Category: Inspiration

Rain Falls on Just and Unjust

Author, Nicole L. RossLeave a comment

It is never a good idea to look at someone while they are in a bad situation and just assume that they are doing something wrong.  I have really come to learn that a lot of times people don’t want to share their story or truly open their heart to other people for just that reason.  They don’t want to reach out for help because in spite of the crazy situation going on at that time, they are more concerned about what people are going to think of them, or if they are going to judge them.  This rationale is why a lot of people feel as though they have to go through things alone, and that is just where the enemy would want you to be.  Satan wants to isolate you, because that is where you are more vulnerable. We must do our parts to make sure this does not happen.  As children of God, our love and compassion for people must be unconditional and more importantly unrestricted.  No matter what the situation is or the circumstances surrounding that situation, we must never judge or look down upon someone.  We are to be a living, walking, talking, breathing, example of Him and that means having genuine compassion for people.  More than ever, in their time of need.

If an individual confides in you, nine times out of ten that is God placing you in a position for you to show that person the love of God.  For you to help, comfort, and give them the encouragement and support they need to get back on track.

Everyone goes through different seasons in their life, so while you are looking down on somebody else be mindful that your season could be just around the corner. The word of God declares that the rain falls on the just AND the unjust, so don’t think just because you saved or you are living right that there won’t be obstacles you have to overcome.

Now, let’s go a little deeper.  While reading this, you may be thinking to yourself that you don’t feel that you look down on people or judge anyone.  Carefully think and have a serious time of self-reflection.  Even if you have done it secretly or in your mind, but maybe not said it there is still room for improvement because the fact of the matter is, it’s still in your heart.  Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, or sometimes thinks, but nevertheless it is still inside of you.  Pray and repent and ask God to help you. Acknowledging that the fault is there is first, but you have to understand that is it not something that you can change on your own.  Only God can do it.  Ask Him to help take those dark places out of your heart. Then replace it with supernatural love and kindness.  It is then that God will truly be able to use you, as we so often ask Him to do.   You reap what you sow, and that biblical principle does not only apply to tangible things.  If you treat people right when problems come your way, God will in turn send someone your way to allow you to sow that same love.  #iDeclare #therainfallsonjustandunjust

LoveNeighbor

Prayer:

Father God in the name of Jesus, I come asking that you help me Lord.  Help me God to get any dark areas out of my heart.  Forgive me Lord for my sin.  Help me to not be judgmental Lord or think bad about anyone.  Fill my heart with your supernatural love and kindness.  I decree and declare that from this day forward I will not judge another person or think negatively about any situation or circumstance they may be in.  I will love them no matter what.  Use me Lord as a vessel to show the people of this world your love.  Use me as a living example of just who you are.  When the rain comes my way God, I ask that you send someone else with that same supernatural love and kindness to help me get through.  Thank you Jesus for all that you do and for who you are in my life.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Scripture Reference:

Matthew 5:45 NLT  “In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.”

James 4:12 NIV “ There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”

You Are Never Alone

Author, Nicole L. Ross1 Comment

“The Lord was with him…” has been an ongoing theme in my research over the past few weeks.  As I began to meditate more and more about what this really means, I decided to write about.  Saved or not, here is a question I want to ask, do you believe that the Lord is with you? If so, do you believe He’s with you at all times?  What does that mean for you?  Because of the fact that this is something that has come up repeatedly, these are questions I had to seriously sit down and think about.  I do believe and take solace in recognizing God’s presence in my life.  And I believe that He is ever-present at all times, no matter what kind of situation I am in I can say with confidence and peace in my spirit that He is there.  I consider there to be many different answers to that last question, but success and favor are two that immediately come to mind.  Now, when I looked up the word favor, it says an attitude of approval or liking and to show approval and preference for.  Achievement, victory, accomplishment and triumph are a few words synonymous with success.  So based on my response and the definitions listed below, I think it is safe to say that if the Lord is with you at all times, success and favor are bound to be with you as well.  But let’s pause for a minute, what about trials and tribulations?  If you have trials and tribulations, any unwanted obstacles, situations or circumstances does that mean that God isn’t with you?  Absolutely not.

God being with us is a marvelous thing, and according to His word, He is most certainly with us at all times.  This doesn’t mean however, that everything will always be terrific or that there won’t be any difficulties that you have to overcome.  What you have to understand is that no matter how tough or bad it may feel, every time you come up against a hurdle, once you jump over it will actually push you even further towards success, if and only if you allow it to.  Remember, not only is the teacher quiet during a test, but the teacher is right there the entire time overlooking the class to make sure everything is done the right way.  Now let me add this food for thought… many people think that when they are going through a test in life, God is trying to teach them something. Not so my friends! A good teacher does not use a test to teach you something. The test measures what you already know.

Success is a state of mind.  So as you take the good with the bad, trusting and holding on to the fact that God is with you in all things will enable you to walk lucratively, with your head held high no matter what.  God wants His children to be successful, victorious, triumphant, etc.  It is just a process that we must go through to get there.  #iDeclare #youareneveralone

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Prayer:

Father God in the name of Jesus, I come thanking you for your presence in my life.  Thank you for allowing me to understand that just as you were with the men and women in the bible you are with me.  I decree and declare that I will walk in the success and favor that comes with your presence in my life and that no situation (positive or negative) will change that.  I thank you Lord for working everything together for my good and for Your glory. Please help me to pass and every test that comes my way.  Failure is not an option.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 39:2 KJV “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.”

James 1:2-4 NLT “Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Get Your Mind Right

Author, Nicole L. Ross2 Comments

It’s amazing how one’s perception can affect so many things.  Let’s face it, life is just that… life.  Stuff happens, a lot of which we have no control over.  What we can control, however is our perception and how we handle those things that do happen.  Instead of looking at seemingly not so good situations as trouble, switch your perspective, find the positive and decide to approach it as an opportunity.   As children of God, it is so important that we take the opportunity to show God how much we love and trust Him each and every day of our lives, in every aspect of our lives.  God is omniscience, which means He is all-knowing.  He already knows what is going to happen before it ever actually does.  He just wants to see how you are going to process it.  He wants to see if you believe His word and you really do trust Him with all things. I find it interesting how we can trust Him with our children or our jobs, but when it comes to other situations like our marriage or our finances we tend to want to handle those on our own.  You can’t pick and choose; God wants to be God over every aspect of your life, not just what you want to Him to be in charge of.

We have to change our perspective. How do you change your perspective?  Study the word of God.  The more you study the bible, the more you will know.  And as you learn more, that is where the transformation begins to take place.  This will also help build your personal relationship with God.  In addition to reading and learning more about the word, pray and ask God to help you.  God never intended for us to change ourselves.  He wants to do it, after all, He is the one who created us, but we just have to ask.

I believe wholeheartedly that when you know better, you do better.  Once you do, there is nothing better than seeing first hand the changes that God is doing within you.  Not only seeing, but feeling the difference when something transpires that to the world wouldn’t seem good at all, however you see it as an opportunity to trust God. Today’s decisions are tomorrow’s reality. Don’t let short-term passions destroy long-term blessings! Choose peace, choose love, choose joy, choose perseverance, choose faith, and most importantly choose a Godly perspective! #iDeclare #timetogetyourmindright

Prayer

Father God in the name of Jesus, I come asking for your help Lord.  I really do need to get my mind right.  Help me to change my perspective and perception on life.  Help me to take you at your word.  I speak a positive outlook over myself and over any situation that may come my way.  I decree and declare that I will trust you with every area of my life.  I will not lean on my own understanding, but I will acknowledge you in all things.  I decree and declare that I will make right decisions and choose to walk in peace, love, joy, happiness, faith, patience, gentleness, and perseverance.  Help me to have a Godly perspective.  I lift every yoke, every strong hold, every burden off of my shoulders right now in the name of Jesus and I speak peace into my spirit.  I thank you Lord of the peace of God that surpasses all understanding that I will have each and every day of my life.  Thank you God for transforming my mind.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture Reference

Philippians 2:5 KJV “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”

Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

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