Tag Archives: God

Five Modern Lessons from the Birth of Jesus: Applying the Nativity Story to Today’s Challenges

Posted on by yolandaberry
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The birth of Jesus is painted like a sweet, fairytale Christmas story but in reality it was harsh, brutal series of events. The Christmas story is far from a glamourous one.

From the day of conception, Joseph contemplated the pregnancy of Mary until an angel appeared to him and told him not to fear. He was instructed to marry a virgin who would give birth to Jesus. The Messiah who would save the world from sin.

Mary, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was also afraid until an angel appeared and told her, “Fear not.” Joseph wondered how he would explain this miraculous conception to the community. Can you imagine the amount of pressure Joseph was under? So he took Mary and hid her away from the judgement and scrutiny of the public.

From Humble Beginnings

Upon the time of delivery, Mary and Joseph traveled for three days on a donkey. Can you imagine being pregnant and traveling for three days on a donkey? They traveled from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, also known as Bethlehem. Luke 2:4

Once they arrived, they had no shelter. They were homeless. There were no hospital or midwife. There were no place to give birth except for a stable where animals resided. Can you imagine the unpleasant smell of herds of animals living in their quarters?

Deception of King Herod

King Herod inquired of the wise men to seek the location of Jesus so that he could come and worship him. The three wise men were led by a star directly to where Jesus was born. They fell down and worshiped the young child and offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Upon discerning the instructions within a dream, the three wise men departed in a different direction and did not provide details of where Jesus was born and avoided King Herod.

Escaping the Plans of Execution

After the wise men departed, an angel appeared in a dream and told Joseph to leave Bethlehem and to go to Egypt with Jesus and Mary because King Herod ordered and planned to slaughter all children under the age of two in Bethlehem. Matt 2:13-24

After King Herod died. Joseph received another dream directing him to leave Egypt and enter into Israel. Joseph was warned in another dream to move to Galilee and dwell in a city called Nazareth.

From Journey to Journey

In this timeline of events, there is so much that can be applied in our daily lives during these challenging times. The act of obedience, discernment, humility, grace, faith and courage have essential parts to play in the story of Jesus birth.

  1. Protection under Obedience

When we actively listen to God’s voice, He will lead us directly to where we need to be. It’s not by coincidence, accident, or luck. It’s a divine leading of the Holy Spirit. There is a divine covering of protection when you’re led by God whether by place, action, or deed. He will shield you in every circumstance that you encounter.

2. Discernment of Direction

With each act of obedience, you will receive discernment and direction. The decisions we make are much like a labyrinth with many different paths, decisions, choices and options but in the end when we follow the Lord, we will reach our destination and the designated place where the Lord desires us to be. We will also be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and have a desire to please Him more than people.

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jer 29:11

3. Gift of Humility

The precious gift of humility provides heart-felt appreciation, gratitude, and thanksgiving. When you go through the storms of life, you can understand the struggles, challenges, and obstacles you’re encountering and overcoming. You are humbled by your experiences, and you realize the cost and the Power of God working in your life. You understand that it’s not in your strength but in the strength of God.

4. Guided by Faith

Living by faith is not easy. Human tendencies want to know and experience the certainties of events that will unfold favor and comfort in our lives. Walking in faith is not a cake walk, but in reality we are living by faith everyday. It’s how we utilize our faith in difficult times to navigate through the pitfalls, setbacks, discouragement, heartache, loss and pain. Faith is a gift. It is an exercised skill granted by God. The level of faith is a gift which unwraps underlying fears and fills it with courage, strength, and power. You have greater access to unlock the secret things of God by operating in faith.

Call unto Him and He will answer thee and show you great and mighty things you do not know of.

Jer 33:3

When you tap into a deeper level of faith, you have no doubts or worry. You are building a stronger relationship with the Father who is unshakeable, unmovable and unstoppable. The Lord requires faith because He has need of you. When you tap into a deeper level of faith, you are limitless to the possibilities presented as mountains of obstacles that stand before you.

Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Heb 11:1

5. Under God’s Grace

The grace of God is upon you during the most difficult seasons of your life. He will rest upon you with peace. He will be patient and gentle. The Lord is faithful. He is a loving God and cares for your well-being. He will extend His kindness and mercy upon you. God does not fail. He desires the best for you. He will strengthen and teach you. His hand is upon your life when you walk in obedience with the Lord. His hand is upon you when you fail, make mistakes or do wrong. He is a forgiving God. God does not lie. He will contend and fight your battles.

28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Acts 17:28

The five lessons from the Nativity provide helpful guidance on how to navigate through the rough terrain of life. Just like Joseph and Mary, who carried baby Jesus through the devasting attacks upon His life. They journeyed with miraculous protection, direction, and grace. Jesus, who saved the world through His gift of Salvation, provides an eternal hope for our future. Emmanuel, “God with us” surrounds us in this present moment despite the challenges, difficulties, distractions and obstacles that we face in today’s world.

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Bible References

Isaiah 9:6-7

Isaiah 7:14

Matt 1:19

Matt 2:7-12

Luke 2:1-20

Luke 1:30-33

Thankful Moments: Seven Things in Life to be Grateful for

Posted on by yolandaberry
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cup of coffee in autumn reading book
Photo Credit: RoonzNL Pixabay

In this fast-paced lifestyle of juggling so many responsibilities and daily tasks, it’s easy to rush through life without noticing the small blessings that we take for granted. When we take a moment to pause, we can reflect and capture unlimited opportunities of gratitude.

women laughing with camera and photo
Photo Credit: Yaroslav Shuraev Pixabay

-One-

Connection with Others

Whether it’s talking long hours on the phone with a friend, support of a mentor or a hug from a loved one, relationships enrich our lives. When we surround ourselves with supportive, healthy relationships it reminds us of the importance of love, compassion, empathy and understanding.

-Two-

Health and Well-being

Health is a treasured gift that is often overlooked until we are faced with physical pain or illness. The ability to wake up each day with energy, strength and vitality makes us look at life from a positive perspective and with a deeper appreciation.

woman in bed

-Three-

Discovering, Exploring, Learning and Growing

man studying with book
Photo Credit: Cottonbro Studio Pexels

Learning never ends as we age. Life is a continuous journey of discovering, exploring, researching, learning, and growing. Life can be our best teacher. Whether a formal education, self-taught, personal experiences or challenges which push us out of our comfort zones, each lesson shapes and molds us into who we are. We are not defined by our circumstances or situations, but we should be grateful for the lessons that will shift our mindset and provide a sense of accomplishment.

mountains and ocean, nature
Photo Credit: Simon Berger Pixabay

-Four-

Embracing the Beauty of Nature

Nature is awe-inspiring. From the white, crescent waves crashing upon rocks to sun-kissed sunsets or early morning sun rises to the solitude and serenity of a walk through a cluster of welcoming autumn leaves crunching under your feet, we can embrace every aspect of God’s creation.

woman boots standing on leaves
Photo Credit: Cori Emmalee Rodiquez Pixabay

-Five-

Random Acts of Kindness

It always feels good to extend kindness to others. It’s also special when others extend kindness unexpectedly. Spreading positivity, compassion, empathy, and a helping hand provides a sense of community and changes the hearts of others. Never underestimate how your behavior can impact and empower others.

baking muffins
Photo Credit: Jeshoots Pixabay

-Six-

woman crying laughing expressing emotions
Photo Credit: Liza Summer Pixabay

Overcoming Challenges

Life will always present overwhelming challenges, obstacles, and struggles. It’s how we react and respond to life’s difficulties that will change our perspectives. When we look back on everything we have overcome, it can provide a strong sense of achievement and gratitude. It demonstrates our resilience, perseverance, and personal and spiritual growth in the face of adversity. Our faith becomes even stronger and our sense of thankfulness to the Lord grows even deeper. We our strengthen from our experiences as we navigate through life’s unknown and unexpected pathway.

woman praying
Photo Credit: Dee Dee51 Pixabay

-Seven-

Relationship with God

Through every moment, the Lord has been the guiding force of protection, grace, mercy, and unconditional love. The intimate moments of prayer, bible study, worship and mediation has provided peace, strength, endurance, provision, and safety during life’s highs and lows. When we dedicate devotional time and honor God with our lives, we will experience a sense of fulfillment that the world cannot provide. It’s the foundation of where a grateful heart resides and where love overflows.

In a world that often emphasizes and indulges in seeking more, taking the time to reflect on our most thankful moments can bring a shift in our perception and perspective. It leads to a sense of contentment. As we express gratitude from our memories of the past, let us carry a fresh mindset into the future, treasuring each moment and finding joy in the little things in life yet profound aspects of life’s journey.

May you have a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

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Moments of Mediation and Daily Devotion

Phil 4:11

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Psalm 107:1
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 7:17

I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

I Thess 5:18

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Phil 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Col 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Col 4:2

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Psalm 69:30

I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving

Psalm 111

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
3 His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
6 He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the [b]heritage of the nations.

7 The works of His hands are verity[c] and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
8 They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Psalm 100:1-5

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
3 His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
6 He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the [b]heritage of the nations.

7 The works of His hands are verity[c] and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
8 They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Psalm 30

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried out to You,
And You healed me.
3 O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave;
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

4 Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of [b]His holy name.
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

6 Now in my prosperity I said,
“I shall never be moved.”
7 Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;
You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

8 I cried out to You, O Lord.
And to the Lord I made supplication:
9 “What profit is there in my blood,
When I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;
Lord, be my helper!”

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing.
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Embracing the Light of Hope: Illuminating Paths in Dark Times

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Pathway to Peace

Rising Above Discouragement and Rediscovering Hope

Discouragement and a loss of hope are at an all-time high as the world shifts and becomes darker and darker. Your thoughts are a powerful tool that holds onto memories that can affect your feelings and emotions. It’s important to remember that these feelings are temporary and that we have the power within us to overcome them. When you feel hopeless, you cannot see or envision beyond your present circumstances. What do you need to put death to? Fear of the future? Old relationships? Failures? Financial challenges? Addictions? Depression and anxiety? Grief?

Life is full of ups and downs, and there are times when we all face discouragement and loss of hope Whether it’s a setback in our careers, a relationship gone sour, death of a loved one, or simply feeling stuck in a rut, these moments can leave us feeling defeated and wondering if things will ever get better.

You may feel that your life is a waste and you do not have a purpose. You may feel that you’re not enough when you compare yourself to others. However, whatever you tell yourself is a lie from the enemy. The devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy but God comes to give you life abundantly. John 10:10

You were born with a purpose. Every hard place you’ve experienced has been preparation for your next level or phase in life. Hope is the key that unlocks the endurance, strength, resilience, and stamina to keep going forward. Grace is the gift that the Lord provides to sustain you. Nothing is more relevant in a moment of despair than having hope. When you hang onto hope, you gain empowerment to make decisions that can impact and change the trajectory of your life.

Let’s take a deeper look at the meaning of hope.

Hope:

Noun:   the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out of the best:

              to give up hope

              A particular instance of this feeling:

              the hope of winning

Verb:     (used with object) hoped, hoping

              To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.

              To believe, desire or trust:

              I hope that my work will be satisfactory.

Verb:     (used without object), hoped, hoping

              To feel that something desire may happen:

              We hope for an early spring.

When you put your trust in people and things, you are bound to be disappointed because “man” will always fail but when you seek the Lord, He will provide unspeakable strength, wisdom, and endurance to keep going despite the obstacles and challenges in life.

Do not put your trust in princes,
    in human beings, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
    on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord their God.

Psalm 146:3-5

In this blog post, we will explore strategies to help you rise above discouragement and reignite the flame of hope within you. We will also fill the void with understanding the importance of building a relationship with the Lord.

Here is a seven-step process that will help you focus and release feelings of despair.

1.  Acknowledge and Accept: The first step towards overcoming discouragement is acknowledging and accepting your emotions. It’s okay to feel down and disappointed; denying these emotions will only prolong the healing process. Allow yourself to experience and process your feelings, but also remind yourself that they don’t define you or your future.

2.  Reflect and Reframe: Take time to reflect on the source of your discouragement, disappointment or anger and evaluate your perspective. Sometimes, our negative thoughts and beliefs can magnify our feelings of hopelessness. Challenge those thoughts and reframe them into more positive and empowering ones. Replace “I can’t do it” with “I am capable of overcoming this challenge.”

3.  Seek Support: Remember, you don’t have to face discouragement alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a trusted mentor who can provide a listening ear, encouragement, and guidance. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others can provide valuable insights and remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles.

4.  Set Small Goals: When hope feels distant, it can be helpful to break down your larger goals into smaller, achievable ones. Focus on taking small steps forward each day. Celebrate even the tiniest victories, as they will build momentum and give you a sense of progress.

5. Practice Self-Care: During challenging times, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care. Engage in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Take care of your physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs through exercise, proper nutrition, quality sleep, prayer, reading the Bible, and worship. Listening to worship music uplifts the soul. Nurturing yourself will increase your resilience and help you bounce back from discouragement.

6.  Embrace Change and Adaptability: Often, discouragement arises from unexpected changes or setbacks. Instead of resisting change, embrace it as an opportunity for growth rather than dwelling on the problem. Remember, setbacks are not permanent roadblocks but steppingstones toward your ultimate success.

7.  Cultivate a Positive Mindset: A positive mindset is a powerful tool in overcoming discouragement. Surround yourself with positivity by practicing gratitude, visualizing your future success, and filling your mind with uplifting and motivational resources. Engage in activities like journaling and meditating on the Word to shift your spirit and encourage an optimistic outlook.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Rom 8:5-6

You will need to have patience, perseverance, and self-compassion. By implementing these strategies and embracing a proactive mindset, you can rise above your challenges and rediscover the hope that lies within you. God provides all power and strength, but you must believe in yourself and keep moving forward despite the challenges and obstacles.

Where there is hope lies peace.

Yolanda Berry

When you build a relationship with the Lord, you will be filled with the Holy Spirit which will empower you to overcome the most challenging circumstances. It starts with a foundation of faith, trust, and belief in the character of God and His righteousness. His Word is truth and sustains you. He is the guiding hand that leads you and directs your path. You no longer question the simplicity or the complexity of life. You may not understand the full picture, but the Lord will provide the missing puzzle pieces within the span of your life.

For in this hope, we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Rom 8:24-26

The Lord values you so much that He gave His Son for you. You are priceless. You are His treasured possession. Once you realize your worth, you won’t settle for less. You are granted the opportunity to live an abundant life full of peace, power, strength, wisdom, and prosperity. Don’t allow the enemy to strip you of God’s promises. The Lord has given you the authority to destroy anything that is not in alignment with His plan and purpose for your life. The question is do you believe it? Seek the Lord for clarity and wisdom. You will be raised from the pits of darkness into his marvelous light. Let His love guide you into all truth and infuse you with hope.

Through the many trials and storms of life, this e-book was written as a sentiment of God’s glory of His faithfulness in my life. It’s a continuous reminder of His promises. May it anchor your faith and calm the storms in your life.

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Meditation and Reflection

1 Corth 6:19-20

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Rom 10-11

10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[d] because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of[e] his Spirit who lives in you.

Rom 8:12-13

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Rom 8:18

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Rom 8:28

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 

Rom 8:31

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Rom 8:35-39

5 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Heb 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Matt 6:19-21

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matt 6:24-25

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Matt 6:27

27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?

Matt 6:33

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Luke 8:14

14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

1 John 5:11

11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 Tim 6:9-10

9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

1 Tim 6:17-19

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.