Recall the times in your life when it seemed as if nothing good was working for you.

Recall when you had a child prematurely and unintentionally; people made assumptions and began giving you the speech. You know the one that begins with: “Well…”

…well, you will have to grow up now.

…well, you will have get a job or government assistance.

…well, you will have to put your dreams aside and take care of this baby.

It seemed as if everyone counted you out but the situation gave you the tenacity to prove that your circumstances would not dictate your success. You survived.

Recall when you repeatedly fell in the same vicious cycle of hurt with that man. The more your family and friends warned you about him, the more you pushed away from then but closer to him. Then your eyes came open to your own worth and you severed the ties to a relationship that you could never see ending. You persevered.

Remember how you would fall asleep in class, skip school, and play video games all day? Many said that you would never amount to anything. But SOMEHOW, you went back to school and received your degree. You endured.

Recall not having your dad in your life, as I did not, not understanding why. You resolved not to enter a relationship where a man would abandon his family. Or you decided to not be the one who would do the abandoning. You carried on.

Sometimes we need a reminder of the progress we have made. Stop comparing yourself to others and their status. Stop comparing your present condition to where you think you should be. You’ll get there; and when you arrive, you’ll appreciate the journey.

Do not despise the darkness. There are beautiful- untold stories in our darkest moments in life. It is in those moments that we learn to fall into the arms of Jesus, trust His guidance, and learn the purpose that God has placed within us.

• In the darkness is where we find comfort.
• In the darkness is where we find strength.
• In the darkness is where we lose fear and obtain faith.

The word of God describes it like this:

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭23:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What do you think about when you hear the word holiness?

What about when it applies to your life? Do you feel it’s unreachable? Does it sound like an attribute that is unattainable? Does it remind you of who Jesus is?

If not careful, the image of someone being holy is imagined as being a person void of fun, plane Jane, no laughter – always serious.

Allow me to challenge your thoughts today.

1. Holiness is about pleasing God.
2. Holiness is about living a life that clearly demonstrates to others that YOU belong to HIM.

There is something visibly different about a person who represents holiness. You’re more charismatic. People are drawn to you. You’re always calm. Nothing seems to move you- you know what to say and when to say it. The atmosphere shifts when you arrive. Holiness is what makes you different. It is was makes you stand out.

The notion of us believing that we CANNOT be holy is contrary to what the word of God says.

Being holy is attainable. Not only is it possible, being holy is a requirement. Being holy does apply to you, because the word says, without it- we will not see God.

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14 NKJV

It will not come easy. Holiness has to be pursued. The difference between God’s holiness and ours is that He is naturally holy while we only become holy in our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ.

Holiness simply means sacrificing ourselves and being set aside for Godly use.

Only a holy God can take a dirty, filthy, smelly garment- change it and call it clean enough to be called holy- for his use. Oh Jesus- I just passed out in my mind.

Really Jesus? Oh God I thank you! That’s who we were, but now look at us.

Just look at you! Ready to be used in whatever capacity.

“In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21 NLT

Manicures and pedicures so that our hands and fingers appear more groomed and cared for.

Polishing Techniques (press-ons, gel, acrylic, SNS, Shellac) to create a flash of flare, from the wave of a hand through a glimpse of your finger tips.

Facial products that give the appearance of flawless skin, as smooth as a baby’s bottom.

Hair products that will shorten, lengthen, color, crinkle, or straighten our hair; creating the most unique and vivid depiction of ourselves as our minds can imagine.

Clothing that would enhance our fearfully and wonderfully made physique.

The advances in technology and design that allow us to enjoy creating an outer beauty led me to many thoughts.

I typically produce a devotion at least 3 times a week; but this scripture that I came across during my studies of another subject early last week, caught my attention. This scripture caused me to meditate on it so that I may try to paint a textual image for you to read.

I would be hypocritical not to admit that I enjoy all of the above. Especially the pedicure. It is a frequent routine of mine to visit the nail salon. In fact, my hubby and I often go together for our “date nights.”

Oh and my hair? Oh I bless God for the creation of relaxers! Then there is clothing and shoes. I have found some of the most unique designs in fashion on Instagram made with good quality and for a reasonable cost.

But I had this thought:

What if we did not have access to these things? Would we still corporately confess in a Sunday church service that “God is good?”

Have we begun to focus so much on the personification of our physical makeup that our inner makeup is dull? Does the world see the good works of fashion design or the works of Christ in and through our lives? What attention are we drawing?

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NKJV

Perhaps if we did not have so much exposure to things that enhance the outer, we could focus more on the inner.

Please do not misinterpret what I am saying. I’m simply reflecting. I am not implying that we cannot or should not enjoy self-care practices. However, such practices should not take away from our inner beauty. On another note, we can be arrayed in fine clothing on the outer but our attitude is SO ugly, it covers every beautiful feature and characteristic we were blessed with.

This all led me to imagine the appearance of Jesus. He was unattractive- nothing about Him would make someone desire to be with Him.

That’s crazy. Because He always referred to the glory He had outside of His earthen vessel.

Jesus was willing to take a 30 plus year long sabbatical from His Kingdom, economically poor according to worldly systems, unattractive, an outcast (unpopular with people), and untrained, according to man’s law, in the subject He was persuading people to believe.

Jesus became unattractive to attract us.

What area are you willing to be less attractive to gain the attractiveness of Christ?

“He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” Isaiah 53:2 NIV

• …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 loss of a loved one unexpectedly.
• …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 daily reminders of morals and values that your family stands upon.
• …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 because we have a loving and kind Father who only wants the best for our lives, for the rest of our lives.

I die daily to this and have to remind myself of this principle – especially with the loss of my mother. Monday’s in particular are the worse because she transitioned on a Monday.

…but I’m learning to ask both God 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 my mother passing?
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. Since God is the epitome of love, well my loving Father must be working out a loving situation for my Good.

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 things being thrown at us, do we trust God while the work is being done?

Amidst the darkness, a place of no return, a place is prepared for me to dwell. I’m afraid. It seems wrong to be placed in such circumstances. Why would someone allow me to experience this? It’s dark. It’s cold. I don’t want to be here, but I cannot move. I cannot get out. There seems to be trouble all around me. This place is unfamiliar. What’s that noise? Who’s there? I need someone to get me out of here. Why here? Why now?

I was told that the process would produce purpose. But is this really necessary? I mean really!!! Talk about the valley of the shadows of death!!! Death is all around me and life is supposed to come from this?

The pain and the agony experienced through your life cycle will spring forth beauty- an everlasting harvest- so it is said. Nothing shall be able to hinder your forthcoming. Why is this change necessary to bring forth beauty? Can’t you just make me beautiful? Can’t you just create me to be what you need to be?

Why is it required of ME to change? Why was I selected? I was doing well! Why couldn’t well be left alone?

The change will render you unrecognizable. Forcibly and without any control, the process begins. You experience change unlike anything imaginable. Placed in the dark, unable to see; seated in unfamiliar areas. It’s cold, it’s damp, there is no light- only darkness seems to surround you daily. Then something begins to happen. It’s uncomfortable. Your current state cannot withstand the changes. In fact, who you used to be will not support who you will become. You are being pushed into uncharted territory. Cracking, breaking, stretching, pulling…what is that?

What is happening?

I resisted the change initially but now what I’m experiencing feels actually, amazing. What I have gone through has allowed me to push passed the darkness. In fact, it was because of the darkness that newness of life has sprung. Is that daylight? Ohhh Myyy Goshh!! I just felt something literally shift me and I had no control. What was that? It felt like the sweetest blow of a kiss. Was that the wind? Breathe on me again.

Wait! My vision feels blurred but I can see. What is this, light? The sun? It is so warm. It feels good.

You know what? This really did work out in my favor. Had I resisted the change, I would not have experienced the wind, the sun or these beautiful leaves and branches that now produce fruit for all to enjoy.

Yeah- I guess there is life after death.

What you just read is me imagining myself to be a seed – an apple seed. I spoke as if I were the seed, about to be planted into the ground to produce a harvest. This analogy is true of life. Life begins when death ends.

When a seed dies, it goes through many transformations to produce a harvest that sustains life.

When Jesus died, He succumbed to many hurtful situations to produce a harvest of new lives and eternal life for those who desire to eat of His fruit.

When you die to sin, you experience newness of life.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” II Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

• When you disconnect yourself from the toxic relationship…
• When you break away from the drug or alcohol addiction…
• When you disconnect from toxic people who once told you that you were worthless…

You begin to see the beauty in your brokenness.

Death is not the end, it’s only the beginning.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” John‬ ‭12:24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

It’s the start of a new week and a new day. Thank God for His protection, shelter and guidance throughout last week and we believe Him to be faithful this week as well. I often used to ask myself the question: “Why am I here? What is my purpose?” I’m certain at some point in your life, you may have had the same thought. There must be a reason why we are still here; otherwise, our lives could’ve ended long before now- even during childbirth. Obviously, His will was for us to be in this present moment and during this time; but just what is God’s will for our lives? I believe this is one of the most sought after questions that we ask the Lord. Knowing our purpose and what we are supposed to do, gives much more meaning and clarity to living. Even on our jobs, management will give its employees directives on what corporate, team and individual goals should be met for the year. Surely, the Creator of all – who is the reason why we exist, would tell us why we exist…right? Of course He will and He does.   • Do we distance ourselves in our relationship with Jesus, if our petitions aren’t met as we desire? • Do we back away or give less of ourselves when “we” feel we are giving more to the Lord than what He is giving to us (of course you do realize that we can never repay the Lord for all that He has done, but our mind will have us pondering this thought)?The busyness of our lives has taken over the time we really need to mediate and enter into the presence of God. When we seek His presence, this means we are actively seeking His will. We are putting forth the effort to come closer to Him.

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29:13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Just what are you seeking Him for? Are you seeking for an answered prayer to “your” heart’s desire or to truly establish a relationship with Him?  1 Spend time in your word daily and meditate on it throughout the day. 2 Remind yourself that God is omnipresent – He is everywhere, including with you. 3 Take time to appreciate the many ways He reminds us of being present in our lives, beyond the prayers he has answered on our behalf (i.e. sunsets, sunrises, the birth of children, physical ability, knowledge to retain and to reach and teach others, being called to represent Him as His children)You can rest on a confident assurance that God knows the plans He has for us- even if we do not know. He says…I KNOW!

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We must get to a place in life to say- Jesus long as YOU know, I can trust that you’re guiding me towards my purpose.

Hello fear. 

You thought you would prevent me from fulfilling my purpose; but you see, I have become acquainted with someone who is now a dear friend. Her name is…FAITH.

My little ole faith rests in a big God- and that God happens to also be my Father.

Unfortunately for you…there is no room for the both of you (fear and faith) to be my dear friends, so I’ve decided to give YOU an eviction notice…GET OUT!

And if by any means you attempt to return, my security will be responding to ensure that you know…

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NLT)
Faith vs. Fear

#WhichDoYouChoose
My little faith is in a big God!

In case you were feeling unpurposeful or unworthy of what you are being led to do, I just wanted to drop this in your Spirit- a little reminder for yourself that I used to encourage MYself…

Jacob was a deceiver.
Moses was a stutterer.
Sarai was barren.
Abraham was old.
Elijah was suicidal.
David was a shepherd and grew up to be an adulterer and a murder.
Jeremiah was a boy.
Thomas was a doubter.
Peter was a fisherman.
Paul was an atheist.
Noah was a drunk.
Jonah was full of fear.
Rahab was a prostitute.
The Samaritan woman was a five-time divorcee.
Job went bankrupt.

Martha was always whining and complaining.

The disciples were unreliable- falling asleep and stuff, denying Jesus, betraying Him…geez

God does not call the qualified.

He qualifies those he call!

If you ever feel like you are not worthy- not only to be used, but just to be saved…remember that Jesus used a bunch of broken people to share hope to a broken and corrupt world.

No matter what you’ve been through in life, remember that the same power that conquered death, pulled you from death row and now lives within you.

The next time someone tries to remind you of who you USED to be, remind them of who your Savior is, through you!

You better recognize who He is and who He is in YOU!

“Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” Romans‬ ‭8:30-33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Me when I’m confident in My Savior! Is He in you? #theJustifier. 

I cannot stress enough, the importance of being kind. The word of God is clear about being kind as a Christian; but not just to those who are kind to us. We should also be kind to those who are unkind.

This type of behavior is an active and live demonstration of operating in the fruit of the Spirit- but oh God- if we are truly being transparent, it takes everything to hold your flesh back from giving someone a piece of mind. Especially when they are a jerk for no apparent reason.

The way we conduct ourselves in the grocery store line (when the clerk is taking forever), in traffic, at work, and of course at home.

Our attitude and actions are a reflection of what’s really in our heart.

“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.” Proverbs‬ ‭3:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You REALLY have to put forth an effort to be kind to someone who is deliberately unkind to you.

Our mind would tell us to treat them the way they have treated us, but that is not what Jesus says. If you can’t find a genuinely kind reply, just don’t respond. That person may think you’re crazy. They may even ask if you hear them speaking. If that’s the case, simply state: “I’ll get back with you. It’s best that I don’t respond right now.”

You don’t owe a response, especially if it will make you jump out of character (the character of God, that is). We do not owe anyone anything but love.

Romans 13:8 (NKJV) Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

As Christians, we should strive to be an example of Jesus Christ, everywhere we are and in everything we do. 

• Smile and greet everyone you meet today (even if they don’t reply).
• Provide a word of encouragement, rather than criticism.
• Practice being kind to yourself.
• Think of how you feel when others are kind to you and be that person to someone else.
• Don’t allow someone else’s problem to become your problem.

Remember that we me must always strive to sow seeds of righteousness. What you sew will produce either a bountiful harvest to the spirit or dried up withered and spoiled fruit to your flesh. You choose. You decide. It’s okay to be kind. 

“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:8-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬