Today’s devotion is a simple reminder of who our Father is. In the midst of adversity, we oftentimes forget who God is.

I was in deep thought the other day and The Lord reminded me of who He has been and continues to be.

Just in case you are having one of those days today, as I did a couple of days ago, as they say, put this in your spirit:God is our power and protection.

He defends and deflects.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7 NIV

Jesus, You’re one of the few things that I am sure of.

The antagonizing pain for hours, finally subsides when the the uterus tightens; but You aren’t told to push until the pain is at its highest peak. Moments later, you are holding what is the beauty in child-birthing, all from the pressure.

Diamonds are crystals of pure carbon that have formed under a combination of high temperatures and extreme pressure in the Earth’s mantle. It is said that they are squeezed under pressure of 725,000 pounds per square inch.

A seed cannot be called a plant until it develops a relationship with the ground (the foundation).

What happens beneath the surface is critical to the success of all that is to come. The environmental conditions must trigger the seed to grow. Usually, this is determined by how deep the seed is planted, water availability, and temperature- come on here Jesus, I hear you.

The conditions and the pressure cause the seed to become what it was purposed to be.

Keep growing!

This life ain’t for the faint at heart. Don’t lose your fight. Truth be told, you’re not fighting alone. Don’t lose your bark. Stand up! Gird up your loins (strengthen your core).

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,”Ephesians‬ ‭6:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

You must go through the pressure to produce the purpose – who you were created to be and why you even exist.

Just because you “say” you’re a Christian doesn’t mean the enemy is going to stop attacking your faith in who You say you represent.

• If you’re a Christian, BE A CHRISTIAN.
• If you’re a mother, BE A MOTHER.
• If you’re a business owner, BE A BUSINESS OWNER.
• If you’re a wife, BE A WIFE.
• If you’re a husband, BE A HUSBAND.

BE ALL IN!

When the pressure is on, come out swinging. The first blow is on your knees.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”Ephesians‬ ‭6:12-13, 18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The second blow is in your word. The knockout punch, comes from your Father and He don’t play when it comes to His babies.

Each phase of your process is important. I know you’ve had your fill of empty promises, cliche inspiration and hope. But trust me when I tell you: what you’re going through is necessary. You will emerge a better version of yourself.

…The unexpected news that your teenage child is expecting a child.

…A department wide meeting that announces the company’s downsizing plans, which will leave you and your team jobless.

…The unexpected loss of a loved one.

…People walking out of your life who you thought would remain.

…People walking into your life with no good intentions.

…Information from the school that your child’s behavior does not reflect the morals and values that your family instills in him/her.

…Mental breakdowns, stress, anxiety, suicidal thoughts…

…The marriage that was expected to last forever.

…The wedding that has yet to happen.

We thank God for the good, but what about the not so good?

The word of God states that all things work (are arranged, produce, as a plan) together for our good.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NKJV

We must believe that even the “not so good” is for our good. Why? The Bible says that every good and perfect gift comes from God.

“Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all.” James‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭CEB‬‬

This was also proven and performed at the beginning of creation, when God looked back over everything in the book of Genesis, and saw that “it was good.” If He is the Creator of good, and if everything He does is good, then even the mess that we place ourselves in, will end with a good report.

We have a loving and kind Father who only wants the best for our lives, for the rest of our lives.

I often have to remind myself of this and I am learning to ask the Holy Spirit and myself a few questions that help me daily:

1. How does my Father want me to grow from this?
2. What is God going to do through me, that will impact the people around me?
3. Father what is it that you want to be for me and TO me now, that you could not be prior to the “not so good?”
4. How will this situation make me more like Jesus, my Savior?

These questions can be applied to every circumstance, challenge, and tragedy in life.

No hurt ever feels good but if we truly love God, we will take what He says to us, and hold tight (cling) to it. He says ALL things work together in our favor.

All things imply that everything is useful to our growth in the spirit (not the flesh) because God is for us in every situation.

The question then becomes: During the process of all, when it seems that everything is being thrown on us at once, do we trust God while the work is being done?

Although track is awarded as an individual sport, the runner still uses a push from the other runners to reach the common goal. The common goal is to finish the race; but the ultimate goal is finish in first place.

Distance runners use the pace pushers to preserve stamina so they have a “kick” left to endure to the end.

Although our journey through life is an individual walk, we need each other to push us into our purpose. We cannot do life alone. We need each other. No successful business can claim success through a Lone Ranger. In fact, the Lone Ranger had Tonto to ride with him.

Here is a transparent moment, or what I like to coin: “Woman 2 Woman.”

Growing up, I desired to have friends. I called everyone “my friend.” I see this in my youngest daughter. Anyone that is in her class is “her friend.”

As I became older, I began the filtering process of what it means for me to be a friend to someone and for someone to call me their friend. Cliques and groups form based on the clothing you wear, the boys you like, and if you’re popular or no. I saw this to be the case in middle school. By the time we reach high school (at least I did), you have a better sense of what personality types you connect with. I personally, began socializing more with boys. I always cited: “Girls are messy and moody; I get along better with guys.”

If you did not say something similar, you knew someone who said the same thing. What happens is that we carry this on through adulthood, we isolate ourselves from who we need, which is one another. Truth be told, when a group of men or group of women, who share a common bond, goal or interest come together, they become empowered, strong, confident and purposeful.

This is one of the primary reasons why I am hosting a women’s conference (more info can be found at: http://www.kimberlylock.org/w2w-2018)

In Christ, we need one another. Encourage one when the other feels alone. Keep one another accountable when the other begins making decisions that are contrary to the word of God. Pray for one another when the other feels disconnected.

A true sister or brother demonstrates concern and does not desire to see their siblings fail- regardless of how many times they have argued, disagreed, or fought.

There’s a great need in the world for more genuine, unselfish affection, compassion, and concern for others. This walk with God is a brotherhood and sisterhood that transcends blood relations, race, age, or nationality. We are the offspring of the Creator. We share a divine parent with our brother, Jesus Christ. Oh God. When one succeeds, we all succeed, because we are upholding our Father’s legacy- HIS Kingdom.

Let us come together to represent our Father well, so that He may be proud to call us His children.

“Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” Hebrews ‭12:15‬ ‭NLT‬

HEBREWS 4:15 NKJV
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Whatever you face, Jesus has already faced it.

Jesus knows what it is like:

To be hungry.
To be tired.
To be lonely.
To be hurt.
To be hated.
To be beaten.
To be persecuted.
To be misunderstood.
To be mistreated.
To be mocked and laughed at.
To be betrayed by a friend.
To be tempted to sin.
To be responsible for employees.
To feel forsaken by family.
To feel hopeless.
To have no spouse.
To feel unrelated.
To have lost a loved one.
To have to pay taxes.
To have money stolen.
To have the responsibility to provide for a family.
To live under an oppressive government.
To experience extreme pain.

Not only does He understand, but He knows how to help so that we can overcome and have victory.

Romans 8:26 (NKJV)
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession [a]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

The reality is that God owes us no explanation. NONE! Jesus did not promise NO pain; however, He did promise to comfort us in the storm.

God is with you!

Isaiah 41:10  (NKJV)
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Jesus not only understands what you face, but He is able and willing to help you! Will you allow Him to help you?

It’s Monday. I’m late on my devotion but I have been mediating on this word…this one word the Lord gave me…

ABIDE

The word abide has a few meanings, according to the dictionary. Namely, to tolerate, to wait patiently, or to endure. However, there’s one definition that caught my attention: to accept without objection.

We come to the Lord out of hurt, anger, depression, and the world’s attempt to destroy us. It is our pain that pushes us to seek for better- a chance to begin again and what better way than to accept the offer presented to us through Jesus.

As time goes on, if not careful, our worship and praise is no longer recognizing God for who HE IS…but rather, what He can do.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

Here is what I learned about abiding: You cannot ask God to do, and He does, IF you are not abiding.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7 NKJV

Jesus is saying here, if you (accept without rejection) Me, and you (accept without reflection) my word, THEN you can ask what you desire and it’ll be done.

On the other hand, the opposite of abide is bail. If you bail out, give up, leave, move, pack, exit, take-off, you have shown that you reject His words and do not accept what He says, and therefore you cannot ask what you desire and expect for Jesus to grant your desire.

So here’s the evening thought: Are we abiding or just visiting?

Do you accept what the word of God says or do you question its authority and ability to change your entire life?

Sometimes we hold on to what we don’t need and we get rid of what we need to hold on to.

It is time to make some minor adjustments. Let’s begin right here. If we be honest, there is a lot we need to rid ourselves of and there is also one thing everything else should be contingent upon:

Lose the foolishness.
Lose the doubt.
Lose the gossip.
Lose the half-heartedness.
Lose the pride.
Lose the senseless acts.
Lose the sin.
Lose the anger.
Lose the maliciousness.
Lose the hurt.
Lose the frustration.
Lose the disrespect.
Lose the hard-heart.
Lose the thoughtlessness.
Lose the insensitivity.
Lose the bitterness…

And keep the faith.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans‬ ‭5:1-2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

If you gotta hold on to something, hold on to your faith.

When everyone else seems to be balanced and you feel like you have a spiritual imbalance…hold on.

There are people around you, who draw strength from your strength.

There are people around you that are holding on because you are.

What you may not recognize is that your faith retains spiritual muscle memory from holding on: “If He kept me before this, He will THROUGH this.

Exercise your faith and Hold On!

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans‬ ‭8:35, 38-39‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Have you ever created a vision board, attended a vision board party or had discussions regarding what they are?

A vision board is a visual depiction of your written goals and aspiration. It allows you to visually depict what you desire to obtain. The purpose of your vision board is to bring everything on it to life.

I want to challenge you today to create a life board. What is a life board?

So often we go through tragedies and obstacles presented to us in life without understanding the true purpose and intent behind them. Let me explain it this way:

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NKJV

Our Father told us that everything we go through, whether it was an intentional life training to grow us into our purpose or a result of us being hard-headed, all of it will somehow work out for our benefit anyway. How will we know the benefits and prepare for the future if we do not become an analyst of our own lives? A lot of our issues and how we respond to hurt stem from the impacts of something detrimental in our lives. For example. I performed this activity on myself. My mom and dad married and then separated when I was 4 years old. She never spoke bad of him and always tried to keep us connected throughout the years. She allowed me to form my own truths about the situation as I grew and became an adult, based upon his actions towards me. Turns out that event in my life caused me to carry a “what did I do” attitude throughout my life….

• Could I have done something different?
• Did I say anything?
• Did I do anything?
• Why me?

Anytime someone disconnected from me, I questioned if I did something, not considering the hurt they caused me. Or I was always extra cautious to not offend those I felt connected with so they would not leave me as my dad did. This made me become a people pleaser, placing others before myself which is a destructive attitude.

I then took inventory of every life event that was detrimental and studied my behavior, the life lesson, what purpose may have been behind it or if it was God-sent or self imposed. It allowed me to see what my purpose is, how my passion aligns with my purpose, what my growth opportunities are, what were repeated cycles that I needed to stop, what good came out of the situation and my strengths.

I challenge you to do the same:

1. Write down every event in your life that had a negative impact.
2. Determine what “worked together for my good” from the tragedy?
3. What is a repeated theme – a cycle that I need to break out and breakthrough so that I may live life to the fullness that God has planned for my life?
4. What area in business or ministry does this speak to and does this align with my purpose?
5. What is a peace destroyer and a joy killer?

Once you realize the connections get a poster board and draw images of cycles you are breaking and the good you will see produced in your life. Consider these questions as well:

1. What themes do you see?
2. Can you see God’s plans and hope for your future?

God has a plan for our lives. From the beginning of the world, up through now, God has always strategically and methodically planned out everything. We were not just sent here to figure it out without any purpose. It’s time that we pay attention to our lives and become intentional in living so that we align our plan with His.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Do not allow your thoughts to poison your mind and create a chemical imbalance.

• Find the good in everything.
• Change your acquaintances.
• Speak positive affirmations over your life.
• Love unconditionally without expecting it in return (that’s when the hurt comes in).

If we were created in the image of God, who is love and the Creator of love, then we should have the ability to demonstrate love.

It’s in our DNA.

“There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” Mark 7:15, 21-23 NKJV