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

Overcoming Anger

listen to ‘Overcoming Anger’ 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

Prayer to Overcome Sadness

Watch the video "A Prayer to Overcome Sadness

This prayer is from the book "He That Healeth Thee" and addresses the emotions one experiences while processing the transition from brokenness to healing, wholeness and well-being. The affirmations in this prayer will enable you to: --Increase your faith and trust in God --Rebuild self-esteem --Enjoy more peace and blessings in your life --Experience emotional, mental, physical and spiritual healing, wholeness and well-being.

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

"Little Book, Big Prayers" - Free eBooks

You can download a free copy of the new 4-book series "Little Book, Big Prayers"  ONLY at Smashwords.com.

 Between now and December 31, 2013 use the 100% OFF Coupons before checkout. As you add each book into the shopping cart, enter the coupon number then adjust the total. Feel free to share with family and friends.

“Spiritual Growth”
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"Mental and Physical Wholeness"
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 "Intercession for the Body of Christ"
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The "Little Book, Big Prayers" series along with my other prayer book titles are available at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble and the Apple iBook stores.  

Visit the Pray What God Says website's bookstore for quick access to buy buttons for all retailers.

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)

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

2013 Read an eBook Week Promotion: March 3rd - 9th

Smashwords.com has kicked off the 5th year of "Read an Ebook Week Promotion" March 3 through 9th

"Read an Ebook Week" is an international celebration of ebooks in which thousands of authors, publishers and retailers feature FREE and DISCOUNTED ebooks to help promote the joys of e-reading to the world's readers.

As a Smashwords author you can download my three books as well as other great titles that are included in the promotion. Available in all formats: (Kindle, Nook, ePub, PDF, for eReaders, iPad, phone apps, PC/MAC)

"PRAY WHAT GOD SAYS" - $.99 -- A valuable bible study companion to help you develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer. It contains a listing of topical scriptures relative to many areas of life like spiritual growth, family, health, provisional needs and evangelism.

"TALK TO GOD WITH AFFIRMATIONS OF FAITH" - $.99 -- the sequel to "Pray What God Says," containing scripturally-based affirmations to help you learn the scriptures relative to what God says about you, your access to Him, and His kingdom promises.

"CHRISTINE'S SHORT-SHORTS" - FREE -- Inspirational short stories and poems.

Find and download my eBook titles at: CLICK HERE

Christine Brooks Martin

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

Areli MediaWorks | 2013

Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!!

I'm not slow, just not as fast as others might want me to be. 

Slow and careful is always better than fast and reckless.  

I always make mistakes when I allow people to rush me, then I wind up spending more time doing things over again. 

It's funny how people will take their time doing what they do, but want you to hurry up for them. (Time: Them--98%, You--2%)

I have a sign I put on my desk once in a while and it says "I will be done as soon as I finish." 

When I don't put it out and someone comes to me to ask how long before they can have this or that, I say with the sweetest and most sincere voice, "Just for you, I will be done as soon as I finish." 

Christine Brooks Martin, author

"Pray What God Says"

"Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith"

"Christine's Short-Shorts"

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

www.amazon.com/author/christinebrooksmartin

Areli MediaWorks  |  2013

Sharing an Introduction to CrossReads

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Three Inspirational Books by Christine Brooks Martin Share Bestselling Status

PRESS RELEASE:

Three books written by Christine Brooks Martin continue to share bestselling book status on Amazon.com. "Pray What God Says," "Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith" and "Christine's Short-Shorts" have been well received by Amazon.com customers, ranking within the top 100 Religion & Inspirational genre for prayerbooks, devotionals and self-help categories.

Martin's first title "Pray What God Says" has been a consistent Amazon bestseller since December, 2011 in the U.S. the United Kingdom, France and Germany. The book is a reference guide and bible study companion containing many topical scriptures that introduce you to one of the keys to effective prayer. The purpose of the book is to help you gain a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through scripture-based prayer.

"Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith" is the sequel to her first title. Martin took the topical scriptures given for various circumstances in "Pray What God Say" and created affirmation style prayers. "Many people expressed having difficulty forming their own prayers even though I provided a list of scriptures for them. So I wrote these prayers as a way to help others pray the scriptures and at the same time give them a jump-start on creating and developing their own prayer life," says Martin. "Each sentence of the prayers is all scripture-based," she added.

"Christine's Short-Shorts" is a collection of short stories and poems that center primarily on Martin's experiences and observations during her Christian walk. It was through this title that she embraced her motto for everything she has done and endeavor to continue through evangelism. Her motto is, “Lord may I share the knowledge of your grace with people I will never see, in places where my feet will never tread.”

Martin is working on new projects for release in Spring 2013. They are "He That Healeth Thee" and a 4-book series entitled "Little Book, Big Prayers."

Martin's titles are available on her website www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com or CreateSpace, Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble.

Understanding Joy

One day I decided to take a drive to a nearby park on my lunch break. The privacy of my car gave me the liberty to cry to my heart’s content, purging every possible tear. Afterwards, I adjusted myself and headed back to work. En route, I started talking to God. I told Him I know He had joy unspeakable and full of glory. Then I yelled out loud, “God if you have joy, then show me what it looks like and give it to me today! Then I added … “Please?”

Just as I made my request I had to stop for the red light at an intersection. As I waited, there was a woman and a little girl standing on the corner and when the “Walk” signal flashed for them to cross, the woman grabbed the little girl’s hand. As they stepped off the curb and entered into the crosswalk, the little girl started skipping. She had a great big smile on her face and her ponytail bounced and swayed as she skipped. She kept pace with the woman until they reached the opposite corner. They started walking in the direction I was driving, and the woman let go of the little girl’s hand but she continued to skip with joy and abandon. The scene grabbed my heart and I burst into tears. I witnessed the Lord’s response to my request.

When I got to the parking lot at work, there was still a little time left for my break. So I stayed in the car and praised the Lord. He ministered to me about what I had seen. The woman was just like God. He takes us by the hand to lead, guide and direct our path. He grips us firmly in the places where our walk with Him may present danger, obstacles or challenges although we have the right of way. But we can be like a child and skip with joy. We can abandon our hearts to His care and safety, even when our hand is not in His. It is all about keeping our faith, trust and confidence in Him.

Matthew 18:3—...Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Excerpted from the short story "Understanding Joy"

from the book "Christine's Short-Shorts"

(Free eBook for a limited time)

www.amazon.com/dp/B006N3QDMM

Christine Brooks Martin

"Pray What God Says"

"Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith"

"Christine's Short-Shorts"

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

www.amazon.com/author/christinebrooksmartin

Areli MediaWorks | 2013

Waiting On God

For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.   

--2Corinthians 4:6-10 (New Living Translation)

The scriptures tells us that the fervent, effectual (continuous and heartfelt) prayers of the righteous availeth much (will reveal manifestation). If it seems as though a situation has worsened or you only see small indications of progress, it is important to keep your confidence and trust in God. Hold on to the expectation that He is moving in your behalf. In His timing He will change your circumstances. When you pray without ceasing, you change too. You can achieve victory over your challenges. 

If you see the small things He does for you, then rejoice. Praising God will release your blessings from the captivity of the enemy. Your life is held hostage by your mouth. So open your mouth to praise God and open your mouth to speak the release of His eternal promises (the scriptures) that do not fail. He will not forsake the cry of the righteous.

FREE GIFTS (for a limited time)

PDF download of "Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith"

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com/prayers.html

eBook version of "Christine's Short-Shorts"

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Amazon.com (Kindle)

Christine Brooks Martin, author

"Pray What God Says"

"Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith"

"Christine's Short-Shorts"

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

www.amazon.com/author/christinebrooksmartin

Areli MediaWorks  |  2013