Hope

I Have Hope

Posted on February 1, 2012February 1, 2012 by conquerorshots

Growing up I heard this classic Roberta Martin song “I Have Hope.” In addition to hearing it from the choir on Sunday mornings, I can recall the 33 playing on the record player ringing out the lyrics from the speakers in our living room on Aspen Place, Columbia Ave and Pennington Ave:

“I have hope, I have hope when trouble comes my way

I have hope, I have hope since Jesus has come to stay

I have hope, oh yes when things are not well with me

I have hope, it’s a beutiful hope and it sets me free

If your distressed , Jesus says come unto me. If your depresed I know he’ll give you liberty

Time may find you at the end of your line, but keep the faith its not too late the Lord will be on time.

I have hope, I have hope when darkness fills the sky

I have hope, I have hope since Jesus is ever nigh

I have hope, oh yes through dangers I can not see

I have hope its a beautiful hope that sets me free.”

http://www.last.fm/listen/artist/Roberta%2BMartin/similarartists is a link to this genre of music that features the Roberta Martin classics.

It was written in 1968 but the melody and message is timeless. Hope is a life principle that fuels my daily pace. It puts pep in my step and glide in my stride. Most of all it keeps a smile on my face that springs from true joy in my heart. The goodness of God is constantly present. Thank you Lord for saving me at Calvary. It gives me Hope, a beautiful Hope that sets me free one day at a time.

Keep Looking Unto Jesus (jcrylequotes.com)
biblical hope is bold, strong, and true (hopefuldays.wordpress.com)

Breaking Through Your Fears

Posted on January 18, 2012January 18, 2012 by conquerorshots

Words of Faith

by Alta Payne on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 7:35am

I remember years ago I went to the Rotary Youth Leadership Conference and throughout that week I attended a series of seminars that educated me on how to be an effective leader. One of the seminars that I attended was called “Breaking Through Your Fears”. The speaker gave a presentation.When he finished he asked us to do something a little strange. The instruction was to pair up with one someone next to us and prepare to learn how to break through a wooden board. I remember thinking “I signed up for seminar not a Martial Arts Class.This cat must be out of his mind!”

Most of us were intimidated by the task at hand. We felt that it would take great strength to break through a solid wooden board. All kinds of questions and doubts arose in our minds. I remember whispering to my partner, “I don’t think I’m going to be able to do it!” “What will I do if I break a finger or fracture my hand?”

We really didn’t have a choice in the matter. The entire group was required to at least try. The instructor spent the first few minutes teaching us the proper technique for hitting the board. Once we got that down pat, it was time to give it a shot. My partner went first. I held the board and she broke right through it on the first try. The first time I hit the board it didn’t break. The instructor was standing there, and he said, “That’s o.k.Try again, but this time I want you to look through the board”. He said, “Don’t look at it, look through it and visualize your hand going through it.” What he told me sounded a little weird. I was still a teenager and I lacked maturity and wisdom in this area.

Nevertheless, I listened to what he said and I hit the board a second time. I broke that board in pieces. But I didn’t realize until later in life that what the instructor taught me that day was a very valuable lesson. I learned not to focus on an obstacle. In order to get through the obstacle I have to excercise faith to “Look Through It, to Get Through It.”

You have to see yourself on the other side of it. He also taught me that it’s not always about strength, but it’s about vision. When you run out of Strength, it’s Vision that keeps your hopes and dreams alive. The vision is a result of faith. Even though everything around you may look dim, it is faith in God that will allow you to see a ray of hope. Fear is only an obstacle. Faith is how breakthroughs begin.

On the basis of Faith! (kevilynj.wordpress.com)

The Beauty of Honesty

Posted on January 18, 2012 by conquerorshots

That’s what you are wearing? Really??? You can’t be serious? What do you mean by that? How are you going to do…….? Do you know what you’re doing? These are some open-ended questions that I can either ask myself, someone else or they can be asked of me. The theme of all of these questions, and many others,is they all come from our soul. They are genuine responses to core issues that are apparent to the presenter of the question. The issue is evident because of particular actions that are obviously in need of questioning. Why?

Honesty is an important character trait that affects all our lives. When used properly it produces hope, faith, courage, integrity, willingness, humility, love, forgiveness, discipline, awareness and service to others. Effective service is when you do something from the goodness of your heart – NSA(no strings attached) These spiritual principles are God-inspired traits we all must experience as time goes on.

Lunaria or “honesty plants” give us defined characteristics that can really help us see the beauty in honesty. The caption under the plant below details how I can make the correlation to my own honesty.

Seeds of truth are the source of my intrinsic values that germinate honesty. When I was a child I received those seeds from my parental guidance, my elders and my experiences in the church. Fundamentally, each group had two key reference points – The Bible and the world. The experiences that I had, the lessons that I heard and learned growing up were “seeds” that were sown into my core which began to germinate into absolute truth which I base my thoughts, ideas, beliefs and goals on. John 8:32 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

When the lunaria seeds are planted it is important not to cover them with too much soil. This is true about “the truth” in our hearts. Sin can do to our hearts what soil can do to the seeds, that is impede upon the growth process. David said in Psalm 119:11 ” Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Daily reading and meditation on the Word of God is essential to the manifestation of truth in our hearts. We live in a world where all kinds of distractions from the truth of God’s Word exist.

Once truth is at work in our lives the affects are many. It is regenerated repeatedly due to all of the seeds it produces in our lives and the lives of others. If you deposit God’s Word into a child’s life in the first two years on a consistent basis it has the power to manifest for the remaining years of his/her life. It can be grown in any kind of heart, under virtually any adverse condition and without a constant source of light. THIS IS MY STORY!!!! Proverbs 22:6 reads “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. “

For many years I heard the scriptures. As a child I read them and even studied them. As a teen and young adult I began to share them with others. In my marriage and parenting I shared them even more and I found out about the personal attachment I had to them which was growing even when I was unaware of the growth they caused. All of my references to truth were systematically developing my character trait – honesty.

I always knew when I was being honest and when I was lying. The choice to allow truth to be the litmus test for my decisions and subsequent actions was learned behavior. Who was the teacher? God. What was the classroom? Life. Do I always make the choice? No. However, I see that there is a heightened awareness of my progress in this area.

I try to keep this really simple. When I am allowing honesty to work in my life it allows me to get some amazing results. The other 11 principles are the beginning of my reality that I like the affects of a lifestyle based in honesty. The more I experience the benefits of honesty the more I am willing to incorporate it into my daily activities. Christianity is the central component of my life that affords me the liberty to realize just how magnificent honesty is. Every day I experience the truth of the Word of God faithfully revealing new mercies, faithfulness, grace and power.

2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Meaning of honesty (shaibugift.wordpress.com)

tweet with GUSTO!

Posted on January 17, 2012January 17, 2012 by conquerorshots

The character you show when you’re at your lowest determines how high you go when you bounce back. #FB — ConquerorShots No matter what your going through God is up to something Good!

More than conquerors (toughmindedoptimism.wordpress.com)

Need It Now

Posted on January 11, 2012 by conquerorshots

Want it, need it, gotta have it “and I mean now.” The idea of the “give it to me now” era we live in is frightening. Remember what life was like before the microwave or when you had to put a quarter in a public phone to make a call. Furthermore, when your phone had two functions – ringing and dialing.

It sure was simple when my memory was an active part of using the telephone.

Today we no longer memorize telephone numbers. What do you use those cells for now?

Memorizing scripture is a great practice. It promotes healthy brain stimulation which keeps the mind sharp. The bonus is threefold:

1. Life-Changing Content- Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.

2.A Constant Source of Light-Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to walk by,and a light to illumine my path.

3. Guarantee of Success in life-Joshua 1:8 This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful.

Even with all the technology at our fingertips we still have to contend with the “wait” time. Postmodernism has made us more prone to irritability when faced with the idea of “not now, later.”

The benefit of God’s Word active in your life is the only source of constant readiness. It’s always ready, on time, and current. That is worth wanting now. NEED IT NOW? God specializes in making the impossible possible. Prayer changes things.

Now That’s Love (ourpoetrycorner.wordpress.com)
Put It to the Sword! (5gsandacupofjoe.wordpress.com)

Holy Resume!!!!!

Posted on January 10, 2012 by conquerorshots

The Resume of Jesus Christ
Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible . Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus
_____________________________________________________
Objective
My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I’ve sent you my resume because I’m seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.
_____________________________________________________________________
Qualifications
I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)
_____________________________________________________________________
Occupational Background
I’ve only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49 ).
I’ve never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15 -17)
_____________________________________________________________________
Skills Work Experiences
Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33 ).
Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)
_____________________________________________________________________
Educational Background

I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).
_____________________________________________________________________
Major Accomplishments
I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26 ).
I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15 ).
I defeated the arch enemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15 ).
I’ve miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot – the BIBLE. You don’t need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.
_____________________________________________________________________
References
Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healing, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance.
_____________________________________________________________________
In Summation
Now that you’ve read my resume, I’m confident that I’m the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47 ). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15 ).

Is your position filled?

Author Unknown… received via email!

Check up on the heart

Posted on January 10, 2012January 10, 2012 by conquerorshots

Hebrews 3:12-15
12 Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,”so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, 15 while it is said, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME.”

The heart is the most important organ in our bodies. It is vital because it provides the source of motion that delivers blood to every organ. The blood is the life source in all of us. When it stops flowing we are dead. We can never assume that the heart is in good health. A heart attack is a silent foe and it kills. While this description pertains to our human bodies, it also applies to our spiritual condition.

In the human cardiac system there are many tubes that transport the blood from the heart throughout the body and back to the heart. We are conscious of the perils of cholesterol that can cause “blockages” in those tubes that obstruct the flow of blood and cause damage to the heart. Large clots can form and go unnoticed until the heart’s function is disrupted and death is possible.

Sin is to our spirits what cholesterol is to our bodies. The writer of the scripture above understood this spiritual axiom and was commissioned by God Himself to relay the message. We all need to hear the message of the dangers of an “evil,unbelieving heart that falls away from the Living God.” This does NOT mean that a Christian can loose his salvation. Rather it means that, at any given moment, un-confessed sin can manifest to produce “a hardened heart” and wreck havoc in our lives and the lives of others.

We are socially aware of the perils of a lifestyle that is riddled with the possibilities of having a heart attack – a diet high in cholesterol and sodium, over consumption of fast food, a sedentary lifestyle, poor weight management, smoking, drinking, drug usage/abuse etc. – but the issues of the spirit i.e. “the heart of man” continues to go unaddressed socially.

Whenever the subject of sin is mentioned, it is almost a taboo matter today. People do not want to discuss it because they do not want to engage in the subsequent issues associated with the acknowledgement. When you accept the presence of sin in your life you can be overwhelmed about a healthy solution if you do not know how to address it from God’s prospective.

The scripture reminds us to engage in healthy spiritual relationships that encourage us to “stay in the faith.” It is good to know Jesus. He is a friend all the time. I am thankful for the 24/7/365 characteristic our Savior manages so well. He is never too busy for any of us. In addition, the service and servitude of Christians around the world, AKA the body of Christ, is a vital aspect of a “more than a conqueror” lifestyle.

A hand can not function without the connectivity of the hundreds of thousands of cells that provide it with the ability to move even 1 finger. The work of your hands is not possible without the rest of the body. The work God has called you to in your lifetime is not possible without Christ and the rest of the body. Stay connected and stay “IN HIS SAFETY.”

Reflections (T.O.T.G)

Posted on December 31, 2011 by conquerorshots

This year has seen many events. There are many themes – political, social, economic, environmental – the world has experienced an eventful year. Personally, I continue to live in a series of life-changing events all of which were designed to give me the comfort of Conqueror lifestyle. God is ALWAYS GOOD.

On this day everyone will, in one way or another, find themselves reflecting on 2011. It’s part of the process in the celebration of a New Year. Celebration takes on many different forms. I love a good party with good music, dancing, laughter and an atmosphere of gratitude. If I search in the world I could find it in a club……….or I could find it in a “house party”………….. . The world has conditioned us to have a certain expectation on how to “bring in the New Year.” We do it and it does what it does. Life goes on-we hope.

Today I hope that you can include in the process of your reflections one VITAL act:

THINK ON THE GOOD!!!

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!
4:5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near!
4:6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.
4:7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.

4:9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.

As for me, I will find the party in a worship service at my home church here in Atlanta where I will freely engage in a corporate spirit of praise for all He has brought me through in 2011 and ALL that He has provided for me, prepared for me, purposed for me and I can appreciate them all when I THINK ON THE GOOD!

Happy New Year

Faith in the Valley

Posted on December 29, 2011 by conquerorshots

Psalm 23:4 “Even when I must walk through the darkest valley,I fear no danger,for you are with me;
your rod and your staff reassure me.”

Many people are blessed and experienced a bountiful Christmas season. It included good food, nice gifts, fellowship with family and perhaps even some “christmas cheer”. In this arena of experience, even if you have an expectation for a special gift, whether you got it or not, you enjoy the overall atmosphere of the season.

What a blessing it is when the commercialism of the season causes the spirit of gift giving. Gift giving is a phenomenon that brings with it great tidings of joy, love and hope. That is the central theme of the birth of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is a good time and it propels us towards “mountaintop” moments. When all is well in your world and the goodness of life is holding ground, what is the dominant emotion for you? Joy or Happiness?

Then there are those who have had the blessing of being in the valley over the course of this season. The characteristics of this season are on polar opposites of the description for mountaintop moments. However, consider for a moment the emotional experience. For anyone that is in need -of family, job, food, clothing, shoes, shelter, healing, etc….. – the dominant emotions that are most revealed are fear and anger. Fear because the needs present overwhelming pressure with limited resources and the questions “How……?, Why……..?, Maybe……..?” Anger because the ongoing regrets and guilt associated with the onset of the valley experience, plague you with the statement “If only I……..!” So then, why is this a blessing?

It is more complex to have a faithful outlook when times are good. It’s like an airplane soaring through the sky on “auto-pilot” at 38K. The weather is lovely and the flight is smooth. Once you get to that place of cruising and all is well, faith goes on cruise control. But when the storm comes and the pilot realizes that he needs to disengage the mechanism of cruising and engage his flight training and expertise to reach his destination unharmed by the storm, the awareness of danger changes the atmosphere in the cockpit. They are manning their stations with planning, action is taken step by step and there is a unified presence among them. Yet the storm is more powerful and the plane is forced out of the sky and hits the water. All of the skills in the world could not stand up against the power of the storm. A faithful outlook is required.

Fear and anger show up in the early stage of the valley. They are the surface feelings that can completely disavow any idea of faith. Fear and anger can keep us sick, stranded, alone and can even cause us human harm up to and including death to ourselves and others. They paralyze our abilities to engage in the benefits of faith. Romans 10:17 reminds us “Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.”

When you are reliant on your own abilities, accomplishments and achievements and the valley experience is not improved, what do you have left? I hope the answer is faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen. If you are going to be a CONQUEROR and maintain a “more than a conqueror” lifestyle, faith needs its proper daily requirement of God’s word, just like your body needs air to breath. Faith in the valley begins when you acknowledge that God put you there. His omniscience prevails in our valley moments. His omnipresence comforts us and reminds us of His word. His omnipotence is the blessing I referred to earlier.

The valley is designed by God for us to have the experience of “seeing God in action.” While there are many other benefits to the valley season, let’s reflect on just how this “power” works and why it is a blessing.

When you got into the valley and the overwhelming presence of the circumstances slapped you across the face and you did not know how to breath because of the pain- faith stepped in because you did not hit the floor and die. You remained present even though fear and anger set in. You got up and continued on the designated course. Then when the odds were stacked up against you and you could have succumbed to the pressure and lost the sight of your purpose, you did not give in. You stood there, accepted the circumstances and stayed focus on the hope of realizing the goal of your destination. As the situation became painful because of the conditions you were forced to endure and your body began to suffer miserably, you persevered through all of the adverseness and stayed the course having a spirit of forgiveness for the sinister players in the matter. Then you died Jesus. You experienced the agony of the valley to the point of death. The designs of your death demanded the power of your resurrection.

It is that very design that continues to work in our life. That same power continues to bring us up out of tumultuous circumstances. When you have Faith in the Valley you are initiating the opportunity for God to have the same affect in your life.

I Want What I Have

Posted on December 24, 2011 by conquerorshots

There are so many things that I can think of that I want – a new car, a new condo, all of my bills paid in full, restored relationships, new relationships……….. – and if I were to give these “wants” too much attention I can easily get distracted from my reality. Distractions are designed to create confusion in my life. Can you think of a time when your focus was re-directed because of a distraction?

They come in all forms – personal, professional, social, and most of all spiritual. Distractions can be subtle too. Especially in the area of my personal and professional lives, I can recall on numerous occasion where I was engaged in situations that were purposefully designed to distract me from what was important. At the point when I realized the distraction, the affects were already in place. I know I am not the only one with this experience. Am I?

So I have come to realize on the Eve of this Christmas day in 2011 that the best way to avoid the pitfalls of distractions is to want what I have. That implies a personal understanding of my assets and my liabilities. Overall, an assessment yields the results of personal reconciliation between the two and I am in a balanced relationship with my life and the Creator of my life.

Now does this mean that I do not want to work towards improvement? God forbid. If I am not realizing change in my life that means that my life is non-existent. You know you are living, and how you are living by recognizing the changes that are at work in you. Other people are watching and God is watching. Therefore, you should be the spectator in the first row, in the center aisle occupying the center seat. Next to God, you should have the best seat in the house.

Consider the obvious. The climate of the environment dictates the season of the environment. Climates change and seasons change. Imagine if you woke up to the same climate every day for a year. All of my East Coasts readers may actually like that after dealing with cold winters over a course of time. But the point is life would be mundane if every day was the same climate and the same season. The changes in the environment offer us new outlooks, new insights, new experiences…….. This is why I would not be content living in Aruba. It is a beautiful island but I would get bored with the same climate day after day… I think!

God is the author and finisher of our faith in Him. No change is possible without His intervention. For anyone who is struggling with the concept of God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the evidence of His Power is in the identity of the source of all change. He is Sovereign over all and that includes my wants. Through Him I have an awareness of all my needs being in place. THAT IS A BLESSING IN ITSELF. I can get entangled in the “rat race” working feverishly towards attaining my wants and allow all of the distractions along the way to make me miss out on all of the peace, joy, love, hope and assurance that comes with being thankful for what I have. I don’t choose that path today. Instead I will be content and just “WANT WHAT I HAVE.”

The song “Safe In His Arms” reminds me “Because the Lord is my shepherd I have everything I need”

Merry Christmas

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