The past is the past for a reason. The past has purpose. It was not and is not meant to be a part of today. So, leave it and press forward! Press your way into what and/or who God has for you! The past is not meant to last but to surpass!! Pass those fears, doubts, and naysayers! You are better, bigger, and stronger! You are not walking backward! Today, today, today, you are walking by faith!
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Prayer: Thank you, Lord! Thank you for the past!! A season of prepararion and growth! We give you glory that the past was not meant to last but to surpass! In Jesus name, Amen

Scripture: No dear brothers and sisters I am not all that I should be, but I am forgetting those things of the past and pressing my way forward. Philippians 3:13 NLT

I was on the treadmill today and I noticed the name Pro-form. As I looked down, I also noted the words "pro-shock cushioning".  This treadmill can be manipulated by pushing several options, start, stop, incline, decline, workout options, and there is a fan for when one becomes overheated. I thought about the decision I made to get in better shape physically and how I wanted my body to be pro-form, in great condition.
As I continued toward my goal, God began to reveal to me the importance of a relationship with Him. On this life journey, there will be starts, and stops, inclines, and declines, and just when you feel like you cannot take it anymore, He will provide a "cooling system." He is the "shock cushioning" in terrible times, such as the pandemic. However, just like I had to make a decision to get on this treadmill, you have to make a decision to accept His will for your life. I reached my goal today and I look forward to reaching the goal God has for me on this journey.
How about you? Are you ready to walk with God? 
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Prayer: Guide us Great Jehovah! Lord God, let us submit to your will. Give us wisdom to accept your plans. We give you praise, honor, and glory. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Scripture: That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 1Thessalonians 2:12 KJV

 I like to set goals and make plans, it keeps me on track spiritually, mentally, and physically. However, I know "He knows what is best for me." 
I had plans in 2020, but He knew what was best for me. I aspired to reach new goals, but he knows what is best for me. I had a vision in 2020, but He knows what is best for me.
Are you a planner? Do you have ideas about this new year? Let me encourage you; it is perfectly fine to plan, dream, hope, have visions, but remember, "He knows what is best for you."
Seek Him first and trust His plans; HE KNOWS WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU!
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Prayer: Thank you Father for the plans you have for your children. As we continue to lean not to our own understanding, acknowledge you, we trust the path you have for us. We continue to give you honor and glory. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Scripture: Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:26 NLT

Here we are the start of a new year! If you are reading this post, we can exclaim together, "He kept me!"
2020 may not have been the best year for you, however, you made it.
God kept you through the storms of life. God kept you as you experienced some joys of life.
GOD KEPT YOU! 
As you enter into this new year, remember God is faithful. Today, I will share with you a word from the Lord, spoken to me, " I AM STILL THE ONE IN 2021." 
Remember who your God is as you press forward. He will never leave or forsake you!
He is still THE ONE in 2021!!!
Blessings to you and yours! 
Scripture: And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. Jeremiah 30:22 KJV

Prayer: Father God thank you for being a Keeper! Thank you for leading us into a new year of grace. Thank you God! You are and will forever be my God. In Jesus name, Amen.

God knows you better than you know yourself. As a new Christian or seasoned Christian you will never be perfect. So, stop trying. When God enters your life, he does not want your personality, traits, etc to change. He wants your heart to change. When you seek Him, you will find that you will not want to say things or go places that you used to. However, you are wonderfully and fearfully made for use in the kingdom! He can use you where you are, even if you are in a jail cell. Review those servants from the Bible, Rahab, Moses, Paul, Noah, and many other imperfect people. As you continue this journey, trust God. He is doing a great work in you!!
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for creating me for your kingdom work. Mold me. Shape me. Use me. I want to be your servant. In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture: For with God nothing shall be impossibe. Luke 1

 IT DOES NOT MATTER what the other person did or did not do, it only matters how you as a believer respond. Nobody likes to be lied to. Nobody likes to be hurt.  If you find yourself in that place today, go to God's word. Go into God's presence. God will give you the strength to press forward. His word and his grace is sufficient for you and everything you encounter on this journey.  DO NOT operate outside of God's will by choosing to respond poorly, such as seeking revenge or holding unforgiveness in your heart. When you respond with a poor decision, it is now your burden to carry and you are held accountable for your actions. Is it easy? Yes, because God will see you through. There is nothing impossible for God!
So remember, IT DOES NOT MATTER what "they" did but IT MATTERS HOW YOU RESPOND. 

​Prayer: Lord let us be slow to speak and slow to react. Give us the strength to be quick to heed to your word, your throne, and your presence. We thank you for grace that is sufficient. We thank you in our weakness you are made strong. We give you glory! In Jesus name, Amen.


Scripture: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James 1:19 KJV

Did you set your alarm for an early rising today? Did you double check it, to make sure it would alarm as a reminder to get up? Can I tell you something? 
The alarm did not wake you up this morning, it was God. He has designed another day, for you to be busy in His Kingdom. With His mercy and grace, He allowed you another day to be about His business. ​So, get busy! Do what you have been purposed for today! Ring the alarm and let the devil know he cannot and will not block what God has for you to do today!! 

Prayer: Thank you Lord for another day of walking in purpose and on purpose! The gift of breath today will not be in vain! We surrender and submit to your will today! You have ordained this day and this moment in time. So, right now, today, we pray you use us for your glory! In Jesus name, Amen.
Scripture: "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." Psalm 5:3, King James Version

*adapted from original post 2016*

Say His name...
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
Something happens when you say His name. If you did not experience anything as you said His name, repeat until something happens. I promise you, something will happen.  Everyone will not have the same experience because we are uniquely made. However, God knows what you need in every moment! So, say His name... JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, JESUS!!!

Prayer: Thank you God, for there is power in the name of JESUS! Remind us today, to just say HIS name. There is healing in HIS name! There is deliverance in HIS name! There is peace in HIS name! There is joy in HIS name! There is love in HIS name! In the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, AMEN!
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Scripture:  O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Psalm 105:1 KJV

The holidays prove to be difficult for many. Reflecting on those who have been promoted to a heavenly position causes the return of sadness, despair, and/or feeling lost. Maybe you have lost a parent, child, family member, or friend and you are questioning God.
Are you wondering how you can be thankful without the love of your life?
Are you in a painful situation right now? Maybe you are one of many who have lost employment due to the virus.
Are you wondering where you and your family will live? eat? survive?
I know things do not look good at the moment. I know things do not feel good at the moment. However, I want to encourage you.
EVERYTHING you need is within you as a believer. 
I have an assignment for you to complete.
Take a piece of paper and write "THANKFUL" at the top; then start a list of those things you are thankful for in your life.
When you focus on the good, the bad does not feel so bad.
As you look at your list, you can see where God keeps his promises.
As you look at your list, you will gain renewed strength to keep moving forward. 
After completing your list, talk with God. Give him your burdens! 
Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Shalom for your peace today.  We thank you for life, health, and strength. We thank you for food, clothing, and shelter. We thank you for meeting our needs.
We thank you for the ability to look to the hills.
We thank you for the ability to stand on your promises. We thank you! In Jesus name, Amen. 

​Scripture: I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works. Psalm 9:1 KJV

Transparency moment: 
This continues to be a difficult year. So many things have tried to put me in the valley. I hurt.
​I have tried to be there for family and friends as they have experienced some of the worst moments of their lives. I hurt. I feel the pain. I feel the hopelessness. I feel the tears. 
Last night and this morning, I have been crying out to God. I hurt. I feel the pain.
I did what I was told to do. I prayed. I fasted. I cried. I encouraged. But....I hurt...
This morning God spoke to me. He said "assume the position." I knew immediately what he was telling me. Give it to Him. Get on my knees. Lay prostrate before Him. Give it to Him.
He knows I hurt. He knows I feel the pain. He knows I cry. He hears my prayers. He is giving me strength to do His will when others hurt. He said "give it to me." Assume the position. 

Prayer: Thank you Lord for never leaving nor forsaking your children. Thank you Lord for using your servants to pray, cry, encourage, and hope for those when they are in the valley. Thank you for strength, peace, and your mercy and grace as your servants do your will. In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture: Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Psalm 23:4 KJV