Your Power Season

November 18, 2015August 25, 201610 Comments

change-of-season

Do you ever feel like giving up and throwing in the towel? Has a whirlwind of emotions convinced you to abandon your dreams, a marriage, God or even your own life? Before you make any decisions, let’s take a moment to breathe and refresh.

Every person experiences an undesirable season in life – grief, depression, frustration, shame, loss, addiction or an unexpected tragedy. If left unattended, these seasons can steal your joy, harden your heart and leave you barren of faith. However, with the power of God, they can also provide opportunities for supernatural victory!

If you are ready for a season change, here are some tools that may help you…

Keep your heart towards God
Seasons of life test spiritual maturity. You can strengthen your faith by focusing on the promises of God written in His Word. This can be extremely difficult to do while experiencing the disappointments and distractions of life. But doing so will empower you to break free from hopelessness. His Word gives inspiration for the future. God loves you. Talk to Him about your pain and allow Him to replace it with a joy and peace that only He can provide. In the midst of a winter, God will prepare you for your spring.

I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit,
out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:
many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. – Psalm 40:1-3

Be patient and believe
Tribulation is temporary. Your present circumstance is not your final season. Continue building intimacy with God in prayer. Believe God has taken care of all your adversaries and infirmities. Take refuge and find comfort in Him. Take time to rest and quiet your spirit. The manifestation of your destiny is worth waiting for. Your words, actions and reactions may seem justified, but find out what God has for you. This knowledge is imperative for strength and endurance in any season.

Never apply a permanent solution to a temporary problem –
Make decisions based on purpose instead of on the pressures of life
– Dr. Myles Munroe

Look ahead and dream BIG
Even in darkness, envision yourself in a new season! Believe the best for your life! Creating a dream board is a great way to visualize your future success. Avoid rehearsing past regrets and reliving painful events. Forgive others and forgive yourself to maintain clear vision. Bitterness impairs your ability to see ahead. The Word of God will encourage you and build up your dreams. It is a constant reminder that your future is greater than anything you have already experienced!

Brothers and sisters, I myself don’t think I’ve reached it,
but I do this one thing:
I forget about the things behind me
and reach out for the things ahead of me.
– Philippians 3:13 (Common English Bible)

Do not give up!
Friend, God has a purpose for your life. He needs you to continue on the journey with Him. Keep going towards God. He will reveal your destiny and bring it to pass. With Him, you will overcome the impossible. No person, present situation or past mistake can stop you from your power season!

And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. – Galatians 6:9

Fearless Power

October 20, 2015August 25, 20164 Comments

Photo Credit: Blue Cross, Blue Shield

What are you most afraid of? What fear goes beyond the temporary shock of something like a snake, clown or spider? This month, let’s attack the “scary things” that have tried to debilitate progress and become permanent in our lives. With the power of God, now is the time to conquer our deepest, darkest fears!

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power,
and of love, and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7

Here are some of the fears many of us encounter:

Running out of money, resources, or food
Making a wrong decision with family or business
Fear of failure and the shame or judgement that results
Generational curses or demonic influence
Rejection in relationships or career path
Getting sick or dying from disease
Losing control and becoming stressed or depressed

When waging a spiritual assault against fear, you need to know what God’s Word says about overcoming it. This is a serious war – fear wants to control, torment and keep you in bondage. Unforgiveness, jealousy, bitterness and anger are all some of the tactics fear will use to oppress you. Meditating on God’s Word and hearing the good news of Jesus Christ weakens the grip of fear over your life. Instead of fear causing anxiety and making you afraid to live victoriously, you can confront it with the powerful promises of God!

There are so many, but here are two scriptures you can store in your arsenal…

Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand
of my righteousness. – Isaiah 41:10

In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths. – Proverbs 3:6

Friend, God loves you and wants you to be free. Let Him show you how to live a fearless, blessed life. Seek Him and unleash the supernatural power residing in you. Today is a perfect time to begin a new relationship with your Heavenly Father and…Live Fearless!

You are a Superpower!

September 29, 2015August 25, 20162 Comments

Are you ready to change your life for the better? Now is the time for joy, victory, abundance and strength to be visible in your life! It is now time to thrive! No matter your situation, there is good news. You already have super powers inside of you! Even better, no force in the universe is greater than the power you possess!

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions,
and over all the power of the enemy:
and nothing shall by any means hurt you. – Luke 10:19

Whatever villain tries to rise up against you – lack, strife, depression, doubt, sickness, pain, anxiety, condemnation, shame – you have the power to defeat it! Seek and speak the Word of God over your situation. Use your authority to command change instead of complain!

“______________ (villain), I do not accept you in my life and command you to leave right now, in the name of Jesus!
I am the righteousness of God and I am redeemed from destruction!”
(1 Corinthians 1:30, Psalm 136:24)

God knew you would need extra help in this world. And don’t worry now, if you feel a little weak…

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might
he increaseth strength. – Isaiah 40:29

Remember, your power source is the anointing of God through His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. He has even given you authority over angels. Healing, love, power, victory, peace, wealth, a blessed life – God transferred it all to you!

So how can you access this power?

Seek God first. Trust and obey your Heavenly Father. Pray for patience and believe all is well. Love and walk in peace with everyone whenever possible. Forgive. Resist the devil. Use your authority for good.

Yes, this is real! God loves you! It is time to unleash your supernatural superpowers!

The Power of Possibility

August 31, 2015August 31, 2015Leave a comment

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with responsibility? Or stuck in a situation void of tangible possibilities? There is nothing good about feeling trapped or defeated. Daily life should be pleasant, not burdensome. Do you think your success and well-being is confined by your race, gender, education, economic status, circumstance or even social connections?

If so, I want to share some points for you to remember…

God is THE Game Changer – team up with Him for a victorious life!

Jesus replied, “What is impossible for humans is possible for God.”
– Luke 18: 27 (Common English Bible)

The only one who wants to restrain, detain and cause you pain is the wicked one – take inventory of the source of your thoughts.
Sometimes the change will not appear in the circumstance – be ready for a change in you.
Trust God and rely on His wisdom.
Believe you can do it!

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe,
all things are possible to him that believeth. – Mark 9:23

The truth is – nothing can stop you! God wants you to be free! When you spend quality time with Him, supernatural possibilities and truths are revealed. He is ready for you – right where you are. Friend, believe that your future is bright regardless of your current circumstance. Power up with God…your possibilities are endless!

The Power of Love & Respect

July 24, 2015August 25, 2016Leave a comment

Logo credit: Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Did you know there is power in submission? It is not a very popular topic, however understanding the concept of headship, honor, love and respect can transform any marriage for the better. The more I learn how God designed the covenant of marriage to work gracefully between a man and a woman, the more I am intrigued by its untapped resources.

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself;
and the wife see that she reverence her husband. – Ephesians 5:33

According to the book Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, this scripture is a focal point for those who desire peace, intimacy and exhilaration in their marriage. The book also provides much insight on the importance of spiritual maturity, behavior, and tone to the overall success of a healthy relationship. A fruitful and glorious marriage requires both spouses to have a heart to serve each other…unconditionally. Those two words: “serve” and “unconditional” are strong and powerful concepts in a marital relationship. Thankfully, Christ is our example and the strength which enables us to relate to our spouse in this very special way.

Here are just a few nuggets from the book…

Unconditional respect is just as important as unconditional love
Headship provides protection – not domination
Wives can practice speaking to their husbands in the same adoration, tone and encouragement and with the same soft facial expression that they would want their daughter-in-laws to speak to their sons
Proverbs 10:19 – With lots of words comes wrongdoing, but the wise restrain their lips. (Common English Bible Translation)
We can grow to honor our spouses in a manner that energizes the relationship

I hope you are able to read this book and find your inspiration! Begin a new journey with God! Trust Him to soften your heart and expand your capacity to love your spouse without fear. Experience the power of love and respect!

Power Over Division

June 27, 2015August 25, 2016Leave a comment

Do you believe there is an evil presence in the world today using anyone and anything to steal, kill and destroy the good on earth? Our world seems to be under attack by a spirit of division – a method of destruction that fights to separate or keep apart. Many of the “isms” – racism, sexism, ageism, classism, egoism, etc – lead to the devastation of relationships. When a person believes they are superior to (more than) someone else, it causes a separation. Divorce is not only the division of two people, but it is the destruction of a covenant which often requires emotional, financial and spiritual restoration. Unfortunately, many families, schools, communities and countries are sabotaged by this wicked spirit. If division has its way, death will follow.

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them,
Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation;
and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: – Matthew 12:25

God made us all unique so there will always be differences among each other. If we are not cautious, a spirit of division can creep into our thoughts and emotions. Opinions slowly turn into judgments and we may begin to think we are more… holy, intelligent, valuable or important than someone else. Instead of putting ourselves on a pedestal, we can follow the example of Jesus Christ. He embodied more of everything, but still had compassion and love for everyone.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you;
but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind
and in the same judgment. – 1 Corinthians 1:10

Now I encourage you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Agree with each other and don’t be divided into rival groups.
Instead, be restored with the same mind and the same purpose.
– 1 Corinthians 1:10 (Common English Bible Translation)

The good news is that agreement has power over division! When we agree with God’s Word, differences become insignificant and division loses strength. Agreement breeds increase, power, longevity, abundance, success and many more benefits! Friend, it is never too late to agree with the Kingdom of God!

Power of Agreement

May 31, 2015August 25, 2016Leave a comment

Are you in agreement with someone – harmonizing your opinions and actions with the mind of another person? It can be a humbling, yet powerful experience. The act of agreement can be formed with anyone in your life: spouse, children, business partners, colleagues, friends, etc. However, it is not always an easy task. Agreement requires wisdom, patience, trust and faith.

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth
as touching any thing that they shall ask,
it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them. – Matthew 18:19-20

Allow me to share some of my personal observations…

Agreement has a more positive impact than compromise. One does not have to settle, adjust or force another. There is no resentment.
Many wicked people agree and form alliances with each other, but their power source is not greater than God.
Two or more people who believe in Jesus Christ and come into agreement can ask the Heavenly Father for anything in His will and it is done.
One must first agree with God and His Word before accessing the power from this agreement.
Agreement results in a less stressful life of peace and victory!

Friend, you can experience this type of power. No matter where you are in life or what situation you are in, God is ready to agree with you today!

Power to Recover

April 30, 2015April 30, 2015Leave a comment

Power to Recover Have you ever spent time with a homeless person? Surprisingly, most that I have met personally or while serving in a shelter, have been well-educated, articulate, or once successful people who had difficulty overcoming a life storm. Their conversations recall the exact moment when their life shattered – a devastating loss, the severe health issue, an addiction, the bad business decision, a betrayal, the death of a loved one, a debilitating accident or something unexpected that made recovery seemingly impossible. During this low point in life, they felt alone and abandoned. Some were mad at God. Others were drawing close to Him and experiencing their recovery.

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. – Psalm 119:50

Certain life situations are unbearable at their onset. They foster hopelessness and pressure you to give up. If unchallenged, they can cause you to slip into a pit of despair…a pit so deep that a supernatural rescue mission is required. During these dark times, evil tries to destroy your faith and isolate you from your Heavenly Father. Thankfully, God is always present to rescue and renew. Look to Him and the power of His Word to bring you out.

Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again,
and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. – Psalm 71:20

Are you ready to recover? Do not be afraid or ashamed to ask God for help. He loves you no matter what the circumstance. He will never leave you or forsake you. He will bear all the weight of your tribulation if you allow Him.

Friend, experience the comfort, healing, power and protection found solely in the Word of God. Believe that His Son, Jesus, came to save and redeem you. Not only will He bring you out of any pit, He will restore your life more abundantly than ever before! His Word quickens us with energy, new life and victory!

With God, your can completely recover from any situation!

Power to Live Free of Judgment

February 27, 2015August 25, 2016Leave a comment

Have you ever felt like someone was judging you? Like someone treated you differently because of your circumstances, lifestyle or beliefs? Or are you the one who has been judging others without knowing the person or the truth surrounding a situation?

Social media makes it easy to criticize and judge others without first requiring a self-check. Human beings resist being judged, but are usually quick to categorize and treat others based on perceptions and experiences. There are those who believe a person should judge the sin, but not the sinner. Some people judge a tree by the fruit that it bears while others believe you can’t judge a book by its cover. Whatever the philosophy, wrong judgment can damage vital relationships and harden hearts.

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not:
for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. – John 12:47

Judge not, that ye be not judged.
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged:
and with what measure ye mete,
it shall be measured to you again. – Matthew 7:1-2

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday,
or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: – Colossians 2:16

Scripture reminds us that Jesus did not judge or condemn anyone. He was sent to save you, me and the entire world! As Believers, we are advised not to judge others or allow others to judge us based on the way we live our lives. Personal comments are best kept to ourselves. Sharing the love of God and being a living testimony of His power and grace is a great alternative.

Living free of judgment makes it easier to nurture friendships, build trust and forgive others. When we read the Word of God, it evokes strength and guidance to look past the outward appearance of man. It also gives us encouragement to look past our own situations and press towards the future with joy in our hearts. The Word helps us to focus on God and be assured that He will take care of everything.

Friend, today is a great day to live boldly for Christ and free of judgment!

Power In Knowing God

January 22, 2015January 22, 2015Leave a comment

Power in Knowing God What is your #1 priority this year?
What is so important that it can supersede everything else in your life? Some choose family, career, health or even a new relationship. Maybe you share my dilemma of trying to make priority a plural concept. I have the list of my top five for 2015 ranked from high to low. But I have come to understand that the true essence of priority is committing to the one thing that is of the highest importance.

One thing. Highest importance.

Let me see…I thought I made God a priority and ranked Him as number one in my life many times before. Unfortunately, I realized my actions did not line up with my ranking. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved God. But I have not always pursued a relationship with Him. I have not allowed myself to be led by Him or sought out to understand Him and His Word. I did not take any time to discover what He likes. My prayer life was mostly me talking instead of listening. Why did I not want to hear what He had to say? I guess I had a childlike crush on God. I just liked the idea of loving someone awesome and good, but not really knowing who He was.

This year will be different.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things will be added unto you. – Matthew 6:33 (King James)

Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
– Matthew 6:33 (Common English Bible)

People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things,
but you know both God and how he works.
Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.
Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday
human concerns will be met. – Matthew 6:32-33 (The Message)

Friend, God knows the desires of your heart because He created you. He knows your goals, dreams, wants and needs. He knows the situations that upset you and the occasions that bring you joy. The more you know Him, the more you can trust that He will give grace, change hearts, bring order, reveal truths, provide wisdom, infuse strength and provide all that you will ever need for your journey. Praying, giving thanks and reading the bible for yourself will help you discover who God is and what plans He has for your life. You are His beloved. Focus on Him and He will take care of the rest!

This year, let’s make knowing God our number one priority!

AKILAH GRANT

Power, Love and Inspirations

Author: Akilah Grant