Money & Time Well Spent

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19).

Money and time are two things that people complain about not having enough of. Jesus, being the creator of both is the best person to consult about the two. Jesus knows that we can not live in today’s world without money. He knows our needs better than we do and He is more than equipped to provide (Philippians 4:19). Two of the promises that Jesus makes concerning money: 1) Jesus has promised to provide all of our needs if we seek Him first and His righteousness (Matthew 6:32-34). To seek God means that we make a commitment to spend time reading His Word and praying daily to find the will He has for our lives. 2) If we delight ourselves in Him, He’ll give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). God has given every one of us a purpose. It is our job to find out what that purpose is and start doing it and do it wholeheartedly, with Joy. If you know absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt that God put in your heart to start writing cookbooks for healthier living, then get to it! Don’t delay.

God has created a time and season for everything under the sun (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). In order not to waste time, consult Jesus at the beginning of your day or week when planning your schedule, since He knows what lies ahead. Say, “Jesus, what would you have me to do in this day or week?” Then use a planner to jot down what Jesus instructs you to do (Habakkuk 2:2). Not only will you save time, but you will also save money by doing this. For example, if I am meal planning for the week, Jesus may direct me to go grocery shopping at a particular store, bringing to my attention that they are having a sale on grocery items.


Learning to consult Jesus about how to use my money and time is a process that I am still learning. So far, I can testify that Jesus has always allowed me to have enough money for the things that He considers a priority. Especially during hard times. And as for time, He leads me to do worthwhile tasks, so I am not wasting time on minute activities. But the most important thing to remember about God’s promises for money and time well spent is based on you seeking God first and your obedience to Him.

XOXO,

Jay

Be Careful What You Manifest Into Your Life

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21).


I do not know any woman who wouldn’t consider herself to be an optimist, myself included. However, there are times in our lives where we say negative things about ourselves that may seem harmless such as, “I am an introvert” or “That’s the Taurus in me.” These subtleties cause us to limit ourselves, close doors to opportunities and miss chances to explore purposeful relationships because of the words we manifest into our lives. We have allowed people’s opinions, philosophies, zodiac signs, horoscope readings, ideologies, and personality tests to rule our lives. Just because a personality test says you’re an introvert or your zodiac sign says you can be stubborn that does not mean that you have to allow these principles to have a stake in your life. We have allowed what the world says we should be to become part of our identity and personality. Therefore, we end up falling short of the expectations and purpose that Jesus has created us for. Jesus does not say we’re introverts; He created us for relationships (Proverbs 18:24, Ecclesiastes 4:8-12, and Hebrews 10:25). We cannot get through this life without each other. He did not create us to be stubborn.  His desire is for us to be open-minded, understanding, and uplifting to each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11). What career opportunity has passed you by because of the words you spoke over yourself? Have you closed the door to being a wife and mother because you’ve accepted someone else’s belief about your capability in this role? Society’s opinions and beliefs about who we are are contrary to what God says we are. His opinions should set precedence in our lives because He loves us more than anyone ever could. He sent His son, Jesus to die for our sins.

So the next time you’re prompted to take a personality test on social media or thought about yourself pops up in your mind, ask yourself, “Is this true? Who does Jesus say I am?”

XOXO,

Jay

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A High Maintenance Kingdom Woman

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. (Proverbs 31:22)

In the movie, “When Harry Met Sally,” there’s a scene where Sally is having a phone conversation with Harry while watching Casablanca. Harry says to Sally, “Ingrid Birdman, now she’s low maintenance. There’s two kinds of women, high maintenance and low maintenance ... an LM [Low Maintenance], definitely? Sally asks Harry which woman is she and Harry responds with, “You’re the worst kind. You’re high maintenance, but think you’re low maintenance.” Sally then tries to downplay her being a high maintenance woman, needless to say, they end up together.

Throughout the Bible, there are many instances where Jesus’ daughters were instructed to fix themselves up, anoint themselves with the best ointment,  and adorned themselves with an array of fabrics (Ruth 1:1-3 and Esther 2:12). God gives His children the best of everything (Ezekiel 16:10-13 and Psalm 84:11). However, a High Maintenance Kingdom Woman is not only adorned on the outside, but she's also adorned on the inside with a meek and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4-6). And because she knows who she is and whose she is, she does not allow material things to define her. She wears the clothes, they don’t wear her. She understands that Jesus’ material blessings are an added bonus for being a daughter of the King, the Most High. A High Maintenance Kingdom Woman continues to allow God to maintenance her into the woman He wants her to be.

When a high maintenance man goes to purchase a car, he wants the expensive, high maintenance luxury car. He knows he can afford it. He knows its worth. And he’s willing to put in the time and money to acquire its value. Why? Because a high maintenance luxury car, although expensive, has a great return: brand new, little to no mileage, longevity, no wear and tear, and a guaranteed warranty. He knows that car will carry him far and he does not have to worry about it breaking down. It also comes with many other benefits such as blue tooth and Wi-Fi connection, satellite radio, heated seats, Bose speakers, etc. A high maintenance luxury car not only looks great on the outside, but the inside is impeccable. This is also true when he goes to search for a wife. So the next time a man tries to throw an insult your way with, “You’re too high maintenance,” reply with “Thank you. I serve a High Maintenance God.” Take it as a compliment and look at it as if he’s doing you favor. He’s letting you know that he’s a man that doesn’t want much in life; he will not work hard to improve his life or yours. He’s content where he’s at, spiritually and physically. He will not allow God to mold him into the man that God wants Him to be. He’ll not go out of his way to romance you or pursue you. He’s a Netflix and Chill type of guy. Ladies, don’t short change yourself to get a man. Jesus wants the best for you. He wants to give you the best, but He’s not going to bless a life of mess. He’s not going to send you a High Maintenance Kingdom Man unless you allow Him, a High Maintenance God to remold, reshape, restore, and renew your life. This process will require a lot of maintenance, but Jesus can afford it. He gave His life so that we might have life abundantly (John 10:10).

XOXO,

Jay

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