The Devil Shows Up As Everything You've Wished For

If you are going through a hard time, be aware of the people who showed up in your life as soon as that hard time started, ever heard misery loves company? If your trying to make decisions during a hard time know that it may be hard to see things clearly. Be cautious of new friends, be weary of their advice and understand that what they communicate underlines their agenda. Like storms, life's hard times are hard to see things as they are, the rain, the wind tends to blur your focus, making decisions while your sight is blinded usually results in regret.

The enemy wants nothing more to take advantage of your blurred vision, keep guard.

Battle Days Lead To Brighter Days

We have all have experienced those days, that are draining, that suck the life out of you, that leave you asking why? Why is it so difficult? Why am I facing this? These days seem to feel like you are at battle, fighting to make it through the day, fighting to get things done, fighting to accomplish something, anything.

Battle days can happen for many reasons, but perhaps we face these kinds of days because they allow us to grow. Anytime we grow it can hurt, we become stretched, we are put in situations that we aren’t accustomed to and we inevitably experience some growing pains. We face these battle days because God is calling us for more, He moves us out of our complacency and leads us on a new path.

No matter what battle you are facing, no matter how many hard days you have, know that you are not in it alone, and that there is a reason why you face what you do.  God goes before us, that’s His promise to us, He knows what you are facing today. He knows the battle over your finances, the battle over your marriage, the battle between your close relationships, the battle in your workplace. Whatever it is, God knows all about it. You are in this situation not because God wants you to suffer, but because God has more for you, He wants something better for you, He has a plan and He wants you to overcome.

When you face your battle days, know that brighter days are ahead.  God has something more in store and He will never back down on His Promise. When you are tired and feel alone, like you can’t go through one more battle day, simply seek His name, call out to Him, He will give you the strength to keep going, to persevere to those brighter days!

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8  (NIV)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Randomosity: Part 6

Randomosity: The state of being or being part of random occurrences & activities. Also known as being in a state of complete randomness

 Be the light in the darkest shadows. Be cognitive of people you pass by… do not be the bystander, do not be the audience, be the change. Step up. Step out. Do something right, do what Jesus would do, do the moral thing. Stand up to the bully, stand up against the accuser, stand up against those that are strong in the earthy ways and stand tall in your faith. Stand mighty in belief that your Creator will see it through. Fight with your prayers and not with your punches. Be the noble one. Be the change agent. Be like Jesus. <3

 You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

My Story: What I Used To Be

I used to fill empty, walking around on my path of brokenness. Searching endlessly for more, but not knowing where to look. I feared not pleasing others, I feared not being liked, I feared the reality.

My trust was planted in people and possessions. My emotions changed like the wind. And I couldn’t understand or comprehend why life wasn’t perfect. My job wasn’t enough, my relationships were not enough. There was still something missing…

On the outside looking in, the façade looked picture perfect, young, thriving, chasing dreams, the future was bright, but inside I knew things were not sitting right. Something seemed wrong, something was missing and I couldn’t find it. I was hunting; searching for it, but always came up empty.
                                 
Sometimes it’s not until darkness comes completely in, surrounding you to the point it tries to bury you, do you see where the light comes from. It's at this time, it’s at this very moment that you can plant yourself in something that never changes, that never leaves you, that never turns its back on you.

When everything fell apart for me, I was able to understand to comprehend that the only truth, the only solid foundation to plant yourself in, is the relationship you have with one faithful Friend. A Father like no other, a true Counselor, your stability can and only will be found in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

In my darkest hour His light took a hold of me, He comforted me, surrounded me, strengthen me and loved me. I traded conflict for His compassion, I traded fear for His faithfulness, I traded anxiety for His answers.

I used to fill empty, but today everything I need, my Savior gives to me.

I hope that my story encourages you to tap into your personal relationship with the One that created you- what I found was not just for me, but it’s available to all those who choose to believe!

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Matthew 11:28-29(MSG)

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19(NKJV)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Alive

Our comfort zones never allow us to grow. They keep us boxed in to what only what we know, we never stretch,we never allow ourselves to grow. In these zones we stay complacent. We stay on the same path, we walk the same road. Part in fear and part in timidness, we never leave our comfort zones, thoughts enter and whisper that the new way will be too different from what we have.  That the unknown territory will be too difficult, too hard. Perhaps we want a change, but can’t muster the faith, that something different just might be better.  Occasionally we  may think, we ponder, that perhaps there is something better.  Take the challenge that the new way, a new change could spark that passion inside, it could change everything and for once or once again you could feel fully alive.

That our soul, our spirit, our heart, our everything could be on fire for something, for someone. That our energy would never run out, that we could face each day with a full tank that we could conquer the problems we face, that fear has no hindrance on us, that perhaps- with something different, we could live, fully, happy, completely.

If there is something inside of you that is yearning for change: a new role, a new position, a move of some kind, an increase in position, or an increase in boldness, a desire to let go of past timid ways and a yearning to be used more. Fellow believers listen to your heart, listen to the direction in which you should go and then act.

It’s time to step up fellow believers; it’s time to live fully for what you were created for. It’s time to not only hear the call, but It’s time to answer the call. It’s time to act. Perhaps the simplest way to feel fully alive is to act on what your Creator has designed for you. God is calling, and He has desires for each one of us, a desire that allows us to rise up. Step outside of your restricted comfort zones, be cognitive of what the Lord is calling you to do.

Feeling alive begins with the One that created you, He alone can change everything, and spark that passion inside that will make you feel so wonderfully alive!

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Ephesians 2:4-5(NKJV)

May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!

1 Thessalonians 5:24(MSG)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

God Whats More Of You

The Lord earnestly works on our behalf each and everyday. He never quits, He never stops. He never runs out of energy. He never gives us excuses, He never puts us on hold, He never puts us last....

Yet we wonder, where is God when times are hard? Where is He in my difficulties, where is He when I feel weak and defeated? Why don’t I hear an answer, why do I feel like nothing is happening, why do I feel alone?

Ladies and Gentlemen the Lord never leaves us, He never has, and He never will. The Lord doesn't change, He is the same God today as He was yesterday.  The only thing that changes in our individual relationship with the Lord is us.

We change our perspective, we change our desires, we change our demands, we change our behavior- to work for our best interest, to work for what we want. We change how much time we give Jesus, how much time we pray. We change when we put God first, and when we ignore Him.  We choose how much we talk to Him and how strong or weak our relationship is with Jesus.  You see the only thing that changes our relationship with God is our effort, our part and our investment.

If you want God to work on your behalf, you must have a relationship with Him. You have to do your part in order for God to work in your life. To gain complete access to His promise, His blessings and His favor you must be connected to Him.  In order for you to grow as a believer you must grow in your faith, your trust and your relationship with Jesus.

If you are missing something in your life, can I challenge you that God may need more from you....

more trust
more love
more prayer
more availability
more time in the word
more communication
more thankfulness
more faith

If you feel like you are at a standstill, that you have just stalled, and you feel like you are losing hope, step up your relationship with Jesus. Get more involved with the Lord. The deeper your relationship is with Him, the more connected you are to His plans and purpose for your life. The more fulfillment you will receive.  You will gain insight, clarity and wisdom for what is to come, or for what you are waiting on. If you feel like your options are running low, start giving less to the world and more to Jesus. Evaluate what you give Him, be intentional in your relationship with Him, give Him more than you currently do.

He is ready to move mountains for you, but He needs more of you!

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Matthew 7:7-11

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Fly To Freedom

Like a single bird, flying through the sky,
we have the freedom to rise above the commotion
above the chaos below.
Like a bird, we have the ability to fly to freedom,
to have wings that won’t limit us but allow us to soar.
Like a bird that flies freely,
we don’t have to be bounded or chained,
but through Jesus we are free,
fly , free bird, wherever your wings will take you...

If you are a bird with clipped wings, if you are burdened by the things of this world, if you are tied down and desperately searching to soar. There is a way, a truth that will allow you to take flight. Your peace, your freedom can only be found in Jesus.

If your wings are broken, if you are finding it hard to fly-struggling to keep flight. If the wind is becoming too much, becoming too hard to fight. Know that you can be restored, your wings can be rebuilt, strength can be reclaimed with just the mention of Jesus’ name.

If you are new to flying, and a little scared to take the leap, to take the jump, unsure if you will fall or fly. Know that Jesus will give you courage, boldness to take the leap. Wherever He directs your flight, He will prepare you and give you the wings you need to soar.

You have the ability to not be bounded, to not be chained, the ability to find peace.  Your peace is found through your relationship with Jesus. When Jesus is the center of your life, your foundation, He alone provides the wings for you to fly. He provides the way to peace and He longs for you to be free: free from sin, free from the enemy, free from persecution and freely loved by your Creator.

Today it’s time to find your wings, to find the peace that comes with knowing Jesus. Today it’s time to let go of the chains that are holding you down and to fly freely. It’s time to sing a new song. It’s time to be free.

Fly, free bird, above the chaos and the commotion, fly to Jesus!

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa