by Tracy | Inspirational, Tuesdays With Tracy
“God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak.” Proverbs 14:29, The Message
“…A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Ecclesiastes 3:7b
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” John 15:18-19
Most of you know my story, but what many of you do not know is that for years I hid my testimony out of shame. I feared what people would think of me if they knew that I once was an abused, depressed, suicidal, gothic teenager. After all, look at me now – I am a blonde-haired, optimistic woman, who loves Jesus and likes to wear all the colors of the rainbow. I only wear the color black now because it makes me look thinner. LOL! Can I get an Amen for the slimming color of black ladies?
I have a great respect for all individuals who SPEAK UP for what they believe in, even when I beg to differ. The problem as I see it, is that it is “culturally okay” for someone to share about their liberal views, but when it comes to sharing conservative views, you are met with severe criticism. The media seems to favor liberals who SPEAK UP, but they expect Christians to remain silent or as they call it “tolerant”.
As Christians we are commanded by God to love everyone, however we can love someone without changing our beliefs to do this. We don’t have to compromise our beliefs in order to love someone else for who they are. If the world’s definition of “tolerance” means agreeing with their lifestyle or their beliefs then I will never be “tolerant” as long as their beliefs and lifestyles contradict the Bible.
Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a time for everything…there is a time to keep silence, but there is a time to SPEAK UP.” Carrie Prejean, Miss California had a choice to make in the recent Miss America Pageant. And I am so proud of Carrie because she decided within a moments notice to SPEAK UP and tell the world her personal view on the institution of marriage. Carrie agrees with our Founding Fathers and the belief of our Country for over 200 years that marriage is between a man and a woman. To hear Carrie’s answer: click Here.
The truth is whether you agree with her or not, we should all celebrate that Carrie Prejean made the choice to SPEAK UP. Her view being a conservative one has been met with much criticism (hence reiterating my point that it is culturally okay for someone to share their liberal views, but when it comes to sharing conservative views, you are met with severe disparagement). To hear Carrie’s recent interview with Sean Hannity: Click here.
My point in sharing Carrie’s story with you today is that it is time for all of us to SPEAK UP and tell the world what we believe. So many times when asked a difficult question, we change the subject or give a pat answer. I believe strongly that it is time for God’s people to SPEAK UP. Will you join me and make the decision to SPEAK UP for God? And will you accept that when you SPEAK UP and declare that you believe in Jesus Christ that the world may hate you (John 15:18-19)? It is my prayer that we will long for God’s approval more than man’s approval.
I realize this is not your typical “Tuesdays With Tracy,” however I pray that you leave this post today encouraged to SPEAK UP! This choice will come with persecution from the world, but let us remember that our life on earth is temporal and our heavenly home is eternal.
Prayer:
“Lord, I declare that I will SPEAK UP and declare my belief in God whenever given the chance. I will not compromise my beliefs in order to obtain the approval of man. I declare that a God-devoted country is strong and that a God-avoided country leaves people weak. Speak to the heart of our leaders, help them to SPEAK UP and not compromise their belief in God, for this alone will keep our Country strong. Amen.”
by Tracy | Inspirational, Tuesdays With Tracy
Dear Tuesdays With Tracy Reader: I have had difficulty with my feedblitz account, therefore the past few weeks you have not been getting my devotions on Tuesdays – I am truly sorry and we are working on getting this fixed. Thanks for your patience! I pray blessings upon each of you!
“The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Proverbs 12:26, NKJ
“Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat – refreshing!” Proverbs 25:13, The Message
Many of us are longing for so many things in life – money, beauty, a clean house or maybe your like me and would just love an occasional nap! But no matter who you are or where you come from, I think we can all agree that God-centered friendships are priceless and a gift from Heaven above!
Just a last week, I met a friend for a cup of coffee. We shared what God was currently doing in our lives. We laughed, we cried and most importantly we filled one another up with God’s Word. I left her presence that morning energized and ready to conquer my day – as the scripture states above, this reliable friend was a cool drink to me on a hot day! You see, I can talk to anyone about today’s weather or the hit show American Idol, but when I can share of my love for God with someone – I leave that conversation truly refreshed!
Don’t get me wrong, I believe we need to spend time with those who do not know Christ, but we need to be the one affecting them rather than vice-versa. As Joyce Meyer stated in one her teachings, “I can hang-out with anyone as long as I affect them and they do not infect me.” The people we hang out with regularly will affect our destiny whether we realize it or not.
The truth is, if we have just one God-centered friendship – we are truly blessed. When the trails of life come knocking at our door, it is important for us to know whom to call upon for prayer and support. I often think about when Jesus himself asked a few disciples to come and pray with him at the Garden of Gethsemane. Isn’t that amazing? I mean, just think about this for a moment…even Jesus needed his most dependable friends near him during the darkest hours of his life. This fact has given me a new freedom. When the storms of life begin to blow, I immediately run to the shelter of God’s Word and I also know it is okay for me to call upon a few reliable friends to stand with me in prayer. We don’t have to fight the battles of life alone. We can call upon God and His people to stand by our side.
My prayer for you today is for God to shine a light on your reliable friends – those He has called to stand with you. And do not forget that YOU can be a reliable friend to those in your life! In Christ you have the power to offer a cool drink to a person in need today – now that’s refreshing!
Prayer:
“Lord, thank you for always being with me. You are with me at every mountaintop and valley throughout my life. Please help me to be a reliable friend to those in need today. Shine Your light on the individuals You have called to stand with me for such a time as this. Thank you God for always being my most dependable friend. Amen.”
by Tracy | Inspirational, Tuesdays With Tracy
“Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:34 NIV
“Lord, thank You for taking care of me and everything on my heart because You love me.” This has been my personal mantra the past few weeks. When worry or fear would try to plague my mind, I would rest in the fact that God will take care of me simply because He loves me!
As I think about my daughter, Alyssa, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her. If she had a sniffle, I would be right there to wipe her nose. If she became hungry, I would fix her a snack. If she woke up scared, I would pray over her until she fell back asleep. And I do these things simply because I love her! There is nothing my daughter could do or not-do to change the fact that I love her. And this is how God loves you and me. Selah (pause and think about this for a moment).
My friend Kelly recently shared with me that “it is not our trials that get God’s attention, but it is our cries that brings Him to action on our behalf.” Isn’t that good? When God hears your cries, He is moved to action simply because He loves you! God longs to wipe your tears, fight your battles and draw you to Himself today because He loves you.
God loves you so much that He gave His only Son on the cross for you. The precious blood of Jesus was shed so that you and I could cry out, “Abba –father.” And according to the scripture above, Jesus is currently interceding for us! Romans 8:35-39 goes on to tell us, that nothing can separate us from God’s love – not trouble or hardship or persecution or famine. We are more than conquerors because God loves us. Neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers will be able to separate us from the love of God. Isn’t this amazing? We can rest in the fact that God loves us.
Will you receive this simple truth today? Will you say this with me, “God loves me. I can rest in His awesome love for me. I may not know what my future holds, but I know that my God will supply all of my needs because He loves me.” My friend, it is time to drink in His love for you. You may have come to my website empty, but after you leave this post, I know that God will fill you to overflowing as you rest in His great love for you!
Happy Easter!
Prayer:
“Lord, thank you for loving me. I take authority over worry, fear, depression, doubt or anything trying to keep me from resting in Your love for me this day. I declare that You are Lord over my life and You are sitting at the right hand of God! You are alive and I will tell the world of Your amazing love! Happy Easter Jesus – You have Risen, You have Risen indeed! Amen.”
Set your DVR and watch Tracy on The Babbie Mason Show – airing Monday, April 13th at 5:00 on Channel 57 (WATC) & Nationwide on Sky Angel
- Also, don’t miss “Tips With Tracy” which airs every Thursday at 12:40 on The Dottie Coffman Show –1300 AM or online @ www.bigstickradio.com. April Series: “Turning A New Leaf: The New You with Boundaries”
by Tracy | Bad Day Blues, Inspirational, Tuesdays With Tracy
“Hear my cry, o God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2, NKJ
The high place….it’s a place above the chaos that can so easily weigh us down. It’s a place of rest and tranquility for our weary mind. It’s a place where God’s perspective Reigns and where Supernatural peace abounds. Although trials may come our way, there is a higher place to which we can run and receive comfort and grace – it’s the place of God’s Presence.
It is through this high place of God that we are lifted up and out of our circumstances. The emotions and thoughts of our flesh must bow in the high place of God thus allowing our spirit to rule. It was in this high place where David was able to declare in Psalm 46:1-4, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God.” This high place in God quiets our heart and gives us a heavenly vantage point to view our circumstances below.
The past few months, it has been my goal to remain the high place of God. Some days were easier than others, but even when my emotions and thoughts began to overwhelm me, I immediately cried out to God to take me higher. It was through reading His Word, listening to worship music, praying to God alone and with faithful sisters in Christ that I was able to come up and out of my circumstances and into the high place of God.
Is it time for you to come up friend? Has the trials of life been pulling you down? I promise there is a sweet presence of God waiting for you in the high place. God is longing to take you up and out of the bondages that hold you down and show you His wonderful plan for your life. He longs to give you His heavenly perspective and shower you with His wisdom and grace. Will you join me today in going to the high place of God?
Prayer:
“Lord, take me to the high place today. I give you my hurt and disappointment. I run to Your Word and ask that it speak to me for such a time as this. Show me how to go higher in You and give me the strategy for the situations on earth. I declare that You are my refuge and strength and I will not fear. Amen.”
by Tracy | Inspirational, Tuesdays With Tracy
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!” Proverbs 3:5-8, The Message
One morning last week I was pondering the difficulties of my own life and those around me while driving down the road. And needless to say, my heart was extremely heavy as I could not figure out “why” these challenges were going on or “what” to do about them. These thoughts led me to feelings of helplessness, but then a thought came across my mind, “I may not know why these situations are going on or what to do about them, but I know who my God is.” Within an instant I began to feel better. I got my eyes off the problem and onto God – The Solution.
The truth is, we may never understand “why” we are walking through dark times, but we know who our God is! He is faithful and He is everything we need! Join me today in declaring who God is:
When my body is sick – He is my Healer.
When I cannot pay my bills – He is my Provider.
When my mind is filled with worry – He is my Peace.
When my family forsakes me – He is my Father, Mother, Sister and Brother.
When my heart is filled with anger – He is my Forgiving Father.
When strife is all around me – He is my Protector.
When my friend betrays me – He is my Loyal Companion.
When I am rejected – He is my Acceptance.
When I don’t know what to do – He is my Wisdom.
When I do or say the wrong thing – He is my Grace.
When I can barely get out of the bed – He is the Lifter of my head.
When I am afraid – He is my Perfect Love that casts out all fear.
No matter what you are going through, God is everything you need at this time. Run to Him and as the scripture states your body will glow with health and your bones will vibrate with life!
Prayer:
“Lord, You are everything I need today. I give you every situation on my heart. Please be my healer, provider, peace, protector, wisdom, grace and lifter of my head. I choose to get my eyes off of the problem and onto You – the Solution! I love you and I plead the Blood of Jesus over me, my family and those I love this day! Amen.”
by Tracy | Inspirational, Practical, Tuesdays With Tracy
“Dear friend, take my advice; it will add years to your life. I’m writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I’m drawing a map to Righteous Road. I don’t want you ending up in blind alleys, or wasting time making wrong turns. Hold tight to good advice; don’t relax your grip. Guard it well – your life is at stake!” Proverbs 4:10-13, The Message
Last week we discussed how a wrong association would bring destruction to your life, but did you know that even a right association at the wrong time would still bring wrong results? Think about this with me for a moment. You can have a right relationship, but if you embrace this relationship in the wrong season, it can bring frustration and wrong results – can I get an amen from someone? This right friendship may have been a huge blessing at one time and it may even be once again in the future, but if we hold onto a right association at the wrong time – it will eventually self-destruct.
Here is what God has shown me:
A right association in a right season = right results
A wrong association in any season = wrong results
And a right association in a wrong season = wrong results
The word “season” in the Greek is “karios.” “Karios” is defined in the Strong’s Concordance as, “an opportune time, set time, appointed time, definitive time, proper time for action and tells us of special happenings that are to occur during a certain time frame.” It is important that we know the season we are in and whom we are to associate with for such a time as this.
There are seasonal places to live, positions of employment, friendships to enjoy and such that are right associations in the right season, but if we apply these in a wrong season, they will eventually self-destruct. This is why we need God’s supernatural wisdom in every area of our life! Next week we will be looking at the three levels of friendships: Friendships for a lifetime, friendships for a season & friendships for a moment.
Proverbs 7:4-5 in the NKJV states, “Say to Wisdom, you are my sister, and call understanding your nearest kin, that they may keep you from *wrong relationships, from *wrong associations who flatter with their lips.” (*Words changed from immoral woman and seductress to wrong associations/relationships by author).
We are entering a season where it is vital that we heed God’s wisdom in our lives. Our obedience is vital to the Kingdom of God. It is time for us to let go of the childish things and grab onto Jesus with all of your might. Jesus is the Right association all the time!!!!
Prayer:
“Lord, I cry out for Wisdom this day. I give you permission to show me any wrong associations in my life. Help me to let them go in order to grab onto You and the right associations for such a time as this. I want to go higher in You and I declare that You are the Right association at all times! Show me the times and seasons. Amen.”
Photo above is from: www.freefotocom
