The Artist AKA Prince Might Be With The King

Many people all over the world are mourning the passing of the artist, AKA Prince. Personally, I hope he is in heaven, in the bosom of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Last night I watched one of the programs that profiled some of his life. He followed a principle I admire and that was if he had guests at his home, alcoholic beverages, smoking, cursing and cell phones were not allowed.

At the close of the program, they showed him making a comment that I liked. I might not have written what he said verbatim but here goes.

"Every night I pray. I don't ask much. Then I thank Him."

I don't know anything about his spiritual affiliation but I was additionally touched by a song entitled, "THE CROSS" that he penned and set to music. And it follows:

THE CROSS

by Prince

Black day, stormy night

No love, no hope in sight

Don't cry, he is coming

Don't die without knowing the cross

Ghettos to the left of us

Flowers to the right

There'll be bread for all of us

If we can just bear the cross

Sweet song of salvation

A pregnant mother sings

She lives in starvation

Her children need all that she brings

We all have our problems

Some big, some are small

Soon all of our problems

Will be taken by the cross

Black day, stormy night

No love, no hope in sight

Don't cry for he is coming

Don't die without knowing the cross

Ghettos to the left of us

Flowers to the right

There'll be bread for all, y'all

If we can just, just bear the cross, yeah

We all have our problems

Some are big, some are small

Soon all of our problems, y'all

Will be taken by the cross

The cross

The cross

So I wonder if The Artist, AKA Prince just might be with the King. I think he would like it.

Areli MediaWorks | 2016

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

READ AN eBook Week at Smashwords

THIS IS READ AN eBOOK WEEK!!!

From March 6 thru 12th

ALL ebooks by Christine Brooks Martin are FREE at Smashwords.com

Visit the Author page or click on preferred book titles below to access

Use coupon code RW100 before checkout.

Titles are:
PrayWhat God Says
Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith
He That Healeth Thee
El Dios Que Te Sana (Spanish version of He That Healeth Thee)
God Is... Each and Everyday
Little Book, Big Prayers (4-book series)
--Spiritual Growth
--Mental and Physical Wholeness
--Career and Finances
--Intercession for the Body of Christ
Christine's Short-Shorts

Areli MediaWorks  |  2016

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

Tithing Your Time

Have you ever considered tithing your time? When we hear the word tithe, we attribute it to the action of giving monetary currency. Malachi 3:10 is commonly used as the basis for adherence to the instruction from God to tithe the first fruit of our increase.

Malachi 3:10 (NLT) says, "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!"

Our obedience, out of love for Him, gives us an assurance of blessing in every area of our lives. But I pose the question to you again. Have you considered tithing your time? We have 24 hours in a day which is 1,440 minutes. A tithe of your time is 144 minutes or 2 hours and 24 minutes. You have a laundry list of your Christian doings. You thank the Lord everyday for your existence, family, job, finances, health, etc. Your life is so full of things that have to been done. You do things with and for the ministry. You read the word everyday, pray with and for others. Time is a great commodity and so much of it is consumed with your "must do" business. And when it's all done you need to rest and sleep. Before you sink into a deep sleep you might utter "Thank you Jesus for another day." Then off to La-La Land you go until the alarm clock rings to wake you for another day, repetitious of the days before.

Deuteronomy 12:10-11 (NLT) says, "But you will soon cross the Jordan River and live in the land the LORD your God is giving you. When he gives you rest from all your enemies and you’re living safely in the land, you must bring everything I command you—your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, your sacred offerings, and your offerings to fulfill a vow—to the designated place of worship, the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored."

You say, "I don't have time to tithe time." Believe it or not, you do have expendable time. How much time do you engage in social networking, watching TV, listening to your favorite music, reading books in your favorite genre, spending time with friends, chitty-chatting (maybe gossiping) with your family and friends, in addition to other leisurely indulgences?

Don't you think you can offer up the bare minimum of your day by dedicating it to no one but God? Can you take 144 minutes of your time just for Him? It's where you shut up and shut off EVERYTHING. Get quiet, get still and wait on Him. He is your audience. You are His audience. Even if you don't hear anything in the spirit, give Him His time with you. And when you do, you will be amazed at how close and intimate you will get with Him. The hidden man of the heart needs the nourishment of His presence and glory. And there is a wonderful benefit of tithing time to and with God. It will be unique and wonderful.

Deuteronomy 12:28 (NLT) says, "Be careful to obey all my commands, so that all will go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and pleasing to the LORD your God."

Christine Brooks Martin
www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

Areli MediaWorks  |  2015

Cry of the Heart and Soul -- A Spiritual Anniversary

Today is my spiritual anniversary!! Twenty-two years ago on this date, August 5th, I said YES to Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. He has shown me each and everyday that I made the right decision and He has always and will forever be my King and Most High God. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

To follow is an excerpt from my book "Pray What God Says" where I shared the testimony of my acceptance of Jesus Christ into my life. Of all the testimonies I have, this is the greatest.

*****

Years ago, before accepting Jesus Christ as Lord of my life, I considered myself a decent person. Although I acknowledged God, I did not serve Him by reading or studying the scriptures, prayer or attending church. I thought I had everything that was essential for a good and happy lifestyle. But I had issues that troubled my mind and heart as well. With God excluded from my life, unfruitful decisions made solutions to my problems elusive. I resigned to accepting and responding to lingering challenges the way I thought best.

But God heard the cry of my heart when no one else was listening, and where no one else was looking. He reconnected me with a friend in a wonderful way. My best friend Cheryl sowed 13 years of obedient and dedicated evangelistic ministry into my life. She planted the seed of the Word in every conversation and watered it by taking me to church services, conferences, her family gatherings, and most important, intercession for me in her prayer closet. I believe that when the Lord heard my cry for something new, He heard and honored the cries of Cheryl’s heart to see me saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Throughout those 13 years I had many opportunities to accept an altar call but I refused, holding on to the notion that eventually, I could fix me all by myself. In retrospect, arrogance and stubbornness had been a barrier to my deliverance from the problems in my life.

On August 5, 1992, Cheryl needed to pick up some documents from an evangelist in Moreno Valley so I agreed to accompany her so she could use the Express lane. As we stepped into Evangelist Prosperity’s living room, I immediately felt very hot. It was as if someone was pouring hot liquid on my head. Although the air conditioner was on in her home, I rationalized that my body was adjusting to coming in from the very warm temperature outside. So I sat quietly to cool off. After a few minutes Evangelist Prosperity glanced at me and asked if I was saved. I said, “No.” Then she asked if I wanted to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. Without hesitation I replied, “Yes. Sure why not?”

As the three of us joined hands and Evangelist Prosperity began to pray for me, I felt the heat on my head intensify to what seemed like a thick liquid pouring from my head and neck, down to my feet. My heart raced, my legs felt too limp to stand. I thought I was having a heart attack or some other physical malady. I tried to tell them to call 911 but I couldn’t speak English. With tears streaming down my face, peace and joy enveloped my very being and my lips stammered in tongues for nearly an hour.

Cheryl fell to her knees weeping and praising the Lord because she was able to witness the fruit of her labor from the prayers, and the planting and watering of the Word into my life. To some it would seem that I had a radical conversion experience. But I would never trade it for anything else because that experience has kept me believing, knowing and trusting that God is real and He loves me.

In my introduction to this book [Pray What God Says], I reflected on the peace and joy I experienced when I first heard about Jesus Christ from Aunt Bessie. But when I decided to accept Him as my Lord and Saviour in 1992, that same peace and joy embraced me but in a greater measure. I am fully persuaded that God’s plan and purpose for my life is greater than I or anyone else could have fashioned it.

Since that day, I have learned that as you commit your life to Jesus Christ and receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit, there is a divine enablement to begin, build and establish a relationship with God. It is only through a relationship with Him, through learning the scriptures and prayer, that you will be able to live a regenerated life. This is a life that can be conformed and transformed daily to the likeness of Jesus Christ.

When my heart was crying out, I was not aware that it was directed toward God. There is a cry of our heart and it is of a hungry, thirsty spirit man crying out to his Creator. Even in death, the word says that the spirit of man returns to the Creator, our God. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. --Ecclesiastes 12:7.

If we consistently allow the cry of our heart be directed toward the Lord, we are better able to submit our soul (mind, will and emotions) to His spirit. We have to allow ourselves to be subject to, in daily reliance upon, and in compliance with God and His holy scriptures. Commitment to desiring our thoughts and behavior to be in consistent alignment with the Holy Spirit will yield a lifestyle led by a spirit man that is in deference to holiness and righteousness. This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. --Galatians 5:16.

God created and enables our hearts to cry out to Him: And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. --Galatians 4:6.

Christine Brooks Martin, author

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

Areli MediaWorks  |  2014

Prayer for Direction and Guidance

listen to ‘Prayer for Direction and Guidance’ on Audioboo

Prayer to Overcome Sadness

listen to ‘Prayer to Overcome Sadness’ on Audioboo

Prayer to Overcome Negativity

When I am Negative 

Lord God, I repent for thinking or saying things that oppose what your scriptures say is the truth. Your word has declared who you are and who I am when I abide in you. I belong to you and I am your son/daughter. I am filled with your Holy Spirit. You have not given me a spirit to be afraid or timid. By your spirit I am strong, loving and self-disciplined. I understand that there are natural and spiritual challenges in the world but I take heart that I have your peace. In the midst of trials, tribulation or sorrow, I have the assurance that you have already overcome what confronts me. I already have victory over any circumstance because the Holy Spirit lives in me. Your spirit is greater than any spirit that is in the world.

You lift burdens from my thoughts, motives and intentions. You break every yoke of bondage from my shoulders. No weapon turned against me will succeed. Every voice raised in accusation against me is silenced. I enjoy the benefits you have extended to me as a servant of the Lord. I am vindicated from unrighteous judgment. I am justified, found not guilty, because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Negative words do not proceed out of my mouth because my thoughts are renewed by your truth. I know in whom I live, move and have my very being.

I have the enabling ability to exercise authority over every challenge and challenger. My life is protected by your power. The word of God is my weapon to remove any stronghold of human reasoning that opposes God. I rest in the knowledge that you can end every mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual captivity. Your word destroys false and unrighteous arguments. Rebellious thoughts are captured and realigned to the obedience of the truth and Jesus Christ. Evil and negative thoughts are replaced by faith in you. My victory is through faith in the promises of your word and causes me to inherit your blessings. Thank you for being my God and I am your son/daughter.

From the prayerbook "He That Healeth Thee" 

by Christine Brooks Martin 

Areli MediaWorks | 2014

Some Mountains

No one is exempt from challenges. When we are confronted with circumstances that hinder progress or success in life, health and well-being, those challenges are often referred to as mountains. Many obstacles may appear unsurmountable and cause us to fear and/or resign to hopelessness. But we can take comfort in Mark 11:23 that says, "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith."

I have experienced favorable results many times by declaring this scripture over my life. But there have been instances where I wondered about the mountains that didn't move. Proverbs 3:6 says "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

When you seek God's direction, you will find there are some mountains that have to be climbed. These are challenges you must endure. For instance, you may have to learn new tasks to keep your job. Or if you become ill, you have to treat your body differently, and experience therapies to achieve physical and emotional healing and wholeness. As you learn how to navigate, ascend and descend this mountain it becomes a testimony to share with or help another person. 2Corinthians 12:9 -- "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

God might tell you to go around some mountains. A company I worked for in the early 70s had job openings in a technical classification. I was a secretary and the new jobs preferred applicants with education or skills and experience in the technical field. I really wanted to do something new and increase my income but was told I wasn't even qualified to apply. So I enrolled in a technical school taking a certificate course in the evenings in basic electronics. I was the only female in the class and I was often challenged by the course, instructor and classmates, but that didn't deter me. Upon completion, I added my certificate to the job application. A few weeks later, I was promoted and worked as a technician for many years with that company. Isaiah 30:21-- "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."

There are some mountains that demand that you turn around and go the opposite direction. God and experience with trying to traverse this mountain will show you that trying to align yourself with some people, places, events, and associations will lead to ungodly soul-ties, toxic relationships, violence, addictions even sin and death. Psalm 18:17 -- "He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me."

Some mountains are not yours, meaning they are not your assignment. These mountains may be far beyond your spiritual maturity and you are not to challenge or contend with them. Be still, cover yourself with prayer, praise and worship the Lord and watch what He will do. 2Chronicles 20:15--"And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."

Titus 3:9 --"But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain."

As long as we prayerfully consider the challenges, the mountains that beset us, God will give us an answer for what we must do about them. James 1:5 --"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

1John 5:14-15--"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

A Relentless Cry

A few days ago, I was watching a video recording of one of my favorite ministers. In the middle of the sermon, a baby began to cry relentlessly for two or three minutes. I will admit that for a few moments I was a bit annoyed. A wondered, like some in the pews, why the parent didn't take the baby out to another area. I got a little distracted from the sermon and had to replay the portion where the baby was crying. But then I got distracted again. This time it was from my own thoughts. When babies cry it is because they want something. They cry because they are hungry, need a diaper change, uncomfortable, sick or just want attention. They will cry until the need is met.

Romans 8:15 says "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry, Abba Father." All of us were created to express the emotions of our soul and of our spirit with a "cry." That cry will demand a response from something or someone greater than ourselves. God, who is the source of our spirit hears every cry of the soul and spirit. He created us to communicate that cry to Him alone.

He has told us in His Word in Matthew 4:19 "But Jesus said, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” He also said as long as we abide in this earth we can ask for His kingdom alternatives to come on earth as it is in heaven.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. --Luke 12:22

We have permission to cry out relentlessly to God when we are hungry. He has promised to take care of us naturally because He is Jehovah-Jireh. He has promised to satiate us spiritually with the knowledge, understanding and wisdom of the bread of life... His scriptures. They instruct us with the principles to live this life on earth.

We have permission to cry out relentlessly when we are thirsty. He has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit to abide with us to quench our thirst for a comforter, helper and teacher.

We have permission to cry out relentlessly when we need our spiritual diapers changed. Through the Blood of Jesus, He has forgiven us, cleansed, sanctified, redeemed, and consecrated us to reveal His glory in us, on us and through us.

We have permission to cry out relentlessly when we are in distress. He is a banner and shield for us, a defender, covering and a hedge of protection.

We have permission to cry out relentlessly when we are sick (physically and spiritually). He is Jehovah Raphe the healer of all manner of sickness, diseases, afflictions, and infirmities.

And best of all we have permission to cry out relentlessly to Him when we just want to be in His presence. He is an omnipresent (everywhere), omnipotent (all power), omniscient (all knowing) God All Mighty.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. --John 15:7

So the next time you hear a baby cry relentlessly, don't be annoyed. Just smile and remember that you too, have permission to cry out relentlessly to the Lord.

Letting Go of Offense

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men

--Luke 2:14 (KJV)

Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues,
we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
--James 3:2 (NLT)

If something has been said or done to offend you, it is good to know that you can call upon the Lord through prayer. He is faithful to answer. He is faithful to come to your rescue. Holding onto offense has the potential to create bitterness in your mind, soul and spirit. It is easy to yield to anger, rage, seek revenge or bear grudges. But it is sin to repay evil for evil or hold malicious intentions in your heart.

When you accepted the forgiveness of sin, iniquities and transgressions through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ, then be determined to yield to the Holy Spirit. He is the precious, infallible gift you received when you said yes to becoming a son or daughter of the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit strengthens and enables us to forgive others. He gives us the grace and patience to deal with difficult people. Abiding in the love of God is your source of love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

Areli MediaWorks  |  2013

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

Daily Prayer: Thanksgiving, Praise & Worship

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Praise: A Weapon and Benefit

What do you desire or need to happen in your life? Your thoughts are creative and have attraction. You draw to yourself what you think, imagine, and create. So remember what the scriptures say... to think on the things that are good, just, pure, noteworthy, of a good report, etc. And that is what you can cause to flow into your life. Avoid anyone or anything that will cause you to focus on negative thoughts and scenarios. You have the power to control your thoughts and/or engagement with other people. As you rest in the Lord, help your mind, body and spirit heal itself. Allow God to fix what you can’t and show Him you will be faithful to keep the healing you receive.

My ultimate prescription for your healing is to keep yourself in a mode of praise to God. When you praise Him, it welcomes a greater measure of His presence around you. Heartfelt praise brings peace that surpasses understanding and unspeakable joy. You will begin to think and feel what God thinks and feel about you. His presence attracts the right people and circumstances to benefit your environment and overall health.

The adversary of your soul is a robber, thief and destroyer and he acts like a kidnapper. The first thing a kidnapper does is keep you from getting the attention of others. That is why praise is a mighty weapon. It gets the attention of God and draws His presence. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God (Psalm 50:23).

When you call on the Lord, you are focusing on the King of Glory. Remember, the Holy Spirit is your helper, comforter, and teacher. So when you cry out to Him in prayer, He comes to your defense. When you praise the names of God and declare who you are in Christ Jesus, you gain His peace, blessings and deliverance to your heart, soul and spirit.

God loves you. That’s why I point you to Him instead of me, things and other people. I hope you will get to know and trust with confidence that He cares about you. --Excerpt from the book "He That Healeth Thee"

Christine Brooks Martin, author
"Pray What God Says"
"Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith"
"He That Healeth Thee"
"Christine's Short-Shorts"
"Little Book, Big Prayers" 4-book series

Pray What God Says website

Amazon  |  Smashwords

Areli MediaWorks  |  2013

When I Need to Trust

A prayer from the new prayerbook

"He That Healeth Thee"

Lord I pour out my heart to you because you are my refuge. You have not forsaken or abandoned me. You are my strength and shield so I trust you with all my heart. When you help me my heart is filled with joy. I am able to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. Each time I search for you, I find you and increase in the knowledge of who you are. You have kept my enemies from rejoicing when I have been overwhelmed. I am rescued from disgrace. My hope is in you when I pour out my complaints in your presence. As I place my trust in you Lord and do what is good, I live in safety and prosperity. At all times, I place my trust in you to combat fear. You protect and save me from destruction. Like an eagle you cover me with your feathers and shelter me under your wings. You are my God and I am devoted to you. I live to serve you only. Your faithful promises are my armor and protection. My confidence resides in knowing that you care for me.

I learn of your unfailing love each day as I am comforted by your Holy Spirit. Order my footsteps because I trust in the pathways you have designed for my life. I trust in you at all times and I do not depend on my own understanding. Those who listen to instruction will prosper. I follow your instructions and I prosper in every endeavor. I receive guidance and direction through your scriptures. I learn of your ways as I meditate upon you day and night. I listen for your council when I wait upon you in prayer. Those who trust the Lord will be joyful but the foolish chose their own way. So I chose the safety of wisdom and fearlessly trust you. You save me when I am weak. You are my strength and song, and you cause me to live victoriously.

Christine Brooks Martin, author

“Pray What God Says”

“Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith”

“He That Healeth Thee”

“Christine’s Short-Shorts”

Pray What God Says website

Amazon.com author page

Areli MediaWorks | 2013

"Name-Calling" Mindfulness

 

While waiting in line a few days ago, a young lady in front of me was talking on her cellphone. The woman in front of her turned around and said, “Lower your #&*% voice because no one wanted to hear your #&*% business. Needless to say, the two proceeded to call each other some very descriptive and offensive names. Several people in the line voiced their objections to the disturbance--using comparable expletives--by suggesting that the two take the noise outside. I made a decision that my transaction could wait and removed myself from the establishment.

 

Our words are seeds, and just like seeds, when planted in our mind, soul and spirit, there will be a harvest. The scriptures tell us that when you decree and declare a thing it shall be established. It also says that you shall have whatsoever you say. You can call those things that are not as though they are. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, He has given us the Holy Spirit as our teacher, comforter, keeper and more. We also have the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us. Words are so powerful that we can make or break things, create or destroy, heal or wound, enliven or kill. Our mouth is prophetic and we must remember to be quick to hear and slow to speak in most if not all situations. The Lord told Ezekiel to speak to the dead, dry bones, and they did live again. Do you know people whose parents or others told them they would be nothing, they would have nothing, become exactly what or worse than what was declared or decreed (prophesied) over their life? 

There have probably been some occasions where someone said very offensive things to or about you. But if you extended grace to forgive them, then allow that grace to help you guard your subsequent description of them. We have all done things that are worthy of punishment, maybe even death. But when Christ gave His life to put us in right standing with God, He delivered us from the curse of the law which is death. When someone has done dispecable things to us, not only do we forgive them but we must be mindful not to attribute offensive names contrary to forgiveness and grace. Be cautious about agreeing with someone who curses another because the power of agreement gives what has been spoken life to become or establish what was declared. Jesus has given us a powerful admonition when we are tempted to name-calling. Matthew 5:44--But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

 

  CHRISTINE BROOKS MARTIN, author

"Pray What God Says"

"Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith"

"Christine's Short-Shorts"

(eBook & Paperback)

 

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

www.amazon.com/author/christinebrooksmartin

 

Areli MediaWorks  2012

FREE Book "Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith"

The inspirational title "Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith" is available FREE at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Sony, Apple eBook store but some people can not or prefer not to do online transactions. So-o-o-o I am adding a link to this post where you may download a PDF version of the book. You are free to share with family and Friends. HAPPY READING

 

TalkToGod_BBZR_8_30.pdf Download this file

 Christine Brooks Martin, author
"Pray What God Says"
"Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith"
"Christine's Short-Shorts"
(eBook & Paperback)

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com
Areli MediaWorks 2012