Praise Your Way Through

I recently had an experience in my car that taught me a lesson about the importance of praise.

On my way to work one morning, I began giving God thanks for His protection while I was on the road. As I drove on, merely 2 mins after the thanksgiving session, the car began to make a loud noise. Something was dragging underneath. I was instantly worried about what was happening.

I pulled over and looked, sure enough, something that looked like part of the exhaust system was coming off. Only minutes away from work, I called for roadside assistance. While waiting, I started to think about how much I would have to pay for it to be fixed, whether I could afford to buy a new car altogether and even the length of time it would take to use public transportation from one city to another.

It was overwhelming!

But, the Holy Spirit stepped in and reminded me of the Lord’s preserving hand and reassured me that my life was spared from something far worse. In addition to that, I as convinced that the Lord would make a way and I could plan in the days ahead without the looming dread of expense and inconvenience; He would be with me in every situation.

I made up my mind and decided to praise.

There I stood at the roadside singing songs of praises and giving thanks; I was falling in love with the One who is ever present in the time of trouble. I even said in myself that I would share my joy in the Lord with the tow truck driver.

Then all of a sudden, a man walked up who was doing construction work meters away from my car. He looked at the car and announced that it “wasn’t that bad”. He got under the vehicle, pulled off the hanging piece and handed it to me, stating it was not a part that I needed.

I was in shock for a moment but I realized what the Lord had done and I thanked the man for his help.

I was able to drive to work and the mechanic was gracious enough to ensure the car was safe to operate and at not cost!

The best blessing of the day was that I learned that more than the car, I needed a repair. That place where the anxiety normally sets in- where I start to think about worse-case scenarios-needed to be ripped out! Near-misses, fear of failure, rejection, loss or any other disappointment was defeated by recognition of who God is and through Jesus Christ, I received strength to praise my way through.

Today, I would like to encourage you to consider your problem(s) a small thing for God. Consider that you are His primary concern and that in every way, He is there for you.

The next time you have those looming thought of impeding doom, focus on who God is instead of only what is taking place. Let nothing hinder your praise, as it is a sign of surrender to God in those rock hard places.

May you be blessed – stay connected!

Psalm 43:5 (KJV)

5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Disillusioned by Defeat – New Vision for Victory

I was reading about David and Goliath and I just noticed something I have never seen before- Thank God for the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things. 

When David was sent to bring refreshments from his father to his brothers at war in the Valley of Ellah, his very own family thought he was there for mischief. But God had a plan in mind.

But the water boy was the one the Lord was about to use to display His glory.

The Lord’s army could not see it because they were paralyzed by fear. The threat of defeat caused them to be hopeless to the point of inaction. When God arranged for their deliverance, it was hard to detect because all they could see was the Giant who was taunting them from a distance.

Sometimes, you and I feel so threatened by the circumstances that everything causes us to be on edge. We oftentimes feel as though every news coming our way will be more bad news and it’s like “Lord, what next???”

But I want to encourage you today that same situation is not meant for your destruction, but rather it is for the purpose of God’s glory.

Look at God’s hand who prepared David for this very moment. Look at God’s plan unfolding – His intentions were toward His children.

You must have a vision of victory!

I read a quote recently that was something like this “instead of comparing your ability to the size of your problem, compare your problem to the size of God!”

AMEN!!

You don’t have to live in despair or defeat. 

Today, I would like to challenge you to call out those “giants” in your life and present before God through prayer. Ask God to prove Himself strong on your behalf! It’s in that place of prayer that He begins to reveal all those things, working on your behalf. You will be amazed at what He uses to deliver you.

To deliver Israel’s army, God used a boy, a rock and sling…

 

You have a story of your own. Don’t limit God but rather through His word, embrace a vision of victory!

Stay connected and know that God has every intention for you to make it!

1 Samuel 17:48-50(KJV)

And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.

Keep Your Head Up

 

Keep your head up!

It is the best position to see the manifestation of God’s work in your life.

Today I spent a great deal of time crying out in praise, adoration, and thanksgiving for God who answers prayers in a very specific way.

As I listened to testimonies of triumph, I thought back to the times of hardship, uncertainty and fear. You know, those times when you feel like you can’t even pray or say “help me”?

Well I look back and remember that the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ made intercession in those times. 

God’s grace was enough to bring me to that place of complete dependency and helped me to see beyond the critical issues at hand.

He taught me that nothing is impossible for Him and that I could trust Him(Matt 19:26). 

Too much time was spent with my head held down because the weight of the issues were great. 

BUT GOD!!!!

Thanks be to the one who is able to do more than we could ever ask or think of (Eph 3:20). 

So I encourage you today; keep your head up – it is the best position to look out for what the Lord has done, is doing and is about to do in your life. 

Stay blessed!

Stay connected!

Psalm 121(KJV)

1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 

2 My help cometh from the LORD,which made heaven and earth. 

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will notslumber . 

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep . 

5 The LORD is thy keeper : the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. 

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 

8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

After the Storm

This past winter season was especially long and cold in Canada. It seemed like it would never end. In fact, for the very first time, I experienced an ice storm. Many homes lost power for days and even weeks, leaving people to find alternate means of staying warm and finding food.In all its fury, practically everything was frozen. Trees, cars; you name it. Actually, many of the trees were, broken down or split in two as a result of the subzero temperatures.

Despite the beautiful chaos of our winter weather, this morning on my walk, I saw trees in full bloom. I looked at the grass that was covered in several feet of snow was now adorned with a vibrant green color mixed about with yellow dandelions waiting for someone to pluck ’em up!

I marveled as I could not even remember the images of what I saw during the storm until pulling up the picture posted above.

Even some of the smallest trees survived the storm and now bare radiant green leaves with little white flowers.

During the storm, so many changes take place. Anxiety sets in as the uncertainty of the uncontrollable circumstances cause us to wonder whether we will make it or not.

Storms like relationship crises, financial trouble, health scares – you name it! One day, things can be smooth sailing and the next minute, tempest.

Have you every had that experience before? Are you in that moment now?

I know for me, there are a few things that I wish I could gain more control over. Nevertheless I am reminded that it is more important to be acquainted with the one who controls the storm, rather  than being lost in the storm itself.

Those little trees that, in the winter, did not seem like they would make it, now stand tall and declare the glory of God in His handiwork.

The same goes for you and I.

Storms will come and go but it is the master who keeps us. Fix your gaze on Him, in the midst of your daily life. Commit your thoughts to trusting Him to keep His promises toward you.  You might be wondering “God, where are you ?”, “Jesus I need your help now !”

Instead of taking you down, the stormy blast serves the purpose of letting you know who is really in control. Don’t fear; have faith. It’s only a little while longer before this tumultuous season in your life will come to an end, and you too will even forget the intensity of the storm. With Christ, you will make it.

Today I am declaring Lord’s protection over your life:

You will stand tall!

You will produce again!

You will live and not die!

All these and more through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour! Amen

 

 

MARK 4:35-41 (NLT)

35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”

36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).

37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!”Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

Yes!

God wants a “yes” from you.

Sometimes the greatest battle is not fought against external opposition but rather in our own decision making to yield our will to God’s word.

Imagine being faced with a life altering decision that can completely change the course of your destiny? Now imagine if that decision means immediate hurt, rejection, pain and or seeming suffering?

Just ask Mary, mother of Jesus ( Luke 1 – 2) . The present task seemed great – much for this young woman to bear.

This is real scandal – in those days to be pregnant prior to marriage really meant to be shamed openly. God has a funny way of drawing public attention to the divine work that He is doing.

Just imagine what her fiancé Joseph had to potentially face in terms of open shame – but still, the Lord ministered to Him and in his heart, evidenced by his actions, he said yes!

A few key principles from this story were that:

1. An impossible situation only seems that way until the Lord proves otherwise

2. God takes care of every adversary when a heart is submitted to Him in obedience

3. The decision to accept God’s word is the greatest part of any challenge

4. When you yes, he will provide every resource along the way – so one must move forward

I hope that you read it the story and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you about who God is a midst the chaos…

Friends, when you and I obey the will of the Lord – He fights our battles !

I am experiencing more victory in my life and seeing the providence of God as I begin to say “yes” to daily challenges.

The good news is that today, you can join on this journey and experience the joy of victory! The areas of open shame, scorn, ridicule or defeat can be changed into your greatest testimony of overcoming.

Think about the areas in your life that cause you angst and ask the Lord to lead you. Invite Him in to interrupt the heavy burden you carry and trade it for His which is much, much lighter.

Believe in Him. Today that it IS just that simple – it was always God’s plan to help you. So why doubt Him now?

Regardless of the Herod’s or shut doors, God is doing an new thing for you – will you say yes?

Beloved, stay connected to God because as your source , He longs for that connection with you.

As always, I am praying for you and can’t wait to hear your testimony of overcoming!

Isaiah 41:10(NIV)

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Believe

The past couple of weeks have been mentally strenuous. Start of “the final” semester; financial constraints; job challenges, you name it…the list goes on.

Admittedly, growing up, I did not have resilience. The first sign of hardship was always some indication for me that “I was not good enough”, or “I could never be successful in…” . Unfortunately, walking in that belief system amidst criticisms from others would only lead to an abyss of failure and hopelessness.

I thank God for Jesus Christ because accepting Him in my life gave me hope and promised a better future! I have learned that I don’t have to think the way I use to think because the Lord has done something new inside me. I am a new creation, a brand new person – old things have passed and all things have become new (2 Cor 5:17).

What happened was a strength exchange and the mind that would be limited by what I could see, is now free to think of achieving the “impossible”.

I read a quote that further enlightened me about the change he made in my life :

“Some people make the choice to believe those thoughts that seem to speak with more logic. Remember…logic does not always equal truth. Furthermore because negative thoughts appear or arouse your emotions faster and with higher intensity, their effects are usually more overpowering. In this case, some people will believe the thought that says they will not succeed rather than the thought that says they need to and can succeed. People who have been confronted with such opposing thoughts or voices now full well how hard it can be to make the right choices in situations in which negative thoughts bear down with strong logic and reason.

If you believe  the thought that tells you that you will fail in your attempt to change, will be held back, not by who you think your are but by who you think you are not. You believe you are not smart enough, not good enough or not intelligent enough. But if you believe in your ability to become, to change, to succeed, then you need to believe your thinking that tells you that you can and need to do so. Believing in yourself is choosing those thoughts that encourage you to move forward in spite of past failures and drawbacks. ” – Clarence  Duff

While circumstances may  seem overwhelming,  you can choose how you will face them.

For example, I may have the urge to weep and throw in the towel, but instead I choose to give thanks, learn and persevere until I get it right. I know that I will be successful as a result.

I’m not sure where you are on the faith journey. I do know that things can be rough but I am encouraging you now; just believe.

The Word of God states that you are made in His image (Gen 1:27) and that means that you have the best of everything stored inside of you!

Believe that you have the God given potential to achieve your goal. What ever you put your mind to do today, challenge opposing thoughts and know that you can and will make it!

Stay connected to God because He causes that transformation that will help you discover your full potential!

For your reading pleasure, I recommend this book: Discovering the Eagle Within: A Guide to Understanding Your Inner World of Potential and Thoughts by Dr. Clarence Duff.

Be Blessed!

When Things Seem Beyond Your Control

Perhaps you are in the midst of pursing your purpose; you know that thing that you were formed a fashioned to do? That thing that no one has to pay you for? It just stays on your mind night a day?

Well today I would like to encourage you to move forward with what the Lord has placed in your heart to do.

Sometimes, despite how noble your cause or hard your efforts, there is opposition. There might be naysayers – those negative people in your life who speak nothing but impossibilities or there might be a lack of finances right now for you to see exactly how things will come together….

What ever the circumstances are, don’t let them be roadblocks to your destiny but rather, let them serve as stepping stones for your faith!

You need to to first get moving as a sign of your faith that God is able to carry you through. I was reading this morning about Nehemiah who was passionate about rebuilding Jerusalem. All along the way there was opposition. Both things that Nehemiah could see and things that he did not see. I was floored when I read this scripture in particular :

Nehemiah 13(1-2) (NLT)

On that same day, as the Book of Moses was being read to the people, the passage was found that said no Ammonite or Moabite should ever be permitted to enter the assembly of God.^[a] 2 For they had not provided the Israelites with food and water in the wilderness. Instead, they hired Balaam to curse them, though our God turned the curse into a blessing. 

The Holy Spirit ministered into my heart that despite the efforts of opposition, nothing could stop the work! God even used what was meant to be a curse and turned it into a blessing!

Some of you may be wanting to go back to school. Some may be thinking about applying for another job, perhaps a promotion even. There are some out there who have been longing to start a business… Take it from me, the longer you stay in-active about your dream, you will never realize the potential that God as given you. Furthermore, you will never really grow in your relationship with God because much of that experience is demonstrated in the trust you place in Him to fulfill His purpose in you life.

I believe what I am saying because I almost gave up on my dreams. I doubted in my abilities and spent the majority of my life living with the fear of failing. Now, I am pursuing my education at a post secondary institution, I am ministering in writing, singing, and i’m doing other things I never thought possible some time ago.

By the grace of God, things have changed.  None of it has been easy but I have never been more fulfilled in my life than at this moment.

Today, I want to set some time aside to pray about the gifts He has given you. Spend time in His promises because they will sustain you when the fight is on. Lastly, trust Him to take care of the things are beyond your control – remember, He IS in control! Walk out your faith and know that nothing is too hard for him.

Stay connected to God  because He will always come through for you.

Trouble Won’t Last

I’m not sure what you have been dealing with lately but just know that God is able. There is nothing to hard for Him.

You might not see it right now, but the eyes of faith will convince you that God is on the job.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Sometimes it might feel like you are waiting forever. He is working and it will take some time before what He does is revealed to us. In in the midst of the wait, He promises to be your strength!

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Every time you begin to feel discouraged or anxious, praise God the way you now how to do! If it is your first time, sing, dance, talk to Him…whatever you find in your heart to do, do it for God! Bless Him at all times, your help is on the way!

Psalm 34(NLT)

¹ I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
² I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
³ Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.

⁴ I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
⁵ Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
⁶ In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
⁷ For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

⁸ Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
⁹ Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need.
¹⁰ Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

¹¹ Come, my children, and listen to me,
and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
¹² Does anyone want to live a life
that is long and prosperous?
¹³ Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies!
¹⁴ Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

¹⁵ The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
his ears are open to their cries for help.
¹⁶ But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil;
he will erase their memory from the earth.
¹⁷ The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
¹⁸ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

¹⁹ The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
²⁰ For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous;
not one of them is broken!

²¹ Calamity will surely overtake the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
²² But the Lord will redeem those who serve him.
No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Trouble won’t last but the goodness of God endures forever. Stay connected!!!

Great Change

I just got home from a group discussion with youth who wanted to know more about preparing for relationships with a significant other. So many questions were asked and I thought back to the time when I too had the same questions. Lol, I still have a few but for the most part, I can say that my understanding of love has grown considerably..

This growth did not come without it’s challenges. I have experienced hurt, rejection, and personal shame in the past. Admittedly, I have caused it too.

I remembered how the painful parts seemed like they would never end.  I used to be discouraged at the end of a relationship. I would think the worst thoughts and, they were self condemning. I made resolutions and I’m sure that at some point, I thought I would never love or be truly loved.

Thank God for great change.

Through, prayerful intervention and the encouragement of family and friends, things have turn around completely. Now that I am whole, I have joy and am blessed by the relationship I am in now – one that I never thought possible!

Through those disappointing experiences I gained a better appreciation for the love given by a perfect God to an imperfect person like me. In turn, I learned I was very valuable and was shown how to love others better. In a way, those though times prepared me for what was to come.

There are ups and downs in life but at some point we have got to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. A great teacher once shared that like the stock market, there will be low points but just focus on the the upward trajectory. What might feel like failure is only for the moment. Where there is life, there is still an opportunity for growth.

Maybe you are reading this and feeling like what you are going through may never end. It might be a troubled marriage, infertility, job insecurity, failed business attempt, poor financial choices or a very demanding workload at school. Let me reassure you that as long as God is on His throne, there is hope for you. You are not the sum total of mistakes or setbacks in life. You can move toward a greater purpose and you will look back one day and say, “man, look how far I have come”!  You may not be where you want to be; but thank God you have come this far. Keep working hard; don’t give up on yourself.

Greater is before you. I am believing God for this change on your behalf. Connect with God today and share your dreams that may have been locked up. Express your desires. If there is anyone to help you with them, it is surely the Almighty God. Have faith! Endure this moment because your going up in the next!

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

Still Standing

Some days it is as though every thing is going wrong:

Money is tight

Car is on the fritz

Assignment deadlines all converging

Sickness or disease

Loneliness

Insert your challenge here:______________

As one saying goes “when it rains it pours”. The things that we may perceive to be as stressors sometimes have a way of all compounding and you might wonder, “when is it going to end?” .

The good news is that what you are going through is not your final destination. There is a purpose even in the midst of these moments. You can face some of the toughest situations in life and come out of them better than when you were before they began.

Many times I used to stop and complain about what was happening and be so troubled my my experiences, until one day I started to think about how strong God was making me to keep my head up, believe and maintain a sense of joy and peace! I became more acquainted with looking up to God who was teaching me that I had so much more inside me than I realized.

I learned how to be resourceful when money was tight and how to take better care of myself  and others through sicknesses. I gained, strength, courage and wisdom that prepared me for subsequent events that were even more difficult. I no longer define myself by the material things of I have or who I know. My focus has shifted to what God says about me. No matter how painful the process, I am no longer distracted by the spontaneity of what I cannot control; I am comforted in knowing the One who controls all things.

“I am more than a conqueror through Christ who strengthens me” (Romans 8:37) . So are you!

Get more acquainted with God today. Listen to He has to say about you and become more familiar with His intentions toward you. Reflect on His promises for you and stay connected to Him when those hard days come. He won’t leave you alone in them and longs to bring out the best in you. In the end, when the troubles are behind, you will still be standing!

Be blessed and know that you are loved dearly ❤ ❤ ❤