Encouragement

Thought for the week...

Transform II

The Word of God tells us that Christ came and died so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. But in order for us to reap that abundance we must be willing to give up the worldly ways of living, letting go of our sinful nature and receiveJesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. As we become a recipient of salvation, the Holy Spirit will help us, strengthen us, counsel us, standby us, intercede for us, and advocate on our behalf. As we read the Word of God we’ll begin to understand who we are and, more importantly, whose we are. The Word will enlighten us about sin, its practices and enable us to change the very essence of what we think and how we go about doing things.

 We have to remember that there is no good thing in this flesh; it wants what it wants and when it wants it. The moment that we attempt to change, our flesh begins to cry out; it acts as a child and throws a temper tantrum. The flesh has to be crucified; put to death! Change requires the revamping of the structure and character of who we are and what we do. When we surrendered our life to Christ, salvation became ours; we were born again to righteousness. Now, our flesh doesn’t want any part of this salvation; it wants to continue to live as it has been. However, our conscience has become alive to righteousness, and the taste for that which we did is now in question.

Our mind is undergoing a restructuring in it's thought process. Our appearance and character are changing, but our flesh doesn’t care and will fight us to get and keep it's way. Of course, we can’t change on our own. The Holy Spirit will assist us in the process; He’ll help us shift gears in how we do things, reconstruct our taste for the substances we use to ingest, strengthen us as we sustain from the fleshliness we use to dilly dally in, revolutionize our mindset, interpret the Word of God for us, mature us in the ways of God, and keep us walking in the ways of holiness. Therefore, it is imperative that we acknowledge, comprehend and understand that we have been set apart, consecrated as a child of God. And, as such, it behooves us to attend Bible Study, Sunday School and Worship Services so that we can hear the Word of God; for it is the Word that destroys the yoke, tears down strongholds and sets the captives free.

Listen and take heed…

Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. (2 Corinthians 5:17 — AMP)

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Rev. Donna M. Humphries

Heaven Gates Ministries, Inc.

Thought for the week...

‍Peace I

 As we begin this new month, it is a given that we will be faced with situations and scenarios that will attempt to rob us of our position of serenity and trust in God. In spite of life’s circumstances and the atmospheric opposition that the adversary presents before us, we can be confident in God and His ability to keep us as we rest in Him and the shelter of His safety.

No matter what happens, we must not give into the pressures that will come before us. Yes, there will be times when it seems as though those pressures have the tendency to sap the very strength from our bodies and almost leave us in a weakened trance-like state. However, it is at these times that we must call to remembrance and proclaim God’s Word; “If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?].” The adversarial opposition that we face will always attempt to deposit a spirit of fear in us and place us in a pit of depression, despair and/or oppression. If he can’t snare us with one thing, he’ll try another, and another, until he finds an area of weakness or vulnerability that he can chip at. Listen, regardless of what it feels like, looks like, or sounds like (the whispering lies of the adversary), it is imperative that we do not give in to adversarial opposition. We must rest in the tranquility, untroubled, serene, calmness that flows from God’s love, knowing that these things shall pass. The adversary can’t steal our joy if we don’t give into his ploys.  

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Take heed…

And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 — AMPC)

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Rev. Donna M. Humphries

Heaven Gates Ministries, Inc.

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Thought for the week...

Transform

At some point in our life, we must become tired of doing the same old thing and getting the same old results. However, no matter how tired we become, if we don’t do something to change, we will become stagnant and more than likely reliving the results of our past as though we are in a bad dream.

Until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change, we won’t. It is in our nature to resist change because we want things our way and we generally do that which makes us comfortable. But, in order to change, it requires us to push pass our nature and rethink the way we do things. Some of us have been around the same old mountain so many times that we actually know what’s around the bend before we get there. And, we somehow think that this time we can circumvent and out maneuver the rocky cliffs, only to find out that we keep slipping and falling for the same old things and making the same old mistakes. Until we get sick and tired of being sick and tired, we’ll keep on doing the same thing and getting the same results. Listen, we have to learn to unlearn so that we can learn again. So, with that being said, it is imperative that we receive and embrace the help that God has for us, so that we are able to change and be who He deemed us to be, delivered and set free from the bondage and strongholds in which sin holds us captive.  

Take heed…

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. (Romans 12:2 — AMPC)

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Rev. Donna M. Humphries

Heaven Gates Ministries, Inc.

Thought for the week...

Persevere

In whatever we do, we should have an attitude of patience, endurance, determination, persistence, and steadfastness. We must be determined and willing to hold onto the truth of God's Word, regardless to the interrogations and arguments that the adversary presents to our mind/emotions and/or our love ones attempt to use, to refute the Godly lifestyle we have chosen to live.

Life is challenging! We go through every imaginable circumstance there is; we are faced with difficulties, obstacles, situations,tests, and/or trials on a daily basis; but, we are not left alone and destitute. We have a promise from God that He would never leave us nor forsake us. If we are truly God’s children, then we need to stop whining and complaining and doubting Him every time we are faced with difficult situations and/or predicaments. We must learn to bathe in the refreshing waters that flow from the throne of God and allow them to cascade over and drench us so that we are able to draw the needed strength and fortitude to remain unwaveringly positioned and fixated on the Word of God. It is only as we seek the assistance of the Holy Spirit, our counselor, helper, intercessor, advocate, strengthener, and stand by, that we can remain fixed, stable, resolved, determined, and persistent in holding onto our profession of faith.

Take heed…

Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12 —AMP)

And you will be hated and detested by everybody for My name’s sake, but he who patiently perseveres and endures to the end will be saved (made a partaker of the salvation by Christ, and delivered from spiritual death). (Mark 13:13— AMPC)

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Rev. Donna M. Humphries

Heaven Gates Ministries, Inc.

Thought for the week...

Rise

In order for something to be raised, it must first be laid down. We are so concerned with what we want that we don’t take into consideration that which God has ordained for us. We must be willing to see the bigger picture so that we don’t settle for the less than. Jesus knew before He left His throne in glory that which He would go through; yet He stepped down out of eternity and entered into the womb of Mary and was born of a virgin. In spite of the betrayal by Judas and the resulting death, He willingly laid down His life so that His resurrection would afford mankind the ability to live eternally with Him, His Father and the Holy Spirit.

My brothers and sisters, Jesus got up so that we could get up. It’s a fact, we’ve experienced some devastating blows and have been betrayed by the Judases of life—abusive relationships, financial hardships, sicknesses and diseases, molestation, unkind words, etc., etc., etc. — but, just as Jesus got up, we can too. The Judases of life cannot keep us down when we are confidently sure that God’s Word is true. It is only as we surrender our life/heart and lay down that which we want so that we’ll be able to walk in the fullness of that which God ordained for our life. With that being said, we have to stop seeking the things of this world and make sure that we’re living holy and upright so that we’ll be able to mount up and rest in eternity with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Listen and take heed…

Why do you look for the living among [those who are] dead? He is not here, but has risen! (Luke24:5b-6a — AMPC) 

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Rev. Donna M. Humphries

Heaven Gates Ministries, Inc.

Thought for the week...

Encourage II

I don’t know what you went through yesterday or what the day will present before us. However, one thing is for sure, if God allows anything to come before us, He is more than capable and will take us through; that is, if we allow Him. The Word of God tells us that we will go through diverse times and situations, but it also tells us that no weapon formed against us will prosper. God promised that He would withhold no good thing from us and that He would perfect those things that concern us. Who can be against us when God is for us? 

Listen, the next time those old demon robbers — spirits of depression, discouragement, opposition, oppression, can’t do, won’t do, fear, intimidation, trepidation, unworthiness, etc., etc., etc. — attempt to shroud us in their clothing, we must immediately call upon the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will inspire us, stimulate us, coach us, promote us, advance us, foster a can-do spirit in us, reassure us, restore us, support us, comfort us, console us, spur us on, fortify us, revitalize us, invigorate us, push us, and cheer us up. We are never left alone to fend for ourselves. God promised that He would never leave us or forsake us, and in the person of the Holy Spirit, He will help us, strengthen us, standby us, counsel us, intercede, and advocate for us. We are more than able to do that which God has designated for us to do and we must always remember that defeat is never an option for the child of God.

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Be encouraged…

I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] (Philippians 4:13 — AMP)

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Rev. Donna M. Humphries

Heaven Gates Ministries, Inc.

Thought for the week...

Encourage

As we begin this week, I pray that we will be inspired with courage and confidence and know that there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish, especially when we put God at the forefront. Now, it is a given that the adversities and adversary of this world will do all that they can to hinder our progress and loosen a spirit of discouragement and despondency, so that we don’t recognize and achieve all that God has for us. However, it is imperative that each day we surrender ourselves anew and position ourselves to receive that which God has for us.

As we read and study the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will bring revelation and show us how to live holy and upright. These are trying times, to say the least, but we must not look to the world for that which we need, but keep ourselves focused on what God says. The Holy Spirit will stimulate our mind and spirit, as well as promote, advance and foster in us a love for the things of God. He will keep us when our flesh wants to pull us in the directions we must not go. He will help us to live holy and upright. He will counsel us when confusion attempts to set in. He will advocate on our behalf. He will strengthen us when we are weakened. And He will standby us, cheering us on as we live in right relationship with God. There is never a time that we don’t need God! So, as we go forth, let’s go forth with a song in our spirit and give God glory and honor. As we surrender, we are allowing the Holy Spirit to continually inspire us, stimulate us, help us, support us, and loose a spirit of confidence as He propels us into our God-given destiny. Listen, as a child of God, we can be assured in our sanctified soul that victory belongs to us, and defeat is never an option.

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Take heed…

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is withyou wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 — AMP)

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. (Joshua 1:5b — AMPC)

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Rev. Donna M. Humphries

Heaven Gates Ministries, Inc.

Thought for the week...

Conqueror

We have all found ourselves, at one time or another, in situations and circumstances
where we’ve struggled with opposing forces of opposition and temptation. Everyone
doesn’t deal with the same issue; one may deal with drug addiction while another with
sexual immorality, lustfulness, thievery, alcoholism, lying, anger, etc. These are all
strongholds and if we don’t take the necessary steps to overcome them, we’ll find
ourselves being overtaken.

The adversary of this world does his job extremely well and it’s his goal to overpower,
overwhelm and prevail against us. He wants to keep us bound by worldly obstacles and
offenses of jealously, hatred, envy, strife, division, heresy, etc., emotions of the flesh, so
that we fight against one another instead of against him. It is imperative that we study
God’s Word so that we are able to recognize the adversarial tricks, tactics, lies,
strategies, and devices, and defeat them by tearing down any strongholds and
destroying any yokes that have been erected against us and/or attempts to bind us.
Therefore, the next time that the storms of life blow our way, we need to stretch out our
arms and learn to glide on the winds of adversity, letting them carry us high above the
projected forecast, right into the safety of God’s arms where no foe can prevail.

Listen and take heed…

…be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your
strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Put on God’s
whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be
able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
(Ephesians 6:10-11 — AMP)

Rev. Donna M. Humphries

Heaven Gates Ministries, Inc.

Thought for the week...

Purpose

‍What is it that you’ve been called to do? Or, the better question is, why aren’t you doing
what you’ve been called to do? So many of us walk around not having a clue as to what
we are to do, and some are just content to do what they’ve been doing all their life.
However, there is so much more; there are assignments that we haven’t even tapped
into yet. And, the reason for some is that they refuse to accept the assignments
because they’re afraid that they won’t succeed; and then there are some who refuse to
surrender and look to God for answers and instructions. We were created with a plan;
there’s a reason that we exist and it’s up to each person to come to the knowledge of
that which they were created to do.

Some individuals find themselves stuck, as if in quicksand, without any motivation or
initiative; they’d rather stay where they are because they’ve become familiar with what
they do. And, they self-medicate themselves with the lies and tricks of the adversary,
telling themselves there’s no need to move forward because they’re good at what they
do. God has so much more for us and it’s time that we stop being complacent and step
out in faith and allow His plans for our life to be fulfilled. Now I know someone is
breaking down God’s Word as they’re reading this saying that our plan is to reach
eternity with Him and that is true, but there is so much more that God has for us to do
until that time. Listen, God won’t force or trick us into doing anything; He leaves it up to
each person to embrace that which He has for them to accomplish. He will provide us
with the instructions and ability to move pass what we think we’re capable of and bring
out the artistic and creative abilities that lie within the artisan wells in us. So, with that
being said, let’s fine tune our ears to hear what God is saying and rely on the Holy Spirit
to enable us to bring forth the beauty of that which God has deposited in our spirits.

Take heed...

Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, That you may be wise in
the time to come. Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the Lord’s purpose for him
that will stand (be carried out). (Proverbs 19:20-21 — AMP)

Rev. Donna M. Humphries

Heaven Gates Ministries, Inc.

Thought for the week...

Humble II

We all know individuals who think/feel that they have the answers to everything and for
everybody. They feel that if it’s to be done right, then they are the ones to do it. These
individuals want everyone to cheer them on, but they have a hard time cheering and
encouraging others. Until we learn how to be mindful and respectful of others, we’ll
always have a problem with encouraging them, propelling them and helping them to see
that which God sees in them. The more we grow in the Word of God, the more we will
come to understand that it is and never was about us. No man is an island!

We were created to need others with God being at the helm. When we assume the
stance that it’s me against the world, we are shutting out that which God has destined
for us. We’ll never be able to get along and survive with others until we learn how to
share ourselves with them and celebrate them and their accomplishments. The Word
tells us that we are one body with many members and each member is a helper of the
other. We should be one another’s greatest encouragers, encouraging our sisters and
brothers to go forth, encouraging them that they can do and accomplish the tasks set
before them. Maybe, as a child, no one encouraged you and you may find it hard to
encourage others, but it is never too late to begin. So, with that being said, let’s begin to
encourage others. Let’s encourage others that they can do the impossible because we
serve a God who can do the impossible. When we see individuals/friends that find
themselves in a hard to do place, let’s remind them of the story of the Little Red
Caboose and be on the sidelines waving our Holy Ghost pom poms cheering them on
with words of encouragement.

Listen and take heed…

Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for
unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit
of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to
himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. (Philippians 2:3
— AMPC)

Rev. Donna M. Humphries

Heaven Gates Ministries, Inc.

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