Tag Archives: Time Alone with God

Redeeming the Time: Making Every Moment Count

Posted on by yolandaberry
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11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed Rom 13:11

When I was leaving work, I was so frustrated and aggravated that it took two hours instead of my average half-hour to forty-five minute commute. Nothing feels worse than wasted time.

Time is a commodity. It’s more valuable than money. Money can be lost or gained but time cannot be replaced. Only with God, who is not restricted by any single moment, can redeem the time.

When I was younger, I never understood or realized the value of time but as much as I feel that time was wasted, there is a divine timing and purpose for everything. Despite the setbacks, delays or stagnation, there is purpose in all of it.

There was a recent plane crash in Brazil reported on the news. The video featured the plane spiraling out of control. They interviewed one person who was late for his flight and was not allowed to board the plane which saved his life.

There were also countless stories that took place during the World Trade Center attacks where people did not go into work that day or was running late which saved their lives.

9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Prov 16:9

So whether commuting in traffic or traveling abroad, timing can literally be a matter of life or death. You must trust that every delay, missed opportunity or setback will train, equip, guide, protect, develop or teach you something that will move you forward to the next phase of life. However, we must be diligent and wise on how we use or spend our time.

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
    but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Prov 21:5

There are three major time wasters that you should pay attention to.

Procrastination

Procrastination is a definite time waster because you continually put off what needs to be done. When you deal with procrastination, there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed whether it’s emotional, psychological,or mental.

When you deal with uncomfortable or overwhelming feelings, you tend to put things off. This is the devil’s playground because he never wants to see you accomplish anything. His main mission is to kill, steal and destroy which also includes stealing your time.

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 9:4

Laziness

Slothfulness is another time waster. You cannot accomplish anything if you’re lazy or weary so having stamina, energy, and enthusiasm is a priority in completing tasks. Motivation and inspiration is based on feelings which are fleeting so you cannot depend on it. You should have persistence, determination and resilience which overrides tough situations and the challenges of life.

Depression

Depression is not often looked at as a time waster but it definitely is one of the most deliberate weapons the enemy uses to steal your time. When you’re in a heavily burdened state of mind, it is an emotional state that bears you down and is a hinderance to your progress. It steals your time from being productive. When you have no desires or interest, it can take a toll on your overall well-being.

You cannot move forward if you have low energy, defeating thoughts or a negative outlook or attitude. It will suck the life out of you due to the low-level thoughts and emotions. You should replace your defeating thoughts with the Word of God, which is health and healing, substance and life.

Lastly, you should also consider your environment. What do you watch or listen to on a regular basis? Who do you spend time with? Being selective on your daily activities and with whom or spend your time reveals your priorities.

If this message has helped or encouraged you, please share with your connections or leave a comment.

I would like to leave you with a few Bible verses to stand on for any season in life.

May you be blessed!

Daily Meditation

Eccl 3:11

11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Eccl 3:1-8

 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Jer 29:11

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. (KJV)

Prov 27:1

Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring. (NLT)

Psalms 31:15

15 My times are in Your hands. Free me from the hands of those who hate me, and from those who try to hurt me.

Psalms 90:12

12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. (KJV)

Esther 4:14

14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (NIV)

2 Peter 3:9

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV)

Eph 5:15-17

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (NIV)

1 Thess 5:1-3

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. (NIV)

Joel 2:25

25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. (KJV)

James 4:13-17

13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (NIV)

Eight Keys to Spiritual Growth and Development

Posted on by yolandaberry
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The Lifestyle of a Believer

Spiritual growth is a journey that many people embark on at some point in their lives. It involves exploring your inner self, understanding your purpose, and connecting with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to lead you to all truth. Here are eight keys to spiritual growth that can help you on this journey.

1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts, feelings,and surroundings. You become highly intuitive and sensitive to the things around you and to others emotions and the needs around you. It involves observing your thoughts without judgement, as well as accepting and releasing them. Mindfulness is essential to connecting your heart and mind with the intentions that the Lord has for your life. It leads you to a sense of inner peace and awareness, which is essential for spiritual growth.

2. Gratitude

Gratitude is the practice of being thankful for the blessings in your life, big or small. It helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life and shifts your perspective to one of abundance rather than lack. Gratitude also helps you cultivate a sense of humility and appreciation for the people and things in your life.

3. Self-Reflection

Self reflection is the practice of looking inward and examining your thoughts, feelings, emotions, actions and behavior. It helps you identify areas of your life that need improvement and to become more self aware. Self-Reflection also helps you cultivate a sense of compassion as well as set boundaries for yourself and others.

4. Connection with Nature

Nature has a way of reminding us of our place in the world and connecting us with all living things. Spending time in nature releases stress and centers your thoughts. It cultivates a sense of peace and eliminates confusion and chaos. Water is extremely calming and is of the Spirit. It is essential for life. The ocean, sea or river is life-giving and provides your being to relax and embrace the moment. Being in nature helps you appreciate the beauty and expression of God’s creation.

5. Service to others

Service to others is the practice of helping those in need and contributing to the wellbeing of others and your community. It helps you cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in your life and to connect with others on a deep level. Service to others also helps develop a sense of compassion and empathy for those who are sick, elderly or less fortunate.

6. Prayer and Meditation

Prayer and meditation are powerful practices for spiritual growth. When you a build relationship with God, daily communication is the lifeline to your spiritual process that strengthens your faith. Connecting with the Creator is a lifestyle not a religion.

7. Reading the Bible

Reading the Bible is the living word that comes to life on the page. Each time you read the scripture, you receive new insight and revelation. It builds your faith and your character in Christ. You develop a strong solid foundation that cannot be shaken by the events happening in the world. It’s life’s instruction manual to divinely guide you through the obstacles, challenges and difficulties of life. It also fills you with the power, wisdom and strength to natigate through the plots, schemes and plans of the enemy.

8. Forgivessness Sets You Free

Forgiveness is the practice of letting go of, resentment and anger which leads to bitterness towards those who wronged you. It helps you cultivate a sense of compassion and understanding for others and releases negative emotions that can hold you back. Forgiveness also helps you develop a sense of inner peace and freedom. You no longer will keep living in the past and recycling old memories but have the ability to move forward in your life. Forgiveness does not mean you have to accept the person that mistreated or abused you and keep them in your circle. Setting healthy boundaries from toxic relationships is mandatory and allows you to heal from every bad situation, experience or toxic environment.

Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that requires patience, dedication, and application. When you walk in the fruits of the spirit which is joy, love, faithfulness, forbearance, patience, gentleness, goodness, kindness, self-control, you reflect the character of Jesus. Gal 5:22-23

It deepens your relationship with God and others. By activating mindfulness, gratitude, self-reflection, connection with nature, service to others, prayer and meditation, Bible study and forgiveness, you can deepen your spiritual walk and find greater meaning and purpose in your life.

If this post inspired you in your walk with the Lord, please feel free to leave a like, comment or share with a friend. If you would like to receive more encouraging posts, please subscribe by email or WordPress.

Bible Scriptures

Mindfulness

Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10

Gratitude

Be thankful in all circumstances because this is Gods will for you who belongs to Christ Jesus. 1Thess 5:18

Self–Reflection

But be doers of the Word, and not heaters only, deceiving yourselves. For anyone is a bearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. James 1:22-24

Connection with Nature

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Service to others

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward his name, in that you have ministered to the the saints, and do minister. Heb 6:10

Prayer and Meditation

Do not be anxious for anything , but with prayer and thanksgiving making your request known to God, Phil 4:6-7

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Psalm 19:14

Reading the Bible

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Rev 1:3

Forgiveness

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

Walking with the Lord

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Every step you take, the Lord is with you whether it feels like it or not. He is there. In every setback, detour, or roadblock you face, the Lord is always working behind the scenes on your behalf.

In every victory, accomplishment, or goal achieved, the Lord manifests His glory upon your life. The Lord is calling you into a deeper relationship with Him so you can hear His voice clearly. You have to take time to step back, sit in the silence and listen.

There is beauty in the silence. There is rest in the silence. There is peace in the silence. There is instruction in the silence. There is strength in the silence.

Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up as eagles they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable, He gives power to the weak And to those who have no might, He increases strength. Isaiah 40:28-29

Our connection with our source, Immanuel, Jehovah Ezer (the hand Our Helper) strengthens us when we are weak, comforts us when we are lonely, directs us when we are confused, protects us in danger and shields us from all attacks of the enemy. He is the Waymaker. He knows our path from the beginning to the very end.

Walk in Unity

As the Body of Christ, we are called to walk together in love and harmony. We are called to comfort each other in times of despair and grief. The challenges of life breeds conflicts of all sorts, but we’re given the tools to override and overtake the enemy by executing divine strategies and utilizing Godly wisdom led by the Holy Spirit.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all. Eph 4:4-6

Walk in Love

One of the most powerful emotions is love. The Lord provides unconditional love with never-ending mercy, grace and compassion. We cannot comprehend the magnitude of God’s love for us.

As a child of God, we are to provide the same compassion and agape love for others. When we look at the nature of a child, they model the same behavior of their parents, siblings, classmates and friends. They are influenced easily and absorb everything they are exposed to like a sponge. In result, they’re a product of their environment and therefore mirrors habits, actions, words and deeds based on their individual experiences in life.

Unfortunately, due to dysfunctional environments based in neglect, abuse or narcissistic qualities, a child may not have the proper role models to imitate. The sensitivity and innocence of a child is a reflection of how the Lord desires for us to live, work and play.

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Eph 5:1-2

Walk in Light

The darkness cannot hide in the light. As a child of God, we are to walk in light of goodness, righteousness and truth. (Eph 5:8) We are to practice the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives which is love, joy, peace, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Unfortunately, we may not always hit the mark but we should constantly make an effort to walk according to the Spirit shining the light of Christ for the world to witness His love. Our Kingly assignment is to also expose the evil and corruption and implement change, order and justice.

Walk in Wisdom

As the world continues to change and grow darker, you’re to seek guidance, direction and understanding of the will of the Father. As a believer, you should continually seek the face of God for divine wisdom. It takes discipline and obedience to separate yourself from earthly desires, idolatry and worldly pursuits.

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise. redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Eph 5:15-16

It’s within the purging of all greed, impurities, jealousy, evil thoughts and wicked speaking and all emotional, mental or physical substances that has the ability to to shift judgements, character or lifestyle.

Everything that is poured out before the Lord will have the capacity to be filled with all spiritual abundance filling your heart with the goodness and joy of the Lord through thanksgiving and praise with adoration to the Most High.

Walk in Faith

Faith is a spiritual gift given by the Lord. All believers are given a measure of faith. We can learn to exercise out faith by tapping into the supernatural and focusing less on our natural experiences that we encounter on a daily basis.

When you develop your faith which is tested and developed under difficult conditions, situations or circumstances, you will lean on the Lord and not man for your needs. Whether it be increased strength, wisdom, courage, peace or monetary needs, you’re focused on God’s ability to provide and comfort you.

If you experience any type of doubt or fear, you’re leaning into the natural realm. When Peter walked on the water, he focused directly on Jesus but when he took his eyes off Jesus he began to sink. When you’re solely dependent on God, you will walk by faith and not by the tangible things of this world.

Walk in Authority

Our Father has given us the ability to walk over serpents and scorpions and not be harmed. When you grasp the capacity of God’s power working within you, you will experience God’s miraculous power that others may not understand. Walking in authority not only gives you power but confidence in the Lord.

Not by might, nor by power but by my spirit, saith the Lord.

Zech 4:6

There is power in your words and actions by His spirit. You have the capability to command every evil work of the enemy, situation or sin out of your life. It’s not a “name it or claim it” type of new age or prosperity gospel message. It is spiritually led by the Holy Spirit and the will of God.

Every promise in the Bible can be accessed by a believer. You have the authority to shift atmospheres, conditions, circumstances and situations through the power of the Holy Spirit according to the word and God’s purpose for your life.

As you continue communicating and connecting with Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is there), your path will be illuminated through every storm that you face.

With each step that you take, you will grow and develop spiritually exercising the fruits of the spirit and dwelling in the secret place of the Most High.

Additional Bible References

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not until your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Prov 3:5-6

I am the way, the truth will and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

My sheep hear my voice,and I know them, and they follow me. And, I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:27-28

In Him, we move and have our being. Prov 3:5-6

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Rom 8:1

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 8:5-8

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Rom 8:24-25

But fornication and all uncleanliness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiest, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Eph 5:3-5

Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Eph 3:13

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.Gal 5:13

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another. Gal 5:14-15