He Has Not Forgotten You

Isaiah 49:15-16

15Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

16Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

Graven - to carve, sculpt, or engrave (an inscription or image);to impress deeply

Power Points

• God will not forget you.


• God has a picture of you inscribed in the palm of his hand!!!

Holy and Awesome is His Name

Our God is an AWESOME God!
That's all I know - Tevin Jordan



Psalm 111:9 (King James)
He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

Psalm 111:9 (New Living Translation)
He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

Psalm 111:9 (New International Version)
He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name.

Power Points

• God redeemed us back unto Himself. He paid a full ransom for us through the blood of His son, Jesus Christ.


• His covenant with us has been guaranteed FOREVER!!!!


• His name is HOLY and AWESOME!!!

None Beside Him!

Isaiah 45:21-25

21Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

22Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

23I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

24Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.

25In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

The Good News
Verse 21- There is none beside the Lord!
Verse 24- In him I have righteousness and strength!

There Is None Else

Isaiah 45:5-7

5I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

6That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.

7I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

There Is None Like Him

Isaiah 43:10-13

10Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

11I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

12I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.

13Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

No Other Choice

God allows us to be in situations and circumstances of which we have NO control. These times allow us the opportunity to build trust in God as well as relationship with God. There is simply nothing humanly possible that we can do except believe. Believe that God is exactly who He says He is. Believe that God will do exactly what He says He will do. There is none like Him.

My six year son, Tevin, was diagnosed with X-linked childhood cerebral type adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Here is what we faced in our "no other way" situation.

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a genetic disorder that causes damage to the myelin sheath, an insulating membrane that surrounds nerve cells in the brain.

Symptoms or Childhood cerebral type:
•Changes in muscle tone, especially muscle spasms and spasticity
•Decreased understanding of verbal communication (aphasia)
•Deterioration of handwriting
•Difficulty at school
•Difficulty understanding spoken material
•Hearing loss
•Hyperactivity
•Worsening nervous system deterioration
◦Coma
◦Decreased fine motor control
◦Paralysis
•Seizures
•Swallowing difficulties
•Visual impairment or blindness

Treatment
A specific treatment for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is not available.

Prognosis
The childhood form of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is a progressive disease that leads to a long-term coma (vegetative state) about 2 years after neurological symptoms develop. The child can live in this condition for as long as 10 years until death occurs.

Due to the nature of the disease the symptoms were inevitable. There was no cure.This particular condition that Tevin faced left us with two choices. We could either give in to the situation or cry out to God. As Christians we truly had ONE choice. We had no other choice but to trust Him.

All I know is that He is awesome.

Renewed Strength

Isaiah 40:29-31

29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

When we are weak, God gives us power and strength. If you are feeling weak right now, hook up to the power source. If you thought you were hooked up but can't seem to shake your feelings of weakness, then check your connection to the power source.

Here are a few things will keep the power flowing freely:

Prayer - Opens the lines of communication (that's two way)

Faith - Keeps you focused and replaces fear and doubt, which can block the flow

Fasting - Helps to remove additional blockage

Prayer Changes Things

Isaiah 38:1-5

1In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.

2Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,

3And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

4Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,

5Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

Powerful Points to Remember:

1. When faced with some discouraging devastating news of his on death, Hezekiah's first response was to communicate with God through prayer. What is your first response?
2. Hezekiah did try to appear to be strong before the Lord. He was vulnerable and wept in the presence of the Lord. He understood that the Lord's strength could be displayed in his weakness.
3. The Lord heard his prayer, saw his tears, and added 15 years to his life. God answers your prayers!!!!

And your prayer can change things!

He is ABLE!

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Powerful Points to Remember:
1. God is ABLE!
2. God can do MORE than you ask or think!
3. God's power has to work in YOU!

Your Weakness His Strength

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Know that there is a purpose for your infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses. That purpose is for God's glory, strength, and power to shine through you.

I promise you that it was quite some time into the "Tevin Experience" that I could see that purpose for our suffering. It was even longer before I could appreciate and actually thank God for thinking enough of my family to use us in the way that He has chosen to use us. Now I that I am on the other side I can see clearer how awesome God is and how He is using the "Tevin Experience" to bless the lives of His people. Even in your pain understand that God is using you that men may see HIM.

You Can Do It

Phillipians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Who is Like the Lord?

Psalm 113

1Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

2Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

3From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.

4The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.

5Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,

6Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

8That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.

9He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

God Comforts,Gives Peace, and Is Everlasting Strength

Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces...

Isaiah 26:3-4
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Trust God. He will give you peace in every situation. Keep your mind on Him. You will face situations that will cause you to cry but as you look to God, He will wipe your tears away. So with your tears and all be steadfast and unmovable with your mind on Him and He will always give you perfect peace because His strength last forever!

Tevin's Message

Life-Line in the Storm

My Storm
My six year son was diagnosed with an extremely progressive terminal illness.

Within six months I found myself giving full care to a child who was totally disabled.

Working in Memphis while Tevin went to school in Marion caused me great stress and anxiety.

I begin to teach in Marion, which meant a significant pay cut and learning to adjust to a new school culture and new co-workers.

I had marital issues to surface.

During this experience I was pregnant with a third child and in school to get my masters.

Not to mention the usual stresses of life: bills due, car trouble, financial issues, running a household, raising children, etc.

Oh yeah! I also had to become a pro at balancing time with God, serving in the church, taking care of family, and working full time.

After Tevin experienced the disease for six years, God healed him and made him whole by allowing him to leave this earth and enter into eternal rest.

Needless to say I made it and I am still making it through it all. I want to share my "make it" scripture with you.

Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

This is my life-line scripture. I like to be in control of everything in my life. Through the "Tevin Experience," God taught me that I am not in control nor do I have to be. I found great comfort in knowing that God has a plan for me. I don't even have to know the details of his plan. I trust Him and know Him well enough to know that He loves me (and you).

For this reason, I can rest. I have peace and assurance. I am delighted in Him and have an abundance of joy and zest for life. All of this is possible because I am not in control......God is!!!!

God is well aware of His thoughts towards us. Our role is to call on Him in prayer and seek Him with all our heart. We will find Him!

Please encourage someone and comment with your "make it" scripture.

Go Tell It

Psalm 107:21-22
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Tell everyone of the Lord's goodness and His wonderful works that He has performed in your life. Your testimony will cause others to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and also tell of His works. There is power in your testimony. Go tell it!

The Script is Written......Know Your Role

One of Tevin's favorite wrestlers was Dwayne Johnson, The Rock. One of The Rock's most famous tag lines was "Know your role!" God's word is referred to as scripture. The root word for scripture is script. The "script" for our lives has already been written.

All we need to do is know our role and act on it when the time is right.

Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Our Role: Confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead
God's Role: Save us


Psalms 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Our Role: Give our burden to the Lord
God's Role: Sustain us


Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Our Role: Wait
God's Role: Renew our strength


Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Our Role: Seek God first
God's Role: Add things


Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Our Role: Have faith, believe, and diligently seek God
God's Role: Reward us


Psalm 37:4
Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Our Role: Take joy (delight) in the Lord
God's Role: Give us the desires of our heart


Psalms 91:15
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Our Role: Call upon the LORD
His Role: Answer us, be with us, deliver and honor us


Ephesians 3:20
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us

Our Role: Allow His power to work in us.
God's Role: Do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think

Read the script and KNOW YOUR ROLE!!!!!

A Way of Escape

1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Temptation-a desire or craving for something, especially something considered wrong

Faithful-consistently trustworthy and loyal, especially to a person, promise, or duty (syn. – true, realistic, authentic, close, accurate, exact, true to life, truthful, believable, loyal, devoted, dependable, dedicated, committed, reliable

We are sinful creatures by nature who are saved by grace through faith in the birth, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through the blood of Jesus Christ we are considered righteous (in right standing). However we still have desires for things that are not of God or not God's way. The temptations, big or small, that we face each day are common. However God is true, close, dependable, committed, and reliable. He will never allow us to be tempted above what we can handle. Also it is key to note here that WITH THE TEMPTATION THERE IS A WAY OF ESCAPE! When in temptation we should look for God, who is faithful. We should be slow to speak and quick to listen. We have to fully rely on the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct us to the way of escape.

Note: On our own we can curb temptation by not placing ourselves in certain situations.

There's Good News.......There's Bad News......More Good News!

Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness,
which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of
Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith

Righteous- always behaving according to a religious or moral code; considered to be correct or justifiable

The Good News
Because of our faith in God and Jesus Christ, we are considered righteous in the sight of God. That's Good News!

This means that our prayers avialeth much (James 5:16). That's Good News!

We are joint-heirs with Christ(Romans 8:17). That's Good News!

Although we are sinful by nature and we are sinners (Romans 3:23), when God looks at us he sees the blood of Jesus covering us. That's Good News!

Note: Being considered righteous does not give us the right to freely or purposefully sin. Being considered righteous humbles us and reminds us of the great love God has for us. Because He loves and forgives us so, we are motivated and inspired to live holy before Him and man.

Psalm 34:19a
Many are the afflictions of the righteous:

Affliction- mental suffering caused by grief, anxiety, or unhappiness; hardship or problems caused by a lack of basic necessities; great danger or difficulty with a need for immediate assistance

The Bad News
Those of us, who are righteous, will suffer grief, anxiety, unhappiness, hardship, great danger, or need for immediate assistance. Even though we are considered righteous, we will still suffer. Here's the part that is really hard for me: We will not only suffer with one thing or in one area, but we will suffer many afflictions.

Real Talk: In my mind, I just don't feel like if my son has been diagnosed with a terminal illness that I should have to suffer with lack, depression, marital problems, loneliness, car problems, overdue bills, pregnancy (because it was in the midst of the situation), insecurities, or any other afflictions. However as the old saying goes when it rains it pours. I don't feel that it should be that way. I think we should be given the opportunity to learn, monitor, and adjust from one affliction before having another thrust upon us. Well through my "Tevin Experience" I learned that how I think God should deal with us doesn't matter. I found out that Tamika was not in control. God is in control of everything. He allows all things to happen for a reason. I just had to remember that all things work together for good to those who love Him.

More Good News

Psalm 34:19b
but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
No matter how many afflictions come our way or what the afflictions are God will deliver us from the ALL! You will be saved from them ALL! If you are in the middle of affliction right now it may be hard for you to see this. But if you reflect back over your life, you will see that it is so true. God will deliver you from ALL your troubles. HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!

Speak His Word

Isaiah 55:11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Void-ineffective or useless

Accomplish- to carry out or complete something successfully

Prosper-to be strong and healthy or grow well, especially because conditions are right; to sustain continuous steady strong growth; to be successful

The word of God will NOT be ineffective. If we believe that God's word will prosper, then God's word is what we should speak. God's word completes its purpose successfully. His word grows well where He sends it and it is strong and healthy.

God has given us His word. If there is an area in your life that you need to be strong, healthy, and successful, send God's word to that area. Constantly speak God's word and watch His word sustain continuous steady growth.

And the Winner is.........

2 Corinthians 2:14
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Triumph- the act, fact, or condition of being victorious or triumphant; victory; conquest; a significant success or noteworthy achievement; instance or occasion

God will ALWAYS cause us to win; be victorious. HALLELUJAH!!!

Now, that is good news I tell you! We always win! We have the victory in Christ!

Note: This does not mean all of our fights will be easy nor does it mean bad things will never happen. It means in Christ we will overcome and be victorious!

His Name Is....

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

So comforting to know that our savior,Jesus Christ, is wonderful, mighty, everlasting, and the prince of peace!Take joy today in knowing who He is!!!

God is Able

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Able- physically or mentally equipped to do something, especially because of circumstances

Grace- unmerited favor and love of God

Abound– be plentiful, thrive, flourish

Sufficiency- adequate, ample, enough, plenty

Take comfort and joy in knowing that God can cause favor to be plentiful towards you. You will always have plenty to complete every good work that is assigned to you. God will equip you for the task. He is able!!!!!

Be Mindful of Your Sowing

Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Whatever we plant into ourselves and others is what we will gather when it is harvest time. None of us want negativity or unfavorable things to occur in our lives. Sometimes they are unavoidable because they may serve another purpose. However there are times we placed in situations or treated a certain way because of the things we have done and said to others or spoken upon ourselves.

Please understand that this law of sowing and reaping is not a always negative. It works the same in the positive. For example I always try to encourage and support those around me. During my "Tevin Experience," I reaped every bit of support and encouraged that I had been planting into others. Not to mention the encouragement that I had been planting in myself by reading God's Word, inspirational books, and listening to positive music as well.

Be mindful of what you sow into yourself and others. Also be careful about what you allow to be planted into yourself.

Long Suffering

Psalm 86:15
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Long Suffering - Patiently enduring wrongs or difficulty

God is patient with us because He loves us so much and wants the best for us. We, as Christians, are to represent and reflect God. We should look like Him. We should also be long suffering (patient). Remaining patient and enduring when times are unfavorable is a difficult task and God knows and understands. It is for that reason Jesus left us with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comforts, leads, and guides us to love and live as God does. The Holy Spirit works in us and produces fruit.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:

The true test in long suffering is not about the waiting, but how we act while we are waiting. With the Holy Spirit within us we have the ability to endure everyone of our trials and tribulations with integrity and dignity.

WARNING: This is a process and requires a lot of practice. But know that all things work together for good to those who love the LORD. Know also that the Holy Spirit is within us and will produce long suffering.

Willing and Obedient

Isaiah 1:19
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

What Do They See?

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

As members of the body of Christ, we represent God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We have to let our good works shine at all times in spite of our circumstances or situations. There is no question as to whether or not people are watching us. The question is: what do people see when they look at us? When people see us they should want to glorify God because of the good they see in us. What are people seeing when they watch us?

Bless Him

Psalm 103:1-5
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.



With all that is within me I, like David, bless the LORD!

I am mindful of everything that he has done, is doing, and will do in my life.

He forgives me even when others find that difficult to do.

He is a healer of ALL diseases.

He keeps me from being destroyed, despite the traps and snares of the enemy. Don't get me wrong of course I fall, but you better know that God keeps me from being destroyed! HALLELUJAH!

He places on my head love, kindness, and mercy. He satisfies me with GOOD things.

For these reasons everyday I am renewed, full of energy, and able to soar like the eagle.

Oh how I love Him! Come on soar with me today!

Goodness & Mercy

Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

No comment necessary. Only praise, honor, glory, and exaltation are necessary at this point.

God,
We praise your holy name. We are truly grateful that your mercies are new every morning and they follow us all the days of our lives and we are able to dwell with you forever. You are amazing, wonderful, loving, kind, patient, faithful, and awesome. It is to you we give all the glory, honor, and praise for you alone are worthy. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Right in Front of You

Psalm 23:5
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

After traveling through the valley of death, God knows that you will be hungry. With His infinite wisdom, love, and care, He has prepared a table right before you. Yes you will be able to see God perform the miracle in your life.

Secret: Don't fret over your enemies and the turmoil they may present in your life. You need your enemies! He is going to prepare the table in the presence of your enemies. As my pastor (Apostle Whitaker) often reminds us, "NO enemies, NO table!" Here is how that young preacher I told you about early put it:

"Jesus needed Judas more that Peter, James, and John. If Judas had not betrayed Him, he would not have gone before Pilate. If He had not gone before Pilate, He would not have been crucified. If He had not been crucified, He would not have been buried. If He had not been buried, He would not have rose again. If He had not rose with all power, He would not have been able to save you and me!"

That is such good news I tell you. The Word also tells us that He will make our enemies our footstools. Don't worry about your enemies; use them for what they were made for......that is for you to step up and gain higher ground. HALLELUJAH!!!!

The oil represents the blessing. God will bless you so that your cup will run over. There is a purpose in that as well. You are to take care of your needs and bless others with your overflow. God is so good!

He will do all of this right in front of you. Watch HIM!!!!!