I'm Dressed

 I used to be so skinny like a toothpick/string bean.  I was always underweight.  I don't know what happen when I turned forty and now eight years later, I am trying to lose my kangaroo pouch.  It bothers me at times, my pouch but not so much because I work out at times but mostly, I am feeling good in the skin I am in.  It also is the area what I like to call my battle scars.  It reminds me that God is a Way Maker and how He delivered me and my children.  I say all of this to say nothing stays the same.  Life will throw you some curve balls for you to continue your purpose and/or strengthen you in your purpose.  

The Messenger speaks on "Dressed for Purpose" on May 9, 2021.  People are going to see something valuable in you no matter what you look like.  It's all about how you carry yourself.  Next, people will follow you because you represent something positive; something hopeful.   Ask yourself, what do people do when they see you?  People of God hold onto your standards.  Don't get so caught up in the world.  

Ruth 3:3-5

Look how your Blessings happens:

WASH:                 become new or renewed; get rid of the filth 

ANNOIT:            Praise, Pray, God is going to Bless you

PUT ON YOUR BEST GARMENT:     You are fearless, confident, brave, loving

GO:                    Put your purpose into action

Walla, you are dressed for success!  Only God can do that.

Today stop getting caught up in the lack you think you don't have and celebrate the progress that is coming with the tools and self you have.

Ephesians 6: 14-17  

Always with Love

                    A.P.E.P.

Forward Thinking....Forward Moving

 What do you do when an "encounter" occurs in your life and your belief is shaken?   You are confident in the Lord.  You know He can do all things.  Now life has hit you!  You are affected and your reality is that you are face with hurt or a possible life changing situation. What. Do. You. Do?

Philippians 3: 13 &14 

The Messenger on February 6, 2019, spoke on "Persistence Brings Increase".  In order to move out the feeling of fear you have to remove your negative thoughts on your situation.  Information is good but don't let it define and rule over you.  This is the time you trust God.

- Daniel in the lion's den

- 3 Hebrew boys who refused to bow

- A widow who sought justice for her inheritance.

- Noah building the ark when there was no rain

These are some examples of people who push forward no matter what they were facing and was highly blessed.  Their situation was better than before.  "Well, I lost someone": God will open doors to even more possibilities and comfort you that turns your grief into a purposeful movement. 

Think about all the harmful thing He kept from us so we can get another moment and another day of feeling joy. God say count it all joy! Every situation will draw you to God; so, accept the bad/trials are going to happen.  Don't dwell on self-hurt, nothing will increase.  You still have breath, shake yourself and move forward. 

REAL TALK:   

            If your hurt is so hard to overcome, you will need to check your relationship with Jesus and your faith level.  Oh, you will hurt, and you will grieve but it's only supposed to be for a season.  If you linger your season, you will miss your increase and gain more trouble strongholds.    That is the Devil plan is to bind you so you can wallow in your path and do nothing.  In the meantime, life is passing you by with loved ones who you say you love.  

Here are 3 things to help to be persistent in God:  

1. Commitment:    1 Corinthians 2: 1-5

2. Determination   Acts 17:11

3. Faithfulness    Psalm 34:19 

Whatever comes against me I have to keep moving.  It is easy to quit, but it's something to be persistent.  Don't doubt yourself:  "I can't do that, Oh, I am not strong as you."  -  YES, YOU CAN!  I can do ALL thing through Christ who strengthens me.  If you believe this scripture and put it into action, then your increase is coming.

#Mindsetiseverything

#SingHallelujahinthemiddleofmystorm

Always with Love,

                    A.P.E.P.

Grateful!

 I am so grateful.  I could complain in the small things but overall, when I think about how God sent a Messenger, a Comforter, a Way Maker all I can say is Hallelujah!!!  This weekend I learned, and it confirmed things about my family and myself.  How many know you can't poke at your family until you fully poke at yourself? (Know yourself- Be honest with yourself).  It led me to one conclusion.  I love Jesus.  I will not be silent in my prayer, in my singing, in my praise, in my declaration of passing His Word:  Why?  It is in my name!  I am the daughter of the Most High!

Romans 6:22

Come on, sometimes you have to encourage yourself when you can't reach your Bible, when your friend in Christ does not pick up, and/or motivation sermon/apps/channels are temporary unavailable or out of your reach.  You have to have the ability to speak life over your situation.  

Thank you Jesus!  This is a GRATEFUL praise!

Leviticus 19:2

The messenger on December 5, 2002 spoke on "The Call of Holy Living".  Believers, we have to act on our belief.  I know God has done something for you and you said, "Thank you Jesus".  So, why are we still not grateful?  Why do we grumble? My thought is because we have one foot in the world and we have not set apart to walk in purpose as a priority.  Every time a trail comes up we just don't complain but we allow it to change our mood which changes our behavior.  We treat the trial like death is at the door and there is no anecdote for the situation.  BUT.... if you tried Jesus and establish a intimate relationship you would be Grateful!

I was on a plane earlier this morning and for 30 minutes the plan kept going up and down.  I just kept saying JESUS (something in His Name).  Then on my way back home from the airport I got a flat tire.  Praise God my tire was low and started making that wobbly sound when I reached the city I live in (the airport is an hour away with toll).  I made it home.  I made it back to my family.  Yes, I have to take care of the misfortunate situation, but I am grateful because God is shifting where when I take care of my flat tire tomorrow bounty of Blessings will fall.  I will speak life over my situation!  I will not complain! My God is Awesome!  He covers us in our trials and our uncomfortable situations.  I am GRATEFUL!

Always with Love,

                A.P.E.P.

I Will Not Be Moved!

 So many people and situations come to my mind when I pray these days.  We are living in some crazy times where things are high in cost and supplies are limited.  It would appear life is throwing constant blows and they are so rapid you begin to question is it the devil or tests from God.  That is why it is so important to have a good/great foundation so when things begin to "pop off" you are not easily shaken, and your sight is not misplaced.  When you have the tools to keep you grounded you shall not be moved!

Tools: 

1. train yourself to think and behave in a positive manner/form good mindset habit
2. exercise rebellion towards "gloom and doom" thinking: remember our thoughts are limited- God is a way maker!
3. the ability to be at ease to make changes when they come or adapt to "force changes" (meaning you did not have a say in it e.g., the weather, sickness, prices changing ☹️)
4. apply The Living Word in your life.  

Matthew 7:24-27

The Messenger spoke on "Built to Last" on January 24, 2020.  This title alone is encouraging.  Whatever life throws at you, you are still able to stand and move forward.  Now you may pause a second or two...ok, a minute or five ...you might even shake but soon as you remember The Great, I AM and what He has done for you and will do for you then you are able to rise and move forward.  WHY? - You are BUILT TO LAST!  You are BUILT TO ENDURE!  You got this!

Yes, trials will come.  Reality ✅there is no escaping trials.  It is how you view it and deal with those situations depends on what happens next for you (and at times even people connected to you).  We have to go through uncomfortable situations so God can promote us to the next level.  It seems like all week I have been telling different people you can get your blessing or receive your breakthrough if you can't handle where you are at or what you currently have.  We can't think like the world.  You will never have a peace of mind and you will always feel like you are slipping away, saying life is to hard (news flash:  it is), everything is going wrong, and there is no good.  You will be in a constant state of anger, annoyance, and frustration.  Your foundation is not steady because you are constantly fearful, doubtful, and react on how you feel.  

BUT....

When your foundation is steady you can't be MOVED!  You have crazy faith.  I say crazy because at times when it looks bad you have to yell at your situation and say, "God's got this! I will not falter!  I will not doubt!  I will not be manipulated!  I may be weary but I will call upon the Name of Jesus that gives me strength and power.  There is Healing and Comfort in His Name.  Then I will affirm (because I am the son or daughter of the Most High)  I AM BUILT TO LAST!

Romans 8:28

Always with Love,

                    A.P.E.P.