Tag Archives: emotions

America is facing an Identity Crisis

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 will not stand. Matt 12:25

America is on fire and on the brink of eminent change. The gradual breakdown of injustice, inequality, intimidation, fear and unrest is a direct result of consistently sweeping issues under the rug over a period of time. If one does not learn from past lessons, one is destined to repeat the same cycle until the lesson is learned.

Every system and organization is collapsing. It is like throwing water on a grease fire. The political, educational, social, financial, economical, religious structures is facing a definite crisis that we have never experienced before in our lifetime.

When a nation loses its identity, they will fall for anything and stand for nothing. Our country has become complacent in their value and moral systems, they pacify their true identity and characteristics of what it takes to build a strong, healthy and viable society.  Just like a family structure, a family breaks down without unity. The family becomes fragmented resulting in discord, chaos, confusion, disorder and division.

There has been a continuous phase of splintered systems for the past few decades. In 2008, a paradigm shift began.  Lives have been shaken and transformed.

This is a time of great exposure. The Lord is revealing the corruption, greed, bribery and scandals on every level.  Even the use of social media is exposing all levels of chaos and corruption. It is webbing perspectives, viewpoints and communication for a greater understanding and higher purpose. Truth is smacking us in the face in every direction. However, this is not a time to walk in fear.

We must take a hard look at possible solutions to correct the ways of humanity.

When a society continues to live in complacency and ignore or hide behind reality eventually the ultimate issues will surface until they are dealt with.  The act of violence is raging in our communities just like a fire ignites and accelerates.

This shift is inclusive to accepting man’s ways instead of God’s ways. There is an escalation of lawlessness and fraud when good is considered evil and evil is considered good.

When morals, values, justice and integrity starts to breakdown in society, the structure disintegrates as a whole. The moral fabric that knits us together begins to unravel.

Each one of us has a specific function in the Body of Christ and in society. When a body is healthy, it operates in unity. Each part is designed to complete and carry out a specific task or function. One cannot operate without the other to work properly. As a whole, the purpose is manifested.

As an ambassador for Christ, you are called to walk in love and obedience with integrity, respect and honor. We are made in God’s image which is holy and pure.

These occurrences did not happen overnight. It is now midnight in America. As the masses walk in chaos, fear, intimidation, worry and pain, the children of God’s elect must shine His light in the center of darkness. We must speak out for justice. Let us not walk in anger but in love.

Whatever capacity of Godly influence you have, it’s time to occupy that space. It’s long overdue. The Father is unfolding His plans and purposes in our lives. Let us pray for discernment and wisdom to answer the call.

Much like a caterpillar, transformation is an ugly process, however through each stage a beautiful butterfly emerges. Let us focus on the beautiful qualities and characteristics that the Lord possesses which will guide and lead us into our true identity in Christ and let us mirror His image in the world.

Prayer

Lord, I seek your wisdom and discernment to lead others to Christ. Let the fire of the Holy Spirit burn so deep within me that your flames spark the hearts and transform the minds of men.

Lord, let us discern truth and dismantle lies in all areas of our lives. Help us to appoint humble and noble leadership in the decisions we face in our nation and for our future. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture References

Power

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Isaiah 40:29

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. Luke 10:19

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Act 1:8

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power Eph 1:17-19

Emotions

13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. Psalm 94:13

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom 8:8

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:15

Walking in Love

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Col 3:12-14

Wisdom

2 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

Prov 2:1-5

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10

5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Prov 1:5

Courage

6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deut 31:6

13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. I Corth 16:13

Integrity

26 Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

Psalm 26:1-5

2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. Prov 11:2-3

Submission to Authority

13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Rom 13:1

44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. Psalm 119:44-45

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. I Sam 15:23

Encouragement

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Coth 1:3-4

The Greatest Christmas Presence

Posted on by yolandaberry
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During this season, we are busy preparing for the biggest day of the year: Baking cookies, stringing lights on the tree, attending Christmas parties, going shopping, and wrapping presents.

Christmas can also be a very depressing and lonely time of the year for many. While family and friends gather together, many are left alone. Others are left without gifts, food, or shelter. Others may have lost a loved one and Christmas is just not the same anymore.  It can crush someone’s spirit when they don’t feel joy and cannot celebrate as others do.

Jesus cares. It’s through Him that we share His same spirit to help and assist one another in life. A kind word, a hug, a listening ear, a warm touch, or simply a smile can heal unspoken wounds or silent tears.

Jesus is with you in the most desperate of times. His name, “Emmanuel” means God with us. Yes, we may ignore his presence when everything is going great in our lives, but He never leaves us regardless if we acknowledge him or not. He patiently waits for us to come to Him. He is patient and kind and loves us more than we will ever know.

Through all the exciting festivities, I challenge you to take time out during the holiday season to focus on the reason for the season which is the birth of Christ. The Lord sent His Son for our salvation which is the greatest gift in the world. His presence is forever with us. We are part of His heavenly family once we acknowledge Him and accept Him into our hearts as our Lord and Savior.

I-pads, tablets, iPhones, the latest video games, or flat-screen TVs will never compare. Jesus is the greatest Christmas presence ever known.

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Emmanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”  Luke 2:14

Renewing Your Mind

Posted on by yolandaberry
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As we anxiously wait for the first day of summer, let us not forget this is the perfect time to reflect on the goals we set during the beginning of the year. We are halfway through 2010. Let us not to forget to evaluate our lives and what we plan to achieve by the end of the year. We are always reminded during Spring to clean out the clutter, so we may receive new things.

Let us not forget to clean out our minds which include bad memories and habits, defeated thoughts and attitudes or anything else that may be holding us back from receiving what God has promised us as His children. “Behold, I am doing a new thing. Old things have passed away. Behold, I make all things new.” II Corth 5:17

Refocus on Priorities

It’s important to take time to reflect on your life in a positive way. Don’t beat yourself up for goals that you haven’t attained just yet. But, just learn to refocus on priorities and set small goals to work towards what you desire to achieve.

Build a Support System

Also, you must pay close attention to your social environment. You should build a strong support system of family, friends, neighbors, classmates and church associates.

What type of people do you surround yourself? Make sure you are surrounding yourself with positive people who will inspire, encourage and motivate you. Pay attention to the details of the heart of people that you interact with on a daily basis. What are their motives or intentions? Are their actions and words positive or negative? Take note of their behavior and decide whether you choose to be around them. You are valuable and so is your time.

You should spend time expanding your mind. If you don’t enjoy reading, make it a point to watch a movie or documentary that will give you a different perspective on life. You need to refresh your mind. Water your mind with knowledge and watch it grow. In scripture it states, “My people will perish for the lack of knowledge.” So, don’t be afraid to surround yourself with people who think differently than you do. Expose yourself to new cultures, races, creeds, religions or non-religious people. Be open to new ideas, opinions and thoughts. You can have a healthy conversation without having a debate or argument. That’s what makes life interesting. You do not have to agree with the person, but please make sure you respect them.

Guard Your Heart and Thoughts

It’s important to guard your thoughts. It’s so easy to dwell on negative emotions or words that will eventually influence your mind and behavior. Be mindful of what you allow to enter into your mind. There are many negative influences that surround us in the world and it doesn’t take long for a negative seed to be planted in your mind which eventually takes root. It’s much like weeds growing among beautiful, green grass. Weeds tend to multiply quickly and destroy the view. If you feed your mind junk, that’s exactly what you will eventually believe or think.

We are constantly influenced by images, words and stereotypes that influence the way we think. We have been so programmed that we often do not really learn to think for ourselves anymore. Don’t rely on gossip or rumors, but confront the source to get the correct information. Let’s be conscious of what we choose to listen to since this has a strong impact on how we see ourselves and others and can eventually influence our overall behavior.

Fill your mind with God’s word. It’s the most important thing you can do to withstand the attacks from the enemy. The only way to win the battles that come against you is to put on the armor of the Lord. To overcome the storms of life, you must read and study God’s word. It’s filled with power, truth, protection, guidance and His promises. Through daily mediation on God’s word, you will start to build faith, strength and courage to overcome the challenges and obstacles that you face. Through prayer, you will build a relationship with the Lord and will be shielded through your trials and tribulations. Even though bad things will still happen, hold onto your faith. You will have to endure many tests in life. Keeping your heart and mind grounded in the word of God, will eventually lead you to the harvest He has prepared for you.