What Did You Just Say?

 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be (James 3:9-10).

As Jesus’ daughters, we’re only supposed to speak blessings, not cursings. However, this isn’t always the case if we are unaware of what we say at a moment’s notice. For example, I was in a middle of a business transaction, and I misunderstood the person explaining the process to a procedure. So instead of asking the person to clarify, I responded with, “I am confused.” At that moment, I came into agreement with the Spirit of Confusion because I spoke the words, “I am confused.” I spoke a curse over myself. The Greek definition of confusion is instability, disorder, commotion, confusion, tumult, inconstant, and unstable. A confused person has no stability (James 1:8) – they are indecisive and can never make up their mind. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33) but peace. The Holy Spirit quickly brought my error to my attention. I quickly repented, rebuked, and recanted the Spirit of Confusion and agreed with the Spirit of Peace. When we say words or phrases like, “I am going to kill you,”  “This headache is killing me,” “I am broke,” or “That child is going to be the death of you,” we speak cursings of murder, death, and poverty into our lives and the lives of others – even if we say them in sarcasm. The Bible says if we decree a thing, it shall be established (Job 22:28). As daughters of King Jesus, we should only be saying things like, “Beloved, I wish that you prosper, be in health, even as your soul prospers (3 John 1:2),” “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me (Philippians 4:13),” or “May the Lord bless you and keep you (Numbers 6:24).”

Two kingdoms exist in our world: the Kingdom of Light (Jesus’ Kingdom) (Colossians 1:13; Acts 26:18; 1 Peter 2:9), which is in this world, but not of this world and the kingdom of darkness (satan’s kingdom), which is of this world (John 17:14-16). In both kingdoms, the words we speak come to life (Job 22:28), whether we mean them or not, or whether we misspoke without understanding. In both kingdoms, angels carry out our spoken words to ensure that they come to pass. If we speak blessings according to the Will of God, then the angels in the Kingdom of Light MUST perform what we say – this is the Law of God, and everyone and everything must adhere to the Law of God for it to take effect (Psalm 103:20). If we speak cursings according to the kingdom of darkness, then the angels of darkness will perform what we say – this is also law according to the Word of God (Proverbs 18:21). This is why it’s crucial to spend time in God’s Word so that we can know and have an understanding of what we say, what we should say, and when we should be quiet.

The more I spend studying the Word of God, I have learned to speak Words of Life (the Living Word of God) over my circumstances and in the lives of others. Within a week, I have watched my life change for the better by speaking a verse about over my situation. I have also seen someone else’s life improve within an hour from speaking the Word of God to them and over their problem. And unfortunately, I have also seen someone’s life, who’s no longer living, down spiral this year, because of the cursing, they unknowingly spoke over their life. So from now on, queens, I encourage you to speak these words over yourselves, “Let no corrupt words come out of my mouth, only that which is good and helpful and ministers grace to the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).” I say this verse every day, and it helps keep me in alignment with the Word of God.

 

XOXO,

Jay

A Queen in Bondage: Not Reigning, but Being Reigned Upon

 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).

If you are struggling with your self-esteem or your identity, then today’s reading is for you. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord, then you are Jesus’ daughter. Point. Blank. Period. Forget about the other titles and labels that you use or culture uses to identify you; this can send you down the rabbit hole and get you further away from what Jesus calls you. As Jesus’ daughter, you have been given the keys to His Kingdom and have access to all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).

You have the right to liberty, life, peace, healing, prosperity, wealth, success, joy, love, forgiveness, comfort, talents, spiritual gifts, the desires of your heart, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, religion has blinded us to our inheritance. Religion has bound us to go to Jesus as peasants instead of as His daughters - the Bible instructs us to go to the throne of grace with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). For example, this past weekend, the devil brought this gospel song, “For Your Glory,” to place in my spirit to sing to Jesus as I go through the day. As I started to pay attention to the lyrics, I said, “Lord, I do not feel settled in my spirit singing this ‘praise and worship' song. Although the writer meant well, the lyrics are contrary to the Word of God.” The first few verses state, “Lord if I find favor in Your sight ...” As Jesus’ daughter, I already have favor (Ephesians 4:7), so to question God’s grace towards me is to doubt His Word. The second stanza of verses states, “I'm desperately waiting To be where You are ...” As Jesus’ daughter, I am not desperate, and Jesus is always with me. He tells me so in His Word (Matthew 28:20). The third stanza of verses state, “For Your glory, I will do anything Just to see You, To behold You as my King.” As Jesus’ daughter, He doesn’t require us to write a blank check (but satan will) – to suggest that we’ll do anything. Jesus desires our obedience if we want to see God glorified in our lives (1 Samuel 15:22 and Matthew. 5:16). The Holy Spirit revealed to me that if you cannot see God’s grace in your life, that’s because you have not received the abundance of grace (Romans 5:17) and you are a queen in bondage. You are called to be a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). The abundance of grace is for the taking, but you cannot perceive it.

When we receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness, it’s easy for us to hear and see Jesus’ hand in our lives. We can perceive who Jesus is and who we are in Him. As Jesus’ daughters, queens of a royal priesthood, we have been given the authority to reign over our circumstances through the Holy Spirit. We must align our minds with the Word of God and verbally declare the Word of God over our lives, despite our feelings and our circumstances.

Queens, as you go throughout your week, declare, “I am a blessed woman. I am blessed in the city. I am blessed in the field. I am blessed when I go out. I am blessed when I come in. (Deuteronomy 28:3 and 6).” Reign over your circumstances and do not allow them to reign over you.

 

XOXO,

Jay

What Season of Life Are You In?

 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. (Ecclesiastes 8:5).

About ten years ago, Jesus presented me with the opportunity to be married, but I unknowingly passed it up because I did not know what season of life I was in – I didn’t know what I know now. At the time, I was in a friendship with a man that I once dated, meaning we still talked on the phone or in passing, and we went to lunch or dinner now and then (It sounds like dating, I know, right. LOL). In hindsight, I believe that God allowed this man to come into my life for a set time because I was going through some things, and I learned a lot from him through our friendship. The keyword in this sentence is a set time. Our friendship was to only last for a specific season, but I allowed our friendship to prolong due to my lack of knowledge and understanding. God sent people to tell me that if you want to be married, you will have to cut off your relationship with this person. Because we never had sex and I was not dating anyone at the time, I did not see our friendship as a threat to a future relationship with someone else. However, God told me that He had a better man for me (At the time, I wasn’t sure if that was God’s voice). He even showed me in a dream where another man tried to get to me, but my friend kept blocking him. I let the opportunity to get married in that season pass me by. However, because of the grace of God, I have been allotted another chance.

So, ladies, I beseech you not to allow culture to dictate your seasons in life. Stop letting the world tell you when your biological clock is ticking or how old you should be to start a business or pursue your career. The world’s time clock does not matter to God, and God works on His time, not ours. According to God, the creator of time, there’s a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11). How many blessings have you left on the table because you did not know what season of life you were in?

As you ponder over your life and the choices you have made, do not grow bitter. Be grateful that God has brought this knowledge to your attention (Proverbs 3:11 and Proverbs 9:8-9). Do not allow satan to cause you to miss the blessings in your current season by focusing on your past mistakes or looking ahead. Rest reassured that blessings behold you in the future because Jesus went ahead and paved the way (Jeremiah 29:11). Jesus wants us to live in the moment with Him. Spend time with Jesus as soon as you can and consult Him about which season of life you’re in so that you can move accordingly (Ephesians 5:15-17).

XOXO,

Jay

Hoodwinked Christians

 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; (Deuteronomy 11:16).

Many Christians are being hoodwinked into following after the spirit of the anti-Christ. I was once one of those Christians before Jesus Christ delivered me from the spirit of religion. In Greek, anti-Christ is defined as an opponent of the Messiah. An anti-Christ is also an ideology that is in contrast, requital, or substitution of the Word of God (2 John 1:7-11). Because satan is subtle, he will use many tactics to deceive Christians into thinking that they are following the Truth. Sometimes, he’ll use other believers to misguide us unknowingly. Below are some tricks of the enemy that he uses to mislead Christians.

• The Holy Spirit has given you a confirmation through the Word of God or instructions about a particular area in your life. After sharing the news with another believer, they mislead you by giving you contrary advice and backing it with Biblical scripture or telling you what the Holy Spirit told them about your matter. If you choose to heed to their instruction versus the Holy Spirit, then you are following the spirit of the anti-Christ. The enemy will use the Word of God against us to get us to disobey God (Genesis 3:1 and 1 Kings 13).
•  If you follow after a pastor or preacher who believes that the Bible is not without fallacy, you are following after the anti-Christ (2 Timothy 3:16 and Psalm 119:160).
•  If you follow after doctrine that uses the scripture to glorify man and not Jesus, you are following after the anti-Christ. E.g., a leader uses verses from the Bible to push their agenda by persuading people to do what they want. Ask yourself, “How will this action or outcome glorify Jesus?

These are just a few ways that the enemy hoodwinks Christians. However, he’ll use whatever tactic is appealing to each of us. So we must be diligent in spending time with Jesus so we do not fall prey to the enemy. Through prayer, reading, and studying the Word of God, comes discernment.

Ladies, let’s watch and pray that we do not enter temptation (Matthew 6:13 and Matthew 26:4). 

XOXO,

Jay

How to Develop a Personal Relationship with Jesus

 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

After accepting Jesus as your Savior (Romans 10:9), making Him your Lord is a process, which can only come through developing a personal relationship with Him. Your relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship you will ever have because it dictates how you see yourself, how you see and relate to others, and how you see the world. Below is a list of steps to developing a personal relationship with Christ.

Step one: purchase a Bible. I suggest the International Children’s Bible and a King James Bible as you progress in your relationship with Jesus. You will also want to purchase a Biblical Concordance and a journal. Use a Biblical Concordance to look up definitions to words you don’t understand. I recommend Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. Go to https://therain.org/studies/strongs.html to learn how to use a concordance. Do not use a Webster’s dictionary or otherworldly dictionary to look up Biblical words. They will not have the same meaning because they exist in two different kingdoms.

Step two: establish devotion time. Dedicate a set time and place to meet with Jesus daily. Look at your meeting as a date – the most important meeting on your schedule. I recommend starting with thirty minutes. Turn off all distractions. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you in what you should read and study, in addition to asking Him to give you an understanding heart so that you can perceive what you read and apply it.

Use 5-10 minutes to meditate on what you read by asking the Holy Spirit to reveal how to apply what you have learned to your day-to-day life. Quietly sit until you hear from Him. You will have to train your mind to do this. If your thoughts start to wander, bring them back to focus on the scripture reading. When the Holy Spirit responds, write down His feedback in your journal. Do not become discouraged if you do not hear from the Holy Spirit for a while. Some people may hear from Him instantly, while others do not. This does not mean that you’re less important than the next person. Jesus wants to talk to you. He has so much to say to you. So if you don’t hear from Him during your first few devotions, be persistent. Continue to meet with Him at your appointed time. He will talk to you.

Step three: what should I read or study? There are various ways to read and study the Bible. You can start from the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation, alternate between the Old Testament and the New Testament (e.g., Genesis, Matthew, Exodus, or Mark), or you can choose a topic or theme. Sites like Free-Online-Bible-Study.com and teachsundayschool.com have great resources on various subjects about the Bible.

Step four: pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to a fellowship group or church that teaches Biblical doctrine. Avoid churches that identify explicitly with a particular denomination, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Pentecostal, Baptist, Presbyterian, Apostolic, or Catholic. They have their own doctrine and do not precisely follow the doctrine of Jesus Christ, or they will add their theology to the gospel (Revelation 22:18-19). Jesus tells us in His Word that His followers are of one church – one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. (Ephesians 4:1-6 and Philippians 1:27). Avoid churches that ask you to take the right hand of fellowship to join their church or request that you sign some document. You became a member of the Church of God when you accepted Jesus as your Savior. You can fellowship and be taught the Word of God under a minister with other believers in a home, community center, or park. Fellowshipping with other believers in prayer, worshipping, reading, and studying the Bible is essential to your growth as a Christian (Hebrews 10:25).

Step five: pray and ask Jesus to send you an accountability partner, godly companions, and wise counselors that can support you in your new walk with Christ.

Continue to consult Jesus on other things that you can do to deepen your relationship with Him.

Last but not least, obeying God is the ultimate key to an intimate relationship with Jesus. Obey God no matter what. Your obedience to God will increase your faith in Jesus.

 

XOXO,

 

Jay

A Personal Relationship with Jesus Vs. Religion

 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

Since my conversion from religion to a personal relationship with Jesus, when asked what’s my religion, I no longer answer, Christianity. I now say I do not have a religion. I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, my Savior, and Lord. In my deliverance from religion, I have learned that religion is an unclean spirit that is derived from the spirit of lying and deceit.

Religion tells you to practice Christianity, but Jesus tells us to be a Christian and follow after Him (Matthew 16:24 and Acts 11). The Greek definition of a Christian means to be a follower of Christ. To be a follower of Christ, we must have a personal relationship with Him. We cannot follow someone whom we do not know. Religion keeps us from having a personal relationship with Jesus because it implies that we must work our way into His heart, but Jesus loved us before we came to know him. Jesus died for us while we were still in our sins (Romans 5:8). We cannot work our way into Jesus’ heart. We obey Jesus because we love Him. We love Him because we come to know more about Him, and the more we know about Him, the more we desire to please Him. For example, when you are in a healthy romantically involved relationship, the more you spend time with your significant other and get to know them, your love and desire to please them increases.

You do not want to do things that disappoint or upset them. This sentiment is also true when you have a personal relationship with Jesus. The more you spend time with Jesus and get to know Him, you have a desire to obey Him. When you follow Him, your faith in Him increases. Over time, your character becomes more Christ-like, and the passions that you once had in the world start to change. However, with religion, this (becoming more Christ-like) is not so.

Religion places a yoke on you to keep the law, which is impossible for you to do – if you break one law, then you're guilty of breaking them all (James 2:10). Religion also encourages saints to serve Jesus in fear to keep from going to hell. Jesus wants us to honor Him as our God, but He doesn’t want us to serve Him in fear because we’re afraid to go to hell. Jesus wants us to want to have a relationship with Him – He wants a Father to daughter relationship with us. Religion suppresses us, but a relationship with Jesus incites us to go out and be the people God has called us to be and live the lives that God has called us to live. In Jesus, there’s freedom. In religion, there’s bondage. If you are going to follow after religion, Jesus said true religion is visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction and not conforming to this world (James 1:26-27). Even in doing this, you cannot serve others in love without a relationship with Jesus, and you cannot be changed from this world if you do not know Jesus.

So if you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, start one today by accepting Jesus as your Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9). If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord, then spend time with Jesus and examine your relationship. Do you serve Jesus in religion or love?

Stay tuned for next week’s post on How to Develop a Personal Relationship with Jesus.

 

XOXO,

 

Jay

Blessings Await You When You Stand in the Truth

 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

The world is very bold about standing in its “truth.” As daughters of the Most High, we need to be just as bold or bolder about standing in our Truth. Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). Jesus came so that we might have life and life more abundantly (John 10:10), but a more abundant life is difficult to have when we are standing in lies.

Satan has compelled many believers to believe the lies he tells by misleading us through our feelings (Jeremiah 17:9). Our emotions can get us to doubt God and the promises that He’s spoken over us. Jesus tells us that He loves us (Jeremiah 31:3), that we are not alone (John 14:16-17), that He’ll never forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and that He’ll be with us always (Matthew 28:20). Because we do not see God working in our lives or do not see our current situations changing, we give in to our feelings of despair and start to feel that Jesus does not love us or that He has forgotten about us. When we give in to these feelings, we step out of the Truth and step into a lie. Then we are out of the will of God. When we are out of the will of God, we place ourselves under direct attack from Satan. Many believers are confused while being in this space why Jesus does not move on their behalf. Jesus does not operate in lies. We must cast down every imagination that comes against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5) by giving the devil back the Truth of what Jesus says in His Word about us. When Satan tells you that Jesus does not love you, quickly give him back God’s Word, “I am precious in Jesus’ sight, and Jesus loves me (Isaiah 43:4).” When he tells you that Jesus has forgotten about you, tell him, “Jesus will never forget me. He has engraved me upon the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:15-16).” When he tells you that you are a failure, refute his lies and say to that liar and father of lies, “No, I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37).” Do not entertain Satan’s lies by giving in to your feelings of despair. Continuing to remain in the enemy's lies will cause you to lose heart, and you will eventually abandon your relationship with Jesus.

If you want Jesus to move quickly on your behalf, then you must align yourself with the Truth (John 15:7). Jesus told us that He’d provide all of our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). So instead of asking Jesus for what you need – Jesus knows what we need before we even ask (Matthew 6:31-33), start thanking Him in advance as if your blessing has already manifested in the natural realm – this is what it means to have faith. Jesus told us that He would give us the desires of our hearts if we delight ourselves in Him (Psalm 37:4). So if you have aligned yourself with this truth and asked Jesus for a new car, then wait with expectancy in praise, no matter what the circumstances look like. Jesus moves on our faith, not our feelings.

Remember, ladies, when you stand in a lie, you are out of agreement with God and come into a partnership with Satan. You cannot have a relationship with Jesus if you disagree with His Word (Amos 3:3). If you have been standing in a lie, partnering with the enemy, confess, and repent. Stand in the Truth. Live in the Truth (John 15:4-9). And check your feelings at the door.

XOXO,

 

Jay

The World is Going to Try and “Cancel” You and You Need to be Okay with That

 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

If we are faithful followers of Jesus, we should expect the world to try and “cancel” us and not become upset by it. Jesus told us these things would happen during the last days (Matthew 24:9). This world hates Jesus and wants nothing to do with the Truth (John 15:18-25), so therefore, it wants nothing to do with those that follow Jesus. However, as followers of Jesus, we still need to stand on our convictions without wavering. We need to be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10).

Do not fret about losing your job, mega-contracts, friends, and some family members. Do not look to the world as a source. Jesus is our source. He provides everything we need and desire (Philippians 4:19-20; Psalm 37:4). Everything belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). There is no lack in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:32). Jesus promises us in His Word that no one can accuse the people that God has chosen. It is God that makes His people in right standing (Romans 8:33). No one can cancel us except for Jesus because He died for our sins (Romans 8:34) – and Jesus did not come to cancel anyone. He came so that we might have life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). When you decide to take a “loss” for Christ, know that all things are working together for your good because you love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

If you lose your job for standing up for what’s right, this could be God’s way of igniting the pilot under you to get you to do what He’s purposed in you.  If God told you years ago to write a book, start a business, go back to school, or leave your career to go into another industry and you have been procrastinating, then this is God’way of getting you on the path to your destiny. So do not worry about those who do evil (Psalm 37:7). Keep your focus on God. Stay faithful. Be obedient and get busy with what Jesus has designed you to do. Relax in His promises and enjoy the many blessings that God has laid out for you in this life (Ephesians 1:3). And continue to support your brothers and sisters in Christ because they are experiencing the same persecution (1 Peter 5:9).

Remember, ladies, Jesus promised never to leave us, nor forsake us, nor fail us (Deuteronomy 31:8). We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

XOXO,

 

Jay

 

How Are You Spending Your Life?

 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10).

All of us are going to give an account to God for how we spend our lives. Some believe that because they do not drink, smoke, or gamble, and do not cheat on their taxes that they will receive a just reward, but Jesus is not going to judge us according to “our righteousness” or society’s “just standards of living.” We cannot work our way into heaven or the kingdom of God. Jesus is concerned about the condition of our hearts. He wants us to be intentional about how we live our lives.

Our lives should glorify God so that others are drawn to Him. Jesus wants us to have a fruitful life, spiritually and physically. Unbelievers should look at our lives and see that God is with us and be drawn to God (John 12:32).

So in preparation to stand before Jesus, take inventory of your life. Have you accepted Jesus as your savior (Romans 10:9)? Do you allow Jesus to be the Lord over your life, meaning, do you listen and obey Him? How are your relationships with others (spouse, children, family, friends, co-workers)? Are you holding on to unforgiveness, resentment, jealousy, or envy? Do you treat people the way Jesus desires? Do you see people the way Jesus sees people? We also have to account for what we think of others because our thoughts become our actions (Proverbs 23:7). What example do you live before others? Or do you live a life of isolation from others? Jesus created us for relationships (Hebrews 10:25). How do you spend your time, money, and resources? Do you only call on Jesus when you’re in trouble, or do you talk to Him throughout your day? E.g., “Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to get to work on time,” or “Thank you, Jesus, for reminding me to pay the electric bill.” What are your life priorities? Do you consult Jesus in your decision-making? E.g., “Jesus, what do you think I should do today?” “Jesus, what should I do in this situation?”

We do not have time to waste, so let’s intentionally live a life that pleases and glorifies God. Make a daily commitment to listen and obey God. Invite the Holy Spirit to teach you how to live a fruitful life.

Remember, ladies, apart from Jesus, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

 

XOXO,

 

Jay

It’s Dangerous to Be Afraid

 

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).

The world says that fear is a natural occurrence in life, but it’s unnatural and dangerous to God's children. Jesus did not give us a spirit of fear but one of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). The Greek definition of fear is alarm, fright, or terror. Over one hundred times in the Bible, Jesus tells us to fear not.

Fear is dangerous because it is a gateway spirit for many other unclean spirits such as selfishness, doubt, disobedience, and sickness. When we walk in the spirit of fear, we open the door for selfishness. If Jesus calls us to accomplish a significant task, fear will say, “you can’t do it because you lack the resources,” therefore, we give in and do what we want rather than what God requires from us. Fear will cause us to doubt God’s words and His promises to us. If a situation doesn’t “look” like what God has spoken to us or about us, then we doubt God. If Jesus specifically told you that you shall live and not die (Psalm 118:17), then regardless of what your circumstances look like, you can take God at His word (Deuteronomy 7:9). When the spirit of doubt comes in, it brings its closest kin, disobedience.

When we don’t trust God and take Him at His word, we will not follow His instructions. If God tells you to quit your job and move across the country to another state, do not question God about provision. Jesus will not send us places or give us instruction without the resources or people in place. Fear also damages our bodies. It causes ulcers, weakens the immune system, damages the cardiovascular system, brings about premature aging and early death (Delagran, Louise, MA, Med, author of,  “Impact of Fear and Anxiety,” from the Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing of the University of Minnesota).

Just imagine how many opportunities, relationships, and blessings we’ve missed out on because we have allowed fear to constrict us. Jesus does not want us to live in fear. He came so that we may have life and life more abundantly (John 10:10).

If you are guilty of living in fear or have been fearful, repent. Asks Jesus to forgive you for not agreeing with His word – be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). If fear has a stronghold on you, then fast and pray (Mark 9:29). Find a scripture that speaks to your circumstance and start speaking over yourself and to your circumstances. Post the scripture throughout your home. Set a timer on your phone to remind yourself when to say the scripture.

Remember, ladies, “People that love freedom will, in the end, be free,” Simón Bolívar. So let’s walk in the spirit of liberty (Galatians 5:1), power, love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

 

XOXO,

 

Jay

 

Come to the Table Expecting to Feast

 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over (Psalm 23:5).

Jesus wants to do exceeding and abundantly above all that we can think or ask (Ephesians 3:20), but we tie His hands. Religion has taught us not to expect anything else from Jesus beyond His love – this sentiment also implies that we do not understand Jesus’ love for us. It says that Jesus’ love is lacking, insufficient, and void, which is contrary to what the Bible says about the love of the Father (Ephesians 1:13-19). Jesus came so that we might have life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). More abundantly in Greek means excessive, preeminence, or beyond measure. Jesus has prepared a feast of heavenly blessings and natural blessings during our time on earth. However, religion has taught us that if we are suffering, broke down, and destitute (there’s a difference between being poor and poor in spirit), we are closer to God. This belief is also contrary to the Bible (Exodus 23:3, Leviticus 19:15, & Psalm 37:25).

Although there will be tribulations in life, Jesus came that we might have peace in Him. That’s why He instructs us to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). In Jesus, there is no perpetual suffering. Jesus Himself did not suffer perpetually.

If you have ever said these words, “Jesus, I do not ask for much. I don’t need a big house, fancy car, or luxury; I just want your love. You are all I need,” repent immediately. Because what you are telling Jesus is, “Jesus, I do not want my life to glorify you. I do not want to lift you up so that all men can be drawn unto you.” This expression is not a form of humility but selfishness. You have become self-absorbed with what you want for your life and not what Jesus wants for you. Jesus bought us with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Therefore, our hearts should be open to allow Jesus to bless us any way He sees fit so that others will be drawn unto Him (John 12:32). Otherwise, why do we continue to exist if we refuse God’s love for us and refuse to allow Him to use our lives to glorify Him?

Moving forward, let’s take on the posture of Mary when the angels told her that the Holy Spirit would impregnate her with our Savior and Lord. Her words were, “Be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38). So come to God’s table expecting to feast on the blessings that He has prepared for us so that He will get all the glory and draw others to Him.

 

XOXO,

 

Jay

 

If You Don’t Use, You Lose It!

 

Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:28-30).

A wise man once told me that his prayer is that God does not take him until he's maximized his potential here on earth. Every human being has the God-given potential to maximize his or her talent. God expects each of us to use our talents to edify others. And when we become Believers, He expects us to maximize our talents to further His Kingdom by bringing other people to Jesus. Some of us have multiple talents. Jesus expects us to refine and develop our talents. When we put our talents to good use, God will increase our talents. If you have yet to discover your talent is, ask God what you were born to do – your purpose in life. Consider the things people told you you were good at while growing up; things that come naturally to you; maybe they were challenging for others, but you enjoy doing them with ease. What would you enjoy doing for the rest of your life if money was not a factor? What are you passionate about? For those pursuing your talents as a career, expect God to add new skills to the ones you already have. For example, you excel at teaching others. You have been in the field of teaching for several years or more. You continue to seek professional development training to further your craft, so God blesses you with the gift of administration. Your supervisor sees your potential and appoints you to be the chairperson to develop a program to train new teachers. During your tenure as an educator, you have the opportunity to counsel many students about life problems, show them love, compassion, and kindness, be an example of Christ.

Suppose you have been pursuing a career as a salesperson, and you are continuing to struggle with no improvements. You have wondered why your colleagues with the same expertise, education, and skill set surpass you. In that case, this could be that God did not give you the gift of a salesperson. Fret not. Ask God what it is that you were born to do. The quicker you seek out what God has equipped you to do and how you can apply it to His kingdom, the happier you will be.

If you don’t put your talents to good use, God will take them away from you and give them to another person investing their talent. Sitting idle and watching life go by or watching others be successful is not an option. Start with what you have, where you are, then God will give the increase. He’ll send the finances, the people, and the expertise you need to go further.

XOXO,

Jay

He’s Got So Much Love to Give

 

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

In the voice of Barry White, Jesus has so much love; it’s going to take our lifetime and eternity for us to see that He has so much to give. He doesn’t want us to worry, to be sad, angry, or fearful. He doesn’t want us to focus on our circumstances, what was, or what could be. Jesus wants us to be present, enwrapped in His love. He doesn’t want us to go through the changes that we put ourselves through.

Jesus wants us to trust Him. And when things seem not to work out in our favor, remember that everything is working together for our good, for those that love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Jesus’ love is different from any love we will ever have. His love changes lives for the better. Jesus’ love restores the brokenhearted and renews the troubled mind. He’s the only one that can restore and fill our hopes and dreams. In Him, we have everything. No one can offer us more than the love He has in store. It’s going to take our lifetime and eternity, just wait and see.

Jesus’ love is a sure thing. Don’t be afraid to let His love flow inside of you.

 

XOXO,

 

Jay

Let Marriage Be the Standard: K.I.S.S.I.N.G

 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. (1 Corinthians 7:2).

How many of you remember the old nursery rhyme, K.I.S.S.I.N.G?

(Your name) and (the name of your beloved)
Sitting in a tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G!
First comes love
Then comes marriage
Then comes baby
In a baby carriage!

K.I.S.S.I.N.G is such a simple rhyme, but it packs a lot of wisdom. As a culture, we have strayed from God’s original plan for marriage. We have conformed to doing things out of the will of God: fornication, shacking, and babies out of wedlock. Love is no longer the standard for marriage. Today, people marry because they look good together on paper and they want to become the infamous power couple. Instead of waiting to have sex within a marriage, we have to go for a test drive in the bedroom to make sure everything checks out – good sex is no guarantee for a successful relationship. And just because we’re compatible partners cohabiting together before marriage is not an indicator that we’ll have a successful marriage. According to research from the Journal of Marriage and Family, living together before marriage increases the risk of divorce.

There was a time when having babies out of wedlock was frowned upon, but now it’s celebrated through lavishly displayed gender reveal parties. People have even gone so far as to give God praise for allowing them to fornicate, shack up, and have babies out of wedlock. A recent study from the Pew Research Center reports the rate for children in the U.S., living with a single parent is steadily rising, while the marriage rate continues to decline and births outside of marriage accelerate. Pew’s study also reported that 130 countries and territories show that the U.S. has the world’s highest rate of children living in single-parent households. The Bible says that children are a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3), but Jesus is referring to those that are married.

Because we have decided to do sex, relationships, and marriage our way and not God’s way, we should not be surprised as to why the divorce rate is so high and why there are so many single-parent homes, and why there are so many failed relationships, and hurt children, who grow into hurt adults. Moving forward, let’s do love, marriage, and children in the order that God designed.

 

XOXO,

 

Jay