Photo by Christopher Rusev (unsplash)
Written by Charles Head

The Lord has chosen a name for those who are saved – “peculiar!”  We are considered a set apart people who He has set aside as lights to the world.  Because of our transformation, how we function and the way we live our daily lives may cause some to come to the light of Jesus in us or stand in the way because our life causes the brightness to dim.

In 1 Peter 2:9-10 we read “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light:  which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” 
 
We must keep in mind that God has given people of the world the right to watch us and expect us to be a representative of His kingdom to show His glory and give them hope for a victorious life in Christ.

It’s a troubled time today in the church as many are compromising their “should be” Godly convictions in the name of things such as status, partiality, hate in our races, and followers of those that are evil rather than the Godly standard He has set.  When we are caught up in this agenda we are no different than those who don’t profess Christ as Savior.

It is time to put away all our carnal thoughts and actions and be obedient to the command Jesus gave before He left this earth.  He commanded us in the Book of Matthew with a title known as “The Great Commission,” which is “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. “ (Matthew 28:19-20)

We should never take lightly what Jesus has commanded us in God’s Word, it’s neither a fairy tale nor symbolic, it is to be read, meditated upon and applied with action to our life.  Never should we as peculiar people get so caught up this world and forget our purpose to be ambassadors to both win souls for God’s kingdom by pointing them to the Light of Christ, and live as a light to others.

Yes, we all have faults, and we are not to bury our head in the sand and ignore the world around us, but at the same time we are to be more sensitive and mindful that we have an advantage with the Lord on our side.  The hope that the world needs in the midst of all the crisis around us resides in us.  Exercise it in order to bring fruit that can make a difference for others.  

Photo by Tyler Nix (Unsplash)

Written by Charles S. Head
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During my morning prayer time today, I was interrupted by my grandson knocking on the closed door.  I had already told him earlier that I would be praying, but when you have a young child many times you have to repeat yourself more than one time. 

As he entered the room, he noticed I was sitting in my recliner rather than the usual bowing of my knees to pray.  His comment was centered around me sitting in the chair rather than bowing, meaning that I was not really having my prayer time because I was not bowing my knees.  Because of his comment I preceded to explain to him “the heart is what matters!”  I gave him an example of my dear Mother, during her life she was wheelchair bound and crippled, she could not get down on her knees to pray, but I saw her talk to God many days out of her heart and she still made her connection with Him with her prayers.

My changed life and transformation is a result of her prayers, because prayers that really matter comes from the heart, no matter what our physical condition or position may be.  Some examples found in the Bible are in Psalms 9:1 “I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”  The example speaking of the motive of the heart is found in Psalms 26:2-3 “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart for thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.”

The Lord knows the motive of our hearts ever before we open our mouth, even for those who cannot speak by mouth, He hears their heart and answers accordingly.  All that matters is that we must keep our heart pure from sin in order that the connection will go through as we have a relationship with Father God.

Photo by Aung Snoe (unsplash)
​Written by Rev. Georgetta Head
 
"This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24
 
Every day we awake is a gift from God.  He watched over us during the night, woke us up this morning, granting each one of us a new day.  The Psalmist is making a declaration!  A declaration of truth and of faith that God is creator of each new day. 
 
This Psalm is also about making a choice!  Will you choose to rejoice because of this gift and will you rejoice in this day.  Everything we do is about making a choice. We can choose to rejoice and be happy, or choose not to rejoice and allow worldly circumstances to create our day! 
 
Friends, God created each new day for us as an adventure!  Every day is a journey with new discoveries in the Lord as we trust Him to "direct our steps!"  Today, by faith, choose "joy" for "the joy of the Lord is our strength" on our individual journeys.  Father God has great plans for our lives.  Living in misery doubting God delays the manifestation of Father God's plans in our lives.  Don't let worldly circumstances keep you from receiving all God has for you!

​Photo by Aung Snoe (unsplash)
​Written by Rev. Georgetta Head
 
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:"  Isaiah 26:3-4 KJV
 
Every day we either read about bad news, watch it on TV, or listen to it on the radio.  Bad news can be unnerving to one’s mind leaving them frightened and void of peace of the mind.  Individuals are seeking peace for the world and for their minds, but they are seeking the wrong sources, leaving many in a depressed state of mind.  The Bible tells us there is no peace for the ungodly, but for those who trust in God can have "peace."
 
As Believers journey through earth they will experience difficulties and trying circumstances in their homes, their workplaces,  and in this world because this is part of what happens in a "fallen" world.  But, the Word of God warns Believers not to be caught off guard, we have been forewarned these things would happen!  Life happens in the life of Believers and unbelievers alike, but Believers should not handle difficult circumstances as those who do not know God the Father.
 
Believers are to be an example to the world of the joy and peace of mind one has when trusting in God Almighty.  We are to keep our minds focused and steadfast on God for everything, including difficulties in life. For God is our strength and hope during our times of need.  He is our victory! He is our rescuer! He is our deliverer! He is our rewarder!
 
God promises "perfect peace" as we trust in Him.  What battles are you struggling with right now?  Stop struggling and cast those burdens onto the Lord, for He is your strength. Settle in your mind that God is able to meet your every need according to His riches in glory.  Settle in your mind that God, who dwells within you, is stronger than anything you are going through in this world!  Trust in God to fight your battles!  Keep your mind "stayed on Him" and Our God will give us "perfect peace" to level any mountain and to destroy every Goliath in our lives now and in the future. 
 
I have personally TP'd (Tried & Proved) Isaiah 26:3-4.  Father God does reward us with "perfect peace" as we change our thinking and keep our minds stayed on Him for every victory in our lives.  TP (Try & Prove) Isaiah 26:3-4 for yourself!  Father God is no respecter of person, what He did for me, He will do for you!  Father God loves you very much and wants you to be stable in your mind so you can soar strong like an eagle and not become weary in your daily living.
 
Application
Find scriptures in the Bible that relate to what you are going through.  Read the stories Holy Spirit recorded in the Bible of how:

• God rescues His children. 
• God provides for His children. 
• God comforts His children.
• God punishes our enemies. 

 
The Bible is the Believers lifeline that helps them to keep their mind "stayed on God" who is our Lord Jehovah our everlasting strength.

Visit our blog site:  https://journeythroughlifeministries.net

Photo by Aung Soe (unsplash)
​Written by Rev. Georgetta Head

"Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:  Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious."  (Psalms 66:1-2 KJV)

Everyday we are faced with new trials, struggles or unforeseen circumstances that take us off focus of what is really important.  And, generation after generation we have lost the real purpose of our existence, such as:  1) why are we here, and 2) why were we created.
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We exist to bring glory to God in all that we do, whether at work or play.  God lovingly created each of us uniquely different, yet with the same purpose - to magnify His glory through our lives.  To speak of His testimonies, to sing of His honor for the great things He has done.

Does your light, the glory of God, shine brightly each day through you displaying the uniquely created "you" by the hands of Almighty God?  Do you bring joy into every situation?  Do you sing of His praises for what He has accomplished in your life?
The Psalmist says "make a joyful noise!" In other words speak loudly and unapologetically of our magnificence, all-knowing and powerful God who watches over us as a mother hen watches her chicks.  Sing loudly my friends for God is doing great things in you and through you!  Sing loudly praises to God Almighty for His works are wonderful!  Sing loudly making a joyful noise because we are His crowning joy!  My friends, sing loudly praises to our God, for we His children are His creation and are greatly loved.  Never let your struggles, trials or circumstances cause you to lose your voice to sing "a joyful noise unto the LORD."  Nothing is impossible with God, so continue to sing a joyful noise as He is preparing the answers and solutions to your life situations. 

Friends, remember we are on a journey just passing through earth, so don't let the bumps on the road detour you!  Keep making a joyful noise, singing forth the honor due God and His name!!   

​Photo by Emma (unsplash)
 Written by Georgetta Head

As we journey in God's Word today, let's look at Psalms 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

We can read the Bible from now until eternity and we will never know all the wisdom found in the Bible.  What I've learned though is, when we are faithful to study the Word, Holy Spirit will reveal to us wonderful treasures, which can be inspiring, bring correction, give us answers we are seeking, help with decisions, etc.

Benefits of Studying the Word:
• The more we study the Word and apply it to our lives we will        begin to mature spiritually in the Lord.
• Consistently reading and studying the Word transforms us more and more into the likeness of Christ.
• Consistently reading and studying the Word strengthens our faith, teaching us to allow the Word of God to be our guidance and direction.
• Consistently studying the Word empowers us with a secure and confident walk with the Lord.

Mysteries of the Kingdom:
Matthew 13:11 (KJV) reveals why unbelievers can not understand the Bible. "...Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."  The Word of God is for Believers!  They receive revelation of the Word under the guidance of Holy Spirit.  When Holy Spirit points out something new to us in the Word, it should draw us closer to the Lord.  I can personally testify that reading and studying the Word has great benefits such as knowing Father God's character and His ways more intimately.  Friends, making God a priority in our lives is key for living a victorious lifestyle. 

Many believe consistent studying of the word has little or no benefits, but God says studying the Word is profitable.  2 Timothy 3:16 records that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" Per God's own Words, the Word instructs Believers how to live a godly life.  The Word of God is a light that exams the heart to correct and discipline when needed.  We need the Word of God in order to live this life righteously and victoriously.

As stewards of the Word, we are to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).  This encouragement comes from God!  The Word is life, and it is a lifeline for all Believers!  Unfortunately, many of God's children know more about TV programs than the Word of God, which is sad.  If one doesn't know the Word of God, how will he/she not be deceived!  How will they know the TRUTH, especially in today's culture?

Personal Testimony:
Psalms 119:105 is one of my favorite scriptures and a daily reminder to me to let go and let God. The first thing to happen to me after Salvation is that I developed an insatiable hunger to know everything about the Word of God.  The more I studied the Word, the more I wanted to study and know all I could about God and His Kingdom.  Forty years later and I am still hungry for learning all I can about our Heavenly Father and His Kingdom. God's Word has transformed me in ways I could never do myself.  I think differently! My desires are different. I am so amazed at my transformation, and I didn't need a plastic surgeon.  What I needed was the heart surgeon of Heaven, Holy Spirit. He transformed my old man into a new man that no longer desires the influences of this world.   My heart now longs for what only Father God can provide and do for me.

God's Word can be our guide and direction if we allow it to be our lamp and our light.  The Word of God can transform anyone that puts their trust in Him.  King Manasseh, in the Old Testament, was one of the worse kings to rule in Israel.   He reigned 52 years as a murderer and dictator, but the last two years of his reign, he met our Heavenly heart surgeon, Holy Spirit.  Manasseh had heart surgery and was transformed!  He spent the last two years of his life trying to bring about reform in Israel.  If a man as wicked as king Manasseh can be transformed, anyone can be transformed under the guidance and direction of Holy Spirit.  Don't stop praying for your unsaved loved ones, neighbors, your community, and our leaders - for nothing is impossible with God! 

Photo by Michele Bergami (unsplash)
Written by Charles Head
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As representatives and ambassadors of God’s Kingdom we are held accountable for our actions, and we must beware lest we portray a negative message to those who look to us as “the light of the world.”

In the Word of God, we have instructions for anything that pertains to human life and we must choose to search the scriptures, pray, and ask the Lord to give us revelation in understanding how to apply them to our daily life.

The Lord Jesus gave us a parable which is found in Luke 18:9-14, which reads: “two men went up into the temple to pray; the one Pharisee and the other a Publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterous, or even as this Publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”  What did this parable mean? Jesus used this parable to make a point to us about being self-righteous and full of pride compared to being humble and recognizing that it’s God’s mercy that has brought us from where we came from to where we are today.

Therefore, we are not justified to look down on others, thinking that we are more spiritual because, in our opinion we are “righteous in our own eyes.”  A “Publican” in these verses refers to a Jewish tax collector for the Roman government, who were hated by their own people the Jews, because many of them were greedy by collecting excess taxes to seal their own pockets. This story is a setting of Jesus teaching His disciples about being self-righteous (Luke 18 verse 9).  The Pharisee, in verses 11 and 12, represents the self-righteous and the Publican in verse 13 and 14 represents the true righteous who are justified before God because of their humility and having a pure heart.

On our part, the question is which one of the characters and we?  The point is this that it is very easy and settled that we drift into a mode of want to be self-righteous, which from the outside turns unbelievers away from wanting to hear from us. The solution for this, if we have examined ourselves and found that we have sunk this low, is to repent and ask the Lord to forgive us and to move forward by obeying God’s word with a broken and humble spirit. When this is done we will become fruitful God’s way. 

Photo by Pexel

Written by Georgetta Head
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This past month has been very concerning with the scare of COVID-19. I was out today for the first time, in the past 8 days. As I shopped at a couple stores, it was somewhat alarming to see empty shelves and signs posted limiting shoppers with specific quantities to purchase. People were filling their grocery carts as if we were headed for a famine. It was very interesting listening to people’s conversations. People were conversing that this is the end of the world and how scared they were! A man was standing at our local bank declaring doomsday. While two other people were declaring how United States will never rebound from this crisis. These different scenarios brought to mind several Bible verses that have answers of hope as we place our faith in God during this serious situation we are currently faced with. First, I would like to say, I don’t believe Father God is the cause of this worldwide virus (COVID-19) as some think. I believe we, the world, have cursed ourselves. Let’s read Daniel 9:5 and Daniel 9:10

Daniel 9:5 reads “We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy (God) precepts and from thy (God) judgments:” And, Daniel 9:10 reads “Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets.”

Hope: Daniel is interceding in prayer on the behalf of his beloved nation Israel. The people had turned their backs on God and wanted to live life doing things their way. They didn’t want God in their nation! Their Temple! Their homes! They had chosen the path of darkness, which is the world’s ways of living. They had cursed themselves as a nation!

Our hope for healing is found in humbling ourselves before God in pray. We need to confess our sins and repent of them. We have sinned as a nation, choosing to allow evil to be called good and good to be evil (Isaiah 5:20), and God says “woe” to the man that does this. The Word says, it is righteousness that exalts a nation: and it is sin that brings a reproach to the people. (Proverbs 14:34 KJV)

Faith: We are encouraged in Matthew 6:25 and Matthew 6:33 to put all of our faith in Father God. He instructs us not to worry about our basis needs. To Him our life is very valuable!  We are to seek the Kingdom of God by giving God first place in our hearts, and He will meet our every need. It doesn’t matter to God how bad the situation is, because He promises to take care of His children’s basis needs of food, water, clothing, a roof over our head, etc. So, instead of worrying, we need to seek God in prayer confessing, repenting, and interceding for self, our nation and the world.

We need to rebuke the spirit of fear from our lives, because Believers should not live in fear. Fear is not from Father God! Believers should, however, be a light for Jesus encouraging each other and nonbelievers with the hope found in God’s Word. The world is not going to end today or tomorrow, we are however living in a difficult time, but nothing is impossible with God. Our hope is in God alone, so let’s encourage everyone to place their faith in God for divine healing and intervention.

We are all in this battle together so, I encourage everyone to put their faith in God and stop letting the news media make you fretful and nervous with their hyped up news reports. Using common sense, do what is required of you hygiene wise. Stay in the house enjoying your family, using this “in-shelter” as a time to reconnect with loved ones and especially with Father God. Call those who live alone via Facetime (Iphone) or Duo (Android) to give them a sense of connection by seeing a face and not just a voice. Let’s all do our part supporting one another. That’s what God’s Kingdom is about loving one another and looking out for each other.

Photo by Pexel

Written by Charles S. Head
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How do you handle adversity? Are you giving in to it, or are you getting victory over it in your life? Adversity is defined as “a state or instance of serious or continued difficulty or misfortune.”
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We will always face adversity in our lives, how we handle it depends on our choice in the matter. We live in a troubled world and it’s impossible to avoid the many negative setbacks as a part of life. Looking back, I noticed that during adversities in my own life there was a difference when I tried to handle much of my adversity myself rather than allow the Lord to be my strength and guidance. When I used my own method, many times I ended up complaining about the situation which became a negative affect on my part. On the other hand, when I trusted my Heavenly Father through prayer, he became my Rock and my stepping stone of victory. The results of victory when I trusted the Lord and seeking Him were a stronger relationship afterwards in my favor. When we are faced with adversity, it does not seem fair at times, and we may have problems trying to understand and figure out things in our mind. This is where we need the comfort, assurance, encouragement and strength to carry us to victory.

King David wrote a good example on how to go through adversity and seeking the Lord all the way to victory. In Psalms 24:7-10 it reads: “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.”

How should we handle our adversity, it is all in the arms of our Heavenly Father. He knows just what it takes to make each of us completely whole and restored with His joy, a joy that’s not comparable to any other, because he is the manufacturer of us, He knows what parts that have been broken and He can put all our pieces back together again.

Photo by Nicolas Hoizey (unsplash)

Written by Georgetta Head
I really watching cooking shows on television, I especially like watching the competition airings. My favorite programs are the baking or cooking competitions with the kids. It amazes me how these children can bake or cook. They can come up with ideas and concoctions I would have never imagined in a million years, these children are very talented to be so young. When I was their age the only cooking I mastered was cooking fresh French fries. For these children to be able to bake or cook food products that are worthy of a reward, reminds me of what an amazing God we serve. He gifted these young minds with talent that is far above their age group. 
 
For nine weeks or more these young minds, ages 9 to 13, compete each week knowing one will be eliminated. These children are so adorable and talented, so it breaks my heart when one is eliminated. Although a child gets eliminated and it bothers me, I continue watching the show teary eyed knowing only one child can win the grand prize. Just one little flaw or mistake with their finished master piece gets him or her eliminated. The judges are not without compassion, when a child is eliminated, they gently say "it's a contest, one has to go, it's so unfortunate they made a mistake in preparation, or they simply just missed the mark" - consequences elimination.  As I sat watching this Winter's "Kids Bakeoff Contest" with the final two contestants competing, I thought, wow, one mistake little one and you are done, you will be eliminated, be careful! 
 
This cooking contest brought to mind the Kingdom of God and His children. I began to thank Father God because He doesn't eliminate us because of a flaw or mistake. God doesn't get rid of us, instead He tells us in His Word to: humble ourselves before Him. When we make mistakes through sin, we are to repent of our sins and He will forgive us of all unrighteousness. We read in Numbers 14:18 (KJV) that "The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation." The Lord demonstrates great mercy and long-suffering toward us that have a genuine heart and confession of repentance for our wrong doings; otherwise, we would all be dead in our sins and trespasses. 
 
What's so amazing about the Kingdom of God is that we are all also in a race, a spiritual race! "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible" (1 Corinthians 9:24-25 KJV). In this race, we can all win! How? As Christian Believers we are to live a life of self-control (temperance) in every area of our lives. We accomplish this by knowing God's will and commandments for running this race. We are not to live life the way the world does, instead, we live a life that exemplifies one of obedience to our Heavenly Father. No competition, we run our race one-by-one knowing we will, if faithful, receive an "incorruptible crown" for eternity. God eliminates no one, but we can eliminate ourselves!
 
Friends, follow the directions in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 and run this race with a pure heart toward God, for all that run with a pure heart can win this race. Remember, we run this race one-by-one for an in-corruptible crown in the Kingdom of God.  No elimination!