believe – My Grace Untold

Confidence In God – part 2

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”

Hebrews 10:35

Friend, Christ is our CONFIDENCE!

We can have CONFIDENCE in God because He gave us Christ! If we believe in Christ, if we believe that He is in us, then we believe that He that resurrected after death, that defied EVERY odds, that conquered every impossibility, that defied ALL limitations, HE, THAT CHRIST is in me and you!

This is our CONFIDENCE.

Our CONFIDENCE in God is the CONFIDENCE in us as believers.

That is why man cannot take it away from us. That is why the situation cannot take it away from you. Your confidence is yours to give away or throw away. So what have you done with yours?

Better yet, how do we keep or take back our confidence if we have lost it?

The Word says to look back for a moment. Look back and remember where you were. Look back and recollect what God has brought you out of time and time again. Look back on the you that was when you did not know Christ. Look back and remember what grace and God’s power has enabled you to do to push through to this place you are in now.

Now ask yourself, do you not serve a faithful God who has been mighty to save over and over and over and over again?

Ask yourself, is HE not worthy to be praised even in your current predicament?

Friend, your CONFIDENCE in God is your reminder that HE that did it back then can and will do it again. He that got you out of that one will get you out of this one. HE that did this, can do that. HE that created the world can create a new opportunity, a new perspective, a new heart of worship, a new way!

Take the limits off of God! HE can do anything! We know that HE can because HE already did! Christ already came down! Heaven already appointed you for your calling and you need your CONFIDENCE in God to reach it.

I pray for you as I pray for me.

May your confidence begin to come back to you now! May your CONFIDENCE in God cause you to trample upon doubts and the enemy’s lies. And may your conscience be renewed in righteousness again in Jesus name. Amen.

Confidence In God – part 1

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”

Hebrews 10:35

As a child, many of us were told to be confident in ourselves, to believe in ourselves and our ability to do anything we put our minds to.

Childhood naivete does not yet receive the fullness of those messages. Then we learn what faith is. We learn who Christ Is. We grow and learn who God Is. We become familiar with the Holy Spirit of God. We become confident in the knowing of our Father, the Creator.

Then life happens, so we lose confidence.

Friend, God said to get your confidence back! Not the confidence that relies on your abilities, your flesh, and your capacity, but the confidence in HIM!

Are you confident in God?

I know many of us believe in God and we believe that He can do anything, but are you CONFIDENT in God?

When the situation looks as bad as it does, and your heart is as broken as it is, and you are as confused as you are, are you CONFIDENT in God?

When the bills are more than the money, and the foes are more than friends, or the friends turn out to be the foes, are you CONFIDENT in God?

When the deal does not go through, and the relationship ends, and the lying voices come against you to tell you that you were never good enough, are you CONFIDENT in God?

I know all too well how easy it is to lose confidence in the gap between who you are and who you are called to be. I am in that gap now. That gap that separates what God promised and when the promise is in your hands.

But as the scripture above reads, we are not to throw away our confidence. We are not to give control of it to the current dilemma or even the past. Friend, do you know that your confidence is not in the hands of man, but inside of you???

FINISH READING HERE

Prayer Is The Master Key

prayers

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven…”

2 Chronicles 7:14

I thank God for prayer. I thank God so much for the freedom to tap into heaven in my tears, in my fears, in my uncertainty, in my confidence, in my joy, in my pain, in my confusion, and in my clarity. I thank God for the master key that is prayer.

I thank God so much for the freedom to tap into heaven in my tears, in my fears, in my uncertainty, in my confidence, in my joy, in my pain, in my confusion, and in my clarity.

I thank God for the master key that is prayer.

I have a job that demands more of my peace and prayer than I am naturally willing to give, often feeling almost incapable of giving since I am trying to keep it for myself.

This community of God’s people does not resemble the one in the chapter that preceded this one and that too has its misgivings.

The pages of this current chapter are nearing an end as I see the calling of my life on the horizon before me. Admittedly, the sentiments in my humanity are spilling over.

I feel the wars going on, the battle to take over my mind, to overwhelm my spirit, to distract me from purpose.

I feel the realm of warring raging around me, above me, and there is unsettlement in my soul. Things are being shaken out of place and into place and my knowing is all I have

I feel the wars going on, the battle to take over my mind, to overwhelm my spirit, to distract me from purpose.

I feel the realm of warring raging around me, above me, unsettlement is stirred within me. Things are being shaken out of place and into place and my knowing is all I have

So I pray.

In my disappointment, I pray. In my discomfort, I pray. In my disagreement, I pray.

The tears spill out of me even in a fasting season, and still I pray.

Friend, prayer is the master key.

Prayer is the heavenly language designed and delivered on the tip of our tongues to fight and win battles we cannot see, to release blessings from heavens’ gates, and to remind us of the power of God on the inside.

That is why the word of God tells us to worry about nothing and pray about everything.

I wonder if you, much like me, could use a day to just pray.

I wonder if you could use a day to call upon your Father and His angel armies to fortify the walls of your reality, to strengthen you from the core, and to claim the victory that is yours.

Friend, prayer is the master key. There is no door that prayer cannot open and no door that it cannot shut according to the will of God.

Prayer is our weaponry to win the battles even here on earth. So I urge you to start using it like never before.

I pray that God gives us the words to pray even when we do not know that which we ought to pray. I pray that the Holy Spirit moves us to our knees to bow down in faith and truth in prayer. May we be fortified when we feel too tired to pray. May our focus be realigned when we feel too distracted to pray. And may the windows of Heaven pour out a new anointing that drips humility into our being so we pray fervently as we ought to in Jesus name. Amen.

Sight In The Storm

“And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”

Matthew 7:25

Stormy and windy weather cause me to stop and glorify the Maker of heaven and earth for His Power and Majesty over all things. Even the might of natural disasters are a thing of wonder for me. God is so Great!

If you are anything like me, many storms have come and gone, and some even brewing right now alongside your path to destiny. Some are going to make their way right in front of you. Perhaps you feel as though you are yet to catch a breath from the last storm, or you are still rebuilding what is left from the ruins, I am here to remind you that there is sight in the storm.

There is something to see in the storm. There is a glory to behold in the storm. There is a testament to testify in the storm.

Friend, has the storm blinded you?

In Matthew 14 vs 22, there is an account of the disciples being blinded by a mighty storm while traveling in their boat. Amidst the storm, Jesus walked on water towards them. It was their Master walking toward them, yet they feared. They were afraid because of what they thought they saw. They thought Jesus was a ghost!

And even after Christ told them that it was HE who was walking on water, that it was HE who was performing a miracle in their sight, that it was HE appearing before them in this storm, they still needed more proof.

Peter, whose faith dared to test the power of God then asked Jesus if he also could walk on water. Christ called Peter and he did walk on water.

It was Peter who dared to behold the glory of God in the storm, realizing through faith that although the storm can be blinding, there is something greater happening amidst the storm.

Friend, God is the same as HE was back then.

If you are in a storm, know that there is something wonderful going on in the storm. There is a greater glory happening right in front of you and around you. God is trying to show you something, tell you something, and give you something.

So, what is the measure of your faith?

Can you dare to believe in the greater Hand of God while in the storm? Can you dare to see by faith and not by sight to behold the glory that IS?

The storm is not meant to break you, but to break you through the wall of limitation you have built around a limitless God. Your faith is being stretched by the storm(s) you are facing. Your sight in the storm is to see God. You are supposed to witness His wonder in a storm.

So I praise God today for your storm. I thank Him for what HE is doing through you and for you in this stormy season, for it is good and prosperous. All that can be shaken will be shaken in the storm, but because you stand on the eternal Rock of Ages, you shall remain standing after the storm in Jesus name. Amen.

Instincts Vs. Instruction

“Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.”

Proverbs 4:13

I am grateful to serve a faithful God. HE gave me a word, made me a promise, and I so it is now.

I landed in California two days ago according to God’s instruction a few months back. The Lord told me not to worry about a place because He had already prepared a place for me.

I believed.

So as I press forward to heed the word of God and to seek His instructions yet again in this new place, I am compelled to share the importance of understanding the difference between instinct and instruction.

In December 2014, my instincts led me to consider moving up in Nordstrom, a company I had been with for a little over a year. Those instincts were justified by my eligibility for management training as prescribed by all three of my former managers in the company.

Instincts encouraged me to go for it, to begin preparation for it, to consider the many benefits of it…

God’s instruction said otherwise as Instruction directed me to leave the company entirely.

That was about eight months ago.

When I left Atlanta back in June for New York, God’s instruction said to call my former manager about working temporarily in my former position. I obeyed.

Consequently, in the span of my seven-week-stay in NY, I was positioned to walk with people placed in my path and to be a witness for all that God was doing in the lives of His children all around me.

As my departure to CA neared, instinct once again began to encourage me to consider moving up within the company as many other voices around me suggested and supported. Instruction again interrupted and reminded me of Purpose.

Friend, at times we are caught in a crossroad. At this place, it seems like instinct and Instruction are on opposing sides and we yearn for clarity. Sometimes, our instincts are puffed up and move out of alignment with Purpose. It is in this place, that you and I must remember the Word of God.

What was God’s word to you? What instruction came with that Word when you received it?

God is not man that HE should lie, nor is HE a God of confusion. So when confusion begins to take root, this is when you seek your heavenly Father the most. This is when you tap in to the Highest wisdom there is.

As compelled as we often feel to use what we know to make the ‘best decision,’ we must recall that the Proverbs chpt 3 vs 5 instruct us not to lean not on our own understanding but to trust the Lord.

When instinct fails to bring clarity, remember God’s instruction and seek HIS wisdom before taking another step.

I pray for us both today, that the Most High God grants us the heavenly clarity to move at the sound of His Voice and may HIS Word continue to give light to our steps in Jesus name. Amen.

Your Alignment With A Down-grader Of God – Part 3

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM…”

Exodus 3:14

Friend, how many people do you know in your life, even in your spiritual environment, that has the belief in something greater, but are not convinced that it is God?!

The Spirit says it is time for you to assess your alignment.

Who has God placed in your path? Who has God shown you is in need of prayer and intercession to see God for themselves?

Don’t you know that everyone who falls in place as you walk in alignment, is also part of what you have been assigned to do?

In the past, (even as I ignorantly malnourished my spirit by feeding my flesh) it was so easy for me to dismiss someone whose spirit did not reflect mine. But I thank God for a maturity in calling and new wisdom on every new height in the journey.

That person or persons whose perception of God does not match yours, has been placed in your path for a reason. I urge you today to seek God for the answer as you discover your alignment with those who down-grade His power and Being.

Perhaps their destination begins with you. Perhaps a new journey within your divine purpose begins with them. Ask God. But whatever you do, do not dismiss them. Do not miss God by falling on your own knowledge alone.

Consider that this person or force that downgrades God is motivated by powers that they are not aware of but you are. It says in Ephesians chpt 6 vs 12 that,

we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

God did not create His children with a spirit that down-grades His power, so this person you have come across was not born with this purpose-opposing decree. You and I know how hard the enemy will work to instill lies into the heart of a child of God.

This is why it is so important that you understand the placement of such forces along your journey.

I know that in the brief moment of the encounter yesterday, I didn’t care where I was or what my knowledge was, I was moved by the Spirit of God to continue the conversation with the young lady and to look past the words out of her mouth but into the longing inside her soul. She wanted to believe in what was greater. She wanted to hear God speak. Something within her made her believe in what she believes in. And if she was confident in her belief, she would have been able to tell me what exactly she meant by “Higher power.”

How many others have you encountered? Do you know that you will still encounter many more?

I pray for you and me. I pray that the LORD of hosts, who has called us for His glory and Majesty, will fill us with new wisdom, new confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose to recognize what HE alone has placed in our paths. May He also grant us the patience and humility to speak of Him to others as they too draw nearer to their individual calling in Jesus name. Amen.

Your Alignment With A Down-grader Of God – Part 2

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM…”

Exodus 3:14

Admittedly, my day ended yesterday without me giving another thought to the conversation. But thank goodness for a persistent Spirit of God.

It was not until this morning that the Spirit revealed to me that indeed the brief interaction with the young lady was a part of my alignment with God in this journey of purpose.

All through high school and college, I have met so many of God’s children whose identity has somehow been shuffled in the unfolding chaos and mysteries of life. We’ve got the atheists, the devil worshipers, the churches of Satan, the churches of Scientology, the believers in a greater power, but not God.

Billions of God’s own creation, instigated by the enemy and separated by belief and the lack of, and the ills of man-made religion. My prayers remain fervent for them and I believe that in due time, our heavenly father will reveal to them who HE is.

In the past, I have disregarded the existence of these ideals and those who held it because I felt the need to protect what I held on to no matter what internal struggles I dealt with daily to hold on to it still. Thus, I made certain to keep a safe distance from those whose spirits were against my Spirit.

God was, is, and will always be God! There is Only One God! There is no other GOD!

Yesterday’s interaction with the young lady was a revelation that brought back into memory, the many lost souls in my world that are waiting for God to speak or show up. They are waiting for a miracle, something outside the ordinary to become aware of the existence and eternal Being of the one and only Creator of heaven and earth!

And do you know it takes just one? It takes just one interaction, one revelation, one life-altering-mind-consuming moment for God to make His presence known to whom He chooses?! His will be done in Jesus name!

I mean sometimes I come to a place of momentary envy when I consider the intimate interactions that God had with His chosen ones in the old testament.

I AM THE LORD,” resonates all through the old testament!

And here we are over 2000 years later, and there are still many wondering, “Is HE really?” “Does HE exist?” “who is HE?”

I wonder if you know anyone like that in your life.

Friend, are you aware of your alignment with the down-graders of the Most High God? FINISH READING HERE

Your Alignment With A Down-grader Of God – Part 1

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM…”

Exodus 3:14

Everyday I stand in awe of the diversity there is in the make of God’s children. The believer and the non-believers. The worshipers and non-worshipers. The club-goers and non-club-goers. The drinkers and non-drinkers. The sexually promiscuous, sexually inactive and the virgins. The preacher and the non-preachers.

Yet, we are all sinners saved by grace and mercy.

Yesterday, I entered the place of my old job seeking someone in particular but God placed someone else in my path, so a very brief conversation took place. The young lady and I are not too familiar with one another. She didn’t even recognize me enough to recall my name at first.

I was like, ‘I know her,’ she said to me with laughter.

I asked about the friend I had hoped to see when I came, and was informed that she had gone home for the day. I then added that I had not spoken to my friend in quite some time since we had planned an outing to a gospel concert a few weeks ago.

Oh you both do the Christian church thing,” she stated.

church thing? I take it you don’t believe then?” I responded.

Then the following words came out of her mouth…

I mean I used to talk to God and He never talked back so I don’t talk to Him anymore,” she said nonchalantly, adding a dismissive wave.

Oh. So what do you now talk to?” I asked.

She said, “I mean I believe in a Upper power and Being but not God.”

The Spirit did not let the conversation end without speaking through me to tell her that whether she knew it or not, liked it or now, actively believed or not, what she believed in was GOD. Although she may have spoken out of playfulness when she said perhaps I can talk to Him for her, it resonated with me.

You getting too deep girl right now girl,” was the last response she gave in a tired voice, as another dismissive wave came about.

As we parted ways, I assured her that I would definitely talk to God for her. CONTINUE READING HERE

God Gives Even When He Takes Away (1)

“Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.”

Proverbs 25:4

Someone I know recently suffered a miscarriage. Though young like me, she desperately wanted the child. She was in her first trimester and had been enduring several painful and discomforting symptoms while pregnant, but she hoped for the best. God had different plans.

When I heard of her loss, I was shocked and hurt by the news because it came up abruptly in a conversation. With no coincidence, God had placed this young lady on my heart a few days before I heard the news. I was unsure then what prayer course was ahead, but now I knew.

My compassion for her loss went deeper than I expected. I was going to reach out to her the day before I heard the news, but decided against it afterwards. My prayer for her healing and restoration would have to do for now. This was about a week and a half ago.

Yesterday morning on my way to church, I heard a lady share a similar story of loss over the radio. She and her husband found out about 18 weeks into her pregnancy that her unborn child had a rare condition and would not be alive for long after birth.

It was truly heartbreaking hearing her story of strength to take in such devastating news. But God was speaking through her to me.

The lady further proclaimed how the journey brought her family together. She chose to carry the child to term anyway, taking her unborn child to places it would not live to see, and counting on God’s love to bring them all through the pain ahead.

When she gave birth, she named her daughter River. River died about 45 minutes after she saw the world. This lady’s story tore at my heart in the five minutes she recounted her experience. However, the gratefulness she professed of how God gave her a courageous partner spoke louder than her pain. She gave God glory for what He gave her family through River. She thanked God for the faith that kept her standing through the heartache and ordeal since the moment they received the devastating news about River’s fate.

I can’t imagine the strength it takes to go through such a storm. But God… CONTINUE HERE