Lynn's 2018 Testimony

I am a virtuous woman.  My price is far above rubies. The heart of my husband doth safely trust in me, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  I will do him good and not evil all the days of my life. 

I seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with my hands.  I am like the merchants' ships. I bringeth my food from afar.  I riseth also while it is yet night and giveth meat to my household and a portion to my maidens.

I considereth a field and buyeth it: with the fruit of my hands I planteth a vineyard. I girdeth my loins with strength and strengtheneth my arms.

I perceiveth that my merchandise is good: my candle goeth not out by night.  I layeth my hands to the spindle, and my hands hold the distaff. I stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, I reacheth forth my hands to the needy.

I am not afraid of the snow for my household: for all my household are clothed with scarlet.  I maketh myself coverings of tapestry; my clothing is silk and purple. 

My husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

I maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.  Strength and honour are my clothing; and I shall rejoice in time to come.  I openeth my mouth with wisdom; and in my tongue is the law of kindness.

I looketh well to the ways of my household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.  My children arise up and call me blessed; my husband also, and he praiseth me.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

Give me the fruit of my hands; and let my own works praise me in the gates.

- Adapted from Proverbs 31 (KJV)

Lynn's 2017 Testimony

Photo Source: www.etsy.com

I am a dreamer, a doer, a prayer warrior
and a believer in Jesus Christ.

Over the years I have stumbled, fallen,
soared, turned away from, took hold of
and stood - with both small and big faith -
on God's Holy Word.

I have reached for dreams that only my mind and heart could see.
I have overcome circumstances that have forever scarred me.
I have hurt people, and people have hurt me.
I have loved unconditionally, and I have loved with conditions.
I have forgiven, and I have been forgiven.

I have cried tears of sorrow and
wept for losses that seemed just too much to bear.
I have laughed deep belly laughs from way down within,
and I have felt the heaviness of despair.
I have managed loneliness, lack and debt.
I have squandered wealth, and I have handled it respectfully, too.

Through it all ...
I have blossomed in God's
grace, love, mercy and favor.
I have grown a year wiser and
even more determined to live a Christ-full life.

I am abundantly thankful for renewed hope,
and I am extremely blessed to live another year
to seek God to the fullest and to be unstoppable.

In this New Year, I stand on 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Throughout 2017, I will be steadfast, unmovable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord,
for as much as I know that my efforts
are not in vain in the Lord.

Hallelujah!
Glory to God!

Lynn's 2016 Testimony

With a little more than a month and a half left in 2016, I am reminded how quickly the year has passed. 2016 has been a milestone year for me.  I turned 45.  I secured a full-time, salaried job with benefits doing one of things I love doing best: helping adults improve their literacy skills. I am so thankful for the blessings of this year.  Romans 8:28 and Hebrews 11 continue to encourage and empower me to push forward!

Lynn's 2015 Testimony!

Given the realities of my life during these first two months of 2015, I could be quick to sum 2015 as a tough year that I will gladly see pass quickly.  Yet, through the adversities, the challenges, the setbacks and even a physical attack ... I am thankful that I can cling to the promises of God and the surety of His word.   I know who I am and I know whose I am. Despite what feels like an extremely stressful and scary situation, I can seek comfort in the promises of God's word and His love in action through the hearts of His people.

Romans 8:28 reminds me that ALL things - good or bad work together for those who love God and who are called according to His purpose.  2 Corinthians 1:20 reminds me to hold on to the hope and assurance of the promises of God. Hebrews 12:29 reminds me that our God is a consuming fire. I stand on these truths and proclaim 2015 to be a year of refreshing ... it will not end the way it started.  This will be a year of change, challenge, growth, rebirth, transformation and victory!

I share these words of encouragement as a reminder to myself but also as a reminder to some of you who are quietly going through your own personal crisis and struggles.  Let my testimony be a reminder to you that God is faithful even in the midst of a typhoon!  HOLD ON!  Trust God!  SEEK HIM!  Listen for His voice.  ACT only according to His Will!

Lynn Pinder

Sho Nuff Thankful - Lynn's 2014 Testimony!

I saw this image on someone's Facebook page some time ago, and it resonated with my spirit.  I did some additional research online and found the name of the artist, Kiwi at http://www.kiwikollectibles.com/kolorful-note-kards.html.  Kiwi is the Founder of SurviveHERS! Kolorful Note Kard Kollection, a colorful and sassy collection of notecards for women who have been affected by cancer.  

Thankfully, I have not had to deal with a cancer scare, but I do know of several friends/acquaintances who are winning the battle against cancer, and I can think of several (including family members) who have lost their lives to this dreadful disease.  I wish I could purchase a card from Kiwi or buy Carmen Calhoun's song, A Pink Hat Day, for every woman in the world ever affected by cancer.   Unfortunately, that's not financially possible for me.  However, during this Women's History Month I can offer every woman ever affected by cancer or any other disease (physical or mental) this healing prayer, and you can, too!

Father God, You are a wonderful and perfect God.  I give you all glory and praise.  I thank you for your love, mercy and grace.  I thank you for liberty through your son, Jesus the Christ.  I thank you for my sister, _____________________.  You know _____________.  She is your daughter, and I am so thankful for her life.  I thank you for who she is and the purpose you have destined for her.  I come before you today standing in the gap for my sister, ___________________.  Lord, I stand on the promises of  Isaiah 53:4-5 and ask your will to be done in ___________________'s life.  I pray that your will includes her complete healing in the name of your son, Jesus the Christ!  I thank you in advance for what YOU will do.  Hallelujah and AMEN!

Two of my favorite healing scriptures are found in Isaiah 53:4-5 and Isaiah 58:8,

•  "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (KJV)
• "your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard" (KJV)
• "Then shall your light break forth like the morning, and your healing (your restoration and the power of a new life) shall spring forth speedily; your righteousness (your rightness, your justice, and your right relationship with God) shall go before you [conducting you to peace and prosperity], and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard." (AMP) 

Whether you are battling cancer, depression, HIV, the disease of discontent or debt, I believe God wants you to know that there is healing and restoration in HIM!  Seek God!  Seek HIM!  Trust me when I tell you that one of the best ways to seek God is to read His Word:  The Holy Bible.  Take the time to read, study and reflect on the meaning of the scriptures.  Then pray!  Talk to God about your confusion, doubt, concerns, challenges, fears, heartache, understanding, excitement, joy, healing and victory!  Then, listen and wait to hear God's response.  Of course, finding a healthy church home where you can develop a better understanding of the Word is important, too!  Yet, far too many of us find church homes and get too "comfortable."  We pass the buck of our own spiritual development (and those of our children) onto the ministers and pastors of the church.  For some of us, the only time we pick up a Bible or reference a scripture is when the preacher is reading from it during whatever weekly service we attend.  When we truly understand and recognize the power of God's healing grace and all He has brought us through we will seek God in ways and in places we never had before.

In 2014, I challenge you to read more of God's word and to seek God in ways and in places you never dared before.  I am challenging myself to do this, too.  This year, I am committed to blocking out time in my schedule to spend more time reading God's Word.  I am committed to seeking God in places I never dared before like in those tense moments with my boss, in the eyes of the people I don't feel like being bothered with, in the smile of a little one, in the warmth of the sun or the beauty of a sunset, in a belly laugh with a friend, in the disappointment of a loved one and in the softening of my own heart.  

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

I thank God for All things in my life.  And as so beautifully written by Ruth and Warren Myers in 31 Days of Praise:  Enjoying God Anew, I choose to live a thankful life and will strive each and every day of this year to ensure that my every action and breath shout the following prayer to my heavenly Father:

"[God] Thank You that in Your gracious plan to bless and use me, You've allowed me to go through hard times, through trials that many people go through in this fallen world.  How glad I am that You're so good at reaching down and making something beautiful out of even the worst situations!  How encouraged I am when I think how You did this for Joseph...how his brothers hated and abused and betrayed him, and how You worked these things out for blessing, both for Joseph and his family and for countless other people.  

I praise You that the things that happened in my past, both enjoyable and painful, are raw materials for blessing, both in my life and in the lives of others.  So I thank You for the specific family (or lack of family) into which I was born and the opportunities You did or did not provide.  And thank You for the things in my past that appear to be limitations, hindrances, bad breaks...the wounds of old hurts, the unmet emotional needs, the mistakes or neglect of other people - even the cruelty to me, their abuse.  

'In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.'   1 Thessalonians 5:18

How comforting to know that in all my distresses You were distressed.  And how I thank You, Lord Jesus, that on the cross, You bore my griefs and carried my sorrows, as well as my sins...that I can kneel at the cross and worship You as the One who took on Yourself all my pain and experienced it to the full.  And how comforting to know that in the present, day by day, You feel with me any pain, confusion, inner bondage, or struggle that stem from my past.  Thank You that all these seeming disadvantages are a backdrop for the special, unfolding plan You have in mind for me ...and that if my past still handicaps me, You are able to lead me to the kind of help I need.  

I'm so grateful that all my past circumstances were permitted by You to make me see my need of You and prepare my heart for Your Word...to draw me to Yourself, and to work out Your good purpose for my life.  I rejoice that You are the Blessed Controller of all things - You are now, You will be throughout the future, and You always were.  All my days had Your touch of love and wisdom, whether or not I can yet fully see it.

And Lord, I choose to look beyond my past and present troubles in this life - this temporary life and fix my eyes on the unseen things that will last forever.  I praise You for the eternal glory these things are piling up for me as I choose to trust You."

 Hallelujah!  Thank YOU God.  I know I am sho nuff blessed!

2013 Testimony - Loving Like I Never Been Hurt

     

There is a slogan posted on the wall in a house where I serve in ministry that is a daily reminder to me about love.  It reads, "Love like you have never been hurt." Every morning as I prepare to lead the daily devotions/prayer for the young women in my care, I see that slogan on the wall, and I am challenged to love unconditionally.  For me, loving unconditionally means to start each day with a clean slate.  I have to admit that this is not an easy task, and it is another way that God reveals to me Matthew 19:26 and Philippians 4:13 that in His strength all things are possible - even forgiving and loving difficult people.

I realize that for some I am the difficult person to love.  Isn't that interesting?  Oftentimes, the one thing that we find so difficult to do for others is usually the same thing that others find difficult to do for us. Living and serving in a home with young adult, homeless, pregnant women has been a life-changing experience.  The experience forces me to get outside my own personal feelings and concerns in order to really focus on the well-being (physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually) of others. 

Every day I am offered the opportunity to love in spite of the circumstances - to show kindness and compassion even in the face of rejection, to take an active interest even when there is a blatant disinterest. I am provoked to love in spite of how I feel and to put into practice John 13:34-35.  

I am charged to love like Jesus loved.  Wasn't His sacrifice on the cross the ultimate model of love? Didn't He face rejection?  Didn't He face betrayal?  Wasn't He hurt by people he loved?  Wasn't He frustrated by other people's behavior? Didn't He question God, too?  If you don't know the answers to these questions, I encourage you to dig deep and to take some action steps that help you discern God's love in your life.  

Consider,

• setting time aside daily to read The Holy Bible;
• researching Bible scriptures that provide insight regarding the love of Jesus;
• finding a church fellowship or bible study small group where you can interact with other believers and grow in your understanding of the Word of God;
• serving in a short-term or long-term missionary assignment;
• making an intentional effort to learn and live biblical principles;  

Loving like I never been hurt is definitely a risk.  However, it is a risk I am willing to take in all areas of my life as I understand how important it is to ensuring a healthy, full and vibrant life.   

_____________________________________________________

 "Love like you have never been hurt."  This command/statement is posted on the wall in the prayer room at one of my jobs where I lead daily devotions/prayer.  It is one of the biggest lessons I am learning and I thank God for the daily reminder. : )

Lynn Pinder's 2012 Testimony

"And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  - Romans 8:29 - 39

Wow, what a difference a year makes!  I almost can't believe it myself, but this time last year I was in a serious crisis. I was forced to deal with the consequences of some really bad choices that I made.  Pregnant, homeless, emotionally-wounded, heart-broken and bitter, I was in a serious rut.  I felt like my world was closing in on me, but I thank God that I never lost my faith.

A few months later, a Christian woman's shelter, a miscarriage, a Christian authors group and lots of prayer warriors pushed me to seek God during this difficult period.  What a journey!  Here I am a year later with a renewed commitment to Christ, strengthened faith, and a new zeal for life.

Rooted in His Word, I am overcoming by faith and determined to move forward in the call of God on my life.  I have to admit things are still tough for me.  Yet, God's grace has been sufficient in making provision for me.  He is - as He did during that crisis moment - supplying my every need. I thank God that I am definitely in a different space - mentally, spiritually and physically - than I was this time last year. He is restoring my life and making ALL things new!

As I reflect on that experience one year later, I realize that I would never wish that sort of turmoil on anyone - not even my worst enemy - nor would I want to encounter such pain and disappointment again.  I am so grateful that God brought me through the fire.  He brought me through the storm.  I can't say that I understand everything that happened, but I can say - without a doubt - that the experience strengthened my resolve and my faith.  I never thought I would say this, but I am a better woman because of it.  To God be the Glory!

So to those of you who are reading this and struggling through your own crisis moment, know that you are not alone.  Whatever you are facing - a failed marriage, unemployment, bankruptcy, the loss of a loved one, bad health, or the consequences of a bad decision - please know that God is faithful. His grace is sufficient to carry you through.  Release it to Him, and push pass the embarrassment.  Push pass the hurt.  Push pass the sorrow, and look to Him.  Cast your cares on Him.  Surrender it all to Him!  He will make a way. 

Get on your knees, cry if you have to, but don't you give up!  Keep P.U.S.H.ing (praying until something happens).  Keep believing in God.  Keep trusting in Him.  Cling to your faith, and stand firm on the promises of His Holy Word (The Holy Bible).  Nothing can separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.

You might get funny looks.  You might be the butt of a lot of cruel jokes or even the headline in the latest gossip.  You might feel like the scum of the earth, but guess what!  None of that matters!  Ignore how you feel, and trust in God's truth.  You might even fall out of grace with your church and/or biological family. Guess what again?  You are still more than a conqueror.  Remember, if God be for you, it doesn't matter who is against you!  The only thing that matters is your salvation and your willingness to repent and move forward in the fullness of God's mercy and grace.

So, what are you waiting for?  Put on the Armor of God and realign yourself with His Holy Word.  Surrender the pain to the Lord, and renew your commitment to Him.  Seek Christian counseling and do what you must to find a positive outlet to release the guilt, humiliation, shame, fear, pain and/or anger.  Meditate daily on God's word and fast to discipline your body, mind and soul. Call on God. He, alone, can break the chains of bondage, self-sabotage and self-doubt that is running rampant in your life.

It's time to let go and let God do what no one else can.  Turn it over to Him.  Then, walk, run, dance, shout and LIVE in the freedom and fullness of God's saving grace! I know I am!

My reminder

Lynn Pinder’s Testimony/Statement of Faith

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

Almost three months ago, I sought shelter at a 30-day, temporary Christian shelter in Baltimore for women and children. Fresh out of a relationship with a Christian man and pregnant, I was mentally, spiritually and physically exhausted. At 39, I expected my life to be so different. I mean - I am a Christian, a college graduate, a social entrepreneur, an author, and a small business owner.  I have traveled the world, launched organizations, helped make a difference in my community and accepted the call of discipleship on my life. How did I end up in this dark place?  Why, Lord, am I in this dark season?

I could stick my head in the sand, wallow in self-pity and put all the blame on the baby’s father for rejecting me and the little life God blessed me to carry or I could place the blame on insensitive family members who I often felt were never available when I needed them most or I could even pass the blame onto “the system” for not working on my behalf.  Yet, I know deep in my heart that I am where I am because of the decisions I made in my life. I accept the fact that although I love the Lord with all my heart, I did not trust in Him as I should have nor did I walk in full obedience to His Word.  There are consequences for my actions and my inaction. 

Four months ago, I made the decision to move back to Baltimore, MD from Savannah, GA to provide support to one of my sisters whose husband was seriously ill and to be in close vicinity to a man I thought I was going to marry. That decision humbled me especially after realizing that neither one of them wanted or needed me the way I thought. Through it all, I was forced to accept and learn some difficult and tough life lessons. I was forced to acknowledge and accept my own shortcomings as well as those who I choose to love. Things have definitely not turned out the way I planned. However, I can say that things have turned out the way God planned.

Through the ups and downs, through the misunderstandings, through the disappointments, through the anger, through the embarrassment, through the shame, through the miscarriage, through the depression, through the back pain, through the frustrations...through it all, I have learned to trust – I mean really trust – in God. I have learned to shine even in the face of adversity. I have learned to love even when I feel unloved. I have learned to accept people where they are, but most importantly I have learned to accept me for who I am – realizing that no matter what state or condition I am in that God will use me if I let Him.

My testimony that I would like to share with you is that God is a provider. No matter what you are going through. No matter what you have done. No matter what you didn’t do. No matter what! If you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior and confess that HE is Lord over your life, HE will provide. The question is how much do you trust Him.

Do you trust Him just a little or a whole lot? Do you trust Him as long as you are in control? Do you trust Him as long as you can figure out a solution to your problems? Do trust Him as long as there is money in the bank? Do you trust Him as long as your relationships are fruitful? Do you trust Him as long as your book is selling?  Do you trust Him for as long as you have a job or a viable business?  Do you trust Him only for as long as you can maintain the front?

Can you trust God in blind faith? Can you trust Him even though you lost the house? Can you trust Him even when the job doesn’t come through? Can you trust Him in the sorrow of an untimely death?   Can you trust Him when it looks like all hope is gone? Can you trust Him when it seems everything is going wrong in your life?  Can you trust Him in the dark seasons?

The experiences I encountered in this dark season of my life helped me to realize that I was guilty of trusting God to the point of when I thought I needed to step in and take action to do things my way. This dark season was my breaking point. This year has become a life-changing year for me. A year where I learned how to trust God fully and rest in Him. It is a year where I learned to surrender fully to God. It is a year where I learned that my actions, my life, and all my decisions must be predicated on God's Word (The Holy Bible) – and His Word must be an active and daily part of my life and work – not just a book I hold in high esteem, but a strategic plan that guides my every thought, action and deed.

This year, I have come full circle in my walk as a woman of God. I may not have everything I want. However, I certainly have everything I need. I am blessed to live in a country where social services are available to provide emergency shelter, money for food, free cell phones, transportation and free Internet usage. I am blessed to live in a city where programs like the Karis Home, My Sister’s Place, People on the Move, and the Baltimore Center for Pregnancy Concerns exist to offer hands-on support to people, like me, who need and want help. 

I am blessed to have people like Jacinda, Lela, Robert, Kim, Cathy, the authors from CAOT, Melissa, Chaplin Smith, Elizabeth, Shantress, Denise, Chanel, “Grandma” a.k.a. Vanessa, “Ms. Pat,” “Ms. Toni,” “Ms. Shirley,” “Ms. Che,” “Ms. Debra,” Tanya, Qeyana, members of Calvary Baptist Church/Dundalk, Robin, Janel, Morning, Kevin, Alex, the staff of The Power Magazine, “Mrs. A.J.” and a host of other people (including relatives, friends and complete strangers) in my life who prayed me through and whose direct actions during my time of need demonstrated God's love - helping to nurture and heal my broken spirit back to wholeness.   I also thank God for those friends and churches in Savannah whose love, hospitality, teaching and nurturing strengthened me for almost two years prior to my journey back home to Baltimore. I even thank God for those people in my life who I felt fell short of my expectations of them, and I thank God for revealing to me how I fell short of their expectations. I bless God for wisdom, revelation, favor, grace and growth.

I have to admit I prayed earnestly regarding the decision to share this testimony publicly. I struggled with how it would be received, and I obtained confirmation after attending a Bible study at my home church (Restoring Life International Church). I was reminded by my pastor during the study of how important it is for the saints of God to be real. As someone who is sometimes in the public light, I understand that people see me or a situation and base their perception on what their limited eyes allow them to see. To them, seeing is believing. In my season of darkness, God taught me that believing is seeing. He reminded me that mustard seed faith is all that is needed to turn any situation around. Yet, great faith – having the ability to walk or stand in blind belief in God - has the power to transform lives and communities. 

Can you imagine living your life daily with a blind belief in God – trusting that He will provide and make a way in every situation? What is so remarkable is that God is so gracious and merciful that He will love us even when we doubt, waiver or fall short in our walk with Him. The Bible provides example after example of God’s faithfulness to believers. As a believer, I am as my pastor taught in Bible study a living testimony – living proof – of God’s love. I am living proof of His faithfulness. But it doesn't stop there; the buck doesn't stop with me.  Hallelujah! You, too, are a living testimony - living proof - of God's love.  You are living proof  of His faithfulness. 

If you are experiencing a season of darkness in your life, it might be difficult for you to see beyond the pain and to accept God's love.   It may take time for you to learn that even now, you are precious to God.   Even now, you have a destiny and a purpose.  Even now, there is hope.  Take hold of that revelation and cling to God.  Seek out His face.  Trust in Him.   Don't give up!  P.U.S.H (Pray Until Something Happens) and if nothing happens - change your prayer, but keep praying.  Keep trusting in God.  Keep reading His Word. 

The Word of God encourages us to work out our faith in fear and trembling.  This is a ready reminder that life will produce those moments where terror, dissention, fear and contrite spirits wreck havoc in our lives.  Yet, God's indwelling spirit inside of us makes it possible for each of us to be steadfast and grounded in the promises of His Word.  Life might knock us down, but it won't take us out if we use the Holy Bible as our sword and compass.

Excerpted from Speak Life: Psalms of Hope in a Season of Darkness, a collection of inspirational poems written by Lynn Pinder and scheduled for release in 2012

I'm seeking out a full-time job to help offset my entrepreneurial ventures which are not doing as well as I hoped.  The prayer below written by Mark Herringshaw really blessed me.   CLICK HERE to read the full article written by Mark Herringshaw which also includes the prayer.

“God, I’m about to face a challenging interview for a new job. First, thank you for this opportunity. Thank you that you care about providing for my needs, and fitting me in the right employment situation is something you yourself are working to complete. I know I have you on my side in this matter. You are looking out for my best interest and I know you have a perfect job fit for me. If this is that perfect fit, then make it perfectly clear to me and to those who are making the hiring decision. Begin now to prepare the time and place where we will meet. Set the tone in the room. I know that first impressions matter a great deal, so help me to be the natural “me” that you have created, so that they can see through my nervousness and anxiety to the person you have created me to be. Give me a peaceful and sharp mind. Bring to my memory all the knowledge and wisdom that is already there. Let your joy and contentment flow out through my words. And whatever the result, let this process be a blessing to those who review my case, and also to me and my family along the way. Lord, right now I receive your “shalom” peace. I trust you to work in and through this interview process. I trust you to provide for all my needs. And if this is your perfect fit, then let nothing stand in the way. If it is not right, then close the door and lead me quickly to the right next step. In your name I bless those who will be conducting this interview. Give them wisdom, peace and rest as well. I receive now, ahead of time, your promise – ” I will never leave you or forsake you!” I believe this and oh, do I need it. I don’t go into this interview alone. You are with me. And with that confidence, I am at peace. Help me now to feel that peace. In Jesus…”

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/prayerplainandsimple/2010/03/a-prayer-for-anyone-preparing-for-a-job-interview.html#ixzz1VO7pOg4c

My Testimony

Content Whatever the Circumstances

 I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don't mean that your help didn't mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.

You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I'll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out—and not only once, but twice. Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.

And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes."

Philippians 4:10-20 (The Message)

An Awesome Reminder!

An Awesome Word!

*Video shared by YouthontheRock1 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDEvXMzZWUs

AMEN!

*video from kylebacon29 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHtaBXIIs0w*

Amen!

*Shared by the Generalofwarfare at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91yAauH_m5A*

Calm Down...

*This was emailed to me today by a friend. I'm not sure who wrote it, but it is on point!*

Psalm 46:10 'Be still and know that I am God.' So many times we make situations more than they are due to our anxiety, CALM DOWN !

God has your life under control; he knows how to handle even the seemingly complex situation with ease. SHUT UP ! Stop having pity parties and talking about your business all the time; don't you know that the power of death and life is in the tongue! Stop speaking negative things into existence in your life and in others. QUIT TRIPPIN' ! When you look at your situations through your eyes, you often read more into the situation than what is there. It's not as bad as you think particularly if God is in your life; Stop over analyzing your life. Be courageous!

2 Timothy 1:7 - 'For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of Love, and of a sound mind. Fear is not of God. Have the courage to step out on faith and do the seemingly impossible. Start your own business; go into the ministry; apply for that promotion; anything that you've been afraid to do and you know that God has called you to do - JUST DO IT! Have confidence!

Philippians 4:13 - 'I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.' Remember, greater is He that's within you than he that's in the world. You have the power of the most High God working in you, and you have His Son steadily making intercession for you. You have nothing to worry about! Walk with your head up! You say you have low self-esteem; somebody told you that you'd never amount to anything; the devil is a liar! Know that you are somebody not because Jesus said it, but because you are a child of The King! Walk in the VICTORY!

Romans 8:28 - 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.' Does anything else need to be said? The jury has been out and the verdict is in - YOU WIN! In your finances - YOU WIN! On your job - YOU WIN! In your relationships (married, single, divorced, family, friends) -YOU WIN!! In your health - YOU WIN! God has already worked it out for you. It may not come the way you think it should come (or when you think it should), but remember - CALM DOWN, SHUT UP, AND QUIT TRIPPIN! He's working it out for 'YOUR' good (in His time). Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet. Be Blessed TODAY !!

RECIPROCATE PLEASE! God determines who walks into your life, it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go. I need this back. If you'll do this for me, I'll do it for you. When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need. Father, bless all my friends in whatever it is that You know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with You.

My Testimony

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jaejdz5o8c