Uncategorized

R.I.P.E. Harvest

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 πŸ™ŒπŸ½grateful & πŸ™‚glad for another opportunity to enter into His gates with praise and to enter into His courts with thanksgiving. I’m thankful unto Him and I bless His name! For the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever. Let’s Pray!

Father God in the name of Jesus. Thank you for your goodness, your loving ❀️ 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. ✝️Our Savior/salvation is only one turn away. 

It’s 5am here in the Chicagoland region and it’s pouring down 🌧️rain as we speak. IDK about you, but It’s been a long month since our last post, tiring πŸ˜…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 πŸ₯Šinto God’s presence & power. What’s 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 πŸ—£οΈNEWS for YOU! Jesus already paid for it at the cross. There is nothing hidden from or too hard for Him.

 He see’s 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 πŸ’ and workful πŸ’ͺ🏽hands. We were created to live for God. However, we live in a world where most don’t and won’t. 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. πŸšΆπŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈBut 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 there’s a thin line between… Well just as the saying goes… 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 don’t have that thing or person? Can we stay focusedπŸ‘οΈ and follow God with or without them/it? Or have they/it become a distraction from us being focused and following God’s lead? This can be linked to a mentality 🧠we have that leads us to a course of action that inadvertently disconnects us from God’s will/word/way.

I’m learning that πŸ™‡πŸ½β€β™€οΈObedience is BETTER than sacrifice. Sometimes what we give & do isn’t 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. 😣Not 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 that’s GOOD NEWSπŸ˜πŸ™ŒπŸ½β€οΈ

Part 2 & P.S. Coming Soon!

~XOXO GC Ink.~

encouragment, Uncategorized

Holly-WeirdπŸ”₯ Vs. Holy WoodπŸͺ΅

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, πŸ₯°

Merry Christmas 🎁 & 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 β™₯️ 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 i’m wearing as a badge of honor. In a time where everyone wants to be somebody of β€œgreat recognition” I find myself groaning 😩and 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 I’m 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 πŸ˜€! On that note let’s 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. 🧠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. πŸ™πŸ½ πŸ™πŸΌ

So lately God has been having me to be watchful and prayerful concerning several things and an elect people (His & my Beloveds πŸ™‚). It’s 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), β€œcelebrities”, 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 β€œsectors” 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 πŸ‘‚πŸ½ to the conversations of the β€œelite & common” 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 πŸ‘€that 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 β€œInfluenceless Influencers, A time/place where anybody can be anything”. Sadness. πŸ˜”

Image by Racool_studio on Freepik

Beloved the world and its systems will always be what it is, but when we can’t count on the church β›ͺ️(God’s chosen) to be the church according to His design, we are in trouble. I heard someone say they really couldn’t tell the difference between the gospel industry and the worldly/secular industry. And unfortunately I understand. Please don’t take this out of context. πŸ›‘ I am not one who endorses hypocritical religion. I’m a Son/Saint saved by THE Son/Savior, our Lord Jesus✝️ 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 I’m not 100% devine. Only HE IS!

Nevertheless, as a called out & chosen one it is my responsibility to live & speak THE TRUTH. Even when it’s not popular or well received. πŸ€·πŸ½β€β™€οΈRemember, 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 can’t be honest with you. Why would I want someone I love to be β€œcaught lackin” in any kind of way? Back to topic. I was πŸ‘οΈwatching 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? ⚠️Warning, 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 it’s accepted as greatness to most (See Isaiah 5:20). How? Why? When? Where? Who? Friend, we really need to start asking ourselves some questions. πŸ€”Examining 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 can’t change ourselves but God can (search posts on repentance).

Let’s not act as if God doesn’t 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 🌱what he sows (See Galatians 6:7-9). Let’s take some time to reflect & write.

R&W Exercise πŸ’­πŸ“

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 πŸ•°οΈ24 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 πŸ™‡πŸ½β€β™€οΈand celebrationπŸ₯³ is who we are and what we do. Grace, Peace, and Love Be Unto You & Yours! And until next time fare-well for now.

Signed, GC K. Joi XOXO 😘

Uncategorized

In An Err Era

James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Kingdom Greetings Kings Kids,

Peace, Love, and Joy multiplied unto you. I do hope/pray that ALL is well with you, and that you can rest in knowing Jesus loves you/us. He IS a very present help in the time of need and trouble(Psalm 46). So no matter where we find ourselves God is always able and available to meet us there and take us places beyond our current β€œreality”. The wonderful amazing thing about our Father God is He is limitless, infinite in All we could ever need!

On that note let’s talk. So I was on social media and I came across this new trendy saying, in my ___ era. For those like me you may say huh? πŸ˜‚ Well in simple terms it’s a phrase that means ___ is my current action/lifestyle and I’m owning it. I came across a few like; in my dancing, mom, sleep, spooky πŸ‘€πŸ€¦πŸ½β€β™€οΈ, single, wife, etc. era. And I’m not going to lie y’all….it really got me thinking….I’m getting older. Like really, I’m at that age where you have to take some time to think about how old you’re turning on your next birthday 😩(transparent moment).

Speaking of age, one of the definitions for the word Era is age, or a distinct period in history/time, a generation. And it really got me thinking about the times we are currently living in. God has really been dealing with me about children lately. I mentioned in my last post I have yet to have my own children, but God has graced me with the opportunity to work with children/youths since I was a teenager. Now that I am getting older I have come to realize it’s actually a calling/assignment and not just a jobπŸ˜©πŸ™ŒπŸ½. It pretty much was a set up….in a good way, God’s plan.

But back to the times. As I was reading the first chapter of James, I came across verse a few things that really stood out. So in this chapter James is speaking to a scattered people, who are undergoing some tests and trials(struggles). He goes on to encourage them in their faith that these difficulties are working in them a far greater good, and to keep the faith. Furthermore, he addresses the benefits of enduring in a lowly/humble posture in contrast with the consequences for those who are rich/lifted.

When you get down to verses 13-16 he begins to address temptations, stating that God neither is tempted nor tempts man, but contrary to popular belief we are drawn away of our own lust. The lust then leads to sin and the sin then leads to death. He concludes with the admonishment to not err. That word err means to roam from safety, truth, or virtue/strength. It also means deceive, seduce, be out of the way.

As I was reading this I envisioned someone driving on a signed road who turns down the wrong way and ends up at a dark dead end. When I began to ponder this it blew my mind how closely spelled the words err and era are spelled. In addition to the spelling how relevant both are to the times we are in. That’s when I heard in an err era. My spiritual mentor/father has been teaching on the generation, noting that a generation is a step lower in the natural descent(fall) of man. And this double confirmation was both grievous and sobering.

The Bible speaks to this times (2 Tim 3) but it hits different when you see it playing out before your very eyes, knowing that so many are on that dark road. My friend seeking God with our whole heart is no longer something we can put aside. I like to use this analogy. If we knew someone was at our door waiting for us to walk out with a loaded gun to take our, our loved ones , and others lives there is no way we would haphazardly be messing around at that door. On the contrast we would seek safety, stay away from the door, call for help, warn others, and more than likely get a weapon for protection.

In the natural that makes sense to almost everyone, but so many don’t see the danger of where we are right now spiritually& naturally. My friend salvation and walking with God is so essential to our & others life/livelihood. 1 Peter 5:8 says, Be sober, Be vigilante, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour. God doesn’t say this to cause us to be afraid/in terror but for us to come into safety/shelter in Him!

COA!!! Call of action: Pray/fast, find & attend a solid church (for guidance/covering/community/counsel), read the Bible & pray for understanding, build a relationship with God by getting to know Him & spending time with Him, and Share with others!

Grace Love and Mercy,

Xoxo ❀️ K.Joi ~ In My Jesus Era~

encouragment

One W.U.N.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒓𝒅 π’Šπ’” 𝒕𝒉𝒆 π’ƒπ’†π’ˆπ’Šπ’π’π’Šπ’π’ˆ 𝒐𝒇 π’˜π’Šπ’”π’…π’π’Ž: 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 π’Œπ’π’π’˜π’π’†π’…π’ˆπ’† 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 π‘―π’π’π’š 𝑢𝒏𝒆 π’Šπ’” π’–π’π’…π’†π’“π’”π’•π’‚π’π’…π’Šπ’π’ˆ. 𝑭𝒐𝒓 π’ƒπ’š π’Žπ’† π’•π’‰π’š π’…π’‚π’šπ’” 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 π’Žπ’–π’π’•π’Šπ’‘π’π’Šπ’†π’…, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 π’šπ’†π’‚π’“π’” 𝒐𝒇 π’•π’‰π’š π’π’Šπ’‡π’† 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 π’Šπ’π’„π’“π’†π’‚π’”π’†π’….

Proverbs 9: 10-11

Greetings in Grace ❀️ Beloved Ones,

Happy new season. We’re a little over a month into the Spring 🌷season and I hope things are springing forward for you and your loved ones. I am excited about the renewing, refreshing, reviving, and restoring that’s breaking forth in/throughout the 🌎 earth. Even in the midst of the worlds darkness God’s grace love and mercy continues to triumph! Which brings me right into the peculiar treasure πŸ’ for this month.

I am so grateful to God that the revealed nature/persons of Jesus Christ is both an anchor βš“οΈand lighthouseπŸ’‘πŸ‘ there to securely guide us continuously. I’ve been reflecting on this during this season where we celebrate the death, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord & Savior. One of the supplications that I keep before the Lord is open the eyes of my understanding that I would know you. It makes me cringe a little when I come across the scripture (Matthew 7:22) that speaks about many coming to Him saying I did “this” in your name and “that” in your name and His response being depart from me, I never knew you.

If there is anything we must return to as a whole it’s the fear of the Lord. This not a cowering fear that causes us to stray away but a respect and honor that causes to πŸƒπŸ½β€β™€οΈrun to, kneelπŸ§ŽπŸ½β€β™€οΈ, and bow πŸ™‡πŸ½β€β™€οΈ before our Holy God. In this we receive the wisdom that leads us to know Know and Understand. One of my favorite scriptures is Hebrews 11:6 that speaks of the importance in believing/Faith in who He is and being rewarded for seeking Him. In a time where so much information is easily accessible to us, it’s easy to get drawn away by distractions that take our attention off the ONE who knows all things, in pursuit of other things.

I’m not speaking against learning new things. 🧠Knowledge is power. However, as a generation we at times become too “smart” for our own good. Impressed with our track record of degrees, skills, and accomplishments all the while forsaking the Truth that sets us free. I love what my Grand Papa in the gospel simply states “Read your πŸ“–bible and πŸ™πŸ½ pray for the understanding.” I’m finding as time goes on with my word journey my heart/eyes are being opened more and more to things I didn’t notice before.

In the beginning was the word! And our Lord Jesus is the Word made flesh, the lamb slain before the foundation of the world. There is no way we can walk in the complete victory God created for us to walk without the Word being at the forefront of our lives. The bible says meditate in my WORD day and night and THEN you will make your way prosperous and have GOOD success (Joshua 1:8). We will find that when we ask God to help us make this a daily practice we receive the instructions, strength, and courage to Win daily. This contending is what the bible calls the GOOD FIGHT of FAITH!

When we do this our hearts/minds become realigned(one) with the heart/mind of Christ so that we can πŸšΆπŸ½β€β™€οΈwalk in manifested πŸ™ŒπŸ½ victory in every area of our life. He(JESUS) is the who, what, when, where, why, and how of our LIFE. πŸ’‘Remember….He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to them that know understanding.

Friend in a world where lose seems to be everywhere we turn, we must get be clothed in Christ/the Word, πŸ›‘βš”οΈ armored up, and ready for battle! Let’s end on this πŸ“note….

Matthew 16:25 AMP “For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].”

GRACE LOVE and MERCY,

Signed K.❀️ XOXO