I Knew You

God knew us before time began. He knew all about our birth including everything about our great grandparents, our grandparents as well as our parents.

We read in Romans 8:29 for whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Our birth was foretold in Genesis as we read in Chapter 1 verse 27-28  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

²⁸ And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

We were to be part of that multiplication that would be used to replenish the earth. The command God gave to Adam and Eve. As you are well aware Eve was deceived by the serpent, and Adam joined her in partaking of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Thus causing their spiritual death or separation from God’s grace, mercy and covering, and were removed from Eden.

Then sin began. Adam and Eves introduction to sin was our introduction to sin, or our separation from God. If you read further into Genesis you read of God destroying the earth by flood. Noah, his wife their sons and their wives were the only people that were saved from the flood. After the flood waters receded they received the same command as we read in Genesis 9:1 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.

We read once again of Gods desire for the earth to be populated when he tells Abram, his name at that time in Genesis12:1-3 get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: ² And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: ³ And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

As we continue reading in Genesis in chapter 15 verses 5-6 God responds to Abram when he asks Him about the long awaited heir that has not yet come. Let’s take a look at Gods response.

God brought him (Abram) forth abroad, and said, look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. ⁶ And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

So we see our birth and our life was foretold way before any of us were even thought of by anyone other than God.

Not only did God know of our existence in the beginning of time. He also knew we would not be born in the Garden of Eden. He knew Adam and Eve would fall into Sin. He knew He would send His Son, His only son to die for our sins.

We read in Isaiah 53:5 but he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Jesus Christ died for each and every one of us. I want to share with you a little bit about my inspiration for writing this song. I’ve always rooted for the underdog and have a heart for those that have a broken heart. I have a heart for people who are obviously broken and those that camouflage their brokenness. God has placed in me a desire for souls to be saved, healed, set free and delivered.

It grieves me greatly when people are depressed, oppressed, feeling hopeless or helpless. I’m concerned about people that believe no one loves them. It bothers me that both children and adults are bullied and that some are tormented so badly that they take their own lives.

To listen to the message in its entirety click on the link below and select I Knew You – Conference Call.

http://www.gretahillman.com/#!audiovideo/cd8l

Join Sisters Steadfast in Faith Thursdays at 9p.m.EST for E2E, Empowered to Excel

Dial in 641-715-3610 access code 215480

Don't Be Defeated By Unforgiveness

I’m just going to ask you right off the bat. How many of you are carrying a grudge, anger or angst against someone? You may not even realize it. Sometimes incidents occur in our lives that we may brush off at the time, but they linger in the back of our minds and at that moment that we least expect these thoughts come back to us out of what appears to be nowhere and we ask ourselves where did that come from.

These feelings or thoughts may cause us to lash out at someone for no reason that’s apparent to us or the person to whom we lash out.

Have any of you had something said to or about you or done to you that has caused you so much pain that you have not, or feel like you cannot forgive the offender?

Perhaps you’re the offender. Have you said something to or about someone that you should not have said or done?

Have your thoughts about yourself been damaging? Have you caused physical damage to yourself?

Are you carrying feelings of guilt and unforgiveness? Oftentimes when we are angry with someone they may not even know it. As a matter of fact they may not even know that they have offended you. Don’t carry anger or unforgiveness in your heart. It only hurts you.

Think about a time that you may have been angry with someone, or had trouble forgiving them. This may even be that time. When you are angry you expend time and energy on thoughts and or behaviors that are unproductive. The enemy may even try to convince you of things that are not true. Have you ever caught the eye of someone that you may not have a good relationship with only to see them and another person looking at you? Did the enemy try to convince you that they were talking about you? Maybe they were and maybe they weren’t. He will use anything to distract you.

When we are distracted we lose focus, when we lose focus we get off track, when we get off track the enemy has us right where he wants us. We’ve taken our eyes off of Jesus as Peter did and we allow what’s going on around us to cause us to sink, to move us away from our goal.

To listen to the message in its entirety click on the link below and select Don’t be Defeated by Unforgiveness.

http://www.gretahillman.com/#!audiovideo/cd8l

Join Sisters Steadfast in Faith Thursdays at 9p.m.EST for E2E, Empowered to Excel

Dial in 641-715-3610 access code 215480

Act Like It's So!

I believe that everything that occurs in our life is part of who God created us to be, the good, the bad, the ugly. The things that only God knows, as well as the things others know but you wish they didn’t. The journey is what gets you there. It’s part of your story and your testimony to encourage others. Besides, who can tell your story better than you?

We have all said and done things we wish we hadn’t said or done. We all have things we would change if we could, but if we changed those things how would God use them to testify of his grace, mercy and glory? I’m sure some of you may be thinking, well my story has so many things in it that I could have done without I’d gladly pass them along to someone else. Unfortunately that’s not the way God planned it. He is able to use every encounter to encourage someone else and prayerfully to prevent them from making some of the same mistakes, or as I prefer to call them opportunities for growth that you have experienced.

Each of us are walking in our own journey. Some of us may have progressed to points that have us closer to our destiny than others, but remember wherever you are you are still growing. I don’t believe any of us will reach the end of our journey until we meet our Lord and Savior, which is when a new journey begins.

But today we are talking about the journey, plan, vision and destiny God has for us on earth.

We have talked about different things that we encounter along our journey that may slow us down. We’ve also talked about how quitting is not an option.

Well here’s something I’d like you to think about. I’d also like for you to make a few notes and if you feel comfortable post your thoughts on the Sisters Steadfast in Faith Facebook page.

As I’ve mentioned our journey is part of our destiny. The last milestone that you reached is just as important as the next one. Now here’s my question. What things would you be doing differently if you were at the next milestone, or further into your journey than where you are currently?

For example, let’s say you have a product that you have created and you are sharing it on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. You believe God’s plan is for you to employ others to sell your product. Have you done research to find out what is required to have someone else sell your product? Is there someone you have sold your product to that continuously purchases, rants and raves about your products and provides you with referrals?

Maybe God wants you to share you testimony on a major platform to encourage others. Are you only sharing your testimony with Christians rather than with the people in the world that need to know Jesus?

Are you taking advantage of each opportunity He presents to you? Are you taking his talents and multiplying them, or have you buried them, afraid someone will steal them, or take advantage of you?

If you were at the next milestone or even further in your journey, what would it look like? How would your behavior change? Would you have more faith because you are further along? If your answer to this question is yes, then shame on you. Let me remind you of Hebrews 11:1 now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Regardless of where you are in your journey your faith should be the same.

To listen to the message in its entirety click on the link below and select Act Like it’s So!

http://www.gretahillman.com/#!audiovideo/cd8l

Join Sisters Steadfast in Faith Thursdays at 9p.m.EST for E2E, Empowered to Excel

Dial 641-715-3610 access code 215480

Don't Lose Focus

I pray that any of you that were contemplating throwing in the towel, or quitting are back on track. As you move forward I must remind you to stay focused. Keep your mind on what God says and not what the enemy tries to plant in your mind. Keep pressing forward.

For as we read in Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

How do you plan your day, week, month, and year. What are your short and long term goals? That’s a lot to think about, so let’s back up and take it one plan at a time.

What were your plans for today? Were you able to accomplish them? If not, why not? What distracted you, or interrupted your plan? Were you able to overcome the distraction or interruption and get back on course or will you have to use time allocated for another task to get back on track.

Things don’t always go the way we plan. Sometimes it’s a good thing, and sometimes it may not be a good thing. What’s important is that you don’t allow distractions to side track you, or prevent you from moving towards your goal.

We’ve talked previously about how fear of success can be just as crippling as fear of failure. When you see the doors you’ve knocked on being opened, when you receive what you have asked for, when you find what you have been seeking, don’t become afraid of the success God is bringing your way. Not only is this what you have been diligently praying for it is also your destiny.

Many times when we are getting close to a victorious moment the enemy will cause us to start doubting. He will send those fiery darts towards your mind. The ones that say, this can’t be real, I’m not good enough, they must have made a mistake. He may even try to convince you that the thing you have tried so hard to achieve, along with your efforts to achieve them are worthless. He wants to convince you that you will not succeed.

Matthew 14: 22-32 and straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.  But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.  And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.  And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

I want us to take a look at a few things here. First, there were several disciples on the boat. Why was Peter the only one that asked the Lord to bid him, or enable him to come to him on the water? Why did Peter want to walk on the water in the first place? Why didn’t he just allow Jesus to come and join them on the ship?

My thought is that Peter had faith, He believed that it was Jesus walking on the water. He also believed that because it was Jesus he could command him, or enable him to walk on the water. When Jesus said come, Peter didn’t hesitate. He went down out of the ship and began walking toward Jesus. Peter wasn’t walking towards the shore, or walking around the boat just to see if he was in fact able to walk on water. He had a goal in mind. He was walking towards Jesus.

Are you like the rest of the disciples in the boat, or are you like Peter? Are you bold enough in your faith to say, if it is you bid me to come? Lord, if this is your plan for my life enable me to walk in it. Equip me with the faith that I need to walk towards my destiny, to reach my goal.

To listen to the message in its entirety click on the link below and select Don’t Lose Focus

http://www.gretahillman.com/#!audiovideo/cd8l

Join Sisters Steadfast in Faith Thursdays at 9p.m.EST for E2E, Empowered to Excel

Dial 641-715-3610 access code 215480

We will not have a call Thursday February 25, 2016, join us again Thursday March 3, 2016.

                  

Quitting is Not an Option

Last week we talked about commitment. I pray you sought God and have an idea about your commitments and how to prioritize them. Many times we become so bogged down with our commitments and our day to day routines that we may want to throw in the towel or simply say I quit.

If you are employed inside or outside of your home, if you are a caregiver, or have children that you are caring for.  If you have health concerns, financial concerns or are concerned about any are of your life you can become weary. Well I want to speak words of encouragement to you that I pray will strengthen you and enable you to move forward and continue moving forward.

The Bible is filled with stories of people like you and me who have faced insurmountable odds but remained steadfast in their faith, committed to their cause, persevered against the odds and never gave up. Quitting was not an option.

We find a summary of great testimonies of faith in the book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith for us. It tells us how faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. This scripture reminds us of several things. It reminds us that faith is now. Faith should be present before what you are expecting or believing God for appears. It reminds us that without seeing it or touching it by faith we can be assured that what we pray for will occur. Faith is the conduit or place of passage between desire, thought or hope and manifestation.

As we continue reading in Hebrews chapter 11 we read of how :

Abel by faith offered the best lamb as a sacrifice to God, God testifying of his gifts

Enoch walked with God and was translated and did not see death

Noah built the ark, obeying God without questioning

Abraham trusted God, leaving his land not knowing where he was going. Along with his wife who were both past child bearing age believed Gods promise that his seed would be too numerous to count

Moses’ parents hid him three months, being not afraid of the king and his order to kill all male children

Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, forsaking Egypt not fearing the wrath of the king, passing through the red sea as by dry land

The walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days

Rahab the harlot received the spies with peace and did not perish with them that believed not

The woman with the issue of blood after spending all she had pressed her way through a crowd of people believing if she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment she would be healed.

Can you imagine going from doctor to doctor with a disease that cannot not be diagnosed?  Your insurance is cancelled and you spend everything you have. Your only hope, which is the same hope you have had all along is Jesus.

More times than not, we exhaust all of our possibilities, everything we think we can do with our own thoughts or our own abilities before we go to God, why is that? Even when we pray first we may still try to intervene when we don’t see or receive our expected results when we expect, want or think we need to, or should receive them.

To listen to the message in its entirety click on the link below and select Quitting is Not an Option

http://www.gretahillman.com/#!audiovideo/cd8l

Join Sisters Steadfast in Faith Thursdays at 9p.m.EST for E2E, Empowered to Excel

Dial 641-715-3610 access code 215480

We will not have a call Thursday February 25, 2016, join us again Thursday March 3, 2016.

Commitment

Who or what are you committed to? Who or what has your attention? What are your priorities? Well the standard answer in most Christian circles would be, personal relationship with God first, family second, personal ministry third if applicable and job fourth.

If that is the way you would answer does it always hold true? Do your commitments and priorities change, should they change?

How are you allocating your time? This time last year I would have said my personal relationship with God was first, but I wasn’t committing the time to Him that I should have. My job unfortunately held a pretty close second tied with my family. My personal ministry, or Gods call on my life was last.

You see I was neglecting the thing I love the most, which is serving God in the purpose and plan He has chosen for my life, because my priorities were wrong. I was too focused on my job, oh yeah, and I forgot. To unwind I’d fill my weekends with watching all the television programs I’d recorded throughout the week. Thank God for His mercy and His grace I’m also grateful as we read in Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

I believe our first commitment should be to God. He says in all our ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct our paths. He also says but seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.

He is telling us when we do things His way we need not be concerned about the cares of life, what to eat what to drink what to wear. He will take care of not just the small things, but everything that matters to us. Who knows us and the things that we need better than the One that created us?

Sometimes we can get so caught up in the cares of our lives that we are unable to focus on the things, or purpose God has placed us here to serve.

The job of the enemy is distraction. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but because of the hedge of protection God has around you the enemy will distract you with the cares of this world. He wants you to worry about your finances, your health, your family; any and everything that you hold dear, or that that you think is needed to survive. Notice the emphasis here is on the word you.

God says take no thought for these things. He knows we have need of them. If He takes care of the lilies of the field surely He can take care of you.

To listen to the message in its entirety click on the link below and select Commitment

http://www.gretahillman.com/#!audiovideo/cd8l

Join Sisters Steadfast in Faith Thursdays at 9p.m.EST for E2E, Empowered to Excel

Dial 641-715-3610 access code 215480

His Will; His Way

Have you ever been impatient, and decided to help God out. Well, believe it or not He doesn’t need your help nor does He need my help. And what help could we possibly provide?

We read in James 1:2-8 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James is telling us or I would say forewarning us that when we encounter different trials and tribulations that it’s going to test our patience, and rather than being impatient, or anxious we should allow this test of our patience to be a joyous occasion, because of the fruit of patience that will be produced from our trial or tribulation.

⁴ But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

When we allow patience to perform its tasks, it’s working out within us the ability for us to exercise our faith in Gods ability to bring us victoriously through our trial or tribulation.

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.

God is merciful, even during our trial or tribulation if we need guidance He says ask Him, if we need wisdom to get us through, He says ask and He will give it to us. He won’t judge us, or think whatever we are asking is something we should already know as man might think. Have you ever been afraid to ask someone something because you thought they might judge you, or even ridicule you because they think what you are asking is something you should know? God doesn’t respond to us that way. He says ask, and He will provide us with wisdom, He will give wisdom to all that ask equally and not make us feel guilty or feel bad for asking.

 ⁶ But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

When you ask God for wisdom, be prepared to receive it. Have faith that He will give it to you. Don’t go before God with a mindset of well, I think I want to, but I’m not sure. Be steadfast and determined in your quest for wisdom. Don’t be wishy washy.

⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

When you come before God doubting and unsure, you will leave Him the same way, doubting and unsure because He will not respond to you if you display uncertainty in your request.

⁸ A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

When you’re doubleminded you’re unsure and unstable. If you don’t know what you want or why it is you are even seeking wisdom why would you expect God to understand your confusion?

He says acknowledged Him is all your ways and He will direct your path.

To listen to the message in its entirety click below and select His Will, His Way

http://www.gretahillman.com/#!audiovideo/cd8l

Join Sisters Steadfast in Faith Thursdays at 9p.m.EST for E2E, Empowered to Excel

Dial 541-715-3610 access code 215380