A Lesson in Love

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

~1 Corinthians 13:4-7

As I continue to learn, grow, and journey with the Lord I realize love is not what I say, but it’s what I do – it’s how I treat people. As I study 1 Corinthians 13, I understand that love is not a feeling, it’s an action word. It’s a conscious decision to be patient and kind. To love means that I decide to live out this particular scripture line by line to the best of my abilities, regardless of the recipient or circumstance.

We are not responsible for how people treat us. We cannot control that. However, we are accountable to God for the way that we treat others. In Matthew 7, we learn about the Golden Rule. “So, whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12). If we are going to learn to love the way that Christ loves His church, we must treat people the way that we want to be treated and love, unconditionally.

I’m a flawed person, extremely flawed. When I think about God’s grace and mercy towards me, I think to myself, “How can I mistreat others because they have mistreated me? After all the wrong that I’ve done, God forgives me continually.” Loving others means: not holding a grudge, not hanging their flaws over their heads, accepting people for who they are, and praying God’s best for them – even when they mistreat you. It’s easier said than done when the mistreatment causes you hurt or pain of any kind. However, we must look to the Lord for our strength to do this thing. It’s in our weakness that His strength is made perfect (2 Corinth. 12:9).

God is love. He loves everyone. He is not partial. Matthew 5:45 says, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Honestly, this truth doesn’t always sit right with me. I always want God to vindicate me and do my wrongdoers wrong. But the reality is, He is merciful and kind. He doesn’t always repay evil with evil, and neither should we.

As I questioned God about loving and honoring others – He showed me Genesis 9 – Noah & his sons. In verse 20 we see Noah drunk, uncovered, and naked. He was a flawed man. His son Canaan saw his father’s nakedness in his drunken state. Instead of covering his father, he exposed him by telling his two other brothers. On the other hand, verse 23 says, “Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness.” We see a clear depiction of how we ought to cover others even in their flaws.

1 Peter 4:8 commands, "Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]." God is calling us to love. If there ever was a time that we needed more love, it’s now. Make a choice to love.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 

~1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Be Blessed & Stay Encouraged!💜

A.M.

Victory!!

For the Lord, your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory. ~ Deut. 20:4

As I sit writing this blog entry, I began to recite these lyrics:

Victory is mine,

Victory is mine,

Victory today is mine.

I told satan, get thee behind,

Victory today is mine.

I realize that no matter the situation, I have the victory, and so do you! In Deuteronomy 20, we see instructions given to Israel to prepare them for battle. This scripture pertains not only to the children of Israel but to us as we are God's people. Verse 1 says, "…be not afraid of them: for the Lord, thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” This verse reveals two things to me: the first thing is that the Lord is with me in every situation, in every battle, and every hard place. I am not alone. His presence is my portion. Second, the verse reminds us of how the Lord previously delivered Israel from Egypt. The same God who gave you the previous victory and delivered you will do it again. He's the same yesterday, today, and forevermore (Heb. 13:8).

Verse 4 says, “He goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” We don't need to fight against our enemies; the Lord will fight for us. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. The Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord (Rom. 12:19). We must trust God enough to humble ourselves, hold our peace, and believe that God has given us the victory. No retaliation is needed.

The bible tells us that we are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:4-9). What does that mean? We are in a position of privilege, power, and authority because of Christ’s work on the cross. He's given us authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions and, over all the power of the enemy, and nothing by any means shall harm us (Luke 10:19). We have power, we have authority, and we have the victory. We are not defeated. We must learn to speak and pray from a position of power and authority.

In my quiet time with the Lord, He recently showed me that Hannah never approached or sought revenge against Peninnah (her rival); see 1 Sam. 1:1-19. She went to God in prayer - intense prayer. She gave birth to her miracle in the place of prayer. Take note that Hannah's miracle was birthed from a place of prayer, not retaliation or revenge. As you allow the Lord to fight your battles, believe and know that you have the victory.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corin. 15:57

Be Blessed & Stay Encouraged!💜

A.M.

Self-Examination: Part 1

 But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor. Galatians 6:4

As my 40th birthday is quickly approaching (Lord slow it down), I've decided to take a step back, reflect, and perform a self-examination. Many times, we are extremely skilled at evaluating others. On the contrary, we seem rather incompetent when it comes to examining our own ways. In Galatians 6, the Apostle Paul admonished the Galatians to correct one another in love, not to think of themselves more highly than they ought, and to examine their ways. If we're honest, we're all guilty of finger-pointing. We're all guilty of trying to remove the speck out of our neighbor's eye rather than first removing the plank out of our own eye (Matt. 7:5). 

What planks are in your eye? Can you see them? If not, you can ask the Holy Spirit to show you. Sometimes, these "planks" are a hindrance to our progress in various areas of our lives. There is undeveloped fruit (patience, love, kindness, self-control, long-suffering, etc.) in our lives. God wants to develop the fruit of the Spirit in us. He desires for us to bear good fruit. Furthermore, we don't realize how our actions, attitudes, and behavior affect others. We don't see it because it's easier to judge and see the shortcomings of others. Other times, we do know and choose not to deal with ourselves. We have to want to be better. We have to want to grow. 

The word grace has been a running theme for me over the past few months. I kept seeing and hearing this word everywhere. In nearly every movie or tv show I watched, there was a character named Grace. In the signs I saw on the street and buildings, there was the word grace. It came to a point where it was happening so much, that all I could do was laugh. I began to ask, "God, what are you saying to me? Because at this point, it's obvious that You are communicating something to me about grace."

One of the things that I believe the Lord was/is saying to me is that there's not only grace for me, but for others. The same grace that I need and receive, I have to be intentional about extending it to others (and myself). We must understand and accept that we all have issues, hang-ups, flaws, and character defects. All of us. We have to be loving and forgiving, just as the Lord is towards us. Galatians 6:2 tells us to, "Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]." Easier said than done, but we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13).

Before we enter the 2nd half of 2022, I encourage you to take some time to step back, reflect, and self-evaluate. Spend some time with the Lord and allow Him to show you yourself. David said in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Allow the Holy Spirit to have His way and respond accordingly. If there are some areas where you need to do better, agree with the Holy Spirit, and ask Him to help you to do so. God is not a condemning God. He corrects and those whom He corrects, He loves (Heb. 12:6). 

The goal is growth. Let's grow together. 

Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!

Lamentations 3:40

Be Blessed & Stay Encouraged!💖

A.M.

Difficult Deliverance

Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt (Ex. 13:17-18).

In the book of Exodus, we see a mighty move of God on behalf of His people. The children of Israel were enslaved in Egypt for 430 years! For centuries they cried out to their God for change, deliverance, and freedom. In the 430th year, their salvation finally came (Ex. 12:41). The Lord sent them help by way of a man named Moses. Their prayers were answered. They were no longer enslaved. They were no longer in bondage. They were no longer someone else’s property. They were a free people, God’s people. However, their deliverance didn’t appear the way they thought it should. Because of this, we see God’s people complaining, grumbling, and ultimately wanting to go back to a place of bondage - the very place they prayed that the Lord would deliver them from. 

By the hand of God, the children of Israel were delivered, and so are we. When God comes through for us, it may not come in the way we think it should or even the way we’d envisioned. He may take us the long and difficult path to teach us how to be steadfast and trust Him completely - as He did with the children of Israel (Ex. 13:17). God says in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” God doesn’t do things or solve problems the way we do, and His thoughts go far beyond our understanding. There is a purpose behind everything that He does or does not do. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “…we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” There is even purpose in His timing (Eccl. 13:1). 

Has God delivered you, and it doesn’t look like you think it should? Are you complaining and grumbling about it? Would you rather go back to a place of bondage? Do you prefer the place of comfortable slavery rather than the place of difficult freedom? God never said that the “promise land” wouldn’t have giants and hardships. Don’t go back to that toxic relationship because you’re lonely. Don’t go back to that 9-5 because entrepreneurship is more challenging than you thought. Don’t go back to living opposite of God’s will because doing the right thing seems to be unprofitable right now. Stay in your deliverance. Keep your freedom. Trust God with the outcome. Just as He led the children of Israel to the Red Sea, He led you right where you are right now. He has already made a way for you! Trust Him to bring you to the other side as you act in obedience and keep a thankful heart towards the Lord.  

Be Blessed & Stay Encouraged!💓

A.M.

Jericho Walls

Now Jericho [a fortified city with high walls] was tightly closed because [of the people’s fear] of the sons of Israel; no one went out or came in. The Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the mighty warriors. 

Joshua 6:1-2

The Lord has had me thinking about the Walls of Jericho lately. So naturally, I began to look at Joshua 6 to see what God was saying to me. As I read Joshua 6, I began to see a picture of God's people being shut out of the very thing that God had promised to them. Then I asked God, "How does this relate to me...to us in this day and time?" The walls represent barriers that the enemy has built up to keep God's people out of their place of promise...their place of breakthrough...their place of rest. A wall by definition is a barrier, a barricade, a separator, and a hindrance. What are some of the walls that the enemy uses to hold us back? Pride, jealousy, envy, self-righteousness, fear, unbelief, unforgiveness, disobedience, and the list goes on. Hebrews 12:1 pleads with us to lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us. These walls keep us from moving forward to the place that God has for us. The place of peace, joy, abundance, purpose, etc. There was a better place that God had for His people in Joshua 6, but they couldn't attain it because of the walls that surrounded the city. What walls are keeping you out of the place that God has for you?

If you look at the text, it says "Jericho was tightly closed because of the people's fear of the sons of Israel." The enemy knows how powerful and effective you are for the Body of Christ. Thus, he will use whatever barricade he can to keep you from entering into the place of promise that God has for you. Whether that promise is peace, joy, purpose - he will do what he can to keep you out. The bible says that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus I came that we may have life more abundantly (John 10:10).

So, just as God gave Joshua and the children of Israel instructions that would ultimately lead to their victory, God wants to do the same for you. I want to encourage you today to sit in the presence of God so that He can give you divine instructions on how to defeat the enemy of your soul. I pray that every wall that the enemy has erected to keep you out of the place of promise comes tumbling down as you do what God has placed on your heart to do. Remember, you have the victory.

Be Blessed & Encouraged, 

A.M. 💗  

Faith & Feelings

Ok, I’m going to be honest - I don’t always feel like praying and I don’t always feel like studying my bible. To take it a step further, I don’t always feel saved and I don’t always feel like I’m righteous. But the truth of the matter is, I am saved – through faith in Jesus Christ and I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. So, it doesn’t matter how I feel, those are the facts.

In this faith walk, it’s critical that we don’t rely on how we feel to guide our decisions. The bible says, “The righteous shall live by faith” (Rom 1:17). It doesn’t say by feelings, sight, or sound – but by faith. If we live our lives totally based on our emotions, we’ll be all over the place, completely unstable. Our emotions change from day to day, and from circumstance to circumstance. Even in these uncertain times, emotions and tensions are high. If we let our feelings guide us, we’ll often end up in trouble by making poor decisions. Our faith in God has to be our compass. Our faith, not our feelings should be the guiding force to help us obey God and to do what we know to be right. We are called to live by our faith in the One who can be trusted.

Throughout this journey with God, at times it may feel as if He’s not there, not listening or is outright indifferent to our cries. But the those are all lies. The truth is, we know He’s with us because He said He’ll never leave nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6). We know His ears are open to the cries of the righteous because the Word of God says so in Psalm 34:15. What we know to be true about God’s character and His promises must override how we feel.

In Psalm 42, the Psalmist is clearly depressed and feeling forgotten by God. Nevertheless, these verses are so refreshing to me as I notice how he checked his own spirit.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation 6 and my God.
My soul is cast down within me;
therefore I remember you…

9 I say to God, my rock:
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning
because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10 As with a deadly wound in my bones,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?”

11 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.

This is a prime example of how not to allow your circumstances and your feelings to dictate your mood, your praise, and your faith in God. He reminded Himself of who God is and what He did for Him in the past. Essentially, He asked himself, “Why are you worried and why are you depressed? Hope in God! You know Him!” I’m paraphrasing but I just want to encourage you to believe God, what He says about you, and His promises to you. It doesn’t matter how you feel, but according to your faith, it will be done for you (Matt. 8:13, 9:29). Only you know what that “it” is. Be determined to live by faith and not your feelings. Be courageous and steadfast in your faith in God. He’s faithful.

Be Blessed & Encouraged,💓

A.M.

Peace Within

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way.
The Lord be with you all. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:16 

This morning I woke up thinking about peace. Not just any peace though – the peace of God. I’ve found that many people obtain peace from their status, their money, their career, their title, their spouse, their ministry, house, and/or cars, etc. However, those are just things and people; they don’t provide long lasting peace. They provide a false sense of peace; a false sense of security if you will. They can all be taken away should God see fit to do so. I’m talking about peace that surpasses all human understanding (Phil. 4:7). Peace that only God can provide no matter the circumstance, no matter who comes and who goes. The peace of God, that no matter what circumstances we face, we can be at ease. This kind of peace, only God Himself can provide. Let me be clear, God provides all of those earthly things for us to enjoy. But they shouldn’t be our sole source for peace. He alone is our Source for peace. After all, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Definition of Peace 

Some people love math, some love art, some love history and so forth. I love words. I love to research the definition of words and their origins. So naturally, I looked up the biblical definition of peace.

PEACE -- Shalom (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם shalom; also spelled as sholom, sholem, sholoim, shulem)
1. In a general sense, a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind.

2. Freedom from agitation or disturbance by the passions, as from fear, terror, anger, anxiety, or the like; quietness of mind; tranquility; calmness; quiet of conscience.

3. Heavenly rest; the happiness of heaven.

How Do We Obtain This Peace?

The bible tells us in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” With all that has taken place in this world over the past few months, God is saying, “Don’t worry, don’t be anxious, but pray." He then promises in Philippians 4:7, “that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” One of my favorite scriptures is Isaiah 26:3 which promises, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Essentially, we have to keep our minds on Christ and His Word. We have to keep God’s promises at the forefront of our minds. So many times, we lose our peace because our minds are everywhere else except for where it needs to be – on Jesus. Philippians 4:8 gives us direct instructions on how to maintain our peace, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” We have to make a conscious decision to keep our minds on these things. If we don’t, we’ll allow our minds to wonder and wander into dangerous territory which can threaten our peace. We have to be careful about what we think about. As Joyce Meyer would say, “We have to think about what we’re thinking about.” All the negative thoughts and what ifs, we have to cast those thoughts down, take them captive, and make them obedient to Christ (2 Corin. 10:5). 

I pray that God gives you peace today and throughout the remainder of this year, no matter what you face. He’s able to give you peace in the midst of chaos and tranquility in the midst of turmoil. Peace is your portion.

Be Blessed & Encouraged,💓

A.M.

Faith to Believe

[Prompted] by faith Noah, being forewarned by God concerning events of which as yet there was no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an ark for the deliverance of his own family… (Hebrews 11:7)

Because of faith also Sarah herself received physical power to conceive a child, even when she was long past the age for it, because she considered [God] Who had given her the promise to be reliable and trustworthy and true to His word. (Hebrews 11:11)

Faith in God and in His word is what the world needs right now more than ever. His Word reveals His promises - His promises for you and your life. God has given us His precious promises so we may know what to expect from Him & what belongs to us. He gave us these promises so that we may know what He says about particular circumstances in our lives. What is a promise? By definition, the word promise means:

1. A declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen.

2. A legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act.

I’ve been working from home for the past few weeks due to social distancing. Last week as I was working on my computer, I stared at my computer screen, then I began to stare outside of the window in front of me. I thought to myself, “It’s really muggy and gloomy outside. It’s going to be an ugly day.” After all, it’d been raining consistently for the past few days. For sure it would rain again today. As I was staring outside of the window, I heard the voice of the local weather woman getting ready to report the weather for the day. So naturally, I turned my attention to the screen to see what she was going to say. To my surprise she said, “Today will be mostly sunny with a high of 58 degrees, mild and sunny…” My immediate reaction was to scoff at her pronouncement. I scoffed at her because for sure she wasn’t seeing what I was seeing. She either didn’t know what she was talking about or had some keen insight that I didn’t possess. As I looked outside at the wet ground, cloudy sky, and gloomy appearance - I brushed off what I’d just heard.

About 2 hours later I decided to make a quick coffee run. As I got ready to leave, the mild weather and sunny sky met me at the door! I walked to my car and thought, “Wow, it’s a beautiful day.” It looked like two completely different days! It was very sunny and mild, just as the lady predicted - despite of my unbelief due to what had previously been and what I saw with my natural eyes. Sure enough, what she said…came to pass. As I drove off to get my coffee, I laughed and the Holy Spirit said to me, “Just as surely as what she said came to pass, so will my promises for you. It may not look like it, there may be no sign of it, but it will happen just as I have said.” All I could do was bless God in that moment.

Hebrews 11 gives us an account of people with great faith. Their circumstances were the complete opposite of what God had spoken. There was no sign that anything God had promised was coming to pass. Nonetheless, they acted, operated, and obeyed God by faith. Their faith moved God and amazing things happened. “How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death…” (Heb. 11:32-35)

What you see right before your very eyes may not look like what God has promised you. However, God’s word says in Hebrews 10:38-39, “But My righteous one [the one justified by faith] shall live by faith [respecting man’s relationship to God and trusting Him]; And if he draws back [shrinking in fear], My soul has no delight in him. But our way is not that of those who shrink back to destruction, but [we are] of those who believe [relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by this confident faith preserve the soul.”

My friend, now is NOT the time to give up or give in. It’s certainly not the time to worry or fear. It’s not the time to fold. Now is the time to exercise your faith. Now is the time to put your faith into action. Believe God beyond what you see. Have faith to believe God's promises for your life.

I pray you all stay safe and encouraged.

Blessings,💓

A.M.

Silly For A Season

⇢ Surely, the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7

⇢ He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him. Daniel 2:21-22



As I was sitting in a church one Sunday morning, a thought came to my mind, “I look silly. Here I am doing what the Lord told me to do and I don’t see the fruit that should come from it.” In my limited view and knowledge, it just didn’t make any sense. Then, the Holy Spirit encouraged me and said, “Sometimes, you’ll have to look silly for a season.”

Many times, the Lord will reveal His purposes and plans to us ahead of the time that He plans to do it. He’ll tell you His plans & may provide instructions for you to prepare. On the contrary, He may not reveal these things to the people around you. God doesn’t trust everyone with His secrets, just a select few. Amos 3:7 confirms this as it proclaims, “Surely, the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”

Take a look at Noah, who by his obedience to God spared not only his own life but the lives of his family members. God said to Noah, “I intend to make an end of all that lives, for through men the land is filled with violence; and behold, I am about to destroy them together with the land. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood; make in it rooms (stalls, pens, coops, nests, cages, compartments) and coat it inside and out with pitch (bitumen), Gen. 6:13-14. I can imagine Noah doing exactly what the Lord had instructed, only to be taunted by people who couldn’t understand why he was building this enormous boat. The Lord told him exactly what He planned to do and provided Noah with specific instructions. Noah couldn’t concern himself with what everyone else was doing and what they were saying. He’d heard from God. Thus, he had to keep building.

Quite often, your obedience to God’s instructions/His Word may cause you to look silly because everyone else is doing something different, going a different route, or simply doesn’t understand the vision that God has given you. In today’s society, everyone seems to do what makes them feel good and whatever seems right at the moment. We have to trust God enough to obey His instructions, even if it causes us to look silly to other people. God alone knows the plans that He has for you, they are good and not evil, plans to give you hope and an expected end (Jer. 29:11). Remember, its only for a season. Obey God so that His will can be carried out in your life and in the lives of others.

Stay Encouraged.💕
A.M.

Smoke & Mirrors

“…casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].  Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.] After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].  To Him be dominion (power, authority, sovereignty) forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:7-11 

Smoke and mirrors is a classic technique in magical illusions that makes an entity appear to hover in empty space. It has now become a figure of speech which means the obscuring or embellishing of the truth of a situation with misleading or irrelevant information. Also, if something is described as smoke and mirrors it is intended to make you believe that something is being done or is true, when it is not. In other words, smoke and mirror is all about deception. It’s a tactic that the enemy uses to distract, discourage, and derail the people of God. 

Many times in our lives, God will allow us to go through situations that seem completely impossible to overcome. He’ll allow us to go through seasons of lack and loss, scarcity and shame, despair and disappointment. He’ll take us through the valley of dry bones where it seems there is no life, no fruit, and no manifestation of His promises. Even when we go through these seasons, we must remember that things are not always what they seem. God is with us and God is for us. It doesn’t matter who isn’t for us and what tactics the enemy uses against us. God is our Defender. He’s our Way Maker, our Miracle Worker, our Promise Keeper, and our Light in the darkness. 

God is always there working behind the scenes orchestrating events and situations for our benefit.  So even as we pray, it may seem as if nothing is happening, and God is not listening. But God is working. You must believe that and speak that by faith. He’s allowed me to go through enough circumstances to know that things are not always what they seem. There were times where I would be in such tight and impossible, sometimes scary situations…praying and fasting for months. It seemed like God was not there. Out of nowhere He would move as I continued to believe that He would bring me out and perfect those things that were concerning me. He would show me that He had the situation under His control the entire time. God uses these situations as tools to grow us up in faith, in integrity, and in prayer. You may be in a situation where your back may be against the wall and you don’t know what to do, but God does. He had the solution before you even had the problem. The Word of God declares that He knows the things that we need before we even ask (Matt. 6:8). I’m a witness to that. 

I’m reminded of 2 Kings 6:16-17 where Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened in the very impossible situation that he was facing. The Aramean army had come up against the people of God to make war. They seemed to be surrounded - in a tight place - an impossible situation. Elisha answered, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘Lord, please, open his eyes that he may see.’ And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha.” The army of God was with the people of God. We must get to a place of faith to know that no matter what we face, God’s army…His angels, and His Word shall go before us. 

The enemy uses the tactic of smoke and mirrors to throw the people of God off course. He does this so that we begin to doubt God, become discouraged and hopeless, never reaching a place in faith to move to the next level of maturity in God. The Bible says that He takes us from glory to glory and faith to faith (Psalms 84:7 & 2 Corin. 3:18). The enemy would love nothing more than to deceive you, cause you to quit on God, and miss your destiny. But, it’s all smoke and mirrors. 

Push past how you feel and what you see. Walk by faith and not by sight. Trust that God has your situation under control and will not suffer your foot to be moved, He’s faithful.

Be Encouraged.

A.M.💓

God Has Not Forsaken You!

Psalm 94:14 ~ For the Lord will not forsake His people, He will not forsake His heritage.

What does it mean to forsake someone? It means to abandon, to leave behind, or to leave helpless.

Countless times in the bible God tells His people, “I will never leave nor forsake you.” In Deuteronomy 31:8, it says, “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” In Joshua 1:9 God says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

As Jesus was hanging on the cross He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” In this moment in history we get a glimpse of Jesus Christ crying out as if God had forsaken Him. Many times, in our walk with God it will feel like, look like, and seem like God has forsaken us. However, the Word of God cancels out this lie. God is with us, even when it seems He’s not. In every test, trial, hurt, and pain…God is there. In every victory, blessing, triumph, and new chapter…God is there.

One of the lessons I’ve had to learn in my Christian walk is that, I must be extremely confident in my faith that no matter what I face, I know that God is with me and He is for me. No matter the circumstance, we must become mature Christians who can honestly trust God enough to say, “Not my will, but yours be done.” That’s not easy to do when you’re hurting, when nothing is working out for you, or you’ve been waiting on God to fulfill a promise He’s made many years ago. However, our faith must be unshakeable, immovable, and able to withstand any test, especially in these last days. In Genesis 37, we see God give Joseph a promise (dream). After that, we begin to witness a series of heartbreaking and difficult tests that Joseph endured. However, throughout his trying times, the bible declares that the Lord was with Joseph. Just as He was with Joseph, He is with us…in every circumstance.

Your suffering doesn’t equate to the absence of God’s presence. The fact that you’re going through
many tests and trials doesn’t indicate that God has forsaken you. In fact, it reveals the opposite. In Matthew 13:20-21, you’ll find the parable of the sower. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.  But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Trouble and persecution will come, because of the Word of God that lives in you. Don’t allow your present circumstances to force you to give up on God and essentially forfeit God’s promises to you.

James 1:2-4 tells us to “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” Be assured that your afflictions and hardships that God is allowing to take place in your life is working out for your good according to Romans 8:28.

It may not seem like it, but God is doing a good work in you. Philippians 1:6, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” As we see Jesus up on the cross and it seemed that God had abandoned Him, God was there, doing a good work. And so, it is with us, when God seems to have forsaken us or when He seems silent, He is doing a good work in us.

Be encouraged as you endure every test and trial that the Lord allows to come your way. He’s there with you. He will help you to endure. He will see you to the other side. Keep praying, keep fasting, and keep believing. God is with you.

Be Encouraged.
A.M.

Thunderstorms

Is. 43:2 ~ When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

As I sit here writing in my dimly lit bedroom, outside is a raging thunderstorm. The wind is blowing so harshly that it seems angry. My blinds are knocking loudly against my windows. The endless raindrops are steadily pouring from the sky into my apartment. My window panes are flooded with so much water that rain is literally gushing down the walls onto the carpet. To make matters worse, the thunder is extremely deafening and forceful. Although, I know it’s coming (because of the lightning), the thunder jolts me and stirs a little bit of fear within. Even in this God speaks. In the middle of the storm, God speaks to my heart, “Yes, the storm is loud, boisterous, out of control, and seems to be never-ending, but you know in your heart that it will subside. It will not rain forever. It will pass. Just as with every storm in your life, they will pass. It will not remain this way forever. Just wait it out.”

Many times, the storms in our lives, both public and private are in fact loud, boisterous, out of control, and seem never-ending. However, the Holy Spirit reminded me that this too shall pass, just like every other storm I’ve faced in life. I want to lovingly remind you that the storm you’re in right now, that seems like it will never let up, will indeed pass. Trials, tests, and tribulations are scary, tumultuous, and unpredictable, much like thunderstorms. During these storms, God commands us just as He did Joshua in Josh. 1:9, “To be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” God is with you in the storm, in the battle, in the difficulty, in the unfair treatment, in the disappointment, and in the pain. He’s there and will get you through it.

Both thunderstorms and rain serve a purpose. Their purpose is far greater than our inconveniences and discomfort. God doesn’t check with us to see if a thunderstorm works with our agenda for the day. It just rains until He’s done. Likewise, the storms in our lives serve a purpose. It’s up to us to seek God’s face and ask Him. Word of advice: Never go through a storm and come out empty. God has a purpose for you in your storm (wisdom, understanding, greater anointing, increased faith, maturity, patience, knowing Him, etc.). Cancel the pity party and ask God, What are You saying to me? What are you trying to teach me? What is the lesson here? There is good in your storm. Romans 8:28 declares, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

The Holy Spirit also reminded me that God is in control. He controls the weather including the thunderstorms. So, it is with the storms in our lives, God is in control. He knows how long it will last and He knows how to get you through it. He is aware of your circumstances. We don’t have to walk around frustrated. According to 1 Peter 5:7, we can cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. Therefore, cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22). The storm is not permanent, its only temporary. You are in the palm of His hands.

Be Encouraged.

A.M.

Preparation Before Promise: Part 2

So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. Gen 41:14

In continuation of “Preparation Before Promise,” the Lord showed me something in Gen. 41:14. The Bible says, "Pharaoh sent for Joseph and he was quickly brought from the dungeon." Many times, we try to help God get us to the place of promise. We try to make things happen and only end up frustrating ourselves. Gen. 40:23 says, “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.” Joseph had to sit in that situation for another two years. However, when it was time for God’s word to come to pass, the bible says Pharaoh sent for him. Joseph didn’t have to con his way out. He didn’t have to manipulate or force his way into destiny. But the Lord, in His perfect timing, caused Joseph to be remembered.

Joseph learned many things in the time of preparation. I believe the following concepts are essential to waiting on God’s promises to manifest in our lives.

Faith in God’s Timing – If anyone knew what it meant to wait upon God, it was Joseph. He was

given a promise as a teen and didn’t walk in that promise until age thirty. He went through various delays and detours. I can only imagine what was going through his mind. Sold into slavery by his own flesh and blood, thrown into prison unjustly, and seemingly forgotten. Surely this wasn’t the way God wanted to fulfill His promise. I’m reminded of how God led the children of Israel through the wilderness, not the shorter, easier route. He knew they were not ready (Ex. 13:17-18). So God did the same with Joseph and He’s doing the same with many of us. Does it seem like you’re taking the longer route in life? The more rigorous journey to purpose? If so, be encouraged because God is in control.

Forgiveness – Throughout Joseph’s time of preparation, he was betrayed, lied on, and forgotten about by people with whom he had relationships. He had to learn to forgive and forget. Joseph had to learn to bless those who cursed him, and pray for those who spitefully used him (Luke 6:28). How many of us are still trying to get this right? In the place of purpose, there’s no room for unforgiveness and malice. As we see in Joseph’s life story, God used him greatly to help many people, even those who had betrayed him. How can God use you to genuinely help people if you are holding grudges and malicing them in your heart?

Learn the lessons that God is trying to teach you in your preparation time. You will get to the place of purpose. When you get there is up to you. Stop complaining, ask God what He wants you to learn, and trust that He will bring you out at the right time. Don’t waste your time. The bible says we should walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-16). Be encouraged as God continues to prepare you for your purpose.

Blessings,

A.M.

Preparation Before Promise: Part 1

But Joseph dreamed yet another dream and told it to his brothers [also]. He said, See here, I have dreamed again, and behold, [this time not only] eleven stars [but also] the sun and the moon bowed down and did reverence to me! Gen. 37:9

What an exciting and fulfilling experience it is for God Himself to reveal His purpose for you. It’s a beautiful thing to receive a Word from the Lord. The God of the universe has zeroed in on you to speak to you about His plans for your life. What a blessing! I believe that many of God’s people are in a place where they have received a promise from God, but are in a season of preparation. Or as we like to sometimes call it, “the process.” I believe within that process, there is preparation taking place. In the time of preparation God is building your character and developing your trust in Him. He’s not a God who would set you up to fail. That’s why before He brings you to the place of promise, He has to straighten out the kinks in your character that would cause you to blow it.

There are a few things that Joseph had to learn as a young man before he came into what God had prepared for Him.

1. Humility – As we see in Genesis 37:3, Joseph was loved more than his brothers and he knew it. Their father Jacob treated him as the favorite. In verse 2, the bible says while he was shepherding the flock with his brothers, he brought his father a bad report of them. He was a tattle-tale. Sometimes, we need to learn to cover other people in love and not point out their flaws as if we have none. In verses 13 & 14 we see his father send him to check on his brothers as they were shepherding the flock in Shechem. Why wasn’t Joseph with them already? He was an able-bodied young man; surely he could work. He was spoiled. God gave him 2 dreams about what He had planned for Joseph. In verses 6 & 7, we see Joseph telling his dream to his brothers who hated him. In verse 8, we see their reaction was less than favorable. So why in verse 9 would he brag about having another dream about God’s awesome plan for his life? This young man was the crème of the crop in that family and he knew it. However, he needed to learn humility before God could raise him up. We see this as he went from the favored, spoiled son to a slave and prisoner. What are the areas of your life where you see God is humbling you? Teaching you how to serve rather than be served…learning to submit to authority rather than others submitting to you. A good leader must first be a good follower.
    
2. 
   Reliance on God – As a young man, Joseph was accustomed to being favored by his father, Jacob. But now we see in Genesis 39, Joseph learning to rely on the favor of his Heavenly Father. Joseph prospered in all that he did because the Lord was with him. Joseph had to understand that it was God who kept and provided for him. It was God who blessed him and had a purpose for his life. It was the hand of God on his life that caused him to be favored by Potiphar and the keeper of the prison. Despite of his struggles, he had to learn that God was with him. He had to trust God to bring him to the place of promise despite of what he saw and endured, just as you should. The bible says that “God watches over his word to perform it” (Jer. 1:12). He’s watching over your situation to make sure His word comes to pass.

I believe Joseph went through the process that many of us are going through right now. Be encouraged as you allow the Holy Spirit to work in and around you. Remember, it’s God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). Embrace this time and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you in your circumstances. Humble yourself under the Mighty Hand of God that He may exalt you in due season, casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Stay Encouraged,

A.M.

Don't Let Go

And Jacob was left alone, and a Man wrestled with him until daybreak. And when [the Man] saw that He did not prevail against [Jacob], He touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him. Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But [Jacob] said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me. (Gen. 32:24-26).

I just want to encourage all who will read this to be encouraged and continue in prayer. Even as I sit and meditate on these scriptures today, I am encouraged to prevail in prayer. All of our battles are won on our knees in prayer. No matter the situation we are to pray because it is our lifeline to God. We see in this scripture Jacob wrestled with the Angel of God all night. He refused to let the Angel go until He blessed Him. He refused to stop wrestling despite of the agony and pain. The bible says, “…men ought to always pray and not faint” (Luke 18:1). There is a tendency to faint in prayer when we don’t see the results right away. We think our prayers are not being heard but the bible declares, “The eyes of the Lord are toward the [uncompromisingly] righteous and His ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:15).

            I just want to share with you some notes from The Matthew Henry Commentary to inspire you. It says, “However tried or discouraged, we shall prevail; and prevailing with Him in prayer, we shall prevail against all enemies that strive with us. Nothing requires more vigor and unceasing exertion than wrestling. It is an emblem of the true spirit of faith and prayer. Jacob kept his ground; though the struggle continued long, this did not shake his faith, nor silence his prayer. He will have a blessing, and had rather have all his bones put out of joint than go away without one. Those who would have the blessing of Christ, must resolve to take no denial. The fervent prayer is the effectual prayer.”

          The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). If you have to lose some sleep to seek God’s Face in prayer all night, then so be it! Maybe you have to pray on your lunch break or in the car. Do what you must to pray. He will hear and answer. Don’t let go until you get an answer. Be relentless in prayer and like Jacob declare, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”

Blessings                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                           

Tested By Fire

1 PETER 1:6-7 “…even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your] praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

If you are reading this right now you may have at one time or another felt as if your faith was being tested. You may very well be in that season right now. In the above scripture, Peter is comparing the testing of our faith like that of gold. Gold as precious and valuable as it is, is tested and purified by fire. The word fire in this scripture refers to a purifying agent capable of testing the quality of one’s life and works. Our faith being of more value and even more precious than gold must be tested by fire as well to purify and perfect it. The bible says for without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). We need faith in order to obtain the promises of God and to please God. So, our faith must be perfected and the only way to perfect it is to test us. There may be moments where you feel as though God has forgotten about you. No matter how much you pray and fast, still no answer. You may be doing all that you know to do to be faithful but still no answer or even a sign from God…just silence. Temptation and hardship seem to be everywhere you turn. If you are there, my friend you are being tested.

Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12). God Himself calls us blessed as we endure the various trials that He allows in our lives. In times of trial we are to trust in Him with all our hearts, lean on Him, and not our own understanding. We are to go through asking, “Lord what would you have me to learn from this? How would you have me to respond to this test? What does the Word of God say?”

Yes, it’s hard and no it’s not pleasant. However, the testing of our faith and the trials that God allows in our lives help us to grow up spiritually. Will you give up and throw in the towel? Will you turn away and stop being faithful? We are to be instant in season and out of season (2 Tim. 4:2). Whether our circumstances are to our liking or not, whether God is silent or not, whether we feel like it or not, we are to remain steadfast. Go wants us to endure patiently under tests and trials. No, this is never easy as it feels unfair and unwarranted. As we often think to ourselves, “Why should I, a faithful servant of the Lord be going through trials and tribulations? Why does my life have to be inconvenienced, aren’t I doing my part God? Why do I have to endure such trying times?” Yet, the bible declares that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). The tests and trials that we go through are working on our behalf to make us wiser, stronger and more confident in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to count it all joy when we fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2). So instead of being bitter, angry, and fainting in our hearts we are to respond to each trial with joy. I know that sounds like a paradox but I’m reminded of Paul when he boasted of his sufferings for Christ (Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33).

As believers we choose to trust God in every situation.  We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:3-5). The amplified version says, “And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation].  Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Be encouraged as you endure whatever situations the Lord allows in your life. Pass the test. Please don’t continue going around the same mountain for years, never fully understanding what the Lord is teaching you. Allow the fire to perfect your faith and purify you. After you have done all, you stand and keep standing. Then, when it’s all over you can say like Job, “But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous]” (Job 23:10).

Stay Encouraged & God Bless!

Compromise Is Not an Option

And [Potiphar] left all that he had in Joseph’s charge and paid no attention to anything he had except the food he ate. Now Joseph was an attractive person and fine-looking. Then after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “See here, with me in the house my master has concern about nothing; he has put all that he has in my care. He is not greater in this house than I am; nor has he kept anything from me except you, for you are his wife. How then can I do this great evil and sin against God?” Gen. 39:6-9

Compromise:  

1. An endangering, especially of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc. “A compromise of one's integrity.”

2. Accept standards that are lower than is desirable. "We were not willing to compromise on God’s Word.”

As I have been thinking about what it means to compromise as a Christian, I thought about Joseph. Although a slave, he had obtained favor in the sight of his master, Potiphar. Certainly, that favor was a result of the favor of God on his life. I believe the favor of God and pleasing God was of the utmost importance to Joseph, more than anything. As I look at the situation in Genesis 39 with Potiphar’s wife, I don’t see anywhere in the bible where it says she was not attractive or Joseph was not attracted to her. She may have been an attractive woman and any slave may have fallen at her feet to have sex with her. Joseph may have thought she was attractive as well. However, none of this mattered to Joseph. His priority, his main focus, his heart only cared about doing right in the sight of God. He refused to compromise and do “this great evil and sin against God.” The next verse says, “And so it was that she spoke to Joseph [persistently] day after day, but he did not listen to her [plea] to lie beside her or be with her.” (Gen 39:10). Can you imagine this type of temptation? This was a grown man being tempted every day to sleep with a grown woman. But, Joseph’s heart was fixed on pleasing the Lord. He was a man of integrity not willing to compromise at all.

Most of the time it’s easier to do the wrong thing than to do the right thing. However, the bible says, “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins…” (Heb. 10:26). The word that sticks out to me here is deliberately. This means on purpose. It means you just do what you want and live how you want despite knowing the truth of God’s precepts. Make no mistake about it, we can’t fool God. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap” (Gal. 6:7).

I just want to encourage you today to be steadfast in your faith in Jesus Christ. Remain steadfast and stand on the promises of God. Despite of what tests and trials come your way, remain faithful to Him. Don’t move to the left or to the right, but be still and know that He is God (Ps. 46:10). Set your heart on pleasing the Lord. Make that your main priority. “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also” (Matt 6:33). So, whatever it is that you need God will supply it and you won’t have to compromise to get it. Don’t allow your tests and trials to pressure you into compromising. But, let your tests and trials press you into His presence.

God wants us to live holy not only in public but in private. He wants us to have integrity not only in public but in private. Our private lives should be free of compromise as well. I’m convinced, that our Father who sees in secret will Himself reward us openly (Matt 6:4). Therefore, be encouraged to fight the good fight of faith so on that day you may hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Be Blessed!

A.M.