We R S.H.E.Talks

 

Admittedly, when I hear "Wait on the Lord," it is often easier said than done. One reason is that we live in a microwave society. In other words, many of us lack patience; we want things fast—we want them NOW. No doubt, I am not the only one who has felt that way.

As a matter of fact, I am waiting on the Lord for some things at this very moment. But even when I find myself impatient; guess what I'm going to do? Wait on the LORD. Because, one of the many things I've learned in my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is that I cannot rush God. 

Trust God’s timing – Wait on the LORD 

Following this further, there are many scriptures throughout the Bible about God's timing. In fact, Ecclesiastes 3:1 New International Version is quite clear, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” Simply put, God’s timing is not our timing. 

2 Peter 3:8-9 New Century Version says, “8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: To the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow in doing what he promised—the way some people understand slowness...” 

You may be thinking, "But SD, what does that scripture even mean? If I have to wait a thousand years, then I won't live long enough to get what I've prayed for. So why should I trust God and pray about my situation?" Well, I preface my answer by first saying I get it completely. 

Now, I understand 2 Peter 3:8-9 to mean that God does not operate on our timeline. More often than not, we feel that He isn’t moving fast enough on our behalf. But in actuality, God is causing things to happen in His perfect timing. As the previous scripture says, God IS NOT slow in doing what He promised. 

God’s promises – Wait on the LORD 

More than anything, God honors His word, thus He keeps His promises. 2 Corinthians 1:20 New Living Translation says this, “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.” 

The following scripture is an excellent example of God's many promises: Philippians 4:19 English Standard Version says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” 

Expect to always win — Wait on the LORD 

Believe it or not, when you wait on the LORD, you can expect to always win. Psalm 27:13-14 New King James Version says, “13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

In general, most people have faced hard or sometimes life-changing circumstances. In all likelihood, no matter what they did to remedy the situation it appeared to be over. With that in mind, if you have spent any time in church; you have heard, "It's not over: breakthrough is coming." 

In many instances, it is at that moment that praise breaks out over the congregation. Why? Because many of them are facing what appears to be the loss or death of something. Thus, that declaration helps them through those trying times. 

The loss or death of something – It’s Not Over: Breakthrough Is Coming 

Here are some examples of the kind of loss or death I'm talking about: 

* A business deal falls through  * A job you interviewed for was offered to another candidate * You were set to sign the papers to purchase your dream home and the seller gets a higher offer and sells it to another buyer * Someone steals your identity  

In all those examples, it seems like it is over. But when you trust God things will change in your favor. And here's how; using the above examples: 

* You get an even better business opportunity * You get the job but in a different department in the same company * The second buyer backs out and the seller offers you the house for less than your original offer * You get reimbursed for the damage done by the identity thief 

If you are thinking, "But is that really possible?" And my answer is a resounding, "Yes!!! With God all things are possible." 

A declaration of hope – It’s not over: breakthrough is coming  

Albeit, you may be someone who has never been to church. Therefore, this may well be your first-time hearing that declaration. But, why are declarations so important? Well, let me tell you. For me, I make them from a place of faith and trust in the finished works of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:1 The Passion Translation says, “Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.” 

You see, the Holy Bible is filled with the promises of God through Christ Jesus. So, despite the trials of life; I boldly declare, it's not over: breakthrough is coming, in Jesus' name. Also, I try to be careful about how I speak over negative situations or circumstances. Because Proverbs 18:21 Amplified Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.”  

Thus, I work hard at approaching negative circumstances from a positive perspective. And I do that by trusting the Word of God. Galatians 6:9 New Living Translation says it like this,

Lady V’s Devotional Episode 

Philippians 4:19 (NLT) says: 

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” 

Philippians 4:19 (NLT) 

Devotional 

Even at the start of our lives, God has been taking care of us. In the womb, as we began to form, God was there supplying what we needed and we didn’t even know it. 

We didn’t have a care in the world, and we didn’t even think about what was needed. Likewise, we didn’t have to know what we needed because God made sure to supply our needs since the beginning of time. 

And just like He knew we would need food and water, he also knew we needed a Savior. Thus, God sent HIS Son, Jesus, to meet our need for Salvation even before we were even born. 

And, sometimes the need is met through discomfort or pain. For instance, Jesus died on the Cross supplying our need for Salvation. It cost HIS life, but then, when He got UP, HE made new life readily available to all that would believe in Him. 

Emmanuel, God with us (Matt. 1:23), knowing that we needed HIM, provided a way to HIM. So, for all that would believe in HIM would find forgiveness of all sin. 

No doubt, being the Faithful Provider, God has provided Salvation for all who would have faith in His Son. So, when we realized that we NEEDED Jesus for life and godliness the need was already met. 

Also, God foreknew that we needed HIS Word to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path for guidance. We cannot see our way through life without HIM. We NEED Jesus!  

 No matter what state of life you or I am in, God is still keeping His word to provide our every need. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it.  

It’s already supplied! 

Beloved, as we hold fast to God’s word, we must remember that we can trust God to meet our needs. So stop—take a breath, and rest in the promises of God. 

So when life gets to a point where it doesn’t look like, or feel like God is meeting your need—look again! He’s Jehovah Jireh! He’s the ULTIMATE SUPPLIER! 

It’s already supplied!  

Now by faith receive the Word of the Lord—He Has Already Supplied ALL your NEEDS, in Jesus’ name. IT IS SO! 

Let’s Pray… 

Father God,  

Thank you for loving us! We give you all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise. You are all we ever need, because what we need is in YOU! YOU ARE ENOUGH!!! 

Thank you for seeing our needs and meeting them in YOUR way and in YOUR timing. For we know that YOU are never late, but YOU are always right on schedule.  

As our times are in your hands, we graciously yield to YOUR leading, YOUR provision, and YOUR guidance. Let YOUR WORD manifest every need provided, every good thing, in Jesus’ great name,

The Story of Rahab the Harlot

Imperfectly purposed—everyone has a purpose

Purpose—believe it or not, everyone has a purpose in this world. No doubt, some of you may be thinking, “After all of the bad choices I've made, there is no way God has purposed me for anything.” Well, Ecclesiastes 3:1 Modern English Version says this, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven...” Now, I'm here to tell you; God loves you and HE is not holding those bad choices against you. Why—because you are indeed imperfectly purposed to do something great. Hence, this episode title; Imperfectly Purposed—The Story of Rahab the Harlot. 

Imperfectly purposed—destined for greatness 

In general, there are those who think one must be the picture of perfection before walking in his or her purpose. But that is far from the truth. Throughout the bible, God purposed flawed people. With HIS help, they fulfilled their purpose and did great things because they were imperfectly purposed. And ‘Rahab the harlot’ in Joshua chapter 2 was one of those people. 

That is to say, she helped Joshua's spies in two ways. First, she gave them a place to stay while they explored the land of Canaan and the city of Jericho. And second, she hid the spies when the king of Jericho sent men to her home looking for them. Put very simply, by helping the spies, she put her life and the lives of her family in great danger. “But why?” Because she trusted that Joshua would spare her family when he and the people of Israel came to take the land. 

I know you still may be thinking, “Okay, she helped Joshua's spies.” “But that doesn't seem like much of a purpose.” Nonetheless, Rahab was imperfectly purposed and a part of God's plan because Jesus came from her bloodline. 

Imperfectly purposed—what does God see 

Listen, it doesn't matter who you are or what you have done--you are imperfectly purposed. Moreover, God loves you. In fact, John 3:16 The Passion Translation puts it this way, 

“For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.” 

God loves us so much that David even inquired about why in Psalm 8:4. The Easy-to-Read Version says, “And I wonder, “Why are people so important to you? Why do you even think about them? Why do you care so much about humans? Why do you even notice them?” 

The following two scriptures also remind us of how God sees us. Psalm 139:14 English Standard Version says, "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." And 

Lady V’s Devotional Episode 

Mark 16:1-8 (NLT) says: 

“Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body.  

Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ 

But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone which was very large, had already been rolled aside. 

When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, ‘Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!  

Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.’ 

The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened. 

Then they briefly reported all this to Peter and his companions. Afterward Jesus himself sent them out from east to west with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation that gives eternal life. Amen.” 

Mark 16:1-8 (NLT) 

Devotional 

Is any among you suffering from guilt and shame? Do you think God cannot use you because you’ve made some mistakes? 

Well, here’s a bit of solace (comfort).  

Peter had sinned and denied Jesus three times before the Lord’s crucifixion. He probably couldn’t imagine the Lord ever using him again after this.  

And although Peter had already been forgiven, I’m sure he felt ashamed for what he had done like most of us do. 

But here’s the beauty in God’s love for us—God’s grace is multiplied in the midst of our mistakes. 

And since God is all-knowing, He already knew the mistakes Peter was going to make. And He knows the mistakes we are going to make—every one of them. 

He is fully aware of every moment of poor judgment that leads to sin.  

He’s not surprised! That’s why God sent His Son Jesus, to take our place of judgment on the Cross for our sins so that all those that believe in Jesus are FORGIVEN--NOT forgotten. 

And, in Mark 16:7, we find the angel making a special acknowledgment of Peter to show forth that Jesus had not disowned or discarded Peter for the sins he had committed. Jesus wanted to see Peter along with the rest of the disciples. 

Peter must have been shocked, and thought, “EVEN ME?” “The Lord wants to see me too?” 

The message was clear that Jesus still loved Peter and had an assignment for Peter along with the rest of the disciples.  

Beloved, when you think you’ve gotten yourself in a mess and don’t know how to clean it up—Jesus’ Blood is still cleansing you daily.

Wisdom Series Pt.3 

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT--Taking God’s Armor with You; but what does that even mean? First, what is the Sword of the Spirit? Second, what is God's Armor? And furthermore, why do we need them? Well, I am so happy you care to learn or further understand the answers to those questions. 

Because Proverbs 4:7 New King James Version says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” So, let's do just that--get an understanding of the Sword of the Spirit and the Armor of God. 

Spiritual attacks—mental and physical 

Now before moving forward, think back to a time when you felt mentally attacked. For example, anyone who knows you views you as a happy person that always has it together. But secretly it is all you can do to make it through each day. Because negative thoughts and emotions bombard your mind. Or are you someone who is dealing with health issues? Either way, it is an attack. 

Believe it or not there is a spiritual element behind these attacks. Ephesians 6:10-12 New Living Translation says,

“10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

And this is why the Sword of the Spirit and the Armor of God are so important. 

The whole Armor of God 

For clarification, let’s allow the Holy Bible to explain exactly what the Armor of God is. Ephesians 6:13-17 New Living Translation says, “13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 

15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” 

In other words, the whole Armor of God is peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Know this, no matter the attack, the answer is in the Holy Bible. Simply stated, it is not only a manual for life but it is the most powerful weapon against spiritual attacks. Again, it is the Sword of the Spirit. Hence, this episode title THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT--Taking God’s Armor with You. 

Conclusion 

If you would like to hear more about the whole Armor of God: then this podcast episode will bless your life. Use the player at the top of this blog post or subscr...

Lady V’s Devotional Episode 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) says: 

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) 

Devotional 

For the Christian, we struggle at times in our walk with Christ trying to do right. Let’s be honest—it’s hard! We’re not perfect—But, Jesus IS! He knows our struggles to make the right decisions daily. 

Sometimes it feels like driving at a high speed on a race track and all of a sudden we are spinning out of control. It’s scary and we feel like screaming, “God Help! God, how will I get back on course?  

The good news is that God is full of goodness, kindness, and mercy. He’s faithful to help us correct our course if we just look to His Word. HIS help is readily available to us who trust in HIS Word.  

God will never leave you, HIS LOVE is unconditional! You are adored by HIM! His plan for our lives has already factored in the mistakes you and I will make. 

And the good news is that God gave us HIS Word to help us get back on track and STAY ON COURSE. So don’t give up because you’ve hit a snag on the course. Keep moving and take God’s Word with you. 

Let’s Pray… 

Heavenly Father, 

We come to you in the name of Jesus—expecting to receive. Father God we thank you that we are already loved by you! And because of that great love you have for us, we can trust that nothing can take us out of your hands or your will.  

Help us to know that we can come boldly to the throne of grace to receive help in any time of need, no matter what we face or need help with.  

Father God, you are our EVERYTHING! We lack NO GOOD THING! You have already provided every need from the beginning. You know our frame, you know our thoughts, you know us better than we know ourselves, and you STILL love us! 

We praise you Heavenly Father for your faithfulness through your Word. Thank you that you have fit us with an armor to hold back the storms of life and face them with the boldness of Christ’s authority. 

You have empowered us through your Word and your Holy Spirit to correct whatever mistakes we’ve found ourselves in that needs correcting. If we get side-tracked on our course, God you are here to help us, correct us, and encourage us to not give up but —STAY ON COURSE. 

Father God, thank you that you have made even our mistakes work for our good. We WILL do all that you have purposed us to do in this life. We ARE NOT discarded BUT regarded as the children of the MOST HIGH GOD. 

Heavenly Father, we thank you for being OUR PERSON that always has our back. Let all you’ve planned for our lives be manifested so we can tell of how good you are to all that will listen. We thank you Heavenly Father, and we call this prayer answered in Jesus name. Amen, Amen, Amen! 

Wisdom Series Pt.2 

To begin with, relationships are a part of life. Whether family, friendship, romantic, or professional we all have them. At the end of the day, that is why 'Understanding What Love IS' is so important. Because for the most part, no 'successful' relationship happens without love. 

It is true some people believe love is the most powerful force in the universe. As a Christian, I believe in the power of love because the Holy Bible tells us that God is love. And He created everything out of love. You may be thinking, "But SD, does 'every' successful relationship ‘really’ operate from a place of love?" And my answer is a resounding "Yes!" 

From a place of love 

For instance, it takes love to be there for family and friends without conditions. In business, if you love what you do and you are good at it--you are probably more successful in life. Last but not least--in romance, if both parties operate from a place of love, there is a mutual respect. No doubt about it, we all want respect in every relationship. 

In a previous blog post, I explained several definitions of love. Because let's be real, love means different things to different people. In fact, Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages says that people don't experience love the same way. So, when there is a clear understanding of what love is--then we can give and receive it in our relationships. And those relationships will be better because of it. 

Love according to the bible 

Now, I can’t talk about love and not include bible wisdom on the subject. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 New International Version says, 

“4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 

As you can see, the above-mentioned scripture is a sort of mirror that shows us how love should look. But to be perfectly transparent, sometimes it can be hard to walk in that kind of love. In other words, some people make it so difficult. Of course, I know there's no excuse that should keep me from walking in the love of God. That is why I try to keep that in mind and love people as best I can. But I'm speaking for myself--you do you. 

Conclusion 

If you would like wisdom for a deeper understanding of love, then this podcast episode will bless you. Use the player at the top of this blog post or subscribe and listen via your preferred podcast platform. Then join Lady V and me in part two of our Wisdom Series discussions—Understanding What Love IS. 

Lady V’s Devotional Episode 

John 3:16-17 (ERV) says: 

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world. He did not send him to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.” 

John 3:16-17 (ERV) 

Devotional  

The love God has for HIS creation goes far beyond our imagination. And, this love did not come without a cost. In John 3:16-17, we find that this love had a hefty price to be paid by Jesus Christ and came with a divine purpose—Salvation.  

You see, Heaven’s Perspective of Love is that it’s a sacrificial giving of all that you are to benefit another.  In fact, this love carries a load that belongs to another. This love lifts every burden, every problem, and every dreaded thing upon itself.  

This love doesn’t count wrongs but forgives daily. This love finds you when you’re lost and never lets you walk alone again.  This love pulls you out of a pit you dug for yourself and gives you a firm place to stand again. 

This love dries tears when you’re broken and promises you a better tomorrow. This love prepares for the future and how to make it better for you. This love is a friend, a counselor, a healer, a restorer, and the Savior. 

Heaven’s Perspective of LOVE is that it is a gift that keeps on giving. It is purposed and it is perfectly God. And He longs to see us live in this love, peace, grace, and truth. 

Even more, this love comes with a promise—“I’ll never leave you, and I won’t turn my back on you!” Yes, this love is with a purpose filled with faithfulness and for eternal good. It doesn’t compare to our perspective of love—it’s far greater! 

Heaven’s Perspective of LOVE came unconditionally to us on earth so that we would know that we are loved by the Almighty Creator, whom I call ABBA FATHER.  

By receiving Jesus, we receive love manifested in the flesh. And on Calvary, this love that God has for us was demonstrated through the shed Blood of Jesus. This love has no end but gives many new beginnings. This love rises to new life. And this love says, “GET UP AGAIN!” 

Let’s Pray… 

Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for the love that you are in our lives. I pray that we know how much you love us and that we put our trust in YOUR love.  

God, you are LOVE and I pray that we all abide in you daily. I pray that we live in love and live lives that show your perfect love growing within our hearts toward others.  

Help us to rely on YOU to pull us through those times of suffering knowing that all things are working for our good because we love you. 

Help us to know that although YOU may seem far away, you are closer than a brother.

Wisdom Series Pt.1 

The BIG message—GOD has a plan; if you are wondering, SD, what does that have to do with me or how I live my life? Well, I am happy to answer that for you. As I have shared in earlier blog posts, when we seek God’s wisdom for direction and instruction, the outcome is always ‘good.’ Simply put, those who sought His wisdom received His best for their lives. 

Jeremiah 29:11 Modern English Version says, “For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Now this is a common theme throughout the Holy Bible.  

 God’s plan is the best plan 

To some people, the bible is just a book of stories that may or may not be true. As a believer in Christ Jesus, I understand the bible is so much more than that. More specifically, it is a manual for life. Because there is a lesson in each 'story.' Hence, the big message is God has a plan--always. So, what are you facing today? No matter what 'it' is, whether good or bad--invite God into your decision-making.  

I know from experience; His plan will be better than anything you could think of. Thus, if He did it for me, He can do it for you. Romans 2:11 New International Reader's Version says it like this, “God treats everyone the same.” You see, the Lord Jesus Christ does not show favoritism. 

Wisdom, trust, and faith equal God’s best 

Again, God's good plans are a common theme throughout the bible. I like how the following scripture puts it: Hebrews 13:8 The Passion Translation, "Jesus, the Anointed One, is always the same—yesterday, today, and forever." In other words, just as God had a plan for the people in those bible 'stories' He also has a plan for you. In any case, if you have faith and trust God's wisdom and plans over your own--you will win every time. Because you will always get God's best. 

Conclusion 

If you realize that your plans for your life are not working out the way you hoped then this podcast episode will bless you. Use the player at the top of this blog post or subscribe and listen via your preferred podcast platform. Then join Lady V and me in part one of our Wisdom Series discussions—The BIG Message—GOD Has a Plan. 

Scriptures Referenced in Episode Discussion 

Genesis Chapters 6 & 7 John 3:16 

Listen to We R S.H.E.Talks Podcast 

Use web player above blog post to listen or subscribe and listen via your favorite podcast platform.  

Helpful Information 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)