This is my birthday week and doing this time I always do a lot of soul searching, such as how far I have come and where I am going. I reflect on the good times and how blessed I am. I also think about all the challenges and the storms that God has brought me through, and I can’t help but thank Him and give him praise! Whenever I felt I was alone, He reminded me that He was there. There have been times I was ready to give up, but He wouldn’t let me. Honestly, when I look back and think about all what could have happened, what should have happened, my soul cries out with so much gratitude. We all fight battles of some sort in this life. But God has already won every battle we will ever face. The Bible tells us that we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loves us. I have learned that through every trial; we must keep our focus on God and always believe what His Word says more than we believe our doubts and fears. Did I say our fears? Yes I did. Believe me, I love to proclaim faith over fear, I wear the t-shirt. However sometimes fear is right there, neck to neck with faith. And it is ok as long as we don’t let the fear win. How we do that is to stay focused on God. Whatever the challenge or problem, God has the answer, and He will calm our fears. So if we panic, it’s ok. We just need to do as King Jehoshaphat and seek God in our panic.

King Jehoshaphat and the small tribe of Judah were besieged on all fronts by three powerful armies rapidly advancing toward Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 20). The situation looked hopeless. When Jehoshaphat was informed, his first reaction was fear! I’m so glad that the Word of God gives us an authentic description of who Jehoshaphat was. This lets us know that King Jehoshaphat, who was faithful and a courageous warrior, was also capable of fear, he panicked. He was just like you and I, human. But what set Jehoshaphat apart was that even when he was fearful, the very first thing he did was to “set himself to seek the Lord” We must learn to do the same whenever we are fearful, instead of spiraling deeper into panic mode and accepting defeat. Fear leaves us open for the enemies suggestions. This is why we must set ourselves to seek the Lord and hear only His voice when we are frightened or feeling overwhelmed. We learn by Jehoshaphat’s situation that it’s all right to experience fear from time to time. God doesn’t condemn us when we are afraid. Look how He showed up and showed out for King Jehoshaphat!

If you have been told that the believers life is easy and life is going to be a bed of roses, as my mama would say, “ you green,” which means you don’t know anything and have been lied to. No matter how faithful we are, life can throw some rocks, and sometimes huge ones! You look around and see others who seem to not care about Jesus, and they doing great, or so we think. I understand it’s easy to get discouraged. But we must remember that there is a war going on. In war, we should expect opposition. Our enemy hates us. However, take heart because the enemy is already defeated. He knows this but of course he will keep trying. If you have sincerely given yourself to Jesus, there is no permanent harm the devil can do to you! We may have to walk through some difficulties, but we can stand strong in faith, because we know how the story ends! We have the victory! Love and Blessings…

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” (2 Chronicles 20:3)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:39)

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

I was asked the other day if I thought God brings people together or if marriages happen more as a result of our choices? I’m no expert on marriage but I believe if we allow Him, God leads and guides us in all areas of our lives, including marriage. The Bible assures us in many scriptures that God is personally involved in, and concerned with our lives. So yes, I believe that God does connect people. However, because He gives us the gift of choice, God is not going to force us to accept the man or woman He has chosen for us. Just as He does not force us to accept the gift of Salvation, we have to choose to receive it. I think the key to mold God’s sovereignty and our free choice is to make our choices only in obedience to Him.

The Bible says that when you marry,  you become one flesh. Marriage will alter the course of the rest of your life. Which is why we should seek God’s guidance and pray for discernment and wisdom before marriage. And we should pay attention when He speaks. If you are used to hearing God when He speaks to your heart, He may just tell you if it’s the right person when you meet him or her, but after the voice there will be confirmations through His word concerning what He told you. Don’t ignore the signs or your gut feelings. Sometimes we ignore what God is telling us because it’s not what we want to hear. We may choose a spouse based on our worldly external desires, such as appearance, status, attraction, or education. I am not saying there is anything wrong with those things, but as my Pastor likes to say, that should be the icing on the cake. The actual cake is God’s purpose for marriage. Marriage is to bring glory to God and point outsiders, who are looking in, to a loving and redeeming God. Marriage is to be used to expand the Kingdom of God through the gospel. God chooses for us the man or woman that is relevant to our glorious destiny in life!  

It may not be as simple as asking God and immediately He sends you your kingdom mate, although it has been known to happen. God wants to make sure we are ready for what we are asking for. He may need to do some work within us or He may be working on the person He is going to place in our life. This process requires patience and trusting that God knows what and who is best for us. We get impatient waiting on God when it seems everybody else is in a relationship or getting married. But we must trust God and not make impulsive decisions. Don’t get nervous thinking time is running out. There are many examples in the Bible that proves God does not do time or age. What He has for us is good for us and it’s always on time. Wait on God!  

Some people are not meant to be carried into the next phase of our journey. God repositions, rearranges & brings us to maturity regarding our relationships, so that we are prepared for the next level. Not everyone is purposed to occupy a permanent position like a spouse in our lives nor to be a shareholder in our future blessings from God. God uses some people to prepare us for the greatness that is to come. We have to know when to let go and move forward. Because again what we think we want may not be what’s best for us. God is concerned about our families, children, jobs, health, and every aspect of our lives. He loves us and wants what is best for us, that includes spouses!

For marriage or anything else to work in our life, our primary focus should be on Jesus. If you are searching for a spouse without first developing a personal relationship with Jesus, you are putting the cart before the horse. If God promised you a husband or wife, be patient and rest not in what you see, but in what He has already promised you! Love and Blessings…  

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremy 29:11)

“Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.”
(1 Corinthians 10:23)

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, rather, serve one another, humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13)

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)

“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)

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

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

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday love. You may or may not, depending on your age, remember this 1985 duet by Alexander O’Neil and Cherrelle? This morning doing my devotion these lyrics popped in my head while I was reading Matthew 18:21:22. Peter asked Jesus how often we should forgive, seven times? Then Jesus said, “not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” And I thought what if Peter had asked how often we should love one another. That’s when the lyrics came to mind. I believe Jesus would have answered every day, all day. In fact, He tells us that loving one another is the second greatest command after loving God. (Matthew 22:37-39).

God is love. And He will show up in us if we allow Him. Do you remember a time when love showed up? Just at the right time, right when you needed it the most. I have experienced this so many times! And surprisingly, sometimes love shows up in the last person you would have suspected. That’s how God works. He uses who he wants, but for Him to use us in love, we must have love within (Holy Spirit). Especially if  we are to love the unlovable, as Jesus says we should. I believe sometimes people get confused. Jesus didn’t say we have to like their ways or their actions. He did not say we have to tolerate wrong doing. He didn’t say we have to have them in our inner circle. Sometimes as my  mama used to say, we have to “handle some people with a long handle spoon.” In other words love them from a distance. But close up or from a distance, Jesus said we must love, forgive, help, and have compassion even towards those who we feel don’t deserve it. Doesn’t that sound like the love Jesus has for us? Has God ever tried to use you to show love and compassion and your first reaction was why me Lord? I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been guilty of this. The person never treated you nice. Did you think to yourself, this is such an inconvenience or what have they done for me lately? It’s easy to love those who love us, the challenge is loving those who don’t. Thanks to Jesus, who left us with the Holy Spirit, we can do it. We just have to open up our hearts to the love within (Holy Spirit) and He will help us.  

God uses people in our lives to teach us valuable lessons about relationships. Patience, kindness, flexibility, humility, and compassion are relationship skills of a disciple for Christ. Sometimes it is hard and stressful but if we follow the characteristics of  Jesus, it is easier. Relationships is a classroom for learning to love the unlovable and forgiving the unforgivable.

I believe when we fall in love with Jesus we can love anybody, even those who make it difficult. Why? Because Jesus loves us in spite of our sinful nature, He loves us unconditionally. His love should make us want to replicate it to one another.  
Love and Blessings…..

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

“Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)

“We  love because he first loved us. 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 4:19-21)

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything that I have told you.” (John 14:26)

We should be careful what we name our kids. And in my opinion, we should be even more careful what we nickname them. They could spend their lifetime trying to live down a derogatory nickname or like me grow up hating their name. I hated my name because it was different. It seemed no one could pronounce it correctly. Most of the time I just answered to however they pronounced it. To make matters worse, we did not have middle names. I found out as an adult that my older siblings came up with my name trying to find something that rhymed with my twins name. To give them credit they had short notice to do this. The story is that my mother nor the doctor knew she was having twins until after my sister made her entrance, and then three minutes later I entered the world, surprising the doctor and sending my mother into shock. (literally).

They didn’t know, but God knew. God knew me before I was formed in my mother’s wound. According to the SSA, my name was first recorded on Thursday, June 5th, 1919. And until 2017 less than five people have had my name. I guess I am one of the less than five people. Also I have been told that in Trinidad, my name means beautiful daughter of the King. I’m not sure if that is true but I am the daughter of the King of Kings. I no longer hate my name. In fact, I like that it is different. I am different, set apart, and chosen by the Almighty!  

A name is not just a name! Our names are an important part of our identity. They carry deep personal, cultural, ancestral, and historical connections. Our names give us a sense of who we are. In Biblical times, names carried great significance, telling something of what a person was or would become. God often changed the names of people who had special relationships with Him. He changed Abram to Abraham (Gen.17:51), Sarai to Sarah (Gen.17:15), and Jacob to Israel (Gen.32:28) just to name a few.  

When Jesus met Simon, he recognized his leadership qualities. He also knew he was emotional, unstable, and quick to anger. Simon had weaknesses just as we all have. Jesus knew that Simon would need help. And He began by giving him a new name, Peter, which means “rock.” (John 1:40-42). Jesus gave Peter a nickname that was better than he was! Jesus gave Simon a nickname that meant stability and strength. Jesus saw what Peter could be. That’s how God looks at us. He see’s promise and possibilities. God sees what we can be, and He calls us His sons and daughters. Jesus told Peter that he was to be the rock on which He would build His church. And at the end of the day, Peter lived up to his name. On the day of Pentecost, the real power of the Holy Spirit was shown when Peter spoke, and three thousand souls were saved. The Holy Spirit filled Peter with all the gifts he needed to lead. In Jerusalem, Peter healed an incurable Cripple, who had been lame from birth. It was there that Peter preached his second recorded sermon. Five thousand men turned to Christ that day. Peter helped start the first church, worked miracles and baptized thousands.

The same way Jesus believed in Peter; He believes in us. God believes in us and loves us in spite of our weaknesses. God knows what we are made of, he made us. Just as Jesus gave Simon a new name, once we accept Jesus as our Savior and we are filled with the Holy Spirit as Peter was that day, we become a new person. That doesn’t mean we become sinless, but that we sin less because we have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. Some people in this world will give us nicknames or even call us out of our names based on how they perceive us. But when we encounter God, we, like Peter have the opportunity to cast off our old names the world has given us and embrace new identities from God who renames us because he has a different agenda for us! Love and Blessings…

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)NIV“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” (Psalm 139:14)NLT

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” (Psalm 139:14)NLT

“But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isiah 43:1)NIV

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18)NIV

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)NIV

“And I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18)NIV

It does not matter what it may look like on Social Media, how happy a person may seem to be, don’t get it twisted and get caught up in thinking that person or family has no issues or problems. And then proceed to get into your feelings. Asking yourself, why my life can’t be like that? Stop it. We all have been or are going through something, and if you are not right now, trust me, you will. That’s life. Some people only show you what they want you to see. And that’s their business. But there are  people who really are happy in spite of what issues or problems they are facing. Those are the ones to watch. Because it’s likely that those people have discovered the secret. What secret? I am glad you asked. The secret of not depending on what’s happening to make you happy. They can still smile, dance, and move forward with life, living it to the fullest because they have joy. Happiness is fickle, and requires happy circumstances. Joy is within and is not chased off by the troubles of this world. The ability to feel and show this joy doesn’t depend on good situations or no challenges in our lives. Money can’t buy it, it is priceless! This joy comes from God, and it is free to us all. However, it is not forced on us, we have to accept it. Real joy is found in God’s presence. The more we stay in His presence, we learn that He is in control and there is no power besides Him!

We need this joy, especially in these trying times with all of it’s troubles and uncertainties, it can seem as if our lives are spinning out of control. However we feel this joy knowing that in spite of, God is in control, and He is with us. When we can’t see the path or even the next step, God is with us. If you don’t know how you are going to pay the bills or feed your kids, God is with you. When it seems as if  everyone has deserted you, God is with you. When you are sick in your body and you can’t understand why God has not healed you, know that God is still with you. He is still the God who heals. Our timeframe may not match His, but rest assured, He is working it out for our good. His time is always the right time. The Bible says by Jesus stripes we are healed, I choose to keep believing this until it manifest. In the meantime I have joy, not because of the challenges, but because I know His grace is sufficient. Whatever the situation or problems you may be facing, know that God is with you, above you, before you, behind you, in front of you, within you, around you, beneath you, beside you, beyond you, and over you. It may look like you are surrounded by the enemy to others, they can’t understand why you still smiling. It’s because of the joy in knowing that God surrounds you!  

I will admit, sometimes it is hard to maintain this spiritual consistent joy. The enemy will try his best everyday to take it away. And even though it looks like he is attacking us physically, emotionally, and financially, the battle really starts in our mind. We must remember this joy comes from the Lord, not the world, so no circumstance or challenge can take it away. Family or friends can’t take it away. No other human being have the power to take it away. The enemy knows only we have the power to give it away. He knows we do that by our thoughts, then our actions. We must remember to govern our thoughts, take them captive. In happy or sad times, in comfort or difficulty, we find joy in the presence of the Lord! Love and Blessings…

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”  
(Romans 15:13)

“But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!” (Psalm 68:3)
“For all power belongs to God, now and forever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:11)

“For all power belongs to God, now and forever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:11)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”  (Isaiah 43:2)

“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)

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities: the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

“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)

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

We all sometimes give advice based on our opinions, experience, and our perspective of the truth. But should we? As believers, we should be careful when we are giving or receiving advice. Ask yourself, is this advice coming from the Word of God or is it what I think or believe? Did you pray on it? Did you consult with the Holy Spirit? As His children, God said we should know His voice. The voice of God will give us direction. When God speaks to us, we will gain clarity. The first person we should seek for advice is our heavenly Father. His truth is the only truth. Besides, His line is never busy, and He always has time for us.  
And when we hear from God, we must be obedient. Don’t you hate it when someone comes to you for advice and then they go do the exact opposite of what you said. God doesn’t like it either. The Bible says in James 1:22, “we should not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” We can learn from Moses and Elijah, who did mighty things through God, but both great men of God still fell short in the end. Toward the end of his life, Moses hit the rock twice in disobedience, yelled at the people, spoke out of anger and impatience, despite his years of service, Moses’s disobedience kept him from entering the promised land. (Numbers 20:6-9). Why was the consequences of Moses action so severe? Because in his anger he misrepresented God. He did what he wanted, not what God told him to do. This shows us that as children of God, we should not misrepresent Him. When we seek the voice of God, we should follow His instructions. When we give advice it should come from a place of love and always be based on God’s Word, not our opinions or emotions. Moses teaches us that we need to be very accurate in how we represent God. And what about Elijah? Despite amazing victories and evidence of the power of God in his ministry, in his last days, Elijah thought Jezebel was greater than God and fled from her. After all he saw God do, he still lost faith and became discouraged. (1Kings19:3-5). One lesson we can learn from Elijah pertaining to giving advice is not to lose faith or get discouraged, even if the person does not like the advice we give. Sometimes people don’t want to hear godly advice. They don’t want God’s truth. They want to hear what makes them feel better or what justifies their actions. Or maybe they just don’t want to hear it from you. And that’s ok. We are responsible for what we do, we can’t control the actions of others. What we can do is pray that God will show them the answer. The same goes when we are seeking advice, it is important we make sure the person is in tuned with God and is given us God’s truth and not their beliefs and perspectives. There really is only one truth and it will set you free!
Love and Blessings…

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27)

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15)

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:16)

“We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” (1John 4:6)

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:33)

Some years ago when I first began to have pain, it took the doctors over a year to find our why. Process of elimination they said. When I think about it, I am thankful for the pain. The pain led me to the doctors and according to them it could have escalated if not found and treatment started for management. Pain is our bodies way of telling us something is wrong. I am grateful that God allowed me to feel pain and that I was sensible enough to have it checked out. God had my back!

Yes, sometimes we have to thank God for the pain. Sometimes we have to thank God for what we don’t see. When that man or woman goes ghost, maybe it was God because He could see the troubles that came with them. You may be devastated that you didn’t get that position. Did you think that it could be God has something better for you? When we are running late and traffic not moving, instead of getting upset, maybe we should thank God because we can’t see the accident that He could see waiting to happen further down the road. Even when God doesn’t say yes to our prayers, we should thank Him. God knows if it’s going to hurt us or He may say no because the timing is not right. We must remember delay is not always denial when it comes to Lord God. One thing we can trust and be sure of, God is always watching our back!

This world can be terrifying at times. All the violence and the uncertainty can make us feel vulnerable and confused. The Bible says the angel of the Lord and that pillar of cloud God used to guide the Israelites through the wilderness, moved from in front of them to behind them. (In Exodus 14:19). It’s comforting to know that Jesus is watching over us as well, front and back. In fact, with the Holy Spirit within us, we are surrounded in protection. We are quick to thank God for answering our prayers for what we see He has done for us. And that’s good. But we should also remember to thank Him for all the things He has done that we did not see. All the times He has kept us from harm when we didn’t even know we were in danger. The good that God does isn’t always obvious or understandable to us at the time, but we can be sure He always has our backs!

Brothers and sisters, when life presents itself with troubles and the enemy tries to attack, seen or unseen, friends or family may leave you hanging if it gets too hot. Do not worry or fear, you are not alone! God’s Word says He will never leave or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6). In other words God is telling us, He has our back! Don’t believe me, study and meditate on the scriptures below. Love and Blessings…

“and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)NIV

“The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)NIV

“What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” (Genesis 28:15)NLT

“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)NIV

“It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.” (Deuteronomy 11:12)NIV

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)NIV

“the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8)NIV

I do not like driving in the rain. Well to be honest, I don’t like driving period. However, driving in the rain is on my worst thing to do list. I try to avoid it if possible. Once I was driving home and this storm came up out of nowhere. The rain was so heavy I could not see. There was nowhere to pull over and I couldn’t just sit in the road. So I slowly kept moving, praying and crying. Yes crying, don’t judge me. I was scared!

 Sounds a lot like life, doesn’t it? Storms can come suddenly, without warning. Trouble comes hard like heavy rain. And just when you think it can’t get any worse, it does. Like the winds, thunder, and lightning! I remember my mother would say about life situations, “when it rains it pours.” Yep, and you in trouble out there without an umbrella. And any kind of umbrella just won’t do. When life comes at you like that, you need a large, sturdy umbrella, one that the wind can’t destroy or blow away. I have found in life storms; we can depend on God’s umbrella to keep us safe. The rain will still come, Jesus said so. (John 16:33). We may not be able to see for a moment, we may bend but we won’t break. We may be scared but we will keep moving, because we know we are covered. We keep going because we know that there is no storm or situation stronger than our God. He is bigger than the universe! Under God’s umbrella we are protected and safe, no matter how many storms come and how hard the rain falls. Unfortunately, there are some that do not know God is our protection in times of trouble. Even us believers move from underneath the protection of God’s umbrella sometimes.

I believe it’s because sometimes we want what we want, when we want it. We live in a world of instant gratification. Everything at our fingertips. We say to ourselves, who has time to wait on God? Being obedient to God takes patience and trust. We may think we can get what we want or get to where we are going faster if we do it our way. Big mistake! That thinking will always eventually lead us into a storm. And when the rain comes, we have left God’s protective umbrella, so we get wet. Soaked. Ask me how I know?

The good news is that we may leave God, but He will never leave us. We can always return under the safety of His umbrella. He will cover and protect us in the storms of life. Let us learn from Peter and not look down! (Matthew 14:28-30). We must keep our focus on Jesus and not the storm! We may get wet, we may even get soaked, but just as Jesus saved Peter, He will save us. He will not let us drown!

God wants us to be obedient. His desire is for us to obey Him even when we don’t understand. Even if we may not feel like it at the time or think it’s a good idea. Obeying God is an essential step in receiving God’s greatest blessings. When God tells us to do something and we know without a doubt it is His will, then we need to obey based solely on who is doing the talking. Faith and obedience walk together. When we live obedient lives, even if we get caught in rainy weather, we will have a sense of peace and joy. Instead of conflict, there will be contentment. That’s all a part of experiencing God’s goodness and protection. Obedience to God is better than any sacrifice we could ever make! Love and Blessings…

“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.” (Jerimiah 7:23)

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46)

“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)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“Let your manner of living be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have. For He hath said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5)

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14)

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There have been times in my life I could really stink, wait, let me clarify that, I mean my attitude smelled awful. I probably could produce quite a few examples, but I’ll give you just one. I am ashamed to say I was a self-centered and arrogant person. Back in the day, it was all about me. Even though I was basically a nice person, always willing to help someone, my attitude could really stink sometimes. Our attitudes determine how we relate to God, how we react to what’s happening around us, and how we treat the people who cross our paths. Some people may have smelled my attitude and others may not have. But God did! My attitude did not give off the aroma of Christ! And God loved me enough to not leave me with as they say, “stinking thinking.”

During my time in the wilderness, God taught me that it is not about me, but all about Him! I don’t even come in second. The Lord’s second command is to love our brothers and sisters as ourselves. Of course being the selfish person I was then, I kept asking, “but what about me?” And God showed me, as He brought me through that terrible but blessed time in my life, that He would always take care of me. I call it blessed even though I was going through because as I began to focus on Christ and the needs of others, my attitude began to change, I  smelled better.  

When our attitudes place God first and we see other people with eyes of love, we smell better. I’m not saying we are to forget about self-care, which is definitely important! God’s Word is clear that we are to take time for ourselves in order to draw near to Him and to be able to comfort others. The Bible tells us that God values and commands rest (Ex. 34:21, Heb. 4:34) and for our physical bodies (Ex. 22:26-27). Jesus himself prioritized rest. When faced with great crowds, Jesus “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). He cared that his disciples “had no leisure even to eat” and instructed them to “rest a while” (Mark 6:31). We need to rest, relax, and be restored physically and mentally in order to  pour into others. God can’t use us when we are burnt out and tired. However we don’t want to turn our self-care into self-indulgence which leads to selfishness.  

Our attitudes determines how we smell to God. Are you self-centered, proud, or arrogant as I was? Is it all about “you and yours” or do you reach out to others, especially your brothers and sisters in Christ? Are those around you drawn to Jesus as a result of the love and peace you display? Do your conversations always honor God? Do you represent the fruit of the Spirit? Or are you laced with bitterness, resentment, anger, complaining, and gossip? Imagine what we smell like to our families, children, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. More importantly what aroma are we sending to Christ. How can we have nasty smelly attitudes and claim to represent Christ?  

Whenever negative thoughts or behavior creep into our thoughts, conversations, or behavior, we must reject them and pray to God for a clean heart. We all are in need of an attitude adjustment now and then. We all are a work in progress. I am grateful to God for showing me one of my areas that needed work. I continuously work on myself that I may smell good to God. I realize I can’t do it alone. We must spend time in prayer asking God to reveal areas in our life that does not smell as they should. Once He reveals them, then we pray that He help us remove them and pray that He cleanses us of anything that is not pleasing to Him. I challenge you to join me every day to work on taking captive of our thoughts before they come out of our mouths. In doing this we are more inclined to speak the best, not the worst, to speak of beauty and not the ugly, to praise and not curse, and to uplift and not put down. We must strive to have the sweet aroma of Christ all the time, not just some of the time, just as God’s grace and mercy is with us ALL the time, not just some of the time! Does your attitude give off an aroma of Christ? Please my brothers and sisters, meditate on the scriptures below until they resonate deep in your hearts.
Love and Blessings…

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

“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)

“Whoever  says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”(1 John 2:6)

“Yet  you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay; you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)

“So  do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”(Isaiah 41:10)

“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)

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)

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