Monday, December 29, 2014

Kingdom Principles: Dr. Myles Munroe


The week that I heard about Dr. Myles Munroe's departure, like everyone, I was shocked and saddened for this tremendous loss to the body of believers in Christ.

I remembered that he was a dynamic teacher of the word of God and I was moved to search for videos that would remind me of his teaching as it had been a while since I personally heard/seen him on TV.

My first search produced the video below, It appeared to be just several months before. Dr. Munroe was being interviewed in the Bahamas (his home Country) by Pastor Benny Hinn about his signature message The Kingdom.

I was captivated (so was Benny Hinn) by the Kingdom Principles that Dr. Munroe shared and my "eyes" were opened. I can't do justice to interpret, summarize or paraphrase the treasure of information shared so I'll share the interview with you in the video below and It's my prayer that you will never be the same.


 Daily Manna From Heaven: Interview with Myles Munroe Part 1

  Benny Hinn Ministries
 
 


Wednesday, December 24, 2014

2015 God's Will

 
There are times when my faith is stronger than others.  I'm moving forward towards 2015 with the desire to grow deeper by living out the principles of God in every aspect of my life.

I'm dedicating 2015 to the will of God.  I'm declaring, Lord, not my will, but yours be done in my life;  Lord I trust You...
 
  
We've come this far by faith
Leaning on the Lord
Trusting in His holy word
He never fail me yet

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Can't turn around
We've come this far by faith
 
I will trust in the Lord
Till I die

I'm gonna stay on the battle field
Till I die

I'm gonna treat everybody right
Till I die
Donnie Mcclurkin
 

I Trust You
 (Chorus)

I will
Trust you 
 
I will
Trust you
 
I will
Trust you
 
I'll trust you
I---iiiii will
 
God will make a way...

James Fortune
 
 
 
 
Tis so sweet to Trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word...
 
 
 
 
"Man says....Show me and I'll trust you.
 
God says....Trust me and I'll show you. "
 
 
What are your spiritual plans goals for 2015? 
 
God bless you and I pray your personal spiritual aspirations be fulfilled to His Names Honor and Glory.
 
May the Lord bless you and keep you, May the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and give you Peace.
 
Much Love,
 
Highly Favored

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Christmas: Jamaican Style

Even though I came to America when I was 11 years old, I have been able to preserve some nostalgic memories of Christmas time in Jamaica as a little girl that warms my heart remembering them.

These memories  just bring back the vibes that were in the "air" during those times like my nuclear family traditions, the Jamaican/Reggae Christmas music playing on the radio, smell of food cooking for Christmas dinner, specific drinks and just the overall happiness, joy and excitement that was felt and seen all around during this time of year.

I especially remember my Mother always making roast beef where she would cut holes all over the beef and inject her seasoning blend of fresh garlic, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper etc.  The aroma that filled the house was mmmmmmm so good and the meal was always mouth watering delicious.

I remember crates of 'irated water' (as my mom calls soda) with various flavors at home.  They were the popular Jamaican brand D&G, back in then the soda bottles were tall and resembled the classic Coca-Cola bottles. I could drink as many and as often as I wanted. This only happened at this time of year though we didn't really drink soda during the year only a once in a while for a treat.

As with all cultures, each family/individual has their own unique traditions within a cultural unit, however there are some common constants that I will share about a typical Jamaican Christmas.

Below is a list of the common constants for a "Jamaican Christmas"

1.  Classic Reggae Christmas Songs such as...

 
Let the Christmas catch you in a Good Mood
The Joe Gibbs
 
Little Drummer Boy

Barrington Levy
 
 
 
 
2.  Jamaican Christmas (Fruit/rum) Cake

 
http://simplymarvia.wordpress.com/2013/12/09/jamaican-christmas-fruit-cake/






3.  Sorrel Drink Jamaican Style

Sorrel Drink Recipe



4.  Squeaky Clean House, New Curtains etc.
 
   
5.  Everybody exchanging Christmas and 'Compliments of the Season' Greetings.
 
 
6.  People reminiscing about Christmas time when they were growing up:
 
 
 
                           
  
Happy Holidays to you and Yours!!
 
 
 


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

God Favors Me.....Letting Go

I thank God for His continued mercy, grace, protection, deliverance and FAVORS that He displays in my life. Hence the name of this Blog 'Highly Favored'


Who would ever imagine writing a testimony associated with 'letting go'? Last night I had a letting go experience that re-awakened my appreciation and thankfulness to God and for my Mother.

I got my first car right after graduating from High School.   My first job after High School was working at Wal Mart and one evening I was working the closing shift which ended around 10:30/11.  I would take the bus to work, the bus stop was a very looooong walk from my home at the time, and uphill climb too.  My sweet mom would pick me up in the evenings/night when my shift was over. 

One night I was getting off the late shift and usually my Mother would be there waiting by the time I'm ready to leave, this night she was not. Just about all my co-workers leaving asked, do you need a ride? I replied no, my mother is coming for me.  As time passed and I didn't see her, I wasn't sure what happened but I just knew she was coming for me.  Well after waiting a very long time and with just about everyone gone, I realized something must be wrong and I started walking home.  I would stop along the way and use a pay phone (1998) and call home several times....no answer. So I kept walking and praying that I would not be harmed.  After walking a very looong distance I saw a car make a BIG round about in the road and stopped!  It was my mother trying to hold her composure and fright/panic attack.  She related that she overslept and didn't hear any of my phone calls.  She said she woke up and looked at the time and was almost paralyzed when she remembered that she needed to pick me up and her mind started being flooded of what could/may/might have happened to me. 

After that incident my Mom bought me car (used) out of necessity as I was also about to begin going to school college locally and to make my commuting easier from work to school to home etc. 

The testimony of this post happens a couple years later.  I was 21 years old and came home one random day and saw a brand new Toyota Solara, (2 door, V6, silver, sunroof, power seats and all the works)  parked in front of our home.   I said to my mom, someone parked a nice car in front of our house.  My mother laughed and said, that is your car!  I was confused because the car I had was perfectly fine, no problems and I didn't understand,  my car! really? why?!  

Do you know that my Mother bought me a brand new car just to express how proud she was of me? and how much she loves me? 

I was OVERWHELMED.  I resented the car initially. I didn't jump up or squeal for joy because I felt like this was just too much for me. I felt like I hadn't done anything "special" to deserve this.  I felt like this should be for someone else not me, I'm not a show off, flashy type of person, just easy going and content, don't like to be the center of attention or anything like that. 

Well my friends, my mother had to coax me and tell me I'm worth it and so much more and that I deserve it etc, etc. I was afraid to go in the car and to drive it.  She had to demand that I drive the car and little by little I came to accept. 

The letting go part happened last night.   We sold the car and  I cried so much just remembering the sentimental story behind this faithful and favored ride that God through my Mother blessed me with. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us  "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven." 

The season came last night to say goodbye to this special car that holds with it this precious story and history.  But I'm learning that in letting go God can and will replace in a more abundant way for this present season of my life.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Give PEACE a Chance

As we conclude the Battle Ready series it is my prayer that we have become more enlightned, aware and equipped to face all of lifes challenges, distractions in any form with a Godly resolve, knowing that God is with us and that fact guarantees our Victory. 

I am convicted that having Victory in spiritual battles is synonimus to Peace.

Peace is a spiritual gift and promise from God.  God himself is the Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

When the 'storms' battles are raging being fought in our lives remember that we serve the true and living God that when we call on Him for help he is ready and faithful to comand peace.

Mark 4:38-40  But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

As we live on this sinful earth, being sinners ourselves, there will always be trouble of some sort that we will face at one point or another.  Our Saviour promises that our peace of mind comes through Him and we should be joyful because He has conquered and is in controll.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

The declaration of Peace on earth was made from Heaven at Christ birth

Luke 2:13-15
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:




14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
 
The declaration of Peace in Heaven was made by his deciples days before his death.
 
Luke 19:37-39
37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen,  saying: ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Jesus taught us that peacemakers are sons called children of God.
Matthew 5:9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
9 Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and  maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!

I desire to be a child of God in the true sense of the word.
Let us strive with all our might to be peacemakers, peace makers with our thoughts, our family, or enemies, the disadvantaged....in every way possible.
 
God bless you and thank you for taking this journey with me.
 
May the principles we've discovered over the past couple weeks empower us for  greater victories in Spiritual battles.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Good Soilder

This weeks Battle Ready post outlines the job description and qualifications of a Good Soilder for Christ.

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

2 Timothy 2 (NLT)

 1My dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 
 
2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
11 This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him,
we will also live with him.
12 If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.
13 If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is.

14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.

17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer,[as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.

19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”

20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Prisoner of War

This weeks Battle Ready post is on being a Prisoner of War.

During Wars, whenever the enemy captures a solider or in some cases a civilian, and keeps them in bondage the captured is called a Prisoner of War.

Being a Prisoner of War has a devastating effect on the Prisoner's mental state due to the loss of physical freedom and emotional freedom too.

Just imagine not being able to express your emotions freely without punishment and not being able to move about as you desired, in addition to being forced to say and do things you otherwise would not.

Oftentimes, Prisoners of War are chained and/or physically confined so that they will not escape their captors.

Spiritual Prisoner of War

Did you know that we can become spiritual Prisoners of War?

If we are not cautious we can easily become Prisoner's of War to any one or more the following spirits enemies:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Fear
  • Addiction (of any kind)
  • Negative Thinking
  • Incessant feelings of Guilt
  • "Living" in the Past
  • Incessant Worry
  • Laziness
  • Unforgiveness
  • Low Self Esteem
  • Unhealthy Rage/Anger
  • Controlling Attitude (my way or no way)
How do we loose these spiritual chains and experience freedom from these confining, debilitating, contrary spirits?

The word of God states that we have the authority to loose these chains.....

Matthew 16:19  And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

As Sons and Daughters of Royalty, our King and Heavenly Father has given us keys to both bind and loose on earth AND in Heaven.  This gift is is assured...

Matthew 18:18 Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

We have the authority in the Name of Jesus Christ to loose corrupt spiritual chains that keep us bound, limits our influence, diminishes and/or erases our testimony for Jesus. Say it, claim it, Believe it and Live it in the Name of Jesus.

Sister Tasha Cobbs reminds us that there is an Army (God's Army) rising up to break EVERY chain and there IS POWER in the Name of JESUS...

Tasha Cobbs


Sometimes these chains are not spiritual but for some they face physical circumstantial chains.  These physical chains can be confining on any one or more of the following circumstances:

  • Finances
  • Relationships
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Reproduction
  • Social Engagement/Interactions
  • Career Advancement
  • Procreation
Did you know that our praise and worship has the power to loose chains?

It is important to note that our lifestyle as Christians must include Praise and Worship. Not just in a Church service but daily. Are you aware that the highest form of praise and worship is our obedience to God's principles and standards for our lives?

We also sing songs to and about God in Praise and Worship. Through song we declare the promises of God and love in a uniquely beautiful way.

Singing songs of Praise has the power to 'Break us Free' by Uplifting, Encouraging, and Releasing our Spirit form confining spiritual chains.

Acts 16:24-26   Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 

Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Today let us declare, I am no longer a Prisoner of War in the Spirit! I am FREE in Jesus Name....

No more shackles
No more chains
No more bondage
I am free
Eddie James

Monday, December 1, 2014

Singing BATTLE READY Songs

Slowly winding down on our Battle Ready series.  We have a couple more post to go! 

This week enjoy these Battle Ready Songs...
 
It's Mighty Nice to Be on the Lord's Side
 Oh-oh-oh, how sweet it is to be on the Lord's side
Oh-oh-oh, how sweet it is to know that Jesus lives inside
Oh-oh-oh, if I don't praise Him the rocks are gonna cry
It's mighty nice to be on the Lord's side.

He's my rock, my sword, my shield
Yes, He is; Oh, yes He is!
He's my captain on the battlefield
Yes, He is, Oh, yes He is!

There is no other place that I would rather be
It's might nice to be on the Lord's side
 
Oh......oh-oh-oh
SO! oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, So Wonderful
Gloo-o-ory, Hallelu
Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir



Stand
What do you do when you've done all you can
And it seems like it's never enough?

And what do you say
When your friends turn away
And you all alone, alone?

Tell me, what do you give when you've given your all
And it seems like you can't make it through

Well, you just stand when there's nothing left to do
You just stand, watch the Lord see you through

Yes, after you've done all you can,
You just stand...
Donnie McClurkin
 
 
 
 
Can't Give Up Now
There will be mountains that I will have to climb
And there will be battles that I will have to fight
But victory or defeat, it's up to me to decide
But how can I expect to win If I never try.

I just can't give up now
I've come too far from where I started from
Nobody told me the road would be easy
And I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me

Never said there wouldn't be trials
Never said I wouldn't fall
Never said that everything would go the way I want it to go

But when my back is against the wall
And i feel all hope is gone,
I'll just lift my head up to the sky
And say help me to be strong...
Mary Mary
 
 

 
The Battle Is Not Yours
There is no pain Jesus can't feel
No hurt He cannot heal

For all things work according to His perfect will
No matter what you're going through
Remember God is using You
For the battle is not yours, it's the Lord's
 
There's no sadness Jesus can't feel
And there is no sorrow that He cannot heal

For all things work according to the Master's holy will
No matter what you're going through
Remember that God is only using You
For the battle is not yours,
it's the Lord's...
Yolanda Adams




Troubles Away
Byron Cage



I Will Live

Charles Jenkins & New Fellowship Choir



God is Good
Lisa Page-Brooks



Testimony

Anthony Brown & Group Therapy