Sorry NOT Sorry. I Said It. I Ain’t Taking Nothing Back. I Meant It. I Ain’t Changing It. God Changed My Life and My Heart. My Book is My Testimony!

The day after Thanksgiving I had been up since 3 am that morning. For two days, Friday and Saturday, I wrestled with not going to church and not wanting to be bothered by anyone. God disturbed me and interrupted my plans, as usual. Guess what? You already know.

I pressed my way and am so glad I made it because Bishop La’Tresa Jester preached me out of my seat. She brought a mighty, mighty word, “It’s Worth The Wait.” She spoke my truth.

I am and have always been real and to the point, but feared being transparent. Not anymore. I started shouting and while thanking God it got me thinking when she said this, “Tell your haters, ‘In between your blinks I’m changing. While you blinking, I’m changing. While you blinking, I’m coming up. While you blinking, he’s restoring me!”

I started declaring, “I am positioned for better.” I’m on my way. I will no longer be bothered by my emotions or distracted by my feelings. I’m staying ready! God is about to restore me in front of folks that counted me out. The stuff I thought I’d never have is going to start leaping up. I’m in position to receive all God has in store for me.

I will no longer be ashamed of telling my story; that it may help others. I wrote it. I said it. I ain’t taking nothing back. It’s my story, my testimony. I’m proud of it. I’ve been delivered.

Thank you God for every delay, every setback. I’ve been setup for the greatest comeback. When I get what you give me, I’m going to do better with it. I promise God. I trust you even when I can’t see it. When I can’t trace you I trust you.

I meant every word I said in my book. I wrote it. I ain’t taking nothing back. I said it. I’m Sorry But I’m Not Sorry. And….for those of you who would like to know what it is I said, you are welcome to purchase a copy of my book titled Unspoken Testimony Memoir: Secrets of a Southern Girl on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Autographed copies are available by request. Send me an email and we can talk! Thanks in advance for your support!

Be blessed! – JD

Luke 8:39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” ‘And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.” (ESV)

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Don’t Be Surprised By Shifting Seasons and Give Up Before You Start. They Are Consistent, Constant, and Continuous. Stay Ready!

During December, the final month of last year, many of us began to make declarations for a better year ahead desiring different outcomes, better results, success, joy, happiness, favorable health or whatever it is our hearts desire in search of a better year than before.

Yet throughout the year, many of us may have gone through a hard season of losses, fiery trials, difficult challenges, unexplained financial struggles, and anything that could have gone wrong did, where hope was lost but…you’re still standing. By the grace of God you made it.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Seasons change and are consistent, constant, and continuous. Always keep in mind, just as there are four seasons which occur every year in order with varying characteristics that will cause changes in the environment around us, so will seasons in our life. Maybe not in order but they are consistent.

Your spiritual temperance will be inconsistent; hot, warm, lukewarm or cold. Life happens. With every new level through each season God takes us, there will be new devils to deal with. We mustn’t be surprised by it. But be prepared for it.

The enemy doesn’t fight fair when he knows there’s a shift in the atmosphere of extraordinary expectancy of miracles. He knows God has greater coming. He will do everything and I mean everything in his power to convince you to quit, to give up, don’t you dare do it. You will be tried, tested, and proven to build character. To build your faith. God’s faithfulness will indeed be proven.

Rain falls on the just and the unjust. Storms will come. Stay the course. God is faithful. Shifting seasons are par for the course. Stay focused. Dry, waiting, spiritual warfare, trial, or test seasons will come. Don’t get weary in well-doing. When the enemy wages war tell him, “Get outta here with that mess. I’m suited up with the Sword of the Spirit and the Word of God. I’m ready for battle. Bring it!” Pick your battles today. And remember, shifting seasons are necessary. Stay ready!

Be blessed! – JD

Isaiah 55:10-11 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (NKJV)

Okay Bird Box Netflix Fans, You Got My Attention. I watched the movie! Boy I tell Ya…Intrigued I Was… And Of Course I Found a Message In It

So, after seeing countless posts on the #BirdBox movie on Netflix I decided to watch it last night and for any of you that know me know I am one to find a spiritual message or lesson in everything that applies to life be it a movie, a commercial, vacation, event, etc. I am an analyzer, deep thinker okay lol.

While I cannot speak for the audience this movie intended to serve or its purpose, what I am assured of, there was a clear message or take away for many like myself. Here’s my thought. First and foremost, thinking it was a horror movie which I don’t watch, ever, I was prepared to be terrified and stop watching moments in but I wasn’t and I didn’t. Surprisingly, I was intrigued.

From the beginning as I noticed Sandra Bullock and her children blindfolded not yet knowing the reason why, I couldn’t help but think how many of us go through life with blinders on (not literally) unprepared for death until something forces us to make an emergency decision, when sadly, it may be too late. Something to think about.

Now notice, Sandra’s character had never looked at the news so she was not aware of or prepared for the catastrophe of sudden death of humanity by this unsuspecting “evil” force that was headed their way. Hmm…sounds familiar? Much like many of us who may be unprepared for the second coming of Jesus and lack knowledge of God’s word but may scramble to be saved at the last minute, when sadly it will be too late.

Is it safe to say she lived a carefree life as she lived in the moment, in the here and now and not looked towards the future? I don’t know. I’m just assuming but what I am certain of many of us live this way without a plan or a process, unprepared to live an eternal life. We’re okay with average as long as we still have life.

Now I don’t want to give away much of the movie or the ending so I’ll say this. When death came knocking at her door, she ran to a place of the unknown, in unfamiliar territory, with people she did not know to save herself and her unborn child. They were safe and could only take the blinders off inside to be shielded from the darkness of evil lurking outside. Much like the dark world we as believers live in filled with evil forces that surround us but Jesus, the light of the world lives inside and protects and guides us.

Survival for the moment was predicated on a chance they had to take blindfolded, travel outside the unknown, but be guided by a GPS system that would lead them to their destination not knowing if they would arrive safely. Like us, as God navigates us through the unknown, not knowing how we will get where we’re going but we hold on to faith, the substance of things hoped for, evidence of things unseen because we believe God is who he says he is; I AM That I AM.

Lastly, what I noticed was how evil forces with familiar voices cried out to, chased down, persuaded, and lured outsiders to give in to temptation and look at them or take the blinders off only to meet with an untimely death they were not prepared for. Yet if they had ignored the voices, like the enemy tries to plant inside our heads, and not given in to temptation, they probably would have not suffered as much and may have reached the place of peace, safety, and comfort if they had been better prepared for it. Sounds familiar?

I won’t say anything else but I will leave you with this. Watch the movie if it moves you to do so or take your thought process a little deeper and think about how this applies to your life and what you would have done or what you are doing to prepare to meet Jesus when your times comes. Blessings!

Be blessed! – JD

Luke 21:36 “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (NASB)

2018 is Almost Over. Get Your Praise On. You Still Have Time. Finish Strong! 2019 is around the corner. Be On Fire For God. Get Ready! Let’s Do This!

As this year comes to a close let us give praise, honor, and glory unto God for grace and mercy! As we prepare to enter into 2019, let not only one day be a day you live to be better, live to do better, and live to get better but let everyday be a day you reconcile and surrender your will to God’s will as you live to be Christ-like in every area of your life.

As a witness, let your days be filled with perseverance and divine authority as you lead others to Christ. May you continue to walk in victory, honor God, and spread the gospel about Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior to everyone you may encounter.

We as believers all have a destiny, an eternal destiny. God has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us. As I walk in my purpose, I will profess to the world that my Lord and Savior is Jesus Christ. I will profess his goodness, his mercy, and his omnipotence. I will proclaim his faithfulness. I will proclaim his power.

I am a witness. For, “The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me–to tell people the Good News about God’s grace” [Acts 20:24, NCV]. Because to me, it means God is able. Able to do exceeding and abundantly above all we could ask or think… [Ephesians 3:20].

My prayer: Jehovah Jireh, grant unto me and every family member and friend, according to your riches in glory, your tender mercies and immeasurable favor, the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places according to Isaiah 45:1-3. I declare that the Cyrus anointing flows unhindered and uncontaminated in each and every life according to Isaiah 60:10-17. Grant peace, mercy, and favor. I seal this prayer in Jesus’ name, AMEN! And Thank God!

I am sending my “Happy New Year” wish early. Please be safe and for those of you traveling away from home may God give you traveling mercy to reach your destination safely without hurt, harm or danger. And please, don’t drink and drive. Call a cab, call an Uber, call a friend or love one or call AAA and save a life. Love you!

Be Blessed! – JD

Revelation 21:5 “He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (NIV)

 

Merry Christmas! For Unto Us a Savior was Born “…And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God…”

Joy Darden

1 hr · 

Merry Christmas from my family to yours! Good morning!

God we give you the highest praise for the gift of your one and only Son, Jesus Christ; Hallelujah!

For unto us a Savior was born, a baby lying in a manger in Bethlehem. “…And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

It is on this day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Tis the reason for the season. Glory to God.

Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!

Be Blessed! – JD

Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (KJV).

Stop Trying to Unlock The Door To Your Past With Keys That Don’t Work. Throw Them Away! And Watch God Throw The Keys To Your Future Right Back At You!

Going back to what’s familiar from your past can be so easy to do when you feel defeated and your back is against the wall. In spite of the fact your past kept you bound, miserable, and stagnated your growth because you didn’t have to change anything about yourself to make life happen. You loved being comfortable with who you were. Until God closed that door and made you uncomfortable.

When God closes the door to your past, it’s a done deal. It’s gone. When he heals and delivers you from the very things that should have destroyed you, stop trying to bring back the past of no return. Throw away the keys and move on. And thank God later for your future.

No matter how many times you fight against walking in your purpose, delaying your destiny out of fear or frustration and you keep telling God “NO,” his YES will always be “YES and Amen.” He promise.

If you were truly honest with yourself, can you admit much like me, too often you constantly tell God “I don’t want to do the work I’m called to do anymore out of frustration and fear because it seems too hard, but find yourself unable to stop doing what you know you’ve been purposed to do at any given moment because it doesn’t feel right when you don’t.

You’re satisfied with and want to stay where you are and stay hidden in the background because you’re comfortable being complacent. But as God move you to each level, eventually you cannot stay hidden or remain comfortable. Where you’re going will be uncomfortable. You’ll travel alone and lose some people along the way because everybody can’t go with you or do what God assigned specifically for you to complete. You’ll be tried and tested in your faith walk because you’ve been chosen to fulfill God’s, not your, purpose.

God put this in my spirit and revealed this very thing to me today. No matter how many times I want to quit and give up, God just will not let me. Nor will he allow me to stay comfortable. That right there tells me who is in charge, not me, but God. One day, I’ll get this calling and faith walk right and run to my destiny. Pray for me 😊

Ready to quit? Ready to give up? Your situation is more than you can handle? Stop it! Rebuke that spirit! God did not give you a spirit of fear. Don’t give up. Keep it moving!

Be blessed! – JD

2 Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (AMP)

 

I Dare You! Don’t Give Up…You Can’t Quit. Don’t You Dare Do It!

Trials? Trouble? Tests? Did you learn from it? Has it taught you anything? Faith failing? Doubt entering the recesses of your mind? In distress? Good news! God is up to something. It’s gonna turn around in your favor. Raise your expectations. Get ready for exceedingly abundantly. Look at God. He gone do that!

No matter the circumstance, give thanks to God. You made it. He is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man he should change his mind. He is faithful. Won’t he do it! The devil is the master of confusion and wants you to believe your former days were your best days. He’s a liar and the truth ain’t in him! Your latter will be greater. Now walk in your purpose!

You can’t quit or give up, knowing the God you serve. You can’t quit or give up, knowing no weapon formed against you shall prosper. You can’t quit or give up, knowing you’re more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus who loves you. You can’t quit or give up, knowing God is able. You can’t quit or give up, knowing our God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. You can’t quit or give up. Don’t you dare do it! God promise he will take care of it.

God has delivered you from the impossible. With God, all things are possible. No matter the circumstance, keep giving God the praise. No matter the obstacles, keep putting God first. He specializes in the impossible. Our God is able. God granted brand new mercies today, even when we didn’t deserve it.

No matter what it looks like, get your praise on. Thank God you didn’t stay in “it” too long. You overcame whatever “it” was. You’re stronger, wiser, better. But God. I feel a shout coming! Glory, Hallelujah!

Be blessed! – JD

2 Chronicles 15:7 “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (NIV)

When The Devil Bothers You With That “You Ain’t Gone Win Mess”, Clap Back At Him! Tell Him, “Get Outta Here With That Mess.” I Was Created To Finish!

Nothing’s going right? Feels like the whole world is against you? Problems, situations, or trouble overwhelming you? Praying but seems like God is not listening? Feel defeated? Attacks from the enemy at an all-time high? Whatever your hands touch are not prospering? No worries. You’re on the right track. The devil doesn’t come after nothing that is not a threat to his kingdom.

Don’t lose hope. Keep trusting God. Do what you’re called to do. But God. He has already handled it. You will win!

The moment you become discouraged and want to give up, remind yourself, “I was not created to give up or quit. I was created to finish!” You are on assignment for God. He created you for a special purpose. God has a plan and you’re part of it. Don’t stop. Keep moving forward.

The devil don’t bother no one who is not making progress. They ain’t got nothing he wants. The enemy fights those who are a threat to his kingdom. He wants you to give up! Keep doing the right thing even when the wrong thing is happening.

The devil is the author of confusion. Confuse him right back. When he thinks you are about to give up, show him what you’re working with. Instead of giving up, thank God that he is in control of your situation. Thank him no weapon formed against you will prosper. Thank him he will fight your battles. Thank him for all you should have done wrong, but you didn’t.

When you should have gotten weaker, you got stronger. When you should have lost your mind, your mind was made up. When you should have complained about everything that went wrong, you praised God in the middle of it. When you should’ve given up, you didn’t.

Yes, obstacles will get in the way. Persevere. Stand strong. Don’t complain about how big your problems are. Tell your problems how big your God is! The enemy loves what he does for free and will work overtime to get your attention. Your making progress gets his attention. Don’t give him the time of day. He is not worth your attention. The enemy doesn’t fight people that are going the wrong way. He comes against people that are headed in the right direction.

Frustrated? Disappointed? Friends turned on you? Want to give up? Don’t you dare do it! Don’t get discouraged. Clap back at the enemy! Tell him, “Get out of here with that mess! I WAS CREATED TO FINISH!”

Your assignment is too important to give up. Remember, the devil doesn’t bother anyone who is not making progress. Finish strong. You are in it to win it. Keep it moving!

Be blessed! – JD

Acts 20:24 “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (ESV)

Stop it! Stop Choosing Certain Times to Friend God Because He Does Something For You When YOU Want. God Knows Best. He Already Got It Handled!

Forgive me, it’s long but I been thinking….and this may bless someone.

When we encounter struggles in life that seem difficult to overcome, oftentimes we become desensitized to its effects because we fail to identify the root of the problem. Convinced defeat is part of the norm and our lives will end in disaster.

We keep going in circles with the same problem time and time again, bewildered, wondering what happened, why nothing changed, why am I still struggling? Asking God, “When will this all be over?” Isn’t it funny how surprised we are by the struggle? Watch this. Take note. There’s a lesson. Nothing should surprise you when the hand of God brings you through it.

Each and every one of us struggle with something. Believe it or not, struggles are supposed to happen. The difference in how we handle it will depend on how we respond to it. But do you ever notice sometimes when your struggle does not change, you are still surprised by it?

Struggle with bills? Isn’t it common sometimes? Sometimes isn’t there more month than money in your account? Struggle with people disappointing, leaving, or hating on you? Doesn’t it happen from time to time? Isn’t there a season, reason, or a lifetime for people to enter or leave your life? Struggle losing material possessions? Aren’t they temporary? So why are you surprised at it? Don’t be. Get a handle on it. It’s called life and it happens.

“…God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). If you will humble yourself under the hand of God, he will elevate you in his timing. Oftentimes when we are going through trials, we really do not have a clue as to how God is moving in our lives. We can’t see it but it is all for a reason. The hand of God guides, disciplines, refines, and instructs us. The more we recognize it the less surprised we will be by struggles that really are necessary for our spiritual development.

Why then do we cherry pick the hand of God based on certain conditions? “I like the hand of God when he gives me provision but I don’t when I struggle and can’t pay my bills. I like the hand of God when he works out my situation immediately but I don’t when I have to learn patience and wait on him. I like the hand of God when He gives me the desires of my heart but I don’t when I struggle and I’m down to nothing. I like the hand of God when prayers are answered but I don’t when I have to be pray without ceasing, read the word of God daily, and be consistent in my obedience.”

Stop it! Stop choosing certain times when God is your friend because he does something for you when YOU want it, and recognize the hand of God is available to help you help yourself. He got the parts you can’t handle, handled!

Here’s an AHA moment…there’s value in suffering. How? Glad you asked. It brings us closer to God and prepares us to be compassionate to others and do the work of God and His kingdom. Yes, while we don’t enjoy trials or struggles, they are necessary to help us grow. In fact they are required. Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials (James 1:2), because they are valuable to your spiritual growth.

The next time you find yourself struggling, ask God for wisdom to guide you and to help you learn the lesson for whatever it is he brings you through, in his timing, with his hands. It may be years down the line before you recognize why God brought you through that situation. But nothing should surprise you when you see the hand of God. Struggles are a necessary part of the journey. God just wants to know what took you so long. He’s surprised you didn’t come to him sooner.

Be blessed! -JD

Romans 8:17-18 “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. ¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (NIV)

Stay Woke! Keep Watch. Remain Vigilant. Watch out for Judases and Peters.

Stay woke! Who is your Judas, your Peter? Ones who have betrayed you or those who have denied you? Were you surprised by the betrayal or the denial? Did it hurt your heart? Were you disappointed in those who say they are devoted to Christ but their claims are meaningless when they are tested in the ordeal of persecution?

I ask these questions because inquiring minds want to know. How do you handle a Judas or a Peter in your life when you least expect it and are surprised by it?

God never ceases to amaze me. For some reason as I woke to begin my daily Bible reading in the Book of Luke, Chapter 22, I was led to Mark 14, the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, The Servant. As I’m reading the chapter, I noticed some similarities to the conversation I had with God moments earlier. I had a revelation. After my talk with God, I had a revelation and said out loud, “Stay Woke. Keep your eyes open. Don’t be surprised when people show you who they are. Believe them.”

Let me digress. When I woke this morning I started talking to God. I explained to him the difficulty I am having with the element of surprise. Because I don’t like surprises. I don’t deal well with it. I want to know everything there is to know right in that moment and not be surprised by anything. I explained to him how disappointed I am in people who surprise me when they show me who they are and I don’t want to believe it because of who I think they are when fooled by who they really are.

For the past five days I rose 3:00 am or 4:00 am in the morning wondering, asking God, “Why am I woke this early?! Today, I learned he was trying to tell me something. I wasn’t paying attention because my mind was heavily focused on the past event of the untimely passing of my father two and half weeks ago, of which I was surprised by. Just as I was with the untimely passing of my mother 2+ years ago. And there it was, the element of “Surprise” staring me in my face. It occurred to me God is dealing with me in this area. Okay God. I’m paying attention.

In this life there will be some Judases and Peters who will either betray you at your most vulnerable stage when you are going through what seems insurmountable to overcome or they will deny you in times of great stress only to leave you vulnerable to temptation. Even when your spirit is willing, but your body is weak (Mark 14:38).

Good news! Jesus explains in Mark 14:33 – 38; 40, 41 how to resist. “Keep watch – stay awake and be morally vigilant. Pray to God – this is how you maintain vigilance. Seek support of friends and loved ones – this is how you build up your resistance and help others. Focus on the purpose God has given you – this is how you do God’s will and not your own.” That’s some great advice!

Nothing in this life should surprise you. No circumstance, situation, person, place, or thing. When the surprise comes, even if your spirit is willing and the flesh may be weak, don’t fall into the trap of temptation. Don’t let the element of surprise fool you. Stay focused. Keep your mind right. Do as Jesus taught you. Pray to God. Seek friends and loved ones who support you. Accept it for what it is and move on. It’s life.

Surprises are part of the process. So are disappointments. Don’t become consumed by it. You may become overwhelmed when in distress or stressed.

STAY WOKE, KEEP WATCH, REMAIN VIGILANT!

Be blessed! – JD

Mark 14: 37 “Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (NIV)

Why You Salty? Have You Counted the Cost of Commitment to Jesus? Are You Willing and Able? What Cost Are You Counting?

Boy, I tell you when you go to God and tell him all your troubles he is listening and will help you, if you let him. How do I know? Because yesterday I was on the brink of giving up, hanging by the thread on a “do me wrong” cliff and told God I no longer wanted to be a Christian. He laughed at me and said, “My dear child I understand but that will not change who I am.”

I cried out to God like I had never before because I was desperate and needed him. This morning he answered my prayers immediately. Forgive me for the long post. Can you relate?

For reasons I can never explain, I woke this morning with an instinct to read my Bible unlike months before when I didn’t have no desire whatsoever to read the word of God and He took me to the Book of Luke, chapter 14. So many answers to my questions were made available and God gave me a revelation! I finally figured out why I am having so much trouble in my spiritual walk and not understanding what it means to be a Christian.

While reading the Book of Luke chapter 14 I saw this question in the notes, “How salty are you?” and I asked myself, “Joy, why are you salty?” “Did you count the cost of commitment to Jesus?” No, I never did. I gave my life to him and never questioned the cost of what it took to be a follower of Christ.

“How salty are you?” My answer will astound you. I am salty but not in the way you would expect. I have been frustrated, mad, and irritated with myself and with God because it didn’t feel like he was with me while going through what felt like too many trials. I took my frustrations out on myself and starting looking at my past mistakes that are gone and I can do nothing about. I started having a pity party all by myself and wanted someone, anyone to feel sorry for me. Yesterday, I realized this was and will not work for me.

What do you know about salt? Well, salt loses its flavor when it becomes wet and then dries, leaving a tasteless residue. Much like us. When we blend in with the world and are in the world and not of it, we lose our saltiness and become worthless. This was me. For months I started losing myself in the process focusing on the wrong things and not the right things of God and couldn’t figure out why. I was miserable.

See, for months I have been in a downward spiral of emotions and feelings about life, the loss of my mother, and being a Christian. I found myself daily telling God, “I don’t want to be a Christian anymore because it’s too hard.” I chose to settle to average. I wasn’t willing to plan, sacrifice, and keep my commitment to Christ’s kingdom. I failed God daily in representing Christ in the world. I kept looking at why all the wrong things were happening in my life. I took my focus off God and started looking at my circumstances, heavily. While I know Jesus paid the price, I never looked at the cost of living my life as a believer.

Have you ever never counted the cost of your commitment to Christ? I have. I never counted the cost of what it takes to be a Christian. I just became one. I never counted the cost of what it takes to live a Christian life. I failed miserably at living one. I never counted the cost of what it takes to run a business. I had an idea and ran with it never estimating the cost to successfully run a business. I never counted the cost of what it takes to publish a book. I just wrote what took twelve years to publish but never imagine the cost, people, and things I would lose in the process. I never counted the cost of what it takes to suffer the consequences of my decisions. Simply put, I NEVER COUNTED THE COST of my life as a Christian!

God never said we would not have trouble. He said he would be with us and never leave us when we have trouble. It cost to be a follower of Christ. It will not be trouble-free. You are going to lose some things; friends, family, and material possessions. I lost all of these. Friends left me. I lost all my possessions and some family too. I met with disappointment. I survived it.

You may lose your social status, your financial standing or wealth. Lost that too. The people I thought would support my dreams didn’t and the ones I thought mattered failed me. You will have to give up control of some things; your time, your money, or your career. Gave that up too. Lost my job, my health was affected, and my money has been funny ever since. All for the cost of my commitment to Jesus.
Anything we do in life comes with a price, at a cost. But must we never forget, Jesus paid a hefty price when he gave his life and died on the cross for us that we may have eternal life. Now ain’t that love!!

Be blessed! – JD

Matthew 5:13-15 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” (ESV)

The Devil Doesn’t Fight Fair. He’s Consistent. So…You Got This. Have Audacious Faith. Go Gangster, Go Hard For God. Drive The Devil Crazy!

The devil is a liar! Sometimes you gotta go gangster on him and go hard for God! Be on fire for God! Don’t believe the lies of the enemy. Speak those things that are not as though they are. In your busyness, get your priorities straight. Be about your Father’s business.

Distractions can become mind blowing and will cause us to lose our witness for God. We start thinking about our situation, circumstances, and all the things we see in this world that really do not have a thing to do with us. The battle is not ours, it’s the Lord’s. He will take care of it. He promise.

If we profess God is in control of everything in the earth, why do we worry or lose faith? We begin to lose the very things the world didn’t give to us, joy, peace, and the peace of God. Then we wonder why nothing in our life is going right. When in fact it is if we look to the source, God, and don’t take our eyes off him even for a second.

The mind is the devil’s playground. When he pressures you to come out and play, rebuke that spirit! The joy you have the world didn’t give it to you. The world can’t take it away. Stay in the faith.

When you find yourself going in circles, depressed, weary, and distracted from the promises of God, get your mind right. Go back to what’s familiar. The Word of God never changes. It’s available to you. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is always, always with you.

No matter what comes your way, press, press, press towards the mark of the High calling even when you don’t feel like it. Never give up. Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop meditating on the word of God. Don’t stop doing what he’s called you to do because you are so frustrated and want to give up. It’s just a trick of the enemy.

Yes, there will be times when it is absolutely necessary to go in your prayer closet or your private space and call on God. Spend alone time with him and him alone and move from the distractions of social media and all things that will divert your attention from the right things of God. Do not set your eyes on anything that is worthless (Psalm 101:3).

God has a plan and you are a part of it. Keep your mind stayed on Jesus! Go gangster, go hard for God. Put that audacious faith to work. The devil is the father of lies and the truth ain’t in him. Believe it’s already done! God said it. I believe it. That settles it!

Be blessed! – JD

1 Thessalonians 2:13 “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers” (ESV).

How Many Friends Do You Really Have Or Are You Really Friends With? Real Ones? Or Superficial Acquaintances? Are You Really a Friend of Jesus?

Something to think about:

Oftentimes we confuse true friendships based on the number of people we “know” or the ones who influence us the most, or even ones we have known for a lifetime and have been through the fire with. This by no means is an indication of who your true, real friends are. Check your circle.

Social media lets you “friend” just about anyone and everything you want. Choose your friends wisely. Be careful who you call a friend or who you really are friends with. Everybody is not your friend. Once upon a time you didn’t even know them.

Think about this, would Jesus call you a friend knowing the person you are? Do you love one another as He loves us? “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends…These things I command you, that you love one another” (John 15:12 – 13, 17 ESV).

Do you obey his commandments? “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14 ESV). Do you understand the truths he has revealed to us from the Father? By the Holy Spirit in the word of God? “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15 ESV). Are you seeking to do these things when you call Jesus your friend?

Stop calling everybody your friend just because you know them. Many people you know are only acquaintances. It is better to have one friend who you call a true friend than to have many of superficial acquaintances. True friends stick by you in good times and bad. They will listen, care, and offer help when it is needed. They will not judge you or constantly remind you of who you used to be. They will celebrate who you are and love you unconditionally as you are. Jesus love us, no matter what we’ve done. Yes, Jesus loves us!

Would Jesus call you His friend? Yes he would, if you are loving others, if you are seeking to obey his command as he desires, and if you are developing an understanding of the truths revealed by the Holy Spirit in God’s Word. Ask yourself these questions, answer them and you will know if Jesus calls you His friend.

The Bible says “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother,” not everybody on social media. Stop calling everybody your friend. Some are superficial acquaintances. “What a FRIEND we have in Jesus.” Know the difference.

Be blessed! – JD

James 2:23 “And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God” (ESV).

Stop It! Social Media Is Not Going To Solve Your Problems. Tell God. Stop Telling The World All Your Business!

The Bible says surrender your problems to God and not to everybody on social media!

Stop telling everybody your business or exposing your problems to them. Bring it to God. Give it to him and leave there.

Thank you. And you’re welcome.

Be blessed! – JD

Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

#randomthought#stoptellingyoursecrets #morningthought #itsonmymind #wordofadvice #quote#quotestags

Has Satan Confronted You Today? What Are You Wearing? The Full Armor of God or Your Bad Attitude at the Complaint Window?

Have you sharpened your sword today with the word of God? To counter against the attacks of the enemy? Not just by knowing or quoting a verse but reading Scripture daily and applying it to your life? Do you have faith in God’s promises even though Satan also knows Scripture and is clever at twisting God’s Word to suit his purpose? Are you ready?

What we know about Satan, he is consistent. He constantly fights against God and never misses an opportunity to fight against those who follow and obey God. He never misses a moment to devour, distract, and destroy your witness. You got to stay ready.

The Word of God is the only offensive and effective weapon to fight against the silly antics of the devil. Put on the full armor of God. Stand your ground. Stand on the word! Buckle your waist with the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, fit your feet and stay ready with what comes from the gospel of peace. “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:13-17). Don’t give in or give up. Pray without ceasing!

Throughout our ministry, in our circumstances and our situation, and life we will constantly be confronted by Satan to make us change our minds about God’s promises. We need to constantly be on guard against the enemy’s attacks knowing they are not “a once and for all” occurrence. They don’t happen and then stop for good. They are ongoing. Satan will not stop coming after you or resist the opportunity to make you question what you know to be true about God so that he can get you to do what he wants. Rebuke that spirit! Come against, condemn every lying tongue that shall rise against you in judgment. No weapon formed against you shall prosper!

Be blessed! – JD

Ephesians 6:11, 12 “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)

What Are You Waiting For? Waiting On? When Are You Just Going To Do It?!!

What do you do when you find yourself waiting on special conditions to begin something that may never come because you are waiting on something to happen that may never exist? Time waits for no one or nothing. We’ve got to be ready for whatever comes.

Oftentimes we sit and wonder about things we desire to do but believe we need the perfect time or the perfect resources to do it with. We are waiting on the perfect time and place to realize our dreams or put into action the very things we are believing God for when in actuality, it may never happen because we put conditions on God and what he will and can do.

As such, if we wait for a perfect time and place to accomplish anything the time will never be right to do it. If we wait for the perfect time to read our Bible, we’ll never begin if it’s not the second thing we do after prayer. If we wait for the perfect time to start our ministry we will never serve. If we wait for the perfect opportunity to grow, we will never mature. What are we waiting for? The perfect time may never come because the perfect time does not exist.

Stop looking for the perfect time to do something, and just do it!

Be blessed! – JD

Ecclesiastes 11:4 “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” [a] (TLB)

Footnotes: Ecclesiastes 11:4 If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done, literally, “He that observeth the wind shall not sow, and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.”

Stop Asking God for Stuff You’re Not Supposed to Have! Whatever You Are Believing God For, If It Doesn’t Come From Him, You Don’t Want It!

God gives us gifts for free that cannot be earned. He did not give it to us for our own benefit. Your gift is to be used to glorify God. Let that marinate for a second.

Oftentimes we hear others profess, “your gift will make room for you” (Proverbs 18:16) but do you really know what it means to you and the vision God has given you to fulfill his purpose on this earth that he may be glorified? Here’s my thoughts:

Every person on this earth has a gift or talent God has put inside you that the world will make room for. It will enable you to fulfill your vision. A way will be made for you in your life. But in order for it to do these things, you have to exercise the gift. It cannot lay dormant while you wait for something to happen just because God gave it to you. He expects you to do something with it.

When you put to use the gift God has given you to fulfill your vision he gave you, you will find true contentment, purpose, and fulfillment in the work you have been called to do to build God’s kingdom. Every good and perfect gift is from above. Whatever you are meant to have, God will send it.

What do you do when you know you have a gift from God and you’ve worked every area of your gift only to find you are not seeing any results? Do you believe, “your gift will make room for you” when you’ve ran out of room to exercise your gift because you keep doing things your way and not God’s way?

The Bible does not tell us the cars we drive, the education we have acquired, the houses we own, shoes or clothes we wear, looks we have been blessed with, or the titles we hold will make room for us. But the “GIFT” does. Society wants us to believe these things are the key to our success, when in fact it can have the opposite effect. Change your perspective. Think on this.

God’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. If you are not exercising your gift in alignment to his word, his way, and his will, the idea of what the world believes is success will never happen the way God intended. Your GIFT is the key to your success. Get out the “my way of thinking and wanting what I want box” and develop your gift, discover it, and manifest it.

Suppose you took a moment and reflected on all the things you are good at, things you are passionate about, and talents you were blessed with to help, bless, or inspire others. Do you think it was by your own merit these things were given to you to use for your own benefit? Or do you believe it was because God was behind it and blessed you with what he imparted inside you before you were even thought of or born to serve others? Thank you and you’re welcome to leave your answers in the comments.

Yes, your gift will make room for you but you have to exercise your gift. Don’t do what people tell you to do or do what they do because you think it will bring you lots of money. Do what you were born to do that you may be edified, God will be glorified, and the devil will be petrified! Use your gifts to build God’s kingdom.

Repeat after me, “God, whatever it is I am believing you for if it doesn’t come from above, I don’t want it! Return it back to the sender, unsigned, sealed, and undelivered. I want whatever you send God because you sent it!”

God you are good and your mercies endure forever. Your greatness is unsearchable. When I can’t trace you God, I trust you.

Be blessed! –JD

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (NIV)

May is not over yet. Happy Fibromyalgia Awareness Month to all my Fibro Warriors!

Please forgive me for being late with my post to celebrate May is Fibromyalgia Awareness Month. I am thankful the month is not over and I haven’t missed it. As a person who suffers daily with symptoms associated with this “invisible disease” and consider myself a “silent” advocate and warrior, I would be remiss not to celebrate and inspire my fellow Fibromyalgia warriors. Happy Fibromyalgia Awareness Month!

This year I decided to do things a little different and rather than just celebrating the month of May in honor of Fibromyalgia, I want to share information on what is Fibromyalgia and its symptoms to educate others and those who wonder why we celebrate Fibromyalgia Awareness Month. In a small yet meaningful way, it is an opportunity to enlighten others on what we as fibro warriors go through every day when dealing with its symptoms. I promise I will be brief. *smile*

Fibromyalgia Awareness Month to me, is so important because it is considered one of the most seriously misunderstood diseases. Why? Glad you asked. Because it can be very difficult to explain why many sufferers, including men and women, do not “look sick” but are, and how it affects us when dealing with constant chronic pain, fatigue, and the fibro fog.

So, what is fibromyalgia? Glad you asked, again. The list can be exhaustive so I didn’t list everything but you’re welcome to visit the links for more information. Here’s a portion of a broad summary of the symptoms by The Mayo Clinic taken from http://www.fibromyalgiatreating.com/you-have-fibromyalgia/ and Lyrica.com taken from https://www.lyrica.com/fibromyalgia/managing-fibromyalgia-pain which include:

Widespread pain – this is typically characterized by a dull ache that lasts for at least three months. Fatigue – If a patient with fibromyalgia can sleep at night (insomnia is very common), they frequently wake during sleeping hours due to pain. No sleep or poor sleep causes fatigue during waking hours and can make it difficult to function and focus. “Fibro fog” – Cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentrating on mental tasks, feeling “hazy,” or the inability to think clearly. Other problems – Anxiety, depression, migraine headaches, and conditions that fall into the “other” category that include abdominal cramping, burning sensations either on the skin or from within, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), intense itching, muscle and joint pain, as well as hypersensitivity to pain, medications, cold weather, foods, physical touch, and more.

Fibromyalgia affects more than 5 million women and men in the United States (lyrica.com). And although it is a so-called “Invisible disease,” the pain is real and is not all in our heads. Sharing a kind word, spreading love, or checking on a friend or loved one who suffers with this debilitating disease will go a long way. Be intentional. Make a difference.

Now for the fun part, if you have a moment please share your thoughts, in love, in the comments below in honor of someone you may know who suffers with fibromyalgia or say “hello” to your fellow fibro warrior(s) and let them know you are here for them.

Happy Fibromyalgia Awareness Day!

Be blessed! – JD

What if… ???

What if God treated you the same way you treated others with animosity, bitterness, resentment, hatred, and disrespect when you get offended, are simple-minded, inconsiderate, unthoughtful, and unloving?

What if God stopped speaking to you, stopped loving you, and looked down on you because you made one mistake, you don’t fit in his circle, or you failed him on a regular?

What if God didn’t forgive you or care about you at all because you’re a hot mess, you’re not worth his time, you’re useless, and don’t deserve his attention?

What if he wasn’t the loving, forgiving, sovereign, faithful, wonderful, marvelous, counselor, friend, he will always be? Think about it and then tell me where or who would you be?

Be blessed! – JD

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

Hey Part-time Servant of God, Listen Up! I Need Your Full, Undivided Attention!

Sorry for the long post…My heart is grieved. Not because I’m sad but because it saddens me when we profess to be Christians and do the opposite of what God desires from us, especially when we place conditions on him when making excuses to justify who we are not in him because we think we are entitled.

If you are in a REAL relationship with God, you will serve him. No ifs, ands, or buts. There is no gray area or middle ground with God. Either you will wholeheartedly serve him or you won’t. When you make the decision to give your life to him, you’re offering your life as a living sacrifice. You will desire to grow, mature, submit, giving your heart to God, be an example of Christ, and love as God does.

There are different ways we serve God but what we are not here for, TO BE SERVED BUT TO SERVE. Our service MUST be rooted in love. And should be a love-filled response and not an apathy-filled one. Too many times I witness people who profess to love the Lord but are not in the right relationship with him or are living examples of Christ in their actions, words, deeds, service, and obedience to him.

We put God in a box with only enough room to move in our lives as we see fit, when it’s convenient. Yes, we fail God every day and fall short of his glory on the regular but we must be careful when we offend him.

My observation: WHAT SERVING GOD IS NOT,

1) Judgmental, envious, jealous, hateful, spiteful, gossipers, doubters, and lack of compassion for others.

2) Serving ourselves instead of others.

3) Coming to church on Sundays, praise and worshipping but in a split second the moment someone strikes a “my nerves bad nerve”, you telling them what you ain’t gone do if it doesn’t benefit you.

4) USURPING God’s authority. Making deals with God like he’s beneath you because somewhere you were given authority and think your position supersedes his authority.

5) Wanting things to go your way because you think your position entitles you to it but fuss and complain when it doesn’t go as you insist and then tell God, “Okay…I’ll do it even though I don’t want to but…I’m serving you.” Like you’re doing him a favor!

6) Being ugly towards others, not humbling yourself before him when you’re wrong but expecting the highest level of respect because you think you deserve it.

7) Having a title, a fancy car, degrees, big houses, money, want people to look up to you, follow your own instructions but are not willing to take direction or instructions from others.

8) Looking down on others because they are not in your class, or hold the same status, or they merely don’t fit in your “circle.”

9) Not loving the unlovely or serving ALL mankind.

10) Looking for something in return just because you have “selfishly” or “unapologetically” given of your time to God…..and that’s just the beginning of the list of what not serving God looks like.

You may have missed the memo but last I checked, God doesn’t need anything from us. And he certainly does not need our help. If you’re serving God out of obligation and not out of obedience, it’s meaningless and not what God desires. Think twice before you commit to it and check yourself, your attitude, and your ways before you do it. Whomever thinks it’s okay to NEGOTIATE with God is playing a dangerous game with their soul.

As for me, I hold the highest reverence for God and out of my respect for who he is and what he means to me, I work daily to glorify him in all my doings even though I too fail him. If you profess to be a Christian, please stop playing with God and act like one. If you profess to be a Christian and serve God, please stop taking your servant role for granted and act like a servant.

Be careful how you treat God. He will humble you. He can take you from where you are and bring you to the lowest valley in 0 to 60 seconds, taking that which he has given you away until you can be humble.

If you want to be a leader, you MUST be willing to be a servant (Matthew 18:3-4). Anyone who is great or a leader is a servant. In order to be great, you MUST be humble with a lowly mentality, and not one full of pride. If you want to be a servant of God and lead others to Christ, act like one. Thanks for listening.

Be blessed! – JD

Matthew 18:3-4 “and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (ESV)