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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Right Companions

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Right Companions

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

(Proverbs 18:24, NIV)

Having the right companions can make a difference in ones life.

Having the wrong companions can totally break you.

We have friends who can destroy you, then you have friends whom are family.

I have had the unfortunate and fortune of having both in my life.

There is a Spanish Proverb that states: “Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are”. “Dime con quien andes y te dire quien eres”.

Why is this saying important?

1 Corinthians 15:33New International Version (NIV)

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.

Whom we surround ourselves can impact our judgement and our character.

We need to understand that we are called for greatness. God had a plan for you before you were even born.

To achieve this destiny for you, you need help.

God can align you with the right like minded folks to help achieve this destiny.

so you can Manifest within your destiny.

It is important to connect with the right people .

Certain people were already chosen for your path to inspire you, challenge you, nudge you a bit and help accomplish your dreams.

Everyone has great potential.

A friend will motivate you, even when you lack motivation.

A friend will give you words of inspiration, at the adequate moment.

A genuine friend will not fail you.

I have had instances where I made bad choices in friends.

I have even made bad choices in significant others.

They may not define who you are as a person. But they can influence you, more than we realize.

I had a friend once who influenced me to try weed. Not a grand moment in my life.

I could have said no, should have said no, I knew i needed to say no.

I was persuaded, I tried it, I didn’t like it and we went on our merry way.

We are still friends, but now, I influence her.

She now is studying the word.

She now is teaching the word to her children and is actively engaged in her church.

She no longer smokes weed.

That weed didn’t define me, it may have once influenced by judgement, but it didn’t define me.

“Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are”.

Same goes with alcohol.

I have had moments in my life where i was the influencing or the one being influenced to try alcohol.

I was in a bad time in my life, I was surrounded by friends whom were filled with negativity.

You know how they say misery loves company.

Well, we were miserable, and we kept each others’ company.

It was a lo point in my life.

As i write this i can clearly see the players involved.

I vividly remember the influences we had for one another.

“Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are”.

Now as a mother, I sit here and I encourage my son to encourage his friends.

I am happy he elected friends whom have the same interests.

They are all passionate on social justice issues and politics.

They are all passionate in their little endeavors.

They have similar interests, but even on their differences they support one another.

He literally has a melting pot of friends.

There was a time one of his friends for school spirit wanted to paint their nails in the school colors.

When he first told his mom, he was nervous he would be made fun of.

So the mom reached out to the other moms and we all said, have him talk the fellas, we will talk to the boys, if they decide to join him in solidarity we will support them. If they decide not to, its ok, we will also remind them, it is ok to be different and not always agree with others, but we must respect our friends.

The kids agreed to show solidarity they would all paint their nails.

My husband was not cool with this idea.

I had mixed feelings on the notion, but will not be apart of the problem of judgement.

I allowed my son to do so in solidarity.

These kids have been friends so far 2 years and counting, their love and bond for one another is almost like an extended family.

Friendships should be like this.

Some friendships should allow you to get close to people; even closer than relatives.

“Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are”.

I have friends whom I consider family, more so than my own.

These are friends whom have been in the trenches with me, seen me get out, some have even picked me up from the trenches.

I also have seasonal friendships, friends who show up from time to time, but that time, that season we were friends was meant to be.

Sometimes friendships last a life time, sometimes they last a season.

I appreciate both.

Each friend is someone we can learn from, your relationship can also lead to personal, professional and spiritual growth.

Always remember, One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character. Do not be misled, but remember, there are friends who do stick closer than a brother.

Father God Thank you for your love, kindness, knowledge and the friends you have placed in my life. Thank you for each person who has entered, remained and even left my life. You know the reason why those whom remain, remain and why those whom left, needed to go. Lord I ask for continued guidance where my friendships do not mislead me. I ask for you to cover and protect my children so that their friends do not lead them astray nor corrupt their good characters. May we have friends who’s like minded and our bonds are like family. May we be able to nourish each other and grow not only in the flesh but spiritually. Give us the strengths needed to release the toxic friends in our life, to be able to discern the difference and proceed accordingly. Amen.

Successful People Help the Poor

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“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV).

I have used this chapter several times. I have made several references to the proverbial woman. Yet this verse here, before I ever understood it was affiliated with the proverbial women, I used as a reference point as to why I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’ve used this verse to explain why I stand up to I just and inequalities when I can. This verse here is my go to as a reminder of why it is important to be civically engaged.

Today though this devotion by Rick Warren gave me that warm and fuzzy feeling of comfort. My happy place. My happy place includes serving the under-served.

Below is hid devotional:

Successful People Help the Poor

by Rick Warren

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV).

If you want to live a successful life, the Bible offers some countercultural instruction.

Serve the poor!

How could serving the poor help us be successful?

The Bible gives us numerous reasons why this is so, but here are just a few of them:

It’ll make you happy. “If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone” (Proverbs 14:21 GNT).

You’ll honor God. “Whoever mistreats the poor insults their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God”(Proverbs 14:31 NCV).

It’ll make you a better leader. “Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly”(Proverbs 29:14 The Message).

I’ve seen this in my own life. Some of you know my story. When I wrote The Purpose Driven Life, the book became a huge global success. It’s been translated into 137 languages.

And when you write a book with the first line of “It’s not about you,” it’s pretty easy to realize that any money or influence that came from it wasn’t meant for me. So, among other decisions Kay and I made at the time, we started Acts of Mercy, a foundation to help the poor and the vulnerable suffering with AIDS.

The book’s success was not about me; it was all about God.

Proverbs 31:8-9 particularly spoke to me during this time: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (NIV).

That’s what successful people do. They stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.

Pastor rick Warren includes these questions in his devotion:

Talk It Over

Why do you think it’s so important that successful people help the poor and stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves?

How have you seen successful people in your life help the poor and the defenseless?

What can you do to more faithfully help the poor?

Now I am not asking you to answer Pastor Warrens questions directly to me.

I do ask that you think about them. Analyze yourself.

Reflect. I’m big about self reflect if you’ve been following my writings.

Honestly answer them to yourselves.

If you want to share more power to you.

If you want to let it marinade and resonate from within, that’s ok too.

I have already poured my heart here in ways I haven’t with others. So as part of my reflection to this exercise I’m going to share my thoughts and analysis.

Why do you think it’s so important that successful people help the poor and stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves?

Honestly the Bible instructs us to help the poor. The Bible instructs us to live a humble like. We see it throughout the New Testament. The disciples left their jobs, families and belongings in an act of faith. They followed Jesus. They spread news of his love, prophecy and sacrifice. They walked his walk with him, physically guided by him. Witnessing his humble dwellings, behaviors, acts of kindness and how he selflessly help others. His ministry was focused on serving the destitute, the needy, the poor. Walking this walk with Christ, we need to lead by his example. This is something that should come from within. Not everyone has that drive nor that desire to help. It’s a natural instinctive nature that few are called to do.

How have you seen successful people in your life help the poor and the defenseless?

I have several times where successful individuals help the poor and defenseless. These past two months we have witnessed it first hand if you have been following the recovery efforts since Harvey. Celebs have gone out their way literally even flying private jets to send much needed goods to those affected by these major natural disasters. (Harvey, Irma, Maria & Earthquakes). It’s such an amazing sight to see celebrities joining grassroots initiatives, rolling up their sleeves, delivering aid, food and water. What an amazing sight to see these influential successful individuals hosting or collaborating in benefit concerts with the goal of continuing to aid in relief efforts. This isn’t the only way someone “more successful” can help someone who is at a disadvantage. Not everyone has that financial security.

Those whom give their time in volunteer work. Whether your volunteering at a hospital, volunteering via a non profit organizations doing grassroots initiatives to teach and be apart of initiatives to bring forth awareness and understanding or even fighting for others on social issues. Standing up for someone while we are witnessing injustices and inquiries are other forms of ways someone more successful can help someone in need. If you have a platform to make a difference go ahead and use that platform. You could be the tool to help speak for the downtrodden or the ones who can’t speak for themselves. Buying someone a hot meal. Whether it is a homeless person or someone who just only has five bucks until pay day is another way. I’ve witnessed all of these forms. Even kids whom are academically more successful who help out other children whom are struggling is a way where someone succeeding in something can help someone in need. I’ve seen that in my kids, in the kids in my sons school and even with the kids at church the way they help each other out.

What can you do to more faithfully help the poor?

I feel to faithfully help the poor we need to show that love and compassion still exists. It’s a cause and effect theory. With every action there’s a reaction. If we could all be more compassionate, help our in anyway we possibly can, our love and compassion can lead to a small spark flickering. That spark could be that match that needed to strike someone’s faith to be reignited.

Look no answer to these questions are wrong. This is my self reflection piece to those questions.

Father God I thank you for your love. Thank you for the successes you have given me in my life. I may not be wealthy, I may just be getting by, but my success is not about monetary success. My success and accomplishments you have led me to them. Your words have also taught me to be humble and give back as often as I can and when I can. There are times where all I have is a dollar to my name, there are times I give up my dollar, there are times I hold on to it. Lord you know the reasons behind each instant. It pains me when I can’t help. Yet it fills me up in the depths of my soul when I can. Lord thank you for allowing me to be successful in areas where I can help. I may not be wealthy, may not be able to save the world, but I do feel lord that every man, woman and child can make a difference, with your guidance. Amen.

Before Creation

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“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world…”

(Ephesians 1:4, NIV)

Before Creation

Before you were even thought of by your parents womb He knew that you would be here today. Before He formed the heavens and the earth, he knew your name. He knew your calling, He knew how you would turn out. He created you to strive. To go above and beyond. To exceed all the obstacles presented before you. You were made for more. He has chosen you and provided the foundation and rubric you need to get by.

While at times the enemy deposits seeds of doubt; he has deposited seeds of faith, trust and the greatness you need to survive. In order to tap into the seeds he has planted deep within you, you need to know, trust and believe this before you can act on your calling.

At times we are burdened with low self esteem. We feel like failures; we feel nothing is ever enough. We feel no matter what happens its never good enough or we just can’t.

Those seeds of doubt were not deposited by the creator. The enemy likes to intercede any which way he can so that you can loose out on your blessings, so you can loose out on the greatness you were destined to be.

We are gems, diamonds in the roughs. We were destined for more.

We need to focus, trust in the lord, have faith in him and meditate in his truth.

Listen to that.

Let that sink in.

Focus.

trust.

Have faith.

Meditate.

I will also add have confidence.

Focus on building the confidence you need so that you can understand what you were destined for.

Be confident in the fact that he already knows, you just need to open your heart, eyes and ears to this revelation.

You are valuable, more than you know.

Victory is yours.

Are you ready to fulfill the greatness that is predestined for you?

Father God, lord of wonders, Lord of creation, lord of love and of mercy, thank you for creating me, thank you for choosing me to be destined for greatness. Thank you for the building blocks, the blueprint, the rubric needed to excel in your name. Please lord I as for you to open my eyes so that I too can see the greatness you have in-store for me. Please lord help open my ears so that I may listen when you provide instruction. Help me open my heart so that I feel. Help me walk confident in you to full-fill the greatness you had planned before I was even a thought by my parents. Amen.

our daily bread

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So I read this devotional from our daily bread.

I thought it was worthy of sharing.

Surviving the Wilderness.

Dennis Fisher

The message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. Hebrews 4:2

Additional reading:

Exodus 17:1–7

Jeremiah 6–8; 1 Timothy 5

In the 1960s, the Kingston Trio released a song called “Desert Pete.” The ballad tells of a thirsty cowboy who is crossing the desert and finds a hand pump. Next to it, Desert Pete has left a note urging the reader not to drink the water in the jar left there but to use its contents to prime the pump.

The cowboy resists the temptation to drink and uses the water as the note instructs. In reward for his obedience, he receives an abundance of cold, satisfying water. Had he not acted in faith, he would have had only a jar of unsatisfying, warm water to drink.

This reminds me of Israel’s journey through the wilderness. When their thirst became overwhelming (Ex. 17:1–7), Moses sought the Lord. He was told to strike the rock of Horeb with his staff. Moses believed and obeyed, and water gushed from the stone.

Sadly, Israel would not consistently follow Moses’s example of faith. Ultimately, “the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed” (Heb. 4:2).

Sometimes life can seem like an arid desert. But God can quench our spiritual thirst in the most unlikely circumstances. When by faith we believe the promises of God’s Word, we can experience rivers of living water and grace for our daily needs.

Help us to place our trust in You, Lord. You are what our heart thirsts after.

Only Jesus, the Living Water, can satisfy our thirst for God.

You can make a difference.

Even the smallest donation helps reach people around the world with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible.

Three days after the Israelites left Egypt, the water they brought along was depleted. Finding no drinkable water in the Desert of Shur, they grumbled against Moses, and God miraculously made bitter water into good water (Ex. 15:22–25). Soon their food supplies ran out, and they complained again. God miraculously fed them with manna and quail (16:1–36). As they approached Sinai, they complained yet again of no water (17:1–2). God had already shown them He could provide the water and food they needed. All they had to do was to trust Him! (Deut. 8:2; Ps. 81:7–8).

Consider how God has been faithful to provide for your physical needs. How has He satisfied your spiritual thirst?

Now that you have read this devotion let me explain why I wanted to share this.

We live day in day out half the times we do not even acknowledge the amazing works God does in our lives on a regular basis.

We are always glad that our physical needs are met, we are glad when our spiritual needs are met, yet are you still quenching for more?

Or are you ignoring your blessings?

Recently I have come to my own realization that I want more.

I need more.

He is the living water whom can satisfy this thirst.

I do not want to just be hydrated long enough until I need more.

I want to constantly be satisfied by what he gives me.

If i could have an IV linked directly between us I would.

We need to remain in faith, we need to refrain from going into the desert.

We do not need to conform to the bare necessities, we should want more.

I am not saying lavish cars and things.

We should always want more of him and be dutiful for the works he does in our lives.

Even in our trials, tribulations and Hardships we need to edify our souls with him.

We need to be appreciative of his lessons.

We need to constantly seek him for guidance.

Thank you lord for this message and insight. Thank you for your love, mercy and providing me with my bare necessities in life. May this devotional be of a blessing to anyone reading this. May we all quench for more of you spiritually. Amen.

Still Get UP

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Proverbs 24:16 The righteous may fall seven times but still get up, but the wicked will stumble into trouble

A few weeks ago I saw two posts from TD James and I was just moved. Both posts correlate with one another. Both posts have a cause and effect factor. Both post reflects agents of change within oneself.

One of the posts were about failure. The other was about change agents.

We have all been in a place where we have felt like complete failures. No matter what we do, no matter what we say, no matter what we just keep failing.

Right now I feel like I’m soaring everywhere but in my own home. I feel like I am free falling to my inevitable kaput.

Have you ever seen looney tunes?

I’m wild E coyote chasing after the road runner. I follow the road runner, thinking that I am going to get my prize, then low and behold I was so blind sighted by the prize that I didn’t pay attention to my surroundings. I didn’t realize I had stepped over the cliff, the road, the gravel, the sand, the desert are no longer beneath my feet.

I can see the road runner up ahead. I can hear it say “beep, beep” as he sets off into the sunset. Now I realize my desperation and my despair. I look below I see nothing, I look around and see nothing. I’m stories high and now I am free falling.

We’ve all been there.

I am currently there today.

I am spiraling down free falling at home.

Where did I go wrong?

We tend to have a bad habit in the midst of these trials to not seek God for guidance. Luckily for me I know better, based on my experiences, to know to seek and praise him in the good times as well as the bad times. Today I seek refuge in God to give me guidance, words or whatever he has for me to fix this situation.

Back to TD Jakes posts.

3 ways to fail at everything in life:

1- complain about everything

2- blame others for your problems.

3- never be grateful

Based on his points here is how I failed:

I complained about my situation at home:

I blamed everyone for my problem.

My six year old has become very sassy. He has become very lazy, he suddenly has become a smart mouth. He has become very disrespectful as of late. Instead of getting to the root of the problem I have reprimanded him. As a mother I feel his failures are my failures. I complained about our circumstance and fully blamed him. Whereas my lack of providing the guidance needed is also the problem. I too am to blame.

We all go through situations where our children do something and we react. Sometimes the built up stress of our every day lives are channeled at the wrong time. I need to assess myself as well as my child so we can stop blaming others. Accept responsibilities for our faults and move onward. Parenting and our walk in Christ are always evolving and something we learn from with each day, each event, each second.

The second post from TD Jakes said the following:

5 characteristics of change agents

1- clear vision

2- patient yet persistent

3-ask tough questions

4-knowledgeable & leads by example

5- strong relationships built on trust.

This is where I am trying to get to with my problem at home.

I need to see the bigger picture. See clearer. I cannot do this if I am raging. I need to be patient but get to the root of the problem, the interior problem within me and the interior problem with my child. Patience will be needed since that may take a little bit longer. I do need to ask the tough questions. To myself and my child. I will need to lead by my example and show him I too am learning, i too make mistakes but this is how we fix, learn and grow from these mistakes. I need to ensure that my relationship stays strong. Right now is the time to fix it before it gets out of hand.

Right now I need to focus on the bigger picture.

Right now the bigger picture is not loosing my son, getting him to respect and to have reverence.

Right now the bigger picture is also to work within myself and battle this battle I am dealing with so that I may not lose who I am.

Father God I thank you for all that you have given me. I thank you for your guidance. I thank God for allowing me to utilize writing as a self reflection as well as to reassess my actions. God this tool could also be used for others who may have similar yet different experiences. Though I felt this Morning that the road was pulled from under my feet, I know it was your guidance that made me realize what steps I need to take to fix this. Lord I pray for the reader reading this who has a similar situation. I ask you to give them the knowledge and wisdom to assess, reflect, distress and approach their circumstances in a christian like way. Father I ask for forgiveness for my actions, I also ask for forgiveness for my child. Father please guide us both when I approach him on this manner. Father guide the reader reading this, as they approach the battles they are facing. May we be reverent in your cause. May you provide words and comfort. Amen.

According to Your Faith

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According to Your Faith

“According to Your faith, be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29).

Where does our faith comes from?

It comes from believing in God.

It comes from the trials and tribulations we undergo and how we trust in God to lead us from our problems.

It comes from hearing the word of God.

It comes from hearing of god’s amazing works.

Your faith will show you how to handle adversity.

Your trust in God is encompassed in your faith.

Your love in God is embodied in ones faith.

It is important to walk your walk in your faith.

It is important to understand that ones faith can help in ones own protection.

Every time I leave for work I saw a prayer.

As I am running around the house each morning getting my self and my children situated for the day I commune with God.

During my commute I meditate I pray and I try my best to stay in communion with God.

During the course of the day as I work I reach out to God thanking him for my workflow, thanking him for the ease in my work, thanking him for resolving situations each time they arise.

I put my trust and faith in him that he will guide and direct me.

Had I not had faith in God lord knows where I would be.

It is our faith that help us achieve our outcomes.

Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing in my life today. Each day my lord I open my

heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Give me a heart

filled with faith and hope today. Amen.

Wisdom

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“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” – (James 3:17)

We are exploring different types of wisdom in this verse.

We all have the wisdom gained from heard of experience. We have the wisdom’s gained from advanced academic education and schooling. We all have our stories, our journeys, our experiences which we feel define whom we are and how much knowledge we acquire in our cyclic life. We have all evolved through the years and our wisdom reflects our mental evolution.

This chapter describes a different kind of wisdom.

It describes a “Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.”

The wisdom described in this verse is the wisdom that comes through God, through his word, through the Holy Spirit. The wisdom from above is pure, is peaceable, is gentle, is reasonable, is full of mercy, filled with good fruits, is unwavering and without hypocrisy.

We can all attain that wisdom. We can be wise based on our experiences, but nothing is greater than gaining that pure wisdom from above.

Father God, Lord of Mercy, Lord of love, today I ask you to fill me up with your word and your wisdom. Today started out with a hiccup dear lord. Despite the carnal wisdom, to no avail my hands are tied and bound and I am at your mercy. I submit myself to you and ask you for the wisdom needed to proceed. I ask you for the wisdom to face the challenge before me. For only your wisdom can heal my circumstance and take me to the next step I need to take. I submit my pain, my worry, my fears, my doubts, my concerns to you. Please provide the wisdom needed to move forward. Amen.

Calm before the storm

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“…And in an instant, suddenly, you shall be visited and delivered by the Lord of hosts…”

(Isaiah 29:5-6, AMPC)

Despite what’s going on my people throughout the Caribbean have placed all their faith in the hands of the Lord to deliver them from their current crisis.

We’ve all experienced calms before the storm. What we find after a storm spiritually and literally enters our lives is confusion, desperation, loss of hope, some feel defeat. After the storm is usually that time which is most critical. That is the time where God really sees where our faith and trust in him rests.

You either continue having faith until your lifted back up off your feet, or you loose faith and succumb to defeat. My islanders and Mexico, please do not succumb to defeat. Maintain your faith during this difficult process. Help is on its way, albeit not fast enough, and that really breaks my heart, but rest assured help is on its way.

The prophet Isaiah told the people of Israel that the lord of hosts will deliver them during heir times of need, during their struggles, during their battles in faith. The lord of hosts had moved, inspired many from all over to help each an everyone of you, myself included. In the name of our Lord you shall and will be delivered from this unfortunate circumstance.

Please I know your facing peril, struggle, starvation due to lack of food and water, facing despair, but please do not loose hope, do not loose faith. Many, especially here in New York are praying for you. We are trying everything we physically can to help from where we are. We have lost sleep and cried concerned over you.

It’s natural to worry and be concerned.

Yet spiritually we are praying and battling, helping so that everyone can be delivered.

I continue to pray.

I continue to have faith.

I continue to reach out to hear from my loved ones.

To the ones I haven’t heard from I pray they are being taken cared for.

I pray that our God is providing for them.

By Gods grace the islands will rebuild and shall rise.

You will rise despite the hurdles.

The lord of hosts will deliver you.

Father God I thank you for touching the hearts of many to go on and help those in need. Many have personal ties to the regions affected by the natural disasters and all they want is for their people to be ok. All they want is for their people to be alive. All they want is for their people to have sufficient means and provisions. Thank you for your love and mercy, thank you for moving the good Samaritans throughout the lands that are doing everything possible to help. I ask the same way you multiplied a basket of fish and a basket of bread to feed the 5000, that you multiply the donations sent to sustain the millions throughout the islands affected. I know you can make the impossible possible. I ask and declare healing for those I’ll in your name. I ask for your hand to guide and direct those on rescue missions to find people in dire need of help in your holy name amen.

Sleep

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“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.”

(Psalm 4:8, AMPC)

I don’t know about you but I have not slept a peaceful nights sleep since Harvey, Irma & Maria destroyed the homes and lives of millions of people. Despite my concerns, despite my worries, despite my anguish I find comfort in knowing that My Lord will sustain and provide. I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for the few relatives I’ve heard from are doing OK. They are making do and surviving considering the situation. They have maintained their faith. I have maintained my faith.

I am thankful for the many individuals whom have organized venues as donation drop offs. The many volunteers whom have worked tirelessly morning, noon and night….I am thankful for. For the legislators fighting for us because they genuinely care….I thank you. I am thankful for the means and modes of transportation allotted to get the goods down. I am thankful that despite being late, additional help is underway. I find peace and comfort knowing that the spiritual warfare has many prayer warriors knocking down the enemy’s path to destruction. We shall continue praying, you will not defeat us. We may not be able to save 100% of the people but you will not take 100% of them from us.

We will pray, we will fight back spiritually and we will take care of our people. I find peace in knowing that God has our backs. God is our protector, defender, strength, shelter, peace, refuge and provider. No mater how the storms of life come against our people, Take comfort in God, trust in god and you shall find safety, peace and joy.

In times like these we dwell in his safety, peace, and confident trust. We need to focus on God’s word, declare his promises over you and those in the Caribbean whom are hurting. We need to dwell in him. He will provide the peace, protection and victory for those affected directly and indirectly.

Father God today I thank you for your promises of peace and safety in my life and those afflicted in the Caribbean. I chose to focus my attention on you. To be used by you in each way you need to be of a blessing to others. God I ask not just for a peace of mind which I desire and need, but that you provide peace, joy, nourishment, protection, provision, shelter, strength, refuge and protect our Islands. Father our hands here in the states are tied and we are limited in what we can do…but I sit here in supplication for those in need. My peace of mind will come, when I know that these people are doing better. In Your holy name. Amen.



To be Loved

We all just want to be loved.

Held close.

Looked out for.

Taken cared of.

Loved unconditionally.

We think of finding Mr. right to be able to fulfill these wants.

What many don’t realize is we have, yet we ignore it.

Yes my husband loves me, but there’s someone out there who loves me in a way he could never.

No not my kids and not my parents.

No I don’t have a side piece to fill in, what I have had been by my side from day one.

Yes my husband takes care of me, looks out for me, and holds me close when he can.

Yet there is someone who will take care of me in a way my husband never will. Who will hold me tight in a way my husband never will. Who looks out for me in a manner that my husband never will.

This person loves me unconditionally.

This person has loved me my whole life, not talking about my parents.

This person loved me from the womb.

This person loved me before I was even a thought of my parents lives.

This person knows me by name.

Everything I thought i was looking for and wanted I had it all along.

God loves me, and loves me unconditionally.

God provides, takes care of me, looks out for me and even hugs me.

Where is this coming from??

Today I saw a young couple showing a whole lot of public display for affection. My initial thought was “Get a room”.

My thoughts after that was “oh to be young, carefree and in love, man I miss those days.”

My third thought was ” wait, I am young and in love with someone who has never left my side, even when I walked away and turned my back, has always stood there.

I have that love I yearned for. Yet ignored the fact that I had it. We all go through this.

We tend to think that we don’t have it. Yet we do. Not only do you love me, you comfort me, you protect me in ways my husband never could. You guide me. You strengthen me. You lift me up. You bring me peace. You bring me knowledge. You bring understanding. You supply me with patience. You provide me love to share.

• I am an ungrateful child of yours.
• I am a selfish child of yours.
• Always wanting more than what you provide.
• Always comparing what others have and wanting it.
• Forgive me dear lord.

Father God thank you for loving me.

Thank you for providing for me.

Thank you for taking care of me.

Thank you for all that you do for me.

No one will ever amount to you. No one will I love more than you.

No one will ever be praised greater than you. I ask you for forgiveness for that brief hint of self doubt where I thought I didn’t have that love, that sweet innocent unconditional love that only you could provide. I love you too my dear lord. Amen.

Called 2 Serve

I have a Testimony I want to share with my fellow bloggers and readers.

I shared this with the Pastor of women’s ministry, but I had to share with you.

As many of you may know from one of my recent posts, I have been fairly occupied on relief efforts and family within these past few weeks. I have been working on some of my writings but I haven’t focused in them as mush as I did.

Despite being busy I have been documenting things because I want to share how amazing God is.

In planning my relief efforts with my church I reached out to 3 organizations to help transport the goods to the islands.

I spoke with the Lead from the group who was sending relief efforts for the islands (st Martin and neighboring islands).

I spoke to a local legislator and grassroots non profit organization whom have been mobilizing to send goods to PR Dr & Mexico.

I have also spoke to a friend who’s in s fraternity which I will not disclose for privacy reasons and respect, who with his fraternal organization and fathers missionary are sending goods to the remote hard to reach mountainous regions of PR.

Since Maria hit I have been reaching out to these individuals

I’ve been calling them every few days to make sure we still are a for distribution / pick up after our event.

So a few days prior to the event, I left another message for the coordinator, that day she called me herself and was like “hey, the staff said your church has begun separating and boxing everything ahead of time”.

So I explained to her what’s the game plan for the event we had on the 14th and how schools and the church will be collecting and we will be dividing the goods between both relief efforts for the other islands and Pr.

She then was beyond humbled and grateful because everyone else who’s donated directly to her haven’t separated anything which has taken a lot of time from the staff.

So she was going to send an email to patients not to bring clothes, but she said since we’ve already begun to separate she will take all the clothes we collect, plus whatever else we give them. She then said to me “I am curious what church is organizing this?”

When I told her our name she said “oh wow, God is so good, and works in mysterious ways.” I said that he does, then she said “she goes to (she stated the name to her church) In SI.”

I got emotional as well. She said “wow God using fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to help with this mission, she said she is beyond humbled. It is amazing how God unites people for a reason.”

Her original intention was to meet us at our event. Unfortunately conflict scheduling didn’t lead to that but what did happen was oh so magical.

As we got closer to the date we kept in communication to coordinate drop off/ pick up. She was so eager to meet the Pastor for opening the doors to the church to help with these efforts! She kept saying she wants to hug us all.

God is sooo good.

I’m crying again just retelling this …: this was my third confirmation that week that what we are did was worthwhile.

The Sunday prior to having this conversation with this woman of God to continue to work on logistics, I asked God to please tell me, did I bite more than I can chew? Can you (God) guide me?

I continued to ask God “Tell me something to know that I am doing what you called me to do.”

• Twice on Sunday he said only one word. Patience.

So I asked for guidance. He answered Patience. I had to sit and be patient.

The next two days was a Monday and Tuesday one of my sisters in Christ not knowing my plea sent me devotionals indicating that we are meant to serve.

These devotionals were the answers I was looking for.

I cried instantly…. because I knew he was telling me was true.

The first devotional she sent me was this:

We Serve Because We Are Saved

By Rick Warren

“It is he who saved us and chose us for his holy work not

because we deserved it but because that was his plan.” (2 Timothy 1:9a

TLB)

What struck out from this devotional were the following: (hyper linked the title for your review the whole

“You were saved to serve God. The Bible says, “It is he who saved us and chose us for his holy work not because we deserved it but because that was his plan” (2 Timothy 1:9a TLB).”

“God redeemed you so you could do his “holy work.” You’re not saved by service, but you are saved for service. In God’s Kingdom, you have a place, a purpose, a role, and a

function to fulfill. This gives your life great significance and value. “

While I read this I cried.

My friend stated that this whole devotional reminded her of me.

She stated this is what made her think of me “If you have no love for others, no desire to serve others, and you’re only concerned about your needs, you should question whether Christ is really in your life. A saved heart is one that wants to serve.”

He told me to be patient.

He answered my question.

I am a saved heart that wants to serve.

On Tuesday my same sister in Christ sent me the following:

God Has Work for You to Do

By Rick Warren

“It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us

new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should

spend these lives in helping others.” (Ephesians 2:10 TLB)

“God calls you to a service far beyond anything you could ever imagine. You were put on Earth to make a contribution.

You weren’t created just to consume resources — to eat, breathe, and

take up space. God designed you to make a difference with your life. You

were created to add to life on Earth, not just take from it. God wants

you to give something back.”

I think it is safe to say he answered my plea.

Despite these confirmations the enemy was working. Closely too. He was using my loved ones. My husband then mentioned “what if you collect all these things and they refuse”.

So that night I prayed, really prayed, and while praying god said call I called the two locations we were working with to drop off goods. To reconfirm al lthe details I was working on and reconfirming what they needed, what was missing, what we had, what we were doing etc.

I rebuked the devil for instilling doubt, and said God you will provide… you will pave way to a solution, and we will get these clothes to those in need as was promised….. my confirmations all started with a request. He told me to be patient. Then after receiving doubt from my husband and receiving the many confirmations he told me to call. When I reached out to all the parties involved my nerves calmed. My thoughts eased.

By Thursday of that week (one week and two days before the event) my sister in christ sent me a message with another verse. She stated ‘Reading my daily morning bible readings, Mathew 20:28 came up. I wasn’t going to tell you but something told me to tell you, that once again the Lord brings these versus to my readings and that I should share with you. Its just confirmation after confirmation. Whatever happens on the 14th is because its how the Lord permitted it.”

Mathew 20:28 states: “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The following day she sends me this:

Spiritual Maturity is Never an End in Itself

By Rick Warren

“Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did

not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for

many.” (Matthew 20:28 TLB)

“For Christians, service is not something to be tacked onto our schedules

if we can spare the time. It is the heart of the Christian life. Jesus

came “to serve” and “to give” — and those two verbs should define your

life on Earth, too. “

Confirmation after Confirmation of How Great God is in answering our please.

The days leading to the event was running smooth.

Packages were being received in the mail from those whom ordered online.

Donations were still trickling in.

Many members have helped non stop on several occasions to get things done.

over 200 boxes were prepped, sorted and sent to both locations.

200 boxes which included food, clothing, feminine product, hygiene products, toiletries, elder care needs, medical supplies, school supplies, baby products water etc.

200 boxes which we hope will make a difference to the lives whom receive these goods.

The day of it was all hands on deck.

Members of various ages from the youngest of the crop to some of the elders.

All hands were on deck prepping, sorting, folding, boxing.

The men made the first trip towards the PR aid.

It took 45 minutes to load up the van.

The men onsite were plentiful and it took 5 minutes to unload all the goods for PR 110 boxes and 25 cases of water went to PR.

As the day continue we finished packing.

By the end of the day (4pm) We had 90 boxes ready to go.

The second site was unable to secure a vehicle big enough to pick up all the goods we obtained for them, so we took a road trip.

We got to meet our sister in Christ helping St Martin and the other islands.

90 boxes of essential items were dropped off to her.

Tears were shed.

Prayers were made.

Glory to God was proclaim.

My prayers were answered. We did not plan this event in vain.

We did not let the enemy win.

We succeeded in helping many for a great cause.

We are called to serve, and serve we did.

I am beyond humbled beyond words could ever compare with everything this experience has taught me.

Despite my fear and worries for my families back home.

Despite logistical planning and constant phone calls.

I am glad that God provided.

He showed yet again that all will happen in his time.

He showed that we need to patient.

He taught me a special lesson.

I am called to serve.

Father God thank you for this humbling experience.  Thank you for the lessons you have learned. Most importantly thank you for the reminders that Patience is needed and that I am called to serve. You are most kind dear Lord, you are compassionate and your mercy is beyond comprehension my Lord. I am thankful for guiding me through this experience which was stressful. Thank you for not allowing those seeds of doubt take over my heart and my mind.  I fully trusted in you then and I fully trust in you now. As in all I do; It is all for your Glory and your will to be done.  May others use this testimony as an example that in the midst of one’s storm we are to be patient and confide in you to lead the way. Amen

Finding Confident Faith in the Face of Fear

We all have moments where we struggle with our faith in hardships, or when we are scared.

I read this article entitled: Finding Confident Faith in the Face of Fear (listed below).  The author spoke of her fears and finding confidence within her faith.  We have all had moments where we have felt we have failed.

Here is the Article:

#faith #failure

Author: Karly Grant

All of my life I’ve been a worrier. I still remember the prayer that I prayed every night before I went to sleep as a child, “Dear God, thank you for another day. Please help my family to sleep well and to stay safe. Please don’t let there be any fires, earthquakes, or anyone breaking into our house while we sleep. In Jesus name, Amen.”

As I’ve grown up, and grown in my faith, most of my fears have lessened and my prayers have become less rote (although I’m definitely not one to skimp on the “Help me, Jesus!” prayers that I often need). While most of these childish fears only return if I’m in real danger, there is one that has stuck with me from childhood—the fear of failure. God desires for his children to live in freedom, and as he guides me through my current struggles, I am taken back to my childhood where this fear rooted long ago.

I revealed the litany I ran through nightly as a child, but once a year, on New Year’s Eve, I would also ask God not to let Jesus return that year. One of my earliest memories is accepting Christ at four or five years old. While I fully believe that I was saved that day, I didn’t automatically have all the answers and that scared me. I cried to my mom one day when I was about six because I was terrified of Jesus returning. I didn’t have the Bible memorized, and in my mind, I was going to get to Heaven and there would be a test. I was afraid I would fail God. My mom lovingly explained the truth to me, but for many years, I thought God would find I failed, and if I could just postpone a little longer surely I would get there. I still haven’t found perfection, but I have found grace.

 

God was on his own level but this fear seeped down to my relationships with family as well. There was a time when I was about eight that my family was visiting friends overnight. I woke up the next morning and the lady we were staying with told me that my parents were at the hospital because my mom had been struck with a migraine. This was a semi-common occurrence during this stage of my life, but somehow, being in a different city made it seem different. I, being the oldest of three kids at that time, felt the pressure of telling my sisters and comforting them. What if something happened to my mom? Would I know what to do? I piled unnecessary pressure on myself as a child, and I was afraid I would fail them all as I reached for my self-imposed unrealistic expectations.

Now I fear failing at life in general. I took some huge steps of faith in a direction that I felt God calling me and it looks nothing like what I thought it would. I can’t help but wonder am I failing those who supported me? I am currently unemployed and still living in a place that I am prepared to say goodbye to. My timeline has failed me, and the enemy is quick to step into this area of my life and hiss lies.

Here in the waiting is where God and I are camping. I’ve been fighting against the enemy and speaking truth about who God is and who He says I am, going from fear of failure to confidence that can only be found through God. Scripture and music have been key to remaining saturated in truth. My times of musical worship at home are anything but pretty. I often cry, sing horribly, and pound on the keys of my keyboard. While I may look miserable to an onlooker, these are sweet times with my Savior and some of the strongest points of warfare against our enemy. Michael W. Smith has a song that I’ve been listening to often these days called Surrounded. Some of the lyrics are “This is how I fight my battles… It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You.”

I’ve been doing a Bible study called Psalms for Prayer. While I read these Psalms that I’ve read many times before, they have been hitting me anew.

“On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.” -Psalm 145:5

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I find that reading scripture out loud and declaring the goodness of God is life-changing. God is so good. I realize in these times that I can be confident in Him. I don’t have to fear failure. He has a plan. He is with me. He never fails.

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Karly is a single 30-something who is striving to follow Jesus and trust Him in every situation. She can be found with a cup of tea or a good beer in hand while cozied up with a good book or enjoying a laugh with family or friends. God has her on a wild journey. In the last year, she has quit her job of 15+ years and gone back to school full-time to pursue a career/ministry in the realm of adoption. She is both terrified and excited to see how God moves and what opportunities He provides in this adventure.

 

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Praise God for our failures should not be feared.  Sometimes our failures are apart of his plan.  Praise God for his word, for we should always find comfort in them.  We should read articles such as these for they the offer testimonies of struggles individuals undergo and how they have over come them. Testimonies such as these help us put into perspective our struggles, our fears, out doubts, our experiences and gives us hope in to seeing how we too can overcome our tribulations.

 

As a mom I have plenty of fears, most of them involve my family and their well being.  I pray ever so often  for their safety, well being, health and lives.  I have to trust that God will always cover them and protect them from harm in this world we are living in.  We are living in times where their safe havens (schools, churches) are no longer safe havens.  A random person with a vendetta can easily walk into these safe havens and…well we have all been watching the news, we know what has been happening.  It is sad.  Yet despite all that his been going on in our schools in America, Despite all the fight for gun control, despite all the prayers, yes there are times I want to pull my kids out of school and home school.  Fear, does that to us.  We cannot make rash decisions based off our fears.  Fear means giving in to the enemy, fear means rescinding our faith, fear means doubting our prayers we proclaim heavily to God.  SO what do I do? I pray harder, I pray firmer, Like this author I pray aloud his words so that his holy words can be used to anoint my family and loved ones for protection.  Do not let fear overcome you.  Do not let your fear replenish your faith, let your faith overcome and overpower your fear.  Let your faith grow stronger.  Let your faith guide you in protecting your family.

 

Father I thank you today for this article.  I thank you for these words and the scripture you have provided via this vessel.  Thank you for the opportunity to have those reading be able to relate to these situations, to our please, our fears, so they too can find use in our testimonies and find guidance within these articles.  May these articles be of hope, blessings and a path for others to grow in their faith and in their individual walks with you. Amen