Striving To Be "Christ-Like"!

I think as women this is all of us at some point in life: "I don’t see myself as I should—as a daughter of the King, beautifully made, in exactly the way I should look. I allow those inner critics to take hold when I zoom in on every perceived flaw or unruly hair (and grey) or bumps and rolls". Maybe for you it’s not measuring up at work or at school, up to this imaginary standard of achievement where you’d like to derive your worth. Maybe you can’t rejoice in a loving relationship because you’re sure you’re not worthy. But what if instead of picking ourselves apart, in all the ways we do, we remember God made us in His image and likeness? Silence the inner critics that say we aren’t enough. Let’s appreciate the beautiful existence and body God has gifted us with. When someone tells me to go comb my hair, excuse me but I have natural curly hair and I embrace it... or they tell me to put on makeup, excuse me but I like my natural look... or they tell me I need to lose weight.....

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.” Luke 13:31-32 Everyone faces discouragement and disappointements. You wake up with your plan for the day of no discouragement, fear, etc... but just along the way something happens to distort that plan. Fear will quickly grip you and you stop your goals for the day. Maybe your hope is shuddered; you think you are useless, the situation feels hopeless... Hey! Wake up and listen! From now on, go and tell that fox that 'fear is a liar, I am healed, I am worthy, I am saved', etc. The Herod in your life is the fox, and that fox is the power of negativism/evil.; the evil force that works for your downfall. The fox is anything that opposes what is good. The fox is thoughts or actions that stands against the good goals and the l...

My prayer in this quiet hour as I write... Lord, increase my faith in Your character... in Your FAITHFULNESS. I want to know You and Your closeness/Your character... and not just so that I will not miss something wonderful in my life/future... but so that I will not miss YOU, Father. You are faithful... thank You. Thank You for Your consistent, never-ending, never-failing, perfect faithfulness to me, Lord. I love You. 

I was reminded of a word shared with me some years ago! --- If you're going to Hang? Hang in there! If you're gong to quit? Quit trying to do God's job and let Him have control! If you're going to give up? Give up those things that are holding you back from growing closer to the Lord!

Just a reminder: God never forgets a name, never loses an address, never makes a mistake, never has a moment's hesitation in knowing where we are or what we are doing, never forgets, never breaks a promise, never lies, never leaves us nor forsakes us... the key word here being NEVER... you want someone that will never do you wrong... then you better go with God! 

I am... a woman who has seen the power of God at work in her life... a woman who has learned that God loves her unconditionally, despite her mistakes... a woman who has witnessed God’s peace in the midst of great turmoil, that perfect peace which passes all understanding... a woman of God, flawed & imperfect, yet a walking testimony and miracle of how He can use all good & bad things for His glory... a woman who is a believer of Jesus and feels compelled to share the Gospel with others... I am only this woman, by the grace of God... I am a daughter of the King. And, that is the best gift I could ever receive! 

It is time to stop weeping at what was and start shouting for joy at what is going to be built! I don’t know what it will look like, I don’t know how it will happen, I don’t even know what it is... but I know HE is faithful and I will trust HIM! This is my word as I step into 2020: Rebuild Stop weeping and Rebuild! Stop worrying and Rebuild! Stop comparing and Rebuild! Stop waiting and Rebuild! Stop looking back and Rebuild! Stop crying and Rebuild! Stop reminiscing and Rebuild! Stop wondering what could've been and Rebuild! And trust that what was doesn’t even compare to what is about to be built, because Jesus will be right in the middle of it! I don’t think this is just about me... There will be rebuilding for you in 2020... Whatever your situation! Let us shout for joy! Happy New Year! *borrowed from Facebook

I've reached the last course, #10 towards completing the certified level of ministry courses. God helped me to make this decision to work towards ministerial credentials last year, after clarity came that the season of learning and growing to get to this point was complete; the true meaning of 'my church of completion' came last year; it's all been but preparation to this point. No previous church I've been a part of has been in vain. God's used every bit of it to get me to this point, even if I might have made a few wrong turns along the way. Oh, I will never stop growing and learning this side of glory, but God is elevating me to where no one will no longer hinder me with their "you're not ready for ministry" or "you won't be in a ministry leadership position no matter how many times you ask or make yourself available" remarks and naysayers. Apparently, people don't realize we all enter some area of ministry the day we get saved...

You may be lonely; Jesus is with you always. You may be anxious; Jesus cares for you. You may be tired; Jesus is rest. You may be lost; Jesus is the way. You may be angry; Jesus is love. You may be broken; Jesus was wounded to heal you. You may be addicted; Jesus is freedom. You may be in darkness; Jesus is a great light. You may be dying; Jesus is the resurrection and the life. JESUS IS ALWAYS THE ANSWER!