A NEW ERA OF POWER

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You and I are still here in an uncertain world. So much has changed and yet so many things remain the same.
Good and evil still exist. We now get to decide how much of their energy we absorb.

I can tell you that these past few years have tested my faith, finances, and overall health. I was tired and overwhelmed. My physical body was weak. Thankfully, God’s power remained strong…steadfast…and unmovable. He continuously covered me while I rested in His love.

...for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you
[nor give you up nor leave you without support,
nor will I in any degree leave you helpless],
nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!”

So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say,
“The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid.
What will man do to me?” – Hebrews 13: 5-6 (Amplified Bible)

My prayer is that you can find comfort in His Word during these perilous times. Draw close to you Heavenly Father. He is ready to lead you into a new era of power over your life.

The Power in Obedience

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Who or what do you obey – give yourself to? What is that something that consumes your heart and feeds your soul?  Fear, anxiety and hate are running rampant.  It is time for love, peace and joy to invade your life.

In the midst of crisis, you can find comfort in complying with righteousness.  Your heart can begin to swell with an inner joy when your mind is consumed with unconditional love. Stop giving yourself to the confused, the divided, the selfish and the undisciplined. Follow a true leader.  Connect to the power source of supernatural blessings, protection and abundance!

Surely you know that you become the slaves
of whatever you give yourselves to.  
Anything or anyone you follow will be your master.
You can follow sin, or you can obey God.
Following sin brings spiritual death,
but obeying God makes you right with him.
– Romans 6:16 (ERV, Easy-To-Read Version)

The good news is you that can begin living a life of obedience today! Your Heavenly Father is always ready to be the authority over your life. There is no waiting list or special requirements.  Come as you are and obey the One who forever loves you!   

The Power of Peace

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Can we count on you to introduce peace to a situation or personal interaction?  Are others at ease after having an encounter with you?  This decade has initiated complex challenges, especially to our spiritual and emotional state, and those of our family and friends.  Most of us would appreciate a moment of peace during these chaotic and uncertain times.  As we look to the future, an ongoing test will be our ability to promote and maintain a peaceful life. 

If possible, to the best of your ability,
live at peace with all people.
– Romans 12:18 (Common English Bible)

Making peace with others requires a discipline of emotions, a regulation of the tongue, and a heart to forgive.  Making peace with unexpected circumstances requires a shift in focus, innovations for change, and strong faith.  You can be free from anything that attempts to steal your peace:  fear, anxiety, anger, frustration or past regrets.  Peace provides a freedom from negativity, oppression, stress and conflict.  It is so vital for your victorious living and personal well-being.  

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
– Matthew 5:9 (New International Version)

Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] 
are the makers and maintainers of peace,
for they will [express His character and] 
be called the sons of God.
– Matthew 5:9 (Amplified Bible)

You may ask…”Do I have the power to make and maintain peace?”  Yes! You can have peace not only with others, but peace within yourself.  There is One who can show you how.  Now is a perfect time to make acquaintance with Jesus, the Prince of Peace.  There is no need for social distancing with Him.  He wants to be close with you to provide shelter against life disturbances.  He desires to restore and promote you to a new level of joy. The more time you spend with Him, the more love and power will increase in your life.  Friend, access the power of peace today!

Special Note: You may like Psalms 91 for meditation

Undaunted Power

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PHOTO CREDIT: JAMAICAN OLYMPIAN VERONICA CAMPBELL-BROWN

Are you in need of a little power to finish the year? Feeling over it…overwhelmed, overladen and overdue?  The end of a decade is drawing near.  Although you may be weary, you are never alone.  There is unconditional love and supernatural strength readily available.  You are still here and perfectly positioned for a new season of blessings.  Now is the time to be undaunted!

UNDAUNTED | not intimidated or discouraged by difficulty, danger, fear or disappointment

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God
will be with you wherever you go.
– Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)

Current situations can block out the light of the finish line.  During these times, you may have to rely solely on faith to keep pressing forward. No looking back. Some days, you can only take one step.  Some days you may need to rest.  Continue to focus on the promises of God to build your strength and go forward.  Ask your Heavenly Father for insight on how to navigate the journey.  He will always answer and remain with you.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever—
– John 14:16 (Amplified Bible)

As this year comes to a close, remember…you are undaunted!  Get ready to experience victorious living in the next!  I love you and thank you for all your support in 2019!  

Harriet’s Power

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What is the source of your power and strength? Have you identified what pushes you to greatness? Many people gain encouragement from the accomplishments of others, mentors or heroes they have encountered. Recently, I saw the movie Harriet and was reminded of the supernatural power source to which we all have access.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
– Philippians 4:13

Harriet Tubman was a woman of immense bravery, determination and faith in action. When asked how she was able to free so many slaves, her response always included God being with her. Her adeptness was a result of the close relationship she maintained with Him. She trusted that He would guide, protect, strengthen, comfort and provide for her during her amazing feats. Unequivocally, she gave all credit to God as her sole power source.

I have told you these things, so that in Me
you may have [perfect] peace and confidence.
In the world you have tribulation and trials 
and distress and frustration;
but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]!
For I have overcome the world.
[I have deprived it of power to harm you
and have conquered it for you.]
– John  16:33 (Amplified Version)

Harriet inspires me to see the future good despite the current circumstances.  Her life teaches me how to be undaunted in the midst of haters, deceivers, fear and the seemingly impossible.  She exemplifies the supernatural strength it takes to go forward after a setback.  Her extraordinary accomplishments are a result of a very intimate and personal relationship with God.  The best part is…you and I can rely on this power source, too!

Power To Regulate

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Power to Regulate

Would you like to gain positive control over two vital aspects of life: health and relationships?  Your body performance and interpersonal connections weigh heavily on the proper supervision of a tiny, yet powerful orifice.  If you want these areas to improve, you must regulate what passes through your mouth.

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue
keepeth his soul from troubles.
– Proverbs 21:23

Your mouth, specifically your tongue, will demand its own pleasure if let unbridled.  It is so powerful that it can consume to the detriment of your body.  Poor input management can lead to stress and disease.  For optimal physical health, input regulation is critical.  Your Heavenly Father provides wisdom on what to ingest and supernatural strength for the discipline regulation requires.

However, output governance of your mouth is vital to your spiritual wellness and thriving relationships.  What it transmits has the power to build up and edify or to tear down and destroy. Your mouth can also speak through tweets, posts, comments and other social media platforms.  The more you regulate what your mouth says, the more control you gain over your life.

For those who want to love life and see good days should keep their tongue from evil speaking and their lips from speaking lies.
– 1 Peter 3:10 Common English Bible

Whatever happened to the teaching…If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all?  Even the Word of God advises…

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters.
Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener],
slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and],
slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving];
– James 1:19 Amplified Bible

Your joy, peace, well-being and power are directly connected to the content in your mouth.  If you are going to open it, do your best to regulate it.

Power of Gratitude

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Have you ever felt the uplifting force of gratitude? Sincere appreciation for little, everyday experiences positively transform your mood and demeanor.  It dismantles toxic emotions.  It overpowers feelings of doubt and despair.  Gratitude can shift the energy to enhance your life.

Let the peace of Christ
[the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him]
be the controlling factor in your hearts
[deciding and settling questions that arise].
To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers].
And be thankful [to God always]. 
– Colossians 3:15 (Amplified Bible Version)

According to MindValley Academy, “Every study done on the subject of gratitude research has indisputable evidence that gratitude benefits our bodies, minds and souls.”  You may have experienced a feeling of joy or peace while reflecting on the simple things for which you are grateful.  Regardless of your circumstance, gratitude ushers in a positive power to change your life. 

Of the many benefits, I would like to share a few that are personal to me.  

Gratitude…

gives you mental strength to overcome obstacles

guards against depression

squashes fear and anxiety

improves sleep and overall well-being

enhances your recovery time after physical and emotional trauma

guides your focus on a positive future and ushers in hope

completely changes your perspective on a situation

connects you to your Heavenly Father more intimately

reminds you of how much you are loved

is the prelude to peace and joy

Today is the perfect day to practice gratitude and experience its transformative power in your life!

The Power of Trust – Part 2

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Unconditional Love

Do you trust in unconditional love? Can you handle being a transmitter and not just a receiver?  In a world polluted with hate and deception, many of us feel hopeless to experience unwavering, unconditional love.  An even greater challenge is to offer this love to another person.  Life can make a heart cold and rigid if not renewed.  You may ask yourself, “How can I trust in love and expand my capacity to reciprocate it?”  Thankfully, the Word of God gives insight in this area.  In this post, we will explore two attributes towards building trust to love unconditionally.

ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE RENEWED

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. 
I will remove your stony heart from your body
and replace it with a living one,”
– Ezekiel 36:26 (Common English Bible)

This is vital. You must surrender the pain and brokenness of your past.  Distinguish all fear and negativity ignited by your former mindset.  Revenge and bitterness have no place in your new heart.  Permit the chains of betrayal, disappointments, and lies from the people you once trusted to crumble.  If you are like me, this renewal process is ongoing.  Sometimes it seems like the more you let go, a new suppressed memory tries to sprout up and harden your heart.  In times like these, you must look ahead and focus on your best future.

Positive thoughts are instrumental to overall wellness.  Meditate on the life-giving, restorative power of scripture.  Trust the promises of your ever-faithful Heavenly Father.  Allow Him to renew your mental, spiritual and physical state.  Remember, your heart deserves a clean slate for unconditional love to flourish. 

LEVEL UP YOUR LOVE

Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another,
for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God
and knows God [through personal experience].
The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God
[does not and never did know Him], for God is love.
[He is the originator of love,
and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.]
 – 1 John 4:7-8 (Amplified Bible)

Do you want the best for others and for yourself?  Always.  No exceptions. No matter how many times the mark is missed.  Forever.  And Ever.  This is how God loves us.  This level of love takes time to process, especially if you have been deeply wounded.  Familiarize yourself with the attributes of unconditional love so that you do not accept impostors. No longer engage in superficial or conditional love.  Guard your heart from wickedness and give it no place in your life.  Unconditional love can only come from a person who is “acquainted” with God.  Become that person and practice unconditionally loving yourself.  Level up your personal relationship with Him and your capacity for loving others will increase.  Now is the perfect time to trust God for a new heart!

The Power of Trust – Part 1

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PHOTO CREDIT: PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIN YAMAGATA; MODELED BY VICTORIA GOMEZ

What words will you trust in 2019? Almost daily, your ears are exposed to opinions on how you should behave and voices spewing a plethora of deluded advice.   On virtually every social media platform, there are discussions regarding politics, spirituality, finances, sexuality and many other issues of life. Most commentaries attempt to appeal to your senses and influence your lifestyle choices. Although you can swipe to find 12 signs for This or 7 steps to That, they rarely fit your exact situation or provide a positive resolution. 

And yet you trust in lies that will only hurt you. 
Jeremiah 7:8 (Common English Bible)

You can get lost in the chatter.  Misinformation fuels insecurities and amplifies anxieties.  In the midst of discord and confusion, you may experience intense personal emotions.  A distressed mental state can cause your discernment to become clouded and sound decisions to wane.  Despite your desire for tranquility and joy, you find yourself disgruntled on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Lord of heavenly forces, those who trust in you are truly happy!
Psalms 84:12 (Common English Bible)

You do have a trustworthy source for enlightenment.  Your Heavenly Father is the ultimate success coach and life strategist. He delights in helping you in every area – relationships, difficult times, business, dreams, health, purpose – you name it.  God loves you. He gently guides with personalized advice exclusive to you.  There are no hidden agendas, no deception, only knowledge that leads to your good success. You become stronger, carefree and full of energy! His enduring patience and wisdom will teach you about the power within you.   Even better, you can access His protection, resources and anything you need at any time and in any place. Tune in to His feed…no wi-fi needed. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
don’t rely on your own intelligence.
Know him in all your paths, 
and he will keep your ways straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (Common English Bible)

This year is different.  Trust God.

Power To Lead

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Power To LeadAre you a leader in your community, business, church, home, or workplace?  Are you looking for a more effective leadership style? Leadership is often associated with power.  It requires taking action that others willingly follow.  In the best case scenario, there is a forward action with positive results for all.

Exceptional leaders exhibit a power to influence behavior and change the course of events without dominance or limitations.  They are often studied for their remarkable style or method to accomplish the extraordinary.  Let’s take a look at a few characteristics of a quintessential leader – one still known for His impact on this world…

Jesus.

  1. Humility
    He served others instead of being served. Graciously, he showed compassion towards everyone.  His words liberated instead of suffocated. He never put people down to lift himself up.  Although he had great power and wisdom, he always acknowledged his source and reminded others that it was not solely him whom they were experiencing.

Jesus responded, “My teaching isn’t mine but comes from the one
who sent me.” – John 7:16 (Common English Bible)

 

  1. Boldness
    He broke a lot of man-made rules and displayed courage in the face of wickedness. He valued truth over legalistic traditions and customs. He was a protector and defender of those less fortunate.  Many people opposed him because he did not always choose a lawful or permissible option.

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them,
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
– John 8:7 (New International Version)

 

  1. Empowering
    He did not have the desire to rule over people. Instead, he taught others to love and serve mankind.  His teachings were empowering, not oppressive or controlling. He did not withhold anything good from his followers.  He was a trusted friend and mentor.

I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do.
They will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father.
– John 14:12 (Common English Bible)

 

  1. Authentic
    He led by example instead of barking orders. Whether speaking to an outcast or a dignitary, a prostitute or high-ranking official – all who encountered Him met the same person.  He built relationships. He did not compromise his moral values or integrity to fulfill the mission. He was faithful, loyal and respectful to all people.

I have come as a light into the world so that everyone who believes in me
won’t live in darkness. If people hear my words and don’t keep them,
I don’t judge them. I didn’t come to judge the world but to save it.
– John 12:46-47 (Common English Bible)

There are many leadership styles to model after, but the leadership style of Jesus has powerful results.