A Brilliant Love

Arizona is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. Known for its deserts, cacti, and stunning natural landscapes, Arizona offers a unique and diverse array of experiences for visitors and residents alike. From the iconic red rocks of Sedona to the bustling city of Phoenix, Arizona has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore the best things to see and do in Arizona, like hiking in the Grand Canyon, among other beautiful parts of the state. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a fun adventure, Arizona is a destination worth exploring. So pack your bags and let’s dive in!

Grand Canyon National Park is a United States National Park located in Arizona. The park covers 1,217,262 acres (1,904 square miles) and is home to the Grand Canyon, a massive gorge carved by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is known for its incredible size, depth, and colorful rock formations. It is a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, and offers a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, and river rafting. The park is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, and coyotes. The park is open year-round and is accessible by car, bus, and train.

Sedona is a city located in the northern Verde Valley region of Arizona, known for its stunning red rock formations and vibrant arts community. The city is situated in the midst of the Coconino National Forest, which provides a backdrop of towering red rock cliffs and mesas that are popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts. Sedona is also known for its spiritual and metaphysical community, with many New Age and alternative healing centers located in the area. It is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and jeep tours, as well as art galleries, shops, and restaurants. The city is also home to several annual events, including the Sedona Arts Festival and the Sedona International Film Festival.

Horseshoe Bend is a popular tourist destination located near the town of Page, Arizona. It is a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River, surrounded by towering red rock cliffs. The bend is located just a few miles downstream from Glen Canyon Dam, and it offers visitors a stunning view of the river and surrounding landscape. Visitors can access the viewpoint by a short hike from a parking area, and it is a popular spot for photography, sightseeing, and picnicking. The viewpoint is located on Navajo Nation land and a small fee is required to visit.

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located in northeastern Arizona, within the Navajo Nation Reservation. The canyon is known for its unique sandstone formations, created by erosion from flash floods. There are two separate sections of the canyon: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. Both sections are popular tourist destinations and require guided tours to visit. The Upper Canyon is known for its beam light, which is a shaft of light that illuminates the canyon walls during the middle of the day. The Lower Canyon is known for its smooth, flowing shapes and is often referred to as the “Corkscrew.” Both sections offer stunning photographic opportunities and are considered sacred by the Navajo people.

Monument Valley is a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 ft above the valley floor. It is located on the Navajo Nation Reservation near the Arizona-Utah border. The area is known for its picturesque sandstone formations and is a popular spot for photography and sightseeing. The valley is also sacred to the Navajo people, who have lived in the region for centuries and consider it to be a place of great spiritual significance. The park is open to visitors year-round, with guided tours available to explore the area’s cultural and geological history.

Petrified Forest National Park is a national park in Arizona that features one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. The park also includes the Painted Desert, a vast area of badlands with colorful rock formations and fossils dating back to the Triassic period. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife and offers a number of hiking and backpacking trails, as well as a scenic drive through the park. Petrified Forest National Park is a popular tourist destination, and is open year-round, although some of the park’s facilities may be closed during the winter months.

Saguaro National Park is located in southern Arizona, in the United States. It is divided into two separate districts, the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District, which are located on the western and eastern sides of Tucson, respectively. The park is named after the saguaro cactus, which is a prominent feature of the Sonoran Desert landscape and is found in abundance within the park. The park’s cacti, including the giant saguaro, are protected by the park service.

The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, backpacking, camping, and picnicking. The park’s numerous trails provide access to the desert landscape, and visitors can also participate in ranger-led interpretive programs and guided nature walks. Additionally, the park has a visitor center, campground and picnic areas.

The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and Gila monsters. The park is also a popular spot for bird watching, with over 230 species of birds having been spotted within its boundaries.

Saguaro National Park is open year-round, although some of its facilities and roads may be closed during the hottest months of the year. Entrance fees are required.

Jerome, Arizona is a former mining town located in the Black Hills of Arizona. It was founded in 1883 and named after Eugene Murray Jerome, who was a financier of the United Verde Copper Company. The town was built on the side of Cleopatra Hill, overlooking the Verde Valley.

During its heyday, Jerome was one of the largest and most prosperous copper mining towns in Arizona. The United Verde Mine, which was located in Jerome, was one of the most productive copper mines in the world, producing over $3 billion worth of copper, gold, and silver.

As the mining industry declined, so did the population of Jerome. In the 1950s, the population of the town dropped to just 50 residents. In the 1960s, the town was declared a National Historic Landmark, and it has since been preserved as a historic ghost town. Today, Jerome is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved historic buildings and its location on the side of a steep hill. Visitors can tour the old mining facilities, visit art galleries, and shop for souvenirs.

Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River, located on the border of Arizona and Utah. It was created in the 1960s by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, which impounds the Colorado River and forms the lake. With over 1,960 miles of shoreline, it is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water sports. The lake also offers scenic views and opportunities for hiking, camping, and photography. Visitors can also explore the nearby Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which includes the popular Antelope Canyon.

Tucson is a city located in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, United States. It is the second-largest city in the state, and the largest city in southern Arizona. It is known for its warm climate, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. The city is home to the University of Arizona, and is also a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as Saguaro National Park, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and Old Tucson Studios. Additionally, Tucson is known for its vibrant culinary scene, featuring a mix of traditional Mexican and southwestern cuisine.

In conclusion, Arizona is a state with a diverse landscape and rich cultural history. From the rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon to the bustling city of Phoenix, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Arizona. The state is also known for its unique blend of Native American, Mexican, and Western influences, which can be seen in its art, cuisine, and architecture. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, history, or just a chance to relax in the sun, Arizona is an ideal destination for your next vacation. With its many natural and cultural attractions, Arizona is a place that will leave you with lasting memories and a desire to return.

Alaska is a state located in the far north of the United States, bordered by Canada to the east and the Arctic Ocean to the north. Known for its rugged, wild landscape and abundant natural resources, Alaska is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.

One of the most striking features of Alaska is its breathtaking scenery. The state is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world, from the rugged peaks of the Alaska Range and the glaciers of the Kenai Peninsula, to the vast tundra of the Arctic plain and the towering spruce and hemlock forests of the Tongass National Forest. The Alaska Range, in particular, is a must-see for any visitor to the state. The range is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), which stands at an impressive 20,310 feet. Visitors can take a guided tour to the base of the mountain, or even attempt to summit it with the help of experienced guides.

Another popular activity in Alaska is fishing. The state is home to some of the most productive salmon fisheries in the world, as well as abundant populations of halibut, cod, and other fish. Many visitors come to Alaska specifically to fish for salmon, either in the ocean or in one of the state’s many rivers and streams. Some popular fishing spots include the Kenai River, the Kasilof River, and the Naknek River. Fishing trips can be arranged through local charter companies or through guided tour operators. These trips can range from a half-day excursion to a multi-day fishing lodge experience. For those who want to catch their own Salmon, the state also has a number of fly-in fishing lodges that offer a more remote and authentic fishing experience.

Another popular activity in Alaska is wildlife viewing. The state is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and many species of birds. Visitors can see these animals in their natural habitats on guided tours or by visiting one of the state’s many national parks and wildlife refuges. The best time to view wildlife is typically in the summer and Fall, when the animals are most active and visible. Some popular places to see wildlife include Denali National Park, Katmai National Park, and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can take a bus tour, hike, or even take a flightseeing tour to see wildlife in these areas.

Alaska is also known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly the indigenous cultures of the Inupiat, Yup’ik, Tlingit, Haida, and Athabascan peoples. Visitors can learn about these cultures by visiting one of the state’s many museums and cultural centers, such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage or the Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka. Or they can take a guided tour led by a local indigenous guide. These tours often include visits to traditional villages, where visitors can learn about the lifestyle, customs, and art of the indigenous people.

Hiking is also a popular activity in Alaska, with many visitors coming to the state to explore its many trails and wilderness areas. The state is home to several national parks, including Denali National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and Glacier Bay National Park, all of which offer excellent hiking opportunities. Hikes can range from easy, short trails to multi-day backpacking trips in the backcountry. Some popular hikes include the Wonder Lake Trail in Denali National Park, the Root Glacier Trail in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and the Bartlett Cove Trail in Glacier Bay National Park.

One of the most unique experiences that Alaska has to offer is the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The aurora borealis, or northern lights, can be seen in Alaska during the winter months, usually between September and April. The best places to see the northern lights are typically away from city lights, such as Fairbanks and other interior towns, where the skies are dark and clear. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the northern lights, or even stay in an Aurora viewing lodge for the best chance of seeing the lights.

Alaska also offers various winter sports activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. Visitors can find ski resorts and guided tours in many parts of the state, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. The ski resorts in Alaska offer a unique experience compared to those in the lower 48 states, with longer runs and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Dog sledding is another popular winter activity, with visitors able to take a tour with a team of huskies and even have the opportunity to drive the sled themselves.

The state also offers a variety of adventure tours such as flightseeing, rafting, kayaking, and even hot air balloon rides. These tours offer visitors a chance to see the state from a different perspective and experience the wilderness in a unique way.

Alaska also has a rich history, with a number of historic sites and landmarks that visitors can explore. These include the gold rush towns of Skagway and Nome, the abandoned WWII military bases of Adak Island, and the historic canneries of Ketchikan. Visitors can also learn about the history of Alaska through its many museums and historic parks, such as the Sitka National Historical Park, which tells the story of the Tlingit people and the Russian colonization of Alaska.

In conclusion, Alaska is a state with a lot to offer, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast looking for adventure, or someone interested in learning more about the state’s rich cultural heritage and history. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and many outdoor activities, Alaska is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Whether you’re looking for a rugged wilderness adventure, a chance to see the Northern Lights, or just a peaceful escape into nature, Alaska has something for everyone.

We all know the feeling. Like a deer stuck in the headlights, you stand frozen: completely aware of the crawling feeling in your neck, arms or stomach. You are afraid. Afraid of the people around you, afraid of speaking in front of the packed classroom, afraid of making that next move. Fear. Fear is that all so familiar feeling. Fear is the agent Satan uses to paralyze you, keeping you from your God-given calling in life. Everyone has been afraid, and fear can actually be used for good. You may sense danger ahead that prompts you to avoid an accident, a robbery, or a lurking predator.

Fear, in the sense that you are afraid of taking the next step into purpose in your life, keeps you from excelling. I believe that some people deal with this looming fear more than others. It just seems that some people more easily challenge themselves. Or maybe it’s that they more easily overcome the fear that taunts them.

I am one who feels fear often. I wrestle with it and take its clawing thoughts as my own. I am not a master at overcoming it, but I have made some moves in the past few years that I wouldn’t have before. I have had many milestones in the past ten years that have made me step outside of the fear that I have tolerated for too long. I got married, I became a step-mom, I joined a few different church communities (including Bible study groups), I’ve served in these churches, I’ve been through 3 challenging pregnancies (my oldest is nine now), I’ve been hospitalized with mental illness twice, I got my first job (and second, third and fourth), I’ve started (and failed at) a few different businesses, I learned to drive and got my driver’s license (as a 36 year old woman!). Even writing this, I am realizing how much I have overcome.

Yes, circumstances have in some way forced me into making some of these decisions, but I still had to step past the fear. So, what has worked for me? It has been a long road of overcoming, and I still have more to do. All of these instances of stepping past fear do not mean that I am done with it. I still fight. Prayer, Bible study (reading, memorizing, listening, writing, and reciting), fasting, and communing with those who have prayed for me and encouraged me (First and foremost, my husband) have been my lifeline.

If you are a Christian, and you do not have a prayer life and regular Bible reading time, you are failing. The enemy will eat you up. This walk is a fighting way. Yes, I was just saved a little less than 10 years ago. Yes, I struggled before I was saved; and I was losing big time. I was sucked into sin, desperate for love and an actual life and to live out a worthy purpose. I had nothing of my own.

I digress. I am not trying to give my whole testimony. I just wanted to give you a glimpse of what overcoming has looked like in my life. I do not have a solid routine written down on paper, but Jesus Christ is a part of my everyday life. I live for Him. I am not perfect, by any means. I just know I need my Creator; But He is the reason I have what I have and have pushed past a lot of fear that paralyzed me for half of my life.

Every day, I:

Acknowledge the Lord. This looks like, prayers asking for His help, thanking Him, telling Him I trust Him. Sometimes I get on my knees, sometimes I sit at my desk, sometimes I write a prayer in a prayer journal, sometimes I type in a prayer app I have… Always, I pray as I go about my day. But in some form or fashion, I pray every day. The Word of God says, “Acknowledge the Lord in all you do, and He will direct your path.” (See Proverbs 3:6). Sometimes I hear the Lord telling me, in my heart, what to do. Sometimes, I just feel the sense of peace I need to make my next move. But I know that prayer moves mountains (See Matthew 17:20) and whether I hear the Lord’s voice or not, He is working on my behalf, in the name of Jesus!

Read my Bible. In addition to having a love for the Lord, I am an avid reader, so you don’t need to pull my arm to get me to read my Bible. Some days I read more than others. Some days, I gain more understanding than others. But every day, I seek the Lord, in His Word.

Worship Him. I thank the Lord for His goodness, mercy, protection, provision, and sovereign rule every day. Some days I sing to Him, some days I don’t. But I always put on Worship music and treasure in my heart, the greatness of my God.

Reach out to other believers and/or share Christ with someone. This admittedly is not every day, but as often as I make myself. If you have been reading my blog, watching my YouTube videos, been on my Facebook page, or somehow know me in real life, you know I am not a people person. I just like being alone and have been known to be shy or timid. This is another thing I have had to overcome and still do. I have met so many beautiful sisters in Christ who have reached out to me, prayed with me, studied the Bible with me, just been with me during a lot of these hard times in my journey. I know how important people are. I don’t have many friends, but when I get to commune with a sister in Christ, it is a blessing and encouragement. I don’t talk to people every day, but every day I pray for at least one or two people.

These practices need to be a part of your every day. After doing all of these, move forward with this inside of you. You have to make the decision that no matter how you feel, you are going to do what you need to do. The feeling of fear will eventually wane as you move forward. But starting, initially being afraid is important. Move forward, despite the fear, not IN fear! Trusting the Word and knowing the Word will give you the confidence and gumption to make the moves you need to make.

I’m telling you, make Christ your life and He will make victory a part of yours!

Romans 8:31-37 says, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

God’s promises are for real, and He will help you overcome the fear that grasps you if you will let Him!

Please check out the ministry of Prophet Dr, Owuor and the ministry of Repentance and Holiness:

Repent and Prepare The Way website

Repent and Prepare The Way on YouTube

Jesus Is Lord Radio

Get under the cloud and onto the Highway of Holiness!

Christians’ priorities should be different than those who haven’t inherited salvation yet.  We serve the Creator and God of the universe, and He has standards for us that are way different than those of people in the world. When you begin to really spend more time in the Word of God, you start to see the difference. Yes, God wants to save your soul. Yes, God wants you to prosper. Yes, He has good plans for you. He does not want you to get saved and be on your way to Heaven without reaching others and impacting the World for His kingdom. How we spend our time here on earth is important to the Lord. We should be living for His glory! We need to be about Kingdom business. That being said, I am going to talk about just four things Christians need to do more of.

Spend Time With The Lord

Being saved is about having a relationship with our Creator. Having a relationship is about being with the person you are in a relationship with. To be with them, you need to spend (quality) time with them! How do you spend time with them? Prayer (we’ll get to that next!), Bible reading, and worship. Prayer includes spending time on your knees communing with God; Or you could be sitting in a chair, standing, driving, etc. Whatever way, you need to come to the Lord openly and honestly.

Now, spending time in the Word of God should be much of our lives as believers. We should be reading the Word, studying the Word. reciting the Word, writing the Word, sharing the Word. It’s important to read the Word of God, but we should be doing more than reading; relishing it. The Word of God is life to our very being! We should be living it out!

Worship is essential in the life of believers in Jesus. When we come to know the Lord by reading the Word, we should worship Him. Why? Because He is God! He is all-powerful, He created all there is, and He is good! He deserves our worship, and it is required of us. When you come to know Him, you come to love Him, and why wouldn’t you WANT to worship Him?! Worship Him as you pray, worship Him as you sing, worship Him by living your life to please Him!

Pray

Prayer includes so much. As Christians, besides spending time in the Word, our lives should be lives of prayer! We should pray when we wake up, before we go to sleep at night, and everywhere in between. Prayer can be on your knees, yes; but also as you go about your day.

Prayer includes thanksgiving. When we come to the Lord, we should be ready to thank Him for all He is and all he’s done. Prayer includes requests, yes. He wants us to ask Him for things. God is a good Father and He wants to bless His people. He wants us to have more reasons to worship Him, and He wants us to have praise reports. This brings glory to His name!

Intercession is also a huge part of prayer and moves evil aside. We should be praying as situations come across to us. I know we all know someone who needs something. Finances, healing, restoration in a relationship, deliverance from some type of evil. Praying for the people you know (and know of) in the name of Jesus fights the forces of darkness in this world.

The world is just crazy right now. It may look like the enemy is winning, but read your Bible! Those who are on the Lord’s side will come out victorious!

Share Our Faith

We aren’t saved to keep the Gospel of Jesus Christ to ourselves. Our job is to make Jesus known! There are so many different ways to share Jesus. We all have different roles in life; different cultures, different occupations. Wherever the Lord has placed you, He wants you to use what you have and what you are doing to share Him with who you are around. Start with praying for the people in your life, and the Lord will give you ways to share Him with them. I am like, an extreme introvert. But I use what I have to get the Gospel to people. The Lord has guided me into these avenues of spreading His Word. We need to share the Gospel with our families, our coworkers, in the streets, and on the internet. Get creative and get excited! You are working for the King of Kings!

Help Other People

Read your Bible. People who are less privileged are important to God. Widows, homeless people, and orphans are people who are less privileged. Also, people who don’t have enough to eat, as well as people who are abused and/ or mistreated. You may know someone personally. If you have even a little more than these people, you should be willing to help. Even if you don’t know someone personally, there are numerous shelters, soup kitchens, girls’ homes, prisons, orphanages, and churches that can be donated to. You may also choose to volunteer at one of these places or donate money. Do what you can. Again, here, ask the Lord to guide you.

What other things do you think we should be doing more of as Believers in Christ? What creative ways are you serving the Lord?

Please check out the ministry of Prophet Dr, Owuor and the ministry of Repentance and Holiness:

Repent and Prepare The Way website

Repent and Prepare The Way on YouTube

Jesus Is Lord Radio

Get under the cloud and onto the Highway of Holiness!

I called a friend of mine one day, crying. I was rehashing something I had gone through that was hard for me to get over. I didn’t tell her what it was, and won’t go over it here, but she shared a Bible verse with me that sticks with me now, months later. I always go back to Romans 8:28 when I or someone else I know who is in a relationship with Jesus is going through something.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28, NIV)

That crying session and that verse on that day put me a step closer to getting over what was hurting me mentally and emotionally from my past. My friend didn’t know it, but that was just what I needed to hear at that moment. This promise of God helped me to see that no matter how that person used me, God has His own purpose for the pain I was going through. Knowing this helped me heal. I can now see, down the line, the good the Lord had planned for me out of everything that happened. I am on the other side of the pain!

Also, when going through circumstances with other people, we must learn to keep in mind that when they work against you, it is the enemy of your soul working through them. Keeping this perspective helps to keep our hearts free of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. Use that anger you have as fuel in your life of prayer against the enemy and his force of darkness.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.

The first half of this verse is specifically aimed toward those who love Jesus. The promise is that any and all circumstamces will turn into good (For those who love the Lord!) How amazing is this promise?! This is so encouraging. What a great God we serve! Only our creator and Master of the universe can promise us that all things work togeether for our good.

What are you going through right now? Is everything ok and dandy, or do you have something in your life that needs to be fixed? Everyone has something in their life that needs to be fixed at some point or another. My mom says that same ‘ol same ‘ol is sometimes the best thing you got going for you. That just means that when life seems hum drum, boring, nothing going on, that that is a good thing. If you can tell me that there’s no emergency in your life and that nothing is wrong, you should be thanking the Lord.

Romans 8:28 tells us that even when we are going through something and we can’t see our way out, or someone did something that hurt you, that circumstance will be used to work good for you. If you love God, this promise is for you! How do you know you love God? Loving God means that you have repented of your sins and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, number one. Second, you obey the Word of God. Now, who is perfect at obeying the Word of God? I don’t know if anyone is. But if you are praying and reading your bible daily, and staying away from sin, you know that you are making a good attempt, at least, to obey the Word of God.

“… who have been called according to his purpose.”

The second part of this verse is a little more targeted. Those who love God and are in a relatioship with his Son, Jesus are called according to his purpose! You were chosen to be in a relationship with our Creator before the world was formed! (See Ephesians 1:4) The end of Romans 8:28 tells us that as a Christ follower, you are called and that God has a purpose for you. This is such a confidence booster for me, and if we can just get into our minds, as Christians, this great truth, we can go through anything and come out on the other side.

I recently had a talk with my husband and he stated that when we get to Heaven, we will see things a lot differenty. I think this is true for most of life. God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not like his thoughts. (See Isaiah 55:8) I believe that here on earth, we will not ever totally be sure of why the Lord chose us to be in the family we are in, where we live, our occupation or who our friends are. There is a bigger perspective than what we will ever see, this side of eternity.

So why is Romans 8:28  such an amazing life verse? If we can just get this truth instilled in our hearts, it will give us the perspective we need to overcome anything. If you know that everything that is happening is going to work for your good because you love the Lord, that is power right there!

Being in a relationship with Jesus is so amazing. I read this verse verse over and over for years and it never meant what it means to me now, until that phone call with my friend. The Bible is powerful because one can read it over and over and get new revelation years down the line. Old truths breathe new meaning into your life when you ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding. Also, really taking the time to really study and meditate on what you read instead of skipping over verses and chapters quickly helps the truths we read to become a part of us.

How has Romans 8:28 made a difference in your life? What is your life verse?

Please check out the ministry of Prophet Dr, Owuor and the ministry of Repentance and Holiness:

Repent and Prepare The Way website

Repent and Prepare The Way on YouTube

Jesus Is Lord Radio

Get under the cloud and onto the Highway of Holiness!

First comes faith, then comes salvation, then comes… ?

When I first repented of my sins and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I knew I was new. Then I came to the knowledge (through the Word of God, as well as other Christians) that I needed to serve in the Body of Christ. Was I scared? Yes. Was I hesitant? At first. But I did have the desire to please the Lord.

So I took the steps to get involved in ministry in the church I attended at the time. I taught Sunday school and I sang in the youth chapel. My husband sort of egged me on. I was hesitant and scared, as I stated. He said I needed to serve and I didn’t want to. I thought no one would listen to me.

Do you have hesitancy or fear about serving in the Body of Christ? Or maybe you don’t know what your calling is according to your talent. I believe that the Lord has at least one way for each believer to reach others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are just so many things you can do to let others know that Jesus saves, and not every position is within the four walls of the church building! See, we as believers in Christ are the Body of Christ and the Holy Spirit lives inside each of us! (See Colossians 12:12 and 1 Corinthians 6:19)

If you are scared and /or hesitant, like I was, I advise you to develop a prayer life and a routine of studying the Word of God. Stay in the bible! Make the Holy Spirit and that book your best friend! This will answer so many questions, quell fear and give you confidence in the Lord and direction from Him. As believers, we can not grow without the habits of prayer and Bible study and reading. When you are figuring out where to serve, this will be your counsel.

Also, you may want to find someone you can trust who has shown good fruit in their own spiritual life. Someone who will listen to you and give you good advice that they have gleaned from their walk in Christ. Go to your own prayer closet and get familiar with your own Bible before taking advice from another person, though. Make someone who you can trust secondary to the council of the Holy Spirit and the Word.

So, for me, I knew what one of my talents was. So I had it all figured out in my own brain that I wanted to be in the church choir because I have a singing voice. But the Lord was leading me to teach the youth first. I was scared but also stubborn about it. I am glad that I did what the Lord led me to, to this day.

So what if you don’t even know if you have talent? The Lord will equip you and qualify you for what He wants you to do. (See 2 Corinthians 12:9) Just be available for Him to teach you and lead you down the right path. Will this always mean classes or certification/training? Maybe not like you think. Remember, you need to stay in the Word and in your prayer closet. The Bible is living and brings knowledge, wisdom, and understanding! (See Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 19:7 and Proverbs 1:4)

Some of us know what our talents are and we want to get involved in that avenue of ministry first. PLEASE seek the Lord first before you get into ministry. Ask Him what He wants you to do for Him! He will let you know. Maybe He doesn’t even want you to get involved in service right after coming into the fold. Yeah, you should tell others about your decision for Christ, but sometimes the Lord wants one to grow in the knowledge of His Word and prayer before getting involved in a church ministry.

All this being said, what are some ways you can be involved in a church ministry or create your own avenue of ministry? As I mentioned, there are a lot of ways you can be involved in spreading the love of Christ through His Gospel. Here are some suggestions:

• Teaching Sunday school
• Choir or the praise team
• Leading a Bible study (either at church or in your own home)
• Go to school to become a pastor or Chaplain
• choose a spot on the street corner and preach
• go door to door with flyers and teach others about the Bible and the coming of Jesus
• Serve in a soup kitchen or homeless shelter
• Make a Facebook page for Jesus and post regularly
• Start a blog
• write letters to people you know, or use addresses in the phone book
• Start a YouTube channel for Jesus
• Teach your kids or nieces and nephews/ grandkids the Bible

This is just a beginner list of ways we, as Believers can spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Get creative. Get excited about the great commission of spreading the Gospel! This is your relationship with Christ, and your eternal reward on the line!

Each of us is equipped in Christ because His divine power has given us everything we need to live a life of godliness! (See 2 Peter 1:3)

In what ways are you already serving in the body of Christ? What do you want to do for Jesus, but may be scared or hesitant about?

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:17

Every day should be a day of worship to the Lord! As you can see in Psalm 51, worship is to be from the heart. To worship the Lord with your heart, you need to be repentant of sin and submit to His will. To worship the Lord, you’ve got to have a genuine love for Him. The Word says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) Also,” true worshippers will worship me in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23)

When you love the Lord, it should be a joy to worship Him. We should offer our whole lives to Him. How? The Word says to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice; This is a reasonable service! (Romans 12:1) The things we do each day should be by faith in God. If we do anything that doesn’t come from faith, that is sin to us! (Romans 14:23) By living in a way that we know pleases God, we are blameless. That is worship to the Lord!

Yes, singing praise to the Lord is worship. But even more so is the way we live day to day. Our lives, as believers, should be attractive to those who are not saved. We should be so filled with hope in our Savior that unbelievers want what we have!

“You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3

Living a life of worship also should mean that God is number one in your life. What does this mean? It means that the things you give your time to are God-oriented. The things you do are a part of His will for your life! I know the Bible does not tell you where to work, who to be friends with, how many children to have, or even where to live. That’s why we are filled with the Holy Spirit upon repenting of sin and professing Jesus as Lord and Savior. Living a life of prayer will keep you in communion with the Holy Spirit and He will show you His plan for your life. We should not be obsessing about what to do all of the time, but before making decisions, we should ask the Lord and trust that the steps we take are ordered by Him.

The Lord wants us to trust Him! Putting trust in your Lord and Savior pleases Him! It pleases Him to hear intercession, praise, and thanks from His children! He wants you to have a healthy prayer life! The Word says that when we pray to Him in private, He will reward us! (Matthew 6:6) It is a blessed thing to have a  healthy prayer life. You learn to hear the voice of God and discern when it is Him speaking. Also,  just spending time in the presence of the Lord is so comforting. It really helps build that trust in Him that He wants from us.

Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. (Psalm 96:7-9)

We should fear the Lord! He is great and mighty! Not only should we worship Him in our daily activities and prayer, but we should set aside time to worship Him in songs of praise. We should also be telling others of His powerful hand in our lives.

It is good to have some worship songs to listen to that we love, but we should sing along to them so the Lord hears praise from our own lips. If you are creative at all, I’m sure the Lord would love for you to write a song of your own. Even if you don’t share it with anyone but Him!

Fear of the Lord doesn’t mean that we walk around afraid that the Lord is going to strike us. I believe that would displease the Lord. We should trust that He is protecting us always. Rather, fear of the Lord means that we are afraid to sin because sin will bring us under judgment.

So, what is worship, really? Submitting our whole lives to Jesus by trusting in His mighty hand and letting Him lead and guide us; Giving thanks in everything we do!

Jesus, I come to you and ask forgiveness for my sins. I repent of living life without you and I thank you for the blood and the cross. I ask you to come into my life and help me to live a holy life. Thank you for dying for me. I accept you as my Lord and Savior. Today, I am born again!

This is an example of a prayer of salvation. If you have prayed it, you are born again, right? I belive many people have prayed this prayer but are walking the wide road to hell. Some seemingly repent of their sins and go right back to the way they were living! The Bible makes it clear that changed behavior must follow repentance. The whole point in saying the prayer of salvation is to know our creator and make it into Heaven to be with Him forever.

So what does living in repentance mean, essentially? It means that as we become aware of sin in our life, we go to the Lord and repent of it, asking for forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness, but going back and doing the same thing is not true repentance. Yes, some sins seem to ‘stick’, but the Lord is able to deliver us from anything. If you are struggling with a sin that is hard to quit, it may be a stronghold in your life. Keep praying and don’t give up! The Lord is faithful to bring about  change.

When Jesus healed the man lying by the pool, He told him to go and sin no more or something worse would happen to him: John 5:1-14 reads in the NIV:

Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. 2Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. —and they waited for the moving of the waters. 4From time to time an angel of the Lord would come down and stir up the waters. The first one into the pool after each such disturbance would be cured of whatever disease they had. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.”
But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”
So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?”
The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.
Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”

When Jesus spoke this rebuke to the man he healed, it was for his protection. He did something great in his life, but did not want him to go back into sin and allow added demonic activity in his life. A lot of people give their lives to Christ, then keep going back to the same sins and wonder why God isn’t acting on their behalf. If you are walking in the enemy’s territory and entertaining him, don’t expect the blessings of the Lord.

Also, when we give our lives to Jesus, it is not so that we can go back into the same lifestyle we lived in sin. What, then is the point of saying you are a Christian? Living in repentance is about grieving over your sin to the point that you desire change and work toward it.

Psalm 51:17 says:

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

When we live in repentance, sin causes us heartache. As believers in Christ, we should not be comfortable living in sin! A lot of believers are living in sin and are unaware, too! The Word says in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destoyed from lack of knowledge.” If you are unaware that what you are doing is sinful, you will continue to do it, right? So many pastors and members of thir congregations say habitually, ” We want a revival in our church!” I am telling you that a great revival is happening right now, here on this earth! Elijah is here! The Word spoke of this prophet in Malachi 4:5-6,

“See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”

He is here now, and is correcting sin in the church. I have written about him in a few recent blog posts, so I am not going to go in depth here. But if you feel you are lacking spiritually or are unsure of your salvation; Hey, if you are a person!… You should be listening to Prophet Dr. David Owuor. His teachings are available on his website and on YouTube. He is all over social media.

I mention him in this post about living in repentance because he is calling us all to repentance. For the many sins we have allowed in the church and in our nations, we need to be grieving! He preaches nothing but the blood and the cross of Christ, holiness and righteousness and repentance.

I pray this post spoke to you. I believe there is more I could’ve said, bur if you want to learn more about living in repentance, check out Prophet Dr. David Owuor. Ask the Lord to lead you.

To find Dr. Owuor’s teachings:

Website

Youtube 

He comes on live on YouTube Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Different times, but his videos showcase miracles that have happened and prophecies fulfilled before he preaches. You just need to keep watch.

Radio Station

Every believer in Christ should be devoted to the Lord. In order to make it into the Kingdom of God, we must live in devotion to Him, walking in holiness. “For without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” (See Hebrews 12:14). In order to love Jesus, we must obey Him. The Word makes this clear. ( See John 14:15) In fact, we are not true Christians if we don’t take up our cross and follow Him. (See Matthew 16:24). We should be walking on the narrow way if we have truly been born again. What other reason would you call yourself a Christian, if you are not following the Lord? I don’t want to get into who’s a Christian and who’s not. I do want to encourage every Christ-follower to be devoted to the Lord. Living in devotion to the Lord will gain blessing now and eternally. Here, I list a few Bible verses that speak of devotion to the Lord, expounding on them a bit. Open your heart to Him. Let Him speak to you and move your heart toward Him.

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

The love of money is the root of all evil. Most people count success as having a lot of money. When you’re paid, you have more options of what you can do, so the world will call that freedom. We can’t esteem our finances above our trust in the Lord. Being content with what you have doesn’t mean you have to be poor, but it does mean you shouldn’t fall in love with money and you shouldn’t strive for money to the point of not trusting the Lord to take care of you. Essentially, you shouldn’t get to the point that you are saying, “Look what I did,” versus “Thank you, Jesus.”

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” (Matthew 6:21)

When we are truly devoted to the Lord, we will acknowledge that this world is not our home. If so, then we should be striving to gain eternal treasure in the Kingdom of God. If you don’t belong to this world, you shouldn’t attach yourself to the things of this world. If you are working for the Lord, not tiring of doing good and living a  life of prayer, your treasure is in Heaven! Learn to change your train of thought and think heavenly-minded.  Admittedly, this is not easy for me. I tend to think of what I need to do day to day. But I am working on it. I want to please the Lord, so I seek Him and do my best to make sure I am doing what pleases Him. We must let our minds be transformed by the Word! (Romans 12:2)

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:12-14

The Word of God teaches us how to please the Lord and make it to Heaven. This includes pleasing Him with our attitudes and behavior. We must live in repentance (because we all exhibit sinful behavior at some point) and let the Word rule us. I mentioned being transformed by the renewing of your mind, pertaining to our thought life. This goes for our behavior as well. If we are able to change our thoughts, it will show in our behavior. When living in devotion to the Lord, we will become more like Him as we spend time in His presence. We must love others and show them compassion and mercy, the same way we want to be treated. If we don’t treat people with love, we can not claim to love God. (See 1 John 4:19-21)

Not one of us is perfect, apart from the sanctifying work of the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. We will not be made perfect until we get to Heaven and see Jesus.  1 John 3:2 says, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” But here and now, we should be setting our minds on things above (See Colossians 3:2) and moving toward holiness (See 1 Peter 1:16). I pray that this post encouraged you to be more devoted in your relationship with the Lord and to seek His will for your life. The Lord wants your whole heart! I am praying for you.

Hi there, lovelies! It’s November! It hardly seems real. Time flies! Thanksgiving is around the corner. So, if you want, you can say we are in a season of thanks. But every day should be a day of Thanksgiving. We go through so many ups and downs here on this place called earth. Face it, some days we just do not feel thankful. But we should give thanks to the Lord every day as if it were our last. Here, I have compiled several Bible verses about giving thanks. Enjoy! Let’s prepare our hearts for this season of Thanksgiving and make every day a day of thanks!

1. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34
2. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
3. “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:4-5
4. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2
5. “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1
6. “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30
7. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
8. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
9. “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 107:1
10. “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 5:20
11. ” I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.” Psalm 7:17
12. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” Psalm 100:4
13. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
14. “But me, I will offer a sacrifice to you with a voice of thanks. That which I have promised, I will pay. Deliverance belongs to the Lord!” Jonah 2:9
15. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s continue to express our gratitude. With this gratitude, let’s serve in a way that is pleasing to God with respect and awe.” Hebrews 12:28
16. “Offer God a sacrifice of thanksgiving! Fulfill the promises you made to the Most High!” Psalm 50:14
17. “The one who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving is the one who honors me. And it is to the one who charts the correct path that I will show divine salvation.” Psalm 50:23
18. “And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.” Ezra 3:11
19. “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the Thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:15
20. “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with Thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Psalm 95:1-6
21. “Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.” Isaiah 12:5
22. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,” 1 Timothy 2:1
23. “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!” 1 Chronicles 16:8
24. “For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chiefs of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. In the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah all Israel gave the portions for the singers and the gatekeepers, a portion for each day. They also consecrated holy things for the Levites, and the Levites consecrated them for the children of Aaron.” Nehemiah 12:46-47
25. ” To the Chief Musician. To the tune of ‘Death of the Son.’ A Psalm of David. I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.” Psalm 9:1

Father,

you are holy. You are good. You are awesome and true! I come to you and thank you for every blessing. I thank you that you are in control of every aspect of our lives. Please forgive us for trying to take control and do it our own way. We put our trust in you right now. Thank you for the blood of Jesus and the cross. Lord, there is no one like you. There is no sacrifice or offering equal to what you did on that cross! Thank you for sustaining us! I pray for those who have less than they need. The homeless, those without parents or someone to love them, those without food, those struggling financially: Please have mercy on them and bless them, Father. Supply their every need according to your riches in glory. We give you our whole hearts and we put you first my God,

In Jesus name, Amen