Riches

Wisdom speaks:

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself! Riches disappear in the blink of an eye; wealth sprouts wings and flies off into the wild blue yonder.”

Proverbs 23:4-5 MSG http://bible.com/97/pro.23.4-5.msg

Integrity

Integrity is what becomes of your character when no one is around or looking. 

Its not what you can give

It's not how much you can give

It's not how far you can go

It's not who you know

It's about the response in your heart 

Leadership is about doing what's right, and not what's popular at the moment of pressure

Leaders ought to be just and fair, no matter the circumstance

Leaders who lead by integrity attract the same kind 

"The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.”

Proverbs 21:3 NLT http://bible.com/116/pro.21.3.nlt

Value

Good morning ladies!

As you go about your day and into your week, keep in mind the people around you and the influence and value you add to their lives.

If we don't value people, we tend to hold back on inspiring them 

Leaders who lead leaders know that inspiration adds value to people, it makes people feel better than they are and it makes events and experiences larger than they are. 

#leadwithintention

#leadandinspire

Bless y'all! 

Forgive

“Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.””

Luke 17:4 NLT http://bible.com/116/luk.17.4.nlt

Forgiveness is on-going per person!!! 

Whoa! 

It's all there...

Sometimes, we operate in fear, uncertainty, an adopted mindset, hesitancy, distrust etc....and these characteristics will typically manifest how we approach the Kingdom with our needs. Where we ask and believe God for certain things and not for others

But the bible clearly teaches us that all we'll ever need and more is in God. All we have to do is ask!!!

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

Matthew 7:7-8 KJV http://bible.com/1/mat.7.7-8.kjv

Turnaround God

Our God can take any situation you face and He can change things around for you! AND EVEN BLESS YOU WITH MORE! 

Expectation

Expecting God to move over your situation is not clouded with uncertainty of "Lord, how am I going to get through this moment?". 

It's more like: "Lord, I can't wait to see how you are going to show up! And what the lesson is going to be"

#hellofuture

Examples

The way we live should have evidence of Christ’s work in us—just like fruit shows what kind of tree it is and how healthy it is. 

Pray today that we live our lives in a way worthy of Jesus and show the world what He is really like.

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”

Colossians 1:9-12 KJV http://bible.com/1/col.1.9-12.kjv

When...

Listening to a great song by Lauren Daigle this morning about trust

What happens when God doesn't move the mountains we need Him to move 

What happens when God doesn't part the waters we wish we could walk through

What happens when we don't get the answers as we cry out to God

Truth is, He knows what tomorrow brings 

And there isn't one day in our future that He isn't aware of

So, our heart and soul trusts 100% and totally surrenders!

Broken

Don't despise your little beginnings

Never forget where you came from 

Be a vessel to help change others' lives

You were just there...where you needed help too....remember? 

See me

How do you see yourself?

Through your eyes? - broken, stressed, confused, insecure etc??

Or through God's eyes?? Victorious, a winner, strong, graceful, beautiful, blessed etc?

Prayer: Father, thank you for your unconditional love for me. Help me to see myself the way that you see me. You see me victorious, you see me as a conqueror, and you see me as the apple of your eye. Thank you for the promises in your word, I receive them. Amen.

Finished work

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

No matter how broken and shattered your life may be, God knows how to put the broken pieces back together again. He will do what you can’t do. 

Maybe you have a broken heart, a broken dream, broken promises made to you, or a broken body. Know that you are not beyond repair, you’re not too much for God, and no, it will not to take Him forever. God specializes in making all things new! 

Receive the finished work of Christ. 

Receive what He accomplished on the cross for you. 

Receive His healing and restoring love. 

Receive the truth that Jesus’ body was broken so you can be healed. 

What He has done for countless of others, He will SURELY do for you because He loves you!

Hospitality

“Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

1 Peter 4:9-10 KJV http://bible.com/1/1pe.4.9-10.kjv

Hospitality to others is simply giving back what was given to you (freely). It's even more rewarding when the other person doesn't ask for it first 

Grace

The grace of God is for:

The rich and poor

The saved and the lost

The sinner and the heathen

The educated and the non-educated

The young and old

The new converts and the seasoned believers

The career minded and the free-spirited

The grace of God finds us where we are and brings relief 

Lead

Fear of failure is a huge factor in the way we lead and follow. There is this notion that all failure is bad. 

In reality, unless we are willing to overcome the fears and be okay with failure, we will never know the opportunities set before us. 

Honesty

Great read::

“Great Leaders Cultivate Honesty” 

Honesty is the single most important “building block” in the leader-follower relationship. For many people, honesty is the same as sincerity, truthfulness, integrity, frankness, candor, and openness. Though some leaders don’t consciously realize it, honesty includes not only telling the truth, but also leaving the right impression. Albert Einstein said, “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” 

It’s clear that if people are willingly to follow you—whether into battle or into the boardroom, the front office or the front lines—they first want to assure themselves that you are worthy of their trust. They want to know that you are truthful, ethical, and principled. No matter what the setting, everyone wants to be fully confident in their leaders, and to be fully confident they have to believe that their leaders are people of strong character and solid integrity. 

Hunger

That we may hunger and thirst for the righteousness of God and nothing else

Don't meddle with the things of this world: as they are sure to keep you unsatisfied and looking for more.

God's kingdom is rich and full with all that we will ever need

Stay grounded

Yes, be different

Stand out in the crowd

Seek the kingdom of God

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6 KJV http://bible.com/1/mat.5.6.kjv

Lifesaver

This is such a lifesaver!!

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Philippians 4:8 KJV http://bible.com/1/php.4.8.kjv

Pure heart

There is nothing that we can do in our own power that can remove our guilt and shame. 

But like David, we can still come to God in prayer after our worst sins and still receive a second chance. 

A very good prayer is for God to give us His grace, a fresh start and a clean heart.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”

Psalms 51:10-12 KJV http://bible.com/1/psa.51.10-12.kjv

Knitted hearts

“As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul,” 1 Samuel 18:1, ESV

Friendships are vital in our walk with Christ because, in them, we are sharpened and are held accountable by one another. It’s not about your win in this race; it’s about a corporate win that makes this journey worthwhile. 

In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 it says: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

Never underestimate the power of two hearts knit together for God’s purpose.

If you desire this type of friendship, are you leading by example?

To seek is to worship

Well said...

“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6, New Living Translation (NLT)

To “seek” is to tread or to follow (for pursuit or search); specifically to worship. In the English Dictionary, to seek is to attempt to find (something).

The reason there aren’t many seekers of the Lord is because we have the wrong perspective of what it means to seek. Our seeking is more than an attempt to find something. It is how we worship; it is a full persuasion that God is who He said He is, and He will do everything He promised He will do.

The truth is, every Christian isn’t seeking God. Just because you are praying doesn’t mean you are seeking God. To seek is to frequent God’s company and search His Word for wisdom and direction until you receive what He has promised you. It is constantly asking, “OK Lord, I did step one. Now, what is step two? OK, I’ve obeyed You here. Now, what do You want me to do next?” It is constantly checking in with Him to navigate you to the victory He’s promised you.

Are you seeking?? 

Cherish

Never take for granted who you are and what God has placed in you.

Always cherish what's within and keep it pure and protected

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

1 Timothy 4:12-16 KJV http://bible.com/1/1ti.4.12-16.kjv

Trust

“Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces” Psalms 34:5, NLT.

For many of us, it doesn’t take much.  Just a small amount of adversity and we are offended with God and ready to give up on Him. We don’t understand why He let things happen, and it makes us afraid to trust Him.

We even go as far as saying "if He truly loved us, He would do something about our situation". 

But yes....God’s mind is focused on, “I do love you, and if you trust Me, I will do something.”

If you trust and believe, He will keep His promise to you!

Understand that God’s not intimidated by your anger with Him. As He did with Job, He will speak to you from the whirlwind. So many of us are angry with God when He’s not the problem. 

In this hour, we must be fully persuaded and confident in the love God has for us like never before. We must be confident that He has a plan for our lives and His plans are good. If we trust Him, He will do what He promised He will do.

In the meantime, keep your glow. Maintain the joy in your stride. Don’t stop talking about the goodness of your God and His amazing grace because, He will escort you to victory!

Perspective

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Amplified Bible

Maintaining a right perspective is very important in life. A wrong perspective produces wrong actions, and a right perspective produces right actions.  It is our responsibility as believers to look at every situation from God’s view; by asking ourselves, “How does God view my life? How does God view this situation I am facing right now? What is the big picture?” Asking ourselves these questions will help us keep our minds sound so that we can make wise and sound decisions that we will be proud of later.

A sound mind is a level-headed and well-balanced mind that sees things under the light of God’s truth. Jesus was able to respond properly in every situation He faced because He maintained a right perspective, and the great news is, we have the mind of Christ as born-again believers.

Therefore, we too can do the same ;)

Of Value

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love” Ephesians 4:16, New Living Translation.

No matter how you may feel, you valuable in God’s Kingdom. You are an instrument in His symphony and a beautiful expression of Him in the earth. No more valuable than any other part, but valuable nonetheless.

You are vitally important to your brothers and sisters in Christ whether they realize it or even acknowledge it.

Standard

Dear Righteous woman,

This is our standard of living

Plain and simple!! 

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.”

Ephesians 5:1-13 KJV http://bible.com/1/eph.5.1-13.kjv

Decision

It's takes a daily decision to walk in the freedom we have received. 

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Galatians 5:1 KJV http://bible.com/1/gal.5.1.kjv

Restore

Only God can take the most broken pieces, the most broken things, the most broken women, the most broken possibilities into something special, good and redemptive 

Peace of mind

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

99.9% of the time, whenever we assume something, our assumptions are usually wrong. When we assume, we are making judgements without knowing the real facts. 

Assumptions have a way in keeping our minds preoccupied all throughout the day, and if we aren’t careful we will create emotions about something that doesn't exist and hasn’t been proven to be true. 

Typically, assumptions are negative and can send a harmful message to our physical body and quite naturally, the body will respond as if everything it feels is real.

Don’t let assumptions ruin you. If you feel it’s important to know something, it is wise to ask. We can’t think on “whatever is true” if we don’t know what is true. We must get the facts so we can have peace of mind.

Escape temptation

To whom much is given, much is required

It's not just that God won't give us more than we can bear; we also, need to resist and flee (escape) from temptation 

#wisdom

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV http://bible.com/1/1co.10.13.kjv

Make the adjustment

“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

The smallest adjustments in life can make a world of difference. Accept the challenge to make the adjustment that the Spirit of God is challenging us to make. Whether it is in our attitudes, in how we view things, in how we approach things, or adjusting our focus from what we want to what God has said in His word, let's make the adjustment. 

That dynamic and mature woman that is truly living the God-kind of life is not far away. With His supernatural help, we can make the adjustments and be all that He’s called us to be for His glory!

Grace established

Let your heart be established with grace.... 

Such good word!!! 

“Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.”

Hebrews 13:9 KJV http://bible.com/1/heb.13.9.kjv

Daddy to Daughter

“For the LORD comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song” Isaiah 51:3, ESV.

Take a moment and make every word of this verse your own.

For the LORD comforts me; He comforts all my waste places and makes my wilderness like Eden, my desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in me, thanksgiving and the voice of song.

These words are from God’s heart to encourage and strengthen you. 

If you only knew the depth of His love and how much He cares about every detail of your life. 

He has not left your side or left you comfortless and without hope. He will comfort your waste places. Every area that you may have wanted to give up on because it seemed hopeless, He will enrich and minister healing. 

Those dry and barren places in your life, He will cause them to flourish. He will turn your sadness into joy and gladness. You will see just how good your God is, and you will sing.

All of this, because you are His daughter, and there’s nothing you can do to change how He feels about you! 

Period!!! 

Every good gift

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning” James 1:17, KJV.

So many of us go throughout our entire life trying hard to make others happy, feeling a need to please, and never wanting to disappoint those we love. The reward may be their smile and gratitude, but the consequence is pure exhaustion.

God is the same way. Don’t try to work so hard to win the affection of a loving God that is already fully convinced of His love for you. Ease up on yourself and begin to enjoy the Lord, enjoy your life, and enjoy the relational treasures He has given you. They are rich blessings designed to enrich your life, not add sorrow to it.

Be of good cheer

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)

Real Christians face real trials. If you are facing a real challenge in your life don’t think something is wrong with you or your salvation. Don’t think God has turned His back on you. He is with you and He is for you. 

"But be of good cheer” Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.” Take heart! Take courage! Believe! The Spirit of the living God lives within you and He will teach you how to overcome and how to walk victoriously. You can have peace that God has a plan. You can walk in joy despite your current circumstance. He will use everything you face to grow you, deepen you and strengthen your faith and trust in Him.

#forwardliving #hellofuture

Free to give and receive

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,” Isaiah 61:1, NIV

People with broken hearts will hurt you before you hurt them; reject you before you reject them; leave you before you leave them - All in attempt to protect their hearts from experiencing more pain. 

I’m so thankful God comes after us in our broken state. He’s not afraid of us hurting Him; He’s not intimidated; He heals our hearts, fills us with His love, and reassures us that we’re going to be ok. Then He sends us out to minister healing to others.

You can be healed and can be free to give and receive love. You don’t have to be a victim. You ARE victorious through Jesus. 

Courage

It takes courage
to tell the truth
to follow your heart
to do something alone
to make yourself vulnerable
to leave a longtime love
to trust again
to speak up
to wait on God’s best
to start something new
to admit your own ignorance
to believe things will change
to give expecting nothing in return
to be yourself

Often we find God saying throughout Scripture, “Be strong and courageous.” “Take heart.” “Take courage.” While negative situations come to deflate and discourage us, God gives us the necessary ingredient to face life’s challenges head on—courage. 

Even though you don’t express specifically what you need help with, He already knows. 

Let God give you the courage you need in order to do what you never thought you could do. 

Let Him give you the courage to succeed past your limitations, to face tomorrow, to enjoy life today, to face your fears, to change your world, to face your inner critic, and to embrace the truth of who you are in Him.

Be courageous!!

Relationship

Every real relationship with God begins with a quality decision to let Him into your heart and into your life. 

Your issues and problems don’t scare Him. Your fear and anxiety about everything in your life does not move Him. You are His and He is yours - and that's an everlasting promise... 

And from the moment He entered into your life, the Spirit of God rolled up His sleeves and went to work in changing you from the inside out. His ultimate goal is for you to look like Jesus on the inside and to behave like Jesus on the outside.

Get to know Him by reading His love letter to you—the Bible.
Get to know Him by spending time with Him in prayer, talking to Him as you would to a friend.
Get to know Him by continuing to let Him into every place in your heart and learning what He has to say about every issue of life.

Identity

How aware are you of your identity? If someone asked you who you are, how would you identify yourself? Are you identified by things you have done? By things others have said about you?

We all have made mistakes in the past, but we are not those mistakes....

Receive and abide

“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” (Ephesians 2:4,5, NLT).

God saw greatness when He was forming you and a future so bright. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us His thoughts toward us are of peace, not of evil, to give us an expected end.

So.....Anytime the enemy tries to convince you that God hates you and has it in for you, your confidence is, “No, God’s thoughts toward me are of peace and not evil”. 

It is true!!! God is with you. 

He is with you when you feel stagnant. 

He is with you when you’ve just behaved out of character. 

He is with you when you feel down and unlovable. 

God is right there and He’s not going anywhere.  He is committed even when you aren’t. He is faithful even when you aren’t. Nothing can separate you from His love and nothing can separate you from His plans and purpose for your life.

Now, receive that love and abide in it

Pleasing

“…O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).

I’m sure you have experienced in your lifetime disappointment, heart brokenness, hurt, anger, resentment or rejection. 

Hurtful situations can cripple us to the point to where our walk is no longer the same. Where our views on everything and everyone is now negative. Whether it was a person or a situation, we find that the negative experience has left us marred. 

So how does God respond? He keeps us on His wheel and shapes us until we are pleasing in His eyes. God is fully aware of your marred heart and He wants to make you into a beautiful vessel that He can fully use. 

It’s a gradual process that you may not see with your physical eyes, but with every act of obedience and every decision to cooperate with God, you will find yourself becoming a vessel that is well-pleasing to God.

Trust

Always remember God hears your voice and He knows what you’re going through and He cares about every detail of your life. 

He can and will open great doors for you that have seemed impossible. He will open doors in His timing and will respond to your voice 

Trust in Him.

No limits

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 (KJV)

There are no boundaries, no borders, and no limits to what God can do in your life.  

Just when you think there is absolutely no way out, God comes through for you and makes a way out of no way; He comes in and turns your life and your situation completely around.  

Just when you thought that it was over for your relationships because too many hurtful things had been said and done, God comes in and makes it better than before.  God can repair what’s missing in your life, can bring dead situations to life again, and can do the impossible for you!  

Father,
All things are possible with You.  Nothing is impossible for You to work out, no problem is too big for You to fix, no heart is too hard for You to soften, no life is too far gone for You to resurrect.  I take the limitations off of you now, and I put my trust in Your ability to make a way out of no way for me.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

He is with you, always

The Lord is with us in all circumstances, no matter what each day brings. 

Whether your day is full of health or sickness, joy or sadness, comfort or pain, God’s promise remains for all who believe in Him as Savior: “I am with you.”

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.  For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.   Acts 18:9-11 (NIV)

Instant gratification

What happens when we give in to instant gratification? We give up what’s important for what’s immediate. We want what we want and we want it right now. We don’t want to wait. Waiting’s boring, it’s passive, it’s more fun to get things now.

What this is really all about, is waiting on God. A lot of times God wants us to wait for things, wait on Him because He has something better in store for us

Waiting causes us to trust in God and depend on Him. When we wait on God and His timing, it causes us not to do things on our own, but instead we get the blessing of seeing God at work, His will unfold, and seeing Him make things happen for us.

So what areas of your life do you need to do better at waiting? Where do you need to be more patient and just trust God in His timing?

Purity

Purity is about being clean in what we see, what we say, what we think and how we feel. These things ultimately determine how we act (what we do). It’s an internal state of being “clean” that produces positive outward actions. Purity is what keeps us knowing and doing what’s right.

It's as practical as not getting angry or frustrated or jealous of others, but being patient and happy for them. Or choosing not to swear/speak profane words when you hear others do it, but being clean in the things you say. Or it also could be on the inside not thinking bad things, but keeping your mind clean and only thinking about good things. Or even not looking at or watching things that you know you shouldn’t.

Only you know the areas of your life that you need to clean up a little bit or a lot...

When we can figure out how to live our lives with purity, then we’ll start to act the way God intended for us to act.

Temptation

All of us will be tempted at some point in our lives. We know that even Jesus was tempted. But, it becomes wrong when we give in to the temptation and do something we know isn’t right.

Temptation, always looks good at first. It could tempt us toward something we actually want to do, but in reality, it promises something that it can’t deliver.

When we give in to it, we buy into a lie. Temptation will lead you to do wrong. 

We need to learn to recognize when we’re being tempted to do something that we know isn’t right, and give it over to God. Only He can give us the strength to overcome.

He knows and He cares

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11

Way before you realize you have a need, God has already prearranged a provision for that need to be met. 

God knows what you’re going through and He cares. No matter what you have lost, you will see God’s Providence in your life. He will turn your deep sorrow into great joy. 

God desires to fill every valley, every emptiness, every hole that’s been carved in your heart. “No good thing will I withhold from you” says the Lord “I am your sun and I am your shield. 

Confidence

The truth is, you are stronger than you think you are and you know more than you realize. 

When you find yourself becoming unsure, let God give you peace and quiet assurance in your time alone with Him. 

You are who God said you are. You have what God said you have, and you can do everything God said you can do. 

Keep walking with Him and He will turn your uncertainty into confidence.

He loves you!!!

Pressure and decisions

Every decision you make is crucial to your next decision. They all tie in together in the end. 

If under pressure, what you may feel is right for the moment may in fact be a nightmare for your future; and may affect the rest of your life negatively. 

Slow down, pray, process, seek Godly counsel, receive the counsel, weigh the pros and cons, make sure it aligns with God's will over your life.... And then make the choice

It's important to put God first in all you do, so that your ways are directed properly.

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. http://bible.com/1/pro.16.25.kjv

Rooted and grounded

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” Colossians 2:6-7(NKJV).

We have roots that dig deep into our knowledge of God and who He is in our lives. 

It doesn’t matter what the enemy is TRYING to do, all that matters is what Jesus has ALREADY DONE on the cross! Let us not uproot and give up! We must hold on and become even more rooted and grounded in God’s love. We must plant our feet and be rock-solid believers. We must let His words permeate our heart and soul to the very core of who we are. When we do this, we will see that the enemy will not be able to win in our lives. 

Through Jesus Christ, we are victorious! We are overcomers! We are champions! God is greater than anything we will ever face in this life and with His help we can do all things!

Living by faith

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38, KJV)

God didn’t design living by faith to give you high blood pressure or to cause you panic attacks. Living by faith is not like a roller coaster that you just can’t wait to get off of.

Living by faith is like resting in a boat where it’s just you and God. He is doing the rowing and you are resting in His promises, resting in His Word, resting in His love as you let Him take you wherever He wants you to go.

The more you rest, the more He navigates you to victory. The more you entrust your entire well-being to God, the greater He can bless you and use you to be a great blessing.

Guard your heart

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23, NLT).

When we read this, we may take the scripture to mean something that God had never intended. Because we have been hurt, we guard our hearts by building walls and not letting people get too close. We keep people at a distance as we put one hand over our heart and stick one hand out to avoid being hurt again.

To guard our hearts the way God intended is to protect something from entering and prevent something from escaping. God wants us to protect our hearts from anything that can come in and contaminate our soul and ruin our life: offense, bitterness, unbelief, pride, etc. All the bad and unhealthy stuff. 

He also gives us the responsibility to guard our hearts by keeping His Word hidden in our hearts. Jesus said, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him” (John 14:21)

He sees you!

Hear this, my sister. No matter what got you where you are, no matter how long you’ve been there, no matter what you see around you or how you feel—God has not forgotten you. 

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. http://bible.com/1/isa.49.15-16.kjv

Slow to anger

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

Ladies, if we are going to fulfill every detail of God's divine purpose for our lives, we will have to learn to manage our emotions. And in order to manage those emotions, we would first have to confront them.

You may think real believers never get angry, feel afraid, lonely or depressed. Not true! And when you start to feel those emotions, you may begin to think it strange....Because after all Christians are supposed to always be loving and compassionate. 

The Holy Spirit helps us see the emotional side of God. God is slow to anger, which reveals He does get angry, but He doesn’t stay mad. Jesus felt lonely, but He knew God the Father was with Him. Holy Spirit is grieved when we’re disobedient, but it doesn’t change His love for us. Nor does our feelings change who we are in Christ! 

With God’s help we can learn to manage our emotions and operate in a degree of levelheadedness and temperance.

Father God, we thank You for speaking directly into our hearts. We know you have a plan. So, when we feel angry and frustrated, we know you are with us to help us confront those feelings and do the right thing no matter what. 

Faith

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Sometimes our only available transformation in life is a leap of faith!

If we keep making excuses, one day we will wake up and there won’t be anymore time to do all the things we’ve dreamed of doing.

Sometimes in order for you to find your true potential you need to attack fear. Trust where God is leading you and move out of your comfort zone. Don’t make excuses. 

Do what you know is right even though it may not be easy. The choice is yours. 

Challenge: Will you remain in the confinement of your box or the endless possibilities with God?

Our refuge

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. http://bible.com/1/psa.46.1-5,7.kjv

Blessed and highly favored

Despite everything that she was about to endure, the Lord called Mary, the mother of Jesus “FAVORED”. Mary was an ordinary girl, but she was chosen, she was humble but very brave. Her tenacity, trust and perseverance was tested to the very core. All eternity was dependent on her response to God’s call. 

Every woman has a distinctive call upon their lives that only they can perform. 

I wonder how many of us would say YES to the call of God on our lives and say NO to the fear that tries to hinder us from becoming everything that God destined us to be.  

I wonder how many people would be positively affected if you would say YES to the assignment designed just for you to execute.

Food for thought... 

The power of release

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

When you are set on fulfilling God’s purpose for your life, you must remember to release people and situations to God. Why? Because it will destroy you and will hinder your spiritual progress if you don’t. 

Obey God and release them. You can’t free them by your power. You can’t deliver anyone in your own strength. You can’t change anything about that situation by yourself. You can’t, but God can.

Yes, it’s tough, but you must know that God cares for that person AND for you. 

Give it to Him and stand back and watch Him work.

Delightful living

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. http://bible.com/1/psa.37.4-5.kjv

Trust

“Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I say, on the LORD” (Psalm 27:11–14, KJV).

Life is filled with ups and downs, hills and valleys, but God has been and always will be faithful to you. He has a specific path especially for you, and He will lead you on it.

Trust that!! 

Precious

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!”  Psalm 103:1 (ESV)

When we look at our flaws, imperfections, it is hard to be positive, isn’t it? Other people may see our good points, but we magnify those outward things we don't like about ourselves. 

Then there is the inside stuff: Our anger; our pride, which rears up when confronted; our stubbornness; and, our bad habits.

When will we realize that we are wonderfully and fearfully made by our Creator who desires relationship with us so much He even went to the cross so He could be with us. God sees us not as we are, but through the eyes of a loving parent. 

He sees the potential of who we can be when we use all the talents He has given us and when we choose to follow His ways. We are precious in His sight—no matter what! 

Trust Him

The hurt you feel today is temporary

It too shall pass

The sorrow deep within isn't going to last

It too shall pass

The pain you experience will soon expire

It too shall pass

You just have to trust and believe God and His word... 

“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully” (1 Peter 5:7, AMP).

Time

Great read:

Time may or may not be the most precious asset we possess. (If you’re scrambling to pay your mortgage or trying to figure out how to afford college, you can probably build a pretty solid case in favor of money.) But time is unique among our commodities.

Every day, every person who draws breath on this earth receives the same amount of time: 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds, depending on which denomination you prefer.

At the end of every day, every person’s allotment is depleted. Time cannot be rolled over or stockpiled. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

Time cannot be stolen or transferred into another account. It cannot be exchanged or refunded.

Time is extremely limited—yet insanely in demand. Think of the things that are competing for hours—or even a few minutes—of your time.

Your job, your commute, your workout, your responsibilities as a friend, neighbor, church member, and concerned citizen, your kids’ practices, games, recitals, and programs, your hobbies and pastimes, your body’s requirements for sleep and relaxation.

So many options, so little time to explore them all.

BUT in all of this, if you put God first, you immediately are maximized! 

Special

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6 NIV

It takes time to create a work of art. If you are a perfectionist, then you want it to be just right before you unveil it to anyone.

 God is no different. Every time He knits a new life together in a mother’s womb, a creation that has never been seen before or since is in progress.

Now you know the intention behind the masters' masterpiece.... Makes you special, right??? 

Face

God is both our King and Father. He is capable of meeting your needs and answering your prayers. But He also loves you more deeply than you can ever know. 

When you seek His face, you end up in a much closer posture to Him. 

Pray today that you will seek God's face and get closer to Him than you ever have before.

Praise

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

http://bible.com/1/psa.100.1-5.kjv

Complain??? No...

When we complain about our current situation, we remain in it; when we praise God in the midst of difficulty, He raises us out of it. 

The best way to start every day is with gratitude and thanksgiving. 

Fill your thoughts and conversation with good things. 

Praise and thanksgiving are good; complaining and grumbling are not good. 

Worship

Matthew 15:1–9 

Worship requires an alignment of our thoughts, attitudes and values with those of God. 

When we go through the outward motions of worship without a genuine inward response to him, we aren’t really worshiping. 

A true friend

Great read! 

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15, NIV).

A true friend defends you and is not ashamed of you. They have a strong emotional bond with you, believes in you and sacrifices for you. In this moment, it is important to ask ourselves, “Jesus calls me friend, but how good of a friend am I being to Him?”

Do you defend Him? While others are making a mockery of the Christian faith, it is important to God that you stand up for Him in this time in which we live. He expects His children to defend the faith. Jude writes, “defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people” (Jude 1:3, NLT).

Are you ashamed of Him? Jesus said, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38, NLT).

Do you have a strong emotional love for Him? When you are in the presence of close friends, you can see their love for each other. God wants us to love Him with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength (see Mark 12:30, NLT).

Do you believe in Him? Proof of belief is in our obedience. We must go beyond simply hearing to obeying God and doing what He tells us to do if we are His friends. Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:14, NLT).

Do you sacrifice for Him? The sacrifice God desires is the presenting of our bodies to Him as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him which is our reasonable service (see Romans 12:1). Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13, NLT).

Our Prayer: Thank You Father, for making me Your friend. You are faithful to me, help me stay faithful to You. You are my defender, help me defend You. You are not ashamed to be called my God, help me never be ashamed of the gospel. I want to be the kind of friend to You that You are to me and I ask that You show me how. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wisdom

Nothing of value is obtained easily or cheaply. 

That applies not only to substances like precious metals and jewels but also to spiritual attributes like wisdom. If we want wisdom, we must turn our ears, apply our hearts, call out for insight, cry aloud for understanding and look and search for God's way and will.

God gives gifts to those who demonstrate their hunger for them. When we search for wisdom diligently, God rewards us.

Let it go

Back in the day, B.C, you remember getting angry and outraged over petty things and even looking to taking matters into your hands and getting the justice you deserve.... Remember that? 

Now that you've come over those things and now have a better understanding of what the fight is about, who the thief is, and that his intentions are to steal, kill and destroy you.....our responses ought to be different.

When things get tough, when someone wrongs you, when others are mistreated around you... There is no need to go back to that person, especially since the old methods leave you broken still.

Now that you know better, do better.

Pray, let go and let God

Really, it works! 

Yes and amen

God’s promises don’t depend on our being perfect. Though we try and some of us think we are... It doesn't change a thing about God's promise to and over is. 

But when we get tempted to run ahead of God's way and timing, we need to remember to rest in him instead. 

Our good God always keeps his promises.

Brag

Don't ever hold back from sharing what God has done for you. Don't water it down either. 

To believers, it's a moment of imparting faith and encouragement to one another. 

To the unbelievers, it's a gateway into the kingdom of heaven. 

Express your gratitude. Brag on God. Don't bother how weird it may sound....because if you are truly and wholeheartedly living your life for Him, it'll make perfect sense to the people around you.

Brag on God and see what it does with your spheres of influence. 

I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

http://bible.com/1/psa.77.11-12.kjv

Provision

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

http://bible.com/1/psa.3.3.kjv

If we let this resonate within us, then, we have the understanding that we will never lack! 

My help

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 

Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

http://bible.com/1/psa.3.1-3.kjv

Great expectations

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out” (Romans 7:18, ESV).

It’s the start of a new year and gyms all across America will see a spike in new memberships. Why? New year’s resolutions, of course!

Some New Year resolution lists include the following: getting in shape, losing weight, putting yourself first, getting rid of bad habits, finally leaving those bad relationships behind or quitting smoking. 

Unfortunately, most of these resolutions don’t last. 

Too often, we do the same thing as we follow Christ. We make big promises about the great things we plan to do for Him and we try to impress Him with our performances. In the process, we tend to forget two important truths:

1. God’s love for us is dependent on His grace and not our performance. 
2. This life is not about what we can do for God but what He can do in and through us.

In this new year, you do not need to ask what you can do for God. The better question is this: What does God desire to accomplish in and through me this year?

That's a much greater expectation! 

Purpose

God never wastes a hurt! 

If you’ve gone through a hurt, He wants you to help other people going through that same hurt. He wants you to share it. 

God can use the problems in your life to give you a ministry to others. In fact, the very thing you’re most ashamed of in your life and resent the most could become your greatest ministry in helping other people. 

Your pain often reveals God’s purpose for you.