Reflections of Life

“I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:14-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ You Do Not Need To Be Perfect For Progress If you are waiting to be perfect you can stop. Perfection only dwells in Jesus. This is why he was chosen by Our Heavenly Father, and made the sacrifice for mankind. We could not have endured the pain, persecution, or priceless sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. The temptation, torture, and pain that great, was never meant for us to endure. God the Father laid the foundation from the very beginning. The life designed for us would be used for another purpose. God made us in his image, but not perfect. Have you ever taken the fall for a family member or friend. Example, have you ever been in a ...

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times  and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Safety and A Strong Tower Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;  the godly run to him and are safe.” ‭‭ Proverbs‬ ‭18:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Life’s tests and trials from time to time may beat us up, but they cannot and will not kill us.  We have safety in Jesus. Like a child who is in need runs to his parents, we can run to God,  our Heavenly Father. Anything we need we as God for in the name of Jesus, and he must provide.  God is a provider of all our needs and wants. No, he is not a genie! However, he hears and sees  our needs. We must continue to trust God in times of hardship and pain. Read the scripture below. God tells us not to worry about daily life troubles or material things.  If he provides for the birds and animals, surely our need...

Be sincere in your love for others. Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good. Roman 12:9 CEV The thing about love! Are you really ready for courtship or marriage? In the beginning when you were in the womb, it was you and God.  Before you knew your parents, you knew God. We’re delivered into this world and lose connection with God. The covenant, connection, and bond with God is broken and must be rediscovered as we more connect to the world. Through life’s trails and tests, we lose sight of God being our first love. Worried about finding a soul mate, and operating out of self will. We make life more difficult for ourselves. We must first form a covenant with God before someone else. It is through that covenant, love will manifest and flourish in a healthy manner. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 NLT God commands this because he alr...

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 God’s Intervention plans over and in our lives is perfect. Sometimes it’s hard to trust the order of God’s steps. We often want what we want without first asking God if this is his plan. We can display selfish behavior and thoughts in which we feel will assure us that desire . But, God has stated over and over lean not according to our own understanding. Through our own understanding, there are consequences we suffer. When God is not involved, the desires we obtain will be temporary. The pain we experience is a direct consequence of disobedience and selfishness. If we want true happiness, our will has to be the will of God. We see warning signs, yet we choose to ignore them. Running ahead of God is a losing battle. Brushing off, yet engaging in that silent thought that God’s time is taking too long. We h...

“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Lately, I've been hearing people discussing their desire to move out of state. A late dinner and heavy discussion with a girlfriend as her spirit and mind is complex with the thought of moving out of state. She’s such a sweetheart and Christian, so she doesn’t mind me sharing a little of our discussion. As we enjoyed our cheesecake and tea, I noticed her demeanor wasn’t the same cheerful, happy person. Asking what the problem was, she looked at me and expressed her concerns. She said “Marti, I want the road less traveled”. As I laughed at this statement, tears began to stream down her face. I knew she was serious. She expressed how her spirit was sad and how she desired more fulfillment of life. “Living here is just not satisfying anymore”. “I want to feel free, with plenty of sun and space”. “I just want something new”.   Hugging it out would not b...

“For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” ‭ Matthew ‭9:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Have you answered the call of Jesus? We are actively busy bugging God about blessings, favor, elevation, but we haven’t said yes to his call. Boasting about what you’re good at and how much money you can make if only this or that opportunity would happen. However, you haven’t first asked God what are his plans for you. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬. We all know and quote Jeremiah 29:11, but are you first seeking the Lord. The only way to true happiness is to be diligent in the Lord and fulfill his purpose. His will must become our first priority. See, God is not being mean or selfish when he commands for us to seek the kingdom before receiving our desires. No, there are lessons, tests, and trials we must ...