Category Archives: Encouragement and Comfort

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)

The Unveiled Face: Coming Out of the Dark

Posted on by yolandaberry
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man, face, darkness, midnight

Many people will see the light of God who have been blinded by deception, illusions, fear, confusion, and rebellion in this season of life-changing transformation. As the world continues to reveal and fulfill Biblical prophecies and the shaking of nations, the clash of evil and righteousness will abound. The importance of practical wisdom, truth, peace, and protection will be a valuable commodity. Walking in faith and obedience, under God’s grace, inherits the promises.

From Obedience to the Miraculous

When Moses went up to Mount Sinai, the Lord provided him with detailed instructions on leading the Israelites. “Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. Lord, he said, “If I have found favor in your sight, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.” Exodus 34:8-9

“Then the Lord said: I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you. Obey what I command you today.” Exodus 34:10

mountains with snow top

The Unveiled Face

God told Moses not to make any idols and he wrote the covenant from the Lord – the Ten Commandments.

“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” Exodus 34:29

Aron and the Israelites were afraid when they saw the radiance beaming from Mose’s face. After Moses finished speaking with them, he covered his face with a veil, but he removed the veil when he spoke with the Lord.

The world is blinded by the reverence, revelation, and presence of God. Their life is void of truth so they cannot comprehend the light. Their hearts are hardened, and their minds are void of understanding.

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corth 2:14

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Rom 1:28-32

In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. 19 Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 20 The ruthless will vanish the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down— 21 those who with a word make someone out to be guilty, who ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice.

22 Therefore this is what the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says to the descendants of Jacob. “No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will their faces grow pale. 23 When they see among them their children,
the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. 24 Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction.” Isaiah 29:18-24

This is the unfolding of the reality of what we are witnessing in this world today. As dismal as it appears, Jesus is calling for the lost. Come near to the Cross where all sins are washed away. Just how Jesus performed a miracle of the blind man, the lost who stumble in darkness, will seek the light in the days to come. The Gospel will enlighten and transform the repented heart and mind of the bankrupted soul.

In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field and the fertile field seem like a forest?
18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll
and out of gloom and darkness
the eyes of the blind will see.
19 Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord;
the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 29:17-19
clouds with beaming sunlight

The Covered Veil

13 We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. 14 But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. 15 Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.

16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corth 3:13-18 (New Living Translation)

Truth Revealed

As much as society tries to mask the truth within every facet of life, the Lord has all power and might to uncover the truth.

“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.”

Luke 12:2-3

13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:13

Put on the Armor of the Lord. Eph 6

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 28 Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. 29 I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you. 30 I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of famine. Ezk 26-30

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Additional Bible Reading

John 14:17

2 Corth 4:3-18

Ezk 36:24-30

Romans 13:11-14

Romans 12:2

Matt 13:13-15

Rom 10:16-17

John 14:1

John 14:21, 23

John 14:26-27

Phil 2:12-13

Gal 5:22

Psalm 139:23-24

Matt 6:34

Eph 6

Resurrected Power: When Dead Things Come to Life

Posted on by yolandaberry
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tulips, flowers, spring

We have officially entered a new season and new year. We are in a midst of Winter which is always a tough time of year for me. I don’t like cold weather because it cuts me to the bone, plus the memories of shoveling waist high snow drifts during blistery snowstorms while frozen icicles formed on my eyelashes that crunched every time I blinked my eyes.

winter trees snow

Hibernation and the postcard view was the only part I truly enjoyed but overall, winter reminds me of lifeless things. Autumn leaves fall and dry up, trees are bare and naked. The darkness and gloom of a grey skyline in the middle of the day turns jet black before you even leave work. Winter reminds me of the dead things until the transformation of Spring arrives adorning cherry blossoms, violet and tulips with a welcoming, cheerful sunrise and peaceful sunset. It is where everything dead instantly comes back to life once again.

Just like in nature where dead things are rebirthed, there is a resurrection in life. The Lord will breathe on everything that feels lifeless – discouragement, lack of enthusiasm or motivation, weakness, or stagnation. The Lord imparts new life by the breath of His Spirit.

7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Gen 2:7

22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:22

The Resurrection of Christ

The birth of Christ and the Resurrection are the most miraculous events that existed. Through birth, a Savior was born and brought peace to the world and through death and the resurrection Jesus saved us from our sins and gave us eternal life.


“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Rom 10:9-13

The Resurrection of the Dead

In Ezekiel, there was a valley of dead bones. God said, “Can these bones live?” Immediately the dry bones came alive. Ezekiel 37

It was through the Power of God, Lazurus was raised from the dead.

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

John 11:40-44

It was through the Power of God, that a twelve-year-old girl was raised from the dead.

35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. 37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. 38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. 40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. 42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. 43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

Mark 5:35-43

Many people may not believe this is possible but if you do not believe in the Lord resurrecting the dead than you do not believe in Jesus’ resurrection. Your faith is worthless and ineffective, and you are still in your sins. Your hope is lifeless. Life is fruitless and full of vanity.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corth 2:13-14

The Resurrection of the Body

It’s difficult to comprehend and grasp spiritual life because we live in an earthly body and everything that we experience is tangible. We have fleshly desires and do not want to control the flesh or abide by the obedience of God. However, when you receive understanding and revelation of the Lord, you will desire to live for God. It is the fruit of building a relationship with Him.

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt 16:24-26

We will one day transcend from a physical world to a spiritual one so while we are still here, we should bury all the dead things in our lives – bad relationships, sour memories, bad habits and attitudes , wrong mindsets, and tainted emotions like bitterness, jealousy, anger, hatred, lust, fear, worry, anxiety, etc. so we can grow and nurture the things that give us life, joy and peace.

Not all flesh is the same. People have one kind of flesh and animals have another, birds and fish have another. There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies. There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial differs from that of the terrestrial. There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. 1 Corth 15:39-40

44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. 1 Corth 15:44-49

Our Final Victory

 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So, when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corth 15:44-54

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Additional Bible References

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Corth 5:8

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Rev 21:8

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:34-38