Some may wonder why there are people born with challenges. The world calls them disabilities or handicap. But are they? This much is clear, every human being is perfectly made by God. God is sovereign over all the earth, including the womb. He has orchestrated our very conception and existence, and every child born is fearfully and wonderfully crafted by Him. Scripture is actually filled with those who are physically handicapped. Jacob walked with a limp for the rest of his life after his midnight wrestling match with an angel. (Genesis 32:22-31). Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan was lame in both feet. (2 Samuel 9:1-12). Even Paul suffered from an unnamed “thorn” in his flesh. (2 Corinthians 12:1-10). In addition to their challenges, all of these had something else in common: not one of them was miraculously healed. So many times we gravitate toward the miracles of the Bible, and there were many. But there were many more who lived day to day with all kinds of indignities, pains and disabilities. A lot of people live today without a miraculous healing. But who is to say that the power of God cannot be even more dramatically displayed in the life of one who struggles and despite their challenges still remain steadfast. I believe the power of God is displayed all around us, in the lives of exceptional people who never experience a life-changing miracle, but are examples of godliness. They are exceptional because they are patient, kind, and treats others graciously. They love others with the love of Christ, all while enduring their challenges. That is exceptional! We know God is a God of miracles, nothing is impossible for Him. However these people are not changed. I believe there is a reason because we serve an intentional God. He makes no mistakes. Everything and everyone has a purpose. Could it be they are not changed because their purpose is to change us? They are examples of how we should live no matter our temporary setbacks. Maybe their purpose is to change how we react, feel, help, and think about others that are different from what we call normal. Think about it. Love and blessings…

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

Father God, although we may not always understand our circumstances, you do. You are glorified in every situation and season. Nothing is to difficult for you. So today, we just want to rest in that. We acknowledge that you are in control, and because of that, we don’t have to fear tomorrow. Today, we choose to sit in your presence and marinate in your goodness. We give you all the praise and the glory. We worship You. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

The world we live in is full of uncertainties. We are overwhelmed by health issues, financial disasters, relationship crisis, or unexpected grief. Someone we love is suffering from drug abuse or battling some type of addiction. As I write someone has lost their job, and do not know how they are going to feed their family or keep a roof over their heads. The struggles are real. These are not good things. They are unwelcome realities, and sometimes our emotions take over as we process them. But we must not give in to our emotions. We still have our hope which comes from the Lord. Romans 8:28 begins with “We know”. In this scripture, God is not only telling us that all things will work out for our good, but He begins by telling us that we should know this. So no matter what is going on around us, we must claim God’s promise with total confidence and hope.  
Hope in the Bible does not mean maybe. Biblical hope refers to sure and certain expectations, which because they are still in the future, create in us a sense of belief that may not make sense to everyone. It may not even make sense to us. We just know it’s going to work out for our good. We may not know when or how, we simply know. We know this because God’s Word says so in Romans 8:28. We know this because our Redeemer lives. We know this because we have eternal life. We know Him. We know His truth no matter what lies satan, the world, or our flesh tries to feed us. We Christians should not live on might or maybes, but the Word of God. Faith and hope gives us the ability to tackle life with confidence no matter what the circumstances, because we know that the trustworthy promises of God are just as real and even greater than the circumstances surrounding us. We may not get to choose our crisis or problem, but we can choose our attitude and how we respond. Instead of giving up, we can speak that things may appear to be against me, but God’s Word said “all things” will work out for my good. We can say that simply because “we know”. Love and Blessings…

“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)  

“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” (Romans 8:25)

On my last post I was transparent about the pity party, melt down I experienced. I am convinced it was because I took my eyes off God for a pair of seconds. A pair of seconds is all the enemy needs to talk you out of your victory or a miracle. He will have you believing how you feel and what your eyes are focused on. Where are you looking? Now is the time more than ever to keep our gaze on God and glance at the world. When I look at the world I see hatred, fear, pain, and panic. When I look at God I see love, protection, peace, and power. When I look at the world, I see desperation, death, and destruction. When I look at God I see eternal life, there is no fear, I walk in the authority and power He has given me. When I look at the world, I see lies, injustice, sickness, and the enemy. When I look at God, I see truth, healing, strength, and wisdom to defeat the enemy, seen or unseen. So l choose to keep my gaze on God who has given us power over all things, ALL THINGS! Where are you looking? Love and Blessings…

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
1 Corinthians 16:11

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19

“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:5

I read somewhere that spiritual conversations were on the decline. Some reasons were political and some were because of relationship disagreements. It was said “God talk” conversations were to high stake, forcing people to realize certain things about themselves or changes they needed to make within. It seems in today’s society we don’t want to offend anyone by even mentioning God. Well, my people I believe God talk is what we need now more than ever. We Christians can’t claim victory over the enemy if we are walking around scared to proclaim where our help comes from. We have victory only because He was victorious! We are here to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ. That is why God talk is so important. There are souls to be saved. The world needs us to exercise our faith. If not now, then when? People need to see beyond the darkness of the world into God’s wonderful light. To see beyond their crisis to the brightness of better days. We need to share the Word with those who are anxious and afraid. God talk assures them there is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon, some come later, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, thank God they do come! God talk helps to develop our spiritual vision to see possibilities instead of problems. It helps us to trust God’s hidden workings and live in peace with His Plans. I challenge you this Holy Week to have a lot of God talks. And not just God talks but God walks as well. Jesus gave us a gift we can never repay, the gift of Salvation. This week let us take the time to pay it forward and give a gift that will touch someone’s heart. It can be any act of kindness, even a little God talk to soothe a soul. Love and Blessing…

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 NIV

It has been a long time since I allowed the devil to rob me of my peace. Last week, he did just that. Not for a second, a minute, or an hour. But for a whole day! It’s not that he hadn’t attempted before, but I try to keep my focus on God and listen to the Holy Spirit instead of the enemies lies. I honestly don’t know when I let my guard down but I woke up that morning with a piece of my peace missing. It was like the enemy had stolen it in my sleep! I believe God’s angels watch over us while we sleep, so maybe it was my first thoughts that morning that the devil capitalized on. Instead of thanking God as I usually do when my eyes first open, I started thinking about what I was going through and how long would I have to go through it. The next thing I knew I was having a full-blown pity party. I invited the tears, pain, frustration, and the “why me” and “woe is me” families to the party. I can bet you the devil was having himself a ball, the life of the party! Thank God in the mist of all that, before he stole my entire peace, I called out to my lifeline, my God, and He prompted me to reach out to somebody. Thank God I did. Thank God for praying friends, friends who will let you cry and vent for hours without judgement. Afterwards I felt better but a piece of my peace was still missing.  
As I lay in bed that day, I shifted my focus to God, and I talked to my Savior. He assured me that He was with me on this journey. He knew about it before it came to pass, and He knows the outcome. He reminded me that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. He reminded me that His grace is sufficient no matter the situation or circumstance. He reminded me of Romans 8:28, all things work together for those who love the Lord. He comforted me. My spirit lifted, the burden lessened, and my mind cleared. He replaced that missing piece of my peace. We need all the pieces for peace, it’s like a puzzle need all the pieces to be complete. I tell you God is good! He is too good to be a depressed, dejected, dispirited believer. Either we trust God, or we don’t!

When I woke the next morning, I was still on my journey, new day, same challenges. Nothing had changed except my focus was back where it should be, on God. Instead of a pity party, I was once again thanking and praising Jesus, in spite of. My pity party was now a praise party! I am not going to say it will never happen again, but I do know if I keep my gaze on God and just glance at my situation, it will be harder for the enemy to steal a piece of my peace. And I know the longer we stay in a pity party, the more likely he will steal more than a piece of our peace!
It was put in my spirit to share this because it may help someone keep their peace in the mist of challenges, trials, and tribulations. I am not saying that giving in to your feelings mean you do not have faith. I am saying we cannot let our feelings be bigger than our faith.  I’m not saying to disregard your feelings; pain, depression, frustration, fear, all those feelings are real. I am saying that the enemy knows they are real, he is the father of sin and feelings are his weapons. He will use them just like he uses all our weaknesses against us. But if we keep our focus on God, He will strengthen us. If the enemy does sneak in, the goal is to not stay at the pity-party, don’t give him time to steal all your peace instead of a piece of it! Call a praying friend! The enemy wants you to be excluded and ashamed for feeling how you feel. He can work your mind better that way. Don’t beat yourself up because you are having a bad day! However, give yourself a deadline to leave the pity-party. The longer you stay there, depression sets deeper in. And most importantly, put your focus back on God. Invite Him back in to help you through it. I promise you God will give you back the piece of peace the enemy stole. As a matter of fact the devil will flee, because he cannot dwell in the same place as our Lord!  
Love and Blessings…

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  
(Romans 12:12)

“But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Romans 8:25)

“For his anger endureth but a moment, in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

“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)

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

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

We were created to do good works. What I have learned is that doing good is not always doing God. Sometimes we tend to think if we are busy doing good things, then we are doing godly things. Definitely not always true. It is easy to get caught up in business, mistaking it for godliness. Ask me how I know. However, if we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us we can be sure our good works are aligned with the work God has assigned to us. In Galatians, Paul describes this life of faith as walking in the Spirit (5:16,25) which means to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Also to “being led by the Spirit”(5:18), producing “the fruit of the Spirit”(5:22,23), and sowing “to the Spirit”(6:8). “Faith working through love”(5:6) expresses itself in love for neighbors, especially other believers, and in bearing one anothers burdens (5:14; 6:2, 6) One of the problems Paul was writing to the church about then is the same problem many of us face now, rather than relying upon the power of the Spirit, the believer will start relying on the world and the corrupt “works of the flesh”. Works can only be truly good when they are accomplished in the power of the Holy Spirit given to those who place their faith in Christ (6:7-10). Christians are not only to serve one another in love, they also should do good to non-Christians. In these times especially, we must allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in every decision we make. Foolish does not indicate lack of intelligence but lack of wisdom. Let me be clear, we are not saved by our works! We can thank Jesus Christ for the free gift of Salvation. What we are is God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10). Let us continue to do go(o)d!
Love and Blessings…

When we receive bad news of any kind, we react in different ways. Some people cry and others may shut down completely. We may scream or suffer in silence. Sometimes bad news will bring on fear and anxiety which can lead to depression. And sometimes we may pretend that we are ok even if we are not. It could be we want to protect others or that we want to appear strong. In my devotion this week, King Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20 revealed to me how we, as Christians are supposed to react to bad news. King Jehoshaphat received bad news. A mighty army was on the way to destroy his kingdom. Did King Jehoshaphat fall apart? I don’t know. Did he yell, scream, or cry? I don’t know. Was he afraid? I don’t know. What I do know is that he fasted and prayed. The Bible tells us that the people came together to seek help from God and King Jehoshaphat prayed, “0h our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do but we are looking to you for help” (V.12) Wow! He did not pretend to be brave thinking he could win this war himself. He said he was powerless. He looked to the one he knew could save them. When we receive bad news, our first instinct should be that of King Jehoshaphat. When it comes to our Father in Heaven, we should not pretend, it would be senseless to do so anyway. He already knows the bad news is coming just as He knows the outcome. It is the in-between where we have a choice in how we react to the bad news. Do we try to handle it ourselves or do we do as King Jehoshaphat did, look to God? I have tried both and I tell you looking to God is the best way to get through the bad news. When we look to God, His Good News trumps our bad news. When we look to God, He can turn bad news into good news. You may ask how is that? I am still in pain, I’m still financially struggling, I am grieving, the test results say….The last couple of weeks, the Spirit has been saying to me, “Curleen, do not look at the evidence or proof you see, look at Me who you do not see. Those things are there to show my glory in the end.” This was right on time for me, and I believe someone else out there needs to hear those words also. Yes, I know feelings are real, but if we look to God, He will sustain us. We can do (go through) all things through Christ who strengthens us. When we look to God, the weight of the problem is no longer solely on our shoulders. When King Jehoshaphat prayed, God answered him, “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:17) I love this! In other words, God was saying, “I got this! However, He still had instructions for Jehoshaphat. He told him to take their positions, then to stand still and watch. He told him not to be afraid or discouraged. He told him that He would be with him. It is the same instructions God gives us today when bad news arrive. To trust Him. To put our faith in Him. No matter the bad news, we must pray, position ourselves, and trust God. It is ok to cry or be afraid, but don’t let the fear overcome your faith. Focus on God who is always with us. Remember you are not alone. If you hold on, I promise you God will turn that bad news into good news! Love and blessings…

“Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)

“I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me”  
(Philippians 4:13)

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:2)

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

These last weeks have been challenging.There has been tears, frustration, and at times anxiety.There also have been prayers, praise, and thankfulness.The one thing that’s been consistent is my hope. My hope comes from my faith, my faith comes from God’s promises. I stand on His promise in Romans 8:28. God made us a promise that all things work together for those who love Him, those who are called according to His purpose.  Problems can last a long time, but they can’t last forever. Promises can, and God’s promises do. In this world we never know what we may face from day to day. God’s promises gives us hope. God’s promises encourages us. God’s promises assures us that every problem will sooner or later turn out well for those who are committed to Jesus Christ. God said “all” things will work out for our good. Every tragedy, every trial, every heartache, every burden, and every diagnosis. Even death becomes a blessing for a child of God. All means all! I would be amiss if I didn’t tell you that although this promise is available to everyone, it is not for anyone. We must meet the conditions and exercise both obedience and faith in claiming God’s promises. We must love God and strive to be the very image of Christ. When we do that, He gives us peace and brings testimonies out of tragedies. Our problems work out for our good. I urge you to memorize Romans 8:28 and keep it close to your heart. No matter what your problem may be, stand on God’s promise. Love and blessings…

“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