Understanding My Spiritual Armor

Understanding the spiritual armor is a must for every believer. Learning the art of your spiritual weaponries and knowing how to use them when your path becomes vague and formless, unclear and ambiguous, will carry you through any crisis in life. From rejection, to betrayals, from abuse, to rape and fear, suicide, an...d abandonment, I found the formula to overcoming life's challenges by mastering and understanding my armor. Your spiritual armor is God's gift to you for fighting the GOOD fight of FAITH.

We are to walk the path the Father has designed for us with confidence, courage, and compassion. There is unequivocally nothing or no one that can stop you or the work of God in you, unless you give them permission. Don’t you know that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent? Knowing who you are and to whom you belong to is a central element to fulfilling one’s destiny.

When facing life's challenges, you must know when to take off your stilettos and know when to put on your combat boots. As you tread through the isms and schisms of life, you will find that the greaves that shield your feet will protect and keep you from becoming weak and impaired. God’s promises that His prevailing peace will empower you to maintain an inexorable march despite the enemies attempt to take you down; for HE IS the glory and lifter of your head.

Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. So autograph your work with excellence. Do what you are called to do, beloved, and do it well. Do it in the power and strength of the Lord; for surely, the Lord will break asunder all plans and wicked devises.

If you are facing the turbulent storms and trials of life, it is helpful to often remember that the Lord of Hosts goes before you. So when you are tested, take courage, and in adversity, don’t flinch. For God has proven to be mighty in battle, faithful, and true. Shall He not rescue, deliver, and honor those who know and call upon His name? Be at peace, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.

In His Image,

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

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The Task of the Leader is to Get His People from Where They Are to Where They Have Not Been

You’re not where you want to be but you’re not where you used to be, now that’s what you call PROGRESS. Shepherding or leading people is not a simple task as some suppose. Only those who are sent by God to fulfill the office of a pastor understand its heavy mandate. The countless late nights or early morning intercession for God’s guidance and direction while everyone sleeps, the constant interruption of telephone calls while you’re trying to have a romantic date with your spouse, the bickering of the people, and the never-ending criticism and table talk discussion of what you did or didn’t do are just a few to mention of what a leader has to endure.

Pastoring or leading people has its many challenges, and it’s an office that one must definitely be called to walk in. I heard someone once refer that Moses leading the Israelites was like herding cats. With all the drama that took place in his day, much has not changed in the 21st century.

The joke that Moses lost in the desert for 40 years but got everyone there eventually or if he had just asked Miriam for directions they would have arrived sooner has had its share of laughs. But the reality of that story in the book of Genesis and how it applies to us today is much deeper than a barrel of laughter. For in this particular story, it teaches us about the grave consequences that murmuring, complaining, and division can bring upon us.

A lesson repeated is a lesson not learned, but if you want to keep going around in circles, keep on complaining. You’ll soon find out, just like the Israelites did, but hopefully, not after 40 years; for it was not Moses but the people’s dissention and rebellion that kept them stuck in the wilderness.

Over the years, I have had leaders who patiently waited for me to mature, and I thank God they did. They loved me in my mess and my distress unconditionally. I probably would have walked out on me a long time ago, but they saw something in me, something through the eyes of faith and God’s love that just would not let me believe anything less than what the Father thought of me. Today, I thank my leaders who patiently showed me how to enter into the palace.

That is the mark of a good leader, the ability to wait while others grow. They suffer along with you while you talk about them, criticize them, hate them, mock them, and even try to belittle and overthrow them. Yet, they patiently wait for you to mature regardless of what you think or how you feel about them. They do what they do because they are CALLED to do what they do. In turn, the Lord blesses them with wisdom, unfolds His strategy and plan, and allows them to have those "meet with God intimate mountain top experiences" while gracing them with patience, love, LONGSUFFERING, and compassion for ALL people.

Although the cat-fights, whining, and tantrums that can take place is unbelievable, it is only because of God’s grace that you’ll find a good leader will outlive any adversity. Shepherds aren't a 24, 711 drive through with a mat that reads "Welcome, wipe your feet on me". But you'll find that many people will treat their leaders just that way.

If a man cannot be a Christian in the place he is, he cannot be a Christian anywhere. Whether you are a leader in the corporate world or a spiritual leader in ministry, even though people can behave so poorly, the fortitude that we have is not our own. Just like God told Moses and Joshua that He would be with them, so He will be with everyone who places his trust and total reliance in Him.

Tilt your hearts toward the SON!

In His Image,

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

LinkedIn: @nardagoodson

Wishbone or Backbone

How many times have you come across the bullies of life? Well, Joshua knew exactly what it felt to have to deal with such an annoying ogre. While giants were in the land scoffing, mocking, and parading with threatening insults, he learned to place his reliance and hope in God. His unwavering faith against the sadistic threats of the enemy caused him to hear the strategy and plan of God, which plunged him straight into victory and entering the Promised Land.

If you are facing giants like Joshua, though learning to stand still can prove to be a test, it is essential for receiving the heavenly mandate from God. Sometimes an eye for an eye or a foot for a foot sounds a lot simpler but it is only the enemy’s attempt to side track you and take you off course.

When things go wrong, don’t go wrong with them. Stand your ground and be encouraged, for God said he will bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you.

Many a good man has failed because he had his wishbone where his backbone should have been.

Read Joshua 1:9

Tilt your hearts toward the Son!

In His Image

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

LinkedIn: @nardagoodson

The Journey

Life can bring with it discouraging winds that oftentimes can leave one drifting on the sea of despondency for extended periods. The rut of the dry places encountered in the course of one’s journey may lead one to a dead-end with feelings of hopelessness and a lost disposition. But not all dry places in life are the result of being lost. Sometimes God uses dry places as a forum for preparation.

In Exodus 3:8, when God met Moses at the burning bush, He told him that He was going to deliver His people from bondage and into a land flowing with "milk and honey”. Yet, Scripture discloses that when God delivered them, He led them directly into a "wilderness” where they spent the next 40 years.

Their wilderness experience had a purpose because the Bible tells us that there was a shorter route available that they could have taken and avoided the wilderness altogether (Exodus 13:17). But God told Moses, “I Am Who I Am”. This personal name of God means the God who is actively present with His people.

Trust and submission to God’s direction is the stepping stone that will bring you into your next level. Life is like a grindstone and whether it polishes you up or grinds you down depends on what you are made of.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a hope and a future”. Whenever God leads you somewhere, He has a purpose and a predestined place for you, even if the route is a long dry one.

Tilt your hearts toward the Son!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

LinkedIn: @nardagoodson

Daily Pursuit

I would like to continue from last week’s thoughts on becoming the woman God wants me to be.

The pressure of everyday living can prove to be exhausting. If you are a woman, wife, or mother, you know the on-going demands that come with these responsibilities. The distractions that come as part of the package and the constant giving and pouring out to others but never enough time for “me” can all lead one to a place of weariness. At the end of the day, you are simply drained and the result is the thoughts of another day to try again.

Aspiring to become the Proverbs 31 woman is a daily pursuit of following God’s designed plan. But how can I fulfill my obligations with balance? How do I accomplish my daily goals with success while pursuing the plan of God for my personal growth? Where do I begin?

Everything has a beginning, so I have found that seeking God early in the morning, just before the break of day and before the house wakes up, is a good starting point. While I am still enough in His presence, the spontaneous flow of the Father’s thoughts begins to streamline into my heart showing and mapping out my success for the day.

It is like my spiritual tank is refueled and my corroded oil has been changed. My new wheels are spinning and ready to roll as my soul experiences a refreshing, restoring, and renewing. But missing these precious moments, I must admit, is like buttoning a shirt and realizing they were buttoned incorrectly, then undoing the whole thing and having to start all over . . . what a drag that can be.

It is when I prioritize and place God first that I find my days are a huge success and I am not emotionally, physically, and spiritually drained. God’s substance is enough to keep you. Allow Him to refuel you before the start of each new day, and as you are found in hot pursuit of God’s presence, may all your godly dreams and aspirations come true.

Tilt your hearts toward the Son!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

LinkedIn: @nardagoodson

Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be ~ Part 1

Becoming the woman God wants me to be is more than just wishful thinking. It is an endless pursuit with daily longings to be just like Him. But with all the opposition and distraction one can face on a daily basis, becoming this woman has proven to be a lot easier said than done.

It takes perseverance, determination, and a fixed mind regardless of the falls and bruises along the way. It takes a “getting up attitude” even if it is your hundredth time and starting all over. It is looking at a scoffing, ridiculing world in the eye and declaring, “I am not genetically disposed to”, naming whatever your struggle is, “because the Greater One that resides in me will not give up on me”. It is having faith to see and going beyond what your natural eyes can see. It is daily falling at the feet of Jesus and surrendering all to the One who holds the blueprints of life in His hands.

At the end, you will find that all your troubles, all your obstacles, all the trials and storms of life you faced were merely classroom tools the Father used to prepare, sharpen, and equip you for a greater cause. So when the storms of life surmount, remember that God is working everything out, the good, the bad, and the ugly, ultimately for your benefit.

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31

Tilt your hearts toward the Son!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

LinkedIn: @nardagoodson

Suck It Up!

I am amazed that after a good downpour, gardens have a natural ability to suck it up. . .that is the excess water that has fallen. After the downpour, a garden usually looks muddy and messy; a typical result from the effects of a storm.

Although the excess invasion of water appears to be harmful at first, it is actually helping the garden flourish. You see, the excess water seeps into inconspicuous crevices that often materialize when the soil has become hard and dry. Once it enters, it dampens and moisturizes the deep, dry, and unseen dingy places.

We will sometimes experience the downpours of life. At times, it may feel like the water will overflow us, but if we allow the excess watering of God's Word to flood our lives, then we too, like the garden will experience a refreshing that will revive, rejuvenate, and revitalize the deep places of our thirsty souls.

Does your life have the ability to "suck it up"? Allow the rain in your life to eliminate, eradicate, and exterminate the dry and hard elements that cause infertility and unfruitfulness. When you "suck it up", you will begin to encounter a refreshing, restoring, and renewing that will transform your muddled garden into an amazing terrain.

Tilt your heart towards the SON!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

LinkedIn: @nardagoodson

To FORGIVE is to Set a Prisoner FREE and Discover the Prisoner Was YOU

There is something about the power of forgiveness. Forgiveness is the act of pardoning somebody for a mistake or wrongdoing. It is showing mercy, leniency, and clemency.

Jesus found it important to address the topic of forgiveness. He said, “For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14,15 AMP).

Why is forgiveness so hard to express? This is very difficult for many people because it hurts when you have been wronged or betrayed by others especially those you have loved. But if we are to mirror our Father’s heart then forgiveness and mercy is to be a part of our character. Although there is no way around it, I cannot say that I have always found it easy to forgive.

There were times in my life when I thought I forgave someone for his wrongdoings only to find the Holy Spirit reveal that I hadn’t. I had buried deep within my heart RESENTMENT.

Resentment is an ill, angered, and bitter feeling caused by a sense of having been badly treated. If you have any of these symptoms, then you are in the stage of resentment. Let’s call it what it truly is.

What helped me during my process what the fact that the Father has forgiven me for all my mistakes and wrongdoings. When I think of the mercy He extends to me, it humbles me rather quickly to think who am I that I shouldn’t forgive others either.

God still loves you even though you are experiencing resentment and wants to help you with the process of letting go and giving it up. Sometimes the letting go is not instantaneous but if you reach out to Him during the times you feel angered and ill, He will help you. He will place a love and compassion to replace the cold and bitter feelings for that individual.

But you must not live in denial. When those feelings surface, be truthful to yourself and with God. Let Him know how you are really feeling and then ask Him to remove it.

Tilt your heart towards the SON!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

LinkedIn: @nardagoodson

Rainy Seasons Should Give Birth to Fruitfulness

April showers bring May flowers . . . This may be an old saying, but when we really think about it, there is so much truth behind it.  The book of Ecclessiates tells us that to everything there is a season.

The showers in our lives serves two purposes - to uproot and wash away the debris that has infested and invaded our lives but then to prepare and make pliable our stony hearts so that new growth can take place.

But to wish away our rainy seasons would be like never bathing.  So allow the rain in your life to wash the hurts and ills of your past, and then permit the power of God to sow in you the Seeds of Life.  When the rain is over, you will begin to see your garden blossoming with buds of dreams, hope, and faith.

Tilt your heart towards the SON!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

LinkedIn: @nardagoodson