Rest in His Presence

“My voice will you hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and will look up.” Psalm 5:3

The best part of my day is waking up early in the morning after I’m fully rested. The stillness and solitude is the essence of peace. I capture the moment in prayer and reflection.

Some people wake up to self-created chaos and noise. Others have so many obligations and tight, demanding schedules which make it impossible to even imagine starting the day in stillness. Many people are paralyzed and gripped with fear watching the realities unfolding daily on the world news as well as in their daily lives.

With responsibilities of a family, others are left with high demands for caring for others which leaves rarely enough time for themselves. Stressful situations or circumstances can be heavy on our  minds. Physical illness can also strip any sense of peace of mind and cause additional worries that can leave one feeling helpless, fearful, discouraged and insecure about their future. “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” 2 Tim 1:7

With so many burdens plaguing the average person on a daily basis, we really need to evaluate and carve out time in our crammed schedules and overwhelming circumstances to mediate, pray and focus on silence. No children, cell phones, laptops, tablets, TV’s, radios or iPods allowed. Just time to be. Even if it’s only for 15-30 minutes a day. Eventually, once you start to notice how important it is to have a “time-out”, you will carve out special time for yourself and dedicate a specific amount of time per day or per week to unwind. “Evening, and morning and at noon, will I pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice. He has delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.” Psalm 55:17-18

There’s just something extra special about quality time in the mornings. It’s the freshness of a new day with new ideas and new goals with an opportunity to make things better than the day before. “Seek me early and you will find me.”

Allow yourself time to dream again. No thinking or worrying involved. The time to do absolutely nothing without feeling guilty, rushed or anxious. Your body, mind and spirit will appreciate it. You will feel re-energized and rejuvenated. In addition, you will jump start your mornings on a whole new level. You are well worth the investment.

“Stand in awe, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.” Psalm 4:4

A Call To Action

 

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It has been five years since the nightmare on Wall Street, the downturn in the housing market, economic homicide, stock market suicide and job market genocide. We have experienced a constant series of rollercoaster events to last a lifetime: Natural disasters, global, social and political turmoil.  Now, we’re facing another panic attack in Congress over extreme budget cuts in our nation. Have you had enough?

A Heart of Prayer

When life seems to be spiraling out of control, it is only through prayer that makes a difference. Man is not in control as much as the world system believes. We serve an unlimited, omniscient, all-knowing God. “God who works all things out for our highest good”. Romans 8:28

Perhaps, God is calling us to acknowledge Him. Desire Him. Understand Him. Love Him. We simply can’t keep living less than His expectations and intentions that He created us to be. Phil 2:13

A Heart of Repentance

We can’t continue to sleep walk through life while others walk dead. “Awake thou that sleeps and arise from the dead and Christ will give you light. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise redeeming the time because the days are evil. Therefore, be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Esph 5:14-17 We need a touch from God: A spiritual awakening. A revival. Only the power of God can change the direction the world is going. Repentance must be at the heart of every man.  “Every knee shall bow and confess that He is Lord.”Phil 2:10-11

A Heart of Service

We are in a new season. The year is still young. Let’s add caring to our resolution list for mankind in 2013. We need a call to action. We must also serve our neighborhoods, our communities , our world. We have all been hit with some type of devastation in our lives: A death of a loved one, an illness, a tragic accident, foreclosure, divorce, abusive relationships, addictions, job loss, bankruptcy and other horrific things. We can’t escape life, but we can heal our wounds. It takes each of us. When we give back to others, we enrich our own lives and uplift others. We cannot afford to wait for someone else to make a difference. There is power in one, but there is also power in the masses. “Many are called, but few are chosen.”

The corruption, greed, and hatred is a manifestation of the enemy magnified on the earth whose mission is to kill, steal and destroy. The Lord’s intention is to give us life more abundantly. John 10:10

A Heart to Build Future Generations

There may not be much we can personally do about the decisions made in Washington, but you can decide what you can do to make a difference in your community. Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” When Christ lives within us, “We can do all things in Christ which strengthens us.”Phil 4:13

We can begin to rebuild a new future for the next generation which starts with one prayer at a time and one brick at a time.

A Change in Season

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Photo Credit: Yolanda Berry

As we come upon New Year’s Eve, we often reflect back on our lives and flood our thoughts with many memories of the past year. We often re-evaluate our dreams, goals, aspirations and vision. We either become greatly motivated or unseemingly depressed as we remember the past year’s victories and defeats. But, we must look ahead with great expectation with hope.

It seems as if time is moving faster. I feel like I just posted my New Year’s message and another year is upon us once again. Did you do everything that you planned or wished for?

When we begin to realize that life will deal unexpected experiences and circumstances, we will begin to realize how precious life really is. Unfortunately, alot of people did not even see the end of this year. This should give us a fresh perspective and we should seriously begin to appreciate and value every season in life that we experience for we are not promised tomorrow. As each year passes, I begin to realize this more and more.

On another note, we should make every effort to live our lives to the fullest potential. What’s holding you back? Don’t keep putting off what you want to do in life. It’s time to make a change. Take the time to look to the future with great expectation with hope. Don’t let circumstances or people dictate or control your divine destiny. God is bigger than your circumstances. There will always be someone who will not agree or believe in what you want to do. Keep moving forward until you see results. Take each day one day at a time and don’t look at your overall goals which always seem to be overwhelming. Just take time to carve out a plan and work that plan until you harvest fruit.

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
— 1 Corinthians 2:9

May you be blessed with abundant health, peace, provision and protection for the upcoming year.

Happy New Year’s 2013!