BLOG PARTY -- CELEBRATING 2

Thank God! Call out his Name! Tell the whole world who he is and what he's done! Sing to him! Play songs for him! Broadcast all his wonders! Revel in his holy Name, God-seekers, be jubilant! Study God and his strength, seek his presence day and night; Remember all the wonders he performed, the miracles and judgments that came out of his mouth. Seed of Israel his servant! Children of Jacob, his first choice! (1 Chronicles 16:8-13, MSG).

From Hell to Win is celebrating 2 today!

Dear God:

Today marks a second year of celebrating You through blogging. In a posture of prayer and a heart consumed with thanksgiving, I broadcast my love for You. You are praiseworthy and I thank You for the mobility of my hands to compose inspiring messages of hope, praise, and triumph.

You have blessed me with a ministry to tell the whole wide world about You and Your awesome works. (1 Chronicles 16:8, MSG). Leading up to today, You allowed me to share what it means to live by and follow the Spirit--I ask that You continue to use me to express the benefits of having an intimate relationship with You. (Galatians 5:25, HCSB).

LORD, I extend appreciation to all From Hell to Win readers. I love them more! Because they are dear to me, I not only share Your Gospel, I share my life. (1 Thessalonians 2:8, NIV). For two years I've revealed my hells and wins, praying that my testimony would glorify You and offer encouragement to every reader. I intercede for current (and future) readers, asking that they:

• remember Your promises when life is challenging;
• declare life is good as they recall Your deeds; and
• believe the words of Jesus Christ: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10, KJV).

LORD, I thank You for the growth and development of From Hell to Win. In particular, I delight in featuring Vehicles of Compassion. All these people live(d) by faith and I hope their testimonials influence others to become Vehicles of Compassion. (Hebrews 11:13, NIV).

LORD, You are my first choice and You are the Life of my blog party! I sing jubilant songs to You. In the days ahead, it is my desire that the prayers I post on From Hell to Win will continue to exalt You.

In the celebratory name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Thank you for attending From Hell to Win's blog party!

Peace & Love You More...Malkia

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: SELF-CONTROL

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7, AMP).

Living God: Giver of Life, thank You for breathing me into existence. (Genesis 2:7, NIV). I kneel before Your throne in worship, extending my gratitude for being with me from my Hell to my Win. In jubilant song, I praise You for being my everything!

When I think about the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness, I must glorify You. (Galatians 5:22-23, HCSB).

I am a living, breathing witness, that following the Spirit of self-control has kept me from experiencing a multitude of emotional outbursts. However, I confess that I sometimes suffer from conniptions. Fortunately, my emotional outbursts have been restricted--within the confines of my home, car, and in the company of my closest (empathizing, understanding) friends, I cuss like I'm unconverted.

I admit that I need Your help in being more self-controlled. With my tongue I praise You, and with it I curse people, who have been made in Your likeness--I know this should not be. (James 4:9, 10, NIV). Purify my heart, O God, and assist me in following the Spirit of self-control more closely.

Continue to mature me, LORD; may I be more devoted to following the Spirit of self-control.

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: GENTLENESS

We are to be gentle (reasonable, fair minded, and charitable) to those outside the church, and not just to fellow believers. This means we are not to seek revenge against those who treat us unfairly, nor are we to be overly vocal about our personal rights. (Philippians 4:5, NIV Application Notes).

Living God: I thank You for being everywhere. I worship You because You are within my reach--it's remarkable that I can extend my hand and in return You touch me with gentleness. You're so wonderful!

I want to learn more about gentleness, O LORD. Help me to control my thought-life and harness my tongue so my "gentleness is evident to all." (Philippians 4:5, NIV). Engrave Your words of forgiveness upon my heart so my freedom is evident to all. Restrict my pride and help me practice humility.

Since I live by the Spirit, I realize I must also follow the Spirt of gentleness. (Galatians 5: 25, HCSB). As much as I try to be a Vehicle of Compassion, I confess that my thoughts, actions and words aren't always sweet, sometimes they're downright sour. Teach me how to interact with all people reasonably, justly, and graciously. (Philippians 4:5, NIV Application Notes).

I rejoice and extend my gratitude for sending me a gentle King--righteous and having salvation. (Zechariah 9:9, NIV). Let me follow His example, let me follow the Spirit.

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: FAITH

And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God [constantly]. Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings. (Mark 11:22-26, AMP).

Living God: You are my Endless Love and I thank You for embracing me with Your tenderness! I bow down in worship, acknowledging Your sovereignty. Heavenly Father, I celebrate You!

Grow my faith in You, O LORD, that it may be endless. Like Joseph, let me believe You "will surely come to" my aid and take me to my promised land. (Genesis 50:24, NIV). Like Hannah, let me continue to worship and praise You for honoring my requests. (1 Samuel 1:19; 1 Samuel 2:1-10). Like Stephen, let me be "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit," and have a willingness to forgive those who oppose me. (Acts 6:5; 7:60, NIV).

I want to trust You more, O LORD! I confess that doubt hinders my reliance on You. I confess that I hold grudges from past hurts, imagine how I'd retaliate, and totally blank out on the fact that it's Your role to avenge. (Hebrews 10:30, NIV).

Coach me, O LORD, to follow the Spirit. Train me, O LORD--let my faith be fit to believe that nothing is impossible with You! (Luke 1:37, NIV).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: GOODNESS

Moses said, "Please. Let me see your Glory." God said, "I will make my Goodness pass right in front of you; I'll call out the name, God, right before you. I'll treat well whomever I want to treat well and I'll be kind to whomever I want to be kind." (Exodus 33:18-19, MSG).

I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God. (Psalm 27:13-14, MSG).

Living God: I approach Your throne this evening in reverence, bowing down to thank You for being my Creator. "I am so happy that" You "planned for me to be born in this galaxy, in this universe, on this planet." (Witnessing journal entry of Geralyne M. Holt). I rejoice in Your presence!

I treasure our intimate relationship--to know that You're pleased with me and know me by name is quite an honor. (Exodus 33:17, NIV). To hear You declare that your Goodness will pass right before me is music to my ears. (Exodus 33:19, MSG).

LORD, thanks for being attentive to all of my requests. As I decompress and reflect upon the day's events, I must tell You how grateful I am to experience Your goodness in the land of the living. You treat me well and kind--You give me star treatment.

I confess that I do get discouraged--I don't always possess confident vision and there are times when I want to quit. (Psalm 27:13-14, MSG). Increase my faith, O LORD, and decrease my fears.

I'm fully committed to stay with You! (Psalm 27:14, MSG). I will follow the Spirit of goodness!

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: KINDNESS

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. (Isaiah 63:7, NIV).

Living God: Thank you for being awake and attentive, to hear our song of adoration. You are amazing, O LORD, and we praise You for being kind to Your people.

In our daily living, keep us mindful of the kind things You have done. As we go about our day, let us exhibit kindness to others--greeting them with joyous smiles. Give us opportunities to tell of Your kindnesses to people that need to hear an encouraging, hospitable word.

Purify our hearts, O God--remove anything that is not demonstrative of Your loving-kindness. Forgive us for the times we've been unkind, mean-spirited and vengeful. Help us to adhere to the command given in Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

We lift our hands in worship and lift our eyes to Heaven to say "Thank You" for being affectionate, benevolent, gracious, and understanding. Keep us faithful in following the Spirit.

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: PATIENCE

Don’t forget all the hard times you went through when you first received the light. Sometimes you were abused and mistreated in public, and at other times you shared in the sufferings of others. You were kind to people in jail. And you gladly let your possessions be taken away, because you knew you had something better, something that would last forever. Keep on being brave! It will bring you great rewards. Learn to be patient, so that you will please God and be given what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:32-37, CEV).

Living God: I bow down in reverence because You are majestic. Serving You is an honor and I want to thank You for entrusting me to do good works here on Earth. My ever-present God--I love You more each day!

When I think about the times I could've lost all of my marbles, it was your Spirit of patience that maintained my composure. Memory won't let me forget life's challenges--I've experienced abuse and mistreatment, and I've "shared in the sufferings of others." (Hebrews 10:33, CEV). Yet, because of the relationship I have with You, I am sane and more than satisfied.

Forgive me for being impatient. For You know what irks me, and my (body) language sometimes reflects intolerance.

Teach me to be patient, O LORD. I long to please You and I have a willingness to follow the Spirit, so I may obtain Your promises. (Hebrews 10:36, CEV). Anoint me with an attitude of bravery as I navigate the journey You've set forth.

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: PEACE

"I was pouring out my soul to the LORD." .... Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." (1 Samuel 1:15, 17, NIV).

Living God: On bended knee, I sing Your praises. I welcome Your presence and give thanks because Your peace resides with me. Attune my ears to the calm You bring when You enter the atmosphere. In adoration, I lift my hands in worship and pour out my soul to You, O LORD. (1 Samuel 1:15, NIV).

Master, I come interceding for the world today, asking:

• that trouble be replaced by tranquility;
• that stress be replaced by serenity;
• that rage be replaced by rest;
• that hatred be replaced by harmony;
• that fighting be replaced by forgiveness.

In stillness, we know that You are God. (Psalm 46:10, NIV). However, life is challenging when deafening sounds fill our surroundings. Forgive us for the times we've been fearful and fickle, not recalling that Jesus rebukes the wind and says to the sea: "Peace, be still!" (Mark 4:39-40, NKJV).

Increase our faith to truly believe that life is good and You, O God, will grant what we've asked of You.

Let us follow the Spirit and continue to tell the world that life is abundant because Jesus is the giver of peace. (John 14:27, NIV).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: JOY

He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.” (Matthew 28:6-10, HCSB).

Living God: I praise You for being three-dimensional--Father, Son & Spirit! I bow down in worship because You are alive. I extend my thanks to You because You are a  Promise-Keeper. With abundant joy, I exalt You.

As I reflect on Matthew 28 verses 6 through 10, it is an honor to be greeted by the Son. As challenging as life gets, I can be certain that joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5, KJV). LORD, keep me mindful at all times that You gifted a Savior to me with resurrection power. Ready my feet to run and tell the good news about Jesus Christ, "the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16, KJV).

Increase my faith, that it may be unwavering. Forgive me for the times I've been hesitant and fearful to follow Your instructions. Give me the determination to follow the Spirit, so I may share the joy of having a relationship with You.

Enhance my vision to see Jesus today and enable my voice to say: "in Your presence is fullness of joy." (Psalm 16:11, AMP).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: LOVE

Jesus answered, The first and principal one of all commands is: Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord; And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:29-31, AMP).

Living God: I lift my hands in praise and worship because You are real. I enter Your presence with a heart filled with thanksgiving because Your love for me is so abundant that I am not consumed. (Lamentations 3:22, NIV).

LORD, please forgive me of my sins--for I have said, done, and thought things that are not representative of Your love. It is my desire to show and tell how much I love You, so please purify my heart, remove hateful thoughts from my mind, change my life that I may imitate Christ, and empower me to love You more and extend love to others.

I ask that your Holy Spirit fall upon me now, that I may go forward in faith, demonstrating how much I love You with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength. (Mark 12:30, AMP). Let me follow Your command and practice bearing the fruit of Love--may my life be pleasing to You, and use me, O LORD, to encourage others to live by the Spirit and follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25, HCSB).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

VEHICLE OF COMPASSION -- August 2012

When the author of Psalm 91 wrote verses eleven and twelve, they must have had this month's Vehicle of Compassion in mind.

For He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways. They will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

(Psalm 91:11-12, HCSB).

Thanksgiving flows from my heart and I'm compelled to give the highest form of praise to the LORD for assigning this angel to me!

Geraldyne M. Holt (affectionately called Aunt Gerl)--a dear friend, extraordinary woman of faith, and my inspiration--was my Earth Angel and now holds the title of Heavenly Angel.

This month's feature is quite different from the others because I wasn't physically able to interview Aunt Gerl. However, Aunt Gerl's hands have always been instruments of praise & teaching. So, it is through the correspondence we exchanged and the handwritten journal she gifted to me, that I'm able to introduce you to her. (http://www.fromhelltowin.com/p/vehicles-of-compassion.html).

It is my hope that you will be blessed to learn about the faith walk of one of the LORD's most beloved angels.

Peace & Love You More...Malkia