To all my peeps that find it hard to look forward with hope, I invite you to remember Lot’s wife ( Luke 17:32). I know contextual in these passage of text, Jesus is referring to His second coming, but had Lot’s wife focused on the hope set before her and not on the destruction taking place behind her (Gen 19:26), perhaps her life would have been saved!

In the most basic sense, “looking forward” or “anticipation” implies a future reward – and in general, rewards can be a very powerful motivator in life.

So, what’s the reward in developing the discipline in consistently maintaining this anticipatory mindset? Well, most people find it difficulty to look forward because they have allowed their past sufferings (regrets) to incarcerate their future. The answer is found in Romans 5:1-5; “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we a have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Perseverance + Character =Hope!

My brothers and sisters, hear me when I say; “Your future is no longer incarcerated!!” It’s time for you to look forward and focus your attention on the hope only found in Jesus!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#LookForwardWithHope

I think sometimes we have the tendency to gloss right over the words spoken in the model prayer. Specifically, the words written in the first two verses of Matthew 6:9-10, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Say it with me: “THY WILL BE DONE!”

In Matthew 6 Jesus taught the disciples how to pray and then not too long after we find Jesus demonstrating this teaching in Matthew 26:39. Prior to His crucifixion, He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will”

Jesus plea for God’s will to be done in the Garden of Gethsemane is one of the greatest examples of true submission. When we pray, “Thy will be done,” we are essentially acknowledging God’s right to rule. Notice Jesus didn’t pray, “My will be done”; He prayed, “Thy will be done.”

Asking that God’s will be done is a demonstration of our trust that He knows what is best. It is a statement of humble submission to God’s ways and His plans. Literally, when we pray from this state of humility we are asking for our will to be conformed to His!

Quiet as it’s kept, the victory of man’s reconciliation back to God was won in the Garden of Gethsemane. Some may argue this point, however man’s dissension from God’s grace occurred in Garden of Eden and I believe the beginning of man’s ascension back into God’s grace was powerful manifested in the Garden of Gethsemane.

By faith, we know that praying, “Thy will be done,” is the best thing we can ask for. “Now unto Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20–21).

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#ThyWillBeDone

Turning, placing and surrendering are all words that synonymously describes the condition of a contrite heart. Turning to God for healing, direction, and guidance is something that all of us can do. Even if we haven’t prayed in a long time, God is still God and God is always good even when we’re not! Faithfully, God is our refuge, strength, and a very present help in times trouble (Psalm 46:1). When we surrender to God in prayer, we’re able to sense the reality of His love and patience. We discover that in spite of appearances we have not been cut off from Him. We glimpse something of our eternal, spiritual identity as His loved sons and daughters. This state of enlightenment awakens us to God’s reality which effectuates healing, peace, comfort, strength, and progress.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#TurnItOver

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.” Matthew 6:5

Jesus is not criticizing people that pray publicly whether it be on the street corners or in the pulpit. However, He is criticizing and warning those who pray publicly to impress people rather than praying from the heart to reach God!

The power in prayer comes from speaking to God with a contrite heart and He doesn’t care about fancy words; He just wants you to speak to Him!

I hope this encourages someone who is conscientious about praying privately; not to mention publicly!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#PowerOfPrayer

Let’s all admit that we can not change ourselves. Some have tried using self help concepts and attending seminars only to find themselves falling short of successfully accomplishing the goal.

True transformation takes place on the inside of the human heart and psyche. The place I am referencing is deeply embedded in the third layer of the brain called the limbic system. Access to this area is limited to language or speech, but what’s limited to us is not limited to God.

With that said, it is the Holy Spirit that transform our hearts, minds and our lives. I unequivocally believe this with all my heart, and that’s what gives me hope. Hence, the reason why we’re not ‘done’ at the point of salvation. God continues an ongoing work in us to transform us into the image of His Son, Jesus!

Withou a doubt, “God is adamant that He can radically changes lives–and desires to do so! Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect!”

I know some of you might be thinking, “Where’s the accountability, if all we have to do is let God do the work?” Well, the accountability in this spiritual transformation transaction consist of possessing active faith. Yes, we have to apply active obedience to our faith because faith without active obedience faith is dead (James 2:17).

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, I love the way Paul references the end of our transformation journey at the beginning of our new journey in Christ. He said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

My beloved brothers and sisters, this Easter I want you to remember that Jesus died to save you and He also rose from the grave conquering sin and death to transform you!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#TransformedByTheBlood

When you can’t see a way out, God has it all figured out, He will make a way for you where there is no way. He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty water (Isaiah 43:16) will go before you and make the crooked places straight (Isaiah 45:2) and He will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19)!

I want to remind you that regardless of how hopeless or impossible a circumstance seems to be, God is able to make a way for you even if it means having to wait on Him.

When life tightens it’s vice grip, it’s imperative to trust God and keep the faith by fixing your eyes on Jesus and not on the circumstances you face believing that God will do the impossible, He will make a way for you, where there seems to be no no way!

Additionally, never stop believing that God is always working behind the scenes of every circumstance. Trust Him to make a way for you even when you feel like giving up, even when it seems like there is no point in holding on to hope. Don’t give up, it’s not over because God is working everything together for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

God’s timing is always perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#GodWillMakeAWay