How I Conquered the Roads Less Traveled Through Christ Jesus
Author: Savedbyhisgrace72
God healed my emptiness, he knew about my situations before they begun, every trial and every test was a revelation as to what he had planned for my life. He promised me healing along with deliverance from the brokenness I endured before I took my first breath into the world. Once I put my trust in the lord, I received the gift of redemption. Saved by the Grace of God.
“Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom.” —
Rumi
Heartbreak has a way of driving us to search for reassurance in the most unlikely places. When the pain is fresh in our heart, we tend to look for hope more urgently, in dark places. God’s thoughts towards us are kind, loving and caring, his words are comforting and full of redemption and grace. His love is unconditional, that isn’t defined by anxiety or broken promises.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”
Psalm 147:3 KJV
A Clean Heart
Emotional pain strikes at the core of our being and can leave us feeling vulnerable in the weakest places.
Whether it’s pain accumulated from childhood or an intimate relationship dissolving, there’s a tendency to shut down, withdraw after the disconnect.
But God tells us that his love for us shines bright like a diamod in the darkness of our struggle. Our inability to deal with a situation gives Him a chance to step in and show us that his strength will lift the weight of all disapointments in life.
“Come to me, all who labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV”
People refer to the deep hurt that consumes them in the wake of a stressful experience. When they’re asked where it hurts, they point to their chest, a natural reaction, because that is where we feel loved the most.
This is because the heart gives and receives love. So when you experience sadness or disappointment, it is natural to feel your heart breaking.
The term heartbrokenrefers to the heart being pulled apart through grief, sadness and disappoinments, broken into a million pieces. The good and bad news is that none of us are immune to heartbreak unless you’ve been living under a rock, which I know is unrealistic.
You can not hold on to feelings of sadness and disappointment, doing so means to inhibit life flowing through you. It’s like building a dam from piles of rocks in a flowing river front eventually, the force of the water will erode the rocks or find its way through it.
What has happened in the past can’t be changed, but we can move forward….how you choose to move forward from this moment, is the choice that will determine the outcome of our life.
Pain can destroy our self-esteem, it will naturally recede and open our hearts again. Love must flow through us, our core nature is vested in love.
Despite the hatred and evil in the world, love is the most powerful energy. Its healing ability shows that it is a powerful force in our lives.
It is difficult to release pain following a traumatic experience, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. There’s a sense of numbness, and emptiness in places we never knew existed. It’s natural to protect ourself by vowing never to love or be hurt again.
But as you know, the wall we build to protect us is the same wall that prevents love finding its way back into our lives. Ultimately the wall has to come down if we wish to find the freedom to be ourselves again.
Vulnerability is an essential part of being human, and vulnerabilities are the doorways back into peace, joy, and love.
We can hold on to the pain or choose forgiveness and self-compassion, so love flows through us again.
The pain associated with heartbreak is the heart’s shell breaking open so love can flow freely,outwardly.
The more we open our hearts, the more we have access to our natural state of peace, well-being, and ease, no matter what is going on in our life.
How does one let go of the pain?
We Let God transform our lives!!!
ANew Heart A Gift from God
First, forgive yourself and others who contributed to the pain. If you need professional guidance, seek God, a trained counselor or therapist who can direct your healing path.
Heartbreak can cause us to feel a wide variety of emotions, the Bible points us to a greater love of understanding.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path. for you should walk by faith not by sight.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God and a right spirit in me.”
1 John 4:1 ESV
Wont’ he do it – Koryn Hawthrone
Forgiveness is the entry fee we pay for the freedom to be ourselves once more. If the wall we constructed is our shield of protection, then forgiveness is the doorway through it. It shows us how to find inner peace, knowing we can withstand the trials of life.
Forgiveness is the key to a better life and the freedom to experience the gentleness of love within our heart.
Second, lean into your pain and experience abundance of love at your own pace. Naturally, what you stow away builds energy, the emotional wounds will consume you.
By drawing on mindfulness and self-compassion, your emotional wounds can be transformed, healed through the grace of God by prayer and scriptures.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
1 John 4:1 ESV
Finally, make peace with the part of you that feels anger, fear, sadness or grief. Accept the emotions instead of pushing them away. Let go and let God do his transformation in you.
I’ve experienced pain and suffering most of my life I know there’s a reason why I attracted it. His name is satan.
Either way, I urge you not to focus on WHY a situation occurs, everything happens for a reason; how you perceive and deal with the pain is the focus. Pay attention to HOW you heal yourself through the works of the Lord, pray without ceasing, reclaim your crown/ throne by renewing the love in your heart, mind, body and soul.
Only then will you have the experience into the wholeness of your being, allow the emotional intensity to change you.
After all, pain is not who you are, but something you have experienced you have the power in the name of Jesus to rebuke anything you choose, through warrior prayer, worship and praise.
Find your happy place, love yourself unconditionaly whole heartfelt. There is a reason why your heart is still beating.BUT GOD!!!!!!
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 KJV
Celebrate Strength
I attended my first Literary Luncheon hosted by a group of African American sorority sisters May 18, 2019. A couple of the women I had spoken to during the event had flown from afar such as, Baltimore Maryland, Washington D.C. and New Jersey to attend this year’s event hosted within the Minneapolis – St. Paul area, marking the 22nd annual Literary Luncheon. Former sorority sisters as well as sisters of the present were in attendance.
While attending the women’s event, small locally owned black business owners within the Twin Cities showcased their products as vendors, which entailed local self published authors selling their books, established Salon & Spa owners, Body care as well as cosmetic entrepreneurs within the communities.
Walking around the event I began speaking to the the small business owners that were majority single women of color, engaging in conversations stemming from how the business owners struggled to get where they are now, to raising young children as single parents. I am going to write about a subject very dear and near to my heart. The Strength of A Woman; A Woman’s Worth.
Today is Sunday May 19, 2019. The birthday of one of my favorite playwright historians Lorraine Vivian Hansberry, she was the first black woman playwright and writer to write the play “A Raisin in the Sun” Hansberry was the first black female author to have a play performed on Broadway taken from the poem “Harlem” written by Langston Hughes, another one of my favorite great historian black writers; a motivational woman of color I have admired all of my life.
Lorraine Vivian Hansberry
“Never be afraid to sit and think.”
Lorraine Vivian Hansberry
“There is always something left to love And if you ain’t learned that, you ain’t learned nothing.”
Lorraine Vivian Hansberry
“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? .. or does it explode?”
Langston Hughes
I had awaken with the same thought I had fallen asleep to. Why are so many strong women single? I have to admit, when I am amongst gatherings, I tend to notice small things for example, I noticed some of the well established sorority sisters as well as some of the vendors without wedding bands, perhaps some might have taken their rings off due to the moving of their equipment and display set ups. I too have a host of strong female friends as well as myself, established strong woman, yet single and/or divorced even married.
“God is within her, she will not fall.”
Psalm 46:5 KJV
Could it possibly stem from strong personalities keeping one from love, or having love in her life yet still not enough, having the strong Alpha personality. Most Alpha females are leaders that excel in society, displaying poise, strategy and savvy. Alpha women remain unwavering, steadfast in their pursuit to happiness. A woman that knows her worth is a woman not to be reckoned with mentally and emotionally.
Some might define an Alpha female as assertive, bossy, manipulative, emasculating, a tough decision maker with a go getter type of attitude, another polarity many Alpha females face is that you have to present yourself as a strong independent woman at all times. My question is; Why can’t a strong woman have weak moments?
“The Lord is my strength and my shield.”
Psalm 28:7 KJV
A strong woman knows what she wants out of life and takes charge, some may consider her difficult, reason being; she refuses to hold her tongue when she feels there has been an injustice act towards herself as well as others.
“Let all you do be done in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:14 KJV
You will often find a Alpha woman volunteering within the community or various non-profit organizations giving back to society.
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not onto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your path.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
She may have dealt with devastating setbacks, but she always perseveres; a bounce -back type of woman. Through all of the heartache and pain, she will maintain her sense of purpose in life. An Alpha female will conduct herself with a certain degree of dignity and grace.
If a woman is harsh and domineering, cruel or condescending to others, she is not a true Alpha female, real women do not compete with other women, However she treats everyone with respect and kindness, but is weary to not let everyone get too close to her, she keeps her distance in a polite distinctive manner most of the time.
As a woman I believe we should always recognize our strength and our worth. Knowing how valuable you are as a woman means knowing what you value most. Where do you place your own worth? Do you place your worth in the hands of others that might think you should place it there; or do you place your strength & worth in the hands of God? I choose him whole heartly.
It’s not always going to be roses and sunshine, your life is what you make of it, good and bad. Sometimes women become agitated, irritable, grumpy, unhappy, we have to grow from the lessons in life becoming better not bitter. As women we should learn to derive our own self worth, value the life the Lord has given us.
Remember; if you ever encounter a hardship wait on the Lord and be of encouragement this too shall pass. Do not be dismayed, have patience in time of trouble, trust and depend on him, believe in him. Everything God has promised you; you will receive an abundant blessing, it doesn’t have to be of materialistic things, it could just as well be your salvation, your redemption, he will provide you with the strength from within. I am living proof; he always keeps his word. Stay the fight.
A Womans Worth
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever- present help in trouble.
Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.
Through the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.”
“That the aged man be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith in charity in patience.”
Titus 2:2 KJV
“Rejoicing In hope; having the ability to accept and tolerate delays, problems or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious; continuing instant in prayer.”
Romans 12: 12
#Savedbyhisgrace72
According to Webster’s dictionary “Patience is a verb” The word patience comes from the Greek word Hypomone – remain under or abide under.
If you take the biblical difinition of patience you will realize there is more to being patient than tolerating problems without any complaining. Some might wonder what I am trying to convey, It doesn’t sound right does it? The Lord tells us to cast all of our problems and complaints upon him.
The ability to accept or tolerate situations or problems as they arise. Remaining calm and collective, stedfast in a way, meaning firm and unwavering.
(7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
(8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
(9) whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
(10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1 Peter 7:10 KJV
How do we respond when life doesn’t go according to plan? We respond by ceasing in prayer!
My patience and faith gathered within my heart August 17, 2017. I remember asking myself these perplex questions.
Had my faith failed me?
Had God Failed me?
Had I given up on my life’s plan?
What I hadn’t realized, I was misunderstanding God’s plan for my life. I had to come to the conclusion that if I were going to put my trust in God without wavering, I had to remember, his ways were beyond my understanding.
“As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”
Isaiah 66:13 KJV
My faith is my lfeline; The Lord says that we must have faith during our trials and tribulations. For many years I hadn’t realized that patience and faith compliment the other. Throughout my years of existence, I had not understood that being truly patient was the act of faith.
Faithfulness- Dependable, loyal and of trust.
Patience – Slowness to anger, slow to speak.
Whenever you are feeling that God shouldn’t have allowed a situation to arise, remember this scripture. Rather than descending into despair pick up the Bible. One of my favorite scriptures.
“Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of earth.
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives strength to the weary.
And to him who lacks might He increases power.”
Isaiah 40: 28-29 KJV
In conclusion; I can cheerfully endure my past sufferings, understanding that with patience and faith my healing is already here, no matter morning, noon or night; the Lord has my best interest at heart. #savedbyhisgrace72
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down with her own hands.”
Proverbs 14 : 1 KJV
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.”
Ezekiel 36 : 26 KJV
Many women consider themselves to be wise women of God, she could be a virtuous mother, sister, wife, aunt, great aunt, grandmother, cousin, a friend to many. She is obedient in Christ. A woman that fears the Lord, follows by his instruction, leads by his direction. A woman that is not afraid to pray in public nor behind closed doors.
A couple of days ago while driving to work one morning, I came across a license plate that read Psalms 34. I had been driving behind this vehicle for at least five minutes before my eyes became fixated on what I was actually seeing. Being that I always listen to praise and worship, concentrating on the word as to my morning drive.
My thought process; Is this coincidental? Am I supposed to be seeing this? As I kept driving, I started to smile to myself thinking, God am I supposed to read this chapter in the Bible today? A few days earlier I had been studying the word FEAR in the Bible, trying to connect the dots as to improving my own life. As I pulled into work I parked my car, sat for a moment, retrieving my cell phone from my purse I Googled Psalm 34. I had been directed to these verses within the chapter of Psalm 34: 11-18.
(11)”Come ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
What man is he the desireth life and loveth many days, that he may see good?
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Depart from evil, and do good: seek peace, and pursue it.
The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are upon their cry.
The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
The righteous cry and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
(18) The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of contrite spirit.
Psalm 34 : 11- 18 KJV
The word FEAR plays a detrimental part in reference to many of our lives, fear of starting a business, fear of getting a new job promotion, fear of starting over again as to relationship / marriage, breakups / divorce, fear of getting to the next level in your life, accomplishing your dreams, fear of building a christian foundation the Lord has wanted us to build since the beginning of our exsistence.
Some might wonder what it means to fear the Lord asking the question why is fear the beginning of wisdom?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 KJV
Since God is far above us and far greater than us, as our heavenly creator who created us to do his will.
In Scripture theology, wisdom is true religion; godliness; piety; the knowledge and fear of God sincere and uniform obedience to his commands. Unless it’s based on the understanding of God wisdom can only act in relation to man. If fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, then it follows prior to the fear of the Lord there is no wisdom.
Understanding that we need God for everything, unless this separation is closed, we will be nothing.
Proverbs 1 : 7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse gives added insight with it’s antithetical parallelism – there is a sharp contrast between the wise life and the foolish life. A wise individual fears/reverences/obeys the Lord. A fool despises God’s instruction and cannot be told what to do. The wise person is wise because she/he has started at the starting place: the fool has no foundation on which to build wisdom.
In order to develop the fear of the Lord, we must recognize God for who he is. Those that fear God have a continual awareness of Him a sincere commitment to obey Him.
In order to develop the fear of the Lord we must reconize God for who he is. The continual awareness that our loving heavenly Father is watching and evaluating everything we think, say and do. Nothing escapes his attention.
Romans 1:21-22 speaks of those who neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise they became fools. Individuals trying to obtain wisdom while ignoring God- it cannot be done without the wisdom of God.
When the reality of God’s true nature has caused us to fall down and worship meaning a dramatistic life changing event, we are then in the right position to gain wisdom. Wisdom is a priority we are told to seek it above all else.
Untl our heart, mind, body and souls are in a right solid relationship with God we are unable to have the wisdom that comes from heaven.
Without the fear of the Lord we may be able to make practicle choices while living here on earth, however we will miss the opportunity that defines a wise indiviual. #savedbyhis grace72
“Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
Titus 2:14 NIV
After spending years hiding behind my so called mask, I decided to unmask the truth. I was what you would call a pretender, pretending to be that individual who could handle any situation, the strong woman that had been through hell and high waters, no matter what; she was still standing by the Grace of God. To my surprise, after talking, hearing from other individuals that have been through situational circumstances in life I have learned, we are all broken vessels, we are all a work in progress, we all fall short of his glory.
Redemption Starts From Within
The moment I unmasked the truth from within, I begin to see and feel others that were afraid of the truth, MASKS STILL ON!!! August 17, 2017 Gods truth began, the brokenness settled in temporarily. My journey down The 46th Mile Road to Redemption finally kicked into full gear as the Lord allowed this heartbreak and pain, breaking my heart in the way He breaks when he sees His people, the church, the world, pretending among themselves from fear, pain, rejection, guilt and shame.
The Lord knows he did not create us to pretend, as Christians we need to stop trying to project an image that everything is in order; our lives are complete. If they are; I am happy for you, this doesn’t apply to you, but if you are in the pretending stage like I was, this message applies to you. The sooner I stopped pretending, God begin his work in and through me.
#savedbyhisgrace72
God sees and knows how broken we are from the beginning to end. When I truly opened up my heart to him, God’s Grace began to restore and heal the pieces of my broken and shattered life. I felt precious, like gold sort to speak. I was desperate to know him 100%. God took my sinful past, presented a newness to my life in a matter of months. My past mistakes are just that MY PAST. I am qualified, forgiven, shielded by the blood of Jesus. By his stripes I am healed. Proclaiming the healing as to my everyday living, walking the roads less traveled. Thank God for his angels; the devil had a plan to kill me BUT GOD intercepted, he blocked it, he wouldn’t let me fall. He knew I had work to do. Thanking God for his compassion and forgiveness.
BUT GOD is the answer
My memoir The 46th Mile Road to Redemption will take you down the road of discovery. Your past might not be as dark as mine, Different Story Same Glory (Previous post) however through prayer, scripture and obedience we all have the same outcome. God your holy presence resides within us all. I’ll invite you the reader in on a little secret Redemption starts from within.
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man the getteth understanding.”
Friday evening around 5:45 pm February 8, 2019. Hurrying to attend the Gather: Joy Women’s Retreat; Eden Prairie, Minnesota being held at the Church I attend weekly. Driving home from work, the weather had begun to turn extremely cold, wind blowing, bumper to bumper traffic. I just wanted to get out of traffic for about twenty minutes, enough time to change clothes feed my cat Milo. What usually took about fifteen minutes to drive home from work, took me about forty five minutes that day.
Pulling into a parking stall of my apartment complex, before I could get out of my car, I noticed my neighbor struggling to get the hood of his Jeep open. Stepping out of my vehicle, I begin walking towards the door of the apartment building, looking a bit closer he had a pair of jumper cables attached to another vehicle. I said hello, walking quickly past him, rushing to get into the building away from the cold. I entered into the apartment hallway putting the key into my door, home at last. Twenty minutes tops, my thought process as to in and out of my apartment. Walking in the door, Immediately gathering my bag along with my Bible and note book I had placed side by side the night before.
Rushing to get back to my vehicle, I had left running with the spare key in my purse. Sitting down for five minutes to take a long much needed breath, after I had fed Milo, changed out of my work attire, I decided to head out, back into the cold. Leaving my apartment, locking the door behind me. I headed down the stairwell.
As I begin walking out the door of my apartment building, my thoughts; poor guy it’s cold out, I wonder if he will ever get that car started. I really do not know my neighbors, we speak hello and goodbyes, that’s about the extent of our conversations. Walking to my car, my neighbor stops me to say “Excuse me neighbor, I live across from you; could you help me out with a jump? My wife is trying to get to work the hood of my car will not open it’s too cold.” As I am walking towards my vehicle, intentionally, purposely not making eye contact. I stated no I’m sorry, I’m on my way to church, I’m running a little behind. I’m sure if you knock on one of our other neighbors doors they could possibly help you out. His words to me, “It wont take but a couple of seconds to start her vehicle.” I stated again, sorry I have to go.
Entering into my vehicle, I sat for a moment thinking to myself, You are living a Christian life, that wasn’t Christian like; the voice in my head spoke these words, I’m sure it was my conscious; girl you better help that man!! As I put my car in gear, pulling up next to both vehicles, opening the hood of my car from the inside of my vehicle, stepping out with my heel boots on to help. My neighbor was right, it took less than 5 minutes of my time to start the other vehicle. My neighbor thanked me stating “God bless you my sister; my family and I are Christians, we too attend church regularly. I could tell this man wasn’t from the United States, not that it mattered, he had a strong accent, I smiled and stated I’m sorry for not acting according to his word. I stated God Bless you as well sir.
Turning out of my apartment complex, on my way to the retreat. Looking over at my car clock 6:15 p.m. While driving, I begin to think about how selfish I had acted, trying to talk my way out of helping my neighbor. Lending a hand to someone in need! I was glad that I had helped someone in the desperate time that they really needed help. This leads me to the Bible verse about loving thy neighbor.
I’m going to start my story out with the verse the Lord has put on my heart about loving your neighbors as you love yourself, Yes I would have wanted my neighbor helping me out if my car wouldn’t have started. I have to admit, I have been in situations like that in the past.
(37) “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, (40) Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Matthew 22: 37 – 40 KJV
Arriving at the retreat, excited about that nights service. I gathered my belongings from my car, proceeded to enter into door #2. Signing in, retrieving my name tag, stopping for a cup of coffee. Waving at a couple of ladies I usually see during Sunday morning church service, I take my seat at the front of the retreat. I have never really been a back of the room person, I’m one that likes to be upfront, where all the action is, taking notes.
Praise and worship had begun. Immediately feeling the Lord’s presence all around me. My heart felt warm as if I were being hugged. As I lifted my hands up high, thanking the Lord, allowing me to help my neighbor, praying to God for forgiveness, due to my ungodly actions in the beginning of the situation I had encountered. I begin to cry as if I had been a disobedient child in the beginning of the car situation. I have never done that before, meaning not wanting to help someone, then to turn around and ask God to forgive me. In my past I was a very selfish woman without a doubt, when it came to strangers asking for help. The Lord was working through me that night restoring me. My salvation and redemption means the world to me. I repented and moved on.
The first night, the retreat started at 7:00 p.m. the Pastors wife begin speaking about two sisters within the retreat that I had attended a women’s Bible study group with in the past year, both ladies were recovering from cancer, I knew the first sister was getting over chemotherapy, the second sister whom I had met also through a Bible study group as well as attending the teen moms volunteer group at church.
To my surprise, I had noticed the second sister that night, at the beginning of the retreat, thinking to myself she had lost a little weight, I had no idea she too had been battling cancer. What sweet kind and loving ladies indeed, always helping out wherever they could. The women looked Phenomenal holding each others hands as to each others support system among themselves.
While the pastors wife spoke, I sat back asking God what had just happened to these ladies, sisters in Christ serving the Lord, married with children? Being I had not been involved within the same Bible studies the two ladies now attend, I attend a different study group within the church, I had to step back in order to step up, healing from my own story. This is why I have decided to call this blog Different Story Same Glory, everyone has a story of some kind, however we all still come out with the same glory when we let go and let God.
What I had seen within these two sisters in Christ. Tears rolled down my eyes when the Pastors wife had begin referencing to their stories, I noticed strength and determination portraying soft and gentle spirits within the two ladies eyes only God can provide.
The retreat get’s very interesting. Before I go on, I just want to thank our Heavenly Father, allowing me to reside in the presence of many anointing women at the retreat that weekend. Completely letting go of my past, I learned this; by standing on the word daily, it is of importance within your walk with God. No matter what you are going through, if God can take you to it, he will pull you through it. I’ve written this quote in the past. It’s something that I live by on a daily basis. I tell others I’m still a work in progress we all are. It was truly when I let go at 100 % one day I truly gave myself to God, I begin to feel him doing a work in me, The Lord knows I needed plenty of his work!!
That night, the speaker touched on trials and tribulations which is the area, I had struggled within my past, such as trusting God whole heartily, putting my strength and trust in him, setting my mind on him not of this Earth, which most of us have done that weren’t truly aware of his blessings. The Lord is our rock. Never knowing how to pray the right prayer in regards to protection.
Not knowing the right prayer to pray over my now adult children. Praying to the Lord asking for his shield in regards to myself as well others with the coat of his armor, is what I took from her the Pastors wife speech, her last statement made a valid point, “Put your trust in God, get to know him. “You can’t trust someone you do not know.” This verse caught my attention. I love the book of Psalms, it’s full of great teachings.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
Psalm 28 : 7
Getting close to 9:00 pm the first nights retreat had come to an end. After discussing the next days itinerary which would consist of Biblical workshops, the ladies luncheon at noon. Saturday morning February 9, 2019 the retreat would start again 9:00 a.m. ending at 4:00 p.m. The social gathering would be starting after tonight’s service. The Coffee shop gathering would entail within the church.
After the service, the ladies headed to the upstairs Coffee shop which had been nicely orchestrated, very inviting, cheerful, colorful. I hung out for a while, converting amongst the crowd of ladies, enjoying the snacks and coffee provided by the retreat. I had decided to head home. While driving back home, I began thinking about everything I endured throughout my life to get to this point of redemption, I thanked the Lord, hit the Gospel music station button on my car stereo, proceeded home.
Saturday morning arriving at the retreat on time. Listening to the first speaker touching on what had just happened to me the night before as to my selfish actions, setting my eye on the Lord. I seriously thought she had been speaking directly to me. Obedience to Gods works. Perfect timing right! Taking matters into your own hands, becoming of a new creation acting in a new creation way. I’m going to post this scripture she referenced to being that this is exactly how we as Christians should be living. After reading this scripture goosebumps arose on my arms.
Made Alive in Christ
(2) “As for you were dead in your transgressions and sins. in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following it’s desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – It is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- this is not from yourselves, it is a gift from God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2 : 10 NIV
Before we broke into our group workshops to listen to the other speakers whose names were on the itinerary, this one particular woman approached me stating “I noticed you crying a bit last night” as to say, what’s your story. I looked at her as I begin to open up a bit, she began adjusting a microphone headset, clueless as to whom I had been converting with, this well put together suburban like woman had a smile as bright as the sun on her face, what had this individual had to talk about. My judgement of this woman had become deceiving as to my thoughts. I learned the true meaning “Never judge a book by it’s cover, pick it up and read it first.”
I was in for a big surprise in regards to this woman that seemed to have it all, what I mean by seeming to have it all, it didn’t appear that she had ever gone through a hardship in her life. Well put together, business like. I began to put the name together with my first workshop leaders name, I had come to realize I had just been speaking to the group leader that I was getting ready to listen to as she told her story within her workshop.
I had informed her about my loss. My last words to her as she stepped on the stage were, if she had ever lost anyone so dear and close to her heart? She hugged me, informing me she was about to begin the workshop, stating she would talk to me after the the workshop.
Starting out with a prayer, this woman started out by stating her life’s accomplishments, her great upbringing, being raised within a great family background. A group fitness instructor, married with two sons, jumping right into how she over came her husbands alcohol addiction, with the help of Christ Jesus and prayer, stating how she had almost lost everything. Tears immediately gathering into her eyes, nose running, she continued to tell her story, she’s been married for 20 years to the same man, explaining how she stood by her husband as he overcame his addiction, that was just the beginning of her story it gets darker.
The speaker had mentioned she was a stay at home mother, being that she had home schooled her sons, gave her an opportunity to babysit one of her dear friends infant daughter. One particular day she had laid the infant down for a nap, entering back into the room to check on the child a couple of hours later, finding the infant girl lifeless.
Having to call the child’s parents to advise them that the child whom they had left in her care wasn’t breathing, explaining to the police what had happened, with no explanation as to what had just went on. The speaker definitely had to find an understanding as to the storms that were placed in her life. Different Story Same Glory. The parents of the child had forgiving hearts, making sure she understood they did not blame her as to their infant daughters death, the speaker introduced the word Sovereignty connecting the word to trials in life, I had to look up the meaning, being I’m not used to seeing the word.
What I had gotten out of the meaning is that God having authority over a situational circumstance, all things being out of our hands, not our will but his will, he was in control when the infant passed away as well the loss of someone so close and dear to my heart.
God is in control of all things, He may choose to let certain events happen according to natural laws, past, present and future, nothing happens out of his knowledge and control. All things are either caused by him or allowed by him for his own purpose through his perfect will and timing.
In conclusion to my Different Story Same Glory post, this story seemed to have stuck out more than the other stories I had heard that day. We all have different stories, most have been through tough times in life, none better than the other, some darker than others. The stories all having significance because they reflect the Father & Author of existence to our life, however if we stay obedient to his word, we are all sure to have the same glories through prayer and worship. #savedbyhisgrace72
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, by your will they existed and were created.”
Tuesday January 30, 2019 I awoke to Evangelist Joyce Meyers speaking from within the television, I had fallen asleep with the tv on the night before, while rubbing my eyes reaching for my glasses, these three words caught my attention Body, Soul and Spirit, so I ran with it. I’m going to put what I took from Joyce Meyers sermon that morning and write them into my own words, as to how I perceived her message. First I would like to pray and ask the Lord to give me a verse to add to my story. This is what the Lord has given my heart to write, I pray this brings comfort to someones unanswered question as to death amongst us here on earth.
“But we do not want you to be uninformed brothers / sisters about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive. who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
Thessalonians 4 : 3 – 17 ESV
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 KJV
Understanding why the Lord had awaken me early that morning so that I may have an understanding to the question I found myself constantly asking the Lord.
Why death Lord?
I have always been one that’s been afraid of dying, my thoughts; Where would I go? Will my loved ones miss me? Will my sins be forgiven as I arrive at heavens gates? In the past; these questions continuously played a part as to my life’s anxieties in regards to understanding the Body Soul and Spirit pertaining to death.
As I begin losing individuals earlier within my life, I had come to the understanding in regards to why our loved ones would leave us once they fell into this deep stage of sleep we call death; sometimes it’s by choice; other times natural causes, often due to situational circumstances meaning; by the hands of someone else, most times; complications stemming from a chronic illness.
The one question that has stuck out in my head time and time again Is this; Do we have a Body, Soul and Spirit? Or do we have a Body, Soul/Spirit?
As a young child, the question constantly entered into my mind, whenever I would attend funerals. I would sit and wonder why the individual had looked so peacefully asleep. I guess I never really paid attention to the pastor during the church sermons, as a child or an adult. It’s pretty obvious I had much learning to do or I would have known the answer to my own question along time ago.
A week ago; one afternoon while talking among a group of women from work, out of curiosity, I had asked several of the women within the group, ages ranging from early twenties to early fifties this perplex question. How many think of the human anatomy meaning the human body as one, two or three divisions? The body being one; the soul being two, the spirit being three, however the other question I had was; the body being one, the soul/spirit being two, combined together as one.
My reasoning for asking the question from the different age group was that I wanted to get the opinion from a Millennial point of view as well as a Generation X group right down to the Baby Boomer. However I could not ask the Generation Z group there weren’t any around. The ladies had no idea I was asking for the purpose of this up and coming post, however I had later informed the women, I would be writing about their opinions. I asked if that was ok, stating that I would be leaving their names out of this post of course.
I’ll start with the youngest of the group the Millennial, the answer that I had received was that there was a Body, Spirit and Soul, she left it at that, no explanation. The next group Generation X one lady answered that there were two divisions to the Body one division was the Body the next division the Soul & Spirit were combined as one, no further comments. The Baby Boomer answered there were three divisions to the body her exact words were “The body was made up of a trilogy” meaning of three; referencing her answer to the Holy Bible as I sat in silence, I became more engaged as to her defining the answer she had just provided. The Baby Boomer stated that man was created in the image of God. I sat back in my chair as she proceeded. Stating that “God Is a tripartite meaning the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit” she stated yes there are three parts to man, Body, Soul and Spirit. I had asked the Baby Boomer where could I find that information? Her answer ” The Apostle Paul.”
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete. without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB
I have to admit I started this post January 30, 2019 however I felt that I needed to research a bit further, making sure I would be providing the the reader you; the best information possible. I went home and did a little digging myself. Eager to know a bit more into the Body, Soul and Spirit. I had come across many articles in reference to my search, I had become intrigued by this photo, thought I would share.
God blesses our earthly lives, these same earthly lives are secondary to him. God’s primarily concerned about the bigger issues of eternity and our spiritual state.
In the Bible it states that the soul and spirit are the primary immaterial of humanity, the body is the physical container that holds them together while living here on earth.
Body (Greek word for “SOMA”)
The entire physical structure of the of the human anatomy – The physical part of one person.
Presenting your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, that would be acceptable according to God’s word. Engaging in spiritual worship/ warfare, not allowing the world to conform your mind, body and soul. Therefore if you are living in a world of sin, transformation and the renewing of the mind may prove that the Will of God is acceptable, perfect and good in the eyes of the Lord by walking within the newness of the Lord’s grace.
“For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6 : 20 KJV
Soul (Greek “Psyche”)
Genensis 2 :7 States that “Man was created as a living soul.”
The soul consists of the mind and the state of conscience, which I had no idea. The soul and spirit are mysteriously tied together that make up what the scripture calls the heart. I am truly enjoying the information that I am receiving from the Bible. I never knew how much information the Bible held inside, clueless indeed, as to his Word.
Sprit (Greek “Pneuma”)
The Flesh, body of all mankind connecting to the Holy Spirit.
There is separation between Soul and Spirit, the two has division of both joints and marrow and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12 NASB). It is only through God that we are able to bring the Soul and Spirit to separation; he does this by piercing our heart.
As humans here on earth we have souls and eternal spirits the Lord has gathered into a body form. If any man shall be of the flesh may he have eternal life through the grace of God.
For you have formed my inward parts: You wove me into my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully made; Wonderful are your works, and my soul knows it very well.
