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Butterfly Transformation

yellow and black butterfly

“Blessed are all who wait on Him.” Isaiah 30:18 NIV

In my devotion book, today’s verse focused on waiting on God. Waiting on Him is something that He has been teaching me for quite some time, and God has been very consistent these past months.

After reading the devotion, I looked out the window and saw a beautiful yellow butterfly passing by. I began to think about how caterpillars become butterflies—their transformation process of developing and waiting to become a butterfly.

But immediately, my thoughts shifted to the many extinct caterpillars I see on the trail as I walk.  The trail I frequent is very active.  Bikers, walkers, people on skateboards or skates zoom on the trail.  However, it is a beautiful scenery of life, vibrant, and full of nature, but a danger zone for insect life.

Ants, caterpillars, worms, and all sorts of bugs crawl along the trail, and if they’re not careful, they become roadkill.  Gruesome thought, huh? Gruesome but life!

As I read this devotion and looked out my window to see a beautiful butterfly flying past, I immediately thought, “Some caterpillars on the trail don’t make it to transform into a beautiful butterfly.”

  • They didn’t wait!
  • They didn’t stay in the grass along the concrete path!
  • They didn’t crawl up a tree!
  • They chose the busy concrete path!

Now, don’t get me wrong, not every caterpillar reaches its demise when it crawls on the trail. I have seen many caterpillars make it to the grassy area. I guess you could say it was God’s Will.

Getting To The Other Side

Some caterpillars make it to the other side for something better, greater, and different. And with you and me, the Lord needs us to think outside of the box, launch out to the deep and unfamiliar, cast our net, and not live in fear. But, only through submission to Him do we know if we are to move or wait!

How Do You Process Your Need, Desire, or Curiosity? Here are some questions to ponder:

  • What decisions are you making or not waiting for God’s guidance?
  • Does your current situation lead you to explore other options?
  • Will your plans distract you from God’s perfect plan for your life?
  • Has God told you to move? “Your wait is over,” but you are idle?

Don’t miss your beautiful butterfly transformation by not waiting or moving when God directs! Cease striving and know that He is God, who will guide you and has a plan for your life. Psalms 46:10 NASB

Jesus said, I come to give you life and give you life more abundantly. John 10:10 NASB

Abundant life comes with waiting on God.

Abundant life comes with believing and trusting in His Will.

Don’t miss what God is trying to do in your life.  I mentioned that I’m in a waiting season.  And to be honest, during my waiting process, I’ve often sought other options or made my own plans. But what I’ve noticed is that results don’t come quickly, and my plans don’t work as well as they used to.

These moments have become markers when I know that the Lord is telling me to wait, prepare, but WAIT! So, I wait because I don’t want to lose out on the perfect blessing that God has for me.  “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” Proverbs 10:22 NIV

So,” be still and know” that God is with you, for you, and will never leave you! Psalms 46:10 NIV

WAIT:

Don’t rush

Be Still

Prepare and Develop

Rest and Heal

Believe and Listen

Trust and Obey

Purpose Is Near!

So next time you see a butterfly, first reflect on its beauty, the creation of the Lord. Then think about its process from caterpillar to butterfly. Lastly, focus on your life, direction, and decisions. Are you in alignment with God, the Creator? Surrender and submit to whatever the Holy Spirit speaks to you, and know your beautiful butterfly moment is coming!

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7 NIV

Be Blessed and Know in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

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PLANTED BUT LIFELESS

sparrow perched on bare tree branch in winter

Have you ever wondered why some trees have leaves, beautiful flowers, or berries hanging from them, while others appear lifeless and empty? Lifeless trees may have branches and bare limbs, but appear dull and barren.

I noticed this on my morning walk, which was nothing new, but for some reason, I decided to reflect on what was going on in nature. And how this same effect can happen in the life of a Christian. Several trees appeared sturdy, rooted in the ground, but leafless. Even though they seemed lifeless, fruitfulness was all around.

Now, we are approaching the Fall season, when the leaves on trees begin to change color and fall. However, most trees currently have green leaves and flowers.  While walking, I took out my phone to research why a tree would not have leaves in the summer. I discovered leafless trees could be suffering from drought, stress, bug infestation, fungus, a lack of nutrients, or root problems.

In a nutshell, there could be a “root system” problem that causes the tree to look lifeless.  Now, doesn’t that sound like what can happen in the life of a Christian, anyone, for that matter?  The Lord revealed to me in that very moment that these trees are planted but dead, which can resemble the life of a Christian believer in Jesus Christ. We can also be planted but lifeless.

While observing nature with its lush, green foliage, I began to ask myself these questions.

How is this tree planted?  What is it feeding on? I began to also think about my Christian existence in retrospect to these perishing, decaying trees.  How am I planted in the Lord? Where am I planted to receive nourishment? What am I feeding on? Or better yet, what am I feeding my mind and heart?

To be clear, when I say dead or lifeless, I mean spiritually. Are we bearing fruit, living life to God’s fullest, not living with an empty feeling inside or no purpose toward our calling and the great things God has planned for our lives?

Galatians 5: 22-23 states bearing fruit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. These are all the Fruits of the Spirit. And when we are living a life that is contradictory to the Word of God and our belief system, we can become planted but lifeless.

We’re planted because we believe in Jesus Christ, and we profess Him as our Lord and Savior. However, if our day-to-day life resembles the world, we can begin to feel lifeless, experiencing a sense of emptiness and purposelessness.

Jesus tells us that we are in the world, but not of the world. John 17:14-17 NIV

Paul declares, we must not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Romans 12:1-2 NIV

The world is full of issues that can hinder, obstruct, and distract us from living a life that is submitted, rooted, and grounded in the Word of God.  Just as a lifeless tree with internal root system problems, we can experience internal root issues that will manifest externally. For us, living our own truth or someone else’s will begin to germinate fruit, root system problems, that look like stress, fear, worry, anxiety, comparison, busyness, pride, lust, covetousness —all misplaced truths.

And when we live like the world, or as scripture states, “of” the world, we become disconnected with the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we must be resolute in standing firm and steadfast in the Lord. We can stand among other believers, gaining strength, comfort, and encouragement, knowing that we all face similar issues but can persevere as one body. 1 Peter 5:9 NIV

We need to seek an existence “Planted with Life!” What is Planted with Life? It’s living what you believe in, Jesus Christ, every single day. Lysa Terkeurst quoted C. S.  Lewis, who said, “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done (Trustworthy Bible Study pg. 25).” We must plant the Word of God and His Character in our heart and mind daily because life will happen, but that doesn’t mean that what’s going on externally has to impact us internally.

Planted Life is:

  • Fellowship with Jesus Christ.
  • Fellowship with the body of believers.
  • Meditating every day on the Word of God.
  • Being led by the Holy Spirit.
  • Submission to the Will of God.
  • Living with godly wisdom, understanding, and discernment.
  • Godly peace in the world because you know that HE is in control.
  • Living through the Fruits of the Spirit.
  • Being OK with your identity in Jesus Christ! Psalms 1: 1-3 NIV

So today, let’s take the time to see if we are planted but lifeless or Planted with Life. Check your root system to observe what is causing you to live as you do.

Let the Word of God transform your thoughts, mind, and heart so that anything that is not of God’s nature, character, or spoken Word to you will infiltrate your life.

Jesus is our life. John 15: 1-17 NIV

Jesus is our bread of life. John 6:35 NIV

God is our source. 1 Corinthians 8:6 NIV

Be blessed and planted in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

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GOD WITH US

woman wearing trench coat walking near a wall

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses reiterates all the words, laws, decrees, and commands God spoke to the first generation of Israelites. The second generation would be expected to follow the Word of God and advance forward to receive the Promised Land. Chapter 19, verse 1 reads, “When the Lord your God has destroyed the nations whose land he is giving you, and when you have driven them out…” God is telling the Israelites that He will be with them and how to set cities aside for refuge. 

However, reading this first verse, I realized how God establishes a “two-fold” relationship between Himself and Israel. God is establishing a relationship that illustrates His authority and power with their calling, purpose, and assignment—ultimately, “godly living!” God’s character in His relationship with Israel is no different from that of the Christian believer today.  

grayscale photo of mother kissing her baby

As a chosen nation by God, Israel’s assignment was to take possession of the Promised Land that was spoken in covenant years ago to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This covenant would come to fruition centuries later as Moses addressed the people with God’s spoken word from four decades ago. Verse 1 of Deuteronomy 19 says, “God destroyed the nations, and the Israelites drove them out.”

  • God does the work; We obey, according to His Word!
  • God will be with you; You are not alone! 
  • God gets the glory; We get the victory!
  • God gives; We receive as we obey!
  • God is a promise keeper, even when we fail to keep our promise!

To continue strengthening the Israelites in preparation for battle, Moses reminded the people of God’s dominion, power, authority, and promise. Deuteronomy 20:1 states, “When you go to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots, and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.” God tells the Israelites do not allow what you “see” to cause you to become fainthearted or afraid. Fear influences our hearts, thoughts, and actions. But God wanted the Israelites to trust, obey, and follow His commands. And this is the same mindset that Jesus Christ has for us today.  

Jesus tells us not to assume what we “see” is our reality. Yes! Your circumstance is real, but this is not your identity, future, fate, or life. God told the Israelites, “Do Not Be Afraid,” and I say that to you today as you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you – “Do Not Be Afraid!” 

Israel would SEE according to the Bible:

  • The Enemy
  • Horses
  • Chariots
  • Army

For us, it could be:

  • The enemy – attacks/tricks of deception
  • Physical/Mental/Emotional – problems, hurt
  • Financial instability – job loss, lack of resources, debt
  • Relationships – People (family, associations, friends)

We “see” these issues and assume this is our reality, believing our situation will never change. BUT GOD! The circumstances you are dealing with are not forever. Everything happens and ends at an appointed time. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV  Remember that if God delivered you before, He will do it again. 

God reminded the Israelites of how He saved them in Egypt. God is faithful, He doesn’t change, and His Word doesn’t return void but accomplishes what He set it to do.

  • God is Faithful!

“Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” Isaiah 25:1 NIV

  • God doesn’t Change!

“But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” Psalms 102:27 NIV

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NIV

  • God’s Word doesn’t return void!

“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 NIV

So, remind yourself daily that “GOD IS WITH ME” when you follow His lead. And when you fall short, He will correct your course! GOD IS WITH YOU! How do I know God is with you and me as Christians today? Because He gave His one and only Son for you and me. 

  • God loved you before there was a You!
  • God saved you before there was a You!
  • Jesus died for you before there was a You!
  • God desires to dwell with You as You exist now!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NIV

So, no matter what it looks like—enemies, horses, chariots, or an army greater than you—as was the Israelites, whatever that situation is in your life, “DO NOT BE AFRAID!” GOD WILL BE WITH YOU! Let this weekend of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice, remind you that GOD IS WITH YOU!

~Be Blessed and receive His Peace in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ! Amen

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Counsel Belongs to God 


“Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father went out among the Israelites, and a fight broke out in the camp between him and an Israelite. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse; so they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri the Danite.) They put him in custody until the will of the Lord should be made clear to them.” Leviticus 24:10–12,  NIV

What is your first response in decision-making? How do your emotions influence your reactions? Does worry, doubt, anxiousness, or anger cause you to make hasty decisions? In today’s Scripture, we read that a young Israelite boy curses the Name of God, which is against the Ten Commandments. It is evident that the boy has committed a sin, but the Israelites do not take action into their own hands. How the people handle the matter is essential and worth reflecting on. Verse 12 states, “They put him in custody until the Will of the Lord should be made clear to them.”

Even though the boy’s actions were against the law, Moses and the Israelites did not decide his fate until counsel from the Lord. What a profound and applicable action for our lives today. How many times do we make decisions without counsel from the Lord? How often have our thoughts and actions caused adverse results physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, financially, or relationally for ourselves and those around us? Having discernment is very important in our Christian journey. In every situation, good or bad, we must seek God’s Will and counsel. 

“The mind of the intelligent and discerning seeks knowledge and eagerly inquires after it, But the mouth of the [stubborn] fool feeds on foolishness.” Proverbs 15:14 AMP

“First seek the counsel of the Lord.” 1 Kings 22:5, NIV

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15: 22, NIV

As I reflect on the original text, I’m reminded of a lesson discussed in Bible study at church. I learned the value of staying connected and up-to-date with Jesus Christ because my daily relationship and counsel with Him will decrease the number of problems in my life. Daily seeking God will help us to develop a level of wisdom and discernment to make better decisions. Meditation on just this simple verse, “They put him in custody until the Will of the Lord should be made clear to them (Leviticus 24:10–12 NIV)” helped me to recognize the value of “God’s counsel” for my present and future decisions.   

Thus, I look to the counsel of the Lord when it comes to my marriage, raising our children, family situations, work environment and associations, friendships, health, and finances. In all circumstances, we must seek to gain proper perspective and counsel from God. 

Therefore, whatever the decision or problem you are facing today, seek the counsel of the Lord first. God will always make your path straight and His Will established! 

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 NIV

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity and ability to seek your knowledge and counsel when making decisions. I ask for your wisdom, understanding, and discernment to move in your Will for my life because You know best. May the Glory of God be revealed in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen~

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Don’t Be Afraid, Just BELIEVE

A woman holding a Bible

“While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:35-36 NIV

Today’s message is simple but Powerful. “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:35-36 NIV) In life, we go through many ups and downs, which deplete our assurance and place us in the familiar space of worry, intimidation, and fear. However, God says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). He will be with us in every trial, tribulation, or storm. He will also command His angels to care for us in the mist.  

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” Psalm 91:11 NIV

 Did Noah build the Ark in fear or Belief?

 Did Abraham offer Isaac as a sacrifice in fear or Belief?

 Did Gideon approach the battle with only 300 men in fear or Belief?

 Did David approach and defeat Goliath in fear or Belief?

 Did Job’s attacks from the enemy lead to fear or Belief?

 Did Daniel enter the Lion’s Den in fear or Belief?

Did Jesus Christ face the cross for our sins in fear or Belief?

By now, you get the picture!!!

Scripture tells us that the synagogue ruler’s daughter has died, and the people say there is no need to confront Jesus anymore.  

And the doubt they speak sounds so familiar in many of our lives today. We have haters telling us what we can’t do, bad health reports, adverse reports about our children, situations that look bleak, job losses, financial hardships, and even our thoughts placing us in a fearful state. I equate these same scenarios to the people talking to the Jairus, the synagogue ruler. But we have a God that sits HIGH, looks low, and sees our situation. 

Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” He didn’t say, “Your daughter is alive,” “Don’t listen to those people,” or even “Let’s go see.” Instead, He told Jairus not to be afraid and just believe.  

 It didn’t matter what the people were saying; it ONLY mattered what God said! It only mattered that he believed in Jesus Christ and the power of God. Jesus wanted Jairus to put fear and doubt aside so his faith could increase. Just as Jesus wants us to do today!

“for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29 NIV

So, I say to you today, don’t look around the circumstance, don’t look at the circumstance, don’t look down in fear, but look “UP” to our Heavenly Father, who is all Powerful. Call on the name of the Lord for help!  

“So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 NIV

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

Don’t be afraid; just BELIEVE!!!

Be Blessed and Free to Believe in the Almighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen~

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GOD GOES BEFORE YOU

“The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said.” Deuteronomy 31:3 NIV

 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

What confidence we have in Jesus Christ! The bold confidence we can have in Jesus Christ was my thought while reading the last chapters of Deuteronomy. In the previous chapters, Moses instructed the Israelites to cross over the Jordan River and take possession of the Promised Land. 

In Moses’ instructions, he states that God has said He will go before the Israelites and destroy the residing nations. God will “fight the battle” and “make preparation” before the Israelites move forward.

How “Awesome” is knowing that God will not only go before us but also make us successful. All He asks is that we LISTEN and OBEY to His WORD. 

When I read God’s Word on this day, what became apparent to me is that God will not only fight your battles and give you victory, but also God has planned our purpose and destination. Therefore, if we have confidence and assurance from God that He has planned our way, we can pursue that obstacle or desire with tenacity and boldness. 

“I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” Deuteronomy 31:21 NIV

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 NIV

The ending chapters of Deuteronomy illustrate how God went before the Israelites. God put the other nations in fear of the Israelites. The residing inhabitants were made aware of the power and greatness of God! 

“I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.” Joshua 2:9 NIV

“When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” Joshua 2:11 NIV

Our Heavenly Father is so Powerful!!! God knows and can influence the hearts and minds of any human being because He created us. Therefore, believers in Jesus Christ should seek God willingly and daily so that we can walk in the path HE has graced for us, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that God has gone before us. 

 God goes before us, so we do not have to stress out!

 God goes before us, so we do not worry our minds thinking about the “how”!

 God goes before us because He knows and has established the right way!

 God goes before us, and His instructions tell us “what” to do!

 So, when thinking about your obstacle, next move, or plans, do not let it consume your mind or cause distress because God has already worked it out! Seek and you will find!!! (Matthew 7:7 NIV)

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV

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

Be Blessed, and Keep your eyes on Jesus, your Lord and Savior! Amen

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TAKE POSSESSION

“He also said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.”  Genesis 15:7 NIV

What has God given you possession of? In this scripture, God tells Abram that He has brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give him a greater land and future to take possession of. What specifically caught my attention were the words “give you” and “take possession”! 

So, what has God given you possession of?

What vision or desire has God given you but you have not taken possession of it? 

What is holding you back from receiving what God has for you?

I sometimes let fear, worry, doubt, laziness, or unpreparedness hinder my progress and motivation from possessing what God has already prepared for me! 

Sometimes things are easier said than done in our actions, but God is not an average, ordinary God. He can do exceedingly, abundantly more than we ask or think. 

 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 NIV

There is nothing we can’t do with God’s guidance, direction, protection, provision, and love. Scripture reminds us that His Power works within us; therefore, we cannot fail with God on our side. What God has given you, you have the authority and permission to take possession of it. 

When God told Abram to take possession, that meant there had to be an action, movement, step, or position on the part of Abram. For Abram to receive it, he had to Believe in faith! And we are no different!!!

The step we take physically and/or spiritually demonstrates our “Trust” and “Faith” in God to move on our behalf. Do you believe? Have you moved? 


“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:27-29 NIV

“According to your faith let it be done to you” Matthew 9:29 NIV

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV

So, what has God given you possession of? Abide in Him, Trust Him, and Move in faith with assurance to receive your God-given promise!

Be Blessed in the Glorified name of Jesus Christ, Amen~

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AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6,  NIV

“At just the right time!” These five simple words caught my attention and captivated my heart and mind. 

Everything God does is On Purpose, With Purpose, and For Purpose. God is an on-time God! In the heavenly realm, God does not keep up with a watch or clock, but we allow “time” to influence our actions, thoughts, and decisions here on earth.

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (2 Peter 3:8) NIV

Simple but profound, these five words compel me to submit my will for God’s Will. 

I say this because “at just the right time,” Christ entered the world through the Virgin Mary. 

“At just the right time,” Christ died for our sins so that we may receive grace and mercy. 

“At just the right time,” Christ rose from the dead and is living and interceding for us at the right hand of God. So, at just the right time, God will make a way for you and me! 

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18–19) NIV

Hence, everything on earth lives, moves, breathes, and has its being “at just the right time!” Nothing on earth happens unless it is spoken into manifestation by God. In the creation story, God said, 

“Let there be light, and there was light.”

“Let there be a vault between the waters to separate the sky from the water.”

“Let the water be gathered to one place so the dry ground can appear.” 

“Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land…” 

“Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night…”

“Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”

“Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” 

“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…”

“God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”

God blessed them, and God has blessed YOU! You have a purpose; you have worth, and you are valuable to your Heavenly Father. He created you “at just the right time!” (Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 28–29, 31) NIV

Therefore, the creation story is enough to know that God is in control and everything will happen in your life “at just the right time.” So, whether you are worried, stressed, frustrated, weary, feared, disappointed, or any other negative emotion, do not succumb to those feelings and ways of thinking. God is with you and will deliver you “at just the right time!” 

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) NIV

Prayer

Omnipotent God, who knows everything, thank you for knowing what is best for me and when the timing is right. I surrender to your Will and lay my burdens at your feet, believing that at just the right time, you will deliver, save, guide, protect, and provide for me. In Jesus Christ’s Name. Amen~

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PRAYER IS POWERFUL

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. ” Mark 11:23-25 NIV

What thoughts come to mind when you read this scripture? I thought about words like “Ask, Believe, Prepare, & Receive“! However, there are some stipulations we must abide by before we receive our desired prayers. Scripture says that we must not doubt in our heart our prayer request, we must believe it is done before we see it, and if we hold anything against anyone, we must forgive them. God is so powerful that He can supply all our needs and change a negative situation into a positive by His grace, mercy, love, and favor, but we must first Ask, Believe, and Forgive to Receive. 

 While reading this scripture, I thought about a movie I recently watched. The film was called “Heaven is for Real.” It was about a young boy who got ill and had a supernatural experience with Jesus. All the townspeople prayed for him to get well during his illness. They prayed for his recovery, believing that God would heal him. The turning point for the movie was the little boy’s miraculous healing, supernatural experience with Jesus, and the lack of faith illustrated by the townspeople due to his testimony. Even the child’s father, a pastor, and mother were bewildered at his disposition. Even though they prayed for this young boy, as the movie went on, it depicted the lack of faith the town really had even though they believed in God. It illustrated how we can walk by sight and hearing but not by faith and what we profess to believe. 

 Therefore, my question to you today is,

“How strong is your Faith when you pray?” 

 “Do you truly believe God will answer your prayers?” 

 “Do you believe in Miracles and incidents that cannot be humanly explained; therefore, all we can do is BELIEVE in God?” 

What happens when you witness a miracle or testimony? Is your faith stronger or shaken?

Prayer is powerful, and I believe God LOVES hearing His children pray. Prayer is a form of communication with our Heavenly Father, who longs to have a relationship with us. So do not lose your faith because it is just beyond your belief that you will see God’s magnificent hand shaping and transforming your life!

 “but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness —” Habakkuk 2:4 NIV

 “but the prayer of the upright pleases him.” Proverbs 15:8 NIV

 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:5-8 NIV

 So, beloved, believe that God hears and will answer your prayers. Pray big, fervent prayers because our God is ALL Powerful. Continue to build your relationship with Him so that what looks surmounting and unrealistic will increase your dependency and Faith in God. 

“For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37 NIV

Prayer

Believe, and you shall see the glory of God in your life in the Powerful name of Jesus Christ! Amen ~

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Made New

Revelation is a beautiful gift when you can observe the God of yesterday for today and believe in His Word and Promises.

Today I read Numbers 19 and within this chapter, God gave specific instructions to Moses and Aaron for using water to cleanse the people.

The instructions entailed using the ashes of a sacrifice to purify the water. If any person became unclean, the water and ashes would be used to make the person ceremonially clean again.

“A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and put them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They are to be kept by the Israelite community for use in the water of cleansing; it is for purification from sin.” Numbers 19:9 NIV

In addition, the commentary mentioned that the Israelites could not worship God unless they were ceremonially clean.

“But if those who are unclean do not purify themselves, they must be cut off from the community, because they have defiled the sanctuary of the Lord.”  Numbers 19:20 NIV

However, after reading this chapter and the commentary, I thought about how we, as believers, get to come to Jesus in our sin. The Israelites had to be ceremonially clean and purified before they approached and worshipped God. But we can come before Jesus with our sins, defilement, uncleanness, and impurity. We can stand before Him, broken, a sinner asking forgiveness. And God is faithful to forgive us, cleanse us, save us, redeem us, and love us all because of the ultimate sacrifice performed by His Son Jesus.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

Without Jesus,

We remain in our sin!

We have no relationship with God!

We have no right to come before Him!

We die an eternal death because of our sins!

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,” Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV

I am thankful to God that this revelation reminds me that I am “made new!” I can come to God insufficient and His grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9).

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

I have,

A new covenant!

A new relationship!

A new story!

A new ending!

All because Jesus became the ultimate and last sacrifice for my transgressions.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

So, I pray for you today that you know how loved you are by our Heavenly Father. You were created to dwell with Him in a loving, nurturing relationship. Therefore, know it is never too late to start living “Made New!”

In Jesus’ name, Amen!