Look up!

The Lord has so many attributes and abilities that I love. He is a provider and a protector, healer and sustainer, friend and father. He is quite simply and yet so deeply amazing! But there is one aspect of God that has always spoken to me and met me at my lowest moments and it is this: He is the lifter of my head! If you have ever been in worship with me, you have heard me acknowledge God for this because it is so real to me. Many times, before I could get to victory or joy or peace, I needed to know that God was with me and He always started with lifting my head up. There is nothing like when someone you love puts their hand under your chin and lifts your head. It means they were paying attention and care enough to not let you stay in that hard place. That’s what God does!

When David was running from his son Absalom, he was overwhelmed by what had happened in his life. His situation had turned for the worse and left him reeling and surrounded by enemies. He was completely outdone with what was against him but then he remembered Who he had in his corner.

“But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head.”

‭‭PSALMS‬ ‭3:3‬ ‭AMP‬‬‬‬‬‬

There will be many times in your life where the bad seems to outweigh the good and the enemy looks to be winning; where it seems like you just cannot get a break.  But can I just encourage you today that the Lord is ready and prepared to lift your head in even the darkest of moments? What does that mean? It means that He takes your focus away from things that are beneath you. It means that He actively puts His hand on the place where your thoughts are. But most of all, it means that He is right beside you. He’s close and aware of your issues and situations. He is covering and protecting you all in that action of lifting your head.

You will come to realize, as David did, that God is bigger than what is against you. Stand strong, Saint! There is great power in knowing that you serve a God that won’t let you wallow in what opposes you but instead calls you to look up at what is ahead of you.

Amen

Nothing!

I just wanted to jump on today and remind you that there is nothing impossible with God. Nothing deep or super spiritual to say, just a reminder for those that need it. This is not one of those churchy phrases that people have said in church for so long but isn’t really in the Bible. This is the straight Word of God from the mouth of the angel of the Lord.

“For with God nothing will be impossible.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:37‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Did you catch that? Nothing! There is no incurable, no complete failure, no cannot make it. The very definition of nothing is “not anything, no single thing”. That means, if it is the Lord’s will, anything can turn around, be healed, change, be repaired, be re-started. Please stop letting people speak an end to what God said would live. Please stop believing a lie of the enemy when the truth of God reigns. Please stop speaking doubt when the promise of God is a guarantee.

Now you might look at this statement and struggle because there have been things in your life that have not worked out the way you thought it should. You’ve declared this statement to be conditional because some people have still died, some marriages have still broken up, and some hardships have still lasted a long time. Here’s the truth of God’s word. It’s His plan and not yours. What you have deemed the right outcome is not and what you think should be done doesn’t necessarily fit. You see, God works according to His ultimate plan and it has a lot of moving parts. Even if something seems like it will work best for you, it may not fit into the overall purpose that God has. You have to be open to how He handles every situation. Sometimes the miracle is in the length of life. Sometimes the breakthrough is in the peace you feel. Sometimes the victory is that you lived to tell the story. Be encouraged today that no matter the outcome, NOTHING has outsmarted, outworked, or outdone the Lord! He can handle it all.

Amen

Oh, Saturday!

Hey family! Happy Resurrection week! What a great time to celebrate the victory of Jesus Christ. There is great power in remembering that great victory can come after crushing pain. As I reflected on this week, God instructed me to tell you that it was necessary. I heard your immediate question, “What was necessary?” I asked it too! His answer was immediate as well: Saturday.

“The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate.” (Matt. ‭27:62‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

The “next day” in the Resurrection story was Saturday - the day after Jesus’s devastating death and the day before His extraordinary victory. It is the least talked about days in the 3 day stretch, mostly because the Bible doesn’t say much about it. The verse I highlighted is the first in a 4 verse section that talks about that day and that just about sums it up. (Read Matthew 27:62-65) Here’s the thing about Saturday! A whole lot of you are right there. You are stuck between the instruction and the manifestation, the deep loss and the joyful recovery, the yes and the purpose. It’s an extraordinarily hard place to be in but yet you don’t have permission to quit. There’s no answers but yet an expectation that you hold on and be strong.

You see, the Bible doesn’t mention directly what Jesus or His disciples were doing on that Saturday. We only see what the enemy was doing. We only see the plotting and the attempt to make sure Jesus doesn’t fulfill His promise. The Lord highlighted that fact for me so that I could encourage you. You see, the enemy needed a follow up meeting to try to ensure his victory but the Lord did not. He said it, everything happened as He said it would and that settled it. Yes, Saturday would have been filled with grief and despair for the disciples but there would have also been expectation that just maybe Jesus would do what He promised. Though we don’t know for sure all of the details, we know that it was not an easy day. What about you? Though this season has been extremely challenging,do you still have your hope? Do you still trust the word you received?

Listen, fam! I need you to wait out your Saturday! Don’t get distracted by the enemy’s desperations and distractions. Instead, remember the promise that the Lord made you. He told you that you would make it to the other side. He told you that you would finish. He told you that He would heal you. He didn’t say that it would always be easy but He did say there would be victory. He did say that He would be there until the end. Don’t lose hope because there’s no step by step guide. Why? Because you have The Word and in the end, He wins every time!

Amen

Fix it!

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].” (JAMES‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

If you have been in church for any length of time, you’ve probably heard and said part of this scripture at least a million times. The King James says “the prayers of the righteous availeth much”. Remember now? Well, today, I was drawn to the first part of the scripture and it tapped me on the shoulder and started speaking. I am going to be as brief as I can but I really believe that the Lord is calling for maturity from the saints, especially when it means acknowledging and correcting your own faults.

It is much easier to see what is wrong with other people, right? How they hurt you or what they said and we forget that often there is another side and another perspective. Now, I am not talking about those clear situations where it is easy to see the victim and who was wronged. I’m talking about what often happens in friendships when something happens that is left unresolved or not discussed. It’s challenging because in those situations, silence has often won the battle. “I’m waiting on her to say something,” or “He ought to know how I feel so I’m not going to say anything.” Sound familiar? But James 5:16 challenges us to account for OUR own sins and missteps not just the other person’s. What would the world be like if we all held ourselves accountable for what we missed or got wrong?

Can I challenge you today to fix it? Whether it is a face to face, a phone call or a Marco Polo, identify those relationships in your life that you left unresolved, and do what you need to do to make it right. Sometimes an apology is all that is needed. Let me clarify! I’m not telling you that you should go searching out old relationships that the Lord has released you from but I’m referring to the ones that you know didn’t end correctly. Time passing doesn’t always mean resolution has taken place.

Be honest with yourself about those situations! Did you misinterpret? Is there another side or possibility? Did you misunderstand? Look closely so that you can do your part in fixing what might otherwise stay broken. Why are you asking me to do this, Ebony? Because the other key part of that verse is the answer. So YOU will be healed and restored. The resolution is for you and your wellbeing more than anything else so your prayers can really be effective because your heart is pure and your hands are clean. Let’s be willing to do the hard stuff so that we can reap the good benefits.

Amen

Be You!

Can I just encourage you today to be who God has called you to be? In this age of social media, where people feel comfortable giving opinions from the safety of their phones and Facebook accounts, you must be confident in who you are. Listen, God does not make mistakes. He doesn’t create messes and He doesn’t waste His time and energy making things that don’t matter.

“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.” ‭‭(Genesis‬ ‭1:31‬a ‭NKJV‬‬)

Some of you have been tricked by the enemy into thinking that you don’t have value or that it is too late for you to make an impact. But the truth of the matter is that God created everyone for a specific time with a specific purpose. He gave everyone a measure of faith and a gift and He expects you to take advantage of it. When He made you, He looked at you and said it was good. Don’t allow circumstances, opinions, a job or a bank account stop you from living out that word that He spoke over you. Don’t let what happened keep you from using your gift. Don’t let who you have lost hinder your progress. You are needed right now, with all your quirks, creativity and uniqueness! God made you exactly that way and it was very good. Be you!

Amen

Issa inventory!

For the last couple of weeks, my church has been fasting for “the come up”. You know, asking God to show us and grow us in the areas of our lives where we need to come up. It’s been challenging and enlightening at the same time. Well today as I was waking up, I heard the words “cut off”. Yep, it’s okay to start getting nervous! It’s smack dab in the middle of the Lenten season so I guess it’s appropriate to look at the places, things, people, etc that are no longer adding value or causing harm to your life.

Let me pause here though before I go on. This is not an exercise in pettiness. I am not giving you permission to cut up because you haven’t been mature enough or bold enough to make a decision and stand by it. Nope, this is an opportunity to take inventory of your life and identify the leaks, excess, and lack. You know, the places where your joy and peace have been slowly draining out, the places where you have filled your hard places with overeating, overspending, and overfilling your calendar, and the places where you just don’t have anything left to give.

Here’s the thing with cutting off what is not good for you. It is not about the other person, the thing or the place. It is about you and your growth. It is about recognizing where you may have allowed access to your heart and spirit that should have been denied or limited a long time ago. It is about moving on from what is no longer helping you to advance. There are several places in the Bible that talk about pruning but the words of Jesus are the most profound to me. “He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” (John‬ ‭15:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬) I would encourage you to read the whole chapter but my point is this.  The things that have to be cut off are not things you don’t care about or enjoy. Nope, they typically mean something to you. Notice that Jesus said that the Father cut off every branch of “mine” that didn’t produce fruit. They weren’t random branches, folks!  But they were the things that were no longer beneficial for growth. Today, it’s time to take stock and then take action. Whether it’s cutting off or cutting back…do it! It’s for your good!

Amen

What to do about change...

Change is inevitable. People will change, circumstances will change, even your mind will change. It is a part of life that is unavoidable and hard. I mean, what happens when something changes that you are used to having or happening? Do you throw a fit or throw in the towel? What is your response?

I have been tossing these thoughts around in my head over the last several weeks as I looked at my life. I have searched and searched for the most comforting answer and still been left without much comfort. And then, I was reminded of a verse that the church has completely worn out on the scale of churchiest phrases. But in it, I found a peace that I had not previously understood.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”(Hebrews‬ ‭13:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)‬‬

Take a minute with that! I mean, really take it in and SELAH. No matter what your bank account says, Jesus is the same! No matter what your marriage feels like today, Jesus is the same. No matter where you go, Jesus Christ is the same. Regardless of what happens to your routine, He is the SAME!  Come on! He is the same yesterday, today AND forever! So many times, this is where you miss it, you react with your emotions when God is trying to get you to see His consistency. He wants you to see that in a world that is constantly changing, you can count on Him to give you stability.  

Listen, change and I have been spending a lot of time together recently! However, this short and immensely powerful verse has shown me that I don’t have to worry. Why? Because regardless of how my plans, life, crew, etc. change, the God I serve doesn’t. Stop worrying about who or what comes and goes and put your trust in the One who promised to never leave or forsake you.

Amen

You sure?

Hello friends! As you can obviously tell, it is not Thursday!  I have had a long week of traveling, unexpected delays, and awkward security experiences. (Don’t ask!)  So yesterday was not working with me. However, as I lay on my bed last night, listening for God, I expected something deeply spiritual to revive me from the pit of “do nothing”. Instead, I heard “make your election sure.” Now, I’m a preacher so I have heard that phrase on countless occasions but I wasn’t quite sure what God was trying to tell me in that moment.  I know what I thought it meant but again my mind was not together. So I went to the scriptures, looking for clarity and found myself in the Amplified Version of 2 Peter 1:10 and it says,

“Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin];”

 

It is tempting to make this scripture about your decision to accept the call of God on your life. I mean that is the churchiest way. However, today, I realized that it is more about representing the call well. You see, your flesh would say that God called you and you answered and that is enough. When in reality, your response is the key. God is not only looking for your yes but authenticity along with it.  Your decisions, behavior, and maturity should reflect who God is and what kind of relationship you have with Him. It is not enough to say, “I am chosen” without living a holy life that is pleasing to God. It is not enough to say “I am a minister” without studying to show yourself approved. It is definitely not enough to say “God called me” but you are unteachable and unreachable.

 

Listen! In these last and evil days, you have to make your election sure! You have to be willing to go the extra mile for God in your public AND private life. It is time out for a “church folk” mentality when God needs Christians. People are dying without salvation every day and it is not acceptable. It is time to live the life of love, grace and holiness that Christ exemplified so that the world can be won for the Kingdom. So…are you sure? If not, let’s go ahead and get to work!

Amen

Made it!!

This morning the Lord highlighted a scripture for me about the Israelites that I don’t really remember. I’m sure that I have read it before but today it just seemed brand new. “For the Lord your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing.”’”‭‭(Deuteronomy‬ ‭2:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Maybe I’m reflecting on this passage because as I write this, it is the last few minutes of my 30s. But it really struck me today what the Lord was saying to these people that had both doubted and celebrated Him, disappointed Him and made Him proud, followed Him and then regretted it. Yet in all of that back and forth, God was still there. In the midst of their most challenging time, wandering in the wilderness, He provided for them and kept them safe. Think about this now. No matter what your wilderness has looked like, you are still alive to read this post. No matter what your family did, you still have a future. No matter where you may have gone wrong, you still have a purpose. God has been there the entire time, loving you and providing for you. It’s an overwhelming thing, if you think about it. A God that literally owes you nothing gave it all for you. Does that blow your mind like it does mine?

Maybe I should say it another way. You made it! Really…you made it here to February 28th, 2019. So many of us shouldn’t have made it out of 1999 but here you are. Through it all, the Lord your God has been with you. Blocking the car from running you off the road, stopping the heart attack, keeping your mind. He has been there the whole time! So you see, when I say that you made it, I want you to really think about that thing because what you do next is affected. If you can celebrate making it, what ails you won’t wear you out. If you can just shout ”I made it”, what overwhelmed you last week will be a distant memory this week.

I just want you to know that the Lord never left you. Never! Not in the middle of the wilderness and not in the middle of your yes.  It may have gotten cloudy and lonely but He was there and and guess what? That won’t change!

Amen

It is well!

I was laying here at almost 10:00 waiting on the Lord to speak to me when these words started echoing in my spirit…

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well

With my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul

I don’t know if you have ever had a crazy week or times when your mind wouldn’t stop racing, or you are overwhelmed by what you have left to accomplish. Well, I have and sometimes the only appropriate  response to that situation is “it is well”. Why? Because there is power in understanding that you just don’t have the answer. “It is well” is the white flag that you wave to tell the Lord that you’re handing over the reins to Him. There is no more trying to fix it or control it but rather a willingness to let God do whatever He planned to do anyway.

Today, I just want to let you know that it is well! You will get the work done. You will recover from the loss. You will find the answer and you will grow to your next stage You see? Don’t you feel better?

The Shunamite woman in 2 Kings 4 answered “it is well” when everything was far from well. Her son was dead and she had no easy way to fix it. However, her response shut her doubt and despair up. It pushed her toward change and breakthrough and challenged her to put her faith where her words were! I don’t have anything deep for you today but what I do have is an assurance. You have what it takes to get through whatever you are facing.  It is well!

Amen

Love.

“I am love.” As I was asking the Lord what to say today, I received this response. I sat with it pretty much all day. You know, letting it sink in and trying to think what to add to it. Now, I realize that there is nothing else needed. You see, that is where folks get in trouble with the concept of love. They try to complicate love with conditions and expectations, not to mention memories and failures. By the time, you try to get to the core definition of what love is, it has been so diluted by what man has attached to it that the real depth has been lost. It truly is as simple as the Lord’s statement. He is love and He is enough. I know you wanted something deep but that is as deep as it needs to be. If people would just let God’s love shine through their actions, their speech, their marriage, how they raised their children, how they give, and their responses, the world would be in a much better place. So today is just about reminding you about the precious and effective love of God. It is cleansing, perfecting, and redeeming. It is everlasting, kind, and patient. It overshadows and casts out fear and it covers all offense. It is everything that you need and more than enough. It is God.

We love because he first loved us. - 1 John 4:19

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. – Colossians 3:14

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. – 1 John 4:8

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:3

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

May you always know and receive the special and all-encompassing love of God. It heals, delivers, and saves and will keep you warmer than the gifts or words of man. May you feel that love today and everyday of your life.

Amen

Go find your YES!!

It’s super late and I am just getting to a place where I could put anything on paper. For that reason, I’m not going to belabor the point or stress you out with a long post. I just want to remind you to remember your yes!

Life, circumstances, attacks, etc love to distract you from what you are supposed to be doing. We know that and almost expect those things to happen. But what about the things of God – your ministry, your title/position, your purpose? What happens when those things take your attention and focus away? Today, the Lord wanted me to remind you of why you first said yes. Not your call “yes” or your elevation “yes” but your salvation yes, your repentance yes, your confession yes. You see, if you are tired, frustrated or waiting on an answer, take a moment and reflect on why you said yes in the first place. It wasn’t for the spotlight or the likes on Instagram. It was your very life and it is worth a revisit.

The people that you are looking to follow your ministry and attend your event, will find you at your yes. They will see the passion and the excitement that flowed so freely from you when you first felt God in your heart. It’s time to go back and find your yes. Stop waiting on the Lord to say something deep and begin to worship Him for how He plucked you out of sin’s grasp and set you on a new path!

The Lord reminded me of what was said in 1 Corinthians 1:20 this morning, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”‭‭(II Corinthians‬ ‭1:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

If yes was such a powerful word that all of His promises are answered in it, why have we become so lackadaisical about our yes? How have we moved so far away from it? It’s time to get back to what you said to God in the first place, I promise that your why and your next will become clear!

Amen

But God...

Sorry for the late post today, folks! It’s been a crazy week and a pretty crazy day but God. Wow! My mind just stopped right there and wouldn’t let me go further. Have you ever had a “But God” moment? Have you ever thought about where you would be if it had not been for the Lord? Sounds like the beginning of a churchy moment but it is really just fact. So many times life and circumstance takes your focus and puts it squarely on them. You look at how hard your day was. How hard it was to make your rent or survive the diagnosis. How crazy people are on your job or how wild your family is. But if you really just stop and think…BUT GOD. Why? Because you’re still here! Why? Because you have a testimony to share! Why? Because you didn’t die in it! God was faithful to you even in the midst of all that life and circumstance tried to do.

You can actually find several scriptures in the Bible that include “but God” and they all tell the story about God showing up and working for the good of His child. I want to just leave you with 3 and hope that you can find yourself somewhere in them.

Genesis 50:20 - You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. (NLT) Joseph was talking to his brothers about how God worked on his behalf despite their intentions. Has God covered you and trusted you with a struggle so that someone else could be free?

1 Kings 5:4 - But now the Lord my God has given me peace on every side; I have no enemies, and all is well. (NLT) Solomon had just become king and he was acknowledging that what his father hadn’t accomplished, he was able to. Has God ever taken you farther than anyone in your family has gone and delivered you from generational strongholds?

Psalm 73:26 - My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. (NLT) This is from a Psalm of Asaph, which means one who gathers together. He was a leader of David’s choir. However, the key here is that he reminds us that no matter what happens to our natural or even spiritual self, God is stronger. He is a present God and one that loves like no other.  Has God ever shown Himself strong in your life and reminded you that in your weakness, He is strong?

Listen, saints! Take a “But God” moment! Remind yourself that things in your life could have easily gone another way but God was right there fighting for you, loving you, protecting you, and showing up on your behalf. If you feel tired, weak or frustrated, remember that there is always a “but God” response coming.  Go in peace!

Amen

Know your place!

This weekend I will be elevated in ministry. It is a move that did not come without a lot of prayer, questions, sacrifice and attack. But this week as I have been preparing, The Lord told me that my only responsibility in this, other than obedience, was to know my place. I sat on that for a while. Know my place? What does that even mean?! The Lord’s response is what I want to share with you today.

The definition of to know is to be aware of through observation, inquiry or information.The definition of place is a particular position or point in space, a portion of space available to or designated for or being used by someone. So if you put it together, it is a call to be aware of the position that has been designated for you based on information that you have received. Hmmmmm…Then the Lord showed me a scenario.

Imagine you are asked to give remarks at a big gala. You received an invitation and were told that you had a reserved seat with your name on it. You are dressed for the occasion, have your notes prepared, and are ready to go. However, when you arrive, you see some people that you know and they convince you to sit with them instead of going to your reserved seat. The event is moving along and you step out to use the restroom. While you are out, they call for you to give your remarks. They shine the spotlight on your reserved seat but it's empty so they assume you are not there and move on with the program. You come back inside only to realize that because you didn't take your reserved seat, you missed your opportunity to do what you had been invited there to do. You knew where your seat was but you did not take it.

“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 ‭NLT) ‬‬God called Jeremiah and He has called you for a purpose with some very specific assignments and callings that were planned before you were born. It's time to know what God has called you to and get to it. In this season of your life, you cannot afford to be distracted by people, circumstances, fear, or attention. You cannot continue to ignore, avoid or deny a position that has been designated for you. You must take the place that has been set aside for you so that you can carry out what has been assigned to you. There is purpose in that place and you do not want to miss the benefits or the souls that are associated with it. Come on! God doesn't do things for kicks and giggles! If He has said it, He is going to do it and use it for His glory. Are you ready to take your place?‬‬

Rise up! I knew you before you were in your mother’s womb. Come forth! The earth is waiting for what I put in you. Stand up! Your voice is needed in the Kingdom. Answer! Your name has been called. Don’t you dare miss your assignment because you are scared. Don’t you dare leave your place unclaimed because someone is uncomfortable with it. And PLEASE, don’t you dare downplay or doubt what the Lord has said about you. It’s time. Know your place!

Amen

Time to stand!

It’s January and a lot of us are in a place of expectancy. Your faith is strong and you are saying all the right things. You believe God for the impossible and it feels like you are right at the edge of your breakthrough. Even though your circumstances may be telling you something completely different, your faith is surging.  Then…silence! Situations seem to get worse and the way gets a little darker, the answers you have been waiting for don’t come. You know that God is still there but you don’t hear Him. You know that He has promised you great things but they seem to be taking a long time. What do you do? How do you stand without giving in to the enemy and his plan to get you to give up and turn back? 

The Lord sent me directly to Genesis 28:15-22.

I’ll stay with you, I’ll protect you wherever you go, and I’ll bring you back to this very ground. I’ll stick with you until I’ve done everything I promised you.”⁷ Jacob woke up from his sleep. He said, “God is in this place—truly. And I didn’t even know it!” He was terrified. He whispered in awe, “Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God’s House. This is the Gate of Heaven.”  Jacob was up first thing in the morning. He took the stone he had used for his pillow and stood it up as a memorial pillar and poured oil over it. He christened the place Bethel (God’s House). The name of the town had been Luz until then.  Jacob vowed a vow: “If God stands by me and protects me on this journey on which I’m setting out, keeps me in food and clothing, and brings me back in one piece to my father’s house, this God will be my God. This stone that I have set up as a memorial pillar will mark this as a place where God lives. And everything you give me, I’ll return a tenth to you.” (MSG)

Jacob had just finished deceiving his father and taking his brother Esau’s blessing in the previous chapter. When he received this word from the Lord in a dream, he was running away from Esau’s anger and death threat. However, notice that God did not bring up His past. He did not remind him of how shady He was. In fact, He did the opposite…He blessed Jacob right where he was.  If you are waiting on God to move in your life, don’t dwell on what you used to do or who you used to be, think about what you will do and stand on the Word. Jacob made a vow with God! It took 20 years for Jacob to return to his father’s house but he stood on the Word and did what he promised with his tenth and God blessed him repeatedly because of their covenant.

When it gets quiet, stand on the Word! Saints, God sees and knows everything that you are going through. He is an ever present help in the time of trouble. Believe what He says and stand on it! Continue to praise, continue to give, and continue to serve. “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Gal. 6:9, NLT) If God has promised you something, believe Him and confess it every day until it comes to pass! If it seems that God is silent, just know that He is working things out for your good! Keep standing, God is in control!

Amen!

Exactly what you need!

I don’t have anything to say! It’s an odd place for me but a real one. I just don’t! Well, the Lord responded to my statement with “Good!” To which I replied, “Not helpful, Lord.” However, He began to minister to me and I pray that it helps you today.

The Lord simply reminded me of a verse that I know well – 2 Corinthians 12:9. I will share it with you in the Passion Translation today. “But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.”

This struck me because I didn’t recognize that my search for words was a weakness. But, in actuality, it was. Why? Because it was something that was making me struggle and holding up my progress. My weakness changes every day. One day it might be raising my children, one day it might be being a good wife, one day it might be being a good leader. However, in all of those situations, God’s grace and power is exactly what I need. He comes with his “A” game every single time because His power kicks up a notch in my weakness.

I don’t know what you have had a hard time with this week or this month or even for the last several years. Your weaknesses may be different from mine. However, what I know for sure is that The Lord is working at full capacity on your behalf. He is prepared and willing to meet your weakness with His strength and grace. Today, I just want to remind you that you don’t have to stand on your own. You don’t have to figure out your next step or your business or your family or even your health on your own. You have an Abba Father, who is keenly aware of your struggles and challenges and is waiting to show Himself strong on your behalf. 

Be encouraged, saints! It’s handled.

Amen

Who’s with me?!

Well! Happy New Year, friends! You made it to 2019 and what a blessing that is. So many did not cross into this year, young and old, but you are still here. Isn’t that enough to give God glory?! It is for me! You see, I decided that this would be the year of God for me. That is not to say that I have not focused on Him in previous years but this year, I need Him to be so much and I need Him in His rightful place.

You see, it’s so easy to get caught up in what you need from people – their encouragement, their strength, their friendship and forget that it is all secondary to what God provides. He is the ultimate comforter, confidant and friend. He is the protection from the cold treatment of the world and the shield that keeps the enemy’s arrows away. He is quite simply…everything.

The Lord spoke Romans 8:31 in the New King James Version to me this morning as a reminder of who He is. (I think He uses that translation when He wants me to know that He is serious.)

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”(Romans‬ ‭8:31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

And there it is…the conclusion of the matter! You see, this verse follows 3 or 4 verses about calling and God’s purpose. It reminded me that what He is doing, He is doing well and with intention. He has me covered and the same goes for you. There is nothing and no one that can overcome you if He is on your side. So can I just encourage you to take 2019 by storm? Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from doing that thing or things that He has put on the inside of you to do. He is fighting for you and He has never lost a battle!

Come forth, evangelist! There are souls waiting on you and fear won’t hold you back. Come forth, missionary! There are countries in need of Christ and resources won’t limit your reach. Come forth, writer! There are readers searching for your words and the opinions of people won’t stop you! Come forth, apostle! There are new territories to be tackled and small-town thinking won’t make you question your strategy. This is the year that you let God be everything in your life. I promise that He is the best teammate and He is for you!

Amen