God is a designer. 

            We're His works of art.

I know the saying is "joy comes in the morning" but i have experienced my morning to be mourning. It is through our mourning and trials that we tend to be used the best because we reach a point where things become out of our control and we adopt a humble spirit that says "I give up trying to do it my way" or " God I need you I can't do this alone" or we notice that we are too weak to do it with our own strength.

I have come to this point numerous of times in order to get back on track of following God's plan. Think about it pride comes before the fall. God allows us to fall so we can rely on Him and humble ourself. It is a form of correction.

I challenge you to rethink and set your thoughts on "Lord, what are you trying to teach me in this very moment" "what are you revealing to me" We have to get rid of playing the victim. Victims hold a connotation of being weak. That is not the case for you God made you more than a conqueror. Champions know that they win every time so don't look at the pain as an agent that is going to kill you. Keep praying, praising, worshipping, and pressing forward because God is birthing something you just have to be strong enough (this strength comes from your mind) to endure and perservere!

I am a living testimony that through your mourning, trials, temptations, and opposition you will experience great joy after enduring and perservering. These are only signs of birthing pains and you must stay strong and push. Fighting your enemy can take a toll on you my enemy happened to be my inner me, which were seeds of doubt, fear, and a spirit that would cause me to become timid.How to overcome these things? Prayer!!!!!! Praise!!!!! Worship!!!! READING THE BIBLE!!!! It is vital to know what God says to release words of truth over yourself and I found that I was most strong and brave after spending time with God in my Bible.

I pray that you the reader and even those who do not read this post will look to you God! We are mere humans made of clay, we don't have all the answers BUT YOU do Lord. We give you permission to be Lord, which means to rule and reign, over our lives. God search our hearts and blot out the things that are not pleasing to you. May you recieve all the glory from our actions and speech. Humble us Lord, help us to become teachable to You. God I pray that you release your spirit of comfort over those who are mourning and in pain for You promised "blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." Help us to see You working in our lives and help us fully grasp the concept that You are working everything together for the good of us who love You. We love you and we need you. We invite you to have Your way and let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen. 

John 16: 7 "if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." Thus says the Lord. Another verse that I am going to tie into this message is Matthew 7:7-9 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you..." Continue to read on further where it reveals that you recieve what you ask for as well as Jesus telling us that He will not give us a stone after asking for bread.

Revelation on this text was given to me this morning. We often times pray for things and become frustrated because the answers of our prayers don't come in the form that we envisioned. For instance, the infamous prayer for patience "Lord give me patience not to snap on so and so..." Are you really willing and ready to recieve the answer to that prayer. It's after prayers like those that we find our patence being tested more and more. It makes sense in order to get patience you have to be experienced in dealing with people who work them. You can't expect to have a six pack and never workout. This is the same concept.

This generation is known for instant gratfication and laziness. God tells us to continue to work out our salvation. Key word WORK. Therefore we have to press toward our goal. We have to reach. When God sent down bread from heaven for the Israelites in the wilderness it didn't fall in their mouth they had to REACH.

So when we are going into prayer asking the Lord for things we have to be willing to endure and perserve against things to get it. Like a woman travailing in labor, so ready to have the baby and get it over with but she's pushing, she's in pain, she's enduring, she's shouting and screaming doing everything in her power to give birth. Her body is in a war on giving up the baby but she must stay strong and committed in the pushing process in order to overcome the labor pains.

We too have to know that in trials and temptations God has impregnanted something in us and we must stand firm in doing right, pushing, praying, praising, enduring, and overcoming to recieve the blessing.

Ask God to lead you in your prayers and for the Holy spirit to intercede so that when we ask the right doors are wide open for us. Don't be fooled by the enemy and knock on the wrong door of lust, pride, etc because all that glitters isn't gold.

Father in the name of Jesus you promised to give us the desires of our hearts and it is my desire to gain your heart Father. I want to pray the things that align with your plans and purposes for my life. God continue to renew our heart and our mind. We give you permission to transform us. Give us a willing spirit to do your will. You have called us to be more than conquerors, Lord show us how to walk into our calling of being champions for you Christ. Father send us people that will help us to reach in our relationship with you. Help us to push through pain. Let your light shine in and through us so you may be glorified. In Jesus name. Amen.

In this world we WILL have trouble! But the good news is God uses the bad things that the devil meant for evil for the good of those who love Him. Our circumstances might change but God remains the same. Check this out Moses circumstance was exodus in which he thought his speech was a hinderance, Joshua's circumstance was possessing the land in which he was young and had some worries, Naomi's circumstance dealt with bitterness. But God remained the same He rescued His people and never forsaken or left them. Turned Naomi's bitterness to joy, used Moses' weakness as strength to rely on God, and used Joshua's fear to learn how to trust God.

We must reset our mind on God to gain peace to press on past our circumstances. Don't allow the temptation of giving in to prevail. Sorrow only last temporarily but joy comes in the morning. Do not make a permanent decision for a temporary situation. When Paul said " press towards the prize" the prize is becoming more Christlike so that we can see Him face to face and live in eternity with Him.

In order to become more Christlike we must have His fruits within us: love, patience, peace, kindness, gentleness, long suffering, joy, faithfulness, and self-control. Just like a tree baring fruit it is a process that takes time to grow and ripen. God is growing up His fruit in us through temptation. The more we resist temptation the more we become like Christ. In order to gain patience God will allow a delay. In order to gain love God will allow you to be around unloving personalitites. In order to gain joy God will allow you to go through tough times. Its in these times where we must take a second and ask God what do you want me to learn Lord so I can become more like you. Do not give in to the flesh. Remember you feelings, opinions, and emotions are your FOE's.

That is why Paul insists that we "guard our hearts and minds" because satan knows our weaknesses and have plots to catch us sleeping to lure us into his trap. I want you guys to jot down notes of how you feel when temptation comes knocking. Is it around a certain group of people, is it at a certain time of day, are you feeling lonely or sad, is it when you most successful... When you recognize these things you can be prepared to resist the devil so he will flee.

Remember only Jesus is sinless so we all fall short but don't dwell on your short comings press towards your future and forgive yourself because God forgives you. Take joy in temptation because it means you are one of God's and the devil is having a fit. Have you ever had a crazy thought in the middle of praying? Yup that is the devil trying to distract you because he hates you and your prayers are power do not fret bind that thought and refocus and continue to pray.

FIGHT TEMPTATION

Father in the name of Jesus I just want to take a moment although you deserve an eternity of moments to say thank you for your mercy and grace that has keep me and your children standing firm in your word despite the troubles surrounding us. God i thank you for giving us hope, hope in you to know that as long as we remain focused on you that you will not allow us to fall into temptation. God i thank you for choosing us. Thank you Lord for each and every one of our own unique process. I find joy in every obstacle, every set back, every trial, every moment of joy, every affliction God because I realize that it is all being worked for my good. God I ask that you will transform the minds and hearts of your children so that can be more like you as you have intended them to be. Remove anything that is serving as a hinderance to recieve everything you have for us. Lord we love you and we are giving you full permission to have your way within us, we submit to you Father. In Jesus name. Amen.

Everything is relevant. You reap what you sow. Sowing doesn't always have to be in the form of money. You can sow love, peace, joy, anger, lust, or even nothing. You sow love and you get love. You sow nothing and you get nothing. Whether you choose to be a partaker of the sowing system you're involved. So I encourage you to make  a change for the betterment of your friendships and relationships as well as financial investments. Some people are investing time and money into the earth therefore they find thereself getting behind and in a hole. Remember the story about the the three men with talents. Investing time into people or money for good causes tells God you value the little that He gives you so more will be added to you but if you hide it in the earth or use for selfish gain then little to none will be added to you.

Its so true when I was in college I was so selfish God blessed me beyond measure financially. I could have helped support my parents, shoot i could have even put more than a dollar in the offering plate at church. But instead I invested in going out to eat, tattoos, clubs, shopping... all things that are perishable. Just as God gave me the blessing of money He allowed it to be taken away. So all those investments were a waste, instead I could have invested in a car, help my mother with bills, help my dad with my little brother and sister, give to causes supporting the poor. I don't regret it because i had to go through that process in order to be where I am today. But I want to encourage you all to see in another viewpoint there is such a joy of helping others and when you help them they thank God for you. It brings glory to the Father.

There is a river flowing of hope in God, of love in God. Look at Ruth she gleaned the field, diligently not for her selfish gain but out of love for Naomi. God blessed her beyond measure. Look at Abraham he trusted God enough to lay his son down as a sacrifice and God blessed him beyond measure.

God wants to do the same for you and I. We have to ask ourself am I investing my time, energy, talents, and money in the best way possible? Are my investments vain... are my motives selfish? Am I doing this task as hard as I possibly can? Is this the best I can do? Am I showing excellancy?

God's word is living, it hasn't changed, He is unchangeable thats why you can have confidence that when you give your all He will bless it. Put away the Cain selfishness and give God your best as Able did and be blessed!

Lord I pray that your people recieved your message. Continue to transform our hearts and our minds. Help us to meditate on Your living word day in and day out so that we can become wise and fruitful as you have called us to be. Help us to become selfless as you are and putting others needs way above our own wants and desires. Lord we understand that we are mere humans born into sin but we come against every foul spirit that tries to attack us and seperate us from Your truths. In Jesus name. Amen.

This topic, GOSSIP, has been so heavy on my heart lately. In fact i deeply despise any sort of gossip.

The definition of gossip is as follows; idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others.

What benefit do you gain from speaking on others problems, weakness, failures, etc.? God created us out of love and we are called to love others as we love ourself. In fact, others needs should be put before ours as Christ put us before Himself.

Gossip and slander is not building people up. And its not showing the love that God commands of us. In fact, it's destruction after destruction! It ruins ones reputation and isolates them into a group away from others. And on top of that the one gossiping gains a character flaw of being insincere, untrustworthy, and not genuine.

Regardless of the message being true it just gives the person an ugly trait that cannot go unnoticed. If a person trusted you enough to confide in you their deepest secret and you just air it out how does that make you look. The modern day word for it today is MESSY.

Gossip is the easy way out of solving problems. Right or wrong? Wrong! It creates more of a mess. If there is a problem go head to head and solve it don't build on it by talking trash to another party it solves absolutlely nothing.

Proverbs Solomon makes it clear that fools go around being idle from house to house being busy bodies. Take this rebuke and repent before its to late. Because God says if you choose to turn from His reproof then try to turn back to Him He'll laugh at you and mock you.

Lets get this thing right we're here to build each other, lift each other up, hold one another accountable, and help each other. Don't be part of the problem help solve the problem. Gossip divides and creates strife. Lets make up in our minds to seek peace.

I pray that we, the body of Christ, will lift one another up by our kind words. I pray Lord that you will guide us to rebuke any evil words that the enemy seeks to plant. I cancel the assignment of satan and his angels from bringing forth division in our friendships and relationships, work related as well as  personal. God give us boldness to speak and proclaim Your truth. Father I pray that from  this day forward you will sharpen our wisdom and understanding so we can understand the tricks of the enemy, and resist the temptations. In Jesus name amen.

Happy new year!

Have you ever said something then tried to sugarcoat it or numb the pain of the cutting words with a "im just kidding" response or something serious? The bible describes the heartto be decietful. That's why He warns us through Paul in Corinthians to guard our hearts by continuously praying for the renewal and transformation in our hearts to occur daily. Think about it... the heart controls how you think or your mind, and the mind controls how you act or function. That saying think before you talk is so vital! People don't understand the impact words have on individuals, situations, or environments. They can kill, wound, or they can encourage, give life. For instance, my little brother had a basketball game and he made a deal with my dad if he scored 20pts he could get his hair cut into a box style. I hated the box because he always tried to pick it out into a fro so i said " i hope you get 19 because I don't want you to get a box" guess what he ended up with 19pts actually 20 but there was a line violation on his jumpshot. See the significance of words. So think before you speak... asking these simple questions; would God be pleased from my speech, are my words keeping peace, are my words building up others?

Really take some time out to ask God to search your heart and reveal to you those things in which are hidden. You'll be amazed by what's there. Let's break this old habits and form new ones that bring life and peace. I pray that God will renew and transform each and every individuals hearts into His likeness. Exposing those things that are darkness making them flee! I pray that you may have peace, endless joy, and courage to spread the word of the Lord.

Peace & blessings. Until next time!

Have you ever reached the mark or goal that you have set out for yourself, but when you get there it's not how you planned or expected it to be. It almost as though you feel the seed of failure and discontent lingering in your life? The thing about success in God's kingdom differs from the things in the worldly definition of success. Don't get caught up in the materialistic things, the fame, the likes, the popularity, or the rewards. That's not how success is measured. God equips the called not the other way around. So with that being said you're already a winner because Jesus is a winner! He conquered the grave and overcame death and that same spirit lies in each and every one of us.

We must activate the power that God has instilled in us by feeding our mind with what God says and not buying into the tricks of the enemy. When you feel discouraged that's the enemy trying to steal, kill, and destroy the gift planted in you. Be aware that this battle is a never ending one until God comes back and wipes out all evil. Remember God says we are more than conquerors, don't worry instead pray and believe that its already done, know that you are  not rejected, you are not forsaken God is with you even in your driest seasons, know that pain is not in our lives to destroy us but to build us up... don't quit!

Sometimes it can be tough to stay positive when you are being attacked left and right but if you just focus on the MAN above our Lord Christ Jesus your joy will be restored. Like I said it is a constant battle, the enemy does not want you to reach your full potential so he plants FOE's in your mind. (F)eelings- says this hurts/ i'm tired of playing catch up

(O)pinions- I think it should come easy to me since I am following and seeking God's heart

(E)motions- Discouraged, failing, rejected, not qualified...

Get rid of these FOEs and press towards your mark. New dimension means new demons, more intense demons!

I pray that you the reader along with myself recieves spiritual wisdom to know the difference between Godly success and worldly success. God keep our eyes focused on you in all that we do. Send your angels to encamp around us day and night covering our hearts and minds from the enemy. Forgive us our sins and give us strength to not just confess our sins but to humbly lay them down at the alter and never pick them up again. May you be the center of our hearts Father and be pleased with all that we say and do. In Jesus name, Amen.

Peace and blessings guys. Love you all! May this word encourage you and fix your minds!!!

Sorry guys for the long gap between blogs! First off let me explain how my life has changed so drastically! Well in order... I ended up becoming a high school jv girls head coach. And in the process of that I was assigned to minister the youth as a Sunday school teacher! Such an amazing and humbling opportunity. HOWEVER God being the awesome God He is cut those assignments short and blessed me with the opportunity to play overseas. So now as I type am playing basketball in Finland!

Since I've been here the book of Ruth keeps coming to my mind. I've read the story so many times and recieved different revelations each time. Usually my messages all flow but this one may seem to jump around or have different views. IDK just continue to read hopefully this gives you hope and understanding.

 Let's start with RUTH- she represents the type of attitude us christians should have when following Christ (holding on to God, whereever He goes we go) also, having the humble and determined characteristics she has. How many people gleaned with excellance? Im pretty sure the poor was not worrying about all of that. Everything we do is as if were doing it for the Lord so our efforts should be to the best of our ability.

I can go on and on about Ruth but then this blog would be soooooo long and you'd stop reading so i'll save it for a new day.

Let's move on to Naomi- This woman lost everything her family and wealth. But wisdom told her to move back home and she obeyed. Has God ever told you to leave current situation yet you stayed for instance job, relationship, church, state, country whatever your shift may look like. That may be the difference between recieving your blessing... OBEDIENCE!

Naomi was used by God to show us how hope works. He planted Ruth in her life as a seed of hope when everything around her seemed like it was falling apart. It is through our pain that God restores and rebuilds. Yes Naomi lived an impactful life in helping Ruth to see what a God centered life looked like. BUT she did find herself blaming God and becoming bitter. She allowed her pain to blind her from seeing God working and moving on her behalf. This just goes to show that God is so faithful and merciful that inspite of our doubt He still comes through. 

He gave Naomi beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, garment of praise for spirit of heaviness. God wants to do the same for you! All you have to do is trust Him, follow Him, and submit to Him.

I titled this blog in regards to loyalty because God wants to use you. But are you willing to be like Ruth and stick around even when things look bad or are you going to be easily persuaded to go back to your old ways of living like Orpah who's story ended as her loyalty to Naomi ended? Loyalty is based on trust, can God trust you to use the God given talents He's placed on the inside of you? And can you trust God when things look like they're falling apart?

I pray for you, the reader, that you may have joy abundantly and hope in Christ Jesus! I pray that you will gain wisdom to know that whatever your situation of famine may look like (financially, relationships, or health) that your eyes will be open to see that God is already moving on your behalf. I pray for new and improved vision to see things as God calls us to see them! Remember you are loved, accepted, and not forsaken. I pray for strength to overcome and endure any obstacle you will face! In Jesus name. Amen.

Peace and blessings.... love you all! feel free to comment!

Disengaged...comes to my mind. See we've gotten so conformed to the ways of "the church" instead of focusing on the ways of the spirit, that same spirit that Jesus pour out on each one of us, that same spirit that God rose from the grave. It lives within all of us. It's time we tap into it. Too often we turn to family, friends, and even the internet for answers, advice, and suggestions on paths to take in our lives when problems come our way or even decisions to be made. This is where we are disengaged with the spirit. God speaks/communicates with us through the spirit that the flesh can not understand using fleshly "wisdom". So it is only through the spirit that we can understand. His word cannot be microwaved, popped into an electric device for seconds or minutes and DING it's ready. God will give us pieces that may not happen just then. He says seek diligently and in due time it will be given. Key words DUE TIME... not my time or your time but His time. God is the Creator of all tings including time thus there aren't any limits to be set. Sometimes the answers aren't the importance but the task of searching for the answers are more important. Because while you're praying, reading, or researching you gain; intimate time with the Lord,  new information about yourself, and spiritual wisdom. He wants that. Now is a crucial time for us all to reengage, I urge, I encourage you all, to seek Him! Not through google, family, or friends. But through Him the Creator of all things. Judgement, not only is it coming up but its here, He sees all that we do. Do not allow your works to be dead works. For God is allowing us to burrow money so give back to the poor, houses so show genuine hospitality the moment your heart or mind is set on evil that work is destroyed, once spiritual insight is given to us we have to speak life into dead situations and shed light into darkness for we are all called to preach the gospel of Christ with or without license. Do not allow  a piece of paper to discourage you from spreading God's glory. We are qualified and called by the spirit not by man. God is so BIG and AWESOME He deserves to be lifted high.

Be of good courage, reengage in the spirit. In Jesus name, amen.