The Vault Series: Turn Worry Into Faith
Filed under: Biblical Teachings, Testimonies, The Faith Walk
Current Mood:
Anointed &
Faith-filled &
Filled with Praise!!! &
Highly Favored &
Radical
The entry below is another entry from what I call The Vault Series, which are entries that I’ve written up until about a year on my eJournal at www.NaimaWilliams.com/blog. The entry below was originally posted on August 24, 2009, and though that is the case, the principals and lessons to learn are still relevant to today’s issues. I pray that you’re blessed by it and that the Heavenly Father brings you to a place of fruitfulness, obedience, and an abundant life to the full till it overflows, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
August 24, 2009
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life (Philippians 4:6-7 MSG).
Over the weekend, I taught at the monthly Bible Study we have for our Singles’ Ministry. The lesson actually came from Joyce Meyer’s book The Battlefield of the Mind. The two chapters I taught on were chapters 12 & 13 which are, “The Worried, Anxious Mind” and “The Judgmental, Critical and Suspicious Mind.” From a personal standpoint, both lessons were very fitting to me since I was going through things that would definitely fall underneath the umbrella of these topics. The class lasted for two hours and I believe we were all blessed by how God moved.
After teaching that lesson, however, I was bombarded with a series of demonic attacks against my mind – especially as it pertains to my current circumstances. You see, right now I am facing opposition on every side, dire circumstances as it pertains to my livelihood, medical concerns, my car is inoperable and I’m dealing with a lot of rejection. Making it worst is that I had to deliver a ‘not-so-happy’ message to someone who’s really important to me and I am not sure of what the response may be. To top this all off, the things God is telling me and showing me are completely opposite to what I’m actually seeing, yet, He wants me to trust Him. Having all of this going on, needless to say, the enemy seized the opportunity to shoot arrows of ‘what ifs’ or worst case scenarios; all of which led to worries and anxieties.
Though most of these circumstances didn’t’ occur overnight, it really hit me like a ton of bricks this weekend. The reason why it didn’t hit me earlier is because God has been my focus. What holds me together is His Word and His grace to grow through these turbulent times, keeping my eyes fixed on the Prize which is Christ. This is the only reason I’m able to experience joy and peace during these times; for it is the peace of God that allows me to stand and it is the trust in God He is cultivating in me that allows me to stand strong. Though that’s been the case, for some reason, after teaching the lesson it seems like the rest of God I finally entered into got disturbed. It got pretty bad yesterday and it seemed like all the hurt from the rumors and rejection had came to surface yesterday during service and all I could do is cry. Once I got home, the ‘what if’ scenarios replayed in my mind over and over again, and the next thing I knew, doubt and fear began to rear its ugly head. I knew this was nothing but the work of the enemy; as my spirit was at peace (if that makes any sense) and I was confident in the actions I had to take. What was tormenting me was the ‘what ifs’ and worst case scenarios that was repeatedly playing in my mind courtesy of the enemy.
Later on in the evening I went downstairs to bake a cake (carrot) and I brought all my worries and fears into the kitchen with me (sad but true). My usual routine when cooking or baking is to always bring my Ipod, Bible and notepad with me so I could listen to sermons / teachings, read Scriptures and/or write down notes God will give me. As I put these things down on the kitchen table, there it was, a copy of the Pursuit of Peace Agreement I made for the class on Saturday (you can receive your own copy by clicking on the link). I read it and signed it and began to speak aloud the Scriptures that were listed on the agreement (I have it on my fridge). That then gave me the strength to fight the enemy by using the Word of God. Every time a negative thought would enter my mind, I’d smack it down with the Word of God. As I’m sure you can imagine, I was up quoting Scriptures most of the night.
So here we are today, Monday, August 24, 2009. I prayed and I started my day. When I later went onto my computer, I received an electronic utility bill that was in the triple digits and was much more than I had. Additionally, I called a former co-worker and asked him if he knew of a reason why a car wouldn’t shift into reverse and his response was that this is an indicator of something wrong with the transmission. He gave me the least and the worst case scenario which then put me in a state of panic once I hung up the phone. Lord, what am I going to do? Where are YOU? Next thing you knew, I was right back in worry and anxiety; however, this time they brought along a few of their friends. Their friends were Hopelessness, Despair and Terror amongst others.
Not too long after the pity party began, the Lord had one of my sisters-in-Christ call me. I completely admit to you that by the time she’d call, I was a mess! I told her how I was fighting worry since I taught the class (she was at the class) and some of the things that were going on. The Lord used this sister to minister to me and she did it in such a way that the devil got real nervous real quick, to the point where he disconnected the phone call. It was so obvious to the both of us! You see, up until she began to minister, she spoke about her day and I spoke about my circumstances and our phone connection was fine. As soon as God had her to serve me a big dish of ‘faith food’, the phone call got disconnected and her ministering was interrupted. BUT GOD….we were able to reconnect and she continued to minister and I received what God gave to me through her. After our phone call, it was like I remembered that I was and am actually in spiritual warfare and it wasn’t just about me. The fact that the enemy tried his best to prevent her from encouraging me shows me that he was scared and desperate—wanting to keep me in the place of feeling closed in, alone and scared so that I would be no good to anyone! His (the devil) disconnecting the call also shows me that I am right where God wants me to be for His glory and that I am one pinky toe away from my blessing and deliverance. FURTHERMORE, the fact that I’ve been bombarded with these thoughts since I taught on Saturday just let me know that somebody received what they needed on Saturday. Teaching and preaching is never about the person doing it; it’s always about everyone else BUT the teacher or preacher. As a vessel, God pours into you for you to then pour into the hearers – so that God’s Word and Spirit can convict or strengthen the hearer/receiver and begin to transform their lives.
I wanted to share this with you to encourage you. Though temporarily my circumstances show a different story right now, I am actually blessed. I’ve determined some time ago that I will pursue to live a rich, full, abundant life as only Christ can give (John 10:10). God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His people (Psalm 35:27) and I take pleasure in God; for He is my reward. He is teaching me to rely less on me and more on Him, His Word and His provision. I cannot say that His ways are conventional but rather unconventional, yet I firmly believe when all is said and done, there’s a mighty testimony that will come from it and many will be edified while God alone is glorified! I believe that the testimony He’s giving me will be so outrageous and so outlandish that there will be people who will not believe it at all. However, YOU will be able to convince them otherwise because you are witnessing my journey through my eJournal.
God bless you and I want you to know that you are actually a blessing to me. You see, everything that I experience means nothing if someone cannot grow from it, and my sincere desire is not just to grow myself, but also to help many, many others to grow as well. But do understand that the ability and anointing to effectively minister to others does come with a price. Jesus says in John 12:24 that “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” This Scripture isn’t speaking of our physical death but rather our death to self (carnality, our desires, our will, etc.) in order to produce more or much fruit. This process usually isn’t pleasurable; as you are like an olive that first must be crushed before the oil can be extracted and distributed to the masses.
In closing, I just want to personally thank you for taking the time read my eJournal and I pray that the Holy Spirit met you right where you are and ministered to you. I conclude by praying this prayer for you and your household….
Blessings for Obedience
1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God:
3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.
4 “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.
5 “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.
6 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.
7 “The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.
8 “The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
9 “The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. 10 Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And the LORD will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The LORD will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Deuteronomy 28:1-13 (NIV)
Original post on www.NaimaWilliams.com/blog on August 24, 2009
In Memoriam: Paying Homage to God
Current Mood:
Cool
What does it feel like to truly be in love with God? I mean completely and totally head over heels in love with Him? When God takes us through trials and what we sometimes may think as “deal breakers”, it’s always for a reason.
It’s amazing how things seem to turn around once we make God number One in our lives. I’m not talking about just going to church on Sundays and bible study on Wednesdays. I mean, when we say “You know what, my life is going to be about God every day.” Being saved is a lifestyle and there are certain things that come with living a lifestyle that is acceptable to God. As Christians, we automatically think of getting into the Word and paying our tithes; and yes, these two elements are quite important. But we tend to leave out the element of memorializing God.
God sent His only son, Jesus Christ down to die for all of mankind’s sins. In reality, Jesus Himself is a memorial to God. True, it was His destiny to fulfill the prophecy, but Jesus gave Himself completely and totally to “Dad” as the ultimate sacrifice.
How can we as mere mortals build a memorial to God?
Think about a time when the Lord really brought you through something. Now isn’t it just awesome to see how you are still living, probably even better than before! Let’s look at Samuel for example. In the first book of Samuel, the Bible explains how Samuel worked tirelessly to bring the Israelites back into God’s good graces. The Philistines were on the verge of attack and it was touch and go on how the Israelites would fare in battle as they had turned away from the Lord, worshipping the images of Baal and Ashtoreth. Samuel persuaded the Israelites to turn away from these idols and worship the Lord. They did so and as a reward, God led the Israelites to victory against the Philistines. The aftermath is explained in 1 Samuel 7:12:
“Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer – “the stone of help” – for he said, ‘Up to this point the Lord has helped us!’”
Like Samuel, we too can build a memorial to God as a sign of reverence and worship for bringing us through a situation. It may be dedicating a room in our home to God, a room of mediation and reflection on Him. This room would be a room where total focus and silence reign; a sign to God that we are recognizing who He is and thus, have built this memorial to Him.
A memorial is so significant because not only does it show God that we know who He is, but it is also a constant reminder to us of the significance He has in our everyday lives. So take time out to show God how much you love Him and build a memorial, allowing it to be a constant reminder of His power and awesomeness. Make your “memorial day” everyday.
New
Current Mood:
Blessed &
Faith-filled &
Happy &
Highly Favored
I am new to Seeds For Life and am so excited to be here. Recently I feel as if I am on an assignment for God, and there is a shift going on in my life. I can tell a difference in my walk, talk, and my actions. There is one thing that I do know and that is that I am covered. God has bought me a mighty, mighty long way, and for that I love him deeply. I have been through so much and as a single mother of two, I want so much better for my children. I am truly blessed and my testimony speaks for itself from being homeless to now, to walking from work everyday and getting my first car. I have a story to tell as I am sure everyone else does. My story brings me closer to God and in his arms I rest and know that there is no other place that I would rather be because I know I worship a good God who deserves all the GLORY!
The Holy Ghost In Corporate America
I was given what I thought was an impossible assignment by the lovely publisher of Seeds for life, but what was in the mind of this young woman is actually in the heart of God. The title, as oxymoronic a title as I can think of, is actually what God would have those in corporate America be; God centered and Stewards of Gods’ Gifts.
We all know the history of Corporate America, its philosophy has always been to make all the money one can at all cost and at anyone’s expense. We remember the Enron Corporation, which actually stole money from their employees’ (past and present) retirement fund. Their company even though it went bankrupt still gave its’ president a 300 million dollar severance package which was like saying; “Thank you for all that you’ve done.” Then there is the infamous Bernard Madoff, who created and sold an investment fund that never actually invested any money at all. What he did was so despicable and dishonest even his own family members were at a loss for words.
Madoff for 20 years took money from one investor to pay off another. He knew what he was doing was illegal his employees knew what they were doing was illegal, yet they did it anyway without any concern for the financial loss of its investors, which included Madoff family members, Jewish synagogues, celebrities, universities and hospitals. Knowing that one day this would all end in financial ruin and him in jail, he did it anyway, without any concern for even his own future.
Which leaves us with the obligation to once again examine our title, is this business concept even possible? Can a capitalist driven organization in the midst of a society that worships the enemy and all that he has to offer, be indwelt with the Spirit of the Living and True God? The Bible says: “We can do all things through Christ which strengthens us,” however can an organization with principles that are in opposition to the principles of generosity, love and concern for mankind exhibit any of these qualities?
Imagine what our world would be like if Corporate America was Holy Ghost driven. What if the corporate execs trusted in the Lord? Imagine every board meeting starting off with prayer or the CEO of your company was also your Pastor in church.
I know of a company in Long Island that is or was the principle manufacturer of ‘The Standup MRI.’ These people would remind you of people from the hills of Appalachia. They wear overall jumpsuits and have long beards. These guys start every morning on their job in prayer with their boss. When you speak to them they’re not talking about God in every other sentence that they speak, but it is obvious that HE is in their lives.
There are many companies with Jesus as the head of their organizations. Companies that exhibit Godly qualities, they are competitive but not at the expense or the demise of another organization. It is possible to have “The Holy Ghost in Corporate America,” but you must have willing recipients of that Spirit. People must be willing to change their outlook on the way things are done in our country, and be willing to have the Lord as their Shepherd. God bless America, but help us Lord.
The Vault Series: He Met Me at the Funk Place
Filed under: Deliverance, Godly Principles, Inspirational Articles, Testimonies, The Faith Walk
The entry below is another entry from what I call The Vault Series, which are entries that I’ve written over a year or so ago on my eJournal at www.NaimaWilliams.com/blog. The entry below was originally posted on February 11, 2009, and though that is the case, the principals and lessons to learn are still relevant to today’s issues. I pray that you’re blessed by it and that the Heavenly Father brings you to a place of fruitfulness, obedience, and an abundant life to the full till it overflows, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
February 11, 2009
He Met Me at the Funk Place
I woke up this morning greeted by yesterday’s problems. Usually, I make it my business to let the glory of the Lord be the first thought of my day, however, today I was just more emotional than normal. I was concerned about my children, my finances, and about people’s opinion of me. I was feeling kind of down and found it hard to pray, yet I pressed anyway to pray because I know this is needed and wanted by my spirit.
While praying, God helped me to see that I cannot let my adult children’s decisions affect or distract me. At the time, all of my children are battling something that has the potential of adversely affecting their lives and even their immortal souls. Nonetheless, each of their struggles could be won by relentlessly guarding their thoughts, but unfortunately, they feel like they have the right to think or fantasize about whatever they want. It was evident to me by their struggles that the warning that God had used me to give them a few Sundays ago was not being heeded, and this was beginning to really upset and affect me.
As for my finances, I have to remember that God always makes provisions for us when we act in obedience. My current employment status is a direct result of my obedience to Him and I know He has me walking into my destiny. He does, however, require my faith and patience and moreover continued obedience and faithfulness.
Regarding people and their opinions of me, well, I can’t change what others are determined to believe or see. I can only be me and strive to be the best me God wants me to be. The fact of the matter is that God delivered me from people a few months ago; however it is up to me to remain free and not return to that bondage. Allowing my identity to be formed and told by someone else is a degree of bondage – bondage that many fail to escape. Your whole living and/or being is based upon what another person has spoken over you and has labeled you.
I lived that way before and it was debilitating. I was finally freed from that when I allowed God to tell me who I was in Him and the purpose of my being and believed those things, and once that happened, I began to walk in power. Now the words of others no longer have the same effect on me that it once did for most of my life because God’s given me my identity. Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t mean that I don’t at times get my feelings hurt by the words or perceptions of others, but I remember that it’s just that – THEIR words and perceptions; neither of which has any power in my life unless I give it power in my life. Thanks be to God I learned that lesson, and now I know who I am and Who’s I am, and that my dear infuses you with an incredible power!
Back to my morning, by the help of the Holy Spirit, I began to realize I was meditating on my problem aka “worrying” instead of meditating on my Solution, and I needed to change this….QUIK! I decided to go out for a little while to help me clear my thoughts, as well as pray for God to inspire and encourage me, furthermore to restore joy in me.
More often than not, joy is a choice and I needed Him to show me how to choose joy even when I didn’t “feel” as though I had nothing to be joyous of. That it appears that way, I know my “feelings” are often can be deceiving, which is why I am no longer emotion-led but instead I am Spirit-led. Regardless of my current circumstances, God is still on the throne and He is working everything out for my good. He has a wonderful plan for me and all I need to do is trust Him.
I drove to the park, all the while praying and asking God to touch me. You see, God had given me visions and fresh ideas for new businesses and ministries, however, my current circumstances are critical as it pertains to finances. Though I know new businesses and ministries take time, I also know that God has the power to turn everything around at the blink of an eye. I needed Him to show me what to do and how to do it. However, He reminded me of something earlier when I was praying in my bedroom – before I left. He reminded me that He had given me the assignment of helping my Pastor with her vision for the new church, and that was still a priority. He had sent me to that church to specifically support her in whatever she needed me to do. This I knew since May 2008. However, I didn’t know how to help until a few months ago. He reminded me that all that He showed me would soon come to past; however, I must help her with her vision.
I pulled into the park and found a spot overlooking the lake. There was a gentle breeze so I rolled down all of my windows. I sat in my car with my notepad, pen and my Bible. I figured I’d listen to one of the many sermons on my iPod for encouragement before going sitting outside and writing. I selected Joyce Meyers and listened to one of the podcasts I downloaded prior to leaving. The topic of discussion was “Encouragement.” I smiled because I knew God was blessing me. She had a guest speaker named John Maxwell, who’s an author and preacher. I listened to them as they discussed encouragement; thus, encouraging me. The guest speaker shared a testimony that happened to him as a young pastor while attending a conference where Zig Ziglar was one of the speakers. It was there, he says, that Zig said something that changed his life. He said “if you help other people get what they want, everything you need in your life will come to.” This supports the principle of sowing a seed into the harvest you want or desire. If you want to get to your vision, help someone else acquire their vision. This just solidified the confirmation God had given me regarding my involvement in realizing my beloved Pastor’s vision. Thank you Lord.
That lifted my spirit, as I was sitting in front of a lake having the wind blow through my hair and watching the seagulls fly in the sky. I knew God was ministering to me, encouraging me and restoring me. What more could a girl ask for? After I heard the teaching, I was inspired to write down my goals for growth in 2009 (an assignment for my family bible study I teach). I then began to pray and praise and thank God for changing my attitude and for checking on “little ole me.” I thank Him for meeting me right where I was and rejuvenating my spirit. To God be all the praise, honor and glory!
Originally posted on www.NaimaWilliams.com/blog on February 11, 2009
Real Talk
Filed under: Deliverance, Inspirational Articles, Our children, Words of Encouragement
Current Mood:
Broken &
Humbled &
Prayerful &
Sad &
Anointed &
Thankful
Joy eludes me and anger is trying to consume me;
Nothing is coming up roses;
Everything is coming up thorns;
Yet You still say, “Trust Me”
But I am angry with You, Lord;
~~~
When You told me to leave all that I knew to follow You, I obeyed;
When You told me to forsake my evil ways and give up my lustful desires, though I at times fell in the process, I obeyed;
When You told me to resign leaving my only source of income, as terrifying as it was, I still obeyed;
When You told me to speak no matter how hard the message or how high the cost, I cried then I obeyed;
When I was confronted with persecution and accusations, You told me to keep on going, and I obeyed;
When all seemed lost You still said, “My child, there is more that I require of you”, and I said, “Yea, Lord” and I obeyed.
~~~
But now Lord, look at my heart as it bleeds and see how everything and everyone has fallen down around me;
There are some who think I’ve caused these calamities upon myself, while others simply question the level of my sanity;
The good name I worked so hard to establish has been utterly destroyed;
And the only means of transportation I had has been repossessed;
My home, the beautiful home You blessed me with has been foreclosed, and now homelessness awaits me;
I turn to the left just to find that I’ve lost a child and to my right are the remaining children seeking my strength and direction;
But I have nothing to give but pain and despair, yet, through it all You tell me to trust and follow You.
~~~
Burdens and hardship continues to mount up on every side;
The brook has dried up and You no longer command the ravens to feed me;
I cry to You, “Lord, what’s next? Where is the provision?” Yet Your answer is deafening silence;
All the while the devourer lurks in the shadows seeking to do more than just destroy me;
He wants to use me to hurt You;
He uses soothing words to entice me and makes all kinds of promises in hopes of seducing me;
He even says he can give me beauty for ashes and gladness instead of the aching pain I feel inside;
All of these are mine, he says, if only I serve him.
~~~
But who can stand against the Lord and live? And though I am broken, I am not ignorant of the enemy’s schemes and lies;
I know that no matter what, You are still God and there is NO ONE, including ALL of hell, who can stand against You;
Great and Mighty is Your Name, You are the Lord of hosts, the Great I Am, the great King of Glory;
You are everlasting to everlasting and there is NO wisdom, NO insight or NO plan that can succeed against You;
Though I am cast down, my heart still burns for You and aches for You, and I so seek Your glory, Oh Lord;
If You say You will never forsake me, then it is that which is true; therefore, somewhere provision lies and awaits me;
Arise, Oh Lord, and let Your enemies be scattered; renew my joy which is my strength; anoint me afresh with Your Spirit and bring me higher in You;
Restore me, Oh God, so that I may war for You, and through all of this mayhem, show me Your glory.
~~~
Your Word says the prayers of the righteous avails much and I know it is these prayers that brings me strength on this day;
While I continue to walk through this valley of death, continue to press their hearts to pray for me;
And let their words be not their own words but the words of the Greater One within them;
And help me, Holy Spirit, to keep my eyes steadfast on the Father and not on the place of isolation and desolation;
Forgive me for any and all sin, and even in my suffering be magnified and glorified, let the people of God be edified and the body of Christ purified;
And let me be healed now in Jesus’ Name, let my mind not wander to dark places but let it be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work and Word of the Lord;
You say in Your Word to let the weak say they are strong, so in Jesus’ name I confess now that I am strong!
Thank You, Lord, for rescuing your servant and for leading me down the path that brings a greater glory to Your wondrous and sovereign Name.
Real talk.
Amen.
Originally written December 23, 2009 by Naima Williams


