First blog of the new year!! 2018…. The year I will embark on a new journey deeper into my purpose on the earth. I hope y’all had a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year and time spent with your family!
Three days ago I began writing this blog and thought I knew what it was going to be about. I don’t want to say anything that the Lord hasn’t given to me to say. He gave me the beginning of what I was to write, but today at church He gave me the rest. (Gotta give props to my Pastor for delivering the word God gave him) God had already been preparing me to receive it.
WARNING: This is a vulnerable post. You all are investing in me, my journey, and those we are going to reach together, so I just want/need to be real with you. As I do so, it gives you specific ways to pray for me as I prepare for launch.
“…choose TODAY whom you will serve.” -Joshua 24:15
Stronghold. What is a stronghold? Are there any in my life? If so, how do I get free of it? How is it affecting me? Does it affect those around me? Hundreds of questions in my mind. Emotions running around on me like straight CRAY this past week.
Let’s define stronghold: 1. A place that has been fortified so as to protect it against attack
2. A place where a particular cause or belief is strongly defended or upheld
I am currently working on a devotional
Haven’t been doing what I need to with it
Because honestly, I’ve been struggling
Depression, insecurities, rejection, fear
Those things I listed are strongholds
I have believed the lie for far too long
TODAY I MADE A CHOICE
Sometimes it is difficult to be honest with yourself. Sometimes you pray for things to happen and when it begins to happen differently than you thought you question yourself. Sometimes you need a good swift kick in the tail because you heard from the Lord, questioned yourself on if you heard from the Lord (because it didn’t look like you thought it would), you didn’t trust that voice and obey. Yep, you heard it here. I got a big ole’ spiritual whoopin’ yesterday.
Let’s face it. The problem wasn’t Jesus…..it was me. GASP! In all honesty, I let my gaze fall from our beautiful Creator who has eyes like flames of fire (Rev. 1:14). I love that description of God. When I let my gaze fall just a millisecond, it was detrimental. Life or death. Distractions all around. Noise. Noise. And….. you guessed it, more noise.
You more than likely have heard the story of Jesus walking on water and calling Peter to come to him. This is a couple verses earlier when he sent his disciples on their way. We have to take time to separate ourselves from those we are closest to so that we can seek the face of the Lord.
“After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.” (Matt. 14:22-36)
To be honest the word alone has always scared the ever lovin’ daylights out of me. I’m a people person. My love language is quality time and I love hugs, but the devil can even TRY to use that against me. NOT ANYMORE.
A storm arose and the disciples were fighting a big storm and when Jesus appeared upon the water they were struck with fear, but Peter said, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
I, and probably some of you, have felt like Peter once he was out on the water. We step into the unknown, then when we let our gaze fall from the Lord’s we freak out and see the storm of life swirling around us. “Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
LET FAITH ARISE WITHIN ME.
You might have some things in your life that don’t necessarily look bad for you, but those very things could cause you your destiny. It might be the right thing, but in the wrong season.
LET FAITH ARISE WITHIN YOU.
I choose today, and everyday to let the fiery gaze of the Lord melt away the noise and distraction. I choose today to let the Lord break every stronghold that has tried to keep me from my destiny, my calling, my purpose. I choose today to let faith arise within me. Knowing that God who has called me is faithful (1Thess 5:24) I choose today to drown out the distractions, so that the Lord can speak to me and my discernment become stronger.
TODAY, I CHOOSE JESUS.
—————————————————————————————————————
Continued prayers for me spiritually, physically, mentally are more than appreciated! Also, prayers in raising support for the Race!
I have started pre-selling t-shirts and my adopt-a-box fundraiser is still going! I need your help to help others! If you are interested in donating and have questions you can e-mail me at [email protected]
