Encourage

Therefore encourage one another with these words." I Thess. 4:18

Remember

Apr 4

Posted by Rain2011 in Daily Reflections of God's Grace, Prayer | 1 Comment

 

The little, chunky girl sitting by me was full of life. I noticed that her mother, who was sitting across from us, looked frustrated and tired. The little girl asked me to help her practice spelling a word. The word was REMEMBER. As I sat next to her, I started repeating the word, “remember” to her syllable by syllable. I even took a worn scrap of paper and wrote “remember” and divided it into syllables: “re / mem / ber.”  I woke up.

When I woke up from this very vivid dream, the Lord spoke to my heart and this is what I heard. “It’s not the spelling or how many syllables the word has. The significance of the word is what’s important.”  Two Scriptures came to me:

  • When Jesus was hanging on the cross, one of the two thieves that were hanging at His side, made this plea, “Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42 NKJV)
  • The other Scripture says, “Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.” (Isaiah 43:26 (KJV)

During my prayer time that morning, I asked God to “remember” certain ones and I put Him in remembrance of His promises.

In your time of prayer or when fears are looming; remember, He will never leave you or forsake you. Remember where He’s brought you from. Think on these things…remember.

Be blessed!

Sandra W. Titus

 

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He’s Near

Mar 29

Posted by Rain2011 in Daily Reflections of God's Grace | 1 Comment

 

 Exodus 33:14 NASB ~ “And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”


Two Bible students traveling home for the holidays. It was in the wee hours of the morning driving around the mountains of North Carolina with a sleeping passenger and her two small kids heading home.  Looking back now, after so many years, it amazes me how I drove without a map. I just knew where I was headed.

On that particular night, the full moon seemed extra big and bright. I remember I kept looking up and saying, “God you’re guiding me.” Although I had a traveling partner, a greater awareness dawned on me that God was with me…I felt His presence guiding me around those winding roads.

Maybe you’re experiencing some uneasiness about a trip or situation. As we spend time in his Word and prayer, a greater awareness emerges that God will never leave or forsake us. We can rest in knowing that as we dwell in His presence, we’ll experience peace.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3 KJV)


Father, I pray that we come to understand that we can rest knowing that your presence is with us in good times and bad. Thank you for helping us to trust and rest in You. Thank you for your peace. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Sandra W. Titus

 

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Thank You, God, For Blessing Me Book Review

Mar 15

Posted by Rain2011 in Book Review, Prayer | No Comments

 ”In everything gives thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thess. 5:18 (NASB)

This is a cute book on teaching our preschoolers about prayer and being thankful for everything. It is an easy read and the graphics are beautiful. Teaching our children about prayer and thanksgiving is an important aspect of their lives. Beginning young will ensure a positive foundation.

Thank You, God, for blessing me is available also in a e-book format so if your youngster needs a little distraction, reading this little book via your Android phone or tablet is ideal.

The perfect birthday gift!

 

Sandra W. Titus, Book Reviewer

 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Thank You, God, for blessing me by Max Lucado for free through BookSneeze.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

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God’s Holding Pattern

Mar 15

Posted by Rain2011 in Daily Reflections of God's Grace, Faith | 2 Comments

“Be still and know that I am God:…” ~ Psalm 46:10 KJV

There will be times in our lives as Christians that we will have to learn to trust God in the small things as well as the big things.

Just the other day I had to send an email and was reluctant, but I did it. In the process of waiting for a reply, I felt as if I was in a holding pattern.

Have you ever been on an airplane and the pilot comes on over the intercom and says, “Passengers we are in a holding pattern awaiting further instructions.” It’s where the plane could be thousands of feet in the air or on the ground, just sitting, waiting, anticipating a word from the control center. The holding pattern could be several minutes to possibly hours. In the moment you’re wondering if the “okay” will come.

Well, in waiting for a reply I felt as though God had me in a “holding pattern.” While waiting, I began to wonder, “Will they reply?” “What if I missed God?” After several days of doubting and fretting, I redirected my thoughts to have my mouth begin to say, “Lord, Your will be done.” I trust you.” Although my mouth was saying one thing, my head was screaming another!

When we’re placed in a place where our faith is tested, and the answer to that petition is not immediately forthcoming, we have to be still and know that He is God. Fear not. Trust. He got it. The answer is on the way.

“When God is silent, He is not still. Trust Him.” ~ Pastor Tony Evans

By the way, the email reply was favorable.

Be Blessed!

 

Sandra W. Titus

 

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Stand by Me Book Review

Mar 15

Posted by Rain2011 in Book Review | No Comments

——————-

God has such a sense of humor! Stand By Me A Souled Out Sisters Novel was an absolute enjoyable read. Like the Yada Yada Prayer Group Series and House of Hope Series, Souled Out Sisters has become another favorite.  This is a book where you want to pull up a cozy blanket with a cup of coffee or tea and just lose yourself in the characters. Neta Jackson has portrayed strong characters with various personalities to keep you guessing what will happen next. She weaves the Word of God into the story line, which is so uplifting. I found myself praising right alone with Avis during a time where she went through a difficult situation.

In Stand By Me, Neta Jackson sets up an unusual relationship between two opposite personalities. However, in the end, the purpose of His doing would begin to bring restoration and healing to the character named Kat. Kat was a young women newly saved and seeking her place in life. She was somewhat estranged from her family and longed to be accepted and loved by her parents. When hearts begin to change, things begin to happen.

If you’ve never read any of Neta Jackson books, I would definitely recommend all the books including Souled Out Sisters!

Sandra W. Titus

 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Souled Out Sisters by Neta Jackson for free from the The B & B Media Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Encountering Criticism

Feb 8

Posted by Rain2011 in Daily Reflections of God's Grace | 2 Comments


“Faithful is He who calls you, and

He also will bring it to pass.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NASB)


“Jesus gives us the perfect example of how to handle harsh criticism…keep doing good and it will silence them.” ~Lysa Terkeurst

 

There will be times on your journey where spiritual leaders, family members, friends, or co-workers and even spouses will say, “You can’t”, “You won’t”, or “You’re not ministry material.”  Question: What is ministry material? As I can remember, God chose you.  So, He know you’re not perfect.

When we encounter criticism, thinking we’re being degraded or put down can hinder our progress in what we’re to do. The sting of criticism can be taken two ways. One, you can allow the enemy to use what was said to throw you off course. Two, you can rise above that harsh criticism and ask yourself this question. What has God said? If you know who you are in Christ, what people say about you or your ministry won’t have a significant effect on you. God desires that we have an excellent spirit when it comes to kingdom business.  If we face criticism, don’t allow people or circumstances to deter you from the plan God has for you.

 

“Speak into the atmosphere what God has spoken to you. What man says does not make you less called or anointed.” ~Angel Hill, Psalmist

 

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The Power of Prayer

Jan 2

Posted by Rain2011 in Prayer | 1 Comment

Happy New Year!

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything on my blog. So, I’m endeavoring to post, if not every day, three times per week on something pertaining to prayer.

As we all know, the beginning of a new year brings a lot of people together in prayer and consecration at their church or private devotions. So, I hope you enjoy my devotions on prayer.

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him. ~ Psalm 91:15

As we begin a new month of this new year, its so good to awaken each morning knowing that we have a heavenly Father that is always available to listen and keep us throughout the day.

The Word of God is one of the ways He speaks to us and through meditation and prayer.

May your prayer time and meditation of His Word be one of understanding that God is near. He will deliver and honor you.

Be blessed!

S. W. Titus

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Get Rid of the Failure Syndrome

Nov 23

Posted by Rain2011 in Daily Reflections of God's Grace | No Comments

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU

[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were

ranged against us and made a bold display and public

example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].

Colossians 2:15

People who have been abused, rejected, or abandoned usually lack confidence. Such individuals are shamed-based and guilt-ridden and have a very poor self-image. The devil knows that and begins his assault on personal confidence whenever and wherever he can find an opening. His ultimate goal is total destruction of the person.

The devil knows that an individual without confidence will never step out to do anything edifying for the Kingdom of God or detrimental to Satan’s kingdom. He does not want you to  fulfill God’s plan for your life. If he can make you believe that you are incapable, then you won’t even try to accomplish anything worthwhile. Even if you do make an effort, your fear of failure will seal your defeat, which, because of your lack of confidence, you probably expected from the beginning. This is often what is referred to as the “Failure Syndrome.”

God wants you to know that the devil is already a defeated foe. Jesus triumphed over him on the cross and made a public display of his disgrace in the spirit realm. Jesus’ victory means you can get rid of the failure syndrome. His ability to bring His will to pass in your life is determined by your faith in Him and in His Word.

God’s victory purchased on the cross is total and complete.

This excerpt was taken from:

Discover the Joy of Being the Person God Made You to Be

Joyce Meyer

(Copyright 2001 ~ Harrison House)

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A Good Read Buffet Book Review – Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson

Oct 21

Posted by Rain2011 in Book Review, Daily Reflections of God's Grace | No Comments

 

This homecoming wasn’t what she expected . . .

Jobless, homeless, and broke, Camden Bristow decides to
visit the grandmother she hasn’t seen in years. But when
Camden arrives in Etherton, Ohio, she discovers that her
grandmother has passed away, leaving her the 150-year-old
mansion on Crescent Hill. The site of her happiest summers
as a child, the run-down mansion is now her only refuge.

When Camden finds evidence that she may not be the
mansion’s only occupant, memories of Grandma Rosalie’s
bedtime stories about secret passageways and runaway slaves
fuel her imagination. What really happened at Crescent Hill?
Who can she turn to for answers in this town full of
strangers? And what motivates the handsome local Alex
Yates to offer his help? As she works to uncover the past and
present mysteries harbored in her home, Camden uncovers
deep family secrets within the mansion’s walls that could
change her life—and the entire town—forever.

My Thoughts:

Refuge on Crescent Hill is an enjoyable read. The author, Melanie Dobson does a marvelous job on displaying the allegories throughout the book.  When Camden has nowhere to go after losing her job, she returns to the only safe haven she knows, Crescent Hill.  As the story unfolds, the house was once used to protect slaves on their way to “finding a new home”–freedom.  Camden, the main character, discovers that her grandmother and the local sheriff used the old house to provide a shelter for abused women and their children until better accommodations could be arranged.  The characters were engaging. The plot was arranged beautifully. This is one book that all should read and cherish.

The spiritual aspect of Refuge on Crescent Hill could be taken from  Psalm 46:1 where it states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

You can purchase this book at Christianbooks.com, Kregel Publications.com, and Amazon.com.

About the Author:


Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author
of The Black Cloister; Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana; and
Together for Good. A former corporate publicity manager at Focus
on the Family, Melanie has worked in the fields of journalism and
publicity for more than eighteen years. She and her family live in Oregon.

Genres:
Historical, Suspense| Publisher: Kregel|ISBN: 978-0825425905
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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Feeling Overwhelmed?

Oct 12

Posted by Rain2011 in Daily Reflections of God's Grace | 1 Comment

PRESSURES

 

Father I have so much to do

and not enough hours in the day to do it

I know that’s only partly true.

I do have enough time

to do the things you want me to do

But, Lord, how do I sort out what they are,

when everything screams for my attention?

I’m exhausted from rushing–

uptight and irritable.

Please forgive me and help me.

Help me to learn from your Son.

People were constantly pressing in on him.

He could have been consumed–burned out.

But Jesus took time to be alone with you.

He made you his top priority.

I must learn to do the same,

especially when I’m feeling pressured.

Help me to be still and know

that you are God.

Even as you created and hold together the universe,

you can bring order to my life if I will let you.

Thank you, Lord.

(Taken from Write His Answer by Marlene Bagnull)

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