Women of the Bible: Eve

The first chapter of the book focuses on the first woman mentioned in the Bible: Eve herself. This was a fun, thought-provoking read. Sometimes we need to recap, relive and reevaluate scriptures that we may have read in past days. It helps us to remember, reflect and appreciate scripture more. This is was happened when I read about Eve and The Garden of Eden.

It was so refreshing, and looking at all of the pictures I found online that reflected depiction of The Garden of Eden was refreshing and reassuring as well. Just to think, that The Garden of Eden was Paradise. No picture by man can do it any justice. I can only imagine. We can only imagine. Just think about when we leave this earth [the saints of God] and when Christ returns... we'll be going home to be with our Saviour in Paradise. God said there will be a new earth. A world without famine, drought, pain, suffering and disease. How mighty is our God? Glorious is He.

Here is an excerpt from the book "Women of the Bible" concerning the woman Eve and the Book of Genesis:

Lift Your Heart
"Find a peaceful setting, surrounded by the beauty of creation, to meditate on what life must have been like if you experienced peace in all your relationships, if you never suffered physical or emotional pain, if you were never confused or ashamed or guilty, if you always experienced God's love and friendship. Let your imagination run riot as it fills in the details of God's original intention for your life and for those you love.

"Then consider this: You were made for paradise. The joys you taste now are infinitesimal compared to those that await you in heaven, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (I Corinthians 2:9).

Praise Jesus.





Prayer
"Father, give me a greater understanding of your original plan for our world. Help me to envision its beauty so I might live with a constant awareness that you intend to restore paradise to all who belong to you. May I surrender every sin and every sorrow to you, trusting that you will fulfill your purpose for my life. In Jesus' name I pay, Amen."

Glory, Glory!
Rejoice!!,
Whitney

[P.S. Actually CLICK on the pictures above for a larger view. Simply beautiful!]

Dearly Beloved

Good evening to Karen, Crystal and Katie. God bless you ladies! I'm happy you have joined the blog. May our God look upon you with mercy, grace and love. I love you with the love of Christ. Trust in the Lord and He will provide for you.

May God bless all of our international readers as well! I see you popping in every now and then. I cannot forget my RSS Feed subscribers!! May God bless you as well! :)

Amen,
Whitney

Graduation?

My Dad finally went to go get one of our cameras developed from after my graduation in December 2008. Here is one of my favorite pictures from that camera:

Haha, I was uber happy :]

Toodles,
Whitney

Christian Fiction, Not So Fictitious

As you may know, today I began my reading endeavor of Christian Fiction books. I only checked out one book at the Library, but one is more than enough for my Christian Fiction beginner-status.

I was weary of delving into such a genre. Christian Fiction? I thought, c'mon... that can't be nothing but a bunch of nonsensical junk.

Although I may not know much about this particular genre, its authors or its reputation, what I do know is that-- from reading 34 pages thus far of this 269-page work, there's a lot of truth to it. The book is "Strongholds" by Vanessa Davis Griggs. The book is comprised of the stories of several persons who have strongholds, generational curses or internal weaknesses of their own that hold them back from growing closer to God. These strongholds can keep people out of God's will for some time.

So far I have one particular character-favorite. Her name is Arletha. It's the words written on the page of this Christian Fiction novel that move me, not necessarily the character herself. Why? Because the words are truth, anyone can say or think the words, not just Arletha... the book says fiction because the characters are not actual people-- but they are real people!

These characters represent total, utter and complete truth! The only reason it's labeled as Christian Fiction is because it's not some biography of someone's actual life. But either way, it's not the whole story, so it's labeled as fiction. That's it. That's the only reason.

Anywho, back to my favorite part of the book thus far. Here's some real truth that I found almost too profound to be in a Christian Fiction novel, or any "fictitious" work for that matter:

• "I don't believe you can be saved just by confessing your sins and believing on Jesus. Now don't go get all confused about what I just said. I do believe on Jesus, Lord knows I believe in Jesus. But the notion that all you have to do to get to heaven is to just confess you're a sinner, then accept Jesus as your savior and that's it-- you're now guaranteed a place in heaven without proving you're worthy-- is a bunch of hogwash! ...But, frankly, I'm tired of people telling and buying into that lie." --Arletha
• "...following the popular, worldly ways of late--trying to get more people to come to church and fill up some of those empty pews. Just selling out. I figure if folks don't want to come... too bad. We shouldn't change the type of songs we sing just because the attendance has fallen off and folks are flocking to all these other churches. ...Hip-Hop gospel, gospel rap: whoever heard of such nonsense! When will folks get it? ...People want to start changing everything, liven things up. Cutting out testimony service. ...just because they want to get out of church earlier. Wake up, people! These are the last days." --Arletha
• "Folks reading all kinds of filthy magazines and books, sleeping with any and everybody, smoking, doping, lying, cheating--sinning like there's no tomorrow. You can't hardly walk into a store these days without half-naked men and women jumping out at you off the covers of stuff. And the TV, Lord, you talk about an idle mind being the devil's workshop. I have to protect my eye and ear gates." --Arletha

Man, if I wasn't Whitney, I'd think Arletha was Whitney! ...or atleast speaking for Whitney. LOL. She was talking some real talk, or better yet, the author Vanessa Davis Griggs was talking some real talk. Those were her words, atleast most of them. Not Arletha's.

• "Joining a church is not equivalent to being saved. And that's what some of you unknowingly did at the time--you joined a group, but not the body of Christ." --Pastor Landris from the book
• "If you died today, do you know--with certainty--where you'll spend eternity? Because you are going to die, if you're not caught up during the rapture; and you will spend an eternity somewhere. If you died today, do you know--with assurance-- where you'll spend your eternity?" --Pastor Landris from the book
  

Man. This book [so far] is drenched in Holy Spirit food for thought. Glory to God. I hope you learned something from Arletha and Pastor Landris too.

Selah,
Whitney

Women of the Bible

So I went on a trip to the Library today. I love that it's right down the street from my house, within walking distance. I went in-search-of some Christian Fiction novels to read for the first time. I did end up grabbing one book, so that should be a fun read.

I also found another book at the last minute titled "Women of the Bible." It's a one-year devotional that focuses on "fifty-two remarkable women in scripture." I know this one's going to be great. I can't wait to dive in. It's a very expansive book, written like no other I've seen. I love the various sections and titles. I'll keep you posted ;)

Grace & Love,
Whitney

Friday Night with Alltel

...lol. So I've officially discovered how to upload my mobile pictures to the web. Big fun. So, here are some pictures I've taken recently! Yay :) This should be fun. I don't typically post a lot of pictures of myself, but I figured this is my blog and I love taking pictures soooooooooo whoever reads can either deal orrr.... ;) THIS is what [photo] blogging is! Hehe. Don't be shocked if when you check back later some of these are gone. I have a tendency to delete pictures sporadically!


Today. Poo-poo came to take
pictures with me.


Car. In D.C. last month.


In D.C. Fuze fruit/veggie drinks.
I wonder if they are any good.


California Sushi Roll. YUUUM.

Because I'm cool like that...
well, sometimes anyway :)
Whitney

Back to Basics!

Sooo, I went couponing at Harris Teeter for the first time in a while! I have missed it. It's one of my absolute favorite hobbies. As soon as I nab a decent job, I'll definitely be putting more time into my couponing.

It was crazy-fun! I want you to see all of the stuff I got. You won't believe how much I spent!

2 Wisk Detergent 2x 50oz BOGO $3.75 each - $1.50Q - $1Q = $1.25 for two!!
2 Dawn Dish Liquid $1 each - 2 $.50 tripled Q's = $1 profit!!
4 Green Giant Frozen Broccoli & Cheese $1 each - 2 $.60 tripled IPQ's = $.40 total!!
1 Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats Strawberry Cereal BOGO = $1.71 each - $.70 tripled Q = $.39 profit!
1 Dentyne Ice Gum $1.19 - $.75 tripled Q = $1.06 profit!

Total Spent = $1.02
Total Savings = $29.95

This is a very special-case couponing trip, lol. My total ended up being like $6 or something and I knew that was wrong so the customer service clerk came over and took off like $5, lol. The coupons were not scanning. Soooo. Yeah! I'm happy. Paid $1.02 for all of it!! Whoo!! :)

The Totino's Pizza Rolls were on sale BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free), but both Harris Teeter's that I hit were all out. With my $.35 tripled Q's, they would have cost $.10 per package! I picked up two rainchecks at both stores and I'm going back soon to nab me some before triple coupon week is over on March 31.

All smiles,
Whitney

A Thousand Words Thursday #2

July 2008. Tree fell on our house. Nobody died. Testimony, testimony. Say, "Thank You, Jesus."

As my mom says... "Respect the storm."
Romans 12:14 says "...bless, and curse not."

Tremendously Anointed

I've been talking about Tye Tribbett's album a lot lately. I've never been a fan. In fact, I always thought there was something wrong with him... but, I was incredibly wrong, Lord forgive me. That was when I was spiritually immature. God showed me how He delivered Tye out of many things and how God is now actively present in his life.

God used the entire "Victory Live!" album to shew unto me an awesome testimony that was a witness unto many. I glorify Your name, Jesus. This album was released originally in 2006. I just got it at the end of last year. If you don't have it already, you need to add this album to your gospel collection.

Tye and G.A. (Greater Anointing) are stupendously anointed. Remember I said how I didn't even know what G.A. stood for until recently? Now that's a testimony in itself. It's a powerful anthem for the saints of God. Go preview some of the songs in the right-hand panel of my music list, and then get your copy below. I paid like 17 bucks for mine, so $9.99 on Amazon is a brilliant deal. You'll be enormously blessed, as it ministers to the saints of God greatly. Glory. Get your copy of "Victory Live!" by Tye Tribbett & G.A.


Praise ye the Lord,
Whitney

Word-Filled Wednesday #1

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photos and a verse! I John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

God is telling us that if we repent, if we humble ourselves by coming to Him knelt down in prayer, then because He is a faithful, merciful and JUST God, He will forgive us and the sins we have committed in His sight. God will cleanse us, purify and make clean our inner being from all wickedness and unrighteousness. Glory to God. See also Psalm 51.

Glory to God,
Whitney

Dearly Beloved

Donna, Shirley and Miss Holly I'm glad that you have decided to stay with us. Welcome to the blog. I pray the Lord's will over your life and that your life is filled with everlasting and abundant joy in the Lord our God Jesus Christ. May He supply all of your needs and keep you in perfect peace. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Warmest,
Whitney

12 Hours of Church

@Church (Service & New Members Class)
10:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Never in my life have I spent 12 hours at church! Never would I have imagined! It was crazy-fun. I did say a few days ago that if I could spend all day at church, I would. Today I got a glimpse of what that'd be like and the power of speaking things into existence.

I love the church people. Shared interest, special moments and joyful times. First time in my life where I'm actually attending church regularly AND going to Bible Study regularly, and about to get involved in ministry. It's great. Our God is Great.

I went to the 10:45 a.m. service for the first time at my new church home. Admittedly, I prefer the 8 a.m. service. But, because my last session of the New Members class was directly after the 10:45 service, I went to that one. Service was great as always. Pastor Nichols was preaching about man's promises vs. God's purpose; contractional relationships vs. covenant. He was saying how we must disconnect ourselves from man's promises in order to get to God's purpose. We cannot get to purpose unless we let broken promises go. Broken promises cause a broken heart and a broken spirit. The promises of God are designed to fulfill purpose.

After church was my last session of the New Members class. The teaching was on Servitude 200. I'm really interested in getting involved in ministry immediately. I just want to be assured that I am in the right place. Right now I'm considering the Women's Fellowship Group and Evangelism. Also the Prayer Warrior's who meet at 6 a.m. every morning.

@The Bus Ride to Winston-Salem, NC
3 p.m. - 5 p.m., 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
The bus ride was fun. I got to meet some new faces and spend casual time with my new church family. I plan on going everywhere with the church, lol :) Lord willing.

@Sweet Holy Spirit Church in Winston-Salem, NC
5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Holy Spirit truly was upon this church during the praise break. It was great, it was beautiful. Pastor Nichols was the guest speaker here and that's why we (members of the church) traveled to Winston Salem to support him. The message was "If God doesn't do it, it won't be done." He was telling us to stop being victims of everyone else's failures and just realize that they are incapable of meeting our needs. It's not our fault, it's their failure. We must realize that the reason they are attacking us (hating on, etc) is because they want what we have. We have the spirit of God and they see that in you and that's why they do not approve of you. When people are controlled by wicked spirits, they hate you without a cause... it's the anointing and the favor of God that they hate. Jesus.

After church we stopped at Popeye's for dinner, so that added a little extra time on our ride back. I had a great time and hope to spend more time with the church.

This Sunday is Dress-Down Sunday. I love the concept.
I've never been to an official Dress-Down day. It'll be great.

Look at my new church leaders. I love 'em.

Love you with the love of Christ.
God bless you,
Whitney

Listening to iTunes:
"Reign in Me" by Brenton Brown
"I Understand" by Smokie Norful
"Breathe Into Me" by Fred Hammond
"Let Go, let God" by DeWayne Woods
"G.A. Hymn (Who Else But God) by Tye Tribbet & G.A.
"Speak Lord" - Stephen Hurd

Working Willingly #2

3.) Taking Care of My Home:

• Clean bathroom sinks
• Vacuum bathroom floor
• Unpack all boxes in my room
• Wash clothes!
  

Short list for today :)

Enjoy your Saturday!,
Whitney

Saturday Songday #2

"Thank You for Loving Me" by Commissioned is the praise song for today. I love it. All of it is true. I was browsing my YouTube channel and chose this song that's on my gospel music playlist. Jesus, thank You for loving me.

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy

For Ladies,

I'm a sucker for cute and frilly church dresses. I was taking my daily walk at youdata and clicked on the modcloth.com link and ooohhhhh, such cute dresses!! I love it! They make me smile. I already have a few exceptionally cute and modest dresses in my collection, and these are so worthy of being added to my closet! lol. I love them.


modcloth.com; Extremely adorable. I love it, the hue
and everything.



modcloth.com; The light blue is breath-takingly refreshing.
I love it. I have a blue and white one, but not like this one.
So dainty.



modcloth.com; I really like this one too. The sleeves are
adorable. Looks like a good fit too! :)


Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Have a fabulous Friday!,
Whitney

Rejoice in the Lord with your Friends!

Today's been a great day. Peace. Everyone is happy and cheery. Yet, it is very sunny out, it is Friday annnd people are getting off work early. Perfect formula for smiley faces and pleasant attitudes. I do wish it weren't that way... like, I wish there didn't have to be specific attributes of one's day for someone to exude a friendly attitude.

Anywho, onto today's post.

Mark 5:19 says "...Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee."

Jesus is telling us in this passage to tell our friends, our brothers and sisters in Christ about Him and how He has done such great things for us and had mercy on us. Jesus is asking us to share our testimonies, spread the good news. Be a witness to others concerning the Lord Jesus.

For me, this can be easy and difficult.

• Sharing Christ with my friends is difficult at times because I oftentimes want to stay humble to a certain extent. I am confident in what the Lord has done in my life, but I don't want to put everything out there sometimes because these are the issues of my heart and we are supposed to guard our hearts with all diligence. Yet, I know they will believe me because we are of the same Spirit. Other times, it's quite easy to witness Christ to my friends because we understand eachother! I'm smiling now because it's so wonderful! Like, we may not be on the same level spiritually or in the same season of life, but because we are of the same [Holy] Spirit, we understand one another. Like, if I wanted to just yell out "Thank You Jesus!" "Glory to God!!" my friends would rejoice with me. That's what I love.
• Sharing Christ with my family is difficult at times because they are not spiritual and oftentimes cannot understand the things in which I testify about. Other times, it's pretty easy, especially if we're just coming from church and we've sat through the same message.

Concerning those that are not spiritual... continue to witness Christ as Matthew 28 The Great Commission teaches, but be careful with the issues of your heart. Matthew 7:6 says "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." That's why in Mark 5:19, Jesus is telling us to go home to our friends-- our brothers and sisters in Christ, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. Glory to GOD. Thank You Jesus, we can rejoice with the Saints of God and know that the angels are rejoicing with us!

Father God in Jesus' name, help us to witness of you to others and rejoice in the Lord with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us to have compassion on others as You do, did and have always done. Glory. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Rejoice in the Lord,
Whitney

A Thousand Words Thursday #1

May 2007. A cross in my front yard... my God is amazing :) :)

Dearly Beloved

Hey there,

May our God bless Brad, Ingrid and Sandy-- the new dearly beloved's who have joined this blog. I pray that the Lord ministers to your spirit throughout some of the posts and continues to speak truth unto you. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Whitney

Silly Women Laden with Lust: Don't Become One

The album "Victory" by Tye Tribbet and G.A. has been a tremendous blessing to my spirit since February 2009 and earlier. It was the start of one of my greatest testimonies of the Lord Jesus, in which the Lord is leading me to write a book on [my testimony]. The spirit of the Lord is greatly upon that album and the people, the SAINTS are significantly anointed. Lord, keep them in the name of Jesus Christ.

So, today I was visiting a friends page on YouTube and came across some live performances by Tye Tribbet and G.A...... ya know, I never knew what "G.A." stood for, until today. It means "Greater Anointing" and Lord Jesus, it's true. Glory, glory. What an anointed group of young men and women. I love it. God is so merciful and righteous. He is using the young to promote the gospel of His glory.

I noticed some ridiculous comments on the pages of the video [not my friends page] that completely disgusted and saddened me. I was disgusted at the silly women and saddened that the holy and sanctified men of God/men of honor/men of valour/SAINTS, are subjected to such devilish temptations because women cannot control their burning desires. I had to turn the video off. Not because of my lack of self-control, but because the comment stuck in my mind and I had to pray for the sake of the persons who watch videos and live performances of their favorite gospel artists and the holy ones that the Lord is keeping and protecting from such persons. I do not recommend watching music videos of any kind. It's just not a wise idea... yes, the Lord may have delivered us from a life of sin but why tempt yourselves?? Why go back?

Just listen to the song/music and meditate on our Lord Jesus instead of watching the video or going to a live performance. Keep your heart pure before God.

The men and women who are anointed through song have also been APPOINTED. Appointed by God... appointed by GOD... ANOINTED BY GOD. This means that we give glory to GOD and not man. Psalm 146 says to not put your trust in princes. Psalm 146:3 says "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help."

Snippet of what the silly woman is like/who she is:

Proverbs 9:13 says "A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing."

Proverbs 7:10-11, 21 says

¹⁰And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

¹¹(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

²¹With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

Are you a silly woman?

• Do you watch music videos of your favorite artists and fantasize/dream about them?
• Do you lust [dwell on, ponder within] inwardly [in your heart, mind] or outwardly [making comments, winking, devising evil, seeking to trap, etc]?

Snippet of what the Bible says about the silly woman:

Proverbs 7:27 says "Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death."

Get deliverance:

• Ask God to forgive you. Repent and mean it in your heart.
  
• Seek God for a church home.
• Go to the First Lady of the church and tell her you need deliverance.

I Timothy 5:6 says "But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth."

Titus 3:3-5 says

³For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

⁴But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

⁵Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

I Thessalonians 5:19 says "Quench not the Spirit."

Advice for Men of God:

Proverbs 7:25-27 says

²⁵Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

²⁶For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

²⁷Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

I pray that the Lord keeps and hides the true men of our Most High Lord.

To GOD be the glory,
Whitney

Listening to iTunes:
"God Take Care of Me" by Men of Standard
"Because of Who You Are" by Vicki Yo'he
"Sinking" by Tye Tribbet & G.A.
"Seated At the Right Hand God" - Tye Tribbet & G.A.

Discipline, Self Control & Obedience

Bible Study with God:
A Word the Lord gave me on 3/13/09 that I did not blog about. I'm getting better about doing as the Lord says, as He says it, so have mercy:

"Discipline, Self Control & Obedience"

Acts 5:42 says "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."

Acts 6:4 says "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

Discipline

God says in Acts 6:4 that we must give ourselves over to continual prayer and the administering, supplying, speaking and teaching the Word of God (see Acts 5:42). When we do this, we are girded about (see Ephesians 6:11), we are prepared with the Word of God for anything that may come up against us (see Ephesians 6:13). God prepares us ahead of time so that when trials and the adversary comes to destroy, kill and devour (see John 10:10) that we will be armed with the Word of the Lord (See Ephesians 6:17). Acts 5:42 says that the disciples of Christ did not stop teaching and preaching Jesus as The Christ; Jesus Christ crucified. No matter the situation, don't deny your faith. Don't deny your God. Lord, have mercy. Testify of our Lord JESUS CHRIST. Be not intimidated. The devil is a liar. God is searching for soldiers on the battlefield for Him. He needs (the body of Christ) those that will worship Him in spirit and truth. John 4:24 says "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." So, be encouraged and don't be afraid to speak of the goodness and glory of our Lord and Saviour. The devil is a LIAR and YOU beloved child of God have power, power in the name of Jesus. Luke 10:19 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."

Self Control

Your words are life (see Proverbs 18:21), they live. They dwell. The Word of GOD is life, it lives, it's alive, it's living, it dwells. So, when you SPEAK the Word, you are speaking LIFE. Speak Life. Glory to God. Rebuke the devil, rebuke the adversary. Be not tempted of his lies. Call him out. Call him out. At the name of Jesus, demons have GOT to tremble. Devil, you are a liar. Thank you, Jesus. But when you speak evil, wrongdoing, mischief, strife, hatings, backbitings, gossip and maliciousness you are also speaking THAT to life (see James 3:6). Words are powerful and that is a reason why God tells us to keep all of our members [of our bodies] holy (see Romans 6:13, 19). Whether that be your tongue, lips or feet. Keep it holy before the Lord. Don't bless and curse with your mouth; this is an abomination unto the Lord (see Psalm 109:28, Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28, Romans 12:14). Lord Jesus, grant us self control/temperance (see 2 Peter 1:6) in the name of Jesus; control over our own members. Thank You, God.

Obedience

Continual prayer and personal Bible study is essential to the growing Christian (see Acts 6:4) (we are all growing according to the Lord's will), it is essential to the Christian walk. It's from God whom all blessings come. If we are not prayed up in our Word, then we are easy targets for the devil. Don't be a target and don't be fooled. The enemy comes to kill. Jesus says in John 10:10 that he [the enemy] comes to KILL. He wants you dead. Don't die, beloved. Ask the Lord of strength in Jesus' name, strength to withstand and endure. The remainder of that verse (John 10:10), Jesus Christ says "... I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Life comes through Jesus Christ. For HE is The Way, the Truth and The Life (see John 14:6). So, let's be good stewards and harken unto the voice of the Lord. Let's obey our God. Let's offer our lives up for him through sacrifice of ourselves. Sacrifice takes obedience, discipline and self control. We have to want to do it. Someone can preach, teach and talk all day to you about these three things, but it's not until YOU want to make the change that you will be changed and see a change. Glory.

Bless others. Bless and curse not (see Psalm 109:28, Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28, Romans 12:14). Bless your brothers and sisters in Christ. If the Lord is leading you to speak LIFE into the life of someone else, seize the opportunity. Don't leave them hanging. Minister the Word of our precious Saviour (Acts 6:4). Lord, help us.

Glory to God,
Whitney

Listening to iTunes:
"Last Time" by Men of Standard
"Superman" by Stephen Hurd
"Thank you" by Smokie Norful
"He is Exalted" by Youthful Praise
"Glory, Glory" by Jeff Majors

My God

My God is amazing. Every day something new.
Really sleepy right now, I don't typically blog on Sundays but I see the need to so in that case, I'll see you after my nap, Lord willing.

See you in a few,
Whitney

Mark 1:14-15.

Saturday Songday #1

The Lord ministered to my spirit on yesterday through the song "Angel's Watching Over Me" by Virtue. My testimony is all throughout the song. I love it. Just the fact that God cares about us so much and to think that He's always watching over us as well.

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SdPaCqGwNE

Lyrics:
Angels Watching Over Me
Virtue

Verse 1:
They encamp all around me/
So i have no fear/
They tell me He loves me/
Whisper in my ear/
It means the world to me
To have them near/
These are my angels, over me

Verse 2:
They come from the throne above/
And before His face/
They carry the light of Love/
Cover me with grace/
They wanna to see me/
Complete this race/
These are my angels, over me

Chorus:
I got angels watching over me (watching my way both night and day)
I got angels watching over me (fanning away the hurt, the pain)
I got angels watching over me (they'll never fly away)
Angels over me

Verse 3:
They silently hold me/
With their mighty wings/
When I cry the console me/
With the songs they sing/
When I sleep they watch over me/
Fan away evil things/
These are my angels, over me

Verse 4:
Said we don't even notice/
The protection they give/
Fell as asleep on the road, and yet/
I continued to live/
Sometimes I even wished that they
Wouldn't answer my call/
But unwavering angels/
They just won't let me fall/

(Chorus)

Glory to God, I thank You Jesus,
Whitney

Dearly Beloved

Hello and welcome to our new Dearly Beloved's: God Adopted, Oscargecko and Chris Bowers. I glorify our Lord Jesus that He has led you here. May our God keep, protect and guide you throughout this life's journey into complete righteousness and profound truth. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

God bless you,
Whitney

"MUST READ"

Hello all,

I just updated my labels some. They are located in the right-hand panel. I suggest everyone clicking on the "MUST READ" label and reading all of the entries listed at your leisure. If you've already read one listed, skip it and read a new one but come back and read the one you've already read a second time; you'll more than likely get more revelation from it. Read a new one every day. So, head over and check out an entry with a "MUST READ" label. I'm sure it will bless your spirit. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Thank You Jesus.

God bless you and keep God first,
Whitney

"Pastor sure can preach."

Ministry

I'm sure you've heard that phrase before. I'm smiling even as I glance at the title. My new church home is where I'm glad to be every day of the week. I'm sure there's something going on every day, but since joining last Sunday I've been to 8 a.m. church service, a volunteer meeting and Bible study. If I could live at church I would. Just church. Any of the churches I've visited in the past year... I could just dwell there. That's why it's so important to be involved in church services and activities. When we get involved we have a place in the church, a sense of belonging and worth; it's where we are operating in our gifts and participating in ministry. Our identity is in Jesus Christ, from whom all blessings come, but our ministry is our gift from God, offered up to God, where our blessings and inheritance stem from. For a long time I didn't participate in any ministry within the church because I hadn't a clue where the Lord wanted to activate my gifts, so I just sat on the sidelines; I didn't want to be out of place-- or worse, in the wrong place/ministry [for me]. Some of it was procrastination too, so Lord forgive me. But now I have direction. Well, I've always had direction, for the Lord tells us to acknowledge Him in ALL of our ways, and HE will direct our paths (emphasis added) [See Proverbs 3:6]. Glory to God. But, I mean "direction" in the sense of belonging to the "right" church in terms of where the Lord wants me to be. Again, that's why it's so important to seek God, listen and wait on HIM to tell you where you need to be [as far as a church home, ministry, where to live, etc]. Trust in Him and He will take care of you. I'm a living witness.

Now, back to "Pastor sure can preach."

Lol. I love Pastor Nichols. He always tells it like it is-- I know, I talk like I've been attending the church for a long time, but the Spirit of the Lord allows me to feel as though I've known Him forever... because we're all brothers and sisters in Christ and the Spirit of the Lord recognizes those that are His [Christ's]. There's nothing like true and sound doctrine. I love it and the body of Christ needs it. I thank God for my Shepherd and I pray that the Lord Jesus keeps him in perfect peace, grants him the confidence to carry out His [God's] will and gives him endurance and strength for the long haul. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

On Sunday morning Pastor spoke on expectations. The message was "Don't lose hope." Psalm 146 was the passage and he was discussing covenant vs. contractional relationships. Here are a few quotes from the sermon and Bible Study to the Saints of God, since the messages were intertwined. Brackets added by me for clarification and additional depth. All glory to our Father which art in Heaven.

• "When the world is turned upside down [in turmoil, heartache and uneasiness], you know that you [Child of God,] have Jesus Christ and His righteousness."
• "Human love [relationships] fails because it is imperfect [and oftentimes not God-ordained]."
• "The world cannot curse [undo] that which is blessed [by God, Saints]."
• "The only way people [the world] can get this [mood-changing, emotional] power [over us] is if we give it to them."
• "Don't lower your expectations [of people], shift them [to God because He will never disappoint, leave or forsake you]. "My expectation is in God."

He also discussed relegating vs. elevating.

1. Relegate means to deduce in importance. The only way to relegate, as Pastor said, is to dwell on the past. Dwelling in the past delays the future. [Glory, glory this is good and very true. I'm a witness].
2. Elevate means to go higher [in the Lord]. We must elevate our minds. Our body accomodates our mind; wherever your mind goes, your body will follow also. [What's that scripture? "Whatever a man thinketh in his heart, so shall he be."] Elevate your mind from the flesh to the spirit; meaning think and meditate on the good things of our God [spiritual] and leave that which is fleshly [carnal] behind. [If you do this, your body will follow your mind-- your actions will follow your thoughts... Selah!]
   

Scriptures to read in your Bibles:
Psalm 146
Psalm 1:2
Luke 4:18
Hebrews 11

Be encouraged,
Whitney

New Blog

LOL, I know, I know. I already have two blogs! But, blogging is a big hobby of mine. I have created a super-leisurely and simple one called "Grab My Button." If you've been around the blogging community, you know that most blogs have buttons up for grabs to advertise their blogs.

An example of this would be my button:


Here's the new blog:

http://grabmybutton.blogspot.com

I'm on Twitter too:
http://twitter.com/grabmybutton



I'm excited about this blog too. It's going to be fun. I've always wanted to grab every button I see. I'm so fascinated by them! Hehe ;) So, if you have a button you want featured on the blog, drop me a line or two!

Be back soon,
Whitney

"How Deeply I Need You"

Interesting. I have already posted this and for some reason it has gotten deleted; I just noticed. This song, "How Deeply I Need You" by Shekinah Glory Ministry is where the title of my blog "Jesus, How Deeply I Need You" came from. It's a very beautiful ballad. The Lord is amazing. I remember when I first heard this song, it was at my church home in Greenville, NC. First Lady was singing it one morning. God bless you and enjoy. Remember that apart from God we can do nothing.

"A Portrait of the Godless"

What I was reading in the Bible today while relaxing in the car:

Psalm 53 (Amplified Bible)

To the Chief Musician; in a mournful strain. A skillful song, or didactic or reflective poem of David.

¹THE [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt and evil are they, and doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.

²God looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any who understood, who sought (inquired after and desperately required) God.

³Every one of them has gone back [backslidden and fallen away]; they have altogether become filthy and corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one.^A)">(A)

⁴Have those who work evil no knowledge (no understanding)? They eat up My people as they eat bread; they do not call upon God.

⁵There they are, in terror and dread, where there was [and had been] no terror and dread! For God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you; you have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.

⁶Oh, that the salvation and deliverance of Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of His people, then will Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.

Psalm 62:4 (Amplified Bible)

⁴They only consult to cast him down from his height [to dishonor him]; they delight in lies. They bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

New Church Home

Hey everyone,

I'm extremely sleepy so I won't be blogging much tonight. But, I did want to let you know that the Lord has blessed me with a new church home. I might blog more about it later, but I did want to give a praise report on how the Lord has been working in my life. For months I have been "floating," if you will, from church to church-- my childhood church to a church 30 mins from my house, etc. Today the Lord blessed me with a new church home. I had seen Pastor Nichols preach before at the church that's too far from my home. He was visiting one evening for the church conference. I didn't know the church was having a conference, nor did I know who Pastor Nicols was. I was just showing up for regular Bible Study. Little did I know that this man of God would become my new pastor. I'm so grateful. The Lord has truly anointed him for servitude and is doing a magnificent work in his spiritual relationship with God. I'm really grateful and will be blogging more about my new church home soon ;)

God bless you,
Whitney

Dearly Beloved

I have a song in my heart... "This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. I will rejoice. I will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it..." :)

Welcome Haidas, Rachael and JeanJean to the blog. Glad to have you here. May the Lord bless and keep you and your hearts on this day. In Jesus' precious name I pray, amen.

Glory to God,
Whitney

Archived Article: Loosing from Self-Gratification

Pray this prayer whenever you feel that you are beginning to be tempted by indulging in self-gratifying behavior that does not honor God (this could be any self-pleasing sin):

"Father, I want to be free from trying to comfort myself with acts of physical self-gratification. The best way I know to get close to your strength to overcome this desire is to bind my will and my body to your will and to bind my mind to the mind of Christ. I choose to do this, I choose to place myself in your will that I might be free. I bind my emotions to the healing, balancing control of the Holy Spirit.

"I loose all wrong mind/body agreements that I have made knowingly or accepted ignorantly. I loose, strip, and tear up the psychological and physiological tracks that my brain has laid down, even deeply etched into itself, turning back to them every time I long to physically console myself. I loose wrong patterns of thinking and wrong beliefs that I deserve to be consoled and stimulated in this manner to make up for others things that I have never had. I loose all layering and stronghold thought pattern building that my soul has put in place to protect its right to try to appease my unmet needs and unhealed hurts.

"I loose soul ties that I have ever had with any sexual partners from my past. Lord, thank you for these keys that give me something to hold onto in prayer when I am seeking to change. I want to change, Father, and I am asking for your divine help as I make the transition to being free from these thoughts and behaviors. I want to stop all wrong behaviors and I want to be healed. You are my Healer and you are my Lord. Bless you, Lord, and thank you. Amen."

You can also read and pray Psalm 51 for the forgiveness of sin.

God bless you.

Be encouraged,