Sereniti- 30 Days to a New Start

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

My Loss, God’s Gain

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted” -Matthew 5:4 (KJV)

In December of 2014, I lost my mom suddenly. I was angry with God the first few days because I couldn’t believe that He took her away from me. Every day I would try to pray, and nothing came out. Have you ever experienced the agony of a pain that you can’t turn into prayer? Few things are more complicated. It wasn’t until I yelled out to God in anger through my pain that I was reminded of the scripture: Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. In that instant, a peace so sweet and gentle overwhelmed me. Not much later, the comfort turned into reassurance that my mom had reached the place we are all striving for! And everything quickly came back into perspective.

Heaven is my goal, too, right? At that moment, my anger turned to repentance for not acknowledging the might and power of God. The words of that scripture finally gave me peace in my heart. The words Jesus spoke were valid. We will be comforted!

What is your present plight? Maybe it’s dealing with the death of a loved one, a marriage issue, or drama on the job. But, fortunately, whatever you are facing is not too strong for God to comfort you through.

Meditation:

Matthew 5:4

Prayer:

Father, touch every person today who may be struggling with losing a loved one or something that is valuable to them. I pray that the love and peace of God will comfort them day by day. When grief becomes overwhelming, please help us to know that comfort from the Savior is available to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scriptures: Proverbs 29:25, Psalms 56:11

Trust in God

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting in the Lord means safety. -Proverbs 29:25 (NLT)

I once wanted people to like me; I wanted them to be present, always to be found in my corner. Because of that, I became superwoman- doing everything for everybody and never saying no, even when my plate was full. Despite the grief that came with trying to save everybody, I proudly wore the “S” on my chest. But, unfortunately, my life became a big jar of mess with a “Yes” attached because I never learned how to say no. 

Not being able to please people made me an emotional wreck. I wanted to help, I wanted to do more, but I only could do so much in such a short 24 hour time. Then, one day while ranting about how I wanted to help, I stumbled over scripture that removed this deadly desire from me. The scripture says that fearing people is a dangerous trap. Wow! Wanting to please people was a set-up, a surprise to keep me distracted from purpose and the safety found in trusting God. 

It’s impossible to carry the cross of pleasing God while also trusting in God. It’s either one or the other. So we must learn not to fear others but instead to say NO to the trap of people-pleasing by trusting in God. 

Meditation:

Proverbs 29:25, Psalm 56:11

Prayer: Father, help me not to be a people-pleaser but to be a God-pleaser. I trust you to help me through every situation, trial, and circumstance. I know that when I trust in you, there is nothing man can do to me! Father, thank you for all of your help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1

Pushing Your Faith

Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Have you ever noticed that it is easier to push others than yourself? It takes nothing but a thought for you to do whatever someone else needs from you for them to succeed at what they’re striving for. Without any reservations, you’re loyal to them, their dreams, and their ambitions. At the same time, your love for them is partially why; the more significant reason is that you’re fighting fear. Fear has convinced you to become engulfed in everything and everyone else so that you’ll never find the faith to stand on your own. That’s not healthy; it’s not God’s will concerning you.

Today is the perfect day to dismiss fear. Evict it from your heart! Resist fear just like temptation and begin to feed your faith. Help your faith to grow; fight for it. You have to choose who wins!

Fear ends with a period, and a comma follows faith. There is always something else that God springs up in you that follows your belief. Begin to renounce the spirit of fear today so that your faith will produce and your purpose will be realized and fulfilled. 

Prayer: 

Father, I thank you now for my faith. I understand that fear will come, but it will not overtake me. Allow Your love to show me the confidence that produces results in Jesus’ name. Amen

Scriptures: Mark 1:35, Deuteronomy 31:8

Being Alone With God

And in the morning, rising a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, And there prayed. – Mark 1:35 (KJV)

I don’t want to be alone! These are the words I often hear when talking to some of my friends who long for companionship. Being alone is always tricky when looking for someone to walk beside you, stand with you, and even be there for you. Being alone may be complex or even different, but it’s necessary.

 In Mark Chapter 1, even Jesus took some alone time to pray. Being alone clears your head and allows you to detox your heart from the issues and decisions of life. Though you may feel alone physically, always remember that He will never leave you nor forsake you!

Instead of forsaking being alone, learn to optimize it. The time that you spend alone can be used for a great purpose. Solitude is power. It helps you pull away from the norm and plug into God and your purpose; it allows you to quickly identify what matters and what doesn’t. In a solitary place, you learn about yourself and become prepared for higher dimensions. 

Meditation:

Deuteronomy 31:8

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for the private moments I have, just to remove myself from all that’s going on around me and be with you. I understand that you will never walk away from me, and therefore, I am never alone. So please help me to cherish my time with you, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: Psalms 46:10

Be Still and Know

Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.- Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

I know!

I got it!

These are the phrases that I constantly hear from my boys when I try to teach them about not making the same mistakes I made. I know they are willing to learn, but they want me to believe that they “know” already. 

Just like my boys, these are the same responses we give God when He tries to keep us from falling into the devil’s trap. In many instances, we allow our intellect to be greater than God’s sovereignty. We forget that while we may know some things, God is all-knowing.  More than that, He’s the creator of all things, and our understanding of all things- is actually limited!

It’s necessary to learn to be still and know that God is still God.

Meditation: 

Psalm 46:10

Prayer:

Father, I thank you that You are God and You know all things. Even when I feel like I have it all together, You quietly guide me on the right path. Show me how to trust You in every decision of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scriptures: Matthew 6:23-24, Colossians 3:1-2

Perception is a Curse Word

But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! -Matthew 6:23-24 (NLT)

One definition of perception is an impression, an attitude or understanding based on what is observed or thought. (www.bing.com).

Be wise with your perception. Perceiving something to be what it is not, is just as bad as cursing someone to their face. False and premature perception leads to inaccurate conclusions.  It can be detrimental to relationships. I’ve seen firsthand where connections were severed because of how something seemed, not how it actually was.

The danger of perception is that it constantly causes us to see with fear instead of faith or from a place of darkness rather than light. Perception mismanaged will make you think that what truly exists doesn’t exist at all. 

Here’s the secret of cultivating the right kind of perception: let it be God-centered. Then, when you welcome the mind of Christ into your thought process, you filter everything from that place- and leave nothing up to your human perception. At that moment, you can rest comfortably in the presence of God’s truth. 

Meditation:

Matthew 6:23-24, Colossians 3:1-2

Prayer: 

Father, I thank you that, today, I can stand on Your truth which is the word of God. I thank you that when my incorrect perceptions try to overtake me, the facts I find in Your word prove to always be accurate and strong. Help me with the truth, the faith, and the compassion of what you’ve already established. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scriptures: Psalms 94:14, Psalms 34:17-20

“Rejected by Rejection”

The Lord will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession. -Psalm 94:14 (NLT)

So, you messed up big time. You did what you said you’d never do. You went in the opposite direction of God’s leading. That relationship you knew was no good for you left you shattered, and now you feel worthless; you feel like you’re too broken ever to be chosen again. 

When you’ve reached the bottom, regardless of what landed you there, you’re consumed by a whirlwind of rejection that stings you to your core. Being at the bottom convinces you that God has abandoned you; it makes you believe that you’ve somehow sinned so much and so deeply that grace can no longer reach you where you are. Have you ever been this low? Are you at this low place right now? Well, I have news for you: God never rejects His people; He never abandons what belongs to Him.  

Defeat. Worthlessness. Rejected. Forgotten. Castaway. These are the feelings many of us have when losing the same battle over and over again. But, you have to know that it’s not people you have to please; it’s not about attaining perfection. It’s about pleasing God’s heart…even after falling short. Because we are unique to Him, he will never abandon us, and He will always choose us to be His own. There is freedom in knowing that God will never reject us no matter how many slipups we have. His love is forever! 

Meditation:

Psalm 34:17-20

Prayer: 

Father, I pray that Your love will become so strong that I will never feel rejected again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: James 1:4

Faith Under Pressure

Dear brother and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an excellent opportunity for joy. -James 1:2 (NLT)

James starts this chapter by telling us that when troubles come our way –because they surely will, to count it all joy. In other words, he’s admonishing us to find the good in all of the bad and celebrate it. This scripture can be somewhat startling, but it’s an optimistic challenge if you give it a little thought. 

Be happy, and hold on. When those “pressures of life” start to haunt us, we still have to maintain our faith and hope in God: that’s the safest place- both in the time of trouble and when all seems to go just fine. Your faith in God is critical when you’re up against pressure and adversity. Faith under pressure is the type of faith we need, in order to stay constant in our walk with God. It’s the kind of faith that prompts us to worship, rather than worry; and to believe, rather than succumb to doubts. 

Pressures shouldn’t cause us to waiver in our faith. Instead, stay constant and consistent by letting God know you’ll trust Him no matter what. The way to prove your trust in God is to count troubles as joy. 

Meditation:

James 1:1-4

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the trials, temptations, and pressure. I count it all joy knowing that you built me with your strength. I thank you that no matter what- my faith won’t fail. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: Psalms 37:3-5

Are you committed?

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him to help you do it, and He will. -Psalm 37:5 (NLT)

When you commit yourself to someone or something, it means that you put your all into it despite your feelings. Likewise, you can’t enter into a relationship with someone without putting your all into it. The bottom line is: relationships demand investments.

 It’s the same with God: you can’t have a relationship with your creator without there being commitment attached to it. Unless you’re giving your all, you’re not really giving anything. And what you believe is a relationship is just a figment of your imagination or a religious mental picture at best. It’s not confirmed until you’re invested. 

God wants you to commit to Him as well as give your all to everything you do concerning Him because He’s committed to your success.  God gives us His best in exchange for our all. So trust Him to help you do it, and He will. 

Meditation: 

Psalm 37:3-5

Prayer: 

Father, I admit that sometimes being committed is one of the hardest things to do. Things come up schedules change and life shifts. But I know that my commitment to you is an essential piece of my life’s puzzle, even in all of that. So help me to understand where my commitment makes a difference in my life daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

My Dreams, God’s Plan

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster to give you a future and hope. -Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

Growing up, you come up with all of these dreams about what you want to do, what you want to become, where you want to live, and so on. Childhood was the period where most of us got our start as dreamers.  We hold on to those dreams and even imagine ourselves living them at some point in our life. And that’s okay, but somewhere down the line, as we mature, our character forms, and our thoughts and plans start to change.

Time has an exciting way of making some dreams become a thing of the past. Time has a way of changing things and the people around us. Everything becomes strikingly different. Why is that? More often than not, the reason is that God is trying to introduce us to something far greater—His marvelous plans for us and our future. 

As soon as you realize God’s plans for you, your desires are altered to match what God wants for you. When your desires change, your connections will also. You’ll find yourself pulling away from people who aren’t dreamers and connecting to those who are. Once we surround ourselves with believers who are dream carriers and dream pushers, we will begin to see our dreams lining up with God’s plan. When you make room for God’s plan, you’ll walk away with the best Heaven has to offer. 

Meditation: 

Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: 

Father, thank You for allowing me to understand what Your plans are for me. God, even when I get sidetracked, allow your plans to always remain in my heart at all times. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Scriptures: Psalms 63:3-4, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Forever & Ever

Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. -Psalm 63:3-4 (NLT)

Knowing that God’s love for me is forever and that it will never change, gets me by in life. I find such a sweet presence of safety in this truth. I’m amazed that God could give such a perfect love to me without it being fickle and conditional. Who am I to be so valuable?

When other people love us, their love is typically conditional, which is very different from God’s love. They give us love based on current situations and conditions or on what we can provide to them in return for their love.  There are way too many stipulations with human love; however, God’s love is perfect. God’s love is truly unselfish,  it is straightforward, unwavering, and it never fails. It’s a love that stays the same day by day; it’s a love whose arms are always open wide to you!

 If you genuinely want to experience real love, try allowing the love of God to overtake you in a way man never could. God’s love is better than life. Life may introduce you to some fantastic things, but absolutely nothing can compete with the love of God. Nothing at all! You’d be doing yourself such a significant disservice by not allowing such love into your life. Let God love you! 

Meditation: 

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Prayer: 

God, thank you for your love. I’m grateful that it reaches me wherever I am. I’m amazed that it covers me unconditionally. Help me always to honor it. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8

And the Winner is…

We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair. 2 Corinthians 4:8 (NIV)

I’m done! 

These are the words you say when it seems like God is so far away. Most times, we never stop and think about the historical makeup of the God we serve. We look at our horrible situation, how we’re hurting, how we’re crushed and even perplexed.  We fail to remember that God always comes through! When was the last time you checked God’s track record? It’s still void of any losses. He always wins! He’s never lost a case! 

No matter how horrible life may seem at times, remember that God can be trusted. That’s all you need to do–remember. It’s normal for us to sometimes be perplexed by what God has done and can do, which is the furthest thing from our minds. Through remembering, we have confidence that everything will work together for our good. God loves us too much to leave us in despair. 

Meditation:

2 Corinthians 4

Prayer:

Father, help me to remember that you will always be there to help me through every situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Scripture: Proverbs 15:13

Smile

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.  -Proverbs 15:13 (NLT)

Being able to smile is truly a gift. There are times when you don’t feel like smiling, and other times when smiling is all you can do. Try this: walk down a hall full of people and smile. See how many smiles you get back. Not just any smile, but a genuine smile, a smile that exudes from an authentic place. I’ve learned that a smile can hide so much: fear, pain, sadness, tears, but for me, a smile reflects one great thing: STRENGTH! 

A genuine smile is a symbol of a glad heart. To smile when things are well is good and dandy, but what about when your plate is full of calamity? That’s the actual test of being able to have a glad heart. 

No matter where you find yourself, maintain your smile. Teach yourself to keep a glad heart when life doesn’t hand you a reason to rejoice. Why? Even amid adversity, your smile is the strength you need to make it! Therefore, keep smiling and keep pushing toward the mark. Besides, you never know who your smile can help! Your smile could be the motivation someone needs in order to not quit their race.

Meditation:

Proverbs 15:13

Prayer:

Father, I pray that my smile will be just what someone needs to get through their day. Let the love of God be reflected through my smile always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:46

Obey

Take heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command Your children to obey carefully all the words of this law.- Deuteronomy 32:46(NIV)

Plenty of times, we instruct those in our lives: our children, significant others, team, family members, etc. Once we lay out the rules, we expect them to be followed thoroughly. Yet, there is just one problem: all too often, we are not willing to follow the rules we’ve set in place. 

We have this “do as I say, not as I do” mindset. Well, I’m a firm believer that we really can’t teach others to obey if we’re not willing to obey God. There has to be a demonstration and example given to the people that we lead. How can we demand from others what our own life lacks? Where’s the logic there?

Allow your life and the way you live for God to speak louder than any law or command and watch the response. 

Meditation:

Deuteronomy 32:46

Prayer: 

Father, I love you. I pray that my obedience would speak volumes in my life that is greater than any sacrifice we could ever make. May the obedience that you placed in me never fade away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Never Stop Praying

Pray without ceasing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (KJV)

When situations arise, as we know they will, what is your remedy for handling difficulty? How do you respond to trouble? Maybe you murmur, maybe you complain, perhaps you isolate yourself, or perhaps you pray.

My remedy for every situation in life is simple: PRAY! This scripture tells us to pray without ceasing, without stopping, without giving up. So, my remedy for various situations looks like this:

When I’m happy –  I pray

When I’m sad – I pray

When I’m disappointed – I pray

When I’m grieved – I pray

When I’m discouraged – I pray

When I’m overjoyed- I pray

Now, what are you waiting for? 

Let us pray

Father, help us understand that our relationship with you is solidified through prayer, and every answer we need will be answered in that moment of prayer.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture: Proverbs 12:15

Who’s Right, Who’s Wrong?

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. -Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)

Conditioned minds are the most complicated minds to welcome anything new. Those minds belong to people who know it all, or at least they believe that they do. These minds are always familiar with people who refuse to embrace things that don’t match their mentality. It’s these people who are labeled fools… please excuse the harshness, but it’s the truth.

A fool is someone who says, “I’ve been doing things this way all of my life so, it just has to be right!”This type of mindset blinds you from wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to understand that, just because something has been a certain way for a long time, doesn’t mean that it’s the right way or that there’s no other way. It’s hard to hold on to traditions yet receive newness.

It’s not until something new is presented, that you’re able to see how your way may have looked and seemed right, but it’s not the only way. It could be all wrong. The point is: being someone who “knows it all” will keep you on the opposite side of God’s way and the wise way. And that’s not a beneficial place to be… ever.

God always has a method for showing us His way.  He presents us with something new and different: something which illuminates that our way was wrong, mediocre, or could’ve been more. Therefore, seek God for wisdom so that you never miss the new things.

Meditation: 

Proverbs 12

Prayer: 

Father, I pray that I will never walk around thinking I know it all.  Help me to remain faithful to You, a God who knows all things.  Help me to fully trust that You will give me the wisdom I need to identify Your ways! Help me to understand that Your way is always the right way. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Scriptures: Proverbs 17:27-28, James 1:19

Sometimes Silence is Better

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. -Proverbs 17:27-28 (NIV)

Silence is golden! I could never really understand what that meant until I put it into practice for myself. Now, I know why silence is golden. Silence is golden because your words are priceless. Silence is what allows you to decipher when you should speak or when you should simply keep silent; it builds self-restraint. 

But it takes practice. It’s not something you can just decide to do and automatically master. 

This passage says that even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent. Being silent when you have a strong urge to say something is challenging, especially if you feel justified in what you want to say. Nothing is quite as discomforting as biting your tongue when you’re in the right. However, you must do it sometimes. Often, our need to always have something to say hinders how God wishes to move. Furthermore, God frequently needs us to be silent to hear Him speak even in the most troublesome situations. 

When you want to give an opinion, or when you want to use your words to defend yourself, proceed with wisdom. Think before you speak, and you may surprise yourself by realizing that opening your mouth isn’t worth it. 

Please don’t make it a habit to speak on things you should remain quiet about. 

Have you mastered the art of silence? If not, now is a perfect time to begin.

Meditation: 

James 1:19

Prayer: 

Father, help me to keep silent when needed. Please give me the discipline to monitor my words and use them maturely- in a way that presents glory to Your name.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: Psalms 91:2

“The Game of Trust”

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust Him. -Psalm 91:2 (NLT)

I can remember being a teenager and playing the game of trust. This game consists of you trusting a person who stands behind you to catch you as you’re falling backward. It was the role of the other person to catch you or to let you fall. The scary part about this game of trust was that you never knew the other person’s intentions. All you could do was trust that they wouldn’t let you fall.

Well, God’s intentions are never uncertain. His motives for us are sure, and they’re pure. He always plans to catch us and put us in a place of tranquility. Whether we fall or whether we are on level ground, the plans and heart of God are trustworthy. Unlike the Game of Trust played in high school, you don’t have to wonder if God will let you down.

It may look like our ‘falling’ will never end, but we have to trust that we have refuge in God, even in our low places. He will never fail us. 

Is your trust entirely in God? 

Meditation:

Psalm 91

Prayer: 

Loving Father, I thank You that, even when things around me begin to fall, You will always be there to ensure my fall is not permanent.  I’m grateful that Your love is a cushion for my falls, and that You bring refuge in the time of despair. I know that with You, I am always safe. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Scripture: Psalms 91:1

Facing Struggles

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1(KJV)

What’s your unique method of coping with struggle?  Do you go off by yourself to handle the problem, or do you ‘spazz out’ and hide under a rock? It’s practically impossible to take difficulty all alone. You need God! More frankly, you need the presence of God. So instead of hiding under a rock all alone, retreat to the secret place of the Most High. There, trouble can’t bother you, people can’t hurt you, and nothing can harm you.

In the warmth of God’s shadow, there is peace and protection, joy and compassion. We have been given free access to God’s throne because we have a dire need for it daily. You’ll only be able to survive but so long without the presence of God. So why do you think it’s so crucial that we learn how to dwell there? Why do you think we must keep our minds stayed on Christ? Fixating your mind on Christ is a form of living in the secret place of the Most High.

Once you come together with God in that quiet, secret place, He’ll begin to whisper solutions to the difficulty that you may be facing. Your private place with God is your solution to every problem. It’s your joy for sorrow. It’s your grace for guilt. It’s your healing for disease. Everything you need, you can attain in the secret place.

And the best part about it? Trouble doesn’t have to be the driving force to get you to that place. You can abide there even when danger is as far from you as the sky is from the ground. 

Fall in love with meeting God at his throne!

Meditation: 

Psalm 91

Prayer: 

God, my Father, please show me how to make sense of the struggle. Then, even when times get hard, I will understand that You will always be there to protect and strengthen me. I love You, for You are faithful, and Your presence is unfailing! In Jesus, name, Amen.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:17

Honor

Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well. Especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. -1 Timothy 5:17 (NLT)

Honor means to have high respect or esteem. It means to have great regard for a person, place, or thing. We honor many things in our lives depending on who we are and what means the most to us. For example, we celebrate the president of our country because he has earned respect as the nation’s leader. We honor courtroom judges because they hold high esteem in the courtroom. We respect and learn from our pastors because they have been given rule over us. 

The point? People in certain positions are worthy of a particular honor, regard, or respect. However, it’s not given in a lot of cases. Why is it so hard for us to honor one another? In today’s society, there’s a shortage of honor and humility. Due to this shortage, dishonor and arrogance are becoming ridiculously common. 

Honor and respect are both earned. A person can completely honor you with their time, talent, and treasure and dishonor you with the same. So we have to be sure that we are given the appropriate honor where it’s due. Not because we are meant to place anyone on a pedestal, but simply because it’s a mandate from God to honor those in position around us.

Who do you honor? Is it God? Your peers? Your friends? Do you keep yourself? Perhaps it’s all of those mentioned above. Are there others in your life that honor you? Take a good look over your life, and make sure you honor God and those worthy of respect in all that you say and do. 

Meditation:

1Timothy 5:17

Prayer:

Loving Father, I pray that my life speaks loudly at all times. Allow me to live my life in a way that I am worthy of the honor You have so diligently placed on the inside of me. Help me always to honor those that are deserving of it. God, knowing You are worthy of honor, please take my hand and show me how to always give You praise and reverence with my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19

Let it Go

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing;

Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and in

rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)

Perhaps everyone around you is always so receptive to remarkable changes that transpire in your life, particularly those orchestrated by God. But in my experience, I have encountered people that do the very opposite. Instead of celebrating the new thing, their focus remains on what once was. Admittedly, that can be frustrating and somewhat discouraging. Sometimes, you just want people to realize what God has done and simply celebrate it, not reject it. But, sadly, it doesn’t always pan out that way.

There will always be many who can’t handle the change in your life. Everyone won’t be able to deal with the transformation from who they’ve always known you to be to the more robust, wiser, and better person God is making you into. Anyone in opposition to your transformation and newness will jump ship. They leave the boat because your progress offends them for reasons that honestly have nothing to do with you. It’s a painful thing. Rejection doesn’t taste good. Yet, you have to conquer the pain before it consumes you. The pain you will endure during that time will require some casting, bandaging, and recovery, but after the healing comes, it will mold you into a greater YOU! 

Be reminded that holding on to baggage really does nothing but weigh you down.  It can cost more when you take baggage with you on the ride. Also, when you leave some of the bags behind, you may or may not get stopped at the checkpoint of life. So yes, you may feel like you need everything in that bag for your trip to be smooth, but leaving it will always prove to be more beneficial in the end.

Let go of every weight, every person that doesn’t embrace you, and any negative opinion designed to make you question God’s action in your life.

Meditation: 

Isaiah 43:18-19

Prayer: 

Father, I pray that I can see where I am going with your guidance in this season of my life. Allow me to understand that everyone will not go where you are trying to take me. Please give me the contentment that will give me peace to travel alone. God, I praise you in advance for doing all things well in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Scripture: Psalms 84:10

A Day With Him

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. -Psalm 84:10 (NLT)

When dealing with or working in a hostile environment, you may have this feeling, “I’d rather be anywhere but here.” Because we always believe that life would be so much easier if we could only escape our present place of reality.

What happens when there’s no escape? You’re not always able to run from the hostility, but you can activate God’s presence in the midst of it.

The second you call God’s name, He shows up with everything you need for that moment. First, however, you have to have a perspective that convinces you that a day with Him does make a difference. Then, staying focused on the proper perspective, no matter what your environment produces, will allow you to have that “single day in His courts” experience that will catapult you to new heights. 

No matter where you are, the environment should always produce an aroma of God’s goodness because you have spent time with Him. Spending that precious time with God will turn a hostile situation around to what matters most. 

Meditation: 

Psalm 84

Prayer:

Oh, Loving God, how great it is to spend time with you! Your presence gives me a feeling that I have never felt before, and I never want to be without you again. Thank you for showing me that I can always take your presence with me no matter where I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Scripture: Proverbs 12:26

Good Friends

A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.  -Proverbs 12:26 (World English Bible)

We don’t always end up with excellent outcomes due to the choices we’ve made. We don’t get to choose how our life ends up when we’re following the path of God. We don’t get to choose the color of our eyes or even the family we’re born into, but the one thing we can choose is our friends. There are few things we’re in control over, and our human relationships are certainly one of those things. Thus, we should choose our circle of friends with wisdom and discretion. 

Good friends can stretch us beyond our limitations and help us to grow. Wrong friends will have the opposite effect. When you are surrounded by bad company, it will corrupt you and lead you astray if you don’t disconnect yourself quickly. 

Be careful who you choose as friends and who you allow into your private space. Stay prayerful, and with God’s leading, you and your friends will stay focused on God’s promises together. 

Meditation: 

Proverbs 12:26

Prayer:

Father, I thank You that I have godly friends. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: Proverbs 11:16-21

Value of Kindness

A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men only gain wealth. -Proverbs 11:16 (NIV)

Kill them with kindness! A phrase I have heard all too often but, is this something we usually put into practice? Kindness is not just another attribute but rather a trait that is valued day by day. But, beyond loving it, you should also implement it.

How often is your kindness spoken of? Being kind shows how much value you have in your love for God. When your love for God is true, you’ll treat people with respect and kindness? Why? Because to love God is also to love His people. Kindness is a responsibility we must not forsake. It’s a vital tool for operating in the ways of God. 

Be kind to others just as you expect others to be kind to you. When you practice kindness diligently, watch how much value and honor is added to your life. 

Meditation: 

Proverbs 11:16-21

Prayer: 

Father, I thank you for gracing me with the gift of kindness. A kindness that we cannot buy, and compassion that only you can give. Please show me how to express my heart to others so much so that it becomes contagious. Father, I thank you for your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Scripture: Matthew 5:11-12

Un-popular

God blesses those for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. -Matthew 5:10 (NLT)

Ever been singled out in a group? Ever felt like you were the least liked? Ever had to deal with being the last one to be added to the team? If you have, you’re no stranger to the feelings that come with these scenarios. They’re feelings of loneliness, persecution, and unpopularity. 

When you decide to follow God, it can make you feel like the popularity or notoriety you once had faded away. And if you’ve never had it, it’ll make you feel like you never will. That’s okay. This walk isn’t about being the popular one; it’s about doing what’s right.  Following Jesus triggers persecution, judgment, and slander to be attached to your name. 

Persecution may rob you of popularity, but it can’t rob you of the reward that awaits you in Heaven. The unpopular name belongs to people who leave indelible marks on the earth. It belongs to people who endure scrutiny for the sake of righteousness that God will be seen in the world through their deeds and actions. The good thing about having an unpopular name on the earth is found in Matthew 5, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake: For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 

The next time you are overwhelmed by the weapons and attacks of outside forces, remember that there is a reward for being righteous. In a world full of people trying to fit in, be okay with being counted out. Your reward is far greater than any embrace the world can offer. 

Meditation:

Matthew 5:11-12

Prayer: 

Father, I thank You that following You has made me unpopular. You say in Your word that this type of persecution causes me to be blessed!… so I receive my blessings today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: Matthew 16:24

Follower or Fan

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross and follow me.- Matthew 16:24(NLT)

Being a follower of someone or something is not something we do because it’s the latest and greatest thing to do or because it’s the most popular; however, being a follower requires commitment, it demands diligence. Many of us say we’re committed to being followers, but we’re more like fans of Jesus instead. Most times, we say we’re following, we say we’re committed, and we say we’re faithful, but where’s the proof? It’s not in the pudding!  Instead of showing a public display, some tend to do it in the dark or not at all. How does that work? It doesn’t.

When you’re a follower, whose commitment and loyalty, are truly genuine, there should be recognizable evidence. One of the ways we show our dedication and our devotion to someone is through a consistent public display. Commitment isn’t seen as your being a show-off,  but rather, it shows the world that you belong to Christ and you’re proud of it.

Here’s the thing we sometimes forget: God never shows his love for us in secret, but He instead shows how much He loves us by giving a public display of that love by the way He blesses us. That public display is the perfect demonstration of what God thinks about His own. Once we experience that demonstration, it’s up to us to reciprocate that love by following Him and doing so in a public way.

Love shouldn’t be hidden. Is yours on display? 

Meditation:

Matthew 16:23-27

Prayer:

Father, I pray that there will always be an outward demonstration of my love towards You in everything that I do. I pray never to be secretive about our relationship, but always to keep you first, so that my desire for you becomes stronger as I continue to follow you daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Jeremiah 29:11

“The Will of God” 

In everything gives thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

Trying to understand the will of God can be very mind-boggling. But, when you accept the will of God, you are acknowledging who He is- and that there is no one like Him. But, I have to admit that accepting His will is much easier than understanding it. When my mother went home to be with God, I accepted His will because I honor Him, trust His plans, and love Him. 

Understanding why He chose to take my mom at such a young age was a struggle at such a critical time in my life; not questioning Him and speaking my mind in a state of misunderstanding was my goal. 

You won’t be able to understand every single thing God does; you won’t be able to make sense of a lot of what transpires around you. That’s okay! You don’t have to. All you have to concern yourself with is being able to offer up thanks no matter the circumstances. That’s God’s will for you! 

Don’t aim to understand; strive to be thankful. Through thankfulness, God will give you the grace to understand and accept His will when you’re ready to.

Meditation:

Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: 

Lord, I pray that you help me to understand Your will. I know that Your choice is what’s best for my life, so my prayer is that I not only accept it, but I understand it, primarily when your will consists of something that may be uncomfortable. I trust you with my life, my understanding, and my heart. I love you, God. Amen

Scriptures: Philippians 4:11, Philippians 4:19

Life 

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, in addition to that to be content. –Philippians 4:11 (KJV)

When you look at the hand of “Life” that you’ve been dealt, you have to make some prudent choices on what to do with your cards. Being someone who grew up watching adults play Spades’, a card game, I would always see them carefully survey their hands to see what they were working with. After that, it was all about strategy and optimizing what you had to work with. Then, after they understood what they had in their hand, they would immediately determine if they would have success in the game based on that hand.

What does your hand look like? Is there success in your future based on your hand? How are you going to play your hand?

No matter how good a Spades player is at evaluating the cards in their hand, some hands don’t depict winning. In this instance, the option is to be content and do the best with what’s there. In the game of life, our mindset should reflect that of a Spades player. Sure, the hand isn’t the best and doesn’t look ideal for winning, but be content anyway.

Sometimes the real meaning of winning is staying in the game even when you have a losing hand!

Meditation: 

Philippians 4:19

Prayer:

My God, my Lord- I thank you that I have learned how to be content with all the things you have blessed me with. I want to please you in everything I say and do, and I pray I have done just that. I believe in my heart that you are committed to my success and need me to prosper. I love you, God……Amen

Scripture: Galatians 6:9

Try Again

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up. – Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

Ever heard the term, “if at first, you don’t succeed, try- try again? Well, growing up, I heard that term plenty of times. I had the kind of mother that pushed you and encouraged you no matter what. If I wanted to do something, she would tell me to try. If I tried and failed, she would console me and tell me to try again. She refused to let me settle or give up. 

 It wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized that I always tried, but the “try again” part was what I failed to do. Can you relate? Many times in life, I was unable to accomplish the things that were in my heart to do because fear outweighed my passion, or the fear of failing again crippled me.  I’m pretty sure that many of you have experienced the same thing. 

Philippians 4:13 states, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” So I encourage every one of you to find that one, two, or even three things that you gave up on doing because you allowed fear to overwhelm you… and try it again! As long as the strength from Christ is in your heart, you can do almost anything! Jesus will make all the right things possible! 

So, pick that sewing machine back up, and become the designer you want to be! Sharpen that pencil and write the book. The time is now to dream again and allow your passion to be that very thing that catapults you into this next season of winning. After all, what have you got to lose? 

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and JUMP! Some incredible things are waiting for you if you don’t give up!

Meditation: 

Philippians 4:11-13

Prayer: 

My Father, My Lord- I thank you for igniting the passion on the inside of me to do what you have called me to do. Getting here was tough, but here I am, open and ready to follow your instructions. I will not be fearful, but I will be thankful that you have put me in this place of serenity and solitude, ready to move towards my destiny In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Scripture: Romans 8:28

Final Prayer

Father, in the name of Jesus, I come to you as humble as I know how, to thank you for being God! I love you, I need you, and I honor you. You are such a great God, and besides you, there is no other. If you were not the God you are, you wouldn’t do the things you do, so thank you for all that you are! Today, God, I rely on every promise you made to me, understanding that every commitment from you is Yes and Amen! I receive your word this day. Your word tells me that, no matter what I go through or deal with, all things work together for the good of them that love You and are called according to your purpose.  I believe and receive that it’s working for me.

God,  I appreciate You for all of Your ways, for Your will, and for Your undying love. There is no greater love than the love that You have shown to me, so for that, God, I say thank you. Thank you for all of the ways you have caused my life to change. Thank you for every path you take my feet on, guiding me by your sweet spirit and holy hands. Father, I even thank you for every mistake, mishap, and misfortune. You said in your word to count it all joy when tests and trials come my way. I know that the testing of my faith produces patience, so, God,  I’ll wait on You to turn things in my favor.

 I smile because I know that what’s coming will offer me a future, hope, and an expected end. Father, meet my needs today and exceed my expectations like never before! You are Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord that provides. Father, I thank you for every purpose, every passion, every idea, every plan, every business, and every dream You have placed on the inside of me. I believe that it is all coming to pass in Jesus’ name. Even when the enemy decides to come my way, God, I will remain confident in this: that I will see the goodness of the Lord! 

Today, that’s the promise I will stand on because I realize that, no matter what, My God wins! That means that when God wins, I can win. Dear God, I love You more than I ever have before.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!