Tag Archives: Edification

Spring Cleaning: Time to Get Your House in Order

Posted on by yolandaberry
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“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” Matt 12:25

As we eagerly wait for Spring to arrive and leave the harsh, bitter Winter behind, our minds are focused on warmer weather, budding flowers and spending time outside. We welcome fresh renewal by purging the old items we no longer want, cleaning our homes and reorganizing our spaces.

The foundation of our living space should be a peaceful dwelling place. I usually refer to home as “My sanctuary.” It’s a place where you should be comfortable and it should provide an escape from the outside world.

Sadly enough, some people do not have a steady foundation. Their homes are built on disrespect, lack of trust, abuse or neglect. Instead of the home being a place of refuge, it’s a place of war consisting of conflicts, stress and strife.

When your spirit (also known as your “temple” or “house”) is out of order, it mirrors your personal space. The confusion often felt on the inside manifests itself in the physical realm.

When your space is clean, organized and quiet, you have the opportunity to think better and even have more peace. You will also have harmony,  balance in your home, and increase in productivity.

The same way we clean a house; we should clean our spirit daily. We need to give up:  Sin, temptation, lust, jealousy, gossip and bad language. We also need to let go of the past, purge negative thinking and release pain, guilt or shame. We should forgive others, accept what we cannot change and begin to move forward with faith and hope. If there’s anything that is blocking us from getting closer to the Lord, we need to relinquish and surrender to be set free. When we welcome Christ into the midst of our house, the atmosphere will change (internally and externally). “Thou will show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

Scripture References:

“All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Either make the tree good, and his fruit is good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matt 12:31-34

 “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, I will return into my house from which I came out; and when he is come, he finds it empty, swept and garnished. Then goes he and takes with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” Matt 12: 43-45

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord; till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12-13

“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.” Heb 4:12

“Therefore whosoever hears this sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house (spirit) upon a rock; And when the rain descended, and the floods came; and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. (The Word of God). And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell and great was the fall of it.” Matt 7: 24-27

 

Light in the Midst of Darkness

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Last week, I was on my way home and had a negative thought that I’m  not representing the Lord very well because I’ve been in such a very dismal mood.  I was running low on energy and feeling very down.  I took notice of my environment and saw that mostly everyone either looked mad at the world,  extremely serious or just had no expression at all.  I rarely see a smile on anyone’s face in my daily travels and it’s even rare that I see strangers extend a hint of friendliness or politeness to one another.  I started to really examine how society as well as my own community has deteriorated. There is no more respect for others. Values have been washed away and morals have been erased. Our youth are running wild and companies are stealing, lying and cheating with no repercussions or penalties.

As a representative of Christ, our actions should reflect the love of Christ in everything we do and say.  In such a chaotic world, I sometimes feel that my actions will not mean anything in comparison to how much needs to be done in the world that we live in. It has left me feeling powerless and that I cannot possibly shine God’s light in such a dark world.

Strangely, I felt like I was becoming part of the darkness and it scared me. I quickly was reminded how powerful our thoughts are and how we should guard our thoughts and keep it under the obedience of Christ.   I also started to think about how strong God’s power is to illuminate light in the darkness. How quickly I forgot that I can’t do this in my own power! I realized that God has placed me in a specific environment to carry out His purpose. I’m not suppose to grow weary or burn out because of life’s circumstances. Jesus said, ” I am the light of the world.”  John 9:5. “It’s through Him, we move and have our being.” I’m also reminded of the scripture. “It’s not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” said the Lord. We must not grow tired in times of distress or frustration.  When we carry the Holy Spirit within us, we have the ability to change the atmosphere in any environment. We also have the ability to draw strength from the Lord. “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” I realized that somewhere along the line I must have lost that inner joy that came from the Lord.  It’s in the secret place of the most High when I  praise His name that I find strength. This is where I realized that I had lost my focus.  When you put the Lord first, many eternal promises are fulfilled and you lack nothing including joy, strength and His light.

It was very strong for me to post this intimate story because I’ve had about five confirmations this past week in regard to shining God’s light. It’s God’s way of nudging me to write for His purpose. I don’t believe in coincidences and I know there is someone who needs to read this message right now.  So take an introspective look at yourself today and find the light within because  “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a  lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. So let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light, who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. “

I Peter 2

Hope for the Hopeless

Posted on by yolandaberry
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girl-depressed

I created this blog on the foundation of hope. Hope is a powerful word and even more powerful when put to action. When you have hope you have the courage to keep believing, keep going and keep striving. If you are still breathing, you still have hope. Things still have an opportunity to change for the better. It’s a matter of eliminating the negative thoughts and walking by faith despite your circumstances. You have to feed your mind with positive thoughts and surround yourself with people who will uplift your spirits. Sometimes it’s better to be by yourself than to be with someone who will tear you down or speak words of doubt or negativity.

Hope gives you imagination and allows you to work towards your goals. Hope is purpose and inspiration.

“I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11)

Hope keeps you moving in the right direction….

As we enter the Fall, lets shake off the negativity of life and prepare for a new season of promises. It starts with your thoughts. Just like the colored leaves and acorns fall off of trees, get rid of the old and prepare for the new things that life has to offer. You may not see the change happen immediately, but with time you will eventually see a transformation.

Live with hope and high expectation.

Through the many trials and storms of life, this e-book was written as a sentiment of God’s glory of His faithfulness. It is a reminder of His promises. May it anchor your faith and calm the storms and challenges in your life. You can download a copy here:

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