I would like to start out this blog with an apology to those who have looked for blog entries on this site.  Like many of you in this season, I have been going through some personal struggles and have had a hard time getting up the motivation and energy to write.  However, what I have come to understand is when you are called to do something, this is when obstacles and challenges may present themselves.  You may be going through some test and trials right now but know the scriptures noted in Romans 8:28 and Romans 8: 37 are always true.

“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……….Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

On Tuesday, I read some entries in a 2012 journal.  These journal entries were relevant to me because I recently found a hand written prophetic word from a friend which stated what happened to me in 2012 would begin to make sense beginning in 2020.  And as you all know 2020 for many of us was a year of things we had never experienced before.  Therefore, I wanted to go back and see what was happening in my life at that time.  And the entry I read on Tuesday was from January 11, 2021 and it stated the following, note the scriptures references were added after the original journal entry was written:

“This is the day of reconsideration.  This is the day to make a choice to serve God or mammon. (Matthew 6:24) To bow down to flesh or be built up in the spirit. (Galatians 5:16-18) This is the day to move forward and cross through the Red Sea or the Jordan River. (Exodus 14:13-15; Joshua 3:14-17) From this day forth there is no turning back.  In this season, it is the beginning of a separation where my remnant is being established.  Those who are sold out and are obedient to God’s will.  There is a separation like with Gideon’s Army. (Judges 7) People are being moved and positioned for God’s purpose.  The final lessons are being taught and final exams are around the corner. (Deuteronomy 8:2) In this year complacency must die and the fruit of the spirit must be evident in my people. (Galatians 5:22-23) If you have not figured it out, there is an attack against the faith.  The enemy is taking advantage of lazy people. (1 Peter 5:8) If old habits and changes are not made quickly then destruction will surely come to your house.  I (the Lord) have given you all you need to persevere and gain victory in this hour. (Romans 8:29-37) It is your choice.  You have been made whole in your mind, body and spirit but you must arise and reach up and come up to the next level to obtain the blessing.  You cannot sit idle and expect to obtain anything from God in this hour.  REPENT for the kingdom of God is surely at hand. (Matthew 2:2, 8 AMPC) God is not a man who should lie or a son of man who should repent.  He tells the truth and nothing but the truth. (Numbers 23:19) He gives wisdom liberally, all we have to do is ask, seek and knock. (James 1:5, Matthew 7:7-8) All we have to do is believe and have faith in His word. (John 1:12, Mark 9:23) All we need to do is move forward and do (take action).  For faith without works is dead, meaning you will bear no fruit. (James 2:14-26)   You will reap what you have sown which will be nothing. (Galatians 6: 7-9) Success comes with work but it is work done in pursuit of obtaining rest in God. (Hebrew 4:1-3) Fast and pray for the season of your manifestation is near.  Your appointed time is extremely close and is coming quickly.  The season where the plowman is overtaken by the reaper is fast approaching. (Amos 9:13) Will you be in place?  Whose side are you on?  Whose voice do you hear?  God only chastens those He loves so if you are hearing this word, I love you.” (Hebrews 12: 6-11)

This word was sobering and convicted me immediately.  God was telling me to grow up and come higher so I could continue on my journey of being transformed into the image of His Son.  I knew I had become stagnant and there were things hindering me.  But it was for me to take action in order to be delivered from this bondage because it is a choice.  Are you stagnant or feeling like you have not progressed in your walk with God?  Then it is important to assess what is going on.  And take active steps to overcome what obstacles are in front of you.  In the life of a believer, you are in a constant battle of your mind and the enemy tries to set traps to trip you up.  However, we have been given spiritual weapons to overcome. 

John 10:10 (AMPC)—”The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”

1 Peter 5:8 (AMPC)—“Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.”

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)—“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on all God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In additions to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrow of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

As I continued to read through my journal, I came upon an entry which told me where I was at the time.  It was written on February 12, 2012:

“Father, Thank You for being God Almighty.  You are all knowing and creator of the universe.  I am but a speck in all of the vastness of your creations.  Today, you imparted a truth so clear that even a child could understand it.  Every scripture on do not doubt, do not worry or be anxious for nothing came back to my remembrance.  The pastor spoke today, “Believe God or Believe Nothing”.  It was much like in the Bible when I read about Your people being lukewarm.  I believe lukewarm is really based on fear.  It is a trick of the enemy to make one fear because of past experiences or doubt.  I believe children tend to fall for this less than adults because as we get older, we experience more hurt and disappointment.  However, today I was able to see since I have been born again, I am like a child who can trust again and believe what my Father says.  My focus for the week will definitely be Isaiah 46:11 (AMPC), “Calling a ravenous bird from the east—the man [Cyrus] who executes My counsel from a far country. Yes, I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed it, and I will do it.”  Lord, it is in your appointed time and season.  You know the right time and when I am ready to receive.  I am willing Lord, for your change and transformation.  I am ready for the NEW thing.  I am ready to flow in your spirit and move with you.  Thank you, Father for choosing me and I choose to experience what you have for me.  In Jesus Name Amen.”

In this I realized fear can keep us bound however, believing and receiving God’s love and His peace will set us free.  When we walk in fear, we are telling God we do not trust Him.  It is a lack of faith and without faith it is impossible to please Him. (Hebrews 11:6) If you are like me and fear has held you captive then it is time to be set free.  Repent and be transformed from a life of fear into a life filled with faith.  Jesus paid a dear price for us to be restored to our relationship with the Father.  He has given us the Holy Spirit to comfort, lead and guide us.  So, take a leap of faith and make a choice to believe in Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life.

This week read, meditate and write out what each of the following scriptures means to you:

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 ESV)

“I have told you these things while I am still with you.  But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby) the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things.  And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.”  (John 14:25-26 AMPC)

“Peace I leave with you, My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubles, neither let them be afraid.  [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]” (John 14:27 AMPC)

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trust in You.” (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV)

“There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror!  For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection].” (1 John 4:18 AMP)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)

“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” (1 Peter 5:7 AMP)

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 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.  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:4-8 NKJV)

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2 NKJV)

“May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].  May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!  Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams].” (Ephesians 3:16-20 AMPC)

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:1, 6 NKJV)

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Roman 10:17 NKJV)

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV)