Construction Zone

9/27/12

This was something that Holy Spirit spoke to me a while ago. It was so encouraging to me and just wanted to share. It's short and sweet! :^)

I'm looking around and I see a lot of construction going on. Makes me think of my life, it's a lot like that. God has blocked a lot out and has made detours so He could fix up, repair, remove, and build whatever needs to be done. And like construction, it doesn't last forever, unless someone stops paying for it... but Jesus already paid it ALL :) It may take a while for it to be finished, but in the end, it's worth it! The results are beautiful and people are amazed by the completed work, improvements and difference the builders made!! God is restoring this house!! :)

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ESV

❤ Mari

Just a Vapor

Psalm 39:4-7

4 “LORD, make me to know my end,

And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am.

5 Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah

6 Surely every man walks about like a shadow; Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches, And does not know who will gather them.

7 “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.

"Certainly every man at his best state is but a vapor." Even when you're at the top of the world, it still means NOTHING, you are still but a vapor, another person dying! [Wow...that's deep]. We store up riches yet don't know who'll receive them once we die... anything could happen to them! Our only hope is God [vs. 7]. None of these things here on earth really matter, no matter how good or fabulous your job is, how great or attractive your spouse is, how amazing or loving your friends and family are, it doesn't matter and it cannot get you into God's presence in the end. KNOW HIM for yourself! Surely every man is a vapor...you better know where you're going before it's too late.


❤ Kamaria

Cracking My Pride

Hey guys! I hope all is well with you! I'd like to share a piece of my life with you!

To make a long story short, I went to an O'Reilly Auto Parts store to have my wiper blades replaced and now have a cracked windshield. I won't go into too many details, but I am 99.99999% sure that the damage was incurred by the person attempting to change the wiper blade. This happened roughly 2 weeks ago.

So, needless to say, in the past few days, I have talked to the store manager, the district manager, and customer service...and have pretty much received the same treatment all the way around. When I say treatment, I mean... imagine being completely innocent, yet people are treating you like a thugged out, no good, convicted felon, con artist. Like you mean them nothing but harm! This is how I was treated. Sad, but true. Though I can continue to take this issue higher up the totem pole, Holy Spirit instructed me to, "Just let it go." When I heard that, I immediately tried to knock the thought out of my head! "NO, that can't be right! I'm almost in the position to have my windshield replaced! No, Nooo, Nooooooo!!!!!!!!!!" Hahaha! This made me even more frustrated because I knew this would be the right thing to do.

After praying with my boyfriend, Jonathan, I was led to begin reading 1 Peter, and "coincidentally," it lines up with and addresses this whole issue. Below are the links to some key verses for me at this time and how they applied to my life:

1 Peter 1:6-9 - You will be tested, but do not lose sight of who God is and where He is in your trials
1 Peter 2:19-24 - It's good to keep God at the forefront of your mind when enduring hard times. Jesus suffered for something He did not do but instead of retaliating, He entrusted Himself to His Father--GOD!
1 Peter 3:13-17 - It is good to suffer for doing good, if that is God's will. [I could have easily lied, schemed and manipulated in order to get the outcome I desired but chose to be a woman of virtue & integrity.]
1 Peter 4:12-19 - Don't think it strange or be surprised when you are tested, it is good to suffer for doing good, entrust you soul to your faithful God while going through it!
1 Peter 5:6-9 So be humble, consider God and pour out your heart to Him. Don't try to carry your own burdens, He cares for you and wants to help you! Watch out for the enemy, he's looking to destroy when you let your guard down, stand firm in your faith and pray for your brothers & sisters in Christ, know that they are experiencing sufferings too!

There are several instances in the Bible [including 2 Chronicles 10:4] where God instructed people not to fight, and they would obey, because I mean, let's face it, without God fighting with you, what good is fighting at all?!

At any rate, I have experienced many emotions/feelings in this time--frustration, pride, anger, unforgiveness, hate, hey... I'm just being real here! So looking back on it, I can see WHY God instructed me to leave the situation alone. It was really becoming a stumbling block, and it has taken everything in me to NOT react how the old me would react. Of course, I felt that it was not fair for me to have to pay for the repair costs since I was not the one who damaged my windshield. I mean, why should I have to pay for something I didn't do!? But you know what? Christ paid for something He didn't do as well. What He endured on the cross, and leading up to the cross, was not fair. Yet, He CHOSE to pay for something He did not do -- sin. He was perfect and sinless, yet He humbled Himself  and accepted ridicule, toture, mockery, beatings, all for love.

I know that letting go of the situation is the humble way out, which is why I've had such a hard time. I am so prideful in so many ways, but I thank GOD for showing me the RIGHT way.  A cracked windshield is not worth my life [holding on to my sinful pride], nor is it worth coming between me and God. I love Him more than anything on this earth, let a lone a car! So as I continue in this love walk, running the race of faith, enduring trials and tribulations, I find hope in knowing that My Savior has overcome it all. He has left His peace with me and has told me to not let my heart be troubled. So let's keep trusting Him, the author and perfecter of our faith!

❤ Kamaria

These 3 Things

This is  matter of fear and faith. Possibly, life and death! I was recently inspired by my boyfriend to make a list of 3 things I know for certain of God, and 3 things that I don't. I've found this to be so helpful and I encourage you to do the same! Just make a list of 3 things you definitely know about God and His character, and then jot down 3 things you are unsure of. I would suggest you do it now before you read mine. :-)

Personally, I think it's important to know the effect of the 3 things that you know for certain, and the 3 things you're unsure of. Knowing these things can help you either, reinforce the truth, or dismantle the lies, and knowing the TRUTH can help you spot lies! Ask yourself, what you must believe in order to do what you want to do and be who you want to be? Then ask yourself, what would happen if you continue to believe those uncertainties in your life? How damaging could they be to your physical and spiritual health?

With this list, I gathered a few verses to affirm whatever I know is true of God. I also got a few scriptures to combat WHATEVER lies I was or am believing, and I also ask myself, "In what ways do I KNOW the lies are lies in my own personal life?" Not just going off of what I may have heard or have been told by others. Believe it or not, God shows me things He has said or done that contradict the lies and He'll show you too! So in your thinking, make sure you take some time to remember what the LORD has done in your life! :^)

Here's my list:

3 Things I know

• God is faithful. Psalm 36:5; Psalm 33:4; Romans 3:3-4; 2Timothy2:13
• God is true & trustworthy. 2Samuel7:28; John 17:3; Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 20:7
• God is patient. 2 Peter 3:9; Psalm 86:15; Romans 2:4; Revelation 2:21

3 Things I'm unsure of

• God's sovereignty. Psalm 103:19; Philippians 1:6; Proverbs 16:33; Proverbs 16:9
• God's love FOR ME. John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1John3:1; John 15:19-17
• Does God know me? Does He have a plan for me? Jeremiah 29:11-14; Psalm 139:1-4; Jeremiah 1:4-5; Psalm 37:23-24

 ❤ Kamaria

To Know Him.

John 15:7 ...and My words abide in you...

Jesus said, if we abide in Him, and His words abide in us, we will ask whatever we desire, and it will be done. Jesus is no genie, let's get that straight, HE IS GOD. So He won't give us just anything, knowing the consequences will harm us tremendously. Instead, by abiding in Jesus (who is the word John 1:1-5) His words will soon abide in our hearts. Which means our own will, will line up with God's will. 1 John 2:4 "He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

Delight yourself in the LORD and He'll give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). Take delight in getting to know Him, in spirit and in truth. John 18:34 "Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?” Don't determine your relationship with God, based on what other people have said about Him. Know God for yourself, just like you would get to know a coworker, a parent, a friend etc.! Get to know who God is in His very essence... Beautiful, merciful, graceful, savior, provider, father, friend, and so much more!

John 17:3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

♥ Kamaria

When God Speaks.

Ecclesiastes 3:14 "I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him." NKJV

Whatever God does cannot be changed or reversed. Numbers 23:19-20 ^"19 God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? ²⁰ Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it." NKJV 

The works of God withstand the tests of time. It is everlasting. Whether He is saving a soul, or speaking things into existence, (ex. "let there be light), it endures forever! Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." NKJV

Be encouraged my friends! Know that if GOD has said it, it will be done! Commit your ways to Him. Trust in Him and He WILL act! Psalm 37:5 Believe what has said. Speak what He has already spoken to you! (John 12:50; 2 Corinthians 4:13) Know that His word WILL NOT return back to Him void (Isaiah 55:11), and know that God DOES NOT speak idle words! "Nothing shall fall to the earth of the word of the LORD...the LORD has done what He spoke." (2 Kings 10:10) Let GOD be true and EVERY man a liar (Romans 3:4)! God IS Trustworthy, and He is OH so FAITHFUL!!!

So choose to have FAITH today. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1) Faith = Trust + Belief + Knowledge. In order to trust, you have to believe & in order to believe, you MUST have knowledge. Trust God, believe His word and KNOW WHO He is! That's COMPLETE faith!! If you KNOW God said it, then BELIEVE that He will do it and TRUST that He will perfect everything concerning YOU and His OWN WORD! So don't sweat the small stuff! Rest in His love, be still, and KNOW that He IS God! :-)

♥ Kamaria

From Mountains to Valleys to Mountains

WELCOME TO THE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE!

John 11:4 But when Jesus heard it He said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."

I mean, I'm going to preach my life right now... isn't that what preachers do anyway? Lol When you encounter your first wilderness experience, you'll find that it's a season where all you want to do and really, all you can do is shut up and die. Life is good in the beginning of your walk with the Lord, He's superly overly protective of you, He lets you hear His voice clearly, He allows you to feel His presence, and He fills you up with joy. Then, there comes the season of pulling back, where God begins to pull back so that you may seek Him, and that you may begin to learn how to pray even when you can't feel him all the time. In this season He teaches you a lot about His character. Then, there's the wilderness... *dun dun duuunnnnn*

Let's think about the wilderness in retrospection. The Israelites were GREAT when they first came out of Egypt. They were witnessing many mighty works by the Hand of God. They had great leadership (Moses) and they were well taken care of (Manna). Then... something happened. Things started changing, maybe they got used to being so well taken care of by God, I'm not quite sure. But they began complaining, "God, why did you bring us here to die! You're not taking care of us. We want to go back to Egypt! We would have been better off there!" And God says, "Alright, fine! I will let you die here!" And many of them, as you may know, did die in the wilderness and never made it to the promised land. But that isn't what this blog post is about though LOL!

I am in the wilderness, but I WILL NOT die in this place, though it may feel like it. This will not be the end of me! Job 13:15 "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him; yet I will argue my ways to His face." Psalm 66:10-12 "For You, O God, have tested us; You have tried us as silver is tried^{. 11} You brought us into the net; You laid a crushing burden on our backs;¹² You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet You have brought us out to a place of abundance." Jesus will tear down this temple (me), but He will also build it back up again (Isaiah 28)!

I know that God has not forsaken me, nor has He forgotten me. This is all done, so that I may believe, and know that He is the LORD my God. That I will proclaim what He has done for my soul. When Jesus went to raise Lazarus from the dead, Lazarus was already dead for 4 days. He was deader than dead! Thing is, Jesus shows up right at the point of death, when things have died, and resurrects it--even when it seems impossible! He makes a new life, restored, refreshed, and cleansed of impurity. John 11:5-6; John 11:25-26. At our suffering, God isn't happy, He weeps with us (John 11:35), but He allows it because He loves us and wants us to truly believe, though we may question and wonder if He is really who He says He is (John 11:36). But Jesus says, "if you believe, you will see the glory of God." John 11:40.

The wilderness experience determines whether you are one of the "few that find" the straight and narrow, or the "many" that stay on the broad and wide way. It shakes your faith, but when, or if you come out of it, your faith will be unshakable. You become more confident and stabilized in Christ. It either makes or breaks you. It's up to us to fight the good fight of faith! So if you're in your own wilderness experience, I pray that God strengthens you, and if you have yet to enter into the wilderness, I pray that you are preparing for what is to come.

This IS a matter of life and death, truth and lies, light and dark. We must believe our beliefs and doubt our doubts, until we see the Son of God/Son of Man risen in Glory in every aspect of our lives!
 
♥ Kamaria

You Belong.

 1 Peter 2:10 "who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." NKJV

1 Peter 2:10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” NLT

Ever felt like you couldn't really find your place? Like no matter where you went, you didn't quite fit in? Maybe you weren't cool enough, or maybe you were too cool. Or even if you did "fit in," ever feel like something still wasn't quite right?

I've struggled with identity crisis for a major part of my life. Having friends, but never feeling like one in the bunch. I would always feel like I stuck out like a sore thumb. So, I would transform, into "one of them." Like a chameleon I would blend in with my environment, but never felt like I was just being me. For a while, this worked, but then I would begin to lose my transforming powers... I know that sounds demonic.. LOL But, I never was comfortable being me. I was always either, too tall, too skinny, or too goofy. Nothing ever seemed "normal" about me... my "flaws" were always pointed out.

But may I tell you what has changed for me? Jesus Christ. I have never been more free to be who am I am than I am now. From time to time, I can still feel a little awkward in my own skin, BUT GOD, has been peeling away the layers I have been hiding under. And do you know what I've discovered in this new freedom that I've found in Christ? People actually LIKE the real Kamaria! The way I dress, the way I wear my hair, the things I like to do, the way I carry myself... people like the real me! No fronts, no hiding, just being me! As a matter of fact, I draw more friends now, than I have before. But do you know what draws them? It's not just me being me, but me being me thru the freedom I've found in Christ! 

"Once you had no identity as a people, now you are God's people," knowing that I am His, and He is mine, is what makes my life even more worth living! The verse right before this one says, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;" 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV Hand picked by Him, chosen to be His own special people. He has called us out of darkness, and into His marvelous light... that we may proclaim His marvelous works in, through, and around us! And

So this is me proclaiming the marvelous work He's done in me! :-) But this is also an invitation, to anyone who feels they don't belong anywhere. You always have a special place, not only in God's kingdom, but also in God's heart! :-) You have a true identity, a person you were born to be, before tainted by the world, and shaped by the world's beliefs and standards. God has called us all to be holy, to be pure, and to be like Him. He's given us invitations, through Jesus, to partake in Him. Find yourself in the comfort of our loving Father! 


♥ Kamaria

Rest & Wait.

Wait. Yeah, something a lot of us have a problem doing. And I include myself in the masses of the "a lot of us" category. It's hard! Besides, we have so much to do! Classes, studying, jobs, ministry outreaches, church activities/functions, birthday & engagement parties, weddings, baby showers, and so much more. If we stop and wait now, right at this moment, nothing will happen! Right??  Wrong...

I am President of the "I really don't know how to wait on the LORD" committee. I've had my share of sitting still for all of 5 seconds, only to find myself getting busy with other "important" things. Besides, time waits for no man! Right?? WRONG!! When you know the Author of time, time will definitely be on your side. Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 62:5 "My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him." Whenever we wait on the LORD, He always delivers something! Joy, peace, strength, hope, love, direction, etc!

Rest. Mark 6:31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while...” Everyday, I learn just how important it is for me not only to wait on God, but to rest in Him as well. Mark 2:27 says, And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. The Sabbath isn't about following a bunch of rules, but was made for our good, for us to enjoy and rest in the love of God! Let's not pervert the true reason why God commands that we sabbath! :^) We aren't to serve the sabbath by making  sure we don't do certain things, or follow legalistic rules. God wants us to come to Him while we rest! In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says, ²⁸  Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 

It is in the place of resting and waiting that we find what God has for us! We grow in patience and hope, strength and courage. We learn more about Him and ourselves when we slip away into that quiet place with God. We get refreshed, rejuvenated, and restored! Our very soul finds what it's been longing for... more of Him! So I beckon you today to find rest for your soul in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to come... because He will meet you right where you are. 

 

 ♥ Kamaria

His Will? Your Will? Which Will?

Proverbs 16:1, 3, 33 1 We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.
3 Commit your actions to the LORD
    and your plans will succeed.
33 We may throw the dice,
     but the LORD determines how they fall.

Given recent circumstances, I feel like these verses--really the whole chapter--hit home. With the need to make some really big decisions very soon, I've been feeling pressed on every side, and not very knowledgeably about how to make the right decision. I've been seeking the LORD for wisdom but have seem to come against a brick wall. Reading these verses got me thinking... I can make all the plans in the world about how to execute my dreams but at the end of the day, God will always have the right answer.

"Commit your actions to the LORD and your plans will succeed." God is saying, "commit what you do to Me, and I will cause you to succeed." But why is He saying that? Personally, I think it's because once we are "in Him," what we are committed to doing falls in line with what His will is! And not only that, we may even choose to go different routes to get to our end goal, but God says, "no matter which way you go, I'm still causing you to end up at 'this' expected end." If you can keep up with me, it's like no matter what I do, I'll still be in His will. But not necessarily "no matter what," I know what God loves, and I know what He despises, so I DARE NOT do anything that I know he hates. What I'm saying is, if I roll the dice 3 times, each time it will still land on the side God desires it to land...  if I continue to commit my ways to Him.

You know what I mean? His desires become my desires. His thoughts become my thoughts. His ways are now my ways. He gives me thoughts and ideas about what my future can be. It's not even really my job to "make" it happen. My job is to just be available to Him and be ready for whenever He opens up a door!

♥ Kamaria

Truth Is...

The times ARE perilous. LORD, I just try to stay out of the drama.
Out of the debates, arguments, back & forth mess.
Politics, religion, wars, injustice, everyone seems to have the answer, but yet we see no change.
Everyone has the solution, except their conclusion is still inconclusive.
Everyone has facts, yet it seems no one has the truth.
But I do.
Truth is, we're living in a fallen world. Where people are all for self.
They've even created their "just for me" gods.
Their own gods who are okay with their sin, but yet who's "rights" contradicts the next man's.
Your god is okay with adultery, but your god isn't.
They slept with their spouse, now one cries out for justice, but the other sees no wrong done.
Your god is okay with homosexuality and your god is okay with sexual battery.
Your god sees no wrong in stealing and your god is completely okay with sin... See the confusion?
There seems to be no standard of right or wrong.
People make murder worthy of hell, yet I admit that I myself am worthy of death... eternal death.
I've lied, I've stolen, I've hated--which makes me a murderer
I've looked upon with lust--which makes me an adulterer.
I've put other gods before Yahweh, and made my own personal idols.
My gods were okay with all my sinful desires.
I could steal and cheat, masturbate and treat my parents with the utmost disrespect.
I made a grave image of my gods and served them day and night.
I never kept the sabbath, let alone kept ANY day holy.
I've lied on people and even desired their most precious treasures.
I'm a self-admitted sinner.
Dare I say it the most filthy of them all.
I'm more deserving of judgment than any of you all.
Fallen from my rightful place, in the presence of the Father.
BUT, redeemed by Christ, with grace and might, now I'm made righteous.
Now I'm complete and now I'm set free.
Yes, my past is completely redeemed.
I've rebelled against my God, but He's delivered me with His mighty right hand.
 Hallelujah to the Father. Abba. Yahweh. Jehovah!

 ♥ Kamaria

Who's judging?

Proverbs 28:5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.

Lately, we've been witnessing a lot of situations where people have felt that justice has been perverted, however, I think it's more of a misunderstanding of what justice truly is. Proverbs 28:5 sheds some much needed light on the issue. Consider Kony and Trayvon or even Mussolini and Hitler, we as mankind demand that a price be paid for the wrong that someone has done to us, or the mistreating of another. We also agree in "extreme" cases that merely death is never enough.

When we are wronged, we have an inclination that cries out for justice to be served, therefore demonstrating that the law of God is on our hearts and in our consciences. I've realized from reading Exodus 18, that even civil and moral law comes from God, so how much more do spiritual laws? I think it's important we keep in mind that God is ALWAYS the ultimate judge. As a matter of fact, the death sentence was instituted to say that a criminal is too heinous for humans to even judge, therefore we are going to kill him and send him to God's court. Hmmm... interesting huh?

Luke 6:42 talks about taking the log out of our own eye so that we may see clearly. So is it safe to say that a misunderstanding of justice comes from not being able to see clearly? According to the book of Proverbs, the thing that they don't see clearly is God, thus not being able to understand justice. This is scary because in the same chapter of Luke, verse 38, it says "for with the measure you use it will be measured back to you," so the world basically accuse, condemn and judge themselves every time they protest about justice not being "served" on these "heinous" criminals (but on the other side of the coin, they aren't able to see how heinous their own crimes are, and just how heinous their human nature is).

You see, the problem is we don't think our human nature is bad (Genesis 6:5,Genesis 8:21, Romans 3:23, Matthew 7:11, Psalm 51:5, Isaiah 64:6). We think we are "good" people and that God doesn't severely punish the least liar, thief, fornicator, blasphemer, murder, etc. Because the Law of God is written on our heart, He therefore judges out of our hearts! If I were to punch my parent in the arm, I'd probably get cussed out! If I punched a person on the street or a police officer, I'd get sent to jail (or worse!) If I punched the president, I'd get shot, and if I punched the pope, I'd probably be killed! Do you see what seemed to be a small offense to a parent, the punishment increases when the person's status is increased... so how much more God? And we punch Him everyday, like all the time!

Many want to say, "Well God is love..." And that's TRUE! But, if I love light what do I hate? If I love hot, what do I hate? If I love righteousness what do I hate? God hates evil and because He is righteous, pure and Holy, He will eliminate it. We just don't sin, we are born sinners, we and the world are already judged, (Hell is the wrath and justice of God, an eternal jail) but fortunately, we do have a savior... The long awaited Messiah has come, and will come again.  Let's praise GOD that Christ came not to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through Him... John 3:17 !!!

 ♥ Kamaria

I Wanna be Led!

A few days ago, I was driving and saw something that got me thinking. I was sitting at a red light, and saw a lady who was walking her dogs. However, while in the middle of the intersection, the light turned green so she began to jog to get across the street. Without even a word from their master, the dogs, began to follow suit and and hustled to the other side of the street. The dogs did not try to run ahead of her, nor did they begin to walk slower or at the same pace. They all moved on one accord.

I want to be led by the Holy Spirit in the same way! I want to be so in tune with the Spirit's guiding that even at the slightest bit of change in movement, I will quickly follow suit--with no hesitations!

John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come. ESV 

The Holy Spirit IS the Spirit of God, and He is also referred to as the Spirit of truth. He reveals to us the deeper things of God, teaches us the ways of God, and He leads us in the way everlasting. He is our helper, and He is God. We must learn to trust the Holy Spirit, just like we trust that the sun will rise every morning. When He says, "run", let us run with all we have. When He says, "slow down," let's move at a slower pace. When He says, "make a right," let us cut the wheel right. If He causes us to yield, or stop, let's trust that He knows what is best for us. 

The owner of those dogs knew something the dogs didn't know yet. She knew that danger was coming if they didn't get across that street. Just like the owner of those dogs scurried across the street to keep her dogs safe. The Holy Spirit directs away from things that could harm us, but it's our decision to obey. I don't know about you, but I want to be led! 

♥ Kamaria

What a Girl Wants AND Needs

In reading Deuteronomy 17:15-20, it made me think of my single sisters and how they can use these guidelines while choosing a proper husband. Though this set of scriptures are talking about setting a king over Israel, I think the same rules can apply to a husband. Let's consider the following guidelines!

He must:

• Be one that God chooses

→ Not you because we cannot see into the heart like God can.

• Be from among your brethren, not a foreigner who's not your brother. 

→ Meaning he should be a Christian -- a fellow believer in Christ.     

 • Not have many wives, lest his heart turn away. 

→Things that he is committed to that keep him from living for God.

 • Not acquire for himself excessive silver and gold. 

→  In order to keep him from being arrogant, prideful, et cetera. Excessive material goods (such as money) stored up for himself does no good

• Not multiply horses for himself nor return to Egypt to multiply horses.

→This was regarding military power -- instead of forming a militia of horses and chariots in case of a war to ensure protection, God wanted Israel to know He was their strength! Also, Egypt is somewhat symbolic of bondage -- and I think of bondage to sin. The man you choose should not lead you back into sin, but be so protective of your soul, as if it were his own.

• Read the book of the law all the days of his life so that he may learn to fear the LORD. 

→Read the Bible DAILY! This would be a demonstration of his true devotion to God, His laws, and his love for God, which also demonstrates his love for you because he can't truly love you unless he truly loves God! :^)
→ Verses 19-20 says, "¹⁹ And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, ²⁰ that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel." -ESV


Galatians 5:22-23 also has some good traits to add to the list. ²² But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! -NLT


As a king is selected to rule over a nation, a husband should be carefully selected to be the head of your household! May your Knight in Shining Armor find you, and rescue you from this jungle of a dating world filled with fire breathing dragons, but avoid that Prince Charming, who's a toad you'd have to find yourself and kiss!

Be encouraged ladies... (and you gents out there looking for a lady)! There are "good ones" out there!

♥ Kamaria

Sticks and Stones

Proverbs 11:9 & 12 With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.
It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet.

It was kind of hard for me to focus on just one proverb out of this chapter. So many stuck out to me today. But I went ahead and chose these two guys because I think it's so important that we're conscience of what we say you know? Life and death lies in the power of the tongue. We will be judged for every idle word spoken Matthew 12:36. The tongue is the fiercest organ that is a fire and a world of wickedness James 3:5-6.

I think it's interesting that verse 9 says, "with their words, the godless destroy their friends." If the words of the godless can destroy their friends, how much more do the words of the GODLY destroy their friends, their families, and even strangers? Is it safe to say that those who are believers in Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, have weightier words? Words that are sharper than those of the godless? Verse 12 says, "it's foolish to belittle one's neighbor." Christians should definitely set the example for others. How we chose our words, is a testimony of our lives. How we chose our words can either, build up or tear down. As believers, we should definitely choose words that are edifying and building each other up since we are the Body!

"But knowledge will rescue the righteous; a sensible person keeps quiet." The latter part of verses 9 & 12 express the importance -- once again -- of silence and knowledge, which seem to go hand in hand. If knowledge recuses the righteous, one would first have to accumulate knowledge. A righteous person would, at some point, learn that in some cases, silence is key, and that words should be chosen before spoken... Not thrown around because you can do "damage control" later. I don't care what anyone says, words really do hurt, and I think that it's important we choose our words wisely.

I don't want my words to judge me, I want to judge my words. Matthew 12:36

Anger, Wisdom and Gentleness

We know Proverbs is all about wisdom, things that seem to be common sense, yet we don't often take these proverbs into consideration on a day to day basis until we READ them on a day to day basis, that's why I'm really enjoying reading Proverbs everyday as these months go by! Starting this day off with Proverbs 29:8 is great for anyone working in customer service, or with "sandpaper people" period! Proverbs 29:8 says, Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger. DAG! A whole town though?? Lol A mocker is someone who challenges, attacks or treats someone with ridicule. I know for me, this is so relevant, remaining humble in times where my flesh wants to react in prideful ways."But the wise will calm anger." Who are the wise? Proverbs 29:11 says Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. And Proverbs 15:1 says A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger!

I once heard a story about Buddy's house, Buddy is one of the elders at my church who has a house that's about 5 minutes away from Grace Midtown--walking distance. He had Matt R., and a few ppl that Matt was discipling cleaning up some trash that was around the property due to construction. As they were throwing large items into the trash, the owner of the dorms across the street came out in FURY because they were packing his garbage can down. Matt went to get Buddy, and Buddy, as wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove that he is; after talking to the guy for about 5-10 minutes, he was able to have the guy smiling and willing to let them put as much trash in the garbage can as they wanted.

I'm wondering myself, how often am I wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove. What about you? How many times have you answered softly while someone was mocking you? I hope this can be a constant reminder to me and you as well... not to render evil for evil, but to be wise and chose to calm anger with a gentle answer, and maybe not even an answer at all by "quietly holding it back." Though anger isn't necessarily a sin itself, we know that it is a STRONG emotion that can quickly develop into sin. I will end with this, Proverbs 29:22 An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin. All... kinds... of sin... that's scary! Ever notice that heavy, violent arguments only occur because both parties respond in hot-tempered actions and harsh words? But how awesome would it be, if we as believers in Christ responded gently, and in love, as if they were the person we loved the most...I know this is a lot of scripture but last one... for real lol Proverbs 25:22 If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you. 

It's easy to be kind to those who are kind to you, but the challenge is being kind to those who persecute, mock  or despitefully use you... But blessed are those who love on them anyway! There is truly an internal and eternal reward for those who endure, to those who are lowly and gentle and kind! May we grow in this truth, and fruit of the Holy Spirit! In Jesus' name!

AMEN!

 ♥ Kamaria

Jesus Culture - Come Away

This song has been so relevant in this season of my life. I listen to it nearly everyday.
I just sit and soak in the words, it really stirs up my spirit!!

"Come away with me. It's never too late, it's not too late for you. I have a plan for you. It's gonna be wild. It's gonna be great. It's gonna be full of Me."

This is what it's about! God says, "come unto Me, and I will give you rest."  It's never too late to turn to Him, you're never too far from His love! He says He has something great and wild and fun for you! Go away with Him and He will reveal to you what His plans are for your life! Open up your heart and let Him in. Enjoy the presence of Papa God :)

♥ Kamaria

You of Little Faith

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is recorded saying "O you of little faith" 4 times. So, it's apparent that God calls us to have GREAT faith in HIM. Jesus said if you have faith, even if it's the size of a mustard seed, you can move a mountain from Point J to Point F if you wanted to.
Think back to earlier in the Gospel of Matthew in Chapter 14 where Jesus took 5 loaves of bread and fish, He fed 5000 people! And they ate, and were FILLED... meaning they were satisfied... AND they had leftovers! Whhhuuuttt!!! LOL 

He can take your 5 loaves of bread & 2 fish and feed a multitude with it! Jesus doesn't really ask much, He just asks that we believe that He CAN do it! To believe that He can free us from the bondage of sin. To believe He can break EVERY SINGLE CHAIN off of us. He just asks that we have some faith and NO doubt! In the same chapter, Matthew 14:31, Jesus asked Peter why was He doubting His power. After stepping out on the water, Peter began to doubt [like most of us do]. He began to doubt whether he should trust God. And really, it SHOULD NOT be that way. God IS in control of EVERYTHING and whatever the situation, He's working it out for YOUR good, and for His ULTIMATE glory! :-D


James 1:2-7 ² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

Funny, here James says, "for he who doubts is like a wave in the sea driven and tossed by the wind." Which is precisely what Peter would have been, had Jesus not snatched him up! LOL Sorry... I find that funny :-X


God wants us to have some faith! Even if it's just a little mustard seed, let it not be perverted by doubt. God said be anxious about nothing BUT pray about EVERYTHING Philippians 4:6 Take your little seed of faith and plant it somewhere! God can deliver you out of those dark places where you think you can find no refuge. He definitely delivered me! :-)

 Scriptures! :-)
1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
2 Corinthians 4:13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 
1 Peter 1:7  that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
2 Corinthians 5:7  For we walk by faith, not by sight. 

Peace, love & blessings to you!
♥Kamaria

For All You Lovers...

This post is something that is out of the ordinary for me, but I had to share! I'm not really a bookworm but since recently graduating, I've been reading my fair share of books including a couple by Dr. Gary Chapman. The first one I would like to talk about is The 5 Love Languages. I actually got this book by accident lol. It was 50% off at a Berean Christian Bookstore, I believe in honor of Valentine's Day lol. I got it confused with this other book that I heard about, Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married. At any rate, I still chose to read it, because I knew a couple of Bible study groups that were encouraging people to learn their "love language." So far, the book has been really good and is helpful for those single, married or dating! The author discusses 5 major ways people tend to show their love and affection to the ones they care about, and how to discover your own love language. The 5 love languages are: words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Find out how you best receive love! Here's a link to the website to take the quiz for the 5lovelanguages. I highly recommend all to take a gander! ;-)

The next book I'd like to talk about is Things I wish I'd Known Before We Got Married. By the title I guess you can tell this books is geared towards those either single, dating or engaged. It does however, shortly cover the 5 love languages but does not go in depth. Dr. Chapman focuses in on different personality types and how they may conflict, ways to solve disagreements, forgiveness, reasoning with one another etc. It helps a couple, or individual who is looking to get married, be better equipped to spend a lifetime with the one you choose. I know some may think this is common sense, but this book actually helps you apply your common knowledge in practical ways. One of his main points that stuck out to me was, "being in love is not enough to make a successful marriage." Very true, but no one seems to give this point any consideration. Though "love" should be one of the reasons a couple decides to wed, it should not be the sole reason, as marriage is so complex, a couple should really take the time to get to know one another before making the decision to become one flesh.

Both books are an easy read, they're not overloaded with information, yet not too simple where you feel you could have written the book yourself. It's obvious that Dr. Chapman has done his research and applied everything he observed in his own marriage, and the marriages of his clients. He has made a way to help others be able to achieve what he and his wife have with much less heart break and confusion. I think these books are to be read intently, and possibly studied to either improve a relationship/marriage, or to help one prepare for a marriage/relationship.

Enjoy! :-)

♥Kamaria