As many I am sure know, have heard of the common phrase, "Never judge a book by its cover." 

When we enter our local bookstore, we tend to gravitate towards the more bold covers that grab our attention. Sadly in certain circumstances when you open the book, the pages do not seem to quite match. While on the other hand, the book with the more plain cover that most would pass up, could in fact have had a colorful interior. 

But I ask, why is that? Why do we gaze upon and are attracted to what is eye catching rather than what is truly beneath? 

I can answer this question with one simple word. 

Judgment. 

We judge one another when it is not our job to do so. Only The Almighty God who reins above us is worthy of judging us, his creation. No human being has that power over the other. 

For example, Psalms 58:11. 

"Surely, the righteous are still rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the Earth." 

Continuing further, I gather to introduce the ending pages of the first book I have written by the title of, "Internal Possession". 

"Personally speaking, a human being to me is very comparable to a book. Some have tough hard covers, some soft paperback. Each and every one of us has a cover also known as a story. The famous phrase (stated above), "don't judge a book by its cover" I find to be extremely accurate. Many people have the tendency to sadly do so, not bothering to even open the book. Even the selective few who do, sometimes only skim through the pages and fail to read thoroughly between the lines. We are all quite different but yet in some odd way the same. For we do have feelings, whether plentiful or minuscule. They still reside somewhere, somehow deep sow inside. A person and their feelings need to be respected and cares for, not bashed or humiliated. Instead of trying to "fit in" with this twisted society of not caring, extend a helping hand. Kindness is free and you never know the impact you may have." 

 

I wrote "Internal Possession", a year ago when I was eighteen years old. It is composed of poetry I had written during my unpleasant depression of many years. Mainly stemming from multiple traumatic incidences I have been through in my young lifetime. Thus, as I say in the beginning, I am a fighter and I learned that I can conquer this war. And so can you. 

In the traumatizing aspects and never ending misjudgments that presently occur in this world, we can continue to be pure women of Christ. To love one another and be there to extend a warm helping hand to another in need. With a clear conscious and the positive energy of accepting others, we can TOGETHER, slowly turn things around one step at a time. 

 

About the Author: Tayler Hirstius is a full believer in God and was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is currently an author and is pursuing her journey of dreams and to inspire. 

Would you spend the whole day without eating? We all know how it feels when we miss breakfast. Even if its a glass of water or juice in the morning before you head out the door. Breakfast is such an

important part of the day because it is what fuels you to start your day. Breakfast keeps you focused and energized. Reading the word of God is a lot like breakfast.

Jesus said "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4.   

Without seeking God first daily in his word, will leave you famished.  You will spend the day spiritually thirsty/hungry, and when you are weak you fall into traps.  The word of God is imperative to seeking Gods face and knowing his heart.  

Reflection: Examine your life and see where you can improve on putting God first in every area of your life.  

Prayer: Father God we come to you humbly.  We will never measure up.  But thanks be you through your son Jesus we have a new life, a new chance.  Forgive us for putting you last LORD.  We ask you now to put zeal and desire in our hearts for you LORD.  Let us continually thirst for you.  In Jesus name we pray, amen.  

About the Author: Andreana Barfield, loves the LORD.  She is married and has a 2-year-old

daughter.  Andreana is also a first generation Haitian American.  Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, she currently works as an activities coordinator in a Social Adult Day Center.  Andreana enjoys reading, writing and seeing where the LORD takes her next.

I recently started to understand better, the importance and significance of thanksgiving and thought. I’d share with my sisters in Christ and hopefully my sisters who will read this and be drawn to Jesus. 

The Holy Spirit has been teaching me about thanksgiving, what it means to God and does for us. Giving thanks to God, Praising Him and being appreciative of His faithfulness, goodness and grace upon our lives; these are necessary for us as His children (Psalm 100). I have outlined ten important reasons why we must show gratitude and I pray that you would be spurred up to live a life of thanksgiving and reap its rewards after reading this.

·    •It is God’s will & pleases Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 50:23). Now, isn’t this the reason that    we live? To please our Father, who isn’t just our Father but means everything to us. And how can we not want to please Him, who gave us His all and loves us in more ways than we could ever imagine?  We love because He first loved us and is constantly looking out for us and so it is only right to please the one who has our heart by giving Him thanks. It is just like our human relationships, we always want to do that thing which pleases the one we love. God is our first love (Revelation 2:4) and He has told us in his word that giving thanks in every situation pleases Him. So, give thanks!

·   •It is an offering to Him (Hebrews13:15). The scripture teaches us that we should offer up our praises and thanksgiving. God is our King and we show honour to a king when we bring Him an offering. God is the King of all Kings. He makes kings and gives them power and He is above all (Daniel 2:21). Therefore, we must honour Him by giving Him our offering of thanks and praise.

·  •It is a sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 50:23; Jonah 2:8-9). The only sacrifice our heavenly Father desires from us is a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Now I can hear you ask, why is it a sacrifice? Remember that it pleases Him to give thanks in all situations. My emphasis is on “all” because it is easy to give thanks when situations are pleasing to us, but then He says to give Him thanks in all situations. This means even in seemingly bad situations, He deserves our praise (Psalm 115). Giving thanks, notwithstanding the situation makes it a sacrifice because it costs us something to praise Him even when our situation seems bad, and we know that our God rewards our every sacrifice (Isaiah 40:10). Sacrifice your anger, depression, sadness or whatever emotion that may arise from going through an unpleasant situation and give Him thanks in that situation!

·  •It is an act of Faith. We know that without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Thanksgiving is an act of faith because we may not yet see the results we desire but we give thanks still (in all situations), knowing that He has answered us and our results will surely manifest.  God rewards our faith and when we put our faith to work by giving thanks, we please Him which is His desire and we know what a king who is pleased can do (Mark 6:22). This is not just a king we’re talking about, but the King of Kings.

· •It brings Blessings (Isaiah 40:10). We reap a reward when we exercise our faith by giving thanks because we please our King and He pours out His blessings upon us. Jesus exemplified this by giving thanks for the five loaves and two fish with which He fed the five thousand. He gave thanks and what He thanked God for, multiplied (John 6:11). God multiplies what we thank Him for. Let us taste and see that our God is good (Psalm 34:8) by giving Him thanks.

·  •The enemy is routed. Do you remember King Jehoshaphat? Well, God instructed Him and the Israelites to praise Him and we know what followed. He ambushed their enemies and made them slaughter themselves (2 Chronicles 20). When we give God thanks, He honours us and He puts confusion into the devil’s camp.

·  •It reflects God and draws others to God (Psalm 138:4-5).When we live lives of thanksgiving, God does great things in our midst and His name is glorified just like the case of king Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20) and what more does the Lord desire but that others would see and know that He is God? It is His will that all should be saved (2 Peter 3:9). When others see His wonders in our lives of thanksgiving, they could be drawn to Him also.

·  •Keeps you Healthy and refreshed (Proverbs 15: 13). Giving thanks as I have experienced, keeps you happy and refreshes you. When you give thanks, there’s no room for fear, doubt or other negative emotions; because God delights in our praises (Psalm 147:1; 22:3). His Spirit dwells in our midst and we are refreshed. A happy Spirit of thanksgiving keeps us healthy. You want to stay healthy body, soul and mind? Give thanks!

·  •Sets you in a position for more. When Jesus healed the ten lepers, only one came back to say “thank you Jesus” and he was made whole (Luke 17:15-19). That was more than just being healed, he was made whole! Thanksgiving sets you in a position for more blessings and makes you whole. 

  •Shows you are mature and humble. Growth is essential in every sphere of life, including our relationship with God (Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3: 2). As baby Christians it’s easy to become discouraged and complain when things are not perfect but as we mature in Faith, we are less moved by our surroundings and trust in the sovereignty of God by giving thanks for everything because we know that God’s always got us. It also shows we are humble enough to ascribe glory to Him (Psalm 34:2). He desires that we grow in this way. Growth means promotion and we move to a deeper level of intimacy in our walk with Him where He can use us for exploits.

  

 “Oh! That, men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:8). God desires we live the life of thanksgiving. Don’t you want to let go of yourself and just soak in an atmosphere of thanksgiving? You were made for this (His glory). He deserves your praise and wants to bless and make you whole!

      About the Author: Chinazo Shana Okaro is a Nigerian woman who loves Jesus. She is also a

writer and blogger at Shanasdiary.com. She hopes that her words will benefit other women for God's glory.

 

We've heard about it on the news, read

the articles online, but we've never seen it face to face in our own schools or streets. Can you imagine being killed because of your faith. Most of you probably can't. Some of you may think it will only happen in other countries, not in the U.S. But you're wrong. At any given time, things that are happening in Kenya could happen here.

And if it does, who will you stand up for? The world or the King?

The bible says in  John 15:18 "If the world hate you, you know that it hated me before it hated you." With that being said, persecution will happen. But again, are you ready for it?

That may seriously be a tough question for some that already take a stance with the world on various issues, forgetting what God's word states in black in white. It seems as though, the majority is afraid of offending the world, than the creator of the world. Why is that? Is it because you want to fit in? You don't want to ruin friendships or relationships? As long as you continue to think like that, you're giving the wrong example of Christianity. People pleasing gets us nowhere, especially when it comes to the King. We should remember persecution comes in many forms not just murder, but even if we subtract persecution out of the equation, many of you are becoming weaker each day. Weaker in believing in yourself. Weaker with your boyfriend, continuing to engage in sex, when you know its wrong. Weaker when it comes to sealing your lips and taking part in gossip. The truth is many are failing the test each day, as they know right from wrong. The solution? Completely die to self. Stop living selfish but instead selflessly, not giving into your fleshly desires but living for  what God has for us for eternity.

Matt. 10:33 tells us, "But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven."

Now, who wants to be denied? And be considered a worker of iniquity? Hopefully no one, but unfortunately this isn't a perfect world so there are many that are willing turn their backs on God Almighty for temporary praise from the world.

Of course no one wants to live what these students witnessed, people storming into your dorm demanding if you're Muslim or Christian. Yes, frightening for any of us. But what if? What if you had to endure what these 147 victims of persecution faced? Would your faith be committed enough to stand before them and proudly say "I AM CHRISTIAN" or would you settle for the world which will fade away, looking back like Lot's wife, scared of all the things that she would leave behind?

There are so many of you right now that never cease to unplug from your daily lives to have

quality time with the Lord. You're constantly plugged into phones, caught up in work, that you may neglect the most important part of life-your salvation.

It may not be be a big deal. Yes, you've said your prayers last night and even did so before you hopped out of bed to take on the day. But is that enough? Is that all the time your Savior deserves from you. Absolutely not. He deserves more than you imagine. He deserves a daily moment of quiet time from you. He deserves for you to work your schedule around him. Not working him around your schedule.

Lets be honest, the first thing you reach for in the morning is your phone. When in actually the first thing you should be reaching for is God's word. I usually keep some of my favorite devotionals and a notepad in my bin near my bed, as I'm wanting him to give me strength before I begin the day. The most important thing is since I know I'm a person that stays up late into the night I utilize that as my quiet time with the Lord-praying, reading, listening to music that lifts my soul. Anything that gets me closer to him. And it in times, when I don't forget, I set my phone to DO NOT DISTURB. Since we're usually people of distractions, I see that as very important. You can obviously see that aspect in church. People with their phones whether texting or playing games. Church is the last place our phones should be getting attention. Afterall, didn't you enter into those doors to receive a new word?

Back to your quiet time. The key is to unplug. Unplug from the phone and anything online. Some of you may say, "Oh wait, I need to reference something I found in the bible while studying, so I need to look it up on my phone or laptop." The answer to that is invest in a study bible and a bible dictionary. You're probably thinking that's too much. Do I really need all of that? And your answer to that is yes. I've learned over time, especially in the last year how important a study bible can be. Also, don't forget your notepad or journal. I have one to use for bible study at church and a notebook I use for studying at home. Trust me it helps to write down the things you're studying.

Above anything, that I've mentioned the first thing to do is pray. Pray for wisdom and understanding as you read God's word. Ask him for guidance. I'm sure he will show you the way as you turn those pages seeking him. Ask him to never let your flesh wander, only your spirit. Again this goes back to unplugging from the outside world. As Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Be still and listen for what he has for you. I promise he reveals amazing things.

Dear gracious, intelligent, and beautiful sisters,

Maybe you're 21, 25, 18 or even the same as I, 27.You could even be older but the most important thing is, you're humble, hardworking, focused on Christ but there are a couple of things you wish would filter out of the minds of those that are close to you: Your future. More specifically, your future in dating or marriage.

Its the holiday season and I know once returning home from school or work family members and old friends place the spotlight on you at the dinner table asking-Are you dating? When are marrying? What happened to so & so? You two were so cute? If you're like me, you'll push all of these questions to the side and simply say you're waiting on God's timing. Afterall, you're leaning not on your understanding of the season of singleness you're in, but his. His timing is perfect!

I hope this letter isn't dragging but I simply want to remind you that the season you're in is a setup for a greater season ahead. To some of you it may seem like a season of loneliness but how can it be lonely when you have your heavenly father to to hold on to. I'm always reading quotes and I came across one of which that said, "Dance with God and he'll let the right man cut in." Very true in the sense that God won't send anyone worthy your way, until you're ready. My sisters just as you're preparing yourself for a deserving man, he's preparing himself for you. Both of you are praying, preparing, and running closer to God and I can assure you, only good will come from your faithfulness in Christ. Now, if you're a young lady that's reading this and wondering what should you be doing in this season, I would advise you to refocus all your attention on Christ.Focusing on being the right woman. There are many women that that constantly say, "Men are no good!" "The good ones are taken." when they should be asking themselves "Am I a good woman?" "Am I worthy?"

In your season of singleness, while growing in faith be a blessing to other women: volunteer, serve, mentor. Share the wisdom you've gained. As I mentioned before in my blog, the Proverbs 31 women of today are the Titus 2 women of tomorrow. Live it. Teach it. to instill better qualities in the generations to come. For a closer look at the Titus 2 woman, read the post "The Forgotten Woman of Titus 2."

Flee temptation. Yes, we've all sinned and come short but its not too late to continue your journey on the narrow path. I would encourage you during this time to remain in celibacy or purity. No matter what you've been told, God's word always prevails and sex is safer and better in marriage.

Also, one of the things that I encourage all single young women in Christ to do is write a letter to your future husband. I've done this myself last year. This letter is kept in my bible in the pages of Proverbs. It entails my hopes, dreams, and thoughts of him. One day you'll be able to let the man God has for you read those letters you wrote to him, long before you even knew he existed.

One more thing ladies, never neglect the wisdom of those older than you. Yes, those older ladies in the church that you think you nothing in common with. You have plenty in common with them. I, myself, love talking to older women. Maybe that's why I don't completely act my age. But seriously, listen to them, They've lived what you're living and want nothing but the best for you.

As, I close this letter, I want you to remember there's a purpose in your season. Be thankful for that purpose and be wise in your season, making sound decisions based on God's word only. Remember patience is a virtue. Never settle for situationships, only a godly relationship. Yes, I know there may be some around you that are in a different chapter than you. But you can't base your chapter off their chapter. Stop comparing. Stop dating randoms and start living for God. I know this may be hard for some of you but God is always there to guide you with his unchanging hand of love. He's your true first love. The man, he has for you is only borrowing you for a moment on this earth. Continue to be blessed in your season, preparing for the season that's greater than what you could imagine.


Blessings,
     Danielle

As far as I can remember I've always been a light sleeper, but a heavy dreamer. What exactly does that mean? Simply, that I've believed whole heartedly that anything that I've had my mind on achieving was worth striving after. In my world, there's no "can't, if, should, or could." Instead, there's only "PRAY, FAITH, AND JUST DO."

Back-up plans never existed for me. Never once throughout college or afterwards did I have the mentality of thinking what would happen if nothing worked out for me with my degree. First of all, God didn't bring me that far to fail on my dreams that I'd prayed to him about since I was a kid and secondly education is too expensive to not actually run after your goals. Why settle? Why not put your best foot forward?

 In everything you have a purpose-a vision. Have faith in yourself and claim it! I can remember one of the simplest things I can give you as an example. During my sophomore year of high school, I was asked to tryout for an all-star competition at a UCA cheer camp we attended each year. I knew in my heart that I would definitely succeed.  Besides the obvious, of practicing and preparing for the day of tryouts, I completely envisioned myself and the whole routine perfectly in my head. I'd already claimed my victory in my mind and talking to God about it course made the upcoming day much better. There wasn't a thought that filtered through my mind of "what if." Why live on thoughts what you could have done when you could have just did it in the first place. In everything remind yourself to do your absolute best! No the road won't be easy, but don't give up! Press on! Don't stray off the plan A and take the easy way out with plan B. Your plans weren't meant to be easy. Why? Because they're God's plan instead and trust me, his plan is much better. Stay encouraged!

"I give myself away
 So You can use me
 Take my heart
 Take my life
As a living sacrifice
All my dreams, all my plans
Lord I place them in your hands"

Very valuable information, that I encourage you to read, involving our world right now. Some may dismiss this information, of course but the truth is, its already been written. 

The first of the four blood moons will occur between April 2014 and October 2015,  these signs are mentioned in the bible in the book of Acts.

 Nothing else needs to happen in Bible Prophesy for the Rapture to take place. They are a sign for us to see that its closing time for people on planet earth and all its inhabitants. I strongly recommend all who are willing to hear and listen to the signs of the endtimes. This is not a joke!! NASA has already explained that this will occur starting in 2014.

God established dates of the 7 Jewish Feasts in the Bible, to include Passover and Sukkot. NASA is telling us there will be Four Bloods Moons with an eclipse of the sun that will happen in sequential order. NASA is estimating that the eclipsed sun will surface on March 2015. This date in history is when the Israelites were liberated from Egypt's bondage.
It is significant. The moon in Judaism is a signal to Israel, while the sun is a signal to the world. The prophet Joel is saying that these signs in the Heavens are a message to the world and Israel.
Joel 2:30-31 - "I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, Blood, fire and columns of smoke. "The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood Before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.

In Acts, Peter, an avid follower of Christ, says exactly the same thing: Acts 2:19-20 - And I will grant wonders in the sky above and signs in the earth below; of blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:

In Joshua 10, Israel was attacked by 5 Kings who were trying to destroy the Jewish people as they were leaving the bondage of Egypt and making their way to the Promised Land. Joshua and Israel were winning the fight but they needed more daylight to defeat their enemies. Joshua spoke directly to the sun. (I love this! and think of the immense faith this took!) Joshua spoke directly to the sun and he told the SUN to stand still....and the Sun obeyed. (If you have never heard this story, feel free to look it up, Joshua Chapter 10). The Sun stood still until the people of Israel had won the battle...God has "total control" over the sun and moon. They both stopped (sun and moon) till Israel won the battle.

Here's another example: Hezekiah was visited by Isaiah on his deathbed. Isaiah told Hezekiah that he was going to die, but Hezekiah wasn't ready to go. So he turned his face to the wall and prayed, reminding God of how faithfully he had served HIM. And God honored Hezekiah request. Isaiah told Hezekiah that his life would be lengthened by 15 years.

Hezekiah asked Isaiah what sign God would send to let him know that which he had spoken was true. He asked if the sun should go forward 10 degree or backward 10 degrees. Hezekiah said, it would be easy for the sun to go down: the sun sets everyday. So he requested that the shadow of the sun go backwards 10 degrees. This again is "total control". So Isaiah cried out to the Lord and the Sun reversed its tracks. (This story is found in 2 Kings, Chapter 20).

The amount of time that Joshua required for battle and the amount of time Hezekiah requested to reverse the sun were exactly the same. God balanced the clock. That's Control! God is now sending OUR generation a signal.

1948 was the year Israel was reborn. God gathered the Jewish people that had been scattered through the Diaspora in one of the greatest miracles in human history.

1967 was the year the City of Jerusalem was reunited with Israel for the first time in 2000 years. Jerusalem is where Christ was born, crucified and raised from the dead and where HE will return to set up HIS Eternal Kingdom. This will be an earth shaking event, four blood moons for the 3rd time in over 500 years. No one has announced but NASA has recorded it.

All of these event center around Israel and the Jewish people. And Israel, my friends, is still the apple of God's eye. No Nation will move Israel from the map.

"These moons began with tears of tragedy and will end with unspeakable triumph!"

People should get ready for world-shaking event that's going to happen very soon. This is not to frighten anyone, but to awaken all who love the Lord, and to rededicate yourself to him. He is the only way out. I'm just a person living day to day like everyone else. I work, go about my business as normal as i can, but i read and study every night to find the things i need in order to better understand Jesus return to earth. This is happening very soon, which means these are the last signs of Christ's return.

God doesn't debate HIS existence, HE declares HIS existence. I encourage to check out a an amazing sermon, about the four blood moons from one of my favorite pastors, John Hagee right here:

Recently I entered the mind of a 17-year-old. That mind belonged to me. I opened a journal from 2005 that I wrote in everyday. Each page had reflections from a prompt for the day and a scripture. I sat on my floor immersed in reading pages from a teenage girl that had just entered Christ with many prayers and dreams of the future. Some pages were filled with fear but most were filled with joy! Yes, there were moments since, in the past that I fell off path but I thank the Lord for deliverance! I'm also thankful for everything my parents have taught me.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." ~ Proverbs 22:6