Category Archives: Christian Lifestyle

Scriptural-based messages that can be applied to everyday life.

The Supernatural Agenda: 7 Spheres of Influence

Posted on by yolandaberry
3
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Do you feel you’re constantly fighting some type of resistance or negative energy? There are so many things in this world that lead us to a pessimistic attitude, mood, or mindset. We don’t have to search hard to find it. Our relationships are affected by external influences and internal anxieties due to the pressures of life.

How does a Christian walk in the light despite all the challenges and obstacles that obstruct their path or blind their vision? The best strategy is to forge straight ahead regardless of the distractions.

When we take our eyes off the problems, we gain the strength and focus needed to accomplish the tasks the Lord has for us to do. In the Bible, Peter had to keep his eyes on Jesus. When he lost his faith, Peter began to sink. By looking straight ahead at Jesus, he was able to walk on the water.

We have unlimited potential and abilities when we walk with Jesus. When we tap into His power, we have the authority to walk over serpents and scorpions and not be harmed. Luke 10:19

When we continue to magnify our problems and experiences, it tends to fuel the flames. However, when we shift our focus and walk on a higher spiritual plane, we eliminate the negative emotions that overtake our minds and emotions and robs us of our peace. Elevating our thoughts provides a sense of motivation, hope, and encouragement. Of course, we shouldn’t ignore the realities we face, but we should not give it more power than the abundant power of God.

We must develop a thick skin and decree boldness in words and deeds.  To become an example of Christ, we must fight spiritual warfare daily by speaking the Word of God over every battle and by confronting demonic forces in the natural and spiritual world.

We cannot walk in the power of Christ if we are consumed by worldly problems and issues. First, we must learn to handle our own spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being before we can assist and aid our brothers and sisters. It’s not an act of selfishness. It’s an act of selflessness. We must first put on our own oxygen mask before assisting others.

The Lord will equip us with everything we need on the journey. We have walked through dry deserts, deep valleys and rough terrain yet we have been developed and trained up in this spiritual boot camp.

There are seven spheres of influence that the Lord is calling his people to. Christ-centered ambassadors have a specific assignment for this new season. We have been waiting in discomfort and in all types of situations to understand what the Lord is calling his people to do. The Body of Christ, each member, must walk in obedience after Holy instructions. We should lead in authority according to God’s will, plans, and purposes. It’s God’s agenda. Let’s be about His business.

We are called to pull down strongholds and demonic forces upon the earth. The Lord provides the skills, gifts, and abilities to complete every assignment. There’s no college degree required when the Lord anoints you for his work, however, you must study yourself to be approved by reading His word daily. There is always value in education but sometimes life lessons are the best teacher.

Let the Lord lead you into the sphere of influence He has designed especially for you! Take a look at the 7 spheres of influence below and take note of what your internal spiritual compass speaks to you. Think outside of the norm. It doesn’t have to be a traditional field or area; however, this is a great starting point to explore.

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Learn more

Grab a copy of “Seven Spheres of Influence” EmpowerConnect e-Zine newsletter which focuses on leadership and creating a legacy for the next generation. This guide is for the person seeking purpose, an entrepreneur or leader who wants to gain impact or a personal brand who desires more influence. Download your copy here!

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  1. Government: Do you have strong leadership abilities?
  2. Media: Do you have strong communication skills or a platform of influence?
  3. Business: Do you have negotiation skills? Are you skilled in delegating?
  4. Family: Do you have a heart for family and intimacy?
  5. Religion: Do you have a heart for the lost, hurt, or sick?
  6. Education: Do you have a strong desire to teach, motivate, or edify others?
  7. Arts: Do you have unique creative abilities or skills?

Five-Fold Ministry of Leadership.

Also, keep in mind of the Five-Fold Ministry. What area do you feel led to? Pray for the Lord to guide you. He will fulfill every promise. Trust and believe.

  • Apostle
  • Prophet
  • Evangelist
  • Pastor
  • Teacher

Bible References

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

I Corinth 12:7-21

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kind of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?

20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

I Corinth 12:28-31

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

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Facing Rejection with Humility

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

It seems everyone has dealt with rejection at one time or another in their lives. Rejection comes in many forms. It may be when you tried to make a friend in elementary school, but was teased and laughed at instead. In high school, you may have wanted to go to the prom with a boy or girl that you had a crush on, only to find out that they already had a date or had no interest in you. Even in adulthood, there are all kinds of rejection stemming from interviewing for a job to being declined for a loan for that beautiful home you dreamed of.

No matter how rejection finds you, the emotions that follow are real. The one person who suffered rejection was Jesus Christ. Throughout his ministry, he was taunted, scorned, and rejected. He could not even provide miracles in his hometown of Nazareth because they would not accept him or his teaching. He was kicked out of the synagogue while speaking, yet he did not walk with a scornful heart.

Rejection is a hard pill to swallow and can lead to other issues if you’re constantly rejected by others. It can stripe you from your self-esteem and confidence leaving you to feel like you’re not good enough or it can be the root of jealousy when you start to compare yourself to others. When you have suffered betrayal, insecurity, frustration, and fear, it tends to overwhelm your emotional state.

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Rejection does not feel good, but when you know and understand that there is a process in pain and that the Lord is establishing and guiding your footsteps, as well as shaping your character, it shines a new perspective on such negative feelings.

Here is just a few benefits of rejection:

  • Builds character
  • Develops thicker skin and makes you stronger
  • Provides safety and protection from unseen danger or harm
  • Teaches you how to accept rejection and move on
  • Pushes you to greatness by developing yourself on a personal, spiritual, emotional, mental and physical level
  • Increases patience
  • Motivates and pushes you to try harder

When you feel rejected, understand that there is a loving God who created you and loves you unconditionally. It’s often hard to grasp his love at times because we live in a physical world, but we are made up of spiritual DNA and also battle with things we cannot visually grasp. Our battle is not with flesh and blood but with spiritual things in high places. (Eph 6:10-17)

Don’t allow rejection to destroy who you are. Speak words of encouragement to yourself and to others. Build a support group of positive, nurturing friends who will inspire and motivate you. However, make sure can motivate and encourage yourself. Work on yourself every day.

Learn a new hobby or participate in your community. To attend a conference or seminar to learn something new. Keep growing. Don’t take rejection personally. Stand tall in your abilities, talents, and gifts. Just keep it moving. When you know who you are in Christ, you will not be swayed by the opinions of others and the pressures of the world.

Prayer

Lord, we receive your unconditional love. Heal our hearts from the pain of rejection. Let us not look to the world for our worth, but to you who created us in your image. You hold all the power in your hands. Thank you for your love and the freedom to be me.

In Jesus name, Amen

America is facing an Identity Crisis

Posted on by yolandaberry
3

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. Matt 12:25

America is on fire and on the brink of eminent change. The gradual breakdown of injustice, inequality, intimidation, fear and unrest is a direct result of consistently sweeping issues under the rug over a period of time. If one does not learn from past lessons, one is destined to repeat the same cycle until the lesson is learned.

Every system and organization is collapsing. It is like throwing water on a grease fire. The political, educational, social, financial, economical, religious structures is facing a definite crisis that we have never experienced before in our lifetime.

When a nation loses its identity, they will fall for anything and stand for nothing. Our country has become complacent in their value and moral systems, they pacify their true identity and characteristics of what it takes to build a strong, healthy and viable society.  Just like a family structure, a family breaks down without unity. The family becomes fragmented resulting in discord, chaos, confusion, disorder and division.

There has been a continuous phase of splintered systems for the past few decades. In 2008, a paradigm shift began.  Lives have been shaken and transformed.

This is a time of great exposure. The Lord is revealing the corruption, greed, bribery and scandals on every level.  Even the use of social media is exposing all levels of chaos and corruption. It is webbing perspectives, viewpoints and communication for a greater understanding and higher purpose. Truth is smacking us in the face in every direction. However, this is not a time to walk in fear.

We must take a hard look at possible solutions to correct the ways of humanity.

When a society continues to live in complacency and ignore or hide behind reality eventually the ultimate issues will surface until they are dealt with.  The act of violence is raging in our communities just like a fire ignites and accelerates.

This shift is inclusive to accepting man’s ways instead of God’s ways. There is an escalation of lawlessness and fraud when good is considered evil and evil is considered good.

When morals, values, justice and integrity starts to breakdown in society, the structure disintegrates as a whole. The moral fabric that knits us together begins to unravel.

Each one of us has a specific function in the Body of Christ and in society. When a body is healthy, it operates in unity. Each part is designed to complete and carry out a specific task or function. One cannot operate without the other to work properly. As a whole, the purpose is manifested.

As an ambassador for Christ, you are called to walk in love and obedience with integrity, respect and honor. We are made in God’s image which is holy and pure.

These occurrences did not happen overnight. It is now midnight in America. As the masses walk in chaos, fear, intimidation, worry and pain, the children of God’s elect must shine His light in the center of darkness. We must speak out for justice. Let us not walk in anger but in love.

Whatever capacity of Godly influence you have, it’s time to occupy that space. It’s long overdue. The Father is unfolding His plans and purposes in our lives. Let us pray for discernment and wisdom to answer the call.

Much like a caterpillar, transformation is an ugly process, however through each stage a beautiful butterfly emerges. Let us focus on the beautiful qualities and characteristics that the Lord possesses which will guide and lead us into our true identity in Christ and let us mirror His image in the world.

Prayer

Lord, I seek your wisdom and discernment to lead others to Christ. Let the fire of the Holy Spirit burn so deep within me that your flames spark the hearts and transform the minds of men.

Lord, let us discern truth and dismantle lies in all areas of our lives. Help us to appoint humble and noble leadership in the decisions we face in our nation and for our future. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture References

Power

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Isaiah 40:29

19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Act 1:8

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power Eph 1:17-19

Emotions

13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. Psalm 94:13

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom 8:8

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:15

Walking in Love

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Col 3:12-14

Wisdom

2 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

Prov 2:1-5

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10

5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Prov 1:5

Courage

6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deut 31:6

13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. I Corth 16:13

Integrity

26 Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

Psalm 26:1-5

2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. Prov 11:2-3

Submission to Authority

13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Rom 13:1

44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. Psalm 119:44-45

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. I Sam 15:23

Encouragement

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Coth 1:3-4