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- Sticks and stones may…
Devotional: Have you heard of that old children's rhyme that says, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me?" As a kid that was often picked on because of my lack of impressive clothes or due to only having free lunch, my mom would often tell me this. I'm sure in her eyes it was meant to encourage me, but how could I explain to her that sticks and stones felt just as bad as the words people would say? Including some of the words that even left her mouth? In scripture, James mentions the power of words. How words are like the rudder of a ship or the small bit in a horse's mouth. Regardless of their small size, they have great impact. And just as the rudder of a ship determines it's direction, words can also determine the shape of someone else's world. I mean in Hebrews, scripture tells us that words shaped the world we live in. So it begs me to ask the question lingering in everyone's mind, will words never hurt? Truth is, many of our worlds became shaped by what others have either said or thought about us. Let's not forget to add ourselves in there too. What comes with this is a deep hidden emotional trauma that can be best dressed in the form of insecurities. As much as we would try and dismiss the power of someone else's words, the truth is words have real power. They both shape and alter reality. Proverbs 18:21 even says that life and death is in the power of the tongue. With this knowledge about the power of words, what then can we do? Just as you see what items float around your room, you need to analyze the words that make up your world. Are they reflective of what God says or what people say? Though sticks and stones may break your bones, words have more power than that. Scripture(s) Meditation: “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” James 3:3-5 NIV “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” Hebrews 11:3 NIV “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NIV Reflection Question(s): We invite you to discuss below. What were some words spoken to you that really hurt you? Who spoke them to you? How did those words alter your reality? Knowing what you know now, how can you use words to renew your reality? What will you say about yourself? What does God say? Sun'Ray💕
- ReNEW your mind! (3/31/22)
Devotional: The last few weeks the Lord kept pointing out this phrase, "earthly things.” The season we are entering is entirely new. We won’t be able to fully understand what God is doing because it will be new to us. But many of us are too focused on the earthly things, which keeps us from seeing things the way God does. So despite any resistance you experience internally, it’s time to allow God to renew your mind. He wants us to realize that His perspective will never be the same as ours. The quicker we realize this, the easier it will be to surrender. God has a birds eye view of our life and can see things before they become apparent to us. How much greater can our lives be when we trust what God sees and thinks over our own judgment? When you were a kid, there were many times that your parents would tell you ahead of time which way to go and which ways not to go. Did you always listen to them? Of course not! But, what was it about parents that allowed them to just know these things? They simply had more knowledge and could see things that we couldn’t. The same goes for our Father in Heaven. As basic as it sounds, you can't enter into this new season with the same mindset you once held. It is time to set your sight on things above and not give too much attention to earthly things. That is how you will renew your mind and transform your life in this season. Scripture(s) Meditation: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 NIV “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2 NIV Reflection Question(s): We invite you to discuss below. What are those "earthly things" for you? What will you do to set your mind on things above? Sun'Ray💕
- The only way is through…
Devotional: There's this song for pre-schoolers called, "We're going on a bear hunt." In it, it discusses this journey that two forest rangers went on to hunt for bears. What they didn't expect were the different obstacles that stood in their way. Instead of going over or under these things, they had to go through them. Today, God has that same reminder for some of you. You must go through this wilderness period. Just like the Israelites, there's a preparation required for you to attain what He has for you. You also must become firmly established in the knowledge of God so when trouble comes you aren't easily swayed. God does this through two major tests, I'll dive deeper below. Test of Humility This often comes with shame and burdening circumstances to develop a new heart within you. Whatever God calls you to, will require you to have compassion for those whom you are called. It doesn't matter if you will serve one person or millions. The more you focus on you, the longer it takes to pass the test. The true key to passing this test is to recognize that nothing you've been through or going through is about you. It's bigger than you. When you grasp this, you begin to worship and pray no matter the circumstances your facing. Because again, it's bigger than you. Test of Loyalty and Obedience Simply put, will you stay loyal to God no matter how ugly the process gets? If God said don't work, will you up and find a job the second things begin to get tight? Will you lean on your own understanding when things don't make sense? Or better yet, will you stay in the relationship God been told you to get out of? 👀 God makes it very simple. You will serve no other gods before Him nor make any idols for yourself. The only way you will pass this test is to do what God says and honor Him in all your ways. Regardless of your feelings, know that God is still in control and that the only way out of the wilderness season is to go through it. No matter how ghetto it can be... 🥴 Scripture(s) Meditation: “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” Deuteronomy 8:2 NIV Song Meditation: Going on a Bear Hunt To listen to today's song meditation, click here. Reflection Question(s): We invite you to discuss below. When did you enter the wilderness? What are some tests you've had to face? What are some lessons you've learned? What are some lessons you've had to keep learning? How can you better maintain your relationship with God as you venture through it? Sun'Ray💕
- I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T
Devotional: Alexa, play Independent by Webbie. "I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T, do you know what that means? She got her own house. She got her own car. Two jobs, work hard she a..." If y'all are real ones, y'all definitely sang this as y'all read it. Growing up, I remember when this song came out, it was played everywhere! For once, women had a man hyping them up for being able to do everything on their own. But when we look at God's original design for things, we see that something is off. Where we were priding ourselves on being independent, God was telling us that it's not good for man to be alone. Out of all things God created that were good, His first instance of mentioning "not good" was when it came to Adam having no helper. If God of the universe can notice this, why can't we? Unfortunately, we can go back and forth sharing different viewpoints and ideologies about why this is so. But I believe it boils down to one thing: pride. Scripture tells us that in the last days men will be lovers of themselves and boastful. (2 Timothy 3:2) When ego goes unchecked, it forms trends and ideologies that have the scent of satan written all over it. It doesn't help that we give accolades to those who have been able to accomplish everything on their own either. Truthfully speaking, you need a helper. We lean on God in the spirit, but He also desires for us to have someone there in the physical. For those of you who have a worldly perspective on marriage, it's time to change it. Man should not be independent of woman nor woman independent of man. It's in God's will for us to not accomplish everything on our own. So please don't stress yourself out attempting to do so. When God sends your helper, cherish them, honor them and more importantly love them as the Lord Himself loves you. Scripture(s) Meditation: “And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”” Genesis 2:18 NKJV “Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord.” I Corinthians 11:11 NKJV Reflection Question(s): We invite you to discuss below. What was life like growing up for you? Were you forced to be independent? How has that helped/hindered you? What keeps you from accepting help? How will you heal from your past and accept the help God is sending you for your future? Sun'Ray💕
- Seek instruction
Devotional: Don't be so solution focused that you forget to seek God for instruction. When an issue presents itself, maybe you are the first one scrambling your brain to figure out the best course of action. Though the world sees nothing wrong with this, as a Kingdom builder, you should. Whenever two people are in partnership, they come together to solve situations and create new innovations. But when one person in the partnership continues to only push forward their agenda, trust and believe that won't be a partnership for long. We must think of our relationship with God the same way. He uses us here as His hands and feet to accomplish the purposes of His Kingdom. But if we are always running to our own understanding to solve problems, this only creates more issues. Though your solution may be spectacular, who's to say that it won't cause issues for the building assignment God has given you? It's His Kingdom, so you should be sensitive to how He wants it built. Want a small piece of wisdom? Seek the instruction of the Lord and He shall prosper you in all your ways. When issues arise, go to the altar. Don't try and create your own solutions for a vision that God gave you. Honor your partnership with Him and include Him in on every detail and issue. Watch how the honor you express will birth favor for you in every way with that business/ministry/avenue. Scripture(s) Meditation: “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” Proverbs 16:20 NIV “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8 NKJV Reflection Question(s): We invite you to discuss below. What is God currently partnered with you on? What are some of the instructions He has given you in the past? Have they caused you to prosper? Why do you run to your own solutions for a vision God has given you? What keeps you from seeking God's will first? How can you better align yourself to seek God's instruction and abandon your own solutions? Sun'Ray💕
- God gave me joy
Devotional: Whenever you read scripture, you will see how God exchanges things with us. If we give Him our anxieties and worries, He will give us a peace that surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:6-7) If we come to Him and sow in tears, He gives us a harvest full of joy. (Psalm 126:5-6) If we encounter shame He will give us a double portion of honor. (Isaiah 61:7) And last but not least, if we are weighed down by the spirit of heaviness, He shall give us a garment of praise. (Isaiah 61:3) The spirit of heaviness is defined in Strong's Concordance (#1674) as anxiety, carefulness, heaviness and sorrow. For many years, I suffered in silence. The anxieties of life afflicted me so, that I lost weight and even lost sight of myself. I had become so accustomed to living under a rock, I forgot what living in the light looked like. But how many of you know that we serve a God of breakthrough? No matter what, He will always come and find us. You can be in the deepest part of the darkest valley and someway, somehow, His light will still locate you. In that darkened valley, God exchanged that evil spirit of heaviness for the garment of praise. The anxieties of life stole my voice, but God gave it back. Almost instantly, there was a release. And afterwards I felt such a joy! Did my financial situations or other troubles change that day? No. But even I couldn't deny that what God did was so much more powerful. I could literally say that "God gave me joy!" But in all seriousness, did God give me joy or did He remove what kept me from coming into His presence? In my Bible it says that in the presence of the Lord is the fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11) So in my eyes, more than a garment of praise was given, I simply took my rightful position as His daughter in His presence again. A place I never want to depart from. Today I pray the same over you. That God removes what's blocking you from experiencing the fullness of Him and that in exchange for the spirit of heaviness, He gives you great joy! Scripture(s) Meditation: “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”” Isaiah 61:3 NKJV “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalms 16:11 NKJV Reflection Question(s): We invite you to discuss below. When did the spirit of heaviness creep up on you? What circumstance/situation pushed you into that dark space? What are the coping mechanisms you put in place to keep yourself under it's control? Knowing this can be lifted, how will you draw back into the presence of God? How will you get rid of those coping mechanisms once and for all? Sun'Ray💕
- GOD brings the increase
Devotional: Do you ever find yourself working hard to see a change? Maybe you have done what God said, but because you don't see a result, you feel that you need to do more? In life, we have been taught to seek instant gratification. If there isn't an immediate return on effort, there must be a problem. But if you just planted a tomato seed yesterday, because you don't see growth today, does that mean the seed won't sprout into a tomato? Absolutely not! There are other factors that play a role in the fruition of that plant. The sun, the rain, the fertility of the soil and more. When God gives you an instruction in the form of a seed, there are many other factors that play a role in that seed reaching full maturation. Just as you can't determine the behavior of the sun or the rain, there's another important factor that only God determines. That is the magnitude of the increase and also when the increase happens. Scripture tells us that no matter a person's personal attributes that time and chance happen to them all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) Meaning everyone will have a moment for their seed to experience increase. But only God can determine when that time is. Don't lose focus by dancing with "busyness". Focus on following every instruction God gives. Know that in due season you shall reap a great harvest and none of the work you have done will be in vain. Scripture(s) Meditation: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” I Corinthians 3:6-7 NKJV “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV “I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.” Ecclesiastes 9:11 NKJV “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:8-9 NKJV Reflection Question(s): We invite you to discuss below. If you understand that God is the one who brings the increase, why do you continue to try and do more to gain more? What keeps you from following the instruction of the Lord and waiting on Him? Have you always struggled with patience? What is the root cause of this? How can you learn to exercise patience more effectively? Sun'Ray💕
- The Threshing Floor (God’s Judgment) (Prophetic Word 3/25/22)
The Lord just woke me up early this morning at 2:22am sharp, to stop the post I originally had scheduled for today. Therefore, this is an urgent prophetic word from the Lord that must go forth to the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit has confirmed for me this morning that the Judgment of the body of Christ is now over. As we know, 1 Peter 4:17 tells us that God’s Judgment first begins at the church. Well, those who are a part of the remnant must truly know that they are indeed a part of it. As I mentioned in my,”Let it Rain” April prophetic word, the Lord will begin judging the world during the month of April. However, recall I mentioned that the Lord will be protecting his remnant during the course of the world’s Judgment. Walk through the Fire If any of you already follow my ministry on YouTube, then you know that the Lord had me release a prophetic word about a period of trials and testing for his children. This video was posted at the very end of January. (“Will you pass the test, #222”) In that video, the Lord wanted to remind his children of Isaiah 43:2, that he would be with them through every test. Just as he was with Moses at the Red Sea, Joshua at the Jordan River and Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. These tests and trials weren’t sent as punishment, but to purify you. Everyone was placed into the unquenchable fire of the Lord. It was a period of tests that you couldn’t stop, you just had to walk through it. Those who truly walked through the fire, even with the little strength they had, proved themselves to be a part of the remnant. The Threshing Floor- God’s Judgment The threshing floor is where the grain for the harvest was prepared. During this preparation, the edible portions of the harvest were separated from the useless portions. Matthew 3:12 (New Living Translation) ”He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” That period of walking through the fire was one of which distinguished the true believers from those who truly don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ. This was the judgment of the body, but there also was an individual component to this as well. The harvests that we (the remnant) have produced were laid before Jesus Christ to see what parts were useful and those that were useless. Yesterday, the Holy Spirit spoke the word “useless” to me. Each of God’s children are receiving revelation to those useless areas that must be thrown into the fire. Don’t take these revelations lightly, but work with God to have them completely removed from you. Open Doors & A Period of Rest Last July, the Holy Spirit gave me a revelation about open doors and the Key of David (Isaiah 22:22). This morning, I was led to go back to this revelation today to share this with you. Revelation 3:7-8 (New Living Translation) ”7 Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens no one can close and what he closes no one can open: 8 “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.” The first portion of this is that because you have been marked as a true child of God, there is a door being opened for you. We always hear of doors being opened, but recall this season in particular is a great season of blessings being poured out. Therefore, this door that is opened by God is because of your faithfulness to him, even in the greatest of trials. Revelation 3:10 (New Living Translation) ”Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.” You will be protected and brought to a place of rest. If you want more detail concerning this, be sure to watch my, “Let it Rain” prophetic word for the month of April. However, there is a period of great testing and trials coming to the world, but you will not experience God’s wrath. You must hold on to your crown during this season, and not allow what is happening in the world to stir or shake your faith! The Judgment on the church has passed, which now means the Judgment on the world shall commence shortly. There may have been spiritual confirmations of this already for you all, but now we will see this transition to the physical during the month of April. Congratulations to those of you, who have been tried and tested but never gave up your faith! Great is the reward that awaits you in Heaven. Woe, to those who have ignored God’s warnings through his Prophets. Know there is still time before the coming day of the Lord for you. Our God is gracious and slow to wrath, repent and rend your hearts towards him. “Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse.” (Joel 2:14 NLT) Sun’Ray 💕
- Smell the Roses
Devotional: Do you ever stop to smell the roses? Or are you so busy that you barely have time to take in the goodness of God? If you're like most people, you just don't have the time. But realistically speaking, smelling the roses is less about the actual act and more about embracing the journey of life. A few years back, I heard that the speed of your thoughts matches how quickly you walk through life. If you are someone that suffers with anxiety, you definitely understand this sentiment. What once was supposed to be a beautiful stroll in the park, turns instantly into a space of time where you were only focused on your thoughts. With this type of behavior, you never take the time to embrace the beautiful scenery around you. How many of you find yourselves journeying with God the same way? Today, choose to shape your relationship with God differently. Learn to embrace and enjoy every single moment. Song(s) Meditation: Goodness of God by CeCe Winans To listen to today's song meditation, please click here. Reflection Question(s): We invite you to discuss below. Ways to stop and smell the roses - Do you keep detailed notes or journals? Take some time to revisit these entries. You may find yourself worshipping and praising God as you do so. - When’s the last time you stepped outside of your circumstance and made time to encourage someone else? Take the time to do so today. You never know who this kind act might help, and how it will be an integral turning point in your journey. - Meditate on the goodness of God. To give you a few options, try Psalm 37:7-8 and Psalm 104. - Turn off the tv, shut down the phone and just wrap yourself in a blanket. Dwell underneath His mighty wing and experience the God of All comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4- Go outside, take a walk. Take in the sights of God. Sun'Ray💕
- Steady scrolling
Devotional: "Steady scrolling, that's what my baby told me. Scrolling with the motion!" I definitely sang that to the tune of "Slow roll it" by the Love Doctor. Please just laugh with me for a second here. But in all seriousness, as the body of Christ, there is a serious intervention that's needed. Some of us have become so addicted to scrolling that we don't recognize the damaging effects it has on our spirit. (Galatians 6:8) Science has it's own ideology concerning this phenomena that troubles us all. But I've deduced it down to one thing. We have simply all become victims of a great spiritual void. Whenever there's a void in your life, there's a natural human propensity to fill it. If you're hungry, you eat. If you're sad, you find something to make you happy. If you're hurting, you resolve to your usual methods to relieve the pain. We've become so attached to technology and social media, we no longer enjoy the quietness of God's presence. This then introduces us to highly co-dependent behaviors (scrolling etc) that don't help us at all. Instead, these behaviors only further add to the spiritual void we are experiencing. To release ourselves from this subtle form of bondage, we must first acknowledge that the shackles exist. Then we must begin to seek God with everything we have. Only then will we experience the filling we so desperately seek. Scripture(s) Meditation: ““Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you— The sure mercies of David.” Isaiah 55:1-3 NKJV “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Galatians 6:8 NKJV Reflection Question(s): We invite you to discuss below. Do you currently struggle with excessive scrolling? When did this addictive behavior begin for you? What keeps you engaging in this activity? How has this behavior affected your spiritual relationship with God? What strategies can you put in place to break yourself free from this addiction? Sun'Ray💕
- Feels like a setback
Devotional: Upon receiving a Word from the Lord, that you have now entered your “takeoff” season, you are elated. Instantly you begin to imagine all the different ways that God will accomplish this. Though you understand God’s ways and thoughts aren’t yours, you still can’t help but to imagine. However, things begin to take a turn for the absolute worst. Does this sound like a season you’re in? Don’t worry, you are right on track for God’s Word to be fulfilled in your life. It’s just you don’t have the right perception. Let me guide you though this. When a plane is preparing to takeoff, it first backs away from the jetway. Though the plane is set to be in the air, it has to go through this part of the process first. The same for you. When it feels like a setback, know this season is only God’s way to set you up for a major comeback. He has to reveal those who doubt your anointing. He has to reveal those parts of you that still need fixing. He has to renew your mind for the new level you’ll be experiencing. It’s all a part of your process. So though it feels like a setback, know this won’t be where the story ends. Scripture(s) Meditation: “Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the Lord tested him.” Psalms 105:19 NKJV Reflection Question(s): We invite you to discuss below. Are you currently experiencing what feels like a setback? If so, what’s the Word you are waiting on God to fulfill? What are the tests you are currently facing? What is the process pulling out of you? How have you grown since the beginning of this “setback”? Sun'Ray💕
- “Overrated”
Devotional: Nowadays if you aren't capable of doing everything on your own, you are instantly viewed as weak. In our society, strength is less about wisdom and more about how much you can carry. With this logic, we now have many broken-back heroes running around, still attempting to save the day. I'm not sure about you, but I'd rather be perceived as "weak" than to carry heavy burdens on a broken back any day. What if I told you that being strong is overrated? Would you believe me? If not, I really want you to think through these next questions. What has playing "strong" actually earned you? Aren't you overly depleted and consistently burdened down with tasks? Hasn't it also caused you to ignore your feelings in order to keep up the "superhero act" for others? None of that sounds worthy of a reward to me. But you know what is worthy of a special honor? A person that's vulnerable enough with themselves and others to admit the truth. They recognize the moment they acknowledge their weakness is where the strength of the Lord comes in to save the day. This person finds great comfort in their weakness and so should you. Because the real truth is that only God can be God. So there's no need to run around behaving as if your strength could even compare. Remember, being "strong" is overrated. Scripture(s) Meditation: “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV Song(s) Meditation: Overrated by Jonathan McReynolds To listen to today's song meditation, click here. Reflection Question(s): We invite you to discuss below. Who in your life views you as a superhero? What are the tasks that you find yourself consistently burdened with? Is it a complete overhaul of tasks or a lack of time management? How can you position yourself to depend more on God and less on your own strength? How exactly does leaning on God more look for you? Sun'Ray💕