Category Archives: Bible References

How to Walk in the Holy Spirit

Posted on by yolandaberry
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I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, for where comes my help. Psalm 121

The digital age provides a valuable source of information. We can rely on Alexa or Google to answer just about any question we have. We can search for data and statistics to gain additional knowledge on a topic. We can explore the world by the touch of our fingertips but where do we run when we need pressing answers to our most difficult or challenging situations or obstacles that we face? What source do we rely on when we run out of ideas or solutions to our biggest problems?

We often confide in friends or family, teachers or mentors, as well as pastors or spiritual leaders. What happens when they are not accessible or reliable to provide the answers that we need?

Wisdom will guide you down delightful paths. Prov 3:17

The Lord is available twenty-four hours a day. He never sleeps or slumbers. (Psalm 121) He never disappoints. His word is true. He is faithful. No matter what your facing or what the the situation looks like, the Lord is with you and directing you. Call on Him for strength, direction, peace, guidance and provision.

We are living in a world where we must rely and hear the Lord clearly. We must purify our hearts, mind and actions to align with the character of Jesus. We will never be perfect but we are made perfect in weakness.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corth 12:9

We can no longer just rely on cute, little churchy phrases like “I’m too blessed to be stressed.” “I’m too anointed to be disappointed.” We can no longer afford to fake the funk in our spiritual or physical life. Our spiritual eyes and ears must be spiritually discerning so we have clarity , understanding, wisdom and revelation in the leading of the Holy Spirit and the works of the Father. Playing church is over!

We should not be followers of men but followers of Christ. Too many people need validation from men but true validation comes from the Lord who formed and shaped you for a purpose.

When we walk in the Spirit, we crucify the flesh. We no longer desire or have an appetite for sinful desires but want to please the Lord. Through fasting and prayer, we crucify the flesh in communion with God for revelation knowledge, wisdom and protection. This spiritual dedication provides strength to overcome adversity and power to war in the spirit.

I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that you present yourself 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 good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Rom 12:1-2

These are four main points to focus on in a spiritual battle.

1. Put on our spiritual armor on daily.

Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having all to do but stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all taking on the shield of faith, wherewith you will bear,e to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. And take on the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Eph 6:13-20

2. Walk in the fruits of the spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

3. Meditate on good not evil report.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Phil 4:8

4. Speak life over your loved ones, your circumstances, your health, finances, relationships, work or business, and every other area that you can think of.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Prov 18:21

When we allow the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf in prayer, He will make intercession for the perfect will of the Father for our life.

If you are a born again believer and baptized in the Holy Ghost, you’re fully equip to fight on the battleground.

We are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us. Rom 8:37

Additional Bible Scriptures

1 Thess 5:19

Quench not the Spirit.

1 Thess 5:21

Prove all things; hold fast to which is good.

1 Thess 5:22

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Romans 8:4-10

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us , who walk after not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, be so that the Spirit dwells in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And,if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Romans 8:4-10

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities for we know not what we should pray a we ought but the Spirit itself make the intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. And he that searchers the hearts knoweth what the mind (heart) of the Spirit, because he make the intercession for the saints (church) according to the will of God.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are called according to His purpose.

The Sword is Upon Babylon

Posted on by yolandaberry
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For your stubborn hearts and contrite mind, you will be rewarded for your wickedness and evil. For the Lord is great and mighty to be praised upon the land. He will not look back or turn back his hand. It is upon you with fear and trembling. You shall run but find no escape.

For you trusted in chariots. You trusted in gold and silver that does not save flesh nor spirit. The wood will be burned to nothing. Ashes shall be upon the land. Billows of smoke.

Cry to your gods. Cry out and let them save you. For the sword is upon the land, thus says the Lord.

Behold, I will send on them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like rotten figs that cannot be eaten, they are so bad.

And I will pursue them with the sword, with famine, and pestilence, and I will deliver them to trouble among all kingdoms of the earth – to be a curse, an astonishment, a hissing, and a reproach among all nations where I have driven them.

Because they have not heeded my words, says the Lord, which I sent to them by my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; neither would you heed, says the Lord. Jer 29:17-19

You are a land that is not cleansed or rained on in the day of indignation. Ezk 22:24

Sept 10 2021


Again, the word came to me saying, Son of man, speak to the children of the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman.

If when he sees the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heard the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.

He heard the sound of the trumpet,, and took not warning his blood shall be upon him, but he that takes warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.

When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die, if thou do not speak to warn the wicked from his way that wicked man shall die in his iniquity but his blood will i require at thine hand.

Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered his soul.

Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live.

Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked: but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezk 33:1-6 and 33:8-11

Additional Bible References

Ezekiel 21

Ezekiel 22

How to Find Intimacy with God

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Silent Mediation

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. Mark 11:30

The Lord desires your communion and union with him. His deepest desire is for you to have a relationship which starts with learning about his character, his commandments, covenants, promises and laws and then learning how to apply practical instruction to your life.  

You cannot build a relationship if you do not spend quality time with the Lord. He wants your undivided attention to solely focus on Him for His good pleasure and to mold and build your faith. All of your trials, obstacles, challenges and struggles are designed for His purpose to develop your patience, endurance, strength and faith in Him.

There is value in submission and obedience in God. When you enter into the presence of the Lord, you gain peace, clarity, strength and direction. Everything you need is at the foot of the cross. He is the bread of life and the wellspring of life. In the secret place, there is rest even in the midst of chaos, uncertainty and distress. Finding intimacy with God in your daily routine should be a priority.

There is a difference between spiritual rest and physical rest. The Lord can provide you rest for your soul even when you’re tired, mentally exhausted or drained. There is a blanket of peace that comforts you despite the natural emotions that you experience when you tap into the reservoir of His spirit, the outpouring of His presence delivers and restores you.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Phil 4:8

Finding intimacy with the Lord is more than an action or physically doing something. It is being present within the moment. You can connect instantly with the Lord by doing absolutely nothing. When you learn the importance of stillness, as well as stillness of the mind, you can receive instruction, healing, restoration or whatever you may need at that time. There are no rules. There are no schedules, agendas or routines. Just be. The expression of His love will touch the inner and deeper parts of you. When you’re building a relationship with the Lord, you’ll develop a stronger desire to read the Bible and please Him. He will reveal the intimate details of Jesus’ life journey through His word.

Carving Out a Sacred Space

We all need time to be alone but you might find it challenging if you’re around family, roommates or friends on a regular basis. Finding a place where you can be in solitude where you can think out loud, pray, or reflect is so helpful to connect with the Lord. It’s also a healing place where you can release negative emotions. You may prefer to go to a park, the beach or the mountains to get away. You may resort to your bathroom, den or bedroom as a sacred place. Wherever you decide to go, be sure that it’s quiet and serene.

Step into the Silence

When you incorporate Bible study into your daily routine, you will develop a sense of guidance throughout the day. Not every day will be perfect, by any means, but you will gain wisdom, knowledge and understanding to key principles you encounter in life. You will lead with integrity. It will bring new life and perspective on how to handle problems and situations, as well as protection from the attacks of the enemy. It will also bring new insight and revelation based on what you’re going through or experiencing in your current situation. The word of God is a living word that is always active and mobile. It doesn’t matter how many times you read a passage, you will gain fresh revelation at every stage or season of life.

Spill the tea with Jesus. He is your comforter and your friend.

Tea Time with Jesus

Spending quality time in prayer is time never wasted. Whether you prefer mornings or nights, it’s your preference. Communication doesn’t have to be limited to a certain time of the day. You can seek him anytime and for anything within His will or purpose for your life. Just like a good friend, prayer is a two-way conversation so listening to the voice of God is important for direction, wisdom and discernment. Its’ not just about submitting requests or petitioning the Lord to move in your situation. Jesus wants you to desire His presence on a continuous basis. It should be based on a genuine and real connection with the Lord.

When you spend regular time in prayer, you gain clarity about your issues and direction on what to do. He also heals past wounds and restores strength, peace or whatever you need at the moment. You may not feel like your prayers are being answered right away but the Lord requires us to be patient. He is building your character, strength and resilience through the storms of life. He is also testing your faith. You may not always receive what you prayed, but you can trust that the Lord will provide exactly what you need within His timing.

During prayer, the Lord may share intimate details about your present or future. He reveals the secret things hidden in divine mysteries. Jer 33:3 The Lord provides the revelation of understanding, knowledge and discernment. Living a lifestyle of prayer provides protection in every area of your life.

Mindful Moments in Your Daily Life

Your daily tasks and routines can easily become moments of reflection and prayer.

Usually when I’m doing the dishes, I tend to drift away into day to day thoughts or just simply meditate as I watch the water and soap suds dance upon the plates and utensils before I load them into the dishwasher. Over the years, I’ve shifted my perspective on how I look at daily chores and find pleasure in folding laundry, cleaning the bathroom or organizing my bedroom.

The process of cleaning and organizing provides contentment and a sense of peace. It connects me to the Lord in solitude time so I can think, reflect, pray or worship as I complete my daily tasks. This is only one example, but you can connect with the Lord while driving in your car, waiting in line at the grocery store or in traffic.

When you take the limits off on how the Lord can move in your life, you will begin to experience His voice in a new profound way. He will show up when you least expect it, and when he does, don’t blow it off as a coincidence, serendipity or pure luck. The happenstance or occurrence is divine and orchestrated. Nothing is by chance. The Lord is a God of order, precise timing and intricate detail.

Worship and Obedience Pleases God

Your body is a temple which is made for worship. A healthy diet and eating habits reflect your intimacy with the Lord. Your social and personal relationships, attitudes and behavior should be in a posture of holiness and surrender. You should set apart time for worship or fasting to purify your thoughts and actions.

Sexual lusts and desires, promiscuity and adultery has no place in the lives of a believer. You must surrender your desires to the Lord and wash away the iniquity that keeps you bound. You cannot escape these desires in your own flesh, however the Holy Spirit can purge these desires from your heart, mind and body. It’s only by the Blood of Jesus that you can walk in purity and righteousness.

But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8:6-7

Finding the Beauty in Forgiveness

Surrender your pain to the Lord and release anger. Whoever you need to forgive, FORGIVE and let it go! Pray for your enemies. God is your contender. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to stay in a relationship once someone has shown you their true colors. You can move on without bitterness, pain or anger. Of course, it takes time to heal. Do not allow unforgiveness to steal your peace and joy. Once you learn to forgive others, you are set free from past pain. Remember mistakes can often be the best teacher so learn from them and move on.

Do not be entangled with a yoke of bondage. Gal 5:1

God is the redeemer and will make your crooked path straight. Isaiah 45:2

Seek the Lord for all things. His intentions are well-pleasing to your soul.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord for showering me with your presence. I give you all the praise and glory in my life. My heart is open to your everlasting love. I surrender my own will so you can work through me to heal and mold me according to your will. Forgive me for ________. Purge anything that is not pleasing in your sight. I’m available to be a vessel of your goodness. Help me when I’m weak and strengthen me in every encounter that I face. I pray for a hedge of protection as I come and go from my destination each day. I am blessed from the top of my head to the souls of my feet. I walk with peace under the shadow of your wings. I’m covered by the precious Blood of Jesus. Amen.

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