Musical note: The Struggle Is Over by Youth for Christ featuring Jonathan Nelson.

“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 ‭KJV‬‬

(Please excuse the tense switch up with my verbs. Parts of the battle have ended, but some parts are an on going.)

Honestly, I feel like I’ve been in a fight for my life!

For years now the thief, the enemy, satan has attempted to beat me down. He’s attacked me physically, mentally and emotionally. He’s attempted to discourage and confuse me. There were times when everything in life seemed difficult. To think, walk, reason or even physically breathe was a challenge.

He attempted to attack through people and things for which I care greatly. (He still does.) He’s even attempted to utilize so called friends, co-workers and even family to attack. I’m not perfect, but I know I’ve been unjustly attacked and falsely accused at times. My integrity and walk with God has been questioned in various ways. Perceptions of me and my intentions have been suspect to people and taken out of context.

Even my physical home was a distraction – major and small repairs one right after the other. I couldn’t seem to keep up with all the needs. I was so physically sick I couldn’t clean like I wanted. It seemed as though nothing had it’s place. (I’ve always said the state of my residence reflects my state of mind.)

There are also days I have internal struggles. Days I wish there was someone whose chest I can bury my head. I’m sure some of you understand – someone to hold you and tell you all will be okay. I seek that person alongside with which to battle this life. There were and are moments I’ve felt very alone.

Despite all the above and in this time of dealing and adjusting to the spread of the virus along with the heartbreaking death of my brother – I feel like I’m coming out of a “funk.”

The more abundant is coming and the abundant is here.

Even at my lowest – there is always something of which to be thankful! I thank God I’m still standing! I thank God I’m still alive and breathing correctly. (For those who don’t know, I dragged a large oxygen tank around for about 6 months.) I’m grateful for the portion of right mind I have. (Smile, 😳 some may question that.) I’m excited my health is much better and I can move and do things I couldn’t.

I’m grateful for God guiding me through some valleys. Grateful for the wisdom knowledge and understanding gained in those valleys. Grateful for the loving family and friends I do have. I’ve even gained appreciation for the lessons I’ve learned from those who are/were like “Judas” to me. In general I’m grateful for the numerous ways God has blessed me.

I am still attempting prayerfully to process through those rough years to not cause cycles of behavior. I’m attempting to learn, heal and trust God even more to not be hindered. Although I know I need to guard my heart, I also recognize I need to love and show the love of God freely.

I recognize this can only be accomplished studying, seeking God first and by truly accepting the example of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. To the best of my ability, I hope to apply the concepts gained to my life.

“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John‬ ‭10:7-9‬ ‭

The next verse – “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 ‭KJV‬‬

So grateful this chapter of John also says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” John‬ ‭10:27-30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I am utterly grateful we are in His hand!

Gratefulness and faith are why I can say the abundance is here and “the much more” is to come. Praise God the enemy continues to be defeated!

I hope my testimony helps someone. That is my prayer.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:11-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The other day I sat on my couch in the living room, turned everything off and just thanked God.

I didn’t think about the fact my roof needs fixing or the baseboards need to be wiped down or the few dishes in the sink. I just thanked God for over 20 years of homeownership and the ability to pay my mortgage.

Yes, I hope one day to move. I brought this house with intentions to move out of it one day. At this moment though, I’m grateful for what I have and prayerful to move forward.

I am content.

I remember my past. I’m fine and appreciative with where I am, I have my eye on what could possibly come to pass.

Be full and hungry…

There’s always room for growth and change. God does not want us to sit and settle. Yes, He wants us to marvel in what He’s allowed us to achieve or receive, but He also wants us to continue to grow and to go to the next level. He wants us to look and move forward, but also be content.

I admit I’m guilty of settling. (I’m about to make some statements not to brag, but to make a point.).

With the help of God, I’ve run an Education/Youth department at a church. I ran and taught Sunday School and Youth Bible study for several years. I organized and wrote original curriculum for Vacation Bible School for numerous years. I wrote and self-published a devotional book. I’ve sung. I have had opportunity to bring the Word forth in front of a congregation. Most importantly, I’ve assisted in leading folk to Christ.

Honestly, most of that stuff mentioned has taken place at least 5 to 6 years ago. I think I’ve sat “full” for a while, not being hungry for – “What’s next Lord?” I’m not sure if my inaction was out of fear or frustration. That would take more analysis on my part to pinpoint…

What I DO know – Paul wrote the portion of scripture above in the book of Philippians to the people and church in Phillipi. In chapter 1 he thanks God for them. He talks about the fact that they have established a relationship with Christ and that God “will continue to perform” the good work He started within them. (Philippians 1:6) He recognized the state/level they were, but also made them mindful and hopeful that there is more!

Be content, but there is more…

I believe there is a difference between settling and being content. Settling means you’re done, you’ve given up, you’re stuck and you aren’t moving or progressing. Being content is a state of mind which has no negative affect on movement or growth. There is still opportunity.

There is hope!

So, if like me you have possibly settled out of fear or frustration because you are afraid to say, “What next God?” – look to the next verse in Philippians chapter 4 for encouragement –

“I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengtheneth me.”

He’s faithful that hath promised…

Let us pray – Lord, we recognize you are the Master Planner. We want to hunger and thirst after You. We ask you to continue to “grow us” and that we continue to “abound“ in your grace, knowledge, wisdom and works. Please take away all things that may hinder and stop us from settling so that we are content and your Glory may be evident. We will be careful to give back all the glory, honor and praise to You – Amen.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I thank God for my parents who shielded me as a child. I had no idea that regardless how life panned out, there would be burdens to bear. My parents made sure I didn’t encounter much strife or issue. They lovingly corrected and taught. As an adult I now recognize they fought battles for me I had no clue existed. When there was strife or calamity- most times I had no idea- they took those troubles and kept them. I had a relatively peaceful and restful childhood.

Praise God that my parents also demonstrated and laid the foundation for reliance in Him.

Matthew 11:28-30 demonstrates that like my parents, God desires to shield and guide us lovingly while we grow spiritually. He wants us to move forward and achieve victory even though in life we are often pulling heavy burdens – very heavy issues and circumstances. Along with continuing to progress forward, He wants us to rely on Him and rest in Him.

How do live life and move forward by being “yoked” by Him?

Since this scripture had been on my mind, I decided to research what the function of a yoke is and how it looks. (I also remember a sermon from Rev. Ralph Lampkins years ago.) A yoke normally puts two animals together around the neck in order to haul or pull a large load.

The yoke assists and distributes the weight. The yoke makes sure the entities attached are going in the same direction. A yoke causes two to work together to lift a load.

In life, unfortunately we’re gonna have some large loads.

“Take my yoke upon you…,” implies to me that God gives us the opportunity, but we must choose whether to be taught and guided by Him.

What most intrigues me is the verse then says we will find rest. Even though we’re being guided and moving forward there is promised rest.

Words and concepts like – confidence, peace and assurance come to mind. Then thoughts of faith and trust come to my remembrance.

When we are yoked by and with God we’re sure footed and are linked with the “One” who knows the path- the Alpha and Omega – the One who controls and sees all. He’s the one that protects and leads us the right way.

Why wouldn’t you relax and rest when you knowingly have surrendered struggling in this life? Imagine submitting to be yoked to Our Father who loves you and wants what is best for you. The burdens become easier and lighter when we recognize who He is and all He can do.

I’m not saying the process of being yoked is easy…but I am trusting in the promise that once we are – the burden is lighter and I can rest.

Because I am fascinated with the English language and words, I noticed a pattern which is strikingly apparent. I believe it is intentional on God’s part and sends a message to all.

Note the pronouns used in the Lord’s Prayer above – Our, us, and we. Jesus demonstrated through prayer we are to be selfless – meaning unselfish in thought.

It is in woman or man’s nature to be selfish and self-absorbed. Unless a true intercessor by nature, praying for most of us is a selfish act. At least I notice, “I” pray for myself, my immediate family and friends, and my current needs. I don’t know about you, but some days I catch myself only praying for me and my issues.

I plan to continue to acknowledge that fault I have and throughout my Christian walk hope to prayerfully correct. When I’m aware I’m singular in thought, I begin or end my own petitions with reciting Jesus’ example to assure I’ve taken into account everyone.

When you invoke that prayer you first acknowledge that God isn’t only your God – He’s everyone’s God even if they don’t recognize. You are placing Him in His proper place and denoting who He is.

In the next portion you are not only asking that your daily needs are met, but everyone’s are met as well as, forgiveness abound for us and toward others. We also solicit God to help all of us to be better and to deliver each of us from any evil schemes.

Then of course we finally recognize Him for who He is in all His splendor!

It is to be stated again for effect – Jesus demonstrated through prayer we are to be selfless – meaning unselfish in thought. Our thoughts and prayers then lead our actions to follow.

The first part of Psalm 23:7 states –

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”

Let us pray…

This is to encourage a friend and myself… (We’re Pinky & the Brain! – not sure which one is which)

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Romans‬ ‭5:19‬ ‭KJV

Some days I feel insignificant and small. Like it’s me versus a huge machine.

All I want to do is help people. I don’t need to be famous. I don’t need my name in lights. I only want to assist. I merely desire to be reasonably successful and build up others’ lives.

I have a friend who I feel has a heart like mine. We’ve both learned much by experience in our profession about families and children. We both love when we can share the knowledge we’ve learned and see people grow. We both love the simplicity of observing a child grasp the simplest concept or a parent, family or peer grow and prosper. We’ve not only worked in the field, but have both become trainers and college professors attempting to pass off knowledge gained.

The funny thing is – in our 25 to 30 year friendship- I started off as her supervisor and then became her mentor – but now question daily who mentors whom? I digress…

I can say we both are leaders…although each have also suffered and been hurt in my opinion unjustly in that role/title. Those moments in time have truly hurt and humbled us as we acquired life lessons. I strongly believe those seasons in life have made us at times shy and prayerful, but has made both stronger.

I nicknamed us – “Pinky & The Brain” after a set of cartoon mice. This is due to the fact we both have big dreams to impact many people – families and children and other early childhood professionals . (Pinky and the Brain’s main objective in to take over the world.) It also is noteworthy to me that they are characterized as mice.

I know having big dreams is often frustrating as an individual when you come up against what I call “the machine” The machine seems big and powerful. The machine even though can have great affect, desires power and acclaim and at times wishes to squash the affects of the individual. I admit, I am not good at navigating that larger environment.

Then I read this scripture...for by the obedience of one man shall many be made righteous. I am now encouraged.

It only takes one!

Our example is Jesus. He touched, motivated and was close to his twelve disciples – but affected the whole world! 🌎 His legacy and actions have gone through generation upon generation to reach us. His actions have had impact.

He was one man.

We too can have the same affect as individuals. We can greatly impinge upon outcomes within this world by our actions.

I think of that old commercial, “I tell two friends, and they tell two friends, and so on, and so on, and so..,” Your action, your idea, your example has weight. Uniquely we can make a difference.

You probably already have…be thankful!

So be encouraged when you feel insignificant or unworthy or small. Just like Jesus, your obedient actions can and will result in life changing outcomes for others.

Jonathan McReynolds’ song “Situation”

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭6:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Thy Will be done.

As we recite the Lord’s Prayer do we fully understand the weight and true gravity of the statement above? Do we understand the faith and trust that walking in that statement demonstrates? Do we feel the freedom it brings?

When you speak, “Your Will be done,” you let God as Jonathan McReynolds says into your “situation.” It is you yielding to God’s Will and way. You give space so that He can guide and direct.

Sometimes…let me correct – most of the time I want to totally control situations and circumstances. I feel really uncomfortable when I can’t sway or have some input into the outcome. I stress myself out and plan too much. I’m three to ten steps out in planning ahead of where I currently exist.

Now I’m not saying that planning is not a good thing to do or to throw every thing “to the wind” to determine what happens. God also granted the gift of administration for a reason too.

What I am saying is – even our plans need to be derived, run by and approved by God. We should be flexible and constantly open to His direction every hour, minute or even second.

This topic makes me think of Abraham and Sarah and the dilemma of bearing a child in old age. God spoke. He said what would happen, but Sarah, Abraham’s wife, thought she could assist or alter what God had in motion. She had her handmaiden Hagar have Abraham’s child. Well, let’s just say after that child was born, Sarah had issue with it.

To demonstrate to Abraham how God wanted him to pay attention to instruction after his wife’s actions, the scene played out below with his son by Sarah – Isaac. God had instructed Abraham that he had to offer a sacrifice. He did not know when he ventured out that the sacrifice offered may be his son. (It’s the foretelling of Christ too – but that’s another topic.)

“And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.” Genesis‬ ‭22:9-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Abraham’s obedience, yielding and heeding to God’s leading every moment teaches us lessons.

Lesson 1 – Don’t get ahead of God. Sarah tried to help God’s plan which had it’s own lifelong results. (Read Genesis 21)

Lesson 2 – Wait on God. If you are sure God said it, leave it alone until He tells you to move. All Sarah had to do is let God’s Will be done.

Lesson 3 – Even after God gives direction we MUST stay connected during implementation. Imagine if Abraham bound his son and then stopped listening?

“Thy Will be done” mentality is essential to the life of a Christian. It actually puts our stress and anxiety back in God’s hands recognizing and acknowledging He loves and knows what’s best for us. It means we relinquish our hold. We surrender. We trust.

Let us pray together– “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”

Jonathan McReynolds video for – “Moving On” It’s off his new released album – People.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians‬ ‭3:13-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I don’t understand much going on in my world or in the world. 🌎 There are so many issues challenging individuals. In addition, our “normal” lives have been totally obliterated by the pandemic virus. Everything feels like a challenge- a struggle. Even the task of grocery shopping is filled with anxiety and fear. It’s definitely a praying season to survive.

The words in my spirit today are – endure and press!

Even writing these words feels like a chore for me right now. I have wanted to write. Of course sheltered in have had the time to write. I’d start and then would stop. I almost gave up two or three times writing this – BUT I ENDURE and I PRESS!! I know this is what God would have me to do.

Webster’s Dictionary defines endure as – to undergo especially without giving in – in other words to suffer. Suffer doesn’t always mean in a physical way. One can also suffer emotionally or mentally. One can suffer attempting to complete a task.

Press is defined as – move by means of pressure – the burden of physical or mental distress. Emphasis for me in that explanation is on the word move.

It is good to endure – survive trails and tribulations. I do believe through God’s Word he tells us to go further. He not only wants us to endure and just make it- God also wants us to advance – PRESS! Press requires movement. Press requires faith – being heavenly minded and while focused on earthly matters. Press requires steadfastness and patience.

You can’t press resting or sitting. You must stand and move forward to press. We have to give some type of effort. Yes, you’ll have to expend physical, mental or emotional energy. There is some type of action.

It’s having a forward looking mentality. It takes renewing the mind so we don’t exhaust ourselves with the thoughts of the struggles of yesterday. Let yesterday’s burdens go. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning! (Psalm 30:5)

Find encouraging scriptures in the Word in which to meditate/repeat. While writing these words, along with repeating the word, “press,” I’ve be thinking – “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Along with that God has reassured me that He knew me “before I was formed in the belly.” (Jeremiah 1) I know I am to write and it is one of the purposes I was created. “Feed my sheep, feed my lambs” as a directive rolls in my head. (John 21:15-17)

Still not apprehending/understanding? It’s as simple as saying to yourself…

Yes, thank you Lord! We got over Friday in the house and accomplished things. I’m excited and have my “to do” list for Saturday. With You and Your help I can do this!

I know I’ve simplified this concept. I challenge those facing daunting issues to attempt the same process. He’ll assist you in getting through each second, minute, hour, day…

As Jonathan McReynolds sings in his new song, Moving On, “I know my rear view can’t compare to what God will do with my life.”

Please continue to endure and press!

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:1-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I’ve been attempting to write lately. Not sure why I can’t complete my thought process. I’ve started devotional pieces and stopped mid way, unable to finish in the last couple of weeks.

This morning, I have the unction to write. I asked God, “What would you have me to say?” Then the scripture above came to mind…

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

No, there’s no cute story, no poetic prose. I have nothing fancy to bring forth. That’s all I know for sure at this moment. It’s all I know to say and share.

I don’t have to jump through hoops, sing a song, entertain or scream. All I know at this time is to share Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

It’s the only thing I know to share in this crazy time of seclusion and uncertainty during the pandemic. It’s the only thing I know to share in my time of grief after my brother’s recent death. It’s the only thing I know that personally prepares me for the battles I face. I feel compelled to share with you.

No other help I know…

Man’s wisdom fails. God’s wisdom stands! Man is fleeting and very fickle. Here one day and gone the next. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. You can rely on Him always.

It’s as simple as that.

If you know He loves you, (John 3:16) then confess out your mouth and believe in your heart. (Romans 10:9) He’s then with you and you can seek Him for yourself. You’re now in relationship.

That’s all I know and I am sharing out of love with you. There’s nothing left to say.

– Fred Hammond, “If my people.”

MERCY – forbearance, in other words, a refraining from the enforcement of something (such as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due

While on the phone with the prayer team for my sorority chapter, our current Chaplain who is a prayerful believer, let us know in this time of sickness and virus she was led to focus our prayer with the members the next day on mercy.

Mercy…have mercy on us Lord!

My mind immediately went to Psalm 51. I was taught years ago that David, a man after God’s heart, gave us not only the state of mind we individually should approach God for mercy, but also a progression and pattern of prayer to seek God’s mercy.

In Psalm 51 David sought mercy from God because he recognized he had done wrong. He knew he needed atonement for his sin. He acknowledged God for who He is and His ability to make things correct to repair their relationship. He cried out and sang out sincerely for forgiveness and mercy.

Read David’s prayer as if it were yours…

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.” Psalms‬ ‭51:1-19‬ ‭KJV

Then after meditating on that particular Psalm, I began to think about the fact that not only individuals need mercy – at this point the whole world needs it! I was then led to 2 Chronicles to read about Solomon, David’s son…

You see, due to David’s sin, he was not able to build God’s temple as a leader. His son Solomon was able to finish a task his Father was not. When completed, Solomon prayed. (1 Kings 8:22-61) God answered his prayer and gave this assurance in Chronicles.

Corporately let us read in 2 Chronicles…

“And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:12-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s a prayerful time for the world. We are in need of mercy from God. He has blessed us with guidance that although written many years ago that we should heed today.

Let us pray…

We humble ourselves Lord. We recognize who you are. We know we’ve gone against Your Will and Way. Help us to have a mind which causes our actions to do better. Forgive us please individually and collectively. We ask that you Have mercy and heal us and heal our land.

Amen.

“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 ‭KJV

Let’s be clear. Through this troubling time please recognize who is “attempting” to win this battle – spiritual and physical. Yes, the enemy wants the world to think he can, BUT GOD!

He attempts to steal our joy. He tries to have us fear. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬ The Word also states- There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He attempts to attack physically and tries to kill. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:55-58‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He attempts to destroy us by separation. We fight back by causing reconciliation. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Ephesians‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Later in the same chapter of Ephesians is states- Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians‬ ‭2:19-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God has allowed the world to slow down almost to a halt so we can pay attention and adjust our vision. Don’t miss the importance of this time of pause granted. He wants us to view life from a vantage point of appreciation and abundance. He wants us to have clear vision of how we are blessed.

What I see with my spiritual eyes- families spending quality time. People being more reflective and reaching out to those they normally would not. They are reconnecting to those they lost contact in the hustle of life. Neighbors and strangers are now looking out for one another. There are many more praying. (I was on 3 prayer calls in one day.) More folks are turning to God for direction, hope and answers.

Be encouraged in this season. Keep reminding yourself of God’s Word and promises. Keep your spiritual eyes open! STAY WOKE!! God has not left or forsaken us. All things work together for good even if it does not look good. Stand on His Word.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Let’s be clear…God is still in charge and will triumph!