Seriously now, if any one wants to know how to run an event smoothly, you need to attend next year and watch excellence in action.  I told the host, Pastor Toyin Jama that in my 30 years of being a Christian, I had never been looked after so well by any Church and, I’m not saying that to flatter.  Honestly they didn’t miss anything.

I had travelled with my husband, daughter and a friend and, at the end of each meeting, we were given food to take back with us to the hotel and, I’m not talking finger rolls and cucumber sandwhiches!  I’m talking chicken, rice and peas, fish, plantain and all the trimmings.  Even the location of the hotel was chosen with my husband and little girl in mind … Manchester football stadium was nearby and the hotel overlooked the docks.

In terms of the speakers, I was personally blessed by the others who ministered and I hope to post some photograps of the event and add some testimonies over the next couple of weeks.

I spoke on Friday evening about how my husband and I used Kingdom of God principles to begin the process of debt cancellation and, to keep ourselves from losing our home almost two years ago now.  Saturday morning for the women’s session, I spoke about “Breaking Free from Emotional Bondages” and after the break, a presentation on  Equipping Men and Women for Business and Commerce.  I’m not going to do the self praise thing though … the testimonies will speak for themselves.

For me, this conference marked the rebirth of my ministry …

“… and God could not have chosen a better venue or a better group of people to initiate this rebirth.”

Though not intentionally, since being called into ministry back in 2003, I have taken a back seat on too many occasions.  When Toyin called me about speaking at their conference, there was no doubt in my mind that this was a God sent assignment.  I prayed far more than I prepared, not because I was so confident about my message but because for the first time in my speaking career and ministry, I was relying on the Holy Spirit and not my own ability.  It’s also the first time I experienced such peace before I spoke.

In fact, on Friday evening, I thought I was going to give a 10 minute word and then discovered I had 25 minutes to speak.  Even then, I was so calm and told God “you’re really testing out this ambassador now aren’t you … but I trust you.”  As I flipped through the pages of my Bible to find a message, I came across these words from Isaiah 51:15 …

“And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand …”

That was it!  My reassurance from God that I had nothing to worry about … just be obedient and He would put His words in my mouth.

Well, I decided that I would speak about the Woman at the Well ~ John 4, but, all that changed when I stood on the platform to speak.  Instead, I felt led to speak about how we used Kingdom of God Principles to keep our home and begin to recover from the financial mess we found ourselves in a couple of years ago.   And even then, I only intended giving a brief overview but it took over.  And, I had no idea that so many people were faced with this issue.  People were coming up to me afterwards and saying “you were speaking to me.”  My heartfelt prayer is that these people experience the Kingdom of God in all its fullness.

I personally know there is more to come than we’ve even experienced so far.

Conference Speakers

Elder Niyi Adeoshun spoke on money management and the myths surrounding money which stop us from walking in our full blessing.  One such myth as I’m sure many of you are aware, is the fact that “money is the root of all evil” when in fact, the Bible states that it’s the ”Love of money …”  And as Elder Niyi pointed out, 1/6 th of the scriptures refer to money and so our problem as Christians isn’t money, but what we do with money and, whether we allow money to control us.  Niyi Adeoshun is a Money Management Coach who truly understands the spiritual elements of financial freedom.

Rev Joanna Barratt blessed us with her rendition of Esther and how we as women can get our husbands to respond to our needs by being more feminine and not bulldozing them.  “Joanna, I’m hearing you!”  Queen Esther when she learned about the fate of her people, not only prayed and fasted, but she prepared for her entrance into the Kings court with the view, that ”If I perish, I perish.”  When the King saw Esther enter his presence, not only did he put out the sceptre, he was probably so captivated by her beauty that he asked what she wanted and offered to give her anything, up to the half of his kingdom.  I mean wow!  I’m going to try this one the next time I have a serious issue I need my husband to do something about.  In truthfullness, I probably won’t get offered half of his estate, but I bet I’ll have a listening ear!

Rev Maurice Barratt ministered to the men whilst his wife ministered to the women, but I did get my chance to hear him during the Q&A session and when it comes to family matters, this man of God is “loaded” to use Pastor Toyin’s phrase.  In fact, if you’re thinking of getting married and your pastor isn’t doing the right thing of counselling you before you say “I do” I would highly recommend that you purchase one of the Barratt’s teaching materials on marriage and family … just fantastic.

Minister Victor George led the session with the young men and his wife, Minister Jumi George led the session with the younger women, on “Before You Say I Do” and so again, since I didn’t fit in either category (too late now, I said it … 20 years ago!) I didn’t get to hear them speak but sat on the panel with them for the Q&A and it was great to hear them giving feedback to the younger men and women on ironing out relationship issues.

Pastor Toyin Jama runs on duracell batteries!  I say this lovingly.  Seriously now, this woman teaches the Word of Truth and encouraged us on Friday night to trust God for our miracles.  I know at least one person who experienced God’s healing touch after her message and being prayed for, which is a testament of God grace and power as well as the integrity of His Word.  When Pastor Toyin isn’t ministering the Word, she’s ministering somewhere … whether in hospitality, arrangement of the next speakers, encouraging the children and whatever else is presented before her – this is why I say she runs on duracell batteries.   I really do give God thanks for her life.  Pastor Toyin truly is a Woman of Influence on a mission, with a mission and doing it on purpose.

Pastor Joshua Jama joined us on the panel for the Q&A and demonstrated a level of humility that is rare.  But, in addition to hearing Pastor Jama’s feedback at the conference, I attended Good News Assembly Church on Sunday morning and was “blessed beyond my socks” as my friend Pastor Christine Kumbin would say.   Pastor Jama started with the story of Jairus’ daughter and he connected the story of Jairus with the story of the woman with the issue of blood … Jairus’ daughter was 12 years old, this woman had an issue of blood for 12 years.  Pastor Jama gave us a prophetic word to expect that something signifcant would happen in our lives in the next 12 days.  Bridget, my friend who attended the conference with me, and myself have already seen some great things happen in our lives this week.  God is Good!

It was interesting that Pastor Jama received his message from the Lord at 5:00 am in the morning.  At 5:00 am, I woke up with a splitting headache and decided I wouldn’t go to Church that morning.  But, by 7:00 am, I was woken up with the noise on the docs and during my slumber, just kept seeing Pastor Jama preaching and people dancing and I knew in my spirit, I had to get up and go to Church.  I can’t even begin to imagine what I would have missed out on had I not attended.  I need to get a copy of that message since it’s one that needs to be in my audio reference library for listening to again and again.

I continue to pray that the seeds of faith sown last weekend will one day soon flourish and other people’s lives will lives will be touched as a result.

A heartfelt “thank you” to Pastors Joshua Jama and Toyin Jama for the invitation to bless and be blessed under their anointed ministry.

Related posts:

1. Becoming A Christian Woman Of Influence
2. Open Up Your Mouth and Speak!!
3. Being a Virtuous Woman Part 3

How to Save Yourself from Negative Influences

Stephen Pierce, Internet Marketing, speak and author, in his book, “Secrets To Creating Wealth” speaks about the Power of the Third Influence being anything that you allow into your life that will have a long-term affect.

This could be what you watch on TV, what you listen to on the radio, what you put into your body whether it’s food, alcohol or drugs.

A bullet remains in Stephen Pierce’s leg from a shooting some years ago, as a reminder of the negative influences that he allowed into his life, but as he puts it, “the Lord spared my life” since the bullet wasn’t meant for his leg, it was meant for his head!

The fact is, we are all being influenced by something or some one every waking moment of our day, but it’s up to you to filter out what you watch, read and listen to since these, ‘third influences’ as Stephen Pierce calls them will have a long-term impact on your future as well as the future of those you have the opportunity of influencing.

Yes, this means you have the power to influence your children, spouse, employees, nephews, nieces and anyone else with whom you come into personal contact, negatively or positively.

I often hear people say “a little of this or that won’t hurt.” But, the alcoholic didn’t start out drinking a bottle of vodka, he or she started with just ‘a little.’

Many affairs are probably started with just ‘a little’ kiss at the Company’s Christmas party (I’ve witnessed too many of these!) and the debts may have started with just ‘a little’ loan to tide you over.

Can you see what ‘a little’ can do?

And what are the little things you are doing on a daily basis that have now become habits that are having a negative impact on your life as well as those around you? And to what extent are these negative influences having on putting a stop to you living your dreams.

You may not have a choice about who you work with, and there may even be aspects of your environment that you think you can’t change, but let me tell you, you can change what you “ponder” and what you speak.

My little girl came home from School the other day and said “mummy, words are the most powerful thing on earth.” I said “what!?” Thinking she was going to say that’s what you and daddy have been talking about. She said “that’s what the teacher said in assembly.”

No wonder the enemy has tried so hard to get her out of there. He knows she being fed right!!

But, I digress. If a child can accept and understand that, it’s important that we as adults stop accepting that “words are just words.” The Bible tells us that they are spirit and they are life.” John 6:63 KJV

So, how do you get rid of negative influences?

Let me illustrate by way of example…

If you put green die into a jug of water, naturally, the water will turn green. If you keep adding clear water to the jug of green died water, what’s going to happen over time? The water will eventually become clear again because no more green die is being added to the jug of water.

Our minds work on the same principle. I know it’s impossible not to be exposed to words and pictures that can have negative consequences, but you can ensure that you are influenced by more positives than negatives by reading, watching and listening to things that are edifiying to the soul. And by soul, I mean the mind, since so many people confuse this with spirit.

You can listen to songs that lift you up, listen to motivational and inspiring audio and read books that are intended to have a positive impact on your life. And more importantly, you have to keep reading the Word of God. This is where you’ll find the promises that God outlined for you even before you were born.

Doing this, will literally change your outlook on life because what you see and what you speak is what you get in life.

In simple terms, this means you literally have the power to “see” and “speak” your way out of your current situation but you have to put “the right stuff” into your mind in the first place since what you’re thinking about will eventually become what you speak about and what you speak about will ultimately manifest itself in your life.

Be commiteed to speaking the truths contained in God’s Word and when what you’re thinking contradicts what the Word of God says, you just keep saying what God said.

Recently, I’ve been listening and watching Bill Winston and I highly recommend that you go check out his broadcast and they buy his program called “Speak The Word Only.”

It will make you think twice about the words you allow to come out of your mouth when he explains to you that words are not “just words,” but words are spirit.

I particularly enjoyed the “No More Toil” series. Go and edify yourself so you’ll have more power to influence your children, husband, work colleagues and anyone esle with whom you come into contact with, in a positive way.

http://www.bwm.org/believers_walk_of_faith/video.htm

Live Life On Purpose,

Related posts:

1. Knowledge is Power? Part 1
2. Knowledge is Power? Part 2
3. Becoming A Christian Woman Of Influence

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born
I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations”
Jeremiah 1:5

This was God’s message to the prophet Jeremiah. But as God’s chosen women, we shouldn’t make this a gender issue – it applies to you too!

But just in case you’re unfamiliar with the story of Jeremiah, Jeremiah was appointed by God to be a prophet both to Judah and to the nations. However, he objected to his appointment as a prophet on the grounds that he did not know how to speak because he was only a child. In other words, he felt he wasn’t eloquent or experienced enough to accept his appointment.

And God’s response to this…

“Say not, I am only a youth: for you shall go to all whom I shall send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.” (Jeremiah 1:7)

I mean, what a sophisticated reprimand and praise all rolled in to one! How on earth could Jeremiah not accept his appointment when it was put like this!

God was telling Jeremiah that his experience was irrelevant because a) his appointment was from God, b) God would be with him and c) He would tell Jeremiah what he should say.

So, the next time you find yourself:

• Second guessing your abilities
• Wondering whether you will ever find the direction and purpose for your life
• Questioning whether God’s calling on your life is His voice or your own
• Feeling that you’re too much
• Thinking that you’re not enough

… Remember God’s message to Jeremiah and remind yourself that you were chosen before the world began and whatever God’s plan for your life, He never expected you to go it alone!

You may have all of these questions, thoughts and feelings for a very good reason, but unless you listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling you – as Jeremiah did – when you’re in doubt, these thoughts, questions and feelings will be the very “things” that unintentionally get in the way of God establishing His purpose for your life and therefore hinder your destiny.

Can you imagine if Jeremiah had not been listening to the voice of God? He may have missed his opportunity because God’s message to Judah and the nations was immanent. God needed a messenger now!

And like most of us are “oh so” guilty of at times, Jeremiah could have spent time asking others what they thought about his ability and standing in the community, with a view only to decide it must have been God when those from whom he sought counsel approved of his appointment.

By then, God may have already appointed someone else and Jeremiah would have had to wait for another opportunity.

But notice I didn’t say God would have given up on Jeremiah because He never would! He’s the God of the second, third and fourth chance so if you’ve been feeling lately that your life seems to lack direction and you know you’ve missed opportunities for fear of taking action when you know you should have done, I have some great news for you…

God Hasn’t Changed His Mind About You!

And despite all of your doubts, fears and apprehensions, God want and needs you to know and understand that before you were born, He knew and approved of you [as His chosen instrument], and before you were born He separated and set you apart (Jeremiah 1:5Amp).

The enemy may have made many attempts to “disqualify” you from receiving all that God has planned for you, including lying to you about your worth. But God needs you to listen to Him, to stand on His Word and to claim victory over every negative situation in your life.

ACTION CHALLENGE:

By renewing your mind through God’s Word, you’ll begin to experience the life-changing potential that was deposited within you before the foundation of the world.

So this weeks Action Challenge will help you lay a solid foundation for the exciting journey that you have ahead of you. It may be second nature to some of you, and even tasteless to others, but this is something I had to learn the hard way; so really, I want to save you from the pain…

Pick up your Bible and start reading…

…even if it’s only a few verses per day and spend some time speaking to God.

If this might be a struggle, check out Word for Today and order yourself a copy of Prayers That Avail Much, by Germaine Copeland from Amazon. These are a couple of resources I’ve selected and personally use that will help you spend some quiet time with God.

Why am I so keen for you to do this?

I want you to build a relationship with God because it is the only way you will have a clear idea of what His purposes are for your life and the only way you’ll reach the level of experiencing real life abundance. You’ll also become more attuned to when God is speaking and learn to know when the enemy is playing mind games with you.

So I urge you to get to KNOW Him who KNEW you before you were even conceived.

Have a Question For Me?

If you have any questions about this article or questions in general, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at trish@womenofinfluence.com and I will make every endeavour to reply to your email within 48 hours.

Until next time,

Blessings,

Related posts:

1. Your Future is Already Written
2. Open Up Your Mouth and Speak!!
3. Make Your Way Prosperous

This book of the Law (the Word) shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it.  For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.  [Joshua 1:8 - Amplified Version]

Many Christians stumble on the part that says “that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it.”

Some people live by religious rituals that lack dept because they’re still trying to ensure they observe The Ten Commandments, follow Proverbs and so on – which, by the way I am not dismissing as unimportant so keep reading.

But life wasn’t intendended to be full of religious rituals and if you’ve been an observer and doer of legalistic rituals – maybe without even realizing it - today is your day to be set free!

Jesus’ simple commandment to use was this …

But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you”  (MATTHEW 6:33)

So how will this help you to make your way prospersous?

By putting the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first, you will first of all know and experience God’s purpose for your life and second, because you’re walking in His Will and His way, “observing and doing” what is written in His Word will become second nature.

Sadly, most people believe that by doing good, it makes them righteous but it’s by being righteous (being in right-standing with God and living according to His will for your life) that enables you to do good (or, what is right), not the other way around.

If you want to know more about how the Kingdom living and exactly what Jesus meant when He taught His deciples to “Seek first the Kingdom …” I urge you to purchase a copy of Dr Myles Munroe’s book “Redicsovering the Kingdom.”  Not only will this book change your life, it will simplify it in a way that will make prospertiy achievable.

Blessings until next time,

Related posts:

1. Open Up Your Mouth and Speak!!
2. Who Are You Trying To Reach With The Gospel?
3. Knowledge is Power? Part 2

During one of his consulting sessions, he was told to “watch what he said.” The specialist told him that despite the fact that he may not mean what he says, the inner brain that controls your emotions, can’t tell the difference between what you say and what you mean. As an example, if you say “I can’t do this” when what you really mean is “I’m having some trouble doing this,” because the brain can’t tell the difference between “can’t” and “having some trouble,” you’re more likely to struggle which, could ultimately result in you giving up.

Moses’ successor, Joshua knew first hand what it would mean to open up his mouth and speak right words … He received full instructions from God Almighty Himself:

This book of the Law (the Word) shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. [Joshua 1:8 - Amplified Version]

So what is it you want from God? It’s time to open up your mouth and speak it!

But, what do you speak? You have to speak the truth that is found in His Word. And, when you speak these truths, it will cause you to focus (meditate) on the truth that you are speaking and then you’ll be led by God down the path (way) that leads to “good success.”

In my next post, I’m going to speak about the “observing and doing” part of Joshua 1:8. But before you think that this is going to be a post on religion (rituals), or the “thou shalt and thou shalt nots,” if you want to live a simplified but successful life, I urge you to read the next post.

I used to ask God … “why didn’t you just make the Bible easy for simpletons like me to understand?” And one day I got it and, I really got it and the thou shalts and thou shalt nots went out of the window, my life is so much simpler now and I’m loving it. If you want a hint, check out the four Gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and look at what Jesus taught and then admire the simplicity of his life.

If you’re still unsure, go and check out Myles Munroe’s book, Rediscovering The Kingdom. This really is a life changing book.

Blessings,

Related posts:

1. Make Your Way Prosperous
2. Woman Thou Art Loosed Conference
3. Rich Dad Poor Dad And Rich Church Poor Church Connection…

I know the term ministry is used very loosely and for most people, when they think of ministry, they think of Pastor’s, Church Leaders, Evangelists and more importantly, people who work within the Church.

But ministry goes way beyond all of this.

Ministry simply means service.

Although I have an Internet ministry, I’m also an entrepreneur and Internet Business Consultant. I provide a service to business owners and ministries who want to put up a blog, which incidentally is just another kind of website – a lot easier to put up and cheaper and easier to maintain.

And I stopped distinguishing between my business and ministry some months now, because I recognise that what I do in my business is just one aspect of my ministry.

Paul tells us in the Book of Colossians (3:23-24) that

“Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul) as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,

Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The one whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).” Amplified Version

Do you know what this says? It says that when you’re in business or doing a service, in ministry, carrying out chores in the home or wherever, that those you’re serving may not always appreciate you, your time and sometimes your sacrifice.

But what God is say is “don’t worry about them, do it as though you’re doing it for me.”

I do want to clarify one thing though – God never gives you permission to be treated as a doormat but you have to learn, via the Holy Spirit, how to distinguish the difference between being a service to someone and being at their “beck and call.” Perhaps that’s something I’ll cover in a future post, but I’m sure I have done already.

It does mean that sometimes we’ll have to take the rough with the smooth and, I’ve experienced that in the past few days. In fact, I confess that I almost threw in the towel on one of the projects I was working on yesterday. But as I walked away from my desk, Colossians 3:23 came to mind. I thanked the Holy Spirit for His direction and set about trying to complete the project with a different attitude and a different mind.

Guess what? What seemed to be a mountain, turned into a molehill! Before I knew it, what seemed like many more hours of work, suddenly looked like the finishing line in the horizon. It’s true I’ve not done yet, but I’ve jumped the hurdles that were plaguing my mind and now I’m on a clear path toward the ribbon and, I’m running!

So let me ask you, what’s your ministry? In what areas can you provide a service that will benefit others and ultimately benefit you?

Until next time, Blessings,

Related posts:

1. Her Ministry
2. Power of the Third Influence
3. Rich Dad Poor Dad And Rich Church Poor Church Connection…

And, if you don’t know what I’m talking about, head over to Amazon.com and check it out, it’s a great book.

First of all, I have to say that I wrote this blog post back in 2006 and never felt it was the right time to post it. Today it feels right so be blessed…

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I’ve been working on my next project for adding some more content to the Women of Influence website, including what will be a subscription membership website, which will be aimed at the entrepreneurial woman as well as the women who acknowledges that worship is more than a Sunday ritual since Christ should permeate our lives which means that wherever we walk, we should leave footprints.

But , one of the areas that I’m particuarly interested in right now, is MONEY!!

Now, for those of you who think money is the root of all evil, click the back button now because I’m going to touch on this “forbidden” subject.

You see, there is NOTHING wrong with money …

… it’s a) what you do with it and b) your relationship with it. In fact, these should be in reverse order because your relationship with money will be directly related to what you do with it and how you obtain it.

Anyway, during my research, I visited RichWoman.com the site of Kim Kiyosaki and wife of Robert Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad Poor Dad). And I was so blessed when I stumbled upon and then watched their interview on Day Star.

I got really excited when Robert Kiyosaki expressed his insight into the story of the talents in Matthew: 14 -29 because what he said was just too close for comfort to what I said in my blog post, The Rich Get Richer Whilst The Poor Get Poorer . You would have thought we’d had a conversation and that we read the same Bible! I won’t go over that post, you can go and check it out for yourself but here is the essence of what he was saying…

The one talent that the servant hid was taken away from him and given to the servant with the ten talents (v.28) and then in verse 29, we’re told “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”

I make it clear though, that this isn’t about the amount of assets you have, in the words of Andrew Wommack, this is about “stinking thinking!” The kind of thinking that says “I’m never going to get out of this mess,” or “what skills do I have,” etc.

But Robert Kiyosaki also touched on Rich Church Poor Church and the difference in the two mentalities. He actually left his Church when he was younger because the Pastor told the congregation that rich people would go to hell. You know the scripture relating to the camel and the eye of a needle right…? I wouldn’t doubt that if you asked most people who love to quote this scripture, what an eye of a needle is, they’d go to their sewing box!!

Enough said on that point, but my thoughts turned to the growth of the Church and why it is that we hear so much about prosperity these days and yet there seems to be a “lack” epidemic amongst Christians.

I know many people are going to consider me “out of order” but I’m only saying what I know Paul would have said if he’d been around today.

First of all for those of you thinking what’s money got to do with the growth of the Church, it has many connections, but one of the most important is that the sinner is afraid of becoming poor like too many of us so they stay away!

Also, when the “poor” Christian, in every sense of the word, is pennyless because they’ve given everything to the foundation who thinks money is evil, they leave the Church looking for some semblence of riches in the world again! Come on Christians, it’s time to wake up!

And just because your Church leader is speaking about prosperity doesn’t mean prosperity prevails in the Church either. Why? In the corporate world we always used to say that the culture of the organization reflects that of the leader and it’s no different in the Church.

If your Church leader (and I’m including anybody in ministry, including myself, in this definition) is speaking about prosperity but no one around them seems to be going places, something is wrong!

I am so NOT surprised when Jerry Savelle tells the stories of how people who come to work for him, or give to his ministry prosper. You know why, because he’s a leader who genuinly has people’s best interest at heart and not his own and God rewards him for this and others who partner with him are likewise blessed … They take on that same mindset.

He doesn’t mind if people overtake him and do greater works than him.

Doesn’t this characteristic remind you of the Lord Jesus himself “greater works shall ye do…” It is this kind of mentality that makes a Church rich.

In the words of Zig Ziglar …

“If you give enough people what they want, you’ll get what you want.”

Jesus wanted people to know and experience the Kingdom of Heaven and he got people’s attention by meeting their needs first in many instances. How could they help him? By becoming disciples and spreading the Word.

So ask yourself today, how can I help someone else who might be in need of my skills, time, money or advice? Your purpose isn’t to create a “give to get” mentality though, but to give out of genuine love to help others. God will do the rest!

In my next blog post, I’m going to tell you about the “Slap and the Blessing” that the Lord gave me last last year about staying focused on the dream He has given me.

In the meantime, can I encourage you to “get understanding.” Read some books, have conversations with people outside of your peer group and listen to teachers who may have a different perspective than you and ask God to give you a spirit of discernment since that will help you separate the wheat from the chaff and will you grow.

Blessings,

Related posts:

1. The Rich Get Richer While The Poor Get Poorer?
2. Knowledge is Power? Part 1
3. Body, Soul And Spirit Connection

In essence, this series has had a profound impact on my life.  It’s changed the way I see God, read my Bible as well as how I overcome day-to-day situations that arise.  And, I’m going to recommend that if you want to know and understand what true prosperity – peace, happiness and wealth is – that you read this book!

Notice that I put “wealth” last!   Because if there is one recurring theme that I find when speaking to Christian women, it’s that they don’t have peace and they don’t know how to find it.

And usually, what they’re feeling is the result of self condemnation from their past or a rehersal of what others have said to them.  But the truth is, you don’t have to feel condemned and you can have peace.

The apostle Paul said in Romans ”there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).”  And we are told to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) as well as to prosper and be in good health, even as our soul prospers (3 John:2).  What are all of these scriptures…

They are Recipes for Peace!

So if you’re going through some life struggles right now, it isn’t time to give up, no matter how dark the day might seem and no matter how rough the road might feel.  You are an overcomer in Christ Jesus, and all you have to do is stand on God’s Word.

What you focus on expands and if all you are able to think about is your problems, it will stop you seeing what God is doing and has already done.  John 16:33 says…

These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Whatever the enemy is throwing at you today, you can be confident in knowing that Jesus has already conquered him!  You can overcome because Jesus overcame the world for you.

Blessings,

Related posts:

1. Body, Soul And Spirit Connection
2. BLESS THE Lord, O my soul!
3. Power of the Third Influence

When we’re not real with God, we create a dictatorship rather than a relationship, then we beg rather than go boldly before his throne as we’re instructed in his Word to do.

David said in Psalm 32:5 (AMP)

I acknowledge my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide.  I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord [continually unfolding the past till all is told] – then You [instantly] forgave me the guilt and iniquity of my sin.  Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

So, to endorse, “knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” means to create such a special relationship with God as to ensure he’s the one directing your path and leading you into ALL truth through the Holy Spirit.

But now let’s have a look at what this “KNOWING” does.  Well apart from the obvious one, giving understanding, this knowing:

• Gives you strength – Proverbs 8:14 “Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding, I have strength.”   This is speaking of wisdom, which we know builds a house and this wisdom comes from the [reverent] fear of the Lord.  Can’t see your way through the situation you’re in right now?  Time to rely on His strength, not yours.
• It brings deliverence – Proverbs 11:9 “But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered” and Psalm 34:19 says “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
• It protects from ignorant destruction – Proverbs 4:6 “My people are destroyed through lack of knowledge”
• It improves your understanding and ensures you maintain an open and teachable spirit.  Proverbs 14: 6 “A scoffer seeks Wisdom in vein [for his very attitude blinds and deafens him to it], but knowledge is easy to him who [being teachable] understands” (Amplified version)

I could go on, but I think there’s enough here to demonstrate the power that we have when whatever we do is based on a relationship foundation with God and avoid distractions that move us away from the truth to dwelling on negatives.

In my next post, I’m going to cover one of these negatives that seem to be so popular in Christendom today and that is the subject of “Generational Curses.”  I’m so passionate about this subject, but it might not be in the way that you think I’m passionate about it.  If you think you or someone you know has a curse on their life, you need to come back and check out the next post.

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Blessings until next time,

Related posts:

1. Knowledge is Power? Part 1
2. In All Your Getting, Get Understanding
3. Power of the Third Influence

Well, it may surprise you, but according to God’s Word it really is.

I’ve been promising to write this post for some weeks now and I have so many other things I want to share with you, but this really is the foundation of all that I need to say…

You’ll want to refer to my previous posts of 5th and 12th June… The Rich Get Richer and In All Your Getting, Get Understanding if you haven’t already read them.  And I want to deepen your understanding of the scritpures surrounding these two posts as God deepened my understanding whilst on holiday this July.

Proverbs 24: 3-4 tells us that

“Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

I was intrigued by this scripture and then connected it to Proverbs 4:6 “My people are destroyed through lack of knowledge.”

But, the lightbulb only really came on when I saw Proverbs 8:14

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding.”

Well I don’t know about you, but this really got me excited and you’ll appreciate why when I lay out  for you tomorrow what this knowledge does.  But for today, I want to explain what it means…

I hear so many people say “I’m a Christian and I know God” and for many people that would satisfy them and make them excited, but not Trish – not in all circumstances anyway – and I’ve become relatively good at discerning whether they just believe there’s a God, or whether they KNOW him.  And my response is usually “really?”

Now, if you’re a “prude” leave this blog now, cos we gonna talk about intimacy!

You see, I know my husband intimately but I could tell you all I like that I’m intimate with him, but you don’t have to believe me and you sure not going to see it, so my only proof for you is our child.  And no, we didn’t steal her from the hospital, her looks are a dead giveaway!

Our intimacy enables us to KNOW each other on a much deeper level (and for all of you unmarried women out there thinking I’m giving you a licence to sleep with your man, I’m not!!  But this is another lesson for another day!)

And, over 17 years of marriage Chris and I understand each other much more than we did when we first met and the bonus is that from our love, a gorgeous little girl was born.  And though she’s the evidence of our intimacy, she’s not the evidence of how well Chris and I understand each other.

But, the truth is knowledge should give rise to understanding or should I say “Knowing” should give rise to understanding.  So why do so many relationships fail and why do you seem to apply knowledge but not see consistent blessings in your lives?  In essence, why don’t you get your prayers answered and prosperity become more than just a mere dream?

Well if my dad’s reading this, I bet he can’t wait to tell me “I told you so!”  Because my siblings and I used to repeat in chorus, behind his back what seemed to be his favourite saying, except of course ”where do you think I must get money from” and that was “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

I mimicked my dad because I didn’t understand what he meant but I’ve watched my dad turn from a manual labourer to a self employed sub-contractor doing things from installing central heating, kitchens, bathrooms, decorating and the like (and yes, it’s very beneficial having more than a handyman for a daddy and our home is well maintained because of him!)

How did my dad do this?  He learnt most of what he knows working and watching people who were more skilled than he was.  He hung around the right people who gave him the right knowledge which increased his understanding which then enabled him to go replicate what he’d learnt.

How does all of this relate to Proverbs 8:14…”Knowledge of the Holy one is understanding?”

To put it in a nutshell (as we say in the UK) when you KNOW God, he will teach you what you need to know to get what you want.  How will he do it?  Through the Holy Spirit, whom he sent to lead you into all truth.  In other words, your paths will be directed and God – The All Knowing One - who will ensure you get to know the right people, are in the right place at the right time, so you get the right knowledge to “fill the rooms of your house with with precious and pleasant riches.”

And that’s not all, because to think God is just about giving us riches would be foolishness on my part.  God will ensure we’re living abundantly in every area of our lives including our health as well as fulfill our destiny and become “real” ambassadors for Christ.  By this I mean become real influencers which will enable us to extend his kingdom.

So now, let me ask you this, “how well do you KNOW God and how much understanding to you have because of KNOWING him?”  How much time do you spend getting intimate with him - seeking his face and not just his hand.  How much time do you spend not just reading the scriptures – as one on my Pastor’s would say, like a newspaper – but studying the Word and applying it to yourself?  How much time do you spend just pouring your heart out to God, in other words telling him how you really feel and not just praying what you think he wants to hear?

Ponder these thoughts until tomorrow when I’ll be back with part 2.

Blessings,

Related posts:

1. Knowledge is Power? Part 2
2. In All Your Getting, Get Understanding
3. Power of the Third Influence