My Netflix Situation

It was Labor Day 2015.  I had absolutely no plans.  No cookout to attend.  No date to get ready for.  No beach trip to pack for.  Nothing!  So, I decided that I would have a “lazy day” one that consisted of eating, relaxing, and watching Netflix.  Now part of me felt sad because I had nothing exciting to do.  Because I am a young single woman, I felt like I needed to be OUT! You know, doing something fun…making memories…hanging out with friends.  Oh well, here I was at home - just me, my comfort food, and my Netflix having quality time. 

After plopping on my couch and searching the Netflix catalog, I finally settled on a TV series to watch.  From the first episode, I was hooked! It had just enough drama, laughter, and unexpected twists and turns to keep me entertained.  I experienced a myriad of emotions while watching the episodes.  I laughed, got frustrated, and yelled at the TV when a character annoyed me.  But overall, I enjoyed the storyline.  Then, it happened…

After watching several episodes, out of the blue, one of my favorite characters died! I was so upset and even felt like crying!  I couldn’t believe it.  I couldn’t even finish that episode because I was just that distraught over that FICTIONAL character’s death! Well, it’s been almost a week and I still don’t feel ready to finish the episode.  I just don’t want to risk feeling those feelings again.    

When I stopped the program I looked at the clock and realized that I had been sitting on the couch for almost six hours!!! I had become so emotionally attached and involved in the characters that I didn’t notice how much time had gone by.  I sat there for a few moments and processed what happened.  I went through a range of emotions – joy, frustration, hope, pain – for something that was not real at all.  

Unfortunately, we do the same thing in our everyday lives.  We become emotionally, mentally, and spiritually connected to situations that don’t even matter.  For example, gossip, old relationships, and petty interpersonal conflicts are all examples of senseless “situations”.  We allow these “situations” to burden us, sadden us, trouble us, and evoke bitterness and fear in us.  However, we don’t have to go through all of that.  

Colossians 3:2 tells us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.  Things of this earth (external stressors, financial issues, failed relationships) will not last.  However, God’s love, peace, power, and joy will last forever.  His Word is a sturdy foundation that we can stand firmly upon.  As His children, we are the heirs of His promises.  We are called to focus on these eternal blessings.  By internalizing this principle, we make ourselves less susceptible to emotional baggage. 

I notice that we often give too much of our energy to nonsense.  We hand over our thoughts to things that won’t even matter in the long run.  Remember, we have been instructed to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, lovely, and pure (Philippians 4:8).  So, when a “situation” at work has you feeling incompetent, know that you can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13).  When you encounter a “situation” in which people are saying negative things about you, remember The Lord says, “I know the thoughts I think towards You (Jeremiah 29:11).”  For God’s thoughts are the ones that really matter.   

So let’s focus on things that really matter.  Let’s give our energy to relevant and eternal matters.  I believe my Netflix incident serves as a good reminder of how we get emotionally burdened and attached to insignificant affairs.  So today, I encourage you to break free from trivial matters and break out from the bondage of irrelevant circumstances.  #BreakOut

Judgement in the Streets

This past weekend, my girls and I visited New Orleans! It was so much fun catching up with them, joking around, and making wonderful new memories which I am sure we will talk about for years to come.  This was my first visit to New Orleans.  I’ve always wanted to go there to experience their culture, eat beignets, and listen to live jazz on the streets (and I did just that!) 

The first night my friends and I decided to grab a bite to eat and explore the infamous Bourbon Street.  There was so much activity on that bustling street! I felt like I was experiencing sensory overload! The crowd was diverse with many races, ages, and backgrounds.  There were hundreds of people walking, laughing, and dancing down the street.  It was quite a lively atmosphere! Some of the things I saw shocked me, though.  There were strippers and half naked women prancing and dancing down the street (which was a lot for a small-town girl like me to see).  But overall, it was an animated and interesting experience.

Also on that energetic street was a small Christian group.  They stood in the middle of the street with a makeshift cross they had erected.  This group was not smiling.  They did not appear to be friendly or approachable. They did not attempt to “converse” with others.   They just stood there talking among themselves around the cross. Many people passed by them and I did not notice them speak directly to anyone.  Yet, there was an unspoken message that resounded loudly: You are a sinner.  You need to turn from your wicked ways and follow The Lord. 

When I walked passed the group an older gentleman handed me a small flyer which read “God loves you.”  That was it.  No conversation.  No greeting.  No smile - just a piece of paper with a message that did not match the old man’s demeanor.  Now, to some this may not be a big deal because God does love me.  But, I felt slighted and instantly judged as a sinner.  Yes, me…a believer…with an inspirational blog…who attends church regularly…and has a relationship with God…felt judged.

This led me to wonder how non-believers and those who may not have been introduced to Jesus yet may have felt when walking past this group. Did they also feel judged? Did they feel labeled? Did they feel uncomfortable? Let me be clear, I respect the Christian group’s intent and I think it is wonderful that they want to share God’s word with the lost.  However, I believe that their approach could be improved. I wonder if that group influenced any to accept Jesus during that weekend.  The message they handed me is absolute good news and this good news is something that should be excitedly shared!  However, it’s difficult for non-believers to accept our message if we are not examples of it.  Our God is compassionate towards us (Psalm 103:8) and He loved us while we were still sinners.   He demonstrated that love by sending His Son to die for us (Romans 5:8).  His love covers a multitude of sins and He keeps no record of wrongs (1 Peter 4:8 and 1 Corinthians 13:5).  There are many who are living in opposition to God’s way mainly because they do not know that God truly loves them.   Let us show them God’s love and His desire to have them become a part of His family.  Let us share God’s word and speak His truths with joy and with a smile.  We need to do more than just make a statement on Facebook, or post a picture on Instagram, or wear a cross to show forth our relationship with God.  Instead, let us mirror His love.  You know how the expression goes, actions speak louder than words.  So as believers, we can’t just talk the talk…we have to walk the talk!  I believe the group of believers would have been more effective if they stood there with the cross and smiled at people and engaged them in conversation about the faith. 

So today, I encourage you to reflect on how you share God’s message with others.  More importantly, does your lifestyle and demeanor mimic God’s message?  Remember, we are stepping up this year.  But as we elevate spiritually we must not exalt ourselves and look down on those who are struggling.  #BreakOut     

Step Up

Declaration:  I am Stepping UP!  There, I said it and I’m doing it!  I’ve received revelation from God and it’s my belief that this Word wasn’t just for me, but that it was for some of you, too!  See, for the past year, God has given me a recurring vision.  In this vision the scene is constant, but my position continues to change.   For example, in the very first vision, I was locked up in a cell, something like a cage, on the edge of a beautiful green meadow.   I was positioned behind bars, but a beautiful grassy meadow was before me.   A few weeks later, I saw myself, again - still in the same cell, but this time the gate was open.  I was no longer locked in.  Freedom was before me; but I could not move.  I wanted to, but for some reason I couldn’t.   Over the course of a few months, the vision returned.  In this vision the cell was there, but I had moved out of it and was running around the green pasture. I was finally free!  Praise the Lord!  I was no longer contained in the cell.  I was able to experience the grassy meadow before me and I rejoiced in the new found freedom.   I was so excited because I recognized that The Lord had delivered me from spiritual bondage.  I was very content with this new phase of the vision.  But, I soon found out that God wasn’t….

A few months later, God showed me the same scene and this time, I was standing on a large flower. Suddenly, the flower’s stem began to sprout and shoot high into the sky (with me still on it).  We rose so high that I could barely see the field below or what was happening in it.   I was overjoyed in my spirit after this vision because I knew that this was a sign that God was elevating me.  Not only was He elevating me, but He was also separating me from earthly things that had me bound.  He was breaking me free from insecurities, bitterness, regrets, and fear.  He was making provision for me to soar into my promise.  I found so much comfort in this new revelation because I recognized and knew that God was in control.  He was enlarging my territory, shifting my focus on things above, and showing me a new perspective and fresh possibilities.  Each time I pictured that scene in my mind, I got happy! This new development lasted for about a month. But God still had more to show me…

In the next vision I was still standing on top of the flower, high in the sky when out of the blue steps appeared!  These steps were almost invisible.  They didn’t connect to the ground and I couldn’t tell how far into the sky they reached.  They were clear, like glass suspended in the sky.  I could not see the end of the steps and neither did I know where they would take me. I was curious but felt a nudge in my spirit that this next phase would require a deliberate act of faith on my part.  It would require me to trust God with the next steps of my life.  It would require me to trust that He knows where He wants me to go.  I would stand on that flower or step up to the next level of God’s promise.

So, I said it earlier.  I’ve made a decision!  I declare that I am going to step up!  If I am going to reach the potential He has placed in me I must step up.  This next form of elevation is going to require me to get out of my comfort zone, to fully rely on Him, and trust His provisions.  So, what does stepping up look like? For me, stepping up is about breaking out of my shell, becoming bold, and maximizing my gifts to spread the gospel, just to name a few.  For some, stepping up may be forgiving someone who has wronged you, or getting back up after you’ve been knocked down, or getting more involved in ministry.  

I share these visions, because I don’t believe this Word is just for me.  I believe that there are many of you, God’s children, who need to step up.  There are many people who don’t believe the gospel of Jesus.  So, as Believers, we need to step up and share the good news of Christ.  There are many who are struggling with low self-esteem, depression, and thoughts of suicide.  So, as Christians, we need to step up and spread the endless love of our Heavenly Father.  Sadly, there are many who feel hopeless.  So, as God’s people we need to step up and share the wonderful hope that our Savior provides.  I’ve made the decision to step up.  Who’s with me?

#BreakOut

My Words Unlocked My Freedom

Earlier this year, I had quite a dark dream.  The entire dream was in black and white.  A sense of chaos…fear…and loss were highly prevalent.  The dream was centered in some sort of post-apocalyptic era.  There were numerous deaths and missing persons.  Buildings were torn down.  Streets and businesses were cluttered with litter and trash.  It looked as though an explosion or tornado had swept through the city.  To sum it all up, the entire scene was very dreary, sad, and chilling. 

In the dream, I was standing on a sidewalk and noticed a sign that read: “12/1/1996: AWFUL LIVING HAS BEGUN.”  I was puzzled after reading the sign, so I began talking to God.  I said, “But Lord, you did not call me to live an awful life.  You called me to live a good and victorious life (1 Corinthians 15:57).” As soon as I spoke those words, I was instantly pulled (yes, literally PULLED!) out of that scene.  Then, I woke up.

I believe God used this dream to illustrate and remind me that death and life is in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).  As soon as I spoke God’s promises, my environment/situation changed.  My words unlocked my freedom!  The Word of God declares that The Lord has good plans for us - to prosper us, and not for harm.  He desires to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).  Therefore, in my dream, when my situation did not line up with God’s promises, I knew something was off.  Although my circumstances and atmosphere appeared horrid and hopeless, I had faith that God’s word would prevail over my life. 

This leads to my second point.  Faith without works is dead (James 2:17)!  We can believe God and remain steadfast in hope.  However, we need to accompany that faith with action.  In the dream, not only did I have faith that God desired better for me, but I acted on that faith by boldly speaking God’s promises over my life.  Even though my situation seemed hopeless, I did not behave like a hopeless person.  I did not sit and have a pity party; nor wait for my own demise.  No! I prayed about the matter and took my concerns directly to God! I spoke or reminded God of His promise to me. The words I spoke, my actions, my attitude were driven by a desire to live an abundant life (John 10:10) because that is what God promised me.

So, are you currently in what appears to be a desolate situation?  Do you feel depressed, worried and/or confused about what is going on in your life? Are you functioning in life…going through the motions day by day…but not truly enjoying life the way God intended?  If so, I wonder what would happen if you spoke God’s provision…His peace…His love…His healing…His joy over your life? I bet it would set you free.  I bet you would feel a release from the bondage or place of desolation.  Go ahead and try it.  Defeat the enemy by speaking faith-filled words! DECLARE God’s Promises!  I dare you…

#BreakOut         

You Look Better in My Light

Ok, so I have a confession…I absolutely LOVE taking selfies!  Selfies are photographs that individuals take of themselves, usually with a smartphone.  I take selfies everywhere - in the car, at work, at home, and when I’m getting ready to have a night out with friends.  I’ve mastered the art of taking the selfie at the right angle.  However, I often struggle with trying to find the right lighting for the picture.  Depending on the light, the picture may come out too dark, too bright, or too red. This often causes me to take many shots just to get the right picture. 

A couple of weeks ago, I was in the backyard playing with Abby, my pet dog, and I decided to take a few selfies of me with Abby.  To my delight, every picture I took seemed just right (perfect lighting, nice smile, vibrant skin)!  As I was marveling at the pictures, I heard in my spirit, “you look better in My light.”  I instantly smiled to myself as I thought about just how awesome our Heavenly Father is.  His natural light created the perfect atmosphere for the right picture. 

So let me take this a step further.  As Christians, we are called to be the light of the world (Matthew 5: 14-15).  See, when God’s light shines on us, the very best comes through.  Our countenance, our demeanor, our spirit drastically changes when we allow the Holy Spirit to enter in and take charge of our life.  God’s light includes His favor, grace, faithful love, and ultimately His Spirit.  When we abide in God, His light shines brilliantly in our lives.  In turn, our light causes others to come closer to God.

God’s light also causes us to see ourselves differently. While taking the selfies in the yard, I didn’t notice the dog stain on my shirt, or the fact that my lipstick had faded.  Instead, I saw the beautiful way that God created me.  I saw His craftsmanship, His creativity, and His beauty.  The light of God destroys darkness (evil thoughts, pessimistic thinking, low self-esteem, etc). It allowed me to focus on my strengths, and not the weaknesses that the enemy often attempts to highlight.

So today, I encourage you to seek God.  Don’t focus on past mistakes and failures.  Free yourself from negative thinking by meditating on God’s word.  Ask Him to open your eyes so that you can see yourself the way He sees you.  Most importantly, let us walk in love and allow His light to shine through you.  #BREAKOUT

No Turning Back

Courtesy of lamposted at freeimages.com

It doesn’t bother me anymore…I’m fine!

I know there are others out there who have said this when they were hurt or upset about a situation.  At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.  That situation…I’m over it!  But, the truth is I was struggling with the matter.  Even though it was an issue that happened a looooonnnnggg time ago--- when memories of it resurfaced it caused me to have negative emotions—bitterness, anger, and confusion.  I didn’t even realize how much I was “harboring” or “holding” on to the pain and how it was affecting my life.  Yet, every area in my life was being touched, in some way, by these “secret” feelings.  Close relationships suffered; job performance was lax; and my overall demeanor was moody.  The problem was I didn’t fully recognize that I had not been healed from the matter.

 I hid the pain until one day, while I was praying, God revealed to me that in order to be fully healed, I needed to focus on HIM and step outside of my flesh – out of my “feelings”.  So, I went on a fast and decided that I wasn’t going to end the fast until I knew that I was completely released from the past situation.  While I was fasting, I immersed myself into God’s presence through prayer, praise, and worship.  Towards the end of the fast I had a vision that a large door without a doorknob slam shut behind me!  BAM!  It was at that moment that I knew that God had delivered me from the bondage of my past.  I was FREE!!! That door symbolized “ACCESS DENIED”.   No re-entry! No tuning back! The past can no longer have hold of me.  No longer does it have power over me! God shut the entry way!  Instantaneously, I felt free.  I felt lighter…like a burden had been lifted.

I feel compelled to share this story with you because I know firsthand how unfortunate events can affect our present functioning.  However, I come to tell you that you no longer have to succumb to the negative memories of your past mistakes, hurts, and/or failures.  God is our deliverer! Focus on Him.  Trust in Him.  Spend time with Him.  Talk to Him.  Our God is listening to our prayers and He will set you free.   If you, like me, notice that your past is hindering your progress, it’s time to shift your focus.  Get out of the rearview mirror and look towards our Father.  Watch Him set you free!

#BreakOut

Angels in the Storm

Image courtesy of prozac1 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Just about two years ago, I had a dream that I was in a room filled with people.  As I walked through the room, I passed a window and noticed what appeared to be a strong storm on the horizon.  While I was looking at the storm, I noticed that it was becoming stronger and moving faster towards my location.  Simultaneously, I heard someone scream that the storm was actually a tsunami and was about to hit the building I was in!  In a moment’s notice, chaos filled the room and people began to panic – screaming and running – looking for places to hide.   I, too, ran towards a corner in the room and ducked down with my hands over my head.  I was so scared, so I prayed that God would protect us from the tsunami.  Instantly, I looked up and saw angels coming down from heaven and wrapping their arms around each person in the room!  No one noticed the angels, but me.   Immediately, my fear was replaced with a sense of security and peace.  The storm ended up hitting the location, but no one was harmed! The only affect from the storm we felt were rain drops.  Then, I woke up.  

Although, it was a dream it stuck with me.  Was God trying to tell me something?  Was He reminding me of His constant companionship and His attentive ear to my prayers?  I couldn’t pinpoint exactly the meaning, but when I find myself facing storms or trials  I’m often reminded of this dream.  It gives me comfort and encouragement.  For the person reading this, I know that going through difficult times can be a strenuous process.  During these tough seasons of life we may feel like God is not hearing or answering our prayers.  We may feel hopeless and sometimes, doomed.  But, I write today to encourage, as well as remind you, or inform you that God is right there with you in the storm.  He is providing exactly what is needed to protect, provide, and shelter you during the difficulty.  You may not always see His provision or feel His presence, but you can take comfort and know that He has not and will not leave you to defend for yourself!   He’s encamped angels around you.  They are covering and protecting you.

We need to remember that God is our constant companion.  Even when it seems like our situations are hopeless, God is there.  Even when we do not recognize it, God is already sending aid to us in the midst of our trials.  Regardless of what the situation looks like, you are victorious! You have God’s favor and protection all around you.  God has already made provisions specifically for you. Remember, if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)!  We have the honor of being connected to the Almighty God! This means that we are covered by His love, mercy, and protection.   Even in the storm, God is sending His wonderful blessings to you.  So, regardless of the situation, know that you walk in victory. #BreakOut

Points to Consider:

·         We may not be able to prevent storms from happening, but in the midst of them God is able to protect us from the brunt or full force of them.

·         In difficult times, don’t forget/neglect to pray.

·         Even though others may not see or even believe that provision/protection is on hand, hold on to your faith.  Your faith may save others.