You are a child of God (1 John 4)
You were made to triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14)
You were chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4)
You are greater than the test (Romans 8:37)
You are the apple of God’s eye (Zechariah 2:8)
You are never forgotten by God (Isaiah 44:21)
You are the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13)
You are seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus above every principality, power, dominion, and name (Ephesians 1:21, 2:6)
Sometimes we need to be reminded of the truth!! As children of God, these truths NEVER change!! So regardless of what you go through, remember the truth!! You’re coming out! Rejoice. Stay Encouraged.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Wisdom
Proverbs 4: 12 "When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble." Always be guided by wisdom. Never be in such a hurry that you end up making decisions that takes your life in the wrong direction. Hear God concerning your life then plan accordingly. Know that the plans the Lord has for your life will prevail. So keep letting Him take the lead and live a fulfilled life.
Also remember, life is supposed to be enjoyed. It's time for the people of God to enjoy life and keep your joy. When you understand Who's leading your life, your joy should never leave.
Stay encouraged all.
*if you're not saved and want to be, repeat this prayer: Father in Heaven, forgive me of my sins. I'm ready to turn my life around and live for you. God I believe you raised Jesus from the dead and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Be my Lord and personal Savior, for now and forevermore. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen. Romans 10:9
Much love-
Also remember, life is supposed to be enjoyed. It's time for the people of God to enjoy life and keep your joy. When you understand Who's leading your life, your joy should never leave.
Stay encouraged all.
*if you're not saved and want to be, repeat this prayer: Father in Heaven, forgive me of my sins. I'm ready to turn my life around and live for you. God I believe you raised Jesus from the dead and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Be my Lord and personal Savior, for now and forevermore. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen. Romans 10:9
Much love-
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Stop Running in Circles
(Make this personal by reading this aloud and putting your name in it.)
There comes a time when you have to stop running in circles. Certain patterns you're used to living that bring you to the same results in life must be ended, if you desire to go higher. I know many may not know what to do to break a pattern so they do nothing and stay in the pattern. To break a pattern you must do something different. When you do something different, you get a different result. If you've always left relationships, jobs, or whatever else without closure, it's time to mature and have closure in your life by stop being a runner. We can't run from every problem in life. There are some things we have to face and fight through. God can and will either help you over, around, or through every situation in life. The key words in that last sentence was "help you." We have to put in the work to see certain cycles broken. There are things we have to do for change to occur. If you're currently in a cycle and want something different, ask yourself what keeps me in this pattern? Fear, lack of confidence, shame, guilt, laziness, etc? Be real with yourself to be the better you. We have more power than we think. God has given us the ability to recognize something needs to change and the power to change things. So keep going until you break the norm and get to your new normal. It's time to go beyond where you've been. It's time to see life as God intended it to be. It's time to be all God called you to be. It's time to stop talking yourself out of your blessings. It's time to see yourself as capable. It's time to see yourself the way God sees you. It's time to be bold as a lion and believe God. It's not time to worry but it's time to have faith in a new way. We don't see birds on a branch with the shakes because of worry, so we definitely shouldn't worry. The Bible says the birds don't sow nor reap but they're taken care of (Matthew 6:26). So no excuses, you can stop running in circles because destiny is ahead of you, not behind you. Have faith in God. #StayInTheRace @EriHolmes (twitter)
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Jesus Saves Us, Remember That....
Mark 10:23-31 “Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches[d] to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”
27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
28 Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”
29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife[e] or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
I wanted to point out a few things within this passage. In verse 24, Jesus answered how hard is it for those who “trust” in riches to enter the kingdom of God. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be rich but it means that you shouldn’t trust in things nor put them before God. You must have God before everything understanding that it’s Jesus that saves, not things. You must also know that it’s God that allows you to get possessions. Your possessions are to be used by you, not to use you or be your god (Matthew 6:24). I believe Jesus also mentioned riches because that’s something that people hold on to dearly. In Matthew 6:21 it says, For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.“ This means, what you value the most is where your heart is. People are serious about their money and most people only motive in life is to make money. They let it in a way, be their god when indeed, our motives in life should be to please God and to be of service to others. I’ve definitely been guilty of this before until I was brought down to ground zero, nothing.
There are times we go through things and this statement is made more evident. You may have gone through or going through a time where things are being taken away from you. During this time you understand that your joy or life is not controlled or valued by things but it’s controlled and valued by God. You have to understand that as in Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” This gives you the correct understanding that as you put God before everything in life (riches, family, friends, etc), you’ll then begin to see additional things come to you. Doing this shows God where your heart is. God wants to know that when you have things and when you don’t, He’s still first in your life. He wants to ensure that you’re not saying He’s first when things are only going well but you can also say and put Him first when people turn their back on you, or whatever else that may come to challenge you.
Also, within this same passage of scriptures in verses 29-31, Jesus ensures His followers that as they make Him first in life and be about His way of doing things, whatever you gave up you will receive back and more. Verse 30 clearly states that you’ll receive back “in this time” and then He also mentions in eternal life. He also mentions that even though things will be multiplied unto you, you’ll still have to go through some things in life. This is another point, God never promised that we wouldn’t go through anything but he did promise that He’d be there through EVERYTHING we go through (Deuteronomy 31:6&8, Joshua 1:9, Hebrews 13:5) . When we can accept that He’s with us through it all, we can then be assured that we’ll come out in victory each time.
So make sure you have God before everything which means He’s most important to you in life. We must keep in mind that it’s God that gave us breath and wakes us up each morning, not our alarm clocks. It’s God that gave us gifts/ability to acquire skills/wealth/etc. Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches and without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). When you truly understand that, putting God first will be easy. So reflect and ensure that you do indeed have God before everything. Remember, God didn’t give us things to save us, He gave us Jesus to save us. Put your trust in the right One. Stay in the race.
26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”
27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
28 Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”
29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife[e] or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
I wanted to point out a few things within this passage. In verse 24, Jesus answered how hard is it for those who “trust” in riches to enter the kingdom of God. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be rich but it means that you shouldn’t trust in things nor put them before God. You must have God before everything understanding that it’s Jesus that saves, not things. You must also know that it’s God that allows you to get possessions. Your possessions are to be used by you, not to use you or be your god (Matthew 6:24). I believe Jesus also mentioned riches because that’s something that people hold on to dearly. In Matthew 6:21 it says, For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.“ This means, what you value the most is where your heart is. People are serious about their money and most people only motive in life is to make money. They let it in a way, be their god when indeed, our motives in life should be to please God and to be of service to others. I’ve definitely been guilty of this before until I was brought down to ground zero, nothing.
There are times we go through things and this statement is made more evident. You may have gone through or going through a time where things are being taken away from you. During this time you understand that your joy or life is not controlled or valued by things but it’s controlled and valued by God. You have to understand that as in Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” This gives you the correct understanding that as you put God before everything in life (riches, family, friends, etc), you’ll then begin to see additional things come to you. Doing this shows God where your heart is. God wants to know that when you have things and when you don’t, He’s still first in your life. He wants to ensure that you’re not saying He’s first when things are only going well but you can also say and put Him first when people turn their back on you, or whatever else that may come to challenge you.
Also, within this same passage of scriptures in verses 29-31, Jesus ensures His followers that as they make Him first in life and be about His way of doing things, whatever you gave up you will receive back and more. Verse 30 clearly states that you’ll receive back “in this time” and then He also mentions in eternal life. He also mentions that even though things will be multiplied unto you, you’ll still have to go through some things in life. This is another point, God never promised that we wouldn’t go through anything but he did promise that He’d be there through EVERYTHING we go through (Deuteronomy 31:6&8, Joshua 1:9, Hebrews 13:5) . When we can accept that He’s with us through it all, we can then be assured that we’ll come out in victory each time.
So make sure you have God before everything which means He’s most important to you in life. We must keep in mind that it’s God that gave us breath and wakes us up each morning, not our alarm clocks. It’s God that gave us gifts/ability to acquire skills/wealth/etc. Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches and without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). When you truly understand that, putting God first will be easy. So reflect and ensure that you do indeed have God before everything. Remember, God didn’t give us things to save us, He gave us Jesus to save us. Put your trust in the right One. Stay in the race.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Fighting with Purpose
Mark 9: 14- 29 "14 And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. 15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. 16 And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”
17 Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.”
19 He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” 20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.
21 So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?”
And he said, “From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe,[a] all things are possible to him who believes.”
24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” 26 Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.
28 And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”
29 So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
I want to take a different look at this scripture. Do you know you have greatness inside you and that’s why the enemy seeks to destroy you? It’s not you he’s after, he’s after the purpose you hold. This is why things come at you to distract you, confuse you, and take you off your God paved path for good. Just as the Bible Says in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The enemy is literally coming to attempt to take away what God placed in you and that’s why he doesn’t want you to move forward in life or to walk worthy in what you’ve been called to do (Ephesians 4:1). I had you read this scripture to show how the enemy seeks to destroy us but know that Jesus came to give us life. Everything that was happening to that boy in this scripture was an attack from the evil one to take him out but realize that we have the greater One that’s in us (1 John 4:4). Regardless of what the enemy tried to do the boy’s father would NOT let him be taken out. He did whatever he could to keep him from dying. The people that come to try to distract and discourage you, the mean boss, the family that ridicules you, the people that lie on you, it’s all an attempt to make you give up so that what’s in you never comes out. You have something in you to help someone else, you have truth in you, you have love in you, you have life in you, you have destiny in you. You have a future but the devil doesn’t. The devil has already been told to the lake of fire he goes so he desires to take away everyone else’s futures but don’t let him (Revelation 20:10). Stay connected to God, stay in the Word (Bible), keep a prayer life, stay around other saints to pour back in you. You have to know the truth so that you don’t give up and don’t be deceived. The enemy may have his plan for your life but know that God has a better plan. God plans to use you for His glory. He plans to bring every promise He’s given you to past (Hebrews 10:23). He plans to give you blessings that make you rich and add no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22). His plans are for good and not for evil so go with God and remember what He says (Jeremiah 29:11). You have to live this life out with knowledge and truth. When you believe what God says about you, you’ll go all the way and you’ll refuse to be stopped by opposition. So stay in your race and live life the way it’s supposed to be. You’re an overcomer and with God you can overcome anything that’s thrown at you, remember that. Also, remember what type of battle this is, Ephesians 6:12 ”For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Stay armored up, Ephesians 6:10-19. But also remember this, Ephesians 2:4-6 "4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 1:17-22, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding[c] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."
Remember where your position was after Jesus' resurrection. There’s a reason for your stand, You’re fighting with purpose. Stay encouraged.
17 Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.”
19 He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” 20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.
21 So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?”
And he said, “From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe,[a] all things are possible to him who believes.”
24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” 26 Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.
28 And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”
29 So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
I want to take a different look at this scripture. Do you know you have greatness inside you and that’s why the enemy seeks to destroy you? It’s not you he’s after, he’s after the purpose you hold. This is why things come at you to distract you, confuse you, and take you off your God paved path for good. Just as the Bible Says in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The enemy is literally coming to attempt to take away what God placed in you and that’s why he doesn’t want you to move forward in life or to walk worthy in what you’ve been called to do (Ephesians 4:1). I had you read this scripture to show how the enemy seeks to destroy us but know that Jesus came to give us life. Everything that was happening to that boy in this scripture was an attack from the evil one to take him out but realize that we have the greater One that’s in us (1 John 4:4). Regardless of what the enemy tried to do the boy’s father would NOT let him be taken out. He did whatever he could to keep him from dying. The people that come to try to distract and discourage you, the mean boss, the family that ridicules you, the people that lie on you, it’s all an attempt to make you give up so that what’s in you never comes out. You have something in you to help someone else, you have truth in you, you have love in you, you have life in you, you have destiny in you. You have a future but the devil doesn’t. The devil has already been told to the lake of fire he goes so he desires to take away everyone else’s futures but don’t let him (Revelation 20:10). Stay connected to God, stay in the Word (Bible), keep a prayer life, stay around other saints to pour back in you. You have to know the truth so that you don’t give up and don’t be deceived. The enemy may have his plan for your life but know that God has a better plan. God plans to use you for His glory. He plans to bring every promise He’s given you to past (Hebrews 10:23). He plans to give you blessings that make you rich and add no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22). His plans are for good and not for evil so go with God and remember what He says (Jeremiah 29:11). You have to live this life out with knowledge and truth. When you believe what God says about you, you’ll go all the way and you’ll refuse to be stopped by opposition. So stay in your race and live life the way it’s supposed to be. You’re an overcomer and with God you can overcome anything that’s thrown at you, remember that. Also, remember what type of battle this is, Ephesians 6:12 ”For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Stay armored up, Ephesians 6:10-19. But also remember this, Ephesians 2:4-6 "4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 1:17-22, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding[c] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."
Remember where your position was after Jesus' resurrection. There’s a reason for your stand, You’re fighting with purpose. Stay encouraged.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Suicide is NOT an Option
It seems like recently every other day we're hearing about someone committing suicide. Suicide is not an option people. There are MANY times when I feel overwhelmed and like I'm at the end of the rope but God supernaturally gives me strength. I've also learn to let people know when I need help. You guys, we must be more sensitive to people who don't have a relationship with God. We have to encourage more and cut off foolish talk & tear downs. It hurts my heart every time I hear about someone that committed suicide because life is worth living. Life is precious and we're supposed to have dominion over everything on earth (Genesis). We're made to be overcomers. I've learned throughout life that with God I can get through anything. The disappointments, headaches, and whatever else, is not worth taken your life. Storms and trials don't last always, remember that. Also understand if you're dealing with suicidal thoughts or have a failed attempt at it(tried to do it), know that the only reason the enemy is trying to have you take your life is because there's greatness inside you and in your future. The enemy or opposition tries to convince you that things will never get better when in fact they will get better, you just have to choose to keep going on. Put pride and whatever else aside to get help when you need it. It's ok to get help, especially when you feel like giving up. Understand there's churches all over the world that have prayer lines to help you through your moments. I admit, I've called prayer lines before because I understand the power of prayer and agreement. So choose to live and keep the hope. There are things in life to live for. You have a whole future ahead of you. Regardless if a person looks like they need encouragement or not, be willing to share kinds words. Don't let suicide be the answer to your problems, we need you. If you haven't heard anyone tell you that you're love, I'm here to say Jesus loves you and so do I. Be willing to get help.
Below I've listed some numbers you can call to get help or prayer. Also if you need to talk, I'm here. I'm not a professional therapist but I do know how to pray and listen. I can be reached at , info.ibtm@gmail.com.
Suicide prevention line(24/7 available):
1-800-273-8255
Prayer line (Kenneth Copeland Ministry-24/7 available line):
817-852-6000
God's Ministry Prayer line:
763-898-3346
Coming straight from the heart, stay encouraged. We have work to do.
Much love,
Erica (Eri)
Below I've listed some numbers you can call to get help or prayer. Also if you need to talk, I'm here. I'm not a professional therapist but I do know how to pray and listen. I can be reached at , info.ibtm@gmail.com.
Suicide prevention line(24/7 available):
1-800-273-8255
Prayer line (Kenneth Copeland Ministry-24/7 available line):
817-852-6000
God's Ministry Prayer line:
763-898-3346
Coming straight from the heart, stay encouraged. We have work to do.
Much love,
Erica (Eri)
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Plan
Hey all. I want to encourage you all to plan properly and stay prepared for great opportunities. There are some things that are about to open for some of you but you have to be prepared to walk through it. Keep listening to God's voice and following His lead. I also want to encourage the entrepreneurs to keep moving forward with your businesses. Regardless of how it looks, if God told you to start the business and gave you the vision for it he’ll also give the provision as well. So no excuses, don’t give up, keep going. From personal experience I know how hard it could be starting a business from scratch. But don’t lose hope !!
It’s so important to have a plan or vision board written out that helps you remember what it is you’re going after. It also helps you stay on track. You have to be willing to do the practical preparation to see something manifest. Also, never be afraid to plan big, remember we have a big God. There is truly nothing impossible if we only believe. So stay on track and don’t be moved by feelings or people but continually to be lead by faith. Love you all!! There’s so much ahead for us, stay encouraged.
If you have a prayer requests let me know, info.ibtm@gmail.com
Keep God 1st & God Bless!
Eri
It’s so important to have a plan or vision board written out that helps you remember what it is you’re going after. It also helps you stay on track. You have to be willing to do the practical preparation to see something manifest. Also, never be afraid to plan big, remember we have a big God. There is truly nothing impossible if we only believe. So stay on track and don’t be moved by feelings or people but continually to be lead by faith. Love you all!! There’s so much ahead for us, stay encouraged.
If you have a prayer requests let me know, info.ibtm@gmail.com
Keep God 1st & God Bless!
Eri
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