Slow Down!

Question of the day: Do you find yourself rushing trying to accomplish all of lives’s demands?

In the midst of trying to accomplish live’s demands, we miss out on many things. We tend to devalue the things that once mattered to us. We make no time in our schedule for those we love. We make excuses after the other. Most importantly, we miss out on sitting at the feet of Jesus. Ever find yourself waking up and not praying or spending time in God’s presence? You don’t even have time for breakfast because you are on the go. We’ve all been in that space before at some point of our lives. For many of us, we are just trying to get to Point B that we even miss out on the lessons/experiences in Point A. Many times, we rush only for us to miss out on our blessing. Throughout the day, God is trying to get our attention. God is always speaking but are you listening? It’s like looking for an answer in a book. You are reading so fast that you overlook the answer. As we go throughout our day, God is placing opportunities our way but because we are in a rush, we miss out on this simple act of obedience. In our key verse “Isaiah 30:21, we are reminded that whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” You see, you can turn to the left or to the right but if you are not in tuned with the Spirit of God, you will confuse it with the noise of the world and the enemy’s whispers. In John 10:27, God reminds us that “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” We are the sheep of His pasture.

When we are in a hurry, we don’t take heed to instruction. It’s like a teacher giving you instruction for a test. Because you are in a hurry to finish the test, you miss out on the questions your instructor said not to complete. When you are in a hurry, you are not still in God’s presence. You just give God five minutes and leave. When you are in a hurry, you don’t embrace the season that you are in. I remember my days in college. I cherished every moment that before graduating, I just looked back on my experiences and shed tears. I was going to miss all the times I shared with my friends, professors and organizations I was apart of. I knew the essence of embracing the season that I was in. Though I embraced my season of being in college, not many college students embrace their season of being in college. When you have an understanding that you can never get back certain chapters in your life, you will have a different perspective even in the wilderness. You’ve got to learn how to embrace every season. If a bus leaves you, you wait for the next one. You don’t go back home. All that rushing was unnecessary. Many times, God wants to speak to us but we make no time for Him. Today, stop and ask God what he’s trying to teach you in this very season of your life. What fruits of the Spirit are you lacking? Are you missing the lessons because you are in a rush? You see, there are people God have placed in your life. There is nothing coincidental in the package God has delivered to you. It is your responsibility to receive it. You have something to bring to the table and so are the people God has blessed you with in this season of your life. What you refuse to learn in this season will come back packaged in a different way. The lesson still remains. As you go forth into the day, take time to seek God. There’s someone He wants you to encounter today. That person may bring forth confirmation to what you have been praying about but how can you receive your blessing when your’e in a rush? Stop rushing the season you are currently in. Stop complaining. Start embracing. God is trying to teach you so many things. You have to go through the process before you get the Promise Land. Only if you will listen and draw closer to God, you will become more aware of his voice/assignment.
Stay Blessed & Encouraged. Jesus loves you. Have a lovely day ❤️

With love,
Karen 😘

 

 

 

 

 

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Happy New Year

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. -Isaiah 43:19

THIS YEAR GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Two of our biggest fears are failure and criticism. And they never completely go away. You can overcome them, but they’ll show up when you face your next challenge. It’s in accepting fear as part of life’s journey instead of running from it, that you learn to conquer it. Indeed, as you look back at what you’ve already overcome, you realize that most times failure doesn’t do permanent damage you actually grow stronger through it. If you’re anxious today, God is saying to you, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.” So trust Him, and get out of your comfort zone! An unknown poet wrote: “I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I couldn’t fail; the same four walls of busywork were really more like jail. I longed so much to do the things I’d never done before, but stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor. I said it didn’t matter that I wasn’t doing much; I said I didn’t care for things like dreams and goals and such. I claimed to be so busy with the things inside my zone, but deep inside I longed for something special of my own. I couldn’t let my life go by just watching others win; I held my breath and stepped outside and let the change begin. I took a step, and with new strength I’d never felt before, I kissed my comfort zone goodbye, then closed and locked the door. If you are in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out, remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.” The word for you today is: This year, get out of your comfort zone.

Incredible though it may seem, when Israel encountered difficulties in the wilderness, they wanted to return to their old life of slavery in Egypt. The security of the known was less threatening to them than the challenges of the unknown. So the Lord said to them, not once, but twice, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid…[of] them…the Lord your God will…go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor [forsake] you.” Why did He say that? Because it’s in taking action that you overcome your fear! When you challenge your fears, you master them. When you wrestle with your problems, they lose their grip on you. When you dare to confront the things that scare you, you open the door to the future. A wise man once said, “Take the bull by the horns until you have him screaming for mercy.” Almost without exception every man and woman in the Bible whom God called to do great things felt inadequate, and told Him so. And how did God respond to them? “I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isa 41:10 NLT). Author John Mason writes: “The desire for safety stands against every great and virtuous dream. Security, many times, is the first step toward stagnation. Boldness in vision is the first, second, and third most important thing. If you dare nothing, you should expect nothing.” So whatever opportunity or obstacle you’re facing today, factor God in. With Him on your side, what you have is always greater than whatever you lack.

Devotional//Word For You Today// Have a blessed day 🙂

 

Strong Finish

Happy New Month of December. We thank God for allowing us to see another day/last month of the year. What a faithful God we serve. Many people didn’t get the opportunity to see this day but God he woke us up. Many times, we take for granted the gift of waking up. Someone is taking their last breath but God he blessed us with another day to see. We are reminded in Psalm 30:9, “Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?”. It’s only the living that can praise God. So as long as we are blessed with yet another day to be alive, we ought to praise the Lord. God has kept us for eleven months and by his grace we have made it to see the last month of the year. God inhabits the praises of his people. Though this year may have not started off well for you or it seems like it won’t end well, may this be the month you draw closer to God. Despite the fact that you might have went astray, always remember that as long as God has breathed life into your lungs, you have another opportunity each day to make a decision to draw closer to him and have a better relationship. It can start today. The decision will always be yours. God is waiting for you.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24, we are reminded about the importance of self-discipline. And it reads, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

There is so much to take away from this scripture. Our walk with Christ is a journey. You can’t compare yourself with everyone around you. You must do your part to seek God in everything you do. God will always send people your way to be a destiny helper for the journey but we must never forget to fix our eyes on him. Sometimes, in the midst of our trials, we shift our focus on God. In the same way when running in a race, if we shift our focus on who is next or behind us, we will miss the finish the line. There is nothing wrong with helping our brothers and sisters in Christ but we must always stay connected with God.

Even as we have entered a new month, I would like for us to take the time to think about priorities. What are your priorities? Are you the one that says God 1st but your life is not a reflection of who God is in the decisions you make? Before the year ends, many of us desire to spend time with the Lord but we tend to say it with our lips but our actions don’t match up. Today as I read the “Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl” which is found in Matthew 13: 44-46, I took away a few points I would to like to share with you all.

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. ⁴⁶ When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Key Points I Took Away:

1. Treasure hidden in a field: What have you been hiding and if found, would you be proud of it?
2. What have you been holding on to? What is causing you not to release this thing?
3. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. As we know, pearls are really expensive. They aren’t cheap at all. When this merchant found what he was looking for, he went and sold everything that he owned in order for him to purchase these fine pearls. As I read this parable, it reminded me of God and how he sent Jesus, his only son to die on the cross for us. Christ died a sacrificial death. For many of us, we are holding on to many things that are hindering us from God. We are so afraid of releasing because we don’t know what will replace that in which we released. Sometimes, we have to release, make room for God to do what he needs to do. This is not the month where you want to test and see if you can do anything by your power and strength. This is the month where you need to draw closer to the Lord and his strength. In Psalm 105:4, it states “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”
   
4. “When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” We can look at this from the viewpoint of when we give our lives to Christ, we are filled with joy. Though we don’t know the full cost of following Jesus, daily he reveals himself to us as we continue to seek him. This is the cost of discipleship. As Jesus said to the great crowds that accompanied him in Luke 14:25-33. We must never allow anything to hinder us from following Jesus. In Matthew 6:21, we are told that “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It is very important to check our motives and the condition of our hearts. 
   

It is a new month and I believe that God is ready to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond our expectations. May we finish strong. May we not lose sight of who God is even in this last month. The devil will bring forth many distractions but you must learn to remain in the word of God and stay in contact with your heavenly Father. What you couldn’t finish today, you can continue by the grace of God. Don’t allow the enemy to discourage you in this month. You are not a failure but rather a conqueror. You are trying. This year may have been rough for you and you are just waiting for it to be over but God still wants to do many things in and through you. God isn’t finished. He can do a new thing in you before a new year begins. He’s a God of new beginnings and many blessings. What God has started in you, may it prosper for his kingdom and his glory. May you be a light in someone’s life in this month. May your eyes be opened and your hearts/minds be transformed daily in this month. May your heart be filled with gratitude more than ever before. By the grace of God, it will be a great month. Peace, love, joy, divine protection and supernatural blessings in this last month to you and your loved ones. Until next time, stay rooted in the Lord. Praise Him. Live, Love & Keep Pressing Forward 🙂

 

Pressing Forward

 Welcome to this new month of September. As we can see, the days are passing by so quickly. We are already in September. We give God all the glory for allowing us to see this day. Not everyone woke up this morning. As long as you are among the living, give God a praise. No matter what yesterday looked like or the year has been, today’s word for the month is Press On.

In Philippians 3:13-16, Apostle Paul shared his journey with the Philippian church expressing to them about the trials he has faced in his faith walk. He states “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” 

Takeways From This Verse:

1. We cannot always comprehend what lies ahead of us but we know that God goes before us and behind us. Sometimes, we try to understand the ways of God only for us to realize that thoughts are minuscule while God’s thoughts are grand far beyond our understanding.
2. Apostle Paul was aware of his past and the life he used to live. He wasn’t focused on his past but rather he learned to fix his eyes on what is yet to come. Though he couldn’t physically see God’s promises, he was aware of who he was serving (Jesus). Sometimes, we become so wired up about our past that we don’t tend to even see what God is doing in our lives. We wonder “Would God bless me after all that I have done in my past?” Does God love me? Am I worthy of his love? Why ask for forgiveness/repent when I know I am going to indulge in that same sin again? Wouldn’t that be hypocritical of me? We have this thought in our heads that we have to be clean before we come to God not realizing that the Perfect One already died for us. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.  (Righteousness: Made right before God). It’s about time we get bare before God. We can’t hide away from God. He knows everything about us. We usually run away from something when we are afraid of it, upset at it or doing something that isn’t good. Let’s take a look at Genesis 3: 6-12. This was a prime example of one running away because of shame/disobedience.

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

⁸ Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. ⁹ But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

¹⁰ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

¹¹ And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

Many times, we hide and isolate ourselves because of the sin we are still entertaining. We become so comfortable living in the flesh that we miss out on God’s blessings. In times of entertainment, we are not focused on God. We want to stop live for God but many times, we turn back to our old ways. Most of the time we turn back to our old way of it’s because of familiarity. God has promised to bless us but because our gifts haven’t arrived, we rather go back to our old ways of shoplifting. We must check ourselves (our hearts) and consult with God/The Holy Spirit at all times. Majority of the time, our gifts are right before us but because we are blinded we can’t see it. Ask yourself these questions.

1. What is stopping me from trusting God/ seeking him in the process?
2. Why am I in a rush to receive the blessings of God?
3. Am I making room in my heart to receive the blessing?

It is very critical that we check our hearts/motives. A lot of times, we miss out on God’s blessings because we either not ready to receive the blessing or we are too busy focused on other people’s blessings that we miss out on our own.

Takeaway #3: There is a prize. This prize is not found in earthly possessions but rather in heaven. We must continue to persevere. We must run the race to which we are called. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, we are reminded that in a race we must all run. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

Are you running the race to which you are called or are you too busy worrying about everyone else around you? There is nothing wrong with helping your brother or sister out so that they can also win the race but be careful of distractions. Sometimes, the enemy has a way of placing things in our lives to serve as a distraction. Identify these tactics of the enemy and lay it all down at the feet of Jesus. Do your part by being aware of these distractions. Some of these distractions can be social media, family, work, boyfriend, girlfriend and etc.  The enemy distracted Adam and Eve. If he did it during those times, he is still in the business of doing that today.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I hope you are blessed and encouraged. May God carry you and your loved ones through this month of September. Peace, love, joy and many of God’s blessings to you all. Time next time, peace 🙂

 

 

 

Leave It Up To Him

When things don’t go as you would like, accept the situation immediately. If you indulge in feelings of regret, they can easily spill over the line into resentment. Remember that I am sovereign over your circumstances, and humble yourself under My mighty hand. Rejoice in what I am doing in your life, even though it is beyond your understanding.

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Me you have everything you need, both for this life and for the life yet to come. Don’t let the impact of the world shatter your thinking or draw you away from focusing on Me. The ultimate challenge is to keep fixing your eyes on Me, no matter what is going on around you. When I am central in your thinking, you are able to view circumstances from My perspective.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. -1 Peter 5:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -John 14:6

“If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.”
Ro 12:8 NLT

Encouragement—It’s a Powerful Thing

Many a man and woman who quit would have kept going if they had just received a word of encouragement from someone. Encouragement is so vital that the Scriptures rank it up there with gifts like teaching and leadership (See Ro 12:6-8). Here are two stories that illustrate the power of encouragement. Story one: Not long ago the world watched as three gray whales, icebound off Point Barrow, Alaska, floated battered and bloody, gasping for breath at a hole in the ice. The whales’ only hope was to be somehow transported five miles past the ice pack to the open sea. Rescuers began cutting a string of breathing holes about twenty yards apart in the six-inch-thick ice. For eight days they painstakingly coaxed the whales from one hole to the next, mile after mile. Along the way one of the trio vanished and was presumed dead. But finally, with the help of Russian icebreakers, the other two whales, Putu and Siku, swam to freedom. Story two: Jackie Robinson was the first black player in the U.S. to play major league baseball. While breaking baseball’s color barrier, he faced jeering crowds in every stadium. Playing one day in his home stadium in Brooklyn, he made an error and his own fans began to boo him. As he stood, humiliated, at second base, “Pee Wee” Reese came over and stood next to him. He put his arm around Robinson and they faced the crowd together. The fans grew quiet; the game continued. Robinson later said that arm around his shoulder saved his career! Encouragement—it’s a powerful thing. So who can you encourage today?

 

 

Lead Me In Your Way

I am leading you, step by step, through your life. Hold My hand in trusting dependence, letting Me guide you through this day. Your future looks uncertain and feels flimsy- even precarious. That is how it should be. Secret things belong to the Lord, and future things are secret things. When you try to figure out the future, you are grasping at things that are Mine. This, like all forms of worry, is an act of rebellion: doubting My promises to care for you.

Whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent and return to Me. I will show you the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that. Relax and enjoy the journey in My Presence, trusting Me to open up the way before you as you go.

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. ~Deuteronomy 29:29

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.

~Psalm 32:8

This is my devotion. I can’t even stretch it enough on how this touched me. I had to share it. You never know who is going through a situation and just a little word can help them out. This is the story of my life. I worry about my future. I find myself wondering about school. I’m a college student and for those who can relate know that college can be stressful. Sometimes, I feel like I’m not going anywhere. I feel like i’m in a box trying to find my way out. The Bible constantly tells us not to worry but sometimes I find myself worrying a lot. I can be too extreme. I often wonder if I would ever complete college and where would I be without focusing on the present. As I read this devotional, I just thought to myself, what would happen if i didn’t stress about school and just take it one day at a time? After all, we live one day at a time not even aware of what our day will hold. We rise up from bed by the Grace of God. We go into the world unsure of the people we will encounter and even the situations that will come our way. It was an on time reminder to leave everything There is no power in our hands but when we fully place our day in our Maker’s hand, great things fall in place. Committing your day into God’s hands is very important. Many times, we rush into our day without saying a word of prayer. Just like how a simple word can change a person’s life or even how our day will operate is the same in praying. Intercede for others. Pray until something happens. God bless you.

 

Safe In His Hands

Bring Me your weakness, and receive My Peace. Accept yourself and your circumstances just as they are, remembering that I am sovereign over everything. Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning. Instead, let thankfulness and trust be your guides through this day; they will keep you close to Me. As you live in the radiance of My Presence, My Peace shines upon you. You will cease to notice how weak or strong you feel, because you will be focusing on Me.The best way to get through this day is step by step with Me. Continue this intimate journey, trusting that the path you are following is headed for heaven. 

The Lord gives strength to His people;
the Lord blesses His people with peace. ~Psalm 29:11

 

“The Lord bless you
and keep you;

the Lord make His face shine on you
and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn His face toward you
and give you peace.” ~Numbers 6:24-26

 

But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.~Psalm 13:5

 

I can relate to this devotional for today. Sometimes, I get so caught up in life with so many things and thoughts, wondering how my day will go. Whether I will be able to accomplish things throughout the day. The Bible constantly tells us not to worry. Too often, I catch myself worrying about my future and not living in the present. This is an assurance for me and to those who can attest that worrying takes a toll on our lives many times. It helps to know that even in the midst of the storms of life, someone cares and the name is Jesus. There is power in the name.