A God of Joy....

After reading last night I laid and really realized that even in the Christian life there are still many ups and downs. The reality of choosing to live a life like Christ is that there will be some challenging times. Even myself I sometimes get puzzled, annoyed, dampen to where I realize my joy is gone.

God said that sometimes these trials are there to develop godly character in our lives. So when you face a trial in your life don’t always look at it as the enemy, a punishment, a curse, but something that prompts rejoicing. Trials are there to produce joy. Not a joy that is mixed with sorrow pain and unhappiness but pure joy. Never give situations or circumstances an opportunity to rob you of your joy whether it be people, school, kids, the future , the past, the solution is to abide and be obedient to God’s word. This is why it is very important to remain close to God if we want to share this kind of Joy that comes from our father in Heaven.

It is a choice…Joy can be made so real when you choose to live in Gods joy. Surround yourself with those friends that will uplift you when you are going through major trouble to keep you on the right path. Even Jesus needed friends which is why fellowship is important. He did not intend on you having to go through the struggles in life alone. There will be circumstances that try and shake your faith people will try and discourage you and several other things there to distract you from what God truly wants you to enjoy. I am here to tell you again that God sometimes uses trouble to teach us to trust Him completely so even when things look terrible just TRUST. Be confident in your God your prayers knowing that everything will turn out just the way God promised.

John 15:10-11. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Galatians 5:22-23. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

Feeling Unworthy?

There will be times in life when you may feel unworthy BUT always know that God loves you and He is waiting to give you a transformation that will change every area of your life. There is ALWAYS a cost when seeking a new lifestyle but I pray that God encourages your heart today with a new vision for your life. DO NOT GIVE UP...It is time to seek NEW BEGINNINGS!

The Fight Within "ME"

As I woke up this morning I was thinking about this new journey that I am about to begin. Blogging? Are people going to really like what I share? Will my transparency be too much? What about all the commas, quotations and all the other writing techniques that I don't have? I continued to ask myself these questions because I have always had a battle with self-esteem and that would mess with my confidence. If one thought crossed my mind that people would not approve I would quickly take a step back and say nevermind. I always remind myself that the person that equips me with everything I will ever need is my Heavenly Father but does that mean those fleshly thoughts go away? NO.... This is the fight within me.

There are many beginnings locked inside of me that I never let come into perfect use because I would always stop at the sound of, "you can't do it." The world is sometimes intimidating BUT someone reminded me that God gives us different gifts and stories to reach different people(Imani). I already have what I need but in order for me to perfect what I have I must put these things into practice. Often I ask myself, why is it that we let worldy opinions stop us from doing the things that can help us reach GREATNESS? This is the fight and I am pretty sure I am NOT the only one that deals with it but its time for me to conquer it.

I have built a forever relationship with the Father and as I look to Him for guidance this fight will soon be over. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-disciplne." (2 Timothy 1:7)