Category Archives: Daily Reflections

Biblical messages rooted in God’s promises

Redeeming the Time: Making Every Moment Count

Posted on by yolandaberry
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11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed Rom 13:11

When I was leaving work, I was so frustrated and aggravated that it took two hours instead of my average half-hour to forty-five minute commute. Nothing feels worse than wasted time.

Time is a commodity. It’s more valuable than money. Money can be lost or gained but time cannot be replaced. Only with God, who is not restricted by any single moment, can redeem the time.

When I was younger, I never understood or realized the value of time but as much as I feel that time was wasted, there is a divine timing and purpose for everything. Despite the setbacks, delays or stagnation, there is purpose in all of it.

There was a recent plane crash in Brazil reported on the news. The video featured the plane spiraling out of control. They interviewed one person who was late for his flight and was not allowed to board the plane which saved his life.

There were also countless stories that took place during the World Trade Center attacks where people did not go into work that day or was running late which saved their lives.

9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Prov 16:9

So whether commuting in traffic or traveling abroad, timing can literally be a matter of life or death. You must trust that every delay, missed opportunity or setback will train, equip, guide, protect, develop or teach you something that will move you forward to the next phase of life. However, we must be diligent and wise on how we use or spend our time.

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
    but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Prov 21:5

There are three major time wasters that you should pay attention to.

Procrastination

Procrastination is a definite time waster because you continually put off what needs to be done. When you deal with procrastination, there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed whether it’s emotional, psychological,or mental.

When you deal with uncomfortable or overwhelming feelings, you tend to put things off. This is the devil’s playground because he never wants to see you accomplish anything. His main mission is to kill, steal and destroy which also includes stealing your time.

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 9:4

Laziness

Slothfulness is another time waster. You cannot accomplish anything if you’re lazy or weary so having stamina, energy, and enthusiasm is a priority in completing tasks. Motivation and inspiration is based on feelings which are fleeting so you cannot depend on it. You should have persistence, determination and resilience which overrides tough situations and the challenges of life.

Depression

Depression is not often looked at as a time waster but it definitely is one of the most deliberate weapons the enemy uses to steal your time. When you’re in a heavily burdened state of mind, it is an emotional state that bears you down and is a hinderance to your progress. It steals your time from being productive. When you have no desires or interest, it can take a toll on your overall well-being.

You cannot move forward if you have low energy, defeating thoughts or a negative outlook or attitude. It will suck the life out of you due to the low-level thoughts and emotions. You should replace your defeating thoughts with the Word of God, which is health and healing, substance and life.

Lastly, you should also consider your environment. What do you watch or listen to on a regular basis? Who do you spend time with? Being selective on your daily activities and with whom or spend your time reveals your priorities.

If this message has helped or encouraged you, please share with your connections or leave a comment.

I would like to leave you with a few Bible verses to stand on for any season in life.

May you be blessed!

Daily Meditation

Eccl 3:11

11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Eccl 3:1-8

 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Jer 29:11

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (KJV)

Prov 27:1

Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring. (NLT)

Psalms 31:15

15 My times are in Your hands. Free me from the hands of those who hate me, and from those who try to hurt me.

Psalms 90:12

12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. (KJV)

Esther 4:14

14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (NIV)

2 Peter 3:9

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV)

Eph 5:15-17

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (NIV)

1 Thess 5:1-3

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. (NIV)

Joel 2:25

25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. (KJV)

James 4:13-17

13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (NIV)

Thankful Moments: Seven Things in Life to be Grateful for

Posted on by yolandaberry
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cup of coffee in autumn reading book
Photo Credit: RoonzNL Pixabay

In this fast-paced lifestyle of juggling so many responsibilities and daily tasks, it’s easy to rush through life without noticing the small blessings that we take for granted. When we take a moment to pause, we can reflect and capture unlimited opportunities of gratitude.

women laughing with camera and photo
Photo Credit: Yaroslav Shuraev Pixabay

-One-

Connection with Others

Whether it’s talking long hours on the phone with a friend, support of a mentor or a hug from a loved one, relationships enrich our lives. When we surround ourselves with supportive, healthy relationships it reminds us of the importance of love, compassion, empathy and understanding.

-Two-

Health and Well-being

Health is a treasured gift that is often overlooked until we are faced with physical pain or illness. The ability to wake up each day with energy, strength and vitality makes us look at life from a positive perspective and with a deeper appreciation.

woman in bed

-Three-

Discovering, Exploring, Learning and Growing

man studying with book
Photo Credit: Cottonbro Studio Pexels

Learning never ends as we age. Life is a continuous journey of discovering, exploring, researching, learning, and growing. Life can be our best teacher. Whether a formal education, self-taught, personal experiences or challenges which push us out of our comfort zones, each lesson shapes and molds us into who we are. We are not defined by our circumstances or situations, but we should be grateful for the lessons that will shift our mindset and provide a sense of accomplishment.

mountains and ocean, nature
Photo Credit: Simon Berger Pixabay

-Four-

Embracing the Beauty of Nature

Nature is awe-inspiring. From the white, crescent waves crashing upon rocks to sun-kissed sunsets or early morning sun rises to the solitude and serenity of a walk through a cluster of welcoming autumn leaves crunching under your feet, we can embrace every aspect of God’s creation.

woman boots standing on leaves
Photo Credit: Cori Emmalee Rodiquez Pixabay

-Five-

Random Acts of Kindness

It always feels good to extend kindness to others. It’s also special when others extend kindness unexpectedly. Spreading positivity, compassion, empathy, and a helping hand provides a sense of community and changes the hearts of others. Never underestimate how your behavior can impact and empower others.

baking muffins
Photo Credit: Jeshoots Pixabay

-Six-

woman crying laughing expressing emotions
Photo Credit: Liza Summer Pixabay

Overcoming Challenges

Life will always present overwhelming challenges, obstacles, and struggles. It’s how we react and respond to life’s difficulties that will change our perspectives. When we look back on everything we have overcome, it can provide a strong sense of achievement and gratitude. It demonstrates our resilience, perseverance, and personal and spiritual growth in the face of adversity. Our faith becomes even stronger and our sense of thankfulness to the Lord grows even deeper. We our strengthen from our experiences as we navigate through life’s unknown and unexpected pathway.

woman praying
Photo Credit: Dee Dee51 Pixabay

-Seven-

Relationship with God

Through every moment, the Lord has been the guiding force of protection, grace, mercy, and unconditional love. The intimate moments of prayer, bible study, worship and mediation has provided peace, strength, endurance, provision, and safety during life’s highs and lows. When we dedicate devotional time and honor God with our lives, we will experience a sense of fulfillment that the world cannot provide. It’s the foundation of where a grateful heart resides and where love overflows.

In a world that often emphasizes and indulges in seeking more, taking the time to reflect on our most thankful moments can bring a shift in our perception and perspective. It leads to a sense of contentment. As we express gratitude from our memories of the past, let us carry a fresh mindset into the future, treasuring each moment and finding joy in the little things in life yet profound aspects of life’s journey.

May you have a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

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Moments of Mediation and Daily Devotion

Phil 4:11

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Psalm 107:1
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 7:17

I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

I Thess 5:18

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Phil 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Col 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Col 4:2

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Psalm 69:30

I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving

Psalm 111

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
3 His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
6 He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the [b]heritage of the nations.

7 The works of His hands are verity[c] and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
8 They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Psalm 100:1-5

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
3 His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
6 He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the [b]heritage of the nations.

7 The works of His hands are verity[c] and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
8 They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Psalm 30

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried out to You,
And You healed me.
3 O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave;
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

4 Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of [b]His holy name.
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

6 Now in my prosperity I said,
“I shall never be moved.”
7 Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;
You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

8 I cried out to You, O Lord.
And to the Lord I made supplication:
9 “What profit is there in my blood,
When I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;
Lord, be my helper!”

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing.
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Navigating the Twist and Turns of Life’s Unpredictable Moments

Posted on by yolandaberry
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A few weeks ago, I was crossing the street and my hairbrush fell out of my bag and landed in the middle of the street. I crossed the street just in case a car was coming and then I went to pick up my brush after the last car passed. When I stooped down to pick it up, I lost my balance and fell backwards and landed straight on my back – staring straight up at the sky. It happened so fast that I didn’t even realize what happened.

It took me a minute to gather my thoughts and then I realized I was lying in the middle of the street and had to get up! I looked to the left and a car was further down directly coming towards me. I had a difficult time getting up and realized I had to get both of my bags that was lying in the street. Fortunately, nothing dropped out of my bags which was overflowing with my personal belongings. Although, I hurt my lower back, it could have ended much worse.

Another mishap I had a few months ago, still has me wondering how it happened. I was waiting for the bus in the rain holding my umbrella. Due to damaging winds, my umbrella had a few broken spokes. As I prepared to close the umbrella to get on the bus, my hair got caught in the metal spoke and I couldn’t loose my hair from the umbrella! I started to laugh nervously even though it wasn’t so funny. I got on the bus with the umbrella open as I was bent down trying to loose my hair. I screamed out, “HELP ME, I’M STUCK!” The passengers on the bus just looked at me while I began to laugh as the umbrella spread wide rolling droplets of water in the aisle. I said, “This could only happen to me!” The driver was smiling as a passenger helped me untangle my hair from the umbrella. My hair was tightly coiled within the spoke of the umbrella and it took a few minutes for the passenger to untangle my hair. It was a moment in time that I will never forget.

sidewalk

The last unexpected incident happened when I was walking down the street. I decided to take a shortcut through the grass. Suddenly, I dropped down so fast I thought I was falling into a sinkhole. I screamed so loud as I fell forward, and my bags flung out from the sides of me. I had fallen into a ditch which was the depth the height of my kneecaps. The ditch was covered with grass. I climbed up out of the ditch and shook the dirt off my pants. I was left feeling astonished and a bit irritated. Although these are little, minor mishaps that could have ended badly, when you encounter unexpected occurrences in life, it can throw you a curve ball.

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, twist and turns and unexpected incidents. These incidents range from minor inconveniences to life-changing events which can catch us off guard. How you respond to life-altering events affects your well-being.

How to Deal with Unexpected Occurrences and Turn Them into Opportunities for Personal Growth and Resilience

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

It’s important to remain calm because panic and stress will cloud your judgement. Try to evaluate the situation and determine the resolution of the situation. Clear thinking will help you understand the next steps going forward.

Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

Embrace Your Emotions

Allow yourself to feel your emotional response when encountering an unexpected incident. You need time to process your emotions. Don’t judge yourself for your initial reactions.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:6-7

Seek Support

Talk with someone you trust who can share a different perspective and offer emotional support and comfort.

A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will ]attain wise counsel.

Prov 1:5

Be Adaptable to Change

Being flexible is so vital to dealing with life-changing events or occurrences. No matter how hard we plan, life can shift in unexpected ways.  You should be pliable and open to shift accordingly to change. Sometimes, you will need to change or adjust your schedule, goals, and expectations. Sometimes, new opportunities are hidden in uncomfortable situations and unexpected setbacks. Although you must be adaptable to change, the Lord does not change. He is our hope in times of difficulties.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my [a]strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the [b]horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

Psalm 18:2

Develop a Plan

Identify a solution and multiple options by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of your plan. Remember, do not be hard on yourself if you must try several options before finding the right solution. There is a lesson in every decision and it’s a valid part of the personal growth and self-development process.

“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.

Hab 2:2-3

Take Note of the Lessons Learned

Reflect on the experiences and what you’ve learned. These lessons can help you become more resilient and better prepared for uncertainty and unexpected incidents.

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:7-8

Maintain a Healthy Routine

When dealing with overwhelming life occurrences, your health is priority to combatting stress levels. Engage in activities that keep you motivated and relaxed. Take care of your body by eating healthy meals, getting enough rest and scheduling regular exercise into your daily routine. You can never be fully prepared to the unexpected occurrences that life can bring but you can build resilience to face life’s uncertainties.

My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.

Prov 4:20-22

Do you react or respond to life’s circumstances or unpredictable situations? How you handle your emotions in any given situation can be crucial to the next steps or next season in your life. Let the Lord lead you in wisdom as you take two steps back. Pause for a moment. Exhale and move forward. You got this!

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