~ Encouragement for Your Weary Soul – Trials and Tribulations ~

Trial comes, says the Lord in John 16:33. We did not get a promise from the Lord that this life would be pain free. BUT what the Lord did promise was that he would never leave us nor would he forsake us. He promised a way out. The way out is through Him and Him only. If we remain steadfast in trial we will receive the crown of life (James 1:12). We can do all we need to in this life IF we keep our hearts, minds and words on all things that are of Him.

 Christ rose from the grave to give us a new life in HIM (2 Corinthians 5:15). We will feel uncomfortable, we will be stretched, we will maybe go without, and we will be stripped. But we will always grow, we will also learn, we will also serve and love when we place our trust in the Lord. This Christian walk will not be easy however where there was sin, God’s grace runs deeper. You MUST renew your mind daily.

Personally, much has happened to our family. We have been attacked from all sides. But we stand in awe of our Heavenly Father. Not because we are these Holy and righteous people (blemish free) but ONLY because we want to glorify our Father in these trials. I do not know about you friend but I am tired of going around the same mountains and expecting different results. I am tired of the burden of worry and fear. I am tired of trying to handle these trials with my own bare hands. The Lord says he will fight for me and all I have to do is be silent and trust Him. Something about that brings me great peace and comfort. Let’s let the Lord carry us today. Let’s rejoice in hope and be patient and be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12).

I want to encourage your weary spirits today that the Lord, OUR God in heaven is with you. It feels lonely and FEELS like he is nowhere to be found. Trust Him, friend! He is right alongside you in this situation if you would only look up from the chaos of life. Often times when we are in an extreme amount of sin or chaos we really cannot see much. We panic and go back into habits that we feel bring us safety. Let the Lord be your shelter. Ask Him to give you wisdom, instruction and clarity in the midst of your situation and wait, pause and refuse to worry. Go about your day and bless someone. When you take your hands off of all the chaos and intentionally TRUST in what God says, you will see something different.

Prayer Starter:

Lord, you know our hearts. You see our pain. You are with us, Father. Thank you for the grace and love you give us day in and out. Help me, Lord to look to you and not my circumstances within this world. Renew my mind each day and convict my heart. I pray my heart is sensitive to your promptings and that I follow them on the onset. My heart is weary and I feel lonely this day. Today, I will intentionally seek you in all I see. I surrender my ways and trust yours are higher. Thank you for working all things out my good. I pray in your precious name, Jesus. Amen

~ When a Wife Respects her Husband ~

“Marriage is a tool and a test to allow God’s will to be revealed in our lives” as I read some of the chapters of the book: Love and Respect. First, please go google, download or buy the book immediately. I am sure most have read it but re-read it for you and your marriage’s sake.

We should (respect) do all this as unto God, not as unto the person, but for God because he commanded us to. Whew! Who wants to be nice to someone who is being what we perceive as mean? Raise your hands, quickly…………Anyone? It really goes against our flesh to be nice when someone is being mean BUT for you few who can master that, bless you and come talk to me, please…I know I don’t feel the need to be nice let alone respect my husband when he is being unloving. God says to though (face palm) Please see Ephesians 5:33....and stay there for maybe 10 minutes because I guarantee you God will minster to your spirit.

My friends, I am a sinner. I am rude, critical, I assume, I won’t own up to my issues at times, I nag and I complain. I have a warped view of love sometimes. My flesh wins most of the time. I fall. I fail. I get back up. I think I am righteous when I may be acting evil. My tone is off. My face will show my disappointment almost all the time. BUT God........

My husband affects me. He pisses me off and I can be so stubborn. Most times I don’t get him because I am opposite of him and in my pink mind he makes no sense. BUT my husband does not control me. I will experience much disappointment however it is MY choice to disrespect him. I will be disrespectful when I feel he is unloving to me as the book is on it with that. I will not curse at my husband (totally try hard not to) but my mouth is sharp and the faces I make.....Lord, have all the mercy possible.

I struggle with honoring my husband in disagreements because it feels he is being so unloving and it hurts the pit of my soul. I often wonder when we have disagreements how in the world can he love me and say what he is saying right now? But I rarely see, many times how I have disrespected and dishonored him with my words, tone and actions and he is human so he will react to. I am stubborn and boy is my snap back game tight....If my husband raises his voice at me, I will shut down or defend myself to no end. I will try and make him see what he has done and get so stuck there (he calls it dwelling and I call it being unheard). I want to be heard so badly (trigger from childhood) that I don’t know when to shut up at times. The book makes reference to: the crazy cycle....and we can stay on that for some time. My flesh is so weak and the devil? Goodness!! that snake is loving it with popcorn in hand and all when he sees TWO children of God be at odds. He hates my marriage and what it stands for so he will try hard to tear it down.

In Galatians 5:19-20 it says the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are outbursts of anger disputes. Our flesh is something else and it wants what it wants. In the heat of a moment, we can become someone we would hate to see.

I almost never ask myself: Is what you are about to say or do going to make your husband feel disrespected? I most times do what I want (word vomit or defend myself) and then AFTER realize what I did wrong as the Holy Spirit convicts me. Why can’t I just obey on the onset? Why can’t I see the error of my ways right then and there? Am I grounded enough in Christ? Question after question I ask myself.

My lack of respect is disobedience and is a sin (Eph. 5:33) period point blank......There is no excuse for it and it hurts God’s heart just as it would hurt me if our child makes a bad decision.

So how can I embrace my husband’s differences, stay respectful and think before I act? Whew! To embrace my husband’s differences I must not embrace his wrongs. He will mess up and it may be real bad but I must still respect him as a man when he makes an error. My husband is made in the image of God. My husband is my Father’s son and he is precious in his sight and I have to treat him fragile too!

 I am responsible for me and what I do. I do not have to match my husband’s unloving behavior but I can remember the root of where it is coming from. My husband is a good man and always has good intentions, in fact we all do. We react to something, always.....it’s about trying to step back and identify what that is coupled with being responsible for the actions and or thoughts BEFORE we see red.

Love and respect will always bring hope to the marriage as it is the base of what God commands. The great thing about JESUS is that he knows our hearts and he helps us to try harder each time we mess up. He keeps no records of wrongs. He is who we should model and strive to be like in our marriages. God is love. Don’t give up! Trust God is working. Keep showing your husband respect even though he may not be kind or nice. Look for the slightest improvements. Think on all he is and all he is not.

Marriage is to make you Holy and happiness is the by product. Your reward for all that you do is in heaven. You respect your husband because you do as it is unto the Lord. You will mess up and I just openly told you that I have (so not proud of it) but God provides light. If you partner with the Lord he will guide, teach and mentor you. The Holy Spirit will convict you and when he does you must follow him immediately. Keep striving for more sisters! I am with you doing it as well. 

When I respect my husband it brings glory to God and my husband feels like he is on top of the world. 

Prayer Starter:
Father, I need you. I cannot respect my husband without you. Forgive my disobedience and sin. I open my heart to you. When I am angry at my spouse may I pause and go to you first before reacting. Fill my heart, Jesus with love and reverence for you. Prepare me for conflict as it will happen because you made me and my spouse different on purpose. If I feel unloved by my spouse may I respond in respect and love. I believe you hear me. I am excited for your response. I thank you in advance for helping take different steps in my marriage. Give my husband a new wife and let that woman be me. I pray in Jesus name. Amen

~ Freedom in CHRIST ~

Something has to be said about truly living free. Free of people, opinions, fear, worry, rejection, shame, doubt and truly renouncing that yoke of slavery to it all. Many of us have been set free as we have found Christ but there are many who have not. There are many that do not know Christ yet and still struggle as a Christian with certain areas of pure torment. I came to tell you that you are not alone, friend. You have a Waymaker!

2 Corinthians 3:17 says “NOW that the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”. When you know the truth of the living gospel and embrace how Jesus came to set us free from it all, you cannot help but dance.

I recently came across some “Freedom Scriptures” http://www.fathershouse.org/sozo-center/ 

from a local church that a friend told me about, I was just so excited and wanted to share them with you. I was excited to see the healing that I knew God was about to do in my life  and with others through these freedom scriptures. 

You see, some of us think we may have been healed in certain areas only to find out we are still blocking the peace and pure joy of being whole in Christ. I thought I was healed from rejection, shame and or unforgiveness in areas that are vulnerable to me, but I now see that there is work left to be done in that area and that is okay. I am thankful for a Father who speaks and flows through me to call it to my attention.

 When you are totally free of something, an event or person, you have peace. You remember that it happened but not so vivid and you can tie forgiveness to it and wish that thing or person well. God called us to freedom (Galatians 5:13) he said to use it as an opportunity to serve one another. He gave us so much. He gave us a spirit of power, love and self-control NOT fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Therefore we can partner with him and work to be free indeed in ALL areas, friend.

 

What do you struggle with? I challenge you to take it to the cross, confess it as sin and stay at the feet of Christ for some time, stay still and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Wait and see what God wants you to do and be obedient to it. There is freedom there for you in whatever you are battling. Remember the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) BUT JESUS came so that you may have life and have it abundantly. You are a child bought with a heavy price and you can now approach your Father, be bold and find freedom in any strongholds you face. Please partner with Christ he is waiting to heal your wounded soul so that you can experience the true freedom he so desires for you to have. I know I will work hard will you join me?

Print the scriptures out from the above link. Put them on your bathroom mirror and speak them out loud daily after you renounce all the emotion, feeling, or lies tied to what is hindering your progress. I guarantee when you ask anything in Jesus name, it will be given to you, IF you believe.

 Prayer Starter:

Father God, I thank you for the finished work on the cross. I thank you that you took my place and gave me freedom. When I am weak, you are strong. I do not have to do life alone for you are with me. Jesus, what is the root to why I have not found true freedom in you? Reveal it to me, Father so that you and I can successfully deal with it and I can live here doing your purposeful work. I no longer want to be a slave to anything that is trying to harm me. I want to give, serve and belong to you and you only. I love you, Lord and I know you will show me specifics steps. I trust your Holy name, in Jesus name I pray. Amen  

~ God Wants us to Take Care of OUR Bodies ~

About 15ish years ago, I weighed 220 pounds and standing at 5 foot 4 that is a lot of weight for me to carry. I did not care too much for anything and needless to say I ate my feelings. Off sheer determination that year I went down to 160 pounds with diet and exercise alone. I was so proud of myself and that was when I met my now husband. I knew the Lord but did not have a relationship with him. Throughout the years, I never went pass 200 pounds until having my daughter 1 year ago. I am not that weight now however if I am not careful I will make it over that mark again. I want to be healthy not just look good in what I wear.

What changed? Hormones, stress, surgeries and taking care of my home. I am a working full-time Wife and mom and life sometimes is crazy. One huge factor is I have been relying on myself, honestly. Can you relate? Have you been relying on yourself for something you know ONLY God can help with?

Today, in doing my studies I came across an article that said “God wants you to take care of your body” and it stood out to me. Mind you I have tried year after year to “change my lifestyle” and nothing. But looking at that sentence, I felt conviction.

The truth is God does want me to care for my body and he wants you to do the same as well. While we are here on earth we are to know God more, walk closer to him daily and look like him. We are his hands and feet on this earth. I cannot be his vessel if I am going to food for comfort instead of my Lord.

Because of the grace of Jesus Christ and the love of the Holy Spirit, we can start over. Today, right now we can decide to stop doing life alone and reject sheer determination and turn to the author and finisher of our life. If you struggle with eating or anything else (pride, lust, lying, cheating, anger, addiction, bitterness etc) remember Jesus loves you and when you partner with him ANYTHING is possible.

I will not go on this “I will change my life, today” or do some fad diet, exercise or take some pills. I will confess my sin and struggles and wait on my Father. I will follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit and obey. I trust him and I know if I seek him he will guide me to a healthier me. I want what God wants and I will surrender and ponder the below.

·         God’s blessing of good health begins with my souls – 3 John 1:2

·         The Lord guides me into healthy living – Isaiah 58:11

·         Our bodies our sacred temples for God’s spirit – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

·         Honor your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

·         Using food for comfort is not helpful – 1 Corinthians 8:8

·         Bring your anxieties to God (not to food) – Phil 4:6-7

·         Natural foods straight from the earth are healthiest – Psalm 24:1

·         To nourish your body and appearance eat vegetables & drink lots of water – Daniel 1:8

·         Walking can open your eyes to God’s presence – Mark 16:12

·         Discipline is the road to the good life – Proverbs 10:17

·         Moderation is the key – Proverbs 23:20-21

·         You need deep understanding from God – Psalm 139:23-24

·         Confess your struggles to heal and grow – Ephesians 4:15-16

·         Healthy living begins with healthy thinking – Phil 4:8

 

Link to these thoughts and scriptures: http://www.soulshepherding.org/2004/07/bible-verses-on-food-and-fitness/

 

I encourage your spirit as you read this to surrender what is hindering you to Jesus. If you do not know him I pray that you open your heart and mind to his word and truth. I pray that you turn from sin and get to know your Savior. Jesus love you, friend and I promise you that you are not alone…..You have purpose!!!

 

Prayer Starter:

Lord Jesus, thank you that my heart is pure. Thank you for your love and mercy and for your living truth. I thank you that because of your finished work on the cross that I am a new creation. I struggled in many things (confess your struggles) and I have been doing life alone in this area and I am exhausted. I know I was not build for such stress. Take this burden, Lord and free me of the weight of it. I am so sorry for not involving you in EVERY aspect of my life. I want a new me (mind, body and spirit) and Lord you are the only one thing I need. Stay with me, walk with me and convict my spirit when I stray. Search me, Father and purge me of all things that are not of you. You love me and are for me so I will mediate on that truth today and stay confident in your promises, In Jesus mighty name. Amen

~ Learn to WELCOME the Wait ~

What is our disposition when we are to wait? I know when I am waiting on a traffic light, in a line or in the drive thru many times I am so frustrated and at times yell “what in the world is wrong with you”. I know I pout. I have been mad at God. My flesh hates to wait and so does yours.

Wait is defined to stay where one is or delay action until a particular time. What happens when we are uncomfortable waiting for God to move in our lives? How we wait shows a lot about our character. It shows the true disposition of our heart. Let’s face it! As believers we will wait and we will wait for years if not more for some things. God may also want to give us the desires of our hearts in seconds or maybe never.  What we are meant to have is not up to me and you. Once we grasp that life will be much better. Don’t lose hope because you are not alone. I struggle with this every second of the day.

Truly, we must be prepared to wait on God’s timing, not ours…Proverbs 8:34 says “blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors WAITING at my doorway”. This scripture does not say blessed are those who keep bugging God to act. I always tell my kids if you keep bugging me about a certain thing it will not make me act faster. In fact, it makes me want to teach you a lesson and move slower. Imagine how God feels about this? : /

With my kids, I am not trying to be mean but what I am trying to do is show them that waiting is a fact of life and most important you will always find yourself waiting on the Lord and you have to be okay with that. You cannot lose it emotionally or physically because you have to wait. How we wait and whether or not we welcome the wait and choose to change our attitude in this area means so much.

Not in our own strength, but with the Holy Spirit’s guidance and instruction we must try our best to work in this area. If not, we may be absolutely miserable or bitter. What will happen is that we will start to get so frustrated that our weak flesh will not past tests and will want to waver in our service to the Lord. No one has time for that. We are to be ambassadors for Christ. We are to be kingdom chasers…….. :)

Time to check our motives. Time to renew our mind. Time to grow up. Time to sit with the Lord and be convicted. Time to wait…..We can enjoy our life while we wait if we just choose to think about this in a different light.

Some encouraging scriptures are:

·         Psalms 27:13-14

·         Psalms 37:34

·         Proverbs 3:5-6

·         Isaiah 40:31

·         Lamentations 3:25

·         Micah 7:7

 

 

Dig into the word….research all you can about waiting in the word so that you can encourage yourself and the Lord can really deal with you and grow you in this area.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Lord, I am so tired of having an ugly attitude when I have to wait. Whether it is big or small, Lord I want a new me in this area. You did not die so that I can live a life of defeat BUT so that I can live a life full of abundance. Convict my heart, Lord when I am having a hard time in this area. Remind me of your word. Hide it in my heart so that when I struggle I am to act different and also be encouraged. You know what is best for me, Father. You have a plan for my life and it is for my good. I love you. I thank you. I worship your holy holy name, Jesus. No one is greater than you are, Father. I pray by the blood of Jesus I can grow in this area and pass these tests of this life. You always fight for me and my delight is found in knowing you wear the VICTOR’s crown. It’s by your grace I am here. Amen

~ Being Tested ~

These past few months I have been through so many tests, with pregnancy scares, health issues from delivering my daughter early, family communication problems, career transitions, disconnection from my children etc. It has been a real test in my faith and walk with the Lord, I will not even pretend it has not been rough. Through the many of circumstances the one thing that is consistent has been lack of some faith on my end. I have chosen in many situations to sit in fear. When I sat in fear I made the devil so happy.

I looked up scriptures on tests and seasons https://www.openbible.info/topics/seasons because I feel they go hand in hand. God says in my study about tests: to count it all joy, do not be surprised, rejoice, trust me, sacrifice, worship me, do not fear, do not be anxious, pray, and be led by the Holy Spirit. I will tell you that many times I would do the exact opposite of what God said. Why? Because it felt better to worry and give myself scenarios of what could happen in my flesh. I did not pay attention to the Jesus in me who wanted to speak to me but I did put him on the back burner when I worried. God cannot work with my worry. He operates in faith, friends.

When I studied seasons God said “I change the seasons”, do not grow weary, be planted, I will provide, rejoice, bear good fruit, preach the word, be ready, rebuke, exhort, be patient and teach. He tells me to have faith and trust him. Is it not amazing how he will speak to us when we just quiet our minds? In my short study time he spoke to every single dry bone. He gave me so much guidance on what to do. Many days I had to fight so hard to be still and go sit with my Father. My flesh wanted me to figure things out on my own and panic. But when I was in study something happened. The Holy Spirit came to my rescue. I was comforted and peace fell upon me. In times of tests or change of seasons, we need to be still and ask the Holy Spirit to control our thoughts.

Today, I encourage you. First, you are not alone. If you are facing some real serious tests right now I want you to stop and breathe and tell yourself that you have a friend who has and is struggling too, in me. If you cannot muster any strength to pray…that is okay just sit and close your eyes and say nothing as the Lord knows our thoughts and understands us. If you message me I will pray with you. 

Most importantly, my friend God is by your side. He has not forgotten about you and your life. God hears our cries and is close to our broken hearts if we truly BELIEVE that with all might. We truly have to stand our grounds and remind the enemy that we are none of his business. Something that works for me is talking to myself out loud in affirmation in my bathroom mirror: “Satan, get behind me! I am none of your business and my Father loves me. You are not welcome in my mind or home. In the name of Jesus, FLEE! I am new, loved and whole by the blood of my Savior”. I promise you saying that to myself in the mirror gave me confidence. It reminded me that I was purchased with a price and that I have authority. Don’t give up, stay your course, keep living daily peacefully and soon you will see victory. God did not bring you this far to let you down now.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Jesus, my Savior. My King and ever present help in this time of trouble. You reign over all circumstances in my life. I know you go before me because you love me. There is nothing to powerful for you. I praise your HOLY name. Thank you for working things out for my good. Thank you for your protection and mercy. I know that in due time I will reap a harvest if I do not grow weary in doing well. I will stay in peace. I choose joy and courage. Nothing formed against me shall stand. I love you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

~ Lord Almighty~

When you are oppressed by the enemy did you know demons hoover over you? They take any negative word or responses that you give to your situations and make sure they take it to the furthest evilest end. They do this because they would love to see you give up in despair with worry and doubt by your side. The devil hates you and wants you to suffer.

But when happens when you have the aroma of an open spirit? When you have nothing to hide and you give all what you are going through to Jesus? The enemy has no authority over your life or its circumstances. You become free in a new way to see the hope of the future. If you make a decision to enter an atmosphere of worship instead of worry it can overshadow the enemy and his plans. His demonic spirits must flee because they cannot stay in any atmosphere where he is not lifted up.  

My friend, who can stop the Lord Almighty? If we let that resonate in our spirits and truly marinate in this question, we find power. Isaiah 14:27 it says the Lord Almighty has purpose and no one can thwart him. This is the greatest news ever!!! Absolutely no one can stop his purposes, his plans or his will over your life. It may seem like in the natural that the enemy is winning but when you take those blinders off you will see that Jesus already defeated the lies of that snake. Where you find hope is in the Lord Almighty and his promises over your life.

I say that today, you walk in the authority that Jesus died for you to have. You say “no” to any negative thought or action and you declare power, healing, forgiveness, love and hope for your future. Jesus loves you and you have power……use it.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Lord God Almighty, you surround me. You delivered me from my enemies. You have set me free. You have given me a spirit of courage, not fear. I belong to you, Lord. Thank you for who you are. You are holy, kind, patient and forgiving. From my mother’s womb you have chosen me. I am born into a whole new family and your love flows through my veins. There is no one thing here on this earth that can stop the plans you have over my life. I will no longer be a slave to fear. I sing freedom…..I praise your holy holy name. I will stand on your promises today and forevermore. I love you…..I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen 

~ AND HE is Still Good ~

Life hurts, let’s face it. People and circumstances will strike you at the center of your heart and you will FEEL like you can no longer go on. Fact is God never promised us a life full of no trials but what he did promise was that he will leave us with his peace (John 14:27). We have a choice to follow what this world says or we can stand on what Jesus says. No matter the circumstance he is worthy of it all. This life here on this earth is not our final destination as a Christ follower so we really should not be in doubt or in panic when ugly things appear in our lives. Those obstacles are opportunities to trust God and leave whatever that is causing you strife at his feet. Jesus is coming back for his church (Rev 1:8) and our job is to honor our Father’s name until that day comes, not to fret. We will experience much persecution here on this earth but we will never be completely broken, maybe bruised but never crushed.

Friends, I encourage your heart today. I challenge you to stand against all the lies of the enemy regardless of what is it. Focus on who your King is and renew your mind every second of the day. You will find all living truth in the word of God. If you do not know how to read the bible ask the Lord to show you how, the Holy Spirit guides you and HE is faithful to ALL who diligently seek him.

Who can stop the LORD ALMIGHTY? Absolutely no one thing, person or circumstance on this earth…….God is fighting your battle and has power. Bow before your King and worship his Holy name. He is able……..and is still good no matter what.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Jesus, my Savior, My King and Stronghold. Thank you for all that you have done for me, your mercy endures forever. My heart, my life and circumstances I lay at your feet. I am not my own and cannot do anything in my own strength. I know that you can heal my broken heart. I stand on your promises in your word and will not depart from them. There is no weapon formed against me that can prosper and I trust you. I ask that you please forgive me for any evil thing in my heart and make my heart pure now by your blood, Lord. I desire to love and look like you and I will not be afraid of what this world says, you are my protector. Set a fire in my soul and help my, Holy Spirit to stand against the lies of this world, make me bold for your name sake. You are here in your splendor standing here with me. I am yours…..I love you. Amen

~ Do NOT Give Up ~

Often times we face certain adversities and feel like it is way too much and want to throw the towel in. Our marriage is on the brink of separation or divorce, or our kids are distant and out of control or maybe the stresses are coming from not having a job or not making enough to make ends meet. Whatever the situation is, my friend I challenge you to not give up. Fight the good fight of faith. God says in his word that in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). If we stay strong our work will be rewarded (2 Chronicles 15:7). God knows what he is doing and he does not need our help. We take matters into our own hands when we stress, worry, doubt and keep talking about our circumstance.

When I was younger and first gave my life to the Lord giving up to me was the only option. I did not know how to fight for things in my life. I thought if it was too hard I would just leave it, walk away or ignore it. I did not know how to handle life’s adversities and be a mother to a young baby and juggle me. Not until the Lord showed me about myself and that I did not have to handle life alone is when life started to make sense. The Holy Spirit showed me that I could give my circumstance to him and go out and still enjoy my life while he works things out for my good. I was learning faith and I continue to each day. You are not alone, sister.

Jesus has a plan for your life; you have purpose as Jeremiah 29:11 says so. Today, I challenge you to step out in faith and give all that is stressing you out over to Jesus and be still. Stop going around the same old mountains and make a decision to handle life different with the Lord.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Thank you Jesus that you care for me, that you love me so much to give me options for handling this life. You are amazing and I stand in awe at your grace. I am sorry for trying to handle this life without you. You are my strength and provider and I need to practice being still with you instead of taking matters into my own hands. This journey with you is a process and I am so eternally grateful that you allow me to be me and still pick me up and set me up on solid ground minute by minute. I love you, Father. Amen

~ Perfect Love Cast Out ALL Fear ~

Fear chokes us! It can grab a hold of our lives, thoughts, purpose and lie to us. It tells us we are not enough. We are not equipped. It says we have no purpose and that our circumstance is just too big for God. Fear tells us to give up and call it quits. It says to doubt everything even how much God loves us. Fear is a lie from the pit of hell and comes straight from the devil himself. God’s character will never say to fear. In fact, in his word it says that he does not give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7) but of sound mind and courage. If the devil can get me to fear in everything I do or think, I will behave and speak with a panic stance. When trial comes I will shrink back or when something I know God tells me to do, I won’t do it because I let the feeling of fear suffocate me.

God has called me to encourage, teach, coach and counsel. I have a specific purpose on my life and because I know this I have a decision to make in many areas of this calling. If I allow this false evidence that looks real but is not choke me, I will not fulfill the call on my life. You are not alone. There are many areas where I let fear creep in and start taking my eyes off Jesus and focusing on my circumstance. You do not have to face life alone. You have the Lord! Jesus has already won and came to give you a life worth living.  

When fear comes, I challenge you to truly send Jesus to answer. I challenge you to stay still and wait for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. I challenge you to go to God and tell him all about this fear and then stand on his promises for your life. Do not move from the position of Princess Warrior. Fight the good fight of faith, my friend.

Sis, you have purpose. You have a specific calling on your life. You cannot afford to believe the lies of the enemy any longer. You are more than a conqueror in Christ. It is time to trust that Jesus is for you and mediate on that perfect love cast out ALL fear (1 John 4:18).

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Lord, you are my stronghold. You are my Father. You love and care for me. You are the way, truth and life. Fear does not come from you, Jesus. When I start to worry and panic, I know that is not a spirit that you gave me. I pray right now that I learn to see myself how you see me. I pray I learn how to trust you totally and stop wavering back and forth. My circumstance does not define who you are. What it does is remind me that you are my God and that you are already going ahead of me to work everything out for my good. I thank you for your power and might. I love you, Lord. I pray in your precious name. Amen