Category Archives: Edification

Encouragement for the soul and elevation of the Spirit

Bless His Name

Posted on by yolandaberry
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While we look at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen: For the things that are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal.  2 Corinth 4:18

Thanksgiving is a time when family and friends come together to eat a fresh, homemade meal and to take time to reflect on all the blessings we have received during the year.

As we rush back into our regular schedules and routines, we need to remember to carry thankful hearts filled with gratitude on a daily basis.

All too often, we look forward to the next big holiday on the calendar. We are excited for Black Friday and Cyber Monday to see what deals we can get instead of taking time out to appreciate what we already have. We never take time out to live in the moment, but constantly live under pressure to move full speed ahead.

This attitude or mentality leads to discontentment because we are always reaching for what we don’t have and never really appreciate all the gifts we’ve been given. It also leaves room for unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and jealousy when we don’t get what others have. On the opposite end, it can also open up the door to a spirit of greed when we attain all that we desire.

Overall, it leaves us with a hollow or empty feeling because we are so focused on the material world which constantly pushes us to receive things outside of ourselves and not really fulfilling the internal needs whether it is an emotional, spiritual, or psychological need.

Searching for things outside ourselves does not satisfy.  Inner joy is a spiritual, inward connection that can only be found through a relationship with the Lord.

When you know the Lord is carrying your burdens, you can laugh in the midst of difficulties or sleep through turbulent circumstances without stress or worry. It’s a peace that surpasses all understanding. You are contented in all circumstances despite uncomfortable situations. You’re able to push through difficulties with grace.

You also realize that Christmas isn’t about the latest electronic or digital gadget, but you will understand that Christ gave the greatest gift of Salvation which is the real meaning of the holiday season.

Let’s take time out this holiday season to embrace what we have. We are richly blessed. Even if you’ve struggled through hard times and have lost it all, there is always something to be grateful for.

Take time out to be still and welcome peace as we prepare for a New Year that is filled with faith, hope, and strength: Giving thanks in all things.

Peace and Blessings,

Yolanda-

 

 

Life Scriptures: Holding onto God’s Promises

Posted on by yolandaberry
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He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38

Sometimes the Lord will speak a specific scripture during a difficult trial or situation in your life. It’s a promise that’s embedded in your heart that you can retrieve at any time to bring peace, comfort, and encouragement.

The Bible is the living word of God and every part of it is filled with life’s instructions and detailed stories of how people handled challenges and triumphed in victories by holding onto their faith in God.

We can often take our eyes off of Jesus and look to friends, family, co-workers or even the world for answers to our problems. We trust in false promises made in relationships, marriages, corporate institutions, government and political systems. With so much noise in every area of our lives, it’s difficult to be still so we can listen to the voice of God.

By the Still Waters

It’s always beneficial to step back and silence your world. It’s during these quiet moments the Lord will provide a revelation of His promises. We may have heard the same verse over and over again but at a different season in your life, you can have a new experience and the same scripture emerges with a deeper revelation.

The Lord has unlimited ways on how to speak to us. We need to be open and learn how to discern God’s voice and act in obedience.

How can we be sure if it’s the voice of God speaking to us and not our own? We can pray for wisdom and discernment. We also learn by reading the Word of God regularly and setting aside personal prayer time with him.

Here are a few other ways to hear God speak:

  • Does the action or message align with the Bible?
  • Does your conscience, internal spiritual compass, feel at peace with the decision or act?
  • Is there a reoccurring thought, instruction, action or idea that repeatedly tugs at your heart?
  • Do you notice messages or symbols that are delivered to you in several different ways and methods as a vehicle of confirmations?

The Gospel is a solid rock for his children to stand on. Our belly is the deepest part of our soul where the Spirit dwells. Water is often a metaphor in the Bible which means life. A dry, parched soul thirsts for Jesus just like his body thirst for water. Our bodies are even made up of 98% water. We are not able to live without water. Water is of the Spirit. Water is life. The gift of salvation is the gift of eternal life that Jesus provided for all of us to receive. Drink from the fountain of salvation that sustains.

What is your life scripture? Please feel free to share your comments or questions below. Your life scripture will also help encourage someone else who may just need to hear the promises of God today.

 

Scripture References:

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Amos 8:11

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:

Romans 10:17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

Related Scriptures:

I Samuel 3:1-10

Hebrews 1:1-2

Acts 2: 1-4

John 16:13

 

 

 

 

 

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