View all sides before making a decision

When dealing with a situation, the negative is most often seen before visualizing the positive. We typically do not view all angles first. Our perception often times lead to hasty or incorrect responses.  

These pictures represent one dandelion taken from two different vantage points. To one, the image appears to be taller and to someone else shorter. When facing life’s obstacles do not approach them alone. Look at all perspectives and include God before making a decision. Trust God with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. 

Through prayer, the negative perception can change just as quickly as a dandelion’s tassels can float away. And God will direct your path. 

Fear begins in the mind

Fear begins in the mind. Things we should  pass to God, we tend to hold on to them. We allow them to linger and grow. Jesus assured us we have peace and not let things trouble our hearts. What are you holding on to? Let go and let God. Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid (John 14:27).

Current life disruptions distracts you from God

It’s easy to operate in the flesh and not the spirit. All it takes is some abnormal situation to disrupt our ‘normal’ way of living. When operating in the flesh you don’t maintain a clear mindset. Brothers and sisters, now more than ever lean more on God’s word. God is always present even when he appears far away. Don’t let this current disruption distract you. Trust more in God and express it through prayer and praise. Lift your eyes unto the hills from whence cometh your help Psalms 121.

During times like these God’s word can bring peace

When distress, fear, and uncertainty, knock on your door, this is the time to draw closer to God. In the midst of confusion try not to lean on your understanding. Pull out your bible or phone. There are bible verses for every scenario in life. The 23 Psalms is a familiar passage one that can help you see God being a caring shepherd during times like these; though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, fear no evil, for God is with you! Take advantage of your smart phone search for bible reference words that describes your need. There is a Verse just for you.

Making sense during uncertain times

Now, more than ever everyone has a sense of uncertainty. Our current situation has many looking at everything but what’s important. My pastor told us not to be distracted. Satan will make believers think that the Lord don’t care. Glory to God! Jesus still cares. Friends we have to stay focused on God. The reality, none of us are secure in this world except with Jesus. So whatever you are facing during these strange uncertain times focus on God. Do not be anxious, for your heavenly Father knows your needs. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matt. 6:31-33).

Trust God in all things

Nowhere in the Bible does it indicate that if you are a child of God, Christian, or believer of the word you are exempt from suffering. Those who trust God will still suffer. God never promised a life free from some pain but he did promise never to leave nor to forsake us. 

Don’t lose faith or hope. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Facing trying times don’t panic

When facing trying times such as these, we lose it. We hear of mandatory quarantines and see empty grocery shelves we panic. We forget the basic principles of faith; not to walk by sight. The widow at Zarapeth was at what appeared to be her demise during a 3.5 year drought. With only enough flour and oil for one meal she was ready to give up (1 Kings 17:7-24). The Bible gives us plenty examples of how God provides and can use anything or anyone to fulfill his promises. Elijah was sent by God to help the widow. Because of her obedience to God’s word, her supply never ran empty! Yes, our future is uncertain. However, Believers of GOD Fear not, for GOD is with you; be not dismayed. GOD will strengthen you, GOD will provide your needs. Trust his word. stay prayerful. Don’t lose faith. Be encouraged AND encourage others!

Be anxious for nothing

It’s hard to runaway from the daily onslaught of updates regarding the uncertainty of the world today. People who have never felt anxious are being weighed down with fear, doubt, and not sure what’s next! In times like these, turn to God’s word and not our understanding. Be encouraged! Take time daily to seek God, pray, and most importantly read the word. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7).

God is not listening to our prayers

God warned Solomon he would send pestilence to the lands if people would not humble themselves, seek his face and turn from their wicked ways (2 Chron. 7:11-13). Is the Coronavirus an example of God’s warning? God also promised Solomon he would heal the land (2 Chron. 7:14). People of God it’s time to take heed. God is not hearing the prayers of the church. It’s time for us all who are called by the name of (God/Yeshua/Messiah) to humble ourselves, pray, seek his face and turn from our wicked ways. If we do this, God said his eyes and ears will be open and he would be attentive to our prayers (2 Chron. 7:15). It’s time for humility. Praying. Seeking. Trusting God’s word.

Now is the time to pray

America’s state of emergency has everyone shook up! During this crisis  your faith will be tested. Trust in God’s word no matter how unstable the situation may appear. Now is the time God expects us to be like the children of Israel  - trust him. Stand firm. Walk in faith. Pray. Use common sense. 

Its never too late to work on your Spiritual relationship with Christ.  

+ Never-ending prayer [conversation]

+ Seeking to improve self spiritually

+Trust more in every word

+In return God makes  his presence known through the Holy Spirit. 

Don’t give up no matter how hard the journey. Trust more in God and express it through prayer and praise. Lift your eyes unto the hills from whence cometh your help Psalms 121. 

Think of Job during the Coronavirus

The world is encountering a Job like moment. Coronavirus has affected many indirectly and directly. How are you coping with it? Job lost everything; his family and wealth(Job 1:13-18). He faced his greatest calamity of painful bodily pain for months (Job 2:4-7). Job handled the initial attack well. He mourned and grieved but never questioned God’s sovereignty. Over time he did doubt, he even questioned God. The lesson for us all to remember don’t lose faith. Don’t doubt the power of God. Despite all Job endured, God’s hands was still covering him. Be safe. Stay prayerful. Continue to praise God. Don’t lose hope.

Having tenacity for God

Daily, have a passion for Christ an energetic attitude and the tenacity to trust God. Hold fast to God’s word. Keep the faith. When reality don’t align with what you see persevere. When doubt seeps into your mind Fine the inner strength to press forward. Pray. Never grow weary. Seek God’s wisdom. Ask God to order your steps. May his words be a light to guide the way. Have the spirit of an eagle, never surrender or give up to the size of your inabilities. Learn to Wait Upon The Lord. He Shall Renew Your Strength. 

Love is kind. It never hates.

Babies are born with pure loving hearts. They have an innate ability of expressing true love with most they encounter. Their love is unconditional. The dislike of people because of the color of their skin, nationality, religion, sexual preference or a myriad of other things is a taught/learned behavior. What if God stopped loving us because of our past sins, or treated us the way many treat the aforementioned? God’s love for us is unconditional. He loves us in spite of our sins. To love does not mean you have to be bosom buddies with everyone. But it does mean whoever cannot love does not know God at all. 

Do not forget God

 Though we may be in a dark or humbling place in life, instead of complaining and crying out to God, we should trust in Him to lead us through the ordeal.

This is a great example of the children of Israel. Towards the end of their 40-year journey, God reminded them not to forget Him (Deut. 8). He reminded them that those years in the wilderness were to humble and test them to know what was in their hearts. From His guidance and protection throughout all those years, neither their clothes nor their shoes wore, and their feet did not swell. The years were humbling over time but the children were reminded that during their dark journey, God supplied them with all they needed: food, protection, clothing, and guidance.

When we forget, God is disappointed with us. The job you prayed for, the escape from an abusive relationship, or the sustenance you had when money was low - these are the things for which you are grateful. Through what has God brought you? With what are you struggling, and why are you going through it alone? 

It is after these miraculous things we tend to forget God. When we don't remember God and begin to worship and idolize material things (false gods), He has promised to testify against us and we shall perish. Forget not the Lord. Remember how He led you through your wilderness. Trust in Him and He will lead you through.

Stop judging. Show compassion.

One overt problem that plagues the church today is self-centeredness and a judging spirit. Simon the Pharisee seemed to believe Jesus was a prophet (Luke 7:39). Yet it appears his dinner party was more for self gratification. In the Church we find showy Pharisees who praise God yet when an “obvious” sinner enters the doors they cast judgement. Christians forget who Jesus spent time with. Jesus showed compassion to the outcasts, Not the righteous. We are all sinners. We could never pay God enough to cover our sins yet he has forgiven. Learn to forgive. Learn to love and show compassion just as Jesus did.