Bulldog Faith

 

Bulldog Faith, Taking You From The Bottom To The Top.

 

The ark rose in the flood. It was sitting on bottom ground; the bottom of the valley where it never rained. At the end of the trial, it rested on the top of a mountain. This is what God wants to do in your life. He wants to take you safely from the bottom to the top; from despair to joy, from poverty to riches, from loneliness to fullness, from brokenness to health.

God uses water a lot in His Word. In fact (although I haven’t counted it myself) water is said to be mentioned 722 times in the bible: God swept over the face of the waters. Let anyone who is thirsty come and drink the living water. Baptism in water. Water of life. Rivers of water. Shower of blessings. Rain in its season.

Water flows throughout the Word of God. Water is rich in usefulness. It cleanses and purifies. It can destroy enemies, has the power to heal and provides deliverance.

Storms bring a lot of water. The storms of God, cause growth in His people. We may not like or want the storm, but if we remain close to God, the storm will bring a deeper revelation, a closer walk with the Father. The Father wants that close relationship between you and Him. He had a close relationship with Noah and Noah’s family were the only family spared during the great flood of the bible.

Noah was told to build an ark, to prepare for a flood; an ark in a desert country, a country that never saw rain. Noah and his family were cocooned in the ark, during the storm. The bible doesn’t say how Noah and his family felt, while they went through the storm. It doesn’t say how they felt, when they heard the knocking, scratching and screaming of those desperate to enter the ark, as the flood waters arose. It doesn’t mention how busy Noah and his family were, as they tendered the animals.

However, when the ground had dried God spoke to Noah, saying; “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your son’s wives with you.” (Genesis 8:15-16) And they left the cocoon of the ark.

Attitude is developed during cocoon time. As is leadership, character, patience, and integrity. These will all be worked on, during your closet time, during your time in your cocoon.

Stay with it. One day the door will open and God will say; “come out,” if we don’t quit. God brings greatness and beauty, out of a cocoon. The cocoon is there for protection. God protects you, even though your uncomfortable and tight, even if you’re stressed and anxious. He cocoons you and keeps you safe and sheltered.

Even if you’re wondering ‘how long.’ How long until I receive…? How long until it happens? How long do I need to have patience? All the while, He’s protecting you in the cocoon.

You aren’t in the cocoon for comfort. In the fullness of time, you will see your reward. In the meantime, wait. Wait patiently, wait with joy for what’s coming. You will see it, if you don’t quit. If it takes 20 years, just wait. Wait with ‘bulldog’ faith in your heart and you will see a new thing arise in your life.

Have you ever seen a bulldog? They march along and don’t let anything veer them off course. A yappy dog might come along and harass the bulldog, but the bulldog marches along as if it’s not there. The bulldog doesn’t even mis-step. He ploughs along, completely undeterred by what’s going on around him. He has a one-track mind, to get where he’s going. That’s what you need to do; plough along with a one-track mind, undeterred, until you see your breakthrough.

You grow in affliction. You grow through the storms of life. You think because you’re a Christian, you won’t have any more problems in life. That’s not what the bible states. The bible says; “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

God will talk to you, throughout the process of both the storm and the cocoon. God encourages you, during your difficult moments, as well as your quiet moments. He will give you direction, if you spend time with Him.

We wear the crown of victory, given to us by Jesus, given to us by He who sacrificed himself that we might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

There’s no such thing as luck, or fate. Everything is done by faith and the Word of the Lord. Your faith needs to be directed towards the right area, pointed in the right direction, the right way. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) There is no other way!

Faith in the Lord isn’t about air-fairy light, strange rituals, or magical formulas. It’s not about a belief in mother earth, or contact with the ‘other side.’ Faith in God is an awe filled faith, a power filled faith. A faith which heals, provides, protects and loves and that’s just for starters.

Follow your faith journey to the end and see how far it takes you. You will be amazed. His Word is Truth, all truth, but you won’t see it, if you’re on the wrong path.

Take your bulldog faith and use it in the belief of God and His Word, for that is where your answers lie, the answers you are searching for in life.

 

N.B.: Biblical quotes taken from NJKV

 

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

 

Let The Glory Of Heaven Reflect On The Earth.

Let The Glory Of Heaven Reflect On The Earth.

Right now, there's an intention by the enemy to break the spirit of the people. They even tried to shut the church’s however, we're not bowing down, nor giving in, yielding, surrendering, or conceding. We call for our nation to rise, to come back, to leave the powers of darkness behind and move forward into a new day.

Let us not be deceived. Don’t you see: You might think you can silence us, however - You can't kill God!

This is a spiritual battle, whether you believe it or not. As it states in the bible:

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:20)

The enemy wants to break the people and the church and neither the people, nor the church, are going quietly. I declare: If my God be for us, no one can be against us!

Right now, we need God to do what He said He'd do and this is to fulfil the word of the Lord. And we can only do that by prayer. As Christians we can talk to God and tell God: “You said... and we need You to come through for us.”

“You said You would keep us and bless us.”

“You said You would prosper us.”

“You said You would give us the desire of our heart.”

“You said You would protect us.”

“You said You would light our path.”

“You said You would not give us more than we could bear.”

“You said we would have life and have it more abundantly.”

“You said we would be the head, not the tail.”

“You said we would only go up and not down.”

“You said we would loan to many nations and not borrow.”

“You said we would heal the sick.”

“And we need you to come through for us now, Almighty Lord.”

“Halleluiah, Halleluiah, Halleluiah! Praise Jesus! Praise His precious and wonderful name!”

There's an assault on God's people. The arrows keep flying, trying to take the joy from the people. Our enemy is fully committed. The devil and his schemes are well in play and we've stood silent as a church. It’s time to rise up, raise your voice, be heard and be counted.

Only the righteous will be heard by God. To be counted as righteous, you need to be spending time in God's word, for he's removing the lukewarm out of the house. He’s tearing down and rooting out the church who aren’t serious about Him and His word. Get serious!

Right now, strongholds are being broken down. The strongmen are being broken.

Men and women who cannot be bought are holding their ground. The house of the Lord will be cleansed of its corruption and fault and only those found without spot, will come forth in victory.

Now is the time: that which has been dead for decades, will now rise. The rebellious will be removed along with the lukewarm. Justice will return to this nation.

You, the believer, can curse the devourer and declare Satan return what you've lost - 7 times over.

There's a resurrection anointing in the atmosphere.

The righteous will produce blessings.

The devil will try to side-track you, but you declare the hand of the Lord be upon you. Curse the demonic spirit of racism and segregation that's been let loose on this nation and release the anointing power of God.

Halleluiah, Halleluiah, Halleluiah! Praise Jesus! Praise His precious and wonderful name!

Declare a resurrection anointing for the rest of the year. Declare a shaking take place, that will cause a change to flow.

Remember, many of the biblical characters looked to be outnumbered. The Israelites felt outnumbered, as they left for the promised land. Gideon’s soldiers went from 32,000 to 300. David felt there were more people pursuing him than aiding him. Jonathan’s faith was rewarded when he and his armour bearer defeated twenty Philistine soldiers. Elisha prayed after his servant saw the opposing army and panicked, and then the servant saw the mountain was full of horses and chariots. When God shows up, wars are won.

Hezekiah spoke words of encouragement when he said; “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed…with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” (2 Chronicles 32:7-8.)

Don’t just take my word for it. Let the Holy Spirit show you that this word is truth. Read your bible and learn that truth for yourself.

Declare the Word of the Lord!

 

N.B.: Biblical quotes taken from NJKV

Look At Me!

Look at Me!

I Am Not A Robot.

Who can see me?

I might be old, I might be overweight, I might be too skinny, I might be young and noisy. I might have worn clothing and a defeated look. I might carry scars, seen and unseen, or even too many tattoos and piercings, which scare some. I might be of a different colour to you, or look different to you in some way, but I am someone. And I am ignored.

Who sees me?

Youthful beauty is only skin deep. Once our youth and beauty diminish, we become invisible. At least that’s what it feels like to some.

Beauty is seen. Beauty opens doors. Beauty is worshipped. Are all the rest of us forgotten? As our youthful beauty fades, we need to look at beauty in a different light and see the beauty of a smile, of gentleness in an aged face, the sprightly twinkle in the eye.

So many lonely people in the world today. Please remember the lonely need love too. A hand to hold. A gentle word, a hug and a kiss.

Speak kindly and share a smile. Tell someone they look attractive, even dapper, today. Take a posy of flowers from your garden and give them to your neighbour, who’s just lost their partner. Buy a meal for the homeless person, standing on the corner. Tell that obnoxious young rebel; Jesus loves him/her, just the way they are. Watch the smiles you get in return, for they are priceless.

Who can see me? Show the world – you can see me. Show the world - you care enough. Be that light in someone else’s life. The blessings which return to you, far outweigh the cost. For you see: it’s a double-edged sword. When you give, you get back in return.

See me, I beseech you. See me, where other’s might not. See me, because the Lord says: I am worthy.

 

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

Life Gives and Life Takes.

Life gives and life takes.

 

We have moments of victory and moments failure,

Moments of laughter and moments of tears.

 

People remember the one wrong moment,

Though right moments stockpile over the years.

 

Don’t focus on that one wrong moment,

But savour the moments ‘right’ appears.

 

Because sometimes life gives and sometimes life takes,

Life’s moments are precious, whatever life makes.

 

For when making a life in which we create,

We become more what we wish to replicate.

 

Our children grow and imitate,

And you can be sure they’ll duplicate.

 

Life goes on and it gives and it takes,

Be sure to let go all past mistakes.

 

Learn from them, do, but dwell on them not,

For life’s mistakes are not our lot.

 

Mistakes not forgot will cause us to frown,

And that’s not what we want, to be brought down.

 

So cheer up my friend and wear a smile,

Make everyone happy all the while.

 

As life gives and life takes and we all celebrate,

Let’s love our life and make it great.

 

 

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

 

 

Eliminate bullying, using this simple method.

Eliminate bullying, using this simple method.

Any time a bully verbally attacks you, agree with them, even if what they’re saying isn’t true. Bullies are mean. They say and do things that aren’t nice and certainly aren’t true. Bullies are unkind, insensitive and cruel. We, however, are all beautiful people, made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27; So God created man in His own image…) We deserve to feel safe whether at home, or at school. 

Here’s a simple method to use, when someone says something that causes you to feel inferior, less than, unwanted, or unloved…

Let’s say, for example, someone tells you your hair is awful. It doesn’t matter whether it’s true or not. Just agree with the person and reply; “I know it is. It always looks so messy.” Say it even if you don’t agree. It throws the bully off track, disarming him/her. Then turn the tables and make them feel good. You could say; “You’ve got beautiful hair. I wish I had hair like yours.” Bullies don’t know what to do with this. They don’t know where to go when you agree with them.

A bully might then counter attack with another negative. Bullies often come back a second or third time, but seldom a forth. So, if the bully starts on another area and says something like, “I hate what you’re wearing.” You could reply with, “I know. I’ve got terrible dress sense. You always wear lovely clothing. I wish I had your sense of style.”

It might be your body shape they pick on: too fat, too thin, too tall, to short. Your face is ugly, you have pimples, big feet, a big nose. Whatever it is, just agree with them, turn the tables and they’ll soon run out of things to say and leave you alone. 

If you react, or become upset, this fuels the bully to add more flames to the fire. Be pleasant, agree with the bully and turn the tables. 

Your agreeing with the bully is only for counter attack. Don’t ever let someone cause you to believe in the horrible, negative things a bully says. In the bible, Psalms 139:14 states; “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” 

No matter who you are, no matter what people say, God’s word is truth. You are created in God’s own image and are fearfully and wonderfully made! And don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. 

*Bible quotes from Holy Bible NKJV

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration. 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it. 

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse. 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

What is Christmas?

 

What is Christmas?

Christmas is a statement of the God who gives richly. It’s a celebration of feasting and giving and joy. The Christmas tree is a symbol of everlasting life, after Jesus’ death on the cross of the timber of a tree; a symbol of forgiveness and hope eternal. 

The decorations of the tree reflect splendour, kindness and beauty, and the lights of the tree represent His light, as we celebrate the One who is ‘the light of the world.’ 

The Christmas feast; a time to eat and drink, to celebrate before the Lord. There’s a wonder and fullness to the celebration of Christmas. Laughter comes, as does love, giving and receiving, but to some also comes a sadness, as lost loved ones are remembered by their absence: an empty seat under the table. 

Reach out to those in need at Christmas. Remember the Lord and all He has done for you. If you’re lucky enough to be blessed at this time, cast your thoughts to those who find this time of year difficult. Include others in this wonderful time of celebration: those who aren’t feeling so blessed, those who can’t afford the finer things of life, those who are lonely, broken and broken hearted. 

The above photo is of our beautiful man, Kai, who isn’t with us this Christmas. He is not forgotten. Our loved ones are never forgotten, whether two legged, or four. Take time for reflection, during this celebration season. It’s important to remember those we love. It’s important to remember the sacrifice Jesus made, so we can celebrate Christmas with joy and thanksgiving.  

Share this wonderful celebration and show the world – God is a good, good Father.  

When Fear Grips.

 

                      When fear grips.

How do we get through those tough times, when fear takes a hold, when anxiety awakens us in the middle of many a sleepless night? When the fear is so real, you can taste it? When fear grips at your heart, until you think you can’t endure? How do you handle it?

Apart from the fear of the Lord and fear of sin, all fears are from Satan. Satan sends fear to confuse and weaken us, to cause anxiety so deep, we think we will collapse under it. 

The acronym for fear is; False Evidence Appearing Real. And fear does feel very real. Satan doesn’t have a lot of tools in his armoury and tends to use the same ones, over and over. He loves to bring you into fear, to cause you to turn back, rather than courageously march forward.

The Israelites of the bible said to Moses, as he was leading them to the promised land; …have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? (Exodus 14:11) 

…for it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness. (Ex 14:12) 

Fear had taken hold. The Israelites had forgotten how dreadful their life was, before they left Egypt. They wanted to turn back, rather than march forward.

Sometimes God brings terror to the land and the people, as in Ezekiel 32:32 For I have caused my terror in the land of the living. Some fears are from God and we need to know the difference between what God brings upon the people and what the devil brings. 

The key to having victory over fear is to hand all your cares to God. Instead of allowing your fears to take root and grow, paralyzing your attempts at life, identify and confront those fears. Prayerfully go to God with the confidence that He will handle the situation for you.  

1 Peter 5:7 states; casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares about you.

Trust God. Reject all fear, as soon as it arises. …be vigilant: because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) 

These are not just words on a page, but words from the living God, written in all truth, written to guide and protect you from the ways of the evil one. The Lord gave us His word on fear in Psalm 91: He is my refuge and my fortress…He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler (the evil one)...with long life I will satisfy you.

If we faithfully follow God and His word, we shall overcome our fears and march forward into our destiny, our place of victory. Fear isn’t the last word, God is.

*Biblical quotes: Holy Bible NKJV.

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration. 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it. 

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse. 

alexandragrose@amazon.com