Word Up: Prayers of Each Day of the Year

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 ensure that we are leaning and depending on something that is greater than ourselves - our 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 to 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 about 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. Begin to identify the deep change that is 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 in real change. Allow God to work with you as you read this life changing analogy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jan 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9781788787031

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.

Book preview

Word Up

Prayers of Each Day of the Year

Alfreda Brown

Austin Macauley Publishers

Word Up

About the Author

Dedication

Copyright Information ©

Acknowledgement

Preface

Introduction

Chapter One: Starting Over

Our Future Begins Now

Entering a New Year of New Beginnings

Change

Renewal: A Clean Heart and a Right Spirit

Chapter Two: 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 Three: Trust

Trusting God

Who Hindered You from Obeying the Truth?

Stop Using Your Own Understanding

And the Truth Will Set You Free

The Gift of Hind’s 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 Four: Grace

The Dispensation of Grace

Justified by Grace

Taking God’s Grace for Granted

Chapter Five: 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

Flattering Lips

Stop Sinning and Have Hope in God

Haughtiness

Hatred

Whom or What Are You Wrestling with Today?

What Should We Do About Sin?

Chapter Six: Forgiveness

For-Gift-Ness

Practice Forgiving

Do You Need to Be Forgiven?

Chapter Seven: 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 Saith the Lord

What Will You Render to the Lord?

Chapter Seven: Living for God: 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

Training Our Children

The Lord Will Perfect That Which Concerns Me

Words and Meditations

Being in a Dry Place

Little Strength

Chapter Seven: Living for God: Part III

The New Birth: Your Birthday in Christ!

New Life—It’s a Free Gift!

Be Strong

Our Communications

What Would Jesus Do? WWJD?

I Have Not Yet Apprehended

What Is Truth?

Practicing Truth

And the Truth Will Set You Free

The Power of the Word

Chapter Seven: Living for God: 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 Favour 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 Seven: Living for God: 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 Seven: Living for God: 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 Eight: Suffering

Suffering

Standing Still to See the Salvation of the Lord

The Cost of Suffering Is Worth It

Chapter Nine: Peace

Great Peace

Peace Versus Offence: The Sequel

Chapter Ten: Fear

Have No 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 Eleven: The Flesh Problem: Part I

Rebellion

The Picture of Ungodly Pride

Your Body, the Temple of God

Lord, Help Me Know My End

Running Our Mouth

Be Slow to Anger: Our Children are Watching, Learning and Creating Who They Are in the Future

The Choices We Make

Become Mindful of the Words We Speak

Judging, Criticizing and Condemning Matthew 7: 2–5 (Amplified)

Unfaithfulness

Chapter Eleven: The Flesh Problem, Part II

We Are a Living Sacrifice, But…

Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen

Moral Actions

Temptations

Be Careful: Don’t Barter Your Soul!

Laziness Equals Poverty and Great Want

Covetousness

Selfishness

Losing Your Flavour

Who Are You, Really?

God’s Displeasure with Sin

Spiritual Complacency

Chapter Twelve: Prayer

Prayer Cancels Out Worrying!

Praying All the Time

The Elephant in the Room

Chapter Thirteen: 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 Fourteen: Wisdom

Wisdom

The Foolishness of God Is Wiser than Men

The Wisdom of Equity

Chapter Fifteen: Our Redeemer

Our Redeemer Lives

Redemption…Reconciliation

Our Advocate

Our Abba Father

What Is Man, That Thou Are Mindful of Him?

Jesus Christ The Giver of Abundant Life

Chapter Sixteen: The Fight: Two Sides to Everything

Fight! Contend! Do Battle! Or Lose the War

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan!

Sour Grapes: Lay the Blame Beyond Ourselves

I Don’t Want to Be Evil: Overcoming Evil with Good

A Good Name Versus Great Riches

Walk as Children of Light, Not as Children in Darkness

Walk in the Light—The Sequel

If God Be for Us, Who Can Be Against Us?

Growing Up in Christ: Spiritual Infancy Versus Spiritual Maturity

Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy!

Human Government: Don’t Get It Twisted

The New Creature Versus The Old Creature

Remember Lot’s Wife

Epilogue

About the Author

Alfreda Brown (Doctor of Education, EdD) experience ranges from grassroots mentoring of individuals and underrepresented groups to teaching classes abroad, and leading university and community wide diversity initiatives. As a retired VP and Chief Diversity Officer, Alfreda continues to be a strong advocate for strategic planning and results-oriented assessments to facilitate fact-based decision-making and continuous improvement of diversity, equity, and inclusion across multiple genres. Alfreda’s first love is writing and therefore will continue to publish a variety of thoughts through articles, books and written papers.

Dedication

To April, Vincent and Crystal

My children

Who gave me the inspiration to write Word Up

Copyright Information ©

Alfreda Brown 2024

The right of Alfreda Brown to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781788787024 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781788787031 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.co.uk

First Published 2024

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

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E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

Lillie Mae Chaney Brumfield

Mother, an Angel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

James Weldon Brumfield

Father, awesome experience prior to death as he placed his trust in God

Richard Allen Brumfield

Our smart, intelligent brother, second from last born in the family of 17 children whom we will forever adore and love

Lela Mae Brumfield Louis

My Best Sister of all my best sisters, is Lela whom I was paired with throughout my entire life until her passing. We, that are left, will forever miss her as she was our calmness for everything. I miss her most.

We will forever miss Mom, Dad, Richard and Lela

Our family is and always will be a tight knit with unfailing love between us all.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills.

From whence cometh my help?

My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

(Psalm 121:1 NKJV)

Word Up is an extraordinary work that stirs your soul! It is eloquently and sincerely written from the heart and soul. The message 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 one to perform a deep self-analysis and forces one 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, Author and Husband

Lawrence D. Brown

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills.

From whence cometh my help?

My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

(Psalm 121:1 NKJV)

Sharing of Favourite Passages from Family and Friends

Word Up is an extraordinary work that stirs the very 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

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, as it takes a wise man to know 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, Elementary School Teacher, Sister

Little Strength…is how I hold on to 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…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, only He can open and close…for I am free indeed. Love You More!

Annette Webb, Sister

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 your hard work. Love you little soldier.

Retired SGM Lawrence Brown, Husband

For Many Are Called, but Few Are Chosen

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

Crystal Raquel Brooks Harris, 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 Shantell Brooks, Daughter

The Cost of Suffering Is Worth It

I appreciate you, Mum. 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 Stuart Brooks, Son

For Our God Is a Consuming Fire

I just saved a fortune on Life Insurance! Thank God for the Blood…it Cleanses, Connects, Covers and Protects…glad to know Him…Glad I have accepted Him! Thanks Mum!

Crystal Raquel Brooks Harris, Daughter

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 Mum, keep letting the Lord use you to bless us.

April Shantell Brooks, Daughter

Walking in the Favour of God and Man

I’m trying to make it better and be more involved in my two kids’ lives…the older I get, the more I realize that is what life is about—God and Family. Live Learn and Teach…I did a lot of living and still learning…trying to teach what I can. Love you, Mum. You have finished the book. Now we must believe and receive.

Vincent Stuart 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 Mums in our lives…I am still stuck on the reading…

It is hard sometimes to stay true to what we know is good to do, but we must 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.

Patrick Nowlin, Nephew

Preface

Word Up was written as a daily voice of encouragement. It is engaging, sometimes funny, and sometimes extremely serious. It is meant to be a reality check about 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 and responds to His Word. This book is not the Bible, but it has much of the Bible in it and could be a resource for you when life gets tough. I may or may not interpret scriptures exactly the way you understand them, yet my interpretation aligns with my thought process, or as a strong opinion on that specific day. It is my hope that my words will provide encouragement rather than confusion.

Word Up has sixteen chapters with subheadings based upon the summary or 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 stating the phrase with my personal expressive interpretation. I also indicate that it is A Summary. I have used a variety of biblical translations throughout the writings. Most scriptures are taken from King James Version, New King James Version or The Amplified Versions of the Holy Bible.

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

Introduction

Word Up grew out of a desire to connect with my children. My children left home as they entered college and now are young adults with their own families. I felt a huge spiritual disconnect with each of them and even more so, a responsibility to consistently encourage them. 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.

As 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. Having strong faith, grounded in biblical principles, it 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 their age. It was my connection to the scriptures that shaped my life and assisted whenever I needed direction. I wanted to know if my children were still connected and committed to their spiritual values. My hope in providing daily Bible scriptures and words of encouragement would accomplish two things: my need to know if they were okay and secondly, their need for guidance while making important decisions. I am happy to report that the scriptural discussions have helped all of us and has had a ripple effect on many others who joined in later.

Those who joined later were friends of my children and husband, my sisters, nieces and nephews and a host of others who heard about this and wanted to be added to the contact list. The interesting story is that I had no idea that my children and my husband were sending the daily Word Up to friends and associates! When I first began sending the messages to my children, they would respond referencing how the scriptures helped, and how thankful they were for the message. After a few months, I was at a lull, realizing I had not heard any recent responses about the writings, therefore, I was ready to stop writing altogether. When I sent a note to say that I was going to stop after four months of almost daily writing, there was an outpour; not only from my children, but also others who pleaded that I should not stop and reiterated in detail how the daily Word Up made a difference in their lives! That was a huge encouragement to keep going, knowing that the Word of God will accomplish what it is sent out to do; one never knows exactly how that works and whom it impacts. For this reason alone, I knew it was important for me to place these writings in a book format and to share it with as many as possible.

Word Up is filled with inspirational, uplifting, thought provoking passages. There is a mixture of reality, truth and required action. You can read a passage one day at a time or many passages at once. What I can guarantee is, 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 me and for you.

Thank you, family, friends, and associates.

You have helped to make Word Up a reality!

Chapter One

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

Romans 8:18 (KJV)

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.

I read a statement written by Joel Osteen, What happened in your past is not nearly as important as what is in your future. This 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 that believe that the past is a strong indicator of our future. I previously believed that way, however, it is not true. We do not have to hold onto our past, particularly when it is full of pain and suffering. In this life, no matter who you are, there will be pain and suffering. Sure, there are good things in the past that help to shape who and where we are today, but whatever those good things are, they will not dictate what you will do today or how you will respond to a challenge today.

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

What is important is now. The present time is an opportune time to support a future that is full of joy and thanksgiving. God has great things in store for us—that is if we trust Him. 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. I have a personal testimony.

When I went through my divorce, I remember the nights that I cried over several months in the darkest corner of the darkest room that I could find. I cried so hard. I was scared despite having 14 brothers and sisters, and three children that I absolutely adored; I never felt so alone as I did at that time. My sister, Lela, opened her doors to me and I stayed with her through my worse times. My only hope was talking with the Lord. I prayed and I cried. Each morning the Lord strengthened me to go to work, to get through the day, to stay on course with my college classes. Each evening I cried. The crying eventually stopped but I knew the Lord was carrying me. Most times I couldn’t think for myself. I just went through the motions, not always remembering what I did.

There were times when the Lord gave me messages through other people. As I began to pack to move out of our home, my sister, Loretta told me to walk away from my pots and pans, as she stated the Lord will give me all new ones. Don’t worry about packing the kitchen, 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 my home of 21 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 there were promises like these that kept me going. God walked along with me. I 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, He talked to me—a lot. I remember when I bought the new pots and pans, all new appliances and my first new home after the divorce. It was an awesome Thanksgiving Day for me.

Let’s fast track to 15 years later. My new 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 put my trust in God and God was faithful to His promises. Beyond the physical things, He gave me a hope which was much more than I ever thought I could have, especially then. That hope is what is speaking to you today.

If you find yourself at a crossroad, and you need to decide but don’t know exactly what to do—please understand that God is there—ready to direct you. There is so much more that can be yours, even now. Do you realize that the Lord thinks about you and that He has thoughts of peace and a future that has been prepared for you? The Lord says if we call on Him, that He will come to us and if we seek Him with all our heart that we would find Him. (Jeremiah 29:11–13). You are never stuck in a place; if you feel that way, then let me be the first to tell you—that place is so temporary. Change comes by creating good. Before you know it, you are on your way to what God has for you—thoughts for peace and not evil, to give you an expected end.

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

Entering a New Year of New Beginnings

Philippians 3:13–14 (KJV)

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 towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

My thoughts follow those that were preached recently by Pastor Mike Cameneti, at Faith Family Church in Canton, Ohio. Pastor Mike talked about knowing just one thing as we enter a new year—forgetting those things which are in the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. He said if you are off track, get back on track, make the one step towards the dream and vision God 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 statements. Pastor Mike’s reply was: let the past go and press towards your future!

Little did I know that this would be a confirmation regarding what God gave me at the time I needed it. Perhaps it is the same for you today. God is speaking. Let’s hear Him! The past does not count—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 is directly related to your future. How are you preparing for your future—referencing the gift that is given to you regarding the high calling from 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 it clear by stating that it is not that he has already seized the prize of eternity with the Lord, as he stated I count not myself to have apprehended, but this one thing he said he does know—he had to forget the past and press forward toward his future, and that future is in Christ Jesus. Everything we do in this life should involve what Christ want 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 your time to trust God, to step towards strong faith, and begin to do those big things our Saviour, Jesus Christ, has called us to do.

So, I encourage you to make every day count, by pressing towards those gifts and callings God has 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 one 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—that 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 born—God had a plan for you—He described this with the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5). Find out what that plan is. It is simple. Ask Him. Just like He did with Jeremiah, He will answer you.

Change

Exodus 23:20 (KJV)

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

The above scripture was the first one that I was led to understand its meaning when I accepted the position of Vice President at a college in Ohio. I was dealing with fear, but the Lord comforted me with the words above and it certainly worked! 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 see the writing, or I just refused to see it. I remember thinking why should I have to leave when my heart longed to stay where I was? I didn’t want to move away from my home, family, church, and community that I loved. We serve a but God who had a place prepared for me and I had no idea this was the case until I made the decision to move forward and just trust God without fear or understanding. It was important for me to just move in His presence and His will.

As we look at starting over in our lives, whether it is the start of a new year or a new beginning, we must realize we have so many promises in the Word of God to hold on to, and to live by its principles as we begin our transformation for the change that will take place. Are you ready for deep change? Deep change is irrevocable in nature; you never, ever go back to where you once were.

The Lord does not expect us to make this journey alone. He dispatches angels to guide us, to comfort us, to help us along the path of change. God has prepared a blessing for each of us. You need not to worry, just put action to your faith, and 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 towards changing your life, to making it better, reaping the benefits that are truly yours. Are you ready to move forward?

Renewal:

A Clean Heart and a Right Spirit

Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

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

I was living in a time when I contemplated on things that I really felt were important such as, President Obama winning the election years ago. This came to the top of my list, and I felt anticipated excitement. I also contemplated the other possibility, which led me to resentment, fear and possibly anger: Obama’s opponent winning the presidential election. With two opposing ways of thinking, one that is passionate and filled with joy, love, and hope, and one that filled me with deep anticipating dread.

Former President Barack Obama was not perfect, but he was known as steadfast, sincere, and he moved the nation forward in ways other presidents did not. I believe he literally cared about people; all people, especially when one thinks about an adversarial Congress at the time a Congress that wanted to ensure President Obama would be a one-term president. It was amazing that President Obama accomplished anything while working with a group that was anti to everything about him. He was certainly doing the best that he could, and as a nation we should have felt pretty good about what he achieved. I prayed for him because it had to be tough being a president, especially a ‘coloured’ president. I did not know what the future held for America currently. What does a president have to do to respond to what Americans needed most? What kind of challenges a Black man as president will have to ensure achievement of his goals? President Obama had to lead a nation that could have erupted any day and based on his decisions, he would have been responsible for defusing or adding fuel to the fire with those problems.

Therefore, depending on what he did and how he was influenced, he could also have ushered in all kinds of degradations, meaning America, as we know it would unfortunately, never be a comforting America. As a new president, he had to work with ‘principalities and powers’ in high places. So, yes, a win for President Obama at that time became a cause of worry for me and many others as well. Whoever winning a high seat such as this, will be seated in a tough place, therefore prayer was needed, consistently, fervently, and with intention.

Yet, as I contemplated the ‘what-ifs’, if not him, then who? I also had opposing feelings for those running against him at that time. It felt like a demonized huge resentment, a fear of what the future would be for people who look like me if it is not President Obama. His opposing oppositioners, and there were many, made statements that were of grave concern. Many interpreted his statements as he did not care about people who are poor, seniors, women, and minorities, and stated by some, the ones that expect the government to take care of them. They said he referred to that group as the 47 percent of America that he is not concerned about. Exactly what did he mean by that, that is, if that statement is true? It felt very wrong and filled me with so much resentment for him and his followers. His campaign was filled with flip-flop statements, which felt like lies and deceit. I began to frown every time he was at a podium and words like ‘ugh’ came out naturally. 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. At the end of the day, the prejudices against him were hot. It is amazing he won the position, but I thank God he did! The opposition was so against him, that even the believers, such as me, became guilty of turning away. I was all over the place and didn’t know what to think and exactly whose report should I believe?

I felt this was a scary time in America where prejudice was alive and well. There were many who wanted to support the possibility of a Black leader for America, however it was hard to decide if the left was right. Thank God President Obama won the test, and He did an awesome job! His perseverance and faith kept him moving towards greater success. His leadership was awesome and needed at a needy time. Shaking hard on this one, I held on to supporting him, and wow, I am glad I did!

This story shows how negativity in our heart becomes rooted, and oftentimes leaving us with bad thinking, bad behaviours, and almost a riot spirit. 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 share resentment amongst those who are not on our side of the fence. The Lord is not pleased with that. Somehow, someway we need to think about the challenges that appear in our heart and mind, related to how can we change the atmosphere. The question becomes how we can replace anger with purity of love, despite the enemy’s attack, because true love covers a multitude of faults. We can only do this with a clean heart. We must get rid of resentment, and deceitful chatter, not just against those who are on the other side and their followers, but anyone who tend to make us angry. We must 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. Please forgive us for having resentment in our heart. Cleanse us from unrighteousness and renew a right spirit within us. Help us to forgive and to encourage. We thank you Lord for your grace.

Chapter Two

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 8:20 (KJV Amplified)

The Faith Knock

Luke 11: 9 and 10 (KJV)—A Summary

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 ask and keep on asking receives; and he who seek and keep on seeking finds; and to him who knock and keep on knocking, the door shall be opened.

We are expecting certain things from the Lord, so stay the course, trust that He will give these things to you. This is how faith works. Faith is a fervent, continuous, focused action. What we seek may not happen all at once, but it will happen if we ask, keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking. Honour the Lord in your prayers and supplications. Commit your way to Him. He will give you the desires of your heart according to His promises regarding your entire life.

Saved by Grace Through Faith

Ephesians 2:8–10 (KJV)

For by grace are we 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.

Have you ever sat down to realize that it takes faith to believe in our very existence? Sometimes we take life for granted, meaning we don’t have to think about walking, talking, breathing, thinking, working, driving, exercising, eating, bathing, joking, laughing and the list goes on and on. The reason we don’t have to exercise faith for these things to happen because we are blessed beyond measure! There are many who cannot support important needs for themselves and wish that they could. It takes a daily dose of their faith, perhaps through someone who cares, such as a dependable caretaker who will always aide assistance that is needed to help with basic cares in life. Reality says at certain times, it becomes a hope and a prayer that God will enable the one in need to operate once again without having to lean too much on others.

In stark contrast, many of us do not think about our existence, we take it for granted that all things will work out for our good. If it were not for the grace of God, where would we be? It is because of the gift—the grace gift from God that we are saved from many things that could occur; the many things that could have happened; but did not. As Christians, we are saved by grace through faith, because we know Jesus Christ and have accepted Him as our personal Saviour. And, because of that connection, if anything does happen to us, we know whom we can depend upon and when our lives end, we know where we will spend eternity. It does not matter what our plight is in this life, we are saved because we have experienced Christ and He constantly and consistently is our Saviour, saving us and reconciling us back to Him when our relationship becomes distant, or when we find ourselves in trouble. Many of us do not realize that we are saved by grace through faith, a spiritual concept that operates, despite our often carelessness in nurturing a relationship with God. Being saved is a gift from God. Salvation is free. It is God’s faithfulness towards us that saves us. We