CityPoint Community Church

GOD WOKE ME UP THIS MORNING!!!

Juana_Wooldridge — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:06:09 +0000

I tend to be really hard on myself and I need to be reminded that God forgives and forgets. When David comes to mind, I think of one of my favorite bible writers. I think David’s sin with Bathsheba comes to mind to demonstrate God’s forgiveness. David’s struggle with sin and his sadness after are of comfort to me. When David says in the Psalms that God puts our sins as far as the sun is from the sunset that brings me happiness. I like reading the Psalm because there were times when David was so depressed, there were times when people were seeking his soul, and there were times when he was sick and in bed. I draw strength from these times because I remember that it’s okay to be upset or afraid and to cry out to God.
I also relate the account of David and Goliath quite a bit. I’d say David brings to mind Goliath or the book of Psalm. David’s showdown with Goliath teaches me how to demonstrate faith and courage in my life. I too have a Goliath of a problem before me and I step to it as David did, with my rock and my sling. No, I don’t have fancy weapons to bring Goliath down with; I have my faith, courage, and authenticity. I have kindness instead of arrogance and I brag of God’s ability instead of my own. May God deliver me as He did David because if He doesn’t I can do nothing at all. I need God and the Psalm is a wonderful read when you just need God.
Yes, many look down on those who don’t have the things of the world. Some look at kindness as weakness but I look at it as my greatest strength. I look at my simplicity, my believing spirit, and my fragile human makeup as my gifts. To God belongs the power and strength and only God can brag. So I will speak of the wonderful things my God has done. God woke me up this morning!! God is so great, that God even looks after me. God has been with me all my days and I am happy because He is my friend and my strength, my hiding place.

Surely God Will Rescue You

Juana_Wooldridge — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:26:03 +0000

“The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:3)

In reading the Psalm I can see that David has so much love and trust in God. David knows that God is faithful, true, merciful and so much more to his servants. God is our everything desirable, good, and worthwhile, to say the very least. In looking at 1 Samuel, I like that David was very sure that God would rescue him, especially based on God’s record with him. David had a strong, real, and true personal relationship with God. When he walked up to the Philistine he was more confident than ever because he recalled God rescuing him from the paw of a lion and the paw of a bear. Surely we can learn from David’s attitude. So many times when new problems, issues or obstacles present themselves in our lives, we become scared, afraid, or worried about the outcome. Well, on looking back at our lives, hasn’t God always rescued us? Yes!
God has always been with us and we can all recall times when we just knew He worked things out. We can recall the success of every single day we have been on this earth, even the success of our birth and we can draw faith and courage from that. May you step up to every mountain or giant before you and as David said, may you too say, “I know God will rescue me from this mountain of an issue or giant of a problem that I am facing, because He always has.” Surely you will be brought safely through this and claim your victory.

I LOST AND THAT’S EXACTLY HOW I WON! I PUT IT IN GOD’S HANDS AND THAT’ S WHAT I NEEDED TO DO!

Juana_Wooldridge — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:56:36 +0000

LOSING MADE ME A WINNER!
I say love, and go for it, whatever it is. The victory isn’t in winning the contest, getting that particular thing, even in wooing that person to return your affection. The gift is in trying, and reaching out for it. If it is yours, it will recognize you. I’ve never been so happy to lose but let me tell you, I’ve lost many things in my life and with each loss I gained so much more. My heart has been broken to pieces and stomped on and it brought out the beauty that I didn’t even know I had. It made me an insanely brave soldier ready to stand at the front line of battle regardless of the outcome of that.
The outcome was me finding strength, faith, and love that was swimming in the deep waters of my soul. I encourage you to embrace defeat. You remember the sting of pain and it teaches you. We may not like it, but pain can teach us so much. I am feeling really really happy and I just lost something this weekend. I lost something I didn’t want to lose and it’s completely lost but it taught me so very much. Actually I lost 3 very important things that I hoped in.
I finally let go and I feel so good, I can’t even explain it. I feel free because I let go and gave it to God. You don’t have to walk around holding heavy daily worries. Guess what, you don’t have to hold up the sun today, you just need to enjoy it. You don’t have to do anything but walk in the power and grace that’s been given to you. Seize this day with passion and don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself. I have many times. Don’t be afraid to lose what you really want so badly, I have many times. Don’t be afraid to be alone, I have been many times and I still am, but there are always those unexplained footsteps in the sand right next to me.

GOD’S ALWAYS ON TIME!

Juana_Wooldridge — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:04:01 +0000

Whatever you need and whatever is yours, will show up at the right time, in the right way, from the write people or person, in the right circumstances. Sometimes our wants don’t know the difference between what’s really good for us and what will give us lasting happiness. It’s a good thing that God knows better than us. Sometimes the best gift is not getting what you asked for and getting what is actually so much better. Luke 11:1 says, “What father among you, if his son asks for bread, would give him a stone, or if he asks for a fish, would give him a snake instead of the fish? Some of you think you’re asking for something good but you’re actually asking for a snake of a problem and you’re wondering why you’re not getting it. Just be patient your dream, your hearts desires will come when it’s ready for you and you’re actually ready for it. Stop trying to take the turkey out the oven before it’s cooked. When it’s done it will just be sitting there ready for you to slice it with ease and enjoy a warm meal cooked to perfection.

WE HAVE HOPE!!!

Juana_Wooldridge — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:20:19 +0000

Do the best you can and everything will work out better than you can even imagine now. Sometimes a setback is simply a setup for a much bigger and better blessing to come! You’re worried about something that is already working out; you just can’t see it now. When you’re up in a airplane, things always seem so much smaller than when you are on the ground. Look out the window of faith, love, and hope…You’re problem won’t seem like a problem anymore because faith knows that all things are working out for the good of those who love God! Love knows that God has good in store for you. God said even you wouldn’t give your son a scorpion if he asked you for bread. If we know how to give good gifts, surely God knows how to give us better. You’re asking for something and God can only give you the best gift, at the best time, so be patient. Hope knows that God never fails. Hope knows that we have been given a hope that is beyond us because God gave us His son, that’s how much God loves us. So we keep pressing on and having faith in a hope that is sure and true.

YOU’RE DOING A GREAT JOB!

Juana_Wooldridge — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:43:22 +0000

I want you to know you’re doing a great job and that you’re appreciated. I’m feeling like you need to know that. You may not have everything you want, I know, and things may seem very difficult. You’re juggling everything without the real support or assistance you may think that you need. And yes, you’ve done everything imaginable to do make things a success. It’s time for you to let God and let l…ive. The greatest thing about hitting a brick wall or being brought to your knees is that, it’s now in God’s hands. Pat yourself on the back and recognize that you are ridiculously gorgeous, you’re special in every way, and people appreciate you more than you know. You’re existing right now at this time is essential for the universe and the world to stand. You bring a peace and harmony to things. Be proud of yourself and know that you’ve been woven into forever and always. May loving kindness pursue you today and may joy take you over. You’re here today and you should walk in the power of miracles and change, because they do come and they are tapping on your shoulder.

TRUST IN GOD!

Juana_Wooldridge — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:20:27 +0000

Psalm 43: 5, “O my soul, why be so gloomy and discouraged? Trust in God! I shall again praise him for his wondrous help; he will make me smile again, for he is my God!”
There is no reason to be discouraged or gloomy. No matter what you are going through, or facing at this time, it will work out. It would be so nice if you know how and when certain things would happen, but if you did, it wouldn’t be as wondrous and as miraculous as it will be.
Part of the joy of living is in learning the value and gift of faith. Faith gives us an opportunity to do something special. Let’s say in a month, whatever you are currently worried about will be worked out in a beautiful way, well, you have an opportunity now to show faith. Once something is completely realized you can no longer show faith in it. Your hope and faith will be realized but in you showing them now, there is a rich and lasting reward.
If you really have faith, then you can remain positive and hopeful regardless of how dark things seem. Don’t you know that God created the sun? Look around you at the birds, they have no labor union, they have no court system, still they are defended and protected. Look at the depth of the waters and the vastness of the universe. Surely what you are going through in comparison is a small task in comparison to making the sun rise every single day.
I want you to have faith and know that you are loved and cared for, even when you feel like you’ve been left out in the cold. Feeling alone and abandoned can give you so much strength. Going through all that I have, has made me stronger. My greatest weakness is now my greatest strength. Sure, I’m the black sheep of the family, and that’s made me more mature and more attractive. Beauty that is only on the outside just isn’t lasting but beauty that is in the heart is for always. I’m so glad that God is refining me and making me better by letting me face real challenges.
I want you to rejoice while under trial as the scriptures urge us to do. To be counted worthy to go through, or endure a difficult time, is a blessing and a real gift that will work out desirable qualities in you. You just have so much beauty in you and it needs to be brought out.
There is joy for you in your future and in this day. There is joy in the understanding you’ve grown to have. There is even joy in the pain you’ve endured. When something brings you to your knees, it usually makes you pray while you are there with your hands and face to the ground. There is nothing like knowing that there is a God and begging for strength and help. There is strength in being brought face to face with weakness and even fear. Then when you step out anyway like David did in front of Goliath, and you show courage, wow, that is something that will give you a true and real happiness.

Keep looking forward; you have much to do and to accomplish. You still have so much to see. You have many gifts and blessings to comfort you on the way to amazing. There will be a moment when you look around at your life and you can’t believe all the great things that are happening to you. You will be taken by the miracles that are in front of you. The scriptures say that Job died old and satisfied. Job was given double everything he wanted. Yes, your trial may endure for the day, but soon a new day will start. Joel Osteen says in his book, “Everyday a Friday,” that it’s still dark when a new day begins. It’s still dark at 1:00am, even at 4:00am, but we know the light is coming. You are already in the season of a new and better day in your life. Watch, the light will get brighter and brighter until the light overwhelms you.

LET US TURN TO GOD

Juana_Wooldridge — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:28:48 +0000

In Reading Psalm chapter 80 it keeps repeating, “Turn us again to yourself, O God. Look down on us in joy and love; only then shall we be saved.” Mankind has really turned their back on God and this plea is needed, we need God to turn us back to Him. When we share and show true love to each other, we have peace. Let us turn our eyes to God today by meditating on love. Let us be joyous all day long just because we are so thankful for the miracle of life. Instead of praying for what we think we need and want, today lets pray and ask God what we need to do to please Him. Let us ask God what His will is for our lives. Let us abandon chasing things that don’t mean a thing and let’s chase and get a hold on the real life! (1 Timothy 6:12)

LET THE STORM OF LIFE MAKE YOU BETTER!

Juana_Wooldridge — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:28:40 +0000

The fire of life refines us. Zechariah 13:9 says, “I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure….”
I’ve been really craving a break but the truth is that a break is the last thing I need or that I even want. I feel like I’m being pressed in every way. I feel like there’s no let up around me, like something’s happening all the time and that’s good! Handling pressure is the best way to grow.
You can’t give out when you are being refined and made better and it is so uncomfortable to be purged of undesirable qualities but the alternative is not to grow and not to get rid of them. Do you really want to be favored and blessed by God? I am asking you this because it may feel really uncomfortable. The road to growth is a special training that is more intense than any training you have ever been through.
Working out your body physically takes a serious level of self-control and discipline. Do you think that actually growing in spiritual qualities would take less? Don’t get scared because the truth is you will receive the reward for your discipline and hard work the same as you would for working out and eating right. You will just receive WAY MORE FROM GROWING SPIRITUALLY. 1Timothy 4:8 says, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Yes, you do really want the blessings and favor that result from growing in patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control. The fruits of the spirit are simply a guide to true happiness. You will notice that they all have to do with our personality, attitude, and condition of the mind and heart. You’re growth will bring you benefits that will lead you to riches of the soul that go far beyond anything that you could have outside of you. Even in the pain of growth you will feel the joy of a healthy mind and heart. It will take discipline and there will be times when you have to go without or when you must get rid of things and when those times come, there will be discomfort. This too shall pass and when it does, you will feel even better than you did before.
Matthew 7:13, 14 say, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.” Today if you are working hard and living a life of discipline, that will mean that you don’t do what everybody else does, there are great rewards to that. Luke 21:34 says, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with over eating, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.” You could live your whole life trying to avoid growth. You could eat and drink your problems away. You could also enjoy the rewards of living a life that isn’t easy, but that is fulfilling and that has promise of a great and wonderful future.
Everyday remember that all your problems are opportunities to grow. How do you develop good qualities, but working on showing them more daily. Develop a disciplined positive attitude about life and you will go far.
Don’t be afraid of challenges and hard work. Challenges, hard work, hard times, and tears have given birth to all the valuable qualities I have. The me that people really are intrigued with, is the part of me that’s grown and blossomed in the storm. With the storm raging all around me and threatening to take me out, my roots have grown deeper and I stand much taller than I ever have. It’s the smile in me, the one that lets others know that I’ve been places and seen things. It’s the sincerity I have because I know what it’s like to be in the struggle and I am so thankful to be getting better, so much better! Rise to the challenge and look straight into the eye of the storm. Let it know that you will blossom even taller!

GOD IS MY STRONGHOLD, MY ROCK! I KNOW NO FEAR!

Juana_Wooldridge — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:59:34 +0000

Psalm 21:3 says, “Yes, though a mighty army marches against me, my heart shall know no fear! I am confident that God will save me.” Verse 14 Continues and says while u have that confidence and u are waiting for your deliverance or miracle, it says, “BE BRAVE, STOUTHEARTED AND COURAGEOUS.” 1 Samuel 17:50says,”So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine…” Roar at your day and let your own uniqueness and authenticity approach and conquer ever obstacle that u face! I am the Lioness, hear me ROAR! I ROAR at the day and it knows I am awake! Embrace the day with COURAGE! Be STOUTHEARTED, BOLD, and DARING!