Post #93 - Don't Test God

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”  -Matthew 4:5-7

Are you taking care of yourself?

Are you taking the mandates of the quarantine and the suggestions of the CDC seriously?

I know many of us are continuing with life as usual, not concerning ourselves with taking precautions, standing only on our faith. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but we’ve got to remember that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17 NKJV). We must remember that God requires us to put action to our faith. That means not ignoring those things that we are supposed to be doing to keep ourselves and our families safe.

We definitely should depend on our faith and on what we know that God can do. That goes without question. But that does not mean we should be reckless. Jesus knew, as illustrated in Matthew 4, that God could and would protect Him from all things. But He also understood His responsibility to not place Himself in a potentially dangerous situation – to not test God.

Cocky faith is awesome and admirable, but we have to be sure it doesn’t lead to arrogance. We still have to be humble in our faith, submitting all things to God and trusting that He will work them out.

Saul had faith, in 1 Samuel 13, when he offered a burnt offering unto God. He believed that His offering would give confidence to the Israelites who were scattering as the Philistine army prepared to attack. Though Saul’s offering was well intended, it was arrogant, impatient, and disobedient. Only priests could burn offerings to God and Saul was instructed to wait for Samuel to offer the sacrifice. Because of his misguided faith, because he did not heed the commands of God, the kingdom was taken away from Saul and God appointed another king to reign over Israel.

Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). God desires that we listen and obey. He has commanded us to “submit to governing authorities” and follow the law of the land (Romans 13:1-2). Our obedience is the work we put behind our faith. And God blesses our work. Without work, our faith alone is void. Your faith to get a car is useless if you don’t work to make and save the money to buy one. Don’t be fooled by your super-saved mentality and your over simplified view of faith. Faith, alone, will not save you!

Listen to God’s word and apply it. Don’t add to it or take away from it. And don’t twist it to fit your own beliefs. Hebrews 11 tells us what faith is and how God’s people demonstrated their faith. In every instance, they did something to show their faith in God’s promises. Abel presented a superior offering, Noah built an arc, and Sarah believed and had a child in her old age. They all put in work, and that is what God is saying to us today.

He recognizes our faith… when it is demonstrated… and demonstrated according to His word. So, during this time of uncertainty, it is our duty to demonstrate our faith by doing what is required of us to ensure we do not put ourselves, our families, and our communities in danger. This is about more than just washing our hands. This is about understanding that there is not a high degree of understanding about COVID-19. Only God knows the details and only He can deliver us from these uncertain times.

So, yes, we should have faith in God and believe that He will deliver us from the virus and speak Psalm 91 over ourselves and our families. But, though we have faith that God will send his angels to protect us, let’s not forget Jesus’ warning to not test God. Instead, we are to “live… by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). What is He telling you to do in this season? To lean on your own understanding and potentially perpetuate the spreading of COVID-19? Or should you, instead, lean NOT on your own understanding and acknowledge God and His word and allow Him to direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6)? I say trust in the Word of God. Be obedient and follow His commands completely, not altering them to fit your understanding or beliefs.

Let’s let God bless our faith by applying our works and watch Him lead us to safety.

Post #92 - Now is the Time!

Times are hard and uncertain.

We are forced inside and locked down. We are wondering how the COVID-19 pandemic began and how long it will last. We are wondering who it will affect. And if it will affect someone we know. Someone we love. We are given conflicting information concerning the virus everyday. And every source of information works hard to inflict fear.

We have so many questions and so many emotions. We are alone and worried and scared.

Now is a great time to turn to God.

Only God knows the REAL how or why. Only God knows how long these times will last and whether or not we've seen the worst of it. Only God knows.

Only God knows who will be affected and who will be passed over. Only God knows the plans He has for each of our lives and which day we are to breathe our last. Only God knows.

Only God knows when life will go back to normal and what the next day will bring.

And only God can give us peace.

So, now is the time to tell Him your fears and concerns. Now is the time to cry out for yourself and your loved ones. Now is the time to repent of your sins.

The right time isn't just during the uncertainty of a worldwide pandemic, but during every NOW that we have, because we are not promised the next one.

We have been taking the lives we have been gifted for granted. We've taken the time we have left on earth for granted. We don't know when our last NOW is going to be so we have to take advantage of the NOW we have before us.

Call on God NOW. Tell Him you love Him NOW. Tell Him you need Him NOW. Submit to His will NOW. And let His good and perfect will be manifested in your life.

Let Him heal you NOW. Let Him save you NOW. Take steps NOW in assuring that your salvation is secure and your sins are forgiven.

We do not know the day nor the hour... But God knows. And He is willing to receive, comfort, heal, and bless you... if you turn to Him.

So, turn to Him... NOW.

Post #91 - I'm Still Consistent!

It has now been almost a month since I have consistently written for this blog. I have explained in a previous post the reasons for my inconsistency and my desire to get back on track. This consistency blog and the lessons I've learned from it (from both my successes and failures) have helped me to grow and mature. 

I have recognized my strengths and weaknesses, my needs and desires, and the things I am willing to fight for (and the things I am not). I've realized the things I need to pick up and work more diligently on, and I've recognized those things that I need to put down and leave behind. 

Being consistent requires prioritizing and understanding what is of the most importance. Right now, my priorities include improving my time management, focus, creative and academic writing, overcoming fear, and increasing my confidence. 

I've learned that consistency doesn't mean beating myself up when I fall short of a goal or miss a deadline. It means not giving up when I do. It means getting back in the game and continuing to move forward, never letting the challenges of life stop me. It means picking up where I left off and trekking bravely onward. 

Consistency (and the lack thereof) is a teacher of grace, patience, and understanding. It has opened my eyes to the importance of failing and the lesson of not giving up. Consistency asks how bad you want it and is a strengthener of resolve. Consistency keeps you moving forward toward greatness.

And that's just where I'm headed!

Post #90 - Godly Time Management

I heard someone say that we only live once. I disagree with that statement. We, in fact, live every day. We are given multiple opportunities to wake up and make the most out of our time - out of our lives. 

We don't live once. We get blessed to live over and over and over again. It's only once that we die! 

Ephesians 5:15-17 says that we should be careful how we live. " Don't live like fools but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 

This is the way to live. We should not be so afraid or depressed or worried to take a chance in life. To live our lives to the fullest. We should make the most of every opportunity, stepping out in faith and putting God's agenda before our own. 

When we live this way, we will enjoy fuller, happier lives. When we let God to order our steps, He will lead us to abundance and fulfillment. 

The journey is not always easy but it is worth it. It makes us look at life differently, react differently, live differently. The secret is to never stop living! Never give up! 

I've come to the realization that I have been blessed with a great number of days and I cannot waste them. I can't waste my days sitting in fear or dwelling in the past. But I've got to make the most of this time that I've been given.

I've got to live better and love better, give better and do better. 

I've got to manage my time wisely because there's so much that God has planned for me to do. 

Post #89 - The Value of Consistency

I haven't been very consistent lately. It has been over a month since I have consistently written for this blog, which has left me in a state of anxiousness and disarray. This is, after all, a consistency blog!

I recently started going back to school. I still haven't had any luck getting a job, and it can get real depressing sitting around doing nothing, so I decided to go back to school. After I earned my Master's degree, I told myself that I was going to wait a while - at least a year - before going back. But, I desperately needed something to do. 

I started a doctoral program studying Communications that has proven to be very difficult. It's not necessarily hard work... It is challenging. And it is very time consuming. But I said that I was going to challenge myself more and take some risks, so.... I just underestimated how much time and work it would require.

So, some things got neglected. Namely, this blog. I put it aside to make sure I completed my coursework and focused all of my attention on it. But, I was putting God's work aside, which is not a viable long term option. 

So, after about six and a half weeks of attending classes, I am revising my schedule - again. I am working on being both efficient and effective and ensuring that I meet ALL deadlines - even those that I set for myself. I was treating my personal deadlines as if they weren't as important, but they are. I treated them as if they could wait, but they can't. 

I realized that I need to practice what I preach and put God and myself first. I need to make sure that I am making time for us.

And for this blog.

Writing for this blog is really important to me. Through it, I am learning the value of consistency. Even through NOT writing for the blog, NOT posting to it consistently, I am constantly thinking about my inconsistency and learning the value of it. I am also practicing creativity through the blog and increasing my writing skills. 

All I need to do now is get a hold of my time and manage it effectively. And I still intend to get a job, so I better get it together soon!

I can do it, I know I can!! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!! 

Post #88 - Receiving God's Comfort

I know you've been through a lot. We all have to endure some tough times. But God wants us to know that He is there - ready to love and comfort us. 

But God doesn't do all the comforting alone. He uses us for that. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says that "God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."

So, when you need to be comforted, go to God and allow Him to comfort you. He will not only give you what you need to be healed and strengthened, but He will give you what is needed to help others be healed and strengthened as well. 

God will give you a testimony to share: words of wisdom to enlighten, words of affirmation to encourage, and words of love to heal the heart and bring peace and understanding. 

When we go through our hard times, we have to remember that they are not only for us. They are also for the people we are connected to and come into contact with. Our experiences can help someone safely out of theirs. Our mistakes can help someone else to avoid them.

I know it's hard to go through and endure the tests and trials we face. But there is no testimony without the test. And there is no growth, healing, revelation, or breakthrough without the testimony. 

And when we are healed, when we are comforted, we can give the gift of healing and comfort to someone else. 

Post #87 - Gaining Understanding

I came to a realization today... about understanding. 

The bible says to lean not on our own understanding, but to seek God and His understanding and He will direct us (Proverbs 3:6). 

As I was reading today, a very complex scholarly novel about literature, I began to get a little worked up over my lack of understanding of the topic. Scholarly and literary works tend to use big, intellectual words that only the people who have extensively studied the topic can understand. 

I found myself getting frustrated as a new doctoral student, over the fact that I am expected, at this stage, to critically examine and write about information that I know nothing about!

Then God reminded me of Proverbs 3:6. It is not my own understanding that I should depend on. I had a hard time understanding it because I didn't pray and give the assignment and my understanding of it to God before I began.

Some might say that I'm going too far, that it doesn't take all that...

But putting God first in everything means to put Him first.... in EVERYTHING. Even something as trivial as a doctoral assignment. 

I realized that I was depending on my own ability to understand the information I was reading. I, with my limited mind, was trying to understand a topic, or language, that I had never heard before. How can I expect myself to understand something I don't know? 

But God is all-knowing. 

And when we ask God for understanding, no matter the topic or situation, He will give it to us. He will give us the direction we need to gain the understanding we need. 

So, I stopped reading, I "woo-saa'd", and I went to God in prayer. I asked Him for understanding of the information and the ability to retain it. To gain knowledge of something I did not know before. And I asked for the ability to critically analyze the information and present it to my professor with the intellect that I know I possess. 

I just have to trust God for understanding, believe in myself, and tap into my God-given genius.

This is true for all of us. We must all do this. 

We all have the capacity to do beyond what we think we can do. To understand beyond what we think we can understand. 

We just have to depend on God's understanding and not our own. 

Post #86(b) - Is He/She The One?

People will sometimes come into our lives to distract or test us. 

Are we praying to God? Are we listening? Are we focused on God and His desires for us? 

Too often than not, we don't pray to God about our potential mates. We fall for the first thing that smiles at us and are disappointed when the relationship doesn't work out. We could save ourselves a whole lot of heartache if we would just pray first.

The bible says that when a man finds a wife, he finds a good thing and obtains favor from God (Proverbs 18:22). 

So, women, are you wife material when he finds you? Do you possess the qualities of a godly wife? Are you considering his relationship with God - if he even has one? Or are you only considering his chest and his arms? 

Men, are you choosing a woman because of her godly mind and qualities? Or only because of the qualities you can see with the eye? Are you consulting God about her? Are you asking whether or not she should be in your life?

Is she your good thing? 

One of the reasons so many relationships fail is because we enter them for the wrong reasons - with the wrong intentions. We are attracted to physical qualities or personality traits that draw our attention. But, soon, the very thing that seems to make us fall in love with the person is the thing that aggravates us the most. That wasn't love. But, likely, lust disguising itself as love.

This is why we must be sure before entering a relationship that the person is right for us. That the person is not a waste of our time. This is why we must go to God.

When we allow the wrong person into our lives, God works to show us that he or she should not be there. He raises a standard, not allowing us to accept anything less than what He's got for us. He gives us signs. He shows us where the person is not right for us and how we are unequally yoked. 

But we tend to ignore the signs. We allow our emotions to cloud our judgment. And we stay with the person longer than we are supposed to. 

Sometimes, it's not God's intention for us to enter into a relationship with the person. They were only supposed to be in our lives for a season. But we make marriage plans and vow to be with them forever.

This is where we go wrong. This is why our relationships fail.

It is important that before we allow ourselves into relationships and before we let them go too far, we pray about them - consult God and patiently listen for His response.

God will always guide us in the right direction and He will never leave us stranded in a dark place.

Post #86(a) - God's Business

I have been reading and listening to the bible, the New Testament, a lot more than usual lately. Once I finish, I start over again and each time I seem to catch something new that I didn't catch before. During one of the readings, I began to notice how Jesus, Peter, Paul, and the early apostles handled opposition. 

I noticed that they didn't attempt to fight over meaningless, petty topics. They only "fought" about God's business. 

The one time in the bible when we see Jesus get unusually angry is when He runs the merchants out of the temple. He overturned the merchants' tables and shouted, "it is written, My house will be called a house of prayer, but you have made it into a den of thieves!"

Even in this instance, when we see Jesus at His angriest, He is not mad about the petty complaints brought to Him or His enemies opposing Him. He is not fighting over someone leaving Him or having a different opinion than Him or things not going His way. We only see Jesus fighting over God's business. 

We see this in the early apostles as well. These were men who started out the same way we did, not understanding their authority and power in the Lord. But when they came to that understanding, they left the petty arguments for someone else to fight. They focused on God and God's business. 

That's the way we should be. Our focus should be in only one direction. But, we allow foolishness to distract us and make us act other than godly. We neglect to practice patience or show compassion. If someone offends us or exerts power over us, we fly right into a rage and try to prove that we are badder than they are.

Why don't we fight for God's business like that? 

Why don't we get mad when the devil opposes us? Why don't we fly into a rage when he tries to exert power over us? Why don't we use our godly anger to put the devil in his place? To show him that we are badder than he is?

We should take a lesson from Jesus and the early apostles and believers who put pettiness in its place. They only fought against the devil, only for the kingdom of God. They understood the importance of praying and fasting and rebuking the enemy. 

They understood the power in not allowing difficult situations make us forget who we are in the Lord. When they were knocked down, they got back up... They were attacked and beaten and stoned, and they still kept their focus on God and went about completing His work. 

They didn't fight for recognition or titles. They didn't fight to be in charge or get the spotlight. They only fought for God's business. 

We, like they, should only be fighting for God's business, too. 

Post #85 - What To Do With The Pain | Experience: Life

Many of us, when we are faced with painful situations, fall apart. We dwell in the pain and let it stop us from moving forward. Many fall into a deep depression and become unable to cope with life. We tend to allow the pain to hold us hostage and take over us.

But, the best way to deal with pain is to use it to our advantage. 

Let the pain propel you forward!

Let the pain help you make up your mind to go for that dream you've been putting off.

Use it to fuel your courage to take a chance at doing something you've been wanting to do or go somewhere you've been wanting to go.

What do you have to lose? You're already feeling pain and sadness. What can anything or anyone else do to hurt you? 

You don't have to let your feelings control you. You don't have to handle your pain the way people expect you to. 

You can take control of your pain! You can turn the tables on it and use it the way it wants to use you!

You are in control. And the time is NOW. 

Don't wait until the pain has passed and you've allowed bitterness and resentment to take its place. 

Go after your dreams NOW!

Take up that hobby NOW! 

Improve yourself NOW! 

Recognize your worth NOW! 

There's no reason to accept the pain, wallow in it, and let it take over your life. 

Get mad at the pain and use it!

Use it as your launching pad!

You deserve everything that God has for you! 

And all of His blessings are waiting for you in your triumph... on the other side of that pain.

GO GET THEM!! 

Post #84 - Just Do It

I know the commands of God can be difficult. I know the dreams He gives you are big and you don't think you can do them. I know you're scared that you can't handle it on your own.

But, you're not meant to. 

What God has purposed you to do, He will provide for you to do. Most of the tools you need, you have already been equipped with. Your ability to draw, speak, sing, dance... whatever it is, God has equipped you with it to accomplish His purpose for your life. 

And I know the purpose seems so much bigger than you. I know you are afraid of it and you believe you're going to get lost in it. I know you're afraid of failing. Afraid to disappoint God. I know you're afraid of the opposition. 

But, God has you covered there, too. God will hide you in the shelter of His arms and lift you up on a rock (Psalm 27:5). He will keep you covered and lifted higher than your haters can reach.

So, whatever it is that God is calling you to do, just do it. 

Trust God when He says that He will work it out for you. Trust Him when He tells you that He will protect you in your obedience and make the burden of your purpose light for you. Trust Him when He says that He loves you and He will never leave nor forsake you. 

You may not be able to do it by your own might, but anything, everything, is possible with God.

So, just do it!

Is it writing a book or preaching the word? Just do it.

Is it singing His praises or worshipping Him in dance? Just do it.

Whatever God is telling you to do, do it. Worship Him with your obedience. And He WILL bless every good thing you do.

Post #83 - That Ain’t Love

You think you love him, but what do you really know about him? All you really know is that he looks good and he has a great body.

And his penis feels good when he’s screwing you.

But, do you know his likes and dislikes? Does he know yours? Do you know his favorite color or what type of music he likes? Do you know his favorite foods or what makes him tick?

How can you say you love him when you don’t know anything about him?

That ain’t love, honey! That’s lust!

You probably don’t even care about those little details. Those things don’t interest you. The only thing you care about is when you’re going to get to see him again.

Just for a little while… for a little fun… a little lay.

It makes you feel less than valuable when it’s over. He hurries to get dressed and runs out of the door once he’s satisfied. But you convince yourself that he loves you when he kisses you goodbye.

Stop fooling yourself!

It ain’t love. It’s lust.

Let it go, sweetheart.

First, love yourself. Then you’ll be able to attract the RIGHT man to love you. And you’ll be better off!

Post #82(b) - Sensitive to the Truth

Some people can't handle the truth. When they hear the truth, though it pertains to them, they refuse to accept it. They, instead, get upset and begin to take their anger out on the one who told them the truth.

The truth is hard to accept sometimes. It hits us in a sensitive place, making us feel hurt and humiliated. But the truth is not meant to harm us. It is meant to convict us; to show us where we are wrong so that we can make it right.

The truth is meant to set us free.

So, why do we run from it? Why do we rebel against it? Why do we get upset when we hear the truth?

Instead of taking offense to the truth, we ought to accept it. We ought to tap into that mature place within us that yearns for growth from correction.

The bible warns us that it is stupid to hate correction and a fool hates those who corrects him (Proverbs 12:1, Proverbs 15:12). But he who heeds and learns from life-giving correction is counted among the wise (Proverbs 15:5, 31).

We shouldn't be sensitive to the truth. We should receive and accept it. Letting it grow and develop us. 

If we are wise, we would accept the truth. And let the truth set us free!

Post #82(a) - The Maturity of Taking Responsibility

Taking responsibility for yourself and your actions shows maturity. 

We can't continue to blame others for our actions and reactions. We have the ability to practice self control and ensure that we don't do or say anything that we will later regret and have to blame someone else for. 

No one but us can control our mouths or our members, so why do we blame others when we act out of character? It is our responsibility to govern ourselves and control our tongues. James 1:26 says that if we say we are religious and serve God but we do not control our tongues, we are fooling ourselves and our religion is worthless!

Or do you think you are perfect? The bible says that "if anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is perfect, able to keep his whole body in check" (James 3:2). But this isn't you, is it? 

Many of us allow anger to control us, getting upset and aggravated about every little thing. Then we blame the person we are mad at for our anger. But the bible tells us that it is we that need to control our anger, because anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. We should, instead, be slow to become angry, slow to speak, and quick to listen (James 1:19-20).

Self control is a show of faith. It shows God that we trust Him to handle the difficult situations that we are in. So, we control ourselves, submit to God in prayer, and wait for Him to handle our situations. 

This is the kind of behavior that pleases God. And without faith, it's impossible to please Him.

Taking note of our faults is not a show of failure or weakness. In fact, it makes us stronger and wiser. 2 Peter 1:5-10 says that we must make every effort to have faith, and add goodness to that faith; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 

The bible says, if we possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ... If we do these things, we will never fail.

So, not only does taking responsibility for ourselves mature us... it benefits us.

Post #81(b) - Change Your Thoughts

This morning, I caught myself acting on a thought that I didn't even believe. I don't know why I thought it, where it came from, or why I gave it any merit. I have never seen any reason to substantiate it. 

But, I found myself fearing something that wasn't even a possibility because of a random thought. 

This is why we must control the thoughts that we allow to enter our minds. We cannot entertain everything that we think. Those negative thoughts that do not deserve a place in our minds need to be rebuked and cast out. 

Immediately!

We cannot, even for a moment, allow ourselves to continue to think on things that bring about negative emotions and fear. We've got to change the narrative of our minds and think on things that are good, uplifting, and true. 

Philippians 4:8 says, "...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, if there be any praise, think on these things."

We can't let worrisome thoughts fester in our minds and effect the way we act or speak or treat one another. We should worry about nothing, but with thanksgiving, bring all of our requests to God. And trust Him to handle it. 

So, if the way you believe or the thoughts you think are causing you to act in fear our causing someone else fear, you should cancel those thoughts right away. And think on things that are good and perfect and true. Think on things that are going to edify yourself and those connected to you. 

And God will give you peace (Philippians 4:9)!

Post #81(a) - You Are At War! Get Up and Fight!

Who's afraid of the devil?

Raise your hand.

Why? Why are you afraid of the devil?

Don't you know what the bible says about you? Don't you know who you are? Don't you know the God you serve?

Why are you afraid of the devil??

You don't have to be afraid of him. You just have to know how to fight him. 

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4).

We can't fight the enemy with fists and bats. We can't fight him with tears or complaints. We can't defeat him with lofty, meaningless words.

We can only defeat the devil with the word of God!

God says that we are being too passive in the way we deal with the enemy. We deal with him as if we are afraid of him. We speak quietly and act timid and cower away from his opposition. 

But, we are at war! It's time to get up and fight!! 

We've forgotten who we are in God and the authority that He has given to us. 

The bible says that we have authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). That means that the enemy is POWERLESS! That means that he can do nothing to us unless we let him. 

And we're not letting him do ANYTHING! We are no longer being passive and allowing the enemy to get away with his lies and slick tricks! The enemy is DEFEATED!!

James 4:7 tells us that after we have submitted ourselves to God, to resist the devil and he WILL flee from us. 

We have to humble ourselves to God's authority and He will strengthen us to walk in our own. And with the whole armor of God, we can withstand the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).

We can withstand him with our loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And we can take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17).

It is with the word of God that the enemy is defeated. It is with the word of God that we are overcomers! 

Speak the word of God over the devil and he has got to flee from you!

Stand in your position of authority! Walk in it! And demand the enemy take his place beneath your feet! 

We are at war, brothers and sisters! Let's get up and FIGHT!! 

Post #80(b) - There is No Padded Cross

As I was reading the bible today, I was reflecting on my life and the prophetic words spoken over me. I realized, then, the amazing importance of my spiritual journey. 

It has been wrought with ups and downs, aches and pains, sorrows and happiness, disappointments and victories.... and valuable, life changing lessons.

I know I sound like a broken record when I say that we will all endure tests and trials. But, it's because someone isn't getting it. Someone is going through a test right now, and is breaking down because of it, thinking the world is against him.

We tend to think that we are never supposed to go through hard times. We are afraid to go through anything uncomfortable. We are afraid to step out of our comfort zones and into God's grace. 

But, Jesus warns that we will suffer persecution and tribulation in this life. He says in Matthew 10:38, "Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whosoever finds his life will lose it, and whosoever loses his life for My sake will find it." 

In saying this, Jesus is telling us that if we love Him, if we give our lives to Him, we will suffer with Him. If we suffer with Him, we will reign with Him. But if we choose not to suffer with Him, we are not worthy of Him.

But, in suffering with Christ, we are made perfect. We are mature and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:4). And God will not give us more than we can bear. Just the same way trouble finds us, God will make us a way out of it. 

But, there are no padded crosses. We have to be willing to hurt for a little while. Endure a little discomfort. And grow in it - learn from it. 

Just like Jesus had to endure His lashes and beatings, we have to endure our hardships of life. And we have to endure them with patience and obedience to God. 

It's only for a season. The trouble won't last always. And when we pass through it, we will be better than we were before. More mature, stronger, having more wisdom, and standing steadfast in Christ - knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us. 

He will be with us - leading us, comforting us, blessing us...

So, we can have faith, take up our crosses, and follow Him.

Post #80(a) - Dream Killers

There will always be somebody who doesn't quite understand why you do what you do. Why you believe the way you do. 

There will always be somebody who is willing to put you down and hurt you because of your dreams and your gifts.

There will always be somebody who is willing to tell you that you can not accomplish your goals or your dreams. 

There will always be dream killers.

But you've got to be bigger than them. You've got to continue to think bigger than them.

You've got to know who you are and who God has called you to be. You've got to be confident enough to ignore the chatter. And be bold enough to continue moving forward toward your dreams and your purpose. 

God is the author of your desires and dreams. He is the one that has blessed you with your various gifts and talents. And He is the only one who can anoint you to use them.

Not your naysayers!

Roman's 8:31 says that if God is for you, who can be against you? 

Nobody! 

And when you obey God despite the opposition, He will bless you. No eyes have seen, and no ears have heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for them that love and obey Him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

So, forget the naysayers. Forget those who say that you can't or you won't. Forget those who don't understand why you go against the norm. Forget those who try to keep you down because they are going nowhere themselves.

Forget the dream killers!

You just keep pushing forward in the way God has led you... and watch Him bless you!

Post #79(b) - Poem: Footprints In the Sand

Footprints 
By: Margaret Fishback Powers

One night I dreamed a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
There was only one set of footprints.
I realized that this was the lowest
and saddest times of my life.
This always bothered me
and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.

"Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You,
You would walk and talk with me all the way.
But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I just don't understand why, when I need you most,
You leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you
and I will never leave you, never, ever,
during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."


Poem retrieved from Pinterest.com

Post #79(a) - You're Not Alone

Did you know that you are not the only one going through that? Did you know that others share the same struggles as you?

Sometimes, it feels like we are alone, like no one understands what we are going through. But we all share many of the same tests and trials. 

I was talking to a friend the other day, and she shared with me an ordeal that she has been going through. It was exactly the same thing I had been struggling with. 

I hadn't shared this issue with her. It's a personal situation that I had kept to myself. But, there she was, sharing my struggle word for word - except the struggle was hers!

As my friend finished speaking, I heard God say, "You are not alone." 

In a way, that comforted me. Not because she was dealing with something. But because there was someone who understood. There are people who share our same experiences and problems. People who can relate to what we are going through. 

That's why we should talk about our problems and not hold them in. Held in issues take root and become bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, and hate. Held in issues hold us back from healing and freedom. 

I'm not saying to tell all your problems to everyone. You should find someone you trust. Someone you can talk to in confidence, who will not share your business with others. 

Galatians 6:2 tells us to carry each other's burdens. To help each other out and encourage one another in times of trouble. 

Many people commit suicide or attempt to do so because they feel like they are alone. That no one understands or can relate with them. That no one cares. 

But there are so many people who know EXACTLY what you've been through or are going through. Their testimony can help you. And your testimony can help somebody else.

So, let's not dwell in our sorrows by ourselves. Not only is God always there for us. Never leaving nor forsaking us. But we have each other to look to for love and encouragement. 

We are not alone.