Yesterday when I awoke, the first thing I did was thank the Lord for allowing me to see another day of life.
Later in the afternoon I felt a joy within my spirit.
Today I am relaxed within the stillness of the day, listening to the rain pour down, and taking in the beauty of God’s unwavering presence that is heavily enveloped around me.
Some times when people think about donating or volunteering, they assume they may have to give up large portions of valuable items or time of themselves.
This notion is simply not at all true.
There are people who do not really want to give away anything but do it because they think God will punish them or look down on them if they do not share with the less fortunate or those in need.
The truth is, we all cannot please or gain points with the Lord on account of good works. He showers us purely through his love, grace, and mercy. However, when we do act purely within accordance to goodwill from our hearts God is delighted and he blesses us even more for our kindness.
Some people put on an air in front of others just to gain approval or praise by helping out the poor, needy, disadvantaged, or ones who are just temporarily/periodically going through a hard time. For them, it is all about getting recognition.
There are even people who when they do volunteer or donate, they are not very polite, courteous, or decent about their efforts and within their ventures.
Some individuals donate articles of clothing or items of use that may be in very poor, raggedy or undesirable condition and that is not suitable or hygienic.
Nevertheless, these people have the idea or mentality that people who are beggars cannot be choosers or that people in desperate need should feel lucky enough to get what they can due to their predicament.
People can be both cruel and judgmental towards others but if it was them within this particular unfortunate situation, they would not desire to receive someone else’s neglected or badly worn-out hand-me-downs or patronizing, condescending attitude.
When any of us are inspired to give the motive or intention should not be out of a feeling of torture or obligation. One’s main aim and purpose should come from a place of honesty, sincerity, and peace.
A true feeling of, humanity, compassion or empathy for what someone else may be going through that incites us to help.
If one decides to donate money it does not have to be a humongous amount. It can be fifty-cents, a dollar, five dollars, or ten dollars. It is the thought that really counts.
If one decides to donate clothing, toys or other articles of benefit, at least have them all cleaned and in a decent and suitable condition for someone else to appreciate and enjoy. To be generous and take kindness a little bit further, buy or share an item that is brand new or that has never been in use before.
If one decides to give of their time for some volunteering event, spend as short or as long a time within doing so as tolerated or permitted just volunteer and give of yourself amiably and with consideration.
During times when I give (or have gave), it is because I have been blessed by God and it is only right and fair to sympathize and to show the Lord how thankful I am by aiding to another. Also, because it comes from my heart or sense of humanity in specific circumstances.
I have lost money in the street before within the distant past; however, I did not get upset about it. I said to myself that it probably happened for a reason. Someone would have come across that money who may have needed it more than I did because I was not lacking for anything. Even if I was, God definitely would have provided by eventually reimbursing the money back to me.
So, whatever we do within our unstinting, self-sacrificing, unselfish, free-handed behavior- do it authentically and without expecting anything in return. When you do, it brings such a warm, uplifting, beautiful feeling to the heart and to the senses.
It also brings joy to the Lord to see his children responding to one another in love, care and thoughtfulness.
I always believed in you. Then, I accepted you as my Lord and Savior at the age between ten or twelve.
I went through some hardships that sometimes made me doubt you. I even separated myself from you for a while out of anger, and misunderstanding of your nature. Nonetheless, the essence of your spirit still produced a purity within me.
Through it all, everything turned out okay. You taught me so much. You gave to me so much. You cared for me so much.
Upon my reunion with you, I gave myself completely to you. Never to depart from you, never to go astray. I am not mean to be that way.
I wake up in delight of your presence, I spend the day talking to you, walking in your grace. I retire in the night with you, drifting off to sleep under your guard.
The words I read in scripture bring life into meaning. They bring food to my soul, power into my spirit.
I do not live life on my own, I have really grown. I have never been of this world; I am not of it. I do not want any part of it.
I live my life for you, because of you. You live through me; you are within me.
You created me to have a relationship with you, to get totally acquainted with you. This partnership is supernatural, very extraordinary of its kind. A companionship to treasure, and one that will last forever.
I did not ask to come into this world. I did not have any say so within the matter. All I can do is trust in the Lord and what he has planned.
He intended my purpose before I was created, he will fulfill his aim to when I become designated.
My life is not my own It belongs to God. He chose me as one of his very own long before the foundation of the world.
The Lord already knew all about me, he designed me.
What I had to go through to where I am at now was determined before I could understand how the application of my exploration would give me a better understanding of my true dedication.
A chance to get to know God better, a chance to realize how blessed I have been, a chance to appreciate the providence and protection that has constantly been over me.
The Lord, who refused to let me go. The Lord, who knew I did not know the true love that he endeavored to show. The Lord, who from him, many gifts to me he bestowed.
Through a sudden and tragic unspoken fear, he readily triumphed to draw me near, replacing that fear with trust and hope, something that became an absolute must.
No God, you did not deal harshly with me, now only I can see. You returned to me the memories of the past to fast forward to me the present unto the future, to assure and confirm to me that you will continue to do everything you promised to do. Thank you.
I noticed since early childhood the favor over my mother and I, and the manner in which God took great care of my family.
The Lord watched over us solicitously, his eyes vigilant to never waver, his hands fixed firmly on every situation. Even when I did not think or believe he was looking out or holding our circumstances in place.
We mattered to God. And, we still do.
I have been so very fortunate by his mercy and grace, covered by what seemed like an extra hedge of protection from others and the principalities of this evil world, and beyond.
When I look back, I see all that I avoided and escaped because of the wisdom and discernment granted upon me from the Lord. The comfort and peace I experienced in the midst of trials that made people of the world marvel at me in disappointment and wonder.
Enemies or adversaries that attempted to destroy me were defeated.
Even so-called believers who professed to be Christians The Lord had warned and protected me against, wholeheartedly coming to my rescue to head me out into safety.
God is definitely my refuge and strength, an essential help in times of trouble as well as in times of order.
Early this morning, I had a delicious bowl of hot steel cut oats. I mixed and stirred in along some extra thick rolled oats to my liking. Later on, I ate two bananas, five tangerines, and some crackers.
My day started off lovely, God soothed a sudden concern that once occupied my thoughts just to come back again.
I reached out to someone in the Christian faith as I always search out God for serious inquiry. “Seek and you will find”, says the Lord. And, surely God did answer me.
He did so rather quickly too.
We all know God intercedes within his own time but he also comes at anytime, especially when our hearts are gravely troubled. The Lord is very kind and gracious, so compassionate within his response.
I was put into contact with a nice and well-informed pastor who exchanged words of truth and clarity to me during our pleasant discussion this morning when he returned my phone call.
God spoke through him as he understood my question and reasoning. The pastor explained and expressed all the correct words even though he was not sure he did. I confirmed to him that he was on point and helpful in regard to giving me excellent counsel.
A great weight was lifted from me as a result afterward. It is wonderful when brothers and sisters in Christ uplift, inspire, support and assure one another on our path.
Last night, the pastor of the church I attended since September came into my mind. I thought about the settling that remained within my spirit after heeding the warning about him.
I still felt that stillness. It wasn’t until I watched two of his latest sermons online that my spirit became rattled once again.
Just by watching and listening to him those feelings came back. Those enlightening inclinations about him. Those same vibes of caution, but now even stronger.
The words he preached even gave details and glimpses into the true reveal of his disposition.
I think confronting him on the issue that I had with him brought out the truth of his conscious as he admitted his guilt on a few things in front of the congregation.
I noticed it because I knew what was partly behind his address.
He confessed how he struggled with being completely honest within his forthcomings with people, and how he needed to work on specific things within his nature and character. From his own mouth he acknowledged that he was resentful at times and had anger, hurt, and disappointment when his flaws were honestly pointed out.
This was only half of the story to my full discernment. One of my strongest gifts from the Lord is sensing things about people in areas that others cannot sense or pick up right away.
I am not at all being judgmental on this man. Nonetheless, God will make known unto us what he wants us to pay attention to and be secured against.
The Lord is just reminding and reaffirming to me that just because someone is a leader within the church does not mean they are perfect or the ultimate example of a fully mature Christian. Many battle inwardly as they too are only human.
Some are more troubled or incorrect than others. Either way, I know this pastor is someone for me to stay away from. The statements from my inner voice of spirited repeated again from the recent past, “He cannot be trusted, he is trouble, stay away from him”.
The message pierced right threw, giving me a bad feeling, a feeling I have received within the past when I was being supernaturally informed through intuition and gut feelings to beware of someone, a condition, or situation.
I am thankful to God for his divine guidance and instruction, even if or when others in particular are unable to decipher. The Lord interacts with us all differently as we are all unique in design.
I had planned to eventually visit the church again on a regular basis when able, however, after last night, I don’t see that happening.
It is not at all that I am letting the pastor’s negativity keep me away from Sunday worship because I was going to go regardless beforehand. I never let other people’s insecurity, hang up, pretense, or ignorance deter me.
However, some elements play a larger role in the events that take place and I will move on to another church the Lord will lead me to when the time is right.
Things enter our lives not always to take place as a permanent residence, but as a stepping stone to another more prominent built or structured abode.
Yesterday afternoon I headed out to the post office to find that it was closed. Then I went directly across the street to the bank to find out that establishment was also closed.
Right away, after I noticed the gates locked at the post office, I figured the bank was probably closed too but headed over there anyway.
I immediately said to myself, “It must be a holiday”. So, I took out my smartphone and swiped over to my calendar app. And sure, enough it was president’s day.
Luckily for me, the post office and bank were just a few blocks away from my home, conveniently within walking distance. I did not lose out by wasting a trip on bus fare.
Nevertheless, I hopped on the next bus to take me to the nearest check cashier within my area, which also did not cost me to lose out since the place was in the shopping center where the supermarket was located. I had planned to pick up some groceries afterwards, fortunately everything worked in my favor without me going through a hassle.
Thank the good Lord for his providing of ways and ordering of steps.
Ever since I ceased from one-on-one discipleship/bible study with the pastor where I attended church I feel relieved and at peace.
I will still visit the church, but I do not intend to spend individual sessions of discussion with him ever again.
There are certain people who do not have the faculty to decipher the specific elements of spiritual essence and endowment. It goes over their head, beyond their ability to grasp, especially if they have not experienced a particular matter.
The Holy Spirit will continue to guide, advise, warn, and keep us safe, and others who are within the church who may be a snag or problem to us are no exception from being alerted or protected against.
I had always considered my mother and my deceased dog “Brandie” of seventeen years to have been two of my very best friends here on the entire planet.
There is another friend I have come to know as a best friend. One who sticks closer to me than any other ever could or would. I had known him for years, ever since I was a child, but did not know or realize the depth of the relationship that had developed between us.
While I had often misinterpreted and misunderstand this individual and his character he ultimately interpreted and understood me, and was always very patient and compassionate toward me when I did not even recognize it.
This individual gave me my space to discover, learn and to grow through each of my circumstances and situations. Though he gave me room to figure out things, he was always near within reach, never to leave me out from his presence.
Now that my eyes are open to see clearer, my mind is receptive to the fact that the friend I once thought of as indifferent outside of me, was actually the constant companion who lived ever so benevolently inside of me.
This friend’s name is Jesus and he literally lives inside of me and he is not going away because he promised not to. And, this friend of mine, unlike others, does not tell any lies. So, if he makes any type of statement, I can definitely rely on whatever claim is made by him.
Jesus is a very good friend of mine who loves me more than my mother or dog, or anyone else is capable of loving and caring for me, and that is phenomenal.
He is there for me at any moment of the day when I need or want to talk. There is never a time when he is unavailable or not in the mood to hear or listen to my voice and concerns.
He carries me when I am unable to walk and he holds me up when feel like I am going to fall. He knows me better than I know myself and he knows where to lead me when I don’t know where to go.
I can depend on him and I do.
I surrender to Jesus because I want him to lead me and guide me through life. As a true friend who has the extraordinary heart of a parent and beloved pet who both love unconditionally, I know that I can entrust my entire being into his supervision and care.
Oh, what a wonderful friend that I have in my Lord Jesus, one who is genuine and true. A very best friend to the end-which in return will be my true new beginning.
The name of the Lord is very powerful. When I call on the name Jesus he never fails to come.
The devil will run instantly at the sound of his name. Peace will come immediately by the faith in his name.
I have experienced these realities all too personally and can readily, boldly, and joyfully give testimony to each and every tale of power that came from the result of believing and acting on the name of Jesus Christ.
In the morning, evening, and afternoon I consult with the Lord. I speak to him even if it is just to say, “Hi”. I tell God how I feel, ask him what he thinks about things I am unsure of, or I just explain to him how I feel.
The Lord does not ignore me either because I seek him with all of my heart. God knows our true intentions. He often answers me in a number of ways. One fashion is through my thoughts. As one of the Lord’s sheep, I do know his voice and I listen to him.
The closer we are to God the deeper he reveals and displays himself to us and significantly within our lives.
It is wonderful to know that we can turn to the Lord for any and everything. He is consistent and will not waver in providing for all our essential needs and humble desires.
It brings me great comfort to immerse myself in God’s word when I read through scripture and biblically inspired content. It enlivens the holy spirit within me, giving a literal warmth, and consoling grasp to my body. I feel a nice soothe from the spirit. A connection in harmony with being fed wholesome.
The best meal to taste is the one where we consume the word of the Lord. I eat and drink of it relaxed in bed, spending moments or even hours sometimes earnestly gathering instruction and knowledge before going to sleep.
Engaging in a relationship with God brings such fulfillment and a greater hope.
My mother was a major influence in my world she made a huge impact on my life. Where would I be without the love, attention, and teaching that she gave to me?
Her and I were both smart academically, talented and gifted spiritually, able to learn on our own, to be self-taught without anyone having to train or to inform to us the certain significant matters of life and society. The Lord created us the perfect match for one another.
God played a solid role within my mother’s growth and maintenance. She told me he did a lot for her.
My mother went through a lot from an early age. I wonder how she came through so sufficiently to then endure further hardships with family and other jealous and troubled folk all the while continuing to be a phenomenal mother to me.
Aside from I recognizing God himself proving to be extremely faithful in most of our life circumstances, my mother is the reason I am able to put my hope and trust within the Lord.
Thank you, mommy, for teaching me to pray as a little girl. Thank you, mommy, for all those years of being there for me, always believing in me, always encouraging me. Thank you for being someone I could deeply and genuinely admire, look up to, respect and love ultimately.
Your sense of humor was out of this world, we both cracked each other up. You were funny without trying to be, you had that natural knack for inciting laughter. I get my gaiety from you.
I loved the fondness and ear that we had for different types of music and all of the moments we enjoyed together listening and jamming to the beats. The gospel music you used to play for years was also very inspiring and still motivates me to this very day.
I am so honored and glad that I was born to you, I could not have asked for a better parent. You deserve all the best reward for everything that you have done for me and other undeserving people, and for all that you had to go through in this crazy, twisted world we call a society.
I love you so much, the love you gave to me was untouchable. No one but God can surpass it. Your love highly contributed to my strength, self-worth, and security. You kept me full, never lacking or needing anything other than the nurturing I was supplied with.
I am a survivor, a complete woman due to the fierce and selfless woman in you. Mom, you sacrificed yourself as a true mother does always putting me first.
You were never last to me. You are my number one. The best woman I ever knew. You are my best friend, you and Brandie! Forever, and ever, and ever.
I love you.
Daily Living, By Miss LaToya 