We R S.H.E.Talks

Lady V’s Weekly Devotional 

While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 

Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” 

Mark 5:35-36, NIV  

Devotional 

Take a leap and trust God to help you live beyond fear.Photo by Sammie Vasquez on Unsplash

Have you heard some bad news lately that shook you to your core? We all have at some point in life. But, it takes knowing God and trusting God to LIVE BEYOND FEAR. 

Jairus, the leader of the synagogue, was given some terrible news by a messenger about his daughter. She had just died and now it looked like all hope was lost. 

Jairus, must have paused for a second to catch his breath. His emotions now caught up in a whirlwind of FEAR. Was he too late?  

For you see, he had journeyed to find Jesus to ask HIM to come, and heal his daughter who was deathly ill when he left home. This was a pivotal moment! —FEAR or FAITH.  

When Jesus said to him, “Don’t be afraid, just believe”; it was an opportunity for Jairus to LIVE BEYOND FEAR and stand in FAITH. 

It may sound impossible to have FAITH that your loved one will live when you’ve just had bad news delivered to you, that they have just died, but it’s NOT. 

Like Jairus, my family was faced with terrible news. In 2010, the doctors told me and my dad that my younger sister was not going to make it. We were told that her lungs were severely damaged and her organs were shutting down. 

We saw the sad looks on the doctors’ faces. It would seem as if all hope was lost. However, my family had a choice. We could either believe God’s Word that says, “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done” (Psalm 118:17, NIV) or believe the bad report we were hearing from the doctor. 

WE chose to believe God! WE chose to LIVE BEYOND FEAR. 

And guess what, I am here to PROCLAIM that JESUS IS a HEALER! Jesus healed Jairus’ daughter and Jesus healed my sister.

My sister IS alive and well today! She just celebrated her 42nd birthday! Glory to God! 

Not only, did God heal my sister, but the doctors admitted that this was truly a miracle. Before she was discharged from the hospital, the doctors were baffled. All of her organs looked brand new! 

God is faithful to perform HIS Word and HE makes all things new. 

Beloved, when faced with news that seems to want to pull you into a panic and fear; do not be afraid. ONLY BELIEVE! Trust God, and watch God do the impossible. 

Have faith in God! 

JESUS IS LORD!!! 

Grace and Peace to you, 

Lady V 

Quite often, people make the mistake of placing their identity in the wrong things. Now let's look at some examples. First, there are those who find identity in the number of likes they get on social media. If the response is not what they expected, they take it as rejection. Second, let's say an award-winning singer can no longer sing. Said singer then goes into a severe depression. Why? Because his identity was only in his voice.

And what about the pro football player who gets injured who can never play again. He then turns to alcohol because, for him, football was his life. Last, what about a multi-millionaire who loses all his money. He later commits suicide. Again why? Because he could not live without the power and authority that his money once afforded him. 

Original photo by Velizar Ivanov on Unsplash

In the examples mentioned earlier, each person found themselves in an identity crisis. So, the question and topic are Identity Crisis--Do You Know Who You Are? When looking at oneself--where do you place your identity? 

Made in God’s image  

Now let's look at what the Holy Bible has to say about identity. Genesis 1:27 New King James Version says, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” In other words, as a reminder, God is showing us in His word that our true identity comes from Him.

Photo by Anthony Riera on Unsplash

Now, what caused this doubt of identity? Well, back to scripture we go where history unfolds. Genesis 3:1-7 New King James Version says,  

"1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” 

2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 

4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings." 

Specifically, we can see how the serpent caused Eve and Adam to question who God had made them to be. Even after spending intimate time with God Adam allowed the enemy to influence him and Eve. Again, the question and topic are Identity Crisis—Do You Know Who You Are? 

Identity in Christ Jesus 

Moreover, God had a way to fix the mistake Adam and Eve made.  We can see that in the following scriptures. In fact, 

Lady V’s Weekly Devotional 

You formed my innermost being, shaping my delicate inside and my intricate outside, and wove them all together in my mother’s womb. 

I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex! Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking.  

It simply amazes me to think about it! 

How thoroughly you know me, Lord! 

You even formed every bone in my body when you created me in the secret place, carefully, skillfully shaping me from nothing to something.  

You saw who you created me to be before I became me! Before I’d ever seen the light of day, the number of days you planned for me were already recorded in your book. 

Psalm 139:13-16 The Passion Translation 

Devotional 

When we look in the mirror, sometimes we can be our biggest critic.  We see things we want to change about ourselves, and yet God sees HIS masterpiece.  We were MARVELOUSLY MADE! 

As God sculpted us in secret, a mysterious work of art was unfolding. Every moment was crafted to be a step closer to the appointed time that HIS latest work of art was to be revealed. 

Oh yes; you were framed in your mother’s womb, with a plan already in place before your birth. And—guess what? God already loved you! 

You were in HIS thoughts from the beginning. For God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.” Genesis 1:26a, NLT  

You are not ordinary!  

Photo by Shannon Pitter on Unsplash

You see, your day of birth was not by chance, but an unveiling before all of Heaven. Another creation wonderfully made to shine a light on the Greatest Artist that would ever be.  

God’s every spoken word, like a paintbrush to a canvas, always producing something beautiful. 

That being the case, GOD would be the only ONE that would ever really know you—inside and out. God knows every layer of who you are. 

Not only did HIS Hands create you, but God also shaped you into a marvelous created being. No two beings exactly the same; everyone uniquely made with love in mind and a distinct purpose. 

 And although we will never know the thought that went into every stroke of HIS pen; the finished product was recorded in the ‘Book of LIFE’.  

Beloved, the next time you look into the mirror see yourself as a work of art. Remember that your life is more than just a single image. But, that you were made in the image of the MOST HIGH GOD.  

You were MARVELOUSLY MADE! 

Have Faith in God! 

JESUS IS LORD!!! 

Grace and Peace to You, 

Lady V 

More devotionals you may like    

In our episode Watch What You are Saying, Lady V and I discussed how important words are. So, several questions come to mind. Such as, when going about your day do you ever consider your words, whether in thought or spoken form? Do you always think before you speak? Can others trust what you say is truthful? Do you honor your word? Moreover, do you say what you mean and mean what you say? 

So, let's look at what the Holy Bible says about it. Now, Proverbs 16:23 Good News Translation says, “Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive." Also, Ecclesiastes 5:5 Good News Translation says, "Better not to promise at all than to make a promise and not keep it." 

As we can see, scripture even attests to how important it is to say what you mean and mean what you say. 

Don’t be careless with your words 

Mark 11:23 New King James Version says, “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” But the unfortunate fact of the matter is, some of us are often careless with our words. And that’s why we can’t expect what we say to manifest because subconsciously we don’t believe what we say. 

People don’t always mean what they say 

For instance, you may want some butter pecan ice cream. If you say, "I would kill for some butter pecan ice cream," would you, would you really kill for some. On the flip side, one might say, "I'm dying for some butter pecan ice cream," but are you dying for it though. In other words, you are not actually dying or willing to kill for some ice cream. 

That is what I mean by the careless use of words. If we are to believe what we say then we should only say what we mean. Proverbs 13:3 New American Standard Bible, “The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” 

Closing 

Of course, sometimes we say things we don’t mean without thinking. And believe it or not our words do have consequences. So, you don’t want to miss this podcast episode. Do join me and Lady V as we discuss Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say.  

Previous episodes you may enjoy 

Faith Through the Storm – S2E1 

The Divine Delays in Life – S2E2 

Set Free from Abuse – S2E3 

Lady V’s Weekly Devotional 

For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies….”

 1 Peter 3:10, NLT 

Devotional 

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Can people trust what you say? Do you say words that connect you with having integrity?

Believe it or not; our words speak to our character. And, whenever we open our mouths it will say something about us.  

The words that we speak can be a lot like a ‘social media’ post gone viral; it can spark a whirlwind of conversation. Thus, it is important that we communicate words with integrity. 

Imagine this; someone interviewed for the job they’ve prayed for. This person knows that they more than qualify for the job, but didn’t get the job offer.  

Somehow, the employer came across their social media post which revealed slanderous comments about the last company they worked for. It displayed a deceitful character through the words that were used and a lack of integrity. 

It is clear to see, this behavior forfeited an opportunity. Not only did this circumstance serve as a disappointment, but as a valuable learning experience to note. This could have been THE opportunity to change the course of their career. 

But, the absence of integrity came at a cost. Someone else with a wise character and less experience got the job. Truth be told, there is favor and influence that await those with a truthful tongue, and a trustworthy, moral character. 

Beloved, the value of truthful words, rightly spoken, can go a long way in life; it shapes our character. The one who speaks wisely with a proven character of integrity is remembered. But, another with a character of deceit and a lying tongue is soon forgotten. 

A good name [earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity] is more desirable than great riches; And favor is better than silver and gold.

 Proverbs 22:1, AMP 

So, let the Word of Truth SPEAK! Give voice to words of INTEGRITY. 

Have faith in God!  

JESUS IS LORD!!! 

Grace and Peace to you, 

Lady V 

More devotionals you may like    

Set Free for a New Start    

JESUS is the Faithful Love   

Rest in the Secret Place of GOD   ...

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Between grade school and adulthood, most people have heard that saying. Well, according to the article, 'The Scary Power of Negative Words,' our words have power. For that reason alone, you should watch what you are saying.

So, since our words have power, do you ever think about the words you speak? Such as, how those words affect you and others around you. In fact, words can evoke emotional responses through what we speak, hear, and/or read. For example, most people know not to shout 'bomb' or 'gun' in a crowd. Without a doubt, panic and chaos would follow. 

Choose your words wisely 

Now, because words have the power to affect our emotions, they also affect our bodies. More specifically, negative words cause a negative reaction in the body. Lady V and I talked some about it in our episode on Mental Health Awareness. When preparing for that show, I came across an experiment by scientist Masaru Emoto. 

He showed how positive and negative words affect frozen ice crystals. Motto's experiment showed that words do indeed have energy. So, since water fills the cells of the human body, it is clear to see why our words affect us for the good or the bad. 

Interestingly enough, science only validates scripture. The following scriptures are good examples of that. The first example is Proverbs 12:14 New Living Translation. It says, "Wise words bring many benefits." The second example is Proverbs 12:18 The Passion Translation. And it says, "Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal." 

I also like how Proverbs 18:21 The Passion Translation explains it, “Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life, and the talkative person will reap the consequences.” This is yet another reason why you should watch what you are saying. 

Words have creative power  

In the first chapter of Genesis we see that words have creative power. Genesis 1:1-3 New Living Translation says, “1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” You see, everything God said came to pass and He has given us that same creative power through our words. 

Conclusion 

Quite often we think or say negative words without considering the consequences. So, join Lady V and me in this podcast episode for a more in-dep...

Lady V’s Weekly Devotional 

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 

Proverbs 12:18, NIV 

Devotional 

Have you ever noticed how someone’s words can either cut like a knife or be soothing to the soul? Words carry the power to affect lives for the good or for the bad.  

Without a doubt, our tongue has the power to be used as a weapon, or as a fountain of life. The wrong words spoken can be detrimental, but the right words spoken can bring health and healing. That is why words matter for life! 

So, how are you using the power that you’ve been given in YOUR tongue? We sometimes make the mistake of speaking words without giving thought to the magnitude of its force. 

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Think about it; hearing the words, “I love you, glad to have you here”, has a different effect to the listener than to hear the words, “Go back to where you came from, you’re not welcome here”.  

No doubt, the right words can unite a nation, but the wrong words can bring a great divide. This is why we should be careful to use our words wisely.  

Words matter for life! 

The words that we speak can empower someone to keep persevering in their life’s journey. For instance, words can be used to prevent tragedies and be a lifeline. Let’s imagine the power of words spoken to someone standing on a bridge ready to end it all.   

Words matter for life! 

The words we speak can unlock someone stuck in a dungeon of depression. Similarly, the right words spoken can lift someone up and out of an ocean of sorrows, and carry them like a lifeguard to the surface. 

The power of our words can bring healing to someone that changes the course of their life. It is proven that words CAN and WILL produce something! 

 So why not speak life-giving words?  

WE can be that voice of triumph to set in motion someone to believe in themselves. WE can use our words to build up someone and reassure them that they can succeed. WE can use our words to tell someone that they can begin again even when they feel like they have failed. 

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Because words matter, we should speak the right words to others and to ourselves. Likewise, we can be that voice that speaks life with words like; “Don’t give up”, “You matter”, “You can do it”, and “God loves you”; which can cause a shift into a place called DESTINY. 

His Word guides us like a beacon of light into a brighter future. God’s spoken word breathes life into our circumstances and makes all things new.  

God sent His Word into the earth to proclaim life. God’s Word spoken builds up and creates.  HIS Word brings truth and grace. HIS Word brings wisdom and instruction. HIS Word brings healing and new life. HIS Word brings salvation and forgiveness of sin. Jesus IS the Word from the beginning! 

Spreading hope to our military is an absolute must. For the majority of Americans, the reason is quite clear. The United States affords its citizens a luxury that many countries of the world do not. And that luxury is freedom. As citizens, we have freedom of religion, thought, and expression. In other words, we are free to live our lives as we so choose.

Now, this is possible because of those who served and are serving in one of the five branches of our military.

So, if you are, know, or support our military, this podcast episode is a must. Join me and Lady V as we share our appreciation and spread some hope to our military.

spreadinghopeeverywheretalks.com/s2e7

Lady V’s Weekly Devotional 

By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. 

Psalm 119:105, MSG 

Devotional 

We all need direction in life. Our steps can lead us to uncertain destinations that could either add to our lives or take away our lives. And let’s face it; we need our paths to be lit so that our destinations are sure. 

Following the light of Jesus.

Photo by Martino Pietropoli on Unsplash

Living in a dark world, full of wrong paths to take, requires that we have the right ‘GPS’. In other words, trying to make it through life without Jesus is like unto being lost in a foreign land without a knowledgeable guide. Unfortunately, you won’t know where you’re headed. 

Many times in scripture we read where Jesus said, “Come and follow me.” And if anyone wanted true direction in life, they would be wise to follow HIM. That’s still true today! This is why we all could benefit from an ‘all-knowing’ guidance counselor—HIS Holy Spirit. 

God knew that the world that had become so dark would offer many wrong paths. And unfortunately, these dark paths would only lead to destruction and not to HIM. But the Good News is that God sent HIS Son, Jesus, to light the way.  

Jesus, the Word of God, the HOLY SPIRIT, direct us so that we are not left in the dark.  HIS life, HIS words, and HIS Holy Spirit are a gift to us. Jesus lights the way and makes our path certain. Hence, God loves us that much!  

“This is how much God loved the world; He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help to put the world right again… (John 3:16-18, MSG)”   

So, no more stumbling around trying to find your own way; Seek Jesus and let HIM light your way. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (John 14:6, NLT)”  

With that being said, the right path leads to a destination of life in Christ Jesus—with God the Heavenly Father. Jesus is the only way to God! He is the WAY-MAKER! 

 JESUS is ‘The Way’ out of storms and difficulties of life. He is ‘The Way’ out of shackles that hold you down. He is ‘The Way’ out of fear that keeps you held captive. He is ‘The Way’ out of sin that keeps you in bondage.  

He is ‘The Way’ out of sickness that seeks to steal life from you. He is ‘The Way’ out of a depression that seeks to destroy your future. He is ‘The Way’ out of an unforgiving heart that seeks to steal&...

Prayer--some people believe in the power of it, while others don't. Are you one of the many people who incorporate prayer in your everyday life? If so, I'm sure there were times when it seemed as if the answer to your prayer was a resounding 'no'. Because the answer didn't happen when you wanted it to. In episode 2, Lady V and I discussed the different reasons for that happening. 

Lean not on your own understanding 

Now, the question for some people then becomes "Why pray if I don't get the answer I want?" Unfortunately, that's when the feeling of giving up on prayer and God takes hold. Especially, to those individuals in desperate situations. 

Well, let's see what the Word of God says about it. Thus, Proverbs 3:5-6 The Passion Translation says, “5 Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. 6 Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.” 

This is to say, we don’t always know what’s best for us but God sees the big picture. Also, Philippians 4:6-7 The Passion Translation says,  

"6 Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, 7 then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ..." 

Trusting God's timing for answered prayer 

It is imperative to understand that yes God answers some prayers quickly. But on the flip side, some answers take longer to arrive. The scripture explains it well in Ecclesiastes 3:1 The Message Translation, "There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth...

In other words, God answers prayers in His perfect timing because He knows what's best for you. Therefore, when we trust God's timing [myself included] the answer to our prayers is on the way. 

Closing 

If you’ve prayed and are still waiting for God to answer a specific prayer, this podcast episode is definitely for you. Join me and Lady V as we discuss The Answer is on the Way. 

Previous episodes you may enjoy 

Faith Through the Storm – S2E1 

The Divine Delays in Life – S2E2 

Set Free from Abuse – S2E3