Whose Report Will You Believe?

photo credit: Iyanla Vanzant

A long time ago there used to be a song that had a call and action response. I cannot recall all of the words, but I do remember it went something like this--whose report do you believe? We responded back 'I will believe the report of the Lord' . . . or something like that.

In a time where we are concerned about 'fake news' and the hidden agendas of others, it is hard to trust what people say and do, would you agree? 
Yet in Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) it says to: 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight". 

God knows that our minds are fragile and that the things of this world can steer us away from doing what is right.  That's why it's so important that we seek His face daily and ask for his directions for our lives in order to guard ourselves from things and people whose intentions are not for our good.

Even when things seem like they are not going according to plan, know that God is in the midst of your situation and He is working it out. Don't allow other peoples agendas and media propaganda to scare you away from the plans God has for you.  Stay the course and trust the process as in this season, the only report that you can believe is that of the Lord.

Take a Moment to Breathe

Have you ever been in place where you were always busy? Do you every find yourself thinking that you've completed a task when in fact you had not? Do you ever feel like your mind is moving faster than the rest of your body?

Take a moment to breathe as you're doing too much. That's right I said it, you're doing too much. Our lives were never meant to be about the rat race chasing after things that are not for our good. Even Jeremiah told others during his time " Do not run until your feet are bare and your throat is dry. But you said, ‘It’s no use! I love foreign gods, and I must go after them'." (Jeremiah 2:25 NIV). When we run after things God never intended for us to chase after, it creates an emotional emptiness over time.

God's will is that we should chase after Him and those things that He has called us to as these things are permanent and for our good. When we choose to chase after things that others have, it may lead us down a path of depression, anxiety, bitterness, resentment, or more. Is being like others worth it?

Take a moment to breathe and ask yourself, 'who has God created me to be in this season?' When you chase after the things of God, every mental blockage and barrier will be removed as your vision gets clearer. Your purpose is strong and every breath that you take is inspired. Breathe in God's word and exhale the blessings. It's your season.

Tell That Mountain to Get Out of Your Way

In life, we may find ourselves in a space where we are downright exhausted. We are consistently giving to make things right for everyone else while leaving ourselves behind. It seems like no matter how hard we try to shift our own situations, it feels like one obstacle after another blocks our path to our freedom.

How many times have you said to yourself, 'God where are you'? How many times have you been so mad with God that you said that you were done with living right as it wasn't worth it as the mountains were unbearable to climb.

We all have as this Christian lifestyle isn't easy. Yet God never told us that it would be. In fact the word says in I Peter 1:7 (NIV) "These have come so that the proven genuineness of faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."  We're also reminded in Isaiah 41:13 

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you".

So talk your mountain and tell it to get out of your way. You are armed with the word of God. Now use it and shift your atmosphere.

Planning for Unexpected Moments

Are you a planner? Do you normally have everything in order in order to prevent mental chaos? Do you know how to plan for the unexpected?

There is probably a 50/50 split as to how some individuals will answer these questions as for most of us the answer is probably that it’s situationally based. Our circumstances shape if we need to plan a month, week, or on the same day of a situation. The level of mental stress we may experience may be governed by whether we’ve been in the situation before.

Yet for some of us, we struggle to plan for unexpected events as we often try to be ahead of the game. Unfortunately this need to plan may be unrealistic if the events that are occurring are not of our own doing. This current government shutdown is prime example. That’s why it’s important that we “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3 NIV). When unexpected events occur we have to trust God like never before as only He knows how it will all turn out. Therefore, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7 NIV).

As you begin to learn or reacquaint yourself with the different names of Jehovah, call His name out. For example, if you need peace during these unexpected moments, call His name Jehovah Shalom. Ask him to give you strength and peace throughout the storm. You will win in this season because God sees you as a winner.

Peace In The Time Of Storm

The waves of life are crashing in and you feel like you are drowning. The life line that can save you feels like it is far from your grasp. You feel alone and wonder if the Source of your life can see or hear your pain.

Understand that the Most High God sees you and hears your cry. When our minds are in a state of chaos it is hard to hear from God as life and all its trials come swooping down from out of nowhere. Yet the Lord promises in the word that he “…will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3 NIV).

Begin to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7 NIV). As you move through the holiday season, know that the Most High God has created space in His bosom to love you. Let go and allow God to navigate your life so that you can finally experience peace during life’s storms.

A State of Emergency: The Emotional Warfare Affecting School Children

By: Dr. April J. Lisbon

Children today are faced with a lot of trials and tribulations that we as adults may not have experienced in our past. With the influence of technology and immediate feedback, children are bombarded with positive and negative influences that shape their young minds.

Let’s take school bullying for example. The rise of school bullying at the building level and in cyberspace is creating unrest in children so much so that children as young as 7 have committed suicide. Why is this happening? Why are our children in a state of emotional unrest?

The reality is that there is a spiritual war against the minds of our young people. In Ephesians 6:12 (NLT), it clearly states “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.” Our children’s minds are impressionable and without words of positive love and light filling their hearts, their minds are unclear of who they are and whose they are.

It is vital that our children hear that they are “….fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14).

We must take back our schools and create safe spaces for our children. We must be open and honest about the state of mental health in our society. We must advocate for our children today as they will be our future leaders of tomorrow. What good is it for our children to learn how to be great test takers if they are emotionally on shaky ground?

Take time today to connect with leaders within your school district to determine how you can use your voice to improve mental health services in schools. Connect with your local mental health organizations to see how you can lend your voice to creating change. Our children need you. They need to know that their lives matter and like them, our schools can no longer be in a state of emergency. With the blood of Jesus behind us, the war on our children is OVER!

Count It All Joy

By: Dr. April J. Lisbon

Have you ever been in a place and space where everything around you was chaotic? Have you ever found yourself in a place where it was hard to concentrate on relationships or work? How many times have you felt like your life was spiraling out of control to depths unknown?

When your mind is consumed with things that are out of your control, it does feel like you are losing your grip on this journey we call life. In those moments, you may find it hard to find the sweet spots when faced with adversity. Understand that our trials and tribulations are meant to build us up and not tear us down.  In James 1:2-3 NKJV it clearly tells us “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” 

God uses our faith to position us for our higher purpose. Don’t allow the fears and worries of the world to live in your mind rent free. Why? The world has no idea what it’s cost you to be where you are today.  

I want to encourage you today that God hears your heart and sees your tears. He never promised that life would be easy BUT He did state He would always be near. Recondition your mindset to find joy in all you do even when it’s hard---even when you don’t feel like it. Push through the pain. Push through the tears. Whatever you do keep on pushing until the results of your prayers become your reality. Take one day at a time and celebrate every step of your journey. 

Remind yourself daily that you have everything you need to fulfill your purpose.  Count it all joy!