TURNING POINT TUESDAY: Do you know the PROMISES of your FATHER? GOD will NEVER leave you HANGING!

Happy Turning Point Tuesday! I give all Glory and Honor to God that you are here and I pray this message will abundantly bless you. Has someone ever LEFT YOU HANGING? I know you are shaking your head yes! As little children we get our first taste of Broken Promises. A parent promises to attend a game, buy a special gift, or just spend some time with a child. As much as the parent would like to fulfill the promise they might fall short due to a conflict in schedule, unforeseen circumstances, forgetfulness, and the list goes on. Okay, now you are thinking about that toy you didn't get back in the day that you were promised. What Promises have you broken? I know we think we are so together that we do not break promises, but the Truth is we do. Have you ever told someone you would pray for them, but did not fulfill this promise? The point I am trying to make is because we are still walking in this flesh we will fall short on our Promises to people and our Promises to God. This should not excuse us from striving to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ in how we Walk, Talk, and Live! THE GOOD NEWS IS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER ALWAYS FULFILLS HIS PROMISES AND CANNOT LEAVE US HANGING. GOD’S NATURE IS PERFECT, SOVEREIGN, AND EVERLASTING.


We are now dealing with the 3rd Hindrance to a True Relationship with God Series (please refer to archive of old articles to review 1&2). Remember we are Pulling the Cover off of Hindrances ( plots of the enemy) so we can be Aware and Achieve Victory in these areas. The 3rd Hindrance is: Not Knowing God's Promises According to his Holy Word (Bible). According to the New Unger's Bible Dictionary a Promise is a solemn assertion, by which one pledges his veracity (truthfulness) that he will perform, or cause to be performed, that which he mentions. A command from God tells us what WE SHOULD DO and a Promise tells us what GOD WILL DO! We receive the promises of God because of his Grace and Mercy upon our lives. Sometimes God fulfills promises based on our actions of obedience. The picture above gives one of the Greatest Promises of all times. John 3:16 KJV: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Everyone does not have a ticket to heaven. Nice, law abiding, good people will not spend eternity in Heaven unless they do what? Yes, you are right they must BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST to receive the Promise of everlasting life.


If you are reading this blog and you are sick in your body, “What has God Promised you about your Healing?” When we do not spend time praying, reading, and studying the Bible we can't speak the Promises of God over our lives or our families (cover them). Many times we go by what other people say about the Promises of God instead of taking time to FIND OUT for ourselves. I can speak to this point because early on in my relationship with the Lord, I hardly cracked open the Bible. I just recently saw a sign in front of a church that was so true, "Dusty Bibles lead to Dirty Lives.” When a Bible is dusty your life can manifest into a “HOT MESS!”


Point to Ponder: Mr.C hangs around a bad crowd and participates in illegal activities. However, he tells you he was invited to have dinner with the President of the United States. Would you believe him? However, if Mr. C surrounds himself with people trying to do something with their lives and is a man of integrity you would be more inclined to believe he is telling the truth. The point is the evidence of our Relationship with God can be seen by others through our lifestyles. WHEN YOU KNOW FOR YOURSELF HIS PROMISES YOU BEGIN TO ACT LIKE IT AND LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE IN DARK PLACES! When I started reading the Word of God and His Promises for myself it gave me Life, Strength, Power, Purpose, Joy, Peace, Love, Wisdom, Courage, ...... (I could literally go on for days). You see my Best Friend Jesus Christ keeps his Promises and has my Back! I know without a Doubt Jesus is Always with me and will Uphold me with the Right hand of his Righteousness (yes this is a scriptural Promise)!


You might say, “Kendra I know the Promises of God like the back of my hand.” Great and keep on studying and pressing in brother and sister. However, “Do you BELIEVE in GOD'S PROMISES?” I am talking about the type of Belief Mary had when she was told by the angel Gabriel she would give birth to the Savior. Yes she questioned how this could happen since she was a virgin, but she still BELIEVED THAT SHE WAS DIVINELY CHOSEN AND APPOINTED BY GOD (read Luke 1: 26-38). Mary grabbed hold of God's Promise, Believed in it, and Patiently waited until it came to pass. I believe one reason we Give Up on God's Promises is because they are not fulfilled according to “OUR TIMELINE.” God’s time frame is PERFECT and for this reason we need to Actively Wait on him to Show up in our lives. Actively Waiting does not mean doing nothing. It means continuing to obey God’s commands, utilizing our God Given Gifts to Give Him Glory, Humbly serving others just like Jesus Christ.

Someone reading this blog is Bitter with God and you don't believe a Word that I am saying. You have endured many tragedies that have knocked you off your feet and feel like God has Broken his Promise to Provide for and Protect your family. I know this feeling because I remember feeling Bitter during seasons of loss in my life. I want you to know that we Don’t Know the Why's to everything in this universe and that’s how God divinely designed it. As hurtful as your situation might be Romans 8:28 Amplified gives us a Promise: We are assured and know that (God being a partner in their labor) all things work together and are (fitting into a plan) for good to and for those who love God and are called according to (His) design and purpose. GOOD COMES OUT OF THE MOST PAINFUL SITUATIONS WHEN WE LOVE GOD AND PLACE ALL OF OUR TRUST IN HIM! GOD KNOWS THE SEASON AND REASON BEHIND LIFE EVENTS BECAUSE HE IS OUR CREATOR AND FATHER. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD BY GETTING TO KNOW HIS PROMISES IN THE BIBLE! STAND ON THE PROMISES OF GOD THROUGH STUDYING AND SEEKINS HIM FIRST, AND WATCH YOUR RELATIONSHIP GROW TO A PLACE OF FREEDOM. BELOW YOU WILL FIND SOME PROMISES OF GOD FOR DIFFERENT SITUATIONS, BUT I BOLDLY CHALLENGE YOU SEEK THE PROMISES YOU NEED FOR YOUR CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES. THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED PRAYERS AND SUPPORT IN GOD'S CALL UPON MY LIFE TO INSPIRE OTHERS TO FULFILL THEIR GOD GIVEN DESTINIES! PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ON AND BLESS SOMEONE ELSE.
DETERMINED EVENTS SENT TO IGNITE A NEW YOU!


PROMISES OF GOD - (Scriptures from New Century Version)


Doubting Your Salvation


Romans 10:9 – If you use your mouth to say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved.


Feeling Depressed


Isaiah 43:2 – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flames hurt you.


Isaiah 40:31- But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired.


Feeling Afraid


Psalm 91:10-11, 14 – Nothing bad will happen to you. No disaster will come to your home. He has put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go. The Lord says, “If someone loves me, I will save him.”


Psalm 23:4-5 – Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your walking stick comfort me Your prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies. You pour oil on my head; you fill my cup to overflowing.


Feeling Guilty


Psalm 103:10-12 – He has not punished us as our sins should be punished; he has not repaid us for the evil we have done. He has taken our sins away from us as far as the east is from west.


I John 1:9 – But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.


Feeling Stressed Out


Lamentations 3: 25-26 - The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to those who seek him. It is good to wait quietly for the Lord to save.


Romans 5: 3-5 – We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.


Feeling Confused


Psalm 32:8 – The Lord says, “I will make you wise and show you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you.”


James 1:5 – But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to all people, so he will give you wisdom.


Feeling Angry


Matthew 6:14 – Yes, if you forgive others for their sins, your Father in heaven will also forgive you for your sins.


Proverbs 14: 16-17 – Wise people are careful and stay out of trouble, but fools are careless and quick to act. Someone with a quick temper does foolish things, but someone with understanding remains calm.


Feeling Rejected


Romans 8:37 – But in all things we have full victory through God who showed his love for us.


Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed.

TURNING POINT TUESDAY: ARE YOU ROLLING SOLO? ACCOUNTABILITY LEADS TO A TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

Hello and a BIG SHOUT OUT to everyone reading this blog. I have really missed talking with you and I am so thankful for your continued support and encouragement! What is the first thing that comes to mind when looking at the picture of the little girl on the left? Do you think it is normal or okay for this child to stand in the road by herself? Of course the answer is Absolutely NO! However, this scenario is very familiar in our relationship with God because many of God’s people prefer to stand alone avoiding the company of others. I promised to work my way through the 15 Hindrances to having a true relationship with God (again God gave me these hindrances so add as many as you want to the list). I want to thank one of the supporters of this blog again for challenging me to deal with the reasons why people Love God, but do not feel they have a True Relationship with Him. Before we dig into the complete message really take a self assessment and ask yourself, “Are you Rolling Solo?”

This blog will touch on #2 ACCOUNTABILITY, which is defined as the responsibility to someone or some activity. When I discuss Accountability I am referring to your responsibility to the Body of Christ (Church) and its responsibility to you. Are you only accountable to yourself or are you accountable to the Body of Christ? I know this blog might be uncomfortable for some to read, but don't forget I am only speaking the Truth in Love (not judging only encouraging you and myself to be all God has called us to be). With that said, I refuse to ignore the habitual disobedience of Believers in neglecting church attendance and thinking it unnecessary to become members of churches. These are the same people that claim to be saved and Love God, go around quoting scriptures, wear huge crosses around their necks, believe that God answers prayer, ask God to cover their families, but still refuse to attend and become members of local churches (go figure). We often times wonder why we are distant from God and drowning in a whirlwind of emotions: depression, irritability, lack of peace, hurt, anxiety, anger, and bitterness to name a few. The lack of closeness with the True and Living God could be a direct result of not being planting amongst a local group of believers, which is vital to God’s Universal Church (all believers in the world). The local church is defined as the assembling of those who profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The Bible is very clear that Believers should come together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 Amplified: Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together (as believers), as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.
You will most likely agree that it is the responsibility of parents to take care of their children. It only makes sense that children look for support and guidance from the very ones that physically brought them into the world. The little girl in the picture could get kidnapped, hit by a car, starve to death if she remains all alone by herself (Rolling Solo). On the other hand if her parents rescue her she could be nurtured, guided, and protected until she is old enough to support herself. The point I am getting at is we are all God’s CHILDREN no matter how old we are. The Church is vital in making sure we receive Guidance, Training, and Nurturing in the Lord. When we do not attend church we make the FLESH STRONG and the SPIRIT WEAK. The one you decide to feed is the one that will win, so take a stand with me to FEED THE SPIRIT! Somebody right now is thinking you ARE ALL THAT because you have a Bible and you occasionally watch Sermons on T.V. I too have a Bible and watch Christian Services on T.V., but this should not replace my involvement in the local church. When people attempt to connect with God, without anyone else in the picture they are missing God’s Plans for their lives. We can’t say, “God you are my everything but I do not want anything to do with people.” Why? Because we must obey the Great Commandments which can be summed up in Mark 12: 30-31 Amplified: And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. Loving and Fellowshipping with people is key to being in Right Relationship with God. With this said it takes more than attending and becoming a member of a local church. We must build meaningful relationships with others and serve Jesus Christ by utilizing the Gifts and Talents he has placed within us. Jesus is the Head of the Church and believers are called to fulfill His purpose within the Body of Christ. Ephesians 1:22-23 Amplified: And He has put all things under his feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church (a headship exercised through-out the church). Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all (for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything everywhere with Himself). There is NO WAY to Grow in our relationship with God without receiving proper training. The Church is for Believers and the Building up of the Saints to do the work of the ministry and win the lost (edification read 1 Corinthians 14:26). Of course it is a blessing to have unbelievers come to church and get born again. However, if the lost never steps foot in a church how will they Hear the Gospel unless we take it to them. The Great Commission doesn't instruct us to sit comfortably in church and wait for the unsaved to join us. Instead we are instructed Go and make disciples of all nations! How can we expect to be strong in the Lord and instruct others to do the same if we do not have any EXPERIENCE in this area? I do not know anyone who would feel comfortable having a Doctor perform surgery without any training! Doctors go to medical school and then enter into a Residency Program to receive in Depth training by a Supervising Physician. Residency can vary from 3-5 years depending on the physicians specialty (Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Dermatology, and the list goes on). The bottom line is in order to sharpen our skills we need training in our Christian Walk and the Church is the place where we receive training. We will face various trials and tribulations in our lifetime, but if we are equipped to handle the trials we can give God the Glory and help our brothers and sisters along the way!

Ephesians for 4:11-12 Amplified: And His gifts were (varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us) some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), (that they should do) the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church).

In Closing if you are reading this blog and you are not accountable to a local body of believers (Church), I encourage you to start your search now. Pray for God to reveal the right church for you and your family. It is important that the church has a Bible teaching Pastor that is after God's heart and will feed you with knowledge and understanding (this is scripture Jeremiah 3:15). Really feel out the culture of the church to ensure it sits right with your spirit. Be very sensitive to God's Presence and allow him to Confirm if it is a good fit. Location, types of ministry, opportunities to use your gifts, and Worship all play critical roles in choosing the right church. However don't forget until Jesus Comes back you will not find a perfect local church. I have a friend that tells people, “If you find a perfect church leave because you will mess it up!” Funny but True.


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Love and Blessings to you all,


Determined Events Sent To Ignite a New You!