Tag Archives: Spiritual Growth

The Guardian of Safety, Protection and Well-being

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Discover how God’s unwavering presence serves as our ultimate source of safety, refuge, and well-being, offering peace and confidence through adversity and life’s uncertainties.

The disciples walked with Jesus and experienced miraculous miracles, yet they still had disbelief. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink as he walked on the water. Matt 14:22-33

After the resurrection, Thomas asked to place his fingers in Jesus’ wounded hands as proof and evidence of his resurrection.

When they found out that Lazarus died, Martha who proclaimed to believe that Jesus would resurrect Lazurus from the dead shifted to unbelief when Jesus commanded to roll away the stone and yelled, “Lazurus, come forth!”

When a girl of 12 years was ill, Jesus commanded everyone to leave the room due to unbelief.

Jesus could not work miracles in His hometown due to unbelief.

These are a few examples of how important trust and belief are to walking in the Spirit and standing in faith.

Fear is rooted in unbelief. The countless stories in the Bible are a reflection to the experiences we are facing in the world today. There are over 300-400 Bible passages that state, “Do not fear” yet, we struggle with worry, doubt, fear, anxiety and unbelief. We’ve been carried through countless storms and tribulations as we’ve experienced the Lord’s hand of protection, provision and security upon our lives yet, we still fear. How many more signs and wonders must Jesus perform before we trust and believe in Him? All it takes is one radical act of faith to shift the trajectory of your circumstance or situation.

The woman with the issue of blood grabbed the hem of Jesus garment for healing. A paralyzed man was healed at the pool of Bethesda after suffering for 38 years. Job’s wife told him to curse God and die and his friends strongly criticized and judged Job for self-righteousness and wrongdoing. However, Job believed God through the difficult challenges and losses that he faced.

When we walk in the Spirit, we have protection and security that cannot be explained. There is an overwhelming peace which cradles our thoughts and strengthens our emotions to handle tough situations. The Word of God activates our faith and pushes us into action. When we release fear, we have a sense of freedom. We are no longer bound to the enemies’ lies and deception. We stop second-guessing ourselves. We rely on God to perform His work and lean on the promises, decrees and declarations of His Word. Fear melts away as you establish a firm foundation on a relationship with Jesus.

It’s so easy to be afraid of what we see happening in the world. Our communities are being torn apart by drugs, crime, murders, natural disasters, financial instability, inflation and sexual immorality. There has been a steady decline in the value of life. There is an insensitivity to compassion in our culture through the violence highlighted in our entertainment.

The Lord understood all of this would take place in the end times. Prophecies are being fulfilled rapidly. So, how do you stay grounded when the world is shaking? Your emphasis and focus should remain in Him despite the turbulence. Stay rooted. Do whatever it takes to guard your peace and energy. We simply do not have time to waste on foolishness. If you have walk away, run. If you must be alone, be still. The key is to listen and be honest with your emotions however your emotions do not guide your spiritual compass. Jesus does. Emotions are fleeting. You should have self-control over your emotions. Emotions can stir you in the wrong direction. You cannot trust your emotions. They are like a rollercoaster that’s subject to your current circumstances so you must learn to hear the Lord and lean on Him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall direct your path.

Prov 3:5-6

By reading the Word of God, you will be led to direct instructions and answers on how to navigate through the maze of life. It provides peace, wisdom, assurance, and guidance.

You might not understand why things may go the way they do. It’s like a puzzle that’s scattered but as you begin to pick up the pieces, a clearer picture is formed out of chaos.

133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so, will I keep thy precepts. 135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. 136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

Psalm 119:133-136

So, if you’re struggling with doubt, fear, worry or unbelief, I highly recommend you shift your focus to the possibilities and opportunities that are lying dormant due to fear.

With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matt 19:26

What is the one thing that you’re depending on God to change in your life that may cause you to doubt or fear? Lean in and refuse to let go of the promises of God.

Sister in Christ,

Yolanda-

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Bible verses are not just words on a page. They are living words and testaments of God’s promises, covenants, miracles and prophecies. As you read these words, plant and embed the words in heart and repeat them as many times as needed until you feel a sense of peace, courage and comfort.

Isaiah 26:3

3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Psalm 56:3-4

3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Psalm 91:2

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Matt 6:25-26

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Jer 17:7-8

7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Isaiah 41:10

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Joshua 1:9

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

2 Tim 1:7

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Psalm 23:4

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psalm 18:30

As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Phil 4:8

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.

Anchored in Hope in a World of Instability

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Every day, headlines remind us that the world feels increasingly uncertain. From ongoing conflicts and economic instability to rising living costs and the quiet weight of personal struggles, many people are navigating a constant undercurrent of pressure and fear. The digital age amplifies it all: Bad news travels faster, lingers longer, and often leaves us feeling overwhelmed or powerless. In times like these, hope can feel fragmented or non-existent. It is precisely in seasons of uncertainty that hope becomes not just necessary, but a divine gift. It’s a steady anchor that keeps us grounded, resilient, and moving forward despite what we see around us.

Everyone handles obstacles, challenges and opposition differently. How do you react or respond to turmoil? Hope is an underestimated response to trauma and crisis.

How you’re able to cope with change determines how you will go through difficult seasons in life. Adaptability is priority in shifting seasons.

There are some people who live a very meticulous life. They’re very calculated. They dot their I’s and cross their T’s. Their life has order and structure. They set goals and meet them. Life has balance and everything adds up. If it doesn’t, they cannot handle it. They may find it hard to adapt to change. Their plans are made and they cannot deal with distractions or obstacles that deter or disrupt their schedules.

There are also another group of people who live a carefree life. They don’t set goals. They live on a whim. They do not care about much in life. They live reckless lives. They tend to believe everything is someone else’s fault and they do not take accountability for their actions. They believe they’re the victim and that the world owes them something. They’re careless and do not value anything. It shows in how they treat people and how they treat themselves as well as how they take care of their possessions. They are poor stewards to what has been given to them. They play Russian Rolette with their life.

There are another group of people who never expected much out of life. They play it safe so life won’t disappoint them. They move through life with caution or skepticism. They may look at others and desire their goals, aspirations and to acquire what they have but do not want to work to achieve it. They have a “One day or Some day” I’ll do it mentality. They tend to procrastinate. They roll the dice and call it a day.

Lastly, another group of people have high expectations in life. They planned for the future and set goals but somehow life didn’t turn out how they had planned. They took a wrong turn, made bad decisions or life simply was full of obstacles, challenges and opposition. They may have missed opportunities or constantly prepared for opportunities that never came but they do not grow weary or tired but carry strength and resilience despite the challenges in life.

You may find yourself in one of these descriptive categories or maybe a mixture of them. Either way, there is a big difference between luck, chance, wishing and hoping. Let’s look at the definition of luck.

LUCK (Noun)

  1. The force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person’s life, as in shaping circumstances, events or opportunities
  2. Good fortune; advantage or success, considered as the result of chance
  3. A combination of circumstances, events, etc. operating by chance to bring good or ill to a person
  4. Some object on which good fortune is supposed to depend. (EX: The rabbit foot is my lucky charm).

In the world, people believe in luck. They believe that circumstances led them to success, usually by their own actions or by serendipity. They believe they’ve designed their own destinies by the choices they’ve made in life or things just fell into place by luck.

However, they do not acknowledge or believe in the divine plan of the Lord and the divine order He has for their life. In Isaiah 46:10 it states, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure”

CHANCE (Noun)

  1. The absence of any cause of events that can be predicted, understood, or controlled: Often personified or treated as a positive energy.
  2. Luck or fortune
  3. A possibility or probability of anything happening
  4. An opportune or favorable time; opportunity.

CHANCE (Verb)

  • To happen or occur by chance
  • To take the chances; risks

In this culture, people take a lot of chances which is a series of random events or actions. However, as believers we are encouraged to believe in God’s favor, promises and blessings over our lives. We do not leave our life to chance. In life there will be unpredictable events and circumstances, but we should have a strong belief in the sovereignty of God and put our trust in Him.

11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happened to them all.

Eccl 9:11

In Prov 19:33 it states, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

Jer 29:11

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

WISH (Verb)

  1. To wish; desire; long for
  2. To desire (a person or thing) to be (as specified).
  3. To make a wish

WISH (Noun)

  1. An act or instance of wishing
  2. A request or command

Throughout childhood, wishing has been implanted in us. In Disney movies, wishing and magic are the driving force to making dreams come true. Magic wands, crystal balls and fairy dust are some of the whimsical methods they use to enchant children. Some people believe that wishing is harmless however wishing is void of God. We should seek the Lord in prayer and align with God’s will. In 1 John 5:14-15 it states, “14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

However, we should not ask in selfish gain or selfish motives. Often when people are done wrong, they wish bad on others but the Lord is our contender. He will consume the enemy. In Rom 12:14-21 it states, “14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;  if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

HOPE (Noun)

  1. The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best
  2. A particular instance of this feeling

Hope (Verb)

  1. To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence
  2. To believe, desire or trust.
  3. To feel that something desired may happen
  4. To place trust, rely in

Unfortunately, we live in a society that is losing hope. Hope is vital to survival. Hope is underestimated but it’s literally as powerful as faith. Without hope, people commit suicide. Without hope, people give up on their dreams. Without hope, people fall into depression, discouragement and despair. Without hope, people don’t have strength to keep going. Hope sounds like a weakness almost like you’re leading life by chance, but in reality, it’s the driving force to resilience. Hope keeps you moving forward despite the curve balls life throws at you.

In a world where uncertainty often feels louder than reassurance, hope is not a passive feeling. Hope is a conscious decision. You choose to believe that what lies ahead can still be good, even when the present feels heavy. Hope doesn’t ignore reality; it strengthens us to face it with courage, clarity, focus, and faith. When everything around us shifts, our faith becomes the steady foundation we stand on, while hope reminds us that setbacks are not the end of the story. By holding onto hope, we not only uplift ourselves but also can encourage others to keep going. And in times like these, we need to walk in obedience and seek the Lord for His divine purpose and plan for our life.

If you just happened to come across this website, don’t let this be where your journey with hope end. let it deepen. If you’re ready to anchor your life in truth and strengthen your faith in uncertain times, download your free Bible Study Guide “Anchored in Hope” today. It’s designed to help you reflect, grow, and hold onto hope through every season. Click below to get your copy to grow and strengthen your relationship with Christ.

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Resurrected Power: When Dead Things Come to Life

Posted on by yolandaberry
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tulips, flowers, spring

We have officially entered a new season and new year. We are in a midst of Winter which is always a tough time of year for me. I don’t like cold weather because it cuts me to the bone, plus the memories of shoveling waist high snow drifts during blistery snowstorms while frozen icicles formed on my eyelashes that crunched every time I blinked my eyes.

winter trees snow

Hibernation and the postcard view was the only part I truly enjoyed but overall, winter reminds me of lifeless things. Autumn leaves fall and dry up, trees are bare and naked. The darkness and gloom of a grey skyline in the middle of the day turns jet black before you even leave work. Winter reminds me of the dead things until the transformation of Spring arrives adorning cherry blossoms, violet and tulips with a welcoming, cheerful sunrise and peaceful sunset. It is where everything dead instantly comes back to life once again.

Just like in nature where dead things are rebirthed, there is a resurrection in life. The Lord will breathe on everything that feels lifeless – discouragement, lack of enthusiasm or motivation, weakness, or stagnation. The Lord imparts new life by the breath of His Spirit.

7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Gen 2:7

22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:22

The Resurrection of Christ

The birth of Christ and the Resurrection are the most miraculous events that existed. Through birth, a Savior was born and brought peace to the world and through death and the resurrection Jesus saved us from our sins and gave us eternal life.


“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Rom 10:9-13

The Resurrection of the Dead

In Ezekiel, there was a valley of dead bones. God said, “Can these bones live?” Immediately the dry bones came alive. Ezekiel 37

It was through the Power of God, Lazurus was raised from the dead.

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

John 11:40-44

It was through the Power of God, that a twelve-year-old girl was raised from the dead.

35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. 37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. 38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. 40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. 42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. 43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

Mark 5:35-43

Many people may not believe this is possible but if you do not believe in the Lord resurrecting the dead than you do not believe in Jesus’ resurrection. Your faith is worthless and ineffective, and you are still in your sins. Your hope is lifeless. Life is fruitless and full of vanity.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corth 2:13-14

The Resurrection of the Body

It’s difficult to comprehend and grasp spiritual life because we live in an earthly body and everything that we experience is tangible. We have fleshly desires and do not want to control the flesh or abide by the obedience of God. However, when you receive understanding and revelation of the Lord, you will desire to live for God. It is the fruit of building a relationship with Him.

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt 16:24-26

We will one day transcend from a physical world to a spiritual one so while we are still here, we should bury all the dead things in our lives – bad relationships, sour memories, bad habits and attitudes , wrong mindsets, and tainted emotions like bitterness, jealousy, anger, hatred, lust, fear, worry, anxiety, etc. so we can grow and nurture the things that give us life, joy and peace.

Not all flesh is the same. People have one kind of flesh and animals have another, birds and fish have another. There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies. There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial differs from that of the terrestrial. There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. 1 Corth 15:39-40

44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. 1 Corth 15:44-49

Our Final Victory

 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So, when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corth 15:44-54

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Additional Bible References

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Corth 5:8

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Rev 21:8

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:34-38