advice Archives - My Journey to Refresh

Your Revelation is Real!

Have you ever received a prophetic word and was simply overjoyed by what you were told? The prayer you’d been praying day in and day out had finally been answered. That revelation about your God-given talent had finally been revealed. However, as time moved on you may have found yourself doubting the message or even questioning its truth because you hadn’t seen anything manifest. Sis, if that sounds like you, don’t worry because I’ve been there. In fact, after reading the Revelation: The Season of Activation, for myself– can I be honest with you… My faith began to rock. Confusion and frustration attempted to cloud my mind because I was able to read what Abba shared with me, comprehend it, but when it came to genuinely believing it. I was skeptical. Looking at where I am now compared to where God is leading me seems impossible. Nevertheless, as quickly as negative thoughts attempted to rear their ugly self at me a boldness stirred up in me and I began to declare and decree what Abba has already told me. That’s why I’m here today sis to let you know, YOUR REVELATION IS STILL REAL. The revelation you’ve received hasn’t gone out void and it will come to pass! In Philippians 1:7, Apostle Paul reminds us that what we’ve begun will be perfected and completed until our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ returns. Simply put, Abba’s going to finish what He’s started and you will be involved. Even when life gets overwhelming, and things don’t turn out the way we would like we must remember that it IMPOSSIBLE for our Father to lie and He truly will finish what He started. Final Thoughts As you carry out the remainder of this month, I want to remind you that you are right where you need to be and Abba is orchestrating the assignment He’s given you. Once again all you have to do is simply move. Remember He’s given you the tools needed to succeed and you just need a little faith to push forward.

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You ARE NOT the Father!

Do you recall watching The Maury Show growing up? What about The Jerry Springer Show? If so, I’m sure one of your favorite lines were: “You ARE NOT the Father.” I know mine was! On Maury, a woman would gracefully walk off stage or have a full-blown tantrum, while the man would get his two-step on because of the wonderful news. On the Jerry Springer Show, a woman would jump up and attack the woman who messed around with her husband and one of their wigs would be snatched off. Back then, those shows provided me with great entertainment and pleasure. However, I would have never imagined they would effect me spiritually since it has been years since I’ve watched them. And yes, you’ve read right SPIRITUALLY! It’s amazing how our Father has a unique way to speak to each of us. One way He shares information with me is through TV shows and movie clips. Recently, during my quiet time with Him, He shared that line with me. Perplexed, I gave Him a side eye and wondered, “Abba what are you talking about.” Meditating on this line deeper, after a few minutes all I could do was chuckle and say, “Boy, am I happy not to be!” Maturing in Christ As we grow in Christ sometimes we feel like we must be in charge, everything must go right, and all of our duckies must be in a row. However, by sharing that line with me, He made it clear we are the children of the Great I AM and because of His greatness, we call Him Abba Father. Simply put, You are NOT the Father, God is. We are simply His children and He takes care of us. To add on to the revelation He shared with me, instead of worrying about things I have no control over, it’s important that I give my struggles to Him and allow Him to take the lead. Final Thoughts In the end, I encourage you to do the same. Most importantly give yourself grace ! For God gives you grace! No, you may not be where you want to be, but you are better than you use to be. Before you weren’t working on anything after work, now you’re striving to get the job done. Be grateful for humble beginnings for everything else will fall into place– and that’s a God promise! Hey friend! Did you enjoy the message you’ve read? If so, share your comments below. What was your greatest takeaway? I can’t wait to hear from you!

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5 Power-Packed Scriptures That Give Strength In ANY Situation

I don’t know about you, but the first thing that comes to mind when I see the word STRENGTH is: Shocking I know, but it’s true! Sherman Klump went through so much just to fit in, only to find out that he was perfect just the way he was. Now that is what you call STRENGTH! Below are five power-packed scriptures I suggest you read when you’re down and need strength to pick you up: 1. God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect. -2 Samuel 22:33 NLT God is your security guard. He makes sure you make it to your destiny safe and sound all the time. 2. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.-Psalms 28:7 NLT When you feel down and need a pick me up, I encourage you to sing to the top of your lungs. Yes, you’ve read right. Sing a few of your favorite inspirational songs to flush away the funk you may be feeling. It doesn’t matter if you are off-key or not, the Lord inhabits your praises. It is an honor when you sing glory to his name. Plus, it will make you feel 100 times better once you finish! 😉 3. The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. -Habakkuk 3:19 NLT Never forget God is your STRENGTH and with Him ANYTHING is possible! Instead of breaking down remember He has given you confidence as strong and mighty as a deer to conquer the highest of heights! 4. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.- Philippians 4:13 NLT No explanation is necessary! Apostle Paul explains YOU are capable of doing ALL THINGS through Jesus Christ. This means, there is no need to second guess your possibilities, just do it and finish what you’ve begun! 5. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29 NLT When you are weak God will make you STRONG. When all of your hope is gone HE will give you power! ELEVATE FROM THIS: TO: YESICAN! YES I CAN!!! GOD BLESS!!!

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The Key to Understand the Word of God

Are you calling out to Father God, but feel like you are not receiving a response? Instead of giving up it’s time to dig deeper and find out the key to understand the Word of God. Do you recall your school days, waiting for the final bell to ring? Your Friday evening would already be set and your weekend plans were good to go. With backpack intact and your eyes glued to the clock, in just a few seconds you would be free. Suddenly, your English teacher would state,”…Oh yes! Before I forget, I want a report on the book we’ve been discussing in class. It will be due this upcoming Monday.” The bell would ring right after their unwanted announcement and a smile of great joy would appear on their face because they had completed their goal to make your life miserable. Oh, the agony! A huge sigh would escalate around the entire room and students would mumble how they couldn’t stand the teacher and they couldn’t wait to graduate. Sound familiar? Today, we find ourselves in similar situations. Whether at school or work, we are always tested or asked to do something we do not want to do. However, it must be complete or we will not receive benefits. This scenario, my friends, is very similar to the Bible. Understanding the Word of God For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (Hebrews 4:12 NLT) In the scripture above, the Bible is “very powerful and strong and sharper than any sword.” This means its purpose is to shed light on our lives and speak the TRUTH. Although we don’t like to admit it, the truth hurts. As we grow deeper into the truth, note everything we read will not be understood at that time. For the things God allows us to understand, we may not like. However, we must remember the Word is meant to strip us clean and make us whole again. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT) Similar to the school teacher we could not stand, at the end of the day we were able to make it through their class right? What about turning in that book report? Although we did not want to do the work, when we received a good grade on our paper, we just couldn’t wait to show our parents. Throughout the Word of God you will likely run across scriptures you do not like and commandments you just don’t understand. Take Luke 6:27 which reads … love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Now I’m not sure about you, but when I began to know God and understand Him for myself this scripture was a hard pill for me to swallow. Alongside prayer, I would meditate on this scripture by repeating it over and over again. Since I had been manipulated by friends and backstabbed by people who I had given my heart to, I didn’t know how in the world I’d be able to forgive them, better yet love them. Especially since all I was doing was praying and repeating a line. I wish I could tell you the change happened overnight, but it did not. This transformation took some time. I had to connect with Godly counsel, continue to seek God, and think positive when evil thoughts would come to mind. Nevertheless, slowly and surely God changed my heart. No longer did I have hate or malice against my enemies but my heart reached out to them. I wanted God to move into their lives and connect them closer to Him. My friends, this is why it is soooo important to get into the Word of God. The time we are living in today is crazier than ever, but with God’s Word, He will truly keep us from falling. If you truly desire Christ in your life, but can’t seem to find Him, ask Him for His help. Yes, classes, homework, jobs, extracurricular activities can get in the way, but we must remember that we wouldn’t have been able to even get to that stage in our lives without Christ. He deserves a portion of our time EVERY DAY! If you start off with a willing mind and an open heart to follow Christ and do as His Word says your life will change for the better. How do I know might you ask? I am a living witness. Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. (Jude 1:24-25 NLT) Thanks for reading! Did you enjoy what you read? If so, comment below on how you incorporate God into your daily schedule! I’d love to know!

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Late Nights and Early Morning with Abba Father- Perfection

How are your conversations with God? Are they simple and sweet or in-depth and intriguing? When was the last time you spent time with God? What about the last time you prayed? Did He share wisdom and new revelation with you? A few nights ago, I found myself doubting Him and questioning the route He requested I take this season in my life. During my time of worry, He led me to a message He shared with me a few months back in regards to perfection. Tonight, I would like to share that message with you in hopes it encourages you. This is installment two of late nights and early mornings with Abba Father. Late Nights and Early Morning with Abba Father Perfection God: Who told you, you had to be perfect? Now, before you start hooping and hollering I really want you to think about that. 🤔 Erica: Hmmm, I don’t know. No one specifically. I guess the image of the world. Because everything looks perfect, I assume you have to be. ( Even as I’m typing this right now… You see! It’s engraved in me.) My words have to be perfect, auto-corrected or I won’t be accepted. You see, even as I read over my work it automatically happens. I have to make sure it’s right or I won’t feel satisfied. Even my thoughts are moving, wondering right now what this conversation will lead to. I just have to be- God: Erica… Did I tell you ANY of those things? It’s okay-although you know the answer, you can think about it. Erica: No. God: Well again, tell me, who told you these things? Erica: Hmmm, I guess no one individually. Elementary school comes to mind. We had to have answers right on assignments. We had to treat people with respect. The smallest mistake we made we’d be punished. And hey I just didn’t want to be punished. So, I made the decision that I just had to be perfect or at least close to it in my mind. So, I’d help my teacher out. I’d try to stay as quiet as possible in the classroom and speak only when spoken to. I thought I was doing a pretty good job. God: And tell me how did that work out for you? How did that work out as you grew up? Did you end up perfect? What is perfect to you anyway? Erica: For the most part it worked out for me. I managed to make friends, connect with adults in an adultlike manner (if that makes any sense) it’s like I felt like I understood them more. Like because I acted a certain way, different than other kids they liked me better and because I was able to please them it made me want to get better. Perfect to me is a person with NO flaws. EVERYTHING is in line. Everything falls into place. God: Who do you know like that? With NO flaws, NO issues, NO problems? Erica: Nobody really comes to mind. I would name a few people from church but because I know their testimony I know they haven’t ALWAYS been as they are now. Hmmm, I guess the closest to perfection that I can think of are celebrities. Because I don’t see them on a day-to-day basis they seem like they have it all together from my point of view. Beyonce for example. Hey, look you know her. The perfect hair, the perfect family, the beehive of fans. She’s still on Earth and apparently, her dream has come true because she’s “made it”. Look all I’m saying is she must have hopped on something perfect in her life to get to where she is now. God: Do you think Beyonce is perfect? Stop that. Analyzing things. Just be straightforward. Do you think Beyonce is perfect? Erica: No. God: Why not? You just told me all she has and all she does. Doesn’t that put her on the perfect list? Erica: I guess it does, but then again nobody is perfect. God: Hmmm… What was that? Erica: Sigh… Nobody is perfect. God: Interesting, so again why do you think you have to be?? Erica: I guess it’s just a mind thing. Growing up I was conditioned to have it that way. God: Did I ever tell you that? Did I or have I ever told you, that you had to be perfect? Erica: Hmmm. No, you haven’t. I recall you telling me to do good, but you never told me to be perfect. God: What does good mean to you? Erica: Someone who tries their best. They attempt to get things right that they might mess up. But again I guess the big thing is that they try. And they may not get it right but they truly try, which I believe makes them good. God: Are you good or perfect? What would you describe yourself as? Erica: I guess good. Okay no guessing, I know I’m good ( no pride intended) 😉 God: And what have I required of you? Erica: To do good. God: Did I ever say perfect? Erica: Nope. You said to do good and turn away from evil. God: Now, I know you just read that scripture in Matthew where Jesus said, “to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 NLT What do you think about that? What do you believe my intent was/ is? Erica: Well it looks like you want us to be wise, kind, and fair to others who treat us wrong, just as you have with us. Although the word perfect can mean without flaw it also can mean accurate and pure, faithful. Oh yeah and after reading the Merriam Webster’s dictionary mature is highlighted too. God: Do you believe when you read this scripture now, I want you to be without flaw or more so mature? Better yet what do I want you to walk in? Erica: What

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