Hebrew Boys Faith

Listen I don't know about you, but the weight of waiting has been heavy on me lately. The wait of waiting on the unanswered prayers and deepest cries of my heart desires. I was talking to my mentor about how I was feeling and how the weight of waiting was turning into depression. I found myself paralyzed and lame in the thoughts of my wait. After telling me the feelings I felt were ok my mentor hit me with a question that hurt me and arrested me at the same time. She said "Shawndrika,  what if what you have been waiting on never manifest in the earth? Will you respond with the faith of the 3 Hebrew boys...Even if He doesn't do it we still know He can?" (Daniel 3:17-18) I looked at her crazy as tears fell from my eyes to know this statement of faith could be my reality. Though I felt broken at the thought of this reality, the Holy Spirit arrested me at the same time. He reminded me that when the 3 Hebrew boys made that statement it wasn't  from a place of doubt or hopelessness but, from a place of true surrendering. They were saying to Daddy even if we don't see you manifest the situation in our favor like we want you to, you will still come through and get the glory out of  our lives. That's the key...Daddy getting the glory!! What you are praying and waiting for may not manifest or come in the package you want, however, if you surrender it to Daddy...it will manifest His glory in your life and draw you closer to Him. I hope this word and revelation reminds you that the wait is worth it! Remember the weight is there for you to surrender not to hold.

Prayer: Daddy we thank you that even in our heaviest moments you wait for us to surrender that you may get the glory out of our lives. We yield to your will today as we wait for you to manifest your glory. We take heart that what we are waiting on may not come in the package we want or the time we think we want it, however, it will come on time and work in our favor. In Jesus Name. AMEN!

Emotional Seeds : The Corona Edition

This virus called Corona has truly turned our world upside down. It has no target audience, no cultural difference, no area of focus, and no economic status. When I tell you that we were and are in this together we are. We have seen many die, however, we have also seen many recoveries from this virus as well. We currently live in the unknown as many states slowly begin to open back up and try to create a sense of normalcy. We live now in a world where we have distanced ourselves to save lives, however, this same distance is causing others to die internal with the results of external symptoms. With all that being said I want to challenge us to do something that was placed on my heart to do during this time of famine and uncertainties.

During my meditation time this past week, I found myself asking the question I feel all believers have been asking... GOD, how do we end this? What do we need to do to get back to a place of normalcy? I am sure like me and others you have struggled with the inability to gather at your local church and fellowship with fellow believers, or perhaps during this time you desire to have that fellowship because you want a better relationship with GOD. There are so many things that we need answers to and have questions about. Let's go back to what I was talking about... During my meditation time with GOD, He told me that so many people are sowing financial seeds (which is a good thing if you have it to sow. I truly encourage you to sow in this area, especially during a time of famine), however, one seed that we have yet to really address that is need during this time of famine... (Let me pause and tell you why it's a time of famine. It is a time of famine because we are lacking the natural resources and flow of those resources to meet the needs of the people... hence why states are trying to open up that the flow of some economic wealth can come into the state and country. This is the reason I am saying this is a time of famine. Things that were once easy to obtain. (tissue, paper towels, Clorox, Lysol, etc. are no longer easy to obtain) ) Ok, no more interruptions back to the reason behind this blog. (this is why I have to start blogging more...lol) GOD told me that in this season we have to sow emotional seeds. Now I know you are wonder....What are emotional seeds? Emotional seeds are: love, joy, and peace... A.K.A. some of the fruits of the spirit. These seeds are seeds that will not only produce great fruit in the lives of others but also produce great fruit in your life. The fruit of favor, blessings, wisdom, peace, and love. See during a time of famine, no one is looking for a harvest. They are looking for produce. They want the end results, not the seeds.  So, this means that no one will mess with the soil of your seeds. No one will uproot it or cause it to die before it produces your fruit. In summary... "This is the best time to plant seeds, no one will be able to taint it." 

My challenge to you today as we continue to find a new norm during and after this virus is to plant some emotional seeds. The need for their fruit will be in demand and is in demand as you read this. People need the connection of the human touch. However, due to the season that we are in, that same touch that use to heal now kills. Now we have to find a way to produce the same results in a new way and that's through sowing emotional seeds. Now I forgot to tell you how you sow these seeds. You sow them through text messages of encouragement, zoom video calls of listening, phone calls of support and love, letters of hope, and laughter of memories. Listening we have enough bad news to deal with, it's time that we pursue the heart of Daddy's joy in this season.

Prayer: Daddy, thank you for the opportunity to sow emotional seeds into people that I am connected to and even strangers. I understand that we are living in a time of famine and uncertainty and the best thing I can do is make myself available to you. Daddy, help me be the best seed sower during this time of famine. Let me be bold enough to love hard, become grateful in all things, and check on those I think are strong. Daddy, help me be open to accept emotional seeds as I sow them. Help me to maintain balance and never pour out on empty. In Jesus Name AMEN!

I really hope this blog blesses you during these uncertain times. Please know that your physical and your mental health is truly important. If you feel like you need help in the areas of your mental health. Please text the word Villiage to 205-660-0376, to be connected to a mental health expert. This is the perfect time to get everything you put off in order. #noexcuses #mentalhealthawarenessmonth

New Starts Here

Hey Readers!! I know... I know... It's been a minute! I know I promised to do better, but life!!! I know.. No excuses and honestly there aren't any. But, guess what?!? 2020 will soon be here and I will try this again. However, I am not waiting until 2020 to get here to start my new start. My new starts here today!!! Yes, today! Let me catch you all up on the great things that I have already started that will be incorporated into my 2020. I have started #squadgoals which is a group of women that I not only send encouraging messages to but also keep me accountable and consistent. Then, there is #dearfuturehusband365 with a brand new look and content. Last but not least DDC (Daddy Daughter Conversations). I figured out a way to share new content and be consistent. I am excited and it starts tomorrow. So get ready for great messages and an awesome year!

Prayer:  Daddy, as we continue to finish the things of this year, help us prepare for our next. Let us not get content in waiting on a new year to arrive before we put new year things into action. Let us put into action our new year things now. Remind us that our new starts here. Herewith, an open mind, heart, and faith to trust you more by losing control more often. In Jesus Name. Amen!

I Became A Bride

Hey readers!!!

I hope you are praying for me through this #bloglikecrazy challenge. I have missed two days so far and I am already feeling like I have nothing to write about. But, I must press on and really trying to finish strong!!!

So, today while on the way to work I got a message from my cousin. Now, let me give you some background information about my cousin and why the message she sent to me was life-changing. See earlier this year she got a divorce after being married over 5 years with two beautiful girls. She had never driven before, was a full-time mom, with a part-time in-home daycare. She was super depended on her husband, and when he left her and the kids for the life he wanted, she was overwhelmed and devastated. However, she made a decision to get her license to stay where she was and make the best of things by trusting Daddy. Well, this month she got engaged to a man that worships the ground she walks on, loves her and her girls, but most importantly loves GOD. He pursued her by seeking Daddy and when he asked for her hand it was though he was an answered prayer. I sent her a message congratulating her and telling her how excited I was for her. I ended my message with "You give me hope." Why? Because, I am divorced, no kids, and have been waiting. (sidebar: you will probably see this blog again on my DFH365 blog during #bloglikecrazy but from a different perspective. If you not following DHF365 please go to dearfuturehusband365.wordpress.com to follow) Now back to our regular scheduled program...  So, she messaged me back and said this: "Thanks girl, remember what one man throws away, becomes another man's treasure. Any man that see the treasure in you and is willing to pursue you by seeking Daddy will be one lucky man". I started to cry because I never see things like that. But what really got me was the revelation and my response to her message. I said: "Thank you I really needed to hear that. I am accepting the fact that even if I don't become a bride to a man, I am a bride of Christ." OOOOOOOOO Ok!!!! That statement blew me away!!! To even hear myself say it out loud kind of scared me a little. Because I have always desired to get married again, but the real truth is even if I don't I am still a bride of Christ.

As I continue to meditate on my statement, Daddy spoke these words to me, "Before you were even formed and born I called you my Bride. I proposed to you a long time ago and was excited when you told me "I do"! "You are and will always be the bride I pursue until we meet in the sky. My will for you is simple. That you love me. Pursue me.  Trust me, hear me, and be open with me. I am a gentleman and will never force my way into your heart. I want to be all you need when you need it. I want to be the perfect love song for you."

Ya'll, those words ring in my hear as I write this. I realize that even if I never become a wife to a man, I am still a bride to Daddy. Not only am I His daughter I am His bride. I get to carry His last name and reap the benefits. I know you are wondering...What's the moral to the blog?

The moral of this blog is simple: Don't allow what you haven't become detour you from what Daddy has called you to. See I know He called me to be a wife and that in my mind it meant to a man. But what if He called me to be a wife to him instead. We must be satisfied with what we have and where we are. We can't rush the process because we feel like time is not on our side or we will miss moments. Daddy is the author and finisher of our lives and the creator of time. Even if we miss it the first time, He is capable of recreating the moment for us to get it again.

Prayer:  Daddy, thank you for reminding us that we are a bride to you. That we are your choose vessels and that in you we can find peace and comfort. That we can say I do to you over and over and your love for us will never change. We thank you for a wedding ring we will never have to take off. In JESUS Name. AMEN

P.S. Days 6 & 7 #bloglikecrazy2018

It Hurts When People Drop Me

So when I was thinking about this blog, I was going to talk about how people drop you so quickly when things don't go right between the two of you. I was going to touch on how the selfishness of others can cause them to drop you when they should be picking you up. That when people drop you they leave a footprint of rejection on your life. But Daddy had another plan and because " I just want to be obedient". (Topic from day1 of #bloglikecrazy) I am going to do that.

When Daddy turned this blog around he brought me to 2 Samuel 4:4 where we learn about Jonathan's son Mephibosheth. This verse discussed what happens when someone drops you. You become crippled. What got me were the verses before and after the drop. There was a sense of fear that came over the kingdom and the people. The person in charge at the time had no answers to what to do and how to fight, yet he found time to rest. In his resting, he was killed. (this happens all before the drop) The people that killed him bring his head to King David as a sign of victory but in return are killed themselves.  (these things happen after the drop) My question is what happens in the middle of the drop? A lot of times we are in a place where someone has dropped us that it cripples us to wanting or desiring to go to our next. We find ourselves depending on others to take care of us. This is where we see Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel chapter 9. David has done everything up to this point that Daddy told him he would do as king. But, he is reminded of the covenant he had with Jonathan and asked this simple question in verse 1: "Is anyone in Saul's family still alive--anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake"? He gets his answer in verses 3-6a of this chapter. 

See, what I realize in this story about Mephibosheth is, though he was dropped, abandoned, and forgotten, someone remembers the promise attached to his legacy. King David realized that though he had completed the works Daddy had called him to, he had not honored his friend or the covenant he made with him. How does this apply to us about being hurt when people drop us? Though Mephibosheth's nursed dropped him to the point of crippling him, Daddy saw an opportunity to revise the legacy of a friendship. He saw an opportunity for what was broken and had no value to gain value and wholeness again. That's exactly what Daddy wants to do for us after people have dropped us. He wants to revise us, give us value, and make us whole again.

I know you are wondering what is the moral to this blog? That though they hurt you when they drop you, Daddy is going to make sure that your crippling experience will cause you to grab the attention of a king.  That king will be reminded of the promises attached to your legacy and will call you to sit at this table and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Prayer:  Daddy thank you for the reminder that when people drop us, that it will not hurt our legacy.  Thank you for helping us to remember that we are worth to sit at the king's table no matter how broken we look to others, you see us whole and valuable. We thank you that you have given us the boldness and bravery that we need to forgive those that dropped us, causing us to be crippled by fear, frustration, loneliness, and bitterness. In Jesus Name. Amen

P.S. #bloglikecrazy day 3 completed

Pick Me Up In The Spirit

So, the other day I was strolling through Instagram and I came upon this post that stated: "Check on your strong friends".  I don't know about you, but that statement hit a string in my spirit. Why? Because I am "The" strong friend. I am the friend that wakes up and prays in the middle of the night with you. The friend that you can lean on. The friend that is pushing, motivating and encouraging you to get to your next. I am "The Strong Friend".  After seeing that post I had some thoughts come to my head. Well, technically the thoughts came after an emotion I had about two people I consider to be my best friends made me feel some kind of way. I have embarked on a new journey in my life that requires more than what I expected to give, honestly. This journey has caused me to be busier, but not busy at the same time.  (I know that sounds confusing...let me see if I can explain it better) It has caused me to be in a position of being on call with some flexibility. But, this doesn't mean that I did not or don't have time for my friends. After looking at pictures of them having fun on the weekend, it made me realize that these people that I have labeled best friends to the point to call them sister and brother, don't pick me up in the spirit like I do them. They aren't in tune with me like I am with them, and that made me really upset. Because, when they need me I am there, whether they verbally express it or I pick it up in my spirit.

Me having these feelings lead to a conversation I had with my little sister when I told her that my desire in this season is for someone, anyone in my circle to just pick me up in the spirit. I just want one person to say" I am praying for you. I am proud of you. Thank you for being a friend". Something!! Then I was reminded of a scripture found in Philippians 4:14 " Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble".  (ESV) That scripture really spoke my heart. It caused me to be in a place where I had to evaluate my friends and even myself. Am I the friend that picks her friends up in the spirit? When I do, do I act in a way to cover them? Protect them? Heck, call and check on them? The answer to the last two questions is no. Why? I really can't tell you the why behind it. But, what I can tell you is that I am striving to do better and have apologized to those that I have dropped after picking them up in the spirit.

Today, I want to challenge us to not only desire friends that pick us up in the spirit. But, to actually be the friend that executes the actions after we pick friends up in the spirit.

Prayer:  Daddy, thank you for building us to carry the weight of your Spirit in us. Thank you for allowing us to be in a position that we can pick up our friends. And that You have surrounded us with people that can pick us in the spirit as well. Daddy, help us be bold enough to act on the picking up. Help us be able to not only pick them up but actually call and check on them. Help us to be consistent in our check-ins and helps us maintain a connection that we can pick them up as often as needed. In Jesus name!!! AMEN!!!

P.S. Day 2 of #bloglikecrazy completed!!! Thank you for reading and coming on this journey with me.

Birthday Behavior

Hello Readers!!!

I know, I know!!! I haven't posted in two weeks!! But, can I be honest I haven't had the energy and know how to post, what you need in order to be in encouraged. So, I had to get my life and pray about what I needed to share with you.

So, today is a special day. I didn't want to release this blog on Tuesday as usual because I wanted you to be a part of my birthday celebration. Yes, today is my birthday and I am super excited about it. Every year for the last 6 years I have always been in a funk when it is time for my birthday countdown. I would find myself comparing where I should be to where I am. I would think about all that I lost. My areas of lack. My areas of fear and frustration. Anything negative, I thought about it as my birthday approached. But, this year was different I don't know what happened or when it happened. (That's usually how Daddy works. He will shift you and transition into your next without you  being fully aware of the shift or the transition).

Today is not your usual blog.  It is a blog filled with revelation and insight. One to encourage you to enjoy life in spite of! This blog is to bring you more aware of what is going on with you. What Daddy wants to do through you. How you can live the abundant life that Jesus talks about in John 10:10

Let's get started!!!

As I prepared for today I decided to do three things. 1. Reflect. Not on what I wanted and needed. Not on what I did not have. But, reflect on the fact that I did not look like what I had been through. I start to look at pictures from the last 6 years. I saw how I lost and gain weight. I saw how my mask sometimes showed, but no one confronted me about it. I saw how I pushed through despite feeling like life was not even worth living. 2. Realize. I came to the realization that who I am will never be who everyone needed me to be. I will not be able to please everyone, fit there mode, or even be accepted by everyone. Last 3. Revelation. I got the revelation that I have not lived up to my full potential. That I have allowed myself to become complacent, fearful, and doubtful. I found myself comparing myself to people I thought I wanted to be, instead of asking Daddy what He needed me to be.

Through these decisions, five things were birth out of me. 1. Concentration. I realize that I need to focus on what is in front of me. Learn from what is behind me. Prepare for what is ahead of me.  By doing these things I will be able to be productive. 2. Consistent. When you create a routine that works keep working it. Keep building on it. Having foundation is the key to success and consistency is the cornerstone. Daddy is consistent, and because we are made in His image we must be the same. 3. Courage. You must be bold enough to think outside your box. To be in a position where you are willing to say "Yes," in spite of the test. Your "Yes", can't be compromised due to your discomfort. Which brings me to the fourth thing...4. Comfort. You must become comfortable being uncomfortable. See the more you get used to being uncomfortable the more you get shifted and transited into your next. Last but not least 5. Completion. This one is hard because I am so goal oriented that I felt like this referred to my assignment and not me as a person. But, this completion is about being whole. It's about realizing that what you thought you needed was not what you really needed. It's about being ok with you despite your flaws. It's the summary of everything I have discussed with you so far.

So, I am sure you are wondering how can all this information help you out. What can you do with this information? Simple. Use it. Look and see what you need to work on in the three decisions. What decisions do you need to make that you haven't made? What decisions do you need to re-evaluate? The five things birth out of me... Well, those or my tools, revelations, elements of life. They are the things that I need for this next chapter. They can be some or all that you need in your current journey.

Today, I challenge you to use my birthday to create a new year for you. No, not a new you, a new year. We are always waiting for January 1 for us to start all over. But, the reality is, our new year starts every time we open our eyes and breathe the breath of life.

Prayer: Daddy, we thank you for this moment. The moment to breathe, your breath of life. The moment to really get somethings straight in our lives. We thank you for the ability to point out the things we need to deal with. The thing that we need to evaluate and make decisions about in our lives. We realize we do not have time to waste, and we must stay in tune with you. Thank you for your guidance through your Holy Spirit. This moment could not be productive without your Holy Spirit. In JESUS name! AMEN!

An Excused Yes

Today's blog is about to challenge your YES!

This past Sunday my pastor talked about Moses and the excuses he made when he said yes to Daddy.  Let me give you a summarization of this story so you can be brought up to speed for those that aren't familiar with the story.  Ok, so Moses was saved by his mother during a time where the Pharaoh was trying to kill all the Israelite boys. He grew up in the house of Pharaoh, killed a man, ran away, and met his real family, and this is where our story picks up. Moses is with his people minding his own business when Daddy tells him that he will be the one that approaches Pharaoh. Daddy tells him that he will tell Pharaoh  " to let His people go". Well, Moses response to this prestige opportunity is one I think most of us do when Daddy tells us we are going to do something great in the earth...The of  (drum roll please)... The excuse. Yep, that's right the excuse. 

We will give Daddy a, yes, but somehow, someway we end up finding an excuse on why we aren't capable. In Moses' case, his was the inability to speak with clarity. He said in Exodus 4:10-14:

10 Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”14 Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you.  (NIV)

10 Moses raised another objection to God: “Master, please, I don’t talk well. I’ve never been good with words, neither before nor after you spoke to me. I stutter and stammer.”11-12 God said, “And who do you think made the human mouth? And who makes some mute, some deaf, some sighted, some blind? Isn’t it I, God? So, get going. I’ll be right there with you—with your mouth! I’ll be right there to teach you what to say.”13 He said, “Oh, Master, please! Send somebody else!”14-17 God got angry with Moses: “Don’t you have a brother, Aaron the Levite? He’s good with words, I know he is. He speaks very well. In fact, at this very moment, he’s on his way to meet you. When he sees you he’s going to be glad. You’ll speak to him and tell him what to say. I’ll be right there with you as you speak and with him as he speaks, teaching you step by step. He will speak to the people for you. He’ll act as your mouth, but you’ll decide what comes out of it. Now take this staff in your hand; you’ll use it to do the signs.” (Message)

So in both versions of this scripture, we see five things that happen when it comes to Moses' excused yes. 1. Moses questions Daddy. He even goes to the point where he begs Daddy not to give him the assignment. Now, Moses' begging confused me. Because in Chapter 3 (Read it for yourself) he had an intimate encourage with Daddy that literally caused a shift in his life. But, now at this moment, he is questioning the assignment. Is that not how some of us are. We have an awesome encounter with Daddy. I mean it is a life-changing moment. Yet here we are moments later, questioning Daddy's request of us saying yes to the assignment that He called us to. 2. Moses was quick to point out his unequipped ways. He reminded GOD that he was not able to complete the assignment, due to the fact that he did not have the equipment to do so. But, I love Daddy's response... He told Moses that He would go with him. He reminded Moses how was the creator of all things and the same thing that made Moses unequipped He would equip. But, just like some of us Moses told Daddy that was good enough. Let me take a sidebar here and say this... There is nothing Daddy can't offer that is not good enough. Daddy's presence is more than enough!! If we become comfortable with Him, then, we can become comfortable with the things that He calls us to. Back to the points. 3. We see the grace of Daddy. Daddy got mad that Moses clearly told Him that His presence was not good enough for him to complete the assignment. Daddy is so great to us! Because even in his anger He graces us with His love and comfort. Which brings me to point 4. Daddy did not agree with Moses excuse, but he did understand that he needed comfort. Instead of giving him a way of escape He equipped Moses with another tool...his brother Aaron. Another sidebar: Daddy will make sure that you have no excuses to completing the assignment. You can tell him what you lack and He will create the equipment to meet the need. 5. I love how Daddy still told Moses, (summary) "Even though you have your brother to speak for you, he can't speak unless you open your mouth." Last sidebar: Even when Daddy provides you with the equipment to complete the assignment it will not work until you do your part.

 So, what's the moral of this blog? No matter how many excuses you give Daddy, He will always equip you to complete the assignment. But, He will make sure you work so you can see the potential that is in you. He will make sure that you conquer that which was once an excuse. Daddy will make your excuse your GOD testimony

Prayer: Daddy, thank you that no matter how unequipped we feel, you are waiting and able to provide us with the tools we need to complete the assignments.  Daddy, help us to understand that what we see as an excuse is actually an opportunity for you to get the glory. Thank you that where we are weak your strength will make us strong. In JESUS name! Amen

Selfish Heart

What a transparent moment this blog will be as I had a come to Jesus meeting with myself. Over the past couple of months during this transition of moving out the secular world of working into ministry, I have really been examining me. How I talk...Think.. See others... Respond to others... Just my heart. I prayed the dangerous prayer found in Psalm 139:23 "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." That prayer alone has revealed my selfish heart. A heart that did not realize how brokenhearted I was... that I had projected it onto others. A heart that was willing to judge others before look at self. A heart that desired what she wanted when she wanted it, without asking Daddy what He wanted for me.

This has been a tough pill to swallow. Because this whole time I have made it my goal to pursue Daddy in a way I never pursue Him before. I feel so defeated and disappointed in myself. I feel like what is the use of the Christian journey if this is going to be the end result of my efforts of getting close to Daddy. But, here is the thing this is where the enemy wants me.  Question have you ever felt like where I am? Have you ever felt doubtful, hopeless, and discourage in your pursuit to seek Daddy? Have you ever felt like it wasn't worth it? Can I tell you something that has really saved me from feeling guilty and unworthy of Daddy's presence and love (because those are the emotions that I felt when I realize this was my heart), His grace and mercy is new daily!!! I know that seems so simple but not good enough. I know it seems like there should be more to help with a selfish heart. But after realizing how selfish I was.  I heard the Holy Spirit say " His grace is sufficient." ( 2 Corinthians 12:9).

How awesome is our Daddy, that He knew that one day we would make time to pray the prayer, asking him to search our hearts and finding out the selfishness that was in it... that He put a clause in place that would cover us. His grace covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

In all of this, I never thought that I would feel free as I feel now. I am in a place where I know there are some root issues that I need to deal with. That I need to learn how to apply the fruits of the spirit in a life applicable way. That I have to love in spite of how I feel or what they did. Because Daddy first love me (1 John 4:19), and there is nothing greater than love. (1 Peter 4:8). That His joy is my strength (Psalms 28:8) and in Him can I only find peace. (2 Thessalonians 3:16). That long-suffering create perseverance (Matthew 24:13) and gentleness creates a place of forgiveness (Philippians 4:5).

Goodness creates confidence (Psalms 27:13), faith ties the fruits of the Spirit together creating boldness in you (2 Peter 1:5-7). Meekness creates the opportunity for you to gain an inheritance (Matthew 5:5) and self-control keeps you out of trouble (Proverbs 21:23).

Today I challenge us to not meditate on the selfishness of our hearts, but the fact that they can become selfless if we just apply the word of God to our lives.

Prayer:  Daddy, we come to say thank you that your grace is sufficient enough to cover the multitude of sins that our heart creates. Thank you for taking out the time to examine our hearts and not allow us to remain selfish. Thank you that you have allowed the fruits of the Spirit to come in and take over that we may be better sons and daughters. Helps us to remain in a place of faith and examination. That we will not get settled where we are, but we will grow in your light and remain selfless and not selfish. In JESUS  name! Amen

I am Over It

Daddy, I am over it! The heartache, the frustration, the cycles, the relationships, the rollercoaster ride of emotions, the debt, the worry, the stress, the fear, the disappointment, the failures, setbacks, and setups. I AM OVER IT!!!
This is the conversation that I had a few days ago with Daddy as I sat in my living room crying and stressing over the bill collectors calling me, worrying about how I am going to pay, this and that. This is the mindset I had when I thought about the investment I poured into so many relationships and friendships. This is even the mindset I had when it came to church too. I was OVER IT!!!

Have you ever been there? To the point, you were over everything that affected your life in such a negative way? I mean to the point you even contemplated taking your life? Well, that was me. Yep, this is a transparent moment. One that I think plenty people have but are ashamed to admit. I mean who wants to be in the position of showing that they trust GOD and then turning around and saying life is not worth living anymore?

This is probably going to be a real transparent moment for me because I have not told anyone, but you, my readers this.  I have been keeping these things bottled, masked, and hidden. I mean I am a licensed therapist and minister, how does it sound and look for me to be speaking or thinking suicidal thoughts? But, there I was only a week ago in my living room trying to Netflix and chill and these were my thoughts.

But, guess what? The same things that I just told Daddy that I was over, are the same things that He was trying to use to get me to my next. UGH!! Don't you hate it when Daddy uses the things you hate to get you to your next? How He uses issues, situations, circumstances, and failure to show you how to grow. To birth out new assignments, ideas, and gifts? How He takes your constant complaining and creates a moment for you to experience His glory and presence?

I hate it, but it's in those same moments that I realize how much GOD is  I AM! I AM is over it, and I AM is in it. He takes over and uses His strength to create new beginnings for us to be in Him and over IT ... The IT is us. We are the IT!!! I mean the IT is our.....will, word, and way.  It is our ability and desires to want to operate in our strength, mindset, and emotions.

But how do we get over the IT? By allowing Daddy to be it. I was reminded of the game tag. How the object of the game when being IT, is to tag as many people as you can before they get to the base. That's what Daddy wants to do. He wants to tag as many of your problems before they get to the base of your mind and you feel defeated instead of victorious.  That's why I John 5:4 says "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith".
So today do me a favor join me in playing a game of tag. Let your problems run but allow Daddy to be IT!

Prayer: Daddy, thank you that you have already told us that you will handle all that concerns us. We thank you that even when it seems like our problems are weighing us down to the point we want to give up on life, we will tag you and allow you to be it. You are the source of our strength and everything that we need to get through every moment of our lives. We thank you for being IT. In JESUS name. Amen!

Dangerous Prayer Part:2

Last week I talked about the dangerous prayer that I prayed concerning being a demand in the earth. This week I am going to talk about the most dangerous prayer that I have prayed. It has caused me to be all in my emotions and respond to life differently. Last week sometime I prayed this simple prayer found in Psalms 139:23 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts".

Yep, that's the prayer that I prayed. Dangerous I know...but, I am sure some are wondering why it is so dangerous prayers? Well, it is dangerous for 5 reasons.

1. It tells Daddy that you are ready for Him to have total control of the thing that you function from... your heart.
2. You recognize that He knows, even the things that don't line up with His word, will, and way.
3. You ask Him to test you... Let me say that again... You are asking Daddy to test you. That means you are telling Him... Daddy, I may not be ready for the test, but because I trust you, test me.
4. You are telling Daddy to help you identify the things that have caused you to become unfocused, doubtful, and fearful.
5. You are asking Daddy to be a mind regulator for you and do surgery on your heart. 

If those things aren't dangerous, I don't know what is.  But, today can I encourage, motivate, and push you to make this a prayer that you pray. Not just once but daily. Because let's be honest... When we remove things from our heart, we can add things back in it that aren't good and line up in accordance to Daddy's will for our lives. The prayer may be dangerous but it is effective and one that will cause you to grow.

Let's pray...

Prayer:  Daddy, today we come to you praying this simple and effective prayer. Search us! Search our hearts. That all the brokenness in it is revealed to us, and we may come to a place of forgiveness for ourselves and others. Search our minds. That every thought that has caused us to not trust You fully is destroyed and uprooted, so we can have the mind of Christ. We thank you, Daddy, that we fully surrender all of us to you. In JESUS name...AMEN!!!

Soul Passion

Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my GOD.

It's amazes me every time I read that verse how it bring about fresh revelation. As soul commanders we must realize that the true pursuit of seeking GOD, is seeking him beyond our own strength. The word pant in this verse means to breath with short, quick breaths.  So let me put this definition to use with this verse. As a deer that breathes with short, quick breaths for streams of water, so my soul will press with short, quick steps towards you GOD. Hum that is really deep.  This scripture is telling us that we have to command our souls to go beyond its strength to press towards the presence of GOD. WOW that means we cannot give up even when we feel like life is taking our breath away.

Life Application: Ask yourself this question: am I to a place or point where I am willing to press towards GOD, even when life seems to be taking my breath away? If you are not in a place where you can see yourself pressing towards GOD, to the point you are fighting for your last breath, then there are three things you need command your soul to do: 1. Trust GOD. 2. Let go of doubt and fear. 3. Let go of your own strength.

Prayer: Father we thank you that in you we have breath, because you are the creator of all things. Father we just ask as we press towards you out of breath, feeling like our oxygen is low, and life is sucking us dry, remind us that you breathe breath of life back into us. Father up us to surrender our strength that yours can make us strong. Father we command our souls to submit to you and your will and we command it to obey your plan for the pressing you called us to, just to be in your presence. In Jesus Name! AMEN

Soul Detox

Daddy, I realize I'm going backward and not forward.  My flesh is out ruling my spirit because I've given into it daily. I've allowed myself to be overcome with thoughts of what my flesh wants and not what you want for me. My heart is heavy and filled with emotions I can't bare to carry or talk about. I feel so alone that I have reduced myself to the now fix, than the GOD fix. I've open doors you have shut and shut doors you have open; I've tainted them with my sinful nature just to numb the pain of the process. I 've lost hope, faith, and trust in you because it seems as though you keep working in my later when I need you in my now. I've kept silent far too long Daddy, trying to have the faith of your word. I feel lost and confused and you are the only one I can turn to. The world and country I live in is more divided as ever, and it feels like your victory is but a distant memory. What can I say or do to get you to move on my behalf? My tongues feel traditional, my heart empty, and my prayers muffled. My soul is in need of a dexto from You. I find myself screaming Your name, pleading for the blood to cover every guilty stain. I try to stay under the umbrella of your mercy and grace, but then I find myself being out of place. I want you Daddy and all you called me to be. But right now this assignment of being me seems too heavy for me. To be your standard, daughter, and bride. To be the one that never gets caught up in her pride. To be strong in your strength, operate in your gifts, and yield to your will; is not a stroll in the park. Daddy my soul needs the reminder of your love manifested in my now and interrupting my later. My soul needs the reminder of Your why. Why do you want me, why do you need me, and why don't you move in my timing? My soul needs your detox. The detox that clears my vision, restores my heart, guides me through the ups and downs, and shows me how to put me to the side. My soul needs the dexto of your joy, for you said in your word " I can find strength in it." You said it will be an exchange for my weakness. My soul needs your peace, for in it Your understanding will be released. I can see clearly now when your peace over takes me. Detox me Daddy for my soul is filled with thoughts of failure, fear, destruction, negativity, and hidden secrets. Remind me that your thoughts towards me are good, and so are the plans for my life. Remind me of the victorious victory of this fixed fight. DADDY DETOX ME!!! That my spirit man can be free in your liberty and my heart can show your love alone. DADDY DETOX ME!! So I won't become intoxicated with the instant gratification of this world, caught up in the politics of this nation, and overwhelmed by the words of men that state you can't and don't exist. DADDY DETOX ME!! That others connected to me can remember they are joint heirs of Christ, there is no lack in their lives, and you are the supplier of all their needs. DADDY DETOX ME!! That my husband can find me working for your kingdom, and serving your people. DADDY DETOX ME!! So I can have the faith to speak life to dead situations, see miracles, signs, and wonders. DADDY DETOX ME!! that my heart never feels the weight of disappointment. DADDY DETOX ME so I can be and look like your daughter again because right now I feel alone and abandoned. DADDY DETOX ME!! DADDY DETOX ME, so I can feel your presence every morning and every day. DADDY DETOX ME!! DADDY DETOX ME, because I don't know how much more my soul can take. DADDY DETOX ME so the enemy has no case against me. DADDY DETOX ME!! DADDY DETOX ME!! DADDY DETOX ME!!

In Jesus Name,

AMEN