Grace over Grind for $1,000, Alex!

In the Business World, there is a huge conditioning to sacrifice whatever and whoever to be successful. You are told to miss family engagements; miss sleep; and dismiss people who get in your way to getting to the bag. They make casualties casual and sacrifice light. They would have you think that those decisions will be able to be recaptured in some way. That is so far from the truth! Building a business will come with very tough decisions daily, but it is interesting for what they select as the immediate negotiables.

Recently, I have seen many videos of them showing children at events and them thinking no one is there to support them. All of a sudden, as they look out into the crowd, they spot a loved one! Their faces light up and their countenance changes! There is no feeling that could compare to knowing that your household is there to cheer you on. There have been times that people have caught a four hour flight to see the last 10 minutes of their son’s soccer match or the last 15 minutes of their daughter’s recital.

We should never underestimate what a Show Up means for our loved ones! It is paramount to prioritize our families in the grind instead of sacrifice them. Life happens and you may not be able to be on every scene. However, make sure the effort is put forth to be there. When you are sitting on that front row at someone you truly love memorial service, you would move Heaven & Earth to have one more event with them!

Repose also becomes a negotiable. A sacrifice that we are willing to make time after time. We do not fully factor how important rest is until we find ourselves met with danger, like veering off the road or making an error that could cause what was built to crumble. Taking care of our temples involves shutting down for our bodies to be restored and for our minds to have a reprieve from being in auto-pilot. Burning the midnight oil for an extended time could have drastic effects like it does for a vehicle. We want execution without the maintenance of our bodies being at optimum performance.

Another negotiable the Gurus talk about is cutting off people. This one should really be handled with much discernment. I say this after being the Club President for the Cut Off Game. I do not say that with a smile; I say that with great understanding for how little mercy I had when God has given me so many Do Overs! Every misunderstood exchange is not a toxic relationship. Excelling in life for a Believer is not just having a Circle of People around you who only speak Grind Language. It is about having people in your vicinity who walk with integrity; those whom hold you accountable; and those who will give you reminders to not be guilty of stamping God on the climb, but leaving Him on the first floor!

The painful and gripping Truth is…we can actually make it to the top with our grind and not be Graced by God to stay there! It will become the most polarizing feeling, because you will feel the elation of the accomplishment, all while experiencing the weight of doing it in your strength and not that of the Lord.

That Truth is why people end up finding the thing they grinder for becoming a Taskmaster. It drives you more than God being glorified in the endeavor. Do we truly think about the fruit God is looking for when we walk out the Church Service into the World? Like really, ponder that question. It has to be bigger than forming a LLC or our names being on a door. Who will God allow you to encounter where the grind and the thing they were working for was about to be their god, until He used you to have a candid conversation? They were able to witness the peculiar character in you by God to not pursue the grind as usual, but to know it will always be bigger than…Goal Accomplished!

The Grace of God is sustaining and rich in self assessment. It governs how we talk to people and how we lead. Security in God does not require a forced respect, people will be drawn to the Anointing deposited in you! The greatest gift that we can give ourselves in the grind…Never leave home without Him! He’s needed in the boardroom to the bank!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your Divine Design Journal what your non-negotiables are and assess your commitment to keeping them through the grind. Write down your plan for keeping your non-negotiables and being mindful of the sacrifices that you are making to be successful.

Pray:

Father God, may nothing that you allow me to possess, possess me. May you always be the One to hold the permanent marker to my life. May my decisions produce fruit that others may grow thereby. You are an intentional God. Thank you for your sovereignty and how You order my steps. Great is your faithfulness!

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. 🖊️

They are in the R’s, but Rush & Refining are not on the Same Shelf!

These polar opposites draw appreciation more by seeing the premature and undeveloped results of Rushing, in comparison to the completeness and wholeness of the Refining process. It is an interesting phenomenon how much more we like things that require a process, but tend to migrate to that which gives a Rush Order option. It is like we have settled for a lowering in quality for the opportunity to lessen the wait.

We live in a society that gives kudos for always beating the deadline, no matter how many corners were cut. More modern cars are said to be safer with regards to the measures like air bags and vehicle design. However, old cars can be more reliable in the sense of simplicity, repairability, and predictable long-term behavior when properly maintained. -Carbuzz citing

People often lauded the old selection of cars as being “built to last.” The Rush comes with convenience, and it certainly has its place. However, there are crucial elements missed with going for that “R” every time, rather than the “R” that goes contrary to the speed deadline- Refining. Rushing often encapsulates the task of doing, but not always retaining. Its focus is more in the finished product than the sustainability and longevity of what is produced.

Rushing can cause a lot of parts to be missed. It is like the individual who puts an object together and in their haste, they opt out of reading the instructions and end up with an erected product and several parts on the floor, that should have been a part of the assemble. Therefore, down the line, they find a product that once was being used for its function, now vertically-challenged because it is now leaning. The Road to Rush was chosen over the Road to Refine!

Now, let’s talk about that “R” that leads to a staying power. What does it mean to be refined in God? Strong’s Concordance defines Refining as purification and testing, using the metaphor of a goldsmith separating precious metals from impurities. Malachi 3:1-4 says,

“Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will prepare and clear the way before Me. And the Lord [the Messiah], whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s soap [which removes impurities and uncleanness]. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi [the priests], and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord [grain] offerings in righteousness. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in ancient years.” It is the purification process that makes us pleasing and accepting to the Father.

One of the epiphanies I find myself embracing more and more is to understand that a Sovereign God is not in need of a Rush Order. In all of His Splendor, He does a miraculous work in the ticking of time. There is nothing like walking in a room He burned the impurities out of you to not only enter, but stay in! Many have access, but not the Seal of Acceptance from Heaven.

Allow the close to highlight the fable of Aesop, of the tortoise & hare. Slow and Steady won a race that many would have thought speed would have taken. Rush may sleep on Refining like the hare did concerning the tortoise, but it will never be able to second guess its finish. Allow the Refiner to prepare you not only for the Race, but The Finish!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your Divine Design Journal your thoughts concerning the differences between rushing & refining. Do you struggle with meeting deadlines and pacing yourself?

Pray:

Father God, there is so much to learn about being still in You. You are a Good Father in how you teach us! Thank you for the example we see through Your Son’s life of how He lived on earth. Continue to refine us and prepare us to carry out Your Will. We are eternally grateful. 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. 🖊️

Isolation before Elevation: The Cost to Accomplish!

The Process of Accomplishment comes with ebbs and flows. It is a sustainability needed to find oneself ultimately at the finish line. At times, the trek is grueling and exhausting. It will test you and expose what you are built on. Think about the journey of the marathon. Most will be gathered at the finish. However, the areas that you will contemplate quitting is often absent of many supporters. Why is that, you ask? Let’s head towards Heaven for the answer.

In the greatest accomplishment that we will ever experience, we will stand before God awaiting to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” No one who tarried with us will be there. Your grandmother, who prayed for God to save you, will not be standing with you. The roll of that beautiful footage of your life will be played. It is interesting that the reel may show your interactions with people throughout the years, but it will be squarely placed on you- once standing before God.

People may associate Isolation with the ebb, but to the contrary. The wisdom of God concerning the process of David being a shepherd for about 15 years before being king. The grooming of God to walk into the flow. A great refining takes place in Isolation. It alleviates a lot of chatter in how your steps will proceed. You are left with your own thoughts for how you will move.

Accomplishment in God calls for individuals to understand that our conditioning is incomplete without an admittance and surrender. It is a required dying to Self to live in and for Him. It is this sober reality that the prior gifting alone will not be enough without the Anointing.

Isolation becomes a superpower in many aspects. When you are not easily swayed by applause or the lack there of; it establishes a resolve to clearly hear from God on your moves. One of the most resounding passages for me in 2025 was, “I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.” -Philippians 4:12 Amp It is a lesson learned from Heaven. Not one to fake it until you make it, but to find value and appreciation in every stage of your life.

Your “Yes Lord” will bring an Isolation, but do not allow your heart to stay there. The accomplishment that comes with following God is not simply tangible; it is the regeneration of our Spiritual DNA that bears so much praise! The blessing in Him approving you to come out of obscurity. The wonderment of knowing that God processed you to bring to pass His Will on the earth warrants us embracing the entire journey of what an accomplished act produces. Selah-

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your Divine Design Journal what isolation has been able to produce in you, and the challenges that may have occurred in it.

Pray:

Father God, you do all things well! You Save and keep those in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you. You do not desire for us to miss your love message concerning us stilling away with you. Thank you for the quiet moments that made your Words so defining and palatable. May we appreciate what you are doing through the journey of reaching what you allow us to accomplish. 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. 🖊️

Never Confuse Attendance w/ Alliance!

We often vet people by their Show Up Game. You want a circle who supports. One who responds with their presence. That is certainly welcomed and appreciated. However, as we mature in the things of God, there comes an evolved mindset for how we define alliance.

I have heard Celebs say countless times that they can walk into a room with hundreds applauding them and feel empty. Let’s unpack that statement. People can know your name and never know your heart. They can have all the stats on your latest work, but develop memory lapse in your non-negotiables and what God truly did to transform your life! They never really take the time to see your character traits over your accomplishments.

There are things we have made expendable, which should have actually fallen behind the line of demarcation. We have been conditioned to look for easy; to cut corners in transactions. That is how we now treat relationships. They are highly transactional and often times with no depth. There was a term used back in the day in the church called, “tarry.” It was an act to wait on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The act comes with some controversy, but what I would like to pull out of that act is the time element.

There is an organic and divine act that goes into a Godly Connect. Time allows the Alliance to thrive and withstand tests. The wait allows for clarity on what is expected and whether one will continue with the alliance. Let’s highlight the word, Alliance. Oxford pens its definition as, “a relationship based on an affinity in interests, nature, or qualities.” I love the texture of the word affinity, it is the similarity of characteristics suggesting a relationship. Folks may show up, but do they have the imprint of like intentions? Is your Circle in unison for the greater good?

An Alliance is not by happenstance. It should be well thought out and executed in a way that speaks to an end goal. When we show up for people, is our role simply to cheer them on? It has to be more than that. That act can be done by the world. In the Believers’ Camp, our Show Up should be a reminder to folks of what God said to them and what they uttered back to God. True Alliance will cause us to function more on quality than quantity.

In time of battle, you want people around you who understand the assignment more than those just there for the photo op. People can like how hard you go in the lane of prayer and serving God, but still not want to truly align with that level of sacrifice and obedience that it takes. The weight of the remnant is gravely underestimated. Many followed Christ until they factored in the cost to be in alliance with Him.

May your circle have the capacity to walk with you and hold you accountable to your Yes Lord. May the alliance that you make birth much fruit and impact generations to come. Great is the faithfulness of God and that most certainly is owed a Called Out Life!

Divine Work & Prayer;

Work;

Jot down in your Divine Design journal those in your circle and how they impact you staying true to what and who God has called you to do and be.

Prayer:

Father God, this life is filled with swift transition. There are events that have left scars and reminders of defeat. Nevertheless, in you we find peace, joy, and love. A hope to face another day! Father God, keep us sensitive to how You move. May we prosper in obedience and surrender. May the alliance that we make forever bring us closer to 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. 🖊️

Stillness is Strategy, Not Weakness!

We live in a world that gets on the P.A. System and yells, “Do Something” anytime something tends to happen! We are conditioned to live by fight or flight. Often times leaning more towards fight. We are more reactionary in nature than responsive. Our thoughts go immediately into act on something; rather than ponder and make a determination if it even warrants a response. There is a propensity to try to make something happen, because something happened!

Human nature comes with some communal behaviors that are often pronounced in times of conflict and despair. How many times have we had knee-jerk reactions to events that left us implementing a poor response? How many times have we wished for a Do Over? If we had it to do all over again, we would have certainly slept on some things. There is something about the Peace of God. It takes you out of panic mode. It allows you to recalibrate your thoughts and see the lessons being conveyed by God.

Peace and Stillness in God comes with this indelible ability not to be rushed into haste and premature acts that hinder the Fruit of the Spirit from showing up in our lives. Do we truly affix our eyes on the makeover of God? How He will take our lives through growing pains of spiritual maturity to produce His Character in how we respond to life!

Stillness produces a divine assessment that is earmarked by His Grace. We move from puppets manipulated by the puppeteer, Satan to prematurely move ahead of God and Do Something! Do not miss that Shout Moment! When one is always in fight mode, you often misplace the degree of significance of a situation. It produces this chaotic existence that does not always display the wisdom of God concerning a matter.

The year 2020, during COVID was a glaring example of how challenging it was for people to be still for an undetermined amount of time. We pride ourselves in being multi-taskers and often times synonymously yoke stillness with idleness. Oh, how different they truly are in nature and preservation. Stillness will settle us and drive our attention to the View of God. Idleness lacks directed intentionality and the ability to see the big picture.

The Strategy of Stillness is this beautiful gift from God that causes us to Show Up in Life differently. You are not easily swayed or knocked off of kilter. There is an understanding that there is safety and wise counsel in settling down. There is a glorious freedom to hear the Heart of God on how &/or if you should even respond.

The more I live this beautiful life; the more I am overwhelmed by the act of God making us whole! It gives you a much greater appreciation for the crock pot over the microwave. The desire for speed can kill off that which was supposed to nurture us. Just as our food does not escape the watts emitted by the microwave; nor does the inability to get still not avoid the misalignment from always doing something and prematurely responding from flight mode more often than needed!

Stillness is a Super Power! It allows us to remain behind God. It keeps us in a follow mode. It embraces the wait! I could write a whole blog series on Waiting on God! I did not always wait right! Sometimes that wait had folded arms and a foot tap. I Thank God for His long-suffering! Learning how to wait with joy has truly helped me to transition to an appreciation for every stage of my life! To know my Lord & Savior would never leave me nor forsake me allows me to assume the position from a point of a Grateful Victor of the timing and counsel of God, instead of a Self-glorified Victim!

Your Stillness is wrapped up in a strength that is personified in your decision-making. It is a secret weapon that debuts at the most essential time. It will empower you to move differently and not move at all when warranted. The Wisdom of God to put contentment in being opposite of the Energizer Bunny…a Place Called Stillness! Selah!

Divine Work & Prayer:

Work:

Jot down in your DD Journal the moments that you found it tough to get still. What were you triggered to do? Why is Stillness important and what can it produce in you?

Pray:

Oh God, create in me a clean heart and renew a right Spirit. Flood my thoughts with Your Thoughts. Capture my senses in how I perceive. Get Glory out of my responses. Saturate my desires to wait on You. Your timing is perfect in everything. Thank You for what stillness produces. A great moment to bask in your presence and hear from you. You are a perfect God, who fails not. May Your Wisdom be on display in my life daily! 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. 🖊️

“Kicker, Alex McPherson Chose to bless the Lord after 3 Failed Attempts, and was questioned. What determines your Praise?”

Psalm 34:1 says,  “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Football Kicker Alex McPherson clearly took that to heart! After multiple failed attempts for field goals for Auburn against Missouri, McPherson still gave God praise! He still knew that God was worthy to be praised in triumphant and defeat.

The irony is in the criticism McPherson faced when he chose to praise God after missing 3 field goals! We live in a society where God is Thanked after receiving the award, but is He not worthy to be praised when your name is not called? Does He not deserve our attention when what you desire does not come to fruition? The maturity and reverence shown by McPherson is a significant testament to a beautiful relationship that He is living out before our very eyes with the Lord. It is definitely not transactional in nature. It is an amazing awareness of all that God has afforded Him in the moment and what is due to God!

McPherson has been plagued with many health challenges that has taken him away from the game. However, the game has not taken him from Celebrating the One who has made Him a Winner through accepting Christ Jesus! There is an interesting phenomenon that happens in the Sports World. I call it Sports Mania Ministry, like how when people go to jail, many say they find God. It goes without saying that in both arenas, a true conversion can be had, but it is also vitally important that the most sobering self-assessment happens while incarcerated and released, as well as, while in collegiate sports and if the professional level is in the cards. Why you may ask? Great question: Allow me to bring on some Scout Talk!

Scouts wear many hats. Not only are they looking to place you in a situation to your advantage, but they also do a lot of intervening and damage control to protect one as an asset. Having a relationship with God that is built on a solid foundation is the best playbook an athlete can follow. It is so much more than John 3:16 plastered on your equipment, it is the act of becoming what is associated to these scriptures.

McPherson showed more God through defeat than many show in triumph. Shortly after the game of missed field goals, McPherson showed up in a later game and tied Auburn’s record of six field goals in one game! McPherson is displaying the Win on and off the field. Remember, Victory does not stop at Actions, it also encompasses Attitude!

Blessing the Lord at all times entails a mindset that is well aware that the praise is far greater than simply what is before you. It is the heart’s posture to know who goes before you. The One who opens and closes doors on your behalf because He knows what is best for you. It is the act of giving Him what is due because of who He is.

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your DD journal various scenarios where you gave God the honor that was due to Him even in the midst of adversity and it appearing not to work in your favor. If there was an event where neglected to give God what is due, write out that situation as well and how you felt concerning your response.

Pray:

Say a prayer concerning giving God continual praise and being able to understand the things He will use to mature you.

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 can learn a lot from folks on a cruise ship entering an elevator!

I have been in revelation overload on this trip. It is really eye-opening to see how we move in life through pleasure. In everyday life, my elevator experience has never been so welcoming and inviting. Getting on an elevator is usually met with an awkward silence and uncertainty of where to look. It is not usually a plethora of pleasantries and inviting faces. Do not misunderstand the message. The excitement is understood. It is the learned behavior that is subtly amusing.

Vacation is a time of wonderment and anticipation for what is to come. You have worked hard and enjoying the fruit of your labor. On a cruise line, you are meeting new people and often experiencing never before events with complete strangers. The conversation comes so easy, as you identify similar expectations. As I exited the elevator many times hearing people smile and say, “Enjoy your time.” It became a part of my Elevator Language. It became our exiting symphony to all who were getting off before us to begin their vacation journey for the day.

You all know how much I love to see life from Heaven’s View. Imagine leaving your home in your Sunday’s Best and your neighbor takes the time to smile and say, “Enjoy your time in church!” Imagine driving to church and you are listening to your Gospel List, and happen to put those hands up in praise, at a stop light. The driver next to you smiles and says, “Enjoy your time with Him!” Imagine getting all the way to your church, and while in the vestibule, you are greeted with a smile and someone says, “Enjoy your time as you are being prepared to spend eternally with the One who first loved and Saved you!”

Every Sunday all over the world, people go to a place that should have a category of excitement that is unmatched! The Word says, “For I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the House of the Lord.” -Psa 122:1 In Hebrew, “glad” is defined as, joyful, gleeful, or to brighten up. It is lauded as a deep feeling of joy! Multiply a child waking up on Christmas morning by 1,000! That is how we should feel walking into the church.

There is no experience like anything that has eternity wrapped in it! Vacations have their place; events are greatly welcomed; but to know we have an opportunity to go to a place where we come together as Believers in Christ and to worship God, all while He inhabits our praises!

Everything has limitations, but God is so bountiful in who He is! Go with me for a moment! We can pack out an elevator, but at some point, it will reach capacity. We can never exhaust God! Seven billion people can all go up in prayer, praise, and worship, and we would never have to wait for Him to receive our offering. How much more should our Elevator Language be for anything Heaven-related? The largest cheer and elation should be upon entering the House of Prayer!

These downloads have been marvelous in my soul. There is nothing like living for the Lord; enjoying life; and maturing in Him to be a blessing to others. It is also a blessing to see other countries call on the Name of the Lord! My Elevator Language for Heaven has definitely been increased!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your DD Journal how you will exit out of the Elevator of Life as you enter the church this week.

Pray:

Father God, may you never be common place. We are blessed to experience you in new and profound ways every time. Your heart has captured our heart. May our heart’s posture always be to worship you! You deserve all the praise! I love you more today than yesterday! The earth tells of your goodness! In Jesus Mighty & Matchless 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 we mature enough to pick the door “Some Day” over “Today”, when the latter can hinder Tomorrow?

Divine Design Readers, I pray this blog finds you exceptionally well. In the course of life, I have found an amazing gift in the Waiting Process. It for sure was not always like that. I was the queen of timeframes and expected deadlines. I was guilty of even putting my First Love, Jesus Christ on a clock for what I felt should be manifested in my life. Imagine telling the One who stands out of time when you feel you should be married; have children; be at the top of your career, and even your community involvement presence!

Since childhood, I have been groomed to walk in certain rooms and have experiences that spoke of a pedigree that was widely centered on self-preservation and bootstrapping, instead of truly embracing what God has for me. I can honestly say, God’s Plan is the absolute best! It has twists and turns that prepares you for the next boulevard you will travel.

When I really became serious about God, like if He took His Presence from me, I would not be able to breathe! It was in that season that I Thank God I was not married! There is no way I would have wanted to share that moment with anyone! The work that God did in my heart was intensive care treatment. It was the kind of surgery that if a miracle did not take place; I would not have made it through that process!

My talks of my transition are candid and sobering because I know what it is like to be in the position of those building the Tower of Babel! I know what it is like to build things with your eyes close and they prosper in the eyes of the world. I have the memories of what it is like to be invited into rooms with wealth and prestige, but No God in Sight! Even today, when I think about what God did not allow to be! It sometimes makes me tearful with gratitude for how He Saved me not from the Streets, but from the Penthouse!

This Blog is designed to get you to embrace the Waiting Process! Too often, we are consumed with attempting to gauge the time something will take. However, we seldom focus on the blessing of God allowing you to wait! What He is investing in your life for Him to get a ROI. What is it for God to place in you beforehand what it will take to be a Godly Wife and be a helpmate who has not made marriage an idol, but goes just as hard in the Spiritual Paint as your Spouse?

I am so grateful for how we are positioned to move after God makes us over! How the intensive surgery produces a heart that pumps out God’s Love; a commitment to live out loud for Him; and a desire for others to experience what you now have in Him! The Waiting Process is Glorious! I smile with an imaginary sweat gland activated in typing that, because it certainly was not always like that! LOL! God knows, the long suffering that He has shown with His daughter concerning being the child who always asked, “But why…?”

Friend, choosing “Some Day” over “Today” not only better prepares you, but also gives you a great appreciation for what God Crock Pot cooked for you! I am eternally grateful for His Saving Grace; His heart transplant; and His Makeover! It is glorious to walk into “Tomorrow” free from pre-maturity and anxiousness.

It goes without saying that we are always growing and being stretched in our faith! The flex is not going before Him, and having a grateful heart for every stage of your life! Contentment-ville is a boulevard that has a scenic route out of this world. I checked your schedule and cleared it for the day. I saved a seat for you! This blog is being brought to you from this most quaint dessert cafe in Italy. Even on vacation, you are being warmly thought about. Bon Appétit!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your divine design journal your feelings about waiting. What are some of the blessings in waiting on God?

Pray:

Father God, I am grateful for all that you have planned for me. You have made my life complete by how detailed you have been with ordering my life. Great is your faithfulness. You have a way of daily blowing our minds. You take our lives and transform them. You truly give us purpose. Thank you for loving us so much, that you provided a Way through Your Son to not remain in a state of mind simply concerned about acquiring here. Waiting on You is an honor. May my heart’s posture be to forever give you glory and honor you with how I wait and live for 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. 🖊️

When What You Once Called a Bunch of “No’s”, You Now Call “Glorious Decisions!”

Just imagine purchasing a ticket; and voluntarily getting on a flight to go to the Vostok Islands. An uninhabited island in the Pacific Ocean surrounded by dangerous, narrow coral reefs. There is no means to survive the elements of its surroundings. It has such a dense forest that on Google Maps, it gives the appearance of a black hole.

You realize that you did not count the cost. You are met with the realization that you invested in a place that you were never supposed to inhabit. You shared the excitement of your wonderment before you truly acknowledged the impending danger that you subjected yourself to in that season. All in the name of saying “Yes” to subscribing to the YOLO Mantra…You Only Live Once.

Before Christ, we called the “Yeses” free Spirit and being adventurous. People would tell you, “Live a little.” You would make decisions out of compulsion and not allows free will. There may have even been times where you knew you did not belong where you said, “Yes.” Shakespeare said, “The world is your oyster.” Opportunities await your curiosity. The intrigue of what is behind the door sets in. How many times did curiosity expose your eyes and ear gates to something that extended way pass the event &/or encounter?

Oh, but the moment that we were removed from the Yes Moments; we were met with a void that was increasing in diameter with every Yes of Entitlement and Compromise. It is the Mercy of God, when we chose to live in a space that He never called to be inhabitable; yet He allows a restlessness with World’s System. The theologian Augustine said, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

That restlessness turned into a seek. A desperation for the One who life is found in. There are those who said, “Yes” to God; however they still see their New Life as restrictive and riddled with “No’s.” I wonder if they really reached the place of understanding that we serve a God who 100% wants His Best for us! He has never held back from a place of ill-intent. If anything, He allowed some things to not come to fruition, because He knew it would impede our growth in Him.

The more you walk with God and surrender, the more His Love Letter unfolds. No’s in God saved our lives. No’s in Him guarded our hearts. No’s in the Great I Am preserved our posterity! We evolve into No’s as Glorious Decisions we get to make. A people who were once unrighteousness, unholy, and self-serving now get a chance to embrace the No’s as a protection from on high!

I often feel we miss our Shout! It is an honor,

To Just Say No to…

Fornication, Drunkenness, Envy, Covetousness, Pride, Unfruitful Connects and so many other decisions that we once said, “Yes” to and cost us more than we would ever be able to convey! The full impact is never just about the seen consequences, there is a stain left on the heart and only God can reach the place where we said, “Yes” to everything but Him! He is a Redeemer and a Restorer. When you factor all that He has done- the No to what does not honor Him is a response we get to give in return! It is absolutely glorious for our decisions to be transformative and exclusive! “Just Say No”…proudly, I will!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your journal all of the Glorious Decisions of No’s you now get to make because of your surrender to Christ. If you are still battling with the Yeses that helped to place you in bondage, write out the fruit that has been produced from that decision.

Pray:

*Say a personal prayer concerning being able to embrace the standard of God and what He has empowered you to carry out in your decision-making.

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 Power of the Answer is Tied to the Quality of the Question!

We live under so many unanswered questions. Many can find themselves perplexed by the answers given to the questions. Can it be because we do not agree with the answer? Maybe it is because the answer is not confirming a certain thought.

There was a very popular line in the movie, “A Few Good Men” Colonel Jessup, played by Jack Nicholson, during the intense scene said, “You can’t handle the truth!” There is a level of Truth that can shock our System to the point of believing, it was better not knowing. We can go through life not desiring the whole Truth.

God truly has a remarkable way of preparing us for the weight of Truth! He enlarges our capacity to take in information so that we may respond appropriately and righteously. It is a gift of God to not have to succumb to overwhelming thoughts about what we heard; rather being able to recalibrate and grow thereby.

God is so mindful of us in every way imaginable. He is the Protector of our hearts. He is our fortress. Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Can you imagine the back to back truths facing Job in having reports concerning his family and livelihood? At the end of his questions, he was able to truly understand that he was standing before The Answer. The One who was able to restore and heal his heart.

Someone can present the question, “I love God, you don’t love God?” Immediately loddy doddy everybody can quickly say, “Yes” without truly pondering on the weight of the question. What if the question was poised, “Do you love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?” The quality of the question just went through the stratosphere! It forces you to sit with the question. There is an assessment before an answer.

In the counseling world, we were taught to ask open-ended questions to be able to get more quality from the exchange of the session. In the sales world, not asking quality-based questions can cost you the sell. Well, how does that look in the life of a Believer? The Word of God says, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—” -Luke 14:28

Do we go through this abundant life and embrace what it will take to get to Powerful Answers? What are the Quality Questions we ask ourselves to remain on the narrow path? Are our questions leading to us truly being a prepared person? How painfully honest are we with our own inquiries concerning our readiness? It can be daunting, but it does not have to remain there. There is nothing like looking in the mirror and admitting that the quality needed to excel in your walk is not where it should be, but you are willing to put in the work to look like who God says you are in Him!

I leave you with a Growth Challenge: Take a moment to think about the definition surrounding Quality. After your probe, create a Quality Game Plan that will get you to your Answers fueled with Power. You will go through life differently. It will cause you not to haphazardly answer; rather showing up to life with zeal and wisdom to be more intentional in your practices and truly owning your Answers!

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down your Growth Challenge response in your Divine Design Journal.

Pray:

Tag, you’re it. I want you to end this blog with your own prayer. God equips and empowers us through prayer! Be encouraged, it always gets more enriching in Christ!

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 a Lawyer or Attorney with the Truth?

Before giving the confused face, always know: the question is loaded, and we are most certainly going to the Highest of High Altitudes. Truth has intrinsic and profound layers that we may not actually take the time to realize—the sacrifice and perseverance it truly requires to be called His own, as well as to wear the merit of acknowledgment that speaks to being with Him.

A Juris Doctorate requires great discipline and commitment. It is the decision to devote additional years to a postgraduate degree. In 2024, approximately 115,000 students enrolled in Juris Doctorate (JD) programs in law schools. Each year, it is estimated that about 34,000–38,000 law students graduate with a JD.

Those statistics show that the finish is not always met with the same fervor as the start. The trek of the believer is likened to the elliptical machine, which has an interval marked “Advance.” It entails resistance and the need to know how to adjust to recalibration. Whether you select a beautiful scenic view or just the bars, the work to achieve the determined goal is grueling and challenging. It forces you to go beyond your perceived gear—just as this walk produces a spiritual stature that far exceeds the capability of your flesh.

The Word of God says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” -Philippians 2:5. There is a mindset shift needed to complete law school. How much more for matriculating through life while following Christ? Just as the elliptical has multiple settings—Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced—one can go to college and choose to Party, Coast, or Break Forth! The Break Forth has always been a required course, not an elective. There is no way to experience graduation and/or progress without the breaking. No accomplishment is absent of sacrifice.

And God, being God, adds obedience to the required courses for us being Called Out! After all, we reap the benefit of our tuition being paid in full through His Son. That calls us not to remain in Beginner (Excited, but not Counting the Cost) or Intermediate (Coasting). It calls us to stretch and to possess what He said was possible—not simply from a tangible place, but from the cumulative teaching and ability to apply His Word.

Graduation day comes, and one walks across the stage to obtain their J.D. The one who was once a student is now a lawyer. Elation fills the air, but they know it does not end there—the Bar Exam is still ahead. “Bar” is an interesting and telling word. It does not have an acronym attached; it represents a place of separation between the public and the Judge & Legal Counsel—the point at which one who was merely a lawyer now gains access to cross the barrier as an attorney.

Altitude ascension is now in operation. Let’s see Lawyer/Attorney from Heaven’s perspective. We spend hours obtaining knowledge of His Word. We sit in churches week after week. We walk across the Stages of Life declaring we are Christians. We have the paraphernalia—from shirts to bumper stickers—repping our favorite spiritual alma maters (churches). And yet, for some reason, we think it ends there.

No—it is just the beginning. We cannot practice without going through the exams of life that teach us to respect the heights of the BAR. There is a Standard of Law expected in the natural. How much more in the spiritual realm? People are counting on you to be in position to represent. There is no name change from Jacob (Lawyer) to Israel (Attorney) without perseverance and testing! Jacob was left alone to wrestle and do what it took to pass the Bar.

Here is the Double Shout:

1. Jacob was not really alone—God has always been there with you.

2. The first-time pass rate for the Bar Exam ranges from 50–80%, depending on many factors. But testing in God has the ability to be a 100% Completion, as we yield and surrender our will to His!

Do not just stop at learning of Him—go all the way to letting His mind be in yours. Then, when going past the Bar, we will be qualified!

Selah.

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your journal what trepidation you experience in sharing your faith and witnessing? Create a Plan to actively share your faith and be a billboard for Christ.

Pray:

Father God, you have been our hope and promise. There are moments of questioning will we be able to finish strong? Will Your Will be fully carried out in our lives? May we engulf the richness and completeness of your Word. You have never sent us into the world to fail when we are representing you. May the Bar that you set be adheres to so that we may walk in places that only you can qualify us for. 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. 🖊️

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. 🖊️