deliverance, faith, frustration, glory, God, Gospel, Jesus, peace, power, strength, struggle, trust

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Does the fear of God or the fear of man rule your life?

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August 8, 2014

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe (Proverbs 29:25).

A person who is ruled by the fear of man is one whose decisions are dictated by what other people think. Such a person is a people-pleaser. One ruled by the fear of man will repeatedly base decisions on questions like “How does this make me look?”, “Do you think they’ll like it?”, or “What if they don’t approve?”. It is certainly not wrong to ask for input from other people (indeed, it’s wise to seek feedback from others); however, it is wrong—not just wrong, but foolish—for your decisions to be guided more by feedback from others than by feedback from God.

To fear God means to take him at his word, knowing that he will follow through on all his promises. A person who fears the Lord is one whose decisions are guided by God.

There are more than a dozen verses in the Bible that make very clear the advantage of being one whose life is guided by the fear of the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord (Psalm 112:1). Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life (Proverbs 22:4). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life (Proverbs 14:26-27).

It’s no wonder Proverbs 31:30 gives us this nugget of wisdom: Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

If you want the fear of God to guide your life, then base your actions on questions like “What does God think about this?”, “Would God approve of this?”, or “Would I do this if Jesus were right here watching me?”.

If you want your life to be blessed, let it be ruled by the fear of God.

Contributed Christ Notes

Tags: blessings, decisions, faith, fear, focus, glory, God, guidance, Jesus, meditate, people-pleaser, prayer, protection, wisdom

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It’s Only A Test!

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July 26, 2014

Are you going through the roughest time in your life right now? If so, how are you coping? Are you about to give up? Are you thinking that God has forgotten your struggles? Are you thinking that you will never overcome these tribulations? Have you been spiritually attacked? Are you being deceived by the enemy? Have you lost something or someone precious? Are you dealing with a sickness that has no cure by the doctors? Are you waiting on God to connect you with your partner in marriage? Have you been trying to get pregnant, but has been unfruitful in your effort? Have you been financially depressed? Have you been attacked by the ones who you think should have your back?

God told me to tell you that it’s only a test! How can you be promoted from one grade to the next, without having to undergo any test? Take for example, in the natural world, where you have been in grade 6, and should move to grade 7. Would you just get to grade 7 without enduring a test? NO!

God is getting ready to promote you in your finances, your ministry, your career, your educational status, your singleness, your barrenness, your loveless life, your health, and all that’s on your wish list. But you have to pass your test. It’s only when you have completed this test, you will be rewarded. Bear in mind, that if you fail the test, you will have to retake it. You have got to press! If you do not press, you won’t see the glory of the Lord! The race is not to the swift, but to those who will endure to the end (Ecclesiastes 9:11).

The woman with the issue of blood pressed in to receive her healing. She had faith to continue to endure throughout all that she had been through. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God, and if you can’t please Him, He can’t reward you (Hebrews 11:6).

When God restores, He gives you the biggest, the best, and the greatest! So come on, it’s not time to throw in the towel. Wherever you are right now, it’s time to muster every ounce of strength in your body, so that you can make it to the finish line. It just take a little more of your effort, even though you think all your strength has been exhausted. His grace is sufficient, as His strength is made perfect in weakness ( 2 Corinthians 12:9).

When you think enough is just enough, you have one more test to overcome, in order for God to advance you to the next level. If you are getting overly exhausted, and you believe it’s just too difficult to get past this level, I would personally love to pray for you. Please email me at info@enoughtribulations.com, so I can personally minister and pray for you.

Grace and peace to you.

Minister Gertrude Ferguson