FAVOR...

When you think of the favor of God, do you think of all the wonderful blessings that come along with the goodness of God? However, we rarely ever consider all the pain that accompanies the blessings of being a chosen vessel of God.

One of the many things I’ve struggled with in my walk with God is the hatred, jealousy, and the envy at times I’ve experienced from others just for being who God called me to be. I better understand now, that many of those attacks were intimidating tactics to keep me from moving forward. I know, some of you are probably saying, “but how is that so, you’re in the will of the Father”

Well, serving God is good, but it’s not always fair. There have been times when others have competed with me over a particular thing they’ve wanted so badly, and I’ve walked right into the very same situation and accomplished that very same thing, effortlessly. Not to mention how angry that may have made the individuals who have worked for that very same desire. Yet, I believe God uses different situations to challenge and provoke us to change. I’ve also been on the other side of this as well. God has placed people in my life who have provoked me, and yes, they have irritated the heck out of me.

Well, at this point of my life, I see things very differently in the sense of being far more aware of others and their feelings, as well as, sensitive to not be so threatening, or at least not giving the appearance of flaunting my blessings in front of others. However, some people just don’t like you and there is really nothing you can do about that but show love where it’s received and keep on moving.

This brings me to my next question.

How are you responding to the favor of God in your life?

Sometimes, we get angry about situations that are occurring in our lives that make us uncomfortable as well as feeling persecuted, and we try to make it stop. We start to do things like push people away, we even get angry with God about certain situations that have not turned out the way we expected, and are often totally clueless to the fact that God’s favor is covering you.

I said all of this to say, God’s favor is not always a fun place to be, nor does it always position you to look as if your life is in the best place, but that’s where the lie begins. God’s favor sets you up to receive nothing but the best even though it sometimes does not appear that way.

Trust God in whatever place you find yourself and let the Lord lead you into that place of blessing where you also are effortlessly producing the purposes of God in everything that is within your heart.

Much Love,

Nicole

Keep On Keeping On

Hello everyone,

I know it's been a while since I've last shared with you, but at this point I just wanted to say one very important thing. Keep on keeping on! 

I know, I know, that's not very deep or philosophical, but however, it is the word of God.

"So I tell you, continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, if a person continues asking, that person will receive. If a person continues looking, that person will find. And if a person continues knocking, the door will open for that person."  (Luke 11:9-10)

No matter where you may find yourself, know that God has not given up on you and you are not a mistake. Even if your thoughts are telling you to give up and quit. I say to you today, keep on keeping on, for the best is yet to come.

Much Love!

Nicole

Can You Reach My Friend....

As Christians, how many of us are really concerned or even thinking about the needs of others we pass on a daily basis?  And better yet, who God may want to minister to.

Well, this past weekend, I was driving down Lincoln Boulevard in Marina Del Rey where I favor a particular Starbucks.  I was sitting at a stop light and just happened to look up and notice a young girl on the bus stop.  The sad thing was she had all these bags of clothes and stuff cluttering the bus bench.

Honestly, I see homeless people all the time and I'm not really moved by every one I see. Why? I guess maybe its because I'm not fully sure of their circumstances, so I only move based on compassion of the Holy Spirit, not feelings.

Anyway, I looked at this young woman a second time and noticed she was holding a small baby in her arms. Of course, I let out an audible reaction "oh my God, that's a little baby she's holding".  And as I looked closer there was another little baby on the bus bench. A little toddler. At that moment, I felt the presence of God all over me. I turned into the gas station and parked in front of the bus stop.

The young woman sees me approaching her and without hesitation, she smiles at me. As I walked closer to her, I begin to ask her about her circumstances and she shares about living in a nearby shelter. 

Just then, I asked her if she has money does she need anything?  She just began to cry and refused to take anything from me. And I just began to hold her and comfort her. I prayed for her and her babies and held her closely and encouraged her on the corner of Lincoln Boulevard and Venice. Traffic was so thick, it was barely moving. But God was in the midst of a traffic filled corner in Marina Del Rey that afternoon.

The Creator of this universe took the time to stop and pour Himself into a hurting young woman. This encounter has brought such change, not only into the young woman's life, but also into my life. Not to mention all those individuals who drove pass us and witnessed compassion being poured out as we embraced.    

I put a substantial amount of money in her hands and she just cried.  Which brings me to my next question:

Are you available for God to make Himself real in the lives of those who are in need and hurting?

We are the body of Christ. We are the hands and the feet of Christ to move on this earth and be the difference that the world so desperately needs.

Will you be the answer this world needs?

Let the Love of God be seen in you and demonstrated through you with compassion.

Much Love