Enter In

Good morning y’all! Hope you are doing well. I feel like I have a word from the Lord for you today. So much is going on around us in these crazy times but God says its time to ENTER IN sweet friend!

Enter into the promises of God!

Enter into His Presence!

You are about to see the supernatural come to pass! You are right on the edge so DON’T GIVE UP!!

Keep PRESSING IN!

Keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking!!

Those things you’ve been praying for, that breakthrough it’s going to supernaturally come to pass!

God is working even when you can’t see it.

We need to stand on the promises of His Word because NOTHING is to big for Him.

Whatever you’re going through, it’s NO match for our Almighty God!

“One word from You
Things change on Your authority
Your word, it’s true
Things change on Your authority
One word; from You.”

The enemy has come only to steel, kill, and destroy! Oh BUT HE came that we may have life to the full, till it overflows.

Are you overflowing? Don’t worry if you can’t answer yes, you are not alone.

If I’m honest right now no I’m not in that overflowing part of life He died for me BUT I’m in that pressing and contending for part of life.

Lots of things have happened the last few months, things that have been extremely difficult but I’m trusting God with all that is within me and I KNOW that he works ALL things out for my good and He will for you too sweet friend.

I can’t explain why but sometimes we just gotta contend a little longer.

As we are contending for the things we are believing God for, let our posture be on our knees as we look up to the One who has the power to change things, heal things, and restore things. I don’t know about you but I need some things in our life changed, healed, and restored. The good news is God is able! He is trustworthy. He is still in the miracle making business.

Contend, pray, and believe just a little bit longer and ENTER INTO His presence as you do and things will change.

I declare you are walking in the God’s authority and the plans of the enemy are destroyed and annihilated in Jesus name! As you release the promises of God over your life, your words are full of resurrection power and none of them will fall to the ground!

Decree it with confidence my friend! For your declarations will truly come to pass! I am strong! I am fearless! No matter what am faced with only good can come out of this! God works ALL things for my good. NO weapon formed against me will prosper! Amen!

Hope you guys have a blessed and wonderful day! If you have any prayer requests please let me know I’d love to pray for you.

Big hugs,

Nicole💗

One word from You
Things change on Your authority
Your word, it’s true
Things change on Your authority

Will Heaven not prevail and strongholds not be moved?
Will spirits not be silenced and cower at His rule?
For if my God is for me then what have I to fear?
And I will not deny Him the glory that is His
Will Heaven not prevail and strongholds not be moved?
Will spirits not be silenced and cower at His rule?
For if my God is for me then what have I to fear?
And I will not deny Him the glory that is His, oh
Heaven will prevail and strongholds will be moved
Shout it out
Spirits will be silenced and cower at His rule
I know my God is for me so what have I to fear?
For nothing will deny Him the glory that is His

One word from You
Things change on Your authority
Your word, it’s true
Things change on Your authority

Heaven will prevail and strongholds will be moved
Spirits will be silenced and cower at His rule
I know my God is for me so what have I to fear?
For nothing will deny Him the glory that is His

That Girl Was Me….

That Girl Was Me….

https://nikhop320.wordpress.com/2018/06/26/that-girl-was-me/
— Read on nikhop320.wordpress.com/2018/06/26/that-girl-was-me/

September is National Suicide Prevention month so I thought I’d reshare you story. I hope it will bless and encourage someone.

Big hugs,

Nicole💗🙏

God’s Plan For Your Life Is BIGGER

Hey y’all!! Hope you beautiful people are doing well and hanging in there with the extended quarantine 😞 I will be so grateful when all this is over and we can just come and go as well please. I won’t lie I miss shopping 🛍 lol and being with friends, family, and church.

I want to encourage you today, I know it’s hard but don’t be discouraged by what’s going on around you. While our circumstances they might be extremely bad they are only temporary, they will not last forever. This to shall pass….we have to remind ourselves of this. God’s plan for your life is BIGGER and has eternal value sweet friend! He was NOT caught off guard by any of this or anything else that’s happened in your life.

Encourage yourself today, encourage your family and others around you and stir yourself up my friend.

Encourage means to take action, giving someone support , confidence, and hope. We are all capable of doing this. Sometimes though we have to do it to ourselves first before we can someone else. It’s kinda like that oxygen mask on a plane…..put it on you first and then others around you.

Speak Gods word over yourself and your family and friends. We see in Psalms 42 where David encouraged himself, “Why are you so downcast O my soul….”

“My soul thirsts, pants, and longs for the living God. I want to come and see the face of God. Day and night my tears keep falling and my heart keeps crying for your help while my enemies mock me over and over, saying, “Where is this God of yours? Why doesn’t he help you?” So I speak over my heartbroken soul, “Take courage. Remember when you used to be right out front leading the procession of praise when the great crowd of worshipers gathered to go into the presence of the Lord? You shouted with joy as the sound of passionate celebration filled the air and the joyous multitude of lovers honored the festival of the Lord!” So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise, for living before his face is my saving grace! Here I am depressed and downcast. Yet I will still remember you as I ponder the place where your glory streams down from the mighty mountaintops, lofty and majestic— the mountains of your awesome presence. My deep need calls out to the deep kindness of your love. Your waterfall of weeping sent waves of sorrow over my soul, carrying me away, cascading over me like a thundering cataract. Yet all day long God’s promises of love pour over me. Through the night I sing his songs, for my prayer to God has become my life. I will say to God, “You are my mountain of strength; how could you forget me? Why must I suffer this vile oppression of my enemies— these heartless tormentors who are out to kill me?” Their wounding words pierce my heart over and over while they say, “Where is this God of yours?” So I say to my soul, “Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be disturbed. For I know my God will break through for me.” Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again. Yes, living before his face is my saving grace!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42:2-11‬ ‭TPT‬‬

YES!!! I love this! He is my saving grace and He is yours too my friend!

Be an blessing and encouragement to someone today. I know it’s hard from home. We just have to be more creative.

– Donate money to a local charity.

– If you are able to safely go out using wisdom and social distancing and deliver food to elderly and people in need.

– Send a text to a friend or call someone.

– Send a surprise gift online to someone.

– Start a bible study or work out group using Zoom with other friends so you can stay connected.

– If you like to cook do a Facebook Live and teach people how to make it. You can encourage and interact that way.

– If your going to the store ask a neighbor or someone you know that can’t get out if they need something.

There’s many more, I’d love to hear what you’ve done to encourage others and also have you keep yourself encouraged.

Lastly, sweet friend He calls YOU beautiful child of the King, destined for greatness!! You are called and anointed for such a time as this. Don’t let the enemy whisper lies to you. You remind him of who you are and of Who’s you are and then remind him that he is under your feet and he is a defeated foe……You are a Victorious Overcomer, full of COURAGE and HOPE, and Destined For Greatness 💗🗡🔥🙏🏻

Big hugs,

Nicole💗

My God Is So Big

The Lord Is Near….Be Anxious For Nothing

Coronavirus…it’s on everyone’s mind. Whether you say it is or not, all the lines, shopping, hoarding, and empty shelves at the stores shows it. I still don’t get the toilet paper selling out🤷🏼‍♀️🤣

Here’s what I’ve noticed, some have gone from one extreme to the other. It’s crazy. Some are like “Its just a cold. Why are you acting so ridiculous?” Then others are screaming “It’s the end of the world!”

If we listen to what the doctors say and follow what YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS are, meaning whether you’re a healthy individual or if your elderly or immunocompromised that kinda tells you which direction you should go. It’s not a guarantee you won’t get it, it’s a guideline for you.

Personally, I fall in that immunocompromised category and I have several friends that do as well. I have CVID, so I do have to use wisdom and caution with what I do. You may decide to go to movies, church, small groups, etc. and that may be right for you but for others like myself that is not a good idea. What bothers me is when I hear people say “Well your living in fear when you stop going to places.” No, on the contrary I’m not living in fear at all, I’m living in wisdom and doing what’s best for me.

We shouldn’t judge other people’s decisions when we don’t know what they deal with. So many people have health issues or they have loved ones with health issues and all that needs to be taken into consideration when making a decision on what you will do or where you will go. It’s based on you and your family….not based on what someone else thinks. But that’s just my opinion 🤷🏼‍♀️

I just want to remind you that during all this chaos, the Lord is near.

When fear of the unknown threatens to bog you down, and steal your peace and joy and you find yourself scared and anxious, your not crazy, it’s normal in times like this.

We are human.

Fear of the unknown does that.

The difference is you don’t want to LIVE in fear. We have to choose faith over fear but also use wisdom for your own circumstances.

The Lord is near.

We all face fear and anxiety from time to time but just let me encourage you today sweet friend that God never gave us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and of sound mind. He didn’t cause this but I can assure you, He will work things out for your good.

The Lord is near.

For some, jobs are uncertain.

I know with the economy fluctuating like it is, it’s scary and unsettling.

But the Lord is near.

Some moms and dads just found out schools out K-12 for almost 3 weeks and your thinking “Y’all gonna make me lose my mind, up in here, up in here.” 🤣🤣

But the Lord is near.

Like Joseph, God can cause you to prosper during a famine. Put your trust in God and get in the Word. God will bless you to be a blessing.

Pray! Pray! And pray some more my friends.

Check on your neighbors or elderly family or friends.

Pray for our healthcare workers.

Pray for our government officials, all branches whether you like them or not. Pray they have wisdom.

Put on the whole armor of God.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Sword of the Spirit:

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” Psalm 56:3

God will “instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” Psalm 32:8

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

I pray you start to see the goodness of God and His supernatural provision in your life and family.

Prayer:

God answers prayers sweet friends and it says in James, The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. So Lord we come before You with praise and thanksgiving. We worship You for who you are and thank you for loving us and saving us. Father there are so many people sick and in need of healing, help them regain their strength. Refresh and restore them. Bring healing from the top of their heads to the soles of their feet. Bring supernatural healing to every cell, every organ, repair dna, and we declare it must come in alignment with Your perfect Word.

We come against that spirit of fear that is so evident in our world today. We declare you have NO place here. God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind. When fear, worry and doubt come against me, I’m reminded how big my God is. How he holds my future in his hands. He has a great and mighty plan for my future.

Lord bring provision where provision has been lost. You are Jehovah jireh, my Provider. Give divine wisdom, ideas and creativity to your sons and daughters. Bless us in the famine and open up the windows of heaven Lord.

Help us to point others to You. To show love to others and be a light in the darkness. Thank you Lord for what your doing and that through all this You will get the glory. We give You all the glory and honor, in Jesus name, Amen!🙏🏻

Here As In Heaven

A miracle can happen now
For the Spirit of the Lord is here
The evidence is all around
That the Spirit of the Lord is here
A miracle can happen now
For the Spirit of the Lord is here
The evidence is all around
That the Spirit of the Lord is here

“Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident…For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will lift me high upon a rock.”

He’s got you precious one!

Big hugs,

Nicole💗

Put on a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness….

Healing….My Word Of The Year

Hey y’all! How is your year going so far? We are in the middle of 21 days of prayer. It’s Ahhhmazzing! Believing God for many things this year.

What are you believing God for this year?

Healing is my word for this year. Do you have one? If so what is it? I’d love to hear from you.

Joy was my word last year. So funny how God knows exactly what we need when we need it. Last year was an extremely difficult year for me. God knew JOY was what I would. He knew the things I was going to go through were going to be difficult and I would need strength in order to persevere. I needed to find JOY amidst the trials.

The JOY of the Lord is our strength.

I needed JOY to keep going and get through every day.

As I said, healing is my word this year for several reasons. Some I’ll share and some are private.

One is, I need physical healing in my body from multiple things.

But I also need healing from this eating disorder I’ve struggled with for so many years. I’ve been set free from using the diuretics and laxatives everyday, praise God! That is a miracle in itself 🙏🏻🙌🏻 But I still have my daily struggles. He’s not done with me yet and he’s not done with you either sweet friend. He’s been delivering me from glory to glory but I’m ready to be COMPLETELY FREE! COMPLETELY HEALED! Maybe that’s you too!

There are relationships in my life that need healing…Ones that I can’t do anything about.

Loved ones who need Jesus.

Loved ones who are sick and need healing.

Loved ones who are making wrong choices.

Loved ones who are heartbroken.

Loved ones who just need a miracle.

Relationships that need restoration.

Ones that only God can fix it.

One thing I know though is that nothing is to big for my God and nothing is impossible for Him!

He’s the God of the IMPOSSIBLE.

He’s the WAYMAKER!

Verse of the Year:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:2-5

God bless you sweet friends and if you need prayer, I would be honored to pray for you. Have a blessed and wonderful day.

Big hugs,

Nicole💗

Song of the Year:

Waymaker- Leeland

Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop, You never stop working

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are

https://youtu.be/iJCV_2H9xD0

Oh no! They’re up again!

I love that phrase and want to be that person, don’t you?

Do you know who you are in Christ?

How does the devil see you?

Does he see you as a mighty warrior of God, or does he see you as a wimpy Christian and can whip you in a minute?

The answer lies within you.

How do you see yourself? Pause and really think about this.

As a grasshopper? Or giant for God?

As a little kitten or a mighty Lion?

My friend let me tell you how God sees you.

God loves you perfectly and has an everlasting love for you.

Jeremiah 31:3 “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.“

If you doubt His love for you I suggest doing a study from the Bible about the love of God. If it takes you a year to get this deep inside you, that’s fine just keep studying it until you know deep down on the inside of you.

Also, begin saying out loud to yourself every day, multiple times a day that “God loves ME!God loves ME just as I am. I am growing and changing more into His image every day….from glory to glory. God loves ME.”

You can even put your own name in the sentence. There’s just something about saying it out loud and hearing your own voice declaring “God loves _____!” Try it.

Your identity is found in Jesus, all things have been made new. You are a new creation my friend.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

1 Peter 1:23 “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.“

You are perfect in His sight. Let that sink in a minute. Sometimes the last thing I feel is perfect, but to my Savior I am, and you are too💗

Colossians 1:22 “Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.“

You are a child of God and a joint heir with Jesus. 

2 Corinthians 6:18 “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.

Galatians 3:26 “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.“

Galatians 4:7 “Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.“

You are uniquely made and have a God given gift and destiny.

Psalms 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.“

1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.“

2 Timothy 1:6 “For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.“

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.“

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Sweet friend God sees YOU, as more than a conqueror! You are a son or daughter of the Almighty God, the King of Kings! You are equipped with the very power of God.

If you are a Christian then the SAME POWER THAT RAISED CHRIST FROM THE DEAD LIVES ON THE INSIDE OF YOU! Yea, let that sink in. So remind the devil of who you are and Who’s you are!

Once you learn who you are the devil can no longer boss you around and you become an enemy to him and when your feet hit the ground every morning he says “Oh NO, they’re up again!” Be that person!

Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power  that is at work within us.”

Hope y’all have a blessed and wonderful weekend!

Big hugs,

Nicole 💗

God of Miracles

I want to encourage you sweet friend to hold onto hope…the hope that only comes from Jesus.

Don’t stop believing. 🕺💃 🎶 Now you’ve got that song stuck in your head, lol. But seriously, don’t stop believing that God is on your side and He’s got you right in the palm of His hand.

Don’t stop praying for that loved one to come back to God.

Don’t stop praying for that relationship to be healed and restored.

Don’t stop praying for your health to be restored or for the problem there hasn’t been answer too. God knows what to do and where to send you to so you get your answers.

Don’t give up even when it seems there’s no one on your side and people are saying it’s not possible. Sweet one, with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Surround yourself with friends that come along side you. The ones who will lift up your arms when you don’t have the strength to keep going. But also be that one for them when they can’t go on….you pray and lift them up when their to weak to go on.

As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

YESSSS! BE THAT FRIEND!

When things don’t seem to change or things are getting worse….you keep praying and believing for God to move that mountain! Don’t you dare give up!

He’s all powerful…all mighty! A mountain moving, water parting, earth shaking, battle fighting, and unstoppable kinda GOD!

He’s The Waymaker!

So keep praying and believing that God is fighting for you. He is behind the scenes working ALL things out for your good!

Trust Him!

Trust that he’s heard your heartfelt prayers. Just because you don’t receive an answer this moment it doesn’t mean he hasn’t heard you or that he isn’t answering you, it simply means his timing is different than ours. He sees the beginning from the end and His ways are higher than ours.

But let me encourage you that He hasn’t forgotten you….no He always has a perfect plan for us. So keep hanging in there. Keep praying and don’t give up. Keep on leaning into Jesus.

He is the God of miracles!

The Waymaker!

“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples” (Psalm 77:14).

“If you’ve got pain, He’s a pain taker. If you feel lost, He’s a way maker. If you need freedom or saving, He’s a prison-shaking Savior. If you’ve got chains, He’s a chain breaker.”

God bless you and have a wonderful week!

Big hugs,

Nicole💗

The Lord Directs Our Steps

Good morning beautiful TOG readers. Hope you are doing well. I think we are finally starting to cool off here in Bama, 87/88 degrees 😳 Could Fall just get here already.

Do you ever wonder why things happen or why they turned out the way they did in your life? I would have to say of course, it’s only human nature too.

My friend, I want to let you in on a little secret you may or many not know….your steps are ordered by the Lord. He directs us every step of the way and He delights in every area of your life! That doesn’t mean he likes everything we do, it simply means He delights in YOU. That can be life changing if you let it. You don’t have to come to him all fixed up, just come as you are. He loves YOU regardless.

That also means that nothing comes our way that He did not first filter through His hands.

Do You Feel Like You’re Being Sifted?

Sometimes he allows these hard trials and circumstances to test us and produce faith in us so that we would be a testimony for Him and his amazing glory in our lives, as well as to others.

See when someone knows what you’re walking through and they see you do it with unshakable trust in God and that you’re not moved by what you see and what’s going on around you because you know your God is bigger. Some people just can’t wrap their brain around it. Who am I kidding sometimes I can’t either. Then they also see you living with JOY while you’re going through and waiting it speaks volumes….and just FYI joy isn’t the same as being happy.

“Happiness is an emotion in which we “experience feelings ranging from contentment and satisfaction to bliss and intense pleasure,” whereas joy “is a stronger, less common feeling than happiness.” We experience joy when we achieve selflessness to the point of personal sacrifice. We feel joy when we are spiritually connected to God or people.” Unknown

I’ve learned so much with my walk with God, that the bad things that have happened in my life, the trials I thought I’d never make it through…..He had a plan all along to use it for my good. His Word says “No weapon formed against you will prosper” and “He will work ALL THINGS, NOT SOME BUT ALLLL THINGS OUT FOR YOUR GOOD” and you can take that to the bank my friend. It may take some time and waiting in the process. It may even mean you have to let something or someone go. Or you might have something you need to do or not do. In my experience, often times we take on things that aren’t meant for us, we take on other peoples responsibility and God didn’t give you the grace to do someone else’s job, but He WILL give you the grace to do what he’s called YOU To do. Whooo! That’ll preach! That was a word for someone!🙌🏻

It’s funny because while you’re going through or even on the other side of something, he will bring someone else in your life that’s going through a similar trial and because of where you are or where you’ve been you are able to encourage them and have empathy for them. But had you not been there, you wouldn’t be able to help them through to the other side.

God doesn’t waste our pain, that I know with ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME!

Someone needs what YOU have….your experience, strength, and hope. That’s something no one else can offer, something that will help them reach the other side.

“Don’t be ashamed of your story, it will inspire others.”

God is looking, longing and searching for someone who He can bless!! Someone who is stable in the storm. Someone who will help and encourage others along the way.

Precious one, God absolutely will not leave you nor forsake you,

Your greatest testimony in the storms of life my friend is that YOUR STILL STANDING! YOU HAVEN’T GIVEN UP!! YOU TRUSTED THE LORD, AND HE HAS YOU RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO BE….IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND!

THE LORD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!!

God bless you, and have a blessed and wonderful day! Remember YOU are a Trophy Of Grace!

Big hugs,

Nicole💗

Don’t Look Back & Don’t Get Stuck In The Middle

Good morning beautiful TOG readers!

Just a little reminder today to “Not look back.” Don’t camp where you were once hurt. It’s important to deal with our brokenness and pain but NOT to camp there. Don’t get stuck in the middle my friend. The middle has nothing for you.

“Don’t get stuck in the middle. We have to learn to go the full journey. Someone needs us on the other side of the shore line.” Charlotte Gambill

In Genesis, God reveals to Abraham that Sodom and Gomorrah are to be destroyed for their grave sins. Abraham pleads for the lives of any righteous people living there, especially the lives of his nephew, Lot, and his family. God said He would spare the cities if 10 righteous people can be found. So the LORD sent two angels to Lot in Sodom but are met with an angry, wicked mob who are then struck blind by the angels. Finding only Lot and his family as righteous among them, the angels warn Lot to quickly leave the city and they said “Run for your lives! Don’t look back and don’t stop in the valley. Run to the hills, so that you won’t be killed.”

But Lot’s wife did, and she became a pillar of salt.

Have you stopped in the valley?

Do you keep looking back?

I don’t know about you but I sure don’t want to be a pillar of salt, lol. Nope! Nope! Nope!

Don’t look back and don’t get stuck at the point of your pain. That my friend, I have done, and it’s not a fun place to be. I have been stuck from things of my past and present hurts.

Just a side note, the Bible has amazing accounts and stories in it from murder, hate, jealousy, and even sex. Yep! Sex is in the Bible. Get in the Word😊

Another cool story is the man at the Pool of Bethesda, John 5. “Soon another Feast came around and Jesus was back in Jerusalem. Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there was a pool, called Bethesda, with five alcoves. Hundreds of sick people; blind, crippled, paralyzed were in these alcoves. One man had been an invalid there for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him stretched out by the pool and knew how long he had been there, he said, “Do you want to get well?”

The sick man said, “Sir, when the water is stirred, I don’t have anybody to put me in the pool. By the time I get there, somebody else is already in.”

Sounds like a pity party to me….I’ve had a few of those myself.

Jesus said, “Get up, take your bed, and start walking.” The man was healed on the spot. He picked up his bed and walked off.

That’s what I’m talking about…he was healed and he got about His Father’s business and he told of what Jesus has done for him.

That man sat there for 38 years!!! I’d like to think that in 38 years I could’ve wiggled myself to that pool and just fell into it, LOL. I mean that’s a really, really, long time! 38 years???

But isn’t that what we do sometimes, we get stuck somewhere at the point of our pain and we become paralyzed. I know I’ve been there. Truth is I’ve been there to long myself with some things. But you don’t want to be that man 38 years later and your still camped there.

So I’ll ask you, “Do you really want to be well?”

Bethesda means “house of mercy,” or perhaps “place of flowing water.”

That’s where I’m headed….to Bethesda! The house of mercy, the place of flowing water.

How about you?

God says,

“I know it hurts precious one. I know your wounds. I know your disappointments. I’ve seen the betrayals. I’ve seen your tears. I see your brokenness. But what you didn’t realize all along is that I was with you through the pain, and I am here to make it right. I will work it all out, all the pain, the hurt, the disappointment, the betrayals ALL for your good because your are precious in My sight and I love you. I will give you beauty for ashes. But you have to let go of those ashes, leave them behind so I can resurrect you with newness of life. All those things the enemy tried to steal, kill, and destroy, I got your back. I and the God of restoration. No weapon formed against you will prosper. Remember Lot’s wife, and Don’t look back and don’t get stuck in the middle at the point of your pain. Your destiny is ahead, and I am leading you toward your dreams. I have a hope and a future for you. I am able to do immeasurably more than all you can ask, hope for, or imagine.

~God

Hope y’all have a blessed and wonderful day! Remember, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, YOU ARE AWESOME, YOU ARE CHOSEN, AND YOU ARE AN OVERCOMER! YOU ARE A TROPHY OF GRACE!

Praying for you!

Big hugs,

Nicole💗

Do You Feel Like You’re Being Sifted?

What the enemy means for harm, God will use for your good.

Do you feel like you’re being sifted?

Oh man, let me tell ya, I’ve been there and it’s not a fun place….but it’s a necessary place.

Sometimes we don’t understand why we go through what we go through but let me encourage you today that it is for a purpose! You may not see it….YET, but you will.

Your sifting may look different than mine. But we’ve all been through struggles or sifting of some kind. It may look like chronic pain or sickness, divorce, addictions, eating disorder, loss of a loved one, relationship issues, honestly it could be a number of things. The struggle may be different but it’s sifting nonetheless.

Your sifting seasons might be excruciatingly painful, lonely, and frustrating. But with God on your side, the sifting can lead to purifying us, seeing what’s on the inside of us that needs to come out. It can show us who or what is causing you harm, things we need to walk away from. Things you need to say “No” too. It can strengthening you, help you rely more on Jesus instead of ourselves or others. It can also grow and mature us in our character and our faith.

We had something happen to us a few years ago and it rocked our world. But now looking back I can see God’s hand was in it all along, he never left, he was with us every step of the way. He knew what was best for us when we didn’t. We needed to go through that to get to the place we are at today. Only God can do that and He knows what’s best for you too.

When something in our lives is ripped away from us or our expectations are shattered into pieces, the effects we feel most are devastation, isolation, pain, and we can question why it happened.

God knows so much more than what we know and sees the whole picture, where we only see what’s happened or happening to us. He sees the beginning to the end.

When we surrender to Jesus and his will for our life, He will sustain us through the our trials and tribulations. Yes, we may suffer grief, pain, isolation, shame or guilt but let me reassure you Jesus doesn’t give up on us. No! He will never leave us or forsake us. No not ever!

Your faith might even wavier and that’s ok my friend because God doesn’t! He’s the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is the God of restoration, the God of faith, and he is Mighty to save. He will restore what the enemy has stolen from you. He will strengthen you to press through your pain and circumstances and you will be better for it. You will grow in character, and grow more into His image. The Word says we go from glory to glory, Amen!

God will not leave you in the pit. His job is to sift through the good and the bad in our lives, and to bring about all the awesome things He has in store for you.

He’s the Waymaker!

Sweet friend, God knows what you need to be walking in His plans and purposes for your life.

I’ve learned in my own life, sometimes God has to tear things down to rebuild them the way He wants them and for what’s best for us.

It doesn’t make it easy or less painful but knowing God loves you with a everlasting love, and that if you let him He will give you the strength, grace, mercy and wisdom to get through all that you are going through! He will never leave you nor forsake you! This I know.

Nothing has come into your life that wasn’t first sifted through God’s hands. There’s a purpose sweet friend, and He loves you to much to leave you alone and let you stay the same….His plan is for you to be walking in your divine destiny that He has planned for you!!

You are destined for greatness!! You already are victorious even when it doesn’t look like it. You are an overcomer!!

It is written!!!

Have a blessed and wonderful day!

Big hugs,

Nicole 💗