Who you are associated with paints the picture of who you are. Do you have “yes” friends or will your friends keep you accountable? Do your friends help you stay saved or help you destroy your life?

Your circle of friends does not have to be large. Your friends should motivate and inspire you to stay on the straight and narrow. I believe this: any friend that has become an enemy has been hating from day 1.

I’m Just Saying…

I love how the Bible gives us examples of everything we will encounter in this life. Look at this story of true friendship. In Mark the 2^nd chapter, there was a man who was paralyzed. Maybe he had heard of Jesus and the healing He was doing all over the land. Maybe he confided in his friends: “If I could only get to where Jesus is.” Maybe his friends had heard that Jesus would be near and wanted to give their friend a fighting chance. I do not know and for this devotion, it does not really matter. What matters is they wanted better for their friend. They had seen his struggles. They knew his life story. They knew how challenging life had become for him.

What is so amazing is the desperate faith of the paralytic man’s friends.

1. The 4 men carried their friend to where Jesus was.
2. When they could not get close enough to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof to get to Jesus.
3. Then the 4 of them let their friend down.

Because of the faith of his friends, Jesus heals the paralytic man and He receives salvation.

Mark 2:3-5
Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”

What lengths have you gone through, to introduce Jesus to your closest friends? Are they convincing you to follow them or can you convince them to follow you? Do they even see your faith? Do they have a respect for your faith – not to approach you with anything contrary to the word of God?

If you don’t have that type of friend and you are still searching, take a look in the mirror. It begins with you! What are you seeking after? Is your salvation so common that the power holds no value in your life? How desperate are you to see the salvation of Christ is presented to all that you are connected with?

2 Corinthians 3:18 (CEB)
All of us are looking with unveiled faces at the glory of the Lord as if we were looking in a mirror. We are being transformed into that same image from one degree of glory to the next degree of glory. This comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Have you ever been angry with God? Perhaps I should restate this. Have you ever tried to remind the Lord of the sacrifices YOU have made and what HE said He would, but your words were a bit rash?

We have all made requests to God that didn’t turn out like we had hoped. When this happens, it is easy (in our carnal mind) to think we have a justifiable reason to question His decision. We start to wonder if the Lord heard us or just decided to simply say “no” to our prayer. We even begin to question His existence. Really? Okay that thought really calls for a Shut Up and Sit Down moment. 

Wait a minute though.

When we begin to approach God as if He is one of “us”, we are treading in dangerous water and uncharted territory. When we feel that God owes us an explanation as to why He chose to do what He did or did not do, we have forgotten who we are speaking about. Please don’t get it twisted. Let me help you a little bit.

The bible talks about being angry. It’s okay to be angry; however, when you have anger then there is a serious issue that should be addressed immediately.

“Be ye angry and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Ephesians 4:26 (KJV)

Here, the bible says it is okay to be angry. Anger is the problem child. 

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior” Ephesians 4:31 (NLT)

As stated in the scripture above, anger is an evil behavior. In the old testament, there was a man named Jonah. He became angry with God and tried to run when God called him to preach to his enemies. Later (after God sent a large fish to stop him), he reluctantly obeyed God and preached to his enemies. To the surprise of Jonah, his enemies repented and turned to God. Instead of Jonah praising the Lord and rejoicing, he became very angry (Jonah 4).

What is the point? Simply this: Jonah was angry at God – but God didn’t reject him. Shoot, Jonah could have been an appetizer for the whale. Get some business Jonah. 😤

Instead, Jonah needed to learn to trust God, even if he did not agree with what God chose Him to do. That’s interesting. How often do we get upset over something that does not belong to us? Your gifts, your talents and all your little knowledge was given to you but not for your will- but for God’s will to be done through you.

You may not believe this, but we are not in control of our lives. Either we present ourselves as a living sacrifice for the Kingdom of Heaven or the enemy and his imps. There is no in between.

Be careful who you direct your anger towards.

This also applies to a man or woman of God. We are so quick to absorb information from others without knowing the entire story. The Bible calls this damnable heresies. Then we allow our heart to become hardened over something that had nothing to do with us and our ears become garbage bags when what we should have done was cut the snake’s head off (the one planting discord) and began to pray. God is not pleased.

But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. Revelations 2:4-5 (NLT)

Regardless of our irrational behavior, God still loves us; He loves us so much that He sent His only Son into the world to die for us. Would God be wrong to afflict you because of your rash words towards Him? 

“Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭5:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Surely your suffering would be justified – especially placing your mouth on something or someone that you do not understand. 🤔But He waits patiently for you to realize that He is not your enemy.

Be careful! Dont get it twisted. Whether you willingly surrender, God is in complete control. 

Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. (Psalms 141:3)

So often we hear of people having altercations and arguments over foolishness. Most times it’s based upon heresy or miscommunication, when all we had to do is get an understanding. That’s what MY Bible reads:

Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV) Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

The latest craze is to use social media (Facebook, IG, Twitter, etc.) to respond to a comment or a post someone makes on their own personal page. The key is..THEIR PERSONAL page. So, someone comes to your page and comments on your posts- when all they really needed to do was remove themselves from following you if they did not agree with your statements. Most times, people want an audience. And guess what? We give it to them. 
Let’s remember what these tools are. They are tools. People use them to reconnect with old friends or family members who are miles away. These tools are used to promote businesses. These tools are used to connect people who share the same common beliefs. But they are just “social” – a means to openly express your feelings.
So what if someone has a different opinion than you do – how does that change your life? How does a rebuttal help you grow? How does your subliminal message allow the light of Christ shine through you?
I have had to grow up really quickly and develop thick skin. Does it hurt for people to address you or talk about you without knowing you? Sure it does. The nature of worldly people is to judge. If you’re doing such things, still professing to be “Christ-like”, consider your ways. But why would I reply or say something on my page and not directly to the individual? Why would I allow a personal opinion to change my entire day?
What are we arguing about? Will your comment or opposition bring you a reward? Did you get a prize for winning the argument? Did your response get you a high paying position with your dream company? Did your cross-examination grant you a huge court settlement?
What’s the point? Is the argument really worth occupying space in your mind? Just to say you “won” or proved a point – who actually won? The enemy did. Yes he did because someone else is watching and reading and saying: “If they represent Jesus and that’s what Jesus does when He forgives you of your sins….I want NO parts!”

So congratulations! I hope you’re satisfied. Let me reassure you of this one thing. There is NO way that any ounce of the Holy Spirit could dwell within you and you not feel convicted. Oh, and in case you forgot, everything we say and do is being written- in a book. 

Please don’t misunderstand me. I am dying daily to this. 😤 Meaning that I really want to go off on folk. Here I’m trying to be positive and you come on MY page for stupidity? Like – who asked for your opinion though? That’s just me. I confess my faults one to another and now, just like the Bjble says, pray for one another- bae bae- stretch your hands this way and pray for your sister. 

He asked us to build one another up; instead, we bring one another down… Let’s do better. Let’s be better! Every day is a new day to be led by Jesus; to have His character. We can do it! If God didn’t feel we could be His people and represent Him well, why would He allow us to have a second chance by sending His Son to die for us? 

C’mon! You are sowing to your flesh and there is no way that the Spirit can grow and develop. A turtle and a giraffe cannot have the same perspective. A tuetle’s view is closer to the ground- that is his element. While a giraffe’s view is based upon the things he or she sees that are on a much higher level. You are a giraffe. Stop lowering your standards to meet the perspective of a 🐢 turtle. They’ll never understand. 

If someone says something on your page about you- it’s real simple. Erase the message and move on. 

You are increasing and intensifying your flesh’s strength and desire to control the real you. 

 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 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.” Galatians‬ ‭6:7-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Dear Soul,

Why do you feel hurt? Why are you broken? How have you become lost? Did you place yourself in the hands of someone who has no experience with caring for you? Did you give yourself away to something that has no value or substance? Oh my soul- like a well, whose water has dried up, you have allowed someone or something to suck the life out of you.

I desire to tell you who and what that is, but if I do, will you continue to allow it to consume you? Or will you take the information and let it transform you from bitter to better?

It is okay to be hurt, but oh my soul, you cannot stay in that misery. For you have given place to the flesh. Yes, my dear soul. The flesh has crept in unaware. He planned his attack, waited patiently for your vulnerable moment, and as a lion stalking its prey, he pounced upon you.

Oh my soul. Why are you disquieted? You have placed your entire existence and trust into the flesh. How could you give yourself away to something that had nothing to do with creating you? He does not know you. 

• The flesh does not know what seeds of life to plant in you. 
• The flesh does not know how to nourish you. The flesh does not know how to sustain you and make you flourish. 

For, it is impossible for the flesh to do this- when, it did not create you.

My soul. All is not lost. There is a way out. Now that you have had a open and transparent conversation with the flesh, tell it to shut up. Do it quickly and be deliberate. It will try to draw back its shoulders and raise up at you. You better mean it when you talk to it. But do not fear. When you call on your Father, who created you and return back home, The Spirit of the living God, your Father, will send help and surround the flesh. You have more fighting FOR you than against you. But- they will not fight, if you’re still dancing with the flesh. You see, God, our Father, cannot STAND it!

“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Oh My soul. Our Father is waiting. His arms are waiting to embrace you. Detach yourself from the flesh and run back home. Oh my soul. Your hope is in God!

“Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed? Why are you so upset inside? Hope in God! Because I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42:11‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Bless the Lord, oh my soul! Your Father loves you. Bless the Lord, oh my soul and remember His benefits. The curing of diseases, the waking you up in the morning and protection in the evening. The ability to use the limbs which He made – my soul…oh my soul. Do not forget to bless the Lord. 

On Tuesday, I shared with you a situation that occurred at my children’s school. My daughter Asia, experienced embarrassment and shame at the hands of her 5th grade teacher, simply because she used the name Jesus in her expression of frustration, while seeking for an item to complete work given in class. (Please read the devotion entitled: “Shut Up and Sit Down” for the details). 
On Monday, I was in my flesh. I did not care if this lady would lose her job – ultimately effecting her family, because she showed no care or concern for mine. I know, I know. I told you I had to tell my flesh to shut up because the Bible says this:

“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” ‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I know you can’t wish ill or harm on anyone. We do that right? We want folks to suffer how we want them to, when they do us wrong for no reason. When we fight, we offend. We God fights, He redeems. So, I had to get my mind right, because it was a mess. 

I had called the school and left the Principal a voice mail Monday afternoon. I had just missed school hours. Knowing that she would not receive it until later, I also sent her an email because I assumed she would check emails prior to arriving to school the next morning. I had her contact information. Again, you have to be involved with your child’s life outside of what goes on in the home. Care about what they care about. My husband and I have a relationship with the school so they know who we are and we support not only the school and its endeavors, but also our children. 

I sent an email Monday night at 11:48 pm to the Principal. I explained how Asia described the situation, how we understand that we only had one side of the story but also we know our children. I also expressed my interest in how the situation would be handled and I left the Principal with this statement: “I trust in your ability to lead and find a resolution for this situation.”

Here this: A spiritual change occurs first inwardly, before it appears in the natural. In other words, when God God is a Spirit. Everything He does manifests in the Spirit first and begins to change your life; He does it from the inside out. 

Watch this: I allowed the Spirit of God, by His word, to minister to me and change my thoughts and perspective on these series of events first, and then I allowed it to be manifested physically by placing the responsibility in the hands of the Principal. Did you catch that? That’s so powerful!

What I did was took all of my frustrations, hurt, and anger and placed them in the hands of the Principal, carnally, after I placed my trust in the hands of my Father.  I could not do that without first allowing the word of God to bring me back under subjection to His will and His Holy Spirit. We often do this backwards. We try to fix the outer then ask the Lord for help. It won’t work. 

The Principal replied at 5:48 am on Tuesday. She apologized that Asia had to experience this. She mentioned how she’s never had any issues with Asia or any of our children over the past 7 years. She also was shocked at the behavior of the teacher as that was out of character for her as well. She told me that she would speak to the teacher and Asia separately and then contact me at 9:30 am to discuss next steps and if I felt a meeting was warranted. 

At 9:35 am, the Principal calls. I had already won because I trusted the Lord would grant victory. I could not physically see how this would be positive and fair but it was. The teacher explained the situation just as Asia described it. . So my child told the truth. The teacher apologized. She said she was completely wrong and she admitted she was. She said her reply was not in any way related to religious beliefs or a disbelief. She claims there was so much going on in the room at the time, when she heard it, she wanted whoever it was to be mindful of other students and their beliefs. 

So the Principal says to the teacher (I love this lady. She takes care of business but she is a sweetheart and she is fair):
Principal: How could you have handled this differently?

The Teacher: Talk to Asia afterwards or call her to my desk to explain being more conscious of others. 

Principle: What do you think effected Asia the most?

Teacher: Calling Asia out in front of everyone and embarrassing her as if she did something wrong.

The teacher then said she wanted to apologize to Asia and myself for her actions. The Principal read my email to her. Ironically, the teacher had to leave for the day on Tuesday because she received a call from her child’s school that she became sick- that’s a whole different message right there. I hope you catch it. See that same Jesus you deny openly, bae baeee, you gone need him. When your children become stricken with illness and you can’t do anything to take it away?? Oh now your child need help? Mmm I’ll leave that alone. 

The Principal calls Asia down separately and the first things she tells Asia: “honey, I need you to know that you did nothing wrong. You said nothing wrong. You’re not in any trouble at all. I want you to remember this. In life you will experience many things. When things come up, you will have to determine what is the good, the bad, the ugly, and what can I learn from this.” 

The Principal: What was the ugly in this for you?

Asia: She called me out in front of the class. 

Principal: Exactly and now you were left to try to justify this to everyone. You were placed in a situation that you’re too young to try to explain or understand. As you grow and get older, you will do and say things about what you feel and believe and people will ask for an explanation of why you feel the way that you do, but at this age, you’re too young to decipher and be placed in a situation to try to explain that. 

I don’t know about you but I call this victory on many levels. 

1. The teacher can keep her job. 
2. She will apologize to Asia and to the class for the incident that occurred. 
3. She will be more mindful of her behavior and the path taken as an educator at all times- she will remember this situation. 
4. She learned on yestuhday that there are parents of all ethnical backgrounds who have a vested interest in their child’s education and rights.
5. Both myself and my child represented Christ and I remained in right-standing with my Savior which is so important to me on many levels. The teacher met Christ representers on yesterday. 
6. I taught my children how to never bow to the enemy and do not stoop to his level. To always hold your integrity in Christ. In other words, tell the flesh to shut up and sit down and have a candid (heart to heart), transparent conversation with it. 
7.  I allowed the Lord to fight for me, and I was able to hold my peace. 

“The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The last thing the Principal said after hugging Asia a gazillion times was this: “I love how you shared with your parents what happened on yesterday. Continue to do that. Do not ever stop talking to your parents. They are in your best interest and will lead you to make the right choices in life and help you resolve issues when they arise, like this.”
That’s it Mrs. T. We can learn from this, spiritually as well: We should never stop talking to God our Father, both asking and waiting for Him to lead us to make the right decisions in life. If we do this, we will always make the right choices. It was not easy. No no but it was so worth it. Knowing that I passed the test and that I can see growth in myself. 
So on THIS DAY! I declare and walk in victory as I cite the words of a song by Todd Dulaney…

“Hallelujah, you have won the victory. Hallelujah, you have won it all – for me”

Thank you Jesus!

Bye Felicia. I win, you lose!

Yes you’re eyes are correct. You are receiving a devotion on Tuesday instead of Monday. If you only understood the last 48 hours- from Sunday night-Monday night? Honey, this devotion would be long. Let’s just say two of my kids were at urgent care late Sunday afternoon and tested positive for Strepp. 24 hours later, one of the two who tested positive contracted pink -eye in both eyes. But that is not even the issue.

I guess the enemy wanted to tempt me on Monday. Here it is, I’m telling folks to tell their flesh to shut up and sit down with my new book, and he wanted to know if I was talking to my own flesh.

Bae baeee. I talked to my flesh, quoted scripture, and had folks praying. ALL OF IT!
Here’s the scenario.

My 11 year old, Asia comes home from school. We are discussing with the children how their day was. Listen. Always talk to your children. Keep an open dialogue. They should be comfortable expressing themselves to you. If you do not make them comfortable, the person that is pressuring them into doing the wrong thing will.

Asia shares with me an incident that happened on Monday, with her Social Studies teacher.

This is how Asia describes the incident. The class was working on something or another. Asia was looking for something (pen, paper, object) and could not find what she was looking for. She says: “Jesus Christ”, an expression she used to explain her frustration.

The teacher proceeds to ask: “Who made that inappropriate comment?” Asia tells me: “Mom, I didn’t say anything because it wasn’t an inappropriate comment to me.” No you did not honey- you right. Can I say I was so proud how she handled that moment right there? Jesus CHRIST is not inappropriate.

The teacher asks again, but differently this time: “Who said Jesus and then THAT word?” Asia says I did. The teacher thanks her for speaking up and being honest; but then proceeds to tell Asia:

“You can say that name in your prayers or somewhere else, but don’t ever say that in my classroom.”

In all the years we have been affiliated with this school, we have had minimal incidents and I contribute that to the parent/administration relationship. But this situation, to me- was a threat to my child.

FIRST OF ALLL…

1. If Asia by chance, uses Jesus or says OMG again in her class, since she told Asia not to again, what is she going to do or say to my child? Because, you see, I can help the instructor with her frustrations. She can talk to me face to face and not to my 11 year old child. This just my flesh right here talking.

2. It is not the instructors responsibility to impose her beliefs or will on children. Her job is to teach. She did this openly which then led the other children to ask my child if she was okay and which Asia was. Her response to them was that maybe she’s an atheist. YEAH ASIA!! I’m sorry – I had a moment again.

3. My daughter should not be made to feel that she has to guard everything she says or that she will be singled out. I would consider an inappropriate word to be a sware word. Maybe Sh@@ or da@@; but maybe that is just my upbringing.

4. I could see If Asia was having a side bar discuss about religion or not listening to the instructor and again I am only hearing one side of the story but we teach our children to walk with integrity and if they are any thing other than, it is not acceptable behavior. Just because this is our requirement does not mean they are the best students. This does not mean they do not have to be told to stop talking in classes and to pay attention. We also teach them about having conversations that would be offensive because we live in a world where people have varying beliefs. So I am inclined to believe Asia.

To say that I am frustrated is beyond words and I’m uncertain, with this being the end of the year, how or even if this will be handled or addressed, according to school ordinances. And I will be having a conversation tomorrow with SOMEONE.
I have engaged the principal and I need to see this teacher look me in the face and tell me how she justifies her actions. Because her reply had nothing to do with the subject of social studies and therefore I FEEL her actions and her verbiage were inappropriate. I felt like Peter- chopping off an ear. You coming for My Savior and my child?

So, I called on the Lord and I recalled His word to my mind and I had to remember that I still need to make Jesus irresistible in this situation. The Spirit is so amazing. The word of the Lord came to me like this:

“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians‬ ‭2:10-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

While this teacher does not confess Jesus, she will. She gone learn about inappropriate behavior. There will come a time when she will need to call on that name. In the meantime, I’m going to introduce her to Mrs. Lock, THE Christ Representer.

Stay tuned to Wednesday’s devotion to see how this all works out- for our good. 😉

It’s Spring. Normally after the holidays, typically January 2nd, the workout facilities are flooded with people. They are working on shedding the holiday pounds, getting ready for Spring Break or the Summer season.

Listen- I think I have tried practically every workout program common to woman. I mean, seriously 😒

I am that person that as soon as I jump on the scale, bae baee, I need to see some results. A few ounces, 1/2 a pound, something needs to reduce or she will become frustrated, stressed and she will grab a bag of chips. That’s just me.

It’s not all about the pounds. There are some other benefits, although the shedding of pounds just makes you feel better.

The other benefits associated with exercising: it produces a healthy heart, provides a decrease in stress and anxiety, and I must say, after I put in some time, I don’t want to indulge in foolery. You mean to tell me, I have spent all this time sweating out my hair, I take my shower, and then eat something horrible that would negate all of my hard work? Mmm mm. The devil and all his imps are a lie.

Although we may not see the immediate results, we do feel better. You feel better but you may not see better.

So it is in the Lord. You came to the Lord, frustrated, weary, broken-hearted and abandoned. The Spirit of God, comforted you, warmed your heart, and gave you a different perspective on life. You were excited and ready to share with the world; but the world was not ready to accept your news. After the church service, you returned home. Although you felt better inwardly, the house was the same, you had the same bills, the same people were in your ear.

You made some inner changes. It’s now time for those to be reflected outwardly. 

“Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” II Corinthians‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Faith is not what you see. It is what you believe. You believed that there was a better way and you took the steps towards a new and living way. Continue the process. It does not just begin and end at the altar. There is some work that you now must do to maintain your peace.

• Remove anything that does not reflect God’s principles from your life. 
• Disconnect from anyone that would cause you to revert back to your old ways.
• Learn how to use the Bible. 
• Read the concordance, look at the instructions in the front of the Bible.
• Ask questions in your new member’s class
• Review the material given to you at church.
• Connect with someone who can help you grow and develop.

Do not quit because you see others revealing their benefits. Uh uh. You are using a broken scale. You have no idea how they struggled to get to a olace od trusting the Lord. You have no idea how many times rhey contemplates giving up. They had to grow through the process as well. Notice that I said “grow” not go. Don’t try the skip the process, searching for shortcuts, and living a “fad diet” life.

The process builds character. The struggle lead you to understanding the value of your salvation.

We are speaking of a new way of living. It will not happen over night, but if you continue to put in the work- just like a diet/exercise plan, you will reap the benefits.

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” I Timothy‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

How can we love someone we have not physically seen? How can we be in love with someone who is farther away than a long distance relationship but as close as our next breath?

We will feel the warmth of God’s love embracing us and giving us comfort as we move through our days, but oftentimes we cannot trace Him when tragedy strikes. 

So how can we create a relationship that is natural and easy with someone we cannot touch with our hands or embrace with our arms, or see His hand wipe away our tears?

When we allow the undeniable presence of God to connect with our spirit, we begin to feel His love. Insomuch, that you begin to share this love with others. You become glad in His blessings. No. Not in things- those are not blessings. We will be in a thankful mood. We will have a grateful heart, and more importantly,  we won’t see the need to get angry or to attack because we recognize those feelings are of no value to us. In fact, we will begin to reflect over our lives and begin to ponder why we ever saw the need to get angry or to attack.

Be with God today. Spend time with Him. Relax His arms. We will live far better if we allow our spirit to control our actions.  
We will then recognize that the love of God is not invisible. It’s prevalent everywhere. How you feel is not who you are. We shouldn’t get so caught up in not seeing a physical image of God. Think about this: you cannot see a human spirit either. You see the human flesh. 

We have seen visible manifestations which God uses to reveal His presence. Please tell the flesh to shut up and sit down, so that you can experience the presence of God. 

“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Unbelief in God does not erase His existence. 

When weather patterns begin to change and the storm approaches, we can clearly see it in the sky, right before our eyes.  The sun hides behind the clouds; they begin to darken. Soon you’ll see drops of water sitting on your window pane, your clothing or against buildings. Maybe you’ll even get a glimpse of lightning flashes and sounds of rumbling known as thunder, either before or not too long after the downpour begins. If it’s more harsh weather conditions such as a tornado, the same applies – you can see it developing. 

It is also possible for the weather to change without any indication. He’s God and He can do that!

Just as you can see the weather patterns change and storms approaching, you can also see the storms of life as they approach. Some of your life storms have a pattern as well. Maybe it’s that broken relationship that ended and look – now here’s comes another potential “storm” and he/she looks JUST like the last; same book, different chapter. Or perhaps you’re in a conversation with your spouse and the body language and tone of the communication tells you that the conversation is going to end in a disagreement.

Oftentimes we see the signs. We notice the patterns. Instead of taking shelter, we run towards the storm like storm chasers. 

We know if we flirt around with that man, the end result. We know if we are in specific environments, the environment and the people will produce ungodly behavior from us.

The Lord told us to run away from storms, not towards them. Don’t be a storm chaser. 

Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22, KJV)