If God Gave Each of Us What We Truly Deserved, We Would Be In Big Trouble

Oftentimes when we want answers right away it’s usually when we’re hurt, impatient, and angry. God will challenge us to see how we handle it. In order to get to where you’re going you have to go through places you will not want to. You’ll have to come out your comfort zone to get through.

If God can’t trust you with little things, how can he trust you with much? Don’t despise small beginnings. It can lead to great endings.

In everything that you are masters of and those things you cannot master, your desires, failures, mistakes, and circumstances, commit them to God the Master. Trust Him. Let him know, “I trust you Lord.” His grace is sufficient.

At times, when you’re going through and it seems God isn’t listening or he is not there. He’s listening. Are you listening for the still small voice? When it seems God is silent, it’s not that he is. It may be that we’ve stopped listening. God speaks to us through his word. Study the Word. Listen.

When we commit everything to the Lord, burdens of life cease to be ours and become His. He’s a problem solver. We’re free from life’s problems. Put faith in action. When you put it in God’s hands, take your hands off it and let him do his work as only he can. Trust Him. God can move mountains.

You are as good as can be expected but greater than can be expected, when you expect the unexpected from God. You have to think yourself happy in the midst of the storm. When you’re thinking, you should also be thanking God you’re able to stand strong.

People will disappoint you every day. They’ll try to frustrate God’s purpose and make you question your calling. Don’t let them. Walk in your destiny. Walk on purpose.

If God gave each of us what we truly deserved, we would be in big trouble. His grace and mercy saves us. It is a gift. Be grateful to Him. We’re all battling something that seems impossible to overcome. We get tired and want to give up. Stay the course. Persevere. You’ll be glorified in Christ Jesus.

Be blessed! -JD

Hebrews 12:1-3 “¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (ESV)

 

God is Not The Author of Confusion – What He Says He Will Do, He Will Do

This is my testimony today:

After talking with my Mom the other day, I realized God is calling my attention to something but I told her I am having a hard time hearing from him. She said I have to be able to discern when God is speaking to me and not me speaking to me because of decisions I feel need to be made hastily. I told her sometimes it can be so difficult to hear from God when you have forces surrounding you that can influence your thoughts, making the decision-making process that much harder.

You know what it is you are meant to do but become confused with what it is you need to do when circumstances around you say otherwise. Knowing in the end we are not to look at our circumstances because they may never change but God will change us in them.

After receiving some unsettling news some time ago that didn’t sit well with me, I have been sitting every day talking to God and reflecting on what it is I’m supposed to do. Every day I ask God “What is my purpose?” And knowing who I am in Christ, I shouldn’t have to ask because I already know the answer. But there are times when I allow my situation to distract me and lose sight of God. In turn, it sets the wheels turning into a motion of confusion and doubt.

God is not the author of confusion, therefore, I know when I am in this state, it is not coming from him. It is the enemy trying to convince me to abandon God in the process. I am a strong woman of faith but sometimes, yes me, I lose the courage to step out on faith.

My Mom told me the truth that day and has given me the strength to walk in God’s truth, listen for his voice, and move when he says move, just like that. She is my rock. I have to listen to her because she doesn’t give the wrong advice.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know God has not created me to live a substandard life, living in fear of a world that clearly does not have a thing to do with His plans for me. I am a peculiar people. I have been picked out to be picked on. I have not only been chosen but I have been called. My provision comes from God and him alone.

There are too many things I have been waiting to do that I keep putting off out of fear. Yes, fear. But that will cease today. I am making a declaration today. I will have victory! Whatever decision man makes will not deter or stop the plans God have already prepared for me. What God has for me is for me.

I must be willing to step out on faith, believing God is the God of impossible and where it seems impossible, God will make it possible. This will be a day of reckoning, reasoning, and reconciliation.

I believe in my heart that I have been called for a unique purpose. I am on assignment and cannot abandon what I know God has clearly called me to do because of fear that has no room. I am walking in victory today. God have your way! I now know what I need to do. And I will boldly walk in what God has called me to do.

Sometimes the hardest battle to fight can be the easiest one to win when we realize it’s not ourselves we should be fighting against.

When you’re going through the devil doesn’t want you to believe God’s with you. He’ll do everything in his power to destroy you. God got you.

There are plenty of opportunities to be discouraged but declare “I will be encouraged!” Turn a bad situation into a good one. Walk by faith. When things are out of your control don’t allow your feelings to be controlled by events but by faith in God’s ability to give you strength. God will give you strength.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. God is not the author of confusion. What he says he will do, he will do. He has already decided for me that’s what he will do.

Be blessed! -JD

Numbers 23:19-20 “19 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of a man, that he should change his mind. Has he said and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? 20 Behold, I received a command to bless: he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it.” (ESV)

 

Storms Will Come, Rain Doesn’t Last Forever. Praise God No Matter the Season!

To walk on water, you have to first get out the boat. God is able. All other ground is sinking sand. On Christ, the solid rock, stand!

Pick your battles today. You have a choice. To give in to the enemy and let him have his way or let God have His way. God has the final say.

If you were never sick, you wouldn’t know God could heal. He’s Jehovah Rapha. God is a healer. By his stripes you are healed.

If you were never broke, you wouldn’t know God could provide. God is Almighty. El Shaddai. He’s Jehovah Jireh. The Lord will provide.

If you were never in distress, weak, unwilling, you wouldn’t know God is able; willing. Jehovah Nissi, a strong tower. God has all power.

If you didn’t have no reason to please God, Satan wouldn’t give you the time of day. He looks for someone to devour every day. Shout glory!

You have a charge to keep. Be on one accord. Praise God. Magnify the Lord. Love others as Christ loves you. Please God in all you do.

The more you praise God, the more he manifests himself in you. If you abide in Him, He will abide in you. Bear good fruit. Do what God command you.

Be encouraged today. No matter what you may face, know God will make a way out of no way. God loves you. He will see for you.

Storms will come. Rain doesn’t last forever. God is the same today and yesterday and forever. Seasons change. So will you. God got you. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Give thanks to Almighty God.

Be blessed! –JD

Titus 2:11-14 “11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (NIV)

Reflections

Today’s poem, titled Reflections, is the fourth poem from my “mini-series” of poems I promised to share in between normal posts that was written during my college years. After reading my writing, I found that this was such a powerful piece. And because it’s been many years since writing, I can’t remember what may have prompted these strong thoughts but I’m sure it had something to do with life and what some women encounter in damaged relationships that attempt to make them feel inferior and lose their identity. When in fact, for some it will strengthen them, and keep their dignity intact only to give them the courage to move on from it. My professor only had this to say, “‘Strong ”power” freak poem.” I agree :-). Enjoy!

Reflections

Behold! I am the king
Therefore, in my world
Whatever is done by you
Shall be ruled by me

Like a lion in the woods,
I instill
F-E-A-R
And afflict
P-A-I-N
In your heart, body, and soul

Like a builder,
I construct your life
And tear it down by
Destroying your mind

Like a panther in the night,
Through my perilous flight
I can undermine your
INTELLIGENCE that makes you feel stupid
belittle your
FEMININITY by treating you like a tramp
demean your
CHARACTER by exposing your unethical ways
That can go on for days and days

Because in my world,
That which you must belong to,
Everything is judged, decided,
And initiated by me –
No matter what it is you do

Your world is non-existent,
And who am I you say?
I am the king that rules your world
And get things done my way!

-JD

Don’t Give Up. God Won’t Give Up On You. He Will Complete the Work He Begun in You

Sometimes we will neglect ourselves and in doing so will neglect our spiritual life. In turn, it will cause us to stray. It’s okay. Don’t give up. God is a restorer. Glory!

People expect too much from believers and not enough from themselves. We too, are human and at times will fail. God’s love is unconditional.

For days, I found myself losing myself, neglecting my prayer life and spiritual devotion. Thoughts weighed heavily on my mind. I became dissatisfied because I was becoming who I knew I was long ago. I told the devil, you got to go!

I prayed hard and asked God to help me and reveal to me, things within myself I was failing to see. God is faithful. He revealed it to me. He sent the answer immediately, right away. I’m walking in newness. Today is a brand new day.

The devil cannot take away what dwells inside my spirit. At times, I may falter and fall by the wayside, but I know I’m filled with the Holy Spirit. God entrusted the good deposit to me. The Holy Spirit lives in me. I will guard it with my life. Come what may, the devil will not have his way in this place today!

I have been chosen by God for a purpose. To serve God is my purpose. Devil you’ve been served notice today. Flee! Get out of my way. God will have his way.

At times life can be hard. We may grow weary. Our devotional life may suffer when weary. When God seems far away, he’s only a prayer away.

When you’re not making progress in your spiritual life, don’t give up. God won’t give up on you. He will complete the work he begun in you.

Be blessed! -JD

Philippians 1:6 “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

To My Father on Father’s Day

This is a poem I wrote to my Father last year that still speaks volumes today. Dad, Happy Father’s Day! Love you!

Joaynn510

Photo credit: http://www.joaynn510.wordpress.com

Dad, I called you this morning.
I thought of you today.
I think of you often even though you are far away.
As I do every day, not just on Father’s Day.
Every day I wonder how you’re doing.
I pray for you every day.

We may be miles apart.
I may not see you much.
But I know I can depend on you when life gets tough.
I love you. Nothing can ever take your place.
In my heart you always will have a special place.

I may have been raised by my mother as a single parent years down the line.
But nothing will ever replace the love I have for you.
When I called you were there, right on time.
You’ve been there for me through the good and bad.
You taught me things I could not have learned from my mother but only…

View original post 319 more words

The Devil is Busy 365 Days A Year – God is Too. Don’t Let it Discourage You

There are 365 days in a year. The devil will use every one of them to frustrate God’s purpose. God knows it too. He will fulfill his purpose.

Don’t let the devil discourage you and cause you to miss your blessing. You have been chosen by God. Count it all joy! Go get your blessing!

The devil can do nothing against you that God does not permit. God’s plan and purpose have been predetermined. His purpose will not fail. Nor will He fail you. Walk in your destiny. What God has for you, is for you.

Be blessed! -JD

Isaiah 55:11 “So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (KJVA)

Good Morning! Glory! God granted brand new mercies.

Good morning! It’s a brand new day. Yesterday is not your today. Forget about the troubles of yesterday. God granted brand new mercies. Glory!

Be blessed! -JD

Lamentations 3:22-23 “22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (ESV)

When A Message Applies To or Troubles Anyone, Don’t Take It Up With the Messenger. Take It Up with the Master; God

Had a long talk with my Mom early this morning about things that are troubling me and as she prayed with and for me, I couldn’t help but literally laugh out loud because she spoke things I heard 5am early this morning confirming God is with me.

I told her when the Holy Spirit speaks to me, sometimes it’s hard for others to understand it’s not me speaking but the Holy Spirit is working through me and using me to tell something to someone who may need to hear the message.

God does not make me pick and choose who I send his message to. And it’s never a coincidence who the message will reach or the person who may be touched by it. It’s God’s will that his Word goes forth to touch whoever may receive it. It’s never about me but about the Spirit that works through me.

When she said, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I shall live and not die.” I almost cried because Bishop Joseph Walker said the exact things on the prayer call this morning and she didn’t have a clue he said this. That to me is nothing but God because he knew what I needed to hear to confirm his promise. “It didn’t kill me because God kept me.”

I cannot apologize for what I do when I choose to glorify God and follow his lead when I share a message. Nor can I stop doing what he’s called me to do even when at times I tell him I’m not going to. He won’t let me. So I must follow his command and not man’s.

All I can do is hope that someone is inspired by my words and one day come to understand His works as I do, know that his Word is truth, and that it’s never me, but the Holy Spirit that works through me. It’s always about me giving him glory.

I’m just the messenger. And in most cases when the messages applies to or troubles anyone, don’t take it up with messenger. Take it up with the Master; God. I have the righteousness of God. #GodsRighteousnessIsMyTestimony

1 John 2:1-6 “1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. (ESV)

Secretly Searching

Today’s poem, titled Secretly Searching, is the third poem from my “mini-series” of poems I promised to share in between normal posts that was written during my college years. My professor had little to say about this one but I felt good about it after writing.

I think this also was a time when I was still hurting from a loss and my mind was filled with questions as to why things had to happen the way they did.  However, one of the things I observed that seem to be common in some of my writings is how I wrote from a place of emotional pain, hurt, resentment seemingly based on a past I couldn’t let go of. On the other hand, I’m grateful for the experience.

For the most part, my professor had this to say, “Good idea. The rhyme seems to get in the way here.” I took that with a grain of salt. After all, this was a beginning for me and I thought poetry was about rhyme. Silly me :-). Thanks to him, I learned a lot. Enjoy!

Secretly Searching

I often wonder why?
And yes…I try
I picture loving
But always shoving, aside
It hurts so, yet it feels so good
If only I could (What shall I do?)

I can imagine the twinkle in my eye
Is it a teardrop from my cry?
Oh – my smile full of gleam
… But it hurts so much…
If only I can touch…

Images closer than mirrors
Scents within souls,
Hearts fluttering,
Moods smothering,
Is the key I hold, so close?

Climbing within the depths of me
Floating the brims among the sea
Sitting around a bushel of love
With a fistful of hope in one hand
The other, my rope

It feels so good
Why can’t I understand?
Love and trust
Comes hand in hand

-JD

The Wisdom of God is Jesus – Don’t Be Afraid to Share the Gospel

We cannot be afraid to share the gospel with fear of hurting someone’s feelings. We perish from lack of knowledge. The wisdom of God is Jesus.

When the Holy Spirit dwells in us, it can be hard to not tell others God’s truth. Not to convince them to believe but to help them believe. The gospel is God’s truth.

God gives us all the instructions we need in His Word to live a life righteous and holy. As believers, we are to impart godly wisdom and knowledge without ever being ashamed to tell the Good News of the gospel.

If God had not sent you through the trial, would you have known it was his grace that brought you through? If you stayed stuck in your past and had not visited it, would you have known God’s mercy kept you?

How can you not want to share the good news of Jesus Christ? How can you not want to tell someone else about Jesus so they can experience the love of God and be guided by His principles to experience a better life?

The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news! It is a message of hope for everyone. The gospel is for everyone. It is because of the gospel, through the power of God, those who believe in Christ may be saved (Romans 10:9). It is a message that can give you life, transform, and save. Our desires are removed and replaced with God’s. We desire to do His will and good works. That’s good news!

“Before we can walk in newness of life, we must die to sin. Just as the resurrection gives us Christ’s power to live for him, his crucifixion marks the death of our old sinful nature. We can’t know the victory of the resurrection without personally applying the crucifixion.” (Philippians 3:10)

Keep this as a guiding principle: Live your life in such a way, that God’s love permeates your motives that all you do will be for his glory. Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6).” He prepared a place for us.  Because he lives, we also live. Rejoice!

The wisdom of God is Jesus. Don’t be afraid to share the good news with others. Tell somebody about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Don’t be ashamed of the gospel.

Be blessed! -JD

Philippians 3:10 “¹⁰ I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (NIV)