Tag: #christianity

Audience of One

Audience of One

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!

Audience of One

“Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Ephesians 6:7 NLT

This ministry the Lord has given me, means the world to me.  I take pride and put everything I have into giving the best I can every week to readers and listeners. That for me means research, study of the word, and using all the resources that are available through the web. Some of the best things about my work is all the conversations I get to have before I share anything with you all. It has enhanced my life in so many ways and has given me purpose. There is a personal fulfillment, that makes my soul joyful. No matter the number, I just want to always give God my best effort. Doing the right thing generally means making decisions that are not based on your own personal needs, that don’t expand your popularity, or enforce your personal beliefs. And when I may be in doubt, I can look to the scripture to see, what would Jesus do (WWJD). There is no doubting that doing the right thing does boost your attitude, and it’s something we can feel proud about. On a positive note, it comes back around. Good for good.

Why should you and I do the right thing?

  • You get what you give. Somewhere down the line, it is going to come back.
  • To raise your self-esteem. Not only do you send a message to the world, but most importantly it’s the message you send to yourself. And that is something you can always feel good about as you look at the person you are in the mirror, knowing you did the right thing.
  • To avoid self-sabotage. I thought this was an interesting view, of not doing the right things, and how it can build a powerful side effect that we do not deserve. Which can lead to self-sabotaging unconscious thoughts, or deliberately standing in our own way.

Even As the audience of what sometimes may feel like one, our focus is crucial. Who and what are we putting our trust in?  The real goal here, seeks to build up our personal relationship with God and how to find meaning in not just the big stuff of this life, but in the small things too.

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

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

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.

Gratitude

Gratitude

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!

Gratitude

Psalms 118:28-29 NIV

You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

The Oxford Languages Dictionary defines gratitude as being thankful: readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. What does God’s word teach us about gratitude? It is the ability to show our words in action. When we are thankful, we are recognizing the very source of where our help comes from. There is no greater sign of appreciation than to remember the Good Lord in all we do.

As I look further into gratitude, there is something wonderful about people uplifting people. A thank you can go a long way when we need help or helping others. It does make a difference.

John F. Kennedy had this to say about gratitude, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Maya Angelou said these words about gratitude, “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”

Here are some benefits of a thankful heart:

Less complaining as we count our blessings and focus on what we do have.

A overall sense of wellbeing for our body and mind.

Our intentions shine through in our actions.

Better relationships are formed as we seek understanding over judgement.

We gain a perspective of humility.

Provides valuable insight in serving other.

My Prayer, “Lord I thank ya! You woke me up this morning and I was closed in my right mind. You gave me a reasonable portion of health and strength as my feet touched the floor. When I opened the blinds, I could hear the birds chirping and see squirrels scampering up the trees. Lord you are mighty. I come to you with thanksgiving in my heart saying, thank you for another day.”

Remember 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 We Pray Together

When We Pray Together

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 We Pray Together

Psalms 20:1-9 NIV

May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. LORD, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!

We have all been there, distressed, needing the Lords help, and desiring victory over our circumstances. Psalm 20 has two parts, the assembled people and King David’s pray for victory in an impending battle. The people pray that God would bless the king during the fight.

David prays to describe his confidence in God. David and the people of Israel are trusting in something far more effective, and reliable than human armies.  Here lies the power of a prayerful people who have come together on one accord to get things done. Not in their own strength, but the strength of the Lord through faith. There is nothing like coming together with other believers in prayer.

When we pray together, we experience God’s presence.

When we pray together, we become impactful when we lift each other up.

When we pray together, we unlock the doors of our hidden potential.

When we pray together, there is a change in the atmosphere affecting the very condition of things around us.

When we pray together, there is evidence of transformation.

When we pray together, we are louder than any operatic vocal performance or brass jazz band ensemble. He hears us. The Word says, “for where two or three gather are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 NKJV

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