The Power of Trust – Part 1

PHOTO CREDIT: PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIN YAMAGATA; MODELED BY VICTORIA GOMEZ

What words will you trust in 2019? Almost daily, your ears are exposed to opinions on how you should behave and voices spewing a plethora of deluded advice.   On virtually every social media platform, there are discussions regarding politics, spirituality, finances, sexuality and many other issues of life. Most commentaries attempt to appeal to your senses and influence your lifestyle choices. Although you can swipe to find 12 signs for This or 7 steps to That, they rarely fit your exact situation or provide a positive resolution. 

And yet you trust in lies that will only hurt you. 
Jeremiah 7:8 (Common English Bible)

You can get lost in the chatter.  Misinformation fuels insecurities and amplifies anxieties.  In the midst of discord and confusion, you may experience intense personal emotions.  A distressed mental state can cause your discernment to become clouded and sound decisions to wane.  Despite your desire for tranquility and joy, you find yourself disgruntled on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Lord of heavenly forces, those who trust in you are truly happy!
Psalms 84:12 (Common English Bible)

You do have a trustworthy source for enlightenment.  Your Heavenly Father is the ultimate success coach and life strategist. He delights in helping you in every area – relationships, difficult times, business, dreams, health, purpose – you name it.  God loves you. He gently guides with personalized advice exclusive to you.  There are no hidden agendas, no deception, only knowledge that leads to your good success. You become stronger, carefree and full of energy! His enduring patience and wisdom will teach you about the power within you.   Even better, you can access His protection, resources and anything you need at any time and in any place. Tune in to His feed…no wi-fi needed. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
don’t rely on your own intelligence.
Know him in all your paths, 
and he will keep your ways straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (Common English Bible)

This year is different.  Trust God.

Your Power Season

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

Your Beliefs Have Power

Your Beliefs Have Power

What do you believe?

Beliefs are ingrained thoughts that distinguish us from each other and dictate how we respond to the world around us. Some say beliefs are the precursor to our future. They control our behavior, influence our words and shape our lives.

A recent conversation with a dear friend challenged me to ask myself this same question.  Perfect timing! Distressing events around the world, close to home and at home were trying to rattle my faith.  It was time to recollect my beliefs.  This was my answer I’d like to share with you.

I believe…
God loves me and is always with me. He is my Heavenly Father and I am His beloved child. (even when I am not reflecting His love)

The Kingdom of God supersedes the laws of this world. God is the Creator of all.  In the end, all nations will experience His power and authority. (I continue to pray for the lost)

God is the only vindicator. No person, entity, fear, hardship, mistake, deception, racism, divorce, evil doing, persecution, jealousy, slander, devastation, rejection, betrayal, pain, anger, offense, sin, war, prejudice, disappointment, abuse, loss, addiction, anxiety, disease, frustration or any ungodly thing will have dominion over me and keep me in bondage. (ever again) 

Jesus is the Savior of the world.  Anyone who accepts the Son of God can experience His power, protection and provision.  All things are possible with Him! (especially miracles) 

God created me for a purpose. My life is not my own. ( I used to think it was) I cannot do anything of substance or sustainability without God.  I trust Him with it all.  

My life is abundant, fruitful and victorious! I am so thankful for God’s never-ending grace, mercy, wisdom, favor, truth and power!  Regardless of the circumstance, He takes care of all my needs so I can be a blessing to others. (words spoken in faith until full manifestation)

Psalms 91 is a beautiful summary of the peace you can enjoy through belief in God.  I pray these scriptures edify and encourage you!  Friend, God is ready to be all you need Him to be in your life.  Draw close to Him and simply…believe!

Steadfast Power

Steadfast Power
Many people in the world today know about God.  Some reverence Him, but may not desire to practice religion or go to church.  Some accept His Son, Jesus, as their Savior, but choose not to walk in love or forgiveness.  Some worship Him, but do not really believe they can live in the power and blessing bestowed upon them.  There are many ways people relate to God and varied emotions on how they feel about Him.  However, God is always the same.

God’s love is steadfast (unwavering, firm and purposeful) towards you.

He is all and everything you need…a Father, protector, creator, redeemer, path maker, healer, sustainer, financier, blessing provider, restorer, comforter, innovator, wisdom revealer and much more!  It is truly amazing to comprehend how much God loves and adores you.  He has made all provisions for you.  He always forgives and does not remember mistakes.  His grace and mercies are new each day.  He never changes, takes a day off, or withholds any good thing from you.  He wants you to be healed, joyful, abundant and victorious!  Always!

How can I be steadfast towards God?

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence
stedfast unto the end; – Hebrews 3:14

Focus on His word and believe with confidence.  Situations and circumstances in life are temporary. Your Heavenly Father wants you to be steadfast in Him regardless of the world around you.   It is never too late for new beginnings with God!  He has a plan for your life that is more elaborate than you can ever imagine.  You must be with Him so He can pour out blessings on you.  No matter what you have done, He is always open for a closer, more intimate relationship with you.  He would love to hear from you!  You are His precious child and representative on earth.  Be steadfast and experience the power of His unwavering love! 

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know
that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. – 1 Corinthians 15:58

 

Power to Finish Strong and Keep Going

Finish Strong

Regardless of how your 2013 has been, you can always finish the year strong!  I understand that this is the time of year for reflections and resolutions, but join me in following a new approach encouraged by Apostle Paul…

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:
but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark
for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
–Philippians 3:13-14

…forgetting those things which are behind

The “Paul” approach requires you to forget all the mistakes and disappointments of your past. Purge everything that is behind, even memories of the “good ol’ days.” They are no longer needed.  Forgetting is much easier when you replace the past with thoughts of hope and joyful expectations of the future.  You will discover many amazing promises when looking forward in the Word of God!

Here is one of my favorites…

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them,
With men this is impossible;
but with God all things are possible.
– Matthew 19:26

You must also remove the load of shame, condemnation, bitterness, selfishness, lack, regret and anything else that you’ve been carrying.  Dismiss old philosophies, traditions and mindsets contrary to God and His word.   Stop engaging in activities that may harm you.  Envision yourself brand new, healthy and beloved each day.  This is how God sees you when you receive the free gift of salvation.

No more dwelling on the hurt and pain others may have caused.  No more speaking words of anger or despair.  Dark sorrow has no room in the bright days of your future.  Your past is not allowed to carry over into your new future.  It is time to remember no more.  Forgive everyone, including yourself, and prepare for a fresh anointing!

The past is over and nothing…
absolutely nothing from the past
is necessary for your new life ahead

…reaching forth unto the things which are before

Believe that the best is yet to come!  Your true purpose, joy, power and good success is before you!  God’s promises, found in His Word, will comfort and strengthen you as you end this year.  It will also encourage you to press towards the prize of God’s love, truth and blessings through Christ Jesus.  If you are interested in reading more on this subject, I would like to share some of the writings that have transformed my way of thinking this year and encouraged me to finish strong:

  1. Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine  by Max Lucado
  2. Battlefield of the Mind  by Joyce Meyer
  3. Power Thoughts  by Joyce Meyer
  4. Live Long, Finish Strong  by Gloria Copeland
  5. Power Over All: A 52-Week Guide to Victorious Living  by Akilah Grant
    (This is a sincere plug –  I consistently refer to my book for blog inspiration and spiritual motivation)


Friend, I pray that 2014 is your year of victory!
May the power and love of God be present in every area of your life!
Believe and have no fear of the future.
Finish strong and reach forth toward Him!
In Jesus Name, Amen.

I love you and thank you so much for your support this year!
Receive 20% off a print copy of Power Over All when ordered through this site using code – 8JBNME56 – until the end of December 2013.

Stay Calm and Flow with Power

Stay Calm and Flow with Power

You and I are designed to be the conduit in which God’s power and His anointing flow through.  This amazing power flows freely when we stay  calm, cool and collected during any life situation.  Calm during a personal storm, cool under fire, and collected despite betrayal.  Make no mistake…this is much easier said than done.

Scripture gives us a description of calm like this…

And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God,
whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Let all bitterness, and wrath,
and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking,
be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted,
forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
– Ephesians 4:30-32


“Be kind to one another.”  

A good friend helped me to put this verse into perspective by instructing me to replace “one another” with my husband’s name.  Try it with someone close to you.  Then replace it with the name of a relative, your children, a neighbor, your boss, a co-worker, or your ex – any person that may disturb your flow.  

Be kind to ______________________ (fill in the blank).

The anointing flows without interruption when we walk in love.  No strife.  No fear.  No selfishness.  The anointing has room to flow and bless others through our lives when we relinquish our personal agendas and carnal emotions.  The anointing is sacred.  It requires our focus to remain on God.  Once activated, He shows us what to do with it.  Thankfully, you and I do not have to be perfect to transmit such a powerful gift!  But there is something we must do…

Stay Calm.     Be Kind.      Flow.


If you want to read more about God’s anointing through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, go to Week 4: You Are Anointed in the Power Over All book.

Access to Power

Access to Power

Let’s get right to it.  The extra strength and guidance you need for victory in every aspect of daily life: relationships, work, family, dreams, finances, decisions, wellness, self-esteem – is readily accessible through the power of God and His anointing.

Yes, this anointing is not only responsible for miracles, but it is also necessary to do the following in and through your life:

 –  heal and restore any type of brokenness
–  strengthen and empower your spirit
–  overcome and destroy any demonic oppression
–  set you free from bondage: emotional, mental or physical
–  demonstrate God’s pure love to the world
–  help to discern the truth
–  guide you to accomplish your purpose in life

Many of us are not aware that we have access to God’s powerful anointing right now! And that God desires us to flow in this anointing every day as we live out His purpose in us.   Without it, the challenges of life tend to wear down our faith, distract our attention away from God, and hinder our spiritual progress. (The book of Acts in the bible gives further explanation of God’s anointing.)

Maybe you can relate to being a Christian who has experienced feeling exhausted, frustrated and powerless. You come to a point in which you are no longer thriving.  It feels as if you are suffocating in fear, worry, anger and condemnation.  You find yourself becoming resentful and bitter; no longer helping others and sharing the love of Christ.  Thankfully, God is the ultimate power source to overcome all we will ever encounter in life!  This power is essential to living a victorious life.  Even better, you and I have access to this power through God’s anointing today!

Any person who has received the gift of salvation also has access to this power.  You do not have to be a preacher or work in ministry to be anointed.  God can and will work through anyone willing to “work” for Him.  He loves you and does not care about your race, age, sex, occupation, status or background – only your heart.

Now it is God who makes both us
and you stand firm in Christ.
He anointed us,
set his seal of ownership on us,
and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit,
guaranteeing what is to come.
– 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (New International Version)

You can access the anointing of God through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  When you are ready, simply pray and ask God for this powerful gift of being anointed and filled with the Holy Spirit.  Once received, continue to seek God and His word to learn more about this extraordinary way of living!  He is ready to do a mighty work through you!

In the next blog post, we will talk about how to flow in His anointing.  If you want to learn more about God’s anointing through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, go to Week 4: You Are Anointed in the Power Over All book.