TWI #90

Taking Care

Pamyla Floyd

7/25/2012

I, like others (I’m sure), have said “I will cook beautiful meals for my husband every night”, or “I’m going to spoil my spouse to no end” or something similar. What did I say in English you ask? For example, Proverbs 18:22 says whoso findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord. In other words, we cannot expect to suddenly start doing a thing and continue it with excellence, if we have not already been walking in it. A man usually finds a woman who already exhibits wifely traits. Sure, she may become a ‘wife’ by title after she is married, but he recognized the ‘wife’ in her long before they thought about walking down the aisle.

If I am not taking the time to pamper my own feet, it would be silly for me to think that I will automatically begin to bathe, massage and lotion my husbands’. It sounds even sillier for me to say that I would iron my husband’s clothes before laying them out and sew on any missing buttons, if I am not Taking Care to do the same things for myself. Where we are now and where we are going have to start lining up. Remember, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line! We have to start taking care now.

If where we see ourselves going, does not line up with what we are doing now, there has to be a change. Why not start treating yourself to foot massages and manicures? Why not start experimenting with different dishes or taking train rides or just living the way, which you’ve have seen yourself in your dreams? People are attracted to those who exhibit the same traits or to those who are doing what they would like to do. If you are someone who wants to get married, and time is passing you by, get up, get moving and start changing some things.

If you don’t believe me, then pick up the next homeless man/woman you see. Why not? How do you know that they won’t immediately get cleaned up, get a job and become the person that you have been asking God for? Why does that scenario sound silly? If we aren’t taking care to live life to the fullest and be all that we were called to be, aren’t we in effect behaving like a homeless man/woman? I hope that you get the gist of what I am trying to get across. Ladies we all know that no woman in her right mind would spend years ‘dating’ a man that refused to work, marry him and then expect his whole demeanor to change. He has already shown you who he is.

Life is short and Jesus said that He came to give life and to give it more abundantly. We will never experience it in all its glory, if we won’t begin to take a leap of faith and live it. Are you maximizing your potential? To those we want to attract, we may seem to be standing still, because we refuse to stand out. And that is the way it is in life, people are always watching us, whether we know it or not.

Make a list of everything that you want in a mate. Be specific, God does not half step, and He does answer prayer. Now make sure to put down the character of the man/woman that you are interested in. I went over my list taking careful inventory of the man that I want to come into my life, and I had to ask myself “Self, are you such and such?” I came to realize that I was not ‘Taking Care’. I would have been a burden to the man of God, at that time in my life. There was no reflection of what I wanted to attract living inside of me. I could not have nurtured the relationship, and given it time to grow into something beautiful. I can honestly say that I would have sucked the life out of it and run him away. There was NO way for me to become one with the man of my dreams at that time of my life.

I knew that I needed help. I still had some growing up to do, so I sought out the Holy Spirit and asked Him to teach me how to change, become whole, and be the woman that God called me to be. That is how I came up with the name Claywoman. I’m still growing daily, and I thank God for His Holy Spirit, He is all John 14:26 says He is and more! I suggest that you get to know Him for yourself. So, are you really ready for that man/woman to come into your life? Be sure to take care!

God bless,

Pamyla

Am I ready?

TWI #82
© Pamyla Floyd
2/11/2012

I know that I have had to ask myself this question, as I’m sure that many of us must also do. Am I ready? Am I ready for the thing that I’m asking of the lord? Am I mature enough discuss uncomfortable conversations? How do I handle misunderstandings? Do I immediately take action or wait for things to work themselves out? Actually, there is no right or wrong here. But, the question of our motives come into play when we’re faced with challenging circumstances, conversations, problems and the way we handle them.

If we have always yelled down others when they approached with a problem, and ignored their feelings or stance on things, then we need to take a long hard look at ourselves. Now that is easy to say, but nothing is impossible with God. If we are not willing to try effective communication where both parties’ input are listened to, then we may just not be ready yet. If we insist on throwing temper tantrums to get our way, because that is how things have always worked, we surely are not ready for ‘that person’ to come into our lives.

It would be a shame to have prayed and waited for that suitable mate, only to run them away, because we aren’t willing to change for the greater cause of those involved. What about finances? Nobody LIKES paying bills, but unfortunately, it is a must in this life. On the other hand, if we don’t like paying bills and won’t pay them, this is a huge problem. Even as singles, if we think that we can do whatever we want, however we want, because “I don’t have to answer to anyone” we are entering into a mindset with motives that are not pleasing to the Lord. We will find ourselves pushed further away from attaining the promise of a successful loving relationship. It is foolish to think that our Heavenly Father would bring His virtuous woman or mighty man of valor into the life of someone who would ruin their walk, life and testimony. I’m trying to keep it real. There are far too many divorces in the body of Christ.

In order to walk in the promises of God we have to be in position. No batter can make a home run if he refuses to come up to the plate. We need to have a teachable spirit, be a good listener, have compassion toward others, walk in love, and be ready to forgive. Another key component is that we be willing to work on things, by following through every time.

So, whether our petition letter to the Lord be about our spiritual growth,a new home, job , relationship or whatever; the question should always be—Am I ready?

Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips—Psalms 21:2

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting—Matthew 17:21

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or want help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

God bless,
Pamyla

TWI #75--characteristics of a Godly man

I originally wrote this piece on April 29, 2002, and thought that it might still bless today. It was meant for the women, but men benefit from it as well.
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Hello and God bless. I wanted to list some characteristics of godly men. Too often we as women complain and bad mouth the men of God but are we really looking at them in a godly manner or how the world says? Ladies, we have to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Believe me, they are out there, and if we continue to view relationships and criteria of a person’s character by the standards we used before we became saved, well, we will continue to get the same results Amen!
Please read carefully, praying and asking God to send His Holy Spirit to guide and un blind eyes and open hearts to her the things of God.

I hope you enjoy this writing, and please be sure to follow up on the scriptures. They will be helpful and give insight into what God’s standards are, and not man’s.

1—He loves the Lord, He is saved—Deuteronomy 6:5—some men refuse to say Jesus’ name!

2—He respects and honors you as a woman—Ruth 3:14—He doesn’t try to give false impressions of what is really going on

3—He cheerfully honors God with his first fruits (tithes and offerings)-- Hebrews 11:4—He trusts in God, not the lottery

4—He reverences God and his relationship with Him—Psalms 145:5—He knows where his help comes from

5—He walks away from temptation—Genesis 39:9—He is not easily swayed by all that glitters

6—He is a man of prayer—Philippians 4:6—If nothing else, can he cover you in prayer?

7—His speech is not offensive—Colossians 4:6—“b” or hoe aren’t words of endearment to him

8—He has confidence in God—Psalms 147:11—He knows where his help and strength comes from

9—He has a job or is ACTIVELY seeking one—II Thessalonians 3:10-He isn’t sitting around only waiting on a job in the field he studied for to come open, before he will go to work

10—He does not try to make you go against God’s will or your moral values—Acts 5:1-10—self explanatory

11—He doesn’t run from his responsibilities—John 1:3—debts, child support, work etc

12—He honors not only his parents, but yours also—Deuteronomy 21:18—A man who hates your or his own mother are to be avoided at all costs!

13—He leans on the Lord when going through the storms of life—Philippians 1:8—If he starts to revert back to drinking etc, to calm his nerves/help him focus run fast!

14—His lifestyle reflects that of a man after the heart of God—I John 3:18—he isn’t a Sunday Saint only

15—He is a friend to you—Proverbs 12:2—self explanatory

16—He is tactful—Colossians 4:6—no matter the environment or situation, he is careful in how he handles himself

17—He allows god to influence his life, not others—James 1:8—self explanatory

18—His kindness is genuine—Luke 10:33—he doesn’t expect ‘favors’ in return for something he has done for you

19—He is humble—Philippians 4:11--pride aside he humbles himself to the authority of Christ

20—He is not gullible—I John 4:1—not ignorant of the devil's devices

21—He is communicative—I Tim 6:18—Although he may not be much of a talker, you shouldn’t feel like you are ‘pulling teeth’ to get him to talk to you

22—He takes pride in his appearance—Ecclesiastes 9:8—Wheather he has 5 or 50 pair of pants, he is always clean, pressed and neat, and so is his hair

23—He is even tempered—proverbs 29:22—This man is not hard to recognize

24—He is a man of his word—proverbs 6:19—He does what he says, or let’s you know if he can’t. He won’t keep you guessing about his intentions

25—He is trustworthy—Proverbs 11:13- You won’t hear others, the intimate details that you shared with him

26—He doesn’t hold grudges—Ephesians 4:26—The past is in the past with this man

27—He is not carnal minded—Romans 8:7—He doesn’t accept SOME of the things that God has mandated, and reject others. In other words, he won’t manipulate scripture to fit his lifestyle, wants, desires or “needs”

28—He loves you with the love of Christ—Romans 12:10—If your friendship stays on that level, he is still your brother in Christ and treats you with love and respect

29—He is forgiving—Luke 17:3—He knows that he has been forgiven by Christ and ministers effectively the practice of forgiveness

30—He is content—Philippians 4:11-12—This man recognizes that his needs are taken care of, and that he wants and desires of his heart do not cause him to run after the Joneses. He knows that increase comes from the Lord!

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Note: The image is of an male angel

The Word Illustrated #75 -- A servant's heart

The Word Illustrated #75
© Pamyla Floyd
07/28/2011

A servant’s heart

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me -- Matthew 25:35-36

Jesus never hesitated to serve His disciples, or thought Himself more highly than others who served along side Him. He beautifully illustrated this, when He washed the disciples feet -- John 13:5. This is a tender act of servitude toward others. A true servant does not seek recognition or the praise of others. They simply want to help (serve), and would rather work ‘behind the scenes’.

They are most satisfied, when others are able to enjoy the fruit of their labor. They prefer to go unnoticed, and are often perplexed, when the act of helping is praised. Although theirs is a ministry of ‘Helps’; it is more a part of who they are, rather than a ministry position. These individuals often speak to and spend time with those others choose to ignore.

When they go grocery shopping, they buy enough to share with others. If they find a deal, their thoughts go to someone else who could benefit from their find. Generally, they do not worry about what others think of them. They only want to do what is right, and pleasing to God. In the flesh, they question why they are the way they are, sulk and will hesitate to serve. This happens when the deceiver slips through the crack in their armour. he tricks them into focusing on themselves and their situation, rather than helping others. he also tricks them into thinking that they should have more than they do.

Their power verse is Galatians 6:9 -- And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Once they confess their sin, and repent to the Lord, they can move forward again unhindered. The servants know their calling, and will do what is right, even if it puts them in a less favorable light with others. We are told to be doers and not hearers only, who deceive themselves James 1:22. The word of God is very clear.

The life of a servant is a witness to others. They are so unusual, that they automatically draw attention to themselves, without meaning to. They are watched closely by others. The way you live, how you give, the way you speak to and treat others, is always being scrutinized. When faced with trials and tribulations, others want to know how you handle things, even those in the body of Christ. They want to know if we are willing to only love and serve the Lord when things are going well.

They really want to know if we believe what we say and do, or if it is just for show. The servant knows how to walk by faith, and not by sight, because he/she knows that what we see are only temporal. More than that, they know that if they are to walk in faith, then they cannot straddle the fence. The opposite of faith is doubt and unbelief. They know that they MUST still move forward with singleness of heart in their service to God, because in the grand scheme of things, all things work together for the good of them that love God, those who are the called according to His purpose.


God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:
After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded --John 13:5

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves -- Philippians 2:3


Note: The image is an illustration of a hand holding a beating heart.

The Word Illustrated #69 -- Real Love

The Word Illustrated #69
© Pamyla Floyd
2/16/2011

Real Love

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee – Jeremiah 31:3

Valentine's Day is the day that we outwardly express our love. It is a day, much anticipated, with careful planning and delight. We don't mind looking silly, or 'putting ourselves out there' for our sweetie pie. But, what about our first love? Deuteronomy 6:5 tell us that we are to love the LORD our God with all our heart, our mind and all our might.

God so LOVED the world, that He GAVE His only begotton son. What kind of love is this? His love is so deep, so wide, and so high that we cannot begin to understand it! He knew the roads we would travel, the mistakes we would make, and of our rejection of Him, and yet, He still loved us. In fact, He loved us even BEFORE we were formed in our mother's womb. This is real love.

I challenge you to daily express your love toward Him. We can begin by simply telling Him that we love Him, and look for ways to please Him. Aren't these the things we do to gain the attention, love and approval of others? As we draw nearer, He will show and teach us about real love; he will also teach us how to recognize and receive it when it is expressed through others. Real love, what a beautiful thing!

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or want help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations – Jeremiah 1:5

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love -- Revelation 2:4

Note: The illustration is of a comic male holding a flower. He has a broad, grin.

The Word Illustrated #68--Leaving the past behind

The Word Illustrated #68
© Pamyla Floyd
01/20/2011

Leaving the past behind

Php 3:13 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,

In order to receive healing, you have to believe Jesus can heal you. In order to walk in the promises of God, we have to live the way He says to live. It is what we believe in our hearts, that comes out of our mouths, and those things that we say and do. What do you believe? What are you saying? Does it line up with the word of God? Two thousand and ten is gone, it's time to believe what God says.

When we murmur and complain, we are expressing unbelief in God. When we slander and gossip against others, we are saying that He cannot produce change in their lives. On both accounts, we are calling Him a liar. When we hold grudges and refuse to forgive, we are saying that satan is right and God is wrong. Amos 3:3 states, how can two walk together lest they agree? Who are you standing in agreement with?

satan comes to kill our hopes and dreams, steal our happiness, and destroy our lives. he knows that many Christians, will not read God's word to find out how we can live in peace, have restored health and experience complete wholeness. We can do all things through Christ which strenghtens us. What are you watching, listening to and thinking about everyday?

When we say, “God knows my heart”, we are expressing an outright refusal to do what He says to do. Apostasy, which is the turning away from God, is what satan covets most. It's time to believe what God says. But we have to get into a ministry that preaches the resurrected Jesus, that teaches the bible, and learn how to leave the past buried!

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

God knows my heart:
Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)--2Ch 6:30

I just can't forgive them:
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespases -- Mar 11:26

It's just small talk:
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, –-1Pe 2:1

They are not going to get over on me:
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth -- Col 3:8

Good friends are hard to find:
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, –- 2Co 6:17

They owe it to me:
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth –- Eph 4:28

He/she will never change:
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers –- Eph 4:29

Note: The illustration is of four ghosts waving goodbye

The Word Illustrated #66--It's not over!

The Word Illustrated #66
© Pamyla Floyd
12/19/2010

It's not over

Jeremiah 29:11 -- For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end

As the new year approaches, we find ourselves reflecting back over the past twelve months, and sometimes, previous years. It is the job of the deceiver to make us feel like failures or victims in our lives. As we take stock, we must realize that although we cannot change nor forget the past, we can, with God's help use them to live our lives in His will.

I realize I made things sound easy, but, my point is that with God, all things are possible. satan is seductive, and will any situation, conversation, or circumstance in our lives, to remove the focus away from the Lord, and put it square on ourselves. he then starts introducing memories from our pasts. Suddenly, we are reminiscing about the 'good ole days' with fondness and delight.

WE have not handed satan the keys to come in and redecorate our spiritual houses. When we take the marbles labeled with our cares, out of God's capable hands, we stand in agreement with satan for a better way. he takes us to a place of isolation and throws the blanket of depression over our heads; a state where we cannot hear or think clearly. He wants to muffle out the voice of the Lord, but cannot because He said that His sheep know H voice Make no mistake, this is not a game, satan plans to steal, kill and destroy our lives.

I Corinthians 15:34 tells us to awake to righteousness and sin not. Instead of speaking words of death and defeat, make declarations of faith such as, "I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ". Say it aloud, say it often, get it in your spirit, and begin to emerge from the entrapment and strongholds. It's never too late to return home! Repent, ask for forgiveness, and move forward in Christ. Today is the first day of the rest of your life, make the right choice today!


God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:
Jeremiah 31:3 -- The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee

II Timothy 3:3 -- But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil

Note: The illustration is of a woman with her chin resting on her hands. She has a solemn look but it is not a peaceful state

The Word Illustrated #61--count it all joy!

The Word Illustrated #61
© Pamyla Floyd
9/23/2010

Count it all Joy

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; -- James 1:2

A song to the Lord:

Lord I don't understand what, why and surely not how. But I know that things are quickly moving. Moving out of place, into nothing that makes sense.

Days drag on, my heart beats strong, for what it does endure. Temptations come but why now, so enticing so strong, unpure. My mind wonders of it’s meaning. I count it all you.

Things I had not thought about in ages, things I never thought about before. Now as I step forward in faith, there are things lurking behind each and every door.

"Come back" they cry, "you don't have to do without, I have life for you". 'They' watch as we grow in God’s grace. 'They' want to take His place.

Like a tree in the middle of the desert lone; the leaves are green, pure and strong. Knowing what's behind, there is no hesitation to run toward what lies before. I count it all joy.

No fear because it is not of Him, no worries because they were never of Him. No doubt nor unbelief, because faith is the way. He supplies all my needs, and in Him I am....whole this very day. I count it all joy.

As a wanderer, struggling against desert storms that would wisk me away. I lean on Him the one in whom I can depend. In Him is life, for he is the way. I am not alone, not even in a storm. It is His voice I hear, that leads the way.

I can smile when others leave me, rejoice when they do not want to be near me. God is my refuge in Him will I trust. He is my shelter, my strongtower.

His love is unwavering, in Him I am complete. I can hold my head high, live life full, satisfied; there is no hunger, He is my meat. He loves me without no judgment and to me He will never lie. I'll love Him and serve Him always, even unto the day I die. I count it all joy.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

Isiah 54:17 -- No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD

Matthew 10:28 -- And fear not them which kill the body, but, are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell

Note: the animations is of a flourishing green tree in the middle of the desert

The Word Illustrated #59--Patience

The Word Illustrated #59
© Pamyla Floyd
9/4/2010
Revised from: Feb 28, 2002

Patience

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience Romans 5:3

I can attest this scripture to be true. During times of tribulation, we have the added bonus of a more intimate relationship with the Lord. I had no other choice, but to sit at His feet while He worked with me, on me and thru me. As we go through, our patience is refined by way of the persecution, trials and tribulations of life.

How can we ever grow, develop and mature if we don't experience storms. No one likes going through, but even when all is breaking loose around us, we can find peace that surpasses all understanding through Jesus Christ. I Peter 5:7 says to cast ALL of our cares upon Him, for he cares for us. All means all! When we hold onto things that disturb our peace, our rest, our health we are not in the will of God. We MUST keep our eyes on the prize and press toward the high calling of Jesus Christ.

WE already know what we left behind, need we go back? Ok then, no more standing still. Life is not about yelling and screaming to get our way, or blowing up when we hear things we don't like. Impatience will show up as immaturity or disguise itself as abusive. It is not easy to detect and deal with, but what sweet victory when it is recognized and surrendered to our loving savior.

I had to learn to stop talking so much. Before I thought, I spoke. Patience meant nothing to me, it was just a word. I'm not proud of that part of me, but I am grateful that it is in my past now. Jesus helped me overcome the thing that was destroying my life, and all of my relationships along with it. There is life and death in the power of the tongue, and I used mine to cause death. I have to be honest about it. WE all have something or some things that need to be purged from our lives.

There comes a time in everyone’s life where some thing holds us captive in such a way, that it literally takes our breath away. We become afraid to breathe out. .WE are continually broken before the Lord and deliverance comes quickly if we acknowledge, release and allow the work to begin. When we are put in a position where all we can do is to cling tightly to those things we know to be true and sure, it is then that patience has a chance to have her good work in us.

Surrender now. It is still daylight and much life is left to be lived the right way.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or need help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me -- II Corinthians 12:9

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;-- James 1:2

Note: The image is of a marionette doll with various tags hanging around her such as rent, car note, childcare etc

The Word Illustrated #58--No fear

The Word Illustrated #58
© Pamyla Floyd
8/25/2010

No fear

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God—Philippians 4:6

Fear is the opposite of faith. It causes emotional reactions in our brains that express it physically. They usually start out as harmless rational concerns which quickly grow and take on a new life form. Worry can cause us to behave irrationally, becoming delusional about a thing, cynical toward others, and depressed about life. Fear also causes doubt.

If left unchecked, we will begin to see the thing we feared most, come to life. Fear cripples and wreaks havoc in the life of the believer. It is what we meditate on in our hearts, and what we say out of our mouths that bring about the change in our lives. It will cause nervous twitches, grumbling, and irrational behavior of all sorts, which are outward expressions of the works of the devil in our lives. What are you meditating on? What lies are you telling yourself?

Oh, I know that I am speaking to blood bought, born again believers in Jesus Christ, but I also know what I'm talking about. If all we have done is received Him as lord over our lives, and do not have renewed minds, we do the same things we did before receiving salvation in Christ. God cannot bless disobedience which is what fear is.

When we live in fear our prayers bounce off of the ceiling that is why the ‘believer’ has to ask someone else to pray for him/her rather than ask someone to stand in agreement with them in prayer. Fear has to go in Jesus name. Stand on the word of God stand. Be firm in your commitment toward Him and He will see you through! Have no fear; God is with you always, even unto the end of the world.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or need help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me – Job 3:25

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God – Romans 12:2

Note: The animation is of a comical character who is running, and has wildly exaggerated movements demonstrating how fear has overtaken him and causes him to appear as foolish

The Word Illustrated #49--Being the difference

Can’t see the image? Visit http://thewordillustrated.blogspot.com

The Word Illustrated #49
© Pamyla Floyd
6/21/2010

Being the difference

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your selves – James 1:22

Most of us without hesitation can think back to someone, be it a former educator, parent, friend or relative who made a difference in our life. Just as many of us, I’m sure, can remember when a stranger showed us favor that made a big difference in our lives.. WE also, can be a blessing to others. All it takes is a ”YES Lord, use me to bless someone else” attitude.

When we stop looking at our circumstances and put the focus on someone else, coupled with the YES attitude, God can and will do miraculous things in us and through us. It is not about power,recognition, or about fame; it is about doing what the bible says that we ought to do anyway. Some of you reading this can attest to being given a seat, a meal, fresh clean clothes or hot water to bath in. Because of things we have faced it should be easier to put problems in the capable hands of Jesus. We all come from different backgrounds and we each have unique and interesting stories of how the Lord provided in the darkest of days. WE should not want anyone else to fee the loneliness, pain or despair we did. Life is hard enough and we can be the difference in another’s life, if we allow God to use us.

I’m not saying to do the work of the Lord so that you can be rewarded, but believe me, you cannot outgive God. The bible says that He loves a cheerful giver! WE must however, be prayerful and led by His Holy Spirit.. If we try the spirit by the Spirit as the bible suggests we can never go wrong. I remember being sick, and not having any food. A friend came by, out of the blue, and crammed my refrigerator with food! When I asked her why, she simply stated that she had been in the same situation, and knew how it felt to be without.

Now, is she a doer of the word or what! I did not call her and ask for food, but I did call out to my Heavenly Father and He supplied all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. God is truly awesome! When I tried to repay her, she told me to bless someone else in need. Remember, man looks on the outward apperance, but it is God who looks on the heart. Be a doer of the word, be the difference and abundantly blessed!

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or want help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:
James 2:16 – And one of you usay unto them Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Matthew 25:43 – I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not

Note: The animated image is of woman. Her life has been changed, because someone stepped up, to be the difference!

The Word Illustrated #44--And a child shall lead them

The Word Illustrated #44
© Pamyla Floyd
5/18/2010

And a Child shall lead them

And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God—Luke 18:27

When I was growing up we stayed outside until the fireflies came out. We laughed and giggled until we were out of breath, and it didn’t matter how the day ended, we always knew that tomorrow would be better. And because we believed, it usually was. We jump roped, played jacks stones, and hopscotch learning organization and communication skills on the fly. On other days we rode our bikes, while pulling skaters behind us, letting the wind carry us and our imaginations from one world to the next.

Now, when I need a quick get-a-way, I sit in my office chair, close my eyes, and spin my way to the playground. As I praise God, I can see myself handing over a package to Him labeled THE CARES OF MY WORLD. When was the last time you put it all in His hands or danced before Him? I don’t remember anyone saying that becoming an adult also meant that we had to get old.

Jesus said that He came to give life MORE abundantly. How can we give our all when we are beat down, and dragging around, with no energy? What kind of witness is that for the kingdom? Who would want what we have? Children are carefree and giddy, full of wonder, anxious to please and eager to learn. WE must take better care of ourselves.

A 20 minute walk each day clears our head, helps us to spring out of bed a little faster each morning, it also puts a smile on our faces. Have you ever seen God bring one of your heart desires to life? As it begins to blossom, we recognize that only a loving Father could have done such a thing. And the most beautiful part is that we never expressed it out loud, and yet, He heard us. Wow what kind of love is that?

We must worship Him in spirit and in truth friends, and it is much easier to do when you come to Him with a heart as that of a child. I DARE you to seek and live a life of no limits in Christ! I believe that we can have a better childhood than the first one if are willing to go after it.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or want help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto our children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? -- Matthew 7:1

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein -- Luke 18:17

Note: The image/illustration is of a boy dancing and enjoying life as we should!