The Process continued

So today as part of the continued process I have been assigned by God, My sisters in Christ has joined me in a fast.

Today I sit with the surgeon to discuss time tables, process, procedure etc.

Today I get to process this whole thing that up until now I have been treating as nothing major.

I am laughing it off.

I am telling jokes to cope.

I am keeping in good spirits.

I am thinking about it yet not thinking about it.

My husband and kids need me strong.

 

I have a good support system with my immediate family and my church.

I did not go around telling people what is going on because I am in uncharted territory in my own personal life with this.  In my profession I know what is going, it is different when the health care worker is the patient.

 

Today I sit, today i wonder, today I pray, today I fast, today I praise, even when I am informed of what is to come….

Today I ask that you pray as well, for your loved ones, for those you know, for those you don’t know,  for those undergoing their own process.

I will continue to journal my events here…. I will continue for as long as God keeps me in this process…

continued from yesterday’s post The Process

 

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The Process

It’s all a Process

Our walk, our faith & our blessings are all apart of a process unbeknown to us all.

We each have to undergo a specific process for our faith to grow, for our God to manifest in us and for our blessings to arrive.

Abraham had a process to undergo.

He needed to walk away from his family, his parents and take his wife to the journey that God had sent him. Abraham was tested. Lived long, at old age he had children….. and even then his faith was still tested …. God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac to see how much Abraham trusted in him. His faith was tested. This long ….lifelong process was meant for a greater good and purpose that God had in store for us.

Because of this process which Abraham experienced and passed, led to God’s will being done. Abraham had no idea where this process would take him, but he knew his faith in God would not lead him astray.

Jacob had a process he needed to under go in order to fulfill God’s purpose in him. Jacob negotiates his way to taking Esau’s birth right and stole his brothers blessings from his father. But he too had a process he needed to undergo. He worked 14 years under his father in-law to pay for the bride price of Rebecca….. 14 years because at the 7th year when he was supposed to be granted Rebecca he instead got Leah. Labán gave him Leah because it was not customary for the younger to marry before the older. So Jacob continued working. He wanted Rebecca. Yet Jacob also had to undergo a process too when he wrestled with God for his blessing.

Joseph had a process to undergo as well. Joseph was sold in to slavery by his older brothers. Joseph the dreamer….

After he was sold he was transported to Egypt. It was in Egypt where he found himself in an unfortunate situation, where the pharaohs wife falsely accused Joseph of trying to seduce and lay with her. Joseph was imprisoned. His ability to decipher dreams is what saved him after years of captivity. When he interpreted pharaohs dreams he was released and was highly favored among pharaoh. He interpreted pharaohs dream that God will send them 7 years of prosperity and abundance…. which in these times they will need to save and prepare for the 7 years of famine which was to come. During the 7 years of famine Joseph came face to face with his brothers. His brothers didn’t realize this was Joseph….. didn’t recognize him at all…. didn’t know if he was actually still alive …. they assumed him dead after they sold him off. At the end of this reunion Joseph was able to reconcile with his father, his siblings and his relatives…. all this was a test and a process towards God’s greater will. Joseph had no idea then, how his role in history would play for God’s will. This is all a process.

Moses has a process to undergo as well. As an infant being placed in a basket into the Nile River to be saved and adopted by pharaohs daughter…. to live in royalty as family if the royal family. Then years later it was Moses who liberated the Hebrews from Egypt. God came before Moses and guided him. God guided Moses with every step. Moses trusted God!

Jesus had a process to undergo as well.

Jesus had 3 years in his ministry to demonstrate that he is the sin of God and fulfill the promises of God. Jesus had to be sacrificed on the cross of Calvary so through him we receive Salvation. For behold the son of Man walked, breathed and lived among us.

Where am I going with all of this?

You and I have a process that we must undergo.

Our trials and tribulations are processes that God allows the enemy to test our faith. For as we learned in the story of Job, the enemy cannot do anything to you without consent from God. God allows the devil to attack but with restrictions. It is up to us to whether we cave in and suffer consequences or we fight back and not lose faith and become victorious.

A few weeks ago we were honoring our pastor with our pastors day service. The prophetic preacher who was invited to preach gave a prophesy to the youth ministry leaders. It was a glorious evening.

The following morning, during the weekly softball game, the youth pastor had a freak accident. His accident tore both ligaments from his knee sockets and he had to undergo emergency surgery.

The enemy literally tried to knock him out.

What he fails to realize is our church has a group of men, women, youth & kids who believe in God, have trust in God and will pray harder in God.

The youth pastor came out well after surgery and is currently undergoing physical therapy for the next few weeks but his faith & his wife’s faith is a testament of how we should be. Though it may be hard and we may have moments of weakness, they found strength in each other but also in our congregation whom have been by his side with each step.

A few days later one of the elders was spiritually attacked.

So the women of our church untied in a 7 day prayers and fast.

We prayed for liberation, we prayed for the spiritual bondage’s to break. We prayed for mercy, we prayed for strength for this elder, for the youth pastors, for our church, for our leadership, for each other.

On three 7th day, one of the members had a death in the family.

We all came to a conclusion that in this spiritual warfare, we riled the enemy up. He was upset, he couldn’t knock us down. We became more unified than ever. We held hands… we praised and exalted the Lords name. We will not give up no matter what comes before us.

The following day my husband who along side me are the leaders of the children’s ministry. My husband went to work on Monday, his blood pressure was high, and the doctors at his job sent him home. When he called me I told him to seek medical care, I said don’t sit on this because it can get worse. Now it wasn’t lack of faith, it was utilizing the talents that god gave certain people for healing. We prayed, he sought out care and we found out the root of his problem.

The following day on Tuesday. I woke up with pain. So I thought I could ride it out. I thought they were gas pains. I prayed, went about my morning routines and then I went to work.

As the day progressed I noticed there pains were sharper, more intense and not going anywhere. That’s when I knew this was something bigger, but definitely not gas.

I did self examinations to rule out uti or yeast infections. Then I made my way to the urgent care. At the urgent care they sent me to the imaging facility in order to do an urgent scan to see what was going on. I was dismissed and was told the doctor would call me to let me know what the results were. Before I left all I heard was it’s 8cm big. I was hoping they weren’t talking about me…. but i left and went my way to church. My husband and I had a lesson to give and i wanted to see through to it. I was still in pain and advised to take Tylenol and Motrin the ease any pain.

I get to church, I start setting up for my lesson. I leave my classes room ready to receive the children with our lesson of the day available. I walked back upstairs and went to pray again and wait for the service to begin before we are to be dismissed for our classes for the evening.

15 minutes before the start of service i get a call…the doctor said…. I need you to go to the nearest hospital and go to the emergency room…. I’m going to email you the impression and we need them to run additional tests because there is no blood flowing to your ovaries and it needs to looked into now.

I wrote down what he said on a post it from my Bible, and I started to laugh when I got off the phone. My husband asked what happened. So I told him. I went to the office in church and I printed out a few copies of my report. I texted the pastora to let her know I will be headed to the Er which is down the block from the church and I would leave my husband and kids in church so they can pursue our lesson and I will update everyone once I’m able to get more info.

I was taken in immediately.

I was quickly re tested & re assessed with a different perspective.

They explained the situation.

They were able to see the root of the problems and thank God it wasn’t as severe as the imaging place said it was but that the dangers of reoccurring where high and that surgery was needed.

They didn’t operate me because at the moment it wasn’t considered life threatening. But surgery will happen.

So I was discharged in the wee hours of the morning.

I saw my doctor who scheduled me to see a surgeon.

I will journal my journal because this process that I’m undergoing will glorify God in the end. I don’t know why he gave me this.

I don’t know why he is having me go through this.

I will not question him, they way I’ve done in the past.

I will put my faith and trust in him.

Who knows maybe my current journey will be of a blessing for someone in need.

God’s will shall be done.

I will leave you with this word:

1 Peter 5:10 ESV

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Remember trials and tribulations are meant for us to experience. Being Christians it was never stated would be an easy walk in the park. No one ever said we would not suffer. Our trials and tribulations rest our faith our love and our trust in the lord. I’m sharing what I am experiencing as I am living (plus or minus a few days) to share and possibly give someone else hope. Possibly give someone else strength. Possibly give someone else more faith. To show that you are not alone.

Father God I thank you today. I thank you for this process. I thank you for the life you have given me. I may not always understand your plans for me, but what I do understand is that your love is unfailing. What i do understand is you are with me in the midst of it all. What i do understand is that as long as I seek you, you will never abandon me. This journey has me emotionally all over the place. However in my heart and my mind it’s you that keep giving me the strength I need to remain strong. Thank you Lord. In the end of this process your name will be glorified and I will have a better understanding as to why what I am going through today was needed. I put all my faith and trust in you alone. Amen!

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 6

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 6

I’m reading the @YouVersion plan ‘Killing Kryptonite

With John Bevere’. Check it out here:http://bible.com/r/1GA

Day 6

There are three different scenarios when it comes to believers and sin.

First, there are professing believers who overlook sin because of hardened hearts. Second, there are professing Christians who believe the lie that we are all by nature sinners, that the blood of Jesus is powerful enough only to free us from the penalty of sin, but not from bondage to it. These two groups, being given to sin, are like kryptonite in the body of Christ, bringing weakness to the entire body because of their willful disobedience to Christ. 

However, there is a third group—believers who are in a struggle to get free from sin. This is the group I want to talk to today. 

The first thing I want to say is, Jesus will never stop forgiving you. He sees the torment your sin brings you every time you fall. He knows you truly want to be free. And by His grace, these words today can help you. 

I was part of this group for many years because of an addiction to pornography. I became addicted several years before coming to Christ and even after getting married and working in ministry, I could not get free. I once had one of the most well-respected ministers in America lay hands on me and pray for me to be delivered from my addiction. None of it worked. 

My freedom didn’t come until I changed my priorities. In the beginning, I wanted God to set me free because I was worried my sin would get in the way of my ministry. But then my heart shifted, and I began to focus on how my decisions were affecting my intimacy with Jesus. I started caring about how my sin affected God. 

In 2 Corinthians 7:10, Paul contrasts two kinds of sorrows—Godly sorrow that leads to salvation, and worldly sorrow that brings death. My story illustrates both of these sorrows. At first, my sorrow was worldly, worrying about what would happen to me. But later, my sorrow became godly, concerned over how my sin hurt God and others. 

Dear friend, God’s power is available to set you free from sin and give you a supernatural life. Pursue godly repentance, receive God’s forgiveness, and boldly live your new life in Christ.

 

Associated Scripture:

 

My commentary:

Regardless of which category we find our selves; it is true that God’s power is avaiable to break away the chains that are keeping you in bondage to your sin. Repent, receive forgiveness and live your life as God has willed it to you.  Rejoice and proclaim your victory.

 

Father God today we may find our selves bound in our sins, today we seek repentance and forgiveness so that we can move on to the next chapter or next phase in our walk with your.  God thank you for always being loving. God thank you for allowing us to understand you more and be closer to you. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 5

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 5

I’m reading the @YouVersion plan ‘Killing Kryptonite

With John Bevere’. Check it out here:http://bible.com/r/1GA

Day 5

How did a knockoff Yahweh evolve in Israel, and how does a knockoff Jesus evolve in the church today? Both are the result of a hardened heart from the absence of true repentance.

Now, don’t get nervous. I know repentance has been preached in a way that produces bondage, but that isn’t biblical repentance. The truth is we need repentance, because without it we can’t experience the life God has for us. 

If we look at what the Bible says, we find that nearly every voice of the New Testament clearly and specifically says repentance is a necessary part of our life in Christ. The list of people who directly say this includes Peter, Paul, John, James, other disciples, Jesus Himself, and even God the Father. It is a major and unmistakably clear truth.

What this means is there can be no true faith in Jesus Christ without repentance from known sin. And what is sin? Sin is the antithesis of God’s best for us.

This means we cannot turn to Christ if we refuse to walk away from things like sexual immorality, gossip, and unforgiveness.  

How can you say you’re a Christian and willfully hang on to these things? The fact is, there are over five hundred behavioral commands in the New Testament. God gives us these commands because He will never tolerate what can destroy you—He loves you too much. 

But if we hold on to the sins Christ died to deliver us from, we have created a knockoff Jesus, and our faith is only imagined. 

Biblical repentance is the ultimate act of humility, opening our lives to the wonder of God’s grace. In fact, God promises to give us grace when we humble ourselves (James 4, 1 Peter 5). That is why repentance is so important . . . we cannot be ashamed of it. Seekers and professing believers alike must know this. It is essential to our faith and salvation!

Repentance means changing our mind so deeply that it changes our personality from the core of our being. When we turn to Christ, He makes us brand new, giving us the grace to live like Him. 

This is biblical repentance—it is the process of being recreated in Christ, reflecting God’s nature and goodness to our world. Is there any greater invitation? 

 

Associated Scriptures:

My commentary:

Preach!!! This Devotional series is amazing.

The truth is we need repentance, because without it we can’t experience the life God has for us. 

 

We need it. We need repentance:

This is biblical repentance—it is the process of being recreated in Christ, reflecting God’s nature and goodness to our world.

Today I ask that if you know you have sinned; repent.  We need to let go of the old ways and live like we are destined to live in our new path and our new walk.

 

Father God I want to repent of any sins, any bad thoughts, any actions that I may have done which is not appeasing to you. God i want to continue to walk in you walk and one day join you when it is time. Today I repent for my sins, Today I ask for forgiveness. Today I want to be able to fully experience the life you have in-store for me.  I pray for whoever is reading this, I want them to be able to fully experience the life you have in-store for them as well.  I ask that you cover us under your wings, cover us with your blood and protect us always. Amen.

 

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 4

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 4

I’m reading the @YouVersion plan ‘Killing Kryptonite

With John Bevere’. Check it out here:http://bible.com/r/1GA

 

Day4

Killing Kryptonite Knockoff Jesus

 You Tube – Knockoff Jesus

 

Today I will show you the most insidious deception that is leading Christians into idolatry—even right now. 

To do that, I want you to think of the story of the golden calf at Mount Sinai. If you remember, God had just saved Israel from Egypt through many powerful miracles and had led them through the wilderness to Mount Sinai. He spoke His commands to them, but they all shrank back and insisted that Moses go up the mountain to talk to God alone. 

While Moses is gone, the people lose patience. They go to Moses’s brother, Aaron, and demand that he make them gods to lead them into the Promised Land. Now, the word they used for “gods” is Elohim, which is used in the Old Testament to refer to both pagan gods and the true God, so we don’t really know who they are talking about yet. 

Aaron bows to their demands, fashions a golden statue of a calf, and they say, “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4). We still don’t know which God they’re talking about, but Aaron makes it clear right away. 

He says, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord” (Exodus 32:5). Now when it says, “Lord,” what’s written there is the name, “Yahweh,” the name of God. Now we know who they are talking about. 

Here’s what’s going on: They are declaring, “Yahweh is our God. Yahweh saved us from Egypt. Yahweh is our Lord,” yet they are worshiping an idol. We must see this warning, because if they could have all the right declarations while still worshiping an idol, we can too. 

In fact, many Christians do this every day. They declare, “Jesus is Lord,” but they don’t follow Jesus. Just as Israel said they worshiped Yahweh, but followed their desires instead of God’s declared will, many Christians pick and choose which passages of Scripture they want to follow, and then ignore the rest that challenge them! 

This is creating a knockoff Jesus—an idol. It is not worshiping Jesus in truth. 

The question we must ask is, how can we know we are worshiping the true Jesus, not a knockoff Jesus? 

 

Associated Scriptures:

My commentary:

I have seen people do this very act, creating a knock off Jesus to meet their needs.  You see that vividely in the video.  Its’ not an alternative Jesus that we need in our lives to modify scriptures as we see fit.  Jesus will always be the same for all eternity. Gods word will remain for all eternity.  I do understand the assumption of “change with the times”, the Scriptures are to be applied to our lives; as we live them today, the same way they are to be applied for the next generation when they live their times.  It should not be conforming to social norms and stigma’s.  it should not conform social changes.  That is when the Knock off Jesus comes about.  We need to remain true to the scriptures.

 

Father God I thank you for this day.  I know with the changes of times we are tempted to change in how we worship you, how we interact with your or change our perspectives.  yet we know that is not the correct way to honor this relationship with you.  You do not change, you are the same God and will be the same god for all times.  I ask that we are able to discern when  we are in situations where we are truly worshiping you, or a knock of Jesus made to adapt and conform. Amen.

 

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 3

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 3

I’m reading the @YouVersion plan ‘Killing Kryptonite With John Bevere’.

Day 3

Remember Angela from yesterday’s devotional? We learned that her adultery is the same as how the Bible describes idolatry against God. But is this really an issue in the church today? Unfortunately, it very much is. 

If you look at Angela, the root of her adultery was her desire. Another word for this desire is covetousness. 

Covetousness isn’t something we really talk about these days, so let me define it. According to Merriam-Webster, covetousness is, “A strong desire to obtain some supposed good.” Now let me give us another perspective on covetousness from Colossians 3:5, where Paul says, “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” 

Did you see that? Paul says covetousness is idolatry! We may think of idolatry as statues and all those things, but the root behind it is unrighteous desire. 

God has given us the key to overcoming covetousness, and it is contentment. Contentment moves us away from idolatry and closer to the heart of God, while covetousness distances us from God and drives us to the altars of idolatry. 

This is why the author of Hebrews writes, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5–6). 

You can see from this passage how covetousness is clearly the same as adultery. Angela coveted other men, not allowing Justin to meet her needs. Here we are told to be content with God, knowing He will meet all our needs. If we turn to some other source outside of Him and His prescribed means of living, that is idolatry! 

Here’s what this means: When a believer knows the will of God, yet intentionally chooses their own desires instead, that is idolatry. They have chosen to worship their desires over God. 

When you look at your own goals, priorities, and habits, which would you say is stronger in your life—covetousness or contentment? How can you pursue a life of greater contentment? 

Associated scripture:

 

My Commentary:

When a believer knows the will of God, yet intentionally chooses their own desires instead, that is idolatry. They have chosen to worship their desires over God. 

 

How many of us have fallen victim o this statement?

I pass no judgement.

I am not perfect, but for every error of my own carnal ways, I try my best to fix it with God.

I learn from my past and I use that to motivate me not to steer away from God’s Will for me.  My own desires may not be apart of God’s plan, and we sometimes fail to acknowledge that. today we acknowledged that his will is what will be done.  Tod ay we ask for God to guide us to choose what he has willed for us versus what we desire.

 

Father God today I ask you to forgive me for my past transgressions of choosing my desires over your will for my life.  Today is a new day, and in this new day I ask that you continue to give me the strength, the power, the knowledge and ability to listen to you. With opened eyes, opened ears and an open heart I choose to listen to you so that I can move about according to your will and what you have planned for me.  Not according to my own carnal desire.  My desires may not be what is right for me, my desire may not be apart of your plan. Help me to accept this. Amen.

 

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 2

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 2

I’m reading the @YouVersion plan ‘Killing Kryptonite With John Bevere’.

As with the previous, I will start off with the devotional text then my summary.

Devotion:

this devotional also came with a YouTube video which you can watch.

Killing Kryptonite Justin and Angela

One evening, Justin returns home from work and finds his wife, Angela, all made up and slipping into a beautiful outfit. He concludes she must have planned something special for them and offers to get dressed up as well. 

Angela, a bit confused, responds, “Oh honey, I’m going out with Tony tonight. We’re going to get dinner, catch a movie, and check into the Fairmont Hotel. I should be back by midmorning.” 

“Who’s Tony?!” Justin fires back.

“He’s my boyfriend from high school,” she replies.

“What! You can’t go out with him!” 

“Why not?” 

“Because we are married; we are committed to each other. We don’t date other people!” he says, stating what he assumes should be obvious.

“Hold on, honey!” Angela replies. “You are my favorite. I love you more than any of my old boyfriends, but you really can’t expect me to not see them any longer. I’ve been close with some of them for years, I still love them, and I want to enjoy time with them. What’s wrong with that?”

Obviously, this is not a real couple. We can’t even imagine someone not understanding that marriage means an exclusive relationship. Certainly, none of us would marry someone like Angela who expected to continue dating old boyfriends.

Yet this is how so many of us treat our relationship with Jesus. 

Throughout Scripture, God compares our relationship to Him to the relationship of marriage. It is also how God spoke of His relationship to Israel in the Old Testament. Interestingly, every time God spoke to Israel through the prophets about how they committed adultery against Him, it had to do with the issue of idolatry. 

We might think of idolatry as bowing down to statues, but the heart of it is worship. God defines worship the first time we see it mentioned in Scripture, in the story of Abraham and Isaac. Here, we see that worship is obedience. 

Worship is not some slow, beautiful song; it is obedience. No matter how we “perform” in church, if we do not obey God in our daily lives, we are not worshiping Him and are, in fact, living in adultery like Angela. 

How does this understanding of worship change the way you think about Christian living? 

https://youtu.be/HKdKglMD1HY

Associated Scriptures:

Summary:

How many of us are like Angela or Justin.  Where we feel it is ok to dib and dab into multiple relationships simultaneously.  That is how our relationships with Christ is when we have one foot on our path and christian walk and we have another foot on the other side, still wanting to partake in wordly things and desires.  We have a unique relationship with Christ.  The same way we are to honor our vows of marriage to our spouses, when we accept Christ we need to honor and observe the sacraments we make with him as well.  The notion this author put as us committing adultery to God, did hit home, there are things that I may have done in my past that I had to sit back and reflect and say Oh My God I am so sorry.  I was unknowingly unfaithful with those acts or even words.  Let’s be obedient.  Let’s remain loving. Let’s remain faithful.

 

Lord God thank you for this word about our Kryptonite.  Lord I ask that you forgive me for any adulterous acts I may have done in my past that have dampened our relationship. Lord I just want to be closer to you and be filled with your presence.  Lord I ask that you give me the strength to not lead into temptation so that I do not stray-away even for a second.  I will worship you Lord not just with my songs, not just with my praises, not just with my thoughts and actions but with my obedience to you and what is sacred to you.  In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 1

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 1

I’m reading the @YouVersion plan ‘Killing Kryptonite With John Bevere’.

This devotional comes with a You Tube video as well which I recommend you check out. First I will share the devotional then I will talk about my experiences after I read each one, each of the 7 days.

Devotion:

It may come as a surprise that my goal for the first day of this devotional is to frustrate you . . . I’ll tell you why.

There is a sharp disconnect between what happened in the New Testament church and what is happening in the church today. It would be easy to blame this disconnect on fragmented institutions, ungodly leaders, the culture, and so on, but let’s use this opportunity to examine our own lives. 

The truth is, the first-century Christians were the superhumans of their day, and the world stood in awe of them. Here are just a few of their exploits found in Scripture:

No one in their communities lacked anything—no one had physical needs of any kind, and there was no one on government assistance (Acts 4:33–35). Entire cities came to Jesus in a moment, and the gospel swept through entire regions in a matter of years (Acts 9:32–35, 19:10). 

God’s power operated through them so much they had to convince people they weren’t gods (Acts 10:25–26, 14:8–18)—think about that for a few seconds. They had worship times so powerful they shook the ground (Acts 4:31). And as a result of those things, they had a reputation of being people who had turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). 

What should really challenge us is that God makes it clear in His Word that the Christians of the last days will do even more than these early believers. The question is, why are we not seeing the greater works God promised?

I believe that just like Superman had kryptonite, the church—the collection of individuals who claim to follow Christ—does as well. 

Kryptonite was a substance from Superman’s home planet. When he drew near to it, he would lose all his superpowers and become weak—even weaker than a normal man. If you look at the church today—with rates of divorce, pornography use, and sexual immorality as high or higher than that of the world—it is clear we have some kryptonite among us. 

The state of the church today, which seems so clearly at cross purposes to God’s intentions and purposes for our lives as Christ-followers, should frustrate you. 

In these devotionals, we will learn what this kryptonite is and how to get rid of it, but we have to first know of and believe in our potential. You will be unmotivated to tap into any potential you are unaware of. 

What will you do now that you know your potential? 

https://youtu.be/-pffIrELU0M

Associated scripture:

My summary:

We all have our very own Kryptonite.  We all know that we are destined for great things.  Many of us know our own worth and potential.  Many of us haven’t even become aware of our potential.  That is OK.  What this devotional did here was it hit close to home.  I am very aware of my kryptonite.  sometimes I succumb and I fall to my kryptonite.  Other times I come out on top.  I defeat my temptations and my desires and I prevail.  This entire series you will see will speak to you in away you felt no one understands.  I suggest you either go on the link above and continue the series; or wait until I post it each day for the next 7 days.

 

Father God I thank you for another day, for another opportunity to glorify your name. Lord we all have moments where we face our Kryptonite.  I ask that you give us strength to be able to over come the obstacles.  Sometimes we are weak, and sometimes we are able to face our kryptonite head on and be victorious.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Halloween…..

During our Anti Halloween service the Pastor challenged the entire congregation to use social media to promote God’s strength, God’s love, our praise and worship to God and why we should not celebrate the pagan Holiday of Halloween.

So today I will flood Social media with respective Biblical versus on said topics.

I also challenge you….Flood your social media accounts with God’s Love, Strength & praises to him.

Let’s rain on the enemy’s parade and fill a day with so much negativity, Hatred and evil with the positive love of God.

Pastor Rick Thomas wrote an Article Entitled:  Six Biblical Responses to Halloween.

In this article,  He states that:

It is just another discipleship opportunity–a privilege the Lord gives you to bring a right response to this annual interruption. And God does not leave you alone.

1. The Spirit of God gives you clarity on all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

2. His authoritative and sufficient Word comes alongside you to guide your thoughts (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

3. You have others to bounce off your ideas (Proverbs 11:14)

He poses this question of What shall I do?

It is a question many Christians face when Halloween approaches.

To answer this question of what shall I do, pastor Rick Thomas shows us 6 approaches:

#1 – Flight Approach – Howard leads his family by declaring Halloween as movie night. He herds his family upstairs. The lights are turned off, and the family is huddled around the TV watching The Sound of Music…for the 14th time.

#2 –  Engage Approach – David calls Howard a legalist. David allows his kids to dress in costumes for a night of harmless fun. “You only live once; let them enjoy it. Besides, they can share Christ with the other kids.”

#3 – Ignore Approach – Luann pretends it does not exist. She is a single mom, multitasking at a level that few of us can comprehend. She does not need another battlefield to walk onto with her children.

#4 – Succumb Approach – The Smiths struggle with the fear of man: “What do others think of us?” (Proverbs 29:25). Though they do not care for Halloween, they typically succumb to their nagging children, as well as the pressure they perceive from their friends.

#5 – Passive Approach – Then there is George. He is your stereotypical lazy, passive dad. He does not care. As long as it does not interfere with his life, he’s good. “What’s the big deal? When I was a kid…(blah, blah, blah).”

He then goes off on a rant about how hard he had it as a kid and then ends with, “…look at me. I turned out okay.” Leah (wife) has never been courageous enough to honestly tell him what “turned out okay” looks like from her perspective.

#6 – Arrogant Approach – In the men’s group, Paul is waiting for the discussion to turn to him. He loves throwing down the Reformation Day card because he is pretty sure most of his friends have not thought about it.

Which approach do you fall under?

The pastor goes on to give an elaborative description of each approach mentioned above.  He also gives us a Call to Action.

Call to Action

Trick or Treat Questions

1. Do you see Halloween more as a point to be right or as an opportunity to be redemptive?

2. Are you willing to engage your friends redemptively or are you tempted to refrain because of fear?

3. How does your self-awareness govern your perspective?

The truth of the matter is that this subject on Halloween is:

Halloween Is a Discipleship Issue

Like all things in our lives, Halloween is a discipleship issue. It should not be a divisive issue. We are to divide over the gospel when there is an error as Paul taught in Galatians 1:8-9.

Halloween’s has so many negative connotations.

We should not associated with celebrating the devil.

So instead let’s praise God, let’s show his good feed and marvelous word. Let’s share our testimonies. Let’s pray.

Let us fast.

Let us glorify what is good while the rest of the world glorifies what is bad.

I challenge you to also spread love and the love of God.

I challenge you to rebuke the name of the devil.

Have a blessed day all.

Lord’s Prayer

We recently gave a class about the Lord’s prayer.

 

The Children recognized this instantly, some from parochial school, some from services at our church.  The important thing is they recognized this scripture.

We went on to discuss the Lord’s Prayer, where did it come from and why Jesus taught it?

Well the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, so Jesus said, well, then pray like this:

Matthew 6:9-13
King James Version (KJV)

9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.

 

Afterwards some of the younger kids asked, well what does some of the words in the prayer mean, so we dissected it a bit so they could understand.  ** At the end of this I will provide links to some of the materials used to further explain, I used these references as a guide and changed Somme info around based on the understanding levels of my kids (ages 3-10) so it could be easy to understand.

#1: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name
Meaning: Hallowed means praised or honored.
Example: We are praising God, Honoring his name, announcing where is is at, Our Father [Lord} in Heaven, we praise and honor you.

#2: 10 Thy kingdom come
Meaning: Thy kingdom come means that Jesus will come back to rule here on earth.
Example: God, when you come I can’t wait to see you.

#3: Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Meaning: This is a request to see God’s will clearly and do it, just like you would if you were in heaven.
Example: God let me see things, the way you see things, so I can help talk about your word.

#4: 11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Meaning: Make sure the people in my family have enough  things to survive and thrive. A chance to ask God for something you need that doesn’t have to be food!
Example:
God thank you for our home, I ask that you continue to give my family shelter, food, clothes, and take care of us etc.

#5: 12 And forgive us our debts,
Meaning: This is a chance to tell God about anything bothering you that you did wrong
and ask his help in not doing it again.  You are asking God to free you from sin or bad deeds.
Example:
God, you saw me yell at my sister yesterday. I’m sorry. Please help me to be a more
patient person.  God I apologize for my sin…….please help me so I do not sin no more.

#6: as we forgive our debtors.
Meaning: Forgiving others.
Example:
Father, you know how hurt I was yesterday when …..happened…but, god help me forgive ….. for this.

#7: 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
Meaning: Asking God to protect you in situations where you might sin.
Example:
Father you know I am tempted to gossip when I get around my gossipy neighbors.
Please remind me not to.

#8 For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Meaning:
You’re essentially telling God that you trust him & have faith in him and his power.
Example: Father, you are so big and strong. I know you can help me get better grades.

#9: Amen!
Meaning:
Amen means to submit something with heart and to believe with confidence
God will hear and respond to it.  Like when you send a text, and you write a message, the other person gets it once you hit send, think of Amen as hitting sent.
Example:
I send this prayer up with confidence, because it’s my honest feelings and I know
you always listen to me!

 

The following (with some modifications based on our kids needs and based on what took place when we demonstrated in class) has been modified from the original guide which I used to reference the following illustration (again link will be at the end).

A Balloon Shows the Importance of Prayer

We used Balloons to help give an illustration to our kids.  It may be hard for kids to understand how seriously God takes our prayers. This lesson using
a balloon will show that words are not empty; they take form and substance and are very real in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Materials
Large balloons, one for yourself and each child in the class.

Lesson
Sometimes we may not want to pray. We may feel that prayers are just silent thoughts
that don’t do a whole lot. We can’t see prayers as they go out of our mouths.
Pretend you are trying to grab hold of the air in front of your face as you pray: Our Father, who art in heaven…
Whisper: And if our prayers are silent, or little whispers, we can’t even hear them…

 

It may seem like it’s much more worthwhile to go outside and
play! At least our friends talk back to us in a voice we can hear.
Ask the kids:  Have you ever heard God’s voice??

However! That is all deception. Prayers are very real. Jesus does
not miss a single one!
Not only that… Prayers go up to heaven and they take form! Up
in heaven, according to the scripture we just read, our prayers
take on a beautiful scent, like the smell of incense.
Try and catch the air in front of your face again as you pray:

“Father, make me a really good teacher so my students will know you as well as I do.
Am I being silly to try to catch my prayers? Yes. But are my prayers real? Yes.”
Here’s one way to know that prayers are real and they “take shape” up in heaven.

 

Take out your balloon. Each time you say a line of the Lord’s Prayer, stop to blow a small breath
into the balloon… look very sincere, like you are thinking about every line between breaths:
Our Father who are in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Pinch the mouth of the balloon but don’t tie it…
Amen.
Does this balloon have a bigger shape now? Yes.

ASK: What’s inside of it? Air.
ASK: But what else is inside of it? Your prayer.
EXPLAIN:  When our prayers get up to heaven, it’s as if they take shape. Like
this balloon. If you can picture balloons wandering all over the
skies of heaven, that would be like all of our prayers.
When we pray to God, let’s remember that it’s like sending a balloon
up to heaven. You are sending something up to him that is very real! That’s why it’s
important to not fool around when you pray. That’s why it’s important to understand the
realness of God. Your earnest prayers are what connect you to him… and don’t think that
he misses a single word you say!

 
This balloon will not fly up to heaven… why not? It’s filled with air and not helium.
Still… I’m going to send my prayers up to God now… Look up at the ceiling and, keeping a
pinch hold on the balloon, let go of the mouth and let all the air fly upward.
Because I really meant my prayer… it will go up to heaven and turn into incense.
Before learning the Lord’s Prayer, let’s learn the most important thing, which is to pray
to God sincerely, with our whole hearts, so that what we’re sending up isn’t a lot of hot
air!
Have them take turns praying, blowing into the balloon and letting that prayer go on up to heaven.

Ask:
Do you believe that your prayers are in heaven now? Do you believe that they smell really great up there, like incense or flowers? Because that’s what Revelation says is true!

 

After this project of blowing and releasing our prayers into the air, the kids ended up tying up their balloons, they drew on their balloons “my prayer”

 

 

What I enjoyed most about this lesson was being able to show using the examples how prayers get to God.  Some kids remember more when associated with an activity/project or some sort of illustration.

Father thank you for the resources provided to not only to teach the children about prayer and of course the Lord’s prayer, but to give them a visualization that will be etched in their memories.  They understand the concept that prayers should not be empty, they should not be meaningless, they should not be filled with words as fillers, but instead powerful words.  They understand that though we cannot physically see our prayers make its way to you, but that you can see them, that you receive them.  Amen.

Resources:

Teach Sunday School: Lords Prayer

Super Book: Teach us to Pray

Senate showdown

As I sit hear listening to our Leaders in the Senate from Both parties give their motivated speeches on why Judge Kavanaugh deserves or does not deserve this senate seat all I can think is where is our nation headed?

Dr. Ford’s testimonies last week was compelling.  This link is a transcript of the hearing of her testimony.

I am not going to sit here and choose sides as to whether or not I agree or disagree with him becoming Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh.  I have my personal biases which I will not disclose on my opinions of whether or not he deserves the confirmation from this hearing. Yet I will try to be as unbiased as possible despite all the emotions.

 

However I will state that I admire Dr. Ford’s courage. I admire her courage to go before the Senate and the nation to share her story.  Her story was compelling.  It open up wounds for many women whom still are not comfortable with disclosing their own tales.

Me Too in this article I briefly shared my story and my commentary on the me too movement.  I didn’t give a descriptive narrative of my encounters.  I do not want to verbally relive them.  Though years later I can vividly replay them in my mind and ponder what could I have done different.  In one instance things just happened, and I regret not fighting back.  There was a witness, but that witness would probably never admit to it, because that witness laughed the whole time, that witnessed was really close to the assailant.  The second time, I fought back. I fought back to the point a witness had to pry me away.  I was not going down without a fight.

 

As I mentioned in my article….I did forgive them both.  These hearings though….this testimony, have brought so many buried feelings, resentments, fears, thoughts and anger.  To this day, I have yet share this experience with my spouse, loved ones, family nor friends because I do not want to re-live.  I have shared brief excerpts of my experiences here grateful for a brief veil of anonymity.

 

I recently told some loved ones; it is easy to forgive, than letting go of our experiences,  forgiving is easier than forgetting our heartbreaks and pain, forgiving is easier than moving forward, this my friends is the hard part.

 

Today, Last week and the last few weeks have opened wounds, memories and trauma many of never want to relive.  whether or not we forgave our abusers.  Whether or not we see them.  Whether or not we have been vocal of our stories.  This hurts.  Whether or not we agree or disagree with Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination, these stories remind us of our own pain. Our own suffering.  Our own trauma.  Women stand in Solidarity with Doctor Ford all over.

 

Where are we going as a nation?

Will our Senate vote on his resume or on the testimonies of the women whom came forward.

Will our Senate put their biases aside and stop claiming this to be a witch hunt on any spec of these proceedings and realize that as I stated in my previous posting on this that:

“Remember to please not judge those victimized. No one ever asks to be raped, harassed or assaulted. It’s not something that one says Hi, I’m here, Pick me, Choose me, attack me?”.

 

As I do with all my posts let us End with a prayer:  the same prayer from my Me Too post with a few additional modifications.

Father God I thank you for another day to speak about a topic which is not spoken about often enough. Lord you are my stronghold, in the good times and in my times of trouble. Lord you are the stronghold to the many women whom have been victimized during the years. I once again come before you and seek forgiveness for my transgressions on the issues I mentioned above and I forgive those whom have caused harm to my person. God you know the situation that occurred, you know how it has affected me and why I choose not to disclose more than I did. Lord I still want to forgive my transgressors and once again ask for forgiveness for my transgressions. Lord I ask you provide strength and guidance to the many victims whom have yet found an outlet or confide in someone to discuss their circumstances and experience. May they find refuge in you so that they too can forgive and move forward. I know it is hard my Lord, but with you all things are possible.  I seek prayers of guidance for our nation, our leaders.  I pray for strength for women all over who may not take well the news of the results of today’s proceedings and the next phase of proceedings of the nomination.  I firmly believe that no matter what, you are the Judge of Judges, Host of Hosts and Lord of Lords.  Regardless what today means in our history books, I find comfort that I find strength and refuge in you.  I pray that all can find the same strength and refuge in you that I do.  May we be compelled to still love one another, still forgive one another, though we may not be able to forget, but to be able to live amicably. I pray for bipartisan efforts, and a reduction of tension on the Hill. I pray for a nation, leading towards Indivisibility, with Liberties and Justice for all. In the name of the father, the son and Holy spirit. Amen.

The vote was cast after I finished my article.

The final tally was 51-49, though the fate of the full confirmation remains unclear.

What this means is that this vote today advances Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court to the final floor vote.

Finding Joy Through Hardship

Hi,

I was reading this article, and today especially it hits close to home because we all go through hardships and difficulties, we all go through trials and tribulations; what is always hard is finding the Joy through it all.

Courtnaye Richard

 

www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org

I’ll be the first to admit that maintaining your joy is not easy when life’s disappointments, tests and trials beat up against you. A part of you wants to go into isolation, be angry, depressed, and sad, but God doesn’t want us to go into those dark emotions. Instead, He wants us to renew our focus and trust Him for the overall outcome when we face hardships in life.

Most of us know that “joy” is one of the fruits of the Spirit, and it’s defined as a very glad feeling, a shout, triumph, cheerful, and a calm delight. I like that last definition – a calm delight. Because that’s what we need when we’re going through difficult and trying times. Now, what it doesn’t mean is that you’ll be smiling ear-to-ear or laughing when you hit a hard place in your life. Not at all. It just means that your mindset has to shift into a new gear.

In other words, a gear of having a better attitude and being thankful that no matter what, God is still faithful, sovereign, and loving. He is working things out for our good. It’s also about keeping our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

 

I would say endurance is a highlighting factor, here. Think about it. Without it, Jesus could have jumped off the cross and said, “I can’t do this. It hurts too bad! Father, I don’t know where you are. I’m done.” But instead, He endured the hardship. He didn’t give up. He didn’t allow the trial of His life to sidestep God’s plan for salvation. He focused on the purpose and the joy that awaited Him. He endured it and then it was finished. And thank God He pressed through the pain – for us.

I want to take a minute to share with you a few practical things that you can do to find joy in the midst of hardship…

• Pray (cry, talk to God about what you’re going through – He’s listening)
• Renew your mind (change your attitude – try to think about good things and what God could be doing through it)
• Put on a pot of coffee or tea and read on joy, getting through trials, let God minister to you through His Word regarding your particular situation, and journal what’s happening (pen your thoughts, prayers, and verses)
• Call a friend to talk to and help you carry the heavy burden and then pray together
• Do something that you enjoy to help take your mind off of the hardship as you wait on God to move in the situation
• Look around and find something to be grateful for in the midst of it (1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of God concerning you in Christ Jesus.”)
• Be intentional about finding joy
• Trust Him

Listen sis, Scripture tells us to count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations (meaning various trials). That’s what the King James Version of James 1:2-4 says. Again, this doesn’t mean that you have to go around faking happiness. Because when hard things hit, it does hurt and sometimes you do have to cry, and sometimes you do wonder where is God in all of it. We are human. But what God is saying through this verse is that He wants us to see the bigger picture. He’s doing something greater – even though we can’t see it. And that is where the joy comes from.

He’s building character. He’s making you stronger. He’s increasing your faith. He’s maturing you. He’s building endurance for your good and for a later testimony.

So when things go wrong in your life or when your day just isn’t the best, choose to kick into another gear and say, “Lord, I need help down here. I need supernatural joy. I need help shifting my mindset.” Like I said earlier, I know it’s not easy. But don’t allow the situation to make you go crazy, act out of character, or cause you to lose faith, sis.

With that being said, I want to give you the verse in full from James 1:2-4. It states, “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”

************************************************************************************

 

Now that you too have read this article, don’t you feel that this hits close to home?

Always remember that we are tested in our faith.

Everything that we face is meant for us to grow in our faith and trust in GOd more.

Trouble will always come our way, as mentioned in the book of James, but this should be an opportunity for us to still find that glimmer of joy within the problems.

 

Thank you Lord for all that you do. Thank you for the challenges that I face, the hardships, because they bring me closer to you.  I thank you for the good days, for I can appreciate all that  I have lived and experienced to be where I am today.  AMEN.

Faith, in the midst of fear.

I came across this verse and quickly was thankful for the events which unfolded Sunday evening, as well as reminded of a similar event that took place over 20 years ago. I selected this image of a road with this verse to symbolize and give an illustration to a story I am about to share.

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Let’s start with Sunday then we will travel even farther back in time. This past Sunday was amazing, we slept in, still went to church, the start of the service with the praise and worship songs were moving, we had a fundraiser I was assisting in, and we listened to the sermon. Everything ran smoothly. We sold everything for our fundraiser. We looked forward to getting one step closer towards our goal.

---

After church was an evening spent at a family birthday gathering where my children got to meet some of their cousins. A blessed day over all despite some personal reservations. I was happy with the outcome and blessings of the day and was extremely thankful. Your probably wondering where does fear strike in all of this. As my family and I were getting ready to leave, we turn on our car and this message pops up:

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We were like oh my God tomorrows school, we have work, what is going on???

We had just shared a story an hour prior about the engine we had to replace for our German car. So I go on the website / blog for the cars manufacturer to see if there’s anything we need / can do while we get a hold of the mechanic. I Read the blogs and though my face did not show my anxiety, had you taken my pulse you would’ve felt it. I casually go over to my spouse and share what I have researched. Our brother in law who is into cars comes by to take a look, gives a few suggestions and then poof, the message goes away. We decided let’s carefully drive home to get the kids to bed and see about getting the car over to the mechanic, we have an upcoming road trip and we don’t need any glitches. So we begin our commute.

As we begin driving along kings highway in Brooklyn NY our car jerked then suddenly our speedometer went from 25mph to 5mph. We couldn’t shift gears, nothing worked. This road we take is usually packed. By the grace of God and only God that evening it was empty. We crawled to a side road and were unable to move. The way the car jerked we all got scared, but in the midst of that I knew I needed to keep calm for my kids who asked “mommy are we going to die?” They understood the potential danger, they understood at any given moment a car could have clipped us.

As I reassured them we were fine I kept asking God please just lead us to safety, protect my family. Once we called AAA to assist in getting a flatbed over so we can lug our car to the mechanic, I reached out to my mom let her know what happened. Let her know we were fine. The kids and I walked home in that late hour while my husband waited for AAA. I packed our bags, and went by my mothers.

God is the only reason I know we were safe. God is the only reason I know we were not clipped by another vehicle traveling 45mph or more. God is the only reason we got home safely from where we got stuck .

Despite my dread & my fear I kept faith in not only knowing that God would get us to our destination safely but that he would resolve this for us.

---

Now let’s travel back to over 20 years ago.

This story that I shared is not the first scary vehicular incident I have experienced.

While all this was happening I had a flashback to 1996. I remember sitting in the back seat of our family Oldsmobile. I remember my siblings sitting next to me. My mom driving across the Brooklyn Bridge headed towards Manhattan so we can pick up my dad who was working late. As kids we used to play games, sing along, talk, or sometimes enjoy the view of our iconic NYC Skyline. Then I hear my mom calmly say, guys make sure your seatbelts are secure, because I don’t know what’s going on. All she kept saying was Jesus take the wheel.

Her brakes failed her while crossing the bridge, the car jerked and her speed was reducing on its own. She couldn’t shift any gears, everything was locked somehow. I remember being in the back seat holding on to my siblings as I realized we were swerving between cars from one lane to another. My mom looked focused, despite her fears and desperation seeing her 4 kids in the rear view mirror filled with fear. All she kept saying was Jesus take the wheel, get my kids out of here safely. Jesus take the wheel.

I don’t know how many of you have been on the Brooklyn Bridge pre 9/11. But Prior to 9/11 the exit that passes by one police plaza which is currently closed did like this whole wrap around infinity like loop that brings you to the other side of city’ hall park. My mom knew if she would’ve gone straight, we probably would’ve crashed in to pedestrians trying to walk across the bridge, if we would’ve taken the far exit we would’ve been setting up to a collision with those trying to get on the bridge towards the entrance on the other side. So she navigated towards the infinite loop as I called it, knowing many drivers didn’t opt to that exit back then, unless they were heading south in the city. As we completed the loop and swerved between cars, the Oldsmobile finally stopped in front of city hall park and didn’t move. Not one scratch on the vehicle, not one scratch on either of us, not one scratch on any pedestrian. God was good. He saved us, he saved those around us.

Jesus literally took the wheel. Jesus literally guided us with strength with our faith in him. He guides us to safety.

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Both incidents were quite an adventure.

Both incidents were quite scary.

Both incidents tested our faith.

Both incidents despite our concerns we took comfort in God.

Both incidents we came out unscathed.

Both incidents Jesus took the wheel.

Both incidents God immediately answered our prayers.

I told my mom that I had experienced a flashback to that evening. My younger brother who was about 8 at the time said he remembers that night, it was one of the most scariest he ever experienced.

I think as a mom this was scarier than my first time. Yet I have an even more newfound respect for my mom experiencing what I did, knowing full well what she must’ve been going through that evening 20+ years ago.

God has given me strength beyond words could ever describe. God has helped us run like a dear. God has lead us to safety. He is the music director to my stringed instruments. I will follow God’s lead, follow his guidance, because time and time again God has said “I got you son” “I got you my daughter” “I got your back”. We just need to listen, trust and always keep faith.

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Father God I thank you for your love, mercy and forgiveness which endures forever.  God I thank you for your protection and guidance.  Father I thank you for helping us run like a dear, I thank you for leading us to safety.  You are the music director and I am your stringed instrument.  Thank you for always taking the wheel, for always guiding us to the right path, for always keeping us out of harms way, for always keeping innocent bystanders out of harms way as well. Amen

The Purpose of Our Faith

I was reading this article and I felt the need to share.  Sometimes we come across things that impact us to the core.  Sometimes we come across things and instantly we know we have to share the wealth and share the knowledge to all.  Sometimes we come across something and we know someone who desperately needs these words in their lives.  This is one of those articles.

Nylse Esahc

#christian living

When we relocated to California, I joined the gym. This might have been because I was bored, homesick or going crazy with all of the adjustments. My husband came home with this offer from one of his co-workers and thought it would be good for me. Also, it was an excellent deal, monetarily speaking, so I bit the bullet and joined. I don’t believe in wasting money (paying for something and never using it), so once I joined the gym, I created time in my schedule to go to the gym.

There are many participants at the gym, but two types stand out. There’s a fellow that has been a member as long as I have – he is on the larger side; after all these years he remains on the larger side. Recently within the past six months, there was a lady who was also on the larger side who worked out with an intensity I rarely saw.

She got on the treadmill, set it to 6.0 which is a 10-minute mile and ran for an hour. She would stop if she needed to and then start again. She ran hard, and sweat flew. Every time I went to the gym, she was working out with this intensity. Within a month or so I started to notice a change in her body, she was getting leaner. Her stomach shrank, her arms became more defined, and her legs got smaller. It was as if her body was changing right before my eyes. Within a six month time-frame, she transformed from being on the larger side to the lean side. I wasn’t the only one that noticed; other members of the gym started to stop and talk to her, ask her questions, compliment and encourage her. It was amazing. But isn’t this the point of working out?

Our Christian experience can mirror our gym membership -when we’re focused and have our eyes on the prize we put in the time and effort. It’s hard work, but it’s the hard work we all need. We’re using every muscle in our bodies, we’re digging deeper into the Word, we’re spending significant time praying and meditating, and as a result of this there’s a change that first happens on the inside, but others notice it. We are questioned, complimented and encouraged, but we do the same for others – we share what made the difference, and we encourage. Isn’t this the point?

I don’t know what the man’s story is but there might be a degree of frustration since he has not seen the change he has desired all these years. He may be scratching his head trying to figure out what to do next, or he may know and is just unwilling to make the change (genetics and body composition aside). Some of us know what we should be doing but refuse to exercise the self-control and discipline to see growth, so we remain babies never being able to digest solid food. (Hebrews 5:12-14)

When I’m consistent in my exercise routine, I feel better, and others notice something different about me. Similarly, when I’m consistent in the disciplines of the Christian journey, there’s a noticeable change on the inside and the outside, and I can’t keep it to myself. I am compelled to share and motivated to live in a Godly way because this way of living is not in vain. It brings hope, it spreads love, and it has an eternal perspective. Isn’t this the point?

…Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. 1 Timothy 4:8-10

What’s the point for you?

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Is this not a deep article. We are all there, we can relate to joining a membership to something, and not seeing results.  Or joining something and not doing one’s due diligence.  WE have all been there before.

 

Here are the verses she references in the article:

 

Hebrews 5:12-14 New International Version (NIV)

¹² In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! ¹³ Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. ¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

 

1 Timothy 4:8-10 New International Version (NIV)

⁸ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. ⁹ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. ¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

 

We have to put our work in.

If you want to see results,, we need to get our hands dirty (figuratively speaking).

We need to open up our Bibles and study guides more.

We need to pay attention and jot down notes during sermons.

We need to open up our ears, eyes, hearts and minds.

We need to do our part so we can see the results that God knows we can achieve.

 

Father God I ask you to open up my eyes, my heart and my soul.  I want to thank you for all that you have done for me, but I know I have work to do.  I know I have to do my cut.  I know that if I get up, dust my shoulders off and get to work, that the greatness you see that I can achieve can be done.  Help me Lord in  guiding me in the path to continue to work harder for you so I too can see and get results. Amen.

Our Fully Present God

I recently read a few articles written by buy christian moms.  These articles were exactly what I needed to read.  Sometimes we lead busy lives; Work, Kids, life, Bills, Church & Adulting responsibilities make it hard for us.  It is nice knowing that others have similar stories to share; not only in the day to day things of Adulting, but in the day to day walks in our own walks.

I am going to introduce the first article; i do how this a blessing for you as it has been for me.

Our Fully Present God

 

#God’s presence

As a parent, I am often in high demand. Most days, as I work with one of the kids on an assignment, my other child is calling for me to come and help him with his. I have to tell him to wait until I finish with his brother. I can only focus on one task at a time.

Sometimes, my kids need me and I’m in another part of the house. They call and call my name but I don’t answer because I can’t hear them. Eventually they track me down and say something like, “Mom, I was calling for you! Why didn’t you answer?”

There is much in my life as a parent that points me to a truth about God. Sometimes, it’s a parallel truth, like the fact that I discipline my children for their good, as God does in my own life (though my discipline is far from perfect!). Other times, my life as a parent points to a stark contrast between myself and God, as in the examples above. While I can’t be available to both my kids at the same time, God is always present for us.

One of God’s attributes is his omnipresence. This means he is present everywhere in creation. There is no where we could go that God is not also there because he fills all of creation. He is not confined to space or time. There are no limits or boundaries that restrict him. And no one can hide from his presence. “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!” (Psalm 139:7-8).

This is hard for our finite minds to grasp—with bodies that can only occupy one space at a time. It’s hard for me to imagine—as a mom who is daily tugged and pulled in different directions. We often try to think of God’s omnipresence in terms we understand, but because God is a spirit, he doesn’t take up space the way an object or person takes up space. He is everywhere all the time. “Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 23:24).

Not only is God always present, he is always fully present. Theologians sometimes call this the immensity of God. This means he is completely accessible to us. He doesn’t partially listen to our prayers because he is focused on another person’s prayers at the same time. He doesn’t get busy in one part of the world and neglect the other part. He is never distracted, stretched, overwhelmed, burdened, pulled, or pressured by the demands of others. He is fully engaged and attentive to his children.

God always gives us his full attention. Unlike my children calling and searching for me, we don’t have to do that with God; he is right there with us. Unlike my children having to wait their turn to receive my attention, we don’t have to wait for our turn with God. We never have to schedule an appointment. God is always with us.

Sometimes, we talk about how we sense God’s presence more in certain circumstances or in specific locations. Some may say they sense God’s presence when they sit on the beach or hike on a mountain trail. The truth is, God is not more present in those places than in others. It may be that he allows us to “feel” his presence more in some situations. It’s also likely that when we are less distracted by our daily responsibilities and cares, we are able to focus our thoughts on God. When we spend time in his creation—rather than stuck behind a cubicle or with our face glued to a screen—we are reminded of who he is and respond in wonder and awe. With that said, there are times where we are promised his presence in a unique way: when we take the Lord’s Supper and when we are gathered with the people of God in worship. In addition, there may also be times when God makes us “feel” his presence less, perhaps as a form of discipline or for some other divine reason (Psalm 89:46). It doesn’t mean that he is any less present. He is always with us, even when we don’t “feel” like he is.

The doctrine of God’s omnipresence is comforting and reassuring. We are never left alone. We are always—at all times and in all places—in the presence of God. We can cry out to him and know that he hears us. We can trust that he is always with us. This truth should make us respond in praise and worship,  “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145:3).

What does it mean to you that God is fully present?

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How many parents read this article and like me said wow I can relate to what she said?

I know I do.

 

We spend much of our time focused on everything but God.

As a mother of two, I am focused on their spiritual growth as well as their academic advancement.  I am on top of them on Homework, writing, reading, learning, etc.

Then there are the extra curricular activities: soccer, boxing, gymnastics, art, dance etc.

 

then there are our church responsibilities, the kids to learn and understand the lesson and now I as their teacher, provide the lesson plans for the class with my co teacher.

 

Aside from that there’s my wife duties, my duties at home….

 

It is important that in all that we do that we acknowledge that God is ever present in every thing we do.

As the author of this article posted, God is Omnipresent.  We should let that sink in.

While we are being the soccer moms….the house wife, the home-schooling mom, or even the bible studies instructor mom, we need always thank God for always being with us.

 

Thank you Father for your strength, words of encouragement, wisdom, love faith and trust. Thank you for being there with me every where I go, every turn I take, and with every breath that I take. Amen.

 

 

Motivate to Succeed

I love following Dean Grossman from NYU.  His commencement address to the graduating class year after year is something I look forward to reading.  His speeches are so eloquent. Each year he has something new to say. Each year he not only motivates these professionals of tomorrow, but he motivates me.

 

The following is an excerpt from Deans Grossman’s address to the graduating class of 2018. I hope it becomes useful to your life as I know i will apply many aspects in my life and in my children’s lives.

• Have assurance, but not arrogance, in your abilities.

• Be receptive to criticism, for that enables learning.

• Believe in yourself. You have navigated a very difficult knowledge base. You have assimilated an amazing number of facts. You have performed at the highest level.

• And if the house officer or attending assumes you know very little—so be it, don’t be offended—just quietly prove her wrong.

• Appreciate how you feel when someone undervalues your knowledge, intelligence, or insights and try not to replicate that behavior as you ascend the career ladder. This will make you an empathetic leader and, I might add, a better person.

• Lastly, remember others may underestimate you, but you should never underestimate yourself! AND NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP!

For each point Dean Grossman stated, I found comfort in a scripture.

So today I may not be standing before a podium addressing the masses on their future Career.  I am actually finding comfort behind a screen typing away on my keyboard on how to maximize on these words using GOD’S WORD.

• Proverbs 13:10 Pride causes arguments, but those who listen to others are wise.

 

• Hebrews 5:8  Jesus was the Son of God, but he still suffered, and through his sufferings he learned to obey whatever God says.

 

• Proverbs 31:25 She is a strong person, and people respect her. She looks to the future with confidence.
• James 3:13 
  [ True Wisdom ] Are there any among you who are really wise and understanding? Then you should show your wisdom by living right. You should do what is good with humility. A wise person does not boast.
• Hebrews 10:34-36  Yes, you helped them in prison and shared in their suffering. And you were still happy when everything you owned was taken away from you. You continued to be happy, because you knew that you had something much better—something that would continue forever. So don’t lose the courage that you had in the past. Your courage will be rewarded richly. You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what he promised you.

 

• Proverbs 3:6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.

 

We as Christians can not only put to practice the word of God, but even inspiring words of leaders, educators and public speakers.  Always remember though to find comfort first in God’s word. You can make Parallels of God’s word and apply them in your lives.

There is proof that even the advice given in this commencement speech, has been given to us for many years in the bible.

• So Do not have Pride, and listen.
• Learn from everything that life throws at you, learn from what the scriptures tells you.
• Be strong and confident.
• Remain humble despite the knowledge and wisdom you gain.
• Have courage.
• Be Happy.
• Be Patient.
• Help others & ask for help along the way.

 

Though this is only a snippet of an amazing commencement speech.  We are able to use his advice, support it with the Lords word to show that the same advice we are getting in the flesh, is the same advice God tries to tell us.

We have to keep our eyes, ears , mind and heart open when we meditate in the word to be able to hear what he has been trying to tell us.

Back To Life

Back To Life is the 7th & final Devotional from the Mandisa devotional series.

Scripture.

“The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 18:21 ERV

 

“The Lord ’S power came on me. The Spirit of the Lord carried me out of the city and put me down in the middle of the valley. The valley was full of dead men’s bones. There were many bones lying on the ground in the valley. The Lord made me walk all around among the bones. I saw the bones were very dry. Then the Lord said to me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” I answered, “Lord GOD, only you know the answer to that question.” Then he said to me, “Speak to these bones for me. Tell them, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! This is what the Lord GOD says to you: I will cause breath to come into you, and you will come to life! I will put sinew and muscles on you, and I will cover you with skin. Then I will put breath in you, and you will come back to life! Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” So I spoke to the bones for the Lord, as he said. I was still speaking, when I heard the loud noise. The bones began to rattle, and bone joined together with bone! There before my eyes, I saw sinew and muscles begin to cover the bones. Skin began to cover them, but there was no breath in them. Then the Lord said to me, “Speak to the wind for me. Son of man, speak to the wind for me. Tell the wind that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Wind, come from every direction and breathe air into these dead bodies! Breathe into them and they will come to life again!’” So I spoke to the wind for the Lord, as he said, and the breath came into the dead bodies. They came to life and stood up. There were many men—a very large army!” Ezekiel 37:1-10 ERV

 

Devotional by Mandisa

I have read, meditated on, and heard messages on Ezekiel 37, the valley of dry bones, for as long as I can remember. It’s one of those passages that I’ve heard so many times, I wasn’t sure what else I could possibly get out of it! But after experiencing my own valley of dry bones, and inhabiting a pit of despair for several years, God has illuminated this familiar passage for me.

God very easily could have spoken to the dry bones Himself and seen them come to life. Instead, He commanded Ezekiel to listen to His words, then repeat them to the bones. It was only when Ezekiel obeyed and spoke life that the bones responded.

Similarly, I find that this is how God lifted me out of the dark. Rather than experiencing immediate deliverance, God lifted me out bit by bit, allowing me to learn valuable lessons in the process. He taught me how to prophesy His words over myself:

• I breathed out shame, and breathed in grace

• I breathed out fear, and breathed in peace

• I breathed out weakness, and breathed in strength

This is not to say that I felt these things immediately. But in the beginning of this process, I knew I needed to do what Ezekiel did—prophesy God’s truth over what felt dead. As my friend TobyMac says, I needed to speak life!

I ended the deluxe edition of my ‘Out of the Dark’ album with a worship song that illustrates this process perfectly.

“Shame and depression And all anxieties They have no power over me Addiction and strongholds And every disease They have no power over me”

Even as I recorded those words, I felt shame. But as I repeated those words over and over, the shame lifted. Sometimes our behavior follows our acts of faith. For reasons we may not fully understand, there is great power in God’s Word, and in worship. When I least feel like opening my mouth to praise or proclaim Truth is when it is most important for me to do so. By magnifying Jesus, our circumstances grow smaller in comparison. In those moments when we feel like all signs of life are gone, proclaim the breath of heaven into that situation, and watch God bring those dry bones back to life.

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This series touched my life to the core. I know it can and will touch you reading this. We all go through different experiences in our lives, these experiences and how we handle them tells us alot about our faith, where we are and how much we have grown with each encounter.

Father God today I ask you to help us speak things into life.  Teach us to rebuke negative energy and in the midst of our storms to always count on you.  Amen.

 

Prove Me Wrong

The 5th devotional in Mandisa’s series is called Prove Me Wrong.

Scripture:

“The apostles did not stop teaching the people. They continued to tell the Good News—that Jesus is the Messiah. They did this every day in the Temple area and in people’s homes.” Acts 5:42 ERV

 

“How long will you forget me, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you refuse to accept me? How long must I wonder if you have forgotten me? How long must I feel this sadness in my heart? How long will my enemy win against me? Lord my God, look at me and give me an answer. Make me feel strong again, or I will die. If that happens, my enemy will say, “I beat him!” He will be so happy that he won. But I trust in your faithful love, Lord. I will be happy when you save me. Then I will sing to the Lord because he was so good to me.” Psalms 13:1-6 ERV

 

“Lord, don’t criticize me when you are angry. Don’t discipline me in anger. You have hurt me. You punished me and hurt me deeply. You punished me severely, so my whole body is sore. I sinned, and now all my bones hurt. My guilt is like a heavy burden. I am sinking beneath its weight. I did a foolish thing, and now I have infected sores that stink. I am bent and bowed down. I am depressed all day long. I am burning with fever, and my whole body hurts. I hurt so much I cannot feel anything. My pounding heart makes me scream! My Lord, you heard my groaning. You can hear my sighs. My heart is pounding. My strength is gone, and I am going blind. Because of my sickness, my friends and neighbors will not visit me; my family will not come near me. My enemies say bad things about me. They are spreading lies and rumors. They talk about me all the time. But I am like a deaf man and cannot hear. I am like someone who cannot speak. I am like those who cannot hear what people are saying about them. I cannot answer to prove my enemies wrong. Lord, you must defend me. Lord my God, you must speak for me. That’s why I prayed, “Don’t let my enemies smile at my pain. Full of pride, they will laugh if I stumble and fall.” I know I am guilty of doing wrong. I cannot forget my pain. Lord, I told you about the evil I have done. I am sorry for my sin. But my enemies are alive and healthy, and they have told many lies. I did nothing but good, and they paid me back with evil. I try to do what is right, but that only makes them turn against me. Lord, don’t leave me. My God, stay close to me. Come quickly and help me. My Lord, you are the one who saves me.” Psalms 38:1-22 ERV

 

Devotional by Mandisa

“..for the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart. The LORD has already appointed him to be the leader of his people…” 1 Samuel 13:14b NLT

Do you ever wonder what made David “a man after God’s own heart”? I realize that Jesus is only one perfect Man who ever walked the earth, but come on! David? The same man who used his authority to have an affair on a woman, got her pregnant, and then had her husband (who was fighting in his army) murdered? That David was the one God says was a man after His own heart?

Admittedly, while I can think of many things that would cause God to bestow this incredibly honoring title on David, I suspect that one of those reasons is that David walked in close relationship with God. I believe that the best relationships are those of complete honesty and common sharing of feelings. If David did nothing else, he was certainly honest with God.

After watching my friend Lakisha die, my hope was deferred, my heart was sick, and I was anything but honest with my feelings toward God. I shut down and ignored Him. I can learn a lot from David. Maybe you can too.

1 Be honest with emotions—David was regularly grumbling to the Lord about things he felt God and other people did to him. I’m not suggesting we make a habit of complaining, but if we’re going to do it, it seems to me that it is better to voice it to God than anyone else.

2 Be quick to repent—David made a lot of mistakes in his life, but when he was confronted with it, he was very quick to admit his wrong, repent, and receive God’s forgiveness without wallowing in shame.

3 Be joyful in praise—David was a worshipper! It seems that he was always dancing, singing, and loudly proclaiming the goodness of God. I imagine that he’ll be a blast to hang out with in heaven!

I was still very much in the dark when I wrote “Prove Me Wrong,” a song that expresses my heartbreak at Kisha’s passing. Interestingly, months later, when I was out of the dark and listened again, I felt as if the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart, “Mandisa, you challenged me to prove you wrong. I just did.” I can’t help but wonder if finally bringing my broken heart to God allowed Him to heal it and usher in the grace He longed for me to have. I think David was onto something!

Do you carry any anger, resentment, or disappointment towards God? I encourage you to take some time as you read these scriptures to honestly express your heart to Him. He can handle it. He might even delight in it and see those who do it as men and women after His own heart.

 

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I wanted to add this:

 

 

Psalm 51 New King James Version (NKJV)

A Prayer of Repentance

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

51 Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
² Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.

³ For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.
⁴ Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight—
That You may be found just ^[a]when You speak,
And blameless when You judge.

⁵ Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.
⁶ Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

⁷ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
⁸ Make me hear joy and gladness,
That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
⁹ Hide Your face from my sins,
And blot out all my iniquities.

¹⁰ Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

¹² Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
¹³ Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.

¹⁴ Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
¹⁵ O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
¹⁶ For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.

¹⁸ Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion;
Build the walls of Jerusalem.
¹⁹ Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,
With burnt offering and whole burnt offering;
Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

Meditate on Davids words, just as he asked God to be forgiven of his transgressions, we should as well.

Now repeat:

Lord I repent of all the sins in my life. I repent of the sins that I know that I have committed, I repent of the sins that I don’t know of.  If there is any sin that I don’t know of, that I am unaware of, dear lord please bring it to my mind that I may repent of that sin as well.  Please forgive me Oh Lord of any pride, rebellion, vanity, jealousy, judging, distrust, prejudice, dishonesty, theft, greed, spiritual adultery or fornication, or any spiritual murder.In the name of the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit Amen.

 

Here is the Salvation Poem from the show Superbook which I watch with my kids to help them learn certain themes in the Bible:

The Salvation Poem

©

Jesus, You died upon a cross

And rose again to save the lost

Forgive me now of all my sin

Come be my Savior, Lord, and Friend

Change my life and make it new

And help me, Lord, to live for You

Good News

Good News is the 4th devotional from Mandisa’s series.  As I stated yesterday I will post the remaining of her devotional series. some with a narrative some, as is.

 

the word:

 “The Lord is not being slow in doing what he promised—the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He wants everyone to change their ways and stop sinning.” 2 Peter 3:9 ERV

 

 

“We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say.” 1 John 5:14 ERV

 

 

“The apostles did not stop teaching the people. They continued to tell the Good News—that Jesus is the Messiah. They did this every day in the Temple area and in people’s homes.”Acts 5:42 ERV

 

Good News

 

Devotional by Mandisa

I prayed for my brother John’s salvation for decades. I even wrote a song about it on my ‘Overcomer’ album. The bridge of “Dear John” says,

“It’s not a list of do’s and don’ts
Not a record of your faults
He gave His life to pay it all
He loves you just the way you are
You are forgiven by His scars
Just open up your heart”

There were days when I would pray with boldness and authority concerning John. Then, there were days when I wondered if my prayers were falling on deaf ears. I knew that God desired for my brother to have hope for eternity even more than I longed for it. But at times, I wavered in unbelief. After my friend Lakisha died from cancer, I stopped praying for anything.

I figured that God had His own plans, so He could just leave me out of it. It was in that season of dark hopelessness that my brother called me up and essentially asked, “What must I do to be saved?” On July 13, 2016 I led my brother in the prayer of salvation, and in an instant, John became your brother too! I immediately recorded a video and posted it on all of my social media sites proclaiming the good news that he who was lost had been found!

That’s the thing about good news—we can’t wait to share it. And somehow, hearing it shouted from the rooftops encourages those of us walking a similar road. My prayer is that, by sharing John’s story, it will build the hope of many of you who are standing in the gap for your loved one whose salvation you are interceding for.

As your sister in Christ, I want to assure you that your heavenly Father hears your prayers and is working beyond what your human eyes can see. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. Keep loving. Keep sharing. Keep believing. And when that day comes where your faith becomes sight, tell the world all about your “Good News”!

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We all have those loved one’s we pray for their “Good News”.  I always share the good news of when my husband accepted Christ.  What I couldn’t do in 12 years being with him, God used a tragedy and our children to take care of that in 12 months.  During those 12 years I prayed for him, but I rejoiced and shared the good news when he did finally take that step.  When someone you love takes this path, its a blessing for that person, but also for the person who spent many moons praying over that person.  It is not easy, it is hard work.  sometimes we wonder what if….but when it happens boy oh boy do we celebrate and feel blessed as well.

 

Can I tell you something….In the bible we see this as well…. When Mary went to share her news to Elizabeth, Elizabeth also celebrated Mary’s good news.

Luke 1:42-44 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

⁴² In a loud voice she said to Mary, “God has blessed you more than any other woman. And God has blessed the baby you will have. ⁴³ You are the mother of my Lord, and you have come to me! Why has something so good happened to me? ⁴⁴ When I heard your voice, the baby inside me jumped with joy.

Not only did she acknowledge how Mary has been blessed, her baby (John the Baptist) from the womb also rejoiced.

Sometimes when other people receive a blessing, we get happy and their blessing blesses us. Just like in this case where Mandisa’s brother salvation was a blessing to her, my husband’s seeking salvation was also a blessing to my self…. the very things you are praying for for someone else, or even when someone shares a blessing with you can be a blessing to you as well.

 

I enjoy the children’s services in our church, not because we (my co teacher and I)  are the ones in charge now, or because my kids (all of the students in the class ) are actively involved, but because we can see your joy, your passion in your worship and praise.  Every Sunday I watch from my seat the boys play the instruments alongside the musicians.  My heart fills me up with joy.  They are so moved, worshiping God with their instruments they make me feel blessed.  Not just the boys, every service I see some of the girls singing and dancing along, I see some of the students playing their percussion  instruments, singing along worshiping God.  That is a blessing to even want to praise and worship the lord.  Their blessings get me excited and become my blessings.  I can relate to Elizabeth’s reaction to Mary’s blessings.  Sometimes it’s not your own blessing that can bless you, it is someone else’s blessings that moves you.

 

Father today I thank you for my blessings.  I also thank you for the blessings you give others.  For those blessings also brings joy to my soul, even though those blessings are not my own, but the joy of knowing that you still answer, you still move, you still hear us, you still respond, you still bless us, blesses me.  Thank you. Amen.

Nehemiah Unit study

I have been pretty busy studying the word and preparing unit studies for my students, which has left me more focus on being prepared for them and not blogging as often as I had liked to….

So I will be posting some of my unit studies.

 

Kids Ministry: Nehemiah Study Guide

 

Subject: Working together for God’s purpose.

 

A few weeks ago we began our discussion on Nehemiah.  Within the next 2 weeks we will complete our discussion and finish rebuilding our Lego Model of Jerusalem and the walls. Last time we also learned that Nehemiah was concerned about God’s reputation. Jerusalem was God’s city where His people lived (Nehemiah 1:9). It was in ruins and Nehemiah wanted to do something about it so God’s name would be honored and exalted in the land.

 

Verse of the day:  Nehemiah 1:10 “They are Your servants and Your people whom You redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand.”

 

Nehemiah’s Story:

Nehemiah’s name means comforted by Jehovah…

 

• His Character: He was a humble servant of the Lord whom God allowed to use to lead his people to rebuild and restore Jerusalem.  He was faithful to God. He overcame danger and those whom mocked him to complete a task for God. Nehemiah was the cup bearer to the king of Persia. Nehemiah asked the king for permission to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the city walls. Nehemiah led and organized the people to complete the job in only fifty-two days with God’s help! Nehemiah was a fearless and caring leader who trusted God and always gave Him credit for his success.

 

• His sorrow:  to see the city of Jerusalem in ruins.

 

• His joy: To rebuild the walls and city of Jerusalem.

 

• Key scriptures: Book of Nehemiah.

 

Nehemiah is a Jewish man still living in Susa working for the king. Susa is located in Persia.  Nehemiah lived in Persia because most Jewish people had been forced from their homes when Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 B.C. Nehemiah’s brother Hanani and some other Jewish men came to visit Nehemiah, they told him: the temple was fine, but the Gates were burnt to ashes and walls were crumbled. Nehemiah shows us what we can do as believers when our hearts are broken. Nehemiah shows us that prayer enables believers to see that God answers by giving wisdom to know what to ask for and see His provision and His hand of blessing in our lives.

Lesson Q& A

 

1. Who gave God’s people in Persia permission to return to their homeland? Cyrus
2. What was their first task [Ezra 1:1-5]? , rebuild the House of God [the temple]
3. What problems did God’s people face in the rebuilding process? [Ezra 4:4-5] Their enemies mocked them, frightened them, and discouraged them.
4. Who was Ezra? What was his job?   [Ezra 7:1-10] a priest, teacher of the law.
5. Where did Nehemiah live?   [Nehemiah 1:1 ]   Susa,
6. How did Nehemiah respond to the news that Jerusalem was in ruins? (He wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed)
7. What are things that Nehemiah prays? (Reminded God of His promises, confessed his/the peoples’ sins, asked God to give him success as he asked the king for help)
8. What was Nehemiah’s job? He was a cup bearer.
9. How many chapters in the book of Nehemiah? 13
10. What news made Nehemiah sad? [Nehemiah 1:3-4] Jerusalem’s walls were in ruins, the people had given up on the rebuilding the wall.
11. What did Nehemiah ask the king? Nehemiah asked the king:  To return to Jerusalem to rebuild it. (2:5) for letters that would provide him safety as he travelled to Jerusalem. (2:7) A letter for Asaph asking for wood from the king’s forest to build the walls and gates and for a place for him to stay while doing the work. (2:8)
12. What did king Artaxerxes give Nehemiah permission to do? [Nehemiah 2:1-9] Appoint new leaders, organize the rebuilding and teach the people God’s Laws.
13. Who were the enemies of God’s people? Nehemiah 2:10 these men [Sanballat and Tobiah] were enemies of God’s people.
14. Did the Leaders of Jerusalem agree to help Nehemiah? When Nehemiah told the leaders why he was in Jerusalem they agreed to begin the great work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:18)
15. What danger threatened the rebuilding process? [Nehemiah 4:7-9] Their enemies were planning to attack them; they were weary and discouraged.
16. What was governor Nehemiah’s solution? Nehemiah 4:16-23 Guards were posted and workers were armed with weapons
17. How long did it take to rebuild the walls? Nehemiah 6:15 – 52 days.
18. How did God help Nehemiah? (The king gave him permission to return to rebuild, provided for him and protected him)
19. Who helped rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem? Nehemiah 3 Eliashib the High priests and his fellow priests (Sheep Gate), The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them. The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs   (FAMILIES WORKED TOGETHER TO FIX THE WALLS AND GATES) The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa,. The Jeshanah[b] Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah Next to them, repairs were made by men from Gibeon and Mizpah—Melatiah of Gibeon and Jadon of Meronoth—places under the authority of the governor of Trans-Euphrates the Broad wall was fixed by Goldsmiths and perfume makers with the help of Shallum with the help of his daughters. (Yes even girls helped).  The Levites & priests helped.
20. Who didn’t work? Neh. 3:5:  (Nobles of Tekoa)
21. How was the work done? Orderly (Laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place-) Zealously 3:20
22. What promise does God give His people if they humbly pray and confess their sins? Read 2 Chronicles 7:14. “and if my people who are called by my name become humble and pray, and look for me, and turn away from their evil ways, then I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
23. What did Nehemiah do when his enemies mocked him and plotted to hurt him? Read Nehemiah 4:1-4; 6:9. Nehemiah Prayed.
24. What did Nehemiah tell the people would be their strength? Read Nehemiah 8:10 “the joy of the Lord will make you strong.”
25. Does everything always go smoothly when we obey God? Read John 16:33. “I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!”
26. What should we remember if things seem to go wrong? Read Matthew 14:27. But Jesus quickly spoke to them. He said, “Don’t worry! It’s me! Don’t be afraid.”
27. Many years after Nehemiah lived, another man in the Bible was cruelly mocked. Can you guess His name? Read John 19:1-3  and Matthew 27:37-44. [Jesus]

Recap:

Nehemiah was concerned about God’s reputation. Jerusalem was God’s city where His people lived (Nehemiah 1:9). It was in ruins and Nehemiah wanted to do something about it so God’s name would be honored and exalted in the land.

 

Nehemiah shows us that we can pray and talk to God about the problem and ask for His help. Nehemiah 2:1-3 which is what Nehemiah did, he prayed then asked the king for help, once God guided him with the specific things to ask the king for. Because Nehemiah had prayed and asked God for help, God gave him wisdom to know what to ask for and he was able to see God’s gracious hand on his life through the King’s response to help him, Not only did the king allow him to have letters for the governors throughout the land who would protect him as he traveled the king sent army officers and cavalry along with him.

When Nehemiah told the leaders why he was in Jerusalem they agreed to begin the great work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:18)  Together they rebuilt the walls, the Gates and the City of Jerusalem.  It took them 52 days, they faced obstacles, they faced challenges, they were threatened, but they prayed.  They had faith in God to provide for them and answer their prayers despite any obstacle that came up.  In 52 days they completed this task, because they put God first in all they did, they trusted in each other, they worked together and most importantly because this was God’s will for them to do.

Locations of the Gates:

• Sheep gate: Located in the northeast corner of the city, called the sheep gate because it was where the sheep which were to be sacrificed in the temple courts were kept.
• Fish gate: The Fisherman of Galilee and the coast brought their fish into the city through this gate.
• Jeshanah gate: In Hebrew means the Old Gate; located in the northwest corner this gate represents the old ways of truth.
• Valley Gate: Located in the Southwestern corner of Jerusalem.
• Dung Gate: In this gate is where all the garbage and corrupt things of the city were brought to the garbage dump in the Hinnom Valley outside of Jerusalem.
• Fountain Gate: Located at the end of the pool of Siloam, low in the valley in the south.
• East gate: It is on the eastern side, opposite the temple area and facing the rising sun. The gate that speaks of hope and expectation, the gate through which the return of the e messiah will enter the city of Jerusalem.
• Inspection gate: In Hebrew means the appointed place.  Where Things would get inspected before entering.
• Horse gate: located in the easternmost point in the city wall; a gate through which one could reach the Kidron Valley
• Water Gate: led to the main source of Jerusalem’s water, the Gihon spring.

Nehemiah’s Legacy:

Praise God: that nothing is impossible with him.

Offer thanks: When working together for God’s Glory all things will work itself out despite any obstacles faced

Confess: Any sins directly to God that interferes with his will

Ask God: To Guide us like he did with Nehemiah, like Nehemiah ask for forgiveness, for direction, for understanding and even for words to be used at any given situation.

Pray: Heavenly Father, we praise You that we can come to You for all of our needs. Help us wait patiently for Your answers. Father God I thank you for all that you do in my life.  Father I ask for forgiveness for my sins, the sins of my family, the sins of my church, the sins of my friends and the sins o my community.  I ask dear lord that you guide us in all that we do, so that it can be done for your glory and your will.  Father I ask that you lead us, even when opposition comes before us.  I ask that you guide our thoughts and our words when facing people like Tobiah and Sanballat, for we know we will face many people like them who want to deter us from doing your will.  I humbly thank you for your love, your mercy and your forgiveness. God, help us trust in You whenever we face difficult times. Please fill us Your joy, which is our strength!  Praise be our Lord God, for no one is mightier than you. Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross and forgiving my sins. Help me share Your love and kindness with others In the name of the Father, In the Name of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Awareness – day 7

 

As I mentioned in the previous post I am currently reading another devotional series.

This is a 7 day devotional entitled

Seeking Wisdom‘ If you want to read the full devotional click on the hyperlink. If not just wait daily and for the next  few days for the completion of the 7 day devotional. I will post their devotional with my own reflection piece.

These Past 6 days these devotionals touched on: Awareness, Assistance, Advice, Assumptions, Acceptance & Application. Today’s subject will be on Awareness.

Associated scripture with today’s devotional:

 

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

Jeremiah 33:3 ESV

 

Jeremiah is one of my favorite prophets. He prayed often. He is also known as the prophet who cried often. There is a song which I sing at church which speaks of that.

The song is in Spanish it goes like this

“Como Jeremías, oraba y lloraba

así quiero yo, orar y llorar.//

//Dios le contestaba la petición que hacia,

asi quiero yo que conteste la mía.//“

In English it roughly translates to:

Just like Jeremiah, prayed and cried

That is how I want to pray and cry.

God answered the petitions he made,

That is how I want god to answer mine.

His prayers were always answered. He lived knowing that God would answer his petitions. He had faith. He believed. He trusted. When he prayed he didn’t say I hope. He was determined he said God I know you can….

We should all pray like Jeremiah. With so much faith, trust, passion, fervor and belief in the one true and living God.

This passion, this trust, this much faith and belief leads me to today’s last devotional from the series.

Day 7 Mala Ministries:

Affirmation

Be reminded today that God knows, understands and even cherishes your diligent pursuit of wisdom.  As you seek, He is waiting to be found, and wishes to reveal to you “great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  Our desperate search for answers can sometimes blind us to the ultimate answer – the source of all things. As we read earlier this week, King Solomon was wise to acknowledge the source of His blessings. If we believe whole-heartedly in the source, there is then no room for fear or doubt, for we know that “from Him and through Him and for Him are all things” (Romans 11:36).

With the pursuit of a goal comes obstacles, challenges, mistakes to be made and lessons to be learned. This journey is no different. We have learned over the last six days that the process of seeking wisdom entails being aware, asking for assistance, receiving advice, being cautious with assumptions, practicing acceptance, and perfecting application – all these actions must be performed deliberately and diligently, with focus and intention. That being the case, another “to-do” may not seem appealing; but you will be happy to know that when it comes to affirmation, the only action required is that we receive it with open hearts.

So to you, friend, God is speaking, loud and clear. He tells you that you can stand affirmed, assured and secure in the knowledge that though the answers to some questions remain uncertain, His supply of wisdom, strength and guidance is certain. It is vast and abundant, and knows no bounds. That promise, as stated in Jeremiah 33:3, is a clear picture of His limitless resource of wisdom, which is yours to claim.

My closing prayer.

Father God most high, only you are worthy of so much praise. You know created the heavens and the earth. You who created man and the animals. You who are the one true living God. Guide me in supplying wisdom, strength and guidance to those in need deer lord. Guide me to the be more like Jeremiah in my prayers dear lord. I will call to you with all my might so that just like you answered Jeremiah you can answer me. I will always keep my eyes, my ears, my mind and my heart open for you dear lord, willing and ready to receive your blessings and word. In the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Acceptance – day 5

 

 

As I mentioned in the previous post I am currently reading another devotional series.

This is a 7 day devotional entitled: Seeking Wisdom‘ If you want to read the full devotional click on the hyperlink. If not just wait daily  for the next  few days for the completion of the 7 day devotional. I will post their devotional with my own reflection piece.

Associated scripture with today’s devotional:

 

“In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.”

Ecclesiastes 7:14 ESV

 

One of my biggest problems is learning to accept when I can no longer do anything or seek answers to a specific question troubling me. Some battles are worth fighting, others you just need to learn to accept that it is what it is. The hardest thing to do sometimes is accept ones given circumstance.

This brings me to today’s devotional from this 7 day plan.

Day 5 Mala Ministries:

Acceptance

King Solomon came to be known as the wisest king who ever lived. Even with such a title and an abundance of wealth, he continually acknowledged the God of Israel as the source of all his blessings. But his acknowledgement of God didn’t stop there; in Ecclesiastes 7:14, we see that he also acknowledged the sovereignty of God when it came to the occurrence of unfavorable circumstances. Rain or shine, He acknowledged that God’s permission was extended to allow one as well as the other; so “no one [could] discover anything about their future.”

This concept of pure, humble acceptance was also evident in the life and character of Job. He was abundantly wealthy, and in the blink of an eye, it was all taken away from him. His response? “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.”

In this life, we may ride the waves of joy for one season, only to be hit with storms of despair and grief in the next. And while some situations call for drastic action, some others only call for godly acceptance. In the book of Proverbs, Solomon states that to be wise in one’s own eyes is foolishness. Socrates said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing that you know nothing.”

To accept our lack of understanding and knowledge is to also accept the sovereign will and plan of God, which in most cases, is a mystery. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9).

Ask God today to help you reach this level of wisdom, which exemplifies godly acceptance. In the midst of struggle, may these lines by Reinhold Niebuhr be your prayer:  “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.”

My conclusion:

Holy father, god of mercy god of love, I lift my hands in praise to you. Thank you for the challenges I face, thank you for the love, thank you for the lessons. Thank you for teaching me when to accept certain circumstances and when to challenge them. Lord thank you for the guidance. Thank you. Amen.

 

 

Advice – day 3

 

As I mentioned in the previous post I am currently reading another devotional series.

This is a 7 day devotional entitled:  Seeking Wisdom‘ If you want to read the full devotional click on the hyperlink. If not just wait daily for the next  few days for the completion of the 7 day devotional. I will post their devotional with my own reflection piece.

Associated scripture with today’s devotional:

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”

Proverbs 12:15 ESV

 

Socrates once said “To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge.”

Chinese Proverb Lao Tzu said “The wise man is one who, knows, what he does not know”

A Chinese proverb said “

“The wise man knows he knows nothing, the fool thinks he knows all.”

Plato once said “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.”

In other words we all think we know it all, but we don’t. It takes a wise man to realize that we do not know it all. We become fools when we speak just to speak. When one speak of certain subjects not knowing what one is talking about that is when we become the fool. Yet a wise man asks for Advice, and listens to the advice.

We have all been in situations where we needed advice, yet did not seek it. Not because we didn’t know where to turn, sometimes it’s pride, sometimes it’s you don’t want people in your affairs, sometimes the reasoning is pretty foolish.

It is important to ask for advice from time to time. With that said, This brings me to the devotional I read.

 

 

Day 3 Mala Ministries:

Advice

In a “hooray for me” and “heck with you” culture, we are always looking for self-fulfillment. Life seems to be filled with the pressure of academic requirements in our youth, societal acceptance when we are young adults, parental approval in life and career choices and peer recognition in our careers. The grade always seems to be a few notches higher than where we are. This keeps us in the endless pursuit of seeking and searching.

Let one of those dimensions of search today be for advice and counsel. Maybe it’s the old man at the corner bakery who serves you your morning tea. It could be a colleague who is three levels below you in the corporate hierarchy. It may be closer to home and in your inner-circle. The wisest thing you can do for yourself is to look around at the wisdom you may have ignored, because culture told you that it was in a far-off place, and tradition forced you to look at someone older.

Pray that God will allow you to be open to the counsel of the godly who are already in place. He equips the team before He selects them to play. Make a decision today to stop hearing the world and to start listening to the Word.

An older gentleman once asked Dr. Ravi Zacharias, considered one of the foremost voices of reason in the world, what he was doing. He responded with remarks regarding activity ahead and achievements behind. The older gentleman calmly replied, “No, you are making memories, so make them good ones.” That is advice that we should all be receiving and taking to heart.

Each day is a new day to seek and search, learn and leap. However, we need to pause every so often and ask ourselves what memories we are creating today so that tomorrow, we can look at yesterday and be grateful for the lessons hidden in those memories.  Time is indeed a canvas and the advice of others becomes the paint that can draw a clearer picture of what can be.

 

My closing:

Father God I love and thank you more than words could ever express. Today I glorify your name most high. I thank you for all that you do for me. Thank you for those you place in my path whom are willing and able to give advice. I find strength and comfort that these individuals whom you have provided knowledge and are of a blessing when I seek them for guidance and advice. Father may you bless them as well as provide us all with knowledge so we can be able to provide assistance and advice to one another since our knowledge comes from our experiences which we experience.

Amen.

 

Awareness – day 1

Currently I am reading another devotional series.

This is a 7 day devotional entitled: Seeking Wisdom‘.  If you want to read the full devotional click on the link. If not just wait daily for the next 7 days I will post their devotional with my own reflection pieces and prayers. I try my best to always include a prayer at the end of each post. I do so because prayer is just so important in ones walk. It is our direct line of connection to God.

Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.”

Proverbs 4:24-26 ESV

 

This scripture is associated with the devotional. Before we get in to the message from the devotional, let’s look at the scripture. What do you take from this verse? What do you see. We need to be mindful of what we say, what come out of our mouths and how we say certain things is what I get from the first part of this verse. Then in the second part where the proverb tells us to look forward and look straight, is a reminder to me that no matter what we have been through in our lives we need to keep moving forward. The last part of this verse to me speaks volumes of how we walk in our walk. Think about what your doing, where you are going, why you are going that way, all the while looking straight ahead and moving forward. It’s the only way to surely know where one is going.

Did I loose you? Have you ever said or done something you regretted? We all have. This verse is gentle reminder that we need to be mindful in what we say and do, and how to keep focused, aware and know our surroundings and where we plan on going. My mistakes of my past, well that’s where they are in my past. As I walk my walk I need to be diligent in my actions, my speech, my everything not because of who is watching but because of My desire and passion to join God when my time comes. My words, my actions and my heart need to my in sync with the same goal. Living a just and holy as possible life so I can be with my creator. I need to focus On my destination, while looking forward to arriving to my destination, all the while reminding my self of where i came from, what i have done, what i never want to repeat so I can stay focused on looking ahead, walking forward.

We need to be aware!

This brings me to the devotional I read.

 

Day 1 Mala Ministries:

 

Awareness

In the pursuit of fame and in the search for significance, the material world consumes our pursuits and fatigues our desires. Every morning, people wake up and evaluate their past hope and their present situation, creating a mortal comparison that leaves them feeling more empty than full. The question you may have this morning is why your own efforts leave you wanting more. The answer is in the word of God, before the world of God. He who created the heavens and the earth sought it wise to make Him the only end of all pursuit.

A. W. Tozer once said that God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves. Today, as you plan for the week ahead, reflect on the word of God and cherish through prayer the search for His wisdom; this is the correct use of the knowledge He gave you. To be an agent of wisdom, you must not exhaust yourself by seeking a new definition of His will; rather, enjoy yourself by showing a new demonstration of His will.

Pablo Cassals was a world famous cello player, and at the height of his fame, was asked why he kept practicing. His response was that he thought he was making daily progress. Genius has been described as the ability to focus on the task at hand. Becoming aware of your strengths and limitations is only possible through a deep awareness of God and His purpose for your life. David, the shepherd king of Israel, said: “I am constantly aware of your unfailing love. Awareness of this unending love is the beginning of wisdom.”

To be aware requires focus, and to be focused requires awareness. As you meditate today, ask God to help you become aware of His majesty. Your mind will open to possibilities and probabilities that you never even dreamed about. May your eyes be closed to all that distracts and your heart open to the abundance of His provision, which will set you on a new course.

My closing:

What a beautiful devotional about awareness. Just as this proverb reminded us. We need to be aware and focused. We need to always ask God for assistance, open to the possibilities to come. Your eyes need to be focused to the final goal. Reject distractions and anyone or anything that is leading you to deter back. No matter what happened in your past, when you trust in God, he will set you on the path you need to go to receive his glory and blessings.

Stay focused, stay aware, keep looking forward, remember where you want to go, remember and be mindful to what can take you off course, don’t fall in to temptation nor distraction, keep your eyes looking forward, trust in God and stay on your path with God.

Father God I thank you for another day, another opportunity to glorify you. I thank you for the air I breathe, for my ears that can hear, my eyes which can see, and all my senses which allow me to be aware of your majestic glory. I know my lord I am. It perfect. I have sinned before, I will no longer live in my past. Help me lord to keep my past just there so I can focus on you my lord and my walk with you. Help me lord to be aware of my surroundings, actions and words. Help me remain focused on looking ahead dear Lord so that I do not stray from your Path. I pray for whoever is reading this who needs this guidance in their lives. Lord I am asking that allow me to intercede for them in prayer, may these words, this prayer touch their hearts, their eyes, their ears, their soul so they too can be aware, look ahead, and continue their walk with you. In the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit Amen.

 

Success

WINSTON CHURCHILL once said “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm. ”

We all have pivotal moments in our lives where we felt weak, unable to complete a task, like we are failing.  Yet Churchill reminds us that our success does not necessarily come from the final product.  Success comes from our ability, to pretty much learn from our failures, regardless if we failed once or one thousand times.  The key thing is to remain faithful, trust in what you are doing, have hope, believe, and find strength and enthusiasm.  Our success is a a combination of our strengths and our weaknesses.  Our failures are the reasons we can appreciate our success.

As we read the scripture we know that God wants us to succeed in life.  We know that by spiritually growing and using our faith & trust in the Lord we are given the strength we need  to fulfill His will for our lives.  This is where our true success comes from.   Relying on God’s words in the midst of any storms in order to achieve one’s success.

This post will feature bible versus on Where do we see where God gives us strength to succeed, Enthusiasm,  faith, trust and success.

• Verse page

” data-hasqtip=”0″ aria-describedby=”qtip-0″>1 Peter 3:13

 

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?

• Verse page

” data-hasqtip=”1″>Ephesians 6:7

 

With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men,

revive and comfort

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“This is my comfort in my affliction: that Your word has revived me.” (Psalm 119:50)

DEVOTIONAL

In our afflictions, what we pray earnestly for, is escape. That is our comfort. God goodness is often weighed by how quickly He brings that escape.

God has a purpose for all our afflictions, and often He chooses to give us a different comfort—His Word. It is packed with promises, exhortations, and lessons we need to learn; God’s Word is the most valuable resource that a Christian can have in their life.

Are you cherishing and graciously receiving the comfort He gives through His word, or do you keep hoping for an escape from the situations that should bring you closer to God?

Let His word revive and comfort you.

I can’t recall where I read this devotional from.  I know when I read it, I saved it.  It not only gave me a sense of comfort, but I did feel a revival in my spirit.  I hope this devotional though not written by me, provides you comfort and a sense of revival.

When I find the source of this devotional I will update this post to give credit where credit is due.  God Bless.

Phoenix – Beauty from Ashes

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“…he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness…”

(Isaiah 61:3, TLB)

We have all been through times of mourning, pain, heaviness and ashes.

What God is telling us that despite the ashes he will give you beauty.

Despite the mourning, you will soon find joy.

Despite the heaviness in one’s heart, you will soon be able to lift your hands and praise.

What God is telling us that he wants us to trade our pain, our mourning, even the heaviness in our hearts which leave us broken for Healing.

He wants to give us beauty.

In Greek Mythology and in the Talmud we have the Phoenix. The phoenix is an amazing mythical creature.

The Phoenix is a mythical bird that is cyclically regenerated or born again. The phoenix obtains new life by arising from their own ashes of its predecessor. According to some accounts of the Phoenix, when the phoenix dies in flames and combustion. Then out of ashes the phoenix regenerates into a new and beautiful creature.

We see this illustration vividly in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. ***Spoiler Alert**** I am assuming that by now all have either read or seen the movie, but just in case…the spoiler alert notice is in full affect. There is a scene in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix where Fawkes the phoenix that belongs to Dumbledore dies. He turns in to ashes. Then emerges once again as a beautiful pillar of light, reborn as a new bird, a mystical magical bird with healing. Shining bright, whimsical, happy and care free.

This verse, though not making reference to the illustration of Fawkes, explains how God want’s us to renew ourselves from our ashes just like a phoenix does.

Just like beauty and this new beacon of light emerges from the ashes when a phoenix regenerates, God wants us to become new, renewed, loved, treasured, favored, beautiful beacons of light from our ashes.

The Key for our beauty to arise is that we have to be willing to get up, dust ourselves off, and give up the ashes. You cannot be beauty and still be within the ashes. You cannot have joy while still mourning. You cannot praise with all your might, with heaviness in your heart.

To Quote Elsa from frozen “Let it go, let it go

Can’t hold it back anymore”.

You have to let go of the old, to become the new shining beacon, pillar of beautiful light he see’s in you.

Today dear reader, are you willing to put your trust in God? Are you willing to trust him with the pain of your past? Are you willing to trust him with the heaviness that fills your heart? Are you willing to step out of the ashes? Are you willing to see your pain, and “let it go”?. Are you willing to forgive others and yourself?

Don’t waste another moment buried deep within the ashes. Today is your day. Now is the moment. leave it all in the past. Turn to God so he can give you the joy you have been missing. Turn to God so you an praise with all your might, Turn to God so that you can step out of the ashes and be this beautiful pillar of light you are.

Today, step out of the ashes and know that you are beautiful.

A Prayer for Today

Father God thank you for sweeping me away from my ashes. Thank you for cleansing me and bringing me peace and joy. Thank you for my beautiful family, beautiful home and the beautiful person I am because of you. I made my choice father to trust in you, to receive your blessings and healing to restore my life. I pray for the person reading this father. May you reading this, become the beacon of light God see’s in you. May you be restored into your full glory as soon as you step out of the ashes. I ask that God provides you with the guidance you need for healing, for joy and to remove any heaviness in your heart and soul. I pray for the strength for you to step out of the ashes, so you too can be beautiful the way God has intended you to be. Amen.

From Struggles to Hope.

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Romans 15:13

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Below is a devotional associated with this verse from Daily bible app.

The Little Rose Bush from Daily Bible Inspirations

One of the things my great-grandma and I had in common was our tremendous love for flowers and plants.

So when she passed away a few months before my husband and I were married, I took some cuttings from a few of her plants so I could start my own to remember her by. The most special one of all was her heirloom tea rosebush. I took the cuttings home to my Granny so we could plant and tend to them until they took root…if they took root.

They did and by the time John and I said “I do”, the tiny bushes were ready to plant. Over the span of thirty-seven years those bushes have been moved four times and numerous cuttings have been taken from them to be shared with others. But on this last move the bushes had to remain in buckets for several months…something they don’t tolerate very well.

When I was finally able to get them in the ground I was nearly certain they wouldn’t make it. I was heart-broken. I know it sounds silly, but I prayed for those roses to survive. They seemed to be just sitting there doing nothing, but when I returned home after teaching in a Bible camp for a couple of weeks, I ran out to check them and…they were getting new leaves!!! They were growing!

Those rosebushes remind me of many things: My sweet great-grandma, my enormous and loving family, and the fact that even when things seem dead or hopeless, God knows better. With Him there is always hope and always joy if we will let Him cultivate it in us and trust in His timing.

Pray: God, let me see the good in all things in my life. Give me the courage to trust You to always know what is best. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Journal

What hurt do you need God to heal you from?

How has God used a difficult or painful situation in your life to bring about good and hope?

These Journal questions were at the end of this devotion. Now I read this devotional a few weeks back but i saved it and I kept going back to it because I can relate so much not just to the story, but these questions.

I have been hurt, we have all been hurt. At first I didn’t channel my hurt appropriately.

I didn’t go to God to heal me from my pain and anguish. I ran.

I have spoken about it in previous posts.

Yet after some time, after My kids, I used my pain to openly talk to others complaining about the same pain I once had.

4 years ago a friend of mine and I were discussing infertility.

At that point my oldest son was 2 and half.

During her venting she said to me, you don’t understand my struggle, you have a cute, doting toddler at your whim, I have nothing.

She was right, I did have my 2 year old. What she didn’t know was the years of suffering, miscarriages, pain, loss in hope, depression, medical procedures and tests that I have endured to get where I got.

I had decided to make lifestyle choices prior to getting my son.

I had to recenter myself and focus back in Christ.

I made dietary changes.

I made life changes.

I made spiritual changes.

I did the ultimate prioritizing in my life and eliminated toxicity from it.

I shared my struggle.

I shared my burdens.

I shared my stories of miscarriages.

She was shocked.

I may have said it in previous posts, but I rarely open up to people and share my stories and my struggles.

So I got outside my comfort zone and she was inspired.

She went ahead and decided to make some changes.

She decided to loose weight.

She decided to change her diet.

She made life style changes.

She also made spiritual changes.

She omitted toxic people in her life.

She got pregnant a few months after.

Ironically around the same time I did.

Though she found out about her pregnancy before I even suspected about mine.

Our kids are two weeks apart.

She needed that pep talk.

She needed to recenter herself with Christ.

She needed to make some changes in her life.

She needed to do her part like I did, for God to do his.

This is an example of how my hurt, my pain, my trials brought good, joy and hope, not just in my life but in hers.

Father God I want to thank you for your love. I want to thank you for my trials and my tribulations. Everything that I have been through in life has only brought me closer to you. Everything that i have been through has only made me stronger. Every form of suffering which you have healed me from have brought joy, good and hope to others. Sharing stories, sharing our difficult moments, can be of a blessing and inspire hope to others. Our trials and our life experiences are not merely our own, but for others so that they too can learn from them and be inspired to grow closer to you. Father you are an amazing teacher and healer, I thank you so much for all you do. Amen.

Happiness

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The world is looking for happiness, yet they are looking for happiness in all the wrong places (wealth fame etc).

This was from a piece of a recent sermon by Pastor Hagee.

I was listening to his service in my living room and this struck out.

He referenced Luke 12;15 [15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”]

We can easily get carried away with our possessions and our quest to happiness in life.

Trust me I know.

I tend to get so fixated on my “projects” that sometimes even though for those brief moments of joy, I get carried away and end up with a surplus of items.

I like to craft with my kids.

My kids have found an affinity to making things.

So what do I do, I buy a cricut.

I turn everything in to a project.

I want to make them everything.

home made cards, home made banners, home made party decors, home made holiday decor.

(I have spent and saved unequivocally the same amount lol).

My kids have found an affinity in painting.

So what do I do, I order canvases galore, paint, stencils and paint brushes

So what do I have? An Art gallery in their bedroom preserving those few minutes of happiness in self reflection and creativity.

I like to read.

I like to read thematically.

So what do I Have? A mountain pile of books to read, and a kindle/nook devices filled with books at my disposal to read.

I get lost in my books, I get transfixed in my books, I get happy reading.

Yet I have enough books to donate to a few libraries.

Many of us experience this, we try to fill a void with anything.

Books, toys, gaming devices, virtual worlds, alcohol, substances, fame, wealth and money.

These are the wrong places to seek happiness. The happiness we find are only temporary and short lived.

Stop using these fillers to fill the places in your heart that doesn’t belong to them.

Your happiness can be filled by the Alpha and The Omega, I AM, Yahweh, Yeshuah, Lord Almighty.

Be careful of these possessions filling your time.

They can hinder your growth, your walk and your relationship with Christ and your loved ones.

Father God I thank you today for your love. I thank you for your Mercy. I thank you for filling the voids in my heart with your words, wisdom kindness and love. Everything I have, every ounce of Joy I receive is all because you made it possible and for that I am eternally grateful. I do not want to be filled with an abundance of possessions which will only provide temporary joy. Instead I want the water that gives everlasting life and joy which only comes from you. Father I ask you to keep me grounded, keep me focused, despite the distractions. Amen

By My Spirit

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“…Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”

(Zechariah 4:6, NIV)

I grew up watching wrestling.

Die Hard WWE (formally WWF) fan.

I always liked the strong powerful, tactful wrestlers.

Those whom were proficient and strong submission skills.

Those whom were bigger, stronger, muscular since all this in the wrestling world embodies not might, but power.

In baseball, fans follow the power hitters of the teams.

They give their all, their might and their strength in the game.

In basketball, we love the player who can shoot long range 3 point jump-shots and who’s offense skills are amazing on the court.

In football we rely on the speed, strength, endurance and power of the quarterback to lead our teams to the Superbowl.

In each of these instances what we fail to realize is that its not our might, our talent, our build, our strength nor our power for us to get things done.

It is by the Spirit of the Lord.

We need to put our trust in His spirit.

He can provide us with guidance in any thing we think of.

We need to realize that his spirit also resides in us.

It gave us our first breath when he breathed life in to Adam.

In Hebrew “ruach” means spirit.

I recently posted this from the Hebrew words series from one of the devotionals I was reading at the time.

In today’s verse it means breath.

When God breathes in our direction we can have amazing things unfold in our lives. Things won’t happen because of how talented we are, how are build is, how pretty we are or the people we are affiliated, it happens because God took a breath in your direction. God shifted things in to place.

With his every breath, promises are fulfilled, Healing comes, promotions, restoration they all come our way with his grace and love and just one deep breath.

We should stop depending on our might, our prowess, our physical abilities and carnal talents. What we should remember is by the Holy spirit, by the breath of God, by his will, is how things well get done. When we put all our trust and faith in God, the impossible suddenly becomes possible. When you remain faithful and trust in him, things will suddenly begin falling in to place. Your lives will begin to transform, healing will begin to take place, things that were broken, unfix able will suddenly become fixed.

The breath of God can fix and change things.

Father God thank you for breathing in my direction. Thank you for the restoration of my life. Thank you for peace. Thank you for healing. Thank you for the wholeness i feel within my body and mind. Today I receive you and your gifts. Today I will not rely on my own strength but in your breath, in your power in your might. Amen.

​ Sink or swim

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Sink or swim methodology.

At an undisclosed “prestigious” location where like every other institution of the same kind emphasizes on clientele, care of clientele and the happiness of its clientele.

Your job description is constantly thrown at your face reminding you that the needs and care of the clientele is of the upmost importance.

Employee morale (at least in my department) is at an all time low. To think we didn’t think it could get any lower. We have collectively decided to boycott holiday festivities because we have once again been slighted.

We were given an hour notice to not take lunch to some on lunch training, yet still continue to work. With options in the surrounding area taking over an hour to deliver, we didn’t have any options to order, and since we are not allowed to use our cell phones we couldn’t order and have them call our cell while we wait.

In this short noticed meeting which occurred on Friday we were told that come Monday we were going live with a project. Now the timeline which was given to us a month ago suddenly disappeared. Location A- bigger population time line was spring 2018. Location b smaller population time line was end of December early January.

What we were blind sighted with was that both locations were going live on Monday. The problem with this is not only the shortened timeline, nor management being unreasonable nor unfair. The problem with this is that we did not have adequate training. We were given a one hour training that still didn’t capture the full intended implementation of a new workflow that was to start in 4 hours (business hours)

We addressed our issues and concerns to our supervisor whom basically said, yes thank you for your concerns but we are still going live. Then he kept making trump references. Comparing yourself to using trumpism isn’t going to help smooth out this transition. A supervisor who talks about wanting to support his team so that his team does not fail was not what we saw.

We saw a supervisor who wants to prove to administration a point. That his ideology of how a workflow is intended to flow will work. Productive training did not occur. Actual sit down training did not occur. We will either sink or swim once we clock in today.

This is a form of professional bullying.

Bullying is bullying. We have bullying in the professional environment. Bullying your staff without adequate notice to just change poof just like that. No one in our team saw this coming. We were blind sighted. What is crazy is it appears based on the dialogue that the other interdisciplinary teams we deal with will be blind sighted as well. I refuse to feel the wrath when I have to inform my practices I cannot do something without the new addition to my workflow entered. Oh man they are going to be pissed off.

The conversation kept flip flopping on the notion of whether or not they know or don’t know. Whether they are on board or not on board. Whether they will come on board or not after “we” can convince the head honcho. So wait, what? Yes my thoughts exactly.

We will be going live with something that needs to convince one of the top bosses. Um does anyone see a problem with this?

It’s Monday and I still have no idea what to do when I walk in

Will I sink or swim?

Sadly I’m already drowning and I have yet crossed the threshold.

sink or swim training

‘Quick and dirty’ method of new employee(usually sales personnel) training in which the recruit is pushed straight into the actual work environment, with little or no formal training. He or she has to learn fast and make good, or lose the job.

Sink or Swim

Lee Strobel’s the The Case for Christ

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Lee Strobel’s the The Case for Christ.

When I received this book I was about to start a devotional series.

Something about this title caught my eye.

Something familiar about the author’s name caught my eye.

At the time I couldn’t pin point where I recognized the author, but as I delved it I realized aha, I have read some of his Articles in the past.

I have been raised in church my whole life.

I did have a few years where I ended up steering away.

My trials and tribulations were getting the best of me.

My trials and tribulations discouraged me.

I didn’t stop going because of gossip, or anything.

I stopped going because of life’s circumstances.

I moved away from the area I grew up.

Traveling back and forth without a car would have taken forever to get to my church.

I tried visiting other churches that were “near” but it would have still taken long to get to church.

I started streaming services to somewhat get the church feel, but that wasn’t enough.

Years later after having children, I returned home.

My circumstances, school, work obligations and lack of transportation and time kept me away.

now things are different.

My kids need this just as much as I do.

So I decided to read the Case for Christ.

I will not go into details, but in sum each chapter has a featured case study. The logistics of how that case either won or lost as far as evidence/approach and the specialists involved are concerned were applied to the Bible. The author wanted to know if you can prove specific events, if you can corroborate who Christ really is in a similar manner.

I found the reading to be rather interesting.

I found arguments and scientific evidences to be quite compelling and sound.

Historical evidences were contested as well as the credibility of the biblical texts.

At the end of this book I found myself more spiritually grounded.

I found my self academically happy since I find myself always researching articles and journals on several subjects of interest.

Questions that may have arisen in my life in the past, and even when i thought of circumstances in the past that I found were iffy, were contested, validated, and argued.

I was pleased.

I did exactly what the author asked me to do as a reader.

Have an Open Mind.

Look at the evidence.

Make your own private verdict.

The Verdict is in.

……

I feel a deeper, better understanding and have been inspired even more in my own personal walk with Christ.

Father God I thank you for allowing me to stumble literally upon this book. Your timing was perfect. This was not by chance that this book fell into my possession. I know I was meant to pick it up and delve deep and read. I thank you for this because I feel that this journey has given me profound understanding. This journey has allowed me to get closer to you. This journey has allowed me to think more. This journey is also allowing me to share this knowledge with others. Thank you. Amen.

Swimming against the currents.

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Swimming against the currents.

The Courage to Swim Against the Current – Jer. 38:1-13

What we see here in Jeremiah is how to swim against the currents in order to avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.

Where am I going with this?

Lets explore what happened here.

The prophet Jeremiah (38 v2-3) made a prophesy ” “So says the Lord,

‘He who remains in this city will die by the sword, by famine, and by

virulent disease (pestilence), but he who goes out to the Chaldean’s [of

Babylon] will live and have his [own] life as a reward and stay alive. Thus says the Lord,

‘This city will certainly be given into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon and he will take it.’

When the Princes’ heard this prophesy by Jeremiah, they wanted to denounce it immediately, they wanted him killed.

They didn’t want to loose their land, they didn’t want to believe in this prophesy. So they begged the King Zedekiah to Kill Jeremiah.

The king didn’t order him to be killed, but instead told them to handle it themselves.

What did Jeremiah do?

he complied.

The princes’ lowered him into a cistern and left him there to die.

Jeremiah complied. He swam again the currents, metaphorically speaking since this cistern was dry and muddy, he said nothing, he did nothing, he did not fight, did not resist, he did not do anything. Nothing.

Had it not been for Ebed-melech the Ethiopian (Cushite), one of the eunuchs who was in the king’s palace, whom pleaded to free Jeremiah, he could have died. Ebed-Melech found some garments and went to the rope which brought Jeremiah down, and helped him out of the cistern.

Think for one second what Jeremiah was probably doing as he awaited his fate.

What would you have done?

Would you have fought back?

Screamed for help?

Try to escape?

Try to climb out of this cistern filled with mud?

Claw, and Climb and eventually slid back down for your futile attempts to save yourself?

I am sure many would have attempted.

Many would have fought back, Jeremiah I believe didn’t.

Jeremiah is known for being a man who had direct communion and reverence with God.

He prayed and cried a lot!

He prayed.

I believe in the bottom of the cistern He prayed.

He spoke to God.

God calmed him.

God said trust me kid, I am going to get you out of here, and when you come out you will deliver this message for me.

If you continue to read the rest of Chapter 38, you will find yourself reading that after he was taken out, the King asked to speak with Jeremiah.

He spoke to the king, he told him his prophesy, he even told him how he could be saved when the Chaldean come to take over.

Only God could have provided a dutiful prayer warrior with the calm, patience, and words in a time like that.

I believe, in the bottom of the cistern, He prayed.

Despite the temptation to panic.

Despite the unknown.

He put all his faith and trust in God.

God not only provided Ebed-Melech to get him out, but he also provided him the words he needed to speak to the King.

“A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone

understand his own way?” Proverbs 20:24

Jeremiah understood that. He understood only the Lord could take him out of his situation.

Many of us waste away our lives in the fear of the unknown, in fear of the “inevitable” in fear of our circumstances.

We should be living in our faith, trusting in our faith.

That regardless of what happens.

Whether we are dumped in a muddy cistern or a cistern fill with water.

We need to have faith in Abba father.

We need to swim against the currents….. The currents might be pulling us to panic, to attempt to save one selves, but swimming against the current means to put it all in God’s hands. Trust in God, have faith in God.

Sometimes we need to do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.

In trusting God, despite our circumstance, God can show you that 1) I am here 2) I will provide 3) keep trusting in me.

Ebed-Melech is a great example of how God used an ordinary person employed by the King with extra-ordinary courage. It took great courage to stand up before the King to plea for Jeremiah, when all the odds were heavily stacked against Jeremiah. All the odds were heavily stacked against him for even pleading for his prophet. Yet he did. He too swam against the currents. He was instructed by faith and courage to swim against the currents on behalf of a man of God. Ebed-Melech took a risk. He faced being criticized, being punished or even landing a spot next to Jeremiah. He risked it. He took a chance. He spoke against the evil deeds done by the prince’s accusations against Jeremiah.

Like Jeremiah, we all face criticism at one point or another. Just know that being criticized is not a problem, because it will always be there, now if you develop a positive way of dealing with it, then you know you are already swimming against the current.

“I do the very best I can, I mean to keep going. If the end brings me out all right, then what is

said against me won’t matter. If I’m wrong, ten angels swearing I was

right won’t make a difference.” – Abraham Lincoln.

Read this article: The Courage to Swim Upstream

Though this article gives the life cycle and process of a salmon; if you can pur your self in place of the salmon in this story you can take light the message in swimming against the currents.

For instance, in the article it mentions the following questions to place things in perspective:

How do we cultivate enough presence to identify these ‘personal obstacles’ where we get caught in our own eddy’s?

As we continue to swim upstream can we learn not to overly identify with the obstacles as they arise?

What tools do we each find that supports us to stay afloat when the

intensity of illusion and suffering seem to take up the space of the

ocean inside of us?

How how do we take these questions from the article to help our spiritual growth and swim against the currents?

How do we cultivate enough presence to identify these ‘spiritual obstacles’ while swimming against the currents and not giving in to the flesh or social norms?

As we continue to swim upstream can we learn not to overly identify with the obstacles as they arise, can we put our trust and faith in God and let him provide the solution?

What tools do we each find that supports us to stay afloat when the

intensity of our circumstances and suffering seem to take up the space of the

ocean inside of us?

How can we rely on His word, faith, and trusting in him to continue to swim, despite the criticism, despite doing nothing and saying nothing regarding the situation?

Father God I thank you today, tomorrow and always for all that you do and continue to do for our families. We are facing a hurdle right now and we are trusting in you to guide us. Many expect us to swim with the currents, but swimming against the currents towards you is always a better option. Lord I ask for you to send an

Ebed-Melech our way to help is in this situation. Lord I will trust in you for guidance and to overcome. For I know in you victory shall be ours. Amen.

Comfort / Prayers

Someone I know had their child rushed to emergency surgery.

As a mom my heart sank.

As a friend, I knew she was worried, nervous and yet praying.

I am going to change the names to John Doe, Jane Doe and Jr. Doe to honor privacy but the circumstance we all go through this from time to time so here is how I was able to help in my own way.

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Jane Doe / John Doe,

I am praying for your son as he undergoes this procedure, and the two of you as well.

Know that I am with you in spirit.

I just want to reassure you both, even though you already know he is in great hands (God).

These scriptures touched my heart today and I want to share them with you.

• The Lord your God who goes before you will fight for you, just as you saw Him do for you in Egypt. And you saw in the wilderness how the Lord your God carried you as a man carries his son all along the way you traveled until you reached this place.

Deuteronomy 1:30-31

• The Lord holds his hand.

Psalm 37:24

I have a special prayer just for you which I recited because of these verses.

Father God, today we are thankful of this day you have given us and the hope from your word which gives us the faith to handle any obstacles before us. Today I lift little John Doe Jr, his Mother Jane Doe and Father John Doe in prayers while your son John Doe Jr undergoes surgery. Lord You are the God who has always gone before us all, you have fought for your children, and Just like you fought for your children in Egypt, I know today you will fight for your children both in the OR and waiting room. You will provide for this family the emotional, spiritual and physical comfort they need. I have faith that you will guide the doctors, and you will be holding the instruments during the procedure. Lord I have faith that through it all, you will not only be holding John Doe Jr’s hand, but his parents as well. Today as I work through the day and meditate in your word, I pray , trust and have faith that you will bring forth healing for John Doe Jr and a speedy recovery. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

In light of the news, I was moved, I was inspired, and the word assisted me in uplifting this family in prayers.  We should rely more in the word, and use Gods word to lift someone up in prayers.  Sometimes we get stuck in a rut and we freeze not knowing what we can say to someone.  In those times, use the word, and with his word, God will provide words of strenght, encouragement and even a prayer.

YIRAH

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So here is day 3 of the series is entitled:‘7 More Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know’.

Day 3:

YIRAH: Which means FEAR

When my wife and I saw this red sky over our backyard in Georgia, we called our girls to see it too because we were in awe. We were in awe of the colors, the shapes, and the God who created this spectacular scene.

The Hebrew word we translate as “awe” is yirah, which also means “respect, reverence, and worship.” Yirah also means “fear.” I grew up thinking to “fear the Lord” meant to be afraid of Him, but as we watched this stunning sunset, I didn’t feel fear. I felt awe and reverence. I felt yirah.

Having the type of awe and reverence for God that motivates us to do His will is the beginning of wisdom. Do you fear the Lord today?

Additional scripture reference:

Read: 2 Corinthians 13:5

Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be

reprobate.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of Jehovah is the [a]beginning of knowledge;

But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.

My commentary/prayer

Recently we had the discussion about reverence. We even saw a clip about it. The subject came up for the younger and newer members and even as a reminder to the older members of the meaning of reverence. The youth defined the word as to have respect in the house of the Lord. The author to this plan mentions other concepts of the word.

Father God I thank you for your love. I am in awe of you my lord. I am in awe of your greatness and magnitude. I am in awe of your love and mercy. I respect you dear lord. Thank you lord for allowing this author to explain these words so we could have a better understanding as we read your word. Amen.

PARDES

​So here is day 2 of the series entitled:‘7 More Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know’.

 

Day 2

PARDES: Which means GARDEN

There’s a Hebrew word—pardes—that has recently been changing the way I read the Bible.

See, there’s a verse in the book of Genesis that describes God walking through the flowers and trees of the Garden of Eden searching for His people. The verse reads that “they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden.” The Hebrew word for “garden” here is pardes, a word rabbis also use to define the study of Scripture. For them, pardes is a garden, but it’s also an acronym of the four levels of understanding the meaning of every story in the Bible: P’shat(the simple meaning), Remez (the implied meaning), Drash (the deeper meaning), and Sod (the hidden meaning). Together, the first letters create the word pardes, so the rabbis say that studying the Bible is like being in God’s garden or paradise.

Okay, that’s a lot of info, but what does it mean? I like to think it means that whenever you read a story in Scripture or study a passage, you are walking in God’s garden. And just like in the Genesis story, He is calling out for you!

Additional scripture reference:

Read:James 2:17 Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.

Genesis 3:8 And they heard the [a]voice of Jehovah God walking in the garden in the [b]cool of the day: and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Jehovah God amongst the trees of the garden.

My Prayer:

Thank you father for this devotional. The author is right, every time we read the word should be like walking in the PARDES with you. I want to immerse myself in the peace and tranquility of your presence dear lord when I read your word. I pray that you can guide me to not be distracted when I immerse myself in your word so that through your word I can find paradise with you. Amen.

MIDBAR

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I recently finished a reading plan entitled & Hebrew words every Christian should know.  So I started this new devotional plan from one of my Bible apps using the @YouVersion plan.

The devotional series is entitled: ‘7 More Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know’. 

So I figured as I go through my 7 day plans I will share them, like I did with the previous one. Knowledge is indeed power.

 

Day 1:

MIDBAR: Which means DESERT

Growing up in Australia, this is what I knew as the outback. It was flat. The ground was hard and barren. Temperatures in summer soared above 110 Fahrenheit. The air was hot and dry. When the Bible describes the wilderness or the desert of Israel, this is the image I have. Sometimes, when life gets hard and barren and it feels like God has disappeared, Christians will say they’re in the desert. While we see this as a bad thing, the Bible says the desert is where God lives and speaks. Throughout the Bible we see that the desert is where He spoke to Abraham, Moses, the Israelites, Isaiah, and on through Jesus. In fact, the Hebrew word for desert is midbar, which also means “the place of the word.” And midbarshares the same root word as diber, which means the “Holy of Holies.”

When we’re in the desert or wilderness, we’re actually closer to God than ever because in the desert we realize that we need to rely on Him for survival. Do you feel like you’re in the desert or wilderness right now? Is life beating down on you? Don’t pray for God to take you out of the desert—pray instead that He will hear His voice in the desert, and that in your wilderness you will find His presence, grace, and provision.

Additional scripture reference: Isaiah 54:10

For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my

loving kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant of

peace be removed, saith Jehovah that hath mercy on thee.

Additional scripture reference: Hosea 13:5

I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.

My commentary:

I really do love learning the meanings to words especially in other languages. One can more effectively get the context of a discussion when one knows the meaning intended for a specific time period/ language / sect etc.

Thank you Lord for this new Hebrew word. Father I hope to not find myself ever again in a spiritual MIDBAR. Lord I thank you for your continued love, support and guidance. I am sorry for the times I have ventured into the spiritual MIDBAR. Thank you for taking me out of the MIDBAR, filling me with your presence and reminding me that you are always with me… even when I feel deserted. I love you. Amen

Day 7

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So here is day 7 of the devotional series is entitled: seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

MEM: Which means CHAOS

During Biblical times, the sea had a negative connotation for the Jewish people. In fact, the Hebrew word for water—mayim—comes from the root mem, meaning “chaos,” which makes sense when you consider the Israelites grew up hearing that a flood wiped out the earth. Even to this day, you don’t find many houses or hotels along the 33 mile shoreline of the Sea of Galilee despite its picturesque waters. 
So why then does Jesus “insist” that his disciples cross the Sea of Galilee during a storm (Mark 6:45)? He sent them into the chaos! But then he came to help them by walking on top of the water—showing that he is in total control of ALL chaos.

Are you facing turmoil today? Remember that Jesus is in control of your chaos, and he’s calling you to get on top of the chaos with him. Are you ready to let Jesus take control of your chaos?

Associated reading:John 6:19American Standard Version (ASV)

¹⁹ When therefore they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they behold Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the boat: and they were afraid.

My Prayer:

Father God I thank you for another day and all that is in store for this day.  Lord I thank you for the MEM (chaos) that may arise for these instances are moments where we can grow together.  These moments of chaos unites us.  These moments of chaos brings my faith in you on a whole other level.  These moments of chaos are teaching moments on a carnal and spiritual level.  God I thank you, for I know that you do not give us anything that we cannot handle.  In the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit. Amen.

This concludes this series ” seven Hebrew words every believer should know”  I hope you learned and enjoyed this series which I decided to share as much as I did.

NEPHESH

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So here is day 6 of the devotional series is entitled: seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

Day 6

NEPHESH: Which means SOUL

Sunsets remind me of Psalm 19, when David writes; “How clearly the sky reveals God’s glory … no speech or words are used, no sound is heard; Yet their message goes out to all the world and is heard to the ends of the earth”. Have you ever considered that your life is supposed to send this same message? In several places in the Bible we’re told to love God with “… all our soul”, a phrase that uses the Hebrew word nepheshwhich means “soul” and also means “life”, so we’re supposed to love God WITH all our life FOR all our life. This is not loving Him for an hour each week at church – it’s loving Him in everything we do in every minute of every day.

If you never spoke another word, would the way you live your life glorify God before the world?

Associated reading: Psalm 19:1American Standard Version (ASV)

The works and the Word of God.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

19 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament showeth his handiwork.

My Prayer/ Commentary:

Father God I thank you today for your love and mercy.  I thank you for constantly filling up my NEPHESH.  Every day dear lord I look forward to what you have in store for me. Thank you Lord for your guidance and for my salvation.  Amen.

SHALOM

​So here is day 5 of the devotional series is entitled: seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

Day 5

SHALOM: Which means PEACE

Whenever I imagine the city of Jerusalem in Bible times, I picture it being like NYC – loud, chaotic, busy … even messy and violent. But this was not God’s plan for a place known as His Holy City.

The word Jerusalem in Hebrew is Yerushalayim which is made up of two Hebrew words; yeru which means “you will see” and shalom which means “the peace of God”. So Jerusalem is supposed to be the place where you will see the peace of God.

In the Book of Revelation we read that the followers of God will live in a “new Jerusalem” in God’s Kingdom – and we will see the peace of God. Jesus told his followers that “… the Kingdom of God is within you”, which means the “peace of God” is within us.

Will the people around you see and experience the peace of God today because of you?

Associated reading: John 14:27American Standard Version (ASV)

 ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

My Prayer.

Father god thank you for the Shalom you bring within the depths of my soul.  Thank you for this lesson which you have provided for me to share.  I ask you for continued guidance and support as we continue to use our available resources to share your word. Praying for Peace (shalom) on earth.  Amen.

RUACH

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So here is Day 4 of the devotional series is entitled:seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

Day 4

RUACH: Which means BREATH

We don’t often think abut breathing … unless we’re running out of air. But breath is an important theme throughout the Bible. The Book of Genesis says God made man from mud and put skin, muscles, bones, blood vessels, tendons, veins and hair in place, but the man was not a “living being” until God breathed into his body.

The word for breath in Hebrew is ruach which also means Spirit, so man only becomes a “living being” when God gives him His Spirit. According to the psalms, “… everything that has breath praise the Lord”, so to be alive we first inhale God’s Spirit and then we exhale praise. Inhale Spirit, exhale praise. This is life.

Do you have this rhythm in your life?

Associated Reading: Genesis 2:7American Standard Version (ASV)

⁷ And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

My commentary/Prayer:

Father God thank you for this amazing devotional, so far we are on day 4.  It is so reassuring to be reminded of that Had it not been for your RUACH we would not be able to breath.  Thank you for filling our lungs with your breath.  I love you. I thank you. I praise your. Amen.

TEFILLAH

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So here is day 3 of the devotional series is entitled: seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

Day 3

TEFILLAH: Which means PRAYER

How often do we use prayer as nothing more than an emergency call or a cold call to God?

Too often we only pray when we need or want something from God – which is understandable considering the English word “pray” means to “ask or beg”. But the Hebrew word for prayer – tefillah – means to “self evaluate”. So to the Jews of the Bible, prayer was not a time when they asked God for things … it was a time when they examined themselves. They would use prayer as a way to compare their actions, behavior and attitude against God’s holiness.

Could this idea change your prayers today?

 Associated reading: 2 Corinthians 13:5American Standard Version (ASV)

 ⁵ Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate.

My commentary / prayer(TEFILLAH ):

How great does it feel to TEFILLAH To our god? I love communing with him. Pouring out my innermost thoughts, pleas, petitions and concerns over others. As this devotion day, often times we do not pray enough. We pray with things are not going right in our lives. A few posts ago I mentioned we should seek the lord and praise him when times are good and when times are bad. Same thing goes when we TEFILLAH.

We need to always TEFILLAH and comunícate our love, concerns, pleas, petitions and conversations with God on a regular basis. Not just once or twice a week when we go to church. Not just once or twice a day (upon waking and before bed). We need to not cease in praying. We need to pray often.

I pray and commune with god every morning and every evening. I pray and commune with god the two- three times a week I get Togo to church. I communicate with God during my commute, even at work. Some of those time I kneel in prayer (church and home), some of those times I just pray as I do my things… these prayers are silent, said without anyone noticing I’m even praying while I work on my tasks, whether doing chores or doing my work. I pray for people on my commute in the same manner.

I’m not telling you what you should or shouldn’t do but only suggesting, if your not praying enough, know you can pray more. Only you would know if you are praying enough.

Father God I thank you for another day. Thank your for always being there for me when I need to chat with you or pray. Lord you are just so amazing in all you do. Lord I know that I could pray more and speak more to you. I know you listen even when I’m multitasking. Yet I do want to carve out more one on one time with you. I wan to live a life where I do not cease any communication with you. I am working on that my lord. I pray for the person reading his who may or may not be struggling with their prayer time with you. Lord guide this individual to help him or her find the time, the method and the ability to reach out to you and pray. Amen

EMUNAH

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So here is day 2 of the devotional series is entitled: Seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

Day 2

EMUNAH: Which means FAITH

When I first started following God, I thought faith was an intellectual decision – I knew there was a God, so therefore I had faith. But the Hebrew word for ‘faith’ – emunah – is less about KNOWING, and more about DOING.

‘Emunah’ literally means “to take firm action”, so to have faith is to act. It’s kinda like a staircase; you may intellectually know the stairs go up to the next level, but until you climb the stairs you won’t experience the next level. What you do is more important than what you know. Don’t just believe in the stairs, climb the stairs.

What would you need to change today to ensure your faith was defined by what you did, instead of what you know?

 Associated reading: James 2:17American Standard Version (ASV)

¹⁷ Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.

My commentary : prayer:

Wow Emunah meaning faith. Not just in having faith but acts in faith. Recently in bible study we discussed what faith means to us. One of the notions that did come up was acts in faith. Having faith and acting in faith goes hand in hand. The author to this devotion explains that using the illustration of the staircase. It’s one thing knowing you have faith, it’s a whole other meaning in acting out in faith.

Father God thank you for this devotional. Lord thank you for allowing me to learn a these Hebrew words through this lesson. Thank you for the explanation of the word Emunah. Lord I hope I show that have taken Emunah in you with my works. May this mini series provide useful information to everyone reading this. amen.

Many of us take

HESED

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So I recently started reading this devotional plan from one of my Bible apps using the @YouVersion plan.  As I went through the 7 day plan I decided to make note so that I could share here when I finish this plan.  We should all share in this journey towards growth.

The devotional series is entitled: Seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

Day 1

HESED: Which means LOVE

When I photograph mountains like these in north Georgia, a verse in the Book of Isaiah comes to mind that says: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken”. The Hebrew word translated as ‘love’ here is hesed which is a hard word to define. Theologian John Oswalt says hesed is “… a completely undeserved kindness and generosity …”.

Hesed is not just a feeling, it’s an action. It “… intervenes on behalf of loved ones and comes to their rescue” according to Lois Tverberg.

Hesed is not romantic love. It’s faithful. It’s reliable. It’s a wife praying for years for her husband to know God. It’s a dad once again bailing out his drug-addicted son. It’s parents who lovingly care daily for their autistic child.

Today, you can rely on God’s ‘Hesed’ for you no matter what you face.

 Associated reading:   Isaiah 54:10American Standard Version (ASV)

¹⁰ For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my loving kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, saith Jehovah that hath mercy on thee.

My commentary:

What a detailed and amazing explanation to the word HESED. Many of us read the Bible and do not look up words we do not understand. Many of us don’t look up the meaning or relations to the text. What many of us do (and yes I include myself here) is we read the text as is, we see a word we may not be familiar with the context and we just keep moving on. Doing so could put a damper on how we translate the passages we are reading. Doing so can intercept a message god is trying to relay to you. Let’s all take the time when reading a passage to look up meanings to words or phrases we may not understand present day.

Father God thank you for this devotional. Lord thank you for allowing me to learn a these Hebrew words through this lesson. Thank you for the HESED you give me. Lord I Hesed you too. May this mini series provide useful information to everyone reading this. Amen.

​Undivided Heart.

“You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart.” – (2 Chronicles 19:9)

In 2 chronicles Jehoshaphat appoints Judges for the people.

Why?

There was a divided Israel. He was building alliances between Israel and Judah, he was building alliances to improve the circumstances he faced, he built alliances to help in trade to sustain his people, he built alliances to end idolatry and the practices of pagan rituals, he was also teaching the people about the laws of the land and to observe the sabbath and the laws of God. Judges were appointed to ensure the laws were being followed. Judges were appointed to ensure the teachings of God were not being misconstrued.

It’s election time in NYC and legislators are running for offices throughout. Each legislator is responsible for the well being of their constituency, that the rights of their constituency are protected and that laws are created to help/ protect and improve quality of life for their constituency. Judges are appointed by we the people when we go to the ballots.

Right now we are a nation that’ is more divided than ever. In theory we were once known as a nation of being indivisible yet here we are. Divided by politics, still divided by race and class, divided by religion, divided by philosophy and even divided by the law and politics. To think during Jehoshaphat’s rein his goal was to end idolatry and pagan practices. Today’s problems in America are a bit different. A nation where we are all supposed to be equal despite our differences, are living a complete opposite to the reason the founding fathers came together.

This saddens God. Having a divided nation breaks his heart. What hurts him even more so than this is when our own hearts are divided. Torn between social constructs and social norms and our beliefs.

I am from NYC. I lived all of my life in the city. I am used to the hustle, the bustle and that fast paced lifestyle. It’s just something that’s synonymous to being a New Yorker. With that being said there are times where this lifestyle makes it difficult to practice our faith.

There is so much to do, so much to see, so little time. It’s difficult in our fast paced world to cultivate an undivided heart but the benefits are phenomenal.

When your heart is torn between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Lord, we are placed in a predicament where we have to choose. We can’t want nor have both. A heart divided is easily weaken, can easily be misguided, can easily turn to one side or the other fully.

A heart that is undivided is powerful. A heart that is undivided focuses on purpose. An undivided heart desires just that one item it desires. The desires of an undivided heart has such a conviction, perseverance will prevail no matter the difficulty faced.

My pastor has a saying that those with one foot in their faith and one foot in the world is lukewarm. A church will not strive if their members are lukewarm. He would rather a house full of those with undivided hearts who are filled with passion than a house filled with lukewarm individuals.

The individuals with the undivided hearts as mentioned are passionate, dedicated and loyal to their beliefs, faith and practices. It is this loyalty that leads you to grow spiritually with God. It is this loyalty that allows the impossible to happen . It is this loyalty that can break down the chains holding you down. It’s this loyalty that can move mountains. It’s this loyalty leads to a complete happiness words could never compare to.

Move past the trivialities of life. Turn that heart into and undivided heart with reverence for the Lord with fear and exercise faithfulness.

Right now it does not matter the state of your heart. If your heart is divided I ask you to pray. Pray to build with Christ. Pray for a spiritual alliance so that you can grow and flourish spiritually. I ask you to pray for the cultivation of an undivided heart that will transform your life. Mend your heart whole reject world in singleness of purpose and align yourself with the word of God.

Pray with me:

Father, I come into your presence now, and I ask you to surround me. I ask for you to align my heart with your will. I come under your authority and your claim upon my heart, my soul and my life. I give myself to

you—body, soul, and spirit. I give my heart to you, in every

way—including the broken & divided places in me. I declare your authority over my heart, for you made my heart and you have redeemed my heart. I ask that you help me mend my heart so I can be whole in you. I want to but undivided having you as my primary focus in life. I want an undivided heart filled with your love and faith that is powerful in your works. Amen.

Thankful for His Grace.

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Thankful for His Grace.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

(Ephesians 2:8)

Thank God for his grace.

Its by his grace, his mercy and our faith in him that we are able to be saved.

It is his gift to us, through our faith.

As the holidays are fast approaching the constant theme we will all be discussing are GIFTS. What should I get my kids and loved ones? What do they want? Oh how beautiful this gift I received etc. These gifts once given belong to the recipient. There are many ways to respond and react to such gifts. You can respond with gratitude either by giving thanks , sending a note or even reciprocating with a gift back. You could do nothing at all. You may not even like or want the gift. Maybe you already have received said gift by someone else. In short, once your receive that gift, before the gift can affect you in any way.

Spiritual gifts are kind of the same way. Once God gifts you with your spiritual gift, onces you are readily available to receive the gifts he has in store for your through his grace, favor, mercy via his forgiveness from our sins, his blessings, the joy and peace that could only come but through him, once that is available to you, once your receive it can his gifts affect you in any way. Its not a gift of monetary gains like the gifts you can give from one person to another but spiritual.

In order to receive these gifts from God you have to put some work in to. Its via your faith and trust in him which will allow you to receive his gifts. That’s when his gifts can affect you. It’s not simply just earned. Its not purchased, you can’t bribe your way towards his blessings. You have to receive it by your faith.

You have a chance today to take a leap of faith.

If you are ready to take this leap of faith to build a relationship with our creator and want to receive the spiritual gifts he has in store for you, repeat after me:

PRAYER OF SALVATION

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. You said in Your Word that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13) Father, I am calling on Jesus right now. I believe He died on the cross for my sins, that He was raised from the dead on the third day, and He’s alive right now. Lord Jesus, I am asking You now, come into my heart. Live Your life in me and through me. I repent of my sins and surrender myself totally and completely to You. Heavenly Father, by faith I now confess Jesus Christ as my new Lord and from this day forward, I dedicate my life to serving Him.

Father, Thank you for your grace, thank you for your mercy, thank you for your kindness. I pray for the individual reading this whom took the leap of faith to build a relationship with you. May this person seek the spiritual guidance needed to build a relationship with you and to receive your blessings and gifts. God I thank you for the gifts you have given me in my life and my family. No one could ever do what you do. No one could ever fill me up the way you can. No one can provide the way you provide. No one could ever bring peace and joy the way you can. Father thank you for being the alpha and the omega. Thank you for your love. I hope to continue to follow your path and seek your counsel in all that I do. In the name of the Father, the son and holy spirit. Amen.

I’ll Never Forget That Sermon from Daily Bible Inspirations

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I’ll Never Forget That Sermon from Daily Bible Inspirations

For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were immersed into Christ have put on Christ.

– Galatians 3:26-27

This devotional is something amazing.

It made me ponder of that Sermon I shall never forget.

The authors devotional reads as follows:

I was ten years old when I went forward to confess my faith and be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of my sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Having been brought up in the Church I knew the reasons for and meaning of baptism. But one night at a revival meeting at our church it became personal. I realized the need for baptism.

The preacher’s message that night was not your typical sermon. The stage was somewhat dark with a spot light shining on him and a large box he had made into a ‘time machine’. Pretending to be a skeptic, he used the ‘machine’ to ‘talk’ to Noah, Abraham, Daniel, Mary, Peter, John and Paul; briefly recapping their relationship with the LORD and the hope they had because of their salvation.

After speaking with these people, the man the preacher was portraying realized he wanted that same hope. But he was afraid it was too late and he began to cry out, “I want to spend eternity with Jesus! I don’t want to be lost anymore!”

I knew right then and there I didn’t want to be lost anymore, either. I realized just how personal our relationship with Jesus is and I wanted that more than anything. I still do and I pray you do, as well.

Pray: Jesus, thank you for saving me from my sins through Your death on the cross. Give me a heart and mind that rejoices in that hope and a life that demonstrates the gratitude I feel every day and in every way. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

my commentary:

As mentioned early in this post, I too had that impressionable memorable sermon. I was a teenager, when my pastor preached on the subject “El que tengan oido, oigan. If you have Ears, Listen”. The sermon was in Spanish so I will paraphrase in English.

If you have ears, listen. How many times people speak to us, and we hear them, but we do not listen.

We need to listen, not just hear.

God calls upon us all the time. Yet not only do half the times we don’t listen, we can’t even hear him.

How are we to proceed with his call, his destiny for us, follow his instructions if we are spiritually deaf.

We have ears, we are made to listen.

That sermon will be forever ingrained in my soul. Its a mental reminder of when I am slacking. to Listen.

Though this sermon wasn’t my aha I will take my next step to enter the waters for baptism moment….this sermon was impressionable nonetheless.

The sermon that changed my life was a sermon done by another pastor in Puerto Rico. Its a church i visit each time i travel to the area.

Her sermon was about the subject of not wasting time.

I was at the age of baptism. The age more or less of understanding. Her sermon touched on the end of times, the signs were starting to show. That where will we be when the gates of Heaven open. Where will be when he descends down to call upon his children. Will we be saved? Will we be ready. I knew then it was my time. I knew then it was now or never.

A few weeks later when I flew back home I went to the waters.

Everyone has different reasons to go to the waters. Everyone has different aha moments. Everyone has different sermons that stick out for some reason or another. Whatever the reason is, its usually a valid one meant for you.

Father God I thank you for another day. I thank you for those memorable sermons. Thank you lord for each sermon are just as important as the next but these sermon stick in my life for reasons you are very familiar with. Lord I thank you for them. Amen.

To our Veterans

Give honor to those to whom honor is owed!” Roman 13:7.

Today I want to start off by giving God almighty all the glory and Honor. Every time we wake up we should be thankful and give glory to the one who has made it possible. Thank you Abba father.

Secondly in light of Veterans Day, I want to thank our beloved service men and women from past and present for their blood, tears, sweat and sacrifices they have made for this country. Thank you for your service from the depths of my heart and soul.

I dedicate this post to our service men and women all over.

My family and friends whom are veterans…. I thank you yet again for your service. What you did/do, not many have the strength, passion, valor or capability to do.

The reason that today you (reading this) and I enjoy the freedom to worship together publicly is because someone fought to gain, preserve, and protect that freedom for us.

The reason that today you and I enjoy the right to free speech is because someone fought to gain, preserve and protect that freedom for us.

The reason that today we have the right to vote because someone fought to gain, preserve and protect that freedom for us.

The reason that today we live in a democratic republic is because because someone fought to gain, preserve and protect that freedom for us.

Please remember Freedom is never free. Freedom is never Free. These selfless mean and women deserve our deep gratitude. So let’s thank God. Let’s pray for our veterans and active troops . Let’s thank Them.

Father God the honor and glory as always goes to you first and foremost. Lord we thank you for the many, many service men and women whom have fought , preserved and protect us. Lord I ask that you cover over each veteran under your wing of protection. May you bless our veterans for all that you have allowed them to do for us. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Amen.

No Condemnation

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“There is therefore now no

condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according

to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

(Romans 8:1, NKJV)

Prior to your salvation you were at high risk of condemnation. God used his son Jesus to be our sacrificial lamb to free us, fully liberate us, break the curse of sin, free us from shame and condemnation. Jesus came to be the living example of purity, to be the living example of how we should be. He was the great example we should all follow.

Jesus loved with all his might. Even those who made false accusations against him. Jesus wasn’t violent. Jesus taught others non stop the word of God. Jesus was selfless. Jesus helped those whom were over looked in society. He showed empathy and compassion on the most sincerest levels ever recorded in history.

He helped the lame, the sick, the destitute, the their, the prostitute, the adulteress, the needy, the unclean, even gentiles and the sinner. He showed that salvation is not for God’s chosen people the Jews but for everyone too. For you, for me. Jesus teaches that god loves the sinner, but doesn’t love sin.

Wait! What?

Huh?

God loves the sinner, but doesn’t love sin??

How is that even possible?

Anyone who is a sinner can be liberated from that sin that is holding you down. Believing and trusting in Jesus you can be freed from condemnation.

So yes he loves the sinner. He loves you and I since we all are sinners. The act of sin he doesn’t love. Accepting Jesus as our lord and savior, seeking forgiveness, seeking change to be liberated from your sins can free you from condemnation. This is why he paid the ultimate sacrifice. So that you do not have to face condemnation.

He did this for you, for me, for all the Jews, for all the gentiles and Samaritans, for the whole world. To be freed for condemnation you need to:

first repent all your sins.

Accept Jesus and your lord and savior

Pray the prayer of repentance

Pray the salvation prayer

Find a faith based institution which has strong ties to biblical instructions

Try not to go back to your old way of things

Build a relationship with God.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.biblegateway.com/passage/%3fsearch=Psalm+51&version=NKJV&interface=amp

Repentance prayer:

Father, I believe You love me. Your Word says that it is your patience and kindness that leads me to repentance. So I come to You humbly, and confess my sin. I thank You that You forgive me by the blood of Jesus, and ask for a fresh cleansing of my body, soul and spirit. Teach me how to walk honestly before You in repentance every day. In Jesus name. Amen.

PRAYER OF SALVATION

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. You said in Your Word that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13) Father, I am calling on Jesus right now. I believe He died on the cross for my sins, that He was raised from the dead on the third day, and He’s alive right now. Lord Jesus, I am asking You now, come into my heart. Live Your life in me and through me. I repent of my sins and surrender myself totally and completely to You. Heavenly Father, by faith I now confess Jesus Christ as my new Lord and from this day forward, I dedicate my life to serving Him.

Lord thank You for setting me free from condemnation. Thank You for your love, mercy and kindness. Thank you for trusting in me and filling me with your grace. Help me lord to see my life the way you see it. Help me lord walk your walk with out distractions. Amen.

Exceedingly Better

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Exceedingly Better

He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 1 Chronicles 17:12

1 Chronicles 17:1–15

Jeremiah 9–11; 1 Timothy 6

The Holidays are fast approaching. Thanksgiving is around the corner and yes I’m panicking because I have yet to begin Christmas shopping. Many of you are in the same predicament. Oh my, its fast approaching. What do I get this person, what do I get that person. AHHHHHH Hysteria begins.

I am not here to cause any hysteria though.

Just a gentle reminder.

No matter what we purchase for our loved ones.

Whether it is for the Holidays or even birthdays, none of it will have the same grandeur to whats to come.

God prophesied to David via Nathan that His descendants (Solomon) who he was notified would build the temple David wanted to build for God.

Even thereafter we see how he was instructed he would build David a house, a dynasty. That dynasty comes via Jesus whom as we know has prepared the way and his thrown will last forever.

Our greatest gift of all will come at the end of our journey. The gifts we give and receive may give short term satisfaction, yet with Jesus we will receive the greatest gift of all. Our salvation, at the feet of Jesus thrown, when the new Jerusalem oh how great is this gift from our salvation.

Father God, I thank You for the gift of Jesus in my life. Thank your for your love, thank you for your blessings. No amount of material things will ever surpass the greatness we have yet to receive. My lord I am over joyed with emotions, with gratitude for your generosity. Thank you for your gifts exceeds any other gifts imaginable. Lord we do not deserve anything which you are giving us and here I am thankful nonetheless. Here I am seeking forgiveness for any trespasses against you or any other which were not intended. Amen

The process…. continues….

Yesterday I had my consult with the Surgical Oncologist:

Surgery is routine.

He’s done it a gazillion times.

He’s the best in his field.

If all goes well I should be out of work for 3 weeks.

He wants to salvage as much of my organs as possible and get rid of the little (Er…..not so little) suckers whom have invaded my body.

I may loose apart of an organ or the whole organ but he hopes it doesn’t happen.

I put my faith and trust in God.

I felt good.

I felt positive.

I felt confident.

I’m still praying it’s not the worse case scenario.

But enough about yesterday, because I know I will be talking about it more with my family and church who have been my rock since my ER episode the other day.

Who says God can’t send us messages??

Who says God doesn’t call upon us?

Who says God doesn’t present himself before us?

Today I Woke up at 4am with a desire and need to pray ….. after I prayed I put on my pandora on and bam….. I get this and a few others….. (which I will list later)

each song that came up is exactly what I needed to hear…. each song spoke to the depths of my soul…. each song reminding me why this time it’s different …each song reminding me why I am not mad…. not in the least…. each song reminding me of my own personal transformation…..each song reminding me that even though the last time I was mad…. he never abandoned me….. just like he will not abandon me now…..:each song reminding me where I failed the last time but where this time I will prevail even more victorious….. this May be cryptic to you….. but those who knows….will understand and they will know that as I wave 🏳️🏳️🏳️🏳️ I know they are waving with me…. and if at any moment i should feel any trace of weakness… which I haven’t…. I know they will lift my arms and help me 🏳️🏳️🏳️

As song 1 says: in all times and circumstances praise him….

And as song 2 say: “Que para esta hora he llegado

Para este tiempo nací, en sus propósitos eternos yo me vi

Para esta hora he llegado, aunque

Me ha costado creer, entre sus planes para hoy me encontré”

…hacido largo el viaje pero al fin llegue….”

And as song 3 says: “Mi trabajo es creer y caminar bajo la fe y el de Dios

Sera hacerlo el tiene todo el poder

Porque el no improvisa el siempre tiene un plan y aunque

Los tiempos no se presten con todo y eso el lo hara

Mi trabajo es creer y abrazarme a la fe el trabajo de

Dios es hacerlo el sabra disponer los tiempos

Mi trabajo es mantener la calma en lo duro de la

Circunstancia el trabajo de Dios es abrir las puertas.”

Song 4: todo va estar bien!!!

So many more songs spoke right to the Depths of my soul this early morning and continues too as I write this.

I had a much needed 1:1 time alone with my creator…. but wanted to share this for anyone who may also need something uplifting.

I’ve spent all morning worshipping and praising.

After my 1:1 I continued to praise while I cleaned around my house and while my kids were assigned their chores for the morning.

Dear reader know that Even in Our darkest moments he is there.

He has been amazing and reminding me via my family, church family and my 1:1 with him is that he is present evermore.

I cried today.

A big cry.

I let it all out.

Alone.

Just me and God.

Just feeling his warmth surround me.

As if I was being surrounded by a warm blanket.

I felt him.

I told him I am not angry.

I asked for forgiveness for 17 years ago.

I will not fear.

I have not feared.

I felt his embrace more snugly.

I knew I was alone with him.

My kids were sleeping.

My husband was sleeping.

But the lord was awake within me.

I felt the areas of concern warm up.

For a second doubt set in and touched my forehead to ensure I wasn’t developing a fever.

Then I apologized and continued to worship and praise him.

It was just us.

Exactly what I needed from 4am – 6am (before my kids woke up).

Just the two of us.

Father thank you for this morning.

Thank you for waking me up.

Thank you because I needed that.

Yes I cried what I have yet to cry.

But I cried it knowing you were there to comfort me.

That I wasn’t alone, that I will not be alone. That you will be with me….how great though are! I can’t thank you enough.

Amen.

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 7

Devotional: Killing Kryptonite Day 7

I’m reading the @YouVersion plan ‘Killing Kryptonite

With John Bevere’. Check it out here:http://bible.com/r/1GA

Day 7

Killing Kryptonite The Cliff

The call for repentance needed in and from the church today is actually a call for what we need most: true love. The lack of true love in the church is filling our services, ministries, and homes with two extremes—tolerance and legalism.

The deception of tolerance is that it can look so much like love. We use the Bible to define love as patient, kind, never proud, not rude, not demanding its own way, along with other attributes found in 1 Corinthians 13. However, the love of the world can also have many of these characteristics. 

What separates Christian love from worldly love is that Christian love obeys God’s commands. “By this we know,” writes the apostle of love, “that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments” (1 John 5:2).

This means, if I’m patient, not rude, not jealous, and not boastful, but am cheating on my wife or if I condone sexual immorality, I am not walking in the love of God. 

True love is marked by both truth and love. Truth apart from love directs us down the road of the letter of the law, that which kills—legalism. And, sadly, people react to legalism by swinging the pendulum to the other extreme, avoiding correction and scriptural warnings, which are crucial to the health and building of the church. 

Let’s be candid—we view calling men and women to repentance as a lack of compassion, tenderness, kindness, and love. Yet consider this: If I see a blind man heading straight for a cliff that will cause him to fall to certain death, love demands that I call him to change course!

In our society, and with many in the church, such genuine love that calls for repentance is perceived as bigoted and hateful. This stronghold has emerged because many are only considering their life on earth, and not eternity. 

When we remember that this life is less than a blink in light of eternity, we live differently. We must view life in an eternal context to comprehend true love. 

This is the love the church needs now—eternal love, true love—love that will confront sin and call for repentance, yet also a love that is patient, kind, and gentle.

Did you enjoy this reading plan? I encourage you to go deeper by checking out John Bevere’s book Killing Kryptonite.  

 

Associated Scripture:

Father God thank you for this series, this has been an eye opener and a blessing. May this be used to help others in their battles against their Kryptonite.Amen.