Someone asked how I face my challenges without giving up. Giving up is not an option when you believe God’s promises. Faith begins with believing God’s promise that He will work everything for our good. W. Phillip Keller wrote, “I know of nothing which so stimulates my faith in my heavenly Father as to look back and reflect on His faithfulness to me in every crisis and every chilling circumstance of life.”  That part! I believe all of God’s promises are Yes and Amen.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) NIV

If you feel you are ready to give up because your faith has wavered. If your belief in God’s promises has come to a slow burn, maybe what will reignite your passion is a decision to believe what God said is true for you and about you. We can read and study the Scriptures inside and out, however if we don’t believe, we are lost. Believing God’s Word is what sets us free and gives us eternal life. To have faith we must first let go of the unbelief. 

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24) NKJ

Let me be clear, I don’t rejoice because I go through, I rejoice because of Who gets me through. I rejoice because I believe no matter what it feels or looks like, God is faithful. Jesus tells us to anticipate trials and tribulations in this world (John 16:33), However, He also makes these promises; He will be with us to the end (Matthew 28:10), He will supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19), we are healed by His stripes (1 Peter 2:24), He promises that He will fight for us, and we do not have to be afraid (2 Chronicles 20:17). As believers we know that Jesus is our Savior. (Acts 4:12) In these challenging times, it is crucial that we believe what Jesus, our Savior has promised us.  “He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of 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)

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so, through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) NIV

“He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of 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)

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3:36)


God’s promises may not happen when we think they should, but we must remember that His timing is perfect. God is faithful to fulfill all His promises. This is where belief comes in, against all odds, against circumstances or situations, and especially against time, we must let go of unbelief and take hold of the power of belief to achieve the promises of God. Believing God’s promises is having a firm and unshakable conviction that His promises are true. We have great power when we believe that God is Who He says He is, and that we are who God says we are. When we believe the promises of God, the power of God, and the provisions of God, we are set free in this life and for eternity! Love and Blessings…

I got my license when I was a teenager and along with it came fear. I have had anxiety when it comes to driving from the very beginning but I never allowed it to stop me from driving. And every single time I get under the wheel I pray asking God to take over the wheel and that no harm or danger will come my way. You would think once I prayed the anxiety would leave but it does not. Some may say my faith is not strong enough, but I beg to differ. It is my faith that allows me to continue to drive in spite of my anxiety. After years of driving, I was in my first accident when two deer hit my car a year ago. God did just what I asked Him to do every time I drove. He took over the wheel. I did not panic and there was no fear. It was surreal!

Those who know me kept saying they were so proud of me. All I could say was thank You Jesus for showing up and taking over the wheel! There is so much that could have went wrong. But God is faithful! I believe all those times that I asked God to take away my anxiety, He did not because He wanted me to recognize and act on His grace which is sufficient. The courage we receive from God isn’t due to the absence of fear, but the ability to move past it.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

We all may know someone who we would describe as fearless. They. are. afraid. of. nothing! Some people trust the Lord so much that fear has no place in their life. And some people, Christian or not, it seems are just born that way. Unfortunately, some grow faint in the face of discomfort, diagnosis, separation from loved ones, mental challenges, and more which can prompt fear, even if but a moment. But it only takes a moment for the devil to use the spirit of fear and attempt to set us back captive to what Jesus delivered us from. There are so many scriptures telling us that fear is of the enemy and that God did not give us the spirit of fear. These scriptures are there because God knows sometimes we need to be reminded that He is greater than any thing or person we may fear. We can have faith in God, God’s plan for us, and God’s plan for the world but still struggle with our human fears and the lies of the enemy. God tells us that He knitted us together in our mother’s womb and I know that not one stitch was fear. The proof is that when babies are born there is no fear, and as they grow they are fearless to the point where they could hurt themselves. Why is that? Because satan has not touched them yet. The spirit of fear does not come from God but is one of the devil’s greatest weapons. The good news is that the Lord is faithful and He will deliver us.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)

Life can send us trouble at any time and fear will creep in, but the reality is as believers, we can experience God’s kind of peace in the midst of fearful circumstances. We must not allow the spirit of fear to stop us. Nor let anyone convince us that we have no faith. Faith is what keeps you moving in spite of fear. The three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego may have experienced a moment of fear, I don’t know. The point is that they were unshakable in their trust and faith in God even when it came to them being thrown into a fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:16-18) King David who God called a man after His own heart had a fear-filled moment when he found himself in Philistine territory while fleeing a jealous Saul. When he was recognized, he was anxious about what might happen to him. In Samuel 21, verse 12 we see David was very much afraid of Achish, King of Gath. But David wrote in Psalm 56:3-4 that when he was afraid, he put his trust in God. That is exactly what we should do.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)

King Jehoshaphat’s first reaction was fear when he and his small tribe of Judah were besieged on all fronts by three powerful armies quickly advancing toward them. But then what did he do? He set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah to ask help from the Lord. (2 Chronicles 20-34) The lesson here is to seek God at all times even when we are afraid. And then there is the story of Esther which is very encouraging to those who are facing fear. Esther, who I believe had to be afraid on her way to see the King. She made a decision to approach the King which could bring her to death. But she went anyway, saying “if I perish, I perish” (The Book of Esther) I love this story because it shows the hand of God is at work in the lives of His people. It also shows us that God will deliver His people!

I don’t know about you, but this gives me hope! I’m so glad that the Word of God gives us examples of men and women who faced fear but their faith was bigger. They trusted God more. This is what we should do as well whenever we are fearful. Seek the Lord and trust Him. Once the spirit of fear sets in, the devil will try to convince us to run away, or get angry, frustrated, and disappointed in God. God doesn’t condemn us when we are afraid. This is the time to seek the Lord, His perfect love will cast out all fear. If we are afraid, we stir up the Spirit that lives in us, reactivate it if need be, and keep moving about our Father’s business! We will not let fear stop us, that is the enemies plan. Remember that same God that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us.

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

“Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power.” (1 Corinthians 6:14)

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9 KJV)

Every decision we make based on fear will not be in accordance with God’s will. Fear in any area is never okay, especially if it keeps us from fulfilling God’s mission for us. However, trusting Him strengthens us to overcome it and keep moving forward. When we’re afraid to do something we know we should do, that’s the time we must stop and seek the Lord, meditating on His Word and promises. If you are in a constant fight with fear, remember this promise; “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17) Love and Blessings…

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

If truth be told even with everything going on and in spite of any challenges I may have, I am blessed and favored.  I believe I am indeed blessed to be a chosen child of God. I have received the gift of grace which I did nothing to deserve and can never earn. He favors me, not because I’m all that but because He loves me. I have witnessed God’s favor many times in my life, to many to count. However His favor follows me so much more since I surrendered my life to Him and began to pursue Him more than I pursued the world. Favor is the result of seeking a closer relationship with Him. Those favored by God know that God is with them in spite of what’s going on. We also know that nothing can happen apart from His good purpose for our life. Some people may favor you for a reason or for a season, but God’s favor lasts a lifetime. Through Jesus this favor is given freely to all who will receive it. God’s favor can change difficult situations you may face in your family, relationships, health, or your finances. What keeps me going through the most difficult times? It is because I know God is with me. God’s favor often shines the brightest in dark days!

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

“For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” (Psalms 5:12)
“He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, But trouble will come to him who seeks evil.“ (Proverbs 11:27)

Throughout the scriptures God has called many people blessed and favored. They had the Lord’s favor but they still had challenges. I think about Nehemiah who was definitely favored by God. Although he was afraid, Nehemiah went to see the king to request permission to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall. He prayed first and then spoke boldly to the king. The king not only sent him to Jerusalem but he granted Nehemiah all that he requested and more. That’s what I call favor! God not only grants us favor but He can also give us favor among men. (Nehemiah 2:4-8) And then there is Esther who lived in extremely dangerous times, but the Lord favored her and also gave her favor with man. The Bible says Esther found favor in the eyes of all who saw her. The Lord gives us favor as He did Esther to make an impact on those around us. And she did! (Esther 2:15,17) When Daniel was taken captive by the Babylonians and removed from his homeland, the Lord did not abandon him, instead God caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel. (Daniel 1:8-21)) The same with Joseph, his brothers meant him harm and Joseph found himself in prison. But God was with Joseph and he found favor even in prison. (Gen. 39:21-23) No matter how difficult our situation may seem, just like with Joseph, when we are favored no weapon formed against us will prosper! The Bible tells us that God’s favor opens doors and makes possible that which seems impossible. Look at Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was a virgin! The angel sent by God told her that she was highly favored. (Luke 1:26-28) Mary was “highly” favored because God chose her to give birth to our Lord Jesus. And speaking of Jesus, the Bible tells us that He grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52) We can thank Jesus that we now have the opportunity to grow in wisdom and obtain that same favor!

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Today’s society ranks success on power and material things. Even some Believers interpret God’s favor in terms of money, status, houses, cars, etc. The blessings of God that matter most are not food, clothing, and money. Yes they are important but it is more important to remember the profound impact of spiritual blessings on our lives. Things such as peace, joy, hope, and confidence in a God who will never leave us or forsake us? When we experience these spiritual blessings we experience God’s favor that shines no matter what circumstances we may be facing. God’s desire is to shower us with His grace and favor. God’s favor comes with His divine blessings and protection. Favor is experiencing the fullness of His love and goodness in our lives. Doors will open that no man can shut. The impossible becomes possible and darkness is dominated by His light. When we dedicate our lives to God and His Kingdom, He who is our Source will provide all the resources we need. When the Lord is with you, you are a successful person.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)

“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)

“If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light [will] become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You.” (Psalm 139:11)

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Favor and blessings are attached to our identity as God’s children. Growing in favor with God means growing our relationship with Him. It means living a life of obedience and righteousness and being led by the Holy Spirit. It involves yielding to and aligning our thoughts, actions, and desires with God’s. This will always look like love, loving others as He loves us. As our relationship deepens with God, we will experience His favor, blessings, protection, and guidance. Favor follows surrender. Love and Blessings…

Beware of Man’s Traditions

Beware of Man’s Traditions

Love must be free of hypocrisy. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9) NASB

We are all familiar with the term two-faced. It is a person who pretends to be nice and friendly to you but at the same time they say mean things and lie about you to others behind your back. It is a person who smiles in your face but in their heart there is envy, jealousy, and they really don’t like you. The dictionary describes a “two-faced” person as deceitful and dishonest. In other words, two-faced people are hypocritical, deceitful, insincere, and dishonest. These people pretend to be for you but at the same time they are working against you. This sounds like the work of satan and his demonic spirits. We call them two-faced, but the Bible calls them hypocrites!

“So, you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:28)

“Do not take me away with the wicked, and with workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts.” (Psalm 28:3)

“A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8)

Two-faced people may fool you sometimes, but they can never fool God. Jesus knew what Judas was going to do before he did it. Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve Apostles. He is known for betraying Jesus. He claimed to love Jesus, but he turned around and betrayed Him. Judas was a two-faced backstabber for certain!

 “Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out thirty pieces of silver for him. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” (Matthew 26:14-16)

The worst thing Believers can do is be hypocritical (two-faced) towards God. This type of behavior is not pleasing to God, and it makes us terrible disciples for the Lord. One of the major complaints of non-believers is that the church is full of hypocrites. They are not talking about the church building; they are talking about the people inside the building. God expects the ones He has redeemed by the blood of His Son to set the example for the rest of the world. If the church is not in pursuit of holiness, the world sees no need to change. So judgment begins in the household of God, with His own children, as He teaches us to live like Yeshua. We are supposed to bring people to Christ, not run them away because of hypocrisy. Of course, Believers should not be judged based on those who say that they are Believers, but who practice the opposite of what Yeshua taught and how He lived. Yeshua had a lot to say about two-facedness and hypocrites. The scribes and the Pharisees hated Him because he directly confronted the religious hypocrites of His day. Modern day hypocrites are no different; they conceal their true feelings, motives and adopt certain religious rituals to impress the world. If we profess belief and love for God but in our hearts and in our actions our agenda is still our own, not Gods, scripture says we are hypocrites. Hypocrites may fool some of the people some of the time. But they cannot fool God now of the time. God is never fooled because He sees right through to the two-faced heart!

“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)

And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth
and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,” (Isaiah 29:13)

“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:1-3)

A hypocrite is not a person who commits sin occasionally, because we all have fallen short. Hypocrites practice sin on a regular basis while pretending to be sinless and judging others at the same time. God does not get angry and turn His back on us when we fall short to sin as the enemy wants us to believe. God’s anger for our sins fell upon His son, Yeshua on the cross. He became the lamb of God, who died and rose for our sins. It is His gift to us, but we have to accept it, all of it! We don’t get to accept it and then hide it away in the closet while we accept and use the gifts of the world. That is hypocritical!

 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8-10)

“ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23)

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

It is impossible to try and live for God and live for the world at the same time. Scripture tells us that it cannot be done. But don’t take my word, look at God’s Word. James 4:4 says, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” As God’s people, we are called to think and live differently, shaped by His truth rather than by worldly culture.

You are either one hundred percent for Him, or you are against Him. Jesus stated: “He that is not with Me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30). 
We simply cannot walk with God and hold hands with the devil! 

 “If you were of the world, the world would love it’s own. Yet because you are not of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19)

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

We don’t want to be deceived by two-faced people, and we definitely don’t want to be one ourselves! We must ask God for discernment to see through hypocritical hearts and help us not be corrupted or tempted by satan to turn our face from God. We must pray to not fall into the trap of saying one thing but thinking another in our hearts. Brothers and sisters, if you are straddling the fence, being two-faced with God, choose now to turn your face toward Him. When we keep our focus on Him, the things of this world grow dimmer in the light of His glory and grace. We cannot face both ways! As for me and my house, we will face the Lord! Love and Blessings…

“Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come:” (Ecclesiastes 9:12)

My mama used to say don’t put off what you can do today until tomorrow because tomorrow is not promised. As a child I thought she was saying that because she wanted something done right then. I never gave a thought about the tomorrow not being promised part. Like most young people I had no thoughts or comprehension of death. The young believe they will live forever. Unfortunately, no matter the age, we sometimes act as if we have all the time in the world, which makes it easy to say maybe tomorrow.

“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit,” yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say,If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)

There is so much business in the world today so I understand the need to put off things or rearrange things just to try and get everything done. The problem is we often do the same thing when it comes to God and what He asks of us. But because tomorrow is not promised, this is living dangerously. Because tomorrow is not promised, we cannot afford to be disobedient! When we understand the concept that tomorrow is not promised, it encourages us to not only appreciate today, but to deepen our relationship with God and others. Because tomorrow is not promised and our eternal life is at stake, we should never put off or put God on hold. We should seek God first each day and allow Him to guide us toward our purpose here on earth. Tomorrow is not promised is not meant to bring fear, but a reminder to live with purpose, love, and faith, making each day count. When we focus on the present and live our life for God, we do not have to fear death because we will have eternal life.

 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” (Proverbs 27:1)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23)

 “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:40)

 “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

Our Father wants us to live this life and live it abundantly. He blesses us everyday when we wake up. If He breathes life into us and we wake up, it means He has a purpose for us. Seek His purpose, not the world. He will give us joy, peace, and strength to get through this journey we are on. But make no mistake it is a journey, it is temporary. Life’s journey is a passage from one place to another. Physical death marks the end of our earthly existence, it is a transitional phase leading to an eternal life with God or apart from Him. For Believers physical death is not the end but rather a transition to eternal life. Also the Bible speaks of people who are physically alive but spiritually dead, meaning they live in the flesh but are disconnected from God. The Good News of the Gospel is that through Jesus Christ, anyone can be brought from spiritual death to life. This is a choice each of us must make for ourselves however we have to make it during our earthly existence. We cannot afford to put this choice off because tomorrow is not promised!

 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

 “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11)

 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

 Life is a gift. Each day is a blessing that we should not take for granted. Because tomorrow is not promised it should not make us fear death but remind us of how precious time is. We must appreciate every moment, love others, spend time with our loved ones, andenjoy life and the things that bring us joy. However we must always seek God first and His Kingdom and rely on His guidance in all areas of our life. We should live fully today and trust Him for tomorrow. Because if we live for Him today, thanks to our Savior death has no sting! Love and Blessings…

 “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

“Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” (John 5:25)

We love our family in spite of our differences. We also love our family in Christ. And we most certainly love those who love on us. As the song said back in the day, “It’s so good loving somebody who loves you back.” According to the scriptures we are commanded to love each other and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Even if your neighbor is the most difficult person that you know. Although some people do, we should not pick and choose which scriptures to obey. Our neighbor according to the Bible is not just who lives next door to us but includes everyone. Regardless of skin color, physical features, cultural traditions, or different religious beliefs. We are commanded to love everyone!

“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19)

^“And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

^“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:11)

 ^“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (1 Peter 3:8)

Let’s go back to that difficult neighbor. The Bible does not say we must like them or the things they say or do. And we certainly shouldn’t allow them to steal our joy or our peace. However we must love them. Not fake it but truly love them. Which means we should not wish them any harm and we should pray for them as well as for ourselves. We pray for ourselves because it is not easy to love the unlovable. Lord knows we need the help of the Holy Spirit! Sometimes we may have to love them from a distance but sometimes God wants us to allow proximity so we can help them or He wants to help us by teaching us how to deal with sandpaper people as Joyce Myers calls them. Sandpaper people are rough, and if you allow them they will drain your light. We really need Jesus to deal with them and instead of them draining our light we can shine light into their darkness and just maybe smooth them out. Yes it’s darkness, hurt people hurt people! And the enemy will use their hurt to pour darkness into their being. We need discernment to identify that the struggle is spiritual, not physical. The Bible tells us we don’t fight against flesh and blood, but the powers of darkness. When we know who we are fighting then we will know how to fight! We fight with prayer, patience, compassion, forgiveness, grace, and most of all love. Light outshines darkness any day and love overpowers hate in every situation!

“Satan disguises himself as and angel of light highlighting the need for discernment.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

^“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48)

It’s easy to deal with people who think and feel as we do. If we say that we want to follow Jesus who loved everyone even those who lied on Him, talked about him, hated Him, and eventually hung Him on a cross, then we must love as He loves. The time is not coming, it is already here that love for each other will be the only thing that gets us through. As the difficult times of the last days approach, let us stay steadfast in devotion to God and His word. And His Word says love one another!

“If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” (1 John 4;20-21)

Love and Blessings…

 “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)

Sometimes we forget how powerful our words are. What comes out of our mouths can be a blessing or a curse. Not just to others but to ourselves as well. When God created the earth He did not say it is dark, I cannot see. He said let there be light. And there was light. Yeshua tells us that with faith as little as a mustard seed we can say to that mountain move and because of our faith we can expect it to move. Any circumstance or problem that we may face is our mountain. Speak to it!

“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark!” (James 3:5)

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. (Mark 11:23)

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)

Whatever your mountain is your words have power over it. Just as we can speak how bad it is, we can also speak scripture such as Matthew 17:20 (“say to this mountain move”) and Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ”). Speak to that situation or problem. I remember years ago when I was told by the doctors I might not be able to walk again. I heard what they said. I saw the medical reports. However I would say to them the devil is a liar and I will walk. Of course they thought I was in denial and a little crazy. We may look and feel foolish to others when we see and hear something but we speak the opposite. They may think we are crazy but it’s crazy until it’s not! Our words are powerful and they can affect the outcome. Sometimes the miracle is in our mouth! No matter how bad it looks, our words should speak the opposite! Scriptures emphasizes the power of words and faith, encouraging Believers to speak life and declare what God says about a situation rather than focusing on the negative.

“It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,” (2 Corinthians 4:13)

“He replied, Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

We pray and pray about our trials and tribulations, which is a good thing. But we must level up and speak to our mountains. The same power that raised our Savior from death runs through our veins through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit lives within us. Scripture tells us that we already have power over the enemy!

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:19)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8)

“These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” (Titus 2:15)

When we are faced with a mountain-sized problem, we get scared and run to tell God all about it. This is good, no better one to run to. But the truth is, God already knows about our problems and He has already provided everything we need to overcome them. He has supplied everything we need by grace. Faith does not move God to do what He has already done; Jesus said speak to that mountain. Our words activate and manifest what already is. We can rebuke all things not of God. He gave us the authority and when we trust in God’s power and His promises, we can speak life and not death!

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timonthy 1:7)

“Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” (Psalm 147:5)

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17)

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:12-14)

The enemy will use mountains to make us lose hope and to doubt ourselves. His hope is our faith will weaken and we will become too afraid to speak to the mountain. He will use mountains to block our vision and God’s purpose for our futures. He wants us to get upset with people and get upset with God. If he can do this, then he has won. He has kept us from experiencing all God has for us with a simple mountain. Yes, I said simple, it may look big or complicated to us, but to God it is simple. Look at those mountains through your spiritual eyes and not your natural vision. We can use the mountain to help us reach our destiny. God can cause that mountain to be a steppingstone! Whatever your mountain is; illness, depression, or financial, it does not matter. If it is outside what God has planned for you, command it to go in the name of Yeshua. There is power and authority in His name! And when you are in Him and He is in you, there is power in your words! Love and Blessings….

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” (Luke 10:19)

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

I received a article from a fellow blogger and would like to share. It relates to mindfulness and how it can increase focus, performance, reduce stress, deepen self-insight, and help to develop compassion toward oneself and others. The Bible promotes a form of mindfulness focused on God, scripture, and the present moment, emphasizing stillness, prayer, and “setting minds on things above” (Colossians 3:2) It encourages renewing the mind (Romans 12:2), guarding the heart (Proverbs 4:23) and living in thankful, peaceful awareness rather than anxious distraction. The article displays ways to make mindfulness a part of our everyday life. I have attached her website below. Love and Blessings…

Making Mindfulness Part of Your Everyday Life

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention—on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment—and this article is for people who want to be more mindful in everyday life, not just during quiet moments on a cushion. The challenge most people face isn’t understanding mindfulness; it’s remembering to practice it when life gets loud, rushed, or messy.

A quick grounding before we begin

Mindfulness doesn’t require a personality change, special clothes, or an empty calendar. It’s less about adding something new and more about noticing what’s already happening. When practiced regularly, it can help you feel calmer, more focused, and more connected to your own experiences—small and large alike.

Why mindfulness slips away so easily

Modern life rewards speed and multitasking. We eat while scrolling, listen while planning our reply, and rest while feeling guilty about it. Mindfulness often falls through the cracks because it seems optional or time-consuming.

The solution isn’t more discipline. It’s smarter placement.

How mindfulness actually fits into real life

Think of mindfulness as a series of small pauses rather than one long practice. It can show up while brushing your teeth, walking to your car, or waiting for coffee to brew. These moments already exist—you’re just learning to inhabit them more fully.

Everyday moments that invite awareness

● Noticing the temperature of the water while washing your hands

● Feeling your feet hit the ground as you walk

● Taking one slow breath before opening your email

● Listening fully to the first minute of a conversation

None of these require extra time. They require attention.

A simple how-to for building a daily mindfulness habit

Use this as a flexible checklist, not a rigid rulebook:

1. Anchor it to something you already do Pair mindfulness with habits like waking up, eating lunch, or going to bed.

2. Start tiny One conscious breath counts. Consistency matters more than duration.

3. Use your senses Ask yourself: What can I see, hear, feel, smell, or taste right now?

4. Drop the judgment If your mind wanders, notice it and gently return. That is the practice.

5. Repeat, imperfectly Some days will feel focused. Others won’t. Both are normal.

Gratitude as a doorway to mindfulness

One powerful way to stay present is through gratitude journaling. Writing down a few things you’re thankful for—especially small, ordinary moments—helps train your attention toward what’s already going well. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring difficulties; it’s about widening your perspective so positivity and possibility have room to exist alongside challenges. Over time, this practice can gently shift your mindset toward openness and presence.

What mindfulness can look like at different times of day

Time of day Mindful focus Simple practice

Morning Starting intentionally Take three slow breaths before checking your phone

Midday Resetting attention Eat one meal or snack without distractions

Afternoon Releasing tension Notice your shoulders and jaw; soften them

Evening Slowing down Reflect on one moment you noticed today

Night Letting go Scan your body before sleep, head to toe

This isn’t a schedule to follow perfectly—just a menu of options.

Frequently asked questions about mindfulness

Do I need to meditate to be mindful? No. Meditation helps, but mindfulness can happen during any activity.

How long before I notice benefits? Some people feel small shifts quickly; deeper changes often come with weeks of gentle consistency.

What if my mind won’t stop racing? That’s normal. Mindfulness isn’t about stopping thoughts—it’s about noticing them.

Can mindfulness help with stress? Yes. By noticing stress early, you often respond more calmly instead of reacting automatically.

A practical place to learn and practice If you’re looking for a calm, research-backed introduction to mindfulness, the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) offers free guided meditations, short courses, and simple explanations grounded in everyday life. Their resources are clear, welcoming, and especially useful if you prefer a gentle, non-intimidating approach to building a regular practice.

Bringing it all together

Mindfulness doesn’t demand a quieter life—it meets you inside the one you already have. By weaving small moments of attention into your day, you build awareness naturally and sustainably. Over time, those moments add up to greater calm, clarity, and presence. Start small, stay curious, and let mindfulness grow with you.

AUTHOR: Hazel Bridges

hazel@agingwellness.org