It is God’s will for His people to be blessed. Walking in faith, paying your tithes is a great way to be blessed. Giving to others also will be a blessing for you. Ask the Lord for favor. Ask for favor to be blessed. It is a blessing living for our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is a blessing to be here at Christian Women’s Job Corps. Meeting new sisters in Christ at CWJC is a blessing. Praising and glorifying His Holy Name.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Power - Perspective by Reina
We need “Power” in all types of circumstances. Power to take care of self and accomplish things for others. We need “Power” to live and to do God’s will with His “Power.” Power is to have the mind and heart of doing right. Power is to have the things necessary to accomplish everything you need to do in life through God’s eyes.
There was a point in time in my life before coming to CWJC when I thought I had the power to live life to the fullest. Well, I thought wrong. If it were true, then where did we all come from? We came from Him, through Him, for Him and His power.
I use to be ignorant in thinking I had the power. There are a lot of ignorant people whom don’t know the truth about power, but let me tell you – the power we have is all from Him - our Father in Heaven. We need God’s power – in sorrow’s, in making decisions, when wounded by relationship, depressed, exhaustion and even in temptation and guilt. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, with His power rescues us from many ways. All we have to do is seek Him and we shall find Him.
Power is to have enough strength to accomplish all objects – good or bad in day to day life. The Lord’s Power protects us at all times, even when we sleep. Power is a very strong word. In life some people use the word “Power” in wrong ways. As an example: they feel they are above all, or better than others, abusing others for their own purpose of selfishness. The ignorant ones also use power for doing what they want, when they want, not caring how it hurts others. God’s Power brings up the ability of control in times of temptation. God empowers us to be filled with hope, love and faith so we will and can be saved from all sings and overcome the evil one.
It’s true God delights in revealing Himself to others around us by shining His power thought the cracks of our weaknesses. When we recognize our need for God’s Power, it will draw us closer.
God’s power and greatness are revealed in Scriptures and through His work in our life. When you sense a lack of power in your live, seek God for His Power.
Spiritual Power helps us accomplish God’s will. Possessing “Power” reveals important things about us. It is used in many ways. But, Power is to be used to do good, not for brutal purposes.
2 Timothy 1:7 (New Living Translation)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Prayer: God, how I need your power to live this life. Fill me with your Spirit. Infuse me with strength to accomplish your will today, tomorrow and Forever.” Amen!
There was a point in time in my life before coming to CWJC when I thought I had the power to live life to the fullest. Well, I thought wrong. If it were true, then where did we all come from? We came from Him, through Him, for Him and His power.
I use to be ignorant in thinking I had the power. There are a lot of ignorant people whom don’t know the truth about power, but let me tell you – the power we have is all from Him - our Father in Heaven. We need God’s power – in sorrow’s, in making decisions, when wounded by relationship, depressed, exhaustion and even in temptation and guilt. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, with His power rescues us from many ways. All we have to do is seek Him and we shall find Him.
Power is to have enough strength to accomplish all objects – good or bad in day to day life. The Lord’s Power protects us at all times, even when we sleep. Power is a very strong word. In life some people use the word “Power” in wrong ways. As an example: they feel they are above all, or better than others, abusing others for their own purpose of selfishness. The ignorant ones also use power for doing what they want, when they want, not caring how it hurts others. God’s Power brings up the ability of control in times of temptation. God empowers us to be filled with hope, love and faith so we will and can be saved from all sings and overcome the evil one.
It’s true God delights in revealing Himself to others around us by shining His power thought the cracks of our weaknesses. When we recognize our need for God’s Power, it will draw us closer.
God’s power and greatness are revealed in Scriptures and through His work in our life. When you sense a lack of power in your live, seek God for His Power.
Spiritual Power helps us accomplish God’s will. Possessing “Power” reveals important things about us. It is used in many ways. But, Power is to be used to do good, not for brutal purposes.
2 Timothy 1:7 (New Living Translation)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Prayer: God, how I need your power to live this life. Fill me with your Spirit. Infuse me with strength to accomplish your will today, tomorrow and Forever.” Amen!
Justice - Perspective by Krystal - CWJC
James 2:12-13 (New International Version)
12Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
Justice is fair judgment in deciding a case that exacts the perfect punishment or award. Justice requires objective analysis, critical thinking and accountability. Justice is an attribute of God and can be an attribute of humans when they work through established governments and law.
Stand up for justice. You can do justice by righting some wrong in your family, job, or in your life. Prayer is a means of bringing justice to your world. I don’t judge anyone. Apparently some people always have judgment against me. I may say things that I regret but I never lie about what I say. There are so many people that judge but their judgment will come. Justice is sometimes wrong and sometimes right.
Some verses that I like:
“Do not judge lest you be judged.” Matthew 7:1
“Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.” Proverbs 31:9
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge by right judgment.” John 7:24
Prayer:
“God, help me know when I can work to bring justice to someone around me. Help me always to be fair. Thank you for showing your mercy and grace to me.” Amen
Faith - Perspective from Amanda - CWJC
I extend my endless gratitude to God, for despite my stubbornness, He has found a way to get me to this most perfect place and time. Life has been a struggle for me at times, but when I began listening to my heart, amazing things started happening.
It wasn’t too long ago that I was wandering through life without direction and without passion. I was stuck in an endless cycle of lack and unhappiness. I had job after job. I knew there had to be more to life, but had no idea how to find it. I felt like I had hit a dead-end; trapped in a life I didn’t want. In reality, it wasn’t a dead-end; it was merely a crossroads where the paths of happiness and unhappiness intersected. There was only one choice to make. I had to choose a new life. And although I was ready to venture into the unknown, the idea was still terrifying. I didn’t know where to start, so I did the only thing I could think of – I prayed. I didn’t have all the answers, but I had a starting point.
I knew I had to follow my dreams; no matter what. I had to quit fighting what my heart had been telling me for so long. So I gave up control and trusted God to help me figure it out. I completely changed my life in a very short period of time by praying and having FAITH in GOD. And, it was all easier than I expected. When I quit fighting my dreams, I quit fighting God, and found this place my heart had been trying to guide me to for so long.
Today, I continue to follow my dreams and walk the path of happiness every day – picking dreams that grow like wildflowers along the way. And each day when I return, I find new dreams blossoming right where I picked the last ones. Amazing!
Nowadays, I have a better sense of where I’m headed. I ask God for guidance when I am unsure and He always says the same thing, “Listen to your heart. The rest will come.”
Thank you, God.
It wasn’t too long ago that I was wandering through life without direction and without passion. I was stuck in an endless cycle of lack and unhappiness. I had job after job. I knew there had to be more to life, but had no idea how to find it. I felt like I had hit a dead-end; trapped in a life I didn’t want. In reality, it wasn’t a dead-end; it was merely a crossroads where the paths of happiness and unhappiness intersected. There was only one choice to make. I had to choose a new life. And although I was ready to venture into the unknown, the idea was still terrifying. I didn’t know where to start, so I did the only thing I could think of – I prayed. I didn’t have all the answers, but I had a starting point.
I knew I had to follow my dreams; no matter what. I had to quit fighting what my heart had been telling me for so long. So I gave up control and trusted God to help me figure it out. I completely changed my life in a very short period of time by praying and having FAITH in GOD. And, it was all easier than I expected. When I quit fighting my dreams, I quit fighting God, and found this place my heart had been trying to guide me to for so long.
Today, I continue to follow my dreams and walk the path of happiness every day – picking dreams that grow like wildflowers along the way. And each day when I return, I find new dreams blossoming right where I picked the last ones. Amazing!
Nowadays, I have a better sense of where I’m headed. I ask God for guidance when I am unsure and He always says the same thing, “Listen to your heart. The rest will come.”
Thank you, God.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Truth - perspective from Veronica
Truth – that which is considered to be the supreme reality and to have the ultimate meaning of value or existence.
John 14:6 I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.
I do believe we as children of God have to sacrifice ourselves to live in God’s truth.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.
Psalm 25:4-5
4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
John 14:6 I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.
I do believe we as children of God have to sacrifice ourselves to live in God’s truth.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.
Psalm 25:4-5
4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Walking in God’s truth means courage for integrity and honesty in your inmost parts. God’s word provides truth, answers to the meaning of life and who God is!
There’s a little way to know truth apart from God’s Word. It stands as an objective source with God himself as the standard. God’s truth must sink into your mind, your soul and sprit for it to affect your life choices. There’s a right way to handle God’s truth. You need to be called to account.
Forgiveness – perspective from Vannessa
Forgiveness is a debt cancelled, letting go of your right to be angry or vengeful
I always thought of “forgiveness” as a gift, to be able to forgive and forget. The world wouldn’t be what it is today. I, myself, have issues involving forgiveness. I have always found my way around forgiving someone. You just don’t want to give someone the satisfaction/or pleasure of your hurt and pain. Not being able to forgive has side effects and they can begin to effect you emotionally and physically. Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. This is what we go through because of one’s negative input or wrong doings.
As it says in Luke 23:34: Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” I go by each day not knowing who seeks forgiveness from me. So this eleven letter word has really been an eye opener for me. Instead of expecting forgiveness, we should also give forgiveness because we are also sinners.
We all have a perfect role model (God) who has forgiveness of us for our sins. I see forgiveness as a godly solution. He doesn’t involve vengeance like we do.
I always thought of “forgiveness” as a gift, to be able to forgive and forget. The world wouldn’t be what it is today. I, myself, have issues involving forgiveness. I have always found my way around forgiving someone. You just don’t want to give someone the satisfaction/or pleasure of your hurt and pain. Not being able to forgive has side effects and they can begin to effect you emotionally and physically. Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. This is what we go through because of one’s negative input or wrong doings.
As it says in Luke 23:34: Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” I go by each day not knowing who seeks forgiveness from me. So this eleven letter word has really been an eye opener for me. Instead of expecting forgiveness, we should also give forgiveness because we are also sinners.
We all have a perfect role model (God) who has forgiveness of us for our sins. I see forgiveness as a godly solution. He doesn’t involve vengeance like we do.
Anger – Perspective from Alicia – CWJC
My topic today is “Anger.”
Definition of anger is a feeling of being very annoyed and wanting to fight back at a person or thing that hurts one or is against one. Anger is the general word for the feeling of displeasure mixed with a desire to fight back.
Now about myself:
When I started coming here, I had so much anger about so many things especially towards life for so many mistakes. I felt that God was not there for me when I needed him the most. But I have learned that He has been with me all the time.
Most of my anger started when I was at the shelter. Seeing so many women beat up with black eyes. Kids hurt or raped by their own father. That’s when I said to myself that is not going to happen to me or my kids. So I learned to defend myself without thinking or knowing my wrongs, especially when it came to men. If I would have been asked to write bout anger before I started coming here, I would have pages and pages about all of the anger that I had inside of me. And I am happy to say “had the anger,” because part of that that anger is gone.
My anger was to the point of hurting verbally, physical and throwing and breaking whatever it was in my way. I once threw a punch to a mirror and broke it with my fist. My kids were so scared and they started crying and I promised them that I was going to look for help. But at the same time I didn’t feel I needed help without realizing how much I was hurting my kids and how much I was hurting myself.
There are so many reasons for having anger inside of us. But it is not worth it. Having this anger only takes us into depression, low self-esteem. It makes us feel sorry about ourselves, not wanting to do anything.
So, it is time to leave this anger behind. I have learned to control my anger, how to say what I have to say without hurting the other person. If that doesn’t work, I just pray to God to help me to release my anger and to help me think before saying anything. I am accepting God back into my life. It is sad to say, that I had left God behind me a few years ago, but now that He is back into my life, I feel great. I feel peace in my heart and from now on, no matter what, I will never leave my God again.
So for each one of us, please leave your anger behind. It does not help you in anyway.
Definition of anger is a feeling of being very annoyed and wanting to fight back at a person or thing that hurts one or is against one. Anger is the general word for the feeling of displeasure mixed with a desire to fight back.
Now about myself:
When I started coming here, I had so much anger about so many things especially towards life for so many mistakes. I felt that God was not there for me when I needed him the most. But I have learned that He has been with me all the time.
Most of my anger started when I was at the shelter. Seeing so many women beat up with black eyes. Kids hurt or raped by their own father. That’s when I said to myself that is not going to happen to me or my kids. So I learned to defend myself without thinking or knowing my wrongs, especially when it came to men. If I would have been asked to write bout anger before I started coming here, I would have pages and pages about all of the anger that I had inside of me. And I am happy to say “had the anger,” because part of that that anger is gone.
My anger was to the point of hurting verbally, physical and throwing and breaking whatever it was in my way. I once threw a punch to a mirror and broke it with my fist. My kids were so scared and they started crying and I promised them that I was going to look for help. But at the same time I didn’t feel I needed help without realizing how much I was hurting my kids and how much I was hurting myself.
There are so many reasons for having anger inside of us. But it is not worth it. Having this anger only takes us into depression, low self-esteem. It makes us feel sorry about ourselves, not wanting to do anything.
So, it is time to leave this anger behind. I have learned to control my anger, how to say what I have to say without hurting the other person. If that doesn’t work, I just pray to God to help me to release my anger and to help me think before saying anything. I am accepting God back into my life. It is sad to say, that I had left God behind me a few years ago, but now that He is back into my life, I feel great. I feel peace in my heart and from now on, no matter what, I will never leave my God again.
So for each one of us, please leave your anger behind. It does not help you in anyway.
Commitment – Perspective from Michelle
It may seem like an easy topic, although in the past I didn’t understand its significance. I now see the word “commitment” in a new light even though I stuck my neck out by choosing this topic. If you think about it a lot of honor goes with the feeling of someone who commits to someone or something that is worthy. Sometimes the concept is overwhelming for anyone. But maybe that is because we’re too are on ourselves. I know I still am.
For me, commitment is a realization of one’s responsibilities and the will to carry them out. A lot of times, I don’t feel strong enough or smart enough, but then I’m sure that is where God comes in. You see, a year and a half ago, I was warped with depression feeling unworthy to even live. But God gave me the strength to stand up when standing is hard. I’ll never stop needing Him.
A good example of commitment is motherhood. A mother commits to taking care of her children, her home and going to work. Now, that’s what I call a full-time job. Commitment requires dedication and to me that means through rain, sleet or snow; good or bad. Another example is the Christian Women’s Job Corps and their students. Since we have committed to this cause, I know God will see us all the way to completion.
The last example is a broken commitment. As I have experienced, any time marriage vows are broken or someone lets you down or betrays you, it can take a long time to get over. It can sometimes change your whole outlook on life. Just give it to God!
In conclusion, you must see your potential despite your past failures. Nobody’s perfect, no not one. So just because we have unfulfilled commitments in the past doesn’t mean we can’t fulfill our commitment for the future.
For me, commitment is a realization of one’s responsibilities and the will to carry them out. A lot of times, I don’t feel strong enough or smart enough, but then I’m sure that is where God comes in. You see, a year and a half ago, I was warped with depression feeling unworthy to even live. But God gave me the strength to stand up when standing is hard. I’ll never stop needing Him.
A good example of commitment is motherhood. A mother commits to taking care of her children, her home and going to work. Now, that’s what I call a full-time job. Commitment requires dedication and to me that means through rain, sleet or snow; good or bad. Another example is the Christian Women’s Job Corps and their students. Since we have committed to this cause, I know God will see us all the way to completion.
The last example is a broken commitment. As I have experienced, any time marriage vows are broken or someone lets you down or betrays you, it can take a long time to get over. It can sometimes change your whole outlook on life. Just give it to God!
In conclusion, you must see your potential despite your past failures. Nobody’s perfect, no not one. So just because we have unfulfilled commitments in the past doesn’t mean we can’t fulfill our commitment for the future.
Worry - Perspective by Reina - CWJC
This is the beginning of a worried life. It all started when I was a little girl, age 8. I had to grow up so quickly that I became a mother to my younger siblings, newborn up to age 5-6. That’s when life began all my worries. Cleaning diapers, bottle feeding, bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, even ironing clothes and doing my school work. But more importantly, I worried about the children getting hurt or crying, because I would also get in trouble for them crying or getting hurt. Then at night I worried about my mother getting beat up by my drunken father. I worried if I had to run and hide with the children. I also worried about my mother if she had a chance to escape or if she was badly hurt. As a child, life was full of worries. It wasn’t even funny.
My worries would even bring me down into tears and anger. I t made me vulnerable, worthless. It drowned me and made me bitter and sour. It also made me feel old, weak and incapable of fixing the problems. Years have past and that part of my life stayed as memories. Not it’s not my siblings or my mother that I worry about; it’s my children. I worry about them getting hurt, sick broken bones, their safety, getting in trouble and even about death. I always felt a need to worry. I worried about things around me, people around me, my finances, money problems, fears and danger.
Then one morning in mid-August I went to CWJC to put in an application and was welcomed as a student. I was also excited and never felt happier. Doors began to open and I told myself it’s time for a change. I stopped worrying about when I was going to get the money to pay for my next cigarette and beer. I stopped worrying because I quit smoking and drinking and I feel proud of myself, because I started doing right. That was just two of the first things I wanted to change. Then I thought to myself, “Why do I worry if life is still here and so am I?” So I took a deep breath and told myself, “Listen to your hear and relax. Just put faith in Jesus and things will become better.” So they did.
I stopped worrying about everything. The Lord made them – the worries – disappear. I take life day by day. Now I have faith in someone whom I thought never was there to listen. He made my worries run dry because He guards my heart, mind and spirit.
That’s why I don’t worry anymore!
My worries would even bring me down into tears and anger. I t made me vulnerable, worthless. It drowned me and made me bitter and sour. It also made me feel old, weak and incapable of fixing the problems. Years have past and that part of my life stayed as memories. Not it’s not my siblings or my mother that I worry about; it’s my children. I worry about them getting hurt, sick broken bones, their safety, getting in trouble and even about death. I always felt a need to worry. I worried about things around me, people around me, my finances, money problems, fears and danger.
Then one morning in mid-August I went to CWJC to put in an application and was welcomed as a student. I was also excited and never felt happier. Doors began to open and I told myself it’s time for a change. I stopped worrying about when I was going to get the money to pay for my next cigarette and beer. I stopped worrying because I quit smoking and drinking and I feel proud of myself, because I started doing right. That was just two of the first things I wanted to change. Then I thought to myself, “Why do I worry if life is still here and so am I?” So I took a deep breath and told myself, “Listen to your hear and relax. Just put faith in Jesus and things will become better.” So they did.
I stopped worrying about everything. The Lord made them – the worries – disappear. I take life day by day. Now I have faith in someone whom I thought never was there to listen. He made my worries run dry because He guards my heart, mind and spirit.
That’s why I don’t worry anymore!
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