AMANDA BERRY SMITH - STRONG WOMAN IN GOD

History gives us many examples of Strong Women... such as Amanda Berry Smith.

  An Autobiography.
The Story of the Lord's Dealings with Mrs. Amanda Smith the Colored Evangelist;
Containing an Account of Her Life Work of Faith, and Her Travels in America, England, Ireland, Scotland, India, and Africa, as an Independent Missionary

The introduction to this work, it is stated by -
J. M. THOBURN. CALCUTTA, October 22, 1891

               The novelty of a colored woman from America, who had in her childhood

               been a slave, appearing before an audience in Calcutta, was sufficient to

               attract attention, but this alone would not account for the popularity which

               she enjoyed throughout her whole stay in our city.

              She was fiercely attacked by narrow minded persons in the daily papers,

              and elsewhere, but opposition only seemed to add to her power.

        

             During the seventeen years that I have lived in Calcutta, I have known many

            famous strangers to visit the city, some of whom attracted large audiences,

            but I have never known anyone who could draw and hold so large an audience

            as Mrs. Smith.

 © This work is the property of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It may be used freely by individuals for research, teaching and personal use as long as this statement of availability is included in the text.

THE DISCIPLINED LIFE

Sunday, February 2, 2014

ALMOST OVER

It has been three years since the diagnosis of my breast cancer.

From the beginning, God has been in control and I have trusted Him.

My oncologist, Dr. Tran, told me a few weeks ago, as she tried to determine what hormone inhibiter to prescribe, that the chemotherapy that I took before my mastectomy and after, had no effect on the tumor.

 In effect I lost my hair for nothing. So I am here today not because of anything the doctors did, but it was all God.

God was there with me through it all. I don't remember any unusual pain or discomfort during any of the many treatments. I was stuck, radiated, cut up, and prodded, but I just saw it as something that I had to go through. "Through" is the operative word.

   

Deuteronomy 31:6

The Message (MSG)

⁶ “Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.”

drwilmajohnson@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/drwilmajohnson


#black history #African American history #breast cancer #spiritual survival





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THE DISCIPLINED LIFE FOR STRONG WOMEN IN GOD - SWG

God has plans for all of us, but it takes discipline on our part to fulfill those plans, and this ‘self’ discipline will determine our destiny. As followers of Jesus Christ, of course we want to fulfill His purposes in our lives.  But it takes discipline on our part because of the many distractions in life that can interfere with our God-given destiny.

We must live with specific goals in mind ( 1Cor 9:23-27).  We cannot just want to fulfill God’s purposes in our lives, because it takes more than just desire. It is discipline which will determine our destiny.

Research has shown that the majority of people do not have definite plans for their future (Kimbro 4).  When I was young, in my 20’s, I could not visualize myself over 30 years old.  I had no plans, no goals, and no 401K, or retirement plan.

Visualize yourself accomplishing your goal.  Visualize losing that weight. Visualize going back to school. And then, visualize yourself not accomplishing anything

Dennis Kimbro, also states in Think and Grow Rich..., (page 344) that in order to succeed,  there are four steps that are needed.  These steps are –

-          Definite goals

-          Power to attain these goals

-          A plan for the getting the knowledge to attain that goal, and

-          Action and persistence in following through with that plan

(Think and Grow Rich, A black Choice, page 344)

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THIS IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE INTRODUCTION - THE DISCIPLINED LIFE FOR STRONG WOMEN IN GOD - SWG - A JOURNAL TO ASSIST IN GOAL ATTAINMENT.

TELL YOUR STORY....

By Adam GlassmanO, The Oprah Magazine | July 15, 2008

"Tell me a story. Tell me your story . Wait—let me get comfortable. Okay, talk to me, tell me who you really are. This is what we feel as we sit down to read a memoir. We have a craving for connection, an urge to share a confidence. We want an insider's glimpse of someone else's life: Not what happened, as memoirist Vivian Gornick puts it, but what the writer makes of what happened. We're not interested in going on "a liar's holiday," poet Mark Doty writes; we want to get to the bottom of things as they were and are. That's why we slurp up memoirs as if they were lattes, while publishing houses scurry to keep up with the demand."

Now is the time. The world is waiting to hear from you. Let us help you tell your story - from developing the idea, and where to start, to editing, formatting.... to publishing. Everyone has something to say, something to share, sharing what you have learned with others and the next generation.

Contact: drwilmajohnson@yahoo.com or leave your information in comments.

“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?...” Matthew 16:26 NIV


I recently heard a sermon (New Birth MBC, Bishop Long, 7/09) which reminded us that we are all going to die someday. It is funny how we must be reminded of this fundamental fact. Most Ministers shy away from hell and brimstone sermons, not wanting to offend their parishioners. But, some people live as if they were going to live forever; some people act as if they can take all of their material possessions with them when they go; and some people do not know that without a doubt, they have a choice of heaven or hell.


This subject is especially relevant in light of several deaths, just in the last month, of prominent celebrities. These celebrities include actors, entertainers, and sport figures, such as John Carradine, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson. These individuals seemed to have it all - money, fame, and beauty. After their deaths the media sensationalized their lives and the manner of their death. This was especially true of Michael Jackson.


I don’t want to judge these individuals, that’s not my place, but I do want to remind all of us, the living, that you can’t take it with you, but you have a choice now while you are living. Do not sacrifice your soul for the fleeting, material riches of this world.

SHAKEN

"That those things which cannot be shaken may remain."
—Hebrews 12:27

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We have many things in our possession at the present moment which can be shaken, and it ill becomes a Christian man to set much store by them, for there is nothing stable beneath these rolling skies; change is written upon all things.. Yet, we have certain "things which cannot be shaken," and I invite you this evening to think of them, that if the things which can be shaken should all be taken away, you may derive real comfort from the things that cannot be shaken, which will remain. Whatever your losses have been, or may be, you enjoy present salvation. You are standing at the foot of His cross, trusting alone in the merit of Jesus' precious blood, and no rise or fall of the markets can interfere with your salvation in Him; no breaking of banks, no failures and bankruptcies can touch that. Then you are a child of God this evening. God is your Father. No change of circumstances can ever rob you of that. Although by losses brought to poverty, and stripped bare, you can say, "He is my Father still. In my Father's house are many mansions; therefore will I not be troubled." You have another permanent blessing, namely, the love of Jesus Christ. He who is God and Man loves you with all the strength of His affectionate nature—nothing can affect that. The fig tree may not blossom, and the flocks may cease from the field, it matters not to the man who can sing, "My Beloved is mine, and I am His." Our best portion and richest heritage we cannot lose. Whatever troubles come, let us play the man; let us show that we are not such little children as to be cast down by what may happen in this poor fleeting state of time..

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Our country is Immanuel's land,

our hope is above the sky, and

therefore, calm as the summer's ocean;

we will see the wreck of everything earthborn, and

yet rejoice in the God of our salvation.
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This has been brought to you by the following ministries:Blue Letter Bible

PROPHECY

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY, AND I RECEIVED THESE TWO PROPHECIES
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THE TRUMPET by Bill Burns -- June 15, 2009:I Have I not spoken to you? Have I not called you? Have I not established you? Have I not set you? Will I not send you, says the Lord. These indeed are the days of the revealing of My power and glory in the land. For, I have a royal priesthood. I have a chosen generation who have been hungry for all that I have. And, I would have you know that there are treasure chests stored up in heaven with your names written on them. Now as you ascend, as you go forth, go forth with anticipation; go forth and find the treasure; go forth and find out that which I have hidden for you? For these are the days when the mysteries of old shall be revealed and the glory of old shall come forth. I am bringing a river of My anointing to flow in such a magnificent way that when it comes upon you it will carry you into the fullness of My purposes, says the Lord. Rejoice and again I say rejoice!
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SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- June 15, 2009:In a vision I saw myself re-digging a well and finding an old stream bed; it was like a spring that began to flow abundantly. I realized that the Philistines who stopped up Abraham's wells represented the people in my past with that same spirit who were also sent to stop the flow of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in me. They were those who drank of the water of life with me and saw the miracles and manifestation of God's power and then turned and endeavored to stop up the well. It's not just a matter of forgiving those who have brought reproach, but one of recovering all that has been stolen. I remembered that a few weeks ago I had part of a song that kept repeating in my spirit, "the long and winding road", and I thought of Ziklag, which means "winding". But, Ziklag was where David recovered all. It is time for us to recover all that has been stolen in the way of anointing and gifting and to walk in renewed life and faith.Genesis 26:18 And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them up.

Today is Friday - end of another week in Phuket, Thailand. It is sometimes a fight to stay focused and not give in to despair. Even though I know the LORD brought me here for a purpose, the devil may whisper - 'you are a loser, you have no home and no job', but God reminded me that I am in His Purposes and His Will. I stand strong in the Lord and remember -
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Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

That is why this prophecy is right on time.....


SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- June 12, 2009:
The mind is the devil's playground and battleground. Fight to stay focused and clear. Refuse to give any place for confusion or despair to manifest. Be strong and war against fear, condemnation, hopelessness, helplessness, and lies from the enemy. You are not a victim! Stand in faith that I will cause you to triumph in all things. Trust Me to bring you through every battle in victory. I am the Lord of the breakthrough, and I will cause you to overcome, says the Lord.
2 Samuel 5:20a So David went to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and he said, "The LORD has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water."

The Spirit has really been moving today in my life. In addition to the previous post, I receive this prophecy which also talks about positioning myself in the Will of God...

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Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin

THE TRUMPET by Bill Burns -- June 8, 2009:I will pour out of My Spirit in a fresh and mighty way. It will create a flow of anointing that shall become a river that will carry you forth into the blessings of this season. All you have to do, My children, is believe and position yourself in the River of God so that I can have My way in your life. If you choose to get in My river, you will be astounded. You will be established and blessed beyond your imaginations. Freedom, healing, and provision will come in this season because it is My season, which is designated to bring forth the fullness of the manifestation of the Kingdom that I rule over and abide in, says the Lord.

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SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- June 8, 2009:I heard in the Spirit "long bow". And, the Lord said, "You are well able to engage in battle on a new level, for I have extended My power and authority to gain the victory. I have taught your hands make to war and have given you strength to meet every enemy head on. Exercise the discernment you've been given, and do battle in My name. You are like Nehemiah- building with one hand, a sword in the other. So, I say, watch and build; watch and fight. Victory is assured. Psalms 18:34 He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John 13:17)

What Next?

My Utmost for His Highest

Oswald Chambers

June 8, 2009

Determine to know more than others. If you do not cut the moorings,

God will have to break them by a storm and send you out. Launch all

on God, go out on the great swelling tide of His purposes, and you get

your eyes open. If you believe in Jesus, you are not to spend all your

time in the smooth waters just inside the harbour bar, full of delight,

but always moored; you have to get out through the harbour bar into

the great deeps of God and begin to know for yourself, begin to have

spiritual discernment.

I read this devotion a week after I boarded a plane going from Georgia to Thailand, a one-way ticket as a matter of fact. My purpose was to work and help my brother start a school for children in a labor camp on the island of Phuket in Thailand. I have since learned that as I abide in Jesus, that my 'free choices are God's foreordained decrees'. God 'expects me to do His will, and He is in me to do it.'

God stripped me of all I had in Georgia - house, children, job - everything that I thought of as my life accomplishments. He has cut the moorings and sent me out.

Whom He justified, them He also glorified. Romans 8:30

Morning and Evening
Charles H. Spurgeon
May 28, 2009

Whom He justified, them He also glorified.—Romans 8:30

Here is a precious truth for thee, believer. Thou mayest be poor, or in suffering, or unknown, but for thine encouragement take a review of thy "calling" and the consequences that flow from it, and especially that blessed result here spoken of. As surely as thou art God's child today, so surely shall all thy trials soon be at an end, and thou shalt be rich to all the intents of bliss. Wait awhile, and that weary head shall wear the crown of glory, and that hand of labour shall grasp the palm-branch of victory. Lament not thy troubles, but rather rejoice that ere long thou wilt be where "there shall be neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." The chariots of fire are at thy door, and a moment will suffice to bear thee to the glorified. The everlasting song is almost on thy lip. The portals of heaven stand open for thee. Think not that thou canst fail of entering into rest. If He hath called thee, nothing can divide thee from His love. Distress cannot sever the bond; the fire of persecution cannot burn the link; the hammer of hell cannot break the chain. Thou art secure; that voice which called thee at first, shall call thee yet again from earth to heaven, from death's dark gloom to immortality's unuttered splendours. Rest assured, the heart of Him who has justified thee beats with infinite love towards thee. Thou shalt soon be with the glorified, where thy portion is; thou art only waiting here to be made meet for the inheritance, and that done, the wings of angels shall waft thee far away, to the mount of peace, and joy, and blessedness, where,

"Far from a world of grief and sin,

With God eternally shut in,"

thou shalt rest for ever and ever.

I SEE MYSELF WITH ALL THAT GOD HAS PURPOSED FOR ME TO BE...

The sermon today, by Bishop E. Long at New Birth, was based on Philippians 3:13-. This is the Scripture that I have been meditating on for over a month. God put it on my heart, and I didn't fully understand what He was telling me until today...



Philippians 3:13-

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained."

I must forget those things which are behind me, let go of the hardships that I'm facing, I may be in the hole - economically and in my mind - but don't dwell on the past or on my failures, or even triumphs, or how I got into the hole (for instance Paul was in prison when he wrote this), or on sins I have committed. Rather I would want to be found straining to what is ahead of me.

Forget does not mean to fail to remember, but the past does not control me or pain me. Such as those who have hurt me in the past, I will not hold their sins against them -

"18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,"

Break the power of the past, by living in the future... don't give the past power, don't give the past (ex's) power to continue to harm me. God has plans for me to prosper me and not to harm me. God has set me free, let go of yesterday. Live in what God has planned for me, not yesterday. God wants to see me straining forward.

ISAIAH - the yoke shall be destroyed by the anointing... You can't let go of something unless you are reaching for something. Reach forward and let go of the past.

PRESS - what will make me whole is knowing, living in what He told me to do.

Hebrew 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

With God all things are possible...One thing I do forgetting those things that are behind me, and I am going to stretch toward those things before. It's not that I am all that I should be, but I am stretching and pressing to what God has called me to be. I see myself in peace and joy, my children serving God, I see myself with all the things I lost, with all that God has planned for me to be. Jesus said, 'forgive them for they know not what they do', He was saying I'm looking to the future. He who has begun a good work in me, He shall complete it.

I see myself with all that God has purposed me to be...

PRESSING TOWARD THE GOAL

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do,

 

forgetting those things which are behind,

 

and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

 

I press toward the mark for the prize of the 

high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13, 14

I TRUST HIM

There is a song by Donnie McClurkin that asks if we will trust God, basically, in all circumstances, the good and the bad.

Job asks if we should only expect good things from God?

I am learning to trust Him like that. I really have no choice.

Friends and family judge and leave.

I cannot always see God's Hand and lose sight of His Face.

But I'll trust Him, and pray for Grace to trust Him more.

HOME SICK

There are times when I get a little homesick, when I feel as if I am in another country trying to understand a foreign language and culture.

In the last few years the Lord set me aside, put me through the fire, and prepared me for His Purposes. He taught me what it means to seek "...His Kingdom and His Righteousness...". This is all well and good when it is just Him and me, when I am on the 'mountain top'. Issues arise when I am back in the 'valley'. These are the times when I long for home and other 'Kingdom Seekers', those who understand the language and principles of the Kingdom.

I watched a TBN program last night where they had guests who had been to heaven or hell and came back to tell about it. There was also a psalmist who sang a song about this being a 'Temporary Home'. I could really relate. The time that we spend on this earth, in this body, is not even a fraction of eternity. I long for the time when I can '...walk around heaven all day', praising and worshiping God, not concerned with the rules and regulations of participating in the church, or ability and opportunity to sing in the choir, but just praising God.

I was trying to explain this to a friend recently, and she asked me if I was ready to 'check out'. I found it hard to express what I longed for. Then I rememered a passage in 2Peter 3:11-14 that dealt with longing to go home.

11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

I believe, as it states here, that I can be homesick, but I should also be '...diligent... in peace, without spot, and blameless.

IT'S NOT ABOUT OBAMA

It is all about Him - Jesus Christ

As I watched the Presidential Inauguration of Barak Obama, I was stirred and moved, brought almost to tears, and found myself praising God. My family and friends had the same reaction. We realized that it is all about Him - Jesus Christ. He is Faithful. This same reaction was seen in the interviews of people attending, and even the entertainers at the different events.

When I thought and prayed about this, I realized three things:

1. This event was validation of our humanity. For many years African Americans in this country have been dehumanized. We have believed that if we were bad enough, or rich enough we could be accepted. We have tried to lighten our skins, thin our noses, and straighten our hair, in an effort to get rid of the characteristics that actually make us beautiful. I heard an African American comedian say once that there is not a white man in this country who would want to change places with him, he stated, "... and I'm rich." But there is nothing wrong with us if a man who looks like us, an African American, can be President of the most powerful country in the world.

2. Second, it is all about love. There is a saying that 'Unless we are all free, no one is free'. I believe that this was also central to Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.'s message. The Bible says that you cannot say you love God and hate your brother. If you are in this situation, you are a liar. I heard many people around this country and other countries state that there is hope for America. Meaning that Americans call themselves a democratic, free country, and yet have a history of injustice against people of color. Now there is hope for the American people.

3. Third, it is all about God. God is Faithful.

• Over 100 years ago when that African American mother cried out to God, as her child was sold and taken away from her - 'How long Lord must we suffer?'. God heard the cry of that mother and answered on January 20, 2009.
• When in the 1950's a young African American man was hung and burned, and cried out through the unbearable pain and inhuman torture, 'How long Lord?'
• When a young boy was enslaved and beaten and forced to give up his African culture and name, God heard and allowed an African American man named Barak Obama to become President of the United States of America.

And yet, it's not about Obama, it is all about God. Whatever situation we may find ourselves in today, remember that God is Sovereign, God is Almighty, and God is Faithful.

Accepting the Gift

"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON..."

John 3:16

"...God so loved ...that He gave..." This was the first Christmas Gift. It is good to remember this every day but especially during this Christmas season. God loves us, and He gave His all to us, His Son. But knowing He loves us and actually accepting His love are two different things.

When I was growing up, in Chattanooga, Tennessee during the 1950's, my parents would always try to make Christmas special for us. I attempted the same thing with my children forty years later. The gift that my children truly wanted and talked about all year, that I couldn't afford, I would save up my money and sacrifice, so that they could have it on Christmas morning. I remember that there were times that I worked a second job to provide for them at this time of year. To see their joy as they walked into the living room and saw their presents, made me just as happy. But what if they kicked and trashed those gifts, and were ungrateful after my sacrifice to provide it for them?

Not accepting God's gift of Love can be a similar situation. But accepting His love means that we will trust Him. We realize that He does not mean to harm us. He only wants our good. He expects us to love Him, worship Him and be thankful in return.

Accept His love. Take a moment this Christmas season, and meditate on His Love for you. Feel His Love. Expect good things from Him.

Accept God's Gift - His Only Begotten Son - Jesus Christ - Emmanuel - God with us.

FAITH

I BELIEVE THAT THIS A GOOD REMINDER ON FAITH... I HAVE HAD MY ISSUES LATELY, BUT THIS REALLY BRINGS IT HOME... DO I TRUST JESUS? DO I REALLY LOVE HIM?

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Discipleship Journal Archives
Converting Your Fears To Faith
Helene Ashker
Issues: With your eyes on the Lord and with all you have at his disposal, every situation in life will be a faith-stretcher.

WE ALL STRUGGLE with fears and anxieties. Will I be successful? Will I marry? Will I stay married? Will I always have adequate finances? Will my retirement be secure? Will I be able to avoid sickness and disability? Will I always be wanted and needed?
Such fears cripple.

In Matthew 14:22–31, we read that the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water. Peter loved Jesus so much that he made a rather bizarre request "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water."

Peter's request was impulsive-but Jesus said to him, "Come."
Confidently, Peter jumped out of the boat and walked on the water. His eyes were on Jesus. But what began as an exciting, impulsive adventure almost cost him his life.
Suddenly he looked around. What am I doing? How stormy it is, and how deep the water! Panic! Then Peter began to sink into the circumstances.
Why? Had Jesus changed his mind, or run out of power, or lost interest in Peter?
Once the circumstances were over Peter's head, his attention turned quickly back to Jesus: "Lord, save me!" Jesus could have let him drown to teach the others a lesson on crippling fear but his eye never left Peter for a moment. Peter shifted his focus, but Jesus never did. How wonderful it was for Peter to feel Jesus' hand rescue him!
Then Jesus said, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

REAL SEEING
Have you made decisions by faith, believing God has led you, but then doubted this guidance in the midst of trying circumstances? Have you started by faith only to end with fear? Have you wondered if God really led you into this marriage, or this occupation, or this financial situation, or this friendship, or this location?
Things are not going well, we think. Will God see me through? I've made mistakes-will he still help me? Will God finish what he started?
Our faith runs out before we experience God's graciousness. Our doubts turn to unbelief, and what started as a faith venture becomes instead a detriment to our growth as we begin questioning God.
But Jesus used every situation with his disciples to increase their faith, and even when we blow it he cares enough for us to teach us to trust him.

The psalmist wrote,

As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.(Psalm 123:2)
So "let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). "When we lift our eyes to God," wrote A. W. Tozer, "we are sure to find friendly eyes looking back at us."
What is faith? Faith apprehends as a real fact what is not revealed to the senses. Faith rests on that fact acts upon it and is upheld by it in the face of all that seems to contradict it. It is not a feeling-it is based on fact. Faith is real seeing. It is the firm grasp of the unseen fact. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1).

HOW MUCH WILL GOD DO
How much do we believe God is willing to do for us? How much do we believe God is capable of doing for us? Isn't it easier to believe God can and will do something good for someone else but not for me?

Are we honoring or insulting God when we pray? Do we approach him as the King who has unlimited power, unlimited resources, unlimited love?
In 1972 I was asked to pray about traveling around the world to minister to women in several countries. My immediate thought was, God wouldn't do that for me. I didn't have enough money. I don't have that much to offer in ministry. I yearned for the experience, but I didn't think God would do it for me.

Left to my own resources I would never have gone. But God provided everything for the trip because it was his will, and it was the highlight of my life.
When you're faced with a problem or need, do you think of meeting it with your own resources and talents, or with the Lord's? He "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20).

Even though Jesus had already done all manner of miracles in the presence of his disciples when, in John 6, he raises the issue of feeding the five thousand hungry people, it never occurs to the disciples that Jesus himself would feed them. Faith, however, begins when we come to the end of our resources.

What did the young boy lose that day by bringing his little lunch to Jesus? Nothing. He ate till he was satisfied, as did more than five thousand others. If the boy had kept it to himself, that lunch would have met only his needs; but offered to Jesus it ministered to multitudes.
If I offer what I love to the Lord, he may indeed take it away-my husband, my children, my home, my career, my talents, my possessions. But God gave us everything we have anyway-not to exploit for ourselves, but to put at his disposal and use for his glory.

THE WAITING, THE SUFFERING
Our fears reveal our view of God. Wrong concepts about his concern for me or about his power are reflected in whatever I find difficult to believe God for.
That doesn't mean that if I have the right concept he will answer my prayers exactly the way I want him to. But he does always answer. The real issue is whether I trust him to answer by doing the right thing the right way at the right time.
While we wait for his answer, do we see the waiting and the suffering as his means of perfecting our character and fulfilling his purposes for us-not only his purposes for us personally, but also those regarding our part in fulfilling the Great Commission? Will we be like Job, who cried, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15)?

For many of us, our ability to wait on God through suffering is questionable. In an article entitled "A Salvation of Suffering" in Christianity Today (July 16, 1982), Anita and Peter Deyneka, Jr., included these quoted observations:

There is nothing like the happiness of the early Christians, not despite, but because of their acceptance of suffering for the sake of Christ. As far as the capacity of godly suffering is concerned, we are the poorest and least advanced. We want comforts; we do not want to be destitute and suffer for the sake of Christ." (Lebanese statesman Charles Malik)

A fact which cannot be disputed is the weakening of human beings in the West while in the East they are becoming firmer and stronger . . . We have been through a training far in advance of Western experience." (from Alexander Solzhenitsyn's 1978 Harvard address)

"You Western Christians often seem to consider material prosperity to be the only sign of God's blessing. On the other hand, you often seem to perceive poverty, discomfort, and suffering as signs of God's disfavor. In some ways we in the East understand suffering from the opposite perspective. We believe that suffering may be a sign of God's favor and trust in the Christian to whom the trial is permitted to come. . . . Knowing this, of course, does not mean that our sufferings are not agonizing. But it does provide healing and redemption in our sufferings." (an East European Christian)

We who are preoccupied with personal happiness and comfort are missing out on discovering the greatness of God's power to overcome circumstances. Instead of offering ourselves to the Lord for his purposes, we try to manipulate him so that he will help us be successful, comfortable, or popular. When God doesn't perform accordingly, we doubt his goodness and power.

How can we convert our fears to faith? If you want increased, creative faith, try offering yourself with no mental reservations to the will of God. You'll get answers to prayer beyond your wildest imaginations.

What are you more concerned about getting what you want in life, or fulfilling God's purpose? Instead of asking God to release you from situations that bring pressure and suffering, ask him to complete in your character whatever is necessary for you to become more like Jesus Christ. Ask him to develop in you the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Ask him to accomplish great things through your life for the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

I recently heard this definition of worship: "Worship is submission-total submission to the will of God." Offer yourself unconditionally to the Lord, and be willing to become and to do whatever he asks. Accept suffering, trials, and ridicule as the norm for the committed servant of the Lord, rejoicing like the apostles that you can suffer for the sake of your beloved Jesus.

Remember impulsive Peter? Listen to his words when he was older and more mature:
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:6–7)

What's the most difficult thing for you to believe God for in your life now? What's the most difficult thing to believe him for in the future? Are your answers something selfish—a person or a thing to which you look to meet your need? Someone or something other than the Lord himself and what he provides? If so, beware of idolatry.

Fifty days after the disciples abandoned Jesus at the cross, they were courageously preaching the gospel to thousands. They started with little faith, but they grew to be men of outstanding faith, for they lived with and learned from Jesus. After being beaten and humiliated and imprisoned, they sang and praised God. Their whole lives were consumed with Jesus, and with spreading his good news. They were men on fire, men who turned the world upside down.

We, too, can become courageous men and women of faith, thankful Christians who believe God and claim his promises and who make a difference in our world by giving to God all we are and have.

Women Who Answered the 'Call'

I am working on a project that deals with women ministers and evangelists and their 'Call' and conversion experiences.

The women in this study, from women in the 1800s to contemporary women ministers, are women who have been forgiven much and loved much, and loved Jesus passionately, similar to women in the scripture (Luke 7:47). There is no attempt to deify these women. The purpose of the study is to examine the lives of African American women, ministers and evangelists, in light of Jesus’ redemptive power and love.

And on my servants and on my handmaidens
I will pour out in those days of my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy; Acts 2:18

In order to get a personal and accurate account of their response to their ‘Call’ - interviews, their recordings, writings, narratives and/or autobiographies, in addition to other primary and secondary sources, will be used.

“She has been called, knowing who it was who called her;
she has been committed to the task, however large or small
(Dise, page 57-58, 1989).

If you know of someone who would be interested please comment or send a email to drwilmajohnson@yahoo.com

SPIRITUALLY FIT

SPIRITUALLY FIT

The Olympics will be starting in China in a few days. Athletes have been training long and hard for this opportunity to compete. The Christian life also requires hard work, self-denial, and preparation. Prayer, Bible study, fasting, and worship help us to run the race with vigor and stamina. Spiritual progress depends upon training diligently.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:13-27, NIV.)

In this race, the Christian's goal is to please God, and keep our eyes on Christ. At times we should give up something good in order to do what God wants, and not become sidetracked or slowed down. Our denial is nothing compared to the eternal, imperishable, eternal reward that will be ours. When Paul talks about being disqualified for the prize, he does not mean that he could lose his salvation, but that he could lose his privilege of telling others about Christ. It may be easy to tell our children and others about Christ, but we ought to also take our own advice, and be careful to practice what we preach.

At times we must give ourselves spiritual checkups, just as we get physical checkups. This means looking for Christ's presence and power in our lives. Then we will know if we are true Christians or merely imposters.

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test?"

(2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV)

Spiritual health and godliness, are even more important than physical health.

"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1Timothy 4:7,8 NIV)

In today's society a lot of emphasis is put on physical training, but spiritual health (godliness) is even more important. Our bodies are susceptible to disease and injury, but faith can bring us out of these tragedies. In training to be godly, we must develop our faith by using our God-given abilities in the service of the church.

"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1Timothy 4:14-16 NIV)

Talented athletes lose their abilities if they do not constantly exercise their muscles, and we can also lose our spiritual gifts if we do not use them. Our talents are improved by exercise. Do not bury your talent. As Christians, as members of the body of Christ, the church, we must watch our life and persevere, in this way we save both ourselves and our children. We must be on guard against any sin in our lives that can destroy us.

I AM SANCTIFIED

I am sanctified, according to 1 Corinthians 6:11. We are all called to be Holy, Sanctified. It is not just for the Preachers, Mothers of the church or Deacons.

1 Corinthians 6:11 "Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."

This Scripture states that this was done for us. We were washed, were sanctified, and were justified, meaning it is already done - In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

This is Good News, we do not have to strive and work to become Sanctified, it's already done. We just have to accept it and believe it.