tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26897127374129355672024-03-19T03:29:36.667-04:00A Walk with ChristAllen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-34073326663909786192021-06-13T10:30:00.001-04:002021-06-13T10:30:59.764-04:00Embrace Your Purpose<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD56TcmNaLym_QgjkUuve8QzIclezQLlTJkykQhDSa9NghfDLwGHUwk9zR0F5yJUYRomUeQjuslsy2wwhayoTU6GtlKUtOo6vlCWj5XJZZGUN8zV11BHxSGBOWo9Mnm6q1BxAOdq8uzzs/s1102/LWHS-Psalm-119-73.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD56TcmNaLym_QgjkUuve8QzIclezQLlTJkykQhDSa9NghfDLwGHUwk9zR0F5yJUYRomUeQjuslsy2wwhayoTU6GtlKUtOo6vlCWj5XJZZGUN8zV11BHxSGBOWo9Mnm6q1BxAOdq8uzzs/w213-h211/LWHS-Psalm-119-73.png" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me
understanding, that I may learn thy commandments”. (Psalm 119:73)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was reading my
daily reading I came across a question the writer wrote, “What could be
hindering me from becoming the best me that God created me to be?”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asked anyone who was reading, to ask
ourselves this very question. For me, I could blame everything starting from my
health, finances, and just life period. But the main thing would be me. I
say myself because I always tend to allow myself to get in the way of being the
best me that God created me to be. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Truthfully, I could blame others for not being all that I
can be; it would be easier, but in all honesty, I’m the only person that can
change me. For me to embrace and walk into the purpose, God has set for
my life. I must embrace the Holy Spirit into my heart and allow it to bring
about change.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I challenge you to ask yourself this very question and say “I
will be all that God has created me to be”.<o:p></o:p></p><br />Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-79158860083978320052021-05-15T08:13:00.001-04:002021-05-15T08:13:19.863-04:00Suffering a Loss<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOe8w8mj3_bvHEIFPrjuS6bnuflfVaYEx-Z0xrUaLxO8_ja2jTHVQ553WuzBpdAq4axhbfiW-4ozfPw10F27E9z9_E1HJeSokhH5IRDIbdfkSJW6xioWkmyG23xJ9iWn33K0q9UZlC7cA/s760/COMFORT.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="760" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOe8w8mj3_bvHEIFPrjuS6bnuflfVaYEx-Z0xrUaLxO8_ja2jTHVQ553WuzBpdAq4axhbfiW-4ozfPw10F27E9z9_E1HJeSokhH5IRDIbdfkSJW6xioWkmyG23xJ9iWn33K0q9UZlC7cA/w330-h211/COMFORT.png" width="330" /></a></div> <p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">We all have suffered a loss in our lifetime whether it be a
loved one or something that’s significant to us personally. The question is how
do we deal/or get through our loss? I have suffered a few losses in my lifetime,
but I never really knew how to handle my losses. Why? Because at that time I believed
in God, but I never really trusted or looked to God to get through my loss.
Following Jesus doesn’t mean avoiding loss. Whether its death of a loved one or
something important to us is taken away------- somehow, we have experienced loss
and grief. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “(3) Blessed be God, even the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (4)
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them
which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted
of God”. Paul basically is saying God is the God of all comfort…. meaning God is
able to completely comfort every loss and grief. Not in that moment, but through
time and steps we must take through the use of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After going through losses and grief I have found a few steps
that have helped me experience God’s comfort through the loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1. Turn to Jesus just as you are and trust that
God will help you. 2. Provide God with your loss or grief as you are, in that
moment. 3. Ask God to help you work through your loss. Remember to trust and
believe that he welcomes you as you are and loves you. God will help you as you
are, through his mercy and grace. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Through God's promise to comfort us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will help us to understand and feel the
love he has for us that will help our griefs and losses to ease. They may not
be removed, forgotten, but comfort, healed, even at ease. So, pray earnestly
for God to increase this work of the Spirit in your heart.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When your heart is full of grief and loss — comfort doesn’t
seem possible. But with God all things are possible. He doesn’t take the grief
completely away, but he can give you that comfort you need in time.<o:p></o:p></p>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-31278745746173278452021-03-21T11:15:00.004-04:002021-03-21T11:17:34.099-04:00Sowing Seeds<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdtGL7O_zPJGqj0_J0xw3XWR5cenTr33LIsDfTscI3ReiZl4pMz7DiFGlDkHbGbOFsHlvPg1nLc9Tyz4Jg6oFIkyR_LXs7XouDa8lUn5PA4Hx3urAz5Yym4gCDQcALa-2PThZ4_ugFyE/s825/2b331c3b9548a91a9c03ffb75fa5b2c1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="600" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdtGL7O_zPJGqj0_J0xw3XWR5cenTr33LIsDfTscI3ReiZl4pMz7DiFGlDkHbGbOFsHlvPg1nLc9Tyz4Jg6oFIkyR_LXs7XouDa8lUn5PA4Hx3urAz5Yym4gCDQcALa-2PThZ4_ugFyE/w193-h169/2b331c3b9548a91a9c03ffb75fa5b2c1.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Question? Can we actually reap the benefits of good that we
have yet to have sown? If we sow bad seeds there will be only bad seeds. Life
is about what we give and what we take. When we speak negatively in our life we
mainly are speaking it into existence,
then that is all we will ever receive. There are many times in my life that I found
myself not reaping the benefits of God. Instead of speaking positively in everything, I said and done; I never really spoke anything. I was always being negative
about everything I said & did. I thought the worse of everything. I truly
believe that this was my fault and why I was always receiving negative feedback,
unwanted stress, and not progressing in the life I wanted to live. I have
learned that the right thing to do is speak positively in everything I say and
do in life, along with maintaining the Faith I have in God. According to Mark
11:22-24, “22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23 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. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye
desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them”. We
have to have faith when things are going well and when things are going bad.
Speaking and sowing positive seeds into your life and reframe from the negative
seeds.<o:p></o:p></p>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-7655052722690095362021-01-27T09:53:00.000-05:002021-01-27T09:53:00.782-05:00Seen and Unseen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQeJFXoHaoG7BPon28OaJYw1E9XdPi4rhgaP3ru87jl2YiQRtB4DggwLTfB9fK_bbiAdPGNTVoNBjQhrSYgOKLwqollEkZoO9ePjhk5bCImdQdMXls1nIrrWj4zABpunxuS7i34gAUYo/s1717/2-corinthians-4_18.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1717" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQeJFXoHaoG7BPon28OaJYw1E9XdPi4rhgaP3ru87jl2YiQRtB4DggwLTfB9fK_bbiAdPGNTVoNBjQhrSYgOKLwqollEkZoO9ePjhk5bCImdQdMXls1nIrrWj4zABpunxuS7i34gAUYo/w289-h182/2-corinthians-4_18.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A flower will bloom, but eventually would fade away, but God’s
word is forever. </div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As a
young child, we had things that we cherished, and eventually, we will outgrow those
things. They would either be tossed away, donated, or given away, as a child I never
understood why I couldn’t keep those items, but as an adult with children, I
realized that we can’t always have what we want, things will change. What we
experienced as a child we don’t realize until we become adults, but even then,
some of us adults do not realize that most of what we see, touch, and
experience in our world is temporary. If life on earth is merely temporary, you
should know that your problems are not permanent either. Think about it, what
makes us think that our problems will last always? We must not lose hope in the
midst of suffering. Our troubles should not tarnish our faith. There is always a purpose behind our suffering. Paul speaks of the troubles that God’s people
have and it will not last. The enemy Satan and his followers will not last. We
need to concentrate on things that will last, the unseen not what is seen. Money
is temporary, a car is temporary, a house is temporary, and a career is
temporary, but GOD is ETERNAL (unseen)! Paul references the glory, the beauty, and true greatness of God and what He has prepared for His people when Christ
will rule forevermore. "<o:p></o:p>So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18, KJV).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span face=""Source Sans Pro",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /></div>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-63118567642276464572021-01-09T11:05:00.006-05:002021-01-09T11:05:41.619-05:00New Year....New Beginnings!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXqitKvyRlmWEUjGapGSCyanKmpKG8yDp5Kxv0Ixq5CkP2GQNHVd1tChBAxiPRJotfze6H_YVfaJUNXvAiupKxNsSkU3kRjJUtufukXWMAI0vMGWgWO5I0l9rHwuvHeVkm0VfFBmP4t0/s713/il_570xN.692657923_m4hc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="570" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXqitKvyRlmWEUjGapGSCyanKmpKG8yDp5Kxv0Ixq5CkP2GQNHVd1tChBAxiPRJotfze6H_YVfaJUNXvAiupKxNsSkU3kRjJUtufukXWMAI0vMGWgWO5I0l9rHwuvHeVkm0VfFBmP4t0/w230-h288/il_570xN.692657923_m4hc.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;">I know I can say for all of us 2020 was a
tough year. You probably are thinking it’s a new year, so I want to be a new
me, or maybe that is just me. I know for me there is one thing I want to experience
and that is to learn how to live peacefully through God. How can I do this? Verse
2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. In
other words, for me to live peacefully I have to allow change to happen in my
life in this new year and I need to remove old things that are not allowing me
to grow and embrace the new things that will help me to grow. New year new you
have a fresh start in your life. You are wiping away the old and becoming
into the new. The year 2020 has been a rough year for all of us and countless times I have heard people say over and over I can’t wait for 2020 to
be over. Something has to change in 2021, regardless of the blessings and good
things we experienced in 2020. We must apply 2 Corinthians 5:17 to our change. The
verse is telling us we are new creations through Christ. It is telling us by
accepting Christ as our Savior in our hearts conquers all sin that defines us. With
Christ in our lives, we are wiped clean of our sins and made new, but when we do fall
short and sin we are about to repent and reject its grasp. As we embark on this
journey through the new year 2021, we have to embrace Gods word into
our lives daily. This will help remove the sin that follows us daily through
ourselves and other people’s behaviors. In order to embark on your journey of a
new year and new you just recant 2 Corinthians 5:17 “You are made new” walking
through his word helping you to live right while being surrounded by sin.<o:p></o:p></p>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-15145032924845061482020-12-21T14:31:00.000-05:002020-12-21T14:31:28.423-05:00Is there a Bridge between Anxiety and Christ?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjos6vG76RxxRTiIBpLYtfVj4ItAiyowiASsYD465flkyOvz3GKnLgWNzB7ZDPnGjvLj674fwygfN2yqHLOYmqNVPyVEqi0eNF0jZOVWn1EL1hEK3H9DYSPzgdzgybGxzUnqosygi2gDCs/s713/Anxious.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjos6vG76RxxRTiIBpLYtfVj4ItAiyowiASsYD465flkyOvz3GKnLgWNzB7ZDPnGjvLj674fwygfN2yqHLOYmqNVPyVEqi0eNF0jZOVWn1EL1hEK3H9DYSPzgdzgybGxzUnqosygi2gDCs/s320/Anxious.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Have you ever had a bit of anxiety knocking at your door? Have
you ever asked the question: Why Me? Where are you, God? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A lot of the time we find ourselves worrying about things
that never happen. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease,
typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Anxiety
is nothing that comes from God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Philippians
4:6-7 says, “(6) Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7)
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus (KJV). What this is basically saying is we should never
worry about anything; instead, pray about it. We must tell God what we need and thank him for all that he has done. This is when we will feel the peace of
God all over us. With his peace, it will guard our hearts and minds while following
Gods word. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The devil can use anxiety in many ways for negativity and cause you to lose a bit of faith in God. For example, I was placed in a
situation where I became very anxious and lost my way to where I was having an anxiety
attack. Instead of me going to God, praying, and asking him to guide my heart; I
went the other way and started thinking the worse of things. See when fear,
anxiousness, and uncertainty come over you, that’s when those questions above start
popping in your head. The good thing about this is, God has already provided us
ways out of feeling anxious. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This all starts with us remembering our relationship with
God. We must remember the key points to our relationship with God: We should
always have trust in God, God has gone through tremendous pain before, he has
great things in store for us, he will never lose his love for us, and never
leave us. My 6-year-old son said something to me while I was going through my ordeal
he said, “Mama, by Jesus Blood the virus will be removed from our bodies”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although he meant by the blood of Jesus the virus
will be removed from our bodies. He was right, I was shocked he knew of this
and to have so much faith in God (very proud mom moment). I knew then I had to
get myself together and get back on track. “For God has not given us the Spirit
of fear, but he has given us power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This verse right here shoots volume to me. This
is something I have to remember time and time again. Be blessed!!<o:p></o:p></p>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-22167743790979032592020-11-10T20:14:00.004-05:002020-11-10T22:44:43.378-05:00Fill me Up<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDSIrW87ABoJkXKYkOUgM7isF4OpR6BrMqUPVE1pDHpUn87ds29zfJEA5hHcv_bwAQTgUeO4XGkKJnrqET6VDiWx64YEcba837HXUw5_LZGJGXkbKnVy0wrfQoXKGmM0Y9FbyKi72DPI/s458/OIP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDSIrW87ABoJkXKYkOUgM7isF4OpR6BrMqUPVE1pDHpUn87ds29zfJEA5hHcv_bwAQTgUeO4XGkKJnrqET6VDiWx64YEcba837HXUw5_LZGJGXkbKnVy0wrfQoXKGmM0Y9FbyKi72DPI/s320/OIP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Hebrews 12:28-29 </p><p class="MsoNormal">"Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly
fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire" (KJV).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">One day I was sitting in my family room when I looked
at our fireplace and the song “Fill Me Up” by Casey J popped into my head. The words
to this song are incredible and speak on God filling us with the Holy Spirit while we open our hearts to receive it. I thought to myself, as Christians, we
are similar to a fireplace. The Holy Spirit is the fire and our willingness to
give God praise is the wood. As Christians, we offer our sacrifice to God. When we
get cold, we need more wood. Often times we think our fire has gone out, but if
we add a little more wood to the fire, the flame would get bigger. This is similar
to us giving God praise if we just open our hearts, and add our willingness to
give God praise our flames will become bigger! When our hearts cry out
to him, God is Faithful. He fills us up and causes an overflow so we can
pour into others. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-87452749014275083282020-10-13T10:00:00.001-04:002020-10-13T10:00:02.114-04:00Listen to God's Whisper <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlbGTfwB_1hipdylfsIjY3Y9qctb5a2uFw2g0tdmPcmKfyUKdWEj9FDl6urnHegzVQP8rdYruI5CkdG1pGw3rfps5-jTEszbEVNJhhh1i1p1HAqM22dF3TGu18ix3nOoLEDhS-fNiLck/s892/is-3021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="892" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlbGTfwB_1hipdylfsIjY3Y9qctb5a2uFw2g0tdmPcmKfyUKdWEj9FDl6urnHegzVQP8rdYruI5CkdG1pGw3rfps5-jTEszbEVNJhhh1i1p1HAqM22dF3TGu18ix3nOoLEDhS-fNiLck/s320/is-3021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Have you ever heard a soft voice or a silent whisper, and
you wondered where it was coming from? Have you ever stopped to think that God
is trying to tell you something? The Holy Spirit wants to enter our lives
providing us with grace through the presence of God. God comes to us in
different ways with truths that will not allow us to have doubt. The Holy
Spirit whispers words that will comfort our hearts. Have you ever felt as nothing
seems to be going the way you planned it to go? You try your hardest to make
things work, but you just seem to fall short. Have you ever thought to stop and
listen to that soft whispering voice and think…is the Holy Spirit trying to
tell you something? I’m here to tell you…you’ve tried things your way and it didn’t
work, you put yourself first before God. You never stopped to think hmmmm, I
believe God is trying to tell me this is not the way, and I need to try his
way. There is nothing like listening to God’s sweet whispers in the time of
need, or anytime really. It doesn’t have to be bad times it can be good times
too. I ask again have you ever stopped to listen to what the Holy Spirit is
trying to tell you? It is very important to listen to what God is saying. There
is always a lesson in his message to us. Remember my favorite verse, Jeremiah
29:11? I have to result back to this verse all the time I know he has a plan
for me I must stop and listen to what he is trying to tell me. Then I reflect
on the verse Psalms 16:7 “I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night, my
heart instructs me” (NTL). His quiet whispers of grace that will enter into our
hearts will always draw us closer to God. <o:p></o:p></p>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-91579186957130009102020-09-18T08:32:00.000-04:002020-09-18T08:32:21.733-04:00Let’s Take a Walk in Christ<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsU-5FmJ5cOMf5iZSyLlYKb5Wv7BuADRUEYwhoawtdt3USjyQgC2p1tsYcJeJ4BLsrXzf5-lDke8Q4QHIsjY7CftBCatUd81eKUJK3LNfBHa7QwhxHIZkv6aT6m91I7sgJM6MCgzfqbGg/s450/86731763-288-k866979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="288" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsU-5FmJ5cOMf5iZSyLlYKb5Wv7BuADRUEYwhoawtdt3USjyQgC2p1tsYcJeJ4BLsrXzf5-lDke8Q4QHIsjY7CftBCatUd81eKUJK3LNfBHa7QwhxHIZkv6aT6m91I7sgJM6MCgzfqbGg/w199-h278/86731763-288-k866979.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Take a walk with
me for a brief moment, this is a walk in Christ moment. We are on a journey and
the journey is a view of my submission to God. I thought I had my life planned
out (sometimes I still do) in the direction I had, I thought I was on the right
track, but there was always something in my way. I would become frustrated,
upset, and be like God will things ever work out for my good, not knowing I was
going about it all the wrong way. My plans I had set for myself were my plans
but not God’s plans. God has each of our lives planned out we just have to be
willing to go through whatever the situation is and finally see what was always
right in front of us. Often times we hear our ministers say – To get what you
need, to get where you want to be in life, through all your messy situations you
must submit to the will of God. I bet you have heard this countless times, but
do you know what it means or how to reach submission? Stop right there and
think about this for a moment…submission really is the end result of a
full-blown relationship with God. Now let’s continue walking. There are times I
find myself being a bit difficult and not wanting to submit to God’s will, and
willing to sacrifice as the word tells us we should. I love God and know him
and I have seen somethings he’s done for me buuuut, I still at times fall
short. Stop for a moment and let’s think about this. How is it hard for me to
submit to God's will, but it is easy for me to submit to earthly things that
are no good for me, but his will is everything and good for me. Submitting to
God allows me to enter into the plan he has for me. Now let’s continue to walk.
I understand why I am willing to choose worldly treasures rather than God’s
rewards because in the beginning I never understood God’s word and didn’t have
a relationship with God. Not having a relationship and a clear understanding of
his word made it difficult for me to submit. How does someone submit to God if
you do not understand God? As I started reading and studying his word it was
then I started to understand God is everything!!! God is my light in the
darkness, he brings me out of dark places, and for that, I am thankful for
having him in my life. Stop for a moment and think about this…If you try to
live your life without having God at the head of your table you are traveling
down a road that will lead you to a dead end. In order to live the life you
feel you deserve you must submit to God’s will and receive the plans that are
in store for you, this is the number one rule while walking with Christ. Giving
it all to God is submitting everything and allowing him to lead you in the
right direction. Now let’s continue to walk in Christ, through my journey I
will submit to God by studying God’s word, applying his word in my daily </span>life.
Although it is a hard walk, I know as long as God is leading me I know I will
be alright.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-61164856122359682332020-09-07T09:28:00.005-04:002020-09-07T09:28:54.253-04:00God’s Armor<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeKTiwIx3PKEMkB-epNYPrBX9UiiMHJD_YR14cbOaSFR52RtAkNgvpupUgmpw_EPm-XjrPYYhKt80Ah-XnnlHvoGg_oPgqu9_4GYLivO1B5z2WZj21r4D6R0eoDjfkbQwW-ruNZCTuwA/s300/images5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeKTiwIx3PKEMkB-epNYPrBX9UiiMHJD_YR14cbOaSFR52RtAkNgvpupUgmpw_EPm-XjrPYYhKt80Ah-XnnlHvoGg_oPgqu9_4GYLivO1B5z2WZj21r4D6R0eoDjfkbQwW-ruNZCTuwA/w375-h210/images5.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br />No one can fight a spiritual battle by themselves with their
own strength. We must study and rely on God’s word and power and ask him to
provide us with his strength when we are in the midst of a storm. Ephesian 6:10
says, “to be strong in the Lord, in the power of his might” (KJV). At this point in
time it is important for us to be strong in the Lord. The scripture says we must
be strong and receive his power to get through whatever we are going through.
The devil creates storms that can defeat us. It involves using whatever we are
weak at and afraid of, the devil has ways to make you feel small when he knows
you are limited in God's words. We can handle this by putting on the whole armor
of God, so we can stand against what the devil has for us (Ephesian 6:11). God's
word and his armor will protect us and get us through anything.<o:p></o:p><p></p>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-14364349994247619192020-08-19T15:40:00.004-04:002020-08-19T15:40:21.434-04:00Prayer for Our Children's Protection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ikoSx8u1BOyQa2ZcM4XqNmoafDCIofnJubO3CR-f21O8uIeMyBgUq01pPXvJNdGw4vPRQX-1lVoEo7bw1S_W4oZGjI2hVHSIFwRl5jXsLw4U2WMyPdpKpFbSI0Drk1GEEiyudHfTFPc/s1024/A-Prayer-for-Your-Childs-Protection-Kaylene-Yoder-1-683x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ikoSx8u1BOyQa2ZcM4XqNmoafDCIofnJubO3CR-f21O8uIeMyBgUq01pPXvJNdGw4vPRQX-1lVoEo7bw1S_W4oZGjI2hVHSIFwRl5jXsLw4U2WMyPdpKpFbSI0Drk1GEEiyudHfTFPc/w219-h329/A-Prayer-for-Your-Childs-Protection-Kaylene-Yoder-1-683x1024.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Lord I come to you as humbled as I can, asking you to watch
over our children as they start their school year. Protect them from hurt, harm,
danger, and to not fear Covid-19. Give them the guidance they need to do
their best and make the right decisions. The devil is busy but not in my house
will I allow him to enter and destroy. I also pray for all my family, friends,
and other children that are starting school, that the school year will be
smooth as it can be. Protect them give them all strength to not be afraid and
know that you are with them always. Be blessed and highly favored!!</p><o:p></o:p><p></p><br />Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-52492663145022782232020-08-18T21:38:00.007-04:002020-08-18T21:40:18.231-04:00Being Obedient <p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZWmPxuI8_xb3dE2alJ6huMdN4qh62ItJuUy-afqf1cVCRpHM0EsUw338zQaIOewQ3wWR6a-5LLq_1B2aU3jzwGYuA0B-p-mUBO1sG4dTH-Abb9SZmDt_rRxRP9FOMAiTijtq_MgEkzk/s225/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZWmPxuI8_xb3dE2alJ6huMdN4qh62ItJuUy-afqf1cVCRpHM0EsUw338zQaIOewQ3wWR6a-5LLq_1B2aU3jzwGYuA0B-p-mUBO1sG4dTH-Abb9SZmDt_rRxRP9FOMAiTijtq_MgEkzk/w281-h281/images.jpg" width="281" /></a></b></div><b>Exodus 19:5</b><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">, “Now, therefore, if ye will obey my voice
indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me
above all people: for all the earth is mine” (KJV). <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many times, God calls his people to obey and trust him.
There are times consequences are given for our actions for not trusting and
obeying God. We miss out on blessings daily due to us not obeying and trusting
him. We will not experience the fullness of our cup overflowing with the many
blessings he has in store for us when we don’t trust and obey his word. Our
obedience is our way of showing God how much we love and trust him. God is
after our hearts, when being disobedient we miss out in many ways. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here’s an example for myself I was asked to do this blog
whether it be daily, weekly, every other week, at first, I was like yes, I will
do it. I then began to think about what was I thinking agreeing to do this. I thought
to myself who are you to try to spread God’s word when you are just starting
your journey yourself? I then began to pray about this thing, I prayed and
prayed about it. I still continued to say I can’t do this, but I continued to
hear this quiet voice telling me you can do it all you have to do is try, but I
still continued to say I can’t do this. I finally said no, you have to be
obedient to God’s will, if it was laid upon someone’s heart to ask you to do
this blog, then it is meant for you to do it. I thought although I am on my
Christian journey there is nothing wrong with having others to walk on this
journey with me because I am doing something for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I am being obedient. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Being obedient can be hard sometimes, but it is important
if we want to live in agreement with God’s Will. Charles Stanley wrote: If we
are going to do all that God requires of us, we must be ready to “Learn to listen
to the Lord and take heed to what you hear” (Mark 4:25, KJV). God wants to
speak to us, we must be willing to listen; “We must obey God rather than men”
(Acts 5:29, KJV). There are times when the people of the world would want us to
do one thing when God wants us to do another we must be obedient to God; “We
are to lay aside all our sinful ways” (Ephesians 4:25-31). We cannot obey God
while indulging in sin, we know we may not be perfect, but when God convicts us
of sin, our 1<sup>st</sup> response should be confessions and repentances;
Surrender our will to the Lord “Yet not my will, but yours will be done” (Luke
22:42). We should be obedient just as Jesus was obedient and yield everything
to God. We should want to please and honor Him not yielding to his Will, we
will be following our own desires and may suffer consequences due to us being
disobedient. A true sign of your love for God is obedience to his commandments,
the only way you will know you are obeying God is by knowing his word.<o:p></o:p></p>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-83085020484034297092020-08-18T11:50:00.002-04:002020-08-18T11:59:28.179-04:00A Prayer for Teachers and Educators during the COVID Crisis<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YeypyxxdTpjalbKR0NJeLFyfpREj0OPqssDxoQT3VZlY-43tGg5NURXIcFGkbecX5PNopbaznRjUO_dFzgW9n__EZxc4b2G8bWTcg524uha13K9J4iXr45ZJHVaoDAaLV3DR5dj0WfU/s324/OIPKOYIRRZO.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YeypyxxdTpjalbKR0NJeLFyfpREj0OPqssDxoQT3VZlY-43tGg5NURXIcFGkbecX5PNopbaznRjUO_dFzgW9n__EZxc4b2G8bWTcg524uha13K9J4iXr45ZJHVaoDAaLV3DR5dj0WfU/s0/OIPKOYIRRZO.jpg" /></a></div> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Since the
children, educators, and teachers are heading back to school. I came across
this prayer that I felt would be great, to cover them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Father,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">This is the day
You have made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. It doesn’t look like we
thought it would look, nor will tomorrow and the days to come likely be
executed in the way we expected and prepared for. Help us to see the good in
each day. Help us to find reasons to rejoice and ways to be glad. Litter our
lives with moments of laughter and lightheartedness, even in these extremely
dark and trying times. Birthdays are still to be celebrated each day. The sun
keeps coming up, and You remain the same. We are created in Your image, God, to
do good and great things to bring glory to Your name. Each one of us, both
teacher and student, were created with specific purpose. Help teachers to have
confidence in their craft. They were meant to teach, educate, coach, counsel
and lead. They are needed, appreciated, and loved. Their work and their efforts
are never in vain. When it is hard to see the good, grab our attention, Father.
When we are sad and miss school, our normal routine, and our teammates and
coaches, encourage our spirits. Sustain us through our very real fear of what
is and will happen in our world, God. Remind us we are not alone, even when we
feel isolated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Author: Meg Bucher<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-87095066298914324922020-08-07T22:13:00.004-04:002020-08-07T22:13:33.632-04:00Am I Doing God's Plan?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYc2i19EfFFIKIBc34PSGMMjfv5B7uIwI4qfysBt9lvCTFIr_2FiWnIeeABaRf3AsMAYXiFnGUZhUWczwG0JPwov6XuMyuaZcG49TmY2EhTqr16WpQcH_UZw6lYE8yV9mYoOPn7PlbsYQ/s852/pr356p.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="852" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYc2i19EfFFIKIBc34PSGMMjfv5B7uIwI4qfysBt9lvCTFIr_2FiWnIeeABaRf3AsMAYXiFnGUZhUWczwG0JPwov6XuMyuaZcG49TmY2EhTqr16WpQcH_UZw6lYE8yV9mYoOPn7PlbsYQ/w411-h411/pr356p.jpg" width="411" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYc2i19EfFFIKIBc34PSGMMjfv5B7uIwI4qfysBt9lvCTFIr_2FiWnIeeABaRf3AsMAYXiFnGUZhUWczwG0JPwov6XuMyuaZcG49TmY2EhTqr16WpQcH_UZw6lYE8yV9mYoOPn7PlbsYQ/s852/pr356p.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><br /></a></div> <p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal">I know some of you may have a few uncertain things in your
life and you don’t know what is to come. You may be someone who loves to get out
and do things at the spur of the moment or more of a quiet mellow person who
likes to have some type of plan in place. Have you ever gone down a path you
thought God has laid out for you, but later on questioned yourself, “Am I doing
the right thing”? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What if I’ve taken the wrong path and it’s not the path God
was wanting me to take? Just a little reminder for you to keep in the back of
your mind that you are not powerful enough to mess up what God has planned for
you. We all have choices that we make but what God has set in motion will soon
or later materialize. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We at times forget that we must trust what God has for us.
His plan may not come when we want it, but it comes when he feels it is our
time. Often times we find ourselves jumping through hoops, going through
difficult situations because we may have taken a slight left along our path
when it should have been a slight right. But its OK, you will be able to get
back on track by turning your attention back to God and following his word. This
is when we finally realize we should trust what God has planned for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s plan may not make any sense to us, this
is because we can’t see the plan he has in store for us, but we must trust his plan.
Proverbs 3:5 states, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Trust in the
LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding”</i>. <o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-11774839423480187942020-07-23T20:04:00.001-04:002020-07-23T20:04:45.745-04:00Broken Pieces<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPRuIMBMjlAORzSrZhdazcz8WhM6sF3qE4IbtJd8ZDL6DaXTj9kJCLN2DNTFWqC_041QSV30WiNiRDXiLrpWuAl_gyUdCWg6-fvX_QW5Eyzo5zUQmjOHNfnOOcre7Dh8PxEQRaTjPjBg/s700/broken-pieces.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPRuIMBMjlAORzSrZhdazcz8WhM6sF3qE4IbtJd8ZDL6DaXTj9kJCLN2DNTFWqC_041QSV30WiNiRDXiLrpWuAl_gyUdCWg6-fvX_QW5Eyzo5zUQmjOHNfnOOcre7Dh8PxEQRaTjPjBg/s320/broken-pieces.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 Peter 5:10 “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto
his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make
you perfect, stablish, strength, settle you” (KJV).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The path we take for our prayers to be answered is harder
and even longer sometimes. Our path sometimes includes our past choices and the
consequences that come with our choices, along with growth, and through our healing,
then our prayers will be answered. BUT GUESS WHAT??? GOD IS WITH US EVERY STEP
OF THE WAY. God will never leave us. There are somethings we have to go through,
but he will always be there to pick up our broken pieces. So, for a little
while, we may suffer through our broken pieces, to gain the strength to restore
us into whom he wants us to be. I was reading something the other day that
stood out to me. It read “There are three key things to remember when you are
on your journey getting close to God. We should remember this when we have
broken pieces: You are not alone, develop a relationship with God, and believe that
God’s word is true”. Now you’re probably saying what does she mean by this? Well,
with you are not alone means…YOU are not alone there are others who have broken
pieces, although other people's broken pieces are not the same as yours, they too
have to suffer through their broken pieces to get where God wants them to be. Developing
a relationship with God means just that. We must establish a relationship with
God. We may acknowledge who God is, but do we really know WHO God is, not really,
not until we begin to study his word, trust that God is working out a plan for us while praying. In addition to all this, we have to remember that God’s word is true.
God’s word never changes, he will give us all that we need and help us get
through those broken pieces. <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Psalms
37:4 says, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the
desires of thine heart” (KJV). Studying, trusting, and knowing that God’s word
is true will help you through those broken pieces.</span><o:p></o:p></p><br />Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-61882393935339942742020-07-08T21:06:00.001-04:002020-07-08T21:06:36.558-04:00Is there an Effective way to Pray?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURXmo2AaqBok4JgL14J7e-X_huFU3pEo0ZK1U7VmHEsIFM6-Aq2S1PSpMe1Lk7Wh7Zjarzjs1kq9Hg97GSmya-QPVkzVUBAhWHokFSKN-w7c4yJv7dIlrabU1zFbWzs_41YLAly-4jzA/s275/Prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURXmo2AaqBok4JgL14J7e-X_huFU3pEo0ZK1U7VmHEsIFM6-Aq2S1PSpMe1Lk7Wh7Zjarzjs1kq9Hg97GSmya-QPVkzVUBAhWHokFSKN-w7c4yJv7dIlrabU1zFbWzs_41YLAly-4jzA/" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>“But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and
when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22: 32, KJV). <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Have you ever waited on the Lord to show you how to pray;
whether it was for yourself or a loved one? I have struggled with this praying
thing often. The question is there really a correct way to pray and how to pray?
I began doing a little research and stumbled upon the scripture Luke 22:32 and
as I was reading this scripture a light turned on for me telling me in a way
how I should pray. Now for me, I got from this verse that I should pray without
letting my faith fail me. A lot of times we pray for God to remove the problem,
to heal a loved one, bring us out of that situation or make it better for us,
but when we pray are we praying with strong faith? By all means, I am not saying
there is a wrong way to pray I am just asking is there a better way to pray? When reading Luke 22:32 we see how Jesus prays
for Peters faith to be strong at his time of need he didn’t want him to fail:
it is important that Peter face his situation with his own strength. Jesus
wanted Peter's faith to be strong and to not let it fail him; we must be strong
in faith to help us to get through our problems. When we begin to understand
the purpose of God in people around us this is when it is a growing process for
us. In order to pray effectively, one must pray not only for ourselves but for
others' faith to hold strong instead of praying for the situation to change,
praying to help us see through problems with faith. Having strong faith shows there’s
God in you because God is the power behind the faith that helps us to move through
our situation. Effective prayer comes from the heart and the will of God. It comes
from the wisdom we are seeking to learn from God. James 1:5-6 states,
<i>“<b><sup>5 </sup></b>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.<b><sup>6 </sup></b>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”</i>
(KJV). Having God in our hearts and
gaining wisdom from him we will then learn to pray and ask in His will that it
shall be done. Through my continued journey of learning to pray effectively, I
am learning that if I pray according to God's will, I have to seek his wisdom.
We must continue to seek his will for things we are praying for and I am
learning that I cannot pray with fear in my heart, rather than faith, then I
will be praying amiss not seeking it clearly. In order to learn how to pray I (we) must pray in his will, have faith, and seek wisdom from God while having
God in our hearts. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-75832595397960130562020-06-22T09:59:00.015-04:002020-07-05T16:58:30.107-04:00God's Love <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>John 3:16</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (KJV).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When you read the above verse what do you think or what do
you feel? For me when I read this verse, I get a good feeling knowing that God
loves us a lot to give his only son. That is a lot of love. This means his love
for us is unchangeable and we must be grateful for this. When you think of love
people tend to think of happiness, a strong affection for another coming from
personal ties, and assurance of affection. Love is important in everyone's
life…it is essential from the beginning to the end. God’s love for us does not
mean he will always give us what we are longing for, nothing will come easy for
us. But God’s love for us is when he gives us what he believes we need and is
beneficial for us.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
We sometimes misconstrue God’s love for us because he does not give us what we
are asking for. This may often confuse some and can be interpreted as if he
does not love us, which could not be further from the truth. When times are
hard it seems, he is not there for us when we feel we need him the most. We
must always remember God's love is unlike no other and of our love. God’s love
goes deeper. His love teaches us and molds us from the inside out making us go
through things to help restore and rebuild what has been broken. He is making
us stronger and developing us into what we are meant to be. You must see
yourself as God’s beloved child who he is constructing to a better person.<br />
Continue to worship and pray. Do not take God's way of loving us wrong. But
know he has never forgotten you, his love for you runs deeper than you may know
and can only imagine. He will provide you with all that you need if you believe
in love, he has for you. God’s love is real. Be blessed!<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzUxQeg5xx5ScbYcm_D0iBTmjMkl_trp1OyZaMTcRf6texQJAKS7oUIoaTAASaS4W7l_b4xNrWZIHmXQ1FclYtuGBjPryRUd8WVKB7CFwx91-XYMquDlr3VXqvn58QKcfmqk2RnK9UMM/s1920/love-699480_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Bible" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzUxQeg5xx5ScbYcm_D0iBTmjMkl_trp1OyZaMTcRf6texQJAKS7oUIoaTAASaS4W7l_b4xNrWZIHmXQ1FclYtuGBjPryRUd8WVKB7CFwx91-XYMquDlr3VXqvn58QKcfmqk2RnK9UMM/w400-h266/love-699480_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <br /><o:p></o:p></p><br />Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-84245281454586260152020-06-04T10:10:00.007-04:002020-07-05T17:19:29.535-04:00What’s Your Foundation Built On?<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg517sRh_G5M3REMwiaTn26PY_zde54CpV9ewfalEceZUEnOuYB64As-3SRY0Pmq3KCivURzaKP6KLM1DGCb4m-pSFvdrHFTYEBQWJxaG_n3cErYCCUz8Iu78irnlQyt9jKqlb-uossP6U/s640/whats+your+foundation.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg517sRh_G5M3REMwiaTn26PY_zde54CpV9ewfalEceZUEnOuYB64As-3SRY0Pmq3KCivURzaKP6KLM1DGCb4m-pSFvdrHFTYEBQWJxaG_n3cErYCCUz8Iu78irnlQyt9jKqlb-uossP6U/w256-h256/whats+your+foundation.jpg" width="256" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>The Verse Matthew 7:24-27 says: (24) Therefore whosoever
heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise
man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the
floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for
it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of
mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his
house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the
winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell: and great was the fall of it
(KJV).</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Throughout my life, I know I have lived it basically for the
world. My main priority was what others thought of me along with family and
co-workers. I focused more on material things more so than anything. This had
turned into great exhaustion for me because I was always trying to develop my
life based on other people’s thoughts while living for the world. These were
things that I knew were impossible for me to accomplish. I found myself stuck
in a position that I was longing to leave but instead of praying to God for a change I just focused on other ways to get the promotion. I did not believe
that it was utterly possible to get out of that position. It was then when I thought
something has got to give, because I may not be going about this the right way.
Shortly after this revelation, a client came into my office one day and she told
me this is not for me and that God was preparing me for something greater, but
it was up to me to decide which way I was going to make this change.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />
Hearing this made me think about the song by Jekalyn Carr called – “Greater Is
Coming”, when I thought of this song I thought of the words she would speak in
the beginning and they stuck out like a needle in a haystack. “An olive has to
go through three stages, for its oil to run: It has to go through the shaking,
the beating, and the pressing. And just like the olive, some of you may have
felt like you go through the shaking, the beating, and the pressing. You've gone
through all of that for your oil to flow. Now, your greater is coming” (Jekayln
Carr). Listening to this song made me think there are stages in my life that I
must go through for me to reach where he wants me to be. I have been through some
shaking, pressing, and sometimes it felt like a beating, but listening to these
words it is nothing but God telling me that I have to go through it to get to
it, and my greater is coming. I was attending church, but I was not grasping
God's words as I should; I felt as if His words were not reaching me. After
carefully pondering over this and thinking about what that client said to me
while listening to that song, I knew there was something missing. That
something, was me needing more of His word while developing a true
understanding of them. I started reading my bible and picking out verses that I
was familiar with to further study them. I was reluctant at first because I
felt I did not understand what I was reading, but I did the studying anyway, and
thank GOD I did. The more I read His word the more I had the feeling of God’s
presence. At that moment, I heard God clearly tell me to stop running from Him.
To stop focusing on the way of the world when I should be focusing on His word.
Although I am still on my journey of getting closer to God, I am going to
continue to study His word and reach my “Greater” that is coming.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br />
Looking at Matthew 7:24-27; If we try to focus on what the world has to offer
us, like the house on the sand, then things will be unstable and will collapse.
This imperfect world is full of sin, and a foundation built on the world will
only disappoint us and set us up for failure. We cannot survive on what the
world can offer us. However, we can survive on what Jesus can offer us as long
as we trust in His word because He is the solid rock in which we should stand
on to build our foundation. Problems will come into our lives, but if our focus
is on God’s word, His solid rock, we will be able to get through it.<br />
Who or what will you have your focus on? GOD or the World.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-76155739534298381412020-06-03T17:57:00.001-04:002020-07-05T18:05:15.467-04:00Unity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXV3X3FiOX3IKmr08U2rU1713MowjBqWTr1I8x5fVBJ2Uk7kExvfXlsq8-wgwru3bGdNANnSPSc0CPSzRlmrBkRro5932IqMMwJhP9WABsR7Ch19YDM6Ppz7TujdSlF295LxWWjYuUN8Q/s225/images+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXV3X3FiOX3IKmr08U2rU1713MowjBqWTr1I8x5fVBJ2Uk7kExvfXlsq8-wgwru3bGdNANnSPSc0CPSzRlmrBkRro5932IqMMwJhP9WABsR7Ch19YDM6Ppz7TujdSlF295LxWWjYuUN8Q/" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">HAPPY<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">🐪</span>DAY, I pray that you may
read and receive God's word. May He be with us throughout our day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But what is unity? Unfortunately, many think that
unity means “sameness.” This is not true. Unity is not uniformity.
Instead, unity can be defined as any group of people who are characterized by a
shared purpose, vision, or direction. It’s not about being the exact same,
but about advancing toward the same goal. Think about a football
team. There are different positions on the field. Each position has
different skill sets, roles, and responsibilities. But all players on the
team march toward the same end zone because their goal is the same. What
we must realize is that race has always been a part of God’s plan, but God’s
plan also included a way to create unity among the different races. That
plan’s epicenter is Jesus Christ. I hope you have a GREAT day...I LOVE
YOU<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">❤</span>️<o:p></o:p></p><br />Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-65112525207504250942020-06-01T17:52:00.007-04:002020-07-05T17:57:49.458-04:00Trust in the Lord<p class="MsoNormal"><b>GREAT<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">🦁</span>MORNING, I pray that you
may read and receive God's word. May He be with us throughout our day.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Remember, "God is working in you, giving you the desire
and the power to do what pleases Him<i>"</i> (Philippians 2:13).
I think He’s already given you the desire. Now He’s going to give
you the power too! He’s going to help you find relationships that will
honor Him at the same time they give you more satisfaction and greater fulfillment.
I hope you have an AWESOME day....I LOVE YOU!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br />Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-61034248014076348822020-05-30T17:41:00.000-04:002020-07-05T17:49:44.303-04:00Move Forward<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsQKWo27nffRhlkkM7Jae0d5lEePyVElOw6p-9Yln-E1Gu9q53OCirrX4U-fXc8WfoNgFuK0Nb_pLaiGgbnwZJh0bni82puvl9-unT_LaktJORmQSwhA0ll8B6HIT3Jzlq0y_cMH4L04/s1500/71-1xAN77DL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsQKWo27nffRhlkkM7Jae0d5lEePyVElOw6p-9Yln-E1Gu9q53OCirrX4U-fXc8WfoNgFuK0Nb_pLaiGgbnwZJh0bni82puvl9-unT_LaktJORmQSwhA0ll8B6HIT3Jzlq0y_cMH4L04/s320/71-1xAN77DL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>GRAND RISINGS I pray that you may read and </b><b>receive God's
word. May he be with you throughout your day.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Every relationship that is not moving you toward purpose is
weighing you down. Like, maybe you’re dating somebody who’s insecure and
you’re always wasting time trying to explain yourself because your boo thinks
you have an ulterior motive. When you try to say something constructive to help
them, they think you’re coming at them because you’re jealous of them. But
that’s not it at all. Is all this helping either one of you, really? Who is
around you that’s slowing you down? In Hebrews, this whole idea is set in the
scene of a footrace in a big stadium, with a finish line at the end of the
track. “Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Read
Hebrews 12:1) I hope you have a GREAT DAY...I LOVE YOU<o:p></o:p></p><br />Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2689712737412935567.post-6444747104266102542020-05-28T09:58:00.004-04:002020-07-05T17:18:47.115-04:00Trusting God Through Crisis Alleviates Stress From An Uncertain Outcome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4HrInJvNP1gptOc2PrA_soqw5OmviRJFzxJG281SHyZcgE7oWMaRTGGUsE0UWMb7wu57HTMcXTkX-CPcBHoPbjb3GDkIGfuPP0-gjhzZ0VPzf6mCQKCcKD0JH7DTrWlOuaL7PiEYNig/s640/wife-praying-brandspur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4HrInJvNP1gptOc2PrA_soqw5OmviRJFzxJG281SHyZcgE7oWMaRTGGUsE0UWMb7wu57HTMcXTkX-CPcBHoPbjb3GDkIGfuPP0-gjhzZ0VPzf6mCQKCcKD0JH7DTrWlOuaL7PiEYNig/w256-h144/wife-praying-brandspur.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him, and he
shall bring it to pass”. Psalm 37:5 (KJV)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Our world has been turned upside down when the current
health crisis came into the picture in February 2020 causing us to transform
into the new norm. Many have lost their jobs, the closing of schools have
forced parents to teach their children from home and some are having problems
finding daycare. Also, churches are having to close due to this crisis. This
causes stress and worries among many. Sometimes our stress and worrying come
from a feeling of helplessness making some feel defeated. Stress and worrying
will take over our world if we let it. Stress eventually messes up the most
important aspect of our life and that is our relationship with God, causing us
to lose sight of God’s grace, mercy, and providence. Too many times we fall
short and lose focus on God when we are trying to meet all of our goals, be
pleasing to others, and manage our finances. When faced with worry and stress,
God wants us to focus on him and the missions he has for us to fulfill.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
For a while, I would find myself stressed out and worried about things by not
turning to God to help me through it, it wasn’t until when I read the verse
Isaiah 58:11, “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul
in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden,
and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not”. I thought about this verse
and felt that God was telling me he will lead me always and would keep me like
a garden that was watered well, and like spring waters that will never end.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br />
We have to learn to lean on God for everything we do because he will provide
all our needs. Instead of looking and drowning into a sea of worry and being
stressed out, we must focus on God’s words to help us to find comfort and
guidance.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><br />Allen Chapelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11717335488380275572noreply@blogger.com0