Are You Waiting for The Other Shoe to Drop?

Solomon, who is credited for being the wisest man that ever walked the face of the earth, said in Ecclesiastes 9:11I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

Have you ever heard anyone say if it wasn’t for bad luck they wouldn’t have any luck at all? Well my friend, first I’d like to assure you that there is no such thing as luck, neither bad nor good. As Solomon so wisely stated, sometimes things just happen. And even those things just happen nothing happens that God does not already know is going to happen. Things may take you by surprise, but nothing is a surprise to God.

Sure, each of us encounter experiences in life that are less than favorable, and often times we wonder why. We read in James 1:2-4 my brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Believe it or not our less than favorable experiences build character. They are the foundation of our testimony; our encouragement for others.

We read in Proverbs 23:7 for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. If you are going around thinking that because you have experienced a couple, a few or even several less than favorable encounters that you are doomed and nothing good is ever going to happen to you, then guess what, you are going to get exactly what you are thinking. Change your mindset and change your future.

Jeremiah 29:11reads for I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. Stop expecting bad things to happen. Stop walking around sad and depressed thinking things will never get better. Negative thoughts tie Gods hands and prolong the blessings and abundant life He wants each and every one of His children to possess.

If you have been waiting for the other shoe to drop I ask you to make a conscious decision today to change your way of thinking. Jesus said in John 10:10 I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Take hold of what is your inherent right. Grasp hold of the abundant life today. Don’t waste another moment sulking, hold your head up high, stir up the joy inside of you and live the abundant life!

 

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Nothing’s Changed

We read in Isaiah 55:10-12 for as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watererth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

How many times have you received a word from the Lord, but when things seemed to go contrary to what He has said you get that sinking feeling in your stomach and begin to lose hope?

After receiving not so favorable news I started getting that sinking feeling in my stomach. As I readied myself for my pity party The Lord quickly reminded me “nothing’s changed.” The word that He had previously spoken to me remained steadfast. It could not and would not change.

How often we are swayed by the thoughts that go through our mind, but they are simply that…thoughts! There is no validity. Our carnal senses have persuaded that what we think might happen is reality when truly it is not. Our mind, based on what we have heard or what we have seen has come to a conclusion on its own, but where are the facts?

The fact is if God has spoken, as we have just read, His word shall not return unto Him void, but will accomplish what He pleases. The fact is as Christians we are to exercise our faith. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…things hoped for. The things that we hope for are things that prosper us, things that have a good ending, things that bring peace, joy and comfort. If the thoughts that are going through your mind are contrary to the things that you are hoping for then they are not rooted in faith.

While our mind is wandering, conjuring up the worst thing we can imagine our spirit fights back reminding us of what God has said in His word. We read in 2Corintians 10:5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

As Christians we have the authority to call those things which be not as though they were. Take a stand. Refuse to believe the thoughts the enemy tries to shoot through your mind that are contrary to what you know is Gods truth. Stand firm. Don’t give in to worry, stress, anxiety or fear. When has worry, stress, anxiety or fear ever caused something to turn in your favor?

What God was telling me and what I am telling you is that it doesn’t matter what you’re facing, or what anyone says or does. When God speaks He already knows what you are going to face in the future. When your future becomes your right now His word is still valid. It has not changed. Whatever His word to you was, it still is. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for. Faith if for now. Faith is for the time that you want to give up, cave in and quit. Faith is for the time things look like they are not going to change. Faith is for this moment. The moment that you receive bad news, the moment you think you can’t go on.

God is saying nothing’s changed, so don’t you change. He hasn’t changed his mind about what He has said He is going to do, so don’t you change your expectation.

Secret Thoughts - Things We Are Afraid To Say Out Loud



What are your Secret Thoughts?

 

What are you afraid to say out loud?

 

Lean how to release your secret thoughts without fear of embarrassment, ridicule, envy or jealousy, and become empowered to speak out loud.

 

Join me at Medu Bookstore

Saturday November 8th from 2-5

 

Greenbriar Mall

2841 Greenbriar Parkway

Atlanta, GA 30331

 

 

 

 

 

Be Excited But Don’t Be Anxious

As I was praying one day, seeking the Lord concerning His Plan for my life He began to reveal things to me. As He spoke to me he said “It’s okay to be excited but don’t be anxious.” 

Sometimes during our journey, especially when we know we have heard from God we may have a tendency to become anxious. We have a vision and we are ready for it to manifest. In our eagerness to see our desired end we may become discouraged. 

We may lose sight of why we are doing what we are doing. We become focused on what we have defined as success, when success is each step we take towards our goal.  

We place undue pressure on ourselves. Instead of resting in God and His ability, we try to accomplish His Goals within our strength. When you think about it, what sense does this make? We must have faith and believe, but our belief must be in Him and His ability to work through us. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief Hebrews 4:11-12. Our labor should be to trust in Gods ability rather than in ours, and as you are aware it does take labor to believe when things all around you are causing you not to believe.  

We think we are running out of time. If things don’t happen the way we expect them to happen when we expect them to happen we begin to second guess ourselves, but we are actually second guessing God.  We think we may have missed our time. What we must remember as we read in 2 Peter 3:8 but, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Be Patient. He will bring everything He has placed in you to fruition in His time. 

Paul said in Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Learn to be content wherever you are in your journey. Every step that you make takes you closed to your destination. What may appear to be a step back may be a step that is required to ensure your foundation is firm. Have you ever taken a step forward as you were walking, felt as though you were losing your balance and quickly took a step back? God wants us to stand on that firm foundation, the Rock that the gates of hell shall not prevail against.  

You will experience trials and tribulation during your journey my friend, but be of good cheer. Be excited, but not anxious for the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Give Thanks

 



We read in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. As we move through the month of October I would be remiss if I did not mention how grateful I am to be a breast cancer survivor.

In February 2004 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am celebrating 11 years of life this year. As I thank God for my health I also remember those that fought but did not survive. I pray for Gods healing hand on those that are currently in battle fighting to concur this attack which no man nor woman should have to endure.

I can’t say for sure why I was attacked by breast cancer. The doctors attribute it to genetics as my mother, now deceased but not from breast cancer and my sister both survived this monster. My sister was tested and was told she did not have the genetic marker for breast cancer.

What I can tell you is that I was forewarned as I prayed in November 2013. I heard The Spirit of the Lord say to me “you are going to get breast cancer but you are not going to die”.

When told of my diagnosis was I shocked? Of course I was even though I’d already been told what was going to happen.  I cried, but what I didn’t do was allow this enemy of life to steal my peace. I underwent chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy as I was told the cancer in my left breast could reoccur in my right breast. I had a tram flap and received implants.

Today I still feel the side effects of the chemotherapy. I have small fiber peripheral neuropathy. I recall as I was interviewing for jobs when I prepared to return to the work place I was wearing new shoes that were too small but I couldn’t tell initially because my toes were numb due to the neuropathy. I laugh at this now and am thankful I kept my joy even during the times I was nauseous, tired, bald, and could barely open my mouth.

I have many things for which to be thankful including life itself but life on earth cannot compare to eternal life with my Lord and Savior.

Whether your battle is with cancer, or some other sickness or disease. If your struggle is an addiction, affliction or vice. Whether you are seeking emotional, physical, financial or spiritual healing God is always there. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is waiting for you. If you have not already done so make a decision today to give your life to Christ. Accept Him as your Lord and Savior and allow Him to fight your battles, heal your heart and deliver out of the clutches of the enemy.

Be Blessed,

A thankful survivor

 

 

 

Are There Toxins in Your Life?

A toxin is defined as poison.  Poison can be defined as something harmful or pernicious, as to happiness or well-being. It is a substance with an inherent property that tends to destroy life or impair health.

What toxins are there in your life? What, or who is causing you harm emotionally, physically, financially or spiritually? What or who is ruining or destroying your life? What or who is standing between you and Gods divine purpose for your life?

When I ask myself these questions I think about relationships that are not productive or are not life enhancing. I think about time used for activities which are not aligned with one’s character which could be allocated elsewhere.  I think about people and things that drain ones energy causing a person to be depleted of the strength needed to persevere.

In all these things, these toxins or poisons that threaten our ability to move forward, I also think about the role we play in allowing these toxins or poisons to have power or a place of existence in our lives. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 9:11…time and chance happen to us all. There are some things that will just happen in our lives. Please understand God does not cause bad things to happen in our lives, but He does allow certain things to occur. Also remember we read in Romans 8:28 and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

When I think about my own life I know that there are decisions that I have made that led to less than favorable outcomes. If it were possible would I change some of the choices I have made, of course I would. I also know however that the choices that I have made have molded me into the person that I am today. Whether our choices are good or bad that are still part of the fabric of which we are woven.

As we read the account of Samson and Delilah we read of Delilah nagging Samson to the point that he grew so sick and tired of her nagging that he gave in to her request to know the source of his power. Samson lost his power, his eyes were gouged out and he was taunted. Samson sought God to avenge him. His power was restored and he slew more Philistines, those that sought to kill him, at his death than he did during his life.

Samson’s relationship with Delilah was toxic. It fits the description of poison as it ultimately led to his death. I pray that you are not in a relationship or behaviors that are poisonous. Are there however relationships or behaviors that you need to change or end? Perhaps they are not literally threatening your life, but they may be preventing you from moving forward.

Take a self-assessment. Ask yourself the following questions:

·         Do my relationships enhance or hinder?

·         Do my behaviors energize or are they weighing me down?

·         Do I allow myself to become engaged in activities that are counterproductive?

·         Am I pursuing Gods purpose for my life or allowing myself or others to sabotage my journey?

If your responses to these questions lead you to believe you are involved in toxic or unhealthy behaviors or relationships I strongly encourage you to take the necessary steps to make changes and healthy life choices.

It’s not always easy to end relationships or change behaviors. There may be times that you revert to your old behaviors and contemplate returning to old relationships. I am joining with you in prayer that God will give you the strength that you need to move away from the things that are hindering you and preventing you from pressing forward.

No matter how far you may have gone to the left or to the right God is more than able to help you get back on track. As we read in Philippians 11:6 being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

 

 

Learn How to Share Your Secret Thoughts

Foreclosure, repossession, emotional, financial and verbal abuse…

Who do you tell?  Who can you trust?  Are you too embarrassed to tell anyone?

 

A child is imprisoned.  The pain feels unbearable.  How do you cope?

A business relationship results in adultery.  How do you end the affair?

A special occasion shared with acquaintances, because you don’t have family with which to share your good fortune.

A Secret Thought may be good, but it remains a secret because you don’t have anyone you feel you can share it with, that will be as excited about your Secret Thought as you are.

A Secret Thought may also be hurtful, causing pain, destroying relationships; adversely affecting ones emotional and physical wellbeing.

What are your Secret Thoughts?  When and with whom do you share them? Or do you share them?

Within the pages of my book you will read about the Secret Thoughts of different individuals, as well as how they learned to release their thoughts, and became empowered to speak out loud.

This practical yet powerful guide serves as a tool to provide the reader with guidance on sharing thoughts that may cause pain, stress, discomfort, or joy without fear of judgment, repercussion, retaliation or envy.

 

 

 

 

Join me at Nubian Bookstore

Friday October 3, 2014

4pm-7pm

2445 Southlake Mall

Morrow, GA 30260

Call (678) 422-6120      

 

 

 

Stay the Course

And when Sarai dealt hardly with her (Hagar), she fled from her face.

If you are not familiar with this portion of scripture it is taken from Genesis 16:6. Sarai, the wife of Abram was barren. She was too old to conceive and decided to take matters into her own hands. She literally gave her maid Hagar to her husband for the purpose of conceiving a child which she would raise as her own.

Well just like many plans that we concoct, Sarai’s plan blew up in her face. Hagar despised Sarai after she became pregnant. Sarai retaliated by treating Hagar harshly; Hagar fled.

Sometimes when we feel we are treated harshly, are subjected to adverse circumstances by no fault of our own, or become so sick and tired of certain situations we too may feel like Hagar and want to flee.

We want to leave whatever we feel may be causing our pain. We desire a change. We may feel like we have done everything within our power to improve our situation. If our circumstances involve someone we are trying to help we may even start to lose hope that the person we are trying to help will ever change.

We may be forging ahead as hard as we can to accomplish a goal, follow our passion, or reach our destiny but feel like we are falling short.

Regardless of what brings us to the point that we want to flee or give up we must reconcile ourselves with our situation.

When Hagar fled an angel of the Lord came to her and told her to return to the circumstance which she fled. He comforted her by saying her cries had been heard and she would give birth to a son whose seed would be multiplied. Even though Hagar’s pregnancy was not her plan it was still part of her destiny.

On our journey to reach our destiny we may find ourselves in situations which are unfavorable, paths we would not have selected ourselves, or perhaps the paths we are on are our own choice, but are not the best choice. What do we do? Do we flee as Hagar did? We see that even though she fled, she was told to return to her situation because that was where she was supposed to be.

When times are difficult our natural instinct may be to flee, but if God has allowed us to be in certain situations, He may want us to dig our heels in, stand firm, gather our strength and move forward in what He has predestined for our lives.

We read in Luke 12:48 …for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Don’t think it peculiar or strange if you find yourself in trying, difficult or what may even feel like unbearable situations. As a matter of fact we should count it all joy as we are encouraged to do by James, when we fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of our faith worketh patience.

Oftentimes when we are close to our breakthrough, the goal that we have been working so hard to reach, able to see a flicker at the end of the tunnel the enemy brings out the big guns trying to get us to give up, cave in and quit.

Well, I am here to tell you that you are almost there. Don’t flee. Don’t allow the enemy to rob you of what God has told you is yours. Stay the course. You will find that everything you have endured will help you to be a blessing to someone else as you revel in God’s grace and glory.

 

 

From Saul to Paul

Many of us are familiar with Saul, his persecution of the followers of Jesus, his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and conversion to preaching Christ in the synagogues.

When we look at Saul’s life before his encounter with Jesus, we see that he was fervent. He was passionate about what he was doing. He was ignorant as he says about himself in 1Timothy1:13 who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief, but he thought he was doing the right thing based on what he was taught.

Sometimes in life we may find ourselves going in the wrong direction or doing things out of ignorance as Paul stated he was doing. Our ignorance may come from

• Our environment
• Our upbringing
• Influence of
• Family
• Friends
• Social media

Sometimes people may find themselves just following the crowd. They may not even know why they exhibit certain behaviors. They are simply going along with everyone else. Then there are others that believe in what they are doing and stand strongly for their cause.

In addition to being fervent, Saul was a leader and committed to his cause. As a matter of fact he was so committed to his persecution of the followers of Jesus that he sought authorization to go after them, as we read in Acts 9:1-2 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Saul took it upon himself to go after the followers of Jesus. He was a man on a mission, but one encounter with Jesus changed his mission.

How many of us are doing what we thing is the right thing to do and going at it fervently just as Saul did only to find out we are not doing what God wants us to do.

If you are reading this blog I am pretty sure you are not persecuting the followers of Christ, but you may not be doing what God has called you to do.

I believe God takes our natural attributes, personalities and strengths, adds His anointing, when we give our life to Him and enhances them to be used for His purpose for our lives.

Before Saul’s conversion he was a leader, fervent and committed to his cause. After his conversion he was a leader, fervent and committed to the cause of Christ.

Whatever we do we should do as unto the Lord, regardless of our vocation. We read in John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing. We also read in John 1:17 every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. God has given each of us talents, gifts, attributes, personalities that make us who we are. Each of these good and perfect gifts should be used for His Glory. He wants us to be successful in all that we do according to His will and purpose for our lives.

Whoever you are and whatever God has called you to do will only be magnified when you allow Him to guide you rather than trying to figure it out on your own out of ignorance, or a lack of knowledge of his purpose for your life.

If God has spoken to you, follow his lead. If He has not spoken to you, seek Him, search Him for your purpose.

I will close with one of my favorite scriptures, Proverbs 13:12 hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh it is a tree of life. When we are not doing what God has purposed in our heart to do we are not truly happy, but when we follow his plan and see His purpose coming to pass in our lives there is joy unspeakable. There is not a better feeling than knowing you are exactly where God wants you to be, doing exactly what He wants you to do. When we are in His will, we too can be a leader, fervent and committed to Gods purpose for our lives.

 

 

 

 

Here Am I

When you have sought God or He has sought you and you are following his directions for your life you will encounter opposition. You may be taunted or ridiculed. People may question your authority, your ability, your education. Don’t take it personally.

When Moses encountered the burning bush God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. Moses accepted Gods call on his life.

Being well aware that he would be questioned by those God would send him before, he inquired of God saying, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?  And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.

If you have purposed in your heart to follow God and you know that you are doing what He has called you to do you must respond as Moses responded and say I Am That I AM sent me.  Don’t let anyone undermine the anointing and authority God is working through you. Boldly proclaim I Am sent me.

Sometimes people are afraid to fulfill Gods call on their life, or do what He has told them to do because they are afraid people may consider them as arrogant but what you must remember is that it is God and not you. You are simply a willing vessel. What some people may see as your confidence in your own skills or abilities is actually your confidence in God.

When the children of Israel murmured and complained against Aaron and Moses. Moses basically responded who are we, we are only Gods vessels, and we are doing what He has told us to do. You are not murmuring against us but against God.

You must understand as Moses did, people are not coming against you, but the gift, the Holy Spirit, the God in you. God does not have to defend what He is doing through you, nor will He. And you cannot compromise and become angry as Moses did when he hit the rock out of arrogance because he was tired of the people coming against him. Just do what God tells you to do.

When people come against you, and they will because of the favor on your life, pray for them as Jesus did in Luke 23:24 saying Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

God always provides you with the confidence and encouragement in Him and His ability to do the work that He has called you to do. As Paul said in Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.  

Perhaps God has already called you or spoken to you, or maybe He is speaking to you now. Will you accept His call and say Here Am I?

 

 

Guest Appearance Monday August 25th on WATC 57's ATLANTA LIVE

Watch me live, August 25^th on WATC TV-57’s Atlanta live. The program airs from 7-9 EST.  WATC TV-57 is a local Christian TV station, in its 16^th year, broadcast in nearly 2 million homes throughout the Atlanta area; via cable, Dish Network, DirecTV and over-the-air.  The station is also streamlined at their website, www.watc.tv.

 

ATLANTA LIVE, its flagship program, is a two-hour live talk-show featuring artists, musicians, authors, evangelists, ministers, etc. of local and national recognition.

I will be appearing live to promote my new book, Secret Thoughts: Things We Are Afraid To Say Out Loud.

Topics in the book include: 

 

Foreclosure, repossession, emotional, financial and verbal abuse…

Who do you tell?  Who can you trust?  Are you too embarrassed to tell anyone?

 

A child is imprisoned.  The pain feels unbearable.  How do you cope?

A business relationship results in adultery.  How do you end the affair?

A special occasion shared with acquaintances, because you don’t have family with which to share your good fortune.

A Secret Thought may be good, but it remains a secret because you don’t have anyone you feel you can share it with, that will be as excited about your Secret Thought as you are.

A Secret Thought may also be hurtful, causing pain, destroying relationships; adversely affecting ones emotional and physical wellbeing.

What are your Secret Thoughts?  When and with whom do you share them? Or do you share them?

Within the pages of my book you will read about the Secret Thoughts of different individuals, as well as how they learned to release their thoughts, and became empowered to speak out loud.

This practical yet powerful guide serves as a tool to provide the reader with guidance on sharing thoughts that may cause pain, stress, discomfort, or joy without fear of judgment, repercussion, retaliation or envy.

 

 

Take Back Your Power

Have you ever been lied to by someone you trust? Have you ever been let down by someone? Perhaps it was someone who had authority over you, a friend, a family member, or even a spouse.

I don’t know of anyone that suffered more disappointment and false accusation than Joseph.  His own brothers conspired to kill him but instead they sold him into slavery after placing him in a pit.

He was falsely accused of rape.  Spent time in prison for a crime he did not commit.  After interpreting the dream of a fellow prisoner he expected an early release from prison, but the fellow prisoner whose dream he interpreted forgot about Joseph once he was released from prison. 

During the entire time of Joseph’s trials and tribulation we do not read of him complaining, but what we do read throughout his journey is the Lord was with him.  

Perhaps you have old wounds that have not been healed. Maybe you are carrying a grudge against someone that has hurt you.  Just as the Lord was with Joseph and caused him to prosper in spite of his circumstances He is also with you and will prosper you in spite of your circumstances if you just as Joseph, forgive, do not try to get revenge, and put your trust in Him.

We read in Mark 11:25-26 and when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.  But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.

When Joseph’s brothers were made aware by Joseph himself, that not only had he survived the slavery they had sold him into, he also forgave them they were amazed.

Joseph said to his brothers, now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.  So now it was not you that sent me hither but God.

Sometimes it’s difficult to understand why we must endure some of the things that occur in our lives, but what we must remember is that the God that loves us so much that He sacrificed the life of His only son will never allow us to suffer more than we can bear.

Learn to put your trust in God. Forgive those that have caused you harm. Carrying anger or a grudge empowers the very person that has hurt you. Take your power back.  When you put your trust in God you can never be disappointed by man.

 

Where's Your Trust?

We are a spirit. We live in a body and we possess a soul. The mind of the spirit, or the embodiment of the spirit lies within the heart.

You may have heard people say ‘something does or doesn’t feel right, or my gut is telling me to do something’. That is the mind of the spirit trying to guide you. It is the Holy Spirit within you.

 

We read in Proverbs 3:5 trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

We get into trouble when we do not follow the mind of the spirit but instead rely on our own understanding. It’s when we try to rationalize or try to figure out how God is going to do something that we get into trouble. But think about it, are we really trying to figure out how God is going to do something or are we trying to figure out how we are going to do it?

I am an eternal optimist, I look for the good in everything and everybody. I am also a dreamer. I believe God gives me the greatest ideas and He is going to bring them to pass, or do I? I say I believe that He will bring them to pass, but what happens when I am put to the test? Most of the time I trust Him, but there have been times when I have leaned to my own understanding.

Sometimes it’s the thoughts that go through our mind that cause doubt and unbelief and sometimes it’s the thoughts and opinions of others. Have you ever been excited about something you believe God is going to do, or that He has told you to do? Naturally because you are excited, you share your thoughts with someone that you think will be just as excited as you are, only to find not only does that person not share your enthusiasm, but they may even try to stop you.

They may say things like, are you sure that was God, you know so in so tried that and they lost all their money. You have been out of school for how long and you want to go back, for what? I thought you already had a good job. You can try it for fun and if you make money that’s great.

Then there are the nosy people asking how much do you have to invest. Do you have that kind of money? They may even go as far as saying if it was really God it would be easy. Seriously? Who do you know, or where have you read in the bible of someone walking right into their destiny or doing what God has predestined, and I do mean predestined because His plan for your life was made before you were thought about, but when has anyone reached their destiny without encountering some kind of trial or tribulation? Should the entire journey be that way? I don’t think so because God has called us to peace and when He left earth He sent His Holy Spirit to comfort us, but there will be trials.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God delivers us from them all. Someone I know mentioned she is planning an event.  In explaining her vision she mentioned she was looking for a speaker. I immediately volunteered to be her speaker. Well, don’t you know as soon as the conversation ended fear try to attack. Many people are afraid of public speaking but I know the plan for my life requires me to speak publicly. So what am I afraid of? God hasn’t given me a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. Well the sound mind, or the mind of the spirit was temporarily taking a back seat to the fear. I was leaning unto my own understanding instead of trusting in God and His anointing to speak.

Are you trusting in God or leaning to your own understanding? Are you trying to do things your way or allowing God to do things His way?

If you are trying to work things out on your own I encourage you to trust in God. You will find His ways are better than your ways and His results will far outweigh anything you could do on your own.

What Are You Afraid Of?

Many of you are familiar with Genesis 12:1. Now the Lord had said unto Abram, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.

What some of us fail to recognize is the use of the word had. God actually spoke to Abram and instructed him to leave his father’s house and his family, prior to his father Terah moving the family to Haran as we read in Acts 7:2-4. In verse 4 we read of Abram not moving or following Gods command until after the death of his father.

Why was it so important for Abram to leave familiar surrounding’s? It’s evident in what we just read that as long as Abram’s father was alive Abram was under his father’s influence. Many of us, just as Abram become comfortable in our surroundings and what we are doing and don’t want to move. Sometimes we are afraid of the unknown, afraid of failure or maybe even afraid of success.

What happens when we confront our fear? Initially we may be afraid. We are experiencing something we may not have experienced before, but once we realize there is nothing to fear we are able to move forward.  

Abram moved out of his comfort zone, away from a land with which he was familiar and away from family. What are you afraid of? What is standing between you and God’s best for your life?

As you are aware I have just published my first book, Secret Thoughts: Things We Are Afraid To Say Out Loud which is available on Amazon. A portion of the book contains personal information which I have not shared with many people. I thought it was important to share my story in an effort to empower others in a similar situation to not only share events of their lives if they so choose, but to free them from the bondage, shame, guilt or fear which may be associated with some of life’s experiences. I had to let my passion for empowering others be greater than my fear of people knowing my secret thoughts.

 

Fear immobilizes, confronting fear empowers. Don’t let fear hold you hostage.

Are Secret Thoughts Stealing Your Joy?

One minute we may be up and the next minute we may be down. Sometimes we may be able to sustain our joy, or life of abundance for weeks or even months at a time. When I say life of abundance I am referring to the life Christ lived and died for us to have. As we read in John 10:10 the thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. The reason we are unable to sustain our joy or life of abundance is described in the same verse.

The thief, that dreaded enemy comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy. He does everything he can to prevent you from enjoying your inheritance of joy, peace, provision, prosperity, strength, health and all that the resurrected Christ represents.

Think about it. Think. One of the definitions of the word think is to have a certain thing as the subject of one’s thoughts. A certain thing. Oftentimes it is a certain thing that we are thinking of that allows the enemy to steal our joy whether momentarily or for an extended period of time.

What is that thing? That thought that is stealing your joy, the thought that prevents you from enjoying a daily life of abundance?  That thought that lingers in your mind no matter how you try to dismiss it. Notice the emphasis on the word you.

The enemy uses the fiery darts that he shoots at us to attack our mind. That is why we are to use the shield of faith to quench or extinguish those fiery darts, or thoughts that plague our mind. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Without faith it is impossible to prevent the thoughts planted in our mind by the enemy from taking root.

You wake up one morning with joy in your heart. The enemy sends a fiery dart your way. Whatever the thought may be it causes you to doubt that God can take care of it for you. Your faith in this situation has been replaced with doubt. What has changed? You, or your mindset has changed, God has not changed. The same God that awakened you with joy is the same God that will see you victoriously through whatever thoughts Satan has placed in your mind.

We read in Romans 7:22-24 for I delight in the law of God after the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and brining me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

When we are born again our spirit relishes in the love of God. We desire to serve Him, to walk by faith and not by sight. But our flesh, in which the carnal mind lives wars against the knowledge of the truth that abides in mind of our spirit. So unwillingly, if we do not seek The Holy Spirit we give in to the thoughts of our carnal mind, and lose our peace.

Sometimes it is those Secret Thoughts that we do not dare to share that wreak havoc in our mind.

We read in 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into capitivity every thought to obedience of Christ.

It’s a given, thoughts that are contrary to the thoughts God wants us to have will be placed in our mind, but it is imperative that we not allow them to take root. It is up to us to replace the thoughts that are contrary to Gods word with thoughts that align with His word.

 

Puppet or Clay?

We read in Isaiah 64:8 but now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

God is the potter and we are the clay. We are shaped and molded by our life’s experiences. The experiences God allows to occur in our lives that make us into the vessel He has created us to be.

Notice the use of the word allow. God doesn’t make things happen in our lives but He does allow things to occur. In Job chapter 1 we read the account of Satan walking to and fro in the earth. When God asks Satan if he has considered his servant Job he basically responds are you kidding me. Job doesn’t serve you for nothing. You’ve placed a hedge of protection around him, his household, and everything around him. You’ve blessed everything he touches and cause it to increase.

Well that same hedge of protection is also around you and me. Yes things touch our lives just as they did Jobs, but these things when we come through them, and yes we do come through them make us stronger, give us a testimony to help someone else and believe it or not work together for our good, because we love God and we are the called, according to his purpose as we read in Romans 8:28.

Oftentimes when we are in the midst of going through we don’t know how we will make it through yet alone how what we are going through could possibly work for our good.

Years before my mother passed I always thought if anything ever happened to her I would not survive. We were very close. We shopped together, had the same taste and enjoyed each other’s company. We talked to each other on the phone every day.

In The last few months before her death she was in and out of the hospital. My two sisters and I took turns caring for her. We were with her when she took her last breathe. One of the last things she asked was that we keep our family together. Little did any of us know what was soon to occur. Both my sisters and I now live in the same subdivision within walking distance of each other and are closer than we have ever been.

When we allow the things that occur in our lives to shape and mold us we become stronger. Contrariwise when we allow the things that occur in our lives to adversely affect us the enemy has us just where he wants us.

Have you ever seen a puppeteer skillfully manipulate his puppets? He pulls the strings and maneuvers the puppets as he chooses. Satan tries to do the same thing with us, but he can only do what you allow him to do. It’s up to you to choose how you react to what you encounter and experience in life, whether your reaction is spiritual or carnal.

It’s only human for your initial reaction to be carnal because you are reacting based on emotion. Once the emotion has passed your reaction should be spiritual as you recognize that in the flesh there is nothing you can do.

A carnal reaction enables the puppeteer, Satan to manipulate your emotions, prolonging your victory.    

We also read in Jeremiah 18:4 and the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. The Potter is willing and able to reshape you, to smooth out the marred places, to remove the flaws…are you willing to let Him?

As we read in Galatians 5:16 this I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Are you yielding to the puppeteer or to the Potter?

 

 

Secret Thoughts: Things We Are Afraid to Say Out Loud

The Moment We Have All Been Waiting For Is Finally Here!

Secret Thoughts: Things We Are Afraid to Say Out Loud

By

Greta G. Hillman

 

What are your Secret Thoughts? What are you afraid to say out loud? Who can you trust with your deepest secrets without fear of judgment or envy? "Secret Thoughts: Things We Are Afraid To Say Out Loud" is now available on kindle. Click on the link to order your copy today for only $4.99 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2O12KU the paperback version will be released soon. Follow my blog for the release date.

Everyone has secret thoughts. I understand the struggles experienced sometimes with sharing those thoughts. In my book I share my secret thoughts in an effort to empower others to comfortably share their thoughts as needed. You will read about secret thoughts which you may have even experienced yourself. Thoughts you would like to share, but do not know if or with whom you should share them.

This book will help you recognize who you can trust with your deepest secrets as well as when and how to release them. This practical yet powerful guide serves as a tool to provide you with guidance on sharing thoughts that may cause pain, stress, discomfort, or joy without fear of judgment, repercussion, retaliation or envy.

I pray this book will be a blessing to all who read it.

Encouraging your financial, spiritual, physical and emotional wellbeing,

Greta