Christian Concepts in Real Life.
Who You’re Around
Have you ever prayed and prayed for a blessing and it seemed like it would never happen? As I reflected over my life, I realized that some of the biggest blessings I received didn't come until my circle changed. Who you’re around matters and sometimes, it is what is keeping you from your blessing.
RelAx Your Feet
The world is always telling us to go, go, go. It says we aren’t grinding enough and we aren’t hustling enough. The world says we should be farther along than we are. Therefore, we push and push until we are so tired that we feel guilty or don’t feel justified to rest. I’m here to tell you that even God rested; therefore, we should too.
Guard Your Heart
God has been dealing with me on the type of content I like to indulge in. As long as I can remember, I have been a fan of content that includes magic, witches, werewolves and other fantasy content. However, God has been convicting me about ingesting this content because it goes against His Word. Therefore, I am repenting and denouncing my attachment with such content.
Faith Also Comes By Reading
You’ve probably heard pastors advise to read the Word. However, when you go to read it, it’s written in a language you don’t understand and it may seem boring. However, I’ve discovered that there is a reason pastors advise you to read the Bible. It showcases God’s love for us. If you don’t understand the KJV, buy another version that can help you understand more because faith also comes by reading.
Just One of Them Days
Society gives a negative connotation to being alone, but alone time is actually vital to your mental well-being and spiritual life. It can recharge you, renew your attitude and allow you to learn more about yourself. Prioritize and schedule time for yourself.
You’re God’s Valentine
Valentine’s Day can be a hard day. It can remind you that it’s yet another year of singleness or it can be a day where you covet other’s Valentine’s Day. However, I am here to remind you that today doesn’t need to be a day of sadness or jealousy because you have a Valentine - God. Happy Valentine’s Day, Lovelies!
You Belong With Me
In college, I wanted a relationship so bad that I hated seeing or being around other couples. One of God’s Ten Commandments is to not covet what your neighbors have. Covetousness steals the joy God wants you to have and can evoke negative emotions. As the scripture says, God wants to bless you abundantly, but your abundance may not look like someone else’s abundance.
This is a Story
I’ve always believed that at least some parts of stories from books and television could become reality. I would daydream and fantasize about how my life would be similar to the stories I read and watched. However, as my storybook life derailed to a mundane one, I became sad, depressed and wistful. I had to realize that there is beauty and inspiration in unconventional stories.
Do You Boo Boo
Through therapy, I discovered that I battle with the issue of wanting to controlling others. I want the best for them; therefore, I try to imprint my version of what their best life is. However, my therapist ultimately asked me, “What does that have to do with you?” I had no other rebuttal than “Nothing,” and since it had nothing to do with me, I decided not to let my loved one’s actions continue to negatively impact me. I gave them over to Lord and mentally said, “Do you Boo Boo.”
When I Pray
I’ve witnessed people expressing their concerns about how to pray. Praying is nothing but having a conversation with the God who created you and who knows you better than you know yourself. You don’t need big words or fancy gestures, just start up a conversation. I promise He is always listening and is always available.
Need Help With Faith?
Since we have been discussing faith for the last couple of weeks, I decided that this blog post would highlight some faith material that you can listen to, watch and read to help build your faith.
Live By Faith
We often tell people that we have faith, but do we live by faith? Earlier this year, I became sick and nothing I did helped or worked. I decided to declare and decree that I was healed and a few days later, I felt better. This situation taught me that not only should we have faith, but we should live by faith.
Walk By Faith
Over the years, I have noticed an increase in the belief in manifestation and the universe. However, as I got deeper in my faith, I realized the error in believing in these things is that it takes away from God's power. God created the universe, so why should we look to the universe to handle our problems when there is a much higher being and authority over the universe? Instead, what we should do is ask God for what we need and want and have FAITH that what we pray for will come to pass. We should begin walking by faith, whether that's writing down, drawing or continuously speaking your vision, but having knowledge that this will be made possible by God.
What A [Twisted] World
The enemy's mission is to kill, steal and destroy, which he accomplishes by belittling God, turning our attention to other things and other tactics. An example of this is by the use of horoscopes, numerology, palm readings and more. We rely on horoscopes and other sources to tell us what kind of person we are, how our day is going to go, etc. without realizing that by doing this we are telling God that we don't trust Him and we are putting our trust in something else. Make a conscientious decision to make God your ONLY God.
Sermon Suggestion: “Single and Secure”
The book of Ruth is one of my favorite books in the Bible. Not only is it a beautiful love story, but the story of Ruth showcases that when single people live their life and use their preparation season accordingly, love finds them. If you need motivation or encouragement about embracing your single (preparation) season, “Single and Secure” is a great sermon to watch!
God Ended It
Have you ever wondered what went wrong in a relationship? I have and usually by the time I hit the self-reflection stage, the ex has moved on with someone else, meaning it’s too late to ask. After years of contemplation, I finally asked God, the one who knew the answer to everything, “Why did the relationship end?” He simply responded, “Because that wasn’t the relationship I had for you.”
Sermon Suggestion: “I Quit Complaining”
Complaining is the opposite of gratitude. It essentially “disrespects what has done in the past.” Instead, God wants us to be grateful for what He has blessed us with and to lean on Him in times of trouble. Pastor Mike Jr. reminds us why we shouldn’t complain.
Speak to Me
The scripture says “Faith comes by hearing.” The world can tell you some damaging things that can either encourage or affirm the negative beliefs you have about yourself. After one of my therapy sessions, I decided to write and recite affirmations to combat the negative beliefs I have about myself. The more you tell yourself positive affirmations, the more you believe it and your world changes because of it.
Book Suggestion: Woman Evolve
Fear is a flexible emotion. Sometimes, it’s evident that the emotion you feel is fear. Other times, fear is lurking in the background, hiding in camouflage as another emotion. It’s only when you analyze that emotion, you realize fear is the underlying cause. Well, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts has written a book to give us tips and tools of how to overcome our fears in the book, “Woman Evolve.” This book was insightful and therapeutic. I highly suggest reading if you want to overcome your fears and live the life that God has for you!