Tag Archives: Faith Forward

Seeing Past Your Blindspot

Posted on by yolandaberry
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“Brethen, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Phil 3:13

When you look through a rear view mirror, you cannot see a specific area when you are backing up a vehicle. If you assume or estimate the distance without really knowing if anyone or anything is behind the blind spot, it can lead to imminent danger if you are not cautious.

Many times in life, you may face a blind spot. The blind spot is a very uncomfortable place. You feel stuck. You don’t know which direction to go. You don’t have clear vision. You may not even understand how and why you got yourself in such a predicament, situation or circumstance. It’s a lonely place. It’s a temporary place. It’s an unpredictable place.

In the blind spot, people’s approval or opinions does not matter. It’s a place of solitude. You do not care about seeking advice or listening to a circle of friends, but you are in desperate need to hear from God alone.

The blind spot was designed to remove you from your comfort zone. It was created to stretch your faith. It is a place and moment in time where God gets your attention by calling you to a new place either spiritually or physically. It’s a place that you’re yet to discover. It’s also a place where you can’t force things to happen on your own terms, in your own way and on your own timeline. You must trust God in knowing that He is working behind the scenes.

Although it’s beautiful to hold onto joyous memories, it can slow you down or hold you back if you continue to hold onto the past or feel that life will never be the same. Due to unfortunate circumstances such as a death of a loved one, an illness, a sudden disability, or even surviving a natural disaster, it’s possible that life will never be the same, but God has much more promises and dreams to fulfill in your life. He has much more people for you to meet. He has many more opportunities to receive. Many more mistakes to learn from and many places for you to visit and explore. He has much more love for you to share. “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future.” Jer 29:11

You can’t continue to go in reverse and keep dwelling on past mistakes, bad experiences or memories. You must forge ahead with assurance and confidence knowing that you have much more to experience, learn and understand. You can’t move forward if you continue to look backwards. You have to give the Lord the driver’s wheel and trust that He will lead you in the right direction.

“Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Heb 11:1

Living on Purpose

Posted on by yolandaberry
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I’m compelled to address the current job market situation with over 24.5 million unemployed workers in the job market as stated on the Yahoo website on May 17th. I’m surprised that I haven’t written about this issue sooner.

My blog was created in the midst of the economic downturn through my own experiences with job loss. However, I really felt the economic condition was too overwhelming for me to address. I remember my pastor at my home church in Atlanta taught me if you see a need, you should fill it.

There are a lot of hurting people in the world who are devastated by their loss on all levels: Financial, material, emotional, psychological, and emotional. They have loss their jobs, cars, material possessions, even their homes and not to exclude the people who suffered loss through natural disasters who have even loss their family members.

How do you find hope and hold onto your faith in troublous times? In Matthew 6:24 it states, “No man can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Most people have an attachment to their “things” which is an idol if you treasure it too the point that you put it before the Lord. Technology, celebrities, sports, etc is also another type of idolization. These “things” also include job titles, status, class or position which is defined by society and yourself; by what you own, where you live and who you are including in your associations.

Most people carry an emotional and psychological attachment to their Things.” It’s a form of bondage and weight when you have to live up to a certain image or status. Even though we live in a physical world, we must not get too attached to material things. There is a danger when your happiness, joy and peace are tied to what the world defines as success.

In Luke 9: 25 it states, “What profit a man if he gained the whole world and lose his soul.” It’s very unhealthy to think people or things will fulfill or satisfy your needs. You can spend a lifetime searching in frustration.

People seek “things” to fulfill and satisfy their needs. I’m not exempt from the desire to want and buy “things.” Through my experience, you must consciously guard your mind and heart not to allow temptation to overtake you. You must learn to emotionally and psychologically detach from material possessions, a job, location or whatever is keeping you in a prison. Simplicity is freedom.

Most people are not really doing what they love or want to do in life. This lack of fulfillment leads to frustration, anger and bitterness. In a position, salary or job responsibilities is the main reason why people decide to leave a position. Unfortunately, with the recession, this is no longer the case. You may be underemployed or unemployed. In either case, you are left feeling worthless, discouraged, taken advantage or under-appreciated.

The majority of people may not be utilizing their skills, talents and abilities that God has designed for them to use as a service for others. When you are working “On” purpose, you receive enthusiasm, energy and creativity. Notice I said, “On” purpose which means it’s a set of skills, talents or abilities that can be used in any industry “for” the same purpose. When you are working “On” purpose, you will feel a sense of accomplishment no matter how small the tasks. You will feel complete and satisfied because you are fulfilling “your” purpose.

You must access your past work experiences and know your weaknesses and strengths, likes and dislikes to begin the journey. Directing your journey should be a strong prayer life and Bible study, as well as building a network of spiritual-led and positive minded individuals who can encourage, support and uplift you during your challenges and obstacles towards your purpose. You simply cannot expect to jump in your car and go on a road trip without a GPS system, map, or driving instructions. I hope you get the point.

So here is that stinging question again? How do you find hope and hold onto your faith in troublous times? The key word is “Endurance.” Due not grow weary in well doing, but in due season you will reap if you faint not.”

In other words, “Don’t Give Up!!!” Moving in faith will not be easy, but it’s attainable despite whatever circumstances you’re facing right now.

In Psalm 30, it states, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” In translation, through every dark cloud, there is a silver lining or a rainbow. It’s imperative that you just keep pushing through the storms of life.

Most of all, in Matthew 6:25-32 it states, “The Lord orders your steps.” You must be patient. In Hebrews 6:12 it states, “It’s through faith and patience that you will inherit the promises.” It’s on God’s timing and sometime God’s seasons are extremely looooong!!!

To endure the trial, your faith must be tested to see what’s really in your heart. If you really want to know a person, everything is revealed within their heart. Will you still love God despite your desert experience? In Luke 9:23 it states, “To pick up your cross and follow me” which means it’s not about you. He wants to to put Him first in all areas of your life.

You are made and designed for God’s purposes and to complete His will. Be still and know that He is God. Psalm 46:10 In the process of being still, you still need to work towards the goals. Faith without works is dead. He will reveal your purpose and what you need to do.

In the meantime, He completely molds, shapes and transforms your character to who He designed you to be—not by the world’s definition or standards.

Self-Control: Crucifying the Flesh

Posted on by yolandaberry
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About three months ago, my friend asked me to blog about the subject, “Self Control.” I thought it was a great topic because I was planning on writing about each of the characteristics of the fruits of the spirit which is “Love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.” (Gal 5:22)

I announced my idea for my next blog post to my twitter followers. Unfortunately, life got in the way even though I made many attempts to write. Then, I realized that I needed as much help in this area as my friend did.

As we begin a New Year, I am determined to continue any past goals from last year that was not accomplished, as well as set new goals for a new beginning.

Procrastination has always been an obstacle for me. I believe it falls under the same category as having self-control. It’s a combination of choices and decisions or lack of which leads us in a certain direction. We are accountable to our behavior and patterns. We may not have total control of our external environment, but we are responsible for ourselves and how we choose to deal with life circumstances and the path we choose.

When I think of all the wasted time, it frustrates and angers me, but I don’t believe in living in past regrets. Despite any circumstance, obstacle or situation that may block or hinder our paths, it’s important to move forward. You can change your present and future outcome with what you do today. Each minute of every day counts. So I sit here at my computer compelled to write my thoughts on self-control.

How do we gain control of our lives when things seem to be spinning out of control in the world? We are constantly influenced by the images and stories we hear through multiple streams of media communications. The power behind our decisions which is influenced by internal and external factors causes us to eventually reflect on our position in life.

“Those in Christ have crucified the flesh with the affections and lust.” (Gal 5:24) which means to refrain our body and mind from lusts and pleasures from the world system and guard our eyes, ears and heart from negative influences that slowly affect the thoughts and behavior patterns which will eventually influence our words and actions and enter into our hearts. “For out of the heart, the abundance speaks.” In other words, what is buried in your heart eventually comes forth through the words that you speak. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (II Corth 10:3-5)

Having control over our flesh is very challenging because we live in a physical world. We encounter many desires on a daily basis. People are dealing with many types of addictions: Drugs, alcohol, food, co-dependency, shopping, sports, sex, pornography, computers and cell phone usage along with many other addictions. These addictions are an attack from the enemy on your physical, mental, financial, emotional or psychological nature as well as your time. The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy, but God has come to give you life more abundantly. (John 10:10).

To gain control of our lives, we must know the power of God’s word, His promises and benefits to overcome the attacks, schemes and plots of Satan. We can’t blame everything on the enemy because we our responsible for our behavior. However, the root of temptation can influence our decisions and choices.

I recommend finding a support group or counseling, joining a Bible-based church, surrounding yourself with positive people, studying the Bible and most important developing a relationship with Jesus through daily prayer.

We must call those things that are not as though they were. Rom 4:17 Live by faith. Faith is developed by being faithful and obedient in God’s word. It’s trusting God and giving our burdens to Him. Faith is also a gift given by our Father. Each person receives a level of faith, but we must act. Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1). Faith without works is dead. (James 2:20 )So we must continually put our faith into action.

As we start the New Year, let us be conscious of our thoughts and behavior so we can produce the right results in our lives and reap the rewards at the end of the year.

If you are dealing with serious addictions, I recommend you get wise counsel. There are many outreach programs, support groups or non-profit organizations that can assist you on the road to recovery.

Make each day count. Each day is a new beginning so take it one day at a time. It’s also not an accident that you came across this blog post. Please receive these words with love and begin to take one small step in the right direction. You will not regret it. God has great things in store for you.

Cheers to a new beginning!

Peace & love always,