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