Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you,Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 I can recall a day about ten years ago...just like it was yesterday. The details are so vivid in my mind, but I am grateful for the details because they allow me to recall and be grateful for that day. The day I am speaking about, is the day that I knew that I had hit the ultimate level of brokenness. This type of brokenness can either push you to God or away from Him. I had traveled the road of moving away from God and I found myself back to a place of brokenness. Have you been on that road….do you remember how you got on that road? The place was a park...near some water and I was sitting on a bench. I had finally retrieved a book that was given to me off the shelf and I decided to read it. I had no idea that while reading this book. God would show up and meet me in my broken place. As the tears filled my eyes,and the shame and hurt tried to consume my thoughts….there was this explosion of comfort, to this day I can’t fully describe. I knew I wasn’t alone anymore. The grace and compassion that I felt in that moment, brought me to my knees right there at the bench in the park. I was spiraling in my brokenness and God came and engulfed me in His presence...Fear not, for I am with you. I immediately felt a different type of peace, unlike anything I could comprehend. Have you felt the peace of God that I am describing? Were you able to bask in His peace? Were you overwhelmed in His presence? I knew God was there and He was there because He knew I needed Him in a way that I couldn’t explain or ask for. Have you been in a place where the words wouldn’t form? What you desired to say just couldn’t be articulated. That day I surrendered to God for the first time...I was saved, but I had never surrendered my full will to God....Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I felt an infusion of strength and energy come through my body. I confessed all my sins and repented to God. I made some promises to Him that day.I told God I was tired trying to live my life my way. That my way came with unnecessary challenges that I allowed because of my disobedience…. I will strengthen you,Yes, I will help you. My life has never been the same since that day. It took a place of brokenness to push me into a place of surrendrance. The awesome part was that God was right there. He met me where I was. He knew I was broken but He was there to repair my brokenness and make me whole again for Him. He already knew the plans He had for my life and now I can see that my brokenness was necessary for His purpose to be complete in me….I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Be Encouraged, Shaneen I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8 In the beginning of 2020 the Holy Spirit said “I need you to have a teachable spirit...eager to be changed. Don’t get too comfortable in things, ways, or norms.” I had no idea the significance of what I heard then. As I reflect throughout the year of 2020, that is exactly what the Lord has been doing. He has been teaching me about myself. Teaching me about Him and His perspective. Whispering to me in His small still voice “change your perspective.” Teaching me to trust and lean on Him in everything...marriage,children, family, ministry...EVERYTHING! As I asked the question which way should I go? He has instructed me to be still in moments where I wanted to react. He has instructed me to take time away…. get uninterrupted time with Him. He wanted to re-introduce me to myself. At that moment I started to see the real me. The core heart issues that I struggle with. Because everything that I do or say comes from the heart. He instructed me to stop trying to fix my problems but give them to Him. He instructed me to trust the process, that it was necessary for what He was doing. As I asked the question which way should I go? He counseled me on the importance of His purpose and plan for my life. He said “Not to dwell on what I thought, but dwell on what He has planned for me.” He counseled me in the understanding of His compassion and unconditional love for me. He counseled me on how He works everything out for good even when I don’t see how that is possible. My character has been under attack...false accusations that rocked me to my core, but He counseled me and reminded me to remember that He is JUST. That He sees everything and to trust Him to handle what is trying to handle me. As I ask the question which way to go? I do not know what 2021 may bring and I do not have which way to go yet. What I do have is God’s promises, His teachings, His counsel, and His instructions. So, I am in pretty good hands wherever He may tell me to go for the remainder of 2020 and 2021. God’s loving eyes are on me always. He never sleeps nor slumber. As I ask which way to go…..I trust God fully in His direction. Be Encouraged, Shaneen Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 A couple of weeks ago I was in the midst of my alone time with God. The Holy Spirit said to me “Change your perspective on the way you view certain things. Seek me in everything…. seek my perspective.” This has really been resonating in my spirit for the past couple of days. I have been asking God to reveal more about what this meant. The scripture James 1:4 has been coming up in several of my readings the last couple of days and I don’t believe in coincidences….so I know God is speaking. I looked up the word perseverance. The definition says that it is the persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Aftering reading the definition I immediately thought about this year as a whole. There have been so many adversities and challenges that we in our time haven’t experienced. There have been people who we know and don’t know that have displayed levels of perseverance. It is one thing to persevere for a couple of days or weeks, but month after month consistently can be taxing and draining physically, mentally, and spiritually. So, when I evaluate James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. My thoughts regarding 2020… We have been tested in our faith, our trust in our Heavenly Father…we have faced trials of many kinds. Plans that were made were cancelled. Celebrations looked different from the norm. We were focused to stay home more and rekindle with our families. The word essential carries a different significance. How many can raise their hand and say that their faith has been tested? Some may have questioned...why?The adjustment for some has been more challenging. The good news is through it all... if you are reading this blog...that means you are still breathing. Meaning you have developed some measure of perseverance. God is doing a new thing. He will use what He chooses to get us to a point that He wants us to be. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Even though it has been a challenging year,past couple of months,or days. Remember to persevere through the remainder of this year.Let perseverance do what it needs to do. So, you can be mature, complete and not lacking anything. Be Encouraged, Shaneen When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” John 5:6 A couple of days ago I was seeking God for understanding and wisdom regarding a circumstance. I wanted to know how to pray for a particular person. Immediately the word victim flashed before my eyes. I was puzzled because this word didn’t make sense to me at the time. Then, before my thought could finish, the word victim mentality flashed before my eyes. I was intrigued on why I would see this after I asked God how to pray for a person. So, me having the investigator spirit, I wanted to know what God’s word had to say about victim mentality. The world has plenty to say about this topic but,only His word was sufficient for me. The Lord led me to the story of the man at the Bethesda pool in Jerusalem. For reference read (John 5:1-20). Now, Jesus saw the man and already knew his condition. There was no need to ask him about it. This really touched me because Jesus already knows about our conditions. What condition(s) are you struggling with today? What needs to be made well/healed? In the story Jesus understood that the man had been in this condition for a long time. Sometimes our conditions or circumstances have been with us for a long time and we are struggling daily. Here is the part that had me perplexed...when Jesus asked the man “Do you want to made well?” Now, let’s pause here for a moment. This seems like a weird question for Jesus to ask this man who he knew had been this way for a long time. Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to be made well? So, the question becomes why did Jesus ask the man this question. It wasn’t because he didn’t know the answer. Maybe Jesus wanted the man to really ask himself the question. Maybe Jesus knew that there were other opportunities to be made well and he hadn’t taken them. Sometimes we have dealt with a condition or circumstance for so long. We can find ourselves adapting to it. When the time to be made well comes we opt out of it because our conditions/circumstances have become our new norm. We are accustomed to the benefits and consequences of the condition. We have developed routines and schedules around the conditions/circumstances. So, the question was necessary, because Jesus wanted to know was he ready to be made well. Are you ready to made well/healed? We can say we want to be made well/heal but, in reality we are not truly ready to give up what comes with not being healed. The sympathy, the empathy,or the friends that feed off of your need to be needed. There are so many more but, these are just a few. Now, the answer that the man gave Jesus had nothing to do with his own actions, but the actions of others. He stated to Jesus (John 5:7) “ Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming , another steps down before me.” Have there been moments when you focused on the actions of others regarding your own healing? When have you placed blame on what someone else didn’t do, and this is the reason that you are not made well/healed? There comes a point when we all have to take accountability for your healing. Ask Jesus to make you well/heal you. Ask Jesus what process does he desire for you to complete to be made well/healed. Then, you have to be willing to follow the instructions of Jesus. You have to be ready for change. The question I ask today is the same question that Jesus asked the man at the Bethesda pool. “Do you want to be made well?” Be Encouraged, Shaneen Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) The heart is a very vital organ and yet so complicated. With the heart the body will not function the very existence of a person will not exist once the heart stops. I found this to be fascinating. Even if a person’s brain stops functioning, as long as the heart is pumping a person is still considered alive. With all that being said it is deemed that the heart is a very important part of who we are. In the scripture we are told to keep our heart with diligence. What does that mean? The word diligence means: careful and persistent work or effort. So, with having the understanding of the word diligence it shows us that it is the persistent work and effort. We have to constantly work everyday when it comes to protecting our hearts. When we look at the issues that we face in life, we tend to look at the outside world or others, regarding the issues. I challenge us to start taking a deeper look into our heart. What is in your heart? What issues do you find yourself struggling with? Have you been looking on the outside or others trying to figure out the why? Luke 6:45 (NLT) states “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” So, whatever is stored in your heart will come out in some shape or form. Whether it is through your words, actions, thoughts, or lifestyle. Your heart doesn’t lie, it just exposes what is in it. Be mindful and pay attention to what your heart is taking in...through what you read, listen, and watch. Just remember that whatever you store in your heart will come out and it just might cause you more issues than anticipated. Be Encouraged, Shaneen For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13(NKJV) What does the word capacity mean? I took the time to look up the definition according to the dictionary. Capacity is the maximum amount that something can contain or the amount that something can produce. Words that are similar or have some similar meaning are magnitude, proportions, space, extent, and range. When I meditate on the world’s definition, I can’t help to think about the spiritual correlation regarding capacity. How do we know when we have reached our capacity in a circumstance, or situation? What are the signs to indicate that capacity has been reached? When capacity is reached,what are the next steps? How do we grow our capacity to contain or produce more? So, let's look at this word capacity from a spiritual perspective. Let’s use ounces, pints, liters, gallons where would you rate your capacity spiritually? If God told you to go to an ocean, and full only to your capacity, the vastness of His greatness. What would be your capacity? This metaphor was used in a sermon I heard some years ago from Dr. Tony Evans. It made me think how much capacity has God created in me to fill up with His greatness? How much of the capacity that God has created in us is being used for God? Because God is almighty and powerful He can use us despite ourselves. Roman 8: 28 (NIV) states “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even the things that we can’t imagine Him using He will for His purpose. So, never forget that... God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Be Encouraged, Shaneen Be sober, be vigilant;because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) In this world, we have to be watchful, and alert because danger is lurking at every corner. No one goes looking for trouble, but sometimes trouble finds them. So, the word tells us to be sober and vigilant. Because there is one (adversary) that walks with the intentions to devour. John 10:10 (NKJV) states “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” We must be aware when the signs of the adversary have entered into our life. The trouble comes when we are not aware and we are caught off guard. This is why the armor of God is so important: Belt of Truth. Breastplate of Righteousness. Shoes of Peace. Shield of Faith. Helmet of Salvation. Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God. Let’s be real for a minute...we try our hardest to put on this armor everyday. Sometimes though... when we are in a comfortable surrounding or in a vulnerable situation we take pieces of the armor off. What do you do then? When you are in a state to where the adversary has caught you vulnerable? Do you rush to place your pieces back on? What if you just don’t have the ability or the strength? Let’s see what the word says. James 4:7 states “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” We have to be aware that in that moment we need to submit to God. We don’t have to always get in the ring with the adversary and go toe for toe. We just need to submit, and resist….and the adversary will flee. But even after the adversary flees we still have to be aware...because he will return. So staying strapped in the armor of God,vigilant, and being aware will prepare you for him in the future. Be Encourage, Shaneen This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. I John 1:5 Recently I struck a match and noticed that there wasn’t a shadow from the flame that the match was producing. At that moment I was fascinated with the concept that the light from the match didn’t cast a shadow. Then I start to ponder….why isn’t there a shadow? A shadow represents the absence of light. Since God is light there is no absence of light to produce a shadow. A shadow also occurs when an object blocks the light. Is there something that is blocking God’s light in your life? Sometimes the items that we prioritize over God can cause a shadow. The more items that we prioritize over God the larger the shadow grows. Before we realize it the entire light of God is consumed. God wants us to fully submerge in His light.... in His presence. As I prayed what to write about for this blog. The Lord brought to my memory that moment of the match. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that this is a great representation of God. That He is the light like the match and that nothing blocks him so no shadow can form in the midst of His light. Therefore darkness can not exist in Him. Think about it...when you are traveling down a path that has been illuminated by light you can see clearly. The obstacles and scenery are visible. There is no confusion about what is around you or where you are going. But, walking this same path in darkness leads to uncertainty, nothing is visible… you have no clear direction of the path. God wants to be the light...along your path (life). Jesus spoke in John 8:12(ESV) “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In Psalm 23:4 (NKJV) David states “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Even in the midst of darkness/valley God is still there walking, comforting, and guiding you back to His light. So when you are discouraged or just need a reminder of God’s light and how powerful it is….light a match and be reminded that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Be Encouraged, Shaneen The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26 We are all waiting for something. Whether it is a new job, house,car,your health to turn around, restoration of a relationship, a spouse, a baby,coming out of this pandemic...what are you waiting for Him to do? Do you feel like it is taking too long? Have you consumed yourself with the waiting? What have you done in the midst of the waiting? Truth moment…. Waiting isn’t always easy, especially when months or years have gone by and yet you are still waiting for Him. When you feel like the prayers that you have prayed haven’t been answered or heard. You turn around and notice that discouragement and disappointment comes without an invitation. Complaining and frustration become your new norm. Sometimes….bitterness and resentment become your friends. The Lord says that it is good to those who wait for Him. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) states “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.” So, if the Lord knows the plans that He has for you...then waiting on His timing is necessary. The waiting is not there to cause you harm, frustration,or irritation. Think about it like this: the waiting is in His plans. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) states “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” In the midst of the waiting, ask the Lord what does He want you to do? It is good that one should hope and wait quietly...In the midst of waiting have hope...trusting in the Lord for the plan to manifest itself in the way that He sees fit. Remember that there is a season for everything. Waiting for Him builds... perseverance. Waiting for Him... develops your spiritual muscle (faith). Waiting for Him... grows you in humility. Waiting for Him…grows your dependence on Him. Waiting for Him… shows that He is in control. Waiting for Him… builds your trust with Him. Trust in His plan and His timing. Wait for Him with hope and expectation! Be encouraged, Shaneen Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue… Isaiah 35:4 (GNB) What if you were to sit and ponder on what causes you to be afraid, no time like the present….close your eyes take some deep breaths, silence your thoughts, and ponder. What was the first thing that popped into your mind? Maybe it was losing a loved one,or not being able to provide. What about failure,or not being able to live up to others expectations, or maybe it was the unknown. Yes, the unknown can cause some to be afraid. You can’t plan,or fix what you don’t know is coming… like this pandemic. There are some who are battling with fear, anxiety, being overwhelm,and the unknown. So, what do they do? What do you do? During these times of uncertainty…. having to just focus on day by day living. How do you conquer being afraid? Let’s look at Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, and his experience (Matthew 14:22-30). Can you imagine sitting on a boat and seeing a person walking on water? Would you be afraid? Well the disciples were and they made it known… “and they cried out in fear”. But, immediately Jesus spoke “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” After Jesus spoke…. Peter asked to come out to Him on the water. It was after he heard Jesus speak that Peter gained the courage to ask to come. When you acknowledge that you are afraid.... regarding a situation or circumstance….what are your next steps? Do you cry out like the disciples? Do you listen for Jesus’s voice? When you hear Jesus' voice does it give you courage and strength...like Peter? Peter was able to have a moment unlike anyone by crying out to Jesus, gaining courage to step out of the boat, and walk on water. Here is the thing, even after having this amazing experience. He allowed the boisterous wind...to cause him to be afraid again….and he began to sink. Peter called out to Jesus again and immediately Jesus reached out and saved him. I encourage you today that no matter what is causing you to be afraid….cry out to Jesus, gain courage and strength, step out in boldness. Remembering that if you get afraid,even in the midst, you just have to call out to Jesus and he will save you….God is coming to your rescue….Be strong and don’t be afraid! Be Encouraged, Shaneen |
AuthorI pray by reading this blog that you will leave feeling inspired, encouraged, and motivated. Archives
January 2021
Categories |