Vantage Point

Oct9

Recently on a plane ride, as I gazed out the window from a new vantage point, I observed all the simple things we take for granted that have purposes. Sometimes you must go higher to see life differently; become bigger than your circumstances.

We must see our situation as Christ sees it.  His word declares that “all things are possible to them that believes” Mark 9:23. There was a time when I was prideful and caught up in myself. A part of me didn’t want to sin but deep down I was hurt and wanted to do whatever pleased the flesh. One night I heard God say, “YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE”. That crushed me (in a good way).  My vantage point was from a place of getting even to those who have hurt me. But God was seeing my destiny in the life he had purposed for me.  I couldn’t see the forest, because I was staring at the oak tree which had me bound.

What’s your vantage point? Are you seeing life from a perspective of hopelessness and despair? Are you looking through social media and reality television as #goals for your life?

As the plane landed my vantage point returned to normal, but my perspective remained enlightened. There are circumstances in our lives that may never change, but the way you view them should. We must recognize the choice to become bitter or to grow.

There is purpose in your pain. Hitting rock bottom from divorce, debt, death of a love one, singleness,  and any of life’s disappointments does not need to result in despair. You can see purpose in your struggle to overcome if you don’t get caught up in the IMPOSSIBLE, but in the one who has the power to make the impossible …POSSIBLE.

Other Scripture Reference:

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.” Isaiah 55:8 NIV

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 NIV

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial; because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 NIV

“But in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 NIV

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10

 

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Regroup

May16

It’s been 2 months since I last wrote a blog. During this time, I’ve been growing professionally and spiritually. The journey wasn’t easy but with God’s strength and guidance I prevailed. There are time when God wants our full attention in which our obedience is vital. When you regroup and refocus with Christ in mind, he will rebuilding, restoring and give new vision for a new season. We have to pull away from our “world” in order to press our way closer to Christ. Remember to take time to regroup, refocus and get back the vision that God has given. It’s a journey worth taking…

***New Blog coming soon entitled “Remember the Lesson forget the Pain…***

 

Stoney Ground

Apr5

As I read Mark 4:5-6 &16-17, I’m reminded of the modern-day Christian. We go to church, listen to a pod cast, televangelists etc. but never gain any roots. It’s more religion than spiritual. We’re in the moment of a good feeling and an inspiring word, ready to take on the world but never grow deeper in Christ.
When trials and tribulation comes, we fade away because there aren’t any depths to our beliefs. The enemy comes to see if our faith is centered around Christ or is it centered around an inspiring word. It’s time to grow deeper in the things of Christ. No longer settling for a prayer when times are rough, instead holding fast to God’s promises in season and out of season.
I was once in a place of being a “Fair Weather Christian”, I was happy right after church and enthused about tackling obstacles that once had me down. However, by mid-week I was burned out and felt that I needed another “good word”. What I really needed was an experience from the one who sent the word. I was discontent with the cycle of being hyped on Sunday and depressed and defeated by Thursday. The depression and defeat didn’t match the words I was hearing every week. I knew it was time to fully commit my life to the Lord, die to my desires and dig deeper to gain a relationship with Christ that will stand the test of time.
By cultivating our relationship with Christ, we can gain depth. We must seek his face and his will; as a deer pants for water, so does my soul pants for you. (Psalms 42:1) At first it may seem awkward but one experience in his presence will transform your life. In his presence, there is peace, joy, liberty and love. I read this in scripture but learned it from experience. It’s a place you will never want to leave. Try him…

5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arise for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. Mark 4:5-6 &16-17

Other Scripture reading:

Romans 12:1-2

Philippians 2:5

Mark 4:5-6

Mark 4:16-17

 

 

 

More than a CONQUER

Feb21

I remember 11 years ago, I was caught up in lust. Lust lead to sexual sin leaving me broken. I knew God’s word so the guilt and shame overpowered me. I didn’t want to confide in anyone because I’m a “Christian.”  I was bond by the old adage, “Christians don’t have those thought or act like that.” I was going to church and very actively involved in it.  However, I still felt alone.

One night after crying myself to sleep, God woke me up. He led me read to Romans 8. After getting through Romans 8:1, “There is therefore NOW no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” I sobbed for at least 10 minutes.  Afterwards, I felt forgiven and loved. The enemy in me was dying. I knew sin had no more power over me.

As I journeyed through Romans, I made another heart wrenching stop at Romans 8:18. “For the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us.” I realized everything I was going through was only temporary. Trouble could not and would not last always. I continue to trust God and I must say what I went through was worth it!  Yes, I still have battles to fight.   However, my past has prepared me for my NOW and I’m BETTER because of it.

The tears were beginning to dry up. Now I feel that I’m worthy, but was not sure of myself. After all I was a 21-year-old, pregnant single parent, coupled with a failed marriage.  The damaging marriage allowed manipulation and lust that kept me with a man who didn’t want me or our offspring.  Who or what man would want me or take me serious?  Then, Romans 8:30-31 hit me like lightening.  “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, he also justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? IF God be for us who can but against us?”  After reading those words I felt alive! Not only that, but I’m loved unconditionally. I’m FORGIVEN! YOU’RE FORGIVEN!  God has an expected end for you! Keep pushing.

As I finished Chapter 8, I literally laid out on my bed with tears of joy and a big smile on my face. Verses 35-39 states, 35 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  We are spiritual “COPS”. Conquerors, Overcomers and Prevailers!

I accepted the fact, of living a life for Christ will cause times of loneliness, persecution and even rejection by man. BUT GOD! He foreknew this so he gave us clear instruction and encouragement to take us along this faith journey of LIFE. Nothing can separate you and I from his love and forgiveness. I let go of the sin and shame, and started a guilt free walk with Christ. He redeemed me that night. My life has never been the same.

If he did it for me, he can do it for you. No matter what you are going through allow him to step in and give you his beauty for your ashes.

Other Scripture reads:

Romans 8 (the entire chapter)

Isaiah 6:13

2 Timothy 1:17

 

Love VS Lust

Jan28

Entering various stores, one of the first things you see is Valentine’s “stuff”.  Both married and single women often begin to make lists of things that they “must have” or they FOMO about what they “should have” because of what they saw someone else receive. Valentines’ day is commercialized and plays on women’s emotions more than it should. If your man loves you, he will show it on any day versus a designated day.

One important thing to understand is that there is a big difference between LOVE and LUST…

LOVE gives and Lust takes!

Love suffers long and is kind. (1st Corinthians 13:4) Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. (1st Corinthians 13:7) With true love you can do all things and can last a lifetime. There is no failure only growth. When its true love its selfless. You find joy in the pleasure of others. There is no pride only humbleness. This isn’t so with LUST

Lust is the robbery of LOVE. When a person lusts after you, their objective is to take what you have instead of adding value to you. Love gives to bring joy and looks inward, while lust takes to bring pain and sees outward. Lust is a temporary emotion that fades away quickly. During its peak it can become forceful, manipulative, and selfish in order to do whatever it takes to please its desires.

To all the single women and women who are in a relationship, ask yourself “Am I in love or lust”? “Is he in love or lust”? You deserve the true love that God will provide for you. Never settle because of the status quo. You are worth more.

Other scripture reads

Proverbs 6:25

1 John 2:16

1 Corinthians 6:13

2 Timothy 2:22

Matthew 5:28

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Get OVER Yourself

Jan9

As I look around, I notice the world has turned into a huge melting pot of unruly emotions. We assume we know everything and feel entitled.  As I think back over the last year, I realize how much I have allowed my emotion and sense of entitlement to overpower the TRUTH. This has caused me to miss out on great things.  The TRUTH hurts but it CLEANSES the soul.

Looking at “our circumstances” without forethought, we immediately expose our innermost feelings. Feelings about what we see and how it makes us feel.  Then again, we use perception rather than looking at the details and what is going on with it.  Through our lens, we judge life based on past experiences. Unknowingly, there are unresolved issues causing our perspectives on any given situation to hinder the TRUTH.

We do what pleases the flesh because “we want what we want and we want it NOW.”  This philosophy contradicts the WORD of God.  “…For in the flesh dwells no good thing…” (Romans 7:18).  In order to obtain all that God has for us, we must “…deny our flesh, pick up our cross and follow Jesus.”  Remember, “The flesh and the spirit is at war with one another.” (Gal. 5:13)

When I realized things foretold was for my good, I knew I had to GET OVER MYSELF!  Life looks different when we GET OVER what we deem as right.  Stop debating with the TRUTH, release the carnal and accept the Spiritual.

Life WILL become easier, grace and peace WILL surround you.

Let Go and Let God!!

 

Scripture Reference:

Galatian 5:13

Romans 7:18

Proverbs 29:11

Proverbs 15:18

Colossian 2:8

 

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Steal, Kill and Destroy

Jan2
If you are reading this message, I want to congratulate you on overcoming all the trials from 2016.
Hopefully, you have written some goals for 2017 instead of vague new years resolutions. It’s important to develop a resilient mindset that won’t allow the things that stopped you in 2016, to hold you back in 2017.
As you confidently walk into this new year, remember the enemy is prowling like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). He doesn’t want your marriage to work, you to lose the weight, get the promotion, gain a better relationship with your children and family or to get your life in order. He’s coming to STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY!
This post isn’t for you to lose hope, but the total opposite. Equip yourself with the full armor of God (Read Ephesian 6:10-18) with the understanding that our warfare is spiritual, not carnal. Pray without ceasing and acknowledge God in all of your ways as the defense against the enemy.
You got this! My prayer is that God will transform your world by transforming your heart!
2017 will be great! You will do great things for the kingdom of God. There will be challenges, but don’t Quit!
Have an outstanding year!
Other scripture references:
2 Corinthians 10:4
Ephesian 6:10-18
John 10:10
1 Thessalonian 5:16
2 Timothy 1:7
Luke 10:19
1 Peter 5:18
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This entry was posted on January 2, 2017. 1 Comment

Thorn in the Flesh

Dec28

We all have that “thing” that we constantly ask God to remove from our life. Whether it’s pain from a heart break, a financial problem, a work issues, a marriage issue, low self-esteem/ self-worth or even a person. We want that thorn removed without a trace.

Some of the thorns may be self-inflicted while others are a result of someone else action. We must learn  to suffer well, Oxymoron, I know! We can either pray our way through or complain and stay in the same spot (read last week’s post). In 2nd Corinthians, Paul was praying that God would remove the thorns from his flesh. God replied with, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2ndCorinthians 12:9).  God’s power and grace is shown when we take our hands off the situation and we’re no longer operating in our own strength.

After going through varies trails, I learned that thorns weren’t a bad thing. They kept me grounded, humbled, and in prayer which transformed my relationship with Christ. I really found God’s word to be true! When I was weak then I was strong. The “thorns” no longer mattered. They weren’t removed. However,  I learned to let go and let God mold me through my struggles.

Don’t glorify your problems (thorns), glorify the one who has the ability to keep you while in the valley. He will give you peace which surpasses ALL understanding. You will be FREE!

 

Scripture Reference:

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Philippians 4:7

Philippians 4:13

 

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Looking through the rear view mirror

Dec20

Writing this blog was more of a challenge than the others. In order for me be effective, I have to be transparent with my life. There were some things that I didn’t mind sharing but there were others that I would rather keep between me and Jesus. I was convicted after being reminded that it isn’t about me. Everything that I’ve been through was to make me stronger and to help someone else. I have had to humble myself and commit to allowing my story to be used for His glory!

 

Like most marriages there are struggles, hardship and pain. After my first marriage, I took time to find out who I was and my purpose. After being single for 6 years I was now married again! This time it was different. We didn’t live together before marriage. We had our separate homes and cars that we owned. It wasn’t that hard in the beginning because we were in love and loved God. However, that made us a target for the enemy to attempt to steal, kill and destroy.

We took on the Egypt mindset from the children of Israel. God delivered them from the hands of Pharaoh, gave them food straight from heaven and they murmured and complained. He was taking them from slavery to the promise land, yet they couldn’t see that because they were caught up in what WAS. They continued to look in the rear view mirror. They found comfort in their past pain because it was familiar.

Just like them we were looking at what was behind us instead of all of the possibilities in front of us. We weren’t trusting God. We didn’t see all the doors he was opening for us. We were caught up in the past and how it “appeared to be easier”.

One night we had family bible study and it was on the exodus of the children of Israel. It left us speechless, embarrassed and ashamed. We didn’t want to be in the same state for 40 years, going around and around the same mountains. We allowed a negative mindset that didn’t want to change, control us and our ability to see God’s provision for our lives.  Yes, we were doing great before marriage but God wanted us to be extraordinary. The promise land was before us and the only thing that could stop us from reaching it was us. We prayed together and repented for our transgressions and for complaining instead of praising. He is a redeemer!

The rear view mirror is small for a reason. Look back to remember how good God has been and not allow history to repeat itself. THAT’S IT! Don’t complain, seek his face instead! He is intentional.

Scripture reference:

Exodus 14-16

Philippians 3:13-14

Philippians 2:14

Ephesians 4:29

John 10:10

Romans 12:2

Quick testimony

God has used us to help so many youth and marriages. God has blessed us beyond measure! Our business, organization, family have been transformed into one that wouldn’t be the same without having each other. If we would have allowed the enemy to win, all of that wouldn’t have been possible. It was all worth it!

ONE SAVE MARRIAGE CAN CHANGE A GENERATION

 

 

 

 

 

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