Tag: #christianchick

Sun Stand Still

Sun Stand Still

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

Sun Stand Still

“Then Spoke Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel:”Sun stand though still upon Gibeon; and thou, moon in the Valley of Aijalon.” Joshua 10:12 NKJV

Covid-19 has infected more than 696 million people worldwide and killed over 6 million. This was truly like a movie scene straight out of Hollywood. Do you remember the 1951 American science fiction film from 20th Century fox, The Day the Earth Stood Still? Set in the Cold War during the early stages of the nuclear arms race, the storyline involved a humanoid alien visitor who comes to Earth, accompanied by a powerful robot, to deliver an important message that will affect the entire human race. It was a wakeup call for the people of earth. Can you see the correlation between the movie and covid 19? I believe both represent a message. Pandemics are nothing new to the world: plagues, Black Death, yellow fever, polio, AIDS, and Ebola are just a few on the history list.

the Bible says, “what has been, will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV.

Joshua 10:12-14 contains one of the most amazing miracles of all time-it is the day the sun stood still. Can you see this scene from the scripture, the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down for a full day. There had never been a day like it before or since. The Good Lord heard Joshua. Romans 8:28 reminds us, that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. God had his reasons for listening and answering Joshua.

Joshua is best known as Moses’ second in command who takes over and leads the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. He was personally appointed successor to Moses and led Israel in the conquest of Canaan after the Exodus from Egypt. Joshua is considered one of the Bible’s greatest military leaders for leading the seven-year conquest and is often held up as a model for leadership and a source of practical application on how to be an effective leader.

Let’s look at what this story is all about. The day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel: ‘Sun, stand still over Gibeon, / and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.’ / So the sun stood still, / and the moon stopped, / till the nation avenged itself on its enemies. . . . The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!” God miraculously provided twenty-four hours of light to aid Israel in destroying their enemy, the Amorites.

God performed a miracle, causing the sun to delay its “setting.” God stopped the motion of the earth. There is no way it can be explained, but the God who created the world and established natural laws is perfectly capable of all things. We may not have a scientific explanation of how God performed this miracle, but He did.

While we may not fully understand how this “long day” occurred, a miracle does not have to be scientifically proven—just accepted. Joshua prayed, and God supernaturally provided the light necessary for Joshua’s army to win its battle. The lengthened day was indeed unlike anything ever seen, but in Joshua’s mind the greater miracle may just have been that God heard him and answered such an amazing prayer.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

Humpty Dumpty

“God, pick up the pieces. Put me back together again. You are my praise!” Jeremiah 17:14 MSG

How many of you all remember Humpty Dumpty? Humpty Dumpty is a character in an English nursery rhyme. He is portrayed as an egg. The first recorded version of the rhyme dates to late eighteenth century England.

The modern-day version of this nursery rhyme goes like this:

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall; all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty together again. With the help of the Lord and spiritual insight, let’s take another look at this nursery rhyme from days of old and apply it to our lives today. Let’s break it down shall we.

Humpty Dumpty, what’s in a name you ask? We all know now much it means to have someone call us by name or for us to call others by their names. When God says, “I have called you by your name. You are mine” it means He fully knows who we are, and He claims us as His own.  When he calls you, will you answer.

Sat on a wall, the dictionary defines this phrase as moving from a standing position to sitting. The rhyme does not go into details of what he was doing up there while he was sitting. We just know he sat. However, using my imagination, I see him surveying the land, people, or just taking a break. Now while he was up their taking a break, his eyes got heavy, and he fell asleep. And instead of lying with his back against the wall with some kind of safety net, he laid back he fell. A few spiritual questions arise in my head friends: When you need a leaning post, who are you leaning on? Who can hold us up with one hand and wipe away our tears with the other one? When we take a sit, do so on the hopes and promises of Jesus Christ.

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall, have you ever had a great fall friend? I have. I called myself just doing things my way. That was the wrong attitude right from the start. I’ve made mistakes, plenty of miss-takes, I have had my share of bumps and bruises. See I was Looking up from inside the dark holes, there were chains about my ankles. Depression and anxiety held me captive, but there was King Jesus full of wisdom and mercy as he reached down in my dark whole and lifted me. He touched me. Yes, he brought back the sun among those dark clouds. Amen.

All the king’s horses and all the king’s men, by virtue of Who He is as Creator of all things, God is the sovereign Ruler of the universe. Everything is under his command. He has all power and all authority, and He entrusts roles for his purpose. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty together again, this is where we get down to the nitty gritty friends, what was missing in their attempt to put him back together was the source. When we are broken, the word describes the Lord as a potter, and we are the clay, we are the work of His hands. He has the power to put us back together again. Piece by piece. We as the clay pot must pass through the fire, for the hotter the furnace the finer the vessel. God sees us as not just marred clay, but fine porcelain. Even in our brokenness, Jesus Christ our potter can put us back together again. Amen!

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

What it Takes

What it Takes

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

What it Takes

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

“Seeing and feeling my own human frailties as I succumb to the mounting pressure of my thoughts. I recognized I was a part of the problem. I have faith in everyone and everything, but what about faith in myself? Only God could love me like he does, despite my failings and mistakes. He’s always been there with me through it all. He never gave up on me. I owed Him and I owe myself. After all, hadn’t he been there for me, just like he promised? Didn’t he help me up when I fell? Didn’t he surprise me with blessings I knew I didn’t deserve? Yes, he believed in me, even when I couldn’t. Praying to God with tears in my eyes, I sadly acknowledged my lack of faith and ask God to help my unbelief. Exert from The Armor Project.

I have come a long way friends, and I still have a long way to go on this journey. But I am thankful to be moving and submersing myself in the things of God. How sweet it is to be loved by him. Part of my journey in faith dealt with my actions to pause, be still, and wait. All things I was not good at. I made a lot of hasty decisions without thinking. Yes I was just in my own way.

Let me share a few thoughts on faith with you:

Faith as a Gift, The book of Corinthians, chapter twelve speaks of faith as one of the nine gifts that are given by grace and are not based on our worthiness or personal ability. All those gifts are given by the Spirit of God, which may be drastically different from what we think we are capable of. There are different kinds of gifts, services, and works, but in all of them the same God is at work. The gift of increased faith carries a notion of confidence, certainty, trust, and complete assurance in God for His purpose.

Saving faith, this faith is implemented when a new believer accepts Jesus Christ as their personal savior. This includes repentance and baptism. It is in faith that the new believer’s journey begins. Growth of our faith is contingent on not just fitting God into our already busy schedule, instead it sheds light on how necessary it is to put him at the top of the priority list. Study of the scripture and prayer time are great places to start working as you build a personal relationship with God.

Faith of a mustard seed, the scripture says, “if you have the faith of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20. Did you know that those mountains can be things like: fear, doubt, negativity, procrastination and distraction to name a few? The mustard seed is only about one or two millimeters. It’s so tiny, and is one of the smallest seeds on the planet. They come in a variety of colors from yellow, white, and black. The bush can reach an average height between six to twenty feet. Now how can such a small seed grow so big? They grow best in cooler weather. The savory flavor of mustard complements our hotdogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, and potato salad. This healthy vegetable gives us mustard greens, which just happens to be my favorite kind of green. The largest production of mustard seeds come from India. They also have properties that may help to reduce asthma attacks, certain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and lower blood pressure. I can see why Jesus chose this seed to show us that big things can come out of small beginnings. Just a little faith can do amazing things in our lives.

People of faith, Able offered a better sacrifice than Cain, Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death, Noah prepared the Ark, Abraham showed obedience, and the fiery furnace was no match for the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The woman with the issue of blood believed if she touched the helm of Jesus’ garment that she would be made whole, and how about Gideon, who along with 300 soldiers and slaughtered the Midianites.

Friends what it takes is our faith in action and a willingness to trust God in all things. Keep the faith. The most amazing things in life tend to happen right at the moment you’re about to give up. The book of Isaiah 40:31 says it best, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Amen.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Part 2, Lessons of Job

Part 2, Lessons of Job

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

Part 2, Lessons of Job

“When they saw him from a distance they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads.” Job 2:12 NIV

briefly let’s review some points from last week’s lesson on Job. Job was a righteous man in Gods eyes, and he was allowed to undergo a variety of trials initiated by Satan, but permitted and limited by God, in order to demonstrate Job’s righteousness and faithfulness. He dealt with devastating family, financial, and health issue.

Even in all these woes we can take away some lessons of Job that may help us:

  • God is Great, His greatness surpasses our imagination of what greatness truly looks like because we are limited.
  • Our strength is in God, not ourselves.
  • Our faith works only when we work our faith. Faith is an action word.
  • Get somewhere and sit down, we gotta learn to be still ya’ll, I am not telling you what I think here, I am telling you what I know, I can hear so much better when I am still. That’s it, just breathe.
  • We must recognize that each person’s suffering is unique. Sometimes people are not going to understand how we feel in the heat of our struggles, but God does. He is the one we can pour everything out too; believe me friends He can handle it.
  • Sometimes my dear hearts, we may never know “why” don’t let it stop you from experiencing Gods healing to move on, because at the end of the day we must put and keep our trust in Him.

Regardless of the trials and challenges we face friends, God rewards faithfulness. He is not looking for perfection, I believe he is looking for people who when they fall, they get back up and try again. Will we let anything separate us from the Love of God?

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

When You’re Going Through Something: Part 1

When You’re Going Through Something: Part 1

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

When You’re Going Through Something

Part 1

“And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21 NKJV

The Book of Job does not specifically name its author. Some of the most likely candidates are Job, Moses, and Solomon. In any case we cannot be sure of the actual date of the writing. The Book of Job gives us a few thoughts to remember:

  • Satan cannot bring financial and physical destruction upon us unless it is by God’s permission.
  • God has power over what Satan can and cannot do
  • It is beyond our human ability to understand the “why’s” behind suffering in the world
  • No matter the situation we must continue to give him praise in all circumstances

The book of Job starts off with an introduction of him. He lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. He had seven sons and three daughters. He ownedseven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household. He was the greatest of all the people of the East.

The scripture says,

 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So, Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” So, Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So, Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

It was at that moment that things took a nosedive for Job. The messages came and kept on coming. His oxen, donkeys, and camels had been taken away, the sheep were all burned up, and a great wind struck the four corners of his house and fell on your children, killing them all.

I know we have all gone through our own personal thunderstorm, that are filled with lightening and damaging winds. Standing there soaked in the rains of life, did you find yourself asking the Lord, how long? A broken heart, and with tears coursing down my own face over the years, I praise him say, Hallelujah anyhow.

When you are going through something, the world can feel like such a lonely place. The Book of Job reminds us that there is plenty going on behinds the scenes. Just look around. The lesson of Job teaches us to trust God with and in all things, even when we do not understand. Psalm 18:30 tells us, that Gods way are PERFECT. His thoughts are not our thoughts, and our ways are not His. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways and thoughts higher than ours. AMEN!

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Inspirational Travel

Inspirational Travel

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

Inspirational Travel

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” Psalm 24:1-2 KJV

Do you hear the proclamation in the scripture today? God’s sovereignty is over EVERYTHING throughout the World. Here the psalmist David affirms the truth that the Lord owns all Creation, including us.  In my mind I see this as a brief reflection of the first chapter of Genesis as incredible significance of this simple statement, for by God’s Word he spoken EVERYTHING into existence. One writer I read, explained it like this, ”Spirit of God hovered over the darkness, on the face of the deep. And light and darkness, day and night, dry land and sea, heaven and earth, sun and moon, and the construction of the great domed firmament that divides the waters above from the water below, was assembled with supernatural precision. God is awesome friends. You talk about power, that our God. I tell you this one thing. I’d rather be on his side, than in his way! Whatcha think? Amen!

Today I bring you greetings from South Padre Island, Texas. Even on vacation friends, I am never too busy to talk about the goodness of God. He has been so good to me. I thank him for his mercy and for being my daily bread through his Word.

Here are eight interesting facts from Swim/Swam Magazine, about South Padre Island that I didn’t know:

ONE – You’ll Float Better

The Laguna Madre Bay is a “hyper-saline” bay meaning the salt content is higher than the rest of the ocean. It is one of only six hyper-saline bays in the world. This makes it extremely important for Gulf of Mexico sea-life including dolphins and sea turtles which migrate to the Laguna Madre to hatch or raise their young. The only saltier body of water in the US is the Great Salt Lake in Utah.

TWO – A Chance at Gold (and Silver)

South Padre Island is home to several shipwrecks. During the1500’s Spain used South Padre Island to export resources from Mexico to Spain. The ‘Wreck of the 300’ in 1554 lost millions of dollars in silver. Treasure hunters still flock to the area looking for lost treasure. In Texas, you have to turn any lost treasure over to the state.

 THREE – It might Make You Stronger

The first residents of the island were the Karankawa Indians. Local legend claims they were taller and stronger than the average man. They protected their island with massive bows and large arrows that most men could not draw back.

FOUR – The Lighthouse Lights the Way

The Port Isabel Lighthouse sits in the smallest state park in Texas. However, unlike most lighthouses in the US, this lighthouse is open for the public to climb and enjoy the great panoramic view of the area.

FIVE – Turtles Love This Place

Interestingly, South Padre Island is known for ecotourism. Winter Bird-watching and turtle rescue are important draws to the island. Sea Turtle, Inc, allows you to volunteer to help rescue and rehabilitate turtles during your vacation. You can even adopt your very own sea turtle.

 SIX – It’s a tropical Island

Never been to South Padre Island? Need a point of reference? South Padre island latitude is roughly the same as Nassau, Bahamas. Average daily temperature in November is approximately 78 degrees.

SEVEN – South Padre holds the Title

Padre Island holds the title of the Longest Undeveloped Barrier Island seashore in the World.

EIGHT – The Surf Is Up

Globally Texas may not be known for it’s surf but it does exist. Surf culture on South Padre Island are always ready for that next wave.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Now I See

Now I See

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

Now I See

“He answered and said, “whether he is a sinner or not, I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25 NKJV

This scripture is part of the passage of a man born blind at birth. He would receive his sight through Jesus Christ. Here we see the handiwork of God revealed not just to this man, but to everyone.

This scripture reminds me of a song by Johnny Nash who is an American singer-songwriter who came out with this 1972 hit, I Can See Clearly Now. Who doesn’t know that song. It has been sampled by many artists over the years, as well as commercials.

Here are some of the words:

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone, I can see all the obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It’s gonna be a bright, bright, sun-shiny day. He goes on to say, I think I can make it now. The pain is gone. All the bad feelings have disappeared. Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin for. Then he says, look all around, there’s nothin’ but blue skies, look straight ahead nothin’ but blue skies.

The obstacles the blind man faced was no sight from his birth. I can envision some of the things he might have felt growing up. Not being able to see his face, or the face of his own family, never seeing the food that is put before him to eat (the fish, warm bread made by his mother’s own loving hands, and water from his own cup), always hearing his siblings playing, but never able to run free with them down by the riverside, and no sunrises or sunsets.

But there was a man, name Jesus who had the power to restore what he never had. In a cloud of darkness all his life, soon this sightless man would see the world in a way he never thought possible.  Jesus tell his disciples that, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” One thing the man knew, was that though he was blind, now he could see. I imagine words could not describe what he felt.

 What are some benefits of seeing:

We can see ourselves. Everything friends start at home in our own personal mirrors as we take a long loving look at self. Forgive yourself because God already has. friends his mercies are made new every day.

 We can see God in all things. God doesn’t just work in other people you know. He can work through you and I.  Do you see his graciousness in the air you were able to breathe? Do you see him in this sun-shiny day? Do you see him in the beauty of the greenest of trees, or were you able to see the waves in ocean? How did you see him this morning friends?

We see our enemies. Friends we gotta stay woke when it comes to recognizing our adversary, he will use anybody and everything to distract us. Remember friends, Satan has a job to do: He needs to put as much distance between us and the Good Lord as he can. He aims to sift us like wheat, as he tries to set us up like sheep for the slaughter.  His job is to steal, kill and destroy! You Got your Armor on? Good. Keep it on.

We will see our purpose. Are you a counselor in training? Are you a teacher? Are you a caregiver for our sick and elderly? Are you a real estate agent making family dreams of home ownership come true? It’s nothing like doing what you were meant to do. For me, writing and blogging, encourages a message of hope and healing, I am always encouraging my own soul through what God has given me to share with others. It’s the best part of waking up with Jesus in my cup.

We will see, where we are going from the passenger seat, as we give Jesus the wheel! When it comes to handheld maps and computer navigation systems, He the way, truth, and life and don’t know body know the roads better than He does. One thing I am sure of, if we are gonna get anywhere, it will have to be with God in front.

 Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Motivation

Motivation

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, his Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

Motivation

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also the interest of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

When this journey began back in 2019, I had no idea what any of it meant or even where this was going to go.  I simply asked God to guide me with his eye. From pen to paper, came life, inspiration as I became a published writer, blogger, and host of my own podcast. These were unimaginable things I never saw myself doing. Who would have thought it?

I was asked- Why do you do this week after week and month after month. You blog, share scripture, provide amazing facts, and now you have your own podcast. You don’t even need prompting to get up to do the work. Between a full time job and life which I know you have, you still show up to share a message to inspire, encourage, and remind me and others how to fight for our lives-through his word. Whether it’s one person or ten, you just keep showing up-WHY?

Because I truly believe in what the Lord has given me. This journey has nothing to do with money for me, nor does it have anything to do with numbers, instead it is about the quality and care I put into doing these things for God. The truth be told, it’s nothing but by God’s grace and mercy, through the Holy Spirit that these things came to be.  I am inspired, to motivate and encourage “US” to stay faithful in the small things, to remember we have purpose, stay focus friends, keep going-we are going to make it, we can do all things through Christ who is our strength, and If God is for us- who can be against us?  I am an imperfect person, with the perfect mission. I am like that inquisitive child, who wants to learn more, share more, and do what He gives me, to the best of my spiritual ability.

Motivation is defined as “that which moves one toward an action; that which changes, provokes, or impels our very being.” The Bible has a great deal to say about motivation. For one thing, our sense of motivation or inspiration comes from God, not from the things of the world. David spoke of his motivation in his psalms: “I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” Later he wrote, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”

Jesus set the example for our motivation in this life: He always did the Father’s will, motivated by pleasing Him through obedience. His obedience extended all the way to the cross where He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death. He tells us, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

It wasn’t money, it wasn’t fame, nor was it being the best apostle that motivated Paul. It was living for Christ that superseded everything.  Our motivation as believers stems from a yearning to have peace with God, to have His grace as well as hope.

Remember we are each others keep, and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Attitude

Attitude

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, his Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

Attitude

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2 NLT

We have all been there, feeling the weight of life’s problems on every side. We have felt it in our relationships with others, dreams that are still just dreams, finances running away from us like water, deadlines missed and the  frustration it brings. How much more can a sista take? But look at God leading me to James 1:2. Imagine that,  considering all of my troubles as an opportunity for great joy. 

James wrote today’s key verse during a time when people faced great persecution, unrelenting trials and sufferings — from murder to imprisonment — at the hand of Saul, who was zealous in his efforts to destroy the church and anyone associated with Jesus. As a result, they juggled an array of emotions, including fear, mourning, confusion, loneliness and even hopelessness. Some fled their homes in fear for their lives. They lived in poverty, forced to scrounge for food to survive. Some were sick, and everyone was exhausted. They had every right to be negative and pessimistic. I can only imagine as they sunk under the weight of seemingly insurmountable problems and fears, that their faith might have been sinking, too.

When life gets hard, it’s difficult to avoid letting a bad attitude take over our minds and rule our lives. We might not experience religious persecution as those first believers did, but let’s face it: People hurt us, the past haunts us, coworkers mistreat us, parents don’t love us, friends don’t consider us, spouses don’t honor us, children don’t appreciate or respect us, finances don’t support us, and our health doesn’t sustain us. James’ instructions to the believers of his time can help us, too.

It’s imperative that we seek God’s guidance about every aspect of our lives and allow Him to work out His perfect will. Friends let us take on his values, attitude, and character. I realizing my attitude was my choice, and knowing whatever circumstances I faced didn’t have the power to dictate that attitude unless I let them. The only thing we have to lose by choosing a positive attitude is a negative one.

Lord, free us from the shackles of a bad attitude. Work in our hearts and minds to change my thoughts from negative to positive — despite the struggles I face. Fill me with a joy that can only come from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Remember friends, we are each others’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

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