Sometimes I don’t even recognize myself. I have changed so much and as God continues to do a work within me, I can’t help but be amazed. Each day I continue to grow into the person He destined me to be. It is nothing I am doing, it is what I am allowing God to do. I have this peaceful calmness even when the enemy tries to attack me or my loved ones. I am learning to not rely on what I feel or what this world believes to be true, but to believe God’s Word which is the only truth. My loyalty now belongs to God, not to man. I am learning to keep moving in spite of the devil’s lies and destruction. I am learning to claim my victory that our Lord God has given me. I am stronger than I have ever been in spite of life’s trials and tribulations. I know this new-found strength comes from my Savior, Jesus. I know He is alive and that His Blood covers me. I know who I am because I know whose I am. And because of Him I can say I am a warrior!

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

“being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

We are not born warriors, we are made. We are not self-made, we are shaped and molded by the Master Himself. We become warriors through trial and error, pain and suffering, and through tears and heartache. Sometimes we are shattered into a thousand pieces. But God! He will put those pieces back together to make us new, even stronger than before. When we can bend but not break, we become warriors. When we can still stand up after being knocked down again and again, we become warriors. We may not be rich or famous, we may not look like beauty queens or models, but a warrior is so much more than that. We are women of God! We have substance. We are survivors. Each day we grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. We are purpose driven. Women warriors possess a determined spirit, and a can-do attitude that drives their actions towards their goals. When faced with limitations, disappointment or opposition, warriors are more determined to make it happen knowing that when God gives us a vision, He will provide the provision. A warrior’s prayer can move mountains! We know that when the force of our faith is aligned with the will of God, we can say to the mountain, “move” and it will move! We move forward with our head high and with a strength that the Lord provides.

“For the LORD, your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” (Deuteronomy 20:4)

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)

“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 17:20-21)

A warrior knows God is her strength and the armor of God is her weapon. She is unstoppable, not because she doesn’t have failures, fears and doubts, but because she keeps moving in spite of them. She stands up for herself and she stands up for others. She refuses to be disrespected, mistreated or taken for granted. She is bold in the authority God has given her. A warrior knows what she brings to the table, so she is not afraid to eat alone! (come correct or not at all). Although strong, a warrior feels deeply and loves fiercely. She cries as quickly as she laughs. She is both soft and powerful, she is practical and spiritual. She is all these things because she listens to the voice of the Holy Spirit. She is the daughter of the Most High. She knows she is a winner because God does not birth failures! She is confident in her power because she is confident in God’s faithfulness.

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.” (John 15:16)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

A warrior understands her purpose and what God has called her to do. She is committed to God and to being obedient to His Word. I am a warrior! There is a warrior inside the heart of every woman; and with the help of God, she can be set free! Love and Blessings…

I have done some things in life that not only did other people think I was crazy, but I also thought I was crazy too. For the most part, the results proved that I may have been a little crazy at the time. Lol. Now that I have a relationship with Christ and I allow the Holy Spirit to lead me, I still sometimes do what other people think is crazy. And because I don’t always understand, I may think I’m crazy as well. But I do it anyway. The difference between now and then is God doesn’t call it crazy, He calls it obedience.  

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

“And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

If God tells you to do something and it seem crazy to you and everyone else, do it anyway! I’m sure they thought Noah was crazy, the people didn’t see a need for an ark. It had never rained.(Genesis 2:5), (Genesis 6:13-14) He must have looked crazy every day he worked on it and there was no rain, until there was rain. And Abraham, who was no spring chicken, must have looked right foolish leaving his family and home to travel to a land he knew little or nothing about. (Genesis 12) Some of the most successful people in today’s society were laughed at and called crazy when they stepped out on faith and left their comfort zones to follow their God given visions and dreams. The world calls you crazy until they see evidence that you are not. God calls it obedience. It is walking by faith and not by sight!

Listen, what the world calls crazy in one season, will be deemed faith in another. The world, who is driven by what they can see, is also fickle. They will quickly go from you being crazy to that took guts and a lot of faith. Quit your job and follow God’s plan for you to open a business with no money, you are crazy they say. Then your business is successful, you are smart and blessed they say. Crazy to the world changes depending on what it look like that season. But the Word doesn’t change. The Word says, “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:5) Crazy faith? Most definitely! Love and Blessings…

“And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them,” (Deuteronomy 28:13)

I would like to share with you an article written by my sister friend who is a licensed therapist and most importantly a woman of God. It is called “The Waiting Room” The fact is we are all waiting on something or someone.  

      The Therapist’s Thoughts

Sharing Mind Mints to Refresh the Heart

                                                                   Joni Hursey-Wingate, L.P.C.

  The Waiting Room

When was a time you were consistently waiting? Perhaps you are in a state of waiting now. How’s your tolerance when something or someone you desire/need isn’t available? Do you resort to dismay, disobedience or disbelief? Some aspects of waiting can be compared to wanting to make a purchase. The store won’t sell the display and there’s no date for the next shipment. Of course, what we long for may not be tangible. Waiting can be daunting; yet God’s timing isn’t ours. We are to trust in the Lord as we wait. If you can relate to the agony of not experiencing immediate gratification, then welcome to the waiting room. 

The Lord refines our faith when we aren’t resistant to waiting. (Romans 8:25). The waiting room consists of those who doubt, believe, or may be virtually numb due to their perceptions of success and failure. One may encounter many emotions when attempting to embrace the promises of God, while struggling to eradicate the devil’s ploys. Satan’s strategy is to disrupt the discipline achieved when persistently waiting. Let’s consider behaviors that may surface in the waiting room. The ball and chain characteristics of dismay are typical. A “pity party” demeanor is usually evident. Feeling helpless and hopeless are precursors to depression. Becoming so consumed in the drudgery of yearning for what we don’t have; we carelessly disregard what we’ve already obtained. While waiting, reflect on the blessings received to signify what’s forthcoming. This intervention can abate feeling overwhelmed. All the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, (2 Corinthians 1:20). Individuals with a sense of entitlement, thinking there should be no delay, display agitation and impatience in the waiting room. Are you familiar with the hasty horn blowers, the pushers in crowds, and those destined to reduce the waiting process at any cost? This conduct may lead to sin and disobedience. The sense of panic and impulsivity can be detrimental, especially if it surrounds money, power or relationships. Our sense of urgency doesn’t modify God’s timetable. The enemy tricks this type into construing how they deserve it now. Tantrums, manipulation, or bargaining won’t lessen the wait. Realize God is sovereign, and therefore in total control. Engage in calming strategies and constructive interests to develop endurance during the waiting room period. The waiting room is also comprised of those who feel they have waited for so long and haven’t received; they become anesthetized. Many deny they still want it. It’s a defense mechanism to compensate for possible embarrassment and disappointment. They tell themselves and others, they are no longer interested and lose focus. An antidote for this approach is to acknowledge and identify what’s being experienced, while enthusiastically preparing for the awaited prize. Successful survivors of the waiting room are able to dismiss the microwave concept and savor the premise of a slow cooker. When GOD gives His children a promise; they can be assured He will deliver; it’s just a matter of when. Welcome again to the waiting room.

The waiting room is also comprised of those who feel they have waited for so long and haven’t received; they become anesthetized. Many deny they still want it. It’s a defense mechanism to compensate for possible embarrassment and disappointment. They tell themselves and others, they are no longer interested and lose focus. An antidote for this approach is to acknowledge and identify what’s being experienced, while enthusiastically preparing for the awaited prize. Successful survivors of the waiting room are able to dismiss the microwave concept and savor the premise of a slow cooker. When GOD gives His children a promise; they can be assured He will deliver; it’s just a matter of when. Welcome again to the waiting room. Whether you are sitting, standing or pacing, waiting seems inevitable. Pray and fast while in the waiting room to alleviate stress, (Philippians 4:6). Understand there’s an underlying purpose when we don’t immediately attain what we want; or feel we need. Recall when Jesus was asked to heal Lazarus? He tarried 2 days before pursuing, (St. John; 11:15). The delay enhanced the magnification of the miracle. Hebrews, 11, verses 39 and 40 depicts the devotion to wait on God when the promise wasn’t received, as the reward that is granted is even greater. Our relationship with the Lord is to be so intense; it exceeds the quest for earthly requests and treasures. Our legacy is established by depending on God and the love we shared and lived.

Whether you are sitting, standing or pacing, waiting seems inevitable. Pray and fast while in the waiting room to alleviate stress, (Philippians 4:6). Understand there’s an underlying purpose when we don’t immediately attain what we want; or feel we need. Recall when Jesus was asked to heal Lazarus? He tarried 2 days before pursuing, (St. John; 11:15). The delay enhanced the magnification of the miracle. Hebrews, 11, verses 39 and 40 depicts the devotion to wait on God when the promise wasn’t received, as the reward that is granted is even greater. Our relationship with the Lord is to be so intense; it exceeds the quest for earthly requests and treasures. Our legacy is established by depending on God and the love we shared and lived.

Beloved, always endeavor to be confident, not complacent, diligent, not despondent, anticipant not anxious. Hallelujah! Oh my, Praise GOD!!! Can you believe it? You finally made it and are now being divinely directed to exit the waiting room!

Brothers and Sisters, I pray that this blessed your soul as it did mine. I pray that in the mist of waiting, you are strong and do not faint, because as my sister said, we will exit the waiting room! Love and Blessings…

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)

The month of July was fast and furious for me. However even though God did not stop the storms raging around me, He kept calming the storms raging inside of me. And this is how I made it through. It is how I will continue to persevere. I know I am not the only one who kept their focus on God regardless of what was going around them. As Paster Thomas said on Sunday, “Sometimes God calms the storms on the inside of us before He calms the storms on the outside.” I believe this to be true. Don’t focus on the adversaries, focus on God’s possibilities. And watch Him work! Rely on God, not your own strength.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

If you are reading this, you made it through all that has been going on in your life and the pressures of this fallen world. To God be the glory! We never would have made it without His protection and mercy, which is new every morning. He is faithful!

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” (Proverbs 4:25-26)

“Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” (Lamentations 3:23)

The past couple years God has been calling us to let go of “former things” so we can cling to our new identity in Christ. We must stop trying to do what the world calls “normal” and allow God to lead us into something much greater. August is the eighth month of the year. The number eight is significant such that it is used seventy-three times in the Bible. It is the symbol of Resurrection and Regeneration. I’m believing this eighth month God is going to do some great things in the life’s of those who love Him. August and the next four months of this year is going to be the best months of this year! I’m expecting God to show up and show out for His people! Get ready for God to do a new thing this month with new beginnings and an overflow of blessings! Love and blessings.  

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wastelines.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

“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)

Umbrellas are made to protect us from getting wet when it is raining. Rain can come down as a drizzle or it can come fast and hard. And just when you think it can’t get any worse, here comes the wind, thunder, and lightning! Sometimes we get a warning but there are times that we are caught off guard. Yep, we are in trouble if we are caught out there without an umbrella. When it is a really bad storm any kind of umbrella just will not do. We need a large, strong umbrella, one that the wind cannot destroy or blow away. One that can withstand the pressures of the weather. I am talking rain, but this also pertains to life.

When life trials and tribulations threaten to take us down, God is our umbrella, our protection. When we move from under God’s umbrella, we are in trouble. I have been caught in a rainstorm while driving. It was difficult to see in front of me because of the rain. There was nowhere to pull over, and I could not just sit in the middle of the road. So, I slowly kept moving and crying. Do not judge me. I was scared! Sounds a lot like life, doesn’t it? Life can be scary. I have also been caught in the storms of life and did not know what to do. But God! He knows what to do and He is our protection. The troubles of life can come unexpected, fast, and hard just like a rainstorm. My mom used to say, “when it rains it pours.” She was talking about life. When we are facing the challenges of life, we need the protection of God, who is never caught off guard and who is greater than anything we may be going through. When we are under God’s umbrella, the troubles may still come, we may feel frustrated and overwhelmed, but God will not allow a weapon formed against us to prosper. There is no one or anything that can penetrate the protection of God when we are surrounded by His love, grace, and mercy. Umbrellas may get old over time; they may wear out under the pressure. But God’s umbrella never wears out, we are protected and safe, no matter how hard life may get.

“But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.” (Jeremiah 7:23)

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:17)

Why would anyone move from underneath the safety of God’s umbrella? Most times it is because we are not willing to surrender to God’s will. We choose not to be obedient, patient, or to wait on God. We want to feel in control. We want what we want and we want it now! Why do we have to wait? We have rights! We believe being obedient to God’s Word is not an option, especially when we have the enemy in our ear, telling us that we can do what we want when we want. Remember Eve? Big mistake to listen to the father of lies! We must surrender our life to God with faith and He will protect us.  

“You will not surely die,” the serpent told her.” (Genesis 3:4)

“For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (Johns 8:44)

“And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

God wants us to be obedient. His desire is for us to obey Him even when we do not understand. Even if we may not feel like it. Obeying God is an essential step in receiving God’s greatest blessings and being under His umbrella of protection. When God tells us to do something, then we need to obey. Faith and obedience go hand in hand. If we are obedient to God, when we get caught in the storms of life, we will be protected. The prayer of protection in Psalm 91 reminds us that if we dwell in the secret place of the Most High, abide under the shadow of the Almighty, and take the Lord as our refuge and fortress, we are covered under His wings and protected by an angelic army. We will have a sense of peace and joy even during the storms. That is what happens when we are under God’s umbrella, we experience His goodness and His protection! Love and Blessings…

“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!” (Psalms 112:1)

Whenever I ask my son about something or to do something, he will say let me pray on it. He was doing that long before I was, and I am happy to say now I too take everything to God in prayer. Prayer is my oxygen. It is how I get through each day. Someone said to me that they did not know how to pray. I responded by saying prayer is simply a conversation with our heavenly Father. Because that is how it is for me. In Matthew 6:5-8, Jesus tells us exactly how we should pray. Jesus was a man of prayer. The goal of the Christian life is to become more like Christ, who always took time to pray. Prayer should be our first reaction to any situation life throws our way. We should strive to make prayer a necessary part of our lives, like breathing. God, our loving Heavenly Father, wants us to communicate with Him through prayer. He always listens to us when we pray. Daily prayer can bless you, your family, and those you pray for. It can also invite more peace into your life, help you learn more about God’s plan for you, and much more. Prayer is our instant connection with the Almighty, Powerful God!

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:12

Now I know most of us learned early to say our prayers at night and before meals. Some even say a thank you God for waking me up in the mornings. However, if we only pray at these set times of the day, we are missing the part of scripture which says pray continually and without ceasing. What about the in-between? While driving to school, to work, before a meeting. What about before you make a decision big or small, or before you let that person snatch you out of character. And even if you allow them to, repent and pray afterwards. My point is God is always listening and ready to commune with us. No subject is off limits. No request is too big or small. God is always available and willing to not only listen but to help us in times of trouble. It is our choice to make the time to go to Him in prayer, and not just when we are in a place of despair or trouble, but at all times.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (Thessalonians 5:16-18)

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2)

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matthew 21:21)

It is important to take time during our busy schedules to pray. When we talk with God, it gives us peace, joy, and hope. It may be just a short thank you Jesus, or just a moan. It is so awesome that God hears our prayers before we utter them. And even when we don’t know what to say, Jesus is there speaking for us. Prayer should be a part of our daily life. We can pray any time, any place, any day. We should pray in times of trouble and in times of peace. We should pray in the seasons of distress and during the days of joy. In every daily circumstance, even before making a purchase or meeting a friend, in all the mundane and in all the massive issues of life, let us always take a moment to pray. Love and Blessing…

“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” (John 16:24)

“Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

When I say age is just a number, I’m not speaking physically or mentally, and certainly not by R Kelly standards. I am referring to God and how just like time, He does not have age limitations. In God’s eyes age is just a number. So we must not give up on people, or ourselves as we mature in age. Jesus began His ministry at about 30 years of age. God used Moses at 80! Even as we age we must continue to do God’s work. When living by the Word of God, age brings the wisdom that can help and guide others.

Age brings so much with it, experience, understanding, compassion, and patience. (God is still working in me on that one). It is up to us to age gracefully. It is our choice what we feed our bodies as well as our minds. I believe what we feed our mind is as important as what we feed our body. We should keep our mind fit just as we exercise to keep our body fit. It can take years to get rid of negativity or as some say stinking thinking!  Our mind is the battlefield that the enemy uses to disconnect us from God. He can not do that if we are in tuned with God. When we are connected with the Holy Spirit, we are renewed daily. So get ready. set. go! As long as we have the gift of life, there is much we can still do for God’s Kingdom. The advancement of God’s kingdom never stops. Always remember that you are still alive for a reason! Love and blessings!…

“And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life”
(1 Kings 5-14)

“Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,the son of Heli,”  (Luke :23)

“So Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded them. Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron was eighty-three when they made their demands to Pharaoh. (Exodus 7:6-9)

“Abraham was now a very old man, and the LORD had blessed him in every way.”
( Genesis 24:1)

“Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever.” ( Deuteronomy 34:7)

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
(1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
(Philippians 4:8)

“For this cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

“But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!” (Psalm 92:12-14)

“Now that I am old and my hair is gray, don’t leave me, God. I must tell the next generation about your power and greatness. God, your goodness reaches far above the skies. You have done wonderful things. God, there is no one like you” (Psalm 71:18-19)

Do not let what the world calls failure be the end of your story. Most successful people did not become that way without failing at least once. The key is to not give up and to keep moving forward. Pick yourself up and try again! We believers of Christ should know this better than anyone. The Word shows us that sometimes success only comes after major failure. Moses, Elijah, Paul, Peter, David, and Rehab all failed forward.
The truth is we can’t lose as long as we are walking with Jesus. Thanks to our God, we have the victory through Jesus Christ. When we walk with God, His power lives within us. Whatever circumstances, trials or tribulations we are facing, they are just names which are all under one greater name, Jesus Christ! When it’s your season, no giant can defeat you! No fire can burn you! No battle can turn you! No mountain can stop you! Keep moving forward!

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

How is your heart? I mean really, is it well? We know our heart is the organ in our chest that pumps the blood around our bodies. We know we need it to live physically. But do you know we need it to be well in order to live spiritually? The heart is a beautiful thing, it can be compassionate, understanding, life-giving and complex. It can be hurt, abused, and broken. God is love and the heart should be a symbol for love. But because it is subject to the flesh and a sinful world, it can be cold, calculating, and unfeeling. It can hurt others simply because it is hurting or broken. Scripture says for us to guard our hearts, but it also tells us that the heart can be deceitful. Hmmmm, deceitful is not good!

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)  

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).  

The only way to guard our hearts and keep it from being deceitful is to surrender it to Jesus. When we give our hearts to God, we stop worrying about all that we can’t control. We slow down, we begin to trust, we let the small stuff roll off our backs. And it is ALL small stuff if you are focusing on the big picture, which is Jesus, the gift of Salvation, and our permanent home with Him. We know that our heart is in a safe place with Jesus, and we can find comfort knowing God will never break or leave it. God is love and the heart is where love begins. When our heart breaks for the things that breaks God’s heart, we do not reciprocate by breaking someone else’s heart. Instead, we still love them as God loves us when we break His heart.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)

“So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, have in the same love, being in full accord and of one mind, Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant that yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 2:1-30)

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (Samuel 16:7)  

“And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their King, of whom he testified and said, “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.” (Acts 13:22)

I am thankful that God looks at the heart of man and not the flesh, because if the heart is right, God can help us change the flesh. If we make a genuine effort to strive for a “good” heart in all our interactions, even with our enemies, the Lord will hear our prayers. And when our hearts are troubled, Jesus will soothe our troubled heart. Love and Blessings…

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Donald Lawrence sings a song called “Encourage Yourself.” The song says sometimes you have to encourage yourself. I’m feeling that today. I’m feeling a lot of things today which is why I have to encourage myself. I am so thankful that I no longer allow how I feel to determine my praise, worship, and thankfulness to God. Early this morning as I communed with God, I was reminded that we must stay humble, submitting our will to God’s will. We should ask for our specific needs according to His Word and keep praying persistently even when we don’t see the results right away. We must have hopeful expectations that God is going to show up, no matter how long it takes.  

The thing is when you don’t act or look like you feel, no one realizes that you are in need or hurting. I remember a song called, “The Tears of a Clown”. The lyrics say outside I’m smiling but inside I’m crying. No one sees silent tears, so they don’t know your pain. They say you are strong. The truth is you are human and just like any other human, you are weak in yourself. The strength they see comes from God. (2 Corinthians 12:9-12). So why would you need anyone else you may ask. Because the Word of God encourages us to encourage others. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul said ” what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). Galatians 6:2 reads, “Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.” The first thing a strong person will say when asked how they are doing is I’m all right. I have learned to respond by saying ok and how are you really doing? How is your heart? What do you need? Because no matter how much we encourage our own self, the Bible reads, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Please check on your strong friends.

The good news is thank God for Jesus! He knows. He sees silent tears. He sees our heart and knows when it is hurting. Even when we don’t have the words to cry out, he hears our silent cries for help. And we can be confident that help is on the way. We may not know how, when, or where, but He will show up! And while we are waiting on Him, sometimes we have to encourage ourselves because the waiting can be hard. The pain is real, the hurt is real, whatever the situation or circumstances you may be going through is real. But God is realer. I don’t think realer is a word, but you get my point, God is bigger than anything we may be going through. And we that love the Lord know that He has proven time and time again that the wait is always worth it! I know He hears our prayers. I encourage you as I encourage myself to trust God. Love and Blessings…  

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-8)  

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)