Healing And Encouragement

What If Your Answer To God’s Call Could Save Your Family?

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An In-law of mine ( I call him my brother) just lost a cousin that was very close to him. I know it hurts a lot! I can’t imagine the pain he is in, my heart breaks for him and the rest of the family.

On the afternoon I got the news I asked God why he happened to be going through so much loss and heartaches, (he had another cousin died earlier in the year and had also told me about another one who died in a car accident few years ago- so all crossed my mind as I mourned with him) as I questioned the Lord, these thoughts came to mind.

Our obedience and relationship with God helps a lot with what goes on around us and within our families. When we turn to God, we are also interceding for our loved ones and standing for them. YOU might be God’s chosen, its not just about you when he calls but for us to intercede on behalf of others. He calls us to bless us, to save our families/friends, to use us as vessels to break chains and yokes off others. Your family members/ friends are tied to you, and them to others, so encourage them to draw close to God as well. What if you could stop or make things less harsh for someone else? There are so many goodies attached to the call from God…it teaches us to be selfless, it teaches us what genuine love looks like.

I read in the book ‘Elijah Among Us‘ where God used the author- John Sanford to intercede on behalf of his family and through his obedience God SAVED his son. ….”Another instance where God’s word of knowledge brought protection to our loved one involved Loren himself. He worked between semesters in the silver, lead and zinc mines… At the time, he was working 7,500 feet below the ground. One day, I had a sense of danger and said, “what is it, Lord?” He gave me knowledge through a mental picture of Loren in a stope, which is a step-like excavation formed by the removal of ore from around a mineshaft. A huge boulder was tumbling down from high above. I knew if it hit him, it would kill him. I cried out, “Lord, get him out of the way!” That night I told Loren what I had seen. He said, “Yeah, dad, that’s exactly what happened today. I don’t know how it missed me, but it did.” God gave me this vision of danger because he wanted to save my son and knew I would pray.”

God told him what was getting ready to happen and lead him to pray. His son were to meet death, but, through his connection to God, He was able to speak to John and his son walked away without being injured.

I have a personal story of my own, well, that happened in my family. God gave my dad a vision of my brother (who wouldn’t take heed no matter how many times my dad and I told him about his bike, and to be honest, we were fearful because so many young men in the district were dying from bike accidents and we did not want him to be one.) that he would get into a terrible accident and lead him to pray. Days later my dad called and give me the news that my brother broke his arm in a bike accident. He told me that God had given him a vision and that he had prayed, hearing this I began praising God, then I heard my father said “it should’ve been his neck” I stopped for a deep minute of silence, moments later my praise turned into praise and tears of joy. Thanking God so much, for looking out for my family! My brother’s neck should’ve been broken according to the vision, but my father’s connection to God helped him intercede for his son whom walked away without fatal injuries.

So you see, being close to God has many wonderful benefits, including saving the lives of our loved ones (but I’m sure you already know this). My father does not take credit for my brother’s life being saved. We know that God and we are his vessels, I even believe that HE even allowed us to respond and say YES to him. Our obedience in getting up in the middle of the night or whenever we are lead to pray, rewards us more years with our loved ones and closer to God. Your obedience to God’s call and or obedience will blow your mind! You never know who is standing in prayer for you… Answer and stand for your families too.

God has been calling my brother-in-law for sometime now and I believe that If he had answer the call, God would’ve probably given him knowledge of what was getting ready to happen and lead him to pray. At the same time, when God gives US (people like you and me) this knowledge, we can also intercede for people like my brother-in-law (and others like this in your life) and ask God to stir their spirits, open their ears and lead them to answer his call and be reconciled to Him.

God is sooooo faithful and good to us! I love him so so much!!! I know someone who would use the phrase “off the chains” when something is incredible or huge in amount whether it be a delicious meal or the actions of another… ‘God is off the chains y’all!!!’

2Chron 30:9 “For if you return to the Lord, your relatives and your children will be treated mercifully by their captors, and they will be able to return to this land. For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful. If you return to him, he will not continue to turn his face from you.”

Inner-BEAUTY

Beauty is more than just an outward appearance. Beauty begins on the inside. Beauty is working on our inner person. Beauty is speaking kindly and consistently transforming our minds to think purely and see good in everyone, no matter their flaws or what their attitudes say. Colossians 3:13 says to make allows for each others flaws.

Everyone has struggles, and I believe everyone is due for awakening one day…spiritual awakening, if we are open. So, if you’ve already been awakened, you’ll understand inner beauty or the joy in working towards it.
You’ll also understand that if a person responds ’ugly,’ they too might yet to be awakened; your response- to be patient and gentle with them.

We are no better than others simply because we’ve been elevated. We are healed and delivered because of God’s love, compassion and grace, not because of our own efforts! God says all good things come from him… James 1:17, Psalm 16:2. Therefore when he helps us, we should now begin an ongoing cycle of helping others.
Being healed and delivered means we are in better states mentally and spiritually and emotionally enough to respond from a compassionate place. My father taught me that ”if we treat/ talk to a person like an animal, they will respond like one.” So, if we speak kindly and gently, others will respond kindly and gently, and, even if they attack us verbally, we can choose to respond gently. ’A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.’ Prov 15:1 (NIV)

I’m learning that life has so many pockets and creases waiting to be filled with just the right things and with the proper approach. Beautiful treasures, lessons learned here, and there or little trinkets.
If we have become advanced in areas such as wisdom, growth, or possessions, we can choose to use what we’ve been given wisely and to help build others up… To get where we are or even further.
• If we have wisdom, we can use it to respond to others and life’s circumstances in a healthy way. God will reveal things to us, he will open our eyes and give us understanding. How we use what he reveals is up to us! God shows me inwardly, people that I am surrounded by; he shows me their struggles and areas in which they need inner-healing. That’s knowledge! I can either pray for that person as God leads, then act in humility and endurance until they are healed, freed and delivered… or forget that I’m not more important than they are and judge and criticize them for being or responding mean and ugly right now. Matthew 7 says not to judge, though… and that the same standard we judge others by, we will be judged.

• Personal growth- we can share our experiences and how they’ve helped us overcome, so others can apply it where it’s necessary for their tests, trials, or afflictions. At times we are afraid or ashamed of being transparent because we fear being judged, but I’ll tell you that there is liberty in not caring what other people think and putting the focus on caring about the well-being of another instead. It’s not about our feelings! If being transparent will help someone else then be transparent!! At the end of the day you are not who and what people say and think you are! You are who God says you are! You know yourself better than others, stop giving people permission to label you and have control over you!

• Material possessions- we can choose to give back! Let us be reminded that our actions are the outpouring of God’s love operating within us. If we see a neighbor in need of food or clothing but say ”have a good day; stay warm and eat well” without giving them something to eat or wear, that does no good. God blesses us so that we can bless another. James 2: 15-16

When we become prosperous, it’s not for us to look down on the needs of others unless it is to help them up. Don’t poke in people’s downfall unless it is to pray for or encourage them. Everything we have comes from God, even authorities to make changes/decisions. Rom 13:1
Do we not know that God can give our successes to the same person (s) we are gossiping about or laughing at??
Love, we should not forget where we were before we got to where we are, I think it’s important to remember because it reminds us of our own discomfort when we too were at that place. Therefore, we can identify with the discomforts of others and assist in ways we can. We are taught, helped and comforted to pass on to others.

Inner beauty is such a powerful possession!

DON’T BECOME WHO YOU’RE SENT TO BAIL OUT!

Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 2Tim 2:4

Don’t get entangled in the messes/ life issues/ sins of others when God sent you there to help them get out of it! You were sent there fully equipped, spiritually with all they need, and to be a light, DO NOT become who God send you to bail out.

As witnesses, it’s our duty to bring forth change by BEING the change. Sometimes, this will be very uncomfortable for us. You will feel like you’re being walked over, you will be forced to remain humble when you want to reach over and snap a neck or pull the very hairs off your head! But grace, huh! 🙂. Remaining strong and humble takes great discipline but I admire the fact that it’s God’s spirit doing all the work and we are like VIP’s sitting upfront watching him transform our lives before our eyes.
Yes, the actions of who you are sent among might, and will be very challenging! You will be challenged to become the very person God sends you to reconcile, deliver, convict, heal, or free but resist the urge to become. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against…evil spirits…. Eph 6:12. But, greater is in you! As soldiers and children of God, we are to remain gentle, firm and rooted in who we are in Christ- so that we can carry out each assignment.

So, if someone argues with you, stay humbled. If they treat you bad, treat them better. If they gossip about you, pray for them. If their attitude sickens you, it’s okay you weren’t sent there to judge anyway but to help them. Love on them, show compassion, be forgiving, walk away when you have to- clear your head, then step back in the ring.
Prayer is your most important weapon! Pray always for coverage, strength, direction, clarity, resistance, endurance, patience, and to be refreshed while you’re praying or standing for the other. Remember, the battle isn’t yours to fight. You are just the vessel God is using. Also, don’t get weary and abort your assignment, you will reap a harvest if you don’t give up- Gal 6:9. That soul is depending on your obedience. Not only will you help a soul, but that person’s family! I love that when God works it’s not just for one but for all!

If you get entangled, you will no longer be in a position to hear directly from God! Your emotions will now become involved; you will be moved by what you see, no longer operating in faith, you will respond in your flesh, and eventually, you will start serving their gods or worshiping their idols- by doing the same things they do/ are doing, the very thing you were sent to rid them of or help them with and you will no longer pleasing God. In the end, you will have failed to carry out your assignment, and that person will either stay the same or get worst.

Stand firm, stay focused and don’t get entangled. #ExperiencedSpeaking

A REMINDER: YOU ARE AMAZING!

…and the Good New is….
Christ lives in you! You have the mind of Christ! Which means you’re pure, you’re righteous, you are Holy, you are victorious. You have a great heart, a wonderful personality, you are awesome! You’re healed, you’re rich! You are worthy; worth more than you think! You are whole! You are full of joy, hope, comfort, forgiveness, grace and peace. You are respected! You are the head and not the tail! You are above and not below! You are the lender, not the borrower! You are blessed!

You are no longer what your own flesh or the enemy whispers that you are. You are not unkind, selfish, unfaithful, envious, bitter, a mistake, unforgiving, greedy, you are not ‘uneducated’, you are not broke! YOU ARE LIGHT! YOU ARE SALT OF THE EARTH!
“Here on earth, you will experience trials and sorrows but take heart, I have overcome the world” -John 17:33
No matter what’s going on around us or within our thought-life. It’s not about how we feel or what we see but what we know! What God’s word says! Greater lives in us than who is in the world.

So brush off that temporary feeling and cast your emotions on Jesus. Don’t be intimidated by the now, he is right there with us and our future is in his hands.

Know who you are! We are children of God! See, the way we see ourselves contributes a lot to our personal growth, our situations and our walk with God. See yourself through His eyes. We have the mind of Christ, surrender to the daily transformation it leads.

Meditation: Isaiah 43:2 John 4:4 Matt 5:14-16

Feeling Like You’re Not Enough? Feeling Condemned?

Most times I have to encourage myself in the Lord because my mind goes on trips that I have to reel it back from, constantly. I have a past of struggles with depression and self-esteem issues- if you notice I said past, because I’ve decided to walk in the newness of my mind daily in Jesus. I have the mind of Christ and daily it is manifesting no matter how I feel, what I hear or see.
Some of these trips lead me to self blame and feeling guilty and whenever I engage in them, things head downhill from there. I’d throw pity parties, feel like a victim and eventually I’d feel defeated. Now there are times when we will be victims- take Job’s story for example- and times when we’ll have weak moments and have to cry because tears heal, but we have to be careful.

The enemy move around looking for who he can attack, during these times we are vulnerable and he is just right there ready to hold our hands and lead us down dark paths. One weak moment is all it takes to slowly break the door open to feeling unloved, unwanted, unappreciated, and become pessimistic. The bible tells us to guard our hearts.
Now, I’m all for acknowledging our emotions, dealing with them and putting them in a better light instead of ignoring them! I mean, they are apart of us. However, we are not to be lead by them! We cannot allow our emotions to dictate to us. During times when I’m moody or just having a bad day, I call on Jesus to guard my heart. Or, I’ll go for a walk and connect with nature.

A short prayer during these times, “Lord, I’m moody (whatever emotions you’re feeling) I don’t want to ignore the way I am feeling so I invite you here with me. I know by you being here, you will comfort me, dry my tears, heal me, love and lead me out whenever it’s time. Thank you for being here with me during this hard time.”

I wholeheartedly believe in inviting Jesus in every area of our lives. The good, the bad and the times when we make unwise decisions. You know, those times when you get yourself into a relationship you shouldn’t be in, out of need for comfort, or that job you took out of desperation, or when God says be humble and stay quiet but ‘nuh-uh, they don’t know who they dealing with, I’m bout to show who I am’… yeah girl, those foolishness we engage in when we didn’t want to wait. Now we are unhappy in this relationship, heart broken or miserable on that job. BUT GOD!
I personally view Jesus running toward us when we mess up, especially when we get ourselves into trouble. I have 2 young nieces that I adore, omgosh! The youngest is almost 2, she like the sour patch candy, she will give you gray hair before your time, okay. But she’s her own little person, with a very sweet side. My other niece, 6, I’ll just say we get along better lol. Whenever they cry, say, because they didn’t listen and end up getting hurt, the minute they rush to me with tears streaming down their little cheeks I can’t turn away as much as I’m tempted to say “you should’ve listened.” … okay, I say it sometimes. But, I immediately open my arms, pick them up and comfort them with hugs and kisses. That’s how I view Jesus with me whenever I mess up. I run to him, jump in his arms as he comforts me with hugs, kisses and words of affirmation. This view leads me to feeling closer to him in my own special way instead of further away from him.

But, it’s during the dry seasons, the weak moments, the lonely times, that we should be vigilant. It’s these times that pull the authentic us, who we truly are to the surface. They test and stretch us, and we either break, get stronger, or be molded into our true selves. When we focus on our situations and feelings instead of Jesus, our thoughts stray, and that’s what I want to talk about.

Condemning thoughts and feeling inadequate plagues the mind and drains us. We fight these by encouraging ourselves in the Lord, speaking what the word says about us. Remember, We are not fighting against flesh (self)-and-blood (others) enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Eph 6:12 NLT

I used to fight by “doing” something to FEEL approved and accepted by God. I’d hear “I’m not doing enough, I’m not good enough, God is not pleased with me.” These thoughts weighed me down and sometimes hindered me from praising, and giving thanks, and quiet time. I would feel guilty or self-convicted when I open my bible to the point where days would pass without really studying. Instead, I would focus more on blogging doing “good works” to fill the emptiness -to feel approved and ‘enough.’
– The truth is, I am not good enough, but I had to fight those thought with God’s Grace! His grace caused Jesus to die for me so that I can be enough through his spirit that lives inside of me and because of that God is pleased with me. Eph 2:8
– I will never do enough in my own efforts because it is God that is working within me giving me desires to do what pleases him then helping me to obey these desires. I will do good works through him. Phil 2:13. Eph 2:10

I don’t have to lean on me anymore and I’m glad because I’m too heavy! My own burdens are too heavy for me to carry. The thoughts of the old me, my past are too heavy and can become discouraging without Jesus.
Whenever these thoughts come (and they will) I throw them off because it’s not about how I feel anymore but what I know and I know that It’s not by might nor by power but it is by God’s Holy Spirit that lives in me and leads me. Zech 4:6 I don’t focus on what is behind but what is before me. Phil 3:13
Whatever area I need help in, I can pray and wait patiently and confidently for God to deliver. Rom 8:24-25 I know that the good work (of obedience and living for him) that he has started in me, he will complete it. So, I can be still knowing that he alone is God. I don’t have to strive and rush in my own efforts I can rest in him and obey his leading. I know that He is in love with me like crazy and absolutely nothing can separate this love. My walk isn’t perfect but I can rejoice every single day I wake up, because it is a day that my God, the lover of my soul, planned for me and I will be glad in it walking with him holding my hands. You are enough! The grace of God and the blood of Jesus makes us enough!

Meditate on what God says and encourage yourself: Isaiah 43:1-4; 55:8-9. Phil 4:8

Finding Beauty In The Slow!

I am a slow processor, I process information, experiences, moments slowly. I enjoy this as I get to savor moments. Sometimes I honestly believe it’s unhealthy as I end up overthinking or worse, procrastinating. I used to feel different for being “slow” you know, when everyone else gets the joke and 10 mins later you’re like “ohhhh, then you die laughing” (not literally dead). Or 40 mins later on the way home you finally get it. How about during a conversation with someone that goes south and you want to stand up for yourself or help that person to truly understand your point, the next day 5 thoughts of what you ‘could have said’ comes strolling in. Yeah, I’ve been there! But I’m starting to accept that slow part of me because it’s beautiful. I enjoy stopping to smell roses/flowers or taking pictures whenever I am walking. Days when I relax having a glass of grape juice and savoring the taste or walking slowly and really feeling the coolness of the breeze on my skin or the connection with the earth under my bare feet. Yes, I love nature and one has to slow down in order to appreciate, enjoy and connect with it. It’s healing and very therapeutic!

This morning I came outside to enjoy some fresh air and gaze at this huge tree that’s almost in my mom’s backyard (it’s a sight to see, at least to me- smile) it’s speaks so much of strength and power. It’s the tallest tree on our street and at least 3 streets over. As I sat on the red steps I glanced over to my left and saw a few snails and immediately I was inspired! I thought about these MOLLUSCS and how important they are despite being slow. They exist with us and some may count them out or write them off as nothing and useless but there’s wisdom and power in their “slow” existence and what they teach. Apart from how much we do get to see from slowing down, we can savor and appreciate every single one of those areas. We can freely enjoy the experiences life gives to us. We don’t always have to rush like a road runner. When we rush things, we miss out on creating moments and then enjoying them. Of course, I’m not saying to waste time; we should make haste and do what we have to. Psalm 119:60 “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.” Whenever we are instructed to do something or we know to do something we should get it done, we feel better rested because that task gets crossed off our ‘to do list’ now we can add more or rest.

Personally I love that I can cruise through without rush, holding on to the hands of Jesus. I can pause and spend time capturing moments and share them with him as we go. These bring great joy to the depths of my soul. Whether it is from praising him when I’m eating a fruit that is naturally sweet or how it’s beautifully decorated, to thanking him for allowing me to be at the right place at the right time to help someone with something as small as turning on a ‘new fashion’ faucet.

I’ll share some quotes and advantages of being “slow” below that I researched as I sat.

According to a post on WordPress, the writer says: ~ Being a slower learner often means that you end up digging deeper into a subject in order to understand it. Like walking to your destination instead of driving you tend to notice and appreciate the scenery more, when taking more time to learn something you will often notice more of the details…

~ You can find yourself critically analyzing and exploring a subject more in depth, often without even realizing it, than the person who has raced to the finish line without stopping to take a look at the scenery along the way.

~ You are able to look at things from different angles, be more creative with your ideas, be more flexible and adapt to changes more easily, this is easier to do when moving more slowly than when racing past.

Quotes: “No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying”

“It doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop”

“Keep going. Progress is progress no matter how slowly you are making it.”

“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.”

“Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still.”

“Small moves can have huge gains.” -Jane Lee Logan

“Time sometimes flies like a bird, sometimes crawl like a snail; but a man is happiest when he does not even notice whether it passes swiftly or slowly.”

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.” – Charles Spurgeon

I love this one “she knew where she wanted to go and came to trust that steps rather than speed, is the way she wanted to get there.”

These blessed my soul as I sometimes feel me rushing spending more intimate time with Jesus to getting work/ ministry done. While doing is great, spending time with Jesus is best! I’m often reminded though of Mary and Martha. Martha was busy with chores/ work while Mary was busy sitting at Jesus’s feet. Neither are wrong , it’s just that Jesus said Mary found something that will never be taken away from her. She was storing up heavenly treasures by learning more about her Savior. This way she will be able to identify His voice in encouraging and complimenting her, sharing his thoughts and heart with her, even more during difficult stormy times when she really need his peace. Spending time can seem like wasting time doing nothing but oh how our souls become blessed, our spirits become firm and we become rich in trust. My biggest fear in slowing down and spending more intimate worship time with Jesus (silly girl, spending time with Jesus does not hinder you, lol) or enjoying life was that I’d get comfortable (lazy) and get lured away from fulfilling his purpose and calling on my life, but Jesus assured me that He is my anchor. Therefore, It’s impossible to be lazy living in the peace and presence of God! Living in his presence leads me to fulfilling purpose. Whew, what a relief!

Don’t feel different for being a bit slower than others. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Jesus knew what he was doing when he knitted you in your mother’s womb. Use your quiet time to ask, or allow your spirit to guide you to finding out your beauties in being slow. I bet He will blow your mind!!!

Supporting Scriptures Proverbs 19:2 “Desire without knowledge is not good— how much more will hasty feet miss the way!” NIV

Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” NIV

God, Use My Freedom For Your Glory (personal testimony)

So, I am so very excited about this verse in Phil 2:13. This has been one of my favorites since 2017 and it made me a bit more excited this morning after reading it. My first understanding in 2017 was that God is will not only help me to want to do what He wants, but He will help me to get it done! I screeched! Loudly and with excitement like a little girl getting a new life-sized doll. ”what, you’re not only going to tell me what to do, you will help me- make me want to do it as if it came from my own intention!” God is amazing! This is awesome!

Now, this morning I read it again in my NLT version -after pondering somethings- Phil 2:13 ”For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” What stood out and excites me – a different understanding (isn’t it beautiful how you can read the same verse over and over and God can give you new understandings or revelations each time) is that He will give me the desire to do what pleases him. My definition of desire is ”something that burns within you; your heart and soul, you can’t resist it; you need it, have to have it or get it done.” His desires, however, will bring unimaginable peace to my soul. Our goal is to do what He wills, do what pleases Him. When I seek after God’s desires or even think of them, they make me feel complete; it feels just right, and doing them brings me deep satisfaction. He will plant things that please Him inside me, and I will know them without a doubt. I’m more so excited about him being pleased. My newest personal desire is to use my freedom to please Him! Reading a few lines below of what my story is (I will share one day) will help you understand my excitement!

You see, I’ve struggled greatly mentally for many years since childhood. I’ve known sadness and depression even to the point of contemplating suicide twice. I know firsthand what being trapped in the mind and fear feels like, what oppression and pleasing others feel like. Recently I began knowing freedom, peace, and rest in a way I’ve never known it before. God gave me a glimpse of it in the ending of 2014, ever since, it has been among what I crave and think mostly about. With this freedom, my greatest desire is to not stray from Him! I asked Jesus to be my anchor- which he assured me He will be. I want to use my freedom to live for Him and to please Him no matter how winds toss me here, and there or storms try to uproot me. This is freedom that I’ll have to practice daily but not to end up pleasing myself. So this verse blessed my soul as I see it as Jesus reassuring me again that He will be in control and I’ll be okay. If I can be transparent, until about 3 weeks ago, my biggest fear was stepping out of position and not always walking in God’s will. Then it became ”forgetting about God” after being set free, not intentionally of course but I’m human and I’ve learned to never say never. I’ll never act like I can’t forget about God in my own strength… God warns in Deut 8:10-15 ”When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord for the good land he has given you. But that is the time to be careful! Be aware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations and decrees… For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large, and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock!” This tells me that I can forget about God when all becomes well with me mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. I can become proud and forget Him after walking in His riches, freedom and glory now that He has changed my past; so I have to be careful. In my strength I can mess up so I rely on His strength. I’m confident that He will never allow me to forget. He will keep putting his desires in me and lead me on the best pathways for my life, because I trust and need Him! I need him even more after living in my Canaan.

And so after meditating on his word, immediately my morning prayer began!

Love, you too can be sure that God is downloading his desires into your spirit as you give your heart, mind, and soul to him or at least leave them open to Him. I’m so very glad that we aren’t moving in our strength or using our efforts (only), we have the Holy Spirit nudging and leading us. Be sure to not forget about our Lord when you too begin experiencing stepping in your land of Canaan. Don’t forget where God has brought you from. Praise Him, thank Him, bless Him, live for Him and worship Him! Oh, how he deserves it! I’m very happy for you! Hugs and hugs.

Prayer: Lord, I bring myself to you today, thanking you for being in control and your help in doing what pleases you. I make myself your available daughter, put your desire in me for today father as well as your word, my daily bread. I willingly give my heart, mind, body, and soul to you. Thank you that as your sheep I will know your voice, I will hear when you speak to me. And with you speaking to me, I rest assured that you will give me the power and desire to do or say what I hear. Thank you Lord! I want to do and be my best for you, for myself and for my neighbor today, in Jesus name I pray. I thank you that you are my anchor, and because you are, you won’t let me stray from your presence. So Lord, help me to continually give back to you, all that you’ve blessed me with. I trust you to keep them safe and to give me in the doses I need daily and, or at the right time. I want my hands, feet, heart, mind, and soul to remain free to keep hearing from you and walk close with you. This is new for me Lord, so teach me how to respond or wait as I release my blessings into your loving care. Thank you for my Canaan and thank you for your precious reminder. In Jesus name, Amen.

Meditation: Deut 8:10-15 ; Phil 2:13

Find And Fan Into Flame, Your Inner Peace

Are you at peace with yourself? Peace with your life and at peace with your situation or circumstances? Yes, I am also talking about the uncomfortable, and the road of uncertainties you might be on this very moment.

A few months ago, I was at a place in my journey where I wasn’t sure if I was in position with where God wanted me to be. Things didn’t make sense to me, people were talking, and if I can be honest, fear began creeping in. I thought “I must not be in the flow” I knew I wanted to be where I should be so even if people criticized me it wouldn’t affect me because I know for sure that I’m where God wanted me to be. And so, I began to pray. I prayed for God’s will in my life, that if I’m out of position to lead me back into position, and if I’m already in position, to give me peace, and quiet my anxieties. About 2 1/2 weeks later, God assured me that I am where I should be. He also helped me to realize that I have peace! I’ve always had peace. I was just anxious about the way things were going; they didn’t make much sense to me. I am currently in a situation where I have learned over the last year to be content and make myself at home. (smile) The first few seasons were rough, but I saw them as amazing opportunities to learn more about who I am, bring them to the surface, and practice them daily. This journey has blessed me so very much! Knowing that God is with me makes it a lot easier and more fun. My circumstances show me strengths and the fighter in me.

So I ask you today, wherever you are, do you have peace? Maybe you do, but your mind is too busy grabbing unnecessary thoughts and fears to acknowledge it, rest in it and be thankful for it. ( I normally pray a short prayer- “Lord, please settle my spirit, quiet my mind so that I can see and rest in where I am.”) If your answer is NO, I want to encourage you first, to ask God to re-center you. Secondly, I believe quiet time, solitude, is very vital, and it helps to find inner peace. Get quiet and allow your inner voice, your spirit to guide you. Areas that are tugging at you for your attention will surface, when they do, pay attention to meeting those needs. Doing this may take some time, so do not rush the process. Be thankful that it has begun. Let our Lord saturate your mind and heart with His peace. He gave us this gift in John 14:27 “I am leaving with you a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” NLT If you are in an uncomfortable situation, understand that you won’t always be there and instead of fighting, pushing it away and running from it- welcome it, be content in it and make peace with it. That “place” is necessary for your growth. You have the hand of God guiding you through.

I love how Jesus wants us to always have peace and I love even more that WE CAN HAVE PEACE because of HIM! HE is our Jehovah Shalom, Lord of peace!

One of the best ways to be at peace, is to be grateful wherever God has you. Make peace with, and be content in whatever season you are.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this place, please show me all I need to be open to in this season. I ask you to help me to find peace and contentment in these. I trust that you are with me now, quiet whatever anxieties may arise so I can hear your voice and directions clearly. I thank you ever so much for your gift of peace reigning in my life, and situations, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Meditation: 1 Tim 6:6; Jer 46:27; Ezek 34:25; Eph 6:15-16

The Wonderful Presence Of God!

Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

As a child of God, he has given us so many outstanding promises and assurances. He has become our source, comforter, and refuge. Whenever we go through hardships, he will be there to help us; he will deliver us and help us to overcome. Death and dry bones can become alive again. Dead/ broken relationships, broken bodies, broken minds, broken lives, and broken hearts. Brokenness or barrenness are areas that can and will be restored, according to his perfect will. When we become children of God, our old life is now gone. We now walk in newness and his light. His Spirit lives within us and presence hovers over us; we learn the beauties of who we indeed are, who we are created to be and have fellowships and connections with each other. We never have to ”feel alone” anymore because of his promise to never leave us. Whatever we go through, we can be sure that he is there, Isaiah 43:2 ”When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulties, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up, the flames will not consume you.” Wow, isn’t this refreshing?!! Before his knowledge, when we go through afflictions, we had no one stable to call on, ALWAYS. But now, no matter what hour of the night, time of day and where we are, we can call on Jesus and he is there! (Ooh, I’m getting goosebumps writing this post.)

I can testify that I’ve felt mentally oppressed for YEARS! I hardly had peaceful nights of rest; I’d go to bed not feeling very accomplished even though I dance and write. During my quiet time, some of my favorite moments are when I engage in prayers that leads me to believe without doubt that I’m praying God’s will. These moments are ‘life’ to me; they are breathtaking, so very fulfilling and satisfying. But, at the end of the day, I’d go to bed feeling very heavy. I felt like i should be doing more, like God was not happy with me. This became my norm for long periods of time. It was depressing. Until recently, one day, Jesus pointed out what the issue was, (childhood past) and He started a work in that area. He is so good and faithful!! He loves us so much! Now, walking in having peaceful sleep, weightless days, and an anxiety-free mind, along with other areas he is working, on allows me to be a bit calmer, enjoy more freedom and be in the flow of life a lot more. I don’t have to worry about not walking in his will for my life anymore, because he IS leading and guiding me. So yes, another beauty is that he guides our steps, see Psalm 37:23.

We are given his joy, hope, peace, self-control, boldness, the ability to be patient, to experience selflessness, loyalty, and to be kind. Being his children gives us a life with true meaning!

Prayer: Oh, Sweet Jesus, we welcome you in our lives! You are awesome, awesome, awesome. We thank you, Lord, for calling out to us and saturating our lives with your beautiful presence. Thank you for being here! You are the best thing that could ever and will ever happen to us; you are our completion and fulfillment. Thank you for adding immense joy to our souls! I am ecstatic to be called yours.

You Are Important; You Still Matter!

~You might not be as independent as you’d want to be or where you’d want to be right now, but you don’t have to settle, be a doormat or let anyone push you around. You are still important; you matter as an individual; just by being alive! ~ Accomplishments does not entitle you to respect, approval, or acceptance by others. You already are, just by existing! You can speak up/ stand up for yourself; you can say NO without feeling guilty or worry about what others think or how they’ll feel. You don’t have to be fearful. God has your back, and He knows your heart. Say no/ walk away even if it makes people angry, especially if their intentions aren’t good/ pure, but for selfish reasons and their pleasures or convenience. You’re not a pushover! You don’t have to fear what man can do to you or concerning you- Psalm 118:6. You don’t have to be controlled by expectations or the pressures of society. You’ll be able to discern the difference between doing what frees your soul or what pressures you to feel or be obligated to…

You are valuable regardless of your dry and empty seasons; If you’ve hit rock bottom. You are valuable and worthy because you matter to Jesus! He thinks the world of you; he approves of you even when you are empty: your account is dry, you sleep under a bridge, you shack up with people, family member or a friend because you can’t afford a place of your own. Even if you don’t have a degree, a diploma, you can’t construct a sentence without 5 tries. Materials do not define you! A good education or high paying job does not either. Jesus accepts and loves you like crazy when you are with, and when you are without. It’s his love for us that defines us! You still matter! Your thoughts, goals, desires, wants, needs, dreams, hopes, and life are still very much important to him! See yourself through his eyes!

If everyone in the world had no job, no car, no house and we all lived in one house, eating from one hand, how would that make you feel? You’d fit right in, right? You wouldn’t feel inferior, because everyone would be on the same level. Well, the truth is, we are all being fed by one hand! I view the world as being under a dome, that means we all live under one roof, and God is our provider. The ones that “have,” achieved nothing without God’s approval. Unfortunately, some become successful through unjust ways. But overall, no one has anything without it passing through God’s knowledge -1Chron 29:14; Rom 13:1. It’s like a business/hotel; everything that’s needed has to go through the manager/CEO of that company. Documents that needs signatures, shipments that needs approval, monies going out has to be accounted for. The owner is aware of whatever goes on in his/ her company!

You are already a success by breathing! God has a plan for your life, and He promises that it’s good and prosperous; He promises to give you a future and a hope -Jer 29:11. So whatever situation you are in right now, you can hold your head up, you can still be joyful-laugh, smile; you can be confident and bold in Him because He is still working on, in and through you. You too will be fruitful. It just might not be your turn to bloom, glorifying God through works in the eyes of men just yet, but He is doing a hidden work in you. You are a precious soul, defined by Him and what He says and thinks about you. Wherever you are right now, keep seeking His face, His desires, His presence, and His purpose for your life. We are all created to worship and praise God, but we are each assigned a specific job to do for Him that involves building up or edifying each other, and bring glory to His name.

Meditation: John 1:12; Romans 15:7; 1 Pet 2:9; 1 John 4:16; Jer 31:3