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Thank You For Protection

May21

Thou art my hiding place; thou wilt preserve me from trouble; Thou wilt compass me about with songs of deliverance. (Psalms 32:7 ASV)

Yesterday my family and I were on our way back from out of town. We were driving down a dark highway when suddenly a humongous deer jumped across the road. My dad hit the deer, but the deer kept going. I was in the car with my brother; he saw the deer and when he said, “I hope daddy didn’t hit the deer,” my dad pulled over. We jumped out of the car and immediately went to check if my parents were okay. Thank You God, they were okay.

Approximately 10 minutes before this accident happened, I told my brother that we needed to pray for my parents and their safe return home. We always pray before we get on the road but the Holy Spirit led me to say an extra prayer for their protection.

When we saw the car, I begin to rejoice and God removed whatever was further down the highway. He stepped in and intercepted what could have turned into a fatality. Everyone was trying to figure out why the deer jumped in the road, but I simply thanked God because my family’s lives were saved. Again God stopped the devil.

Blessed be to God, Who hath not turned away my prayer, Nor his lovingkindness from me. (Psalms 66:20, ASV)

I thank You God for protecting my family on the dangerous highways. I thank You God that no hurt, harm or danger was afflicted upon them. God I thank You for hearing and answering prayers.

Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (Mark 11: 24 ASV)

Dear Daddy,

I thank You for being a prayer answering God. I thank You for protecting my family. God, continue to protect my family. Please continue to fill my Spirit with uneasiness when it is time to pray for my loved ones. Allow me to feel when they are in danger or going through situations that prayer can turn around. God, continue to teach me to be an intercessor for my immediate family, extended family and friends. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to give God some praise. I know that God has done something miraculous for you and I need you to give Him praise. Ladies, listen to your instinct and if God tells you to drop everything and pray, I dare you to drop everything and pray and watch Him work. I EMPOWER you to become an intercessor for your loved ones and watch God show you He is a prayer answering God!

Take a moment and tell us when you have given God some praise…

Read a related EmpowerMoment: Praise is What I Do!

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Mrs. Keviyona Ray is an ordained minister and co-pastor in training 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.

Smoke Signals

Oct22

God is our refugeand strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46: 1 NIV)

I am sure we are all familiar with the movie plots of someone who was stranded on a deserted island. The primary concern and objective of the characters in such a situation is to get rescued from the island. Usually one of the first things that those in distress do is attempt to send smoke signals. Smoke signals are universally understood as an SOS plea. In a happy ending, there is a plane flying overhead that catches a glimpse of the smoke and then rescues the stranded characters.

Although I have never been shipwrecked like Mary Ann, Ginger or any of the other Gilligan’s Island cast, I’ve recently been in just as much distress. With so much going on around me at once, I’ve found myself constantly crying out to the Lord for help. Several days ago I was walking my floors praying and asking God to intervene. There I was on an island (a figurative place surrounded by all of my problems), feeling stressed, isolated, discouraged, fearful and a host of other things. I needed to get His attention quickly because I needed Him to rescue me. After all, His word promises that He’s a very present help in the time of trouble. (Psalm 46:1) So what SOS signal was I to send to let Him know that it was a 911 situation? At some point during my prayer time, I slipped into a much needed praise and worship session. It was at that moment that I found my smoke signal! Singing praises unto God, worshipping Him for who He is, telling Him how awesome He is, and just loving on Him gets His attention and sends Him right to your rescue. How do I know? Because the Bible reminds us that He inhabits our praises. (Psalm 22:3).This means that when I send up my signals, He meets me right there in the smoke. That gives new meaning to the church cliché, “When praises go up, blessings come down!”

The thing that is just as important as sending up your smoke signals when you are in distress is watching for a potential savior. Referring back to the movies and shows of those shipwrecked, we often found the characters continuously looking up at the sky, anxiously awaiting the first sight of a plane. When we are on our deserted island, we should be anticipating and looking for our rescuer as well. Where should we be looking, you ask? Well, to the hills of course! I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from cometh my help. (Psalm 121:1 KJV) Look up to the hills because help is on the way!

It is so comforting to know that no matter how much distress we are in or no matter how “lost” we are in our problems, our God can and will rescue us. Of course He knows exactly where to find us, but our smoke signals send the message that we need AND want His help. No one was ever found and rescued by just sitting with their arms folded, pouting about their circumstances. Instead they sent up the SOS signal, looked anxiously for the savior and rejoiced when they showed up. Let’s learn from all the castaways that came before us!

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for being a present help in the time of trouble. Thank You for dwelling in the place of my praises. Please remind me to send You a smoke signal of praise and worship the next time I am on a lonely island surrounded by all of my issues. I praise Your name for being the ultimate rescuer and coming right to my smoke signals when I send them up! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to stop complaining while you are stranded on the island and instead choose to send up some smoke signals of praise. He can’t ignore your signals and will meet you right at your point of distress. When He shows up, He may not rescue you from the situation right away, but His presence is enough to reassure you that everything is going to be alright!

If you vow to send smoke signals in place of complaining from now on, sign your name below that we may stand in agreement with you!

Read a related EmpowerMoment: Praise Before You Pout

Tomorrow is the last day to support EmpowerMoments in the Black Weblog Awards. Click here to vote!

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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 three lovely daughters where she is an active member of New Life Covenant Church.

Just Do It!

Oct10

“ Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV

But how…

The above scripture used to seem so complex to me. Sure, I knew that I was sinning, wrong, wayward, and lost. But “HOW” was I supposed to get back on track. I would see all of these charismatic people, on fire for the Word, rarely doubting God and I would wonder “HOW” did they do it. People would tell me,  “pray about it,” “it will get better” or, “be patient.” I would often wonder, but “HOW?” How am I supposed to be close to God? How do I start a relationship with Him? How do I pray without sounding weird? How do I begin to remove the sin (that I relished in) out of my life? How?

Many years later, being on the other side of this question, I’ve learned that Nike actually declares one of the most profound statements of my time; JUST DO IT! I remember speaking to one of my mentees and she said, “How do I begin to read my Bible?” Now, depending on who you talk to, some will say start at Genesis, start at Psalms, start at Proverbs, start at Matthew, and so on. But what I have come to learn is to “Just do it.”  There is no perfect way to read God’s Word. Sure, there are ways to scholarly advance throughout the Bible, or ways to dissect it better, but in layman’s terms, JUST DO IT.  Pray before you open it, ask God to enter your heart and mind, and trust that what you read will become embedded in your heart.

How do we pray? In Bible School we are taught to pray as Jesus did, but for me, at one time I couldn’t even understand that. I knew the Lord’s Prayer but I didn’t feel like I was being sincere. One day I literally lay on the floor, face down, and sat quiet. I began to think about all the great things that have happened in my life, the awesome “coincidences” that I knew only God could do, and I just started reciting them in thanks. I had to Just Do It!

In addition to becoming connected to a supportive body of believers, here are some tips that gave me a boost along my walk with God:

  1. How do I study God’s Word? “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV) I wanted to correctly handle God’s Word, but how? I found a Sunday School book and started following its lessons and it grew from there. It may seem weird, but it helped me to focus on “learning” God’s Word. Stop by a church and ask them for one, I’m sure they’ll give you one.
  2. How do I pray in power? I wanted to be able to pray boldly not wavering in doubt. Opening your mouth to God in prayer is power in itself. But what I wanted was to feel connected, comfortable (not complacent) enough to focus on God, and strong enough to pray for others. But how? I kept doing it, over and over and over.  I started by making a prayer list. I would write down the things I wanted to say including who and what I wanted to pray for. Next, I would read my “list” to God. This was how I started learning how to converse with Him. The more I prayed, the more in tune I became. Praying without ceasing and believing that God heard me revealed His power.
  3. How do I exhibit faith? Having faith is understanding its definition. Faith is to have complete trust or belief in something. I was very skeptical of having faith that God actually cared about every little thing in my life. But I had to JUST DO IT. I had to talk daily to Him, and make a decision that I was NOT going to try and solve all of life’s problems. I had to literally shove worry out of my mind and trust that God was going to work it out. I actually believed that God would not let me down and that His Word was true. I have professional training in the science field, so naturally I like to solve things. There is always a cause and effect, whether immediate or delayed. But I can’t take that approach with faith. I have to leave it there, believing that God will lead me to the solution or He will just fix it!

Dear Daddy,

I want to really be able to say that I can call You Daddy. I want to know that when I pray You hear me. I want to be able to read Your Word and actually understand what it means. I want to grow in faith and believe that You really do care about something as small as me being upset about my appearance to something as grand as the health of my children. Lord, please send tangible examples and wise people my way so that I can continue to cultivate my relationship with You. Starting today, I am going to JUST DO IT! I am going to “try it out” and pray that I grow and feel Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, many of us are learning how to grow in Christ. Today I EMPOWER you to JUST DO IT! It may be reading more, praying more, worshipping deeper or praising louder, but JUST DO IT! Do it in faith, believing that God knows your heart and will receive your truth with open arms.

What are some tips you have for those of us “starting out” in Christ? Share with us some ways that you strengthen your walk with God.

Read A Related EmpowerMoment: Two Way Street

Please vote for EmpowerMoments in the finals for the Black Weblog Awards: Best Series: Single in the City; Best Writing in A Blog; and Best Faith Based Blog. Click here to vote.

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As a professional, Mrs. Khalilah Burton is a College Biology Instructor. She is also currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Higher Ed and Community College Leadership. Khalilah is passionate about her faith journey and uses this key scripture as her inspiration: “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) She and her husband serve as Co-Service leaders and Co-Group leaders of SustainedLove, which supports marriage get-a-ways from Family Life. Khalilah also serves as a guest speaker and panelist for various events for women and Christian empowerment. Khalilah resides in Millbrook, Alabama with her wonderful husband Donald Burton, Jr. and their two daughters. They attend Vaughn Forest Church. Check out Khalilah’s Christian weight loss blog here.

Reminiscing

Sep24

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 NIV)

The other day I came across an old CD I hadn’t listened to in years.  It was a sunny day and I was driving along to the gym.  I couldn’t wait to roll the windows down, pop in the CD, and do my best karaoke rendition of SWV!

Not only was I looking forward to singing along, but I was looking forward to singing from the heart.  You know the kind of singing you do when the words of the song sound like you wrote them yourself?  The kind of singing where you can insert your name and the name of the one you love (or used to love) into the words of the song and remember when….yep, that’s just what I was expecting.

That’s just what happened at first.  I sang my heart out during the first two tracks.  I was gearing up to belt out track three, the infamous “Weak,” and The Holy Spirit showed up.  All of a sudden the words of the song took on a whole new meaning:

I get so weak in the knees I can hardly speak.
I lose all control and something takes over me.
In a daze and it’s so amazing, it’s not a phase.
I want you to stay with me, by my side.
I swallow my pride; your love is so sweet.
It knocks me right off of my feet.
I can’t explain why your loving makes me weak.

My God!

Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with God’s grace and goodness that I get weak!  Sometimes I feel like I am in a daze when I am surrounded by His presence and yearn to have Him with me always!  Sometimes I have to swallow my pride and do what it is that He has called me to do because He loves me so much!  The chorus to the song sums it up; sometimes I can’t explain why the love of God makes me weak!

When I arrived at the gym, I sat in my car just thanking God for loving me and for allowing me to experience His love on a level that is so amazing.

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for Your unconditional and unfailing love.  Thank You for Your constant reminders of Your love for me and that Your love surrounds me everyday.  I pray that I will be able to live a life that is worthy of the way You love me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to get weak from the power of God’s love.  Let the Holy Spirit overcome you till you are falling on your knees and thanking Him for the love He showers upon you!

Describe a time when the Holy Spirit overcame you and led you into sweet, divine worship.

Please watch SWV’s “Weak”: 

Read a related EmpowerMoment:  A Divine Encounter

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 Ms. Tiffany Huff is the devoted mother of two boys, a blogger, lover of food and travel, and aspiring entrepreneur with a passion for helping others live out their purposes. She is looking forward to growing in her walk and honoring God through sharing her EmpowerMoments. One of her meditation scriptures is Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The Valley Experience

Jun5

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

For the last couple of weeks, I have been in a strange place emotionally and spiritually.  Things that never bothered me before like finances, family drama, everyday issues etc. are now really getting under my skin.  I have been tossing and turning every night and when I finally awaken the next morning, I feel physically drained.  I go to church every Sunday but struggle to “feel” God’s presence as I worship and sing praises.  Whenever I get home, either from work or church (which is all I seem to really do these days), all I want to do is go to bed.

However, even during this time, I REFUSE to stop giving God glory.  In fact, it seems my worship has gone to another level. “I will bless the Lord at all times, and his praises shall continually be in my mouth…” (Psalms 34:1 KJV) I know that God has delivered me before and He WILL deliver me again.  “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.  Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence…” (Psalms 91:2-3 NIV)

I also know that God has me in this place for a reason. Whatever the purpose, I know this experience is getting me one step closer to my destiny.  “And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose…” (Romans 8:28 NIV)  Because of this knowledge, I have peace, “…You are my hiding place, you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance…” (Psalms 32:7 NIV)

I want to encourage you today and let you know that for every valley that you experience, there will eventually be a mountain top experience. Of course in the valley the mountain looks insurmountable, but He is able to take elevate you back to the top. Maintain your faith as you wait for Him to move you from the valley.

Dear Daddy,

You are my God, the Lord over my life.  I am nothing without You.  You are holy and righteous.  You are sovereign and I know You have everything under control.  I submit to Your will for my life.  I submit to my valley experience.  I understand that it is necessary in order for me to be everything You called me to be.  I ask that You equip me with what I need to continue on, whether that is faith, love, wisdom, or something else.  Forgive me for the times I was not submissive, forgive me for the detours I’ve taken that has lengthened my process.  I acknowledge the times I have been my own enemy in the choices I’ve made.  I ask that You help me to persevere and not be so easily distracted.  Please deliver me from all unrighteousness.  I love You and I praise You for everything You’ve done, are doing, and for whom You are in my life.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to be encouraged during your time in the valley. I EMPOWER you to know that a mountain top experience is in your future if you simply hold on. If you are currently going through, remember two very important things:

1)      Keep praising and worshipping God no matter how you feel: “Sing to the Lord you saints of his; praise His holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning…” (Psalms 30: 4-5 NIV)

2)      Understand there is purpose in your trial(s):  “For he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold…” (Job 23:10 NIV)

While in the valley, reflect on previous mountain top experiences with Kurt Carr’s “For Every Mountain”:

 

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 Ms. Katrina Richard is an up and coming professional residing in Chicago, Illinois.  She strives to incorporate knowledge and life-skills to teenagers in her profession as a high school history teacher.  Katrina is very active in her church community where she serves in the prayer ministry as well as in the nursery.  She has a passion for serving in the lesser known areas of ministry because she believes every facet of ministry is important to kingdom building and spiritual development of the believers. Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11: “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.”

My God is Awesome!

Jun1

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!

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8 KJV).

As I prayed and pondered about how I would start Black Music Month off, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said give God some praise.

As I am entering the sixth month of 2012 I can’t help but reflect on my life. Of course the first thing I thought of was the struggles. I thought about all of the things that have not been according to my plan. While I was thinking negatively, “Awesome” by Charles Jenkins and Fellowship came on. It moved me to tears because despite what I felt or despite what I’ve been through my God is awesome!

I thought a little further and yes, my husband and I have had some struggles and issues but God has sustained us and by His grace and mercy we are still together. My God is great!

Awesome is defined as inspiring awe, showing or characterized by awe. The slang definition is very impressive. What a great way to describe my awesome God! He just keeps on awing me!

Yes, my finances have not been what I’m used to having but God saw fit for me to have exactly what I need and many of my luxuries. My God is a provider! “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 KJV)

Yes, my so called friends and family have turned their backs on me, but God is able. I have not been lonely because God has been right there. My God is a friend! “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18: 24 NASB)

Yes, my job has not been everything that I have wanted it to be, but I am employed and I am grateful. I have stood in the storm and God has blessed me with increase. “The master said, well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” (Matthew 25: 23 NLT)

This year I went to the doctor and found out I weighed more than when I was pregnant. Wow, right?! Being overweight is a sickness, but my God is a healer! As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one (Luke 4: 40 NLT)

Yes, someone broke in my house and violated me and my family and the part that really surprised me was that our insurance claim was DENIED. But, my God is a protector! “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalms 18:2 NASB)

My God is Awesome/He can move mountains/Keep me in the valley/Hide me from the rain/My God is Awesome/Heals me when I’m broken/Strength where I’ve been weakened/ Forever He will reign…

The next time I feel like nagging and complaining about what should of, could of, would of happened, I am going to remember that my God is awesome!

Dear Daddy,

I thank You for being an Awesome God! I thank You God for being everything I need You to be, even when I don’t deserve it. Please God continue to be my provider, my healer, my deliverer and my friend. I’m destined to be great with an Awesome Daddy like You!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Awesome Women of God, I EMPOWER you to know that you are awesome and amazing because your Daddy is awesome. Instead of complaining, give God some praise. The highest praise is Hallelujah. Tell God hallelujah for saving you, for healing you, for protecting you and for providing for you. The next time you feel as if life is getting the best of you remember our God is awesome!

As Black Music Month begins, remind yourself how awesome God is with Charles Jenkins and Fellowship:

Share your story with us below about how awesome God is in your life.

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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.”

Praise Before You Pout

May24

At the age of 12, my mother and I were in the grocery store parking lot at night. A man came up behind us pointing a pistol saying, “You know what I want, give it up.” While he pretended to help us load our groceries, my mother scrambled through her purse to come up with a small amount of money, maybe $30. He took the money and left. As soon as we got into the car my mother burst into a crazy praise. I don’t think I have ever heard her scream and shout so loudly. I was in tears and all she kept saying was “Thank You God, thank You God, You are awesome and worthy…” and so on. As an adult, I look back on that situation to find out how powerful that moment was. Her first reaction was to praise, not to pout! Later once the offender was caught, we found out that not only was he high on crack cocaine but the gun was loaded and cocked! She could have praised later, but she praised in advance!

Let’s appraise ourselves. When we are faced with a traumatic event, of any intensity, do we praise immediately, or do we wait until the event has passed and we see a favorable outcome?

There is one thing that separates us from being able to praise immediately opposed to waiting for the outcome. FAITH! You really have to believe what God’s Word says in order to praise before you pout. I remember harsh break ups with guys that I just knew were “the one”, finding that at the end of the day my money was not going to stretch to the next day, or receiving a pink slip from a job that I felt was the pinnacle of my career. I grew in the Lord and in His Word and realized that I should have praised at the onset of each of those situations. I would have been much happier and less stressed and depressed.

This is what allows me to praise at the onset of disaster and rejoice in the Lord in every situation:

  1. I BELIEVE with ALL of my heart and soul that: “All things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
  2. I BELIEVE with every limb of my body that: “In him we were also chosen,having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:11-12 NIV
  3. I BELIEVE with all that I have in His Word. “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV

Praise cannot be your first reaction if you do not seriously believe God’s Word. Instead you will find yourself scared, fearful, and worried about situations in your life. Don’t mistake me, I’m not a carefree person and I am no stranger to doubt or deep concern; but I have to pull myself together quickly! I desire to rid myself of stress and anxiety. I practice being a good steward over the things God has given me — my marriage, my job, my finances, my children, and my opportunities – and that takes work. Ultimately, I believe that if I walk by faith, God will take care of every want and need. He will sustain me when I feel that I am falling. He will restore me when I feel that I am empty. Therefore, because of faith, I can praise at the brink of tragedy. I don’t have to wait until the outcome occurs. I know that God loves me and He wants the absolute best for me.

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for moving some things out of my way, even when I perceived them as failures. When tragedy hits, I have to admit, my first reaction is not to praise, but that is because I forget that Your Word is true. You told me that ALL things work out for my GOOD. So God, please help me to remember this when he walks out on me, when I lose my job, or when I can’t seem to keep my head above water. Please help me to remember that You will work out EVERYTHING. I just need to stay faithful to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Sistah Girl, I EMPOWER you to trust God with the issues you face and praise Him before you pout. I dare you to praise God for your situation. If you really need God, really want Him close, praise Him in advance! Not only will He show up, but He will give you the desires of your heart.

What encourages you to praise before you pout? Share it with us by commenting below.

Read a related EmpowerMoment: Praise the Lord Anyhow

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As a professional, Mrs. Khalilah Burton is a College Biology Instructor. She is also currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Higher Ed and Community College Leadership. Khalilah is passionate about her faith journey and uses this key scripture as her inspiration: “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) She and her husband serve as Co-Service leaders and Co-Group leaders of SustainedLove, which supports marriage get-a-ways from Family Life. Khalilah also serves as a guest speaker and panelist for various events for women and Christian empowerment. Khalilah resides in Millbrook, Alabama with her wonderful husband Donald Burton, Jr. and their energetic four-year old daughter. They attend Vaughn Forest Church.  Check out Khalilah’s Christian weight loss blog here.

What Are You Really In This For?

May8

I attended a Christian poetry set recently.  One of the poems recited basically asked the question, “What if you got to heaven and you found everything you ever wanted and saw everyone you wanted to see there…except God?  Would you still want to be there?”

It took me back and made me really ponder the question, “Katrina, what are you REALLY in this for?”  There’s a popular song that says, “If the Lord never does anything else for me, he’s done enough!”  When we really think about that statement, do our hearts really feel that way? 

I had to admit that at times, I have had the wrong idea of what my life is all about.  Many times I have emphasized being saved so I can go to heaven, when my real purpose is to glorify God.  We were created for worship…PERIOD.

I had to repent for my selfish way of thinking.  “…and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me, whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10: 38-39 NIV) I was so focused on getting to heaven and getting what I want God to bless me with, that I was missing the mark.  If I continued like this, I would never gain what I desire because at its root, my heart was self-serving.  My primary goal, instead, should have been and IS now, working to give glory to God and build His kingdom.  “…Seek ye first [wholeheartedly] the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you…” (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

Dear Daddy,

I love You so much!  I thank You for who You are in my life and how much You love me!  I cannot thank You enough for how You take care of me.  I deeply appreciate how You hold me and never let me go in spite of all my issues.  Lord, forgive me for the times I took on a selfish spirit in which my relationship with You became more about what You were doing for me.  Lord, I ask that You give me a Job anointing. No matter what, I never want to stop loving and serving You.  I want to continue to draw closer to You. Lord, help me to increase my love more and more every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you reflect on the following questions: “What if you knew that regardless of how much you praised, worshipped, and served God in your life, you were still going to receive your due payment for the sins you have committed? (meaning you would still go to hell)  Would you still follow Christ?”

Feel free to answer the questions in our comment section below.

Read a related EmpowerMoment: When “Church” Wears Off

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 Ms. Katrina Richard is an up and coming professional residing in Chicago, Illinois.  She strives to incorporate knowledge and life-skills to teenagers in her profession as a high school history teacher.  Katrina is very active in her church community where she serves in the prayer ministry as well as in the nursery.  She has a passion for serving in the lesser known areas of ministry because she believes every facet of ministry is important to kingdom building and spiritual development of the believers. Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11: “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.”

When It Hurts

Dec13

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  Psalm 34:1 NKJV

If you have been around Christians for any length of time, I’m certain that you’ve heard this statement at least once if not many times.  It’s a powerful statement, for it declares that regardless of what may be occurring in life, you will continue to praise God.  It’s an easy declaration to make when things are going great, kind of sort of good, or okay, but what about when it hurts?  When you are disappointed, broken, distraught, delayed, empty, and seemingly defeated, can you still bless the Lord?

Saturday our congregation found itself in mourning as we lost the life of a wonderful teenager, Miles Blackwell.  When I arose on Sunday, the first thing that came to mind was, “What will worship be like?”  For the past several months, worship has been indescribable.  The presence of God has been so overwhelming that members hate missing service and Sunday worship has become a hot topic for Facebook (also referred to as Spacebook by our pastor).  How would people worship after suffering such a loss?      

As I pondered the possible shift in worship, God reminded me that worship is in order even when it hurts.  Worship is not something that we do only when “we feel like it.”  Instead, “Praise is what I do, EVEN WHEN I’M GOING THE THROUGH, I’ve learned to worship You.  I vow to praise You, through the good and the bad.  I’ll praise You, whether happy or sad.  I’ll praise You, in all that I go through, because praise is what I do.”

Praising God in spite of hurt can be seen through two great characters of the bible.  In the first chapter of Job, we find that Job loses ten children and all his earthly possessions, yet he bows down to worship God (Job 1:20).  In Genesis 22, Abraham similarly worships God after being instructed to sacrifice his only son whom he loves (Genesis 22:1-5).  Here we have two men, broken, mourning, hurt, but still worshiping.

Through these men, we come to understand what Jesus means when He speaks of true worshipers.  “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” John 4:23 NKJV.  True worshipers bless the Lord even when it hurts!  It’s not enough simply to praise God when things are well.  True worship requires that we sacrifice our feelings, emotion, pride, and yes, our very lives to bless God (Romans 12:1 NLT).

Unfortunately, in this life we shall encounter mountaintops and valleys.  There will be days when blessing God will come with ease.  But, there will also be days when praising God may seem hard.  I pray that when the latter days come you remember Abraham and Job and continue to worship even when it hurts.  We certainly did!

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for giving us the strength to worship during hard times.  When it hurts, help us to remember the One whom we worship, rather than the things that we endure.  Teach us how to bless You at all times, understanding that You are worthy of praise even when it hurts.  Father, we bless You for the wonderful God that You are.  May Your name be exalted throughout the earth.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to worship God when it hurts.  Practice blessing God not only during good times but also during times of difficulty.  God is seeking true worshipers.  I urge you to let your worship be real.

In Loving Memory of Miles Blackwell

 Read a related EmpowerMoment: Praise the Lord Anyhow!

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)

Get Up and Dance!

Dec8

Let’s face it. The holiday season is supposed to be jolly, hopeful, fun, and filled with moments of joy with friends and family. But the reality is that along with this intention, the truths of this year’s events often settle here. You all of a sudden realize you are cuddling up by your fireplace without a companion or you miss your loved one dearly who passed away earlier this year or even 7 years ago. As January approaches, you realize the goals you set forth are nowhere near being completed, or started in some cases. Quite frankly, you just feel overwhelmed with the financial pressures of trying to decide to purchase gifts or tithe, or to skip your car payment to try and visit your family members.

I’m reminded through various instances in the Bible where situations seemed quite grim, but these biblical role models chose to make the best out of their situations. Let’s first look at Ruth. The interesting thing about this story is it begins when Ruth is mourning the death of her husband. But throughout her misery she made a life changing decision. She told her mother in law, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16 NIV) They settled into a new country, just at the beginning of the harvest season. Now what’s interesting here is that just when Ruth was faced with the death of her husband and painfully close to being sent away by the only woman that cared for her, she pressed through, dusted herself off and entered into a new land…just when the harvest was beginning, and she didn’t even know it. The story goes on to mention how she was blessed from the remnants of the harvest and met a husband. What if she decided to call it quits in the midst of her pity party? She wouldn’t have experienced the harvest.

Let’s look at the woman with the issue of blood. “A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.” (Mark 5:24-29 NIV) Now I don’t know about you, but twelve years of bleeding could definitely weigh on my faith and my strength to be the least bit optimistic about being healed. But she made a decision. She thought if she could just touch the hem of His cloak, she would be healed. She got up, traveled, fought the crowds and made it to Jesus. “He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34 NIV) Now, what if she decided to call it quits in the midst of her pity party? She wouldn’t have experienced her healing.

So what do you do now? What do you do when you have decided to keep going for Jesus, even in the midst of sorrow and pain? You praise!! I am reminded of David and the Ark of God. I am so blessed by this story because David praised so hard that his wife started hating on him. “As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.” (2 Samuel 6:16 NIV)  But David knew that God was in control of his life, his blessings, and his future. He praised, not when the Ark got there, but when the ark was on its way. David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD.  I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.” (2 Samuel 6:21-22 NIV)

I want to encourage you to praise on your way to your harvest and on your way to your healing. You may get hated on, but I dare you to be bold and do like David, Get up and DANCE!!

Dear Daddy,

For every woman reading this EmpowerMoment, I pray that You empower them through this holiday season and remind us that this is the season to celebrate the goodness of life You have blessed us with. Help us to find joy in giving and strength in enjoying the smiles and love of those around us. Help us not to focus on the things we don’t have, but the abundance You have already given us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you today to get up and dance! Dance out of your misery, your pain, your anguish, your loneliness, and insecurities. John 8:36 NIV reminds us, “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” You are free from these things that bind you. Dance and let the liberation of God carry you through!

As a professional, Mrs. Khalilah Burton is College Biology Instructor. She is also currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Higher Ed and Community College Leadership. Khalilah is passionate about her faith journey and uses this key scripture as her inspiration: “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) She teaches Young Adult Bible Study and Sunday School and also serves as a guest speaker and panelist for various events for women and Christian empowerment. Khalilah resides in Millbrook, Alabama with her wonderful husband Donald Burton, Jr. and their energetic three-year old daughter. They attend St. Luke Christian Church. Check out Khalilah’s Christian weight loss blog here.