God has a Word for You
When you've lived this life for a while, you encounter a multitude of experiences—both good and bad. Sometimes it feels like the bad days outnumber the good, but this perception is shaped by our emotions. If we were to list all our good and bad days, we'd likely find that the good ones prevail. This doesn't diminish the reality of your past or present hardships.
These are challenging times, and it's natural to wonder when God will make things right. We question “Why must we endure so much suffering, injustice, difficult relationships, misunderstandings, financial struggles, overlooked promotions, and profound losses?”
Habakkuk posed similar questions to the Lord: Why so much injustice? When will You intervene? Why do You allow the wicked to prosper while the righteous suffer? Why do those who ignore You live in abundance, while those who serve You struggle to get by? Why is it that I have not found my mate, or my mate has not found me? When the unsaved are experiencing great marriages? Why is it that I’m renting and the unsaved owns a home? I’m driving a broken-down car, while others are driving reliable and new cars. Where is the justice in that.
God responded to Habakkuk, and His words are still relevant today:
"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." (Habakkuk 2:2-3)
God reminds us that He hears our prayers. What He has planned for us is set for an appointed time. Stop comparing yourself to others; we all have our own journey. As we wait for the fulfillment of God's promise, our answered prayer, we must not lose hope. We should move forward, assured that the manifestation will come. Christians never give up; we walk the journey to see the outcome. Giving up is not in our DNA.
It's honest to admit that there have been times of frustration, exhaustion, and anger. But in these moments, after our temper tantrums, our faith is renewed and strengthened. Even when the weight of the world feels unbearable and we lack the strength to pray, like Jeremiah, our praise becomes like fire shut up in our bones. That whisper of gratitude becomes, "Thank you, Jesus. I'll wait on You. Not my will, but Yours."
Today, someone is on the verge of giving up. But God says your prayer has already been answered. You are waiting for the appointed time. So, no matter how many times you run around the building, eager for a quick resolution, God says it is for an appointed time. The scripture assures us that God’s Appointed Time "it will not tarry or delay." Again, God’s Appointed TIME, not yours. God cannot be manipulated.
So, turn on your favorite song or my favorite song, "Don't Give Up on God, Because He Won't Give Up on You. He's Able!" Today, ask God for the joy to endure the journey. When we walk around with a sad face, discouraged, "woe is me," God receives no glory. He is glorified in our declaration of "It is Well. I am waiting for my appointed season. I know it’s coming because God does not Lie" Have confidence and assurance that God will fulfill His word. Live in expectation of the arrival. Look for it! Be ready for it!
12/30/24
Evangelist Carleen B. Pope
Founder of WOA
Womenofauthority.org
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How Did I Get Here?
7/1/2024
Have you ever asked yourself, “How did I end up in this situation?” Perhaps it’s just me, but sometimes I find myself in a mess. Let’s be honest with ourselves: often, the mess originates within us.
Israel experienced remarkable victories—from escaping Egypt’s cruelty to parting the Red Sea, receiving daily manna for 40 years, and witnessing Joshua’s heavenly encounter and the Jericho victory. They were on a spiritual high, knowing that “The God of Heaven and Earth” was on their side. Nothing seemed impossible.
But then came the fall—from victory to defeat. A seemingly easy victory ended with them running for their lives. In defeat. We’ve all wondered, “Lord, how did I get here? How did peace turn into chaos? Abundance into lack?”
Let’s dissect this. In Joshua 6:18, the Lord warned Israel: “Do not bring the accursed things among you.” The city of Jericho was to be wiped out completely, except for Rahab and her family. Everything else was accursed; but All the silver, gold, brass and iron were to be consecrated unto the Lord.
Now, a disclaimer: God is all-loving, forgiving, patient, and merciful. But when He speaks, He expects unwavering obedience. In our modern world, we often cherry-pick what we believe, but the Word of God calls us to consume the entire scroll. Sin and disobedience have existed since Eden. There is nothing new under the sun. Same sin and disobedience since the Garden, it has just been transformed.
Israel’s fall came through disobedience. Achan, driven by greed, took forbidden items and hid them. We can hide from humans, but not from God. Our own actions will lead to defeat and failure. Sometimes, God tells us to end relationships or recognize that certain paths aren’t for us. Love the person, not the sin. Even if it’s our family member. We can love the family member, without loving the acts of homosexuality, lying, addiction, selling drugs, stealing, promiscuity, adultery and fornication.
Consider sin like cancer: sometimes, we ignore the lump until it metastasizes. We see warning signs but delay dealing with them. So, what could have been dealt with at stage I, is now stage IV. Sin doesn’t just affect us; it impacts those connected to us. What actions we take may impact generations. When God says, “Do not touch,” He means it.
So yes, sometimes our situations result from disobedience. Entangling ourselves with things we as Christians should not be a part of. We must do our own self-reflection. Yes, correct not all struggles stem from sin, but some do. Sometimes, we bring destruction to ourselves. So, let’s avoid knowingly disobedience, refrain from touching what God forbids, and let it go!
Remember, God’s love remains constant, but His standards never waver.
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God says "NOW" Expect it!
In my prayer time last evening. The Lord declared that HE is about to bless you so much. You have sowed in tears but you are about to reap in joy. You have been faithful and have seen everyone else blessed and you wanted to know. Lord, when will it be my season? God says, "you are about to be rewarded for your Faithfulness." You are about to look around and say is this all a dream! That which you have been praying for is about to manifest in your life. It's your season for breakthrough!
God is releasing you from resistance and the chains that have held you back. Cycles of failure and lack are breaking, and healing is coming your way. Your testimony will be "God has done great things for me". From today onward, operate in a spirit of expectation, because God declares, "Now!"
God is releasing you from resistance and the chains that have held you back. Cycles of failure and lack are breaking, and healing is coming your way. Your testimony will be "God has done great things for me". From today onward, operate in a spirit of expectation, because God declares, "Now!"
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Authority has been given to you! Use it, Prophesy it!
Remember where you are seated today. Ephesians reminds us that we are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. It’s essential to recognize our dual citizenship: while we journey on this earthly plane, we remain spiritual beings. As such, we should operate in the spirit.
Often, we limit our perspective to the natural realm, neglecting the spiritual dimension. Satan deceives us into believing that if we can’t see the invisible, it doesn’t exist. However, 2 Corinthians 4:18 reminds us: “We do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Consider the powerful vision in Ezekiel 37—the Valley of Dry Bones. Ezekiel gazes upon a desolate scene, bones scattered and lifeless. When God asks him, “What do you see?” Ezekiel responds truthfully: “I see a valley of dry bones.” But then comes the pivotal question: “Can these dry bones live again?” His cautious reply—“Only You know, Lord”—reflects human limitations.
Yet, Ezekiel communicates with the Creator—the One who dwells in the realm of possibilities and life. In God’s presence, dead things come alive. Brokenness is mended. What the world deems impossible becomes achievable.
The Lord reminds Ezekiel of his authority: to prophesy, decree, and speak to those dead bones. Only when Ezekiel obeys God’s command do things begin to shift. As he prophesies, bones rattle, sinews form, flesh covers them—but still, no breath.
Then God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the wind, summoning it from the four corners. “Breathe upon these slain,” God says. And as Ezekiel obeys, life returns—an exceeding great army stands on its feet.
Today, the same authority rests upon us. What appears dead in your life? Relationships? Marriage? Finances? Health? Maybe you face a daunting court date or foreclosure threats. Remember: heaven moves when we apply Kingdom Principles—speaking, decreeing, binding, and loosing.
Walking in the spirit doesn’t negate earthly facts; it transcends them. The Word of God supersedes human-defined reality. So, take your bad diagnosis to God. Apply Scripture: “By His stripes, I am healed.” You hold the “Keys to the Kingdom.”
How long should you speak over your situation? Until you hear the rumblings, until life stirs within it.
Have a blessed day and use your authority.
Evangelist Carleen Brown
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This little song " I Feel Like Going On..." came to my spirit this morning. As a young girl sitting in the pew, I used to hear the old mothers sing this. Young and not aware of my journey. I didn't quite grasp the magnitude of what they were singing about.
But as a 56T old that has gone through hell and back several times. Times I felt defeated, and I couldn't go on. Times where I didn't want to get out of bed. My tears became my bed. Sometimes, I thought the journey was too rough. But every time God reached out with tenderness, patience, forgiveness, and unfailing love. Impressing on me that my journey has not yet ended. (1 Kings 19) With the gentleness of his breath; He would give me a second wind. So I can continue my journey.
Sometimes I wondered "How did I get here." I felt like my life should have been easy. (Job 14:1) After all, I dedicated my life to you, "Lord" at 15 and never went back. Although my walk was never perfect.
But I realize now that all I have gone through good or bad was meant for my good.
Some people knew what I was walking through; some as prayer partners and some as observers. The observers and speculators "How will she handle this?.. " I recalled God gave me an answer for the bystanders and speculators "God will get the Glory out of this"!.
Now I understand that song better. I am now on my 41-year journey with God. The road has not been easy, but it has been worth it.
(Song lyrics below)
"I feel like going on! Hard trials come on every hand. But I feel like going on. I feel like pressing in! I feel like pressing in. Hard trials come on every hand. But Lord I feel like pressing in!
Today, you may be in a tough season. But seasons don't last always. They come and they go. Everything has an expiration date. Don't give up! When times get tough. Keep going and press into God! And Know you are not alone.
Evangelist Carleen Brown
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