Back to the Basics: Touch One Person at a Time

  It has been a long time since I last blogged and a lot has happened during this busy, yet FUN summer!  I had the opportunity to reunite with my Spelman sisters and had the BEST TIME EVER at our 20th Spelman Reunion in Atlanta in May!!!  I hosted our first ever Stevenson Family Vacay with family from across the country at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle Palms, SC in June!  And then got the opportunity to truly grow my new business, Daily Professions, spend time with my church family through our Summer Revival, celebrate my husband's Pastor's Anniversary, and even mourned the passing of one of our dearest leaders at our church who died suddenly at the age of 46.  Every experience, no matter how different, touched my heart in such a meaningful way and God gave me the refreshing I needed during such a HOT (translation "HAUGHT") summer!  And I realize now even more, after so many lives have been lost, how PRECIOUS life is, how we can't waste time on worry, doubt, or fear AND we have to LOVE one another, PRAY for one another, and just BE THERE for each other, to LIFT each other up!  I found that even in the midst of such trying times, such senseless violence, and a turbulent election, that my trust has to be in GOD and Him alone because man, people, and things change.  However, He stays the same! 
    
     At the same time, because we are facing so many issues right now in our country, I found myself asking God "What do we do now?  How can we transform our nation?  How do we deal with these times, that many saints say are the last days?" And I even felt like my joy was being stolen, not even writing/blogging this summer as much as I usually do, at times letting the heat of life discourage my soul. However, the Holy Spirit, with a still small voice, said to me, "Touch one person at a time".  Immediately my mind went back to all of the GREAT experiences I had this summer with family and friends that I mentioned above.  And I thought that is exactly what we can do and what we have done!  WE NEED TO GO BACK TO THE BASICS and reach out to those around us, inspire those in the communities we live in, the workplace we thrive in, the schools we attended, and pour into our children.  I decided not to fear what man can do to me, my black son, or my family, but just TRUST GOD to continue to watch over us and keep us while I live my life for Him!  For Psalm 9:10 says "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."
    
     So, in the month of August, God put in my spirit to have our annual O.N.E. with the Father Worship Experience so that women of God from all over the southeast region can come together PRAY, WORSHIP, AND TALK about what it is to be a woman of faith in times like these so we can overcome the darkness of our past or current situation and be the light He has called us to be!  We will have powerful guest panelists of women in music, media, business and ministry who will share their testimonies and personal stories; including Alana Simmons, the granddaughter of Daniel H. Simmons (who was one of the EMMANUEL 9 that were killed in the church shooting in Charleston last year). She started the national "Hate Won't Win" Movement with a just hashtag in social media and is now impacting our nation!  So, I thought to myself, if she can let her light shine out of such a horrific time, so can we...

     As I take a deep breath at the end of the day, I realize that we do not know what the future holds but we do know that God holds our future!  For Isaiah 59:1 says "Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." So, I want to encourage you to REST in Him! EACH ONE, REACH ONE and do what you do best! Let's transform our families, our communities, our nation, ONE PERSON AT A TIME.  I ask that you pray for the Worship Experience we are having here in Charleston and invite you to come if you are nearby!  I encourage you to seek God and see how He might move you to touch someone else's life this year. For this is just the beginning of how God wants to use us to help bring deliverance to a world that needs His love more now than ever before!

Letting my light shine for Him while safe in His arms,

First Lady J
Author of Daily Professions

Books, Cards & Framed Art

dailyprofessions@gmail.com

facebook.com/dailyprofessions

www.onewiththefather.org

1firstladyj.blogspot.com

Twitter @1withthefather

O.N.E. with the Father

Worship Experience: Women in Unity

                                     

GET UP! Arise & Shine

Saturday, August 20th @ 12 Noon

Guest Panelists will include:

Alana Simmons, CEO & Founder of Hate Won’t Win Movement

Tarsha Moseley, Business Builder/Career Developer & Trainer

Constantine Forrester, Marketing Consultant of Cumulus Media, Inc. 

Lavanda Brown, Executive Director of Y.W.C.A.

Gerney Glover, Psalmist

A representative from Darkness to Light & many more!

REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! 

www.onewiththefather.org  OR  ONEworshipexperience2016.eventbrite.com

COME WORSHIP & BE EMPOWERED!

 

It is Your Time to Get Up...Arise & Shine!

     As April comes to a close, we can literally feel the breath and hand of God upon our lives as we see the flowers bloom, the sun shine, and even the rain pour!  There is something about the seasons changing that makes us more cognizant that God is alive and created the heavens to declare His glory (Psalm 19:1).  However, sometimes we forget that we were created for His glory too.  We are apart of His creation and we were made in His image to reflect His likeness (Genesis 1:26). Therefore, just like the seasons change God, wants to do something powerful on the inside of you that brings glory to His name. His plans for you are to prosper you, not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). He wants to bloom what He has planted in you!  That is why there is going to be some rainy days, so He can water what needs to grow. And through that growth, the Son of God will shine upon you with His love so that you can live on to see what He has predestined to break forth in your life!  So, live in the healing presence of God!  Walk in the blessing of being His child who He has designed to do great things.  Your health, life and strength come from Him.  So, laugh, love, cry, and rest in Him! Your life is in His hands!  Therefore, you are healed, saved, delivered and set free from Him living within.  It is your time to GET UP, bloom, and be who He made you to be! For God said in Isaiah 60:1 "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee."

This I profess in Jesus name!

First Lady J

Author of Daily Professions

Books, Cards & Framed Art

dailyprofessions@gmail.com

www.onewiththefather.org

1firstladyj.blogspot.com

Tweet @1withthefather

*Stay tuned for more Daily Professions on my new Facebook page coming soon in May!

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A Personal Invitation from Me to You!

"That they all may be one; as You, Father, art in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us:

that the world may believe that You sent Me.  John 17:21

LET NOTHING STOP YOU! The Kingdom of God is Within You...

      It has truly been awhile since I last posted my blog on January 22 about living in your passion for Christ in this New Year!  And since then I know that statement has been  tested in our lives, in yours and mine!  I know we have already been confronted with tests, trials, struggles and even distractions that have tried to take us back to what we used to do in 2015. However, I  had to tell my past "NO" and purpose in my heart that I will accomplish what God has for me to do this year!  I have a personal "bucket list" of things that I want to do this year that I am purposely checking off.  Some of it is fun, vacation plans, relax more, laugh more, and spend time with family and friends but most of it is what I know I have been purposed and have a PASSION to do (i.e. finishing my 2nd book and getting my song recorded, etc.)!  I have made up my mind that nothing or no one is going to hinder me this year from what I know God has called me to do; NOT EVEN MYSELF :) That is the key factor though, isn't it?  Because when it really comes down to it, the only one who can hinder me or you from accomplishing our goals is ourselves! 

     So, as we approach Resurrection Sunday, and reflect on the Passion of Christ, in the midst of hatred, adversity and even death, we have to dwell in this time of consecration and use it a time to draw upon His strength to overcome.  We have use this as a time to REPENT, turn from anything that would hinder or bind.  See this as a time that as the seasons change, of NEW LIFE being poured into us so that we can further the Kingdom of God; new life that only God can give to help you live this life in His abundance of joy and peace each day.  I love our theme scripture this month at The R.O.C. Church which says "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is in within you.", Luke 17:21.  You don't have to go searching for the power to live out your purpose!  The kingdom of God, the power of God to overcome obstacles, have dominion over the enemy, have authority to tread upon serpents and ANYTHING negative that would try and stop you, and the glory to see beyond your current problem or situation, and still keep an "eagle eye view", IS WITHIN YOU!  You are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus who loves you (Romans 8:37).  So, walk in it.  Live in the power that God has placed on the inside of you through His Son! 

     Remember, it is not about our own personal desires or bucket lists to benefit ourselves. It is all about how God will use what He has given us to help touch and transform the lives of someone else, even if we give someone clothes in time of need or make someone smile who needs to laugh.  So, you can't quit. You can't give up.  You are apart of the Kingdom of God! You are valuable.  You are purposed. And souls will be saved by the very gift of God on the inside of you!  So, now LIVE OUT your PASSION for CHRIST, LET NOTHING STOP YOU, for the KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU!

This I profess in Jesus name!    

First Lady J

www.onewiththefather.org

1firstladyj.blogspot.com

Tweet @1withthefather

It's a New Year: Live in Your Passion for Christ!

     It is an amazing thing when you finally get to the point that you no longer want to be bound to your past but want to accomplish what God has set before you and nothing is going to stop you.  During my time of prayer and fasting in this New Year, I realized that God is calling His people higher and wants us to live free of our sin. This is the year of God's redemptive love for 20 biblically means redemption and 16 means love. So, He is calling for the body of Christ to walk in His redemptive love, exercise the gifts He has given us and move in what He has called us to do for His glory! Sometimes you can get so caught up in man, what people do, or even with your own sin or circumstances that are going on in your life for the moment, and it can simmer down your passion to do what you do for Christ. However, one thing my Momma always used to say to me is “This too shall pass.”  In other words, she was telling me not to get stuck there.  The focus of every believer should be on receiving the fresh daily bread, the daily Word that God wants us to have, that brings deliverance, so we can fulfill our destiny and be a light as to how awesome it is to live in your passion for Christ!  

     Time does go by fast and we don’t know the day or the hour so we have to seek God’s face for wisdom and direction and do what He says do.  Deuteronomy 4:29 says “But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.  God is waiting to pour out His spirit upon you and move you in your purpose.  He loves you and is waiting this year, to give you everything you need to advance in your destiny.  All you need to do is place your expectation in Him. Don't worry about your circumstances or even your mistakes. Let God's love deliver you, heal you, and break you free of those chains. Your confidence comes from Him!  Your peace comes from Him!  Your passion and drive to do what God is calling you to do comes from Him! And there is nothing satan can do to stop what He has ordained! The only person who can stop it is you. So, declare that today is a NEW DAY, 2016 is a NEW YEAR! And say out loud that "I will no longer live in bondage! I will live in my passion for Christ!  I will fulfill my destiny and I will be a witness for Him by showing His love!

This I profess in Jesus name!    

First Lady J

www.onewiththefather.org

1firstladyj.blogspot.com

Tweet @1withthefather

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