Christianity

Are You Ready to Extend Your Stretch with God?

Are you ready? On your mark…get set… GO! Learn how I took on the long stretch with God and how you can too! Remember you are more prepared than you think you are!  Cool breeze kisses my face ever so lightly as I venture down a path of the unknowing. People around me chat in small groups while others walk their dogs.  Inhaling deeply, I smile and take in the moment of serenity. I then wonder, “Lord, why can’t ALL moments be like this— peaceful with NO problems?” As I continue to walk, I envision  God looking  at me with a sly grin responding, “Oh Erica, I could do that, but what fun would that be?” Tilting my head while looking at Him, I can’t help but agree. And, I’m sure you can’t but agree too. Let’s face it; our lives would be boring if no action took place, and we would operate like robots with no purpose roaming the Earth. Sis, that’s the ultimate reason I said yes to God. The Real Reason I was tired of running around the same hamster wheel, never catching a break, hanging around the same crew that didn’t align to my purpose nor His call on my life.     Now, I will admit this journey wasn’t easy then and sure isn’t easy now. However, I can say He’s been preparing me all along. He equips me for every trial I face.  Protects me from the fiery darts the enemy throws my way. He reveals things to me that will come. Just like me, if you’ve decided to say yes, He has a set of tools just for you to fight with when the enemy comes your way. Reflect and Journal Take a moment to reflect on the trials you’ve experienced. Write them out. While reflecting on these moments, acknowledge how they were challenging, but share how God saw you through them. Once you complete the task, share it with a loved one, a close friend, or someone you don’t know. You now have a testimony to share, a story to tell. Hi friend! Did you enjoy this message? Comment below your main takeaway and how you plan to implement it this season. I’d love to hear from you!  

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What to Expect When You Say “YES” to God

“So, how old do you think you’ll be when you fully settle down with God?” my friend Reggie asked. It was my junior year in college, we’d just finished another successful game night with friends and he decided to stay a little longer to help clean up. Pausing for a minute, I thought about his question and responded, “Hmmm, I don’t know maybe when I’m about 23.”  I figured because I was in college I needed to live a little and the Lord would understand.  Smiling at my response, we continued to chat about our future and what things would look like after college.  Once he left, I remember thinking to myself, only Reggie could ask me that question and I wouldn’t get offended. I mean– he was the only man I knew in his 20s engaged,  serious about his relationship with God, but would vibe to a 2Chainz or Trinidad James song real quick. As I sit back and think about that night I can’t help, but think about how God truly slide into that conversation and even changed the ending to MY story.  You see, my goal was to live out my life the way I wanted to and slide God in when I could. A Sunday service here and a communion session there.  I mean, can I be real? However, God had other plans for my life. The two years that followed turned out to be the purge of my life. I said YES I lost loved ones,  friendships ended, relationships dissolved, and my emotions went ramped. Through it all though, I was able to go back to my first love—Father God, who accepted me with open arms.  And, He made me His number one follower the following year once I surrendered. The Choice is Yours So, if you’ve decided to finally take a stance and follow God, I want you to know you’ve made the greatest decision of your life!  If you’re still thinking about it or you’re on the fence, meet me here. You no longer have to sit on the sideline any longer but sis you can join the game.  He has so much in store for you.  I will admit this journey is not for the weak, however, because you’re a queen of the Most High, He has a set of tools just for you to fight with when the enemy comes your way.  That is why this week’s passage is Ephesians 6:10-18. As you carry out the remainder of this week I encourage you to follow along with the Come Up season right here because next week, I’ll dig even deeper into what you can expect when you say yes to God! See you then! Hi friend! Did you enjoy this message? Comment below your main takeaway and how you plan to implement it in this season. I’d love to hear from you!

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How to Live an Authentic Christian Life

Ladies welcome to the Real Talk Health Awareness Series Episode Two! This week our focus is on… drumroll, please…..🥁🥁🥁 Spiritual Health! Oh yeah, we’re going there! In this  Real Talk episode, I sit down with my dear friend and mentor, Coach Gentry.  During our discussion, Coach Gentry dishes out the secret to managing an authentic relationship with Abba. No routines or rituals required! For years, you’ve asked: How do I build a deeper relationship with God? What do I need to do to please Him? Well, sis if this is you, the answer to your burning questions are answered in this dynamic duo! Remember ladies: It’s all about an authentic relationship over a watered-down religion. Catch up on other health awareness-related messages here: How to Get Your Mind Right and Track Your Mental Health The Secret  I Hide For Nine Years Until Now Love Yourself: Flaws and All Be Real, Do You Accept You for You? Meet Coach Gentry Coach Gentry founder of Life Golden Coaching and author of Organic Authenticity is a one-of-a-kind mastermind thriving to take YOU to the next level in life! Gentry is devoted to helping people gain confidence and pursue their dreams without apology. My mission is to create confident and creative emerging leaders that add value to their communities by helping them identify their uniqueness and to overcome personal and professional setbacks. If you’re ready to move forward with Coach Gentry reach out to her today! Hey beautiful people! Enjoy what you’ve watched? Share in the comment section below what stood out to you the most and what you took away. Can’t wait to hear your response!

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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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women thinking

Are You REALLY Ready For Love?

Are you in a relationship? Do you feel stuck? It is time to seek God and ask Him what to do. Once you receive your response the real question becomes: Am I Really Ready For Love? L.O.V.E, a four-letter word with much meaning, yet, is used too loosely. The word has become second nature and is used for everything. Prime example–Valentine’s Day. Now, before you judge me, just think about it. While women look forward to the holiday, most men do not–well except if they are single. Let’s be honest: ladies to receive a gift from a guy your heart leaps for joy. Men, just to walk around with a beautiful woman by your side, allows you to feel like a king. However, relationships shouldn’t be like that but much much more. Women, instead of chasing after a man to give a $5 stuffed animal, chase after God so He can provide you with the man who is necessary for you. Men don’t feel jealous of your friends because they have a girl and you don’t. Instead, surrender your heart to Christ and He will work things out in your favor. Although it’s easier said, it IS possible. Trust me. I was a sucker for men and wanted love. I wanted to receive a bag full of goodies and a card with the words “I love you” inside. In elementary school, at least I was able to get cards. but once high school and college came along, those gifts stopped. In July 2014, God revealed to me why I was single. Bottom line: I wasn’t ready for a relationship. To truly submit to a man, nourish and cherish him—Please! I could barely figure out who my real friends were. Thinking about what God shared with me, I could only agree with Him because He was right. As we grow older and look at the “role models” of entertainment from Kim to Kanye and Barak to Michelle, we wish to have a similar relationship one day. Let’s take Beyonce and Jay-Z for example. Since they have a child, great music careers and can often be seen together in photos with a smile plastered on their face, people automatically assume their marriage is true and their love is real. However, looks can be deceiving. No one knows what takes place behind Beyonce and Jay-Z’s close doors, so relationship goals shouldn’t focus on what you see from the naked eye on various screens. The Purpose of a Relationship It is important to take heed and hear God in order to find out if the person you are in a relationship with is truly for you. The purpose of a relationship is to grow and mature into marriage and shouldn’t be taken lightly. 1 Corinthians 7:1  reads,” … It is good to abstain from sexual relations.”  In verses 8-9 it reads, “So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust.” In other words, if a relationship is solely based on sex, the outward appearance of one’s mate and/or the amount of money or gifts one can receive, that relationship will not last.  It is unclean and will not have an inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ. Final Thoughts My friends don’t fall for any and everything a person says he or she will do. Instead, seek and ask God for guidance. Don’t mope because you don’t have a valentine. Instead, praise God for the season you are currently in because when your Queen or Prince Charming comes more responsibilities will too. Always be true, trust and believe. Even though the journey can be tedious remember God will never put more on you than you can bear. Do you like what you’ve read?  Share what you’ve received. I look forward to your comments below.

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