Okay, you’re probably wondering about the title of this article. Well, There may be some of you out there wondering about how you’re going to make it. You may be facing foreclosure on your house or business. You may be going through some sort of sickness whether it be physically or mentally. You may be considering marrying for the first time or remarrying and you just don’t know what to do. Hopefully, today something said in this post will encourage you to hold on to “I Am that I Am.”

Exodus 3:13-15 (ESV)

13Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” 15God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.

According to Wesley’s Notes, there are two names for God. A name that speaks what He(God) is in Himself, I am that I am – This explains his name Yahweh which is a transliteration of the proper name YHWH that is sometimes rendered “Jehovah”; in the New Living translation it is usually rendered, “the Lord.” Yahweh signifies,

1. That He is self-existent and has no dependence upon any other. Also being self-existent, He cannot but be self-sufficient and therefore all-sufficient.
2. That He is eternal and unchangeable, always the same, yesterday today, and for ever. He will be what He will be (Hebrews 13:8).
3. That He is faithful and true to all his promises, unchangeable in His Word as well as in His nature, and not a man that He should lie. Ex. 3:14 - “Let Israel know this, ‘I am’ hath sent me unto you.” A name that speaks what He is to his people. Lest that name “I am” should puzzle them, He is farther directed to make use of another name of God, more familiar.

Encouragement

The phrase, “I am that I am” says volumes. He (God) can be and will do whatever He desires. He’s ALL THAT! Simply, what do you need from the great “I AM”–Yahweh? As mentioned earlier, whatever you are going through the I Am can be there for you. If you need peace, He is Yahweh (Jehovah) Shaloam, the God of Peace (Judges 6:24). If you need healing, emotionally or physically, He is Yahweh (Jehovah) Rophe which means “heal, cure” “restore,” or “make whole” (Exodus 15:26 NKJV). If you need Him to be a provider, Yahweh (Jehovah) Yireh which means “to see” translates to “provide” (Genesis 22:13-14) will make provision. The English word “provision” is made up of two Latin words that mean “to see beforehand.” Since God sees the future as well as the past and the present, He is able to anticipate and provide for what is needed before you even become aware of the problem.

Furthermore, Jesus Christ became the I Am in the flesh. A comforter to the sorrowful, a healer to the sick, a teacher to those in doubt, a leader among men–the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). A provider for those that hungered (Matthew 14:15-21).

So, do you see that the I Am is and can be, in your life, whatever you need Him to be? May you take hold of the Word of God and meditate on His promises daily.

Peace,

SWT

³⁸Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house.

³⁹And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching.

⁴⁰But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!

⁴¹But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things;

⁴²There is need of only one or but ^[a]a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [^[b]that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.

We all should know the story of Mary and Martha.  There are some key areas I would like to focus on today.

First, we notice in verse 39 that Mary had seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teachings.  How many of us women (men too!) can honestly say that we make reading and/or listening to the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ a priority each and every day? Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet because she knew what He had to say would benefit her not just at that moment but would carry her through even after He (Jesus) was long gone from their village.  I don’t think she had an Android tablet or an IPad but I can just imagine her taking notes with vigor.  She was listening with every fiber of her being.  Her spirit was receiving that spiritual food only God Almighty could prepare.  She was being fed.  How often do you eat at the table of our Lord and Savior?

Secondly, we see in verse 40 that Martha is “overly occupied and too busy” and “was distracted with much serving…”  We know in our lives, especially us women, when we invite friends or family over to our house we can have a tendency to want everything “perfect.”  We run around making sure the floor shines, table cloths are ironed, groceries are bought, children clean, husband’s shirts ironed, attend the women’s auxiliary club meetings and book club fellowships, and pack up the kids and head to MOPS, etc.  We can allow these everyday “errands”  to distract us to the point we’re irritated, worried, frustrated and just down right tired.  While Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet, Martha interrupts the Lord and says, “Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!” Now it would appear that Martha had gotten a little upset because she thought that Mary should be in the kitchen running around like a chicken with its head cut off helping to serve the Master.  However, Jesus didn’t see it that way.  We tend to “see” things a certain way and God sees things a little differently than we do. (See Ish. 55:9).  I believe what Jesus desired for Martha was to relax.  She didn’t have to work to try to please him.  All He wanted for her was to sit at His feet and soak up the Word by which she could receive the strength and peace she desperately needed.

When our priorities are out of order, everything around us become disorienting.  We need to take care of our selves like we should.  We neglect the most important part as Christians – that is, spending quality time at the feet of Jesus (i.e. reading from or listening to the Bible followed by prayerful meditation.

This year my desire for you, and for me as well, is that we get our priorities in order and spend quality time in prayer and study of God’s Word before the start of our day.  If you are able to use an audio Bible on CD or listen to the Word via a smartphone, then by all means, as you’re driving down the street heading to that next appointment, etc. allow the Word to minister to your spirit man as much as possible.

I hope this post has blessed you.  If so, tell someone about it and have them subscribe.

May God richly bless you!

The HouseofTitus

A lot of what God wants to do in your life won’t be done until you do what He has already revealed to you.
What He asks you to do isn’t always all that huge, just like Moses’ move at the Red Sea wasn’t all that huge. All God was asking Moses to do was to hold out his stick. That’s not that huge. If Moses would just hold out his stick, then God said that He would handle the rest. He would do all of the big stuff. He would open the Red Sea, harden Pharaoh’s heart, make him go in after them, and close the Red Sea back up.
But to reveal the faith within us, God often asks us to do our little thing first. Hold out our sticks. Take that step. Make the move. Have the conversation. Quit the job to stay at home. Accept the job that He has shown. Stop the habit. Curb the tongue. Go to church. Go overseas. Whatever it is that He is revealing to you, God will often wait to do His big thing until you have done what He has asked you to do.

He does this because He wants us to see Him in a way we’ve never seen Him before. He wants us to experience Him in a way that we’ve never experienced Him before. He wants us to see the connection between our act of faith and His deliverance. He wants to be more than just a Cosmic-Santa Claus with a pocketful of miracles to throw down. God wants a relationship with you. He wants you to see Him up close and personal so He puts you in a situation where He is your only solution. Where it can’t be fixed if He doesn’t fix it. Where it can’t be reversed if He doesn’t reverse it. Where it can’t be solved if He doesn’t solve it. Because, God says, I’ve let you use all of the natural options available to you, and you are still stuck. Well then, when that happens, know that you are stuck with a purpose. Look to God.

SCRIPTURE READINGS
Exodus 14, Psalm 3

Romans 8:1 – “[There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Many of us have read this scripture so many times throughout our Christian walk that maybe we’ve simply not fully grasped the meaning of a little phrase, now no condemnation.  You see the synonym for the word now is instantly.  Of course we all know what the little word no simply means NO.  The final word, condemnation means strong disapproval. The phrase could mean: instantly no strong disapproval.

In the recesses of our minds we have stored away many hurtful sayings people have said  or things we hold on to, especially if its negative or unforgivable to us.  Many times as human beings we pretend to discard hurtful sayings, images, and/or thoughts of the past.  We struggle to just let them go.  When we think we’ve conquered feelings of not being good enough, feeling of unworthiness, comparing our selves with others, or speaking  damaging words to our soul, we find ourselves right back to where we started before receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior.

When we asked Jesus into our hearts, we were instantly justified, approved, accepted in the beloved, became a royal priesthood because we are now in Christ Jesus.  Being “in Christ Jesus” is a wonderful thing.   We’ve been stamped with APPROVED by the blood of Jesus Christ!  The blood of the sacrificial Lamb of God that washed away the past sins, hurts, images, etc.  We can hold our heads up and walk not after the things of the flesh, but after the Spirit which dwells within.  Know who you are in Christ Jesus.  2 Cor. 5:17 (KJV) states, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  Also, Philippians 3:13 declares, “… but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,…”

Remember Romans 8:1 declares, “[There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Prayer of Declaration:

May you forever walk with Christ Jesus!

Sandra W. Titus

When we’ve been in a situation so long we tend to get comfortable.  We don’t want to leave that place where we’ve grown use to doing, saying, and acting a certain way.

God is saying that we must start to shift our focus off of self and shift our focus on Him.  He’s saying that we must begin to shift our thoughts that are either not pure and wholesome to casting down those thoughts and imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.  He’s further saying that we must begin to shift our will to conform to His will.  We must begin to shift our mindset from thinking we can‘t to thinking, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13).

It’s time to shift!

God wants us to step out of the box and begin to trust that He knows what is right for us.  He knows if that relationship you’re in is right for you.  He may be saying that you need to shift or come out from amongst them–those that are not for you, and shift to the other side where he’s set up divine relationships to fulfill his plans and purposes in your life.

Be Bless!

“So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

The above-referenced scripture that is highlighted in blue really got my attention during my daily devotion while listening to the Book of John on my “smart phone.”

“Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me…”

I began to meditate on that part of John 11:41 and realized that most of my life I’ve never really believed if God heard my prayers unless I saw a manifestation of my requests.  I guess the, Doubting Thomas Syndrome (won’t believe unless you see it first) really played a big part most of my life.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I know there’s a God and Jesus is His Son.  I just didn’t fully understand that when our requests are expressed through prayer or petitions for others or ourselves, they are being heard.  The problem lies in the fact that we want an answer NOW.  God is not a puppet on a string we can pull to instantly receive our requests.  He wants us to trust Him that He, 1) heard us when we uttered the first word and 2) wait expecting Him to meet the need or answer that question.

“In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” – Psalm 5:3

“For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.” – Psalm 38:15

I thank God for his loving-kindness and patience towards us.

So, when we can finally wrap our brains around the fact that when we’re crying out to God, He’s hearing us.  We just have to believe and wait on Him to manifest His glory.  Speaking of His glory…

“So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:41

Also, notice in the above paragraph, Jesus stated John 11:41 more so for the crowd’s benefit.   It’s very simple, He wants us to just believe and see the glory of the Most High God.

Jesus knew that His Heavenly Father heard every last request.  He knew who He was and acted on the authority given to Him.

Jesus answered… “For I know where I came from and where I am going…” John 8:14

If you have ever asked Jesus into your heart as your personal savior and publicly confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, then as a child of God, simply believe and know who you are in Christ.  You may not fully understand everything.  However, you can hope and know that He has great things in store for you.  Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

If you have never confessed Jesus as Lord, then you have an opportunity right now.  He’s waiting patiently and will always be there knocking at the door of your heart.  Don’t let it be said that you had a chance to receive the one who is able to give you hope, peace and joy.

If you would like to accept Jesus as Lord of your life, you can pray the following prayer:

Lord, I confess that I have sinned against you and ask you to forgive me.  I am sorry that my sin has hurt You and other people in my life.  I acknowledge that I could never earn salvation by my good works, but I come to you and trust in what Jesus did for me on the cross.  I believe that You love me and that Jesus died and rose again so that I can be forgiven and come to know You.  I ask you to come into my heart and that You would be Lord of my life.  I trust You with my life and I thank You for loving me so much that I can know you here on earth, and spend the rest of eternity with You in heaven.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Finally, know that He hears you!

Sandra W. Titus

And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you.  For the Lord is a God of justice.  Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship!

Isaiah 30:18 (Amp.)

I want to establish firmly in your heart forever that you need to begin to think about what you are thinking about.  So many people’s problems are rooted in thinking patterns that actually produce the problems they experience in their lives.  Remember that your actions are the direct result of your thoughts.   And although Satan offers wrong thinking to everyone, you don’t need to accept his offer.
Isaiah 30:18 has become one of my favorite Scriptures.  If you will meditate on it, it will begin to bring you great hope…and great power.  In it, God is saying that He is looking for someone to be gracious (good) to, but it cannot be someone with a sour attitude and a negative mind.  It must be someone who is expecting (looking and longing) for God to be good to him or her.

Don’t ever give up, because little by little you are changing.  The more you change your mind for the better, the more your life will also change for the better.  When you begin to see God’s plan for you in your thinking, you will begin to walk in it.

The mind is the leader or forerunner of all actions.

Always expect good things from God!

I hope you enjoy this short devotional.  It blessed me and I just wanted to share it with you!

Sandra T.

Taken from The Power of Being Positive – Enjoying God Forever by Joyce Meyer

To try to run away from life

is impossible to do,

For no matter where you chance to go,

your troubles will follow you;

For though the scenery is different,

When you look deep inside you’ll find

The same deep, restless longings

that you thought you left behind.

So when life becomes a problem

much too great for us to bear,

Instead of trying to escape,

let us withdraw in prayer.

For withdrawal means renewal

if we withdraw to pray

And listen in the quietness

to hear what God will say.

Taken from Helen Steiner Rice, A Collection of Encouragement

Be blessed!

Sandra T.

This is the essence of that dialogue.  “You have to begin to speak the Word of God over yourself.  Speak what is positive and not negative.  The issues of your past can only be healed by allowing Jesus to tend to those areas of your pain whether its physical or emotional.”  The dialogue continues.  “When you allow the Holy Spirit to minister healing to those areas of  low self-esteem, addictions, past hurts, past disappointments, past or present abuse, and/or grief, then those issues will begin to dissipate and healing manifested.”

I don’t know about you; but I have some issues to overcome.  And, with what was spoken to me today, I practically made an appointment to begin my treatments.  I know it may take several months to several years.  Nevertheless, God has a purpose and a plan—a good one at that! (Jer. 29:11)

So, shall we begin this journey of becoming whole?  Why don’t you join me and let’s see what wonderful adventures lay ahead for us.

Hope this was a blessing.

Sandra T.

O Lord, do not forsake me.

Psalm 38:21

We often pray that God will not forsake us in our times of trial and temptation, but we forget that we need to pray like this at all times.  There is no moment in our lives in which we can do without His constant upholding.

So let this be your prayer today:  “Do not forsake me, Lord, now or at any moment of my life.  Forsake me not in my joys, lest they absorb my heart.  Forsake me not in my sorrows, lest I complain against You.  Forsake me not in the time when my faith is strongest, lest faith degenerate into presumption.  Without You, Lord, I am weak.  With You, I am strong.  Do not forsake me, for my path is dangerous.  I cannot do without Your guidance.

As the hen will not forsake her brood, so cover me forever with Your feathers, let me find refuge under Your wings.”

Taken from One-Minute Devotions Morning by Morning – Charles Spurgeon

Sandra T.