I Gotcha!

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Have you ever been plagued with negative thoughts? When you're set to accomplish a goal or a new endeavor and the self-talk in your head is filled with "I can't because...", "I'm not good enough", "I'm too old", "I don't have enough money". We have to realize those thoughts are from a fear - based place. A place that wants to sabotage our dreams and hold us hostage to fear, doubt, shame, and hopelessness. We have to set our minds free of this self- talk. And how do we do this? We accomplish this with the Word of God! What does God say about my situation? What is His will for my life? We have to take our thoughts captive and speak the truth that God has revealed to us. We have to transform the "I can'ts" into "I will". So, the next time you are working on that dream, or faced with adversity, speak life over your situation and tell that thought, "I gotcha" and I'm casting you out and replacing you with positive thoughts that will motivate, inspire,and push me towards my destiny. 

Lord, Have Mercy!

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7

Mercy is defined as compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender,an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: Have mercy on the poor sinner. This can sometimes be hard to do, especially when you have been hurt or offended. During this holiday season of love we need to allow mercy to flow from our hearts also. Mercy means operating in love despite how we feel. Feelings keep us bound and stops us from experiencing the mercy that is available to us. So, when you think of the person that has hurt, betrayed, lied, and sinned against you, show some mercy. Keep your mouth from uttering curses and instead speak blessings, forgiveness, love, and mercy. As we give to others, we have set ourselves up to receive what we need and so much more!

No, You Didn't?

Have you ever found yourself asking the questions, "how could they?" or "how could they do this to me?" In these times we have been exposed to the negative side of a person. What are we supposed to do with the pain, disappointment, anger, and disillusionment? First, we are to give it to God. Cast your cares on him for he cares for you. Second, we are to be real with how we are feeling and process those feelings. Stuffing negative emotions don't make them go away, it just makes them show up later in our lives when we least expect them. Third, communicate the hurt and betrayal to the person if it was a personal attack. If the offense was done to someone else, then pray for everyone concerned. Good people can do bad things.Sometimes the best of us make wrong decisions and do things that we later regret. Clear the air, as you do this you may discover what was at the heart of their actions, which most of the time is some sort of inward pain that is causing them to act out negatively. Fourth, forgive them. Forgiveness is a process, but it will lead to your healing and release from the emotions associated with the offense. And finally, examine yourself. Look to see where you have hurt, betrayed, and lied and ask for God to forgive you. If the offense was done personally to you, see if you played a part in the situation and if so, take responsibility for your part. Pray for the person that caused the offense and those they offended. These steps are not for those that want to be angry, bitter, victimized and depressed. This process takes courage, will, and a dependence on God to get you through this tough time. Can it be done? Yes, it can. The WHY of what they did may never be discovered or understood, but you can make peace with it for your own emotionally health. And what you may realize is you can see how they did what they did and develop some compassion and mercy on them.

Love On A Two-Way Street!

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31

Have you ever wondered why its so hard for you to get along with some people? You may have sent out unloving thoughts and words that repels them from being in your presence. When people are practicing Godly love, unGodly love cannot dwell in that place and space. Even when there has been an offense towards you, your response has to be in love for there to be healing and relationship.The Bible teaches us to love thy neighbor as thyself.When we receive the love of God and love him, then we realize how much we should love ourselves. The measure in which we love ourselves is the same measure we will love others. So, if you do not love yourself, you are not capable of loving others. Only a love that is conditional, judgmental, fearful, controlling, envious and abusive can stand outside of God's love. The more you are gracious, merciful, kind, and loving to yourself, the more you can be to others. Then you can take them and yourself off the crosses of crucifixion you have erected. Jesus has already been crucified for us, so there is no need to put yourself and others on crosses of pain and punishment. Receive and give love and watch how people will be drawn to you. Is everyone meant to be in your life? No, but in love you will determine who should and can be!

Joy To The World!

During this holiday season lights and trees go up, people give gifts, and parties are in full swing. But for some this is a time of sadness and grief. As we celebrate remember the Christ in Christmas and spread love to someone in need. Especially to those that are grieving and experiencing hardships. Send a card, send a "thinking of you" text message, send a monetary gift, pray with them, take them out for a night of fun, or just sit with them. Be present with them in silence as they remember, tell stories, or just weep. Remember that love covers a multitude of sin. But love also comforts, gives, heals, and strengthens. Be blessed as you are a blessing!

The Pits!

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!" I Corinthians 10:12


Have you ever found yourself commenting on someone else's life or pointing out someone's flaws? We do this for a variety of reasons, some good and some not so good. But, the realization we must come to is that somewhere, someone may be doing the same to us. Discussing our choices and criticizing our lifestyle. In the end, we are accountable for ourselves and change must begin with us. The next time you want to add your two cents, stop and ponder, "what areas of my life do I need to change?" "How is my relationship?" "How is my money?" "How is my relationship with God?" Because once we do this, the next comment out our mouths should be filled with grace, mercy, and love. We are in this together trying to make the best out of life. Remember this and be gentle with yourself and others, or you may be the person in the pit next week with everyone standing on the ledge looking down on you. And if you are, you would want them praying and having some grace and mercy on you.

Baby You're A Firework!

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

There are times in our lives when we feel lost, empty, and afraid. Times when we wonder what's next and how do we begin to get there. In these times we can reach for external sources to fill the void and frustrations, which for the most part, add to them, or we can choose to move towards the light of love and hope. What is this love and hope and how do we tap into it? We tap into the creator of all things (God) and let his power and light guide us, fill us, and empower us. How do we do this? By observing what our life and circumstances are trying to show and tell us. Surrender to the process of growth, healing, and transformation. Be still and know that He IS, and allow his love reside within you. Then, let go. Let go of all the pain and what others did to you. Forgive as you have been forgiven. And finally, accept his love, change, and rebuke, because its all leading to your purpose driven life. So, then you can ignite the light and let it shine as you go boom boom boom, Because you're a FIREWORK!