Regardless to what is going on around me, I love my life. Although I am still not where I would like to be, I'm not where I used to be. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I am in a good place. God has given me one more opportunity to get it right; and guess what? I am going to do everything I can to do just that. I will no longer allow the enemy to have power over my thoughts or my actions. I will trust God with everything I am and all that I have. I will meet the challenges that are placed before me. I will listen to and do my very best to make things happen. Where is this coming from you may ask? Good question. Recently, I had someone who is very dear to me give me a reality check. I know this person has my best interest at heart. They've taught me a lot just by being who they are; and I am excited to take on this challenge. Why? Because I know my latter is going to be greater than my past just as God has told me in Job 8:7,"Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase." Though my beginning was humble, God has promised me in Jeremiah 29:11 of a plan that supercedes all other plans, "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." As long as God has the plan, I know that things will work out. He told me in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." For this reason alone, I will trust the Lord. I will honor the word as it is noted in Psalm 56:4, "In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." I have had some eye opening reality check moments over the past few months that I will not let go unnoticed. Just like the old gospel song, I've had many tears and sorrows, I've had questions for tomorrow. But, if I never had a problem, I would not know that God can solve them. Therefore, I believe every word that is written in the book. I believe God had me on His mind when He the Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." So yes, I haven't always felt this way but right now, I am convinced that God is working in me and that He is preparing me for something greater. Be encouraged my sisters, God is working in you too. John 14:12
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. There is something real wrong when we have made it to the 21st century yet we're still stuck on race. I am not convinced these are thoughts, feelings and/or behaviors that people are born with. I am convinced however these attitudes are taught and learned. Nothing disturbs me more than for someone to openly speak what they're thinking and then when they get called out, its always taken out of context.
Matthew 15:18 tells us, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man." In other words, if it's not in your heart, it will not come out of your mouth. Like always, we find ways around the word of God to rationalize our behavior but let me warn you. The Bible says in Matthew 15:11, "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Lets be clear, we are not defiled by the overindulgence of food intake instead, we are defiled by the over indulgence of speaking without thinking. Did you know that what you speak into the universe takes life? Did you know that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" Proverbs 18:21? In other words, you have the power in your mouth to make things happen in your life. Whether positive or negative, the power lies in your own tongue. Everything in your life is riding on everything that comes our of your mouth. How many situations have you seen turn from bad to worse all because of the tongue? Relationships have been broken because of the tongue. Churches have been divided because of the tongue; and, yes innocent people have been hurt because of someone's tongue. Fortunately there is also the power of peace in the tongue. Proverbs 15:4 says, "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit." Our tongues can also bring peace, they can create an atmosphere of comfort in a chaotic environment, give hope to the hopeless, and understanding to the hurting. The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." My question and challenge for you today is what will come out of your mouth? Will it be life, or will it be death? Will it be a striking, sharp blow to someone's spirit or will it be therapeutic, healthy, whole and sound? Remember, Proverbs 12:18 says, "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." |
In Memory of: Charles T. Wilcox
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