Are You Shrinking? By Mayada Naami

October 4, 2022 No comments Article

“But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.“

(Hebrews 10:39, NIV)

When in battle, the army that shrinks back is usually the one defeated. In Hebrews 10:39, the Bible says we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed. The Word of God says we belong to those who have faith and are saved. By faith, as soldiers in Christ, we can stand fearlessly facing our giants. Psalm 3:3 declares, “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.” What does it mean that God is a shield for us? In Ephesians 6:13, Paul describes the shield of faith as a piece of armor that is used as a form of protection. He tells us to take up the shield of faith to extinguish the flaming, fiery darts of the enemy. Paul uses these words to explain the supernatural empowerment that occurs when a believer lifts the shield of faith high and holds it firmly in front of them. It becomes an impenetrable wall against the enemy’s attacks.

“My Lord GOD has opened my ears, and I did not rebel; I did not shrink back.“

(Isaiah 50:5, ISV)

Romans 10:17 says that our faith is increased by hearing the Word of God. We do not shrink back when we are tuned in to His Word. Before Roman soldiers went out to battle, they soaked their shields in water until their shields were completely saturated. They did this to ensure that if they were struck by a flaming arrow, their shield would not catch fire. In Ephesians 5:26, the Word of God is likened to water and when we are Word-saturated or Word-soaked, our shield of faith is like the Roman soldier’s water saturated shield. It will be so heavily covered with the water of God’s Word that it will extinguish the flame of the enemy’s attack as soon as he strikes at us. I encourage you today to soak your faith in the Word of God, so that when the enemy tries to attack your health, your finances, your marriage, or your children, you will not shrink back. Instead, the devil and his army will shrink back and be destroyed in Jesus’ mighty name.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.“

(Ephesians 6:10-17, NIV)

It’s not too late to register for the Level-Up Women’s Conference but we are almost at capacity. Sign up today as we “Level-Up Faith,” “Level-Up our Future,” and “Level-Down Fears.” The conference is Saturday, October 8th in Lewisville, Texas. Don’t miss out on a day of being saturated spiritually in the presence of God. https://levelupdallas2022.eventbrite.com

What We Should All Remember by Lisa Burkhardt Worley

October 1, 2022 1 comment Article

I love sharing our POP Talk media interviews with people, especially if they will encourage, teach, or help grow them spiritually. However, there are some topics that I am more excited about than others.

A couple of weeks ago, I was scheduled to interview Dr. Bradley Truman Noel who wrote a book called Tinder, Tattoos and Tequila: Navigating the Gray Areas of Faith. I loved this topic, perhaps more than any we had ever tackled, and thought it would enlighten many people about Christian living.

However, when it was time for the interview, Dr. Noel was a no-show. I was perplexed because he had approved the script. That created a sense of confidence he would be ready. I waited for a while, then emailed him and after no reply, called his publicist. He was a college professor and pastor, so if there had been some school or church emergency, I asked his publicist if we could come up with a time to reschedule the interview.

On the Monday after the interview date, Dr. Noel’s publicist called. “Lisa, you are one of the first we’ve called. I wanted to let you know that Dr. Noel’s wife just phoned. The reason he was not on the interview Friday is because his family was burying him. He died in a motorcycle accident.” I was in shock, and even though I did not know this man personally, I began to pray for the family—as well as reflect.

I was reminded that we don’t know what day will be our last, something we should all remember, so that is why we need to make the most of every second. Love family members. Tell your friends you care about them, and serve the LORD with fervor. We should hold onto our lives loosely and remember what James said, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:14–15, NIV).

I’ve thrown many scripts away after completing an interview, but when I discarded this one, it was different because there was a strange finality about it. I knew the interview had not happened—and would never happen. However, we can all honor this man who approached a difficult subject about the gray areas of faith. Dr. Bradley Truman Noel’s book is on Amazon. Let’s support him and his family by purchasing his work. https://www.amazon.com/Tinder-Tattoos-Tequila-Navigating-Areas/dp/1641238305

Rest in peace, man of God.

One way you can wisely use the time you’ve been given is to attend our annual Level-Up Women’s Conference this Saturday, October 8^th at Northview Baptist Church. We will be leveling-up our faith, leveling-up our future, and leveling-down our fears. Come get your spiritual booster shot, as well as be a part of some amazing giveaways. We would love to see you. Register today at: https://levelupdallas2022.eventbrite.com.

Dreams and Visions by Mayada Naami

September 27, 2022 No comments Article

For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds, then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings, that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man; he keeps back his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword.

(Job 33:14-18, NIV)

The Bible says when we enter a deep sleep- REM sleep (where dreams occur) we can hear from God and, where the Holy Spirit can give us a vision or connect with us. In the Bible many times the Spirit would come to someone in a dream. He is not silent when we stay in the Word, when we meditate day and night, He speaks to us through dreams and visions. The pastor at my church just finished a series called “Dream to Destiny” and he says, if you receive a dream from God, until the time that dream comes to pass, the Word is going to test you.

“Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these: “As Your Majesty was lying there, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen. As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else alive, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.“ (Daniel 2: 27-30, NIV)

In 2011, the year I was reborn in Christ, I woke up one night with a vision of a snake swishing around my bed. I remember feeling as if my tongue was swollen and I could not speak. After several attempts at speaking, I finally was able to say one Word, Jesus and everything became quiet and still. I knew it was a paranormal experience and now I realize it was the enemy trying to silence me with fear. In Ephesians 6:12, we are told,” For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” I truly believe that was my first experience with the spiritual forces of evil. That was when I began my “Dream to Destiny” journey.

Since then, I have published two books, started blogging, and am blessed to co-host POP Talk, Pearls of Promise Ministries’ talk show that is televised on 12 Television networks. I will be sharing my testimony at the 7^th Annual Level Up Conference on Saturday, October 8^th at Northview Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. Our Keynote speaker is Dr. Barbie Breathitt. Dr. Barbie is an ordained minister who is an experienced revelatory teacher of the supernatural manifestations of God. She is a published best-selling author, prophetic life coach, master dream analyst and healing minister. Join today on Eventbrite, copy and paste URL below into your browser:

https://levelupdallas2022.eventbrite.com

Trust the Voice by Lisa Burkhardt Worley

September 24, 2022 No comments Article

Every time we plan a Level-Up Women’s Conference it is a walk of faith from start to finish. Every year, about eight weeks, out I say the same thing to my husband, “I’m not going to do this next year!” I try not to be stressed about the event, but there are a number of moving parts, and they swirl in my head so much I find myself dizzy at times.

We rely on God to lead us in all aspects of the event. He shows us the Level-Up initiatives. This year we are leveling-up faith, leveling-up our future, and leveling-down our fears. He points out speakers like Dr. Barbie Breathitt, Kim Crabill, Destiny Yarbrough, Taylor L. Cole, Judith Cruz, Starlet Bell. He shows me worship leaders like Renee Rollins and Katherine Legg and puts together our Pearls of Promise team: Aurora, Rosemary, Mayada and myself. He also provides the venue. Our wonderful friends at Northview Baptist Church are hosting us again on October 8^th. We appreciate Women’s Ministry Leader, Andrea Gibson, for believing in Pearls of Promise.

However there is one area of the planning that I find the most difficult—drawing women to the conference. It’s always a highly anointed, outstanding event. The people who attend are blessed, but while you can express those facts in marketing, you can’t force people to attend.

I always ask God how many attendee folders and giveaways to buy for the event. Last year, he told me 60, even though we did not have anywhere near 60 signed up. I bought 60 folders and exactly 60 ended up coming.

This year, I asked, “How many folders should I buy?” The Holy Spirit said, “eighty.” Eighty?

At that time we didn’t even have half that amount registered. However, I’ve learned to trust the voice. I bought 100 folders. They came 25 in a pack. I was tempted to purchase 75, but God said 80, so I purchased the extra folders and had 20 left over. I bought 80 giveaways and told speakers to send me 80 marketing cards for the folders. People ask me how many are attending and I say, “I expect 80.” When asked that question weeks ago, it did not look like anywhere near 80.

However, God is blessing this faith walk and my obedience to trust His voice. As of today, we are at about 70 women registered, and there are many who are promising to sign up. I am confident 80 women will attend Level-Up this year, and who knows, maybe God will bring us a few more.

We have to trust the voice.

Mark 4:24 says, “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.” Mark is saying when we feel like we are hearing the voice of God, we need to act on what we heard even if it seems like an impossibility at the time. God has a better vantage point than we do and can see what’s coming. Isn’t it nice to have Him in the lead?

How would you like to be a part of our 80? It’s not too late to register for the Level-Up Women’s Conference on October 8th at Northview Baptist Church. Just copy and paste the Eventbrite URL below into your browser. We are still offering $10 off our ticket, “LevelUp10″making the cost only $39, which includes lunch! https://levelupdallas2022.eventbrite.com

Test for Truth by Mayada Naami

September 20, 2022 No comments Article

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

(Romans 8:9-11, ESV)

They say the eyes are the window of the soul. Look in someone’s eyes and you will see the Spirit of Truth (if it dwells in them). In Matthew 6:22-23 Jesus says, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” When you see the world through God’s eyes, your whole body will be full of light, and darkness will flee.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

(1 John 4:1, NIV)

I have been testing the spirits since I was a child. I remember wondering why certain people wouldn’t look into my eyes or turned away from me when I smiled at them. The more I read Scripture and spend time in the Word I realize “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). “Heavenly places” is used several times in the book of Ephesians and is translated from the Greek word epouranios, meaning “the sphere of spiritual activities.”

I believe we are spiritual beings at war; those walking with Christ are shining His Light, and those who are not are full of darkness. In Corinthians 6:14, the Bible says, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” Jesus is the Light of the world, what fellowship has Jesus with Satan? Absolutely none. Even when Jesus was tested in the wilderness for forty days by the devil, He answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Jesus was tested by Satan and passed the test, the good news is that by His Grace, we can take the test over and over again until we pass.

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”

(2 Corinthians 13:5, NIV)