Fortifed from the Storm

A STORM is defined as an atmospheric disturbance manifested in strong winds accompanied by rain, snow, or other precipitation and often by thunder and lightning. What is most interesting to me is that it is defined as a heavy shower of objects, a violent disturbance or upheaval and a violent, sudden attack on a fortified place. The key word to me in this definition is a FORTIFIED place.


We all have had our storms. Storms come in difference velocities just as they do in the atmosphere. There are thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis and typhoons. They are all comprised of different patterns and strengths, yet they are all considered storms. These storms take place in the atmosphere and attack a fortified place.

You see, the word says “This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world” Ephesians6:12 (GOD'S WORD® Translation. The heavenly world is the atmosphere. Just as in Daniel 10:12-13, an angel brings the answer to Daniel’s prayer, although it is delayed. The word says, “Daniel, don't be afraid! God has listened to your prayers since the FIRST DAY you humbly asked for understanding, and he has sent me here. But the prince of Persia ( the adversary, the enemy) opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, who is one of the strongest guardian angels, came to rescue me from the kings of Persia.” The good news is although the answer may be delayed, the rescue is coming. The battle is being fought for us even when we can’t see it. We are fortified, protected, built up and covered by the blood of the lamb that was slaughtered so many years ago for US. Isn’t that good news today? Just knowing that even in the midst of the storm, when it is dark and we are being tossed to and fro, that it will not last always. That is just temporary. All you have to do is anchor yourself in the word and ride it out.

How? Search the word. Write down the scriptures that apply to your situation. Keep the word with you at all times. Pull that word out and read it and pray it. When you don’t know what else to do-read it. When you can’t reach anyone on the phone, read it. Learn it. Let it saturate your soul. The word is God and the healing is in HIM. The bible says, John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The act of anchoring in the word has helped me ride out many a storm. I pray that it blesses someone today. Remember, don’t let these temporary storms stop or block what God has in store for you. Don’t be discouraged or dissuaded for HE will RESCUE you!.

Will you say YES?

I lead a song called YES by Shekinah Glory. Every time I am asked to sing that song, my heart quickens, because I know that God is going to take over and I have absolutely no idea what I am going to say or sing.. Sometimes, I am conflicted because of the unknown, yet realizing that I have to be obedient. As I pondered on this, God gave me this revelation:


God said, “Look at the children. They are told to be obedient, yet it is a struggle. They are pulled by peer pressure.” The revelation was, as HIS children, we are asked to be obedient and we struggle. We are pulled by peer pressure and life. As long as we are on earth, there will be conflicts as we are under continuous pressure. Just as we punish our children when they are disobedient, we face consequences when we knowingly disobey HIS will.

God is saying “If I told you what I really need from thee…. Would your heart and soul say yes?

There is more that I require of thee! Will your spirit still say yes? What is your answer today? If the world says you can’t and God says you can, which will you choose? Even if the yes looks difficult, even if the yes looks or seems impossible, will you say yes?



Be watchful and obey all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 12: 28

Why am I Unworthy???

Sally was sad. It seemed as though no matter which way she turned, things were not working out for her. It was supposed to be a good day. Today was the day that the promotions were to be announced and she had been praying that she’d receive one. Things did not go as she had planned. First the car wouldn’t start. This is turn made her late for a big meeting that she had at work. By the time she reached her office, the meeting was over. As the day progressed, things didn’t get any better. She was yelled at by consumers calling in with complaints. She went out for lunch, only to be caught in a deluge of rain without an umbrella. Soaked and frustrated, she made her way back to her office only to find that her prayers had not been answered. She did not get the promotion.


Sally felt unappreciated. She knew she had been working hard but nothing she did seemed to matter. It just didn’t seem fair. Feelings of self doubt began to creep in. Sally felt as though she wasn’t worthy. As soon as she voiced those feeling out loud the enemy got busy. He began to remind her of other times that she had not accomplished the goals that she had set in her life. He began to tell her that she was a failure and that she would never succeed at anything. She might as well crawl in a whole and die. She wasn’t worthy.

Sally began to contemplate her future. Since she was unworthy, “What was the point!” she thought to herself. As she drove home she began to wonder if it mattered if she wasn’t here anymore. Would anyone notice? Was there a purpose to her life? Blinded by tears, Sally pulled over. She was overcome with sadness and self- pity. As she cried, she found her center. She began to cry out to the Lord. “Lord, why am I so unworthy? I do the things that you require of me and yet I do not prosper! Help me Lord!” In the midst of her turmoil she heard the answer. The Lord spoke clearly. He said, “I have other plans for you! I am not opening this door because I have greater works for you! I have not answered as you have prayed because it is not MY will! Remember, in all things, it is MY will be done, not YOUR will! Stand still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10) and allow me to do the work for you. 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) You are MY child and you ARE worthy. You are royalty! You are the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13). I will make your enemies your footstool (Luke 20:43). Come here my child for you are weary and heavy laden (Matthew 11:28) and I will relieve your burdens! I am GOD!”

Sally began to praise God right there in her car! She began to exalt His name. She began to thank HIM for the work that He is doing in her life. She put aside all of her fears and anxieties. She realized that she had a brand new road in front of her. All the bad in her past was just that; passed away, dead, gone and buried! She smiled as she looked ahead at what was in store for her. She didn’t’ know exactly how or when God was going to turn things around, she just knew that HE would. He promised and HE is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19)! She knew that HE had begun a good work in her and would continue His work until completion. (Philippians 1:6) Sally wiped the tears from her face, started her car and began travelling home. She was restored back to her place of worth. The enemy was foiled again. His tricks were the ultimate failure. Sally was pushing forward once again.



Side note: Sally is fictional but there are so many Sally’s in the world. People get distracted and disappointed when prayers are not answered as they think they should be. We have to recognize it as it is… temporary. We have to believe that God will do JUST WHAT HE SAID HE WILL DO! In that we can depend & live!

Anxious?

Sometimes we get anxious and want to get ahead of God. We feel like He isn't moving fast enough. As soon as we start that destructive thinking, a bell should ring loudly in our spirit as a warning that we are about to get off track. That is the critical time that we should heed the warning, stop, be still and remember that HE is God. The great I AM created all and knows all. The plans that HE has made for you are already in place. HE knows exactly what HE has in store for us. Even when we can't see it or understand it, HE is moving on our behalf.

In the words of Whitley Gilbert from the TV show A Different World, “Relax, Relate, Release!

Have a wonderful God filled Day. May God’s peace be upon you.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” Philippians 4:6, NASB.

Love Joy!! Want Some?

We all want it. We all seek it. We can’t deny it. We are born needing it. We feel empty without it. What is it? It’s love. It’s joy! Love Joy!!

Studies have shown that babies that are not loved or held do not thrive as well as those that are. These babies develop what is called attachment disorder. They appear to have no joy. They need love.

Someone close to me became addicted to crack some years ago. I couldn’t conceive as to why they would go through rehab and then relapse. This cycle was repeated many times. It was not until I saw an investigative report on the effects of crack cocaine on the brain that I understood. When cocaine is used it interferes with the re-absorption of dopamine, which is the brain chemical that gives us pleasure. Research has shown that the 1st encounter is SO euphoric that the user keeps using to obtain that high again. Sadly, they will NEVER reach the same high as the first time, thus the addiction. One of the synonyms for euphoria is joy

It’s not just drugs. Many people feel that they are empty and are missing something but don’t know what it is. They try to fill that void with other things. It’s like an itch that can’t be scratched. Some try and fill it with food or sex or alcohol and sometimes even bad relationships. All with the ultimate goal of Love Joy!

How do you get some of this Love Joy? I thought you’d never ask!!

Originally our bodies were designed by God to live forever, but after the FALL, we were destined to die. That did not change our makeup though. We are still designed to live with HIM forever and we crave HIS presence. We want that ultimate close relationship with Him. HE is love and as HIS children, we are love. We were made to experience the joy that life can bring. We cannot be completely whole until we can experience that love joy continuously. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that we can’t experience this love and joy while on earth. We can develop a close loving relationship with our FATHER while we are right here on earth. I AM saying that the love Joy that we experience here can’t be compared to Heaven. My grandparents were married and in love for 70 plus years. Even in their happiness they were not able to maintain that continuous love joy! In the midst of bliss there was the cruel reality of life. It’s the enemy’s job to make us miserable. So as they lived a life of love, in would creep in sickness, disappointment or death of a loved one…LIFE

Don’t fret though! As the old folk would say, “This joy I have, the world didn’t give it to me and the world can’t take it away!” It’s that Jesus Joy! That is some kinda good ya’ll. Being in HIS presence is ecstasy. You want to bask in it. Now imagine being in Heaven with our Father, singing Holy! Holy! Holy! Continuously! No vicissitudes of life. No sickness, no disappointment, just continuous love and joy! Our bodies will be transformed! We will be in our final home, living in euphoria forever.

So, go ahead. Live life to the fullest! Love with your whole heart! Push forward in knowing the next time you are feeling empty or lonely or void that you call on the Holy Spirit. He understands your emptiness. He will always be right there with you, guiding you until you reach your final destination…..where the welcome sign reads, WELCOME to CONTINUOUS LOVE JOY…WELCOME HOME!



Rev: 21:3-4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Life Changers

Have you changed someone’s life today? At first thought you may think not, but in actuality we change the lives of others on a continuous basis. When you smiled at the cashier this morning that may have been what he/she needed to push on. When you let someone in front of you in traffic , that may have helped them get to work on time. What we perceive as minute may indeed be huge in the life of someone else.

I am so incredibly blessed to have life changers in my life. I have the most incredible selfless friends. I know that without a shadow of a doubt, I can call on any of them in the time of need and they will come to my rescue. For example, at a moment’s notice, I can call and say can you grab my girls for me! That might seem small, but when you are in a crunch, that is monumental. One friend in particular is a life saver and she doesn’t even know it. She works full time, is back in college, a devoted mother and wife, and a dynamic anointed vocalist. She is gifted beyond measure but very humble. My girls are very close to her and consider her their other mom. It’s nothing for her to say, I got the girls today. She will swoop in and pick them up and keep them with her. Our girls are the same ages. They have an awesome time together. She doesn’t know how much she means to me and how much I appreciate the life changing affects the little things that she does has on me. I called on her for help just this morning and I want to say Thank you!

There are other Life Changers in the midst. When I don’t feel like pushing, Life Changers come to mind and I am revived. I think about someone that is pushing forward or has pushed forward in a situation that I couldn’t see myself pushing through. I think about my mother who pushed through to be valedictorian of her college class while raising my sister that she had during her sophomore year. Although they were married, my dad was away at A & T University. My mom speaks of studying with my sister in her lap. She is a Life Changer! I think about Dorothy Height that pushed through although after being accepted at Barnard College, they wouldn’t allow her to attend because they’d reached their quota of two African American students. Her life is a legacy. She is a Life Changer! I think of Delois Mitchell, a dear mother to many, who after surviving the removal of a 60 pound tumor, fighting cancer and illnesses, pushed through on Sunday, oxygen in tow to deliver the scripture. She pushed through, standing proud and strong. She is a Life Changer! When I’m down, I look around. If they can push forward so can I. We have the same Father! The Lord strong and mighty!

So the next time you are down, you too should look around you. There are many Life Changers in the midst. Look within yourself! You are one of them and you can make it through. As Always, Pushing Forward!

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3

"Poor in spirit" means to be humble. Humility is the realization that all your gifts and blessings come from the grace of God

On a treadmill - Trying to Catch Up

The Treadmill

I know that whoever invented the treadmill felt like it was clever. Yes, it is a device that allows people to walk or run, indoors. It can go fast or slow. It can incline. It can be set for different levels of workout. Some even come with fans installed and openings to hold bottles. Everything is conveniently packaged to achieve the ultimate goal… working out. Think about it though. No matter how fast or slow you walk or run, that treadmill is not going anywhere. It is stationary.

Stressed!

That’s how I felt yesterday. I felt like I was on a treadmill trying to keep up with life. Running at full speed and getting nowhere fast. Nothing major mind you. It was just the ordinary, mundane, day to day things that we all do that had me discombobulated. Hurry, Hurry, Rush Rush, Stress Stress!! We basically know how much we can handle at one time. It’s those times when additional things are tossed in the mix that we tend to be thrown off balance. We are on the treadmill of life and here comes “extra” to mess it all up. We are almost at the goal that we have set for ourselves and here comes a cramp to cause us to slow down, pause or get off.

Pain!

Well people, maybe it was time to get off. Time to change things up a little bit. Time to do some strength building exercises! Our Father knows when we need a change and often times we are so focused on the goal that we have set for ourselves that we aren’t paying HIM any mind. He keeps sending little hints and we keep ignoring them. First there was a twinge in the muscle meaning “OKAY!! THAT’S ENOUGH!!” What do we do? We keep going. Then God finally says, “I am going to MAKE you listen!” BINGO!! CRAMP!! Forced stop and listen! LOL!! Why does HE have to give us some pain to get our attention? HE shouldn’t have to but since we are so doggone human, HE sometimes HAS to MAKE us see it HIS way! Nothing can force us to our knees quicker than pain.

Prayer!

Pain hits and what do we do? Down on our knees, “Lord HELP me please!” What a wonderful Father He is. He comes to our aid when we call. Even when it was our free will that caused the problem, He comes to help us. But notice this, He now has our attention. We need Him. We are depending on Him to save us and we are listening to what He has to say. He can now guide us in the direction that He wants us to go in. When He says go pick up that weight, we do it. We didn’t think we could do it in our own strength, but since He is there, we try. We keep trying and we get stronger. Eventually we are strong enough in that area that He doesn’t have to spot us anymore. We have learned how to handle it!

Relief!

Then we are so proud of our accomplishments that we start to go off on our own again. Do we repeat the cycle because we know He is close by to save us? I don’t know! I only know that I am grateful that He is there to lead and guide me in the right direction. I’ve learned that pain is sometimes necessary to force us to listen and learn. Thank you Father for your gift of love. Thank you for loving me more than I love myself. Thank you for always being there for me regardless as to whether I am thinking of you; and thank you for pulling me off of the treadmill. Now it’s on to getting stronger and Always Pushing Forward!

Jude 1:24-25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.