Before You Knew Him

Can you think back to when you knew God just a little bit? Like, I can hardly remember. What were my thoughts? What was I doing, how did I survive? When He was merely a thought? An idea? When I did not know Him the way I do now? Like.. it’s crazy to just even think about. When He found me, I was in despair. I was lost; hopeless. Hiding. Afraid. Shameful. Doubtful. Unworthy. Unbelieving. Unforgiving. But now, I live out loud. I live in the light. I rejoice in being able to live freely for God. It kind of gets to me when I hear that people in other countries will be murdered for proclaiming their love or hope in Christ. I couldn’t imagine. But I get to live boldly, unapologetically, undeniably, for Christ. I’m surrounded by people who nurtured me from the beginning and now I walk on my own. I stand in His presence hopeful, joyful. I sing His praises. I lift up His name. I read His word. He is literally everything. And I cannot imagine life without Him. Before He found me, man . . it’s funny because when temptation comes to remind you of things of your past, the things you used to enjoy. . & your flesh says ‘go head, girl,’ but the. the Holy Spirit reminds you of not just who you are but Who’s you are. That what excited you before, will not excite you now. I just love how God is always right there. He’s always been. And the more I obey His voice, the stronger I become against the evils of this world. Lord you are just too good. And I thank you for not leaving me where You found me. My God. . . 🙌🏽 your mercy endureth forever. Bless Your Holy Name. Alpha and Omego; beginning and the end. First and the last. Author. Finisher. Redeemer. Savior. Comfort. Peace. You are everything . . to me.

Why, God?

It’s funny how God works sometimes. He will bring you out of situations you put yourself in. He will show you the true colors of those around you. He will make a way out of no way. No matter what the matter is, God is always working on your behalf, whether you know it or not. And in this post I just want to glorify Him. Sometimes I wonder why or how God does what He does, but I could never know. I can just hope that by filling myself with His word I grow closer and closer to His likeness. That my life is a reflection of His love. That people would be encouraged to know Him by the work He does in me. Pleasing and satisfying God has been a constant in my mind and that is my word for you this week. Not everything will always make sense; sometimes you won’t get an answer right away; but if you fix your mind on God and walk after the things of the Spirit, those troublesome thoughts will begin to take up less space in your mind and the more room you allow for God to come and settle.

As long as He is at work in you, what else really matters?

Until next time . . 

““For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” - Isaiah‬ ‭55:8-9‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. - “Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭(AMP‬)

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” - Romans‬ ‭8:14‬ (NLT)

The Final Countdown

So if you’re wondering where my post is, well here it is. But let me tell you, I really, really, really almost didn’t post this today. It’s been a busy week already and honestly, I had no ideas or insights. I’ve been pondering the fact that the year is almost over and wanted to say something really inspirational but the ‘perfect’ words are far from me. 2020 is approaching, rather quickly. Yet there’s still time. So just a quick drop of encouragement to get going on whatever it is you set out to do or complete this year that you have not done already. Take this time to stop and think. There’s huge talk about the coming of this new year, this new decade, must I say. We’re literally crossing over into a new period of time. But don’t let that overwhelm you. Do whatever you need to do to focus on what God is preparing for you in the coming season. Pause, take a breather, write out your thoughts, read the Word, take a break from social media, clear year calendar, exercise (not just your body but your mind, too), pray and get in God’s presence. I know I’ve been pressed about what this new season will bring but only God knows. Therefore, we must not worry ourselves with the unknown. With each day, there are new opportunities. New mercies. So if you didn’t get it right yesterday, last week, or last year, that’s okay. By God’s grace, you will have tomorrow. Don’t get caught up in deadlines and timeframes. Be patient and kind to yourself. Be vulnerable. And trust that God will still do what He said He will do, whether in this year or the next.

Again, there’s still time. But don’t blink; you might miss it.

Until next time . .

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” - Philippians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” - Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-23‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

““So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matthew‬ ‭6:34‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

I Am Her

What’s next for her, they asked? What’s her next move? Where does she get her inspiration from? How does she move without fear? Where does she get her strength? Why doesn’t she settle? Who is she? How did she overcome adversity? How does she have the power to believe in something greater? Where did she learn to lead by example? How does she stay persistent? Why hasn’t she given up? When will it be her turn? Who will she run to? Who is her help? Who does she rely on? Who comforts and supports her and provides for her every need? Who saved her? Who keeps the fire going inside of her? Who pushes her beyond what she can see? Who lifts her up? Who amazes her? Adores her? Honor and cares for her? Who chose her? Who protects and watches over her? Who’s love never runs out on her? Who does she trust? Who’s forgiven her? Lead her out of darkness? Who gives her peace beyond understanding? Who goes to war for her? Who’s never changed up on her? Who’s faith does she stand on? What’s her purpose? Who does she follow? Who keeps her? What’s her reason to smile? Who does she give her all to? Who shows her favor and mercy? Who leads her? Who does she love more than anyone else? How can she be herself? How is she comfortable with being uncomfortable? Why does she care so much? Who gave her life? Who gives her promises they will keep? Who never lies or cheat? Who calls her His own? Who has her heart? Who knows her the best? Who’s arms can she rest? Who reassures her that she’s worthy? Who gives her peace and joy? Who corrects her? Convicts her? Who instructs and guides her? Who teaches her right from wrong? Who sees pass her flaws? Who says she’s more than enough? Who created her? Who . . . lived and died for her? 

If you were wondering . . I am her. You are too.

I laid in bed the other night and these questions just started pouring into my mind. Questions that you may wonder about me and I sometimes wonder about me too. I’ve been basking in God’s grace over the past few months and literally His grace is the answer to every question. I laid there, just in awe of how wonderful He is and how nothing I do, think, or feel will change His perception of me. How every word spoken proves true. As I grow through life, the greater my understanding of Him becomes. I’m sure this doesn’t cover the depth of God and how deep His love is for me, but He will forever be the reason why I keep stepping forward. Sometimes I’m tired. Sometimes I’m unsure. Sometimes I’m doubtful. Sometimes I want to give up. But I thank God that He never gives up on me. And He will never give up on you. 

When I remind myself of His power, I know that where I am now is not it for me. I know that I am more capable with Him than I am without Him. I know that my efforts aren’t going unnoticed. In Him, I find my being. And so to get to her, you have to first go through Him.

Until next time . .

“For in Him we live and move and exist [that is, in Him we actually have our being], as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’” - Acts‬ ‭17:28‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” - 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭(KJV‬‬)