Posted on March 16, 2020March 21, 2020 by Let Love Be My Motive — Leave a comment

Eternal Focus-Focusing On What Won’t Fade Away

Social distancing has invited everyone to take a step back and *exhale* breathe. Corporate America has been raging and demanding its way for years and years. No one knows how to rest, production has become more important than raising a family, and possessions are a sign of happiness. But if we look deeper, a glance in the heart reveals a much different story. Many people do not want to work as much as they do but feel that they need to provide for their family. So many Americans buy what their hearts desire but often find that this new hip thing has left them just as empty as they were before. I am thankful that many of us can take a step back from society and breathe. I would highly suggest getting off social media as well. You are what you eat, and this includes the many lies of news for views.

I am thankful for social distancing. Many of us are getting the time we need to rethink what is important. Over and over the Holy Spirit has brought to my attention that we need to focus on what is eternal and what won’t perish. The only thing we get to bring into heaven with us is the relationships we built here on earth. Yet many of us are so busy in our day to day life that having coffee with a friend for an hour seems tedious. This is something that God never intended for us. All the commandments are summed up in the following words, LOVE GOD and LOVE OTHERS AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF.

If we take a step back, as we have been given to do so, are we able to love God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength in our day to day life? Are we focused on our relationships or have distractions of the world gotten in the way? Are we really loving people, or do they seem like the inconvenience in comparison to our own agenda? And where is God’s will in all of this?

If the coronavirus has taught us anything it should be that life is short and can change drastically in an instant. We have no control over what may happen tomorrow, but we can focus on what God has called us to do today. This may look different for both you and I and even our neighbor. But I do know that each of us has a part to play for the here and now. Take today to refocus on what is eternally important.

I pray that this time where we can distance yourself from the world’s distractions, you do so, and you focus on what God is speaking. I pray that when he speaks, you act. I pray that you get a revelation of how short life is and how important it is to do things that make a difference in heaven. For those who have been slaving away at focusing on what matters in heaven, I pray that you do not grow weary in doing good and see a glimpse of the fruits of your labor. Heaven is going to be a glorious place, but make sure that while you are here on earth you are doing what truly matters.

Scripture To Meditate On:

“Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”-Matthew 22:36-40 NKJV
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”-James 4:13-15 NKJV
Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him.”-John 6:27 CSB
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” -Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV
“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” -1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Let Love Be My Motive — 2 Comments

Shaking The Foundation of Hell

Paul and Silas, undaunted, prayed in the middle of the night and sang songs of praise to God, while all the other prisoners listened to their worship. Suddenly, a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. All at once every prison door flung open and the chains of all the prisoners came loose.
Acts 16:25‭-‬26 TPT

There are three things I briefly want to touch on in these 2 verses.

One being, there were people surrounding Paul & Silas who were listening to their prayers and praises to God.

The second thing is that even in the midst of being “chained down” and imprisoned, they still praised God for how good he is.

The third being, because of the power of their praise and prayer, it set other people who were bound down free. Their praise shook the very foundation where they were held captive and bound down.

In conclusion, the very words we speak to the father and the praises that come put of our mouth are powerful and yes, people are listening. They may not say they are, but people’s true desire in their heart is the love of Jesus. No matter the circumstance, even if we feel bound, we should be inclined to have communion with Abba and praise him. He never changes and his love endures. Therefore, our praise should be endless too. Our praise can be the very thing that not only sets us free but shakes the foundations of hell (prison one is entrapped in) and sets other people free around us too.

At first glance, you see that Paul and Silas prayer & praise set them free. Yet, in reality, it shook the foundation that kept them and others captive. Their prayer and praise broke the chains that bound them down and set them free into what God had called them to do.

My encouragment to you this morning is, in every circumstance pray and praise. God hears every word you speak and your praise to the father loosens things that have tried to keep you bound! Not only that, but people are watching. Do not be a people pleaser, but a God pleaser. My prayer is that our prayer and praise is so contagious is free’s others just as Paul and Silas.

The words you speak, the prayers you give unto the father, and the praise you bring are all contagious and have the power to shake the foundations of hell. God has given you to the power to praise and pray in every circumstance. Even when you are not sure what to say, the spirit will speak for you. When you feel weary, he will give you strength. When you feel bound, he sets you free. When you feel like you are just surviving, he brings you to a place of living abundantly!

There is nothing he won’t do for us.

In every circumstance pray and praise. You never know what new freedom is awaiting you or the freedom it may bring to who you are surrounded by. There is nothing God won’t do. Hell cannot stand a chance. The victory is already won. For the power, the glory, are yours Lord forever and ever. Amen!

Scripture for Meditation & Application

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalms 34:1 NKJV

Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
Psalms 47:1 NKJV

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26 NKJV

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NKJV

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:31‭-‬39 NKJV

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NKJV

Posted on January 5, 2019 by Let Love Be My Motive — Leave a comment

Despite The Critics

Do what God has called you to do, despite the critics.

There will be plenty of people who don’t understand why you are doing the things you are doing. There will also be many people who don’t understand the steps you are taking. Things may seem backwards and out of order to them.

But, my question for you is…are you being obedient to what God has called you to do in the order he called you to do them?

In reality, other people’s opinions should not matter. Unless you are getting advice from an elder or someone wise and mature in faith. You won’t be giving an account for if you did things their way. However, you will be held accountable on what you have done with what God has asked of you.

So why do we feel this desire to please people? Is it that we are placing our worth in their hands rather than the Lord’s? I believe that when we solely focus on Jesus. Our eyes are only narrowed in on being obedient to what HE has called us to do, we can’t focus on the opinions of others. We are too busy focused on his steps, his will, his way.

God has made us individuals for a reason. No one’s relationship with him is the same. So, maybe you don’t understand why people are doing things a certain way…But, just maybe, that is what God called them to do.

The way God does things is much different than the way the world does things. It seems foreign, strange, and out of order for those looking in. However, if God has called you to do it and is leading you. The rest does not matter.
Let’s put aside being a people pleaser and chase fearlessly after what God has called us to do. Despite the critics. I think God being our biggest cheerleader outweighs them anyway.

“For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.” -Galatians 1:10 CSB

“We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we entreat. We are, even now, like the world’s garbage, like the filth of all things.” -1 Corinthians 4:10-13 CSB

“Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.” -Colossians 3:2 CSB

Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. -1 Thessalonians 2:4 CSB

(I know I have been writing on this a lot lately. But I hope as God is working on my heart, he is working on yours too!)

Posted on December 27, 2017 by Let Love Be My Motive — Leave a comment

Bujo Word Of 2018

I’m not sure how many people that are following, bullet journal or just journal in general. Journaling is a passion of mine, along with writing! My journal is a little messy, but it’s how I like it🤷‍♀️I wrote down a couple goals on the left and in the right in the Key is the word I’m hoping to keep close to my heart all year😁 Steadfast💕 I wrote a couple verses along the side to help me on days where it may be difficult😌 Anyone else have a word to focus on this year?

Posted on September 12, 2017 by Let Love Be My Motive — Leave a comment

“Planning” For The Future

I’ve come to many spots in my walk with God where I’m like, “God, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? I need to plan my future!”. You can talk to my fiance, my to do lists, have to do lists. I like to plan EVERYTHING. Down to the smallest detail. I still have no idea what career lies ahead of me. Whether or not I am going back to school, continuing care-giving, or if I will get an opportunity for a leadership position at church that will take most of my time. I don’t know where becoming a spouse of a soldier will take me, literally. I just don’t know. I’ve been in the waiting period for a while now. Waiting for God to point out exactly what my future withholds in Louisiana. Often times when I am a little off my faith game, I become anxious. I am blessed to be surrounded by wonderful sisters and brothers of Christ that hold me accountable if I get a little off focus.

I was once told to just ask Abba for the next step. If he gave us the whole plan would we really understand anyways?

The more my relationship with Abba grows, the more I understand it is about trusting in his promises, even if I don’t know what is going on.

I do know that “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”. ((I hold onto this verse and Romans 8:28 very tightly!))

I know that I can make a plan but God always knows what will work out best for everyone. We can think our plan is the wonderful plan, but really it can hurt people we don’t know and for many generations to come. If we just ask God to direct our steps, he will.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.” ~Proverbs 3:5-6

He wants what’s best for you. He is a loving father. I don’t understand a lot of the time, but I don’t think we are supposed to. His plans are far greater than we can ever imagine. It’s about trust.

I know trust doesn’t always come easy to a lot of us, myself included. We have been beat up in the fallen world we live in. However, God is far greater than anyone of this world. He loves you, he will never leave, nor forsake you.