A Virtuous Woman Thrives in Yes & No

Proverbs 31 is one of the most recited chapters when it comes to speaking of a Woman of God. It gives many this perpetual green light to go and pursue. It is the thought that everything that you do will prosper and everyone will call you blessed. That is wonderful when it happens, but do we have enough faith and sticktuitiveness in us to remain committed when everyone is not calling you blessed or it appears that nothing is working out for you?

The Walk of a Virtuous Woman does not only include our ability to do, but to also be able to pivot and recalibrate. There are times that with the best plan and intentions, that door still remains closed. God can and will perfect us through a No. We may not want to hear No all the time, but a No to something saved our lives! A No allowed us to walk away from what would have actually jeopardized our walk with God! A No is not to be underestimated or poorly received. “It was good that He afflicted me, so that I may keep His statutes.”

It is an interesting phenomenon we are seeing in Christiandom. There are so many who lead with hustling to get whatever you want. “Faith comes by hearing; hearing the Word of God.” When was the last time you attended a conference that told you to pray first about the direction God wants you to go? Prayer does not just change things; it can reroute our thoughts and pursuit concerning a thing!

Multi-tasking has taken a 1st Place trophy over Be Still and Know I am God. We struggle to get and stay still. This should not be, Virtuous Woman. There is something so sacred and precious in stilling away with God. Where there are no deadlines, only life in Him and moments to experience Him in His Splendor!

Virtuous Woman, A No in God when it is not His Will or Time can be just as exceptional as a Yes in God. Go with me for a moment. Allow me to paint the picture. How many times has God intervene prior to us making what would have been a detrimental decision? If you have ever experienced God ending a thing you did not have enough Will Power to end. You will look at No’s in God quite differently.

God never has a hidden agenda that does not have our best intentions at heart. Seeing God even use decisions that we have made to turn them around for our good. There is truly No Greater Love! Not even the Plan that we have for our lives can compare to what He has for us!

There was a very popular image circulating of a young lady being asked to give God her teddy bear in exchange for what she cannot see, that will be presented to her! Let’s take that visual even higher! We stand before God with a baggage of familiarity, idiosyncrasies, habits, and hangups and He lovingly stands before us- extends His hand to take things that did not come from Him, nor gives Him glory!

God wants us to thrive in both seasons- The Yes & No.We must delight to carry out His Will. We must never forget that He will meet us both on the mountain top and valley low! A Good Father knows where we are in our maturity. God knows what would be distraction and what would catapult us into carrying out His Will!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your DD Journal some of your recent Yes and No Moments from God and the impact both have had on you.

Pray:

Father God, Thank you for changing our perspective There have been things your No has spared me from- events that I will never fully know. Your care for me is beyond imagination. Thank you for maturing me in your ways and truly causing me to live out the words of Your mouth. May the virtue that you endowed me with allow me to continue to live holy before you! You are my Rock & Fortress Forever! In Jesus Name. Amen.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

Woman RESOLVE!

Woman, there are so many invitations headed your way! Invitations to remain in what wounded you instead of walk away and be healed! Invitations to get to the bag by any means necessary instead of being prolonged by trusting the process of God ! Invitations to drink the moonshine over the milkshake. Invitations to be entertained by the world’s standard instead of embracing the wholesomeness of God and fellowshipping with others whose hearts have been captured by God!

Make no mistake, the Invitation is coming for your, “Yes Lord.” It is coming for those intimate prayers and promises that only you and God know. “Lord, if you get me out of this situation, I promise I won’t do this or that.” Or perhaps, “Lord, if you allow this door to open, I promise this or that.” A Yes to God is like no other affirming statement that you will ever say to a human being! You are saying “Yes” to the One who knows exactly how many times you will break that Vow or keep it!

Are you Ready? Are you ready to RESOLVE? Are you ready to have a made up mind about following God all the way? Are you ready to forsake all others? Are you ready to swim against the tide? Are you ready to be penalized for being peculiar? Are you ready for the Holy Roller Title? Are you ready for the infamous, “It doesn’t take all that!” Unless they were in the room, and knew 101% of what God delivered you from- How would they know how much it took for you to reach God’s heart? Do not skip over “101%”, it was not an oversight. Do we fully understand the dangers seen and unseen that God spared us from! Deliverance can go far beyond our physical acts! What lies in those thoughts? Is unbelief on a microphone in our minds, but never uttered from our mouths? God continues to be an amazing Deliverer! One who will allow fire to encamp you but you not smell like smoke! Jesus!

Are you ready to take the hits for your RESOLVE? It is an amazing liberty that comes with resolving in your heart that for God I live and for God I die! There is also a place of reckoning. This place in God will often cause you to be misunderstood. It will many times have your motives questioned. It will reduce your invitations over time. It will stretch you; break you; mold you, and perfect you!

Woman, this RESOLVE is never ever on clearance; yet it is available for every Sister willing to pay the price! However, this cannot be purchased with your black card. This Invitation does not come with a VIP Section. Your pedigree nor connections will get you this invitation! It is the Most Sacred Invitation you will ever receive! This one is not mailed or wired. There will be no need to save it on your calendar, because it will be stamped on your heart upon acceptance! There will be no need to hunt for the right outfit for the next conference, because He adorns you in the perfect garments that will never dry rot or shrink!

There is a Greek Word for Resolve (bouleuo)- to consider, decide, take counsel, deliberate. Luke 14:31, so effectively expresses the weight of the definition, “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?” The deliberation and decision are intense, because when that visual comes- it is what you have resolved in your heart is what will help you stand! How much Word? How much History with God do you have to progress and not retreat?

Woman, way before you evolve, a RESOLVE is needed! If not, you will find yourself line dancing with the world on Saturday and attempting to raise up Holy hands on Sunday! I assure you, there is an acceptable worship for a Holy & Righteous God, just as there is one that does not bring Him Honor.

Woman RESOLVE beyond the noise, hype, and emotion! Your very Spiritual Life depends upon it! If an avalanche hit your life in the form of trials and tribulations, do you have enough RESOLVE in you to Stand; enough persistence to Go; and enough indebtedness to God to continue to Show up saying, “Yes Lord?”

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your Divine Design Journal what it has taken or will take for you to get to a resolve in God. What have you chosen to walk away from that at first, you did not see it as an issue, but as you pursued God more, you began to learn what truly honors and dishonors Him?

Pray:

***Write out a prayer concerning God giving and perfecting your resolve for Him and His Ways. Pray for your circle of influence and the impact that you will have on each other to further your Spiritual Growth.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

Divine Life Lessons from Hannah

Can you imagine being in the midst of a daily reminder of what you desire, but do not have? We do not serve a God who is oblivious to our suffering. He uses it to perfect us. He allows it to be a catalyst to stretch us and produce the Fruit of the Spirit. He shapes our desires to align with His Will.

Hannah found herself toiling with her current reality of not bearing a child, but she did not allow it to impede on her going to the temple. Evolving thoughts have people thinking that church attendance is not as paramount. I am here to debunk the thought of church not being relevant in the 21st Century! Church attendance in a Bible-based, God-fearing edifice is like the expectation of having someone go to a hospital for a triple bypass heart surgery! That procedure is not done at home. No one would expect you to remain in your nicely decorated room, no matter how plush it is to have that kind of surgery!

Hebrews 10:25 speaks of us not forsaking ourselves from the assembly of the brethren. There are so many topics in the Word of God that we have given a grey area mark that really should be in black and white. Why is the expectation not to do a life-threatening procedure from the home accepted, but living your life absent of the Church and the fellowship has met the approval of so many?

Is it about convenience or inconvenience? Is it a convenience to get up whenever you like on a Sunday and be able to head straight to brunch? After all, you work so many hours during the week! Hey, you deserve to do as you wish with your weekend. Right? Perhaps it is the inconvenience of it all. Having to find something to wear; driving to a location; finding a parking space; sitting through both Praise & Worship and your Pastor bringing a Message with an undisclosed ending time.

Decisions are never solo passengers. They are always accompanied by input as to why or why not. Does something fit in the scheme of what I have planned for my life or is it an inconvenience I am willing to work through? We like to make it about either/or. However, the more I live, I see this third option. I am also learning that everything is not about “I have to” in God, it moves to “I get to!”

Let’s allow the “Get to Crew” to speak…

•I get to honor Him with time, treasure, and talent.

•I get to sacrifice.

•I get to dress up for my King.

•I get to worship Him uninterrupted or absent of fear of being arrested for doing so.

•I get to be in a place that challenges me to come up higher.

Hannah’s life was such a beautiful access view of what it means to be broken; yet still consciously aware of her need for God. In the Secret Place, there is no pretentiousness or assumption. There is this humility that comes as you take in the weight of His Glory. Hannah did not just go to God complaining and accusing. Accusatory Prayers take the spotlight off of the One who is able!

One of the most fascinating occurrences for me is Hannah’s countenance upon leaving! 1 Samuel 1:18 says after she left from Eli, she ate and was sad no more! Never underestimate the Come in thru Sorrow and Go Out in God! Today’s Life Lesson from Hannah is…God Remembered, as I remembered who I stood before! When your ask aligns with His Plan and you are mature enough in Him to worship prior to manifestation, that carries another level of grace!

Divine Work & Pray:

Jot down in your journal lessons you get from Hannah’s Life from 1 Samuel 1.

Pray:

Father God, Thank you for the lives of our Sisters and Brothers lived out in the Bible. They were far beyond action figures, they are far greater. They are human beings who placed their faith in You. They believed You for what seemed impossible. You are truly a God who has our best interest at heart and there is no plan for my life like Yours. Thank you for ordering my steps. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

Play through Pain…Not just for the Team, but for the Godly Investment!

If you follow sports, you have heard many heralding stories of Athletes playing though pain. Many have conditioned themselves to play pass what their bodies are communicating. However, there is a Will that can override the objection of the body. Their decision to continue to play superseded the agony of their bodies not being at 100!

Let’s look at some Athletes who played through pain:

•1980 Los Angeles Rams, Jack Youngblood played in the Super Bowl XIV with a fractured leg.

•1985 San Francisco 49er, Ronnie Lott had an injury to his finger where a piece dislodged in the game. He had them wrap it up for him to play in the playoffs.

•2008 Tiger Woods won the US Open with a broken leg and torn ACL.

•2013 Liza Clemons was a Student Athlete at Purdue University. She played through a torn labrum and broken foot. Her pain did not end there. In the same year, she loss her fiancé to gun violence. During this time, it is reported that Clemons did not miss one practice, not from injury or grief.

You see, pain is not always relegated to the physical. There can be a heart pain that no doctor can touch and no medication can relieve. Oh, but there is a Balm in Gilead! The Lord has a way of reaching our heart and healing us to the point of total recovery. He will take our wounded heart and will us back to His Will.

Remembering the Investment God has made in our lives will keep us mindful of what we must do! Just as 2 Samuel 12:20 penned, “David got up from the ground, washed, anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped.” There are so many miracles connected to saying, “Yes Lord.” The strength to get up again. The ability to worship. The endurance to see what the end will be. The will to show up for life after pain and injury. The privilege of lifting our hands to a Holy God. He is a very present Help. No pain, whether it be physical or mental can surpass God’s ability to see about you.

It is impossible for us to bring anything to God that He cannot grow us through. I have always been inspired by the story of Joseph. His brothers stood both in fear and then amazement by his desire not to harm them, but to provide for them. There was no tit-for-tat in Joseph. He understood what God would turn around for his good by what was meant from their evil.

There are acts that we can do in Christ that goes beyond human comprehension. Our focus often becomes what happens to us, but the real spotlight is Who happened to us? Think about the exchange that we gave God- an unyielding, tainted, self-seeking, egotistical, complaining, unrighteousness, prideful, and unforgiving life only to get from Him- holiness, the blueprint to die to self, humility, sober-mindedness, and endowed with an ability to forgive and even pray for our enemies. And just when you thought that was enough to drive the point home- the View of Calvary- Jesus giving His Life that we may have life! Truly take that in! How much do we owe?

Playing through Pain because of the Godly Investment will keep us grateful and kingdom-minded. Our show up points people to God and sends a message of the ability of God to build and shape us for what our lot entails. It goes without saying, God gives reprieves, but make no mistake about it- this Walk is not what we retire out of- it is what we are redeemed into for all eternity. You may be playing through pain right now. It may be the most excruciating pain you have ever experienced, but look up for a moment. The latter shall be greater. Keep your eyes on God and watch Him make the final play!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your journal some of the life injuries you have experienced recently (physically, emotionally, & spiritually). Write in detail how God brought you through each.

Pray:

Oh Lord, how excellent is your Name in all the earth. When I look back over my life and see all that you have brought me through. Every trial and tribulation was meant for me to keep my eyes on you. There were things that were working for my good that I could not imagine. May my mind be affixed on your sustaining and keeping power. Great is your faithfulness towards me. In your Mighty Name, in Jesus Name. Amen.

“The Audacity to Believe”

Empowerment is an integral part of advancement, but it can also be met with opposition and resistance. It is a catalyst to coming off of the fence. It awaits a response and will either propel you or question why you are still in the same place. After all, you got a Word. Not just any Word, and not just from anyone. The Word of God tells us that He stands over His Word to perform it and it shall not return to Him void. He separated darkness from light and land from sea, simply by His Word!

What shall be impossible for the One who stands outside of time? What could interfere with His Word not coming to pass? There is nothing that He needs from us in order for what He speaks to come to fruition. That should be Shout #1. The fact that He spoke it! Shout #2 should be because He endows us with the ability to believe. As we hear His Word, our faith is set into motion to receive it and move accordingly.

It may be a natural inclination to want to know the ins and outs of how something will be done- from start to finish. However, the life of the Believer is not handicapped by that school of thought. Is it really faith if I have to see it all to believe it all? There is something sacred and endearing in seeing God manifest in our time what was already drawn up in Heaven. For God to allow you to experience what His Plan is in the earth realm.

Glory to God for the View He has given us in End Times! There are missile-like weapons being formed daily for you to abort; yet your faith is getting stronger simply through your believing what He said. The track record of God is impeccable and unchanging. There is no failure in Him. He is not taken aback by the days growing darker because He knows how the Story will end.

We must have a faith to not only match the times, but exceed it. Being more than a conqueror is not barely making it or being on fumes. It displays a triumphant and concurrent victor. You are not a one hit wonder. In God, you are supposed to have Winning Season(s). Let’s turn another corner on the weight behind that Season by highlighting the preceding Season!

The Off Season is a part of what makes a Winning Season. Discipleship does its best work when you are in obscurity; on the other side of that mountain. When your devotion and dying to self is the daily diet. The junk food of gossip, compromise, and unbelief do not even make it into your cart. Belief calls for a strict diet. It frowns upon cheat days. The Audacity to Believe is about seeing the greater reward in placing our Trust in God and leaning not to our own understanding.

The Audacity to Believe will bring a spotlight, but it is not for you to shy away from fulfillment. Rather, it is an opportunity to point people towards God. Bragging on Him and the Gift of Faith that He has given you through Christ Jesus. Your Faith Walk will not be understood by everyone. Your obedience is not meant to be by popular opinion. As the song says, “They were not there, the night that Jesus found you.” A Yes to God could cost you everything, but His response to your believing will cause you to have to define what it means for Heaven to give you EVERYTHING!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your journal what is hindering your believing what God said? Meditate on passages of scripture concerning faith.

Pray:

Great Jehovah, it is an honor and a privilege to be called your own. The benefits of serving you far outweigh anything that I had to walk away from. Your plans concerning my life exceed my expectations. You had victory in mind while I was in sin; living a defeated life. The exchange will never be fair, but I am so grateful that a Yes to You changed the trajectory of my life for all eternity! The Audacity to Believe you has permanently changed my address. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

“You mean to tell me…”

So, you mean to tell me that the Call on your Life does not call for you to press? To go beyond how you feel. Perseverance is not just for the strong. It is for the ones who put their whole weight on God! For those who still show up and do it with their knees shaking. Bishop Paul Morton sang a song that said, “Whatever you’re doing in this season, please don’t do it without me!” We should never be okay with God having to give what our hands were supposed to do to another because of our disobedience or disqualification!

Beloved, your dash means something. It is the “Why” of Him breathing life in you. There are people, places, and things connected to your fingerprint. The uniqueness of that print is for us to be participants in God getting Glory. You stand in the strength of the One who sent you!

You mean to tell me, because the marriage folded, the career tanked; the children got strung out on drugs- you are going to wave the white flag? Do you not remember when He changed the outcome on the last thing? Do you not recall when He healed you and made you whole from the last heartbreak? Surely, you remember Him being there when you felt all alone.

The faithfulness of God could never be on trial because He has never been guilty of not doing exactly what He said He would do! He is a very present help! He is Lord & Savior! The beginning and the end. He is your refuge and fortress forever! He is the Lifter of your head. The Keeper of your soul! He stands in sovereignty and splendor! His Name is Matchless! Go up Memory Lane on His Pedigree! He is altogether lovely and deserving of us turning the corner with our faith!

Wait! I think you’re getting it now! You did not need everything to be fair. You needed to know that whether abased or abound, it is Showtime- to be a billboard for Him in any state that you find yourself! Whether you find yourself on the Mountain high or Valley low, He is worthy to be praised! What if no one knew which one you were in because your praise never changed?

So, you mean to tell me that with tears streaming, you are going to get up and trust God? You are going to stay around and see Him give you beauty for ashes? You see, the waiting to see what the end will be has to be about already knowing that God has worked it out for your good! We will never beat His faithfulness and commitment. Therefore, the harder you go for God, the more He will show Himself.

I feel a corner turn…

You mean to tell me, that you will not allow anything to impede your place in God! That you will suit up with the whole armor and stay the course! Even your countenance will tell the story of how He has made you over! He has built you to take many lickings and continue ticking! There is nothing cheap about the Grace of God! May His Grace be planted in Good Soil and watch the fruit not only satisfy you, but all those whom you are to cross paths with in this season and beyond! Now go and tell it on the mountain!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your journal what your turnaround looks like. What measures are you putting in place to forge towards the mark?

Pray:

Father God, we are simply in awe of You. What you use to mature us and prepare us goes beyond our imagination. The evidence of how you turned it around for my good. The mercy moments and measures you took for my retesting that I may pass. You deserve the glory and honor. May my life be poured out and usable. Your majesty and splendor are on display even in a fallen world. May I be found in faith when you return. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

Joy comes in the morning …Can you see a brand new day in the midst?

Psalm 31, A thanksgiving for deliverance and lauded as a song at the Dedication of the Temple. Twelve verses with a profound emphasis on the exchange involving what we give God and in turn what He bestows upon us. In verse five, “For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may endure for a night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” -amplified.

I am convinced that often times as Believers, we are missing our Shout! There has to be a hope in us that is not ever quenched by the blows of life. The joy is not contingent upon daybreak. It does not need pristine conditions. It does not require situations and circumstances to align. Joy in the morning is a heart posture that is mindful that God continues to perfect us to stand and experience His fruit of the Spirit in and out of season. His equipping is more than than enough for this hour.

You see, there has to be an “I am persuaded” in you. When we belt Gospel songs, and declare the Word of the Lord, an appreciation and abundant life should come forth. We cannot afford to be mistaken for Believers who only want to tell of His goodness when He gives us what we prayed for. God is too good and faithful for us to have a transactional love for Him.

I think we need to cement the thoughts of how He found us. Ezekiel 16:6 says, “And when I passed by you and saw you struggling in your own blood, I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’ Yes, I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’ God has not just spoken life over us to accumulate things; rather He has breathed life in us to give Him Glory and provoke others to serve Him by the way that we live for Him.

Let us dissect “in the midst” for a moment. There are times we try to wear our battle scars like they have a greater story than us being able to maintain our joy! Here God comes in the worst season of our lives, healing us and setting us free and somehow, what still has our attention are the people, places, and things that actually drove us to the Cross!

You see, dear friend, your healing is not on the shoulders of those whom love you. It falls squarely on you to maintain your patience, joy, love, temperance, kindness, goodness, gentleness, peace, and faithfulness. “In the midst” is our instructions to not wait until the battle is over, but shout now! When has God ever failed in keeping you? When has He ever decided not to endow you with all you need to be triumphant? It is not in His character to allow testing without Him creating impeccable Life Lessons to prepare us for what is to come.

He remains a Good, Good Father. A Father you can put your whole weight on. One who will not fail you. His nature is without blemish. The way He sustains and keeps us should really be highlighted more. God owes us nothing; yet He provides daily bread! Let me end this blog with a final brag on God! Psalm 31 ends with these two verses, 11 & 12…”You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” Amen & Amen!

They’re asking about Fans, I am wondering, Where’s your JOY at? Assume the position and give Him what is due!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your Divine Design journal moments and times you are grateful for. Pen ways in which you can demonstrate that your joy is still intact, even through the most challenging times.

Pray:

Father God, you really are our Miracle. You are our everyday reminder just how much you did to reach us and how much you have carried us through. You are our hiding place. You are our refuge. It is in you that we are able to continue to meet the dawning of a new day with hope and promise. Thank you for maturing us in you! You are a very present help and all that we are in need of, You have been. Great is your faithfulness. I vow to praise you in good and bad times, because you deserve a continual praise! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

Aesthetically Christian- Over Transformationally Christian

There is an old saying, “They look the part.” They have what appears to be all the trimmings of what they say they are. The bow tie is just right. The dress length is modest. Their hand raises are synchronized with the Message. They can finish the Pastor’s sentences before he even be completes his point.

We are in an era where being aesthetically pleasing with no true transformation is accepted. Leaders are not forced to bear fruit worthy of the Calling. Therefore, the congregation also gives itself a license to look the part without truly being the part. It does not grieve many for the buzz word of the day to be “Christian Nationalist “ all while the true Image of Christ is being misrepresented.

Aesthetically pleasing Christianity has people tying God to politics when His throne has never chosen a side, because it is His Nature to remain Sovereign. The misrepresentation has even had self-professed Believers split in what God has approved and what He will allow.

Aesthetically pleasing works in the natural, but it will never be the look that gets the heart of God! God desires a broken heart with a contrite Spirit. He looks for a visual in us that mirrors Him. The type of transformation that changes our Spiritual DNA. For we were decaying without Him. Before the Mind of Christ, our mind was metastasizing with the cares of the World System. Our Success and Happiness was measured by the Views of a Temporary Barometer.

No fear or loss of hope; the Shout is loading! Picture this as the opening to the Shout…The Transformational Christian Title will deplete YOU! It will be the New Creature status to take YOU from dependency on YOU and YOUR efforts to Total Dependency on God. Indeed, it is a process. However, it is worth remaining on the Potter’s Wheel for the Ultimate Makeover! You see, you may come out with scars, but they will be a beautiful reminder of what God brought you through! He did not leave you in that place to look the part- He spoke His Word for you to become the part!

We live in what is possible because of Christ! We move and have our being because of Christ. Are you at the place where you are ready for to be vulnerable? The place where the mask is removed. The destination spot where you meet God with all of your baggage from looking the part to exchange it for His Sonship! He will give you beauty for ashes. What broke you helped to build the foundation for a transformation that had eternity stamped on it!

Life & Death will be presented to you- choose wisely. The Aesthetics of death far surpass what we see in the Now! Your intended portion is to be transformed and that will forever be worth the wait!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your journal characteristics related to being both Aesthetically Christian & Transformationally Christian.

Pray:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your thoughts towards us. While we were yet Sinners, You sent your Son. Forgive us for moments of thinking it was harder to walk out holiness, than it was to remain in our transgressions. Out transformation is something that should keep us at your feet and in constant pursuit of You! You have blessed us with New Life and you are deserving of us living that Life to Your Glory! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

What Indiana Pacers Taught Us!

The Indiana Pacers in Game 7 lost their fearless leader, Tyrese Haliburton in the 1st quarter due to an Achilles injury. Both the team and Haliburton knew the danger related to him playing due to prior injuries, but his will to be there for his team outweighed the decision to truly assess his injury and ability to play. Most players would have made the same decision honestly speaking. With it all on the line and it being the final game to determine the NBA champions, many would have echoed his decision.

In the midst of that injury, I saw one of the most remarkable visuals that would end up with a decision that was truly in the best interest of the team. His team gathered around and covered him as he agonized with not just the injury, but also not being able to contribute to his team’s efforts to win. As Haliburton had to be accompanied by two players to take him to the locker room, it was determined that he would not return to the game!

Let’s take the visual to Heaven’s Heights! There are times that we continue to have soldiers who are bleeding over everyone and yet we allow them to stay at that post instead of excusing them and letting them receive the necessary attention for them to heal and be made whole. Some are allowed to stay in positions for years where they have done more detriment than good.

Indiana did not allow Halliburton’s position to outweigh what was in the best interest of the team. The threat of more harm being done is what often times allow teams to come to a resolve that speaks to being concerned more so with the athlete’s overall well being.

As Believers in Christ, we can truly learn a lot by what Indiana displayed. The covering showed a united front and ability to see how game altering that moment was for the Pacers. Not only were they met with their leader going down, but also the necessary adjustments that would have to be made in real time. Although they loss the game, there was no doubt that understood next man up!

It is so crucial for Believers to move in a cadence that speaks to oneness and single devotion to the Lord. As a well-trained Army. They move in unison even without having to look at one another. They have spent enough time together and perfecting what concerns them. They become one sound and united for one cause. How much more does that apply to the Army of the Lord?

Love is not about enablement. It is about truth from the inward parts. We love 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 for reasons akin to the sustaining power behind love. It speaks of what Love is able to endure. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” Place a highlighter and cement in your heart…It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. God’s love is a mature love and is more mindful of our maturation and wellness than our gifting and talents.

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your Divine Design Journal the blessings in sitting down when injured and what that decision ultimately does for your sisters and brothers.

Pray:

Father God, when we think of all that you have done in our lives, it makes us want to serve for You. However, because you are a Good Father, you prefer us to take the stance of Mary over Martha. Sitting down to learn of the One we wait in anticipation to serve. You are a Sovereign God and you know what is needed to be shaped and molded in us. Continue to create in us a clean heart and renew a right Spirit. Our desire is to be fully whole and complete in you, so that when we do go into battle along side our sisters and brothers, we will not impede or impair the efforts of the team. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

I know you have Goals, but your Standard is the Gold!

If not mindful, getting to the Top can be met with so many compromises! The envelope push can feel like it is justified, because you are confronted with so much adversity in obtaining your goals. There will be solicited and unsolicited advice. You must learn how to respect The Game enough to know that you do not know everything, all while remaining untainted from everything that is not intended to bring about God’s expected end.

Habakkuk 2:2 says, “Write the vision and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it.” It is one of the most misinterpreted passages of scripture! Habakkuk was being instructed to write down what God said. Goal Setting most certainly has its place, but our plans must be written upon our hearts, absent of a permanent marker. God has a way of removing, adding, dividing, and totally revamping what we thought our lot would be and how He desires for it to be fulfilled.

“Yes Lord” could cause you to leave your bucket… the women at the well

“Yes Lord” could cause you to go before the king without being summons, for the preservation of your people…Esther (Hadassah)

“Yes Lord” could keep you on a cross you had the ability to take yourself off of… Jesus Christ

Our personal “Yes Lord” has to leave room for Him to touch our goals and place a Standard that has the backing and attention of Heaven. People love what the Crockpot produces, but despise the time needed to create it. We shun the discussion related to years in the making and are smitten by the thought of being an overnight success! The foundation of a thing should have our attention in and through the various stages of the goals coming to fruition.

The Standard should never be seen as overrated or negotiable. We pick and choose where the Standard should take residence. We want a Standard concerning the food that we consume to the regulations for an aircraft to fly. So, the want for Standards did not evolve, it is what we connect its importance to, when it really boils down to it!

We will continue to strike gold when the Standard is respected and adhered to! God has a way of perfecting what concerns us when we carry out His Will. God not only empowers us to carry out His Standard, but He also places a resolve in us to want to take the road less traveled to hit those goals!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your Divine Design Journal some goals that you are working on and next to each one, write out the Standard that you will use to remain uncompromising.

Pray:

Father God, I present my goals to you. I desire your blessing over what my hands produce. May the posture of my heart be in tune with You pointing out any and everything that would try to get me to abort Your Standard simply to acquire Success. My prospering is in glorifying Your Name and recognizing that Your Standard is what I long for. My goals being met will not be my greatest accomplishment; rather it is to do the Will of the One who sent me and to live by Your Standard!

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

“Who all over there?” The question asked and answered with Heaven in mind.

There is a humorous inside joke to this question, but for the purpose of this blog, we are going to bring some serious dialogue to the question.  “Who all over there?” Is an idiom used to get intel about the current guests to make a determination as to whether or not the person inquiring should still come.  It speaks volumes to the intentionality and deliberate nature in the one asking the question to determine if they are going to subject themselves to being in an environment with people who may or may not share their sentiments or interests.  

1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Bad company corrupts good character.”  Despite the Bible explicitly sharing that the interactions that one has can be unfruitful and grossly lead to compromise in one’s life.  We have the propensity to want to see the best in those whom we desire to remain in contact with. However, their unwillingness to not come out of the world, should be our measure to determine if we can continue to walk together. After all, “How can two walk together unless they agree?”  “Who all over there?

Recently, the world hosted an awards show and had a category for the “Best Gospel Song of the Year.” It was a collaboration with Kirk Franklin, known in the Gospel Industry, and a Rapper, named GloRilla. We saw this type of collab before with Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Nikki Minaj. We see people hand over the mic for a duo to touch what should be sacred and life-changing.  We are inviting those in, not to teach them about Christ and His Ways; rather, we tell them to bring their gifts and remain in their Old Creation nature. The Message is conveyed that there is no need to live out the life you sing or rap about in this song. “Who all over there?”

This indeed is a questionable love! It is a love that can see someone walk into a music studio; unconsecrated to create a song to present to Saints in Christ, who have walked away from the very lifestyle those Artists represent.  Do contracts with these individuals that amass financial gain and notoriety, while these individuals are spiritually bankrupt.  “Who has bewitched you?”  It is not a light decision to desire to do anything that is connected to the Name of God.  “Who all over there?”

These people are so far removed from the Cost to Walk with Christ that they can put out a “Gospel song” and in the same year, go back to business as usual with their original lyrical content.  And it seems like their albums are twice the level of vulgarity and expression.  We even allow repeat DUI offenders to belt out songs in the church; who run regular social media lives calling out the various Gospel Singers who have tried to correct and openly using profane language and down-playing the effects her choices has on the Body of Christ.  “Who all over there?”

It is impossible for the world to define and represent the Gospel.  The onus is not on the world or Award Shows that represent the world to portray Gospel Music correctly.  No other music transforms, corrects, and draws to Christ like Gospel Music.  When they yoke with these individuals, People who did not follow the Artists have now been given access to them because of Gospel Singers and Producers who did not love them enough to tell them to come out the world first before going into the booth.  

During the recent Award Show, quite a few received Icon Awards, and it was the accepted mixture that we witnessed. They thank their god and then go back to using profanity and feeding their lower nature.  Franklin drove home a Message about not being perfect and what people have seen concerning his life. A room full of darkness needed someone who truly understood, “Who was all over there!” A moment desperately needing a transformative encounter with the Lord, was met by several who basically said, “You can have both- God and the World!” Those who have had to walk away; obey God beyond what their flesh desired; and embraced becoming a New Creature, know all too well…The only way to have both is to change the capital to lower case! You can absolutely have “god and the World!”  

“Who all over there?”  When one is on assignment for real and you are not looking for photo ops and celebrity sighting moments- you know that if God allows your paths to cross, it has Heaven and eternity in mind! Time is drawing nearer and we cannot afford to walk in unaware of who truly crept in! The Enemy has never come in to collab- it has and will always be about infiltrating to take over! “Choose this day who you will serve.”

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:  

Jot down in your journal passages of scripture where God highlights occurrences of those who did not handle His Glory appropriately.  What were His sentiments concerning the profane?

Pray:  

Father God, may the fear return to your people concerning You. You are a consuming fire. You are a God who demands and deserves total surrender.  Accepting your endowment of grace has allowed us to boldly walk away from the world. The stronghold that was once there, can no longer hold me into bondage to my fleshly desires. I shall be who you have called me to be; I shall confidently do what you have called me to do; and I shall remain mindful of the harvest that is plenteous.  Let me be a laborer who has a burden to win the Lost.  May a life poured out be a most precious account of the provision you made to Save me.  A great cost was made by your only begotten Son! May I not be guilty of trampling on grace. An undeserved gift; yet the most profound opening of the Gift of Salvation transformed me and gave me new life! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment! 🖊️

If the Path is Narrow…Do your Pathway Partners keep you on the Straight & Narrow?

There was a very popular song back in the day that said, “Friends, how many of us have them?” We can make having friends the equivalent of what Facebook calls them, when a true friend is far beyond liking pictures and posts. How quickly are we to place people in categories whereby the essence of the connection has not truly been tried and tested?

The beauty of solid friendships are rich in sacrifice, encouragement, & edification. It is this woven encounter of experiences that allow the two to grow and impact one another. The connect can range from childhood friends to co-workers to church family. They can be enlightening and light-hearted in nature.

Let us examine a type of connection between individuals who keep eternity in mind. A Pathway Partner has such a profound impact on one’s life. They do not sign off on everything. They allow the discernment of God to guide them in their agreement or rejection of a thing. It is a highly respected role. This individual is entrusted with a part of you remaining on the narrow path.

Do we give people the license to check us when we go left? Can someone who has shown their allegiance tell you that you are wrong? Is their position as a Pathway Partner questioned when they do not agree with everything that you want to do? Can they remind you of the promises that you made to God?

A Pathway Partner is truly a blessing from God! I cannot express it enough what their trench work produces. There is not only the commitment to seeing you accomplish what God intended through you, but they also have an enthusiasm to encourage through the journey.

Have you earnestly prayed for a Pathway Partner? Have you ever sat with that individual to review the plan of God concerning one another’s lives? Accountability is also a gift. We have to start to look at the opportunities God gives us to remain faithful!

The narrow path is less-traveled. It will decrease your circle, but it is solid. There is a comfort in knowing you are connecting with those who also have a desire to live according to the Standard of God. It is about the growth that is developed on that narrow path! Here’s to the amazing role of those who assist in getting you to the finish line!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work: Jot down in your Divine Design Journal your thoughts concerning what the characteristics of a Pathway Partner are and what you see in the ones whom you have connected with display.

Pray: Say a prayer concerning God connecting you with those who will help you remain on the narrow path.

“Can God Rearrange Your Guest List?”

Planning an affair has its own built in stressors. However, there is a Must Do that can either leave one excited for the opportunity to invite those whom will share in the celebration or overwhelm as the Guest List is created. Let’s say it is the former. There is this exhilaration for thinking of each individual who you penned. In your mind, you have already scanned the room and you see the people who walked with you through many stages of your life.

The invitations to your life go out and the Guest List you wrote in permanent marker now becomes an erasable marker. Your image of the room is not the same. What happened to the ones who you laughed, cried, and built with- what was so vivid is now faint?

We have a propensity to sometimes kick and drag to get the people we think are supposed to be present there. We simply cannot imagine people who were with us for monumental milestones not being there for the next!

As the title says, “Can God Rearrange Your Guest List?” Can God begin to remove the name cards from the tables of our hearts that we assumed would be there? Can He start checking Regret instead of RSVP on the invitation? Does He have authority to revise the entire Guest List and take it from 100 to 10?

There are so many sober moments to a “Yes Lord!” You can think it means so many other things! We can look at His Will from the vantage point, as a sea of blue, and all the while concerning what He is doing in your life is from the location of an array of green on land. That visual is meant to drive home on the point of how desperately we need to know Him and hear His Voice concerning a matter.

If He did it for years for you on the seas and then He moves the assignment to the land- Will our heart and soul still say yes? There were people on the Guest List that moved with great efficiency and wisdom concerning the great blue seas, but when God begins to bring you onto land- for some on the Guest List, they became a fish out of water. Despite that glaring reality, we still desperately try to keep them on the Guest List!

I think about the roles and responsibilities of those in the military. The training that is conducted is significantly connected to the elements they will be subjected to for the task at hand. I have a relative who is a Commanding Officer in the Navy, and one of the requirements for him to be enlisted was a swimming drill. What would have left many off of the Guest List for being a Naval Officer was the fact that he could not swim! However, because he understood what was needed for sea, he jumped in the water. What could have been a demising act became one of his greatest triumphs, that even allowed him to make history with the ranking he ended with in the Navy!

As you peruse the Guest List, are there individuals who are making the necessary arrangements for an appearance? How important is it for them to be aware of the expectations that God has on your life? Matthew 22 speaks of the parable of the Wedding Banquet. A man who was permitted to come; yet his attire did not take into account what he was invited to divinely participate in! The Guest List is not to be assumed indefinitely. There may be seasons where God allows the Guest List to have major revisions and there may even be some permanent removals. Nevertheless, Thank Him for ordering your steps and for the time He allowed your paths to cross.

When was the last time we even prayed, “Father God, the people to the left and right of me, are they a part of what You are doing in this Season concerning my life? If they are not, do not allow me to permanently pen in who you have removed from the Guest List!”

Divine Work & Pray:

WORK:

Jot down in your Divine Design Journal your feelings concerning God changing the Guest List of your life. Have you written in permanent marker people who Heaven has removed their names from this Season in your life or even permanently?

PRAY:

Father God, Thank you for your provision and patience. I am not always responding in a way that gives you glory in moments of not understanding Your Will. Nevertheless, my prayer is for it to be fulfilled. You have never failed nor forsaken me. And that calls for a proper response to your revisions and rearranging. May the Guest List of my life be filled with those who understand the hour and recognize that we have been enlisted into your Army, for such a time as this! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

“Pull us through, God!”

The making of this 67th Blog came through surprise, astonishment, trepidation, questions, and many tears! The kind of tears that start off silent and roll down your face in a unsynchronized manner. They then turn to the avalanche of tears that go to you being unable to be heard because your speech is being overtaken by weeping! If you have been riding with the Divine Design Blog, you already know, I love you too much to leave you there, because God has never ever left me there!

Overall, I am a private person concerning certain things. In a season of writing, the Lord also expressed that I would be sharing more and He was going to get to why I was private. His uprooting has been met with both growth pains and understanding. My Method of Operation has always been to make sure I was in a position to be there for others and not need it to be regularly reciprocated, because I was going to be alright.

I will never ever forget in 2009 when I was hospitalized for a blood clot, and the nurse said I was being admitted because they found a Deep Vein Thrombosis in my leg, the news of the long words was not what got me, it was her saying I would have to be hospitalized! I looked over to my Mom and said as I cried, “I don’t go to the hospital, I go to see people in the hospital!” Between the pride and disbelief came a huge sobering moment that turned to a great place of reflection! You see, I was not in right standings with God during that time! I was heavily into a worldly relationship and was not honoring God with my body! And here God goes, PULLING ME THROUGH!

There were people before me who were diagnosed with blood clots and were not discharged from the hospital! Even being home, God showed me how much mercy He had given me! My home health Nurse would have to take my specimens to the lab immediately after coming to my home because my blood was clotting so quickly! And here God goes, PULLING ME THROUGH!

Fast forwarding the story to the most recent of the Lord once again pulling me through! My loved one had to have a surgery that unbeknownst to me was a lot more serious than what was conveyed! I walked in to news that shook my core, but did not dissolve my knowledge base of who God is and continues to be in my life!

I remember going to the car, after giving my mom a hug and kiss, and the Anesthesiologist saying I would have to leave as they prepared to take her to surgery! I went to the car, because we had such an early start. I turned on the satellite station in the car to Gospel of course; reclined the chair and dozed off. Only to be awakened by the song, “Pull Us Through.” It was beyond interesting because the radio had been playing, but I vividly remember being brought out of my sleep by the words, “Somebody’s crying Lord, wipe the tears from their eyes. If we ever needed you before…God, we need you right now…PULL US THROUGH!” It literally caused me to sit up, because it was such an amplified sound with the words! What was this song saying to my Spirit? I will later share the totality of the Gift of the phrase, PULL US THOUGH, LORD!

My Mom successfully made it through the surgery! I Praise God with my whole heart concerning the outcome! However, I do not bring you this statement, “Pull us through, Lord” from that vantage point! As I sat outside because I could no longer bear being in the Waiting Room hearing them call families that came in with us at 5:30 AM being called to see their loved ones and hearing Code Blues on the intercom, with tears streaming and thoughts forming, I had to go sit outside of the hospital! Literally, watching families get in their cars and leave, who had also had surgery! I began to dwell on words spoken over my life; scriptures that helped to suture up the gaping holes that were forming in my heart, and becoming a Gospel Disc Jockey curbside at Cleveland Hospital! With tears streaming, I still knew God had been present and He had not left me without ammo, as mind weapons were forming!

You see, PULL US THROUGH, LORD works for all occasions! If the hospital had called me in to tell me that my loved one did not make it, God would not have left me in a state not to be able to be pulled through tragedy, setbacks, &/or disappointments! He is still on the Throne and still doing a complete work! God pulling us through has to be bigger than any news we can ever get because it is what keeps Him on the Throne and having authority over our lives!

The running joke is how much of a cry baby that I am! No lies detected, but those tears will not hinder me from ultimately placing my eyes on Him! When I loss my dad, being a daddy’s girl, and when I loss my grandma, ‘shonuf’ being a grandma girlie, there was a Vow that I made to God, because in both those moments, as my heart was shattering into millions of pieces; He did not allow it to bleed out! And for that alone…I owe Him!

Whatever is before you, Divine Design Blog Family, cement it in your heart that He will Pull you through! He will eventually wipe the tears from your eyes! There is a worship that comes out of you that is produced not by everything you praying being the outcome, but by keeping a Sovereign God in His rightful place in your heart! He will even send people to lock arms with you in prayer, so that when it is all said and done…Your hands will be extended because He pulled you through it all! Jesus!!!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your Divine Design Journal what God has already pulled you through. The Enemy wants you to forget all the Acts of God keeping you!

Pray:

Father God, there are so many glorious moments with you. Not just when prayers are answered in the way that we want, but also when we see you lovingly hold us through the revealing of your Will. Life has so many ebbs and flows, but your consistency in our lives is unparalleled! The essence of your care is magnified by how you make us well and whole. You are our Burden Bearer, Heavy Load Sharer, and Secret Place. We will put our hearts in remembrance of your faithfulness! Forever grateful for how You pull us through! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

Fire & Brimstone Messages: Warnings Abhorred by some in the Church but Appreciated Everywhere Else—From Planes to Amusement Rides to Surgery.

Let’s take a look at the urgency expressed through the Word of God concerning the phrase, “fire and brimstone.” Here are just a few scriptures referencing the hot phrase. It was the burning of sulfur that emitted a very offensive odor. These passages of scripture reference the wrath and judgement of God concerning sin and how sin smells to His nostrils. The Bible is His Love Letter to prevent us from being eternally separated from Him! It would seem like there would be a great appreciation for the Warning, since it speaks to being given another chance.

Genesis 19:24 (KJV)
“Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven.”

Psalm 11:6 (KJV)
“Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.”

Revelation 21:8 (KJV)
“...the fearful, and unbelieving... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

From the Early Church with leaders like Tertullian and Augustine, to the Reformation Era with Martin Luther to what was termed as the “Great Awakening” during the 1700’s with Jonathan Edwards, men have been used to warn the Church of divine judgment and eternal punishment. Edwards preached a sermon entitled, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Where he said, "The bow of God’s wrath is bent... and justice bends the arrow at your heart." There was such a conviction in the hearts of these men to warn the Believers in Christ about the ensuing end of sin!

Then here comes the Modern Era (late 20th–21st centuries) shifting towards grace, love, and therapeutic messages, and avoiding judgment sermons. What was it about a Message that made us mindful of eternity, now becoming an abhorrent one? What has made many go to church conferences to see Motivational Speakers over those who rightly divide Word of Truth; exegete scripture; and prepare pilgrims for their permanent residence?

People are leaving church with a Pep Rally experience over a Soldier enlisting into the Army of the Lord encounter! The danger associated with our Walk is just as important as the Blessings we love to receive and talk about! The Cost of the Yes is important so that we will not stand before Him hearing the Ultimate “No!” Hearing God say “Depart from me for I never knew you” Goes far greater in its weight than anything anyone can attribute to a “fire and brimstone” Message!

Where are Warnings embraced? Glad you asked. Aircraft Staff have never pulled back their messages on the fact that in case of the aircraft going down, what the necessary steps are to try to maintain life after crashing. It does not matter if a person flies 365 days a year, that message will come across the intercom! No one questions it. Whether you tune out the message or not, It still goes forward! So, why are Pastors changing their Messages and omitting the needed reality of the judgment sin brings to our lives?

Let’s look at the Amusement Park. Even with a ride full of laughter and thrill, signs are posted and warnings are shared to convey the behavior needed to truly enjoy the ride. God’s Warnings convey what is required to thoroughly enjoy our New Life in Him! It speaks to boundaries that keep us from harm and danger. The decisions that could impede us from experiencing great joy on the journey! So, why are Pastors changing their Messages and omitting the needed reality of the judgment sin brings to our lives?

And lastly, going through the surgery process. The emphasis is not placed on how the hearer will take the information. It is more about the hearer being aware of what they are about to embark upon. Some doctor’s bedside manner may be more palatable than others, but they will all ultimately share the same Warning. Doctors realize that what you do not know, could actually kill you. Therefore, they do not choose to take on the liability of withholding life-threatening information from a patient.So, I ask for the final time…Why are Pastors changing their Messages and omitting the needed reality of the judgment sin brings to our lives?

If your palate over time has changed from hearing the Word in its entirety, it is essential to go back to loving the Basics. I leave you with this…
Matthew 24:44-51

“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your journal your thoughts when you hear “Fire & Brimstone?” Do you automatically associate it to a harsh and negative message.

Pray:

Father God, your love for Man is truly beyond comprehension. The provision you have made to bring us back to you through your Son, Jesus Christ is beyond what we will ever really understand. May the Truth of all of your Word continue to lead us to obey and worship you in the very Truth that has Saved us! Oh God, may the urgency of your coming be at the forefront of our minds. May I be ready when you return, Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

If Church is not what it used to be, What are you doing to make it what it used to be?

Church is and will always be that place! It is that place where many of us heard a Message that changed our trajectory forever. It is that place where we often times feel most safe. It is that place where we signed up for our toes to be crushed; yet still grateful for the chastening because that represents His love for us.

Church has become underrated and ridiculed over the years for a number of reasons. How ironic, it is still the place that we expect to answer when a loved one transitions or we want to have our nuptials. It is the place that is often neglected; yet is expected to be open for our needs. Go figure, for the very place that the Believers in Acts pooled their resources together to make sure the Church remained that beacon of light; we either no longer attend or are cavalier about its care.

A popular argument is the egregious mishandling that we see in the churches today and why once upon a time Believers have chosen to take their praise elsewhere, often times their homes have become a decision for many. I get the argument, but I cannot co-sign it. Not only by personal experience of the role the Church has played in my life, but also by the importance that the Word of God places on the essence of the Church, to the Believer. Its potency should not be overcast to the point of extinction for the Believer, at no time!

I pay homage to my beloved grandmother with this blog topic. I remember as a young adult, she did not care what my Saturday plans were- do not have her late for church! I chuckle because even in high school, she had me sitting with her and the Mothers of the church. It makes me mindful and grateful all at the same time. Church meant something to them. They made sure the doors of the Church remained open!

There was an honor and reverence for God. From being there before Service started to not allowing everything to be done in the church. Even at a young age, the children were reared to have an understanding of what they could and could not do in the church. Anyone could correct a child and it was not frowned upon.

We grimace about the church not being what it used to be, but what are we doing to maintain the honor and reverence? What are we doing to make sure we are coming as participators instead of spectators? What role do we play in not only acknowledging the old landmarks, but maintaining their upkeep? I am speaking beyond a building, but a place and space that represents as the song says, “When the saints get on one accord and begin to bless the Lord, then the King who is strong and mighty, Oh, the King who is mighty in battle yeah, the King of glory shall come in.”

His Glory is still in need of our pursuit. The thought of Him “coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle” should be a shout for us! That means that Church will remain present and functioning at the level that He intended! God will forever have a remnant. We will get a chance to see how He cares for His Bride, the Church, on earth! And that precious gift deserves a response of gratitude and fight to make sure the Church is represented righteously.

I challenge you, Divine Design Reader to assess what role you are playing to make sure the Church remains a vital staple in your community. What acts have you put in place that twins with the Book of Acts concerning the Church? The pandemic showed a sober truth as to whether we saw the needs of the church as priority or the lowest on the totem pole of stewardship and care.

It is truly a blessing to know that our koinonia experience is brought to us through the Church. Making the decision to go on, is often made in that seat that is provided by the Church. Breaking and molding us is in a location that is afforded by the Church. It will forever be worth us fighting for and representing. May we be found yelling from the raptors…”For I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the House of the Lord.”

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your Divine Design Journal the blessings that the Church has been in your life. If you have not been a part of a local church or experienced a traumatic event in a church that has drove you away, write out a prayer concerning God leading you to a truth-centered Church.

Pray:

Father God, Thank you for the provision you have made here for Believers to commune and fellowship. It is something so beautiful and divine when the Saints get together. Thank you for the opportunities you have provided for us to not only be poured into, but also to pour into our Sisters and Brothers. May the Church you are returning for remain affixed on what you have said is possible. May we see the great need for a local ecclesia. There is so much given there. May we show our gratitude to You by making sure what it used to be not only remains, but is significantly expressive of who you are! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

How Many Will the Draft of Heaven Draw?

Recently, millions tuned in to see the 2025 NFL Draft. The 2nd largest since the 2020 Draft, which was virtual due to the pandemic. A viewership of 7.5 Million watched the three day coverage. Young men from all over the nation put in the work for years to be chosen. Even their childhood showed discipline. Some were in organized sports since primary school.

Many of these players have experienced brokenness, from physical injury to mental defeat. However, that did not end their pursuit. As a matter of fact, for many, it became a fuel to keep their passion in Go! The trials have become a part of their story to tell of their resilience and commitment to never give up. It makes for good footage for their reels and documentaries,

On this level of their pursuit to be drafted, obstacles are automatically seen as building blocks to conquer; rather than stumbling blocks to abort. For many of these players, it has never been about dream deferred, it has been about dream attained by any means necessary.

The discipline of a student athlete is so telling of the Will to accomplish one’s heart’s desire. From classroom to field to family to balancing it all. It is very rarely seen as unfair, nor do players spend much time complaining about the level of pressure on them to perform at a high level in multiple areas. It all simply becomes part of for the course and a required means to an end.

Check in time as we prepare for an altitude change. What does the Draft of Heaven look like? How many will tune in to see young men give their lives to Christ at a young age. Run daily through infested streets of sin just to be able to reach the church to learn more about the One who gave them eternal life?

What would their feels look like, who have decided to put it all out there in being an Ambassador for Christ? How would their boldness for the Lord be interpreted? Would it inspire the viewership or would they say it does not take all that- keep it to yourself?

A Draft from Heaven is a most interesting phenomenon! It too creates Victors. Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” However, these Victorious Vessels ultimately shine to bring God Glory.

The Talent and Gifting is so spiritually charged people are drawn to the conclusion that you must have been with Him. Testify for the people Brother Stephen. His commitment and dedication allowed him to experience a life that spoke to him having resolve in God that even in a horrific death- triumph still spoke louder. Stephen’s performance at his Final Combine was so massive, that he was even able to ask for mercy concerning those who questioned who he was and his ability!

I ask again, How many will tune in to View Heaven’s Draft? Will it keep you up all night? Will your cheer be loud? Will it send you into prayer mode for those who are coming into the Big League? Will you start clearing your Sundays or will it be the regularly scheduled program?

A Draft from Heaven should be the one we are all preparing for! It is worth every scratch, burn, & brokenness that we have ever faced. To have our name called will be like no previous euphoric moment! For this Draft is Eternal. He is not looking to trade or replace you! Whosoever will can be on this team! This Draft is not just in April. The Invitation has already been sent out. Keep putting your hand to the plow and do not look back. Oh, to hear your name being called! It does not get more epic than that!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your journal your preparation in hearing your name called for Heaven’s Draft.

Prayer:

Father God to be and stay on your team is my heart’s desire. From infancy in you to maturing in you, I Thank You that you promised to never leave me. Thank you for placing a resolve to finish strong in you. Thank you for the brethren who I get a chance to suit up with, as we navigate through life. Keep me with a sense of urgency and empathy. May the light that illuminates within forever point onlookers to you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

AI may duplicate many things, but things Eternal will not be duplicated.

Artificial Intelligence absolutely has its place and much advanced progress may arise from A.I., from educational and technological advancements to automation and innovation. There will be massive strides in medicine. Cures will be found and the list goes on and on.

I remember the pandemonium around going from 1999 to 2000. It was a time of uncertainty for many. Would the world end? Would we have a world-wide web crash? We spend so much time anticipating the worst instead of preparing to show our work. “What work”, you may ask? It is the work that shows that we heard God and trust Him. It is the work that conveys we were paying attention to His instructions. It is the work that shows our intentions were to pass the test.

There will always be moments of advancement that are met with deplorable practices that cause many to frown on technology. Incidents like identity theft and plagiarism reverberate in the debates concerning A.I. People worry about the mark A.I. will have on society.

Anything can be abused or misused. It is the Beholder who determines its use. The mind of Man has been able to create and discover many things that have been an asset to society.

One thing that will never be duplicated by A.I. are the immeasurable blessings we get from saying, “Yes Lord.” We do not spend enough time talking about the advancement that changes our Spiritual DNA forever! We are able to go from hate to love; out of control to temperance; harlots to holy. There is a lot that can be said about a God who changes you on a spiritual level, so much so that it is like Him giving Believers His fingerprint- only one of one.

People are often times spellbound by technology and new inventions, but not as much concerning what is given to us that can never be taken away. Mary sat for the needful thing and that decision will far exceeded the ability of A.I. There is an eternal furtherance of our soul by what the Almighty I Am that I am has done in our lives!

The advancement of A.I. comes with a degree of error; yet we serve a God who is infallible. Have we truly embraced what comes with being a fruit bearer? Being given the Fruit of the Spirit when we were once spoil rotten, is a massive reminder of being more amazed by God than what this world offers.

Go in the confidence of knowing that the Anointing of God is not cheap; nor can it be duplicated. Your being set apart and consecrated cost blood shed of the Savior, and no engineering team will be able to remanufacture what was not made by human hands.

Keep the conversation growing. When you hear about the latest A.I. discovery, make sure you share or show through your poured out life- the Greatest Creator known to Man! There is no counterfeit in Him. The Life that God affords us through Christ Jesus both embraces the Unchanging of His Ways & the Newness of His Advancement by Making Us Over in Him!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your Divine Design Journal advancements that have happened in your life since you gave your life to Christ.

Pray:

Jot down a prayer to the Lord concerning His advancement in your life. What are you grateful for concerning Him making you over?

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

The Woman at the Well: From Outcast to Evangelist

There is something so captivating by how Love [Jesus] waited at Jacob’s Well for a Woman who Society did not think was Worth the Wait! The Life of an Outcast is riddled with isolation. It is an opportunity for the Enemy to bombard one’s thoughts with accusations and shame. Her personal actions were not absent of culpability; yet her public show up led her to a Man that caused her to not only drop her pot, but also the label of being “thirsty” both Spiritually & Relationally!

An Outcast can come with a host of beginnings. The Woman with the Issue of Blood even lived with the stigma of not being healed after spending all that she had. In spite of her reality, the Truth of who was coming through her town propelled her press. So much so, that virtue left Jesus, as she touched the hem of His garment. I can envision her telling many that the issue that she battled with for 12 years is no more and her giving the Lord Glory for her healing! She was instructed to go in peace. No longer bound by her issue. No longer subjected to the whispers of the community who once knew the dilemma that made her an outcast.

Let’s head back to our previous Evangelist. The woman who was known to have had five husbands and the sixth man whom she lived with was not her husband. A natural inclination is to gasp at the numbers. However, we never fully think about how normal no boundaries are when we have not surrendered to Christ! That is why scripture brings to our remembrance, "What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death." -Romans 6:21

God knows, we have so much to be thankful for! He could have left us there! He could have left us in the shame. He could have allowed our decisions to swallow us up. His Greater Love was showcased in the most profound way! She Met A Man who told her what she needed to hear concerning her past and what He had for her future. There are so many gifts in this exchange! She did not spend time talking about the Men, because in that moment, it was not about them. It was about what God was going to do in her by giving her New Life for her to now bear fruit concerning her exchange with the men.

Just as miraculous as her interaction with Christ was in Him meeting her thirst; The Woman at the Well was able to return to men not as an Outcast, but an Evangelist. I can only imagine her countenance. No more looks of lust and self-indulgence; rather filled with the wonderment of a void being filled by Jesus! It is a work so encompassing that she could not keep it to herself- to go from death to life!

It says so much about her being an outcast, but not injured enough to ration the Good News! Here we go again with another Shout. Can we have enough appreciation for God saving us that we are eager to share with friend and foe? The Woman at the Well was not on this offended tip by what the Messiah said. She recognized who was now before her and what was being given to her that no Man before Jesus could offer.

When God gives you a Name Change, anything prior pales in comparison. It becomes part of the testimony to show His ability to make you over, and it will never again be the Main Attraction! Her coming there with a pot that was left truly speaks to her receiving the needful thing! Going from Shame to Sister Evangelist was the day that she found the true reason why she was born. Her life was intended to live for Christ and influence others to do the same!

Divine Work & Prayer:

Work:

Jot down in your journal your thoughts concerning some of your decisions from the past and how they have affected you. List the intentions of Jesus saving us and His plan concerning snatching others out of the fire.

Prayer:

Father God, a makeover in you has eternity embossed on it! Thank you for your complete work that will be manifested over my life. When I think about the exchange, I know it leaves me indebted to you. It is a cost that my soul is grateful to pay. Your loving kindness is truly more than life. May you endowment forever keep me mindful and accountability. May my life join in unison with the Woman at the Well of beseeching others to, “Come see a Man.” In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️

Are you the Cup or the Saucer?

This blog comes after posing this question to a group of ladies. Their answers were so incredibly full and transparent. The cup/saucer relationship can be seen from so many vantage points! Let’s look at some scenarios.

Which do you identify with?

-Cup & Saucer-

The Pourer: I am usually the one pouring into others

The Supporter: I am usually the one to support others to help carry what they have

The Combo: I am often supporting, but also take the time to be supported.

There are so many ways to go with the Cup & Saucer discussion. Are you pouring and being poured into? Do you feel guilty about people pouring into you? Do you feel like you should be the one always pouring? Is it taking a toll on you either pouring or being supportive? How do you balance pouring and supporting, as well as being supported?

This post comes with a host of questions. They are designed for you to do a thorough assessment of where you are concerning the totality of the various scenarios concerning the Cup & Saucer.

Supporting people can be both positive and negative. We can become enablers in our efforts to help others. We can get in the way of what God is doing to process them. Have you become a crutch for someone and impeding their Walk with God?

Do you pray before rolling up your sleeves to “help” or do you go full throttle in, because in your mind, it’s “Saucer Support Time?” What does your Circle of Friends expect from you? Can you say, “No” and the relationship not be affected by you not showing up for that moment?

This by far is a very sober blog. It will address not only why we do what we do, but the feelings that are often felt in not measuring up to what people see as the Cup & Saucer’s role. If your friendship cannot sustain a No, it will be fueled by Acts that are not free flowing; rather they become connections of fear and bondage. Fear of saying No and the impact it will have, therefore you agree to things that go contrary to what you really feel concerning the matter.

People who truly care for you and love you should be able to say, “No” to you. It is our maturity level that is on the line often times, Do we really acknowledge the level of work that a friendship or relationship of any kind really requires?

I end with an area that is often abused and violated. Does everyone know all of your Saucer Support Moves? Are you a place of confidentiality and security or are you only a temporary holder of it, until either you want to share with people what you have done for someone else or until you are no longer friends?

Breaches are serious offenses. They are not to be taken lightly. We must bring back integrity, wise counsel, and trustworthiness. Someone thought enough of you to share. Think enough of them to remain honest and faithful in covering with love and understanding.

As you ponder on these series of questions, think about the Season that you are in and how either the Cup or Saucer is being played out in your life. If you are a Pourer, assess to what extent that you do it. Is it to a default that Heaven has not signed off on or do you need to avail yourself more in your pour?

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your Divine Design Journal which category you most identify with at this time. Are you the Cup or the Saucer? Also, are you finding yourself pouring out more or being poured into?

Pray:

Father God, Thank you both for the opportunity to pour out and be poured into so that others will see you. Help me to be sensitive enough in the Spirit to know how much involvement that I should have in a matter. There are times that I may need to be supportive and other times, that support may require backing up for you to have your way concerning those whom I am connected with, in any given season. Thank you for your faithfulness and guidance. It allows us to have relationships that ultimately glorify you! In Jesus’ Name. Amen,

To fully embrace the DD Blog Experience, Head over to Amazon for the Divine Design by JQ Journal, to accompany your Power of the Pen Moment. 🖊️