Word Up: Inspirations, Meditations, and Prayers to Help You Face Challenges in Life

By Alfreda Brown

Word Up displays the realities in life, depicting the signs of the times through headline events as well as what happens in the home, on the job, or in social gatherings. Life can be a struggle. There are pros and cons in the ways that we deal with what is happening around us and, most importantly, what happens inside of us. Consider the following questions:

Are we appropriately handling the challenges that can adversely impact our lives? How can we make good decisions while managing our reaction to bad situations? How can we ensure that we are leaning and depending on something that is greater than ourselvesour connection with God? How can we build our relationship with God to ensure that we are on the right track and have ceased playing guessing games with important areas of our life?

Word Up forces you to think with clarity and then gives you an opportunity to do something about your reaction to the bare facts. Word Up helps you to face head on the reality of a situation; it does not allow you to be timid, gloss over it, or just do nothing. Rather, Word Up gives you a choice: do nothing and watch things get worse, or do something and bring the change you want and deserve.

Learn how to deal with situations rather than just quoting the Bible as though knowing and doing are the same. Real change in your life requires faith, and faith without action is null and void. Word Up requires action.

If you really want transformative change in your life, read a topic that describes your situation and begin to bring the deep change that becomes irreversible in nature, a change that you have only hoped for but have not achieved. There is healing in Word Up as you read the Word of God that is so deeply embedded. Allow God to work with you as you read this life changing analogy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490804064

Alfreda Brown

Alfreda Brown, vice president at Kent State University, has a doctorate degree in higher education administration. Strong Christian values are at the core of her leadership acuity. Her experience ranges from grassroots mentoring to teaching service leadership classes abroad, and executive management of diversity and inclusion matters.

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Word Up

Inspirations, Meditations, and

Prayers to Help You Face Challenges in Life

ALFREDA BROWN

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Copyright © 2013 Alfreda Brown.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-0404-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-0402-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-0406-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013914208

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/22/2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Dedication

Introduction

How To Read Word Up

Chapter 1: Starting Over

Our Future Begins Now

Entering A New Year Of New Beginnings

Change

Renewal: A Clean Heart And A Right Spirit

Chapter 2: Faith

The Faith Knock

Saved By Grace Through Faith

Faith Without Action

Great Faith—Speak The Word Only

Do You Believe God?

God Is Able

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Fear Is The Enemy Of Faith

Chapter 3: Trust

Trusting God

Who Hindered You From Obeying The Truth?

Stop Using Your Own Understanding

The Gift Of Hinds’ Feet

Commitment Aligns With Trust

Committing Our Works To The Lord

Fully Persuaded

Lord I Believe, Help My Unbelief!

The Lord Is My Rock!

Stop Worrying And Start Trusting!

Chapter 4: Grace

The Dispensation Of Grace

Justified By Grace

Taking God’s Grace For Granted

Chapter 5: The World We Live In

These Are Trying Times

I Don’t Want To Be Evil

The Spirit Of The Adversary

Strength For The Soul

Witness Of The Spirit Of God

Don’t Do It

Murder

Flattery Lips

Stop Sinning And Have Hope In God

Haughtiness

Hatred

Who Are You Wrestling With Today?

What Should We Do About Sin?

Chapter 6: Forgiveness

Forgiftness

The Practice Of Forgiving

Do You Need To Be Forgiven?

Chapter 7, Part I: Living For God, Part I

Your Body, The Temple Of God

Our Charge Is To Stand

Servant Leadership

Real Love

Almsgiving

Counting The Cost Of Discipleship

Holy Living

Imitators Of God

Our Thoughts

My Thoughts Are Not Your Thoughts Says The Lord

What Will You Render To The Lord?

Chapter 7, Part II

How To Be A Saint

Being One With Jesus

Living As An Elect Of God

Understanding Those Who Stand With God

God’s Timing

It’s Not About A Feeling—It’s About A Promise

Encouraging Our Children

Our Children

The Lord Will Perfect That Which Concerns Me

Words And Meditations

Being In A Dry Place

Little Strength

Chapter 7, Part III

The New Birth—Celebrating A Birthday In Christ!

New Life—It’s A Free Gift!

Being Strong

Our Communications

What Would Jesus Do?

I Have Not Yet Apprehended

What Is Truth?

Practicing Truth

Walk In The Light: The Sequel

And The Truth Shall Set You Free

The Power Of The Word

Chapter 7, Part IV

Waiting

Wait And See, Hope And Pray

When The Lord Calls Your Name

Obedience

Abiding

Spiritual Blessings

Because He Cares That Much

Walking In The Favor Of God And Man

A Real Trooper In The Army Of The Lord

Blessing The Lord And Ridding Ourselves Of Sin

Mindfulness

God’s Protection Is Real

Growing Weary Of Doing Good

Living A Committed Christian Life

Chapter 7, Part V

Let Us Help One Another

We Are More Than Conquerors

I Shall Not Be Moved

God’s Steadfast Love

Goodness And Mercy

This Book Of The Law

Where Our Help Comes From

God Will Keep You From Falling

Be Ready With An Answer

Renewing Our Strength

Overcomers

Chapter 7, Part Vi

True Holiness Versus The To Do List

Freedom From The Law

Be Strong And Courageous

Walk This Way

Living In The Moment

While I Yet Live

It Is Not About Me

Lest We Forget

Extending The Olive Branch

Bringing Our Mind Under Subjection

The Lord’s Expectation For Us

When God Dispatches His Angels

Chapter 8: Suffering

Suffering

Standing Still To See The Salvation Of The Lord

The Cost Of Suffering Is Worth It

Great Peace

Chapter 9: Fear

My Light + My Salvation + My Strength = No Fear

Fear And Safety

Declaration To The Lord—The Lord Is

If It Had Not Been The Lord On My Side, Where Would I Be?

Lord Help Me

Chapter 10, Part I: The Flesh Problem, Part I

Rebellion

The Picture Of Ungodly Pride

Lord, Help Me To Know My End

Running Our Mouth

Be Slow To Anger

The Choices We Make

Be Mindful Of The Words We Speak

Judging, Criticizing, And Condemning

Unfaithfulness

Chapter 10, Part II

We Are A Living Sacrifice, But …

Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen

Moral Actions

Temptations

Be Careful: Don’t Barter Your Soul!

Laziness Equals Poverty And Great Want

Covetousness

Selfishness

Losing Your Flavor

Who Are You Really?

God’s Displeasure With Sin

Spiritual Complacency

Chapter 11: Prayer

Prayer Cancels Out Worrying!

Pray All The Time

The Elephant In The Room

Chapter 12: Judgment Day

The Second Coming

Strange Phenomena

We Shall Be Changed

Spiritually Alert

The Trump Shall Sound

We Are On The Narrow Road To Heaven

Judgment Day

How Real Is Hell?

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Passing Away

Chapter 13: I, Wisdom

I, Wisdom

The Foolishness Of God Is Wiser Than Men

The Wisdom Of Equity

Chapter 14: Our Redeemer

Our Redeemer Lives

Redemption … Reconciliation

Our Advocate

Our Abba Father

What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful Of Him?

Jesus: The Giver Of Abundant Life

Chapter 15: The Fight: Two Sides To Everything

Fight! Contend! Do Battle! … Or Lose The War!

Get Behind Me Satan—Not In Front Of Me!

Sour Grapes: Holding Ourselves Accountable Vs. Blaming Others

Good Name Vs. Great Riches

Walk As Children Of Light—Not As Children In Darkness

Growing Up In Christ: Spiritual Infancy Vs. Spiritual Maturity

Sowing In Tears, Reaping In Joy

Human Government Vs. The Will Of God: Don’t Get It Twisted

The New Nature Vs. The Old Nature

Remember Lot’s Wife: Looking Back Vs. Pressing Forward

Epilogue

If God Be For Us Who Can Be Against Us?

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—

From whence comes my help?

My help comes from the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth.

(Psalm 121:1–2 NKJV)

"Word Up is an extraordinary work that stirs the soul. It is eloquently written and transcends the average inspirational books of scriptural quotes, prayers, and anecdotes. Word Up is powerful, inspiring, and offers hope no matter what your life situation may be. This book encourages you to perform a deep self-analysis and forces you to search the inner voice, your subconscious soul, to unveil what God has for your life. The author did an exceptional job connecting biblical Scriptures and parables to daily life events, showing how God’s word has the unequivocal solution to all of life’s problems."

US Army, SGM Retired and Author, Lawrence D. Brown

Sharing of Favorite Passages from Family and Friends

LITTLE STRENGTH

I’m sitting here saying AMEN to everything you said … I know that it speaks loud in so much of what we are all going through, little time, hurried conversations, and quick hugs. However, as you know little is something to work with. As the song says, little becomes much when we place it in the Master’s hand. So thank you for the insight on little strength, it takes a wise person to know that in our weakness we become strong in God (we are weak, but he is strong). Yes, Jesus loves you, Sister (smile). Just know that he is indeed with you, always. Much Love.

Loretta White, Sister

Little Strength … is how I hold on every day! I need to be reminded that God keeps his promises; he doesn’t change his mind, and his love, and his grace and mercy are there for me … He will always be with me. Thank you! Like you, there are so many concerns, but today I will give my list to God and leave it…. as he gives me a little more strength to walk through the door, that only he can open and close … for I am free indeed. Love you more!

Annette Webb, Sister

FOR MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN

OMG!!!!! Yes … I hear you, Lord! I hear you! Thanks Mom!

Crystal Boadu, Daughter

WALK IN THE LIGHT – THE SEQUEL

I love it! I feel his presence in and through me today. We are breathing together, as if I’m taking in his breath. I am walking in the light!!! I love it! God is so good! He continues to bless and minister to me. Thank you for sharing! Love you!

April Aristor, Daughter

THE COST OF SUFFERING IS WORTH IT

I appreciate you, Mom. I love you. You are blessing many with your words … it has affected me in a good way. You stated you were going to write a book this year … these chapters are amazing!

Vincent Brooks, Son

FOR OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE

I just saved a fortune on Life Assurance! Thank God for the blood [of Christ] … it cleanses, connects, covers, and protects … glad to know him … Glad I have accepted him! Thanks, Mom!

Crystal Boadu, Daughter

TAKING GOD’S GRACE FOR GRANTED

This one was long, and I wasn’t going to read it, but I started skimming and got to what I really needed. This is heavy stuff and so deep. We often take God and this life for granted, but we all know we can be here today and gone tomorrow. Choose ye this day whom you will serve … BE INTENTIONAL … Love it! And love you, Mom. Keep letting the Lord use you to bless us.

April Aristor, Daughter

REAL TROOPER IN THE ARMY OF THE LORD

Very powerful. You are a very good soldier, and God will someday present you with the medal of eternal life for all of your hard work. Love, you little soldier.

US Army, SGM Retired and

Author Lawrence D. Brown, Husband

GREAT FAITH—SPEAK THE WORD ONLY

Thank you for sending this. I appreciate your words of faith. May God bless you dear sister and keep you in his will. Love you!

Dr. Margaret Brazwell, Sister

WALKING IN THE FAVOR OF GOD AND MAN

I’m trying to make it better and be more involved in my three kids’ lives … The older I get, the more I realize that’s what life’s about—God and family. Live, learn, and teach … did a lot of living and still learning … trying to teach what I can. Love you, Mom. Write that book.

Vincent Brooks, Son

LAZINESS EQUALS POVERTY AND GREAT WANT

YOOOOOOO!! I really look forward to reading these every day. We are really BLESSED to have our Mom’s in our lives … I am still stuck on the reading from yesterday—

It is hard sometimes to stay true to what we know is good to do, but we have to do exactly that if we are sincere about change in our lives. You don’t do anything; nothing gets accomplished. In fact, your latter state becomes worse than your present state. You think things aren’t where you really want them to be at the present time, just do nothing—and a year later you will see how things are worse than they were. When you waste your time, you waste your life, and poverty will come to you, like a robber, taking away even the little you thought you had. You will want things to be different so much so that your want drives you to do things that you would not have normally done. You will compromise your values and even worse, compromise your commitment to the Lord.

Those are some POWERFUL words!!! Thanks for sharing cuZZo!

Patrick Nowlin, Nephew

THE LORD WILL PERFECT THAT WHICH CONCERNS ME

Vincent, personally thank your Mom for this one today. This came at the most opportune time. Really appreciate it!

Dexter Brooks, Friend of Vincent Brooks

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Sincere and gracious thanks to my parents first: Lillie and James Brumfield and especially Mom who exemplified holiness throughout her entire life; to my husband (Lawrence), children (April, Vincent, and Crystal, Tiffany, Shemeka and Darrius), sisters (Georgia, Bobbette, Irene, Margaret, Lela, Diane, Loretta, Annette and Charlotte) brothers (James Weldon Jr., Robert, Larry, James, Mark, Richard and Nathan) and a host of Rochester friends and relatives who encouraged me throughout the writing of this book. You love me unconditionally and I appreciate your kind words and your belief in me to complete this project.

Special thanks to Bishop Reginald McGill from Rochester, NY along with my church friends who are too many to name who helped to lay the foundation for my growth in Christ. I thank Pastor Mike Cameneti whose spiritual guidance has been invaluable since I arrived in Northeast Ohio; my BWLF sisters in Rochester, especially Renee, Maisha, Jackie and Cathy, who are part of a continuous strong support network for Black women; Dr. Albert and Carolie Simone who are second parents in my life; and my Ohio colleagues—Iris, Gregg, Justin, Deb, Sonya and Sonya, Diane, Shana, Dana, Heather, Ed, and Keith, my trusting armor bearers. You are steadfast and dependable and have always held me up when I needed support.

To my many unnamed friends and relatives who have been invaluable prayer warriors throughout my life, you know who you are. I appreciate each of you more than you could ever know.

DEDICATION

To April, Vincent, and Crystal,

My children,

Who gave me the inspiration to write Word Up

In loving memory of Mom and Dad

James Weldon and Lillie Mae Brumfield

INTRODUCTION

Word Up grew out of a desire to connect with my children. My children left home as they entered college, and they are now young adults with their own families. I felt a huge spiritual disconnect with each of them and—even more so—a responsibility to encourage them on a consistent basis. Since life has taken us in different directions across the United States, I didn’t see them as often. It was hard to gauge their spiritual acuity, which has been their foundation for making tough decisions.

For young adults, the trials in life are heightened. At the center of every major decision are other important considerations: raising children, the support of a spouse, professional and social relationships, and financial stability. Strong faith, grounded in biblical principles, becomes a key to success in each of these major areas for a young adult, the thirty-something generation. I remembered what helped me when I was a young adult. It was my connection to the Scriptures that shaped my life when I needed direction. As I prayed for my children, I wanted to know if they were still connected and committed to their spiritual values. My hope in providing daily Bible Scriptures and words of encouragement to my children was to accomplish two things: my need to know if my children were progressing well and to ensure they had spiritual guidance while making important decisions. I am happy to report that the daily email discussions have helped all of us and have had a ripple effect on many others who joined in later.

Word Up is filled with inspirational, uplifting, and thought-provoking passages. There is a mixture of reality, truth, and required action. You can read the passages one day at a time or many passages at once. What I can guarantee is that it will make you think. You may not always agree with me, but at the end of it all, there is likely a prayer that offers peace and forgiveness, for both me and for you.

Thank you family, friends, and associates. You have helped to make Word Up a reality!

HOW TO READ WORD UP

Word Up is a daily voice of encouragement. Most passages were written using a SOAP process. I begin with a Scripture, make an Observation of what it says, discuss Application of the principles, and end the passage with a Prayer. The SOAP process helped me to grow spiritually through reading and writing down my thoughts as I studied the Word of God.

There is no special order in reading Word Up. Word Up can be used in Bible study groups, book clubs, Life Groups, Connect Groups or as a handbook or guide for message development. You can focus on a chapter or a verse within a chapter to study the Word of God for further exploration and spiritual development. You can read it in chronological order or based upon a title within any chapter that fits a current need in your life.

Word Up is engaging, sometimes funny, and sometimes extremely serious. It is written to provide a reality check about real matters in life. You may or may not agree with me, so know that upfront. I am not a licensed minister, just a person who loves God, shares the principles of God, and responds to what he says.

This book is not the Bible, but it has much of the Bible in it and could be used as a resource when life gets tough. I may or may not interpret Scriptures exactly the way you understand them. It is my hope that I have consistently aligned my thoughts with the Word of God, adhering to the Word of God without changing any of its intent or meaning. It is also my hope that the words in the several passages will be inspirational, uplifting, and provide encouragement rather than confusion or doubt.

Word Up has fifteen chapters with subheadings based upon the title of the chapter. The longest chapter is Chapter Seven: Living for God. It is written in six sections, as there was a lot to share about living for God. There are examples when I take liberty with the Scriptures, meaning I summarize the Scripture in my own words. Typically, when I do this, I bring more personal meaning to the Scripture by adding words or writing a Scripture using my own expressive interpretation. I also indicate that it is a summary. I have used a variety of biblical translations. Scriptures are taken from passages found in King James Version (KJV), New King James Version (NKJV), one passage using 1611 King James Version; New International Version (NIV), The Amplified Version (AMV), and The Message.

May Word Up become a source of inspiration for your life! Enjoy!

CHAPTER 1

Starting Over

Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place, which I have prepared.

Exodus 23:20 (KJV)

OUR FUTURE BEGINS NOW

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory, which shall be revealed in us.

—Romans 8:18 (KJV)

I read a statement written by Joel Osteen: What happened in your past is not nearly as important as what is in your future. His statement led me to Romans 8:18 specifically because I began to think about the future. Our destructive past does not dictate our future. Why? Because each waking moment is an opportunity to create a great future. There are some who believe the past is a strong indicator of our future. There was a time I believed that way, but it is not true. We can change our future by what we do today, at this present time. We do not have to hold onto our past, particularly if it is full of pain and suffering. In this life, no matter what our status, we will experience pain and suffering. However, I encourage you to think about your response to everyday challenges because it is preparation for your future. How will your response lead you to a better future?

The Enemy would like us to ruin our lives with devastating thoughts and desires that sets us on a course totally against what God has for us. It does not have to be that way. The most important moment in life is the present one. What we choose today could change who we will become tomorrow. God is most concerned with the present. What are you doing now? How are you making every day count for good things to happen throughout your day? Are you creating good feelings, good habits, and good thoughts today?

What is important is now. The present time is an opportune time to support a future that is full of joy and thanksgiving. If we trust him, God has great things in store for us. It is never too late to change your course in life. If you are suffering at this present time, think about the future that God has prepared for you, "the glory which shall be revealed in us." I have a personal testimony.

For many months as I went through a divorce, I remember the nights I cried in the darkest corner of the darkest room that I could find. I was scared in spite of having fourteen brothers and sisters, three children whom I absolutely adored, and friends who I knew would fight for me if I asked them, I never felt so alone as I did at that time. My sister Lela opened her home to me, and I stayed with her through my worst times. We didn’t really talk about it. Most times I needed to only sleep there to get rest. Her home became a safe haven from the constant reminder of separation and pain. Divorce is painful and the impact can feel devastating on many levels when going through the process.

My only hope was talking with the Lord. I prayed, I wrote in my journal and I cried. Each morning the Lord strengthened me to go to work, to get through the day, and to stay on course with my college classes. Each evening, I cried. The crying eventually stopped, but I knew the Lord was carrying me and protecting me from harm. Most days I could not think clearly. I just went through the motions, not always remembering what I did, said or accomplished. Through it all I stayed connected with God.

There were times when the Lord gave me messages through other people. As I was packing to move out of my home, my sister Loretta told me to walk away from my pots and pans that I treasured as a baker and a good cook. She said, Don’t worry about packing the kitchen and the small appliances that you need. God will give you all new ones. Loretta’s words were etched in my mind as though God said them himself. I found out later that God did say those things. I walked away from a marriage of twenty-one years with very little. I was concerned that I would not be able to pay for my school loan or get a new car when my lease was up, but in my spirit I knew I was not to worry. There were several simple promises like these that kept me moving forward. God walked along with me. I actually felt his presence, which was a comforting spirit every time I cried. Through the reading of his word and the special messages of hope that I heard, I felt he talked to me—a lot. I remember when I bought the new pots and pans, all new appliances and my first newly built home after the divorce. It was an awesome day of thanksgiving for me.

Let’s fast track to today, several years later. My future was spoken on the day of my divorce. My life was set on a new course. As much as it hurt going through those days, I still placed my trust in God, and God was faithful to his promises. Beyond the physical things, he gave me hope—a hope that is much greater than I ever thought possible. That hope is speaking to you today.

When you find yourself at a crossroad needing to make a decision and not sure what to do, please understand that God is already there to direct you. There is so much more that can be yours, even now. Do you realize that the Lord thinks about you with thoughts of peace and a plan for your future that is already prepared for you? In Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) the Lord tells us For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. In verse 13, the Lord says if you call on him, he will come. And if you seek him with all your heart, you will find him. You are never really stuck in a place. If you feel that way, then allow me to be the first to tell you that that place is so temporary. Change comes by creating good, a positive way of thinking. Your future begins now. Before you know it, you are on your way to what God has for you—thoughts of peace and not evil, thoughts that will lead you to better results.

Each morning presents another opportunity to move towards a great future. Each morning is an opportunity to correct whatever is wrong and to make things right again. It is an opportunity to choose to live holy, free from a life bound by the chains of sin, and to be free from a life of destructive choices and negative consequences. It is the dawning of a new day, one full of renewed strength and mercies. I send prayers for each of you reading this today, prayers toward a wonderful and blessed year, starting this day, the first day of the rest of your life.

Thank you Lord for revealing that our future is now. Help us to know that change is possible and that you are ready to direct us in all that concerns us. Thank you for revealing that a new beginning is possible, even now.

ENTERING A NEW YEAR OF NEW BEGINNINGS

The apostle Paul says, 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 (KJV)

My thoughts follow those preached recently at my church. The pastor talked about knowing just one thing as we enter a new year—forgetting those things that are in the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. He said if you are off track, get back on track; take the one step toward the dream and vision God has placed in your heart. He talked about people who live in the land of regret—I should have, could have, would have, wish I had, if it wasn’t for, etc. He said let the past go, and press toward your future.

Little did I know this would be a confirmation for what God gave me just a few weeks ago. Perhaps it is the same for you today. God is speaking. Let’s hear him. The past does not count, so forget the past. It is your future that counts more. At the end of each day, can you answer this question: if you died in your sleep, where would you spend eternity? This realistic question talks about your future. How are you preparing for your future, the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus? As you live each waking moment, exactly what are you doing? What actions are you taking to bring the change that is needed in your life?

Paul makes this idea clear by stating that it’s not like he has already seized the prize of eternity with the Lord (I count not myself to have apprehended, Philippians 3:13, KJV), but he does know that he has to forget the past and press toward his future, and that future is in Christ Jesus. Everything we do in this life should involve what Christ wants us to do. Our blessings and peace of mind are tied to living a righteous life. We will reap tremendous blessings from doing what is right. Now is the time to trust God, step out in faith, and begin to do those big things he has called us to do.

So I encourage you to make every day count by pressing towards those gifts and callings that God has placed in your life—the greatness that you were born with and that he has designed especially for you. God has a purpose and a plan for each of us. Are you living in your purpose? Are you working in those gifts that are yours from the time God formed you? You know what you are good at. It is likely tied to your purpose, and that purpose is tied to Christ. Align the two and watch the blessings flow. Think about it. Before you were even born, God had a plan for you. He described this with the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5, KJV). Find out what that plan is. It is simple. Ask him. Just as he answered Jeremiah, he will answer you.

Lord, we want to make every day count. Help us to realize the gifts and callings that you have in our life and to activate those gifts. You have provided a purpose for each of us; help us to understand what our purpose is and to begin to walk in purpose.

CHANGE

Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place, which I have prepared.

—Exodus 23:20 (KJV)

This Scripture was the first one that I was led to when I accepted the position of vice president at another college. I think I was dealing with fear of change, but the Lord comforted me with this Scripture. It certainly worked, as it was clearly the Lord leading me towards the fullness of his blessings. He required a change that took me away from all that was familiar and comfortable. I was taken to a place to begin again, with him at my side.

Looking back, I am so glad I listened. I fought the necessity of having to look for a job, but the handwriting was on the wall. Everybody else could see that it was time for me to move on, but I couldn’t or wouldn’t see what was so clear to others. Why should I leave when my heart longed to stay where I was? I did not want to move away from my home, family, church, and community that I loved, but God had a place prepared for me, and I had no idea that was the case until I made the decision to move forward and just trust God.

As we look at starting over in our lives, whether it is the start of a new job, a new year, or to just begin again, we must realize that we have so many promises in the Word of God that we can hold on to as we begin our transformation for the change that will take place.

Are you ready for change? Deep change is irrevocable in nature. Deep change means that you never go back to where you once were. The Lord does not expect us to make this journey alone as we begin the change that is irrevocable in nature. He dispatches Angels to guide us, to comfort us, and to help us along the path of change. God has prepared blessings for each of us. Don’t worry—just put action into your faith, to your vision for change. There is a road to travel to get to the blessings, but you will not travel alone. I encourage you to make the first step to changing your life, to making it better, and to reaping the benefits that are truly yours. Are you ready to move forward?

Lord, help us get ready for deep change in our lives. There are many areas that we have not addressed that need to change. Help us to understand what those things are and move towards the change that is needed. Thank you Lord.

RENEWAL: A CLEAN HEART AND A RIGHT SPIRIT

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

—Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

During the past election, I contemplated the things that really mattered to me each day and President Obama winning the election often came to the top of the list. Thoughts concerning his re-election filled me with anticipation and excitement. However if I contemplated the possibility of his losing, I was filled with resentment, fear, and anger. I experienced opposite ways of thinking—one passionately filled me with joy, love, and hope; and one negatively filled me with resentment, fear, and dread.

President Obama is not perfect, but he is steadfast, sincere, and has moved the nation forward in ways other presidents could not. I believe he genuinely cares about people. His accomplishments are amazing, especially when one thinks about an adversarial group in Congress that wanted to ensure he would be a one-term president. He is certainly doing the best that he can and as a nation, we should feel pretty good about what he has achieved. I pray for him because it has to be tough being a Black president. Believe me, that is an understatement.

I don’t know what the future holds for America and sometimes that is a cause of huge worry for me. What does a president have to do in order to respond to what America need? What kind of deals will he have to make in order to achieve his goals? He is leading a nation that could erupt any day based on his decisions, and he would be responsible for defusing those problems. As a consequence—depending on what he does and how he is influenced—he could also usher in all kinds of degradations. America, as we know it, might never be the same. He is working with principalities and powers in high places. He has a tough job, and prayer is needed, consistently, fervently, and with daily intention. While praying, we have to pray with a clean heart, and a renewed spirit. It is so easy to place blame on those in high places. And yet, it is without question that it is difficult to be a president who is not favored amongst the majority and one who has to constantly deal with the malicious intent that many have against him. It will take God to protect him from people whose desire is to bring harm, and God to guide him in negotiating the right decisions for America. It is a tough job.

What if President Obama had not been re-elected? I had an uneasy feeling toward his opponent—a troubling feeling of demonized resentment, a fear of what the future might hold for people who look like me if President Obama had not been re-elected. His opponent made statements that were of grave concern. Many interpreted his statements as he did not care about the poor, seniors, women, and minorities or the citizens of America that expected the government to take care of them. He referred to that group as the forty-seven percent of America that he was not concerned about. Exactly what did he mean by that? Forty-seven percent of anything is almost half and that is a very large group to cast away. It felt very wrong and filled me with so much resentment for him and his followers. It seemed that his campaign was filled with flip-flop statements, which felt like lies and deceit. I frowned every time he was at a podium, and words like ugh came out of me spontaneously. My whole attitude showed anger and distaste about his politics even though I knew he was likely a good person and was just caught up in a process that perhaps he himself didn’t believe in.

I found myself becoming so negative. That ugh spirit was a sure sign that I needed God to give me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. We do not have to dislike people or spread resentment among those who are on our side of the fence and against those who are not with us. The Lord is not pleased with that. Somehow, someway we need to figure this thing out, how to love in spite of the Enemy’s attack because real love covers a multitude of faults. We can only do this with a clean heart. Let’s get rid of the resentment, not just against those who are on the other side and their followers but anyone who tend to make us angry. Let’s choose to allow God to create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. At the end of the day, we want the Lord to say, well done my good and faithful servant.

Lord, help us to be mindful of our attitudes, particularly when trying to understand those with influence, and those who make important decisions that impact our lives. Please give our president wisdom, pure unadulterated knowledge to make decisions that reap bountiful blessings for the people in America. And Lord, please forgive us for having resentment in our hearts. Cleanse us from unrighteousness and renew a right spirit within us. Help us to forgive, to encourage and to have words that are uplifting rather than words and thoughts filled with negativity. Thank you Lord for your grace.

CHAPTER 2

Faith

Are you willing to be shown proof, you foolish (unproductive, spiritually deficient) fellow, that faith apart from good works is inactive and ineffective and worthless?

James 2:20 (AMV)

THE FAITH KNOCK

So I say to you, ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks and keep on asking receives; and he who seeks and keep on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keep on knocking, the door shall be opened.

—Luke 11: 9 and 10 (KJV) [A Summary]

You are expecting certain things from the Lord. So stay the course and trust that he will give these things to you. This is how faith works. Faith is a fervent, continuous, and focused action. What you seek may not happen all at once, but it will happen if you ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking. Honor the Lord in your prayers and supplications. Commit your way to him. He will give you the desires of your heart.

SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

For by grace are ye saved—through faith—and not of yourselves; it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast, for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

—Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)

Have you ever taken a moment to realize that it takes faith to believe