Don't be afraid to ask your Father...

One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:6 which states, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." AMP

I believe this passage is one of my favorites because it gives insight into a deeper knowledge that God really does care about what we desire or need. We often think that God is too big to care about our small problems or it makes us seem less humble to ask God for something. We couldn't be further from the truth!

Jesus himself said in Matthew 7:11, "If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give good and advantageous things to those who keep on asking Him!" AMP 

Need more scriptures to get this firmly rooted in your soul? Let's look at Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?" AMP

The first part of Philippians 4:6 says, "...do not worry...". That's a big one for most believers because we haven't cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). We feel we have to work it out in our minds and then pray about our problems to God instead of telling our problems about God and resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ. It sounds easier than it is to do but we HAVE to stop worrying.

The second portion of the Scripture compels us to "petition" God for what we desire. Let me state this first: God is all seeing and all knowing. He knows what you need before you even position yourself to ask for it (Matt. 6:8). But it shows a great act of faith and humility on our part to ask God for what we need instead of trying to figure out a solution on our own. God our Father can provide for us infinitely better than we can provide for ourselves.

The third point made in Philippians 4:6 tells us to give thanks while we are praying. It may not seem technically correct to thank someone for something that isn't in your possession yet. However, if you fully understand that we as believers in Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection are joint heirs with Christ, we know without a doubt that we have been blessed with everything we will ever need in this life (2 Peter 1:3 AMP).  

Which leads me to my final thought, we should continually make our requests known to God. Let me clarify, we repeatedly pray not because He didn't hear us the first time or because we're doubting He has done what we've asked for, but because it is through constant communication (prayer) that we obtain knowledge of him. Which in turn leads to our needs being met. Need further explanation? Read 2 Peter 1:3 backwards.  "Through the knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence, His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that is suited to life and godliness." (emphasis mine) 

Here's the formula: Don't worry about your situation; pray about your situation; give thanks to God before your situation is fully resolved; and finally, have constant communication with your Father.

Cleansing Cocktail Recipe

The Cleansing Cocktail is a fresh  vegetable juice that is full of vitamins and minerals. It will assist in cleaning out your liver, blood, and colon AND it tastes great! Drink this juice at least once a week and you'll definitely feel the benefits.

Note - The full affects of drinking vegetable and fruit juices does not come automatically. Obviously, you can not pile junk food on top of juices and expect to reap the benefits. Eat healthy and exercise regularly to get maximum results.

1/2 Beet
1 Carrot
1/2 Apple
1 tbsp Ginger

Juice all ingredients in a juicer and enjoy! If you only have a blender, chop all ingredients and add 1/2 cup of water to prevent it from being too think. Consume within 30 minutes of juicing for maximum nutrient absorption.

What does the bible say about long life?

It is my desire to live a long, happy, healthy life so that I may fulfill the work of the Kingdom. Many people believe that long life (80+ years) isn't for everyone. I firmly believe that a long life is God's best for all Christians. I do recognize that there are cases of untimely death but I do not believe that it is God's doing.

For example, we live in a fallen world where demonic forces are at work which can contribute to an early demise (1 Peter 5:8). Is it God's fault when someone willingly yields to evil and commits a murder? Absolutely not!
We also live in a world of natural laws which God placed here on earth during creation. For example, someone can't jump out of an airplane with no parachute, fall to their death, and the family blame God because he didn't suspend the law of gravity.
We have a lot to do with how long we live and the quality of life in which we live. It is not God's fault if someone eats a slab of bacon and dozen eggs for breakfast everyday, gaines excessive amounts of weight, never exercises, and dies from a heart attack. We do have a responsibility to keep up with the precious temple God has given us.

And then there are cases where it seems we have no answers to why believers die early...especially in the case of young children. Still the Scriptures are full of texts that point to God wanting his children to live, not only a long life, but a full life.

We've compiled a list of scriptures that support the idea that longevity can be obtained by every believer.

“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days …” Deuteronomy 30:19
 
“For by Me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.” Proverbs 9:11

“You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.” Deuteronomy 5:33

“My son, do not forget My law, but let your heart keep My commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” Proverbs 3:1

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:21

Healing Ministries we follow...and so should you!

Spreading the word that "God wants you to prosper...mind and body" is a message that we aim to share with the world. TotalLifeProsperity.org is one small ministry which is why we support other ministries that have an establised global reach and possess a similar mission. The ministries that are listed below teach the Word as it relates to healing, salvation, and deliverance. We watch them on television, read their books, listen to their podcasts, and sow into their ministries. Our family has been extremely blessed because we constantly take in the Word of God. We pray that they'll have an impact on you and your family's lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (AMP)

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.

Andrew Wommack - www.awmi.net
Creflo Dollar - www.worldchangers.org
Bill Winston - www.billwinston.org
Marilyn Hickey - www.marilynandsarah.org
Kenneth & Gloria Copleand - www.kcm.org

Going Green! Homemade Laundry Detergent

We, as a society, are becoming increasingly aware of the household toxins that plague our homes. Toxins can pose a wide range of negative affects to our bodies some of which are suppressed immune systems, nausea or cancer. We firmly believe that it is imperative for the believer to take authority over all sicknesses and attacks but we have to do our due diligence. TotalLifeProsperity.org has made a shift, as of February of this year, to become more Green. This is no fad for us, it is a way of life. 

The first article in a new series called Going Green is making your own laundry detergent. Commercially produced laundry detergent can obtain many toxins, preservatives, and skin irritants. Not to mention...they are EXPENSIVE! Follow this super easy recipe to make your own laundry detergent. 

Note - I bought all items for less than $15 at Walmart and I project that it'll last me all year. Your costs may vary slightly depending on your location and size of family/usage. 

Items needed:

2/3 bar of soap (Fels Naptha or Ivory-for those with sensitive skin)

1 cup Arm & Hammer washing soda (not baking soda)

1 cup Borax powder
5 gallon bucket with lid
NOTE: All ingredients can be found in the laundry aisle of any supermarket.

Directions:
Place twelve cups of water in a large sauce pan. Turn the heat on the sauce pan to medium heat. Grate the bar soap, add to the warm water, stir until the bar soap is completely dissolved. Pour in the Arm & Hammer Washing Soda and the Borax powder and mix until the mixture is fully dissolved.  Remove the 'sauce' pan from the heat source. Add 3 gallons of water to the bucket and stir. After the soap settles for 24 hours, the laundry detergent may be used. Use 1/2 cup per load. The detergent may have a gelatinous consistency. Be sure to mix thoroughly after it has set. The consistency has no effect on its effectiveness.

Have any Green ideas? Email them to mytotallife@gmail.com and it may be featured in one of our articles!

Anti-Stress Confessions

It goes without saying that stress can affect you mentally and physically. With the hectic nature of most of our lives (kids, careers, etc.), controlling your stress level can become a daily battle. The Bible offers several scriptures to help you during these times. Confess these scriptures aloud whenever you are feeling overwhelmed.

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

You (God) will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You. Isaiah 26:3 emphasis mine

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7

Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear, for the battle is the Lord's and He will give unto your hand.  1 Samuel 17:47

Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His promise. Romans 8:28

But You, O Lord are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Psalm 3:3-4

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 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. Psalm 23

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

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:10-12

You are complete in Him

Today's post will be quick yet powerful. This scripture has been in my spirit and I thought I would share it with you. I pray this scripture will empower, enlighten and strengthen you.

For in Him (Christ) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him (Christ), which is the head of all principality and power.

Colossians 2:9-10 Emphasis Mine

If at anytime you feel incomplete or hopeless, meditate on this scripture and insert 'I' where it states 'ye'. For example, "And I am complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power." This is an awesome confession! You are complete in the very One who has defeated all principalities and powers. You are an overcomer, you are a more than conquerer, you are victorious, you are COMPLETE in HIM!