Take Advantage of the Quiet Times

After the excitement and bustle of yesterday, I am relishing the relative calm of this morning. I'm actually sitting still and able to collect my thoughts. Right now I can actually focus my thoughts and get my bearings for the day.

The quiet moments provide the best opportunities to hear from God. When God was making Himself known to Elijah, He sent a windstorm, earthquake, and fire. Yet God was not in those occurrences. The Lord came to Elijah in a still, small voice.

It is in the stillness we hear what will carry us through the storms, quakes, and fires of life. When we take advantage of the times of serenity to get before God and hear His voice, we will have what we need when all we hear are the winds whipping around us.

Too often we allow the quietness of life to lull us to sleep, and we miss out on quality time hearing from the mouth of God. If everything is fine around us, we don't press into the Lord's presence as fervently, we don't feel the pull to make sure we hear from Him.

However, when the winds start to blow and the world shakes around us, we are quick to call out His name. In our times of distress, we start to pray more fervently and even go into deep prayer and fasting just to hear an answer from Him about our situation.

Nothing is wrong with crying out to God in our times of need. But wouldn't it be awesome if we already had a word from God that we could hold onto when the storms came? Wouldn't it be a great feeling to have the winds come the day after you spent time conversing with the Father and you have the exact tools to get you through the trial?

Don't let the quiet days keep you from God's company. Continue to go before Him even in the good times.

Verse of the Day: And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him... I Kings 19:11-13a

Afternoon Ti: Strength in Weakness

Today was certainly a "Footprints in the Sand" kind of day. The Lord most certainly carried me through today. It's so great to know that I have such a strong Presence helping me along my journey. Thanks for your prayers!

When we are weak, He is strong. We just have to remember to lean back into His strong arms. Far too often when things get hard we scramble out of our Savior's arms trying to run around and fix things on our own. All we really need to do is trust His guidance and allow Him to take the lead in our affairs.

He will carry us through the greatest of trials and the hardest of challenges. When we are at our wit's end, He has not even scratched the depths of His wisdom. He sees the end from the beginning and knows the exact way we should go. It's up for us to look to God for the guidance we need.

Verse of the Day: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9a

What A Day!

Hello, folks. Today I'm clinging to the standard of the Lord. My cries of "Jesus!" are genuine prayers for His help and support. This is just one of those days. I'm so busy my head's spinning!

I'm steadily reminding myself that God will not put more on me than I can bear. Breathe in... Breathe out... I'll be okay.

How are you today? Hopefully, you're not as busy as I am. I'll check in with you this afternoon, and we'll have our tea then. I'm confessing that my day will end better than it began!

Verse of the Day: When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19b

Rising to the Challenge

Yesterday, I enjoyed a powerful message on resisting sickness and disease. It encouraged me in my continuing to stand strong in faith for my father's healing.

That same afternoon, my father had some challenges at home. In the midst of taking care of him, I grew frustrated and was about to have a moment. However, I remembered the words of the message. What was preached flashed through my mind, and I felt the Holy Spirit's nudge.

Here was the perfect opportunity to put what I had just learned into practice. Was I going to give in to the enemy, or was I going to resist him? As much as I enjoyed the sermon during the service, could I translate those encouraging words into my actual life?

It would have been so easy to get angry and give in to my frustrations. Slipping into a state of depression and sadness would not have been hard either. But I chose to rise to the challenge and stand on the word of God. Despite how the circumstances seemed to dictate opposite, I stood on the promise of God that my father is healed.

And the peace of God flooded my soul.

Don't let the enemy steal the word of God. Whatever the Lord has spoken to you, put it to use. Grab hold of it when troubles come. Put your faith to action in the midst of the storm. It's the only way that you will know without a shadow of doubt that the Word works.

Verse of the Day: What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? ...Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. James 2:14, 17

Thanksgiving Friday!

Good Morning! It's Friday! Aren't you glad to be alive!

I am so thankful for the life of God in my veins. Recently, several of my friends and family members have come down with some serious health issues. But, the Lord IS a healer, and His word stands true. I am thankful today that God is hearing the prayers of the righteous, and they will recover!

This week I'm also grateful that I am able to lend a helping hand to others. I was able to be the voice of wisdom and calm to a couple of the kids I teach and one of my mentees. It feels so great to give back and help the next generation avoid some of the pitfalls that I fell into when I was their age. Thank you, Lord, for wisdom!

This weekend our church is devoting time to fasting and prayer. We are so blessed as God's children to be able to go before God's throne and speak with Him personally. I count it an honor that He hears our petitions and answers us in love. I am more than thankful that I will have the opportunity to spend some extra time with Him the next few days.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Verse of the Day: Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Psalm 20:6

They Don't Know How to Love

Right now the rapper Lil' Wayne has a track out called "How to Love" that's keeping heavy rotation on the airwaves. Being a youth leader, I try to stay up on the current trends and have heard the song. The lyrics are quite poignant and speak about how a young woman's life is in disarray simply because she never figured out the right way to show or receive love.

Hearing this song, I thought about so many issues and problems that are happening in our world right now. Seeing how families are falling apart or never really coming together in the first place... Watching as young people are blatantly joining together just to rob and steal from others... Listening to a young girl tell how she got pregnant and now has to drop out of school...

Lil' Wayne hit the nail on the head: our world really doesn't know how to love.

What's missing is the link to Jesus Christ. He is the perfect example of how to show love. Once we receive His love and experience it's changing power, there should be no reason for us not to reflect that love to other people that cross our paths.

The world is hurting, confused, and angry. Yet are we showing the Love of God? Are we easing their pain,  helping to give a guiding hand, or bringing peace?

We can't just stay in our little corner and shake our heads at how the world is descending into chaos, We shouldn't just attribute the escalation of heartbreak and sin to signs of the imminent return of Christ.

We have to go out there and do something about what we are seeing. There are lives at stake! We know the answer to the questions they are asking. Let's make sure we are providing the example to others of how to love.

Verse of the Day: Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love... Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. I John 4:7,8, 11


For those who don't know the song, here's the gospel cover version.

A Little Too Busy

Lately in my hustle and bustle, I have realized that I haven't been eating as healthy as I usually do. I've been rolling through a lot of drive-thrus, and the last vegetable that I can remember eating was corn: the borderline veggie.

For the last couple of meals, I've felt twinges of shame for the fatty foods I've been ingesting. As I swallowed my order of fries today, I was shaking my head at my own self. I know I'm not doing my body any good. I'll be hitting the grocery store tomorrow... I hope.

At times, I experience the same twinges of guilt from missing my spiritual "meals" as well. The business of one day bleeds into the next, and before long a couple of days have gone by without me spending some quality time with my Heavenly Father.

As I lay drifting off to sleep on those nights, I whisper drowsy prayers asking for God's mercy and forgiveness, and resolve to get in the Word the next day. The next day sometimes comes a couple days later.

But just like a few days of ingesting nothing but junk and fast foods will cause my body to react adversely, my spirit shows signs of neglect when I don't spend time with the Lord. It's important that we keep our spiritual bodies in tune. Spending time in God's presence, reading His Word, and conversing with Him are essential facets of our spiritual health.

Don't let the demands of the day take precedence over your time with God. Your spirit will thank you for it.

Verse of the Day: When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Psalm 27:8

Never Would Have Guessed It...

Have you ever found out that someone you knew was a Christian, and you were totally surprised? You found out that they were saved, active in church, and (supposedly) loved the Lord, but all you knew about them was that they had a stank attitude, loved to curse people out, and could drink anybody under the table?

We should never judge a person's status as a Christian. What goes on in their spirit is between them and God. But we can remember the truth that Christ gave us as we consider our reaction to learning that some folks actually belong to our team: You will know them by their fruit. (Matthew 7:20)

What we put out is how people will know that we love the Lord. How we go through life and react to the joys, pains, and challenges it brings, is a direct indicator of our relationship with the Lord. Many people have no knowledge of our love for God because we never show them the fruit of His indwelling in our spirits.

Instead they see our negative behavior: We're the first one cop an attitude. We complain about every little thing. When people are looking for a helping hand, we are nowhere to be found. When things go wrong, we spazz out and start to panic...

We may not be as bad as the person described in the beginning of this post, but we may not be doing any better in reflecting Christ in the world. If someone who didn't know was asked whether or not you were saved, what would their answer be? Would they have to guess, or would they know for a certainty?

Make sure your life is bearing the fruit of the Savior of your life. The more you reflect and lift up Christ, the more others will be drawn to him through you.

Verse of the Day: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Enjoy Life!

Take some time to enjoy Life!

Moments ago I booked some plane tickets for a girls' trip that I will be taking in a couple of months. I'm so excited to get away, chill, and relax! It's going to be so fun.

Life has a way of running us over and dictating to us what we need to do at times. We plan our days only to have Life pop up and tell us that we need to reajust our schedules. We think that we'll be able to sit and rest, only to have Life point out six more things that we forgot to attend to.

Ain't Life grand?

As we roll with the hustle and bustle of Life, we still have to take ownership of our lives and take time to enjoy it. Everything doesn't have to be done right now. Some items on the checklist won't wreak havoc if they remain unchecked. It's okay to take a break and just sit... and be... for no reason at all.

Like the woman in the Bible who entertained Jesus in her home, I consider myself to be a "Martha". (Luke 10:38-42) She was so caught up in the details that arose from having Jesus in her house, that she missed the revelation that JESUS was in her house! Who needs to arrange meat platters when Jesus is holding court in your living room?

Like her, I often am so busy about making sure everything is getting done that I sometimes miss out on genuine moments where I could have been ministered to, experienced rest, or had some enjoyment. It is imperative that we heed the voice of Jesus and recognize when we need to be still. We can't get so caught up in the business of Life that we miss out on enjoying Life.

Make sure you take some time today to savor the world around you. Keep your eyes and ears open, so you don't miss out if a genuine moment arises. We're alive! Let's make sure we enjoy it...

Verse of the Day: But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41, 42 (NLT)

Thanksgiving Friday!

The end of another week, the beginning of another school year. Today is the first day of school at my new place of employment (a high school). I remember being so excited to get back to class and start studying again. Ah, memories...

Today (and for the umpteenth time) I'm thankful for my new job! A couple of my old co-workers called this week, and I remembered my old place. I hadn't given it a passing thought since I left! It's nice to be in a spot that you really enjoy. Thank You, Lord, for moving me to a place of happiness!

I'm also thankful for my friends. They're awesome. I've had some great conversations with a bunch of my homies this week, and they're all so different and unique. I love them all in very different ways. Thanks, Lord, for giving me such a great support group.

Lastly, I'm thankful for my parents. Tomorrow marks their anniversary. They will be celebrating over 30 years of wedded bliss! And, trust me, when I say bliss... it's bliss. I am thankful for their Godly example of what true love looks like between a man and wife. Thank You, Father, for blessing me to have two loving parents in my home.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Verse of the Day: Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3

Afternoon Ti...

This is why I don't ask you to do anything!

Just a note to apologize for the omitted post today. Truly my error. I'm so sorry.

I guess I'll use my own mistake as the topic of the post today. Don't you hate it when you're depending on someone for something, and they don't come through for you?

Far too many times I have been let down. Which is probably why I choose to do things on my own a lot. I'd rather be swamped and rushing around than to have to hope that someone does their portion.

Yet, there is some One in our life who we can depend on always. He's always there and never shirks on His responsibility. God is an ever present help for us.

Still, how many times do you find yourself turning to the Lord after you've exhausted every other option you have? How often do you find yourself praying in desperation for direction after every plan you've enacted has failed?

It's a great thing that God's mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22, 23) And it also helps that He loves us so much. Only a merciful, loving God could deal with our behavior.

When issues arise and you need direction, assurance, or even just a listening ear... don't neglect to speak with your Heavenly Father. He loves you more than anyone else, and He has the power, knowledge, and ability to help you more than anyone else as well. He is definitely worthy to be the first in line, so why not let Him enjoy that privilege?

Verse of the Day: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

So, What Are You Saying?

"I don't think I'll ever
figure this whole thing out..."

A lot of us know how to pray. We know how to reach heaven and get before the throne of God to make our requests known to Him.

Many of us also know how to fight the enemy. We know how to bind up his forces and cast him into the pit of hell. We know how to confess the Word of God against him and speak the Life of God into our situations.

However, many of us counteract our prayers and confessions in our casual conversations. When talking with our friends, loved ones, strangers... we say things that don't reflect the Word of God.

"Girl, this whole situation is making me crazy..."

"I am so stressed out!"

"No matter what I do, I can't ever seem to get ahead..."

"If it's not one thing, it's another..."

"I'm probably going to have to deal with this the rest of my life..."

Those casual comments are filled with doubt, fear, and unbelief. None of them reflect the God that we serve or His Word to us. They only reinforce what the enemy would like you to believe is true.

Many of us spend time in prayer and intercession and see no results or change because our own tongues negate the conversations we've just had with the Lord. We spend time reaffirming with God His will for our life only to walk away and speak death over it all over again.

The Bible notes that the most powerful member of our body is our tongue. It can bring both life and death to our existence. (Proverbs 18:21) We have to make a concerted effort to keep it reigned in and speaking life. It takes some work to get it under control, but it can be done.

Don't let your casual conversations keep you from the promises of God! Choose to speak words of life at all times, not just when you're in prayer. Correct yourself when you hear yourself slip up, and change your words to what God says about you.

Your tongue is like the rudder of a ship that steers your life. Which way do you want to go?

Verse of the Day: And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. Psalm 35:28

It's Raining Rings!

I'm so happy for you!
Really... I am.

It is my heart's desire to be married one day to a wonderful man of God. Currently, there is no one on the premises that even hints at filling that role in my life. So I'm learning how to be content.

While I'm learning to be content and letting patience have its perfect work in my life, it seems like a majority of my single friends and acquaintances are getting engaged and/or married. For the last few weeks, it's like I was getting marital news every other day. No. Lie. It's raining rings all around me.

In prior years, this would seriously have made me question my existence. I would spend days wondering if I was on the right track, if God really heard my prayers, and be spending some serious time before God's throne trying to get a sense of when my turn was ever going to pop up.

However, I can honestly say that I am content. My time with the Lord has shown me things about myself, about Him, and about my purpose right now that lets me know that everything is exactly where it's supposed to be right now. I have no reason to complain. My day is coming.

It took a while to get to this spot. But this spot is much better than the envious/worried/anxious place I used to reside in. Right here, I can celebrate the changes in the lives of others while cherishing my own corner of the world.

Can you celebrate with someone who gets exactly what you've been believing God for? If your friends popped up with a new fiance/job/car/house/insertyourprayerrequesthere could you honestly praise God with them? Or would a piece of your heart be breaking because they got it, and you're still waiting?

Depending on your answer, you might need to spend some more time talking to the Captain of your ship. Because no matter how your life pans out, you should be content, trusting that God has you right where you are supposed to be.

Verse of the Day: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. I Timothy 6:6, 7

Sneak Attack

So, you're walking along, going about your daily business, minding your own corner of the world, when... BAM!!

Out of nowhere, someone, something, somehow, you find yourself in the middle of a full on attack of the enemy. He's coming full-throttle, hitting all of your buttons, tapping all of your soft spots, and taking you to that place that brings out the worst in you all in one fell swoop.

Before you can think, you're reacting, giving him tit for tat, striking back with what you've got not thinking about who you are, Who you represent, and who just might be watching you.

Then it's over. You're left wondering how in the world you got so far out of line. You marvel at the way you behaved and feel the twinge of guilt recognizing that you slipped so badly.

Sneak attacks from the enemy are the worst. Which is why the Bible tells us to be vigilant and always on guard against him. (1 Peter 5:8) The devil is always searching for an opening, it's our job not to give him any room.

Keep your guard up by meditating on God's Word and keeping in constant communication with the Holy Spirit. Feed yourself His word, so that it will be the river of life that flows out of you no matter what comes your way. As you keep your ears inclined to God's Word, He will guide you in all truths. No matter what crosses your path, you can be assured that your response will originate out of the love of God that you keep in your heart.

Never fall victim to the sneak attack again!

Verse of the Day: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8, 9

Thanksgiving Friday!

God is so good!

Happy Friday! (Technically it is still Friday, right?)

I apologize for the late post. I have to get together a new way of posting to the blog. This new job probably won't allow me to post how I used to.

Which leads to the number one reason why I'm thankful this week: MY NEW JOB!!! I love it so far (it's only been two days). The people are nice, and the responsibilities are right up my alley. God is so good. I'm looking forward to growing in this position.

I'm also thankful for God's goodness. It's so amazing how He uses little things just to show us how much He cares for us. This week God has been showing up in little ways to keep a smile planted on my face. It's nice to be loved!

I'm also grateful for His encouragement in my gifts. He's confirmed some things that I've been doing in ministry, and I'm happy to know that I am growing in my knowledge about the word. It's nice to know I'm on the right track.

What are you thankful for today? You know the drill: Give God some praise!

Verse of the Day: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23

Fear Not!

Fear can be a complex, all-encompassing thing. 

Fear of the unknown. Fear of the known. Fear of success. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of living up to expectations...

Many people's whole lives are dictated by their Fears. They get so caught up in what might happen, that they react in ways that impede their progress.

That's the crazy thing about Fear. We don't know for certain. But Fear presents such a convincing case that we fall victim to it's piercing words. We may not know for a fact, but the possibility is so scary, we adjust our behavior accordingly.

The Bible states that God hasn't given us a spirit of Fear. (2 Timothy 1:7) In fact we are empowered, calmed, and loved through the Spirit God has blessed us with. However, we often choose to embrace Fear.

We get caught up in our thoughts or even the thoughts of others. We forget about the Greater One who resides on the inside of us and all the promises He has given us. We believe the mirage that Fear so readily plants in our field of vision.

Don't let Fear keep you from your purpose in God. Remember that you have been blessed with power, love and a sound mind. There is nothing Fear can produce that can overcome your Heavenly Father's will for your life. As long as you stand firmly planted, believing what God has to say, Fear can never have it's way with you again.

Verse of the Day: The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

God Loves the Beauty Beyond the Marks

Most of us don't leave out of the house until we make sure that we are putting our best foot forward. We spend time cleaning, dressing, primping, and scenting ourselves to make sure that the world sees us in the best possible light. We want others to see us as beautiful, put-together beings.

We use makeup to cover up our blemishes, heels to accentuate our legs, fashionable clothes to reflect our sense of style... There are laundry lists of tweaks that we endure just to be perceived favorably by others. We just want to be loved.

Yet there is One who sees us when we first awake in the morning. He knows how our morning breath smells and sees the crust in our eyes. He watches us pop our pimples and brush our teeth. He sees the cover-ups we employ and knows every imperfection by heart.

On top of that, He sees every shortcoming of our insides as well. He knows every error of our heart. He hears each sinful thought.

Still, His love remains the same. He loves us in spite of our sins. In fact, He sees the covering blood of His Son Jesus more than He recognizes our sin.

Our Heavenly Father doesn't care that we are imperfect beings. He just cares for us.

No cover-ups needed. No special tweaks to apply.

All He asks for is a heart that's turned toward Him, and He will shower us with His affections. He just wants to be loved.

Just like us.

Verse of the Day: The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3

God is So Good...

Today is a great day! It's my last day here at my current job, and I'm excited to move forward to the next one.

I prayed long and hard about changing jobs. I knew that where I was did not fit what I wanted in life. I applied to so many places, and prayed for change. Yet, it seemed like I was going nowhere. I got no calls, no feedback, no interviews. I grew frustrated because I wanted a switch so badly, but I had no where to go.

I finally made my peace with God. I told Him that I would keep searching, but if He kept me where I was, I would be content with His decision. I didn't want to move to a place that was out of His will. And I asked Him to show me the reasons why He kept me in the same place.

God answered my prayers and showed me some things about my tenure at that job. He showed me the relationships that had developed and the lessons that I learned. He revealed how my attitude had matured and how my patience had been refined.

Then He answered the root prayer and gave me something that puts me right on the path I want to go! I could not be any more happier or excited. God is good! Thank you, Jesus!

So, don't get discouraged when it takes a while for your prayers to get answered. It may take some months (or years, like me), but God does hear you. He is setting you up with the perfect answer that suits you the best. Keep trusting and believing. It's not in vain.

Verse of the Day: In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears...He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. Psalm 6:18, 19

Ain't No Rock...

Good morning! I pray you all had a wonderful weekend. I sure did. Had a Holy Ghost party with my African brothers and sisters, went out to the zoo with my Goddaughter, and had a encouraging time in the Lord on yesterday. Then today God blessed me with favor to start of my day! Praise God for His many blessings.

While I was at the service on Friday, I was struck by the different forms of praise that went forth. Not everyone that touched the mic could hit a perfect key. Some of the people on the stage were clearly nervous. A few dancers might have missed a step or two.

But every person was making the effort to praise and worship God from their heart. One singer voiced it perfectly: I'm not gonna let the rocks cry out for me!

Their examples ministered to me so much.

Being a veteran church-goer, sometimes I find myself getting complacent in worship. I won't be swayed into standing on my feet unless the music moves me or the singer can really blow... I won't holler 'amen' unless the preacher gets it super hot... I find myself comparing the service to other ones that I've attended in the midst of the one I'm supposed to be engaged in at the moment.

I'm shaking my head at my own self.

The service on Friday reminded me. No matter what's going on... No matter how I may feel... God deserves my praise always. It's not my job to critique who's on the platform. It's my job to connect with the Spirit and enter into worship. At least those people have taken the huge step to publicly praise and magnify God. Who am I to sit back and judge? It's a worship service. Not American Idol.

No more will I sit on the sidelines and look for reasons to praise God with the person on stage. The very fact that they're praising God is reason enough for me to join in with them.

Verse of the Day: And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. Luke 19:40

Thanksgiving Friday!

Thank You, Jesus!

Happy Friday, Champions! It's been a great week, hasn't it? We are overcomers who are chasing after God, building up our spiritual reserves, and kicking out every lame regretful excuse so we can conquer! It's so exciting to be a part of the Kingdom of God!

Today I am thankful for God's encouragement. I have been encouraged in my ministry: God gave me the words to preach a wonderful sermon on Sunday (anytime the teens say they enjoyed the sermon, it was good!) and this blog has some more people following it and popping in every day. I'm happy. Thank you God for encouraging me in my gifts.

I'm also thankful for a NEW JOB!!!! I put in my notice on this past Monday, and my last day at my current job is this coming Tuesday. Saints, I have been praying, searching, and applying for quite some time, and God has finally opened the door for me to move on. Hallelujah! I am so excited to step into something new and better suited for what I want to do with my life. Thank you, Jesus!

Finally today I'm thankful for the internet. Yep. I said the internet. Thank you Jesus for the technology that allows me to see so much that's going on in the world, keep in touch with so many people, learn more about you through the research sites and reference pages available, and to have a more global vision. When you sit down and think about it, the internet is pretty wild. Thanks, Lord for the good it provides. Help us with the rest...

What are you thankful for this week? Let the Lord know! Have a great weekend.

Verse of the Day: O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. Psalm 92:5

Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda

I shoulda done that
 when I had the chance!
Now look at me...

Shoulda, Coulda, and Woulda are a sneaky trio. They come sliding in to visit every now and then whispering their groans about how you Shoulda done this, and Coulda done that, and if you Woulda done something else you'd be better off. They cluck their tongues and shake their heads disapprovingly at the current state of your life.

If we're not careful, we can find ourselves entertaining them, inviting them to have a seat in our minds. We let them stay awhile, and before we know it, we're in a depressed mood lamenting the perfection that Shoulda, Coulda, and Woulda been.

Yeah, you might have missed a few opportunities. Okay, so if you would have done some things differently, you might be at a different spot. Don't let these three take you hostage! Stand strong against their onslaught of disappointment and regret.

There's nothing you can do about the past. Today is what you have, and this day was made for you to rejoice in! (Psalm 118:24) Remember that the Lord is ordering your steps. (Psalm 37:23) He is in full control. As long as you're following His lead, you can rest assured that you are in the perfect spot for you right now.

So, stop listening to Shoulda, Coulda, and Woulda! Kick them out of your thoughts! Evict them out of the corners of your mind. Keep the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as the primary residents of your soul instead, and watch what you accomplish moving forward!

Can, Will, Do, and Did will become your new best friends!

Verse of the Day: ...This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13, 14

Check Your Reserves!

Is your spirit running on Empty?

As we go through life, there are times we have to dip into our "spiritual reserves" and pull up the inspiration, faith, resolve, or strength we need to help us get through a situation. It may be for us, it may be for someone else. But it's always good to have some spiritual ammo.

Sometimes, however, we notice that our reserves are low. We find ourselves scraping around at the bottom of barrel searching for something, anything to help us in our time of need. We cling to what little scrap we find and hold on for dear life.

Then there are those times when we find nothing. We find no word, no scripture, not even a prayer we can speak to let God know we need Him. (Hopefully these times are rare.)

It's always good to keep our reserves stocked full of spiritual sustenance for whatever may come our way. Spending time in the word, having conversations with God in prayer, attending a Bible teaching church, and other faith filled activities can help keep our larders filled.

Life has a way of taking over, and it can be difficult to find time to invest in our spiritual health. But it is an investment. And the return is valuable beyond measure.

Who knows what today holds? Who knows who may come across your path in need of a touch from God? Who knows what circumstance you will have to walk through?

Make sure you consistently make deposits into your "spiritual reserves." If your spirit is full of God's word and wisdom, you can face anything that comes your way!

Verse of the Day: He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Proverbs 4:4

Chasing After God

One of my favorite songs right now is Vashawn Mitchell's version of Chasing After You. The song talks about running after God out of a deep need for more of Him. No matter what this person has to do, they are going to keep on pressing to get more from the Lord.

What's so great about going after God is that He allows Himself to be found! And He always has something more to reveal about Himself. He shares more revelation, more anointing, more wise insights, more facets of your purpose... whatever He feels is right for you in that moment, He will bless you with it.

God is immeasurable, unfathomable, and cannot be contained. Yet, as long as we're willing to pursue who He is, He is willing to share with us His greatness. The more we press into His presence, the more of Himself He shares with us. The more we study His word, the more He reveals to us it's true meaning.

It's so exciting! We can never get bored following a God like this!

Are you taking advantage of your all-access pass? Are you chasing after your God? Do you desire more and more of Him?

No matter how much you know about the Lord, there's still even more to discover! Make sure you take advantage every day to go after more of Him.

Verse of the Day: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8a

Winners vs. Champions

Yesterday I was privileged to minister a message for our church's Youth Sunday. I spoke on how we can choose to just be a Winner, or we can upgrade to Champion status.

As Christians, our faith in God has automatically granted us the name of a Winner through Christ's death and resurrection. We don't have to fear death because we know that we will live eternally with Christ.

However, a lot of us miss out on the chance to be victorious in every situation, not just our spiritual redemption.

A Champion is one who has overcome every opponent. They are undefeated. Every challenge they have faced, they have won. Every winner can't say that they're a Champion.

As believers, God has promised us that we can be Champions too! 1 John 5:4 states: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. If you have been born of God, you can overcome the world!

Yet, so many times we let situations and circumstances tell us that we are going to lose. We believe the lie of the enemy and give up the fight - or, even worse, we do not fight at all. We settle to just be winners over those things that we believe we can do when we can be Champions over it all.

Don't let the world talk you out of your fight. Ignore the circumstances that tell you that you don't have the strength, the money, the connections, the health... whatever it is that they say you need. You have everything you need in Christ Jesus!

Greater is He that is in you than the he that is in the world! (1 John 4:4) And the He that is in you has told you that you can overcome the world!

So, don't choose to lose! Stand and fight. Keep pressing. Keep believing. Keep your faith strong. In the end: YOU WIN! You are a CHAMPION!

Verse of the Day: But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57