Month: September 2015
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Word of the Lord for September 2015
We believe God is a God who still speaks today. His voice is one of the greatest commodities we have on this Earth. Jesus Himself said that man should not live by bread alone, but every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.
Towards the end of August Natasha and I began to both sense an extreme shift of “FAITH” for the month of September. It was like we knew God was about to do something beyond our understanding.
The last Sunday in August our Pastor, Dr. Matthew Stevenson, spoke a message that hit us in the bottom of our stomach regarding the testing of God to let go of low level thinking and begin ascend the Hill of God.
I immediately text Natasha telling her that the month of September would be a month that WE WILL NEVER FORGET as we step out and obey Him. Trusting God for more we knew that this was the perfect time to put a seed in the ground.
So we sowed the largest seed we’ve ever sown. Within 1 hour of us sowing that seed someone contacted us desiring to give to us, then we had another 2 people by the end of the week.
We then begin to hear of other ministers and prophetic leaders prophesying regarding the month of September.
The Word has been this is the month God is desiring to “SHOW OFF” in your life. My Pastor said it like this, “He wants to give you the opportunity to BRAG ON HIM AGAIN”.
Can you remember the last time you BRAGGED ON GOD because He did something so amazingly powerful in your life?
We believe this is the month God is going to do SUDDEN things very quickly in order to prove to His children once again that He is in control and Lord of their lives.
This is the month for serious faith to believe Him for the things you may have laid down or become discouraged regarding. Whether this was a relationship, a job, financial breakthrough, or even a salvation for a family member.
There are two keys to press into what God has in store for September.
1. You must draw close to Him like never before.
Hebrews 11:6, “Without Faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Do not allow yourself to be distracted away from spending quality time with Him this month. Increase your discipline to wake up earlier in order to seek His face. This will help you be obedient when things get rough.
2. You must have a seed in the ground.
Genesis 8:22 states, “While the Earth remains seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”
We are entering into a season of reaping what we have sown. But more importantly God wants to see how much you BELIEVE HIM. The bible states, where your treasure is, there your heart lies also.
Sowing a financial seed in this month will accelerate your faith to begin to EXPECT God to do something GREAT in your midst. There are many places you can put a seed in the ground at from your church, or any other ministry you feel the Lord leading you to sow into. The amount doesn’t matter, but I will challenge you to sow where you are trying to go. Put your money where your faith is.
We are SO EXCITED for all God has in store for you and your families. We are believing God with you for serious breakthrough in your life.
If you do have a story of breakthrough to share with us, you can comment below or email us at info@marriedandyoung.com
From a teacher’s perspective, going back to school is bittersweet. There is a lot of excitement attached to starting a new year, but also some heartache as we say goodbye to our good friend, summer.
Here are some ideas on how to make the transition easier and pleasant for your family:
1. Create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation
Teachers and students alike sure do love summer! That can make going back to school a challenge…and easy to complain about. See what happens when you focus on the positives of going back to school – ie: what they’re going to learn, getting to see friends everyday, who their teacher will be, fun things that you did when you were their age, etc.
2. Make time to be outside and/or move around
I can speak for most teachers when I say that we try to get kids outside and moving as much as possible. However, the reality is, your kids will likely be sitting for a longer period of time than they’re used to. Not only will going outside and getting exercise be good for their health, but also good for everyone’s sanity (teachers included!).
3. Focus on your marriage
Your marriage has an effect on your children. The more stable your marriage is, the more stable your kids will be. I don’t know everything about marriage, but I’ve worked with kids enough to know that they notice when something is off between their parents. I guarantee that your kids will benefit from your investment into your marriage!
4. Make your kids’ teachers feel valued
Starting out the year intentionally honoring your kids’ teacher will set a great example for how your kids should view them. It also will put the teacher at ease, as it can be slightly nerve- wrecking being responsible for 20-30 lives. Showing that you trust them and are thankful for them does a world of good – for both teachers and students!
5. Set goals, and celebrate meeting them
Having incentives will not only keep your kids invested in what happens throughout the school year, but is also a great way for you to stay connected to them.
6. Encourage your kids to do random acts of kindness
Communicate with your kids about the importance of serving others, and being a light in their school. I promise you – it’s contagious! I see so much joy within kids when they intentionally make someone’s day.
7. Have grace for yourselves and for your kids
Teachers, students, parents…are all human. We’re all bound to mess up at one time or another. Do the best you can, with what you have, in the time you have! School is wonderful and challenging all at once. Take advantage of opportunities to teach your children how to learn from mistakes and don’t be too hard on yourself if you make them every once in a while too.
Above all else – LOVE your kids. They respect and look up to you more than they may show you. They may not remember all the details from this upcoming school year, but I guarantee they’ll remember how they felt. Choosing to love them (whether you feel like it or not!) will set them up for success.
Happy ‘back to school’ season!
It’s very common for teachers, coaches, and parents to impress upon their children the power of belief. A child that believes in his or herself opens their minds up to the possibilities of achieving greatness. It is in this vein that Proverbs reminds us that as a man thinks, so is he. With that in mind, we as men can’t just turn on the husband gene. We have to enter into a process to get ready. A series of mental, spiritual, and emotional steps must be taken before “she” can be taken.
So, I will share with you 4 Ways to Prepare to Become a Husband before You’re Married:
1. Get your health in order.
You first owe it to God, then everyone else. Scripture says that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. It would shows utter reverence and gratitude to the Lord to take care of your body! As a result of establishing a healthy lifestyle before marriage, you will set the example for your future wife and children and lead them to greatness in a healthy lifestyle.
2. Have a life plan!
Some say it is ideal that a man be “established” (whatever that means) before getting married. I have a different perspective on that: have a plan. Being a man with a plan, shows that you are calculated, focused, and have vision. Having everything already “figured out”, often times, doesn’t leave room for the input of your fiancee/wife.
3. Have a system of accountability
Let’s face it…sometimes we, as men, can be dumb. It’s in our DNA. When our less than perfect moments arise, we need a system of accountability in place that will check us and help steer us back on the path of our plan. We are told, in Proverbs, that our plans can succeed with many counselors. A trustworthy accountability system will keep you sharp, show your potential wife that you are not above correction, and that you can answer to someone.
4. Set defined boundaries
Boundaries are needed in all relationships, but they need to be forged even more in a marriage. Setting safe, healthy, and defined boundaries before you’re married will diminish the possibility of outsiders overreaching when you are happily married. Additionally, it can help facilitate the conversation about family’s and friend’s boundaries. Fellas, the game night has to be put in its place. Mom, can’t be the first one you tell about your day. The principle of “leave and cleave” applies to all relationships that were in place before your marriage. You don’t have to stop them, but they need to be put in their proper secondary/tertiary place.
Gentlemen, the list could go on, but start with these. This will set you on a healthy path to begin journey on becoming a husband.