Make Time!

Deuteronomy 4:24 "For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God" 

And that's a wrap! The end of another successful, productive week. That's right it's Freedom Friday guys!!! Question: Have you ever been in a relationship where your significant other complained that you didn't spend enough time with him/her which caused a rift in your relationship with one another? Perhaps you have been that person who didn't have enough time to make your relationship grow. Whatever the case may be this same concept can be applied to our relationship with God. No one likes a jealous significant other, but at the same token no one likes to be neglected and put on the back burner for seemingly more important things.

Don't get so caught up in the freedom that God has given you that you forget to spend time with Him. Yes, God is very patient with us but let's not take Him for granted by limiting the amount of time we spend with Him. Is He no the one who gives us another opportunity each and everyday? In order to fulfill our God-given purpose we have to know and understand what that is. The revelation of that purpose is only revealed in our time spent with Him in prayer. The continued direction for that purpose is given in prayer. Don't misunderstand that God communicates with us in other ways too; however, prayer is that quality time that we need to maintain and grow our relationship.

We celebrate our Freedom in Christ each Friday, but let's be careful not to depart from Him with the same freedom. Enjoy your Friday as well as your weekend!!! #FearlessFAITH  

Be The Difference!

Hello people! First, I would like to thank everyone who wished me a happy birthday! I truly appreciate it and this year was the best birthday thus far. Okay, now let's get to the topic of discussion.

With so much going on in the world, one might think there isn't anymore hope left. Well, that's not necessarily true. Change always comes by just one person. That one person who has the courage to stand up for what he or she believes in is usually what ignites the masses. It's only going to get better if we get better. Our neighborhoods won't be safe until we put in the work for that to happen. Sacrifice is crucial for change to happen. Today's Christian is so caught up on looking for bae, a job, and every other personal agenda that has nothing to do with ministry to really care about the needs of the world. In other words, "We ain't got time."' Then if we do help, we broadcast the news as if we are above the people we helped. Giving with the wrong heart to make ourselves feel superior instead of giving with a pure heart. But hey, that giving agenda is another post for another day.

I'm not fussing. I too am included in this. We shouldn't let fear, pride, basically NOTHING keeps us from being the salt for this unflavored society. As a matter of fact, we will not be able to hide being the difference if we have Jesus as our Lord. Letting Him guide us, will automatically draw people to the wonder that is God and boom there goes a conversion. There goes that drug dealer being delivered. Look! That murderer gave his life to Jesus. It only takes one person to be a light for others to see Jesus. Don't be fooled thinking you need a group. God's Light will shine bright enough for all to see if we let Him use us. Our weak light will only go so far(self righteousness). His Light is the difference! Let His Light shine. Show that you are on The Lord's side! Be brave. Be led. Be the difference!

Dream on

Today is "Won't He Do It" Wednesday so let's talk about dreams. The most encouraging account of dreams being fulfilled comes from Joseph beginning in Genesis 37. A dream is defined as a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep OR cherished desires. One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart". God communicates with us in various ways; therefore, those cherished desires are placed within our hearts. Although many of us have been removed from allowing God in our minds to reveal things to us via our dreams that is also a mode of communication that God has with us.

Joseph was a dreamer, but what made that him unique is that he was also a believer. Despite his circumstances he never let go of the dream that God had revealed to him. He was patient, he was courageous, he made mistakes but none of that took away from his character which is what kept the dream alive. Joseph didn't realize that every time he was rejected that he was actually being redirected to his rightful place to fulfill that dream. Nor did those who tried to work against him realize they were actually helping him get in position to be lifted to a higher dimension.

Be mindful who you share your dreams with because not everyone will want you to achieve them. However, none will stop you from achieving them no matter how hard they try. But there came a point when Joseph's brother's (the very ones who rejected him) needed him while he sat in his rightful place of exaltation revealed in his dream. In Genesis 50:20 "But as for you, you meant evil against me; But God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive".

So dream on...don't be surprised when people come against you. Nor should you be shaken by it. The God we serve favors each and everyone of us in ways that satan can't for his people; therefore, whatever evil is against you will be turned around to work out in your favor.

#DreamAndBelieve #FearlessFAITH 

ALSO!!! A celebration is in order today, one of our authors is celebrating another year of life, growth, and prosperity!  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARISSA!!!!! 

We thank you and love you for being a part of this vision and mission. Enjoy your day beautiful! 

X Marks The Spot!

How are you doing beautiful people? It's a new day. Be thankful! I have a question for you. Who all has read a children's story about finding hidden treasure? You know the story that usually involves some pirates, a treasure map, and of course the hidden treasure. Yeah, pretty much everybody. For those who haven't I'm sure you get the gist of the story. If not, let me break it down in my own little sweet and short version. So there is this pirate, right? Let's say his name is Captain Red Eye. Captain Red Eye has this treasure he wants to leave for himself because his enemies are after it. It is treasure so understandable that they would be after it. Also, he can tell a close relative where he hid it if he is not able to retrieve the treasure. This is where the treasure map comes in. Treasure maps usually have an X that is at the end signifying where the treasure is placed. Follow the directions and you will find the hidden treasure. The End. Simple logic really. I bet you are wondering why is this young lady talking about pirates and treasure? Well, because life can be illustrated that way.

There are actually quite a bit of treasures God has for us. Treasure in this life as a Christian on earth. Hidden treasure concerning His Wisdom in which the world knows nothing about. Then, there is Heaven, a well undeserved pot of gold that we one day want to see. In life, God has this treasure that is hidden from the world. Jesus is the ONLY way to unlock it. God's infinite wisdom can only be given through recognition of His Son, Jesus', blood. Our treasure map is The Bible. With this map, it tells us everything we need to know about finding our "pot of gold" otherwise known as Heaven. Remember the enemies earlier? Well, satan knows about this treasure because he has already experienced it. That is why he does not want anyone to receive it because he lost out. Satan wants everyone miserable for eternity like him, but thank God for Jesus, His Word, and second chances! No matter what confusion or attack the enemy throws as long as we remain faithful to God and continuously read our treasure map(The Bible) we will get The Gold(Heaven). Are you reading your treasure map? You should! We all should! How can we expect to get the gold if we aren't following directions?  Stay the course and we WILL be rewarded.

#XMarksTheSpot #HiddenTreasures #TreasureMap

Finish What You Started

Ecclesiastes 7:8 "The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit"

It's Monday!! The last Monday in July 2015 which could mean several things for each of us.  It could be the end of a monthly project or challenge. It could also be obtaining a mini-goal that keeps you on track to obtaining a bigger long-term goal. Or it could indeed mean that you are preparing to begin something new in the month ahead of us. Whatever the case may be you must finish what you started. Often times it's difficult to get started, but it's even more difficult to push through to the finish line. Even still you can do it! Finishing is always a better feeling than starting.

Although I was never an athlete my mother used to run track which gave me a little interest in the sport. In watching people train the advice given to distance runners was to "pace yourself". Although we don't know how long our journey will be we must still approach them as if they are a marathon not a sprint. That means we have to take our time with the time we have knowing that God will make sure we accomplish what we need to accomplish within the time He has allotted us. We are given the strength, wisdom, and resources not just to start things, but to also finish them.

God has given us the spirit of perseverance to get us though our most difficult tasks and even the ones we view as being easy. It's so easy to let the spirit of fear, anxiousness, and defeat overcome you in trying times, but let's not be defeated by either of those. We must be filled with the Fruits of the Spirit in order to finish the course. We have to be patient allowing God to do everything He needs to do His way and in His timing. We must also be faithful, not letting anything remove our focus from our intended goal. Maintain self-control by not falling into the traps of the devil that are designed to get you off course. Take a moment today to regroup then make plans to finish what you started!

#FearlessFAITH #FinishIt #MotivationalMonday 

Love Doesn't Cost a Thing

1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love"

It's FRIDAY!! We often refer to our Friday posts as FREEDOM FRIDAY. Not in celebration of freedom attributed to by the U.S. Constitution, but the freedom attributed by Christ. In accordance with the July challenge and to counter the abundance of hate that has rapidly spread through our country let's talk about your freedom to love and be loved.

The wonderful thing about being saved is that all of the blessings that come along with our salvation is of no cost to us. There are often times in the world where things are given away for "free" in which those things are of poor quality or limited in quantity therefore everyone doesn't get the opportunity to capitalize on them. God isn't like that at all. His gifts to us are free not because they are of poor quality, but because we couldn't afford it if we pooled all of our money together. As we grow in Christ the concepts of His intangible gifts are better understood. Scriptures that precede 1 Corinthians 13:13 speaks of maturation which is followed by clarity. Clarity of knowing God as well as yourself. In doing so you can begin abiding in faith, hope, and love which (in my opinion) represents the Holy Trinity; having faith in God, experiencing the love of Jesus, and depending on the hope that dwells within you via Holy Spirit.

Of all of these why is love the greatest? Because it was love that saved you and it's love that keeps you. And get this, there is an unlimited supply of it. Yup, there is enough love to go around for everyone. In fact, there are four types of love acknowledged by greeks: Agape, Phileo, Storge, and Eros. Agape is the most sought after type of love. This type of love is unconditional, supernatural and in spite of ones actions or reactions. This is the type of love that God has for you and I. Then there is Phileo which is the platonic love of your friends and is often referred to as "brotherly love". Storge is the love of family. It is natural to love your parents, siblings, and other close family members. Lastly, there is Eros which is the romantic type of love; however, it is a self gratifying kind of love.

All in all love is what brings people together and with it not being a heavy burden when we all come together in love, like a helium filled balloon, we all rise! Exercise your freedom to love not just today but EVERY day.

We lift up the family of #SandraBland during this time of sorrow. May faith, hope, and love abide within you all during this tragic experience.

#FearlessFAITH #iChooseLove #ItCostsNothing

Losing Nothing

John 6:39 And this is The Father's Will which has sent Me, that all of which He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 

It's Thankful Thursday folks! This Thursday we are thankful that we never lose in Christ. Jesus wants us to be confident in our faith. In any state that we find ourselves in, we should know a loss is simply an introduction to a miracle. A miracle God is willing to do in our lives if we believe. There must be confidence in knowing that His Will exceeds our critical thoughts. Despite popular belief, losing anything in Christ is not actually losing. Non believers may see what we as Christians go through and question why we serve God. What they do not realize is that it is not stuff or other people that unlocks our joy. Our joy comes from God! Jesus discusses this concept in the latter chapter of John 6. He tells us that He will lose nothing because His Father, our Father will restore Him on the third day. Same correlation for our own lives. God is able to restore whatever we thought we loss. That's the whole point of us having faith. It's not possible to believe God while doubting His capabilities. 

I have been applying for jobs left and right. The job I had my eye on didn't hire me. It was said, that I didn't have enough experience in that field. However, another great opportunity presented itself when I wasn't even looking for it and this company hired me immediately after the interview process. I could have taken that first job as a loss and gave up, but I didn't. Knowing The God I serve, I know if it didn't work out that He had something better and He did. Actually, just found out the job I wanted are cutting ninety hours out of the schedule. So that means less hours and ultimately numerous people out of work. Sheesh! Dodged that bullet right? Moral of that story was, I lost nothing. Every "no" isn't the end of the world. Embrace your losses because that just means God has something GREATER! Look forward to what He has in store for you. You will never lose! 

#ThankfulThursday #LosingNothing 

Stay Out!!!

Proverbs 26:17 "He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own, is like one who takes a dog by his ears" 

Most of us (myself included) spend a majority of our day scrolling down our timeline whether it be on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram when we could be doing something much more productive. While my social media accounts are used as a tool to encourage, uplift, and introduce people to the Word of God I still find myself engrossed in the lives of others. Why? Good question, and one that I can't really answer. What I do know is that spending time in matters that don't concern me is a hindrance to my own personal growth. Ask yourself, what is God trying to do in your life? Well, it's hard to know when you're concerned about what He or the devil is doing in someone else's life. Additionally, you should never let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. While taking the scripture out of context it my point here is that everything you do doesn't require public recognition whether good or bad.    

So, here's a challenge. When find yourself in too deep on social media and you're looking for new info go to God in prayer; open up your Bible, your heart, and your mind to let God reveal new things to you. The best kind of gossip comes straight from the Gospel, the main source. Whenever you get the urge to vent via social media write it down and place it in your Bible next to a comforting scripture for your situation. 

The book of Proverbs is often referred to as the book of wisdom. It has so much to offer God's people in regards to relationships, discipline, and prudence. The scripture above is the best illustration of telling people to mind their own business. The quickest way to get bitten is by putting your hands where they don't don't belong. So get in the Word and out of matters that don't concern you! 

#FearlessFAITH #StayOut 

I Will.

Hello, hello great people! The month is almost up and I don't know about you, but it has been a very interesting month to say the least. Our challenge focuses on trust, hope and love. Oftentimes, we are faced with situations that test all three of those to strengthen our relationship with God. It is almost like God wants us in a position to lean and depend on Him. When it doesn't look like there is a way out will we look to Him? Will we continue to trust Him in our raging waters of life that He will deliver us out and calm the sea? Does that love for Him still abide even when we are not getting our way or treated fairly? Was Jesus treated fairly? Did He give up? Was His trust broken with His Father?

No. Jesus continued about His Father Business which is the same duty we have as professed believers. Not just when it is all good and sunny, but even in the most trying situations our heart should say, "I will." I will trust, You. I will continue to let Your love abide. I will remain in The Hope of Jesus Christ. I will treat everyone right in spite of how they treat me. I will do good to my enemies. I will seek to help the needy. I will read my word daily. I will pray more. God just wants us to be willing. Not perfect, but available. Listen to this song and tell God no matter what, I will! 

Rise Up, Walk!

John 5:8 "Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk"."

Have you had a bad day, week, or month lately? Would you believe that some people (races, cultures, countries, etc.) have had bad years for a countless number of years? So, don't take it personal and don't be discouraged just hold on to the vision God has given us and trust the process He is taking us through. The tougher the battle the greater the victory. Jesus has commanded us to get up out of our slum and keep going. 

Now let's take a look at this scripture. Jesus is in Jerusalem at the Bethesda pool where sick people lay (the blind, lame, and paralyzed) waiting for healing. Why are they there for healing? An angel will come down stirring up the water, whomever gets in the water first following the movement is healed from their disease. Now when I read this God revealed to me that this is what we are experiencing today in our country; people who are blinded by the ideals of hate which pathetically lacks in effectiveness of our country's attempt to move forward thus paralyzing us in a state of segregation. Just like these sick people in Bethesda we (Americans) are waiting for something to come along and change the ill state that we are in. Our country has experienced many "diseases" over its history most of which have been made well but this one disease, racism, still persists. We've pacified it, but we've not yet been able to move it to the pool for healing. Here Jesus asked the paralyzed man "Do you want to be made well"? The mans response is basically "of course I do, but I can't do it alone. Every time I try to go someone else beats me there".  Now our question today is "Do we want our country healed of hate/racism?" Most would answer "of course we do, but we can't do it alone. Every time we address the issue something else that is seemingly more important redirects the attention of the people". 

It is often said that we take one step forward only to be knocked back two steps. In essence that is how I felt as I watched video of the Ku Klux Klan showcase the hate that they have harbored in their hearts since the end of the civil war. Hate that has been passed from generation to generation. Well what do we do about that? We pray. We stand in love. We stand in Christ and we continue to walk in our purpose. As cliche as this may be they hated Jesus. They spewed out hateful words at Him. They beat Him. They wrongfully accused Him yet He had the power to overcome it without deterring from the assignment that the Father had given Him. Today we have that same power, knowledge, and wisdom to move our country forward in love. Our currency says "In God We Trust" which means we have to trust the process that He's taking us through to make the vision of equality a reality.

#FearlessFAITH #RiseUP #WeStandInLove 

Picture This- July 2015

What is going on people? I'll tell you what's going on, another picture this moment! It's almost the end of the work week for some of you. So let's get right to it.

Picture this! So there is this guy. He is so in love with this particular girl. Why? I don't know. She barely listens to him and she doesn't trust him. Yeah, come to think of it, that's why she doesn't listen. Her trust issues and selfish ways keeps them from having a successful relationship. Yet, he still sees the beauty in her. The girl isn't ugly. I mean to the naked eye she isn't, but her attitude is deadly. She is always complaining and comparing. Very rare does she appreciate the things he does for her. Think that stops him from loving her? Not at all. This excellent man continues to love her unconditionally until...well he never stopped loving her. However, she chose someone different. Completely ignoring him, because her eyes were on the wrong man. Now, she has to deal with the consequences of choosing the wrong mate. Mr. Excellent hates that she made the wrong decision, but it was her decision to make not his. He is a gentlemen. Acting accordingly, he won't force himself on her.

Okay, is it sinking in now? Mr. Excellent is Jesus and we are "the girl." Every day God shows us how much He loves us, ALL of us, but do we acknowledge Him? Some of us claim we are in a relationship with Him, but do we whole heartedly trust Jesus? All we need is a mustard seed, yet we can't even muster that small bit in tough situations. Are we self seeking? Has God been seeking your commitment while you seek after your own desires, the world's desires, or satan's? Remember God will allow us to make our own decisions. He loves us yes, but we ultimately make the decision as to who we will be committed to and love. Think about how much you mess up every day. Add in your doubts and selfish behavior. God still blesses you. His love is incomprehensible. Can you picture Jesus dying on The Cross saying forgive(insert your name)_______? Can you picture not choosing the right Man to be committed to forever? Can you picture this?

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him shall NOT perish, but inherit everlasting life. 

Pain Means Change

Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."

At the end of last week we witnessed the removal of the Confederate flag from the state Capitol in South Carolina. To many this may not seem like a success; however, I beg to differ. This puts many other states in a position of having to address and recognize an issue that is assumed to have been forgotten in years past. The hurtful truth is that most of us have forgotten or were never taught the history behind the civil war as well as the years that preceded it and all that the flag really stands for. Although the civil war ended in 1865 many obstacles faced our people up until June 17, 2015 when those 9 people lost their lives in their church.

Let's take a look back at Moses' Journey. His duty was to free his people from slavery and lead them to what God had promised them as decedents of Abraham. When Pharaoh finally let them go they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Why so long? Because instead of just trying to get there they second guessed God, they complained, they were ungrateful and etc. Worst of all they didn't understand. They thought their freedom in the wilderness was no better than their slavery back in Egypt. Even after being freed they still possessed "slave mentality" and this mentality wouldn't allow them to trust God and His plan. In Deuteronomy Moses' journey with his people comes to an end; however, before he sends them into the promised land he reminds them what God expects of them, what God has promised them, and passes the torch to Joshua. Although Moses would probably be the most grateful entering into the Promised Land having fought for his people through frustration and sometimes anger He would not enter into the Promised Land with them. Despite God having told him all about it he doesn't get a chance to experience it, he only gets to see it. At this point everyone who started the journey with Moses had passed away so it was their seeds that got the reap the benefits of the freedom that they had fought for.

Now back to the present day. So many people fought for our freedom only for us to be silently held captive for well over a century after the war was assumed to be over. Why has it taken this long? Because our leaders who kept us on track were assassinated before our very eyes and we allowed ourselves to constantly be distracted by things that didn't matter causing us to lose sight of what really does matter. To the many souls the died fighting for this very moment, the removal of this flag means everything. It's a step forward after we've constantly been pushed back. Many argue that the removal can't change the minds and hearts of the people who stand by it, but that's not our job anyway. We've never had the ability to change things we can't see including the minds and hearts of the people. It wasn't Moses in his own deity that changed the heart of Pharaoh. It was God working through Moses that softened his heart. We have to do what we can then let God do what He does. It is God that renders revelation in the hearts and minds of His people. Just like Moses our leaders that have gone on to be with the Lord never got to experience this feeling of victory, but I bet they see it! Let us rejoice on their behalf because what seems to be a "little" victory is really big.

#FearlessFAITH

Destroy This Temple

John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 

There are so many ways we can look at destruction. Usually it is an indication that something terrible has happened. When something gets destroyed it is taken as a loss. However, what we are going to find out is that when Jesus destroys something, it can very well become a gain. God destroyed Sodom and Gomorra. Most looked at it as a terrible ruin because there you have people, a whole town to be exact, with all its inhabitants destroyed. If we are not careful we will look at only the negative leaving out the great fact that God didn't stop there. He could have stopped civilization as we know it with our loose living and sinning, but no. He simply destroyed that town and started over. 

So in the verse, Jesus confronts people doing things in the Temple that ought not to be done. What does He do? He gets rid of it. The Jews question His behavior. Jesus tells them that He will raise the very temple they destroy in three days. Jesus was referring to The Cross. I say destroy loosely because satan can't defeat God. Just as Jesus was confident in His Father raising Him up, so should we be today. There may be attacks going on in your life, family, or even friends life. The devil may be doing everything in his little power to destroy you, your relationships, career, peace, etc...however Jesus is capable of ressurecting whatever satan tries to destroy. See, satan can only do what God allows. If God is allowing it, then He will empower you. Don't fret, keep the faith. Let God wreck your temple. Demolish your house because I guarantee greater will come. Job, we all heard his story. His latter was greater than his beginning. God allowed satan to shake him up, but Job held on. Just as a faithful servant should, he embraced God destroying his "temple" only to be established again in better form. Enjoy your week, people! Every destruction isn't bad. God could very well be doing a new thing for you and in you! 

Destroy this temple.

I'm not afraid.

Lord, rebuild my house.

Because in You, is my faith. 

F.L.Y Before You SOAR

Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount of with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" 

It's MONDAY!!! Monday is typically a day where social media timelines are flooded with dreadful memes about returning to work from the weekend. Today's challenge is to not approach Monday with a sense of detestation but instead with a sense of urgency and excitement. Let's set the tone for this week with a positive mindset (determination, tenacity, and fearlessness). You've made it to this week which means there is purpose for you in today and the days that follow. There is a reason you were not defeated by anything you went through last week so keep pushing.  

This scripture on my heart while commuting to work last week because I had been experiencing unusually busy workdays. I'm a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi home of the Golden Eagles....SMTTT!!! (For those who don't know that means Southern Miss To The Top). God brought to my attention the system in which our records are accessible which was and still is called S.O.A.R. (Southern's Online Accessible Records). All the information and resources necessary for student's to successfully matriculate (SOAR) through their desired areas of study are housed within this database. Each student is given a unique login ID and a password that must be changed every 90 days which is then locked if not accessed regularly. This reminded me that God is very purposeful in how He moves in our lives. 

Here it is 7 years post my college graduation and I'm just receiving the revelation that God had set me up to soar from the very beginning, but I first had to learn how to fly as the quote says in the picture above. God serves as the "Online Accessible Records" in our lives. Everything that we need to matriculate though our lives in the purpose that He's planted within us are found though our relationship with Him. It is truly in our love for God that we are able to love ourselves enough to go against the grain to achieve everything that He has already declared over our lives. We will all encounter hours, days, weeks, or months where our own strength just isn't enough and we have to rely on God's strength to get us through. In those moments it is imperative that we are able to access God. Make sure to communicate with God regular so that you're not temporarily locked out due to neglect, inconsistency, and delinquent behavior. Don't allow what you encounter defeat you. When you can't always remember that God can. It is always said that you have to crawl before you walk, but in this case you have to F.L.Y before you SOAR! 

#MotivationalMONDAY #FLY #SOAR           

The Purge

Mark 2: 21-22 " No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins."

It's FREEDOM FRIDAY my faithful people! Nothing exhibits freedom like a good ole purge. That's right getting rid of some things and some people. God is waiting to bless you; however, its difficult to do so if you're the same ole sinful person doing the same ole sinful things with the same ole sinful people. It's simple, when you accept Christ you become a new person; therefore, all those old habits must be purged. The old you can do absolutely nothing for the Kingdom. The Kingdom needs the blood washed, cross carrying, purpose driven vessel of Christ that you are today. No, I'm not saying to forget where you've come from and/or what you've been through, but what I am saying is that's not who you are anymore. Don't try to cover your wounds with a cross preventing God from completely healing you and filling you His love leaving no remnants or scars from your past. Let it go!!

[Side note] It seems as though the actions of Jesus were questioned frequently throughout the New Testament. The aforementioned scriptures follows the question of why Jesus' disciples do not fast. Isaiah 55:8-9 is brought to life in that even while Jesus walked this earth His thoughts were still beyond ours. So much so that He had to speak to us in parables so that we could better understand how to apply His Word to our lives. I love that even when they didn't understand they trusted Him, which is what we must continue to do daily.

You can't do the same thing over and over and expect different results, neither can you mix the bad with good and come out with something better. Jesus is here now so forget about what you've done in the past or what you've seen others do in the past. Focus on what is and what is to come. Get rid of whatever keeps you from experiencing God in all His fullness. Free yourself of the bondages that the devil has used to hold you down. That includes bad habits, bad people, bad places, and etc. Trying to mix the old you and the new you together reach a happy medium will never work. Give God total control. Let Him make you new so that He can fill you up with blessings that even still you won't have room to receive.

Come and See

John 1:46 And Nathanael said to him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him, Come and see. 

"Can any good thing come from Nazareth?", Nathanael asks. How many times have we heard people question God? Better yet, how many times have we questioned God? The answer is PLENTY! Yesterday, I had the pleasure of catching up with two great friends of mines. One moved back here a few years ago and the other moved to Cali with her husband a few years ago. Well, our friend from Cali came to visit. So all three of us got together for some good ol' girl chat. We laughed, we shared stories, we encouraged one another, talked about our personal lives, and ended in prayer. One thing I took from that conversation was faith. The very thing we write about every week stuck out to me the most. I had to admit that growing up I had the wrong view of faith and am just now looking at it in the right perspective. Listening to the stories and struggles of my fellow sisters revealed to me how vital faith is to us as Christians.

So Nathanael, in his confusion is wondering about Jesus, The Messiah, coming from Nazareth. Is it possible that The King of Kings is coming from such a lowly place? Nazareth isn't the most desirable town. In today's terms, it would be like Jesus being a hobo(because He has no home) coming from the lowest city proclaiming He is God's Son. Hard to believe right? Yeah to the natural man, but faith is what opens our spiritual vision. Just as in your life you may find yourself wondering how will I pay my bills I only make $7.25 an hour. How will I finish school? How can I teach or preach The Word when I mess up every day? The answer is, Faith. I love Philip's response, "Come and see." Come and see means try Him. People tend to get into a habit of doubting before they even try God. Just because it looks like there is not a way, we forget Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life! If we believe God then we should believe His Word. Our minds are programmed from birth, that we must see something in order to believe it will happen. Faith is the complete opposite. In Christ, we are believing without seeing it come to pass, yet. Think about it. If we could see it before it happens then why would we need God? Why would we need to have faith if we know what God knows? God uses our faith to build our trust in Him. He is not doing it for show or to make us suffer. He wants us to realize He will do what He says He will do even when it doesn't look like it will happen in our mind. He fed the five thousand and He can feed you. He healed the sick and He can heal you, your relationships, and your mind, but we must ignite our faith.

These terrible times we are in should be used as a launching pad for our faith in Christ. Can any good thing come from Nazareth? America? My community? Me? Yes! With faith in Christ ALL things are possible. There isn't anything or anyone "too bad" for Christ to make new. There is still great works that will be done in the midst of all the confusion. He is The Light that shines in us though the world is full of darkness. Let your faith shine and tell yourself and others to Come and See! Jesus Lives!

#FF #IsItPossible #ComeAndSee

The Devil Wears Prada

James 4:7 "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from  you."

"The Devil Wears Prada" is a popular movie (although I've never seen it) released in 2006. In researching the storyline of the drama I found the movie to be about a woman who obtains the job of her dreams post college graduation. The modest, ambitious young lady works diligently to satisfy a boss that can never essentially be satisfied until she eventually begins transforming into someone else. Despite the never-ending demands of her boss and her inability to adequately meet those demands many perks came with her new position. Those perks included a false sense of power, A-list status, designer clothes/shoes, and etc. Unfortunately this "success" came at the expense of her relationship with her boyfriend as well as her relationship with her best friend. More importantly she lost her own identity in becoming everything the fashion world wanted her to be. She became too busy for anything outside of the tasks that her boss had given her to continue excelling in her career.  

One thing is certain, the devil is attractive! He knows how to attract each and every one of us leading us directly into his traps. Not to say that we shouldn't have nice things while here on earth, but we should definitely not live in excess of luxurious things as those are the main source of the devils tactics. The devil is putting in overtime to alter our lives with attractive things that distract us from God. We've become overexposed to the lives of celebrities who live in multi-million dollar homes, drive hundred thousand dollar cars, wear thousands of dollars worth of designer clothes/shoes, and flaunt artificial bodies. Just as the young lady in the movie we work diligently to obtain those things that we see vs. trying to strengthen our relationship with a God we cannot see. This shifts our focus from fulfilling the purpose that God has for us to fabricating the lives that the world has taught us to desire. We're trying to get rich quick to live the lives we see on "reality tv". We're so wrapped up in our belongings that we forget who we belong to. Our youth are aspiring to be like reality stars when they should be striving to be more like Christ yet they lack the guidance from surrounding adults so they have no idea what Christ looks like. 

I OUR chosen careers we forget that God created us, God has a vision for us, God also has provision to go with that vision, and God has a purpose for us that far surpasses the tangible things that we possess and our physical appearance. Nothing on earth is more valuable than the Kingdom that we will inherit if we live our lives in accordance with God's word. We can't let our lives in this world make us become of this world whether it be at the hands of our careers or the influence of reality tv stars/celebrities. We should live lives that attract people to us which will in turn introduce them to God. It is only after we submit to God that the devil will leave because we will no longer be attracted to the things that he has to offer. So again, God wins! #WontHeDoIt #FearlessFAITH      

Will You Marry Me?

Will you marry me? Four words, when put together can change a person's life forever. The man is usually a combination of emotions from being full of excitement to nervousness. Typically, the woman is trying to catch her breath, plan the wedding, and picture her having his babies after she hears such life altering words. Getting down on one knee usually symbolizes that he is ready for that next chapter in life. By giving her that engagement ring, it shows he loves her enough to make her his wife and is willing to be by her side for a lifetime. Today, I want to talk about the most sincere proposal ever known to man. This proposal has never been topped and never will. If you do not believe me you can search it on YouTube and social network sites. People "talk" about this all of the time, but only few grasp why it was done. Honestly, the best source to go by is in The Gospel. There you will see God through His Son, Jesus, proposing to the world.

Sticking with this month's challenge, God's remarkable Love for us woke me up yesterday morning. As He began to enlighten me, I couldn't help but share. Word is, love will make a person do crazy things. Well, how crazy is dying for someone who cares nothing about you? Here we are, doing our own thing, hating God, hanging with satan, and enjoying our sin and Jesus asks, "Will you marry Me?" We are the WORST prospects for marriage and yet He sincerely asks for our hand in eternity with Him. Even an animal would be better for a companion because they actually listen, but He STILL chose us. That's what makes a proposal so special because that person is choosing you. They aren't forced into it(hopefully). No one forced Jesus to die. He willingly laid down His Life for us. Jesus dying on The Cross was a proposal for us to marry Him, promising to stay by our side and for us to be with Him eternally. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, you, and me. It's deep. God's Love is deep and it is real. God chose us a long time ago. Blood dripping down His body with piercing nails driven in His flesh all for our hand in marriage. Have you accepted His proposal? I challenge you to read one of The Gospel's this month. Doesn't matter which one and pray God's Love will increase as your relationship with Christ does with this challenge. Will you marry Him?

#WillYouMarryHim #ReadTheGospel #Love #TheProposal

Looking for God or Trouble?

Isaiah 55:6-7 "Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon."

If you're not seeking God daily you're asking for trouble! In all encounters there is a little bit of God and a little bit of satan, you choose who you'll see. You MUST pick a side! Don't straddle the fence as we find it so easy to do because the Bible forbids it in Revelation 3:16. Some of us choose to look for the bad in every situation versus looking for the GoOD in situations. If you don't stand up for anything else you must stand up for the Word of God and what It says to be true. When we go against God's covenant we are asking for trouble. This isn't hard to see...just turn to your local news station or tune in to the World news.

When seeking God don't just seek His tangible blessings. Instead, seek His wisdom, His guidance, His compassion, His love, and etc. What God has to offer you far surpasses the things of this world. The world doesn't love you, the world can't comfort you, the world can't heal you. In fact, the only thing the world can do is kill you. So stop looking for trouble! It's not too late to begin looking for God, but one day it will be. God shouldn't have to force you to see Him, but He definitely will and it won't be nice.

#FearlessFAITH #WhatAreYouLookingFor

Follow?

Mark 8:34 And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said to them, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.


It's FRIDAY! For some it's payday. For others it's the end of the week. The rest it is just another work day like myself(no weekends off). Either way it is still a great day! Okay, we have real matters to discuss. As you know, following people is a trend these days. Well, I guess more so now than ever because mankind has always followed someone, but the degree has blown through the roof. For example, Instagram, follow me. Twitter, follow me. Pinterest, follow me. Sheesh! Not too much thought right? I mean we see an old classmate or family member and with a simple click of the mouse, BOOM! That person has gained us as a follower.

Digging into the leading scripture, Jesus discusses the requirements of following Him. Yes, these are mandate and not negotiable. Notice He said, deny ourselves first. See we try to pick our cross up with our own agenda in mind. Then skip to the "follow me" part. In doing so, we wonder why we feel so burden down by life. Maybe because we haven't completed the first step yet. The first step is basically trust. In order to deny ourselves we must trust that God knows what He is doing. One must trust that His way is better than anyone else's way. How's your trust lately? Do you think you know better than He? You know The One that formed you in your mothers womb? The God that predestined your life before it began? Why are you following Him? What are you trying to gain from following Him? See, the reasons why some follow Him will be the reason why they also fall out with Him. If you are only following Jesus for money as soon as you are broke you will leave. Same for any other reason besides a genuine relationship. God is basically saying, if I can't trust you then I don't need you on My team? Sound familiar?

We are the same way. We want to know someone is with us because they truly love us and not for what they can get out of us. Thus the reason why He stated deny ourselves. If it's all about us, we won't care about Him. So good people let me leave you with this? Is he "trending" meaning just good for a moment or is He a treasure? I ask you again, why do you follow Jesus? As you're thinking you can follow us on Twitter and IG @fearlessFAITH14! Yes, I just did that.

Be safe this weekend and HAPPY FOURTH!!!

No Limit Soldier

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go"

Many of you may remember mid to late 90s when Master P and his camp had everyone proclaiming to be "No Limit Soldiers". Although I was amongst many singing the lyrics I had no idea what is was to be a soldier until I dedicated my life to Christ. Enlisting in God's Army almost immediately made me a force to be reckoned with and the devil had his people in place to challenge my faith. You see, the devil knows that when we are a part of God's army our abilities are limitless. Unfortunately, we sike ourselves out putting limits on what we can do which inadvertently puts limits on what we believe God can do. Often times we don't know our own strength, limiting ourselves to only what we think we can achieve. We dream dreams that are easily attainable versus dreams that are "too good to be true". We so readily recite scriptures without equipping the words with the power that lies in our tongue. Remember, gun is only a powerful weapon if the person who has it knows how to use it. The dreams that you share with your friends, family, and colleagues should leave them thinking "Yeah right, there's no way you're going to do that". There is a saying that is overly used (although I love it) which is "Speak it into Existence". I truly believe that because you never know who's listening that can help make that dream a reality. God's Word is our most powerful weapon and only He can teach us how to use it through spending time with Him daily, meditating on His Word continually, and believe that which you speak.

So don't complain about the battles God has given you during your journey to achieve your goals. The tougher your battles the stronger God knows you are. Stand tall and prepare to conquer whatever it is in front of you. God has no limits which makes you a NO LIMIT SOLDIER!!

Prepare To Conquer!

Hey great people! It is a new day and also a new month to enjoy this life God has graciously given us. Too deep? Well, it is true. June is behind us and July is here for the taking and I feel like conquering this quest. Don't you? So, one way of conquering July is getting into the newest challenge which involves growing our trust, love and hope in Christ. Notice I said growing because none of us are perfect. Just as yesterday's post states by our dear sister, Kimmie, we were reminded that none of us are perfect. Seeing that, we know that this walk is a journey not taken swiftly, but wisely. We learn. We grow. We make mistakes. We keep going.

Okay enough of that. You get it(I hope). So, let's be honest. For the top of this month, let's evaluate our hope, trust, and love level. Daily we are being attacked in ALL of those areas. People are not trusting God because of shootings and church fires. We are refusing to love transgenders and racist which leads to distrust to Gods Ultimate Will. Distrust opens the door of misplaced Hope. Without Hope, why get up? Why go to work without Hope you are making a difference, getting paid, or being appreciated? Which is why we can't put our hope in temporal matters, but Permanent meaning remaining with The Lord. Let's not allow our surroundings to confuse what we know to be true. Our foundation is solid because it should be The Word of God. This month, today, right now let's be honest with ourselves? What are some problem areas of trust, hope, and love in your life? Really dig deep and share with God and even an accountability partner to better help you on this quest. Get ready. Get set. Go! July we aren't scared. Here we come!!

#FF #JulyChallenge #Hope #Trust #Love