In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
โMatthew 5:16
God created each one of us in His image and likeness. We were all handmade by God for a specific purpose. As we allow God to take us through our “beautification” process we are transformed into His beautiful masterpiece. Just like a work of art our uniqueness, flaws, and blemishes make us authentic, telling the story of our process. This blog is designed to celebrate the beauty of walking in the attributes of our creator. My prayer is that you are encouraged to let God’s grace, love, and mercy shine through you also! By the way i’m a fashion & design student so there will be posts/sections dedicated on here to natural GLAM as well!
Matthew 16:8 Aware of their conversation, Jesus said, โYou of little faith, why are you debating among yourselves about having no bread? 11 How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.โ (BSB)
Mark 8:15 And he cautioned them, saying, โWatch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod (ESV)
Matthew 13:33 He told them another parable. โThe kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.โ (ESV)
Photo Credit: Azerbaijan_stockers @ freepik.com
Greetings Kings Kids, ๐
Grace & Peace multiplied unto you. Let’s Pray. ๐๐ฝ Father God in the name of Jesus, thank you. For your goodness, mercy, and lovingkindness is better than life itself. There is no way we could do this thing called life without You! Bear minimum we can merely exist. Continue to lead us and guide us into all truth that we would live a life that’s pleasing unto you. You need nothing, yet we give you ALL. In Jesus name, Amen. โ๏ธ
So the last time we “spoke” was early November of last year (a little over 2 months ago). Little did I know that my life would be flipped ๐right side up, yet God is STILL faithful. I’m still processing everything that took place but we will talk about that later. Right now let’s dive in ๐to todayโs word. Over the last few months i’ve been hearing the word diet. Which i’m sure you know means what we eat. Have you ever heard the saying “you are what you eat”. Well i’m finding that to be truer than I realized. ๐ง
There are hundreds (if not more) of diet plans in the natural. ๐ฅAll created with the goal of optimal health. I mean who doesn’t want to be healthy right? If you ask anyone would they rather be sick or healthy, I can guarantee you they will choose health. Sickness can affect every part of the body and even lead to death if unchecked. ๐ก๏ธIn December I lost one of the persons I love the most to cancer and if I can be honest my heart hurts every time I think about it. I was so sure he would fight through and make it on the other side healed. Well he actually did, just not the way I desired. ๐
โHave you ever wanted or craved something so bad that no one could tell you it wasn’t going to happen that way? Appetite is a powerful thing, that could lead to our detriment or benefit. I’ve read that sometimes our bodies crave certain things because of imbalances in the body. This could be ๐vitamins, nutrients, etc. For example, I recently bought iron supplements because I was cold all the time. Yet, I always found myself craving ice (go figure right). I later found that this was due to a disorder called anemia, that affects the red blood cells. ๐ฉธOne of the causes of this is iron defeciency (amongst other things).
Being a teacher ๐ฉ๐ฝโ๐ซ I couldn’t help but correlate this with the spirit. I’m going to do a more in depth study on this but think about all the times appetites led to the fall of those we read about in history. In fact lets make it personal. ๐ญThink about all the times our own appetite/desires led us to do or not do something. Now consider the consequences. I can go down the list of things we as humans crave. After the fall of man and the coats of flesh being added (see Genesis 3) mans desires were continuously evil. In fact right after this we see the first murder. ๐จ
God gave us desire. He’s ok with us desiring things, as long as those things don’t take us away from โ๏ธHim or His Way. Some ways to tell if things are taking us away from God include; distraction, disobedience, delay (which we can talk about another day). Remember in the bible ๐where Israel took 40 years to accomplish something that was only supposed to take days ( See Deuteronomy 1 & Numbers 14)? Do you know when you were born God had a predetermined plan for your life, with lots of good things He wanted for you to accomplish on Earth? ๐ But letโs be real, how many of us are living that life? And how many of us are living a life opposite of His goodness? I highlight His goodness because sometimes we settle for man made goodness.
This is what the pharisees and saducees were doing in the verses above. Let me break the news to you. ๐ซIN OUR FLESH DWELLS NO GOOD THING! This is why the bible tells us to do away it. How do I do that you may ask? Well first give your life to Jesus (I have a previous post about this and invite/celebrate you to search salvation prayer). Next, find a bible believing, teaching, and living โช๏ธchurch home (we can help with that too if you like). Attend church services, learn all you can, take notes, go back and read over them, praise & worship, pray & fast, serve others, READ YOUR BIBLE, ๐ฃ๏ธask God to help you understand it over time, and PLEASE do what it says (with Gods help). I promise the more we do these things the more we grow!
That was a lot to take in so let’s Selah (pause &ponder) ๐คand practice right ๐ถ๐ฝโโ๏ธ๐ถthere. FYI, all these things are essential if we want to grow in God and experience a real good life. Of course we can choose not to. ๐คท๐ฝโโ๏ธBut just know all choices have consequences, some good, some not the best, others terrible. Choose wisely!
PART 3 & P.S. Coming Soon! โฅ๏ธ
P.S. Want an accountability partner or partners? Reach out so we can connect you with one that fits your needs.
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance ~Matthew 3
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men ~1 Timothy 2
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. ~ Matthew 9
Greetings In Grace Beloved Ones
It is the beginning of a new month, time, and season! And I am eternally ๐๐ฝgrateful & ๐glad for another opportunity to enter into His gates with thanksgiving and to enter into His courts with praise. Iโm thankful unto Him and I bless His name! For the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever. Letโs Pray!
Father God in the name of Jesus. Thank you for your goodness, your loving โค๏ธ kindness, your tender mercy, and your grace. You have been better to us than life itself. Even when were/are disconnected from you, you are always accessible to us. Your word says if haply we might feel after you, and find you, though you be not far from every one of us (See Acts 17:27). Thank you for being a very present help during this time where things have been brought to crisis. โ๏ธOur Savior/salvation is only one turn away.
Itโs 5am here in the Chicagoland region and itโs pouring down ๐ง๏ธrain as we speak. IDK about you, but Itโs been a long month since our last post, tiring ๐ to say the least. Nevertheless, what shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Answer: No One & No Thing.) (See Romans 8:1) God IS Faithful!
Sometimes it takes us being pushed & pressed beyond our own ability to tap ๐ฅinto Godโs presence & power. Whatโs pushing & pressing on you right now? Is it health challenges, loss & grief, pain & anguish, financial hardship, brokenness, comfort & complacency, and the list goes on? WELL I have GOOD ๐ฃ๏ธNEWS for YOU! Jesus already paid for it at the cross. There is nothing hidden from or too hard for Him.
He seeโs all, knows all, and is greater than all!
One may ask how do I experience this greatness you speak of? And the answer is simple, Surrender (see Matthew 10:39). God has already given us ALL things as it pertains to Life AND Godliness (see 2 Peter 1:3). It just takes us having a willing heart ๐ and workful ๐ช๐ฝhands. We were created to live for God. However, we live in a world where most donโt and wonโt. If God was a man, though HE IS NOT (See Numbers 23:19). He would be the perfect gentleman. He never forces himself on us. He simply says this is path A, B, and C. Choose the one that leads to me.
And if we decide to go another route. He will let us. And guess what, we may even experience some success taking our own route. ๐ถ๐ฝโโ๏ธ๐ถโโ๏ธBut why have partial when we can be full and filled? My friend’s success according to the world and according to God (The Word) are NOT THE SAME! Whereas the world lusts after things & persons. God (The Word) teaches us to love. First to love Him and after to love others, as ourselves. Have you ever heard the saying thereโs a thin line betweenโฆ Well just as the saying goesโฆ it is.
I recall a number times where God showed me I had something/someone else in His place. Want to know how we can tell when this is so? How do we respond when we donโt have that thing or person? Can we stay focused๐๏ธ and follow God with or without them/it? Or have they/it become a distraction from us being focused and following Godโs lead? This can be linked to a mentality ๐ง we have that leads us to a course of action that inadvertently disconnects us from Godโs will/word/way.
Iโm learning that ๐๐ฝโโ๏ธObedience is BETTER than sacrifice. Sometimes what we give & do isnโt always what God wants. How often have we decided I’m going to do this or say that? And God is like I did not ask you to do or say for this or that. As lovingly kind and merciful as HE IS there does come a time where He will give us over to our own desires. And the consequence of this choice is lack. ๐ฃNot necessarily a lack of things, but of Him. Because friend, that’s what God ultimately wants us to have, HIMSELF! This includes His heart/mind, His nature, and least of all the natural things that come with that (money, fame, relationship connections, etc.).
We must begin and/or continue to daily examine ourselves against the Word of God. He is more than able and faithful to meet EVERY need. Where we lack NOTHING, Inside & Out! (See Mark 8). But it starts with a posture of LORD, I need YOU. Show me your will/word/way. And my friend the more we know. The more we grow. And thatโs GOOD NEWS๐๐๐ฝโค๏ธ
John 4:13-14 Jesus answered and said to her, โWhoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.โ
Romans 13:11-14 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Revelation 22:1-2 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Greetings in Grace Kings Kids๐,
Itโs a blessing, privilege, and honor to be partakers of the abundant life given to us through Christ Jesus. There is no god like our GOD! Regardless of where you are on your journey in life I just want to encourage you that God is greater than anything and everything, and HIS LOVE for YOU is beyond measure! So much has transpired ๐ฐ๐๐ since our last talk. It amazes me how fast time moves. It was just like yesterday we were kids, then the next thing you know we are โolderโ. I thank God that although Iโm getting older, youthfulness is just one mindset away. The other day I met the sweetest elderly couple out enjoying their life together and I thought to myself #Goals. The older I get the more I realize that LIVING your TRUE best life is all a matter of choices.
Remember, there are people all around the world who are under tremendous pressure ๐ and great hardship, but yet they are thriving๐. Life is not measured by how many material things we have but how many moments we choose to glorify God as Jehovah with thanks+giving. A life poured ๐๐ฝโโ๏ธout is a life worth living! My friend I thank God for you and pray๐๐ฝ that He would grant you the continual favor that comes from seeking๐๐ Him. On that note letโs dive in ๐๐ฝ & ๐ .
My aim ๐นwith these posts are to keep them short, sweetโค๏ธ, and straight to the point๐ฏ. God has been helping me to grow in administering these monthly posts in a more excellent way. Thank God for continual growth and development! Iโm also excited ๐to announce a new series called Mary Had A Little Lamb ๐AKA Letters To The Shepherds โ๏ธand The Sheep. These writings will address common church topics and be a source of encouragement and redirection for leaders with/wanting a servant hearts. In addition Glam Chic Ink. is in expansion ๐mode so be on the look out for more!
Now back to today’s post entitled Tapped Out Tap In (GosโฆSip pt.2). In part 1 to this post we talked more about the negative connotation of how gossip pollutes our wells of life from the inside out. When we use our tongue to spew or take in venomous words filled with hate & hypocrisy we become toxic. This is why itโs essential that we all work diligently to guard our heart/mind and every entryway (๐eyes, ๐๐ฝear, ๐คซmouth, etc). We do this through the power & love filled Word of God. The scriptures talk about how the word is to have first place in our lives and the dangers of it not being. Jesus being the living word came as an example and redeemer through coming in a body to save us from the inside out. I love that the word says He foreknew us. My leader says it like this โGod called us already being fully aware of everything we would ever do past, present, and future.โ Yet, He still calls us. Can You Hear What I Hear?๐
In fact even when we were paying God absolutely no attention. He knows/knew and yet still calls & causes us to arise ๐ out of the ashes of despair and ๐๐darkness. Even when we put ourselves there. What kinda love is that? I still marvel at how long-suffering and lovingly kind God is toward us. And my friend? I think we should be that way towards one another. In fact the bible says we owe one another love (I will post this scripture and the others in the P.S. for this month). We must ask ourselves, will we willingly lay down our lives for those we love and even those who hate us? Well thatโs what the bible says we ought to do in order that weโd be like Him ๐ฏfor real for real. IDK about you but thatโs my greatest ๐๐ฝdesire, Be more like Him!
As I mentioned earlier a lot has transpired since we last talked. It started with a ๐ญdream. Led to one of the most difficult seasons of my life yet it ended in joy and ๐ช๐ฝstrength. Donโt you love how God shows himself fully aware and present through every test and trial/trying season. Maybe you have not experienced this yet and are new to the faith. I just want to encourage you to come/continue along the journey. This ๐ถ๐ฝโโ๏ธwalk with God is a day by day journey and all of us are at different places with varying circumstances. Yet and still God knows, sees, and cares for & about us. All we have to do is be honest with ourselves and ask for Godโs help to fully give Him the good, bad, and ugly stuff inside out. And my friend being a human, in a fleshly body, in a fallen world means we all have some bad and ugly stuff inside us and around us. We must ALL keep watch ๐โฐ๐๐ฝ๐ง๐ฝโโ๏ธ๐ง๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐ง๐พ
So long story short I lost my job last season abruptly and unexpectedly. This put me in a tail spin ๐ตโ๐ซof fear and anxiety. Dealing with that in addition to the weight of everything else I was carrying brought me to one of the lowest places I’ve ever experienced in my life. What one would call hell๐ฅ on earth. I literally felt so winded๐ฎโ๐จ and overwhelmed that I contemplated for the 2nd time in my life not wanting to be here. But thankfully for Godโs spirit inside me and some pretty ๐คฉamazing leaders who God showed me in a dream were praying for me, I made it through! And yโall iโm Holy Ghost filled and Happy to know that if God be for us, who/what can stand against us. No devil/demon in or under hell nor earth, person, place, or thing. Just Speak The Word!! ๐ฃ
Signed Grace Love & Mercy, Kristen Joi~ XOXO (Itโs for you too) ๐
๐๐ฝPrayer: Father, thank you for your goodness and mercy. Thank you for your lovingkindness. Thank you for being constant when things around us and even within us change. We trust and believe your word that says, โAll things work together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purpose.โ We acknowledge you as sovereign Lord and King. Even in unexpected & unsure times, help us to lean into you and let you guide us into life and godliness. You make no mistakes. Thatโs what makes you God. Keep us as the apple of your eye and forgive us for the times we missed an opportunity to worship you in Spirit and in Truth.
Titus 3:5-7 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Greetings in Grace Belovedโs,
Hallelujah to the Lord God almighty! And may His favor go before us & continuously reconcile us to His perfect will. Iโm grateful for another chance to seek and share the word of God with you. Every time I hear from Father, and every time he meets me, I’m grateful & glad that He would choose to commune with me/us. We just came from a week/weekend of celebrating and commemorating our savior Jesusโ death, resurrection, and ascension. Itโs a celebratory yet sobering reminder of the price He paid for us, bestowing upon so many gifts. This includes the gift of salvation, righteousness, and the precious gift of His Holy Spirit. And to whom much is given, much is required.
Iโm reminded of when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane before His death. He was pressed with the weight of what was ahead of Him to such an extent that he sweat profusely as if it were ๐ฆ๐ฉธblood (See Luke 22:44). In that moment even Jesus who was 100 percent God in the body of a man felt pressure to such an extent He cried out to the Father that if He was willing, to let the cup (suffering) pass from Him. This moment conveys great strength but also great suffering, conflict yet complete surrender. ๐๐ฝA glimpse of our savior warring against the humanity of being in a body. This is why the bible reminds us we donโt have a high priest who cannot be touched (compassionate & sympathetic) by our weaknesses (see Hebrews 4:15). He sees, He knows, He cares, and has already provided THE WAY of escape.
During Jesusโ time of immense pressure he comes to find his disciples asleep. I took notice that though he โfoundโ them asleep, Jesus was already aware of their current and future condition(s). In the same passage He foretells that Peter would deny Him 3 times, as Peter insists that heโd never. He further admonishes them several times to arise/watch ๐๏ธand pray. Jesus was not presenting his knowing of their falling as a form of provocation but presenting Himself as a form of provision. In addition to His admonishment He encourages them that He was going ahead of them to arise in Galilee. When we find ourselves under pressure, for better or worse, we can take joy in knowing THE TRUTH that makes us free.
Jesus chose to endure the cross because of the joy set before Him, being seated with God AND imparting unto us the gift of the Holy Spirit. That now not only He, Father, and Spirit would be one, but as He prayed before being crucified, โmake them(us) one even as we(Trinity) are oneโ (See John 17:11). Prior to His departure Jesus โ๏ธencouraged His disciples that He would not leave them comfortless, and that He would come to them in all that they were soon to encounter. He further makes mention that the Spirit of Truth would bring them into peace (wholeness) & the knowledge of all things.
After Jesus is beaten, bruised, and scorned beyond recognition for our sins/sickness. In His final departure, hanging on the cross to die by asphyxiation (suffocation), He cries out to the Father Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani (why hast thou forsaken me See Matthew 27). In the account of Luke 23 it notes that Jesus cries out Father into your hands I commit my ๐จspirit. I found it interesting that the word spirit means breath and that His means of death was suffocation. When a person is suffocating the loss of life is caused by a restriction of breath. This encourages me because there are times in life where trials/cares may have us struggling to catch our breath per say. In this we are reminded that He is The BREATH OF LIFE.
In John’s account (chapter 19) after He dies they pierce the side of Jesus and out comes a mixture of water and blood. The bible says that we overcome the enemy/accuser by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev 12). As I was meditating on these things passages of scripture began to flood my heart of times where Jesus spoke of giving living waters and the wellspring of life in connection with His Spirit & Word (ie. Ephesians 5:26, John 4:14, John 7:38, rev 22:17). My friend I just want to encourage you as I encourage myself that Jesus bore the weight/wail ๐ขof our sins & transgressions and left us with a greater weight/well โฒ๏ธof His word & spirit while we wait. Let us continue to worship, watch & pray in the word & spirit as we wait on the Lord. The One who was, and is, and is to come.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint
Letโs Pray. Father, thank you for your Son Jesus who has given us access to you. I also thank you for every son or daughter who comes across this letter. Bless them continuously beyond measure. Keep them as the apple of your eye. Release your unconditional love into the depths of their heart & soul. Remind them of your faithfulness and all the wonderful things you have in store. Forgive us for our sins and wash us in your saving blood & love! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
As always I pray all is well with you and yours! And I’m so grateful and glad to have this opportunity for us to share together in this journey called life. Iโve been reflecting on some of the things we talked about in our last post, and the word INFLUENCE stood out to me GREATLY!!
The Oxford Dictionary defines influence as the capacity to have an effect on the outcome/flow, character, development, or behavior of something or someone, or the effect itself. It also goes on to list some synonyms such as: impact, control, power, sway, authority, mastery, guidance, and rank. We talked a little about this before when talking about prayer/intercession, and its ability to make an impact on, in, and through us & others. In fact the bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverb 18:21).
Never underestimate the power vested in us to speak and create/make. My time in prayer/ worship is the most important, influential, and special part of my day daily. Not only am I able to talk to & with God, but Godโs presence impacts my heart to live and love (what He loves & hate what He hates)! Recently I had a moment where I was so overwhelmed that all I could do was speak in my heavenly language. I did not know the words to express what I needed at that moment, but after a few minutes praying I heard Father say โRestโ as I fell asleep. When I awakened I felt refreshed, renewed, and amazed at how something as โsimpleโ as rest was exactly what I needed. And notice I had no idea of what was going on with me as my mind raced, but God (fore-) knew and KNOWS EVERYTHING there is to know about absolutely everything. In this I find both GREAT comfort and reverential fear!
Psalm 94:7-9 Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see?
1 John 4 warns us beloved to believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Even those with little discernment can see & agree that the times/conditions we are currently living in are quite abnormal. Letโs not forget that a few years ago MILLIONS of people WORLDWIDE lost their lives to an unseen virus transmitted through the airways. And to this day it and others of its kind are still active. In addition to diseases we have natural disasters, terrorist like crimes, unstable leadership, danger, peril, and famine all throughout the land. โThese are the times that try menโs soulsโ -Thomas Paine.
1 John 2:15-17 ESV Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the worldโthe desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of lifeโis not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Jesus before leaving his disciples forewarned them that they would experience hardship and trouble in this world, but also encouraged them to take heart because He overcame the world(John 16:33). The bible also reminds us we donโt have a high priest who is unable to be touched by the feeling of our infirmity,ย He (Jesus) was tempted in all ways yet without sin(Hebrews 4:15). This passage reminds me of both the deep connection to humanity God has with His creation and the complete divinity and rule that He has OVER ALL HIS CREATION! Which is why although we ought to remain conscious and prayerful about these times, we ought not be unguarded or fearful. For neither of these are influenced by Godโs Spirit.ย
Itโs up to us which type of influence we will abide in & under, heavenly or hellish. Because of Godโs just righteous sovereignty He has given us the power to choose. TALK ABOUT INFLUENCE! However, we ought not be deceived. God is not mocked; a man shall reap what he sows(Galatians 6:7-8). This is one of those superpowers that cannot & will not ever change because it is a Kingdom (King Dominat-ed/-ing) principle. Regardless of our awareness of it we all are govern-ed/-ing by principles & principalities. (Iโd love to talk more about this when space & time permits it.) Nevertheless our right to choose doesnโt relinquish us from the effects of those choices on our lives.
Sometimes we look at our lives circumstances and wonder how did we end up here? This is a good thing. Asking questions and making assessments/evaluations is a wonderful way to monitor growth & development. This type of awareness shows that we are conscious of our whereabouts and curious as to where we stand. The disciples often asked Jesus questions as they journeyed with Him. Even when Jesus exposed the sin sickness of their(&our) generation, their hearts were convicted as they inquired how to increase their Faith. It takes a certain level of “bigness” and boldness to seek God with the intent of becoming better.
โGo Big or go homeโ
American Authors
Last post we were challenged to take an assessment of who, what, where, how, and why we say and do what we say and do. To determine if the people, places, and things we find ourselves coming into alignment with TRULY align with the word of God. And to pray that God would give us the wisdom to make any necessary adjustments. Remember small adjustments over the course of time makes a big difference in our lives and the lives of those around us. In this journey be encouraged and IN JOY!
Jeremiah 2:21 Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?
Joel 1: 14 Santify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord.
Genesis 4: 3-7 And in the process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Leviticus 10:1-2 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. 2 And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord
Greetings in Grace Beloved, ๐ฅฐ
Merry Christmas ๐ & Happy Holy Days to you & yours! I am really excited about today’s post, as it is so fitting for the time & season we are in. I love when Papa(Father) God impresses upon my heart โฅ๏ธ to receive of the hidden manna/word that is only for those who are His. And my friend that(His) is my greatest title in this season, that iโm wearing as a badge of honor. In a time where everyone wants to be somebody of โgreat recognitionโ I find myself groaning ๐ฉand beckoning unto God often, God I just want you. Excuse me in my folly. But my dear friend not only for myself do I inward & outwardly groan, but for you also (See 2 Corin 11:1-2).
What Iโm saying is if you happen to be one of my nearest & dearest I fail not to make mention of you! And if you would like to be added to that list, I am open and taking requests ๐! On that note letโs pray. Father in the name of Jesus, I thank, praise, and acknowledge you as Lord & Savior. Touch whomever is reading this letter with your tender loving kindness and mercies that fail not. Renew us on this day and everyday to come. Let us not be conformed to this world but let us be transformed by the renewing of the mind. ๐ง We know that Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Give them eyes that see & ears that hear in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. ๐๐ฝ ๐๐ผ
So lately God has been having me to be watchful and prayerful concerning several things and an elect people (His & my Beloveds ๐). Itโs both a privilege and an honor. In addition to those that I watch for, He has been having me to petition for others, in particular those on elevated platforms. This includes leaders (spiritual & natural), โcelebritiesโ, and authority figures (ie, police, administrators, etc.). If you know me you know that there is a call/burden on my life in particular for music ministry/industry. In fact I’d say my top three โsectorsโ of burden/influence would be Business (Kingdom & Earthly), Education, and Arts & Entertainment. Family is also another but for the sake of time & space we revisit that next time (hopefully).
If you watch the news, social media, and/or listen ๐๐ฝ to the conversations of the โelite & commonโ you know that there has been a lot of controversy, confusion, and change all around us. And if you have any discernment you are aware ๐that the things we are experiencing in today’s times are not normal. As the bible warns we are in end times and evil men & seducers are getting worse & worse (see 2 Timothy 3). Not only in the world but even in the church, designed to be the household of faith & prayer. And nobody wants to get to the root of it, but more so just skimming the surface in hopes of stirring up the latest greatest controversy. In the words of comedian Katt Williams โInfluenceless Influencers, A time/place where anybody can be anythingโ. Sadness. ๐
Beloved the world and its systems will always be what it is, but when we canโt count on the church โช๏ธ(Godโs chosen) to be the church according to His design, we are in trouble. I heard someone say they really couldnโt tell the difference between the gospel industry and the worldly/secular industry. And unfortunately I understand. Please donโt take this out of context. ๐ I am not one who endorses hypocritical religion. Iโm a Son/Saint saved by THE Son/Savior, our Lord Jesusโ๏ธ Christ. I watch movies, listen to different music genres, wear pants & of course a cute dress or skirt occasionally, and will/have gone into dark places to be a light. Just like Jesus. Except Iโm not 100% devine. Only HE IS!
Nevertheless, as a called out & chosen one it is my responsibility to live & speak THE TRUTH. Even when itโs not popular or well received. ๐คท๐ฝโโ๏ธRemember, it came to me first. So if I have to make the adjustments, nobody is exempt. In fact I am not really your friend beloved if I canโt be honest with you. Why would I want someone I love to be โcaught lackinโ in any kind of way? Back to topic. I was ๐๏ธwatching some recent & older Youtube videos & magazine articles, and was horrified (not literally) as to what we consider great. The people, places, platforms, purposes, etc. that we celebrate are catastrophic and gross. I cringe as I scroll through the common.
Have you ever experienced something or someone strange, weird, off? Kind of disconnected from reality. Maybe that was you & I at some point in time? โ ๏ธWarning, one may experience behaviors and words that are outrageously outlandish. Well at least to the uncommon man. In fact the word strange translates, outlandish, adulterous, alien, heathendom, queer, unnatural, deviant, creepy, off-center, etc. But for some reason itโs accepted as greatness to most (See Isaiah 5:20). How? Why? When? Where? Who? Friend, we really need to start asking ourselves some questions. ๐คExamining ourselves, those we are connected to, our surroundings, and the word of God in order to see if we have alignment. If not we ought to Repent (change). Remember, we canโt change ourselves but God can (search posts on repentance).
Letโs not act as if God doesnโt see or know. He is all seeing, all knowing, and all places at all times (See Psalm 139). Not only does He see, know, Be, but He will repay. God is not mocked, a man will reap ๐ฑwhat he sows (See Galatians 6:7-9). Letโs take some time to reflect & write.
R&W Exercise ๐ญ๐
What have I been watching, hearing, doing lately good & not so good? How does this align or misalign with the word of God (you can search scriptures by topic or consult a spiritual advisor, including us here at GC INK.)? Where do I want to go in this life & after? Why? Who are my biggest influencers? Consider these things and more as led by God. Ask God for direction & discipline to carry out His desires for your life.
In closing I want to encourage us to continue in this reflection into the new year. Consider fasting from food & distractions for ๐ฐ๏ธ24 to 72 hours to reset and ready ourselves for the new season/year. Feel free to reach out and connect with us for an abundance of resources to assist you in this, as consecration ๐๐ฝโโ๏ธand celebration๐ฅณ is who we are and what we do. Grace, Peace, and Love Be Unto You & Yours! And until next time fare-well for now.
(Matthew 12: 48-50)49 And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, โHere are My mother and My brothers! 50For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.โ
(Matthew 10:32-39) 34 โDo not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a manโs enemies will be those of his own household.
Also See 2 Timothy 3 (w/ emphasis on verses 16 & 17), James 4 (w/ emphasis on verses 6 & 7), and John 3:16-18
Letโs Pray! Dear Heavenly Father, thank You. During these last days of the thanks + giving challenge. We honor and acknowledge You! For who You Are. You Are the Most High and Lofty One. Seated in Majesty and Supreme Authority. There is none like You and we bow ourselves before You in Worship. For YOU Alone are worthy of worship (Prostrated Homage, Reverence, and Adoration). For You alone do we fall to our knees and lay upon our faces. We know that we WorshipYou, not just in word, but in deed through our complete obedience, and surrender to Your Will and Way. This is our prayer, In Jesus Matchless Name we pray, Amen.
Blessings Kings Kids What a privilege and honor it is to be called a Son or Daughter. In our weekly student teacher sessions we were reminded that before we are/were anything else (wives, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, husbands, fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, career titles & positions, etcetera) we are/were FIRST Godโs Sons & Daughters! It is His spirit that gives & bears witness to this through our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ! HALLELUJAH! My Friend, that is worthy of celebration! As we close out the month of November & soon the Fall season let’s enter in with Thanksgiving & Praise (See Psalm 100:4).
Quick story: I live across the street from a Lexus car dealership (Iโll give you my testimony on that later) and itโs positioned on the right hand side of the street (take mental note of this). As I was passing by, on my way to work I saw a sign that said December to Remember & 3 shiny new Lexus vehicles topped with BIG red bows. At that moment God began to remind & speak to me concerning His promises. This was my regular route to work, but someTHING was different this time. The scenery had changed, and I realized it was a setup/positioning for what was NEXT!
@HPCD3ยฉ
Created By K. Joi
I love moments like these, where God speaks to us out of the smallest & simplest things, people, and/or places. These things, people, and/or places serve as a reminder of what God said, and that His promises are YES & AMEN. God Does NOT change, therefore neither does His Word/Promises. Oh friend we change, sometimes for the good and sometimes for the not so good, but GOD IS FAITHFUL (See 2 Timothy 2:13). And It is only by His Holy Spirit that we also can come into a place where we donโt vacillate between two opinions. The Bible states in the book of James chapter 1 verse 8 that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
In this time/season of reflection, growth, and development, letโs take some time to ask God to reveal and help us to fine tune the areas of our lives that are unstable. We all have them. Maybe itโs in the area of putting God First, loving others as ourselves, time management, caring for the things entrusted to us by God, stewarding/using the gifts & talents He placed within us, etc.. Whatever it is, God is willing and able to help us to get it right. With time & practice we will find ourselves excelling beyond those things that once had us stuck.
On that note, letโs take some time to reflect, write down, be prayerful, and put in some spirit led practice for improvement. And Remember, Godโs got Us (See 2 Peter 1:3)!!!
We are officially a month away from Christ-mas and 3 days away from Thanks-giving. And y’all i’m finally in my holiday celebration mode (Christmas playlist in full effect as we speak!!). This has been a rough season for many of us and let me just encourage you… God’s not finished with US yet. Keep hope alive and give it ALL to our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ! The REE-SON FOR THIS WONDER-FULL HOLI-DAYS SEE-SON!
Heyyy Ladies & Gents,
So before 2024 ends it was impressed upon my heart โค๏ธ to take some time to hone in on the things this time of year is all about: Thankfulness, Gratitude, Giving, More Christ (Christ-Mas), Holiness/Sacredness, Love, Peace, Joy, Fruitfulness, Family, Friends, Food, Fun, Celebration, Gathering, Reflection, Evaluation, Growth, Goals, Newness/Freshness, Beauty, Wonder, Praise&Worship, The Word, and (if y’all anything like me) some good music, cute clothes, and pretty decorations (#mood #period ๐คฉ)!
And when I say it all came in like a flood how eternally grateful I am to God for every season i’ve lived thus far, it’s an understatement! We ARE truly BLESSED ๐ฅน! Some of you may say but you don’t know what i’m going through. My friend, I can’t say that I fully know what you’re up against but I just want to ๐ง re-mind you. God LOVES US SOOO MUCH, has so many great things in store, and wants to re-store every part of our broke๐ hearts & lives. Life brings with it great pain, but God is still in control! Keep your head up ๐ and Smile!๐
On that note, this week i’ll be doing 7 days of Thanks + Giving ( feel free to do the same and share if you’re #GCINSPIRED24 ). Seven 7๏ธโฃ is the number of completion and I want to share & show how completely grateful I am for YOU! YES YOU! If we ever crossed ๐ถ๐ถ๐ฝโโ๏ธ๐ถโโ๏ธpaths in real life or ๐ปvirtually, I just want you to know you inspire me! Your strength, your story, your glow ๐up, your ๐beauty, your ๐ฆcreativity, and MORE! Also stay tuned for a new divinely inspired post on Nov. 30th, after the Thanksgiving holiday.
You may ask, what is 7 day of Thanks + Giving, and how do I do it? Well first I want you to take some time to reflect ๐คon what you have to be grateful for. If you need some help, ask God to bring it to your remembrance. Ask Him to reveal ๐๏ธโค๏ธto you all the times He was with you and for you. Even when we are unfaithful, HE YET REMAINS FAITHFUL! (See bible verse 2 Timothy 2:13).
Caution! โ ๏ธ This reflection may cause feelings of shame, grief, feelings of unworthiness, even heart ache. Transparent moment, these feelings are warranted. We are imperfect/flawed humans who need a Savior. But we can rejoice in knowing that we have ONEโ๏ธ! God’s LOVE โค๏ธ COVERS US no matter what we do or where we are. His Grace, Love, and Mercy is there/here to restore us to His original plan for our lives (GREATNESS)!
If you want someone to talk to, pray with you, and stand with you on this journey of life, PLEASE reach out to us via message. This can be through the message/contact section โฌ๏ธabove, comment section โฌ๏ธbelow, text message๐ฌ if you currently have my/our number, or ๐งemail. One of our admins will connect and pray with you in faith that God will meet every need! See Keep in touch section in the drop down above โฌ๏ธ.
Stay posted as we continue to ๐grow. Check the blog or my personal instagram (listed under contact section above) for updates, the latest posts, and how you can stay connected and/or be apart of our team! We are MOVING FOR WORD #BrideTribe!
On that note, the 7 Days Of Thanks + Giving Glam Chichallenge ๐ STARTS TODAY. November 25th through December 1st 2024. And this is how it works: After we reflect on what we’re thankful for, and ask God for forgiveness for all the times we were not, LETโS have a little FUN! ๐คฉ Hereโs the challenge. Each day take some time to show God, Others, and Even Yourself Gratitude. Simple Right? I don’t wanna limit your creativity by telling you how to do that. Pray about it! Let Him Lead You!
But if you need a little help here are some ideas: love/like/share &support a LOVED ๐ฅฐ ONES content, business, and/or journey, say thank you and/or apologize, give someONE a special gift ๐ , feed ๐ฝ๏ธand/or cloth ๐งค๐งฃsomeONE in need, spend some extra โฐ time in ๐๐ฝprayer/praise&worship๐๐ฝ/word๐, visit or call โ๏ธ someONE you haven’t talk to in a while, buy yourself ๐ฅbreakfast, ๐ฎlunch, and/or ๐dinner, take someONE on a date ๐, book a ๐ซ๐๏ธvacay, etc. Bottom โ๏ธLine LOVE GOD, YOURSELF and OTHERS as yourself in word & in deed!โฃ๏ธ
โฅโฅ๐พ๐๐ธ๐ ๐ช๐!๐โฅโฅ 