Words of Encouragement Blog

As Christians, what does Christ bring to our lives that enables us to fight and win the war within—to truly become free at last? The Holy Spirit! He is who Jesus promised us in John 14 and Acts 1-2, and is the centerpiece of Paul’s discussion in Romans 8. Therefore, we will never find this “freedom” we long for apart from God and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This is Paul’s message in the book of Romans to the people then and to us today—he who God sets free through Christ is free indeed! Without the help of the Holy Spirit, sin would continue to rule and reign in our mortal body and have the upper hand in our life. The Holy Spirit is indeed our “secret weapon” to winning the fight within and the war on sin! As we allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, direct and instruct us in living a “God-fed” and “God-led” life this brings freedom. For the believer, this is truly the gift of independence! ~Excerpt: “From Duty To Delight: Are You Enjoying Jesus Yet?” by Mary A. Ford

“Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior].” ‭‭(ROMANS‬ ‭8:1‬)

Father, I pray that God will give Pastor’s wisdom as they call their congregations to prayer and lead them to an understanding of the times. I pray that those called by your name will seek hard after the truth of your word so that they may be spiritually mature and not blown away by every wind of doctrine; being able to withstand the wiles of the devil and become beacons of light in a dark and dying world. Amen

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” (Ephesians 4:11-14)  

#Are You Enjoying Jesus Yet?

What will YOU be doing when Jesus returns? No one knows the day nor the hour, so Watch and Pray…it may determine if you go or stay! ~M. Ford 

#LifestyleMatters #LivingHolyRequiresRelationship #DontGetLeftBehind  #DoYouBelieve?             #AreYouREADY?

“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:38-42‬)  

#Are You Enjoying Jesus Yet?

Father, I pray that an army of true Prayer Warriors will rise up and wage war against the enemy on their knees! No longer bound and defeated by political correctness, social status, and worldly ways, but Warriors willing to persevere in fasting and praying until we reclaim our families, communities, nation and world for Christ! In Jesus’ mighty, matchless and miraculous name I pray! Amen 

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:1, 7-8)

#StayPositiveKeepTheFaith

A PRAYER TO SEEK GOD FIRST

Father, I pray that every Christian will commit to seeking God first each day privately, before getting physically involved in their daily activities. Trusting the Lord to lead, guide, direct and protect them in every area of life. Amen 

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”  (Matthew 6:6)

“Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found…You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah” (Psalm 32:6-7)

#Are You Enjoying Jesus Yet?

So you say you are a Christian? If you were put on trial for this, would there be enough real and circumstantial evidence taken from the chronicles of your life to convict you? What would your verdict be–guilty or not guilty? Pray About It. ~M. Ford

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.” (‭I John‬ ‭4:11-12‬) 

#Are You Enjoying Jesus Yet?

Most have heard of the phrase “You do you, and I’ll do me” as we strive to do better and be better in life. This worldly mentality might be okay, If all you desire is “better” in life. BUT, if you want God’s “best” in life, then we must learn to “do God!”  Doing it God’s way is the only way to get His BEST intended just for you out of life. Shalom. ~ M. Ford   #BetterAintBest

“For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (I Corinthians 6:20)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

#Are You Enjoying Jesus Yet?  

Saints, Refuse to live in the past because the promises of your future are too bright to allow the pains of your past to hold you captive. ~M. Ford

#StayPositiveKeepTheFaith #PressingForMyPrize

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”‭‭ (Philippians‬ ‭3:13-14‬). 

#Are You Enjoying Jesus Yet?

Bye, bye 2016!🙋🏽 We had some good times and some bad times, some ups and some downs, some laughs and some frowns. But as I close the door that can never be opened again, there is one thing I know…The Best is Yet to Come!💃 

The new year is bursting with miracles and blessings, so I’m positioning myself to be a recipient. The abundant life is not a dream, but a promise!🙌🏼 So, I declare and decree in 2017 to live in God’s overflow. What about you? ~M. Ford

#StayPositiveKeepTheFaith #12DaysPrayer&Fasting                             #January2-13th, 7am-7pm             #SpiritualRevival                             #AbundantLife                       #LivingInTheOverflow

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”  (‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬)

#Are You Enjoying Jesus Yet?

Father, help us to truly seek after you with all of our heart, mind and soul in this coming new year. Lord, help us to care about the things that you care about—see things the way you see them—desire only the things that you desire for us. As we surrender our whole being to you daily, our desire, Oh Lord, is to delight more and more in You! We thank you now, Father, and praise you for the next level of our transformation journey ahead. Use us for your glory and honor in ways unimaginable! It’s in the precious, priceless name above all names we pray, Jesus! Amen

Happy New Year To All!

~Mary & James Ford~