by Tracy | Inspirational, Tuesdays With Tracy
“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Luke 10:27, NKJ
As women we tend to wear a lot of “hats” everyday without even realizing it! We just know that we are exhausted each night – can I get an Amen? Within a twenty-four hour period women often fill the roles of: wife, mother, business woman, chef, chauffeur, counselor, daughter, aunt, bible study leader, school teacher, fashion consultant, friend and this is not comprehensive list by any means! It is no wonder studies have shown that women in America feel overwhelmed and dissatisfied. Needless to say, it is imperative that you take care of yourself!
Notice in the verse above that in addition to loving your neighbor (i.e. preparing meals for a family grieving, volunteering at your local church and listening to a friend in need), we are also commanded to love ourselves!
So let me ask you: Are you good to yourself? Do you take time for you or does everything and everyone else take precedence? I am going to guess that most of us reading this blog (including myself) often fall short in this area. But the truth is, if we don’t take care of ourselves – we will eventually reach the point where we can no longer function! When we find ourselves exhausted and overwhelmed, depression can creep in if we are not careful. So, if you are reading this today please know that I love you and I plead with you to take care of yourself:)
I give you permission to take care of you! Let’s start right now – I want you to think of something that you can do for yourself today… go ahead and think about it and then DO IT!
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for taking care of everyone else, but me. I choose this day to take better care of me. You have entrusted me with a special purpose while here on earth and by taking care of myself – I WILL fulfill my destiny in Christ! Thank you God for this gentle reminder and I will love my neighbor as I love myself this day.” Amen.
by Tracy | Tuesdays With Tracy, Warfare
“For He (God) foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will (because it pleased Him and was His kind intent).” Ephesians 1:5, Amplified Version
There are times in our lives when we get so bombarded with what the world says about us that we forget who we are in Christ Jesus. Today I want us to declare what God says about us. Pay no attention to your feelings – your feelings will lie to you, but God always tells you the truth. You have a choice today – will you continue to believe your feelings over the Word of God or will you declare and let your faith arise to what God’s Word says about you?
The truth is – we have authority over the devil and his lies – he does not have authority over us! If you are in a battle concerning your self-worth – join me in declaring Ephesians Chapter One over your life.
Let’s say this OUT LOUD together:
According to Ephesians Chapter One, I am:
Blessed (vs. 3)
Chosen (vs. 4)
Holy (vs.4)
Blameless (vs.4)
Predestined (vs. 5)
Redeemed (vs. 7)
Forgiven (vs.7)
In Christ I have:
Wisdom (vs. eight)
Understanding (vs. eight)
I know the mystery of His will (vs. eight)
I am made for God’s glory (vs. eight)
I am seated with the Holy Spirit of Promise (vs. 13)
I have an inheritance (vs. 14)
I am God’s possession (vs. 14)
I have hope (vs. 18)
I am Enlightened (vs. 18)
I have resurrection power (vs. 19)
I have a mighty strength! (vs. 19)
We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus! No matter what you are currently going through, remember that in Christ you have everything you need and that your victory is just around the corner!
Prayer:
I am Yours Lord – everything I’ve got and everything I am! Forgive me for believing the lies of the world concerning my worth. I agree with Your Word today that I am blessed, redeemed, forgiven and that I have a hope! I will no longer allow my feelings to dictate my life, but I choose to believe the Word of God. Amen.
by Tracy | Inspirational, Tuesdays With Tracy
“Behold I will do a new thing, and it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19.
– This post is a longer than normal, but I promise you that it is worth the read. Enjoy:)
*When I was a little girl, I loved stuffed animals. I had so many on my bed each night, that I barely had any room for me! I named them all one by one and if any of them fell off the bed during the night I would apologize to them and purposefully place them closest to me the next night. While my obsession of having hundreds of stuffed animals has lessened with my growing age, I will admit to having one stuffed animal, named Brian during my college years. He was a fluffy white bunny with long ears and a smile. I loved him deeply and my bunny saw me through the best and worst of times. I would hold onto him tightly each night and snuggle with him, especially after a long day. During the hard times, he would absorb my tears into his mangled fur as they fell from my face. Needless to say, what started out as a beautiful bunny began to resemble a tattered lamb.
When I married my husband, Michael, we each selected one thing we wanted the other person to get rid of prior to our honeymoon. And can you believe that he chose for me to get rid of my beloved white fluffy bunny? While letting go of Brian was not any easy task, I felt consoled because I would soon hold tightly onto my new husband in this new season of life. I was counting on him to perform all that my bunny had these past eight years.
Unbeknownst to me, with the letting go of Brian, I shifted my hold onto my husband and also my best friend, Kelly. This was all well and good until Kelly moved into her beautiful new home – in Egypt!! Don’t get me wrong – I was thrilled for her, but to my dismay her new home was 45 minutes away from mine! I would never have thought of myself as someone who held tightly onto things. After all, I did move every few years and I considered myself very adaptable. But Kelly and I had planned to get pregnant together and that she would watch my children when I worked a few days each week and her recent move upset our beautiful plans.
It was at this point that God began to speak to me that I had been holding tightly onto things throughout my entire life. God graciously revealed to me that the only thing I am to hold tightly onto is Him. People will move, relationships will change, but God never does! I finally told Kelly of my struggles and asked for her forgiveness for being selfish. She of course was wonderful, and reaffirmed that no one could ever replace me in her life. Our heart-to-heart talk was a blessing and we made a pact to work hard at getting together even with the new distance between our homes. I then hung up the phone with her and prayed for the Lord to bless her new home and our friendship.
Next, I had a heart-to-heart talk with God. He showed me that by holding onto things tightly, He wasn’t able to bring new blessings into my life. Tears filled my eyes as He spoke this truth to me. Then I happened to look over at my little Maltese dog, Noah, and it hit me just how much he looked like my old bunny “Brian.” He was soft and white with fluffy ears. Yet, I love Noah so much more! I also found out that a new friend of mine is moving into a neighborhood down the street from me. I began to realize that God has many new blessings to bring my way, if I will just let go and trust Him to bring them to me.
We can easily hold onto Jesus because He is already holding onto us!
Truth be told, I still miss my mangled bunny and I will forever miss the close proximity of my best friend, but I now know that I must let go and “Behold I (the Lord) will do a new thing, and it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19). You see, if we will just let go and grab onto Christ, a new thing will appear. So, let me ask you, Is there anything you are holding onto tightly? If so, I encourage you to let go and hold tightly to God’s Word and His promises for you this New Year because if you do -The best is yet ahead!
*Published Article by Tracy Hurst: Christian Chronicle/2003
by Tracy | Tuesdays With Tracy, Warfare
“The Lord also will ROAR from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, And the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16, NKJ
The roar of a lion will stop you dead in your tracks and bring a chill down you spine – trust me on this! I was able a few years back to go behind the scenes at the Atlanta Zoo and I will never forget my encounter with the lion! I was so thankful for the steel bars that were present between this massive creature and me!
According to the scripture above, God is a ROARING lion and if you feel like you are in a battle – hold tight – because God will ROAR from Zion on your behalf!
When God speaks, the earth cannot help but tremble. So can you imagine the impact on the earth and the enemies of God when He ROARS? I believe that when God ROARS from Zion on our behalf, everything that is standing between us and God will be shaken down! God is our shelter during the storms of life and He is our strength when we are weak. Be encouraged friend – If you are currently in a battle – run to the shelter of God’s love and know that He will protect you. Make no mistake that the enemies of God will not prosper much longer. God is fighting on behalf of His chosen people!
Prayer:
Lord, I run to you for shelter this day. You are my refuge and my present help in trouble. No weapon formed against me shall prosper and I declare, “If God is for me – who can be against me?” Father, I thank you for your ROAR from Zion concerning your people and Israel this day! I know the end of the story – WE WIN! I love you God and I trust that goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Amen.
Photo Above is from: www.freefoto.com
by Tracy | Tuesdays With Tracy
“He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly.” Luke 1:51b-52
Grab a cup of coffee and sit back because I have some good news to share with you! Today we are going to dig a little deeper into the scripture above and I think what we discover just might make you want to shout!
The word “proud” according to the scripture above is defined as one whom “appears to be above others, haughty and proud.” These are individuals whom the world would call “powerful,” yet it is through their imagination and faulty perception of themselves that God is able to pull them down! The proud believe that they are worthy to sit on a mighty throne, but you and I know differently – only Yahweh is worthy of such a position!
So, here is what God is saying to us today: I (God) am removing those who think they are exceedingly, abundantly better than their fellow man and even Me and it is through their own egotistical thinking that I will pull them down from their high positions on earth. I (God) will personally lift them out of their high places and replace them with those who have a humble and contrite heart.
Here is the best part for you and me: While God is pulling down the proud – He is looking for those of a humble heart to replace them and friends that can be you and me!!! So, let me ask you: Do you daily seek God’s will? Are you quick to repent when you are wrong? Are you a person after God’s own heart? If you answered, “yes” to these questions, then God is going to exalt you in 2008! So, go ahead and give a shout!
Prayer:
“Lord I thank you for pulling down the proud and exalting me in their place. If you can choose anyone Jesus, please do not overlook me. I choose to use my position to promote You and I refuse to give into pride. I declare that 2008 is going to be great! I declare God’s choice for our next President. I silence the voice of the media and man from bringing confusion to our minds. Lord, show us Your choice. And as we hear Your voice, I declare that on election day there will be a BLOWOUT in the polls as never before! It is time for unity. It is time to unite and bring forth God’s choice! May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Amen.
by Tracy | Inspirational, Tuesdays With Tracy
“For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be the sign to you; You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12, NKJ
I found myself singing a song last week while playing with my daughter in our back yard and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind! Some of you may remember this chorus, it goes something like this…“Lord, you are more precious than silver, Lord you are more costly than gold and Lord you are more beautiful than diamonds and nothing I desire compares with You.” I remember singing this song in church many years ago, but I can honestly say that these words are now truth in my life. I am a woman with many dreams and ambitions, but when it comes right down to it – Just give me Jesus!
I find myself in an unfamiliar place this Christmas. In years past I have longed for so many things – material possessions, peace, safety and love – all of which are fine, but the truth of the matter is, Jesus holds all of these things and more. As the song so beautifully illustrates, I no longer care about fame or riches untold – Just give me Jesus!
What do you need this Christmas? Do you need money to pay your bills or food for your pantry? Do you need peace for your mind or a son or daughter to return home? Do you need restoration in your marriage or a healing miracle? No matter what you need, your answer is found in Jesus. He came to this earth and performed miracles; He gave His life willingly on the cross and arose from the dead; He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords – He is Jesus and He is everything you need!
Merry Christmas Friends,
Tracy Hurst
by Tracy | Inspirational, Tuesdays With Tracy
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord; looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble and by this many become defiled.” Hebrews 12:14-15, NKJ
No matter how careful you are people on occasion are going to misunderstand you. But the truth of the matter is we can also fall prey to jumping to conclusions ourselves! This is why I am so grateful that God knows the intentions of our hearts. As much as we long to live at peace with man, our overall goal is to remain at peace with God. Whatever people may say or think about you, if you can lay your head down on your pillow at night knowing that everything is okay between you and God – all can be well with your soul.
As we embark on Christmas gatherings this year, lets remember to extend grace. When our friends or family members misunderstand us – we can trust that God knows our heart! We can do everything humanly possible to create a warm, loving environment, but at the end of the day, if our hearts are clear before God – everything is a-okay! The one person who will never misunderstand you is your Heavenly Father. He knows you inside and out and nothing can separate you from His love! Selah (pause and think about that for a moment).
Many blessings to you this Christmas season and remember the greatest gift of all is Jesus!
Prayer:
“Lord, I love you and I am so thankful that you know my heart. I don’t like it when people misunderstand me, but as long as you and I are alright – everything can be well with my soul. Help me to not judge others. Help me to be quick to forgive and extend mercy. Please bless my friends and family this Christmas. May Your Presence be with us and may our focus be on the celebration of your birth. You are the Reason for the Season and I bless Your Holy Name.” Amen.
Check out this awesome video by a pastor concerning the debate between retail stores verbalizing, “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” – you will love it:) //www.citizenlink.org/content/A000005834.cfm
Photo Above is from: www.freefoto.com
by Tracy | Bad Day Blues, Tuesdays With Tracy
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
There have been times when something I have said or done has made me feel like the biggest failure on earth! It is one thing to fail man, but the very thought of failing my Lord and Savior is devastating to me! Romans 8, has been my safe haven during times of failure in my life. I have found that while God is quick to forgive and extend mercy, the hardest part is for ME to FORGIVE MYSELF!
Since becoming a Christian, I have found one thing to be true: God’s Word does not lie. What God says in the Bible is true, everything else is just a fact and facts can be changed! So when God says in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” – He means it! Even when we “feel” like complete failures, if we confess our sins to God, we are forgiven and washed clean by His Blood.
Friend, your past, present and future is secure in Jesus. He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it! Receive your forgiveness today. You do not have to walk around life carrying the sins of your past – they are covered under the Blood of Jesus Christ. A friend of mine recently told me when I was battling feelings of failure, “Tracy the devil is telling you that you’re a failure, but the truth is always the EXACT opposite of what the devil says.”
So let me ask you – what lies have you been holding onto as truth? If the devil says you’re a failure, then God says you’re a success! If the devil says you are worthless, then God says you are extremely valuable to His Kingdom! If the devil says you will never pay off your debt, then God says your financial breakthrough is on the way! The devil is a liar, but God ALWAYS tells us the truth.
Prayer:
“Lord, I confess every known and unknown sin to you this day. I ask that you forgive me and cover my sin under Your Precious Blood. I repent and turn away from my sin and I choose to follow Your will for my life. I declare that today, I am forgiven, redeemed and washed in Your Blood. The enemy is a liar and God always tells me the truth! God’s Word says that I am the apple of His eye, God says He has good plans for me to prosper me and not to harm me, God says He will never leave me nor forsake me. Thank you Jesus for always telling me the truth through your Word.” Amen.
by Tracy | Tuesdays With Tracy
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone. This is the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:22-24
It was exactly one year ago that Tracyhurst.com was launched into cyberspace. My goal back then was to reach 200 women and create an outlet for myself to encourage others while staying at home with my daughter. Little did I know, that in just a year’s time, “Tuesday’s With Tracy” would have over 11,000 first time visitors and over 177,000 repeat visits (not including all of you who receive my blog each week through feedblitz)! These facts lead me to the conclusion that God can do whatever He wants! I am just a simple testimony that if we will give our lives completely over to God, He can do amazing things!
I had dreamed of having a website for years. But it wasn’t until having lunch with a new friend by the name of Angel Cope (www.fromonemomtoanother.com) that God would awaken my dream and make it a reality. You see, unbeknownst to me, Angel’s husband is the founder of Epoc Designs (www.epocdesigns.com) and within a matter of weeks my site was up and running! Ben Cope has an amazing ability to hear your heart and create a website to fit your vision. Once again these facts lead me to declare: God can do whatever He wants!
When God wants something to happen – HE will put everything in place!
I don’t know what is deep within your heart at this time, but I encourage you to give it over to God and trust that in the RIGHT TIME, HE (not you) will bring it to pass! What is so amazing to me is that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we can ask or imagine in our lives (Ephesians 3:20).
So as we celebrate the One Year Anniversary of Tracyhurst.com, I pray that my website, somehow, someway, has encouraged you to fulfill your destiny in Christ! If my site has impacted your life even in the slightest way, I would love to hear from you! You can click on the “view comments” button and leave a comment or click on my “contact page.” I want you to know that it is an honor to speak into your life each Tuesday!
We are on this journey called life together and I pray that as we stand before the Lord, each of us will hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
Blessings,
Tracy Hurst
by Tracy | Practical, Tuesdays With Tracy
My brother Rob & Alyssa playing in the leaves:)
“…Yet once more I (The Lord) will shake not only the earth, but also heaven.’ Now this, ‘Yet once more,’ indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom, which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:26-29
A few weeks ago in Illinois, I heard the Lord say, “There is a lot of shaking going on.” I sense within my spirit that God is shaking off old mindsets, attitudes and anything that does not line up His Word from His people. For the lack of a better way to say it – God wants to be God in our lives. No matter what – He is God, but how many of us allow other “gods” to consume our lives? It is time to let go of the things of this world and to let God be our All-consuming Fire. It is time for us to walk according to the scripture above, and “in God’s supernatural grace by which we can serve Him acceptably and with reverence and godly fear.” There is a mighty shaky going on!
*Watch the Presidential elections my friends – God is rising up His choice. He has anointed someone in the Spirit realm to be our next President. It is only because of God’s abundant mercy and the prayers offered up to heaven that I can boldly declare this to you today. We must continue to pray. And in the weeks to come, you will see a shaking in the polls. The Lord would ask of His people, “Will you not see? Will you not hear the voice of the Lord (Isaiah 43:19)?” Do not look to the media or to man, look to God. He will show you whom He has called to be our President in 2008. There is a whole lot of shaking going on!
Prayer:
Lord, I give you permission to shake anything out of my life that does not line up with The Word of God. Forgive me for allowing the things of this world to take my focus off of You. I long for Jesus to be my all-consuming fire. I forgive those who have hurt me and spitefully used me. I bless those who have cursed me and I choose to walk the higher road. Speak to me Lord about my life and about what is going on in the world. I declare that God’s choice for President in 2008 will be elected. I declare that I have ears to hear and eyes to see whom God has anointed. I pray this in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ.” Amen.
*Please continue to pray for rain – we are still in desperate need – Thank you!
