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When The Journey Is Too Much

May14

Elijah was a great prophet and very well taken care of by the Lord our God. One pivotal moment in his life came when he went before Israel and their wicked king Ahab to tell them basically they can only serve one God, not two. Elijah then challenged the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 17-18)

Well if you read you know who won that battle hands down. God, the Only Wise God! So this was a triumph for Elijah, but once wicked Ahab told his wicked wife Jezebel, she was after Elijah’s life. Elijah must have forgotten how mighty God is and the success He caused him already because Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. Elijah felt defeated, but even in his weakness and time of trouble God refreshed him.

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. (1 Kings 19:3-8 NIV)

I too have forgotten how mighty God is; I would forget how He helped me, saved me and blessed me before. I would take my mind off of Him and focus on the situations or people that threaten my peace, my family, my finances, my stability, or my life. I have felt so defeated and so depressed that I too have wanted my life to end. I have cried so much and so hard that all I could do was fall asleep because I had no energy left.

This account of Elijah’s life encourages me because it is a demonstration that God cares, remembers that we have frailties and recognizes that sometimes the journey is too much for us.

Last time I talked to you about how I had some GOLIATHS in my life that I was currently slaying with faith and God’s Word. It was like one Goliath after the next coupled with a busy schedule, a lot of events and life changes to the point where I felt physically and emotionally drained and overwhelmed. My spirit was up and down. However, I am encouraged that when the journey or battle gets too much, God will come and refresh me. He will not only revive me spiritually, but naturally as well. I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jeremiah 31:25 NIV)

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for abounding in love and having compassion for my soul. Sometimes I just want to give up or lie down, but You give me the strength to keep pressing. Thank You for reviving me when I am weak and defenseless. Thank You for your might, mercies and provision; You provide me with natural and spiritual fuel to get me through the journey. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to remember that sometimes you’re going to have to stay and fight. He knows what you are up against and He is El-Shaddai, God Almighty, so He will defend you and take care of you. I EMPOWER you to remember all the victories you and God have already won and to trust God along the journey. When it gets too much for you to take, God will refresh you and strengthen you!

What journeys have God helped you through?

Read a related EM: Soaring Makes Me Sore

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Ms. Tannika Moore loves the Lord and loves to write! Besides writing poetry or editing written work for family and friends, she currently works for NEIU Educational Talent Search program. She help assists Chicago public high school students with their reading, writing, etc. as well as helps them consider and prepare for college God, the Creator and Great Father has also created her to be a Compassion Person and Encourager and so she loves to encourage people according to God’s Word and help them to see, think and become better through her support, actions and writing. Her favorite scripture comes from Philippians 1:6, For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you shall perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

But It Looks So Good!

Oct19

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. (Genesis 3: 2-6 NIV)

I imagine that it wouldn’t have been so easy to tempt Eve if the fruit on that tree was dull, bruised and rotten.  Notice, I didn’t say apple.  The Bible doesn’t specify what type of fruit it was, but I digress.  If the fruit wasn’t aesthetically pleasing, she probably would’ve given the serpent the “yuck face” and went on about her merry way.  But that’s not how the enemy tempted her.  The scripture tells us that this fruit was “pleasing to the eye.”  With our sight the enemy tempts us to disobey God.  He tempts us with that “thing” that we know we don’t need, but it looks so good to us.  As a matter of fact, many times that “thing” appears when you are vulnerable.  Otherwise, it wouldn’t have the same value.  It wouldn’t look soooo good.

Recently, I had the opportunity to make some extra money doing something that is almost second nature to me.  Although I knew what I would be doing was unethical, the large sum of money that I could make appealed to me.  All I could think of was using the money to get some items I wanted for my house and my closet.  I had already gone window shopping in my mind.  I would also be helping someone and in turn they would be “helping” me.  Since I knew I probably couldn’t do the task alone, I solicited one of my close friends to help.  I figured she could use the extra money too.  That’s when that still small voice spoke to me and said with great clarity, “But, why? Why are you doing this? Do you not trust me? Have I not supplied all of your needs? If you take this, you will miss out on the greater that I have in store for you.”  I wrestled with this all day.  Was it really God?  Wasn’t this an opportunity?  I knew better.  I knew that God would never support dishonesty and disobedience to His will.  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (James 1:13-14 KJV)

What was this “greater” that God was speaking of?  Was I willing to risk what God had in store for me for something that in comparison would be so miniscule?  I decided it wasn’t worth the risk, but I didn’t fully release it.

She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. …The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” (Genesis 3:6,12 NIV)  Less than a week later, the opportunity was withdrawn and I felt such a heavy weight lifted.  I decided not to partake; however I was still involving my friend in something that we both knew was wrong.  I rationalized in my own head that if God didn’t want her to do it, surely He would talk to her.  I ended up telling her how God spoke to me and she compared my action of passing the assignment to her to a child who gets admonished for doing something or being told no, so they tell their sibling to do it instead.  She was right.  When God told me to let it go, I was supposed to completely let it go.  However, I am glad that I serve a merciful God because in the short time since this happened I can see how God is blessing me with that “greater.”

Money isn’t always the subject of temptation.  Many of you may face temptation in a variety of ways. You made a commitment to take care of your temple (body); yet, everywhere you turn there are the most delectable desserts and scrumptious entrees.  You’ve been single for quite some time or maybe your husband isn’t showing you the right attention, but now that conversation with that smooth talking brother makes you tempted to engage in behavior that you know is unpleasing to God.  That food has never looked and smelled sooo good.  That brother that you met was your “ideal” man.  He smelled good, talked a good game, made you laugh, comforted you, and was quite handsome too.  Remember, if it didn’t look good, it wouldn’t be tempting.  Don’t miss out on what God has in store for you because you choose to temporarily satisfy your flesh or “help” God supply your needs.

Dear Daddy,

Forgive me for inserting my nose where it did not belong.  You have told me that You would supply my needs and give me the desires of my heart.  In James 4:7, You told me to resist the devil and he will flee… Help me to resist temptation as I put all of my trust in You.  Lord, I trust You completely.  Daddy, I know that even Your Son, Jesus, was tempted of the devil and He said, “Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God.”  If we are Your children and are following Your commandments, we have the power to speak that to the enemy too.  Thank You for being such a gracious and merciful God, willing to forgive us even when we falter.  Daddy, I love You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Today I EMPOWER you to resist temptation.  If you are engaged in anything that you know is not pleasing to God or is in direct conflict with the instruction that He left for your life, let it go.  Do not miss out on the abundance God has for you because you have decided that “it looks so good,” and just this one time won’t hurt.

Have you found yourself struggling with temptation? How do you deal with it?

Read a related EmpowerMoment: Sensory Trickery

Please click here to vote for EmpowerMoments in the 2012 Black Weblog Awards!

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Ms. Chancee` Lundy lives in Washington, DC and is an entrepreneur as she is the co-owner of Nspiregreen, LLC, an environmental consulting firm. She is also a dedicated daughter, sister, friend and community servant. She has used her gift of public speaking to lead workshops across the globe speaking to crowds as large as 10,000 people. Her guiding scriptures this week are Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”

Throwback Thursday: All I Need Is You

Oct18

It’s Throwback Thursday! This EmpowerMoment was originally published on July 16, 2011. Enjoy this blast from the past!

Praise be to Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. (Psalm 68:19 NIV)

Have you ever felt as if life just smacked you in the face without warning? Well, that’s how I am feeling right now! My college graduation is approaching soon; I should be happy, right? Wrong! With an unsupportive family, a descending job market for college graduates, finalizing a divorce at the age of 22 and having LITERALLY $1.72 in my savings account, I am truly beginning to frightfully question my future. How am I going to live without my spouse, who has been my support for the past five years? Where am I going to live? How am I going to pay these bills? What am I going to do after undergrad? Where is my life headed? WHERE IS MY SUPPORT SYSTEM?

One night I was lying alone in my bed hysterically crying, listening to I’m Going Down by Mary J. Blige on my iPod. (Monitor the music you allow to entertain your spirit, especially at the most vulnerable times in your life). I mean I was having a real pity party about my failed marriage that God specifically told me not to enter and several other voids in my life. Overtaken with emotion, I began to cry out to the Lord. The very next song that my iPod shuffled to was All I Need Is You by Hillsong. I began to worship as the lyrics flowed.

All I need is you!

All I need is you Lord, is you Lord!

All I need is you!

A spirit of comfort drifted over my body as the next verse began:

You hold the universe!

You hold EVERYONE on earth!

You hold!

Isaiah 43:5 says, “Do not be afraid for I am with you…” (NIV) My mind reminisced on the many “sticky” and destructive situations God had brought me through and He had truly gotten the glory so why was I worried? Why did I place a limit on my Lord and Savior?

I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep you over. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned. For I am your Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior. (Isaiah 43:2-3 NIV)

This is not the time to have pity parties with the devil! This vulnerable time in your life is for worship, praise and growth in the spirit. There is too much at stake!

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for helping me to recognize that I am in the safest place in the whole world, which is in  YOUR will. Fill every empty void and when man disappoints me, remind me that all I need is You Lord! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to trust the plan of your Savior and not to worry or question the unseen or misunderstood. Have FAITH that God has your life under total control. Life may get tough and you may have to let some people go for God to mold you into everything He has created you to be.

Check out Hillsong’s “All I Need is You” video. I pray it blesses you the same way!

Please click here to vote for EmpowerMoments in the 2012 Black Weblog Awards!

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Ms. Chaunte’ Tate is a recent graduate of North Carolina A&T University with a degree in Journalism. She is currently preparing to begin her law school education in New York. She is passionate about the spiritual advancements of all followers of Christ. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Transitions: My Supply Chain Manager

Aug28

Have you ever walked around a store and wondered where all of the many items in that store come from or how they get there? For example, think about a familiar place like Walmart. Every item that you “need” has to come from somewhere. You can buy chicken that comes from Tyson and they probably bought the live chickens from some farmer. Your toiletries come from a variety of places such as Proctor and Gamble or Johnson and Johnson, but even the ingredients in those toiletries come from another source. The point is every item in Walmart has to be managed as a part of the supply chain. Before items run out someone has to make sure that they are replenished. They literally have to manage thousands of suppliers to provide for that one store. Similarly, God meets our needs in this way. His word tells us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NIV)

When I wrote the first message in my series on Transitions, Trampled On The Floor, it was about the end of one phase of my journey and the beginning of another; however, it took some time for me to get to that point. Along the journey, I was depleted in many areas of my life. My shelves were almost empty. I was running low on self-esteem, finances, food, joy and motivation among others; however, I never ran out. Just as I would get to a breaking point my truck full of supplies would arrive. God would show me that while I may not be eating the food that I wanted, He would not allow me to go without food. God brought people into my life that were a part of my supply chain. When I was running low on finances, there were people who would just put money in my bank account or in my hand. When my spirit was broken, He sent people to sow words of wisdom, motivation and encouragement. When I was physically drained, He provided a space for me to rest. He was concerned about the smallest detail. I remember one time I was so frustrated about my hair that I didn’t want to leave the house. Some people have bad hair days but I have hair tragedies. One of my girlfriends called and said, “I know what it’s like not to feel good because of your hair so I’m going to pay for you to get it done.” Incredible God! One of my greatest blessings was having shelter even when I could no longer afford it. God absolutely supplied ALL of my needs.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? (Matthew 12:26-30 NIV)

Today I am grateful that during my transition I could plainly see God for who He is and what He does. I knew that it wasn’t my good looks, my charm or my wit that kept me clothed, fed and sheltered. It was really God managing my supply chain. He managed the who, the what and the how it would happen. What I do know is that what God has done for me is what He will do for you. When I stepped out on faith, I didn’t know how my needs would be met, but I am grateful that God had a ready supply chain. More than Walmart, He manages a supply chain for billions of people!

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for being the supplier of all of my needs. I am grateful for Your unconditional love and the people that You sent into my life when my shelves were empty and I needed to be restored. Please use me as a vessel so that I can be a ready supply for others. Thank You for building my faith during my season of transition. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Today I EMPOWER you to look at your supply chain. Take an assessment of your needs and recall how God has supplied each one. Take a moment to thank the people that God uses as vessels in your supply chain. Continue to trust Him even when you feel like your shelves are getting low. Know that just as you feel depleted God will send in a ready supply.

Did this EmpowerMoment make you think differently about how God supplies your needs? Share your story with us.

Read a related EmpowerMoment: I Got You

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Ms. Chancee` Lundy lives in Washington, DC and is an entrepreneur as she is the co-owner of Nspiregreen, LLC, an environmental consulting firm. She is also a dedicated daughter, sister, friend and community servant. She has used her gift of public speaking to lead workshops across the globe speaking to crowds as large as 10,000 people. Her guiding scriptures this week are Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Living in the Microwave Age

Jul24

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6 NLT)

I heard an author last week speak about how this is the ‘Microwave Age’ because everybody wants everything to happen quickly. I thought about life and how God has worked on my anxiety. I was a right now person; if I saw something I wanted in a store, I bought it; if I wanted to say something, I said it; if I was feeling a certain way, I reacted; if I wanted to lose weight, I took plenty of weight loss medicine. I know that was a reckless way to live life. Even my prayer life had turned microwavable. Every time I would really need God to do something I would pray, get up and wonder why He didn’t answer my prayer.

I started to question when was I going to get my blessing? When was I going to get a promotion? When was my marriage going to be the marriage I pray for? When was I going to lose weight and have the physique that I want? When? When? When? When?

How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. (Habakkuk 1:1-4 NLT)

The prophet Habakkuk sounds just like me! I found myself saying, “Why is God not answering me? Is He not listening to me? Why don’t I have the promotion? Why am I still overweight? Why is my marriage still not thriving? Talk to me God!”

The Lord replied, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.I am raising up the Babylonians, a cruel and violent people. They will march across the world and conquer other lands.” (Habakkuk 1:5-6 NLT)

The Lord spoke to me and told me He is working my situation out for my good. He is building up relationships and even things I thought were not repairable, He is repairing them. He has placed me in a new job that requires that I step up and become a leader very quickly- promotion. He is teaching me discipline when it comes to food and that in order to live a healthy life in Him and on earth I need to exercise. As of today I have lost 30 pounds with many more to go. As for my marriage that God joined together, we are under construction and He is molding us into the people of God that He wants us to be. God told Keviyona I am about to blow your mind!

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:1-3 KJV)

I decided that the microwave way of doing things wasn’t what God wanted for my life. I decided to wait and even though it seems like an eternity to me, it is not a long time in God’s eyes. I did not give up waiting for the Lord. And He turned to me and heard my cry.  (Psalms 40:1 NLV)

Dear Daddy,

I want to thank You for teaching me that fast and quick is not always what is best for my life. Thank You for teaching me “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV) God I am being patient and waiting on You to lead and direct my path because I am nothing without You. God I want You to continue to teach me that patience is a virtue. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to pray and ask God for the desires of your heart and wait. If you wait and lean not to your own understanding, God will show up and show out. I dare you to be patient on your job, in your home, with your marriage, with your family and friends, with your prayer request and watch God do the work. I EMPOWER you to unplug the microwave in your mind, relax and let God work it out. I know we live in a fast paced society but God works in His time and His time is always the best!

Take a moment to share how waiting on God has blessed you.

Read a related EmpowerMoment: Confessions From An Impatient Christian

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Mrs. Keviyona Ray is an ordained minister and co-pastor of The Christ For All People International Church. She is passionate about sharing the word of God with everyone she encounters. As a professional, Keviyona is a teacher for Chicago Public Schools. She loves her ministry of teaching and changing children’s lives. She is a devoted wife and mother of a wonderful daughter. Two of her favorite scriptures are Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” and Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

I Ain’t Saying She’s a Gold Digger…

Jun29

In honor of our last Black Music Month post, here’s a throwback! (This EmpowerMoment was originally shared on April, 19, 2011.) Happy Black Music Month! Dance as if no one is watching!

Yesterday I was listening to one of my favorite artists, Kanye West. As the lyrics of Gold Digger blared through my headphones, I pondered on the meaning of “gold digger.” I even went as far to look up the definition on the semi-credible urbandictionary.com. According to one of the contributors there, a gold digger is “any man or woman who is in a relationship with another person because of their economic status.” Another stated that a gold digger is “a girl who is only with you for what you can do or buy for them.” After reading those definitions, I was proud to say that I am not and have never been classified as a gold digger. However, just as quickly as I could proudly stick my chest out and make my proclamation, God reminded me that there were some definitely some gold digging tendencies in my past. In a flash, he started reminding of how I used to dig for gold…

Remember when I wanted to talk to you so you could get to know me intimately and all you wanted to talk about was what you wanted or what I could do for you? Remember when I gave you joy, peace and unconditional love, yet all you wanted to ask me for were material things? Remember when you would go to church and if I hadn’t blessed you with a few extra dollars in your pocket, you would sit with your arms folded, not wanting to give me any praise? But if I increased your bank account, enlarged your territory or gave you a new ride, you were tearing the church up with your praise.  It seems you only walked with me for what I could do for you, not because you were genuinely interested in knowing who I was. So yes dear child of mine, you were a GOLD DIGGER too!

POW! He quickly busted my little bubble but boy was He so right!

“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1NIV)

“For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” (Psalms 50:10 NIV)

Wow! I really used to be a gold digger! I was using the One who owns and has access to EVERYTHING. His economic status surpasses everyone else’s and I was taking full advantage of that. I was abusing our relationship simply because He told me that I could have whatever I asked in His name. (John 14:14) I immediately asked Him to forgive me for my old gold diggin’ ways.

The interesting thing about this whole scenario is that if I would have been seeking His face, His hand would have come automatically. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33 NLT)

Please take time to evaluate your relationship with God. Is it a gold digger and sugar daddy scenario or are you the obedient, loving daughter who genuinely cares for her Father? I encourage you to assess your situation and ask yourself when was the last time you put your hands up in worship instead of putting your hands out for a blessing. When was the last time you spoke to Him just to say I need You and not that I need this or that? If you can’t recall…I ain’t saying you a gold digger, but…

Dear Daddy,

Please forgive me for the times that I acted as a gold digger in our relationship. I want You for more than what You can do for me. I want to praise you for who You are and not just for what You can do. I want to know You intimately. Teach me to seek Your face and not Your hand. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to leave your gold digging tendencies behind. EMPOWER your relationship with God by taking time to really get to know Him for who He is.

As you listen to Kanye’s version of a “Gold Digger”, check your motives:

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Mrs. Kristen Harris is a wife, mother, entrepreneur and dedicated servant. She is extremely passionate about women’s spiritual advancement, hence the founding of EmpowerMoments. As an avid reader, Kristen enjoys reading the Bible and other non-fiction pieces. Her driving inspiration is when God says to her: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) She currently resides outside of Chicago, Illinois with her wonderful husband and two lovely daughters where she is an active member of New Life Covenant Church.

Lovely Day!

Jun28

June is Black Music Month! To celebrate, each of our EmpowerMoments will be based on Black music for the entire month. This includes Black songwriters, producers or performers. Stay tuned as we use various genres of Black music to tell our stories and exemplify the beauty of God’s love! Happy Black Music Month! Dance as if no one is watching!

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT)

I recently watched the movie I Don’t Know How She Does It because my sister implied that I had a lot in common with the main character Kate Reddy. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the movie, she was a married, career woman with two young children trying to figure how out to balance work, family and love. (Yep, I could definitely see the resemblance!) Each night after her husband was sound asleep, Kate would lie in bed and make her mental to-do list for the next day. It was as if she had to get a jump start on her day or at least that’s what she thought. However, she was really over exerting her brain and mentally stressing herself out. That’s where Kate and I were just alike. I realized that I was doing that exact thing. My mind was overworked and exhausted because when I should’ve been resting for the next day, I was thinking about what needed to be accomplished. Then when I’d wake up in the morning I wasn’t rested at all. Instead, I woke up with too much on my mind. All the cares of the world would be dancing in my brain as I sought to check everything off my never-ending to-do list. I was focused on the ‘what’ around me, rather than the Who inside of me. However, after watching that movie I decided that something had to change.

I am excited to report that I woke up this morning and regardless of everything that was going on, I knew it was going to be a lovely day. Yes, I still had my laundry list of things to do and everything in my world was not perfect, but one key thing has changed…

Then I look at You and the world’s alright with me.

Just one look at You and I know it’s gonna be a lovely day!

It’s time to calm your mind. When you awake in the morning, choose to look at God instead of everything that is going on around you. Focusing on Him may not change your circumstances, but it truly changes you. Its easy to allow your busy schedules, lack of finances, family drama, work issues, car troubles, health ailments, and so on to consume your every waking (and sleeping) thought, but it’s more beneficial to allow the One who can actually rectify all of those situations to occupy your mental space.

In the header scripture, Paul writes to the church at Philippi and encourages them in their daily thoughts. He advises to fix thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Concentrate on that which is excellent and worthy of praise – that sounds like the Father to me! It seems that even Paul recognized the recipe for a lovely day!

Today’s empowering moment is quite simple — change your perspective and your day will change. A year full of changed days will eventually equal a lifetime of lovely days!

Dear Daddy,

Anytime I look at You, my day is destined to be lovely! Help me to remember that fact when I am faced with much turmoil in my life. Remind me to shift my focus to You when it seems that my days are not so lovely. I thank You in advance for restoring the loveliness in my life! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to have not just one, but many LOVELY days! Look at Him and watch Him make your days lovelier than you could have ever imagined! Remember if your day isn’t looking good, you probably need to change your focus!

Be inspired by Bill Wither’s “Lovely Day”:

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Mrs. Kristen Harris is a wife, mother, entrepreneur and dedicated servant. She is extremely passionate about women’s spiritual advancement, hence the founding of EmpowerMoments. As an avid reader, Kristen enjoys reading the Bible and other non-fiction pieces. Her driving inspiration is when God says to her: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) She currently resides outside of Chicago, Illinois with her wonderful husband and two lovely daughters where she is an active member of New Life Covenant Church.

He Hears You

May21

This is the confidence we have in approaching God:  that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.  (I John 5:14-15 NIV)

How many times have you heard or read the verse above? God is telling you that if you ask, He hears you. How powerful is that?!  The God of the universe will hear you when you come to Him.

The question now is: do you trust Him enough to really ask for what your heart desires, or are you praying “safe” prayers?  Is there something bubbling in your heart, but you are unsure how everything will work out?  What if I told you that God cannot fail, that He has a perfect record and that 10 times out of 10 He is able to come through for you. Would you believe me?  The problem with many Christians (me included) is we allow doubt to come into our prayer lives.  Essentially what we are saying, whether we want to admit it or not, is “can God really do this”? 

Last September, my best friends and I started a journey to seek God more diligently and most importantly stretch our faith.  We called the journey Radical 7even; we are purposely pushing ourselves to take God at His Word.  We are almost a year in, and in this time I have started a new job, relationship, and bought a new car.  I had to step out on faith in each area of my life, which can seem like a daunting task.  Anytime we try something new, it feels odd to us.  There were many times doubt did try and overtake me, but in those moments I would stand on God’s Word.  When you are in a season of allowing God to have His way in all areas of your life, the devil will attack your thoughts. The most important thing to do is have His Word near.  You might need to write scriptures down on note cards and carry them around with you.  Put declarations around your home and say them aloud each morning when you arise and before you sleep. Saturate your life with His Word and watch how it will manifest!

Radical 7even made me challenge my faith level and it gave me an outlet to document the wonders God has done in my life.  I would like to encourage everyone not only to write the vision down that God has given you, but also document the journey.  Many times we overlook how far we have come because it doesn’t seem as monumental in hindsight.  Do not fall into that trap!  Every step towards God and away from where you were is monumental.  Celebrate the journey as much as the destination.

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for hearing and answering my prayers.  Help me to seek You in radical ways; I do not want to have a mediocre life.  I want the life Your Son died to give me. Whenever I feel afraid, bring Your Word to encourage me.  Keep me near You and help me not to falter.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to become radical about your faith!  Faith has no power until we act on God’s Word.

Share a time when you displayed radical faith with us below.

Please allow this song to bless you:

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Ms. Renee` N. Chaffin is a single mother who has a heart for helping those less fortunate. She has been active in the non-profit sector, whether through volunteerism or professionally, for the past six years.  She is passionate about sharing the love of God, her testimony and empowering people to discover their true potential that was bestowed on them by King of the Universe. Renee` is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration. While on her pursuit of higher education, she is on a seven year journey to challenge God to do ‘exceedingly and abundantly above all she can imagine’ in seven areas over the next seven years. Check out her journey at
http://radical7even.wordpress.com
. Her favorite scripture is I Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

 

The Illusion of a Self-Made Woman

Apr9

LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. (Isaiah 26:14 NIV)

I am educated, have a career, decently paid, live in a safe neighborhood and drive a nice car. You could say that I am living the “American Dream”. Everything that everyone sees currently is all a blessing from the Lord. If people were to really understand the struggles, the sleepless nights and late night prayers crying out to my Heavenly Father, they would understand that this dream came with a mighty high price tag. Even with all the struggles that I endured, they now seem like a distant memory and I at times get caught up in the material blessings that God has given me. In fact, at times I can begin to believe that this wonderful life I have been given is due to all of my hard work. I fall under an illusion that I am a self-made woman.

Being a self-made woman means that I have not submitted myself, my thoughts and desires unto God. This life I am living is about me, my needs and wants. The illusion that I have built this life for myself can lead me to make decisions and then ask God for His input after I have already made my decision.

I must admit that for the past few weeks I have not been in prayer or studying the Word like I once had. Although, I believe that I love God and have a heart for Him, I was so busy making my own decisions that I wasn’t respecting His authority in my life.

Then like Paul I was given a thorn in my flesh. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (II Corinthians 12:7 NIV)

Last week was one of the most challenging weeks I have had in quite some time. In fact my well put together world crumbled rapidly in a 24 hour period. I had no idea what decision to make and I was at a loss. Things that seemed so important just the day before paled in comparison to what I was facing. Could I actually deal with the situation? The answer was no, in my own power and strength I couldn’t. It was due to this “thorn” that for the first time in weeks I reached out to my Father in deep and sincere prayer. I knew that there was nothing humanly possible that could be done and I humbled my haughty heart to the Lord. I was in prayer like never before and made plans to begin fasting.

I thank God, for His perfect timing and orchestrated “thorns” in my life. Those are instances of Him calling me back to His loving arms. Do not allow thorns to harden your heart, allow them to draw you closer to Him. He might not remove the challenge but He can give you the strength and peace to endure it.  Allow the “thorns” to remind you that EVERYTHING that you have is from God and not from your own strength.

Dear Daddy,

Thank You so much for blessing me with material items, but help me to remember that things are not my source. Help nothing, not even my own desires, separate me from the path and plan that You have destined for my life. Help me to remember that I am made to worship You.  Help me to allow You to humble me when needed.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to let God be ruler over every decision that you make. Do not allow things to become idols in your life.

Read a related EmpowerMoment: The Thorn in My Side

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Ms. Renee` N. Chaffin is a single mother who has a heart for helping those less fortunate. She has been active in the non-profit sector, whether through volunteerism or professionally, for the past six years.  She is passionate about sharing the love of God, her testimony and empowering people to discover their true potential that was bestowed on them by King of the Universe. Renee` is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration. While on her pursuit of higher education, she is on a seven year journey to challenge God to do ‘exceedingly and abundantly above all she can imagine’ in seven areas over the next seven years. Check out her journey at
http://radical7even.wordpress.com
. Her favorite scripture is I Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

The Source of My Confidence

Mar19

“…On what are you basing this confidence of yours?…On whom are you depending…?” (2 Kings 18:19-20 NIV)

Ladies, today I challenge you to search your soul and ask yourself: “Where does my confidence come from?  On whom or what do I depend?”  When faced with a challenge, most of us will declare that our confidence is in God, but let’s be honest.  Where does your confidence really lie?  Is it your money (or his)? Your talent?  Your status?  Your appearance?  Your education?  Is it in YOU?

The source of our confidence can usually be traced to the things or people that we first look to when an issue or matter arises.  When your finances, your family, your livelihood, and your beliefs are under attack, where do you look first?  Do you go to your secret closet and seek the Lord or do you call your girlfriends, your money source, or layout your resume`, thinking, “They don’t know me!”  Again, “On what are you basing this confidence of yours? On whom are you depending?”

In Chapter 18 of 2nd Kings, we find that the people of God have their confidence challenged by the King of Assyria.  “Do not let Hezekiah deceive you.  He cannot deliver you from my hand.  Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says, ‘The Lord will surely deliver us.’” (2 Kings 18:29-30 NIV)  In this passage, Judah is under attack because Hezekiah, the King of Judah, has rebelled against the King of Assyria by continuing to worship God rather than the king.  When Hezekiah hears the king’s challenge, his first response is to go to the temple and to seek Isaiah the prophet (2 Kings 19:1-2). Although afraid, and though he could have easily responded with his own power as king, Hezekiah chooses to make God his source.

Like Hezekiah, as women of God, our confidence must always rest in God.  When things are going well, we must boast in the Lord and recognize that nothing good dwells in us apart from God. (Romans 7:18)  When we are faced with challenges, the same confidence that we have in God must remain with as we learn to endure.  Throughout the Bible, “we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses” who can attest that there is no better source of confidence than our Lord and Savior. (Hebrews 12:1)  We can look to Job, the Hebrew boys, Daniel, Hannah, Ruth, Rahab, and even Hezekiah to find examples of those whose faith and confidence rested in God.  When we examine their lives, we can see that their confidence was not in vain.  They are a testament that when our confidence is in the right place, God always shows up and shows out!

Dear Daddy,

We thank You for being our source of confidence.  Help us to seek You first in all things.  Help us to know that nothing that we have is good unless it is blessed by You.  During both good times and bad, teach us to boast and trust only in You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to place your confidence in God.  Know that He never fails.  And when people ask, “On whom do you depend,” proudly respond, “The Lord is the source of my confidence!”

Read a related EmpowerMoment: Blinded by What I See 

Ms. Latasha McCrary is an active member of St. Luke Christian Church in Huntsville, AL where she serves as a Young Adult Facilitator and is training as a Life Skills Coach. She is passionate about the practice of law and views her profession as an extension of her calling to serve. Latasha firmly believes that “Service is the price we pay for the space we occupy” and is grateful for God’s continuing favor evidenced in her life. “By this I know that you favor me, because you have not let my enemies triumph over me.” (Psalms 41:11)