The Power of Trust – Part 1

January 4, 2019Leave a comment

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.

Powerfully Discreet

June 9, 2016August 25, 2016Leave a comment

How can you be discreet in this age of social media? Almost every event and opinion is broadcast through cyberspace for public judgment. Most would agree that the internet is a powerful tool to spread uplifting and informative content through tweets, blogs, posts and pins. But sometimes, this unregulated medium is devastating when discretion is forgotten.

Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
– Proverbs 2:11 (New International Version)

So, what does it mean to be discreet?
It does not mean to keep secrets or to behave in a sneaky or deceitful way. For example, you should not refer to someone as “discreet” if they have an affair with someone’s spouse and do very well at keeping it quiet. That would be an inaccurate use of the word.

To be discreet has much more substance and responsibility…
– to be wise in speech or written word
– respectful of delicate matters
– avoid causing offense by one’s actions or words
– prudence with regards to one’s own conduct
– to select the best means to accomplish a purpose

My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. – Proverbs 3:21-22

Discretion requires wisdom and wisdom is a prerequisite for power. I believe you can still be “real” or “transparent” with others you are connecting with while also being discreet. I admire the way Jesus spoke in parables to encourage and teach. His purpose was to love, not judge. He used discernment. Even during public correction, He was kind to protect the identities and feelings of others. Social media is the new public arena. You and I can follow His example. Our words can be intentional, impactful and discreet.

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!