Posts

Come Out of the Shadows

Image
  Recently, I was reminded of the wicked deception of the devil.  He attempted to lull me back into a memory (a shadow )  of an introverted place --- to keep my mouth shut.    You see, for many years of my life, I was very introverted:  "shy" was the label on it back then.  For most of my young life and even into adulthood, I mostly observed because I felt too insignificant and/or intimidated to speak up.   Much of it came from a very young age when, internally, I felt as if nothing I said was important enough to speak out.  Yes, as I look back over those years, I realize now the affirmation I needed then was few and far between.  This is why it is so important that you affirm your children, grandchildren, and even yourself. But  thanks be unto God who ALWAYS causes us to triumph! I am so grateful for deliverance from people and their opinions.   Many people are outspoken and verbose. But for several years of my life...

THE CHURCH in the Local Church

Image
Lots of people prepare and plan to attend gatherings such as family reunions, concerts, weddings, and the like. Very rarely do we read negative posts about attending these amazing events. As a matter of fact, we actually love/like being in those settings that we are especially fond of or those where our awesome friends, families, and other loved ones are. From experience, it can be quite a nice environment, that is, until someone does something really dumb and then the whole thing shuts down because a fight breaks out or "the lights come on" because 'you don't have to go home but.... " (y'all know the rest). Anyhoo, lately I've been hearing many negative conversations about The Church and our fellowship (at the local church building) where God has set the pattern for Church leadership: the men and women (prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) who are called and appointed to edify (construct, instruct, build up, or establish) the body (of Christ...

10X Life! | WISDOM WORKS!

Image
  10X Life - Wisdom Works! In the book of Daniel, we are told of the specific children who were captured by the King of Babylon.  Yes!  You remember Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, right?  I mean, how - HOW  - could you NOT have heard of them?   These boys were special.  They were different from the many others in that they were skillful in all wisdom and cunning in knowledge and understanding (Daniel 1).   The King saw their intellect and ability but what he did not know or understand is ---- this type of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge was given to them by God and not man ( Daniel 1:17).  However, he quickly found out.  You see, they were very young when the "adults" among them were making back choices, disobeying God's instruction, and simply, challenging his authority, God said they would be taken into captivity for 70 years --- and that's how Daniel and his friends ended up in Babylon. T...

A Happy Heart

Image
  A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.  Proverbs 15:13 Do you have that "twinkle" - that light in your eye?   A twinkle in the eye usually indicates joy in the heart.  Your response, countenance (body language), and attitude is different (perky, positive) when your heart is full of joy. Not every day will bring sunshine but when the joy of the Lord is your strength , you have his peace down on the inside and it shows up in your life no matter how gloomy the weather outside.   Exercise your faith when the days and nights seem darker and heavier than others.  Faith says God is with me.  I am not alone.  I am strong.  I am victorious.  God honors me.  God hears me and answers my cry; he knows my name.    This makes your heart happy ! Today is a great day to make the choice to "breathe" before responding to those situations that provoke anger, sadness, or even indecisiveness. ...