REJOICE & BE GLAD: WE ARE COVERED!

     In this day and time, we have got to REJOICE & BE GLAD about to whom we belong and who we are COVERED by!  There are so many different things that keep happening in our world that can cause fear, doubt, or even tempt us to live in anxiety as to what will happen next.  However, we have to declare that we are COVERED & PROTECTED in Jesus name!  When Jesus died on the cross for us, He shed His blood for the remission of our sins but He also gave us VICTORY over death or anything that would come against us.  So, there is no sin, no past bondage, no devil in hell, nor anything present that can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:38-39). We have to declare and say “WE ARE COVERED IN JESUS NAME!”  If we can confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus died and rose again just for us (Romans 10:9) than we can best believe that His protection over us as His children is not going to be any less when God made sure to SAVE us! 

     We are COVERED by the blood of the Lamb! This is why “perfect love casts out fear” as it says in I John 4:18. Even when Jesus was born, attacks tried to come against Him and fear tried to enter in His family when King Herod wanted to kill Him.  However, God wanted to make it known that nothing can stop the LIGHT & LOVE that I am sending into this dark world and even in death JESUS STILL WON because He rose again! When we fully understand that the same Jesus that died on the cross for us has also given us VICTORY over death or any attack of the enemy, we can REJOICE & BE GLAD!  Romans 8:37 says “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us”.  So, we must walk in that truth for Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.”, John 14:6. 

    As long as we are under His care, we are COVERED and PROTECTED by the Father, and we do not have to fear what man or anyone else can do to our families, our cities, or our nations, because ultimately we have EVERLASTING LIFE with Him!  So, as we approach the celebration of His birth let us REJOICE & BE GLAD in the truth that He was sent to SAVE us and we have the VICTORY through JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!  For we are in His hands and NO ONE can pluck us out (John 10:28).  This I profess in Jesus name!    

First Lady J

www.onewiththefather.org

1firstladyj.blogspot.com

Tweet @1withthefather

Raise Your Level of EXPECTATION Even More!

     It is time to raise our expectation level even more!  I have learned this week to expect what only God can do; not man, not money, not mama, or what your job can provide, just God!  There is a realm that God operates in that is completely different then the world that we live in each day.  He is the creator, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.  Therefore, He can see the whole spectrum of time. He is omniscient, all-knowing, and He sees beyond what we see!  He knows what direction we should take. He knows what decisions we should make!  So, in the midst of such troubled times, and circumstances we sometimes don't understand, we need to seek His face and hear clearly through His Word, what we MAY have overlooked before!

     We've got to EXPECT HEALING, for by His stripes you are healed (I Peter 2:24).  EXPECT DELIVERANCE, for Psalm 34:4 says "I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.  EXPECT GREATER for He said in Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you ask or think according to the power that works in us!" EXPECT GOD, for He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider (Gen. 22:14)!  He is Jehovah Shammah, The Lord is there (Ezekiel 48:35)! He is Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is our banner which means we have the victory over anything the enemy tries to send because God will fight the battle for His people (Exodus 17:15)!  He is Jehovah Tsideknu, The Lord is my righteousness which means we are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.  He is our peace, our way maker and there is no one like Him.  We must raise our level of EXPECTATION for it only should come from Him (Psalm 62:5). So, put your trust in Him, watch God move, and He will transform your life! This I profess in Jesus name!

First Lady J

Author of Daily Professions 

www.onewiththefather.org
1firstladyj.blogspot.com
Twitter @1withthefather

Draw Nigh Unto Him

     There is a love that the Father has for you that no one else can give.  You can see it in the way He watches over you, keeps you, and provides for you.  You can hear it in a song of worship or a melody of praise.  You feel His presence when you need Him, call His name, fall on your knees, or even when you sit still in His presence and just breathe for a moment.  It is a love so dear that He gave His only begotten Son so that you could be in relationship with Him as child of God.  I used to recite John 3:16 all the time as a child but when you really reflect upon His word it tells the depth of His love for us:

"For God so loved the world...that He gave His only begotten Son...that whosoever believes in Him...shall not perish...but have everlasting life."  

     I don't know which part of that verse touches you but each part of it tells us of a different part of His character.  Oh He loves us so!  He will give up what is most dear to bring us back to Him.  He opens His arms so that anyone can believe in His Son.  Then through Jesus' sacrifice of His life, by dying on the cross and rising again, He gave us power over death, victory over sin and bondage, and the inheritance of eternal life with Him forever. So, why not run to Him? Why not draw nigh to Him in prayer, in worship, in the posture of raising your hands, or even in the yearning of your heart for more of who He is, when nothing on this earth can do.  He is waiting for you to draw near to Him, even in silence so that you can Hear His voice.  He wants you to feel the warmth of His presence, to cleanse you from your sins, and show you even more of His love!  Just draw nigh unto Him and He will draw nigh to you (James 4:8a).

This I profess in Jesus name!

First Lady J
Author of Daily Professions
www.onewiththefather.org
1firstladyj.blogspot.com
Twitter @1withthefather

You Will GROW through it in Jesus name!

     I have been so blessed this past week during our church anniversary to witness the testimonies of so many who have went through trials, tribulations, even thoughts of suicide and God still brought them out because they stayed in the house of God!  I witnessed people first hand share how they cried out to God in their distress and He heard them and delivered them.  These stories were shared because they realized that it was their faith and trust in God and even their commitment to still go to church and worship, that caused them to GROW through it and out of it.  It was because of His grace and mercy and the love of the Father that enabled them to see themselves beyond their situation and HOPE for more! 

     I realized more now than ever that we are all real people with real issues serving a REAL GOD!  We can act like everything is okay all the time but the reality is that if it had not been for Jesus on our side where would we be! Most importantly, we need to share our testimonies and let people see how God He is. We need to witness to others about our salvation and how good it is to be in a personal relationship with Christ whom we serve, and how God blesses you when you stay in the house of the Lord!  That is true GROWTH; when you don't mind sharing how God has brought you UP and OUT for the world to see so that people may come to know Him.  All in all, Psalm 92:12-13 says it best, that "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God".   

     Be encouraged today to know, that despite what you go through, if you stay faithful and come to the house of the Lord, you will GROW through it and flourish in Jesus name!

First Lady J
Author of Daily Professions
www.onewiththefather.org
1firstladyj.blogspot.com
Twitter @1withthefather

Our Worship to God is Everything!

Our worship unto God is everything!  It reminds us of His power.  It reminds us of His grace.  It reminds us of His love for us and that He will never leave us alone.  We need our time of worship with Him.  We need to experience His presence on a daily basis, wherever we go.  There are so many things that can hinder us from feeling protected, peaceful, covered or safe; tragic happenings, discord, and confusion that can make us feel as if we are on our own.  But God is in control.  He is right there every day waiting to direct us, comfort us, pour into us with His word, so that we can experience daily just how real He is!  David said it best "I would have fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living" Psalm 127:13. So, be encouraged today.  Despite everything going in your life or in this world,  know that He is with you, protecting you, keeping you and carrying you through.  Run to Him and spend time in His arms, in prayer, or even in song.  He is your LORD, your Savior, your matchless King.  You are His child, His creation, for whom He will do anything!

This I profess in Jesus name!
First Lady J

Author of Daily Professions

Twitter @1withthefather

1firstladyj.blogspot.com

EXPECT GOD to do Something Great!

      It is time to experience what God has for us...EVERY DAY.  We have so much to be thankful for, so much to be grateful for. We have a God that loves us, cares for us, and provides for us.  He wraps His arms around us, even when we don't deserve it.  He surrounds us with His angels even when we turn the other way.  And He continues to bless us even though we are not worthy of it.  This is August, the 8th month of the year and eight biblically means "new beginning".  Summer break is coming to an end, the kids are going back to school, and fall is on the way; yet there is something that God still wants to do in us.  Like the expectation we have for our kids to have a great year, we need to EXPECT GOD to start something anew in us!  Like a seed in the midst of soil, we have to be willing to rest in the very One who created us in order for it to come forth. God has so much in store for us! He wants to grow what He has planted in us, but we've got to let Him water us with His word so that what He has ordained can harvest from within.  He says in Psalm 1:2-3 that BLESSED is the man whose "delights in the law of the LORD, and in His law does He meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper." So, rest in Him. Stay planted in His word.  EXPECT HIM to do something great in you so that you can see the promises of God come to pass in your life this year!

This I profess in Jesus name!

First Lady J
Author of Daily Professions
www.onewiththefather.org
Tweet @1withthefather

TAKE THE RISK...BY FAITH!

     We just had our summer revival; a time of refreshing, renewal, and restoration!  One thing that we received last week was it is not faith unless you take a risk in obedience to God. In this day and time why not? We always have dreams, desires, and things we know we should be doing but a lot of times they never get done because we are not willing to step out on faith and do something different. Hebrews 11:6 says "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of him that diligently seeks Him."

     So, take the risk!  As Dr. Ratliff said in revival last week, Hebrews 11 is full of believers who did just that "BY FAITH".  Do what God is calling you to do by just taking one step at a time day by day, BY FAITH. I am really talking to myself :).  God is trying to build a better you and a better me. Let's let Him do it as Pastor J says, "by His word".

This I profess, declare, and will do in Jesus name!  Pray for me as I pray for you :)

First Lady J
Author of Daily Professions
www.onewiththefather.org
Twitter @1withthefather

In the Midst of Tragedy, GOD REIGNS!!!

     In times like these, it has been hard to grasp and deal with the full magnitude of everything that's been going on.  There have been days this week as we have dealt with the shooting at Mother Emmanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston that we have all had to hold on to our faith.  We have just had to hold on to the fact that God is able to keep us from falling (Jude 1:24); from falling prey to fear, falling prey to doubt, to even enter the house of worship and glorify our God.  We have had to draw upon the very "well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:4) that lives on the inside of us through Jesus Christ to give us a refreshing in the midst of such pain and despair.  It just goes to show us that as believers, this is why we have to stay on our knees.  This is why we have to stay in His presence.  This is why we have to follow His will for our lives because we don't know when our day will come or when our timeline on this earth will end.

     We have to stand upon His word, hold fast to the truth of who He is, who He has called us to be, and live for God.  Why?  Because we belong to Him.  In the face of the enemy, we belong to Him and nothing can take that away from us.  Romans 8:31 says "What shall we then say to these things, if God be for us, then who can stand against us?"; not man, not fear, not racism, not doubt and not even satan himself who is behind it all.  This is spiritual warfare and the battle has already been won through Jesus' death and resurrection, which is why the love of God has poured out so overwhelmingly this past week to show the world that even in the midst of tragedy, GOD REIGNS!!!

     We are His children and I have realized now more than ever that our lives are in His hands.  So, we must live, move, and have our being in Him. We must "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10) and see the mighty hand of God transform the lives of people everywhere as we lift up His name!

For this I give God praise in Jesus Name!
First Lady J

Author of Daily Professions  

NEVER AGAIN!

In a day and time like today, it is the perfect season to say "NEVER AGAIN". There are so many things going on in our world from the war against terrorism, racism, violence, abuse, arguments over sexual preference to even horrific weather storms that are topping the charts. It can cause one to be wrapped up in an emotional whirlwind of times and people that are changing every day. However, God quickened me the other day and said you do not have to live based upon what the world does or what man says or thinks. You just have to live by what my Word says and by what I have established through it. I realized at that moment that God created the heavens and the earth and I am a part of what He created. Therefore, I never have to be overwhelmed, discouraged, or look to man for stability because God has not changed. Malachi 3:6 says "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed." So, I have to declare that NEVER AGAIN do I have to worry, or doubt, or fret when I can lean on the very ONE that is in control in the first place. He is the one who created me, established me, and has great plans for me, my family and for His people. I have just got to keep my eyes on Him, rest in His sovereignty and say to fear, doubt, and despair, "NEVER AGAIN"!

I pray this helps you this morning! Now, we just have to keep each other in check on that one :) Then we can rest in His joy, His peace, and in His protection because He is GOD and we belong to Him!

Love,
First Lady J

Author of Daily Professions

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT...ENJOY IT! :)

I am realizing now more than ever that life is precious and it is what you make it.  We have to take the time to enjoy the One who gave it to us and the people we love!  There is nothing like peace in the morning, spending time with family, good food with great friends, and rest in His presence.  There is nothing like being able to eat your favorite ice cream, watch your favorite show, or listen to your favorite song, especially when you know you have given your all.  The truth of the matter is that we have a choice to make everyday.  We can either be overwhelmed, down, and depressed about our situation or circumstances OR we can be thankful, hopeful, and rejoice about the fact that God has given us life another day!  We need the peace that only He can give and it is awaiting us every time we open our eyes. We just have to be intentional and grab ahold of it.  We have to spend time in prayer with God so we can hear His voice, give our all unto Him in what He has called us to do, and make sure to balance the time needed to enjoy what He blessed us with in the first place.  I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says it best "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

This I declare for my life and yours in Jesus name :)
First Lady J

Author of Daily Professions

Lift Up Your Head & the King of Glory Shall Come In!

It is amazing to actually be in the dispensation of time that God has ordained; to actually see what He has spoken and live out the manifestation of His promises.  Sometimes we dream for so long and we forget that God wants to bless us today. He wants us to experience heaven on earth right now.  He wants to give us that peace and joy that we  so desire.  We just have to be willing to lift up our head above our circumstance or situations and realize that ultimately God is in control.  We were not created to live our lives to please other people or to look to man to bring our plans to fruition.  We were created to glorify God and trust Him to be our provider.  For Psalm 24:7 says "Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be you lifted up, you everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in."  He is waiting to show himself strong.  He is waiting to show us His power and the essence of who He is by raising us up against all odds so that He can get the glory.  All we have to do is lift up our heads and know to whom we belong.  We have got to know that there is nothing that can stop what God has planned for our lives and He will help us even get over our own personal struggles so that what He has declared will come to pass.  For "Who is the King of glory?  The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." Psalm 24:8.

Surrounded by His Glory,
First Lady J

Author of Daily  Professions

Put God First & Jump All The Way In!

You have to ask yourself some God to honest questions about what you put first in your life and what you deem as valuable.  Most people will say my family, my relationship with God, my career goals and accomplishments, my church and the ministry I serve in.  But what are you most passionate about?  And is it a hobby or is it apart of your destiny?  I realized when I was watching the show called "Shark Tank" last night that if you really value something or have a passion for something and it is apart of the very fiber of your being, you are willing to take a risk for it.  However, if it is just a hobby you enjoy, but you don't have to do it every day, you will not give up everything for it.  So, with that analogy, how do you feel about your relationship with God and the ministry you serve in?  Is it just a hobby that you enjoy but your not willing to give up much for it OR is it apart of your destiny and you are willing to take the risk of putting Him first before anything else?  For taking risks and giving your all can be scary, and you can receive a lot of flack for doing so from those who are only willing to stay in their comfort zone.  On the other hand, the reward in Christ that you receive is GREATER than you could ever imagine and He alone will get the glory and honor you for your commitment to Him!  Psalm 50:14-15 says "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay your vows unto the most High: And call on me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me".  He is waiting for you to take that risk, that proverbial "step of faith" and trust Him.  Just put God first and give Him all you have. Jump all the way into what He has given you a passion to do and serve Him. For He will take care of the rest and cover you with His protection and glory as you go further into your destiny!

Praying with you as I jump all the way in :)
First Lady J

A Brand New Day to Fullfill Your Destiny!

This is a brand new day and there is so much that God has in store for you but are you willing to go get it? He knows the plans He has for you.  Like the sun at sunset when the orange and reddish rays shoot across the expanse of the sky, He reminds us that He is the creator of heaven and earth and there is no limit to what He can do!   However, are you making strides to go after Him and fulfill His plan for your life?  I say this because it is almost half-way through the year and we must be willing to ask ourselves, are we living the life God has ordained to the utmost or are we stuck in a rut on neutral?    Are we accomplishing our goals for 2015 or are we consumed with something that happened last month or earlier in the year that we can't seem to get over?   This day, like any other day, has a brand new, clean slate for you to achieve your goals, experience something new in Christ, and have the joy that only He can give.  We just have to seek His direction to receive it.  God tells us intimately in Psalm 32:8 that "I will instruct you and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will fix mine eyes upon thee."  He has you and will lovingly guide you to experience a life you have never dreamed of.  Just follow Him and do what He tells you to do.  Your destiny in Him awaits...go after Him and get it!

Love,
First Lady J

Fullness of Joy Just For You!

In this day and time you have to know where your joy comes from.  You have to know that it does not just come from the child you love, the person you work with, the friends you hang out with, or the spouse you adore.  It comes from the One who is all around you, who covers you, and protects you. We were created to glorify Him.  We were designed to serve Him.  We were made to experience the fullness of joy that only He can give.  Because of this, I have made up my mind to stay right next to Him; to stay in His presence and trust Him as my source for everything.  For Jesus said in John 15:4 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." This is what we have to remember so that we will have the joy and peace He wants to freely give us every day and be all that God has ordained us to be.  He is our source and He is our joy!  So, why not stay in His presence by believing in His Word despite what comes our way. For Jesus said "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15:11.

This I pray and declare for you in Jesus name!
First Lady J

Why Did This Happen?

 In the midst of the recent tragedy of Walter Scott Sr. in North Charleston, SC, we find ourselves asking "Why?"  Why did Walter run?  Why did the officer shoot him down and murder him?  Why are their such injustices all across our country?  Why do we live in a world, in a country, in a city where our lives can be sometimes gripped with fear because we do not know what man is going to do? Questions like these can put us in a tailspin and cause us to be uncertain about life even when we go through our own personal situations and ask why did this happen.  However, when I sat down the other day and asked God for wisdom and to just give me peace in the midst of praying for the Scott family, our country, and so many others, He said "Just ask in my name and I will give it to you".  Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it, and is safe." Therefore, we have a place to rest!  We have the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that we can trust in and all we have to do is ask for peace and wisdom Jesus name and He will do it (John 14:13). We do not have to be overwhelmed or consumed! For even David said to the Philistine in I Samuel 17:45 "You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."  God is the One we can rest in forever!  He will give us the peace and the direction we ned to be used by Him so that we can help bring healing, hope, and reconciliation to a nation that needs Him.

This I Profess in Jesus Name!
First Lady J

Your Set Time of Favor Is Here!

As I sit back and reflect on such a powerful week we had at our 2015 Bishop's Conference at The Revelation Of Christ Church in Charleston, SC where Pastor Lance T. Johnson Sr. is our pastor, I  cannot help but think about how good God is and how much He loves us. We felt His glory in ways like we have never known and heard revelation through His word like never before. And it was then that I realized that when you truly want to hear from God and EXPECT God to speak to you and catapult you to the next level in your destiny, He will do it!  Bishop Long  shared the scripture of Psalm 102:13 which says "You shall arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favor her, yes, the set time, is come".  He spoke of how this is the time to walk through the "open door" in your walk with Christ, in your career, in your ministry, that God has mercifully granted to you, so that you can fulfill God's plan for your life and reach more souls for Christ.  So, I ask you today to seek God like you never have before! Take the challenge of walking through that "open door" in your relationship with God, to hear His voice through His word, so you can receive the direction you need to fulfill your destiny.  There is something God has placed on the inside of you, that as a believer, is stirring within you to be used for the upbuilding of His Kingdom.  So whatever gifts and talents He has blessed you with, use them for the Lord! Take the risk of trusting Him and following Him, and being obedient to what He has called you to do. He will advance you for YOUR SET TIME OF FAVOR IS HERE!

I profess this in Jesus name!
First Lady J

There is Nothing Like the Presence of God!

There is nothing like the presence of God! In His presence, pain will leave, your mind will be calmed, your heart will be comforted, your past will disappear.  It is a place that you cannot describe but literally feel like you are floating in thin air with not a weight in the world to carrry.  When you really surrender to the presence of God and allow Him to take over your heart, your mind, and your soul there is nothing you can't overcome.  Everything you have been carrying begins to fade away.  And it is because you realize His power. Psalm 97:5 says "The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth."  So, even the elements that He created are subjected to His authority.  There is nothing that He created that supercedes Him, not even the devil and any hell that has come your way.  So, walk in His presence, talk in His presence, and when you feel like you have gone astray, RUN to His presence.  He is always with you and will never leave but you have to SURRENDER your will to His.  You have to lay on your face, bow down, and say your will not mine Lord!  Do it in me!  Crucify my flesh!  Help me to experience the Savior that you are and rest in the grace of your unconditional love.  It is in His presence that there is fulness of joy (Psalm 16:11).  So, stay there. Stay in His presence, stay in His Word and worship Him daily.  He will give you everything you need, the peace of mind you so desire, the deliverance you are praying for, and even MORE...

In His Presence,  
First Lady J

Live Free & Experience the Wonders of God!

I sometimes struggle with how often to write, battling in my mind what should be said or what shouldn't.  It's how we feel in life sometimes.  We wonder whether to reveal how we really feel or hold back and conceal it.  However, I have just recently gotten to the point in life where I now realize that I need to be real with God every day and not be afraid to share what I am going through. I cannot hold back but share with others what it is to be free from even your own thoughts.  I need to be real with God and not be afraid to be me, no matter who I am around. Life is too short they say but the reality is that life is abundant and full of time to experience what God has for us in it.  So why hold back, fret or worry what others will think?  Why get caught up in our own fears and not live life the way God wants us to, free from sin and bondage.  Exodus 15:11 says "Who is like unto you, O LORD, among the gods? who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?". God is miraculous!  And He is doing wonders every day but we will miss it if we are bound by our own restraints.  So, enjoy life! Don't be afraid to be real about with Him, share with others as God leads, and live free of the ties that bind, especially in your mind.  That is the miracle that He has given us through Jesus Christ and we can live in that freedom every day. So, let's LIVE FREE and experience the wonders of God as we draw closer to Him!

Love,
First Lady J

BREAK OUT!

Have you ever just wanted to break out of something?  You feel overwhelmed, bogged down, overcome with emotion and you see no way out!  You feel uncomfortable, uneasy, and there is something on the inside of you that wants to cry out.  Well, today my son was making a fort and he decided to pile all of the pillows on top of himself like he was buried so he could not get out.  Immediately, my rescue mentality kicked in. My human survival instinct was like "Break out of there!"  And I realized at that moment, that I needed to break out of the mental rut that I was in.  I don't have to feel overwhelmed by circumstances and I don't have to be bogged down by my own emotions.  I can, through Christ, break out of this thing.  I John 2:4 says "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."  And I know that God has said that I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus.  Therefore, I need to keep His commandments and stop living a lie. The truth is in me and I am going to break out!  I know who my God is and I do not have to believe the lie of the enemy that I am bound.  So, I speak life unto you as well right now in the name of Jesus!  Believe that God has given you the power to overcome any situation or circumstance you are in.  Do not let the enemy or even yourself hold you down or back any longer. Like my son eventually broke out of those pillows on top of him and roared with a smile, I challenge you today to break out of what you have been in and break forth into your destiny!

Hallelujah!
First Lady J

A Sweet Place of Grace

There is a place of grace that you have to stay in during even the most toughest of times.  It is a sweet place where God gives you the strength to hold on and keeps you so that you can see beyond your circumstances. It is during this time that you have to sacrifice your doubts and fears and realize the necessity of God's word to get you through it.  Romans 5:3-5 says "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  By whom also we  have access by faith into this grace, wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God".  The awesome thing about this place of grace is that it could be in the midst of the joy of your favorite worship song unto God or in the peace of being on your knees at 5:00 a.m. in the morning when everyone else is sleep. It could also be in the lifting of your hands when you have nothing else to say and most of all in the profession of God's word when you are telling the enemy to flee.  Whatever the time or the test just remember that God is doing something on the inside of you that will be a blessing for someone else. It is in this place of grace that God is increasing your faith and bringing you closer to Him!

In His Grace,
First Lady J

New Year, New Level, New Life!

This is a New Year and a new level for you!  It is a new place and time in your life to do something you haven't done and to accomplish what you have yet to achieve.  It is an opportunity to leave the past behind and grab ahold to your future, your God-given destiny. So, don't let anyone or anything stop you; not even yourself!  I had to say this to myself the other day.  I  had to say I can write my blog, work on my second book, and most of all love and serve the Lord my God with all my heart!  I can still be the best wife and mom I could ever be and enjoy time with my family! I can have peace in Christ in the midst of my full, busy and sometime hectic days and still expect the impossible that only God can do!  In reality, I had to crucify my flesh, my own ways, and my own fears of not balancing it all, that I had become so comfortable with.  I had to ask God to baptize me in mind, soul and spirit and teach me how to live on this new level in my life that He has brought me to.  And this is what God said to me in Romans 6:4 "Therefore we are buried with Him in baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of God the Father; even so we also should walk in newness of life." Jesus died and rose again just for you to experience new life in Him!  So, embrace the deliverance He has given you from your past and let God be your guide to fulfill all He has ordained you to do!

Praying with you on the journey,
First Lady J

Step by Step Go Forth!

Have you been making plans for this year? I mean really... have you been writing down things that you want to do? Setting goals? Strategically planning how you're going to accomplish it? If you haven't already done so you need to do so now, because if you don't, you never will! Time is of the essence. There are things that God wants to do in you right now. You have heard his voice and know in your heart what you are supposed to do. So, seek His direction and receive His instruction on what to do first. Ephesians 5:15-17 says "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." So, take the time to do so. Everyday do something new. Little by little, step by step, you will meet your goal if you stay consistent, persistent, and diligent with what God has called you to do. No one can do it better than you! Believe that. I am praying for you as you go forth!:)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year!!! There is something about the freshness of the first day of the year!  There is hope and joy and a feeling that great things can happen.  However, for the believer, there is a different type of assurance.  There is a belief that God made a way out of no way for us!  That He allowed us to see another day and that He graced us to see another year!  We are grateful, unequivocally grateful. We are humble that we made it and that we are alive to say it!  But to take it a step further, we have this grave surety that our God is going to do something in our lives greater than He has ever done before.  We know that He can and we draw closer to Him as we crossover into the New Year because we know we cannot make it without Him.  So, I leave you with this Word from God to encourage you and to move you closer in Him towards your destiny. "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."  Isaiah 43:19. Whooo...I receive it for you!