Category Archives: Inspirational Messages

Messages that edify, unite and encourage the Body of Christ.

For unto us a Child is born

Posted on by yolandaberry
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For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

The conception and birth of Jesus is a miraculous event that provided the gift of salvation for all people.

From the time of Christ’s birth, Jesus was sought after to be destroyed by authorities and rulers of nations. King Herod, the ruler of Jerusalem commanded the wise men to find Jesus and tell him where he was born so he could come and worship him. However, King Herod was full of deceit.

The wise men were guided by a star in the east. After the wise men arrived in Bethlehem, where they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they were told by an angel in a dream not to go back to Herod. Perhaps the wise men were called wise because they heard and obeyed the divine voice of God through a dream.  The wise men never returned to Bethlehem but went in a different direction so authorities would not follow them.

Once King Herod found out about Jesus’ birth by the city officials, the king ordered to slaughter all male children under the age of two years. Mary and Joseph had to flee Bethlehem.  It must have been a horrific sight to experience and witness the slaughter of innocent children.

Jesus’ birth was full of uncertainty from where to stay prior to his birth to where to go after his birth. Through the chaos and discord, Mary and Joseph were divinely protected and led to the city called Nazareth. This is where Jesus resided until his ministry began. Throughout his ministry, there were many interruptions of persecution, rejection, rivalry, opposition, and strife.

In a dark world, then and now, Jesus is the everlasting light. Jesus is known as, Jehovah Shalom, the Lord of peace.  In a world of lost hope and despair, Jesus provides all that we need as we walk in obedience to his word. The Son of God was given as a free gift to deliver us from a life of sin and death.

One-touch from God transforms a life. From sickness to healing, chaos to peace, fear to faith, failure to victory, weakness to strength, unbelief to trust and many other opposing afflictions changes course or direction through faith and prayer.

His love is unconditional, despite our faults and failures. Through our trials and tribulations, the Lord is working to manifest His nature within us. We are made in his image and we’re a reflection of his light. Where there is light, no darkness can reside.  We are many members and one body. I Corinth 12:12-26

Let us hold onto hope, joy, peace, and strength.  For in him we live, and move, and have our being. Act 17:28  Emmanuel, God is with us. Matt 1:23

Beginning with his birth and infinite, life never-ending Resurrection: It’s an eternal love that is the greatest gift of them all.

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The Lord gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Scripture References

Matthew 1 and 2

Luke 2:8-20

I Corinth 12:12-26

Acts 17:28

John 3:16

 

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