It Clicked...Consider Joy.

 (James 1:2-4) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

This is what the Lord has been teaching me for more than a week straight. You know that moment when suddenly everything just makes sense? When everything just clicks, the aha moment, light bulb turning on, revelation? You know what I'm talking about, right? I had my first one the day I laid by my bed and cried out for Jesus to show me that He was real and then He did...click. I was 15 then, and I've had my good share of click moments ever since. This one that happened to me a week an a-half-or-so ago is probably one of the most major though. It's changed me. God has changed my fear of the unknown, the frustration of what is out of my control, into joy. Not happiness that only lingers for a short time and comes and goes, but joy that penetrates the soul and no matter what doesn't want to go. It's one thing to talk about letting go and letting God, but when you have an encounter with the lord in this area (or any area) His grace makes what was impossible in our strength and ability possible in His strength and ability. Over these passed few days God has just seen fit to teach me this. I've prayed for answers and these days were a big part of His answer. It was simple really. He just told me to delight in Him, to enjoy His company and presence, while He took care of my future. Matthew 6:33 is complete truth: To seek His kingdom, will, and presence, will set our focus on Him while He takes care of all that has to do with us. I've known this before but being in a storm can cause you to freak out sometimes but thank God that His faithfulness is not dependent on ours. He is who He is because He simply is. We don't need to get it, we just need to love Him. That's the first step, to just love Him. When we love God...trust, joy, peace, and obedience follow. 

This is what's been going on in my life right now and if anyone needs this well here it goes: with all my love in Christ I pray that you just love God to the point where the unanswered questions fade away and the mysteries of life become a joy to you rather than a terrible burden. I pray God's joy over you today as you fall deeper and deeper in love with Him. Because the more we fall in love with God the easier it ease to be stoned or shipwrecked in life like Paul and still write something as poetic as 1 Corinthians 13. That came out of a man who had joy in the midst of the trials that every christian faces when following Jesus. I mean, hopefully you've never been stoned to death but it could happen and I've felt the hurt of words that hurt like stones like many of you have. Our lives are to bring God glory. I heard an amazing quote recently..."it's His glory that is at stake, not ours." Our lives are about Him. After all, is not Jesus' love, heart, blood, and life worth fighting for? In this pursuit of God's will for us and of Jesus we press forward and every step brings us closer to who God created us to be. The reason I love the whole aspect of the verse I shared above is because once we fall in love with Jesus to the point of knowing that turning back is not an option, we persevere and continue to run forward, and this pilgrimage refines us season by season with the intention of bringing forth maturity in Christ. Maturity in Christ looks like Christ, it looks exactly like Him: how He forgave, surrendered, endured, talked, believed, loved, and lived. Suffering is inevitable but consider God's supernatural joy. Consider joy.

Back to School: Worship, Clothes, Life

Tuesday was my first day back at the University and even through some craziness (which I will speak of next time) I had an awesome day filled with the joy of the Lord. Truly God has just been showing me how to continually have joy in the midst of hard times or even the things I don't understand. When we trust God and delight in Him a mind-boggling peace and joy floods our souls. I had been pretty busy going school supply and clothes shopping with my younger sister Angie, taking care of my puppy Cody, and just doing life. 

Last week my boyfriend and I got to meet up with one of our old friends Edwin who we hadn't seen in two years. We met while we were helping out a local church in our area put their worship band together and we were there leading worship for a couple months. We got in contact through facebook and took a pizza over to his house and had an amazing time in fellowship and listening and talking about Bethel music and maybe even going up to their Supernatural School of Worship in Redding, California together sometime in the near future. As most of you know that has been my dream for so long and I'm still believing God for it. I really wanted to go this summer but the Lord just pressed upon me that I had His vision but He had the timing so I let go and I've just been focused on falling more in love with God and really a lot of character building. So back to our friend Edwin...the three of us had such a blast that we decided to get together the next day at my mom's salon. Because we recently moved all of our instruments from the garage to one of the rooms there, we got together and just worshiped God. On the spot we played Our Father by Bethel without any previous practice and we just flowed into God's beautiful presence and spontaneously sang new songs. It was awesome and brought back so many good memories. After that, Edwin invited us to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings and I ate a Caesar salad while the boys went all out on their chili cheese dogs with fries. We just kept talking about how God was working in each of our lives and began to minister to one another. Truly blessed to have such good friends. 

On another note...I started school this semester with a whole new wardrobe that I'm so excited about. I've never been a big flashy designer type of girl but I do like dressing nice in a way that reflects God and my personal character. I've grown so much these couple of years and right now my closet is a holder of jean jackets, skirts of both long and medium length, maxi dresses of various colors, flats, sneakers, sandals...etc. This semester holds a lot of fun surprises that I am beyond eager to share with you all. This weekend I'll be more detailed, I promise. For now I'm just going to start getting ready to head of to school and ending this post with a big God bless you!

Nominated For The Liebster Award!

I want to give a shout out and huge thank you to Bethany Carson from Liberty or Death for nominating me for the Liebster Award. This is the first time I do this and basically these awards are a fun way for bloggers to get to know nominated bloggers better through a series of questions.



Bethany"s Questions:

1.  If you could have an expenses-paid vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

This is really hard...I would love to either travel to beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico because it's simply stunning or...Chiapas, Mexico to visit the beautiful land of cascades where my grandmother was born.

   

2.  What would you like to accomplish by the end of 2014?

I really don't know how to answer that...get engaged maybe lol...who knows?...well, God knows, right?

3.  If you had a million dollars, how would you use it?

This is literally the million dollar question. There's a ton of stuff I would do. I would, without a doubt, help my parents pay off our house and business, pay to build the church that my parents are praying for, I would buy all the instruments that we still have yet to buy, the equipment needed for a recording studio, pay for my masters degree in rehabilitation, help out my friends who are like family to me, and then...pray for God to show me what to do with the rest.

4.  What are your favorite foods?

I'm going to have to go with red Mexican enchiladas, caesar salad, 7-layer dip, cheesy oven-roasted tomatoes, and my Mom's tres leches cake.

5.  What are your favorite quotes and Bible verses?

I love this question! I have to many so here's a narrowed down version (it hurt to narrow down lol)

My favorite quotes are: 

“When we get a bigger boat from God we need to make sure our anchor grows too. We need to spend more time with God anchoring ourselves in the word.”

—Bill Johnson

“One encounter with God’s love, its all it takes. We are created to respond to His love.” —Kim Walker Smith

My Favorite Bible verses are:

(Isaiah 12:2) Surely the Lord is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.

(Romans 12:1) And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

(John 4:24) For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

6.  What is the best advice on life you can give in up to 3 sentences?

No matter what you face never doubt these two things: that God loves you and that He always walks right beside you. In every season learn to consult God first and hear His voice so that you won't be swayed by any other. Getting to know God every day is the best thing that could ever happen to you so don't be afraid to stand out because God created you to shine, to be different, by reflecting Him in everything you do.

7.  If you could live in any time period, which would you choose?

I know that I was born in a time such as this but if I could, take me back to the time when Jesus walked the earth please! 

8.  What is your dream car and your dream home?

Something along the lines of a Chevy Equinox with a sunroof would make me faint. When it comes to a house, I've dreamed about this for years: A one-story country house surrounded by large oak tress, with a rose garden, front porch, large yard, and filled with the love of the Lord.

9.  What languages can you speak?

English, Spanish, and tounges lol (my favorite church joke)

10.  Do you have a current occupation; if not, what would your dream job be?

I've only ever had one job at a Naturopathy clinic but as of now I am a full-time student in the University of Texas-Pan American, majoring in Rehabilitation with a concentration in Addictions Studies. I see myself as a counselor in the near future, helping teens and young adults with behavioral issues know the love of Jesus and the purpose that He has for their lives. God has my dream job already planned out though so that's a big relief.

11. What cause(s) are you most opinionated about?

What "worship" truly means to God 

God's supernatural manifestations today

How to truly help people who are going through addictions, abuse, or behavioral problems. Medication only numbs the problem that Jesus can cure.

12.  Is there any quality you think the Lord is growing in you right now (e.g., patience, love, trust)?

Oh yes...having joy in Him, delighting in Him, in the wating periods. He's teaching me what patience looks like to Him. Trust goes hand-in-hand with that. This season should be interesting! 

This is going to sound like the Ice-Bucket Challenge but...I Now nominate (optional):

Lizzie at For His Kingdom , Overflowing Music for Him , Lizzie Photography : Encouraging and bold-faith devotionals, the journey that is worship, and beautiful photography

Kendra Lee at Confessions of a Healed Heart: Inspiring posts about doing life with God

Mary Kate Hogan at 21st Century Girls: Inspiring godly ladies to live for God

Liebster Award rules: 1. List 11 facts about yourself (optional), 2. Answer the questions given you, 3. Nominate other bloggers with less than 200 followers (optional).  So can't wait to hear y'alls answers! My questions are:

1.) Who or what inspires you?

2.) What is your idea of a perfect day?

3.) What made you want to start blogging?

4.) What are some of your favorite books and movies?

5.) What is one of your biggest dreams?

6.) If you could make a playlist of your favorite songs what would they be?

7.) What are some of your favorite hobbies?

8.) If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

9.) If you could describe your favorite outfit, what would it be?

10.) What's your favorite Bible scripture or sriptures?

11.) If you were given the option to only do one thing every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

12.) What are some topics that you feel strongly about?

Christian Wedding Song List: English & Spanish

Instead of doing my usual "Worship Freely Tunes" this Friday, I was inspired to make a list of my favorite Christian songs that someone could play at their wedding. My best friend who is like a sister to me is getting married next Saturday and just a while ago she asked me what songs I recommend. She's honestly the best-est friend God could have sent me. She's always been there to encourage me and pray with me. Congratulations Lynette! I wish you so many blessed years with your hubby. I am so honored to be that girl's bridesmaid! So these songs that I'm sharing with y'all are my favorites and I plan to play them at my wedding someday.  I decided to do English and Spanish songs because of my bi-cultural background.When it comes to the music that I listen to (because of my relationship with God, the fact that I sing, and music is my life) who I'm inspired by musically really matters to me. The problem that I tend to see the most when it comes to a christian couple wanting to celebrate their wedding is song choice. We all love praise and worship music but couples also want romantic music that talks about their relationship and this should not have to be separate from God. God is the creator of love and music so the two should go hand in hand, glorifying Christ and bringing joy to a couple's hearts. You don't have to settle for Music that's created by people who don't have a relationship with God just because of their catchy lyrics and melodies. I really hope y'all enjoy these tunes. If you know some songs that you'd love for future readers to skim through then feel free to leave them in a comment bellow. Blessings!

[If you're looking for christian instrumental music
then I recommend buying Pianissimo Brothers' 
"50 Beautiful Songs For A Christian Wedding".]

English

1). "Dancing In The Minefields"- Andrew Peterson
2). "Chasing You"- Jenn Johnson
3). "Love Is Not A Fight"- Warren Barfield
4). "The Way You Smile"- NewSong & Francesca Battistelli
5). "My Dear"- Bethel Music
6). "Life Is Beautiful"- The Afters
7). "Closer"- Bethel Live
8). "Come Awaken Love"- Hunter G K Thompson
9). "For My Love"- Bethany Dillon
10). "My Only Love"- Matt Maher
11). "Love Will Be Enough For Us"- Brandon Heath
12). "God Gave Me You"- Dave Barnes
13). "Hundred More Years"- Francesca Battistelli
14). "Thank God I Got Her"- Jonny Diaz
15). "Love Is In The Air"- The Afters
16). "The Marriage Prayer"- John Waller
17). "I'll Wait For You"- Moriah Peters
18). "Bless The Broken Road"- Selah
19). "Happily Married"- Raymond Gregory

20). "Don't Mean A Thing"- GL ft. T'Juan
21). "You Never Let Me Down"- Marvin Winans


Spanish

1). "Amor Inusual"- Tercer Cielo
2). "Bella"- Veinte Veinte
3). "Celebremos Hoy"- Tercer CIelo
4). "Bendita Mujercita"- Alex Campos
5). "Tu Poeta"- Alex Campos
6). "Un Viaje Largo"- Marcela Gandara
7). "Yo Te Amo"- Eunice Rodriguez
8). "Tu Mirada"- Quest Ft. Triple Seven
9). "Enamorados"- Tercer Cielo
10). "Tu Amor Es Un Sueno"- Tercer Cielo
11). "Te Extrano"- Daniel Calveti
12). "Te Amo Mas Que A Mi Misma Vida"- Rojo
13). "Sol Pido"- Fuego Liquido
14). "Sentirte En Mi Alma"- Tercer Cielo
15). "Mi Ultimo Dia"- Tercer Cielo
16). "Si No Estas Junto A Mi"- Tercer Cielo
17). "Regalo De Dios"- Tercer Cielo
18). "Mi Historia De Amor"- Daniel Calveti
19). "Mis Mejores Dias"- Deborah Pruneda
20). "El Uno Para El Otro"- Tercer Cielo

21). "Lindo Viaje"- Tercer Cielo
22). "Guia Nuestro Camino"- Marcela Gandara
23). "Entre Tu Y Yo"- Tercer Cielo
24). "Exagerado Amor"- Tercer Cielo
25). "Estare"- Tercer Cielo
26). "Contigo Quiero Caminar"- Marcela Gandara

The God Who Foreknew

I'm going to speak basically toward myself...if any of this helps anybody that's awesome. If it doesn't and you continue to read this anyway, well...God bless your heart. It's true what the Bible says about how pain will only last for the night because joy will surely come in the morning. Some nights may last days, others may last even more, and then some even less than that. If you want to read one of the saddest of nights right after Jesus...read about Paul. His life after being saved makes my heart literally hurt because I begin to imagine his pain and his struggle, all while remaining faithful to God. God created Saul but then sent Jesus to give birth to Paul. Saul was zealous for the religious cause that fought in God's name, but Paul was in love with Jesus who dared confront him with unstoppable love. God knew Paul because He created him and mapped out his life before it even came to be. God knew the fall Saul would face with the freedom he gave him from the beginning and planned for Jesus to meet him and transform him. Paul had no regrets for his new life because now it had true purpose. I've been really thinking about this, I mean really. Purpose. That's what makes every tear and all uncertainty worth it: the fact that Jesus gave us purpose. Knowing that every detail of our lives matters and isn't just because.

(Romans 8:28) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

If I know this scripture then why do I still react contrary to how I should? Usually I tent to worry. A lot actually. I plan out something and when things don't go according to plan I freak out. I feel like things are never going to get done. This whole week God's been showing me this about myself to the point where it's getting so uncomfortable. God's telling me that my worry and frustration has got to go because I'm just wasting time. If I worry then I'm saying to God that my plan was better and I don't trust His to be right for me. I have to remind myself that his timing is best. I get excited and then I get let down because my expectation is set on my way. There's only one way and that's God's way. I share this because being genuine matters to me and even though I can't share everything about myself I do wish to share what God is doing in my life. Our faults are real and they lie naked before God's eyes so we might as well let Him confront us with them in love. God allows me to be in situations where things change and I can honestly feel Him looking down on me and waiting to see how I'll react. I choose to let "it" go. 

(Romans 8:29) For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

God knows me and He knows you. The measure of how much our hearts can take before they burst is evident to Him and the one who is greater than our hearts never slumbers. This is simple but true: God will not allow us to walk through anything that we can't overcome without His help. Trust me, I've been though some heart-wrenching stuff yet my heart is still beating. It might feel like it's going to give out but my God won't let it because purpose is on the line here. There is a purpose for what we're going through today. Today's details are working for tomorrow. God planned it this way. He planned to bring us back, knowing that we couldn't live without our creator. We can't escape our true roots and those are heavenly not earthly. Addiction we can break, fears we can escape, and other bondage we can shake because Jesus paid. He paid to return to us our identity. God foreknew it...all of it. 

(Romans 8:30) And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Battle Cry

I'm going through my own spiritual battle right now, but the Lord gave me this word after I prayed and opened up my Bible. This story is not quite ready to be shared but it will soon. But for now I leave you guys with "the" scripture and a song that's really been inspiring me and getting me pumped for spiritual warfare. 

(Micah 2:13) The One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD at their head."

God showed me countless times today that He goes before me. If I cry out, He listens and acts. He is on my side and I am on His. Standing strong in the middle of so much stress and consuming frustration is something that only God can do. I bless my current situation in Jesus name because I can feel better times right around the corner. Have a nice night ya'll and more details soon!

Embracing The Unexpected

 

I haven't written anything in a long while but life has continued and I know it's the perfect time to return. I've missed this. The whole morning and hours to follow I could feel my Lord calling me to approach Him, to spend time with Him, to soak up His presence. Last night I grabbed a hold of my Bible, ran downstairs with Cody (our new puppy), found my pencil pouch that contains my highlighter and pen collection, and finally got to sit down on the living room couch. As I hugged my Bible tightly, I said a quick prayer (too excited and expectant I guess) and asked the Lord to speak whatever He wanted me to know. Without even thinking about it, the Holy Spirit brought to me one name: Joseph. I was like, huh? And again I felt it in my spirit. By then I was already flipping through pages and finding my way to the first chapter in the Book of Matthew. There I began to read about Joseph. 

This young man who loved God so much fell in love one day with a young God-fearing woman named Mary. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her so he asked for her hand in marriage and the pledge was made and they were happily married. Before they even got to come together as newlyweds, Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant. I can only imagine the heart-ache, fear, and anger that was eating him alive. He loved Mary so much that He was even willing to divorce her secretly so that they both wouldn't have to suffer public humiliation and ultimately so that she would not be stoned to death. What Mary alledged was proposterous because it had never happened before...someone being impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Joseph's world was crumbling down and he thought Mary was crazy. Right when he was thinking about backing out he had a dream, a God moment, that changed everything. God's message to Joseph was to "not be afraid to take Mary home as [his] wife, because what [was] conceived in her [was] from the Holy Spirit." God was telling Joseph to not abort his God-given assignment because this blessing in disguise was going to change the world. 

God clearly spoke to me and said, Deya, do not be afraid to accept the challenge, this blessing in disguise, that I am giving you just because it doesn't look like what you envisioned. Because just like verse 22 reads: "all this (the public humiliation, doubt, and heart-ache) [is taking] place to fulfill what I the Lord [have] said." There have been things that we as God's children will have to face, challenging and hurtful, that are not meant to hurt us. These things are meant to give us a hope and a future. For me it's my relationship and my family but for you it might be something else. The love is there but times are tough and the enemy does not give the past any rest. Don't you dare give up (I am definitely preaching to myself here). What will come out of this hard thing is a blessing beyond measure. If you know God has spoken something to you and He has confirmed it then keep moving forward with your eyes fixed on Jesus, knowing that you are carrying something or someone that is near and dear to God. It's important. It won't always be easy and we might stumble but God is with us. God is with us!

(Psalm 73:26) 

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Summer Time

Summer is here! For me it's been here for three weeks already actually so...yeah. I have lists of things I want to do but as always plans do change. Some of the more obvious of things are to enjoy my Bible time with the Lord throughout my day, continue my healthy eating lifestyle and my workout routine, and hang out with my family, friends, and my boyfriend. I'm looking forward to August 27 because it'll be our five year anniversary. Needless to say this girl right here is oober happy. Whatever I temporarily possess as of now is all because of God's grace. Some handed down and other in part won through spiritual warfare. I've learned that that which truly matters and that is meant to last comes at a fight. The sweet christian girl who sings and dances before her Father's throne is still here, but she's matured and stepped in to her knew role as a warrior and leader. I have passed through the fire and have made it out alive with a heart that cannot be pulled away from Jesus. I belong to Him in the pain as well as in the calm. There's actually a song that Hillsong United sings that completely embodied the season I was going through and what I'm living now, so I really wanted to share it with y'all. I feel like beautiful things are coming. I truly do. This summer feels different and I can't wait to see what God has in store. Some jump roping, gym time, watermelon eating, movie marathons, date nights, and some more worship. I'm excited!

Hillsong Live- "Glorious Ruins"

Springs in the Struggle

(Psalm 84:4-7) Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

There are so many times where I've just gotten a super quick reply from God. I'm talking in the blink of an eye type of fast. But other times it feels like forever. I had been praying for the Lord to speak to me. Now I know this sounds so under decorated but why not be real, right? I prayed. Days past. I opened my Bible. God spoke. As I began to read through Psalm 84 my spirit leaped inside and I just knew that this word was for me. What I've gone through in the past few months did change me. It changed me for the better. God made me stronger. The way I think, the way I talk, and the way I see life has changed. I've learned that "the struggle" is inevitable so one can either be obliterated by it or empowered by it. There is a true and beautiful promise in this scripture and it is that when we maintain a close relationship with God He gives us the strength and power to even bring forth blessings in the midst of every battle and valley of tears we walk through. What He showed me was that if I set my heart on, if I focus on, continuing and pursuing through the journey that he has mapped out for me then when I go through tough times He will be right there with me showing me that it is possible to have His joy that isn't all smiles and giggles, yet powerful and fulfilling. Not only will I dig and create a dry land a place of springs but He will also send his rain to overflow the season that I am going through. What does that look like? For me it was discovering true friends that prayed with me and encouraged me, to be able to finish two semesters victoriously when the odds were against me, and to receive the answer to my prayers. I continue my journey and I still face many struggles and I know that there are future struggles but I also know that God gave me the power by His Holy Spirit to dig until a spring comes gushing forth to bring life to what was dead. Hang in there folks. Our God is right beside us.

The Process: Loving People & Giving Your Life in Prayer

At one point along our spiritual journey we will all come face to face with the realization of what love really means. I'm talking about moving in God's powerful, transforming, and sin-covering love. Whether someone in your family hurts you, your best friend betrays you, your brother and sister's in Christ speak falsely against you the reality is we're in a hurting world that is crying out for the real children of God to rise up and take their place. The children of God that forgive seven times seventy times, that speak life, that pursue holiness, that move in the spirit, that walk in faith, that promote true peace, that go forth in spiritual warfare, that pray without ceasing, and that love. And that love. And that love. And that love! The sooner we realize that the moment we decide to follow Jesus we're all automatically walking as a work in progress along the narrow road, the sooner we can receive grace and give it to other's. Because we are all like clay jars in the hands of the potter, being perfected in Christ until Jesus returns for us, His bride. All of us. I've struggled with this and I've seen other children of God battle with this type of attitude: Well at least now we're on the road you know so we're ok. No. Oh, no. I was so wrong thinking this. We are all being perfected and whether we'd like to suppress the fact or not, we all have a plank in our eye that still needs to be removed before we can take care of our brother's or sister's plank. God is becoming strong in our weaknesses day by day as we're seeking Him so as we walk forth lets encourage one other, rebuke in love, forgive, and move forward. I'm going through something so difficult right now that if you were to have told me growing up what was to come I would have fled in fear. I can trust God with my life's picture now. I can trust God with the people I love and know that even though I thought my plan was beautiful for them God's is spectacular and full of glory. There's a scripture that the Holy Spirit has been bringing to me through this rough time and it is...

*~*~*

(Luke 6:31) Do to others as you would have them do to you.

*~*~*

This verse has been becoming flesh in me. Forgive as you would like to be forgiven. Love as you would like to be loved. Encourage as you would like to be encouraged. Live the life that you would like to see others live in Christ. These are true words but accomplishing them  is easier said than done. The only way that I can explain to you how I'm doing this is by telling you that through my process I've faced situations where I know I should forgive but couldn't so I prayed and literally cried out with all my heart for God to do in me what I couldn't and I've failed miserably sometimes. But as time has past and I've matured in faith doing the impossible has become possible because the one who makes things possible is invading my heart and emotions more and more. Simple truths of maturing in Christ are prayer, fasting, and filling ourselves with God's Word. The gospel. Jesus. As you walk more and more you won't have to ask WWJD because His Word will slowly become flesh the more you read, fast, pray, and apply. 

There's one well known fact that we have all come to know and if you haven't trust, you will know: When we face hard times we come to know who our true friends are. I'm here to tell you that when you go through trials or you or someone you love stumbles you will realize who's a mature christian, who's not, and who never was.  Those that rebuke you in love and stand by your side by breathing Christ's redemptive power and loving grace into your life I would define as mature christians because though they too are walking in the process, the Spirit of God is at work in them revealing to them Christ-like character that is visible. The proof is in the fruit. I've been doing some things that are completely out of my character and human nature that I can only accredit to Jesus in me. I don't feel rejected and betrayed when everything in this world says I should. My culture says one thing but God's culture is above it all. I've talked to people who I thought I'd never talk to. I'm stepping into places I never in a million years thought I'd step into. And I feel peace when I really shouldn't. I really shouldn't. It isn't normal. It's God. Only God could do this!

Continual prayer has sustained me, I know. Talking to God when I wake, as I shower, in the car, between meals and classes, before bed, and during the night when I wake up and feel my spirit itching to be fed. Right now I'm battling for my best friend, praying that God's will be done in his life no matter what that looks like in God's eyes. In my eyes that picture should be so scary right now but any moment I begin to worry or he comes to my mind or I look up and see our bracelet I just pray. I don't want to block what God is doing so I pray for God's will to be done, for repentance and for a miracle. I can see that these months that I've spent specifically praying for him have been crucial because God is rearranging things not the way I wanted or would have planned but the way He knows is best. I'm thankful to have another friend who has gone through what I'm going through and is in prayer agreement with me and lifting me up and pouring out grace. I'm thankful for blessings in the middle of chaos and for love and forgiveness. My desire is to really reflect Jesus through this and while others abandon ship, I want to stand at the forefront. Even if someone doesn't know how to return love...just love like Jesus. I woke up reading The Word and the same part of a verse kept being confirmed during my morning. I'm taking a hold of it and battling through this. I encourage you today with Luke 18:1 that tells us that we should "always pray and not give up." Jesus said this. Don't give up! If an unbelieving cruel judge can be swayed by a persistent widow, will not our heavenly Father hear our prayers if Jesus made a way for us? He hears. Keep praying and let His picture be revealed in His timing. Don't lose heart. God bless and much love in Christ!

We Are Young But God is God

I've got nothing.That's a scary thought. When you feel like you have nothing to say. Like you can't explain how you feel. It's moments like these when we've got to inject ourselves with what God says. When we fill ourselves with truth suddenly our outlook on life changes. When we worship God on a daily basis with our song, with our dance, with our thoughts, with our bodies the God of all creativity begins to pour himself out on us. It's easy to get distracted and then just run with the motions of life even in our relationship with God but we can not forget that if we were created in His presence then it is only there with Him that we can come to life. For He is the God of the living. When you and I start to feel dry or like we have nothing more to offer it's time to draw near to our Lord, sit at the table and start talking. Invite The Holy Spirit to be with you no matter where you are. He's just waiting for your invite. Whatever darkness there is in us is like light to God and the more time we spend with Him the more He will invade. Wherever you go, invite the Holy Spirit and whether it is good or bad He will reveal these things to you, but you've got to let Him in to every detail of your life. Sometimes I feel like a broken record repeating myself but really the moment we realize that only a relationship with God will give us direction and the answers we need is the moment we will no longer depend on second-hand information. We can't depend on man to give us answers no matter how much revelation they have because God created us individually to have an individual relationship with each of us. 

I've learned something along my walk that I want to share with you. What The Holy Spirit has shown me is that when it comes to the children of God, He will never use a person to tell us something that He hasn't already been revealing to us first. Anything or anybody that gives us a word after that is only to serve as confirmation. So I encourage you to build your relationship with God deeper and deeper so that you become rooted in Him and won't be tossed back and forth like the wind by teachings and pretty words. Your spirit discerns what is of God and what isn't so we've got to listen carefully and be sensitive. I've walked away from so called "amazing opportunities" not because I'm crazy or scared but because God hasn't given me the green light. People of God have actually told me, "if you're waiting for an angel of God to descend from heaven and tell you to go, you're gonna be waiting all your life." I couldn't help but smile because I never thought...craziness, just craziness. You see I could have rationalized what they were saying and just gone along because these people in the natural sense are older, people of God, and dangling recordings and youth pastor titles for me in my face, but my spirit man was uneasy and rejecting this screaming no!!! in my heart. God has clearly spoken to me in the past and has confirmed things to me so for this to be said tells me this: there is no relationship with God or the relationship has grown cold. We have to learn that things aren't always what they seem and neither are people. Be on your guard always because in all reality it's not people we need to to guard ourselves from, it's the enemy who is standing right behind. For our battles are not against flesh and blood.The things of God are being done with the absence of His spirit and that right there is scary. His Word tells us that His people are destroyed because they lack knowledge. We can memorize scripture all we want because it's a powerful tool that we need but only the Spirit of God can reveal to us the exact word that we need for the present season. So while we're busy storing up we also need to listen and let God do the writing on the tablet of our heart.

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(Luke 4:1-2) 

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by 

the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days 

he was tempted by the devil.

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So, when you and I are full of the spirit we will be led by the spirit. The Holy Spirit was upon Jesus in overflow mode. Full of the Spirit Jesus entered a different kind of season where all that His father had revealed to Him was about to be put to the test. For 40 days Jesus had to put up with Satan's lies. I imagine Satan taunting Him during the day and trying to scare Him during the hours of the night. I had a dream once about a year ago that I want to share. There was a spiritual battle going on in my room that I couldn't see with my eyes but I could clearly feel and discern with my spirit. I felt a heavy presence in my room surrounding me that would not let me sleep. I got a sudden urge to cover up my feet and I knew this feeling from a few years back when a battled with this because I was not right with God. This time I knew that me and God were together and I was right with Him so I had no explanation for it. I literally began to think I had done something wrong but I shut that lie out quick. A few years back I would have run to my mom's room and asked her to pray and sleep with me but I had matured in the faith since then and I knew this was something I had to take before the Lord because I had to learn to depend on Him. I must have been 18 or close to 19 years old when this happened so remember we are not defined by our age but by our walk with God. I wasn't fully baptized with the Holy Spirit yet so I couldn't begin to battle in the spirit and talk in tongues like my parents so I did what I had always seen my mom do and rebuked the devil out loud and declared that I was covered by the blood of Jesus. A peace instantly filled my heart and I was convinced that God was right there with me. I'm pretty sure before I closed my eyes I had to have asked God to reveal the unknown to me because I drifted off into a dream. In this dream I could see myself sleeping on my bed but suddenly I felt uneasy because surrounding my bed was this huge lion, roaring and pacing back and forth at the edge of my bed. I was so scared and freaking out inside but all of a sudden, and I just can't forget this: all of a sudden I heard a peaceful, deep, resounding voice that spoke to me, "It's okay, go back to sleep. The enemy can do all he wants to try to scare you but he can't get on your bed and he can't touch you." In my dream I fell asleep after hearing God's voice. I knew it was my Jesus reassuring me that He was watching over me. That's the best picture that I can use to describe having peace in the middle of a storm.

We see later three examples of how the enemy tried to tempt Jesus' flesh but because Jesus submitted His flesh to God through fasting and prayer He rejected the lies. How He rejected the lies is what excites me the most! I'm giddy literally! Seriously that's the first time I've used that word. I get a lot a bit passionate about Jesus. Anyway...He just smacked the smirk off Satan's face! The difference between the devil and Jesus is not found in knowing the Word because Jesus is the Word and Satan knows the Word because He used to worship Him. Satan threw out scriptures but Jesus threw out revealed scriptures. Full of the Holy Spirit Jesus spoke the Word that God wanted Him to know for the exact moment. There will always be times when we are bombarded by verses but only through a relationship with God can we come to know which applies when. Spirit revealed knowledge of God's Word is what will silence the noise around us that tries to drag us back and forth. The same God of yesterday is today and what He did then He continues to do today. The amazing miracles that Jesus did are being done today through His Holy Spirit and I've seen it. Never forget:

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(1 Timothy 4:12) 

Don’t let anyone look down on you because 

you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, 

in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

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Do you know what God is saying to us all right here?! Look, it doesn't matter how literally old or young you are or how little or how much spiritual maturity you have at this point in time...here and now I have called you to be an example! I have called you to be a light and shine bright on a stand regardless of whether others think you're worthy or not. They didn't call you, I did. They didn't anoint you, I did! Your God, your Creator, your savior, and redeemer. I'm here with you, walking along the same narrow road by your side shaping you along the way. So be an example to everyone who's watching, especially to your brothers and sisters in the faith. Let me change the way you talk, act around others, the way you love, the way you believe in me, and let me help you stay pure and be my holy bride here on earth. You just have to let me. Because I want to kill those old habits that hinder you from walking straight with me. I want to show you real freedom that doesn't come from a tattoo or from walking around YOLO ing everything. Just come to me I am your way, your truth, and your light. Don't forget why I saved you! There are lost souls and weary believers who need you to wake up and depend on my strength. You are young but I am who I am. So if I am who I am let all that I am change you. Let all that I am be enough for you. I desire with all my heart for people to be encouraged by your words and not tripped up. Stop trying to just get by and see how much you can get away with before it's considered a sin. Let me show you freedom. You don't need to talk like everyone else does to be heard, mu authority is enough and will get it done for you. A half truth won't change anybody because it's a lie. I want to put the whole truth that I am in you. Give out that truth and people will never be the same and will forever be changed. I desire for others to see the way you act when you're at church, at school, at work, or anywhere else and say I can see God! That will change lives! I want to show you what love really means so that you make no exceptions or preferences and so that even those who dub themselves unlovable come to know me through you. They will know forgiveness because I will give you a supernatural measure that will leave people baffled and knowing that it could only be Me in you. I'm going to show you that you can trust Me so that your faith will increase and like a child you will believe everything I tell you so that you won't be quick to run after the voice of the other. As your faith pleases Me My glory will invade and my kingdom will be established in you and through out the earth. I want to use you! Lastly, I know you can't stay pure without me in a world that promotes impurity and that is why you need to be fully baptized in my Holy Spirit. I did not bring you this far so that you could run away or give in, be bold! My Holy Spirit will teach you what is right and true so that those around you will not stumble by looking at your life but will look and be inspired to keep moving forward. You may be young but I am still God.

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(Luke 10:18-21) 

He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions 

and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 

However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice 

that your names are written in heaven.” At that time Jesus, full of joy 

through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven 

and earth, because you have hidden these things from the 

wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 

Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

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