Its Friday, sorry I have not been blogging as much. I have been studying, reading and getting ready for the next chapter(JUMP) that God is taking me through in my life. First things first please be in prayer for me this week. My study group has double with such an awesome group of people. God has really blessed me with great friends who want to be totally surrendered. That is awesome!!! Next hopefully I will be able to take some time out to start putting my book together.
Enough about me, because you know that it is all about Jesus. Small group wrapped up our final study on (JUMP) Fear vs Faith. Let me tell you it ended with fire. I felt so convicted and compelled to be closer to God. What an awesome time we had. If you are not in community growing with others I'm going to be straight up and honest with you, you are missing out. You will never live out and up to your full potential until you partner with other believers in community. I believe that with all my heart. I came out of this series thinking about decisions. Those that I have made in my past, Those I have to make today and Those that are in my future. I realize that I can not take back past decisions, I can decide today to make wise choices based on past choices, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams. Enjoy and Savor the greatest gift ever given. God Himself...............

Psalms 119:103-105
103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Have you ever chosen a certain path, only to find yourself regretting that decision later? Life consists of a series of choices, some as small as what to eat for dinner, and others with eternal impact.

Facing these crossroads can seem overwhelming, but Scripture offers guidelines to give us confidence and direction. Therefore, as decisions are imminent, we should keep the following in mind:

First, God promises wisdom to His children who ask with faith (James 1:5-6). His Spirit also resides within believers and is available for guidance. Too many Christians try to weigh the pros and cons themselves, and they miss out on the magnificent help from the all-knowing One.

Second, we should delve into the Bible, asking God to open our eyes to His truth and His way. The Lord promises that His Word never returns void (Isa. 55:11). And if we memorize and meditate on Scripture, He will bring the truth to our minds at the appropriate time.

Third, we are wise to be aware of our mental state as we approach decisions. The acronym "H.A.L.T." stands for hungry, angry, lonely, and tired—four states in which we will likely make poor choices. It is well worth waiting until a better time when considering options.

Our choices determine our direction, so consider carefully how you make decisions. Scripture is clear that we see dimly (1 Cor. 13:12); God alone sees the "whole picture." It is vital, therefore, to rely upon His wisdom, truth, and direction every time we select an option before us.

So I have been studying suffering for Christ and the Glory of God for over a year now. I'm in one of the toughest battles of my life at this very moment. When this battle first started I almost felt like throwing in the towel. A matter of fact, It brought me to my knees and I haven't in a spiritual since come up yet. I guess you can say that I'm in the valley. Yet I have seen God be so faithful in this huge storm that I'm in the mist of. This battle has brought me close to the heart of God. I would not, could not, can not live without Him. I was reminded just yesterday about my purpose in life. I am created by God and for God. Two people wrote me to tell me that they had surrendered there life to Jesus after spending some time reading my blog. That is the greatest news one could ever hear. I celebrate with you both today. I'm overwhelmed with joy for you. I know that they will not spend eternity apart from the Creator and ruler of lights. God is so awesome. What is amazing is that He allowed them to Hear His voice. Its grace upon grace given to those that hear His voice. He called them to Himself. We that are believers have been called out by God. So after you surrender nothing magical about life takes all the pain and struggles away. He gives you an inner peace to endure the pain and suffering so that you can identify with who He is. When you endure and your faith matures you realize that God is All.
I was blessed with this weeks lesson from Journey. It was what I needed. If you missed it click on the journey tab on my blog.
I love a good battle. The story of Gideon impresses me way more than the latest movie out 300. Read about it in Judges 7:1-8. Thanks Charles Stanley for you insight.
If you are surrendered to Jesus you are in one of 3 places: In a battle, just finished a battle, or one is coming your way. Take heart knowing that God is with you no matter what. We are victorious and overcomers though Christ. Please continue to lift me up before God. My prayer for us all today is that we find complete joy in Jesus. If you are filled with the Joy of God I pray that you be stayed in His Joy. Nothing can compare to the Joy of the Lord.........Be encouraged.....

The story of Gideon offers scriptural guidance for times when the odds are overwhelming and defeat seems imminent. No matter what your challenges are, the Lord is able to demonstrate His awesome power and deliver you.

God uses difficulty to build faith. Gideon was willing to believe God and go up against an army four times larger than his own. Trusting the Lord is a process which must be learned through experience. At times God takes the people He uses and places them in impossible situations—in that way, they discover that He is faithful. We may prefer to acquire faith by reading a book, but the Lord knows that the best classroom is a place of utter helplessness.

God may require us to do what seems unreasonable. The Israelites were already outnumbered, but the Lord instructed Gideon to reduce the army to a mere 300 men. That made the odds 450 to one! Although God's ways may seem illogical to us, His wisdom and power are far greater than ours, and His plan can be trusted.

God leads us to do that which brings Him glory. The army was now so small that its men could in no way take credit for the victory. The Lord delights in demonstrating His awesome power and glory through our weakness and inadequacy,

Consider life's challenges as opportunities for the Lord to build your faith and prepare you for ministry. He uses those who are willing to obey Him even when the task seems illogical or impossible. And He takes pleasure in showing His faithfulness to those who trust in Him regardless of the situation.