Category Archives: Family and Marriage

Offering insights, advice, and discussions on building strong Christian families and maintaining healthy marriages.

In the Reflection of Our Father: Celebrating the Quiet Strength of Fatherhood

Posted on by yolandaberry
Reply
Father and child

The divine role of a man in their household has been watered down by society. Due to the breakdown in the family that has been a gradual process over decades, men have lost their identity, function and position in the family. The established role that the Lord created for men has become blurred lines in relation to the roles between husband and wife.

In the Garden of Eden, a man was created in His own image. In the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them. Gen 1:27 A woman was created as a helpmate. Gen 1:20-24

Bird flying across the ocean

“Let him have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Gen 1:26

The Lord established the man to be the head of the household. He was designed to lead with Godly wisdom, authority and integrity. He was not created to take advantage of his own strength and power to dominate but to lead with holiness, authority and dominion.

When women began to work outside of the home, it shifted the whole dynamics of the family structure and foundation. There was a constant power struggle between the husband and wife which applied pressure on the family not to mention societal and economic pressures. Not only was there a power struggle, but there was an identity crisis, character flaws and a lack of Biblical values and principles established to build a strong foundation. With the rise of inflation, it’s nearly impossible to have only one source of income in the household. This has added financial conflicts, tension, anxiety and increased stress levels in the family.

In Esphesian 5:25-27, it states, “25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

In an act of obedience and commitment, the foundation established by a strong family result in raising up disciplined and respectful children.

little girl with soccer ball

“Train up a child in which way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov 22:6

The importance of instruction, discipline, obedience and guidance in raising a child in their early stages of life reflects the Lord’s natural and spiritual design and intentions for the family.

The role of a father is one of great sacrifice and dedication to the family. He has great responsibility and many heavy burdens that should be released to the Lord to carry – not only financially but mentally, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.

infant hand holding father's hand

As we honor Father’s Day, may we celebrate the strength and endurance of the men who lead with dignity, wisdom and strength in a world that is constantly changing and with the demands and pressures of life that are fierce to undertake.

family walking in sunset in a field

Prayer for Our Fathers

For the fathers who have lost children, may the Lord comfort and strengthen you in your time of grief. May you receive courage, support and encouragement to fill the pain and void in your life.

May you walk with the hand of the Father who guides every step you take and every decision you make. May you desire a deeper relationship with the Lord to overcome every challenge, opposition or temptation that you face. May the hand of God shield and protect you and your family from any harm or danger as you walk in faith and lead with integrity, courage and tenacity in every area- family, business and life.. With trust and assurance, may you receive the provision and abundant blessings of peace, rest and grace to sustain you.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Related Bible Verses

Eph 6:1-4

Eph 3:17-19

Exodus 20:12

Psalm 103:13

Luke 15:18-20

Prov 22:6

Prov 23:24

Prov 20:7

Cradled in Grace: A Mother’s Love Through the Heart of God

Posted on by yolandaberry
Reply
newborn baby, holding baby

Photo image by Pixabay Sherwood

Mothers are a reflection of God’s love. Unfortunately, not all mothers have the same heart and intentions for their children. It’s heartbreaking to hear stories of abuse, neglect, rejection, and abandonment.

On the other side of the spectrum, Mother’s Day magnifies the heartache and pain of losing a child. For women who’ve lost their son or daughter through sickness, drug addiction, suicide, gun violence or a tragic accident, you are not forgotten. You may find support for your loved one at The Angel Mom Collective and SayTheirNamesMonuments. May the Lord strengthen and comfort all mothers grieving the loss of a child.

The qualities of a mother embodies genuine love, sacrifice, wisdom, compassion, strength and nurturing characteristics.

In Proverbs 31:26-30, it states, “Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

We are living in a time where mothers are under extreme pressure to raise their children. Their focus to protect them from physical harm and danger as well as implement online safety measures leaves mothers with profound anxieties and fears.

flower,

Photo image by Pixabay MrBassDeluxe

When you can shift your focus to the Lord’s protection and guidance and teach them Biblical values and morals when they’re young, the Lord will continuously chase after that one child all the days of their life. A child void of the absence of God is in extreme danger of the devices, plots and schemes of the enemy. When they are not raised with a spiritual foundation, they are led into the world that will eventually devour their life because they were not given the spiritual tools to overcome sin, temptations of the flesh, understand their identity in Christ, stand in faith, develop resilience in hardship and fight spiritual warfare.

The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy, but I have come to give you life more abundantly.

John 10:10

If you are a young mother or currently pregnant, I encourage you to build a strong foundation on the Word of God. When a child is born, it’s important to baptize and christen a baby for spiritual covering and protection. When they’re older, they will have the opportunity to make a decision to be baptized in the Holy Spirit in a public declaration and receive salvation as a confession of true repentance.

Photo image by Pixabay Biglinker

Spiritual practice and teaching start at the home. Unfortunately, some adults are acting out as bad as children. Making sound decisions, being respectful to others, showing appreciation and living honorably is a commodity. The fruits of the spirit which consists of love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are in high demand in society.

As parents, you should reflect a spiritual nature as a role model for your children. Children are like sponges and will absorb the same characteristics and qualities that they see in their lives. They are highly influenced by their environment and with the impact of information at their fingertips through the internet and social media, it’s making it harder to regulate what your child is exposed to and if they are living in a toxic and unstable environment, they will also mirror the same values and attributes.

Unfortunately, in today’s world, some children are very disrespectful to their parents, authority figures, and adults, in general. There is a deteriorating of morals, values and Biblical principles. This problem is infecting out social and educational system. It’s like a viral cancer that has spread across the nation.

community service, children

It will take community to repair the damage of the moral decay that we are currently experiencing in this country and around the globe. The famous saying, “It takes a whole village to raise a child,” is just an example of what’s needed at this time.

As we celebrate and honor mothers for their sacrifice, hard work, generosity, selflessness, strength and dedication, let us grow a as a community [in unity] to reflect the love of Christ everywhere we go. As the world continues to rapidly change, we must stand in agreement with God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

Mothers have great purpose and responsibilities to their children’s upbringing and household. Their sphere of influence sometimes goes unnoticed, and they may feel unappreciated. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us reflect on all they have done and all that they will do. Also, if you’ve lost your mother and grieving her loss, may you hold and treasure the memories, let go of any unresolved issues of anger, pain, resentment or bitterness and embrace her everlasting love.

Happy Mother’s Day!

May peace be upon you.

Bible Verses and Mediatation

Prov 31: 10-31

Psalm 139:13-14

Psalm 127:3

Exodus 20:12

Deut 5:16

Prov 1:8-9

A Reflection of God’s Love

Isaiah 66:13

Isaiah 49:15

The Supernatural Agenda: 7 Spheres of Influence

Posted on by yolandaberry
3

what-he-calls-you-to-he-will-equip-you-forheb-13-20-211_edited

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.

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!

Government (3)_edited

  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.

Have the latest blog post delivered right to your inbox! 

Subscribe here!