~ Love Notes ~

During my devotional time I have been writing down what I think God is saying to me each day and this has been so powerful. I tailor each sheet of paper like Jesus is personally writing me love notes. For example, I enjoy opening up the Jesus Calling Devotion and re writing what the author, Sarah Young has wrote just so I can observe the message from God’s eyes. She writes from God’s perspective but I like tailoring mine to me personally from God. Each day is so fun and I get so eager to see what God says to me. I write each day from a passionate perspective and let God sign the letter.

This way of writing is just so very personal and I am filled with so much joy. I feel absolutely amazing knowing that God is speaking directly to me. I encourage you to try it if you have not already.

Ladies, I believe God is teaching me to not leave his presence for the things and people in this world for NOTHING. When I sit and write from this perspective each day I believe he is building my faith and trust in him. He wants me firmly planted in his presence daily storing up his love notes in my heart. This intimate relationship is what he desires.

Ladies, God teaches us so much each day but sometimes we choose to focus on what this world has to offer instead of what he is offering. We leave him. Imagine him with his arms stretched out trying to reach for us only to get rejected because this world looks better than he does. God wants to be at the very center of our life but how can he if we keep leaving him for the things of this world (jobs, spouses, friends, status, or money). When we choose to trust God more than anything or anyone in this world we show him that he is our true dependence and our life makes sense. If we lose the lifeline we have in Jesus that is because we decided to shift gears from his presence.   

Sisters, if you stay close to the Lord and purposely focus on who he is and everything he is all about than the things of this world no longer matter. I mean you no longer care to have the best job making six figures or drive thee best car with the finest husband on your arm. What you start desiring is looking more like Jesus.

Sit down each day and let him write on the walls of your heart. He wants nothing but the best for you and wants to show you some things. He wants to prep you for so much. When all hell breaks loose in your life God wants you to keep your eyes on him, to stay with him. Find yourself so lost in all that God is that all you have time for is the love he is injecting into you from the love notes you write.  Grow, Stretch, Press, Stand, Trust, Believe………Don’t leave, stay with the Lord. You are safe there!

In Christ,

Monique Smith

 

Prayer Starter:
Lord, teach us to never leave your side. Teach us to stretch our faith and to walk hand in hand with you, never letting go. Nothing in this world can fill us, no job, no spouse, and no amount of money NOTHING. You, Lord are the only dependence I need. Help me to make choices that are of you and not of this world. In the name of Jesus’. Amen

~ Make Room for Forgiveness ~

I posted a picture on my Instagram account about blame last week or so and that made me want to further elaborate here on a blog post about some things. 

I mentioned in previous posts that I was abused sexually as a child by people I trusted. Many know when someone is abused mentally or physically this creates a hard wall around their heart as they grow up. They grow up with trust issues and try to protect themselves at all costs because they did not get protection as a child. Some cases may vary, but in my opinion, usually individuals with traumatic experience like that have deep pain and need only a love that can come from Jesus to properly heal.

Because of this and much dysfunction in my home as a child I blamed my parents for everything and not really the individuals who hurt me. Furthermore, because I had a child young I especially pointed the finger at my parents because I just knew it was their entire fault that I had sex young. I never addressed my pain from childhood until later in life but by that time I hurt people along with way. Friends, it did not take until I understood the love of Jesus and the salvation he freely gave me to understand that NO one was to blame. It was just the life I had along with decisions I made. I was responsible for my decisions after the abuse and especially when I became of age, I could no longer use the excuse “I was abused” as a reason to act a certain way. Yes, it hurt and yes it was unfortunate but God had a plan even then. My pain was not in vain. Did God just let this happen to me, abused young? No, there are people who make reckless decisions and take others down with them who are innocent, and this is not God’s fault, that is their decision. Hurt people hurt people point blank (fabulous book by the way by Sandra D. Wilson). They are so consumed with pain that they inadvertently hurt others who try and love them because they do not understand love and all it comes with. They become suspicious of the loving and kind people.

All these things did not make any sense to me at all until I found a relationship with Jesus. Many probably judged me and said “oh now she is Christian and religious”. But until I surrendered my way of doing things and fully let Jesus wash me clean with his blood I was in misery. After Jesus, what people thought of me did not matter all that mattered was his will for me and me trying to love others with his love. My life started to make sense and I was growing. Before knowing Christ personally I created just a selfish, very emotional horrible way of coping with life and lived in it like it did not stink. 

Today, I want nothing but the best for the people and any others who I felt “hurt” me as a child. I also learned to forgive my parents years ago for not being what I thought they "should" have been for me. 

It is my belief that only parents or others can teach or give what they have themselves so why should I expect them to give me what they do not have? I personally do not think that is fair and it creates unnecessary pain. If they do not know love for example how can they give it? Goes the same for any other characteristics like forgiveness or patience etc…….I have learned to lower my expectations tremendously with people especially family. I let go of what I have no control over and work on my “love walk” and the decisions I make. Am I perfect? Heck no!!! I fall short daily, every second. But I have a Savior who loves me and I know will set me back on track every second of the day if I surrender and trust him. I will never stop growing. I will never stop serving my heavenly Father and I will never go back to who I was.

IF today you are struggling with forgiveness or letting go of something I encourage you to pray and give it all to the Lord. Leave it at the cross and do not look back. Let Jesus work to heal your precious heart. Giving God your pain will help you move past all the pain and hurt. You have to decide to do that though. Be blessed friends. 

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Christ Jesus, we want to be blameless and holy just like you. But we can’t do it without your help. Please go with us today and show us the way. Help us to forgive and let go. Fill us with your ways and peace. Be with us in every decision we have to make today. Help us, dear Jesus. Amen

~ Made for More ~

I was made for more. This was ringing in my ear last night before bed. I could not sleep because all I could think about was how “I was made for more”. We all were. God created each and every one of us with such great purpose. This purpose is hidden so deep in us that only Christ can help us unlock it. There was always this void in my life when I was younger and even growing into a woman. Something was missing. Until I got older and started to have a true relationship with Christ is when I understood that “something” was him. I desired a relationship with Christ and I did not even know it. That is how amazing God is. He makes us with a void only he can fill. No job, husband, child or material thing can fill us like Christ can. He takes our damaged, hurt and selfish self and transforms us to the loving, selfless, and kind person we were meant to be in him. He takes our indescribable pain, the unknown of our future, the impossible circumstance and injects hope into the dark dry places of our hearts. He turns it all around for our good. Jesus loves us so much and desires us to trust and believe in all that he is. He wants us to take him along throughout our lives and remember that he is our biggest cheerleader. He never wants us to fail. He wants us to live in the purpose that he created us for.

Many do not know what their “purpose” is. They search and search and often beg God to reveal it to them. Many, myself included think they hear from God when it fact it is not God who speaks to them but themselves who leads them astray. Ladies, purpose is found in the little. It is found in washing dishes sometimes, in being a mother, a friend, employee or wife. Purpose is going to work each day and being a light to your co-workers. There are those who are called to preach, teach, coach, or encourage. Those with the spiritual gifts God have given them, to glorify his kingdom. You will know you are living in your purpose when that purpose is your passion, glorifies God, helps others, aligns with scripture and you maybe get paid as a bonus for working in it. You know, not just the “never have to work a day in your life because you get paid to do what you love” kind of purpose. That type of job is wonderful, to get paid doing what you love to do is amazing. I am not saying that that type of purpose is not possible. I am speaking of the spiritual purpose that you and I were made for. The kind of purpose that keeps you awake at night, the one that makes you feel alive, ready, encouraged, hopeful just thriving with contentment. The one that you know God is well pleased with.

Today, if you are struggling with anything remember God is bigger. He is able and he is ready to work in your life. If you would just loosen your grips and move some you can give him a chance to be God. Worry less pray more (Matthew 6:34, Luke 12:25, John 14:27, & Psalm 55:22). It is not just some cute quote. It is the truth that is written in the word of God. Trust him at his word ladies. Be more. Let’s grow!

In Christ,

Monique Smith

 Prayer Starter:

 Lord, today I will not waver, move or give in to defeat. I will stand in faith and I will take you at your word. I will praise your name and keep my mouth from speaking negativity. You are my protector, my provider, my way maker. You are my light in this dark world or circumstance and I trust you. I believe that what you want to give to me is good and that you are right by my side today. I find my hope and peace in you. I thank you for your word and I thank you for this new day filled with your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen

~ Negative Thoughts ~

My mind is a battlefield as Joyce Meyer says, in her most powerful book to date: Battlefield of the Mind. I was reading that I need to learn how to control the negative thoughts I let run around rampant in my mind. I need to immediately gather all those little tyrants, tie them all up, use the rope of God to secure them and send them free falling down to the fiery pit of hell FOR GOOD. Those thoughts want to harm me. They want to run, dance and play ring around the rosey with me and when I say no they will try to push me around like a school yard bully until I give in to them. I need to understand that they are the opposite of the cute little yellow minions I have seen on the movie, Despicable me. They are doing the dirty work of a real ugly sly snake in the grass who would love nothing more than to see me in severe doubt and confusion until I go crazy. Reading Joyce’s book motivates me to think of my negative thoughts as little soul sucking minions. I need to guard the entrance of my mind like a soldier would do at the fore front of a battle.  

I believe when you are trying to do work for the Lord that is when the enemy’s attack just seems so severe. This is exactly the time when we as believers should be speaking the word of God against those attacks. But let’s face it there will be times we are not successful and we give in to the little minions and we start to play with them.

God says in Ephesians 6:10-12, we are to be strong in Him. Put on his full armor so that we can fight against the devil’s evil tricks because our fight is not against people on this earth but against the rulers and authorities and powers of this world’s darkness: SATAN.  

Today, if you are doubtful just confused about life, your purpose, your past, your present or whatever negative thoughts that is trying to suck the joy out of you.  I encourage you to get your lasso and gather all those tyrants together and send them packing. Ladies, we are too valuable to the kingdom of God to go out like that. Pick up your sword and fight. Don’t waver. Don’t entertain those thoughts; they are not of the Lord. I pray in the name of Jesus all strongholds that are not of the Lord be broken now by the blood of Jesus. We are victorious in Christ. I stand with you as I have played with those little tyrants recently myself. You are not alone. Together we will grow and continue to live an abundant life daily just as Christ wants us to have.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

 

Prayer Starter:

Father, I thank you that you protect us from the tricks of the enemy. That although it may not feel like it, right in the midst of chaos you come rushing in like a knight in shining armor shielding us with your saving grace and love. Help me to recognize the traps, tricks and tyrants of the enemy. May I use your full armor to combat and win the battle that goes on in my mind every second of the day. Thank you in advance for working everything out for my good. I stand ready. Amen

~ Faithful With the Little ~

Hello my sweet friends. It has been awhile. Many blessings and peace to you as we spend some time together. J

I started a new job with a new organization this past week and boy has it been an experience to date. I remember just weeks prior praying to God to get me back into the workforce again and he did. He blessed me with a job making more than I have ever made in my career. Well, in my typical fashion the complaining started. I support the HR functions in two different facilities and needless to say the travel started to weigh on me and I was only one week in. I started to complain to God, I felt this spirit of frustration and felt confused about working again. Mind you I do need to work hello I have bills to pay need I say more. So here I am in my ugly ungrateful attitude uncomfortable with the job I asked God for (what in the world, who does this?). I missed my couch, my hours of bible study, my morning coffee at my home with my cat. I wanted to quit because I wanted to start full-time ministry in Christian counseling or coaching or get a job in human services (as God silently chuckles).

BUT of course God had to intervene on his hot mess of a daughter. As I was talking to my husband last night, about my confusion he offered his encouragement and I sought the word. I prayed asking God to rid me of this ugly spirit and to show me what I needed to do. I woke this morning out of my sleep and I heard “if you can be faithful in the little you will be faithful in much”. I got out of bed and I heard it again. I brushed my teeth showered and there it was again. So I ask God "please help me to understand how this applies now". I picked up my phone and went to read in Psalms as I usually do for comfort. Psalm 37:3-4 says “trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart”. I take out a book of scriptures I purchased at a local grocery store called “God’s promises for everyday” I looked up scriptures on pleasing God in the table of contents. I open up to Colossians 1: 11 which says “his glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything, and you will be truly happy”. I thanked the Lord for his guidance and start getting dressed. As I go upstairs, I hear “if you can be faithful in the little you will be faithful with much” AGAIN and I say it over and over and then it hit me.

I was called to encourage women in Christ and use my personal testimony to help them in their walks with the Lord. So how can I do that if I cannot practice what I preach? If I am not acting like I am grateful for the job God gave me, you know the one I prayed for? How can I be God’s faithful servant in helping his precious daughters if I am complaining all the time and cannot get myself in order? He says “Monique don’t you give up. I need you to be faithful in the tasks in front of you (your new job, being a wife, finishing school etc) practice being patient and in my timing, when I think you are ready and when I can trust you with more, I will give you the desires of your heart. In the meantime, keep working as if you are working for me. Wow…..just wow. I will have you know this time I was not my typical rebellious self and I said “Yes, Lord”. J

 Ladies, I was in awe and just smiled and asked for forgiveness for being such a brat and thinking I can handle what I was going through in my own strength. I ran upstairs and told my husband immediately and he tells me “God will not give you more than you can bear, this is one of those things you are given and it all will make you stronger”. What a sweetheart right? God even uses him to speak to me. What an awesome Father we serve! I totally don't deserve it but God loves me despite me being nutzo.

So, after I pick my mouth up from the ground I drive to work and praise Jesus the whole way. I decided to silent all the confusion, doubt and fear I had in worship. I gave it all to God and purposely pursued his peace, because where peace lives so does Jesus. God cannot work in things that are not of him. I cannot get what I want all the time and I need to have a better attitude when I am uncomfortable. I had to change my perspective and I needed a “focus” reminder. My focus is to work unto the Lord like I had always told myself in whatever season I am in. God had no problem being God of the universe to his crazy daughter. This is a perfect example of what happens when you put God on the back burner while you run around like a chicken without a head trying to do things by yourself.  Monique <----guilty.

Ladies, I encourage you to stop, pause and be still. If you have a major decision to make, take it to the Lord and if it does not require immediate action, just wait on God. If you feel some kind of way, take those emotions to the Lord. As you wait, rejoice and trust God at his word. If you are feeling lost and confused like I was do not rely on your emotions or your own strength, seek the word and align it with your thoughts. Do not try and handle this life on your own or you will find rather quickly you will become VERY frustrated and start to feel like throwing in the towel. God is here for us and he cares about every detail of our lives big or small. What he is waiting for is for us to move out of the way and let him work. While he is working he wants us to go about life doing well (being content, being patient, loving people, being kind and gentle, practice forgiving, staying faithful in serving etc.) for his name sake. Let’s go ladies, together we will be faithful in the little so we can be faithful in the big (Luke 16:10) assignments God will give us. May you rest in his presence.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

 Prayer Starter:

Father, thank you for loving us back to life, for guiding us and keeping us focused. It is my desire to please you and I am so sorry that I trust myself more than I do in you sometimes. Help me with changing this. I love you and I am grateful for you and the many blessings you provide day in and out. May I be faithful in all the little tasks and trials that come my way so that you can trust me with more. I wish to hear “well done, good and faithful servant” as your word says and live a life pleasing you. Father, please search my heart and rid me of all that is not of you in the name of Jesus. Amen

~ Consuming Fire ~

(This is a long one – grab some coffee) 

It has been some time since I have posted and I apologize but someone recently reminded me just how much they look forward to my posts. God is good!

Life happens but thank God we have a Savior who we can put our trust in and find comfort in, knowing he is working way ahead of us on our behalf. How comforting is that? May I share some things with you today? 

I was visiting a church weeks ago and a visiting pastor came up to talk to us about worship and praise and its difference. I heard this sermon before from my pastor but this pastor expressed some things to me in a different light and it had me thinking. The words coming out of his mouth were for me. Ever feel like a pastor is talking directly to you and there is no one else in the room but you and him? The Lord knows exactly where we are and exactly what we need and when. He will find ways to speak only to your heart and this day he used Pastor Smith. This pastor’s word pricked my heart and it hurt because I knew I was not worshiping the Lord like I should.

Pastor Smith, with his lovely last name J, explains that worship is an internal love developed within and praise is the external action we give out. So what is in me will manifest externally he goes on to say. I thought O’ Lord what if I am still rotten to the core inside and that is why I cannot praise you in this situation right now? I cannot praise you Lord in my anger because I am pissed. I cannot praise you in my sadness because my heart is bleeding. Let’s be honest we all have these “situations” that come and threaten our livelihood and we get so emotional. Emotions are not bad but when our flesh trumps our spirit we will have problems. Life can be pretty difficult, and praising our Father through it well, we just don’t do it most of the time. I could not praise my Father because I have let some ugly root take residence in my heart.

Pastor Smith goes on to explain that through ALL circumstances happy, sad, mad or bad that the Lord still wants to meet us exactly where we are. He says the Lord cares about what is taking root within me and wants to sit beside me to let me know that he loves me. Jesus wants to wash those ugly roots out of us completely, for good. But we need let God be the all-consuming fire that never dies down inside of us. True joy only comes from God and I know this but I let some emotional events take root inside me causing me to not worship nor praise my Father sometimes. I let his fire run low with all my emotions. God cannot move when I am all emotional and in my feelings. It is when I place those emotions at his feet and let him fill me when exciting things come about.

For instance, let’s say I am mad at my husband and I know I need to give it to God but I get pissed off and let that anger take root inside me. Later, still pissed I go to God and talk to him about my anger but I don’t let his presence soak into the dry, dead black roots that are living inside me (anger, bitterness, or unforgiveness). Then there is no life resonating within me, I have not allowed God to touch my inner pain and because I am all emotional his fire is running low. When this happens the Holy Spirit cannot guide nor convict me. When I allow God’s presence to fill me I have new grace and mercy from his love to go apologize to my husband and make it right (regardless of whose fault it is) and praise my Father in the process. What Pastor Smith was saying to me was that I need to let God set a fire in my soul that only he can contain all the time no matter what. Only then can I give this external action of praise when my heart is clean and pure before him. How can I let God move in my life if I keep getting in the way with my emotional self? I need to find a balance and use it more. 

The enemy is an expert in all my weaknesses. He studies me and all my emotions and knows what makes me upset, sad, depressed or pissed off. He knew that through my emotions he can try and get to me like he did in the past. He whispers lies and gets me feeling some kind of way.

Sisters, we need to not let him plant these seeds, these thoughts in our minds or emotions in our hearts that we forget to worship and praise our Lord Jesus Christ. No matter how we “feel” we can do what we know is right and those feelings can catch up later. When we press into Jesus harder than we do our emotions and give the Holy Spirit room to convict and guides us to what is right. We can let our Lord Jesus be the all-consuming fire with us and choose to pursue his peace, love and ways. Talk to God. Go ahead and tell him. Keep pressing. Keep walking with him.

I encourage you to sit at the feet of Christ and just pour out all the good, bad and ugly and let him work on it and you learn to leave those emotions there. Don’t allow the devil to gain a stronghold in the places of your heart where your light and fire live. Allow God to be that constant burning fire throughout you no matter what. Hold on to what the Lord says. Your emotions don’t rule you.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Thank you Jesus that you are here with me through everything. That I can approach your throne with such boldness. That you will always use your disciples to teach and correct me. Lord, please set a fire in my soul that only you contain. Help me to recognize the enemy’s tactics and when I am getting too emotional. Convict me Holy Spirit. You are welcome to move in my heart. I love you Lord. I praise you because inside of me burns a deep love of gratefulness. I love you. Amen

September's Instagram 30 Days of Christian Journaling/Picture Prompts #arisenyou

I love to write. Writing purges your soul is what I believe. I have created: September's Instagram 30 days of Christian journaling/picture prompts for anyone who wants to join me. This is a fun way to help you with your walk with the Lord and challenge you to look at many aspects of your life while writing. Share these questions or prompts with everyone you know. Hashtag your pictures on Instagram using #arisenyou. Have fun and grow ladies…..

1.)What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

2.)How can you grow with your walk with the Lord? Name 1 specific way.

3.)What is up with my critical heart lately? Write down your circumstance. What verse can help me with it

4.)My love walk? What is hard about loving others? How did Jesus love?

5.)Write a prayer to your kids or future ones

6.)What is your acronym for GROW?

7.)Draw, doodle or write out your perspective of Grace

8.)Describe the day you accepted Jesus into your heart. How did it happen?

9.)What do the Fruits of the Spirit mean to you? Explain

10.)A prayer of thanks

11.)What devotion are you currently doing? Is it helping you? Share a picture with your journal and favorite morning drink

12.)What is your favorite worship song? Write it down and mediate on it today

13.)Today is clean out your heart day. What has you upset or bitter? Can you try forgiving? Write about the situation

14.)Write out a prayer for your husband, Father or son

15.)Write out the Lord’s prayer and use your favorite shade of pink

16.)Empty your heart before Christ. Write a letter to Him

17.)Define Faith using your own words

18.)Your favorite Christian quote and why

19.)What is emotional wellness in Christ?

20.)Share a picture of Jesus & Coffee

21.)What did your pastor speak on? How can you apply it to your life?

22.)SOAP a verse of Proverbs.

23.)What Christ centered book are you reading? Write down a profound passage from it

24.)FAST DAY: What can you fast for 2 hours? Why did you choose this?

25.)Goals for October: Top 3

26.)Write a letter to a friend in need and share a special verse she can mediate on. Mail it to her

27.)What does the Bible say about cleaning house? Write down the verses

28.)Pray over anxiety today. What verse helps bring comfort?

29.)How can you practice patience today? Skip you and serve someone. Write who you choose to practice patience on?

30.)SOAP John 16:13

Together let's grow and write for Christ...... :)

  

Amazing Love

In reading the book of Hosea with my www.shereadstruth.com community, I re-watched the movie Amazing Love on Netflix. It is about the book of Hosea. I watched it before but as always when you watch something again you get more out of it. The story of Hosea is so beautiful. It showcases a picture of God’s amazing love for us through the unfaithfulness of Gomer and Israel. God chose Hosea to love his unfaithful wife and preach the gospel to a rebellious nation. I wondered could I even muster up that much love for people who treated me so badly?

Through watching this movie I understood something huge, Hosea was feeling God’s pain. The people of Israel turned their hearts away from the Lord, just as Gomer did to Hosea. But Hosea was relentless. He loved Gomer and God’s people through it all, he would not stop showing others the Lord. I sat there and cried and cried because I was reminded that in my fifth God picks me up and lets me dwell in his strong arms when I am so unfaithful to him.  

God’s loves me and you because His love is not dependent on us. I could not do any good deed to win the heart of the Lord. He loves me no matter what I do and that is that. How great and amazing is this? Will we honor the Lord by being faithful in love to his people? Yep, that means ALL His people: the mean and unfaithful spouse, the lying friend, the parents who left us, the people who talk bad about you, or the kids that reject us? 

Sisters, we are all a work in progress and will never just “arrive”. But with this amazing reminder in our hearts and by faith through Jesus Christ we can be a Hosea to someone here on earth. We can show God’s love to others so that they know He loves them no matter what they do. Today, I encourage you to love so deeply without expecting nothing in return. Be a Hosea......

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter: 

O’ most gracious Father, you love me through it all. I worship your Holy name and I thank you for saving a wrench like me. Jesus, will you please live your life through me daily? I need you and cannot do this alone. May I love without expectation? Amen

~ By Faith...............

Three years ago I faced one of the most trying times ever. I had to make a life changing decision within my marriage and I was afraid. Would I put myself aside and let the Lord work in me? I struggled. To be frank, I did not want to do this as I knew that much would be revealed about myself. I was very selfish ladies. Life was all about me. I did not want to put aside all that was comfortable for me and step into the unknown. I was very scared. But I stepped out in faith and I told the Lord that I would obey. I ask him to change me, not my husband or the marriage, just to change me. Oh, how he answered the cry of His broken daughter. I did not know how the Lord was going to fix my marriage let alone me BUT I knew he was crazy faithful and that I could trust in Him.

What is faith ladies? Well, according to the word of God in Hebrews 11:1: Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. So in other words, we go wherever and do whatever without knowing the outcome. We put our trust in the Lord and can rest because we know that the Lord has our lives in the palm of his hands. Faith is not doubt nor anxiety in the waiting. You trust and believe every minute of the day with the Lord giving you strength and when you are weak you go to the Lord with it. 

If I was going to step out and trust the Lord in my marriage or anything in my life I needed to have faith, faith in the impossible. When I made a decision to step out in faith, the Lord provided supernatural strength that I could not obtain on my own. In my quiet time today, I was reading Hebrews chapter 11 & 12 and I was wrecked because the word showed me the many faith filled men and women who obeyed God and did not waver. I was reminded again that I need to have FAITH and believe. I was not to look at my circumstances I am to focus on the cross. 

By faith, Abraham obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going, Abraham went. God tested him through the sacrifice of Isaac and provided. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell. By faith, Abel offered God a better sacrifice and he was commended a righteous man. By faith, Sarah trusted that God would give her the son she always hoped for. Wow. Where is your faith Monique?

Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith, it is impossible to please God because any one who comes to him must believe. We must believe sisters! We must believe that even when the circumstance looks real bad that the Lord will do the impossible and work all things out for our good.

Today, is my marriage perfect? Am I perfect? Do we argue? Do I fail? Do we fail together? I am human and so is my husband and we are not perfect and we will mess up…But with test and trial we grow stronger because we believe the Lord is molding and shaping us. We will get to exactly where the Lord needs us to be together. My marriage is a journey. We are both a work in progress and the Lord will guide us. My faith is everything. I lived to long without Christ to not live every day for Him. God did not promise that we would not go through trial but He did promise that he would do the impossible if we would trust Him. I trust Him. Will you? 

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Father, you perfect my faith. You are my hope. I worship you right now. I praise your glorious name. Today, I give my all to you, I lay it all at your feet. I believe that you are working on my behalf and I am yours forever Jesus. I fix my eyes on you Lord. I will not lose heart nor grow weary. You are my stronghold. Nothing else matters nothing in this world will do. You are my center. Amen

Is Jesus Your Center? How Do You Respond To Life Challenges?

Much has happened friends. I have been busy with much: packing, moving, getting ready for school, family and marriage commitments, and homework has been just a tad bit demanding. Now, that I have vented may I share with you some things?   

One day as I was sitting with my Father just having a grand old time, I heard Him ask me a question in the middle of my planning session. He asked if I would worship Him in both joy and suffering. I cried out instantly: “Yes, Father. I will Lord! I will worship you through whatever comes my way”. In my typical Monique fashion, I immediately responded to Him and did not think. Was that not what I was supposed to do?  Ladies, God asks me something, an important question? Was I not supposed to be obedient immediately? Well, my sisters I should have been honest with my Savior saying “In my strength no, but with you, I can, yes”. It is not like He doesn’t know my every thought. It is not like He doesn't know that when trial comes that I can be a spoiled brat. It is not like He doesn't know that I would cry, complain and pout first when adversity strikes. I continued my praise and studying with him that day and went about my business. I did not know nor understand why He asked me what He did but I knew it was for a reason and deep down I was scared. I knew something was coming.

Shortly after this conversation, what happens? Yep, you guessed it: CHAOS……all hell broke loose, my friends. I got hit with much: in my marriage, with my older son, school, my thoughts were weak, I was super emotional and irritated all while trying to move. I mean you name it, it all just kept coming. I did what I knew to do. I prayed and prayed. I listened to every sermon I could get my hands on. I went to quiet places and sat, read, worshipped and I just could not hear my Father. He was silent, so I thought. Now, in the past (after getting saved) when trial came I would stop reading my Bible, would not go to church, and stop praising my Father. To be honest, I would get mad at Him. I would say something like: “really Father, why are you doing this to me”. I would act like a little brat like how DARE God inconvenience me. HA, what a hot mess. Thank God he has changed me a little. :/

When all this was happening to me I told myself that this time I would keep pressing. I had passion miraculously, even when I thought my Father was silent. Even though life was real bad for me, I vowed to sit at His feet  and thank Him for His love and all the blessings he is doing for me and the family. I remembered the conversation I just had with the Lord and it was my motivation. I started speaking God’s promises over me, over my marriage, over my kids and over the situations. In the midst of all the struggle, He was there. He was in me. He was the reason I was able to keep going. Ladies, he never went anywhere. I was the one that moved, not Him. My thinking changed for a little there. I had to purposely switch it to faith filled responses. Will you worship me Monique? Will all this move you? I lifted my hands with tears in my eyes and said: “Yes, I will worship you, my precious Father. All this will NOT move me, I will live for you, I will stop this endless cycle of luke warm Faith”. I started worshipping, singing, shouting, and fell to my knees. I refused to let the enemy think he got me. I wanted to show him who I served.

When my husband said, “I am leaving”, when my oldest son said “I have better people in my life than you”, and when my sister started accusing me of wrong doing, I stood in faith. I stood in faith because I knew that my Father would turn this all around for my good. Has he worked out all the kinks? Nope, not yet. Will he ever? I don’t know, but what I do know is that He loves me and nothing will ever change that. Why? Because He says so. You see, I did not want to be that unstable Christian. The one who lets her feelings rule her. The one who runs when trials come and complains when things were not perfect. I wanted to learn how to have faith in my sufferings. I wanted more of Jesus and less of me. I prayed it all time so it was time to put my faith where my mouth was. 

Just because every trial known to man comes our way sisters, doesn't mean that Jesus is not with us. It may “feel” like He is gone BUT sisters He is right there with you. He did not leave me. He was not silent. That was what I “felt”. Truth is I did not want to face the harsh reality of what the Lord was trying to teach me. He wanted me to recognize that my immediate reaction to trial must be faith. I must answer trial with “I trust you Lord”. I need to stand with my head held high with Jesus as my shield not buckle. 

I am so thankful for a Father that teaches and loves me. A Father who has my best interest at heart. Ladies, whatever is going on in your life that is making you “feel” hopeless right now, remember God is with you. God loves you and ALL of it will work out for your good. Wait a little longer. Give it to Him and step aside. Cling to His promises. Worship Him through it all. Praise His wonderful name. Count your blessings. He must be the center of your life. Answer the trial with faith.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Father, I give all my anxiety and fear to you. I surrender my hold on them and release them into your hands. I life my eyes to you, for you are my help in time of trouble. I will praise you in the midst of all that happens in my life. I do not need to be anxious or afraid of anything because I find hope in you. Your love comforts me. Your power gives me all the strength I need. I will remain faith filled. Thank you for giving me the courage to go forward and fulfill the destiny you have for me. In Jesus’ precious name.

Amen