What’s the Issue?

It could be you……

Professionally and Spiritually, I’ve learned that part of the key to success is being able to accept and process the difficult things about ourselves or those we surround ourselves with.

Look at the differences between what we consider good people (or leaders) and bad people (or leaders).

We learned in, Chosen with Esther Devotional – Day 3 and many other areas in the bible where the root of a person’s demise begins.  King Xerxes surrounded himself with ‘Yes people’ because he did not want to hear the truth about his decisions and actions.  They did everything to keep him happy, even when it was not for his benefit.

Their desire to keep him happy eventually changed and could have had detrimental effects to not only his kingdom and everything he worked for but also his life.  He had to shift and listen to wise counsel.

How many times has God tried to tell you something that you just ignored and turned to what felt better?

If you find yourself stagnant or in the same cycle or surrounded by people who are not moving forward?  Consider the fact that you could have dismissed wise counsel.  You rejected the words that hurt (though there were good intentions), counsel that did not match the direction you thought you knew.  

I’ve learned that successful people (present and in scripture) with purpose, direction and relationship of their true calling will not sit around to keep telling you something God has tried (or already) spoken to you.  Matthew 10:14 says ‘If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.’ (You may also reference Mark 6:11)

Excerpt from Chosen with Esther Devotional – Day 3:

• What voices have you surrounded yourself with?
• Can the people in your life tell you difficult, uncomfortable things?
• Or have you groomed your relationships to only tell you what you want to hear?

Book: Chosen with Esther by David Ramos

Let this be your prayer: 

“God I want to be whole – well in my body, mind, will, emotions and spirit.  You have given me Your word precisely so that it could shape my life.  You will provide wise counsel and individuals to support my growth in You.  Help me to listen even when it is difficult.  In Jesus Name. Amen”

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Would you believe me?

Would you you believe me:

If I told you I was born to drug addicted parents?

If I told you, my parents did not graduate high school and were unmarried teenagers when they had me?

If I told you my life was set up to fail?

If I told you the dysfunction I was born into?

If I told you, I repeated the cycle and had my son at 17?

If I told you, I use to wear hand me downs until I was old enough to get my own job?

If told you, I grew up in the roughest neighborhoods in Boston?

If I told you, I ran with friends that sold drugs, carried weapons and destroyed people’s lives?

If I told you, I lost friends, some really close friends, to gang violence and jail?

If I told you there was a period in life, I was going to a funeral every month?

If I told you, one of those funerals had an infant casket?

If I told you, I would never wear skirts and my favorite clothes was timberland boots, baggy jeans and oversized shirts?

If I told you, I never liked attention or how I looked?

If I told you, for a short time living with one of my parents, I use to hide my money and jewelry?

If I told you, I didn’t celebrate graduating high school but was glad to not be a victim of the street?

If I told you, I  ran the streets with a group of girls fighting rivals?

If I told you, I had anger issues?

If I told you, I almost went to jail (posted on the wall while they searched my car)?

If I told you, college didn’t seem like a possibility?  I was just glad to survive.

If I told you, I ran into a crack house to ‘rescue’ one of my closest friends?  Her mom called me – scared for her daughter’s life and I went straight to the projects (by myself) to find her.

If I told you, I never had my own room until I moved on my own?

If I told you, that son I had was never suppose to walk?

If I told you, I lived in the hospital for two months while that son recovered?

If I told you, I moved away (as soon as I could) out of concern for my son being caught in crossfire?

If I told you, I was so depressed I went from a size 6 to size 0 in three months?

If I told you, I could not even get out of bed for almost a year?

If I told you, they prescribed me tons of medication?

If I told you, the doctors said I would never recover but to hope for some sense of function?

What if I told you, I not only recovered but I prospered beyond anyone’s expectation in every area of my life? Exceedingly, Abundantly, Beyond what I could ask or think.

Would you believe if I told you that was the woman you see?

One word from God – shift my entire world and none of what happened could change the trajectory He would send me to.

‘“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
    before you were born I set you apart;
    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5

This is not just something I do, my life is Ministry.   You can’t tell me Nothing!!

 ^“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

 

My testimony – ‘Reckless Love’ by Steffany Gretzinger | Bethel Music

My confession – ‘Bless Up’ by Koryn Hawthorne

 

 

 

Don’t Go Back!!

Do you want to be made whole?  Do you desire the things of God, even if it requires you to let things go that have been apart of your life for so long?

We sometimes say, this is who I am…..But is it really?

“Do you want to get well?” – John 5:6b 

Inspiration (Listen below):

 

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Meditate on the words of this song:

Song: Light the Way by Phil Thompson

Scripture references:

John 5

John 9:2-3 NIV

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

Romans 10:17 in the NKJV and NIV

Phillipians 4:9

Lamentations 3:24 NIV

1 Peter 5:9 NIV

They just keep testing me….

It is important that you are not deceived.  You must know God’s Word and what He says and know His instructions to YOU.

“Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” – Luke 8:48 NIV

Inspiration (Listen below):

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***Movies referenced are listed here below (after the scriptures) – select the link***

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Meditate on the words of this song:

Song: You Know My Name ft. Jimi Cravity by Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Scripture references:

Proverbs 4:23 NIV       Galatians 5:1

2 Peter 1:3                      Luke 8:43-48

Romans 8:11                 Hebrews 12:2 NKJV  

Luke 10:19                      John 16:33

1 Thessalonians 1:5           Philippians 4:8b NLT

Jeremiah 1:5                     James 1:12 ESV

Genesis 3:1                         Psalms 139:23-24 NKJV

2 Corinthians 2:9-11         Psalm 1:1-2 GNT

Revelation 12:9

John 8:44b NLT

Matthew 4:1-11

John 8:36

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Movie Reference:

God’s Not Dead

God’s Not Dead 2

The Shack

How is your Foundation?

Relationship is Key!

“I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness.” – John 10:10b GNT

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In this walk with Christ, in this journey to transform to who your were destined to be,  relationship with Him is crucial.

It will make all the difference.  Imagine going on a road trip with no map or directions.  It would not be fun or enjoyable at all.

At least if you get lost along the way or hit roadblocks, the trip is not as draining or devastating if you have someone or something that can tell you the way.

In this journey, YOU WILL HAVE tests (with or without Christ’s help).  Your relationship will make the difference.

When you are challenged, whether from the outside or within yourself, in what God thinks of you – relationship with Him will overcome any doubt.

Think of your (REAL) friends/family that you can really count on.  Even if they are not always there or you don’t understand what they are doing, you trust their judgement because you have relationship, a history with them.  So even if you hit a snag in the relationship or you don’t agree on something they did, you won’t just throw away your relationship over what you thought they should have done.  Or vice versa.

When YOU have TRUE relationship with someone,  no one can tell you what that person thinks of you.   They may be able to confirm it or give you their perspective but YOU know.   Better yet, if they write you a letter – YOU can interpret what they meant and what their intentions were behind that letter.  You won’t need to confirm with someone else on what YOUR friend was saying to you.

I hope this message blesses you and reminds you of what you already have or should strive for in Christ.

 

What is God trying to Expose (Reveal) in your life?

Saving Exposure

Join us as we connect with Immerse in the Flood in discovering the things God is looking to reveal in our lives.   We want to go higher. Watch (see videos below) (August 30, 2018).

John 3:16-21

¹⁹ “This is the basis for judgment: The light came into the world, and people loved darkness more than the light, for their actions are evil.²⁰ All who do wicked things hate the light and don’t come to the light for fear that their actions will be exposed to the light. ²¹ Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God.”

The emphasis is mine.

God, what are you trying to expose in us?

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Before sharing: Let’s be mindful of your intent. Exam your own life, do not use this to ‘show’ someone their issues.  Let the Holy Spirit do what He does.  You are not the Savior of that person or those people.  God is addressing and dealing with you  and your issues first.

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Listen to Wisewomen’s follow up session to Week 1 Bible Study Series (August 30, 2018).

 

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Remainder of the 5 Week Sessions (see below)

Saving Exposure Class 1 through 5

What’s Really Going On?

(Disclaimer:  It is suggested that the eagle’s rebirthing process described was past down by generations and is not reflective of the actual process the eagle goes through.)

Out of a Bible Study Series, this process of things coming up or being revealed has been like a shift needed in order for the Lord to take you to the next stages, levels and dimension for our lives.

My prayer is the Lord will surround you with people that will support you in this difficult cutting or exposure process.  That anyone that can hurt or hinder you further, be removed so you can see the true calling and plan God has for your life.  His plans are good and not to harm you.

Inspiration:

 

Meditate on the words of this song:

Covered by Anna Dow and Michael Dow of Burning Ones

Song Lyrics

 

‘We’re all searching for answers only You provide.’

Scripture references:

Matthew 26: 36-46

Proverbs 4:23

John 14:27

John 3:17, 20-21

Jeremiah 29:11

Romans 8:28

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7 NLT

Don’t run from it….(An experience in an environment I was taught to run from)

In a world where self protection and self preservation is such a real concern – the opportunity FINALLY presented itself for me to go to the gun range. (Brief background: My baby sister, has her license to carry and recently started going to the range to practice. I pursued my license to carry and was always interested in going to practice but never had the time.

This time we made plans to go together – I was so excited to bond and do something different. Side note: Aren’t you tired of the same ole stuff in life? I was so glad to go do something different.)

Neither pro-violence or pro-gun. I am pro-protect myself and my family by any means necessary.

We pulled into the secluded wooded area, I was probably excited the way my children are when they see their presents under a lit Christmas tree.

Hearing the pop pop sound, I knew we were close. However, the cautious over analytical person in me said, “What if a stray bullet comes your way?” I pushed passed the thought.

I should probably share – I am not a daredevil by nature. I have no desire to ride rollercoasters at the amusement parks, I experienced enough near death, real life experiences to be comfortable (almost excited to) eating fried dough, cotton candy and hold everyone’s bags while they prepare to feel the flip of their stomachs and scream like death is near. No thank you- I’ll stand by to make the call or go get help in case something happens. God forbid, the ride malfunctions – maybe that teenager or underpaid adult was not thorough in their quality check before the park opened. I can think of a thousand things that can go wrong.

As we enter the facility there were men, walking around servicing customers who were purchasing firearm and respective supplies (bullets, holsters, etc). A much different life, than growing up in Roxbury – seeing guns and knowing to never touch them because I didn’t want my fingerprints to even be associated, in case some prior crime had been affiliated with the firearm. My life is a testimony.

Seeing them walk around freely, was similar to having police walking around with their gun in their holsters but knowing they were just regular people. I was like yes, no crazy man attacking innocent people will get far. I was ready for my training. I signed the waiver – which to me was sealing my death with no recourse to my family if something ‘accidentally happened’ to me.

I signed, following my life lessons: no risk, no reward. The waiver was the barrier between standing in the waiting area or moving closer to our intended purpose.

A lane opened for us, it was our turn to select some firearms to ‘try’ and since it was my first time, I solicited the advice of the ‘expert’ – the man behind the counter with the gun on his waist – no other indication of his expertise. This whole process for me, was still risky. He checked each gun we selected and put them in a patched case. As we walk back, my sis gives me the rundown on the protective ear and eye gear. Ok! Ready. We walk towards the room where the shots are coming from, they get louder. As the door opens and I hear the bangs and pops closer and closer – all of my life skills from growing up in Roxbury/Dorchester kicked in. In my mind, remember personal space, too close is a threat, you hear that pop, you drop that bike and run in the opposite direction. But now, I’m walking toward and in the direction of them. I had to coach my body not to run…. I am dead center in an enclosed environment, I was taught to run from.

In that moment, I received my revelation and knew what God has been trying to get me to understand.

In my mind I hear: “The things you are use to running from, I called you to dwell in. This is how you get to the places you’ve never been. I called you to transform your thinking about the environment so I can do greater in and around you.”

 

Hearing the different bangs and pops, I instantly knew from unofficial life education and training, when a machine gun versus a hand gun was used.

In the moment, I had to adjust and tell myself, I will not run. All while the chaos of bullets flying and sounds of clips reloading.

Meanwhile, my sister is unbothered headed straight to our assigned lane, I was so glad she knew where she was going. I remember just following her feet because in those moments – I was having a pep talk, coaching myself that this was not a former life and I was safe. I could not comprehend what was happening around me. She was in a familiar environment as she removed the guns from the cases and began to load the clips. I needed a moment to observe. To gather my senses, it seemed unreal.

My turn: It was my turn to hit the target. She handed me the gun. I smiled inside because I knew I did not need to worry about a ‘body’ (that’s a good term for association with a prior crime) attached.

As I took the loaded firearm, I remind myself the rules of safety – I did not want to be responsible of accidentally hitting someone else. I held it, closed one eye and look over the barrel at my intended target……

After a few more rounds, I discovered my preferences and was a better shooter than I considered. We laughed and joked (cautiously holding or placing the guns on the counter) about our target having no chance. We both are really good shooters.

Reflection: In an environment, I could not think of functioning in – the longer we stayed I naturally tuned out the noise of bullets flying.
I’d adjusted and was now confident that the what ifs would not happened.

Life lesson: What scared me and would have initiated an immediate reaction was now just background noise.

 

“You have to leave your comfort zone to receive what God has for you in this New Dimension” – Bishop TD Jakes 11/29/2018

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Good Morning! ‪God is getting ready to appear to you in unexpected ways and do unexpected things! Prepare for a paradigm shift. God is getting ready to move every obstacle that is standing between you, and what He is getting ready to do in your life! You have to leave your comfort zone to go to the next Dimension that God has in store for you. It is time for you to SHIFT! The next dimension is going to require you to activate your faith in a way that you have never activated your faith before. Can you stand to be blessed? God has heard your prayers. He knows the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4)- Take delight in Him and enjoy the journey! He is getting ready to move in a supernatural way that supersedes anything you ever prayed and petitioned Him for – get ready! (Jeremiah 29:11)‬ Watch the rebroadcast of #RememberWhatISaid now at bit.ly/RememberWhatISaid #tphonline #DailyDevotion

A post shared by T.D. Jakes (@bishopjakes) on Nov 29, 2017 at 6:02am PST