Have you ever misplaced something? Then spent hours looking for it when it was right in front of your face. This happened to me a few days ago early in the morning. I misplaced my glasses and had the whole family helping me look for it because I couldn’t see it. We moved furniture and everything. Thee only thing that got me out the house that morning was my last pair of one day contact lens. I knew I would need to find my glasses before I took them contacts out. After work, I got home and started looking for it again but still could not find it. The whole family got involved again. My pastor preached a great message this last Sunday about pausing, praying and then making a decision. So I said lets do this different. Lord, can you help me find my glasses because I need them Amen.

The crazy thing is that I have looked in my closet so many times but this time I saw them. Some may say what a coincidence I say no, my Lord revealed it. I literally could not see something that was right in my face. Sometimes the thing we need the most is right in front of us but we can’t see it because we are so blind. Lord, take the scales off my eyes and help me see your truth because without your truth I would be so lost. I walked around for so many years thinking life was all about the next party, drink, outfit, earning more money, purchasing a big house, looking better than others, trying to be perfect, etc. It’s all a lie because inside I felt like crap and didn’t even know whom I was or what I was placed on this earth to do. We all have a purpose in this life for his perfect and pleasing plan.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future“ Jeremiah 29:11.

Jesus gives me the opportunity and ability to see that less is more and without Him I‘m nothing. He is the truth and the life. I did not feel peace or know love until I started chasing Him with all my heart because I always knew there was more to life. I’m not perfect and have messed up so many times but I know one thing for sure. He is very real, heaven and hell is very real. The enemy wants to keep you away from God and his truth because once you start doing right; things start to change, and your life starts to change. The enemy is always whispering lies about what you did and what you can’t do, making you feel guilty and condemned. But God says everything is possible with Him. God’ word is truth, so maybe the truth is right there but some can’t see because they are too preoccupied with the world. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not real. Open you eyes; seek His truth read His word and have a blessed week!

A few years ago, I started reading a woman’s guide to reading the bible in a year by Diane Stortz. A year has come and gone but I’m hoping to get to through the entire bible one day, no rush I want to make sure I understand what I am reading. So if you struggle with taking forever to read a book your not alone. But while reading Daniel for the first time, God does a miracle that gives me so much encouragement I want to share.

King Nebuchadnezzar makes a gold image and asked everyone to worship it when the music comes on. Daniel’s three friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused and were summoned to the king. The king promises to throw them into a blazing furnace if they don’t worship his gold image.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us ^[a] from Your Majesty’s hand. ¹⁸ But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 NIV

They have so much faith and are bold to tell the king who God is, clearly the Lord of their lives. They believe with their heart and soul that God would deliver them. King Nebuchadnezzar heats the fire seven times hotter than usual and gets the strongest soldiers to tie up them up with all their clothes on. They are thrown into the fire and the flames were so hot that the soldiers who threw them in died. The king then sees four men walking around in the fire unbound and unharmed, one looks like the son of gods. He commands the three out of the fire.

²⁷ and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. Daniel 3:27 NIV

What!!! So you’re telling me they were walking around in the fire with someone else and nothing on them is burnt except for the ropes they were tied up with. This blew my mind, they were set free just like how Jesus delivered us from our chains of the enemy. When we accept Jesus as Lord, we are redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness and poverty. Jesus reminds me that we are healed by his stripes, free from the law of sin and death and that He will meet all of my needs according to his glory and riches in Christ Jesus. The God in the Old Testament is the same God yesterday, today and tomorrow, the difference is we have a new covenant that includes grace. He can rescue you from the fire and you can leave unharmed if you let him be the Lord of you life. I’m so encouraged this morning to let God guide my steps even when they seem so difficult because He knows what is best for me and will protect me. I hope this encourages you today!! Be blessed.

It’s Monday…back to work from some and a day off for others. I decided to let my hair down this weekend and just have fun with my family. It was husband’s birthday and I planned a surprise party for him. I did not know that event planning could cause so much anxiety. Boy, was I going through it what if he doesn’t like it or some of his friends don’t show up. I kept having to repeat Philippians 4:6 because I was anxious for no reason. Worrying does nothing but prayer changes things. I know that God always guides me, directs me, cares for me, and provides wisdom especially when I have no idea what I am doing. He is so good to me and shows me favor. But sometimes I still feel anxious and this reminded me about how much God cares. We went to see a baseball game and I remembered we had a ballpark coupon. Found out it doesn’t start until May 1^st and I was going to have to pay regular price for everyone. We get to the ballpark and a lady comes up and asked if I was going to buy a ticket. I said yes and she gave me a voucher for a free ticket. I was so excited about that, there were so many people standing online to buy a ticket. I didn’t even get to the line yet and she offered it to me. Praise the Lord, only Him. It felt good to just focus on my family and have fun. This weekend has encouraged me to have more fun with my family and remind me that God is always working things out for those who love Him. Have a great and productive week!!! May God bless you and shower you with His favor!!!

Jesus died on Friday but today the tomb is empty and is always interceding on our behalf. Jesus is alive and at the Father’s right hand today in heaven. Jesus fulfilled scripture when he was resurrected. “You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭30:3 NIV

When something dies that does not mean that their won’t be life again. It just means God has better plans to bring glory to Himself. It gives me life and the greatest hope knowing that I will live again after I leave this earth. Life is available to everyone. Only you can make that decision?

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:9-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Have an awesome Easter Sunday!!! And a great week!!

 

About 7 years ago, while waiting for the D train in the Bronx. I was minding my business, just waiting which is the norm in New York City. Also, having a conversation with my then 3 yr. old daughter and a short black man approaches me. At first, I thought he was going to ask me for my phone number, make a comment or ask for money. This is how the conversation went.

Man: Accuse me, do you know Jesus? (strong African accent)

Me: Huh?

Man: Do you know Jesus?

Me: In a surprised voice, I’m not sure if I know Jesus.

Man: Would you like to know him?

Me: Sure

Man: Well let’s pray

Me: Ok (strange look on my face)

Man: Repeat after me

I don’t remember the exact words he used but it was the sinner prayers. Repenting of sins and believing that Jesus died and was resurrected and accepting him in my heart. Alright your saved and the train arrived. Little, did I know that simple prayer was going to change my life? It was the beginning stages of finding Jesus, leaving a really sad and unhealthy situation, meeting my husband, getting pregnant, moving out of the city, finding a church, mending my heart, building my faith, being baptized and choosing to follow Christ. Not because I love God but only because he loved me first. He loves me and accepts me into His family and calls me His child. This is God’s grace, which my bible defines as his free and unmerited favor for sinful humanity. I believe the day in the train station was a divine appointment. God lined it all up.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

I did not deserve anything He has given me but He gives it to me anyway because He loves me just like how He loves you. I was dead, heartbroken, filled with guilt, shame and searching for love. Jesus is the only one that can fill that void. God grace is big enough for any situation, He is all knowing, and already knows what’s going on. He is just waiting for you to accept Jesus and repent from sinful ways.

⁹ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Hope this changes someone life, just like the man on the train did for me. Praise the Lord. Have an awesome week!!!

I can’t believe a year has passed since the Lord put Effort Ministries in my heart. At the time, I was not sure how I would find time for it but it just all worked out. I was not comfortable speaking in front of other and knew I needed a platform to share the miracles and blessings God is doing in my life. Today I’m still a work in progress and very grateful for the opportunity. Just taking life one day at a time. If you have ever thought something was too hard or time-consuming. God has equipped us to do the work of the kingdom; we just have to trust that He is able. He can use anything for our good. Have a great week!!!

I absolutely love Sundays because it normally includes church, breakfast and quality time with family. I love Jesus, to eat new things and love on my family. It’s a great way to start the week. I’m so happy to share what my lovely daughter said about me this weekend.

My daughter: Mom, I don’t want to be mean but you need friends.

Me: Huh? Laughing. Your bored aren’t you.

My daughter: Yes

I laughed at the time but after thinking about it she may be right. Have you ever been surrounded by people but still feel lonely? I know I have. I struggle with building new relationships because I do not trust people easily or their intentions. It breaks my heart that others may feel the same way or are going through the same thing because it’s not easy. Here we are in 2017, surrounded with ways to connect but the connection is just not there. Authentic connection. The feeling of loneliness has a way of just creeping in sometimes, when it’s so quiet and I feel so alone. I know that God is always there because His word says it. He will never leave or forsake us. If you feel lonely today like you have no support or genuine relationships with others. His word reminds us that He will never leave us. Maybe I just need to start drawing closer to him and pray about it. God can change our perspective, our hearts and mind. We are never alone, God knows and sees everything. Being lonely sometimes is good thing, even Jesus had to go to quiet places and pray. God can give you a spouse, family, and friends in unexpected ways but seek Him first. My daughter suggesting I need new friends made me realize that maybe I do. In the meantime, I will look at feeling lonely sometimes as an opportunity to pray to the Creator of the universe. I hope this encourages you today, have a great week!!!!

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

Before I was saved, there was a deep longing in my heart that something was missing and I could not pinpoint it. Anxiety and fear made me feel like I was always running and chasing the unknown. To this day it’s still hard to explain to others the holes in my heart that Jesus was able to mend. I’ve been working on this post for over two weeks now. I just could not put into words what I felt lead to share. I did not experience love until Jesus found me. I honestly thought I loved others and maybe I did selfishly. But it wasn’t until I experienced His love in my heart, it was different I genuinely loved people I did not even know. I loved people in the grocery store, people riding by on their bikes or walking while I’m driving, people in the elevator etc. I was given a heart for children that I did not have before, a love that’s unexplainable. So what exactly is love? According to my bible dictionary, love is strong affection, desire, or devotion. God heart is probably the size of the earth or larger because he has enough for each and everyone of us. God loves you and He loved us first by sending His son Jesus to die on a cross, be buried and resurrected on the 3rd day, so we can have a relationship with Him. God reveal to me His love and my life will never be the same. Let’s love one another more. Have a blessed week!!!

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹ Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹² No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:10-12

 

My brain wonders sometimes, which I’m sure happens to everyone but I really shouldn’t. It goes places it has no business being and I want to keep my thoughts obedient to God. Paul reminds me to think of these things. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬. Recently, when my thoughts start to go where they shouldn’t I begin to sing/worship and my thoughts start change. Sometimes I have to mediate on the word over and over again until it stops. This has helped me get through some really tough days. Hope you have a blessed week!!!

The second week of the year is officially here. So exciting I hope your New Year resolutions are still in full swing. I’m writing today with the hope of encouraging someone that God is always there in the mist of everything. I’m struggling with always feeling like I’m fighting maybe not fist fighting. But fighting the struggle of life, like paying my bills or disciplining my children, or hoping that the trash is taken out on trash day, or that everyone at home does what they are suppose to do. I could go on all day with examples. But I just want peace, peace, peace and some more peace. The life where everyone does what he or she should do when they should do it. I woke up this morning just tired, I wanted to tell my family I was going away for a few days. Instead, I got still, lifted my request to God and worshipped Him. Graciously He sustained me. Praise the Lord, I’m so grateful. Couldn’t imagine my life without Him. I don’t even know if sharing this would encourage someone today but I hope it does. Don’t give up, just seek Him. Happy Sunday!!!!