Out with the Old

Greetings!

This week, I want to talk about those things that try to come against us. As Christians, we get used to opposition. When we face opposition, it can either grow us or stop us in our tracks. Opposition can even be a good thing when it causes us to stretch ourselves further than we would normally have gone. Sometimes, it just gives us another reason to praise God, because we know that with great opposition come even greater blessings.

But what happens when the opposition comes from someone we love? When it is a child, a spouse, or even a friend…how do we handle that? We do the only thing we can do—we trust God’s word.

The word says, "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert." --Isaiah 43:18

God’s word promises to make a way in the wilderness, and having someone you love and care about as your adversary, definitely feels like being in the wilderness. It makes us question not only our judgment, but also our faith. We question why God would allow that kind of pain, and even—why us. There are so many emotions that we hardly have time to process them all. So, how do we pick up the pieces of our broken hearts and move on? God’s word in Isaiah 43 says that if we keep looking forward…to a new day…a new beginning, and stop dwelling on the past, He will show us things we have never seen before.

I am so grateful to God for second chances. He has this way of teaching us by allowing those things that try to come against be stepping stones to where He needs us to be. He lets us know that no matter what has happened in the past...we can start again.

Until next time…

Be blessed

A Father's Love

Greetings!

Today is Father's Day. Hooray for all the dads!

My pastor is on a mission to make this day one of the best holidays ever. It is so funny to hear him talk about how much space is available for Mother's Day, and how fathers get less than half a shelf. Of course, we all know that moms hold a special place in our hearts, but we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the fathers...right? So, he gets some big props for that!

Without my pastor knowing it, he has actually made this holiday fun for me again. It was difficult after my dad passed away, and sometimes I still have regrets about not visiting him as much as I should have, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that he knew I loved him. I made sure to tell him that whenever we were together. 

My dad was my hero. When I was a little girl, he seemed larger than life, and to me...he could do anything. I miss that. I miss having him around, but I know that he loved the Lord, and it makes me feel better to know that he is with our Father. Whenever I start to feel a little down, I remember the scripture in Psalm 27:10 that says, "When my mother and father forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." That always comforts me, because I know that my Father in heaven will always be around, and He will never pass away.

The awesome thing about that is...whenever I need the physical touch of my dad God always provides that. He is our ever-present help in times of trouble...no matter what that trouble is...He is ever watchful over us. I love knowing that I can depend on Him. He loves me with a love that far surpasses anything that I have ever known...and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Until next time...

Be blessed

Sisters...

Greetings!

Last week, I wrote about a prayer breakfast I attended. For some reason, that prayer breakfast has stuck with me. Maybe it was because I shared that moment with my sisters. Some by blood, and some through The Blood...

I am in awe of how God works. He never ceases to amaze me. Every now and then, He gives me a glimpse of what He's doing, and when He does it always blows my mind. There was no earth-shattering revelations. Just a quiet nudging of the spirit. I have been going through a rough year, and He let me see how blessed I truly am to have family and friends that I love, and who love me. Everything else will fall into place at the appointed time.

The appointed time is what had my mind wandering all over the place. I don't know if I was born old or if the life I have lived have just made me feel old, but worry has always been a part of what I did. Even though I disliked worrying...it felt familiar. It was such a relief to know that when I got saved, Jesus loved me so much that He took on all of my worrying. I no longer had to bear that weight alone, and that it was ok that sometimes I had to give it [worry] to Him daily. I had to learn through trial and error how to rely on God's word to bring me through those times of uncertainty. I thank God that He always watches over us, and that when He needs to He sends us a lifeline...and this time it was being with my sisters.

Just for a little while, I could focus on God's blessings...and not on the tricks of the enemy. No mountain is too big for my God, and because I belong to Him...no mountain is too big for me. God's word says that No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I can trust that, because even though I may not know when He will work it out...I know He will.

Until next time...

Be blessed

Your Gift Brings Liberty

Greetings!

This past weekend I went to a prayer breakfast at my friend's church. I always love going there. The spirit in that church is always so open. I think it is because they welcome displays of praise and worship...they actually encourage it, and where the Spirit of the Lord is...there is liberty. Amen! 

Ever since I started going there, I have always felt welcome...like I was home. God has given the First Lady a vision for seeing the gifts in others. She has called me out of my comfort zone several times. This weekend, she just walked up to people and asked them to sing. I loved it! I tried to get my sister to do it, but she wouldn't...lol.

I love the idea that you can let yourself go in church. That is how it should be. We should all be able to hone our gifts in church...or just let it all go for the Lord. We put way too much pressure on ourselves and others to be perfect. There is no perfect on this side. We should strive to always do our best...especially for God, but we can't be so caught up on doing it perfect that we miss the move of God. 

There is a freedom in walking in the gifts God has given us, and it should be encouraged. It brings us joy, and I believe it brings God joy. We are supposed to share our gifts and talents for the Lord. When we hold back our gifts, the body of Christ suffers. Someone needs what you have, and if you are so afraid of making a mistake that you never even try...then something is wrong. Encourage someone you know to release that gift and bless the people of God. Psalm 126:2 says, "Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." 

Until next time...

Be blessed