Don't Miss God!

We are in a desperate need as The Body of Christ to remain focused! The world needs us. I truly believe we have forgotten that. In the midst of us looking around in disappointment, we fail to look up and stand out in the Hope that we received through Christ Jesus! Communities can be healed. Celebrities can be delivered. Prisoners can be set free. Whether it be mental prisons, emotional prisons holding on to things that happened ages ago or physical prisoners, Jesus Blood can penetrate a person's lowest shame and make him new! I challenge you and me to start our morning AND night with this song. William McDowell's medley is a great worship song to release ourselves to God. Surrendering to God gives Him the mobility to use us for His Will. What is His Will? For everyone to be saved by sharing The GOOD NEWS. Jesus died and was resurrected to keep us from spending eternity in hell. Don't we want our world to get better? Well, we have to be better in order for that change to come. Didn't you know being with Christ is sacrificial? It shouldn't be looked at as punishment to give up certain things. Many times, the very thing(s) we are holding on to does us no good.

Are we really going to neglect spending time with God to check Facebook? Are we really too busy to pray, but can watch Scandal for an hour? It is vital that we show how awesome it is to be in Christ. If we barely talk to Him and care about this relationship, how can we convince others to form one? So, again I urge you to listen to this song morning and night. Hey, you may find yourself listening to it more than twice a day. I am believing that by doing so it will ignite the light that we have been dimming for so long. Withhold nothing!

Not my Will!

Here is a poem, better explained as a conversation we may often have with ourselves. The will to want to live for God battling our fleshy ways to want to practice the complete opposite. Funny, because as much as we try to live without Him, we realize how much we need Him. So, why do we run from someone Who loves us more than anyone ever could? Why ignore a God Who only wants the very best for us? Why lose faith in Someone Who never lies and always WINS! Jesus always comes out VICTORIOUS and so shall we once we live for Him. It is normal to have doubts because we are still in the flesh, but we can't set up camp in our fears or dwell on life's many obstacles. At some great turning point(s) in our lives, we have to say, "Not my Will!"



Not my will, but Yours will I follow.
Man, what a tough pill to swallow.
Knowing that people will hate you because of Him.
Are you really trying to let go of sin? Yes! Because a life of sin is broadly dim.
That is impossible! There are too many temptations.
Little white lies and pleasure filled sexual relations.
Is it really pleasure? Is sin really all that great?
Look around. Our world is full of it and we are in terrible shape.
That is why God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our filth.
Even He said, "not my will."
So, if The Son of God had to sacrifice, why shouldn't we?
If He gave His Life, then we are called to live to the same degree.
Why should we have it easy? He already promised us Heaven!
The Lord loves the righteous says Psalm 11.
How must I live righteous in such a evil driven world?
The same way as Jesus did. We are called to love every man, woman, boy, and girl.
Because it is not about us! Forget your comfort zone.
The Holy Ghost comforts us when we are weak HE IS STRONG!
Not my will Father because I have no sense of direction.
I am constantly lost without your help and protection.
NOT MY WILL. I don't want to keep running.
It is He who keeps me from stumbling.
Let us walk and not faint.
Keep our eyes on Christ.
Pray, Pray Pray!
That is the strongest way to fight.
Stay in HIS Will and not of our own.
Until one day we shall all be called one by one, HOME.

We ARE Justified!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM!!!

                                     Be sure to wish her a great birthday via her social media pages! We thank you 
                                 for your obedience in birthing such a inspiring blog that helps so many people. 

   Enjoy!

It is amazing how most of our parents can look at us and see no wrong. If there was a disruption at school and we are the ones that caused it, Mom would say, “Oh no not my child. Not little Timmy!” Little Timmy just sounded like a good reference, but you get my drift. Even while talking to my mother, she mentioned, “You’re a good girl.” While I am holding the phone I have an instant highlight reel of not so good things I’ve done, even in my salvation, and I think, wow! Some things my mother knows and some things she doesn’t, but she still thinks I’m good?

It gets deeper when I know God knows EVERYTHING I thought about, imagined, said, and have done. Then, as I hold my head down in shame, He lifts it up and says, BUT YOU ARE JUSTIFIED! How am I justified? I am justified through The Blood of Jesus. Which does what? His Blood washes me clean. Every sinful act, thought about or done has been wiped away with His Pure Blood.

Because He is Pure it covers my impurities! What a blessing! This is why saints get excited at the very name of Jesus and why it is vital not to leave Him out. If it was not for His sacrificial death, we would not be here. None of us would have an opportunity to go to Heaven. We would just live a miserable life and die and be miserable forever! 

We are justified. God looks at us the same way our parents do when satan tries to bring up our shortcomings because we are covered by The Blood. This of course is not to say we should just live however we please. No, we should still seek to live our lives demonstrating how much we love and respect God which in itself will lead to a more discipline and free lifestyle. However, when we do mess up, we can rest in the fact that we are covered. Let me remind you that no man is saved by good deeds, but only through God’s Grace. Stop trying to live right on your own and beating yourself up when you fall. Instead, ask God to help you through His Spirit and when you fall get up and strive again.

That’s what life is about. Living to please God, not by being perfect. Just openly love a Perfect God. 

Freedom Friday

Fighting Relentlessly, Entering Every Domain to Obliterate Manslaughter

And I say to you today my friends, let freedom ring. From the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire, let freedom ring. From the mighty mountains of New York, let freedom ring. From the mighty Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snow capped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
But not only there; let freedom ring from the Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain in Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill in Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, we're free at last!"

The great speech from our dear brother, Martin Luther King, Jr. This speech is drenched with words of power and hope. A speech that should seem quite simple for some. I mean why not come together as a human race? Why not live together in harmony? Why hate someone based on the color of their skin? Why make up characterizations and place systematic boundaries on a particular race just because you are choosing not to like them? Why are we even still discussing this issue? All of these years and yet hate crimes have not ceased. What is the solution?
Well, it is complicated. In our frustration and pain, we must remember the dream. The dream that one day we will be able to come together as one. Until that blessed day comes we must band together as a race and support one another. There is power in strength and we must take this time to comfort one another and educate the unlearned on the many struggles our race has faced and are still facing. This is not the time to go against each other, but to stick together. By sticking together and looking to God, we can find more answers than forgetting our faith and fighting with each other. It is not time to lose hope or faith because HE still cares even though we are in great despair. Let us rally together until those rich words that were spoken becomes a reality and pass down that same tenacity for change to the following generations. Find local organizations in support of the movement. Maybe God will lead you to start one if there aren’t any. Let’s not be idle. Let’s not just post hashtags and wear t-shirts. We have to continue to break down these hateful walls. Black IS Beautiful and we have a right to live freely! Free to raise our kids, work, and enjoy life like any other tax paying American citizen. LET F.R.E.E.D.O.M. ring! Fighting Relentlessly, Entering Every Domain to Obliterate (black) Manslaughter!

What does freedom mean to you? How important is freedom to you? It's time for us to M.O.V.E. Mobilize and Organize for Victory and Empowerment! Hash tagging is not enough. Marching is good and has proven effective, but it's still not quite enough. We have to be strategic in our actions and pure with our intentions.
What is our purpose in all of this as Christians? First, we are not allow any form of media to discount the power that we have as a people. Matthew 5:16 tells us to let our light shine before men so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven  

Who is Satan?

The title of this may be a little startling since this is a christian blog; however, give me a moment to express the importance of knowing who Satan is. Most of our posts speak directly towards developing a relationship with God. Spending time in His Word, worshiping Him, praising Him, and etc. which is extremely important. We suggest these things in order for us to live out our purpose in Him without fear. The fear of failing, the fear of knowing, and the fear of succeeding. Perhaps you're thinking, "fear of failing I understand, but the fear of knowing and the fear of succeeding is silly". Remember our post "Ignorance is Bliss"? In that case not knowing was certainly better than knowing. While I can't say for certain, but perhaps this is why some people fear knowing certain things. Unfortunately, some people fear living to their utmost potential to avoid the accountability that accompanies that success. Where does said fear come from? You guessed it, directly from Satan. He doesn't want you to know your abilities and moreover he doesn't want you to know God's abilities.  

Just as God has a plan for your life Satan has strategies to prevent that plan from coming to pass. This is who Satan is: a lying, conniving copycat creating strategies to convince you that he is more powerful than he really is (Fervent by Priscilla Shirer). Unlike God he has limitations and does not control your destiny. Knowing exactly who Satan is allows us to recognize him in certain situations and knowing God gives us the ability to fight back accordingly. Satan tries to get the very best of you because he knows what God can do with the very best of you.

It's a new month with a new focus: Acceptance, Truth, and Joy and we're ready to show Satan who's boss! We're halfway through 2016 so take a look at where you are, remember where you were 6 months ago, and imagine what God has in store for you 6 months from now. Acceptance is what I would like you to keep in mind when you think of where you are right now (mentally, spiritually, and physically). When you accept where you are within each one of those aspects of your life you are exhibiting an understanding of Truth (God) and your truth. We want the two, Truth and your truth, to be aligned but most often they aren't thus requiring us to do some work. Your truth are the actual facts and you cannot obtain joy until you have accepted your truth and found purpose right where you are.

Look at it from this perspective, we are a technological generation in which many of us can get caught up in games on our phones. Most of the games have levels that require mastering the level you're currently on in order to move to the next level. Sometimes there are things that have to be uncovered, patterns to be followed. walls to be knocked down and etc. All of these games start out easy but as your levels increase so does the difficulty and trickery. That pretty much sums up our lives. We'll face obstacles at each level, but once we realize where we are we can then figure out how to move on from there joyfully. Yes, satan WILL try to intervene. Yes, satan will try to distract you. Yes, satan will lie to you about who you are and about who God is. Yes, satan will try to confuse you. So how do we stop satan? We use our strongest weapon...PRAYER! And always remember satan has limits whereas God does not.

Through prayer you'll allow God to lead your life out of the mundane, ordinary state that you're in to an extraordinary, supernatural state that will make all of your enemies tremble! Are you ready to go there? I know I am!!

Picture This! May 2016

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows who are His. And, let everyone who names The Name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Picture This! So, there was this well known person passing through a great mass of people. He gave each person the exact same instructions. The instructions were very specific regarding what he wanted from them. Turns out only one person followed the directions that were given. Everyone admonished this person with their mouth, but only one actually followed directions. True enough that was the only person who stood out in the midst of all the people and their praises.

See where I'm going with this? You guessed it! God actually gave me this vision Monday morning. I was floored. I read a scripture that was convicting to me and prayed on it before I started my day. Then, I closed my eyes and God gave me this. Obedience to God is better than the sacrifice of praise with our lips. In Luke 6:46 it asks, "Why call Me Lord and you do not what I say?" God wants to be Lord over our lives, meaning He wants to govern us. Trusting Him in good faith that He knows what He is doing is all He asks of us. Isn't that a key element in a relationship, trust? How dare we praise someone we rarely submit to in our daily living? How dare we talk about God in such high esteem but live our lives the way we see fit. The scripture says in Proverbs 21:2, "Every way of man is right in his own eyes, but God ponders(looks at) the heart." This is exactly what went on as I closed my eyes. It is funny how convincing it seemed to hear the great number of people calling for this person yet, it was all rubbish. He looked over every voice and searched the hearts. That of which, He only found one that obeyed. Once I opened my eyes, it proposed a question for me. What am I doing to stand out? Am I living a life that is pleasing to God? Is this a wake up call?

God wants us in a place where we are solely satisfied with Him. We should be eager to give ourselves to God daily by adhering to what He has to say. Then, actually putting His Word into action. Seeing how messed up the world is now, people need to see us searching and fleeing to God. The world has Hope, Jesus! We are to exemplify that to others. How? Not just by merely talking highly of Him, but by following His Will for our lives through obedience to His Word.

How can we call ourselves sheep 
if we do not listen to our Shepard?
For God gets ALL the glory!
Let us lift our lives in worship together!

Christian. (Verb)

Hello good people! This year is just flying by us. I could have sworn it was just January like yesterday and I was bundled up in boots and gloves. Now, the summer is vastly approaching. Just as the seasons change in Mother Nature, they also change in our lives. I can definitely attest to a time of diligently reading The Bible and spending time with God. Man, was I on fire! When He woke me up I talked to Him. Throughout the day I would pray, and before I laid down I made sure to talk to my Father. How about now? Oh, I am either too sleepy to care or rushing to work. Then, I am so easily distracted by my day that I "forget" to acknowledge Him when I am fully awake. Let's not even talk about how "exhausted" I am to talk to Him before I go to bed. Isn't that funny? I, me, and maybe even you can go a whole day without spending any QUALITY time with God. I am not referring to those drive by prayers that we mumble. Do not misunderstand me, by drive by, I mean no meaning. Those prayers we say just because like..."Oh Hey God, almost forgot about ya...okay well bye" kinda prayers.

For whatever reason we tend to forget about the ONE person who never forgets about us. Us silly humans can call our parents every day, friends, significant others, etc...but "forget" to have meaningful conversations and meditation with God. You know The One Who sent His Son, Jesus, to die for OUR sins, filth, and deserved seat in hell. One quote I found while looking back at some notes I took during my devout years is this, "It does little good if Christians declare and defend The Truth, but fail to demonstrate it in their lives." How powerful is that? Who really cares how much we talk about God if we barely spend time with Him for Him to be ACTIVE in our life. Being a Christian is not an adjective to me, but a verb. It is not just a person proclaiming to simply know Christ. It is a person living like Christ. Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus says The Word of God! How do we allow our minds to change?

Well, the answer is and will forever be in His Word. I can say I do not want to have sex all day long. Does that stop the desire? No. Does it prevent temptation from ever so loudly knocking at my door? Of course not! What will sustain me in those times? His Word, through DAILY meditation, prayer, and fellowship with God and with like minded people. How can a drug addict stop using drugs around addicts? So how can we get closer to God if we are hanging around people who seem to have it as an option and not a priority? Bad company is another post, but I believe you get the point. Let's live out our beliefs and be the action verb Christian and not just the adjective...

God is speaking.
Do you hear Him?
His words are piercing,
but we are not listening.
We are so busy,
but not really.
Lord I don't have time.
Even though You gave me time.
I mean You understand
Because You are forgiving, right?
Man, what am I saying.
I have been too busy complaining
to realize You have just been patiently waiting,
on me.
It's crazy. Your Love is so sweet.
I don't want to keep taking advantage.
Today is the day that I stop taking US for granted. 
You made this possible.
You are GOD, incomparable!
Your Power is unstoppable!
People call me crazy because Your Word is not logical.
I laugh because Your Word is REMARKABLE!
You opened my eyes and my life was then radical.
Said that to say, I love you and 'bout time that I show it.
Christian is a verb. 
Not just another word.
Not just something cool to say. 
Remember, God said He loved us and His Son died to demonstrate.
Jesus, came and showed us how to behave.
He loved until the last blood drop while being betrayed.
Now it is on us; what will we illustrate?
The noun, the adjective, or the verb?
Let's choose to freely LIVE out The AMAZING Truth of God's Word!

Stay Connected!

Colossians 4:2 "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving" 

Last month we were afforded the opportunity to participate in the Use Your Words 30 Day Speak Life challenge. This challenge was instrumental in revealing how impactful the words we speak can be for ourselves and for those surrounding us. Moreover, we were able to see how God uses His Word to guide us, direct us, comfort us, redeem us, and so forth. I'm led to share with you all that every word you speak has the potential to be cultivated as it flows from your mouth into the realm of your life. Remember the parable of the sower? When you read, re-read, or re-call the parable think of the words you speak as seeds. There's no better way to end one season (Winter) than planting seeds in preparation of the season to come (Spring).

Springtime is so refreshing in that our days become sunny and bright with comfortable weather that's not too hot and not too cold. It's a complete change from the snow-filled, rainy, dark, and groggy days of the Winter season. During this time it's easy to find ourselves in a rut as we're mostly confined to indoor activities, layered in heavy clothing, and bedridden with illness. Spring is a season of growth, look around at all the beautiful flowers that are in bloom. Now YOU get ready to bloom. Let's spring into the month of April with the expectation of growth; the growth of the seeds planted during the speak life challenge last month.

As we bask in all the beauty of Spring let's not forget to stay connected to the source of our growth and our ability to bloom in this season. We must be Fearlessly FOCUSED on prayer, worship, and praise. Our main line of communication with God is prayer. That connection becomes more intimate when coupled with praise and worship. Effective prayer consists of praise, thanksgiving, repentance, specific requests, and commitment. It is imperative that you be diligent and committed to staying connected to God during your season of bloom. Your growth is inhibited once you allow the source of that growth to be diminished. Don't allow the change of scenery weaken your connection.

#StayConnected #SeasonOfBloom  

Where Is Your Faith?

Hello people! March is winding down and April is around the corner. Today, we are going to touch on a subject we love to talk about, but rarely exercise, FAITH. The very element that is vital to our spiritual relationship with God. I mean how is it possible to be saved BY faith and fail to operate that SAME faith in our lives? Good question, right? The same question an unbeliever would ask out of confusion. How is it that a go tell it on the mountain, singing, dancing, teaching, blogging, and preaching Christian is ready to give up so easily? Where is your faith? Do we know how incredible Jesus' death was for us? Can you understand how ridiculous it sounds to believe in Someone you have never met that happens to control everything and also made everything? In addition, we have the nerve to believe God is real, willingly died for us, was resurrected AND will save us from hell? That is a tremendous amount of trust. So, why are the day to day challenges so difficult? Think about it. Have you really pondered your salvation and the depths of what you are telling people you believe? Are we as daring in our actions as we are with our declarations?  No, because we fail to trust Him for trivial matters that are a given on this journey WE accepted to venture on while accepting Jesus in our hearts. Talk about disrespect. Can you imagine how God feels watching us talk to Him like a (excuse my real)  nigga on the street? Like He does not have ALL Power? Like He is unable to keep HIS Promises?! Yeah God I believe you, but not really. However, can you bless me anyway? We aren't even convinced in our hearts, yet still expect God to do His Thing without holding up our end of the bargain-FAITH.

Oh sure, I trust God to deliver me from hell and have this awesome paradise set up for me where I will have no worries at all, but I do not trust Him to pay my bills, to marry the right person, to heal me, to mend broken relationships, and to break curses? Looking back at Jesus' life, healing people was child's play in comparison to saving our wretched souls from hell. So, I ask again where is your faith? Are we able to realistically believe in Him to deliver us from hell and not deliver us from day to day problems that we encounter?  I ask because our faith as the church, as His bridegroom, is at an all time low in my opinion. We do not believe in healing or that God will provide. We will rather say a weak prayer with doubt because cancer is such a horrific disease Jesus could not possibly heal that person. Jesus can't pay my bills, I just have to work three jobs. Is this the more abundant life He promised us? I am not saying every disease will be healed. I am saying we need to stop acting as though God can't do it by living this mundane Christian lifestyle with stale belief that is only shown via mouth and not lived with the Power Of God moving in us. No one likes anything stale because it has no taste, it is useless, and unwanted. So is faith without works! Remember "Oh taste and see?" We can't advertise to the world stale bread and have the nerve to wonder why they aren't converted. Jesus isn't stale bread. He was manna in the flesh! I have seen God heal, perform miracles, and breakthroughs for myself recently, not talking in "yester-years."

Where is your faith? Is your light shining consistently? By light I mean is your trust in God so deep that it lights your path so that others are drawn to The Light, meaning Jesus? Does God even believe you have faith in Him? That may be a good reason as to why your "prayers" are not being heard. Where is your faith? Is it in your heart? Is it disposable? Is it convenient? Is it unmovable? Is it tied to this worldly magical emotion that soon fades once trouble approaches? Do we tell our situation to God in confidence or in doubt? Where is it? Is it visible? Is it helping anyone?
                                                        WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?

He Still Resurrects!

It is Resurrection Sunday people! God has blessed us to celebrate one more time together in gratitude of what His Son, Jesus did for us thousands of years ago. His innocent Blood was shed for you, just for you. His Love was stretched from left to right, up and down on The Cross. His patience was between the two thieves that represented us. That's another story because those two thieves represents the two kinds of people in this world. However, Jesus faithfulness to us kept Him there. Jesus was exalted in the midst of His enemies. In the midst of His ridicule, shame, and agony he was high and lifted up! Just as with us and our turmoil of life God will lift us up. He said He has already prepared a table for us in the presence of our enemies. For all of those going through remember The Cross and remember that He did not stay there. Jesus got up! God raised Him from the dead just as He will raise us from our seemingly dead places in life. Jesus went to hell and preached. Are we still preaching in our hellish lives? Are we still proclaiming the soul saving power of Jesus when we are going through trials in life? Jesus showed God's Power never left. God's Power never leaves us. We may leave Him, but He is always there! Even when we feel like we are unable to feel Him, all we have to do is ask. Ignite God's Power over every situation in your life.


 Now, every day is a declaration of what Jesus did for mankind. I know we have our days when we feel like giving up. Jesus shared those same moments with us, but nevertheless He said not my will, BUT let YOUR Will be done! So speak The Word when you are having those same struggles. God has purposed you and your living is not in vain, just hold on. Your Resurrection from your dead places is coming! God is STILL resurrecting! 

Eliminating Waste

Isaiah 52:2 "Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive" 

Let us continue marching on through 2016 growing and staying focused on the goals we've set for ourselves. I'm excited to see what God has in store for us as we switch our focus to redemption, forgiveness, and grace this month.

As I sat struggling to stay awake in an evening work meeting yesterday God saw fit to use that "boring" moment to reveal a message to me. My exhaustion during that meeting stemmed from being emotionally, mentally, and physically drained as we all have our days. God encouraged me to "stay awake". The objective in the meeting was to assess a process within the department in order to improve it following an integration. My role in this is to serve as a facilitator ensuring that the team stays on task; however, there are moments (such as yesterday) when my presence is not much needed. After about an hour of laying out the current process the head facilitator moved to the next task on the agenda which was to identify any waste in the process. Oh, now you've gotten my attention.

One could regard their life as a process in the sense that there are certain types of ways we tend to operate. Your process could be working, but there also could be room for improvement. When assessing a process it is important to identify wastes. What is waste? Waste is anything that consumes resources without adding value. One type of waste is "moving" waste whereas we actively go back and forth physically, mentally, or emotionally unnecessarily which slows down the process. Another type of waste is "stopping" waste in which you are completely stuck waiting on something or someone which hinders your process. The last waster I'd like to mention is "searching" waste whereas we spend an excessive amount of time searching for things in all of the wrong places.

We should operate in such a way that promotes growth and in order to do so we must "Stay Awake". Waste has the ability to accumulate in and around you forming a hinderance, don't allow it. If something doesn't add value to your life it is considered a waste; of space and of time. If you find yourself going back and forth with something or someone it is considered a waste; of energy. Just as the above scripture says, shake off your dust and free yourself from the chains that are holding you back. Redemption has been given to you (vs.3) and it is only through God's grace.

Eliminate that Waste!!!

#FearlessFAITH #EliminateWaste #March2016

Love From Above

Hello people! January has passed and we are now entering a new month. We are going to discuss EL OH VEE EEE this month. I know many do not like discussing it around February because of Valentines Day and they may not have a Valentine. I mean what is a person to do without flowers getting sent to them or enjoying an incredible evening with their sweetheart, right? Wrong! Love is deeper than buying a stuffed animal and fine dining. What about when the honeymoon is over? Tell me what happens when V Day passes or before it even comes. Love goes as deep as loving our enemies. It penetrates the soul and captures the heart. Loving someone requires forgiveness. Being selfless is a known characteristic. Genuinely loving is not about being right, but making sure we are representing God correctly. Actually, it is deeper than what we may feel or think.

So this month, I challenge us all to love like from above! That love never gets old or runs empty. It is tough, but it is necessary. Did you know our very lives depend on it? Naturally and spiritually we will not be able to survive without it. When was the last time we prayed for our enemies? Do we really treat everyone the same with the love of God? Are we easily fueled with anger? Take today to evaluate your love life, the REAL one. Our love life is the only TRUE indication we are saved. No one cares how much we give or how eloquent we pray when the Love of God is absent. Let's explore this life changing Love from Above and allow His Light to shine within us!

                                                            #LoveFromAbove

Conviction and Judgement

Genesis 3:8 "And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden"

And then there was conviction! This is a continuation of the "Ignorance of Bliss" post so, if you haven't read it take a moment to check it out. Once Adam and Eve realized they had wronged God they were overcome by the spirit of conviction. That is a feeling that I know all too well. As children of God we cannot do wrong and not feel convicted by our actions. Just as Adam and Eve did we tend to run even further from God which plays even further into the plan of the devil. We stop praying, praising, and worshiping because we feel as though we are unworthy of the Kingdom, which is ultimately true.

This situation with Adam and Eve was the first implication of God's grace and mercy towards us. Although they deserved to die for being disobedient to God (after all He had done for them) He spared their lives and forgave them. BUT, His forgiveness did not come without consequence. Just as many of us can be found guilty of doing, Adam and Eve tried to justify their actions. Adam even had the audacity to try to blame God in Genesis 3:12 saying "The woman whom YOU gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate". Have you ever blamed everybody else for your actions except for yourself? My pastor says "The most painful diagnosis is self-diagnosis". We have the most difficult time seeing our faults and holding ourselves accountable for our actions.

We are sinful beings by nature which means we all know or will know the feeling of conviction. It is in these moments that we are able to gain knowledge and grow mentally and spiritually. Don't ignore it!

#FearlessFAITH 

Ignorance is Bliss

Genesis 2:25 " And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed"  

As a part of my goals for 2016 I've made a commitment to start and complete the "Bible in a Year". (And now that you all know you all can hold me accountable) As I was reading Genesis 3 the quote "Ignorance is Bliss" came to mind. Now, this quote is often misunderstood and misused so I thought we should delve into it today. Ignorance is simply defined as the lack of knowledge or education. Having defined that term I think we can admit to possessing ignorance in some areas. Now, moving on to the word bliss, which is simply defined as a state of extreme happiness. Incorporating the two definitions gives us a better understanding of the quote thus defining the quote in its entirety as being happy because you simply have no knowledge of anything that will inhibit said happiness.

So why did this come to mind while reading Genesis 3? Well, life in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8-25) seemed to be well. God had provided all Adam's needs. He had given him food, shelter, work, and a help-meet. Both, Adam and Eve, were given the knowledge they needed for the task that had been assigned to them. They were happy, blissful if you will, because they had no reason not to be. Then in comes the serpent with his tactics of temptation convincing Eve to go against the instructions of God and just like many of us she fell into the trap. Although the Bible doesn't specially make mention of it I'm sure Eve thought she was happier in her ignorance than she was with the knowledge she had gained in knowing good and evil. Ignorance truly was Bliss for them.

As for us today, we must understand that there are some things that God intended for us not to know or experience. Not because He strives to deprive us, but because He has promised to protect us. Eve may have been the first to fall victim to the deceiving behavior of the devil, but she surely wasn't the last. We've all had our eyes on a forbidden "tree" perhaps many forbidden trees and most of us have probably fell victim just as Eve did. Yes, satan is still successfully using the same tactics today as he did in the beginning of time. He tries to interfere with the communication between you and God (Genesis 3:1 "Has God indeed said, 'You Shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?") when you know God told you otherwise (Genesis 2:16-17). He tries to convince you that God is a "softy" and will not punish you as He said He would (Genesis 3:4-5). In all of this the very thing that God has told you that you should not desire satan then makes you desire it (Genesis 3:6) and after you have acquired it you realize it wasn't all that the devil hyped it up to be.

#FearlessFAITH #IgnoranceIsBliss  

Seek on Fleek!

1 Chronicles 16:11 Search for The Lord and His Strength! Seek His Face Always!

Winding down the month of January peeps & we pray that our posts have been helpful in putting this year in the right perspective. We must prepare and we must adhere to the Will of God to live a more pleasing life to Him! A great part of making God smile is getting to know Him. As we continue to prepare ourselves for a fantastic year in Christ let's make it our business to explore more of God. I mean think about it. Doesn't it make you feel special when someone you love genuinely tries to learn you. Anyone who cares about you wants to know your dislikes and your likes in hopes of being one of the few people who makes your day.

Show God that you care by taking time out of your day to spend with Him. This is applied for every day. Let's not make it just one day out of the week or during mid week Bible study but EVERY day. He is deserving of your time because He gave it to you, to us! Wouldn't you want to get to know the Person that created you in the womb? The Person that died for you? The Person that continues to bless you in your filth? Remember, our goodness is but filthy rags in comparison to such a Holy God. No, we rather take MORE time out doing everything else but getting to know Jesus. Let's break that habit. Encourage your family to collectively spend more time with God or your spouse, friends etc...if those are people who seem to capture more of your time than God. Sacrifice five mins in the morning. Then another five throughout your day and end with five at night. Keep that 5-5-5 in mind then add to it. Let nothing and I mean NOTHING stop you from getting all that you can on this earth in regards of a growing relationship with your Father. The reason the world is in bad shape is because the church is in bad shape. People need to see us seeking Jesus daily. If we don't lift Him up, then we have missed the point completely.

#SeekHim #SmileChallenge #PrepareToProsper2016

Be the One

Philippians 2:4 "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" 

Hello FRIDAY!!! Let's get right into it! When I was a teenager learning to drive my mother told me "when you are behind the wheel it is important to look out for yourself and everyone else around you". For the most part that instruction has helped keep my driving record "okay".  I have now come to realize that this concept can be applied to life in general especially as a young woman seeking continual growth in Christ. As saved individuals it is our duty to be the hand that uplifts versus the hand that pushes people down. Giving or uplifting is not limited to things of monetary value and in most instances those things that aren't of monetary value have the most value. Honestly, people that are at low points in their lives aren't necessarily hurting financially. Usually it is spiritually, mentally, emotionally, or physically. So, simply lending your ear to listen or your mouth to encourage can make a huge difference in the life of someone who has reached that point. Sometimes even just your presence can change atmosphere because your presence should mean God's presence.

While our personal salvation is only enough to save ourselves the results of that salvation should reflect in how we treat others. Understand that none of this is solely about us individually, but it is about the body of Christ as a whole. Never cease to observe and be in prayer for those who surround you. Blessings flow from hand to hand and heart to heart which means we can't let our blessings stop with us we have to use those blessings to bless others. Don't wait on others to do what you see needs to be done or said YOU BE THE ONE!!!

#FearlessFAITH #BeTheOne

Be Prepared

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."

On our quest of renewal in this new month and in this new year we must be prepared to endure all that comes with that process. Understand that when you open up and hand over your life to God the devil and his counterparts will not be pleased. You then become a "traitor" and the "enemy" since you no longer fight for him rather you are now fighting against him. Don't be alarmed by the obstacles you will face because no matter what it looks like the victory is already yours. You may feel a since of emptiness overcome you at some point along your journey and that is okay. That point of emptiness is such a critical point in the process because it is in that moment you are able to see that God has purged you of all things that aren't of him (hurt, bitterness, jealously, anger, unforgiveness, and etc.). Your emptiness is indicative that greater is coming and that it is now time for Him (God) to pour into you and fill you up with His Word, His love, His kindness, His trust, His forgiveness, and so on so be prepared. Others will embark on the same journey as you; however, you are only to be concerned with yourself prepare yourself so that you are lost in darkness. Recall "The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins" in Matthew 25. Preparation was key and that still holds true today. How will you prepare?

Preparation is studying the Word of God and understanding the tools you need to for the circumstances and situations that awaits you. 

#BePrepared 

Smile!

Hello people! It is Friday and today's topic is simply the word, "smile." I know we usually go into the year wondering what God has planned for us. We write our desires down sometimes too quickly. When was the last time we asked God, "What does He want from us oppose to what we want from Him?" This year, YES year, I challenged us all to make God smile. Believe it or not He makes us smile every day! Even on those seemingly bad days, His Spirit is right there comforting us back to perfect Joy.

It is already written in His Word that He will never leave us nor forsake us. His promises are declared throughout The Bible to His people. So relax! It is going to work out! We should be more inclined to explore more of Him and living what we read day to day! Everyone falls short which means everyone has something they need to improve. I pray our worship is more pleasing. I pray our lifestyle screams Jesus LIVES! Let's give more not just to people we know. Allow God to use you in front of perfect strangers. Remember, we could be entertaining angels. Allow God to improve you this year. Make Him proud! He is your Father, right? Let us all strive to make Dad smile!

#SmileChallenge #MoreofYOU #Selfless2016

Shattered by Shame, Restored by Grace

Shattered by Shame, Restored by Grace by Megan Sullivan

1 Peter 5:10 "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you" 

As we work to renew, re-educate, and redirect ourselves this month we prepare ourselves for God's restoration. Over the weekend I had the opportunity to read the book shown above "Shattered by Shame Restored by Grace" by Megan Sullivan. This book is packed with life lessons that many of us can relate to in some way or another. Shattered by Shame Restored by Grace teaches us to always be obedient and trust God no matter how bad we perceive the situation. We all may have situations occurring in our lives but we are not to let those situations overtake our lives. God can amazingly take our "mess" and turn it into a message, our test and turn it into a testimony. Understand that as children of God He is always in the midst of every situation and that it is our job to seek Him, listen to Him, and follow His guide. Get ready to be restored!!!  

This book is a good read and it is available for purchase on Amazon. 

Megan, it takes a strong-minded, faith-filled person to share their life on such an intimate level. Thank you so much for allowing God to use you.    

Surrender It All

Matthew 16:24-25 " Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." 

Are you ready? It's the first MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY of 2016!!! Now, before you dive into the year with unrealistic expectations for yourself to achieve take a moment to check out Fearlessly CHALLENGED. Understand that this is a marathon, NOT a sprint so we have to pace ourselves as we grow and transform. Can we agree that there is nothing we can set out to achieve without God? Okay, good. With that being understood we must surrender ourselves to Him. Allow Him to go through and sort out what should remain and what should go in the year ahead. Make a decision to let God enter in to build the foundation for our lives as we move forward. If you already have a solid foundation then continue building upon that according to God's will, God's direction, and God's love.

The struggle to return to work/school this morning is over! Now it is time to go after what is yours during this time of newness.

#FearlessFAITH #2016

It's 2016!!!!

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 

WE MADE IT!!! It's a new year and what a wonderful year this shall be! If this is your first time reading our blog we welcome you and if you are a returning reader we thank you for your continued support. Please take a moment to visit our redesigned website Fearless FAITH. There you will be able to Fearlessly MEDITATE, get Fearlessly FOCUSED, and be Fearlessly CHALLENGED. We would like all of our readers to subscribe and prayerfully consider joining us in our quest for continued mental and spiritual growth.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
This motto has become increasingly popular during this time of year while simultaneously being heavily criticized on social media. The new year brings new hope for those who are in need of change. Those who have hope also have faith and wherever there is faith there is opportunity; opportunity for God to manifest. Think about the last time you started something new, it was an amazing feeling right? Whether it be a new career, a new school, or a new relationship there is just an undeniable feeling of excitement. The excitement of the endless possibilities ahead whether it ends in a lesson, a blessing, or both. Do not be discouraged from setting goals and making life changes due to the opinions of others. Surround yourself with people and resources that will help you and encourage you to be even better than you set out to be. Challenge yourself but most importantly believe in yourself. Here at Fearless FAITH we celebrate newness every day, every week, every month, and every year and we encourage you to set goals for the new year and if you're not sure where or how to start check out our page Fearlessly CHALLENGED for an easy guide for setting goals for this new year.

Growth is a form of change; therefore, as we grow we change. As our thoughts change our minds are transformed then as our minds are transformed our hearts are filled with God's love and strength. Our vernacular changes, our processes change, then our perspective changes. We start to see things that aren't as though they were. We start to understand things from a spiritual mindset versus a worldly mindset. Things that were perceived as unattainable are now within reach. Now, you are able to see why Jack or Jill didn't want you to tap into the newness that God afforded you. Water that seed that God planted in you during your season of drought. It's time to Renew, Re-educate, and Re-direct!!!

Fearlessly FOCUSED
As we enter into this new year we want to focus preparing ourselves for the changes and opportunities ahead. Therefore, our focus this month is to renew, re-educate, and re-direct.

Renew 
Romans 12:2 is the "go to" scripture for renewal as it is most applicable to today's spiritual struggle. It is so easy to get caught up in the ways of the world as there are so many ways for its ideals to infiltrate our minds. Before Fearless FAITH we (Kim and Marissa) use to encourage one another to die to self DAILY. We must understand that there is a daily struggle between us as Christians and the world that calls for daily renewal to stay on the path that God has for us. That means we must spend time with God not just for an hour and a half on Sundays, but everyday.

Re-educate
In order to live by the Word we must know the Word 2 Timothy 2:15. The most beautiful thing about the Bible is that you can read the same scripture over and over and each time receive a different revelation. This is because as our minds mature spiritually so does our eyes allowing us to see and interpret things differently. That is why it is so important to re-educate ourselves understanding that we can never be too wise and there is always a chance to go deeper into the Word of God.

Re-direct
The renewing and the re-educating will work together to redirect you towards God and His will for your life (1 Chronicles 22:19). Often times we get distracted and those distractions cause us to lose our way. Aren't we thankful that our God is so faithful to us that even in our deviation He finds a way to show us the way back to Him.

As we set out to take on this new year we ENCOURAGE you to set goals and/or resolutions. We look forward to you to joining in with us on our monthly focuses, challenges, and meditations to keep you going throughout your journey. Have a safe and happy new year!

#FearlessFAITH #2016 #SetGoals