https://youtu.be/59H1hntyGMA – I Am by Jason Nelson

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” Exodus‬ ‭3:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

While ill, I came to a profound revelation. God is who He says He is.

I know you’re probably thinking, “Daphne, you’ve been praising, teaching, worshiping for a few years and you just came to that revelation last year?”

Well, let me explain. The longer I live the more I experience, thus God continues to prove Himself over and over. He reveals new lessons, if I’m open to receiving DAILY! He does the same for each of us. Life lessons happen every day if we pay attention.

I’ve taught the names of God and His character traits numerous times to youth and adults. I believe I still have a document with numerous pages listing with accompanying scripture.

When I would teach I would say, “God is a Healer.” “God is a Deliverer”

In the midst praying while being sick one day, my thinking, faith, and then language changed. I thought, there isn’t any other way for me to get better but by the one and only Healer. My language changed from Him being a healer to God being The Healer.

I believe that is the point God wanted Moses to teach in Exodus 3:14-15. He is who He says He is. We should address, recognize, and worship Him as who He is. He isn’t one of many healers, deliverers, protectors, banners, shields – He just is! Our thinking and language should shift in response to that revelation. He isn’t “a” – He is “THE.”

As scripture states, He is the “I AM.” That proclamation stands and lasts forever. Therefore, we can “stand” and rely on all that He is.

What we believe pours out of our mouths. Let’s be aware of the “Solid Rock” we stand and speak as we should.

Despite all the craziness in my life – I’ve got to praise Him.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3

I trust God.

I love my friends. They are wonderful and great, but aren’t always available. Oh, I don’t charge that to them, they are busy folk like me. When it’s early in the morning -3:00 a.m. – they don’t have time to wake for me just to empty my head of my mess. This is when I am thankful I have the ability to pray.

Yes, prayer…

Prayer allows me not only the opportunity to thank, praise and worship God intimately, but to also to cast my cares on Him. My thoughts are refocused – especially when His Word that I understand and know, comes back to correct words I spew out of my mouth. My mind becomes renewed.

Writing helps too…

My other tool/gift for renewing my mind to focus is writing.

I’ve had the urge to write for the past week. There is so much going on and much to do. I’ve sat down to write several times, but was unsettled. Major projects, events and grants for work and numerous frustrating/unending family situations overtake my thoughts. Then, there are other obligations and relationships to manage and of which to make sense. My mind has been all over the place. It has been hard to pick one topic.

Eventually, even in the midst of chaos – scriptures begin to come back to me, make sense and I am calm again. I begin to write. I then experience peace – if only but a moment until the next phone call, meeting or task.

Yeah….music too.

People often wonder why 80% of the music on my playlist is gospel music. I truly believe that what we take in our senses – eyes and especially the ears can influence our thoughts. I know it’s definitely true for me. So thus, the majority of my listening time is gospel to keep me encouraged.

I stopped to take a breather from all my tasks/thinking to listen to music to attempt to center my thoughts. I stumbled upon the above YouTube video with Kirk Franklin and Friends. They began to sing Jonathan McReynolds’ song, Make Room. Next, came to remembrance the scripture above – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee…” Then came prayer. Now, I’m writing again. Yes, and for hopefully more than a moment I’m at peace.

Oh, we will be tested…

Although several disturbing phone calls were in the midst of me writing this – I kept taking my thoughts back to Him who can keep me in perfect peace.

Regardless of what comes our way – we need to trust and keep our minds on God to stay in peace. Some days, like today, the process for renewing my mind is on an EVERY SECOND cycle.

All I know is – I TRUST GOD and will attempt to turn my focus on Him constantly. I hope and pray these practical tips help someone else. It may not be writing or music for you – but be in search for how you keep your mind focused on God. EVERYONE has the ability to pray. Since we each have a personal relationship, you can even ask God to reveal how best to refocus. He’s faithful to show you the answer…

We Need You Lord – Jonathan Butler – https://youtu.be/9_muKAnm4gk

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalms‬ ‭51:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I really don’t like dealing with people. I’m cranky. I truly need an attitude adjustment. Actually, I need a heart adjustment.

I think people assume I’m nice and have all these “happy” thoughts. They suppose I’m a push over or too nice. They believe they can say anything to me without retaliation. No one understands what verbally goes through my mind as a comeback to rudeness – which if flowed from my mouth would tarnish my witness.

After I assessed on this particular day- I have not been patient. I have not been tolerant. I’ve been judgmental. I’ve avoided or wanted to avoid folk. I did a task for someone begrudgingly. At the end of the day when I finally sat down I initially blamed the other folk for these feelings. I blamed their actions toward me.

See, this thinking is why I vitality need to maintain my relationship with God. Thank God I can go to Him to get an attitude and heart adjustment! I’m having a Psalm 51 moment like David with God.

“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.” Psalms‬ ‭51:1-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Then…

“Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Psalms‬ ‭51:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Later in the Psalm it states:

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalms‬ ‭51:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God does not despise when we come to Him and acknowledge our sin with a true desire to change.

We need God and His two-edged Word to be aware of our shortcomings and to assist us in the change needed to be more like Him.

“And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Matthew‬ ‭14:25-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Woke this morning and for some reason filled with doubt. Doubting many decisions I’ve made – like working for myself and owning my own business. Doubting accomplishments I’ve obtained and if I’m qualified for anything. I woke questioning my talent and gifts. Wondering if I’ve gone the right path. Pondering all of my “what if’s.” Everything feels difficult and complicated – turbulent.

I am such a “Peter” by nature.

I admit, I dream big. I have vast and deep goals. God speaks through His Word and demonstrates Himself and I’m ready to test it myself with exuberance. I knew a long time ago deep down I would have my own business. I prayed and ventured out in peace starting my business. I know and am confident I heard the command to, “Come.”

I often speak quickly, act and then in the midst of my great and grand schemes wonder how and why did I decide to go there. I start off believing, “Yes, this is where God would have me.” Then somewhere in the middle when things get a little turbulent start to doubt.

Despite how I feel at the moment, – and yes I recognize for me this will only be a moment because I’m working/encouraging myself as I write – God proves Himself in the scripture above. He’s reaching out to lift me and saying – “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

God is there to catch me in my doubt, lift me and encourage- just as He is doing right now.

For those who are also where I am at this time – I’m praying for us. I am interceding that our minds are renewed to walk in the confidence that faith brings. If God told us to “Come” then we need to walk knowing He is right there.

“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 ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭6:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In my prayer life and relationship with God, I am so very aware of the balance of “thanks” and “want.” Somewhere in the middle of those two states is contentment.

It’s like a scale.

On one side are all the things you know God has accomplished in your life and the lives of others – all the stuff He created and does along with the fact you’re breathing. Those miraculous things are a marvel to even consider. He’s God and worthy to be praised.

On the other side of the scale- all the petitions or “asks” we have. There are the needs, wants, and desires we have – that stuff that wakes or keeps us up at night. It is the stuff that worries us and we cry out for God to give, release, take away or stop.

In the middle of there lies contentment.

The greatest gain is – when we have needs, wants and desires, we recognize God’s place in our lives and then respond in turn by action to the place and position He has in our lives. Let me restate it simpler. Due to the fact we recognize who God is and whose we are- our thought process causes us to ultimately react with contentment in whatever state/place we are.

For example – I live in a townhome. I’m thankful for my townhome, but my heart’s desire is to own a mansion. There’s a gentle balance of being thankful and desiring the mansion.

Now, I could desire that mansion so bad that I’ll do anything to get it – lie, cheat and steal. This is where godliness with contentment enters the conversation. Godliness – personal integrity and upright behavior – play a major part in achieving contentment. Adding those two together is great gain and demonstrates a piece of spiritual maturity.

The thought process to deal with that desire that leads to contentment- Lord, I thank you for my townhome, if it be Your will guide me to acquire the mansion you have for me. Regardless, I will continue to be content in the townhouse I have because you have blessed me with it.

The concept of abase and abound needs to be apparent in our lives. Contentment doesn’t necessarily mean to be stagnant or not grow. We should understand how to be content in less meager times or when situations or circumstances are overflowing.

Recognizing that you are right where God would have you at this very moment is key. Pray for clarity on what you desire – if it is His will. Make sure you praise and worship Him for how he’s already blessed you. Contentment will find its way to you.

This is an excerpt from my book – I Give You Jesus, The Greatest Gift. Enjoy and be blessed!

(For musical enhancement- Going back old school – John P. Kee – We Walk By Faith – https://youtu.be/GXQPGE7UZ9c )

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor 5: 7

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2: 17

In faith, many dreams are accomplished. In faith, numerous wondrous acts are achieved. In faith, insurmountable hurdles are overcome. In faith, the impossible becomes possible.

Okay, I’m not only speaking to those with great and grand schemes—I’m also speaking to the person who has a hard time getting up out of bed. Just placing your feet on the floor can be a “leap of faith” for some.

I’m also speaking to the person that has a child that just won’t change. You’ve prayed for years and years and haven’t given up, because you know there’s still hope.

I’m speaking to people who get frustrated with the computer when attempting to finish a project. You’ve almost completed it, and all of a sudden … it disappears. (Did I just speak of my own issue from last night?)

We continue in faith, hoping for change, looking for that “substance of things hoped for” and “evidence of things not seen” to come to realization.

If we can believe that a baby can be born of a woman by God and that the blood of that baby as a man can restore everyone in the sight of God who believes in Him—that’s major faith! That means that we possess within us the ability to “hope beyond hope” and believe that He’s able to do anything but fail.

It is due to that belief we can “walk by faith.” We can dream the “exceedingly and abundantly above.” We then have the ability to even love the unlovable, because He loved us so much despite our failings.

We can’t do things or “works” to earn God’s grace and mercy—that comes automatically when we believe—but we can please Him by demonstrating we trust and believe in Him. We move in faith, knowing that He will neither leave nor forsake us. We “step out of the boat” into the unfamiliar, knowing that with Him we can accomplish more than we can conceive or dream.

In our waiting, though, we must remember that “faith without works is dead.” That means I must exercise my faith by at least “walking by faith.” That means doing what I can do—moving in that direction—and then watching God work out the rest.

You can’t get out of bed until you attempt or at least have the desire to move your feet to the floor …

That child that may have given up on himself or herself may only have the glimmer of hope within you to even want to change … God may cause him or her to have hope through the hope that lies in you!

That project on the computer you worked on will continue to be lost if you don’t ask God for guidance on how to retrieve it. (Oh yeah, my testimony: after forty-five minutes of frustration, I “laid hands” on my tower and prayed, left it alone for a second, waited for wisdom of what to do next, and the information was restored. Glory!) Without faith—and speaking God’s promises to my situation—I would have given up and thought all was lost …

I hope you’re encouraged to now walk and work your faith in God!

And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him. But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel‬ ‭16:6-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I have two points to highlight out of the chapter this verse derives.

The first, we judge and are judged at first sight. As a communication major in college I must note – more than half of communication is by sight and nonverbal. Initial impressions have impact on friendship/relationships and our perception of leaders. Often we hold onto first impressions as though they tell the whole story, not taking the time to actually compare assumption to fact. We assume our assumption is fact.

The good thing, just like in David’s journey – God doesn’t go strictly by outward appearances. He knows exactly who we are. He sees and searches the heart of men. He also knows our capabilities and capacity regardless of what the “world” has determined. He knew us when we were formed in the belly and knows our whole journey.

You see, David was the youngest in age and the smallest sibling. As a matter of fact, he wasn’t even invited to the gathering to anoint the next king. His own family, including his Dad passed judgement on him. He’s too young and too small. Their perception was totally off concerning his abilities. They were not aware of his entire story – but, God!

David came straight from shepherding in the fields to the event, I’m sure he smelled and didn’t have the proper clothes. He did not look the “part” of a the person to be chosen as leader. What God could see others couldn’t – unfulfilled potential which needed time to manifest.

We hold onto judgements which can be wrong and people can often have wrong perceptions about us. We need to be prayerful and stay prayed up! Thank God that he sees within the hearts of men.

This then leads me to my second point and lesson from 1 Samuel 16. Adding even more difficulty, we underestimate others or are underestimated by others. It is a difficult position when we are underrated for who we are, what we bring to the table, our knowledge and our wisdom. To be overlooked, downplayed and/or dismissed plays on the psyche. Those thoughts about us or cast onto others can hinder and stifle faith and hope.

Again, when we underrate or underestimate or it is done to us – we truly need to be prayerful. Keep in mind just like in David’s case, God has the ability to do the impossible!

The lessons for the day –

Pray about how we view others. Ask for sight as God has to view untapped, unnoticed potential.

Pray that others see you as God does. Ask the Lord to open their eyes to view the magnificence that is you despite the outward appearance or circumstance.

“And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭16:11-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I need you to survive – by Hezekiah Walker

Woke in the middle of the night. Immediately I knew it wasn’t a “roll over and go back to sleep” moment. The faster I obey, the quicker I go to sleep.

So I grabbed my phone went to my Bible app and then prayed. The word “alone” came to me. It is one of my greatest fears as a single person with no kids in her 50’s. I don’t necessarily fear being lonely. I more fear being alone. I think there is an emotional difference between the two.

I can and have been alone. I adjust and deal with it well, but I prefer working on things and walking through life in a pair or group.

I love interaction and talking through projects and challenges. I love having input and varying opinions. I think it gives shape and color to ideas. So thus, I love having close good friends.

So, I searched the word “alone” and found this scripture I don’t think I’ve read before:

“For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:10-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I thank God for my good friends. Oh, I have many folks around me – but I have about 4 or 5 good girlfriends/guy friends that know my deep and personal business. They have been tried and are true.

They are there for me. I value their opinions. They are frank and honest. They bring out the best in me. Some I talk to everyday – some few and far between because life has grown us on different paths. Those far away friends are still good friends and I appreciate them too.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about one of my best friends from childhood- Gennell. We were as they say “thick as thieves’ when we were in junior high and high school. We attended different high schools but it didn’t matter.

We kept in touch while we were in college. As our adult lives began we drifted slightly, but when together it seems as though we were in a time warp and nothing changed. When her Dad passed she and her brother chose to stay with me. When situations arose we were there for one another – except one. I truly wish she would have leaned on me as one of the pieces of her cord as scripture states above.

Gennell became ill and didn’t reach out to any of her good girlfriends. This was so contrary to who she was. You see, all of her friends knew each other through her – no matter when they met her. She somehow connected and weaved us as the main collaborator.

When one friend found out what was happening – we all gathered/organized to act as a body of friends. Although a beautiful move…it proved too late. She passed a few weeks later. (Actually a week shy of me visiting her.)

At her funeral her spirit must have been happy to see all her friends from all parts of her life together as a group up front and celebrating her. We formed our own cord supporting one another.

Appreciate and “love on” and cultivate your friends. 💕 The Bible says in Proverbs 18:24;

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

If you feel lonely or are alone – find ways to actively reach out. Find common interests with others.

If you have an urge to seclude yourself in times of trouble, pray and God will lead you to trusted friends to upon which to lean.

Remember, the three stranded cord is much stronger than one strand to break…

The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts. Haggai‬ ‭2:9‬ KJV

We’re leaving 2019 and forging into 2020!

I must reflect on a year ago today.

I was really sick. I couldn’t make it up a flight of steps without pause. I couldn’t walk far. I really contemplated physical tasks prior to completion.

A year ago, I chose to stick around the house connected to my oxygen condenser rather than venture out with the huge tank. Gave me much time to think, pray and ponder. Was so scared that was this was the final verdict for me. This would be my lot for the rest of my life.

Yes, I was still blessed. I still gave God praise. I still sought Him. I had some joy. I just was not sure I’d have to experience all those things connected to an oxygen condenser or tank.

According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. Haggai‬ ‭2:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

But God!

(GLORY HALLELUJAH!!! I’m ready to do a step or run around this house! 🏃🏿‍♀️🏃🏿‍♀️🏃🏿‍♀️Tears well up in my eyes…)

My latter!!!

Again I have to scream – GLORY TO GOD!!! Today, I am at least 60 pounds lighter. I have energy. I can pretty much make it up both flights of steps in my home if necessary. I rarely pause to contemplate tasks.

I have definite joy. I’m now writing again…and at peace.

I can’t wait to see what else God has in store for the upcoming year! Expecting as I did last year – the “exceedingly and abundantly above” what I can imagine.

For those starting off this year at a low point. Continue to have hope. Hold on. God is not finished. He wants to show off! Greater is coming! Ask for your spiritual eyes to be opened to view it. It’s there…

Greater is coming!

The Message Bible says-

“Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. I hope the test won’t show that we have failed. But if it comes to that, we’d rather the test showed our failure than yours. We’re rooting for the truth to win out in you. We couldn’t possibly do otherwise. We don’t just put up with our limitations; we celebrate them, and then go on to celebrate every strength, every triumph of the truth in you. We pray hard that it will all come together in your lives.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13:5-9‬ ‭MSG‬‬

While in discussion one morning with my sorority sister Shawn, I finally spoke out of my mouth some stuff I think God is going to accomplish in the new year.

One of those things – God desires for me to truly “deep dive” and examine myself. No longer can I coast comfortably. I believe He wants me to move/improve on things that hinder my growth in Him. He can’t provoke change on my behalf when I have not done my part – seeking Him, reviewing my life, confessing and then repenting. Not only am I to test/examine whether Christ is alive in me, but if I determine areas not correct – then I need to put actions in place to change.

We need to “peel the onion.” There’s easy surface stuff to tackle. Things we easily can adjust. Then as we go deeper, it gets a little tougher to let go of habits and traits that are ingrained in our personality, character, and soul. Going deeper is harder. Like peeling an onion it stinks and could possibly cause tears…the deeper you go the more difficult it is till you reach the core. Smile – that’s when you can finish chopping that onion up and add to the main dish which makes it taste good. In other words, dealing with those difficulties, imperfections, sinful thoughts and actions makes your life better and more productive/fruitful.

Some of my big issues with the help of God to tackle in 2020:

Being judgmental, especially those close/family

Allowing forgiveness/reconciliation to reign when possible

Lacking of faith and fearing being alone,

Lack of confidence in God and the gifts He has bestowed and His plan on how to use them (not my plan or timing)

Speaking in confidence and authority when needed.

What are your “peel the onion” battles? List in the comments or if you like send to me. We need to pray for and encourage one another.