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

Any Seat is the Best Seat in the House of the Lord

One Sunday afternoon, I watched the Periscope of a pastor I had never seen before. Every word of his message was powerful and ministered to me greatly. It was just what I needed, when I needed it. From time to time, the person who was recording the scope panned the sanctuary. I noticed there were about nine people sitting in the first two pews. But the three pews in the back of the church were packed. And there were seven or eight rows of empty pews between the front and the back. I got so distracted by these empty pews that I decided it would be best to listen to the sermon and not watch it.

The presence of God was truly in that sanctuary. By the time the pastor was coming to the close of his message, everyone was standing and praising the Lord. And people came to the altar for prayer.

I dare not reason why the physical distance in that particular congregation was so pronounced. But I think about those "back of the church" seats I occupied throughout my Christian walk. Here are a few reasons why I sat in the back:

-- Before I accepted the Lord in my life and couldn't say no to invitations from friends.

-- So I could tip out at will for other appointments.

-- To be seen clocking in and out.

-- Whenever I yielded to sin, felt guilty and/or unworthy to be in the house of God.

-- When I was bound with depression.

-- Mad at God for not fixing my stuff on my schedule.

One time I sat so far in the back of the church that my seat was in my car in the parking lot. But the day came when I changed my mind about the need to occupy the back seat. I was a new Christian dealing with an emotional challenge and had skipped church for a few weeks. I was nursing and rehearsing that episode with a lack of faith. Then when I felt some conviction and decided to go to church, I sat on the last row, end seat. I figured I could tip out after I felt I had fulfilled my Christian duty and due diligence of "forsaking not the assembling with other believers." But the presence of the Lord hung in the sanctuary long after praise and worship. So much so that I can't even remember the pastor's message. I experienced a constant, overwhelming joy and all I could do was weep and thank God for touching my heart. I couldn't wait until there was an altar call to seal the deliverance.

Now I will sit in the last pew, last seat in the sanctuary if I HAVE to. But I like to sit as close to the altar as possible. I pray that in the future, the people in that Periscope, the members of that body of believers, will honor the shepherd of the house by sitting closer as he delivers the Word of the Lord to them. But I know that when the Spirit of the Lord is in the house of God, He fills every inch of the room. God won't force you to receive Him, or praise and worship Him. People can purposefully sit in the back seat, last row, whatever, and put on a spiritual haz-mat suit if they want to. But when you are willing to receive from Him, He can touch and heal you of whatever, whenever and wherever you are.

"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.
I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God,
than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."
Psalm 84:10

"SCRIPTURE WORKS!" author Rali Macaulay -- Guest Interview

Rali Macaulay

I am pleased to introduce Rali Macaulay to the Pray What God Says blog for a guest author interview.

Rali is an international bestselling Christian author, with a desire to bring the lost to the Lord, empower believers, and strengthen their relationship with God through her writings.

Earlier this year Rali's debut book entitled "SCRIPTURE WORKS!" became a bestseller within days of its launching. She is passionate about the Word of God, and lives her life on the principles of God's Word.

PWGS: What is your book all about?

RM: The full title, "SCRIPTURE WORKS! Effectively Praying God's Word over Life Situations" is about prayer based on God's Word, the Bible.

What inspired you to write this book?
RM: Many years ago, I started to pray with the scriptures; but then I would encounter similar situations in the future and completely forgot what scriptures I used in the past. As a result I would need to do my researches afresh and find appropriate scriptures to pray. I later decided to start journaling the bible verses I was using, at first in no particular order. Later I started to categorize them. After several years of doing this, I began to sense the Lord leading me to share these scriptures with others because there are many people struggling to pray, or know what scriptures to use in prayers. Some don't even know they can or need to pray the scriptures.

How did you decide to do what you’re doing today, that is, become a published author?RM: First, without any doubt, the grace of God. I also reached a point where I realized no matter how much I prayed or fasted, God was not going to do my part for me, which was to start writing. I needed to start putting whatever the Lord was placing in my heart on paper. So, with that knowledge, I made a decision to get serious with my calling and do this first book that I had been working on for too long. So I set a deadline even when I had no idea how to publish or how to get a book cover done! But God is ever faithful. Once you trust Him, and take that first step, and commit to doing your part, He will begin to bring in the people, resources and even skills you need to complete the assignment he has placed in your hands.

How long have you been writing?
RM: Since elementary school. I used to write short sentences on paper cut into little squares. I would staple those together and proudly pronounce I had a book. My writing continued in high school, however my first published work was a little over 20 years ago when I wrote an article for my local church magazine.

Can you describe a typical day in your life where you are able to fit writing into it?
RM: My typical day is very busy. Presently I work full time, and I'm a wife and mother of three little kids :) However, the Lord taught me to use what used to be a concern/pain to my advantage. I travel long hours to and from work; and fortunately I get to take the train. So these are the hours I do my writings the most -- while commuting to and from work. I also try waking early Saturdays before my kids, so I can spend some hours writing.

What do you enjoy most about what you do as an author?
RM: Seeing lives transformed, and people re-committing to spend time with their Maker. I'm also blessed when I hear testimonies of people arising to take their rightful place in Christ and living victorious Christian lives. I also, obviously, enjoy writing. When I write, I experience joy and peace. I feel deep satisfaction; and right then forget about any current issues that should have been a concern. It's like being translated from the present to the heart of God.

Are there any people and/or books that have inspired you along your journey?
RM: Definitely the bible takes first place :) I love reading that Book; and the Author is my Father:) I just enjoy God's word. It's ever fresh, ever relevant, ever powerful! I read books by different authors that I really love; but early in my life as a believer, I really enjoyed reading Max Lucado's books, when it comes to getting an assurance of God's love for me, and His total acceptance of me. I also enjoy Yonngi Cho's books on prayers. But all in all, I have been blessed to have been under the teachings of several anointed men and women of God either directly or indirectly; and these have been used by the Holy Spirit to shape (and still shaping) my life.

Can you share something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
RM: I love to crochet, and have done so since I was very little.

What do you expect your readers to gain from reading your books?
RM: I want my readers to cease being defeated in life! I want them to know that they have help in God through His Word, and that His Word is most reliable. In addition, I want them to experience how to turn scriptures into prayers, and help them to actually pray those scriptures through the sample prayers and faith declarations provided. I also want them to know that the Word covers EVERY situation in their lives. No matter what it is, God's got it covered! That is what the book "SCRIPTURE WORKS!" is about.

If you are working on any new book projects can you give us a sneak-peak?
RM: Yes. I am currently working on a series entitled "Secrets to Empowered Lifestyle." I recently published the first book in the series "7 Days of Power." The purpose of this book is to provide a daily devotional for the week, with scriptural prayers/faith declarations. It also includes a bonus section on goals because "...faith without works is dead..." --James 2:17.

Thank you Rali for being my guest author here at Pray What God Says. I hope you will continue to stand by your motto and that is to inspire others to live fulfilled, empowered, and victorious lives in Christ -- so they will be enabled to know and walk in God's plans.

Rali MacCaulay's titles are available at Amazon.com

SCRIPTURE WORKS!

SCRIPTURE WORKS!
Effectively Praying God's Word over Life Situations
ebook
Paperback

7 Days of Power

Secrets to Empowered Lifestyle:
"7 Days of Power" (1st in the series)
eBookPaperback

Connect with Rali MacCaulay at:
Website: www.wellspringinspirations.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/ralimacaulay
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WellspringInspirations
Google+: plus.google.com/111802034522858674366
Email: wellspringinspirations@yahoo.com

Areli MediaWorks  |  2014

The "Que Sera Sera" for Those Who Are His

The other night while watching TV, there was a commercial for a new, upcoming series about heinous acts or intentions between married couples. I don't plan to watch it but they used a song I remember from my childhood. Although sampled and sung by someone else for the advertisement, it was Doris Day's classic, called "Que Sera Sera." That's French for what will be, will be. For a great amount of time in my life, I lived loosely by the premise of that song... getting what I could get, as fast as I could get it and trying to have as much fun as possible while Que Sera Sera happened.

I concede that "what will be, will be" is true because the Word does say in Romans 11:33-36 -- "Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back. For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen."

But when the day came that I had a wonderful, memorable encounter with the Word of God and His Presence, then that changed the course of my life. No longer relevant and true was another line in the song that said, "The future's not ours to see." That is because I became an engrafted beneficiary of the covenant promises of God found in Deuteronomy 28:1-13. We have a Father who gives bountifully, pressed down, shaken together and running over to His children.

As a child of the King, I no longer have to walk in darkness regarding my future. His Word says in Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT)-- "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."

Even if life and its challenges confront me, I can rest in His Word that says in Romans 8:28 (NLT)--"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

When you learn and know that each day you can be kept in and by the Kingdom God with the enabling assistance of the Holy Spirit, you can "Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God."-- Proverbs 2:3-5 (NLT)

Your Que Sera Sera can and will be orchestrated by the Lord Most High with the willing and yielded participation of your mind, body, soul and spirit.

Christine Brooks Martin

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

Areli MediaWorks  |  2014

Prayer for Strength

listen to ‘Prayer for Strength’ on Audioboo

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

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.

Sharing an Introduction to CrossReads

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Pressed and Blessed

Did you have a hectic day? Well, the good news is God gave you the strength to accomplish what was necessary for today. His word says that in your weakness, His strength is perfected. So you had a Perfect day!!! Don't downgrade it or let someone else minimize your day for you. In God's eyesight, you stepped out in faith to a day full of uncertainties, but you stepped out and that is the most magnificent and powerful thing you did today. 

 Don't worry about tomorrow because the scriptures say that His mercies are NEW each and EVERY day. So rejoice over what you were able to accomplish through the love and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ today. Hallelujah!!! I am so proud of you!!! And bless you pressed down, shaken together and running over. 

 When you got out of bed, you pressed. 
When you got dressed, you pressed. 
When you walked out of your door, you pressed. 
When you made it to work or ran all your errands, you pressed. 
When you stuck with every task the whole day, you pressed. 
When you thought about your day and maybe cried a bit, you pressed and released the pressure. 
When you testified about your day to someone else who barely listened, you pressed. 
But more importantly, YOU kicked the devil in the head, because you pressed.
You ran the race today, forgetting those things that are behind, looking to the prize of the High calling which is in Christ Jesus. (reference Philippians 3:13-14)

So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. –Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

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

"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