It's Your Time: 2012

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

LET US PRAY FOR AMERICA- Part 2

Lord, You said that Your Word is everlasting and it does not return to You void, so I ask today that You would heal the wounds of the survivors of the attack on the World Trade Center, their families, friends, those whose loved ones perished, the firefighters who rushed to their rescue, the members of the armed forces who work tirelessly to keep order and peace, the doctors and nurses who provided care and comfort and for every person who helped in one way or another. I ask for your continued intervention and direction as America works through the process of making sense out of such nonsense and to bring stability and a sense of security back to the country.

Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? We know that You God is the only one Who knows the heart of man and is able to change it, so I ask you to change the heart of every terroist and give them Your love, peace and grace.

I pray that the strongholds and generational curses of murder and massacre will be broken from these criminal minded people who have no hope and take pleasure in destroying other human beings. Exposed every evil plan of the enemy and throw him into confusion. Watch over our armed forces and others providing protective services and give them strength, wisdom and alertness so that they will act swiftly, powerfully and accurately at all times.

I pray that the leaders, starting with the President, the Executive Branch, members of congress, federal agencies, commissions and governments, local, state and regional of this country, will seek godly wisdom daily as they plan and make decisions to run the affairs of this country. Continue to pour out your wisdom and discernment to the intelligence and international security agencies.

In Jeremiah 33:3 you said if we call on You, You will answer, and in John 14:13 -14 You said that whatever we ask for in Your Name and according to You will, you will do it. So, in closing, Lord, I ask that you heal, restore and bless America. I believe that today you have heard my prayer and supplication on behalf of the United States of America. I give You honor, Glory and praise! In name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

LET US PRAY FOR AMERICA- Part 1

Part 1

Dear heavenly, as I humble myself before you and submit to Your will and authority. I thank You for another blessed day in America and for Your protective hand that shields this country and other countries of the world every day. Thank You for Your mercy, peace and grace. Today is the 11^th Anniversary of the awful tragedy that took place in New York City on September 11, 2001. That is a memory that has been etched in the very heart, mind and fabric of every American and people across the miles in all the nations of the earth who felt the effect of this tragedy.

That was a dark day in America, but in the midst of such darkness, Your light shone through very brightly as we froze in amazement and awe of this criminal act that was masterminded as a result of hatred, jealousy, and heartlessness. Many have asked; how this could happen to a country that possessed such power and why did You permit this to happen, Lord. Nevertheless, we know that You are ultimately in control and all things work together for those who love you and are called according to your purpose (Romans 8:28).

Thank You for the most significant good that resulted from this- America became united for a short while. Today, I pray that the sense of unity that we experienced in America on September 11, 2011 will one day become a reality. May there be many prayers for the families of the victims, for this country and all the countries of the world to be protected from terrorism. I also pray that America and the world at large will strive to live in unity and the peace of God, not only in times of tragedy, but at all times.

As I bow in prayer this morning for America, I am reminded that this country was founded on Your Word, principles and laws, but the god of this world has deceived Your people, and have turned their hearts and minds away from You. Please forgive them Lord and remove the darkness from them so that Your light may shine through and saturate their being. You have said in You word in 2 Chronicles 7:14:

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Thank You for that promise, in the name of Your son Jesus.

Friday, August 10, 2012

My Transformation (Part 1)

One thing I have noticed about myself and other professed Christians is that we often do things that are contrary to biblical standards. I have made a conscious decision, not to just exist as an ordinary Christian, but as one who studies the Holy Bible, apply its teachings to daily living and to spread the Good News.

As I read through the Bible, I find many scriptures that have continued to guide me as the Holy Spirit takes me through this process of transformation to live a life that is pleasing to God with the hope of securing a room for me in His eternal Kingdom. A few of my favorite scriptures are: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them (Ezekiel 36:26-27). And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness: (Ephesians 4:24).

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (Acts 9:3-4). Also Rom. 12:1-2 and 2 Cor. 5:17.

Saul was on his way from Jerusalem to Damascus on another one of his mission trips to persecute Christians, when he heard the question why persecutest thou me? Immediately, Saul knew the question was from the Lord. He got up from the ground only to realize that he was blind and for three days he remained blind.

But when the scales fell from his eyes he could see again and everything changed, even his name changed to Paul. He now had a new outlook on life and a fresh start. He had a radical transformation compelled him to use the zeal and obsession he used to kill Christians, to now preach the uncompromising Gospel truths about Jesus and to convert Christians. That is what transformation is about.

Paul’s teachings have taught me how to transform my life by living holy, pressing on through adversities and to keep moving toward my destiny. I have experienced marked changes in many areas of my life, for the better. Everyone can choose to live a transformed life, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

There was a point in my spiritual life where I felt dissatisfied with my church, life, many people and things around me. I felt as though I was slipping away from the relationship I once had with the Lord and the truth that I once thought knew so deeply. It seemed I had been surrounded by dark clouds that got darker and darker every-day. My spirit was dying and my health was failing. The hope that I had about life and purpose did not feel exciting anymore. I hated being in that place and I decided not to live another day like that. A thorough self-evaluation and a shift in paradigm- dying to self daily is still the answer for me. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

Monday, August 6, 2012

Jamaica Celebrates 50 Years of Independence Today

Today August 6, 2012 is the 50 year Anniversary of Jamaica's Independence from Great Britain, and they are having a big celebration. Jamaica West Indies was under Britain's rule from 1655 until 1962. Jamaica is an Island in the Caribbean Sea and was inhabited by the Arawak Indians and Taino peoples (Maroons) before Christopher Columbus landed on the Island in 1492.

Jamaica is Four Thousand four Hundred and eleven (4,411) square miles, one hundred and forty-six (146) miles long and fifty one (51) miles wide. Jamaica is about the size of Connecticut. Its capital city is Kingston with a population of approximately eight hundred thousand people. The population of the entire island is estimated to be over two and a half million. When I lived in Jamaica, twenty-nine years ago, the estimated population was two million.

Jamaica is situated ninety (90) miles south of Cuba and is approximately five hundred and forty-six (546) miles south of Miami, Florida. Jamaica is divided into fourteen parishes, with Portland and Saint Thomas on the Far East and Hanover and Westmoreland on the far west. In the west at Negril are breathtaking and irresistible white sand beaches and in Portland on the East is the famous Blue Lagoon as well as many other attractions.

Jamaica’s Motto is Out of many, One People; which means that it is a mixed nation with an ethnic make- up of; Blacks, Whites, East Indians and Chinese among others. Blacks are the majority. The official language that is spoken in Jamaica is English. Patios (Patwa) is also spoken. The National Anthem is Eternal Father Bless Our Land. The colors of the National Flag are green, which signifies the agriculture, gold for sunshine and its natural beauty and black for the hardships overcame and still to be faced. The national flower is the Lignum Vitae, the national bird is the Doctor/Humming Bird and the National tree is the Blue Mahoe.

Jamaica has tropical (hot, humid and rainy) climate year round. Its average temperature is eighty-two degrees. It gets about 80 inches of rainfall yearly. Residing in Arizona, reminds of Jamaica in some ways. The International Dialing Code for Jamaica is 1 876. Jamaica is in Eastern Time zone and does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Its currencies is Dollars and Cents and it uses the Metric System.

Jamaica is beautiful and has many beaches and resorts. It is well-known for its History of pirates, National Heroes, delicious foods, Blue Mountain Coffee, Reggae music, culture, and world class athletes. As Jamaica celebrates its 50^th Anniversary today, it also celebrates the victories of its Athletes who are in London representing the country at the Olympics in Great Britain. Ussain Bolt holds the title of fastest man in the world and Shelly-Ann Fraser- Pryce, fastest woman.

Jamaica’s major exports are bauxite and alumina, bananas and other fruits, sugar, coffee, cocoa, rum and even clothes.

Jamaica experiences crime, poverty and unfavorable conditions, as do other countries, but its natural resources: beauty, food, culture, people, tourists and rich vegetation that contribute significantly to the economy are reasons Jamaica, a little island in the sun, stands out among the rest.

If you have not yet visited Jamaica, you are invited to make it your next vacation spot. If you are looking for an all inclusive hotel on the beach that serves lots of Jamaican foods, I recommend the Sunset Jamaica Grande. www.sunsetjamaicagrande.com

Friday, August 3, 2012

TRANSFORMING OUR PRAYER LIVES (Part 3)

Do You Find It Difficult To Pray?

If you are a follower of Christ and praying is a challenge for you, God has the answer…Pray without ceasing. “Unceasing PRAYER is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God” Steps to Christ, Ch. 11, p. 98. Practice unceasing prayer for 21 consecutive days and watch your prayer life transforms through the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. I did that many years ago and my prayer life has completely changed. I am not perfect, just a work in progress.

While going through that regiment, I made prayer my first priority and prayed like crazy. I did not allow my mind wander for a single minute. I remained in a prayerful state in my home, when I left the house, in my car, on the street, in the grocery store, post office, banks, school and I prayed for the people I saw or met along the way. By the way, I still do that today.

There are prayers in every book of the Bible and we can pattern our prayers from any one of them that is appropriate for our situation. More and more, I realize the importance of effective prayer. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). What does effective fervent prayer mean? I believe effective prayer involves praying in sincerity the will of God for one’s life, being persistent, having faith and trusting in The Almighty God/Abba Father.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him (I John 5:14).

Your prayers will spring forth out of the relationship you have with your heavenly Father. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) These are His words to you and to me. Prayer will bring you closer to your creator. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith (Matthew 21:22).

We can transform our prayer lives when we decide that prayer is the foundation and the best weapon to use against the enemy who is constantly whispering lies in our ears, with the intention of stealing, killing and destroying everythingg in our lives. The following suggestions may help you as you work toward transforming your prayer lives with the help of the Holy Spirit.

I once read an email with these recommended steps and I still use them when I am not mentally prepared or focused enough to pray an effective prayer. It goes something like this. Your big finger is closest to you, pray for your husband and family, the pointer is next- pray for teachers and others who instructs others, then comes the middle finger which is the tallest- pray for those in authority; leaders, ministers, presidents, and so forth, the other finger is considered to be the weakest-pray so for the sick and afflicted, homeless, orphans and the needy and lastly is your pinky or little finger yourself.

Now you know you have been blessed by praying for others before praying for yourself. This is intercessory Prayer. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people (1Timothy 2:1).

Below I have shared another simple four steps to prayer which we use in our group, Moms In touch International (an organization where mothers come together to pray for their children’s schools).

· Praise- recognizing and confessing Who God is, in His nature and power. It puts God in His rightful position. (Hebrews 13:15).

· Confessions -agreeing with God concerning sins and confessing. (1 John 1:9)

· Thanksgiving- Focuses on what God has done and on His faithfulness; being watchful for answers. (Psalm 100:4-4).

· Intercession-Coming to God in prayer on behalf of others (Ephesians 6:18).

Better yet are the Instructions that Jesus gave to His disciples when they asked Him how they should pray. This is commonly known as The Lord’s Prayer and is found in Matthew 6:9-11. You might find this very beneficial as you transform your prayer life.

As I conclude, I would like to encourage you to pray for 21 consecutive days at every possible moment you can. By taking the time to pray without ceasing for twenty-one consecutive days, praying will no longer be a challenge. Instead, it will become a pleasure and you will get amazing results.

Dearest heavenly Father, the God of compassion and of all comfort, I pray that you would give readers of this writing, who desire to transform their prayer lives and have a deeper relationship with you, the confidence to do so. Help them to priorities and make prayer their first priority for 21 consecutive so that prayer will become a life time habit. Stretch their time so that they may go to a quite place and commune with you daily. Please teach them how to pray, even as you have taught the original disciples and many others, in Jesus’ name-Amen.

Friday, July 27, 2012

TRANSFORMING OUR PRAYER LIVES

Let’s Pray For Our Children

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men

Timothy 2:1.

As I knelt this morning to pray, I asked the Lord what He would like for me to write in my Blog today. He said to pray for children. After praying, my husband and I got ready to go to the Fitness Center. As we drove there, I was playing back in my mind, “Pray for children today, and this thought came: “my son starts school in two weeks, so I’ll write a blog about praying for children the day before he goes back to school.”

I got to the aerobics class and my Instructor shared that her children are returning to school today, so I decided that, today instead of two weeks from today, I will write a blog and ask for others to pray for children as they return to school.

I got home, walked our dog, took my shower and turned the television on to watch a Re-run of the Let’s Pray program on the Hope Channel, while I prepared breakfast. For the first time I was hearing about the shooting of the Jewish children and teacher that took place at a French school six days ago. This further solidifies the fact that I do need to write this blog expeditiously.

“It is PRAYER that unites hearts. It is PRAYER to the Great Physician to heal the soul that will bring the blessing of God. PRAYER unites us with one another and with God. PRAYER brings Jesus to our side, and gives new strength and fresh grace to the fainting, perplexed soul to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. PRAYER turns aside the attacks of Satan” (Our High Calling, p. 177).

Day by day we are bombarded with news of the evil acts that are taking place in this world. But our Creator says: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

This is a promise that we need to act upon. We must believe that God means what He says and trust that He will do it. So would you please join me as I pray for our children?

Dearest Heavenly Father, I thank You for loving our children so very much, that you want the best for them, as we do. As they return to school, please protect them and keep them safe in their travelling to and from school, on the school compounds and in the school buildings. I ask that You forgive them of their sins and help them to draw close to You, knowing that they can find everything they need is in You. Let them understand that Jesus died for them and He will wash their sins away, fill them with His Holy Spirit, give them freedom to choose every day and hope to live for tomorrow. Help them to make the right choices and make learning their priority. Inspire their parents to teach them in the way they should go, with correct example, discipline and love. Bless the teachers, protect and empower them with wisdom as they provide instruction to the children. Thank you for answering this prayer as I pray it in Jesus’ name-Amen.

Would you like to experience the life changing power of prayer? Log onto www.facebook.com/let’sprayand engage in the community that is praying for the world twenty-four seven.

Friday, July 20, 2012

A Different Path to Healing

For more than twenty years I suffered from severe pain. For several months, I couldn’t stand long enough to prepare a meal, do laundry, bathe and dress my baby, or even comb my hair. I barely managed to crawl out of bed each morning, and I struggled through my work each day.

The doctors’ orders were always the same: more medication, which always caused adverse reactions. Finally, my family physician referred me to a rheumatologist, who informed me that I had a condition that caused sleep deprivation, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, tingling and numbing sensations, chronic muscular skeletal pain, and chronic fatigue: fibromyalgia!

My heart felt as though it were in my throat. With all the symptoms, I knew I fit the criteria of fibromyalgia. In response to my questions, the doctor said, “The cause is unknown. There is no cure, and it is degenerative.” Tears ran down my face. I wanted to scream, Why me Lord? I had no idea what to think or where to look for answers. Driving home, all I could think about was my family and how I would tell my husband and children. How would I ever take care of my three-year-old son? I didn’t want him to grow up without his mother, as I had.

My pain management specialist prescribed aqua exercise, physical therapy, and sleeping pills. All gave temporary relief, but frustration mounted because I wanted complete healing. I had always dreamed of a great life with endless possibilities, but now the future seemed bleak. Pondering all the things I could not do if this condition worsened, I scrambled for answers.

Then I began to remember Jesus’ words regarding health and healing: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV).

To me, this meant faith, hope, trust, and life. My prayers started increasing as I asked God daily for a miracle. I asked Him to send resources that would give divine healing. In remarkable awakenings, the Holy Spirit reminded me that He was there to help, teach, and guide. With more Bible readings, a process of spiritual, mental, and physical transformation began. I found the unlimited resources I’d asked for.

I considered this verse: “ Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself” (1 Corinthians 6:19, NLT), I also remembered these words from Hippocrates, the Greek physician: “Let food be your medicine.”

Stumbling onto Romans 8:28, I began to see life in an entirely different way. I became confident that all my sufferings are not meant to harm me, but to help me accomplish my assignment of fulfilling God’s plan for my destiny.

As I ventured on a journey of renewal to health and total well-being, my husband was stunned by the changes. One day he said, “I am going to do some of the things you are doing.” I told him that my main change was in my way of thinking. We have committed to daily lifestyle changes for ourselves that have led to transformations in others as well.

Wellness is not about regularly seeing a doctor. It is about preventive measures, like the right foods, common sense, and spiritual wisdom. It is about trusting and obeying God’s Word: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 2, KJV).

For me to achieve optimal health, it is my responsibility to take care of my body. Consciously and consistently, I take measures to prevent illnesses. Thomas Edison once said, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of diseases.”

I have followed biblical principles, combined with modern wisdom and technology. I have researched, read, studied, and applied God’s eight health laws, plus the teachings of several experts on health and well-being, and I have surrounded myself with people who have the same desires and aspirations as I do.

I thank God for transforming my life, giving me divine health, and helping me dream again. My body is now free from fibromyalgia! “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26, KJV).

Pauline Lewinson

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR PRAYER LIFE

First I would like to say, I am back! I have not blogged in a few months, but I hope to bring you some valuable information as I resume writing.

To transform the prayer life, one first has to recognize and admit that transformation is needed. This can be done by asking relevant questions: Am praying every day- when I first wake up throughout the day, before eating my meals, making decisions, speaking or other actions. If you answer yes to these questions, you are doing great, if no, evidently your prayer life could use some improvement.

In order to transform any area of one’s life, one must know why, and then take action. When the reason for transformation has been established a desire to develop in this area will be inevitable and as the effort is made to accomplish this goal, you will find that it becomes easier to pray. Find a quite place to spend time with the Lord in prayer, even when you do not feel like praying.

As you work on transforming your prayer life, you will discover that there will be times when you feel so beaten down by the enemy that you cannot find words to pray, except for a merely one sentence prayer or worse yet- your spirit is so crushed, you cannot even find one word; just groans. Never mind if this happens to you sometimes, it is okay because the Holy Spirit will help you. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans (Romans 8:26). Read also, John 14:26 and Zechariah 12:10.

Many people are petrified about praying, especially publicly, but you should believe that you can pray often through the grace of God. Some people have the gift of prayer and are able to pray fluently, but you should not let that intimidate or keep you from praying when you are in the company of such individuals. I like the way Jack Hayford says it -“Prayer is not the mystical experience of a few special people, but an aggressive act: an act that may be performed by anyone who will accept the challenge to learn to pray.”

The more you pray the more comfortable you will become with praying and it will bring you to a closer relationship with your Creator. Prayer will strengthen you; spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially and socially. Do not underestimate the power of prayer.

I encourage you to stop what you are doing now and say a prayer. It is not a big deal, just talk to God as you would to a friend. Pray often, silently; if that is more comfortable for you or out loud, whichever way, wherever you are, just pray. I firmly believe that prayer is the foundation of the Christian’s life, and a life built on prayer cannot be easily shaken.

To transform your prayer life talk to God and listen to what He has to say to you. If you make reading the Bible, praying and meditating the first thing you do when you wake up in the mornings you will find that your day goes smoother. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). Make prayer a habit.

I am assuming that my Christian brothers and sisters understand what I have written here and know that prayer matters and it does make a difference. My prayer is that you would join me and pray for our brothers and sisters who have not yet accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. You know they are missing out on a lot, and they do not know that. That is the reason we must pray for their salvation.