GOD HAS THE LAST SAY SO

We are more than Conquerors in Christ and we can do ALL things through and by His power. Don't allow the enemy to fool you, tease you or taint you.  It's all just an illusion, the lies, the put downs, the set backs, the sickness, the rape, the abuse (physically & mentally) and whatever else you may have been or going through, it's all an illusion.  Don't let any of the these stop you from possessing what's rightfully yours.

As I'm writing my mind is on Lacresha, why?  Glad you asked, because she is the PERFECT example of ignoring illusions - yes the pain is still present, yes she has memories of her past and the hardship that she had to endure, and the lies are still floating around BUT she looks pass the illusion and see the FINISHED LINE, THE FINISHED PRODUCT!  As we read her post, although in pain and not feeling well she push beyond the illusion and press towards the mark - she have Words that needs to be heard, a books that need to be read; therefore she continues to fulfill the Will and Purpose of the Father - not because of but inspite of!  Lacresha we ALL thank and Love you for allowing GOD'S LAST SAY SO TO BE SPOKEN THROUGH YOU

God has the last say so, He's the most High God, He's the creator of Heaven and Earth, He has the cattle of thousand hills, the Earth is His footstool!  The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof.  God gave His Son that we might live the life of abundance in spirit, in health, in finance, in happiness, in every area of our lives so STAND UP and possess what's rightfully yours.  So when you're going through, just remember that it's an illusion and you have to choice to let it either KILL YOU IN THE PROCESS or you can USE IT AS A FLIGHT OF STAIRS TO REACH YOU NEXT LEVEL! 


Have a blessed and prosperous day in the Lord ~ Pastor Melissa Sutton

Shine!

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Colossians 2:14-15."

There have been many days in my life that I didn't feel like being an example to others.  Sometimes it seems so easy to just fade into the woodwork and not be noticed, doesn't it? There are days that I just don't feel like going to work or cleaning or cooking or whatever is on my plate for the day.  I want to whine and complain. A few years back I worked with a young woman who I knew by talks we had that she was a Christian, but her life sure didn't show it on the job.  I would hear her bad-mouthing our supervisor or complaining about her workload and not being a team player. I must confess that sometimes I feel like that. But, God says we are supposed to shine as lights in the world.  That means that even though I don't feel like it, I must shine. I can't complain because that's what the World does. Let's face it. The world is getting worse and worse.  You only have to hear the daily news to know that. It's not easy to be the lone warrior out there living in truth, but God knows that. He's there for us. All we have to do is lean on Him, trust that He knows what's best and shine.  People are watching.

Your Epiphany

Just because you hadn't realized how wonderful you are yet doesn't mean your epiphany isn't coming. As women particularly, we down play our roles in daily life, overemphasize the importance of others while sacrificing ourselves to the point of bitterness. When a woman lives her life like that, she runs the risk of shutting down and becoming unresponsive in life.

It isn't magic to have confidence and joy in life. It is a choice. We must choose to live above mediocrity and above bitterness, hatefulness and denial. Sacrifice is a great thing until you've sacrificed so much that you remain no longer. We must be very careful to care for ourselves so that we're here to care for those who are important and love in our hearts.

Let today be the beginning of your epiphany. You are precious and loved, needed and appreciated, by God if no one else.

BEAUTIFUL IN THE EYES OF GOD

 Psalm 149:4 - For the LORD taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with Salvation.

Outward beauty is just skin deep and only last for a season, but Inward beauty is for eternity. We don't need physical beauty in order to be loved by our Heavenly Father, He has given us one of His most precious ornaments for our beautification and that is His Salvation. Real beauty comes from the inside and then out!

Love and celebrate who God created you to be within and always remember that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and we are always in God's sight.  Don't let your outward appearance reflect your inward but beautify your inward that it may reflect your outward!

Have a blessed Evening, Pastor Melissa

Learning From Mistakes

As Children of God, especially those in Leadership must be aware at all times, careful not to make the same mistakes over and over again.  At the same time we are human and do come in areas of error but in doing so we must learn to live up to our mistakes.  I've seen many "LAY MEMBERS" hurt by leaders because of their (So Perfect Appearance), and I admit I've been hurt myself and that's why when God Chose me for leadership I made up my mind to be the opposite of those that hurt me.  After being hurt I realized that it wasn't the OFFENSE that caused the most damage but the "COVER-UP!  I know that everyone makes mistakes and may even fall for a season but that's when the Body of Christ should be available to help mend and help such a one back to their rightful place in Christ but it's hard to do so when the offender acts as if they have done no wrong.  A good leader will admit their wrong, learn from it, correct it and then continue on the path that God has ordained for them.


AS CHILDREN OF GOD,WE MUST BE:
(1)BIG ENOUGH TO ADMIT WHEN WE MAKE MISTAKES
(2)SMART ENOUGH TO PROFIT FROM OUR MISTAKES
(3)STRONG ENOUGH TO CORRECT OUR MISTAKES
(4)WISE ENOUGH TO CONTINUE THE WORK THAT GOD HAS ORDAINED

Pastor Melissa Sutton

THE BLESSING OF REJECTION

Being rejected by the world, only means that you're accepted by God! 1 Peter 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious 1 Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.

Do not despise your time of rejection for this is only a sign of your true birthright. It's better to be rejected by the world than to be rejected by God. When the world/people declares us as being the tail (last) God always declares us as being the head, for the last shall be first and the first shall be last. How are you handling your rejection? Are you receiving it with joy or are you having a pity party? Receive your rejection quickly because there's a better life when you're accepted of GOD! 

It doesnt matter what you may have been through in the past, what you may have done or what others may have done to you, know that you are RECEIVED of GOD, He loves you and will put people in your life that will ALSO LOVE AND ACCEPT YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE!

have a blessed day, Melissa

GOD'S HANDI WORK

God's Handiwork is flawless (man), until we begin trying to remake what God has already made!

Ephes. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. [KJV]

We must learn to be who God has called us to be, we're the handiwork of the Father and therefore He has equipped us and anointed us to comply to His Will. Psalms 139 says, that God knew us before we were formed in our mothers womb, therefore God knows us better than we know ourselves. God never does a partial job, He has equipped us with unique gifts and talents to accomplish the unique plan that He has for each individual life.

Being confident in who God made you will trample over any attempts the enemy may try to use to make you think different. The enemy want you to believe the opposite of what God has said or showed you. Satan is an illusionist, he goes around using whomever yield to him to set up illusions in our lives but if we come to realize that we are "INDEED THE HANDI-WORK of God then, no devil, no imp, no liar, or false teacher can make us think different.

~We're made in God's Image & not in man's Opinion!~

Rejoicing, Praying, Thanking

  Some days it's easier to praise God than others; the sun is shining, the birds are singing, life is good. Yet enter an unexpected event or trauma and it's easy to forget to praise Him. This week has been quite an eventful one for me full of many twists and turns.  I will confess I have had my moments of happiness and frustration.  God showed me the verses in I Thessalonians 5:16-18 and I hope they encourage you as much as they are lifting me up:
      "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
  Three small little verses, yet they say so much. Paul the apostle had already gone through many struggles and trials when he wrote these words, yet he encouraged people to rejoice always. That's not always easy to do when you're in physical or emotional pain. The praying part is sometimes easy but to pray without ceasing seems next to impossible. How can you pray when you are working or have small children demanding of your time? Paul means to be in the spirit of prayer at all times. Last, he mentions to give thanks in everything. Does that mean I'm supposed to give thanks when people are mistreating me? Yes, even then we are to give thanks. But what about when I'm struggling and not knowing where my next dollar is coming from? Yes, Paul says in EVERYTHING we give thanks. This is probably the hardest part for me of all, yet as I surrender and thank God, my attitude will change. I will have more power in Him.  My prayer today is that all we all become more powerful in Him by rejoicing, praying and Thanking Him.

First Things First

Hi, some of you don't know me. I am Kathy Eberly, another person who is helping Lacresha Hayes as a contributor. I am on Facebook and Shoutlife. Some of you may have seen me there. If you haven't, I hope we get to all be good friends in this journey that God has called us on.

One of the struggles that I face daily is the truth of who I am in God. It's so hard some days to keep focused on Him like I should, but one verse I find myself going to is Philippians 4:8.

"Finally, brethren (or sisters), whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."

I confess that if I don't use these guidelines in my life, that I find myself straying and comparing myself with the World and its standards, but when I do focus on God, I can see things so much more clearly. My prayer is that each of us puts "first things first" and all of our days for Him will be focused.

COUNTING IT ALL JOY

James 1:2-8 - (2) My brethren count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations: (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

As Children of God it is certain that we will face trials and tribulations. It's easier to face something knowing that it's going to happen then when we're caught by surprise. There is no excuse for the Children of God to ever be caught by surprise because we serve a Just God and He's faithful to warn us of the trouble that lies ahead. By knowing that we are to face trials and tribulations we must accept them with JOY knowing that God is able and willing to deliver us.

During the early years of my Christian walk I was brought up to act as if everything was fine even in trying times but I soon realized that I was playing the roll of hypocrisy, so I'm not saying to pretend to be happy or pretend that everything is fine but one must LEARN TO HAVE POSITIVE OUTLOOKS AND VIEWPOINTS when these times shall arise.

Trials are not come to kill us but to make us alive and should be used as a learning experience. Most Christians seem to make the same mistake during trying times and that is - we jump out of the pan right in to flames, we try to deliver ourselves from the situation rather than wait on God. We are to stay in the place of trial and tribulation until GOD HIMSELF MOVES US and you can believe me He will move you in His time frame.

Start using your trials and tribulations as an opportunity to grow and go forward. Stand still and know that He is God, allow patience to work in your life, let patience have a mature and complete act or deed in you and by doing so you will want nothing. When we're fulfilled spiritually the natural MUST balance out with it, which causes us to be fulfilled in every area of our lives.

THOUGHT: Stop pretending that "ALL IS WELL" and "COUNT IT ALL JOY", knowing that God is working everything out for your good.

have a blessed day, Pastor Melissa

I'm Not Strange, I'm Just Chosen

Greetings everyone, I'm Pastor Melissa Sutton (some of you may know me from Facebook) and one of the contributers for this blog.  My prayer is that the writings that God gives me to post will live up to the purpose of this blog and Ministry of Lacresha Hayes.  We all know that she is loved by many and that many are willing to be a helper to the Ministry in which she was called.  I'm going to start out by letting my first post be one of the many poems that God gave me during times of dealing with life issues,  pray you enjoy!

"I'M NOT STRANGE, I'M JUST CHOSEN"

 I'm not strange as some may think, I'm not weird, lame,  nor crazy

I'm just chosen by the Most High God Who formed you, me and all other things.

Why call me strange because I seek not the things of this world

If you knew what I know, you would follow Him as well

I was chosen for a time such as this, Not to sit down and kick my feet up and do things amiss

But I must go to and fro, without shame and fear ; Preaching the gospel to all that will hear

I'm not strange, I'm Royal Priesthood, for my Father is King of Kings.

I'm chosen to serve a people that have lost their place in the Kingdom,

Serve them what and serve them how, you might ask?

The gospel of JESUS CHRIST, with the Love of God, that's my task!

So you see, if you stop and really think about it

I'M NOT STRANGE, I'M JUST CHOSEN!

Now what's your excuse!

By: Lady Melissa Sutton

I encourage you in all that you've been through and may have to go through, to never let man's oppinion of you dictate your future!  You are great in God's sight, you're fearfully and wonderfully made and there is nothing wrong with being different (BEING YOURSELF), you're not strange, you're not crazy, you're not less than anyone else.  Always remember that YOU ARE CHOSEN!

Officially Lacresha Hayes

I've been working daily on my website and trying to make it user friendly, informative, inspiring and enlightening. I have really enjoyed adding various elements.

My website, Officially Lacresha Hayes, is going to be the center of all I do, not just the books, but the consulting and the ministry that God has given me. Once I thought about separating all of that but I'm not separated and so I shall keep it all united until I get too big for my current britches. LOL!

I'm asking my readers to add my site to your favorites, spread the news (particularly to those who need healing) and link to me from your sites. If you hadn't signed up yet, please sign up for my newsletter and mailing list at the website.

Further, don't miss weekly updates on Twitter and when you post about me, please use this new hashtag, #lacreshahayes. Together, we are going places and doing great things!

Victorious Praises

When you find your back against the wall, don't forget how the walls fell in the Bible. They marched around them, but it wasn't until that shout that they came falling down. Ultimately, they walked across what had them blocked in the beginning.

We have to remember that victorious praises move God right into the middle of our situations. He inhabits the praises of His people. The next time something too heavy for you comes along, praise God with all your might and watch Him be magnified in the middle of your situation.

Life and The Choices We Make

Times are hard, and for those who believe the Bible has it right, they will only get harder in many ways. Sometimes, even while desiring more children, I look out upon the world and seriously consider why bring another life into this place that can be so cruel and bitter.

But then God showed me something I shall never forget. What makes this world is not any one set of values, beliefs and opinions, but the varying opinions, values and beliefs. You see, God has always been God, creator of all things and destroyer of whatever needed destruction. But for some odd reason, already knowing the outcome, God put an alternative in the garden of Eden. He gave man a choice to love and serve whomever he/she wanted to love and serve. And choices is what life comes down to.  

At first, you are at the mercy of the choices of others. Later, your choices play a big part of your life though you are never really free from the choices of others- whether they choose a life of crime, whether they choose to cut you off in traffic, whether they choose to hire you or not, whether they decide to love or hate you. You see, the world is not the problem. The choices made are the problems. So, God showed me that if I want a good life, I even the odds a bit by making better choices. Suffering is inevitable, but moments of suffering doesn't negate the gift that life truly is. I will revisit this subject again, but I'm happy to know Jesus and that has made all the difference in the world.

Meet Cheyenne Johansson

Normally, my characters leave me alone after I write the end in a novel, but not this time. Cheyenne is begging me to let her tell her own story. So, I'd like to introduce you to Cheyenne Johansson from RAW REDEMPTION, my first full sized novel.

Hi. My name is Cheyenne Johansson. Some of you probably think you know me, probably think you know my story, but I have a newsflash. You don't know the half of it. Sure, Lacresha did an alright job with talking about me, but no one can tell my story like me.

When I first left Maryland to put distance between myself and my family and ex-husband, I didn't know what I was going to do. I had just enough cash to get to California and find a not so great place in a not good at all neighborhood. I'd only been in California three days when I met a young lady at the grocery store who told me I'd make a good escort. I struggled trying to find a job that paid enough for me to pay all my bills without using the weight behind my family name. I caved in after two weeks and called the man who would be my "pimp" for three years. The service was reputable on the surface, but soon I realized that at some point, ALL of the ladies were expected to "entertain" the higher powered guests. I refused, was fired and then started my own service as an independent contractor. Two of the former service's clients followed me and I picked up two others through referrals. For eighteen months, my job was looking good, smiling beautifully, speaking well, etc. But I wanted to do something I could be proud of, something that would make my uncle rue the day he ever hurt me.

I better not give you the whole story right now, but suffice it to say that moving away from home and the comfort of all that money and status was difficult. In fact, there were days when I didn't know how to respond to being alone without being verbally assaulted all day long by my husband or uncle.

If you hadn't read my not-so-happy life story and very happy ending, you'd better get a copy of RAW REDEMPTION (as if there is any other kind). I told Lacresha she wouldn't sleep a darn bit until I got to share my story before the story. There's a lot more to Cheyenne Johansson than meets the eye. Hopefully when you are finished reading my books, you will know what I mean and will find courage inside yourselves to turn over a new leaf and give yourself permission to dream again. Good day, all!

Self Control

The first power a person must master is power to control self. We have to control how we think, how we behave, how we react and respond to outside and inside stimuli. And until we have learned to control self, then there is no purpose in trying to control others. Amen!

BLACK DAKOTA- Finally Finished

I can't wait for this book, my fiction baby, BLACK DAKOTA, to hit shelves. I've finished writing it but it is going back for some extra editing. When I write quickly, I find too many mistakes.

 

Anyway, this book is some of my best writing yet. I absolutely adore the storyline, which I'll tell everyone more about a little later on as the book gets closer to printing. Add it to your wish list because this one is going to be a bestseller!

 

 

What May Be Used

I'm about to write something that is certainly controversial, but GOD knows I do it by permission because if no one ever teaches this, then how will they ever come to know the FULLNESS of GOD and what may be used.

First, let's establish the fact that GOD is sovereign, in total control and with complete knowledge of all things at ALL times. This is one of the foundational beliefs of a Christian.

Second, let's look at times in the Bible when GOD done something that, if you're honest and have read it for yourself, made you look at HIM differently- when HE used a lie in the mouth of the prophet to get Ahab to go to battle; when HE purposefully hardened Pharoah's heart against HIS will, which was to let the people go; when HE allowed a relationship that began sinfully with David and Bathsheba to yield the very next king; when HE allowed a lying prostitute (Rahab) to be saved because of her lie, and further counted her worthy enough to be in the human lineage of HIS only begotten; when HE chose the original 12 with all their mess. I could probably go on but you get the gist of it. (Could list scriptures, but you need to learn to research everything you read so please, go and find these instances and check behind me. That's the teacher in me. LOL)

All of that brings me to my point. What may GOD use? ANYTHING. When can HE use it? At ANYTIME. HE is sovereign and so even our biggest mistakes can work out to be the best things that ever happened to us. Now sin and mistakes do not come without consequences. When we disobey GOD, there is a penalty, not sometimes but every time. Some of them come quickly and some we don't see for many years yet. However, GOD is where the buck stops. HE's not in heaven trying to pray to someone else because we've done something HE didn't foresee and completely demolished HIS plan. Therefore, whatever you have done and lived through it, GOD has purpose in it.

I am a former victim of sexual abuse. That has worked for my benefit. However, it would have never happened if it were not for a vessel of Satan being used to take my innocence, to molest me and rape me. I'm also a former victim of domestic violence. That too has pushed me further into my destiny and benefited me and others. But the dirty deed had to be done and so even those people who desired to destroy me had a purpose here that met with GOD's approval.

WHAT may be used by GOD? A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G!!!! GOD is smart enough to take the most horrible tragedy and turn it for our good because it was always intended to be that way. Here's my personal belief and I'm not asking you to accept it, but I believe that once upon a time before my day of earthly manifestation, I was home with my FATHER. HE showed me a movie of a life and asked me would I go live it, hard times and eventual victory. Being so in love with HIM, I said yes and the day of my earthly manifestation (birth) came and without true memory of the whole life I'd been shown, I began a pre-arranged journey that WILL lead me back home to my DADDY gaining HIM a victorious testimony and bringing in many other souls. That is my belief.

WHAT MAY BE USED BY GOD? ANYTHING, ANYONE AT ANY TIME BECAUSE HE IS GOD!

Confess Victory

There are some trials that are so severe that simply living through them is victory. If you've ever been in a strong storm, you know what I'm talking about.

Learn to confess victory over your life. Get in agreement with God and continuously say that you are victorious in Christ name. Say that God causes you to always triumph in Christ Jesus. Tell yourself that you are more than a conqueror and that you are strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Believe it or not, it will help when the storms come.

Put Your Dreams in Front of You

One part of staying motivated is keeping our dreams in front of us. Even the Bible says we perish without vision. We are scattered and unfocused without vision. If you put your dreams in front of you, it keeps you focused and helps you make better use of what resources you have. 

Today, make the decision to stay focused on the bigger picture.

Your Gifts Make Room

Your gifts will make room for you. You may look in the closet at all those unwanted Christmas, birthday and anniversary gifts and say "Yeah right" but I am speaking of spiritual gifts. LOL!

Whatever it is you do well, keep doing it to the glory of God and watch your life blossom.

Chrishawn Simpson and Her New Book, TRANSFORM YOUR PATH

Dynamic. Engaging. Real. These are just a few of the adjectives that describe up-and-coming author, Chrishawn Simpson. She is a Transformation Specialist, who uses the power of the written word and Divine inspiration from the Almighty God to empower people to overcome obstacles, get balanced, flourish, and have the life they were created to have -- a life of purpose, passion, joy, and fulfillment.

She is the owner of Transform Your Path, where she offers her life-changing, transformation program to the world. She feels everyone can benefit and flourish from a life of self-balance and encourages everyone to take the necessary steps to do so. She will soon be offering Transform Your Path workshops for those that crave the interaction of other people to get themselves started on the right track.

Transformation is a wonderful process and in this 16-chapter revolutionary book, you will get 21 exercises that will challenge you to your very core and make you face reality - which sometimes isn't pretty; but is very necessary for change to begin. Once you complete this guide, you will be strengthened, alive, and whole. You will be TRANSFORMED!

The Transform Your Path Book can be purchased online at www.TransformYourPath.com

Celebration Time- Put the Final Sentence on SPLINTERED

I am celebrating, dancing and cheering because last night I put the final sentence on my fiction work, SPLINTERED. I will give it about four days before I revisit it to give it a fresh read through and self-edit. Then it'll be off to an editor and we'll work it through until we're both satisfied and then on to print. The cover is done, though I do want the text changed and adjusted a bit more. I want something a bit funkier. I'll keep you posted.

But for more up to date information and to see what other fans think, consider joining my FB fan page by clicking the link. Also, bookmark my website at http://www.lacreshahayes.com/ and stay up to the minute with book releases and other engagements.

Until You Change

Sometimes people say they want this or that, but their actions say differently. For a long time, I said I wanted to change, but I didn't lift a finger to change anything. So my best friend, Rachelle Rheams, would boldly tell me to my face that I didn't really want change. She said, "When you get ready to change, you'll start changing some things."

Today, if you feel like you're tired of some stuff and you want to change, the first step is to change something, if only and preferrably your mindset. Change has to start somewhere. It isn't free or cheap, but is worth every bit of blood, sweat and tears.

My thoughts: I'd rather cry trying to change what makes me cry. At least when the change comes, there will be no more tears!