The Word Illustrated #57--Praise Him!

The Word Illustrated #57
© Pamyla Floyd
8/21/2010

Praise Him!

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name -- Psalms 100:4

As born again Christians, we can freely praise the Lord our God anywhere and at anytime. Remember the bondage He brought you out of? Remember how He brought you back from the brink of death? When man gave up, the Lord stepped in and performed a miracle healing. Remember how he fed, clothed and kept you in your right mind? Remember how He made a way out of no way? Praise Him!

Praise Him for all that He has done, and for what He’s about to do! If we really sat down and counted the blessings of forgiveness, deliverance, victory through Jesus Christ, we would realize, that we could never thank and praise Him enough. We cannot, call our hearts to continually pump blood throughout our bodies. The air we breathe isn’t even our own, and there is NO way that we in our finite minds, could command our lungs to expand, rise and fill with fresh air time and time again. Praise Him!

Do you remember feeling so alone, and how He was there to hold and comfort you? What an awesome God we serve. He is our strong tower in time of trouble, and He inhabits the praises of His people. We ought to always praise Him!

Praise Him and thank Him whether the times are good times or bad! ‘Our’ time isn’t even our own, we cannot control one second apart from any minute. We don’t even know how many hairs are on our heads, but our heavenly Father does. He spoke a word long ago, telling the sun, moon and stars on how they are to behave, and today, they still follow His instructions.

He loves and cares for us more than we will ever know, so Praise Him! He is the one who can change our lives in an instant, in the blink of an eye. He can change our midnight mourning into a morning song that the birds can’t imitate. Praise Him, for He is worthy! I won’t let the rocks cry out praises in my stead – what about you!!

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:

O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people
For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever
Praise ye the LORD –- Psalms 117

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name -- Hebrews 13:15

Note: The illustration displays many hands lifted up high in praise

The Word Illustrated #56--The Word Works!

The Word Illustrated #56
© Pamyla Floyd
8/6/2010

The word works!

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

Those who are of the household of faith should be wealthy in knowledge, health and wealth according to the word of God. Instead, poverty, sickness and ignorance plague the body of Christ. If we believed the word, we would have no problem doing what it says to do. But, when we walk in doubt and unbelief, we cannot fully experience the abundant life that Jesus talked about in John 10:10.

If we walk in disobedience, we are standing in agreement with satan for what he says about us. Someone may say “Well I don’t know how to ‘do’ the word of God”. I say, look at James 1:5, we are told that if ANY of us lacks wisdom, to come to God, who gives to ALL men liberally (generously) and upbraideth (discourages) not and it SHALL be given him. Pray and ask God in the name of Jesus to bring you into wisdom and understanding of His word.



From personal experience, I can tell you that the word works! I had to first learn to trust God though. It is a process, and it takes time, but it is so worth it. The more I trusted Him, the more I began to walk by faith. We are like an onion whose layers are being peeled away to reveal more of what’s inside. As we begin to exhibit humbleness of heart, and go the extra mile to please the Lord, we will become less attractive to those who are hearers only of the word. Do not fret, there are more who are with us, than those who are against us. Be of good courage and move forward in Christ. He promised to never leave nor forsake us, He always keeps His word.

We are admonished to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. It is a healthy reverence and respect for the Lord that Philippians 2:12 is speaking about. To live in carnality is to live a defeated life. No one wants to keep walking into walls, banging their heads, while expecting different results. We must put our faith into action in order to see positive fruit in our lives. It is what we believe in our hearts and what we say out of our mouths that come to pass. What are you speaking over your life? Change begins when we get into a Jesus believing, bible teaching church that walks by faith. In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.

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:

Romans 10:17 – So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God

Hebrews 1:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him

Note: The animated image is of a woman who is in a maze. Because she hears the word, but does not do what it says, she keeps bumping into walls. She wonders why her life does not change.

The Word Illustrated #55--Boast Not

The Word Illustrated #55
© Pamyla Floyd
8/6/2010

Boast Not

Not of works, lest any man should boast -- Ephesians 2:9

According to Joshua 1:8 if we observe to do what is written in the bible, and meditate on it day and night, that WE shall make our way prosperous AND have good success. We must be mindful to not forget God though. In all our ways we are to acknowledge Him and it is He who will direct our paths. We can only direct ourselves into trouble.

If we forget Him, we become prideful and boastful, deceiving ourselves as we lust after the things of the flesh. This is what happened with satan, he became so full of himself, he thought that he should be praised and worshipped. He thought that he should be God. We are to lift up and magnify the name of Jesus. It is not about us. Not a one of us has a reason to think more highly of ourselves than we are. We are mere men.



Father, thank you for all that you have done in our lives. Thank you for your loving kindness, and your tender mercies extended toward us. Please help us to always remain humble. You are our guide, our help, our strength, our God. Please forgive us for boasting, for it is you who has created the earth and everything in it. Thank you for every opportunity, blessing and help you have given us. We also thank you for going before us and keeping us from all harm and danger seen and unseen. We thank you in Jesus name AMEN

We come to know who God is through the reading of His word and we develop a personal relationship with Him through prayer. Listed are the names of God. Read, learn and get to know Him in all His many splendid ways. Let’s make our boast in Him, El Shaddai, the Almighty God.

Elohim—Strong One
Adonai—Lord, our Master
El Elyon—Most High
El Roi—the strong one who sees
El Shaddai—Almighty God
El Olam—Everlasting God
Jehovah-Self Existent One
Jehovah Nakeh-the Lord that Smites
Jehovah Shammah—The Lord who is Present
Jehovah Roi—The Lord is my Shepherd (protection)
Jehovah Tsidkenu—the Lord my Righteousness
Jehovah El Gmolah—the Lord my Rewarder
Jehovah Jireh—the Lord our Provider
Jehovah Rapha—the Lord our Healer
Jehovah Nissi—The Lord is my Banner
Jehovah Shalom—The Lord is my Peace
Jehovah Sabboath—the Lord of Hosts
Jehovah Mekaddishkem—the Lord my Sanctifier
Jehovah Perazim—The Lord my Breakthrough as a flood

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:

Isaiah 44:24 -- Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

Romans 13:14 -- But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof

Note: The animated image is of a man with exaggerated expressions shown by his body language. He is portraying a person who is boastful and whose head is in the clouds

The Word Illlustrated #54--Volunteer Service

The Word Illustrated #54
© Pamyla Floyd
7/29/2010

Volunteer Service

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: -- Ephesians 6:7

Volunteer--a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service

About 3 years ago, I was praying and searching for a new church home. I’ve always been a volunteer at heart, and really wanted to get back into God’s service. My prayers were answered when the Lord sent me to Amazing Grace Church. In that place, He gave me all that I asked for and more.

I spoke with a friend who I highly regarded in the faith, and excitedly told her what happened to me. Her reaction stunned me. She said “Sister So and So said to sit down for a year and watch, before you get involved and worn out”. I realized then, that she had only talked about serving God, instead of actually doing it.

I’m not speaking on this to put anyone down, (I let her know that she was given the wrong advice). My point is that service to God is never wrong. It is unequalled to anything you or I will ever do in the service of man. If you are worried about waht you do, or what others will say, please know that you have been played by satan. Check your motives. Do you want to be seen by others for praise or are you thankful to the Lord for what He has done and want to bless Him back? You can NEVER out give God. The interest He pays far exceeds any other return!

I am thankful to be in a place, where the pastors encourage us to use our gifts and talents to honor God. My personal and spiritual growth has been accelerated since giving my whole heart to serving the Lord. You don’t have to pray about this, it is God’s will that we serve Him. It’s time to get off the pew, stop complaining, get in there, and do what we do best.

WE are all born with different talents, gifts and abilities, and even those we used in the world, can be turned around and used for the glory of God. How can you bless the Lord today? Be willing to allow Him to use you, you won’t regret it. Infact, you will wonder why you didn’t do so sooner.

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:

Proverbs 16:7 – When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him

I Peter 4:19 -- Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator

Note: The illustration is of a hand raised up. It symbolizes a hand raised and ready for service

The Word Illustrated #53--Forgive

The Word Illustrated #53
© Pamyla Floyd
7/19/2010

Forgive

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer, and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him – I John 3:15

Forgive -- to cease to feel resentment against (an offender) : PARDON intransitive verb : to grant forgiveness

If we cannot forgive those who have done even the most horrific things against us, how can we expect God to forgive us? It is not in our nature to automatically pray for, or bless those who have abused, cursed and used us; the word of God tells us that this we must do so, or we cannot enter heaven. Jesus, on the cross, asked the Father to forgive them (us). HE was held hostage, spat on, cursed, mutilated, beaten beyond recognition, and he forgave.

Unforgiveness cripples us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. When we refuse to forgive, we are handing satan a license to afflict us with all manner of sickness and disease. If this issue is not dealt with, we find ourselves butchering relationships with people who were not present when our assaults took place. The roots of unforgiveness run deep, and its tentacles spread wide, affecting every area of our lives. Did you know that we are not to take communion if we have aught against a brother?

Forgiveness is not easy, but it can be done in faith. I learned this from my pastors. I have been freed (Hallijuleah) and I’mnow able to experience spiritual freedoms not afforded me while I held grudges against others. It is important to be led of the Holy Spirit, to know when to extend forgiveness to those who have spoiled us, or when to ask forgiveness of those whom we have wronged. We may not be received, but walking in God’s will is much more valuable, and rewarding, than approval from any man.

It is not easy, but all things really are possible with Christ. There were things that I unconsciously held on to. There were also things that I purposed in my heart to not let go of. Unforgiveness is a vicious cycle that the enemy uses to steal our health, kill our dreams, and wipe us out; Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil in our lives. We cannot enter heaven if we are harboring unforgiveness, it is NOT an attribute of God.

I cannot stress enough how walking in love and forgiveness will bless you. It is imperative that we let go of whatever we are holding over others. There may be times still when we are offended, hurt, or lied to, but we can be Christ-like in our attitude and actions towards others always. We don't have to keep score or give space in our minds as to how we will "get back" at others. The Lord says that vengeance is His.

This has been one of the most difficult assignments that the Lord has given me. It has also been one of the most important that I will ever share. I pray that I am faithful to the charge that God has given me, which is to encourage the saints, and help them to live more abundant lives in Christ.

Please, go before the Lord today and ask Him to show you where hidden unforgiveness or grudges are hidden in your heart. He is faithful to see you through every step of the way. I love you and I'm praying for you. We have to get this right.

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:
Mark 11:25 -- And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Matthew 5:44 - But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Note: The illustration above is of a woman’s face showing only one side. She has a suspicious look as she gazes at someone.

The Word Illustrated #52--Be healed!

The Word Illustrated #52
© Pamyla Floyd
7/16/2010

Healed in Jesus name

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick – Matthew 14:14

Too often we lay in our sick bed, refusing to call our church family for prayer.
satan will try to convince us that we are a nuisance, or that we don’t deserve healing. he wants to keep us locked away from others, so that he can continue to steal our life away from us. Ignorance is not bliss, learn what the word says about your situation!

WE have to be careful about what we accept as truth. When I dislocated and broke my ankle this past November, I was told that I would walk with a limp, experience pain when the weather changed, and probably get cancer because of plate and screws. I was told this by well meaning Christians who did not know the word of God. I refused to accept those words, and let them fall to the ground, like rocks, null and void. I have learned to operate in faith, and not fear.

I found scriptures to meditate on, and I confessed aloud what my outcome would be -- complete and total restoration in Jesus name. If I experienced pain, I refused to think that my prayers were not heard, or that I would not be healed. When your mind is made up, you must stand, no matter what it looks, tastes, or smells like. If you begin to doubt, repent, confess the sin of doubt and unbelief, and start over again -- in faith.

Exodus 15:26 says that if we diligently listen to the voice of God and keep His commandments and statues, that He will not put any of the diseases upon us that he brought against the Egyptians. My prayer is that God would turn the plate and screws into bone. I have no pain, nor do I walk with a limp -- Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!

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:
Psalms 30:2 -- O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me

James 5:14 – Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

Note: the animated image above is of dancing notes with the caption "healed"

The Word Illustrated #51--The land of milk and honey

The Word Illustrated #51
© Pamyla Floyd
7/3/2010

The land of milk and honey

That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD – Jeremiah 11:5

God has brought many out from under the bondage of debt, and He will do it for you too. The word works, and the steps are easy, but satan will try to convince you otherwise. he will argue that they are useless, that you are in too deep, or that it only happens to other people. Resolve to not give up nor give in. See yourself living debt free.

What would your life look like? How would you feel? How much more could you help others? What could you sow into God’s kingdom if you weren’t bound by debt? Now, I know that circumstances beyond our control cause financial hardships, but we have to be honest about our part in the matter.

In prayer, be truthful and honest. Repent, and ask the Lord to help you get out of debt. Gather all of your bills into a pile, and call them paid in Jesus name. We must speak to our mountains in faith, without doubt, says Matthew 21:21. Begin with the smallest balance, and formulate a plan to pay if off, Keep going, until all bills are paid in full. See yourself living debt free

Be humbled when speaking with your creditors. This is necessary, and it is pleasing to God. Ephesians 6:11 tells us to put on the whole armor of God so that we may be able to withstand the wiles of the devil. satan tried to tempt Jesus, so don’t fall to pieces when he shows up. You MUST find supportive scriptures to stand on, and mediate on them daily, saying them aloud. What’s in you is what comes out of you. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God AMEN! See yourself living debt free

Be patient. If you are standing in need of something, God through His Holy Spirit will instruct you on what to do. You can’t know His voice if you aren’t spending time alone with Him. Minimize your distractions and allow Him to be your joy. By the time you cross over into the Promised Land, you will have learned how to walk, talk, and think differently, toward all that He has given you charge over. Your relationship with Him will be a beautiful bond more beautiful than you ever imagined!

By tithing ten percent, saving ten percent, and learning to live on less; we will find ourselves living less stressed and more comfortably. By getting out of debt God’s way, we will also be able to leave an inheritance that flows down to our children’s children. There is no joy in dodging phone calls, or being stressed about going to the mail box. Jesus came to give life more abundantly. Isn’t it time we started living in 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:

Matthew 18:27 – Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt

Romans 4:13 -- For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith

Note: the illustration is a depiction of the promised land, lush and free.