Posted on April 10, 2020April 10, 2020 by Let Love Be My Motive — Leave a comment

Purposeful Living In A Temporary Place

“We say we understand life is fleeting, but we act as though it was endless.” -Marty Cauley

Life has a way of passing by. It seems that it was just yesterday that you graduated high school, you got married, or your baby took their first steps. On more than one occasion, I have stepped back and thought back to childhood. It seemed like the days dragged on forever, especially at school. Yet now, as an adult, I cannot seem to keep up with time. Everything happens so quickly even though time is exactly the same as it was back then.

“Pay careful attention, then, to how you live—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” -Ephesians 5:15-16 CSB

I cannot answer the question of why time seems to go by so quick, other than it really does. Many times, we say we are living our life to the fullest and making most of our time, but are we? Are you and I doing all God has called us to do, here and now? The Lord put it this way to me, “If it was your time to come home today, did you do all you could wholeheartedly for the kingdom of God? Or are you holding onto things that are certainly going to pass away?”. I must ask myself this question daily. Is what I am doing right now going to make an eternal impact? Am I living my life for here and now, or what is to be eternal? This is not a question that is easy to answer but it is a very important one.

You and I can get caught up in the motions of work, school, kids, dinner, and repeat and look back and wonder, how did I get here? We must be intentional my friend with all we do. All the way down to our thought life we must be purposeful. After all, what we think goes to our heart. What is in our heart, we speak. What we speak directs the course of our life. We need to be living lined up with the Word of God. Ephesians gives us a great example of this! We are to live as the wise and making the most of the time we have here on earth.

Unwise perspectives can have you thinking some very false ideas. These perspectives can be the feeling that we will have time tomorrow, even though tomorrow may never come. Or having the (dare I say it), YOLO (You only live once) mentality. This mentality leads you to believe that your actions do not really matter here on earth. While I fully believe that God does wants us to enjoy our life, we certainly should not be living our life only for what will pass away.

Take a moment, breathe, and reflect upon your life…

Are you doing all you can wholeheartedly for the Lord, focused on the things of heaven, being purposeful and intentional in all you think, say, and do?

I know this is a LOADED question and this can seem SO overwhelming, especially if you feel convicted to make some major changes. Do not feel ashamed! I have learned that God is so full of grace, mercy, and is redeemer of time and I am so thankful because I have needed to make some changes too! Ask him for forgiveness and ask him to help you turn in the right direction, he is your perfect helper. By simply asking Holy Spirit where he wants you to start makes a huge difference. What seems like small steps of obedience, adds up to habits that put us exactly where God desires us.

Let us start now!

God, what do you want us to do today?

More Scripture To Meditate On:

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. -James 4:14 CSB
A human is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. -Psalms 144:4
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. -Colossians 3:1-3 CSB
Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. -Colossians 3:23-24 CSB

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 December 4, 2018December 4, 2018 by Let Love Be My Motive — Leave a comment

Let Them See You

At work, I am required to wear a red t-shirt. It just so happens that the only red t-shirt I have is my #JESUS shirt that I was given to by our church. Every single day, I am required to interact with people.

All types of people.

Happy people, mad people, tired people, lost people. I think you get what I am saying. I am in retail. There are many different types of people that walk through those doors.

I am called to be joyful, loving, forgiving, slow to speak, slow to anger, and quick to listen. I am called to respond in love, not matter what the person comes in with. As I look down at my red #JESUS shirt I am reminded, even without the shirt I am always carrying Jesus with me.

I am his child.

Therefore, no matter where I am I should be responding the way he would. In love, joyful, abundant in mercy, slow to speak, slow to anger, and quick to listen. This shirt has given me an unexpected accountability. It does not matter how people treat me, I choose to respond in love.

There are many times where I do need to pray and ask God to help. He has been faithful to point out and show me things through his eyes. He has shown me those who have needed prayer and given me the opportunity to do so. Glory to God for even giving me the opportunity to be a vessel.

No matter if you have on the red #Jesus shirt or not. Let us be reminded that we are always called to show love and respond just as Jesus would. Those we interact with should hear him when we open our mouth and our actions should all reflect him. The fruit we bear should be fruit of the spirit, ripe and juicy all the way through.

The love we show is not based on how they treat us. Aren’t you thankful that God’s love is not based on our performance? I am so thankful for his mercy and his grace. Because, I do slip up from time to time.

I write as a reminder this morning, let Jesus shine through you today. Let your speech be seasoned with salt and every action you take be motivated by his love.

Let all we do be done for him and his kingdom.

When people see us, let them see and feel the love of our heavenly father.

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. -Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. -Colossians 4:6 NKJV

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. -Galatians 5:22-23 AMPC

Posted on October 26, 2018 by Let Love Be My Motive — Leave a comment

God, Our Provider. (How We Got To Glenmora, LA)

I have been anticipating writing this to you. There has been so much change over the past 6 months.

So.Much.Change!!

Let’s start from the beginning shall we?

I came back from the Pink Women’s Conference and saw my husband for 2nd time in a month. We began sharing what God had done over the past couple weeks and my husband laid it on me that he felt that Holy Spirit was leading us to go to a different church that next morning. Brad and I had been praying that God’s will be done. He was in the midst of making the decision to stay active duty military or get out, move home or stay here? There were many big questions that we had that we went to God through in prayer. We really did not know the answer but we knew that we wanted his perfect will to be done in our life. We went to church that following day at a church an hour away and I instantly knew that this was where we were called to be. Through Holy Spirit’s peace and prompting of others to show us the love of Christ as soon as we walked in to the words spoken in the sermon. This was the place God had called us to be. Many things weighed heavy on our heart because we were about to take over Junior High Youth and I was able to serve at the church we were at teaching a women’s bible study. I loved where we were. I loved I was able to teach women and young adults about the goodness of God. We knew that we were in the midst of what God had told us to do, so why the change? I was NOT good with change. We were comfortable and happy. But, we said God YOUR WILL be done, NOT ours. We talked to our lead pastors and began our journey to our new home church in Alexandria. Over these past months after we left our old church for what God had planned, it became evidently clear I was not very good at change and that I had many things in my heart that God wanted out. He began breaking strongholds from the enemy and bringing new people in our life to increase our faith and remember our first love, Jesus. After months and month of praying, God revealed to Brad that he was called to get out of the military when his time was up. My husband also started going to Bible College. There were many big steps of faith we were taking all because of God’s strength for his purpose and will for our life. We began house searching in Michigan. We wanted to go home to be with family and back to The River where I first started my relationship with God. We missed our family and friends and oh man did I miss my church family. We were so sure I put a Facebook status announcing we were coming home! Little did I know, God had other plans.

We sought out advice from our Pastor’s and friends and family of faith. Something did not sit right. (Might have been because it was what we wanted rather than what God wanted, OOPS). So, we continued to pray and started house searching in Michigan and Louisiana. God made it pretty clear, that there was work for us to do here. We prayed to God continually if it was his will for him to give us the perfect home. A home that would honor and glorify him. We searched and searched and searched some more. Anyone know what I am talking about? It felt like were never going to find a house. But, we spoke and stood in faith. HE had the PERFECT house for US. He has called us to be here. We began driving towards Glenmora and I heard Holy Spirit speak, “this is it”. We weren’t even there yet! I stayed quiet and we prayed before we got to the house that his will be done, that he provide a way if it was his will for us to get a house, and that we know which home is for us. We wanted the home he chose. We walked in and I looked at my husband and the sparkle in his eyes said it all. We felt peace at this house. We began to pray about putting in an offer. Our finances had been hit really bad. We had essentially NO money to put towards anything. He told us to put in an offer, so we did. The seller came back and said she would pay for closing costs. Praise GOD! There were many costs we did not have. But, we knew that God was going to do what he said he was going to do. HE is our PROVIDER. We declared and stood in faith. Can I tell you that over $1000 came in? Through a friend mailing a check in the mail saying it was God’s provision for our “Good Faith” money. From getting free play at a casino while visiting my family who was staying there, and winning almost $300! (I am not saying to gamble your money by any means. It was $10 on a FREE card that would’ve went to waste if we did not use it). From my family blessing us in ways we did not expect. The enemy would come in and swing in and try to fight us, be we knew the battle was already won. We stood in faith because of what God had said we knew would come true. There were times we wavered, it was hard. But, the people who surrounded us stood in faith with us, they pushed us back to his promises. There was a point where we were short $500 and our lender offered to pay it for us. A stranger, was willing to pay $500 because God had put it on her heart. GLORY TO GOD!!! I thought he was done. But, he wasn’t. We were on our way to closing and there were many unexpected bills that came up. I began to cry and shout that we needed God to come through. We needed him and his provision that he promised. We got to closing and the closing lawyer said that we were getting back money!! UM WHAT!!?!?! PRAISE GOD!!!!! We closed on our apartment at Fort Polk yesterday, GOT BACK MONEY!!! God is sooooo good ya’ll. The reason why we have this house is only by him and his provision. He never goes back on his promises! We did not have any money for this house and he provided every single penny and abundantly over. We gave our firstfruits and gave when we thought we couldn’t to others Holy Spirit laid on our heart. We did what God had called us to do. Even though we left alot behind we believe the best is still to come. We believe that God is our provider and he has a plan for us at our new church. We believe that his promises are yes and amen.

I have personally learned:
•God has his hand in everything. The small the big and the inbetween. His love is everywhere. There is nothing his love prints aren’t on!
•He is our provider and will provide through strangers and ways we would never expect
•He is faithful. He is who he says he is.
•There is nothing to fear with an omnipresent God
•He has a plan for us in Louisiana and nothing is going to stop that
•It is much more blessed to give than to receive
•Our obedience blesses us but also blesses the others around us
•God is up to something new
&
•Trust in the process

Change is not always fun or easy. Faith is trusting in God and he is who he says he is. That his promises are going to come to fruition. I reflect back on the fact that 5 years ago I didn’t even want to live and I was addicted to drugs. To where I am now, and I amazed at his goodness. ONLY GOD can do the things that have happened in my life. He IS who he says HE IS. He DOES what he SAYS he is GOING TO DO.