If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:1-2 ESV This notion may sound crazy but it’s not. So much of what we believe and/or think, really came from someone else and we just latched on. At times we have allowed other people’s pervasive thinking to permeate our being, without really deciding if those ideals/thoughts are what we believe or if they are what we just “roll” with because that’s all we ever knew. Of course from birth to adolescence and moving into adulthood, we will take on many thoughts and ideas that we have received from those closest to us. This is normal and to be expected. The problem comes when some of these thoughts and ideals, are contrary to God‘s holy word and how He expects His children to behave. Once we reach adulthood, and perhaps just before, we need to take time to assess who we are, and what we believe. In taking an assessment of ourselves, this should not be thought of as a one-time event but, an activity that is to occur throughout our lifetime. We should always evaluate our thoughts/beliefs and measure them not against the world’s ideals, but against God‘s principles. It is tempting to “go with the flow” of popular opinions that are circulating, and not stand on the side of God, and His ways. A popular term that labels persons that have differing views to the world’s “accepted” viewpoints is called canceled culture. I would like to pause here and say as God’s children, even if we do not agree with others (their lifestyle or choices), we still should behave as God would have us, with love and kindness toward all. Having said this, however, it does not mean we have to “bend” and follow along with the current worldly viewpoints that are contrary to God’s principles. We still should stand firm in our belief and conviction regarding God’s holy word. As you go forth through life, seek to formulate viewpoints that are based on God’s wisdom and not what is popular right now in the world. Of the many beliefs and opinions that were passed down from generation to generation, may we assess these against God’s word, to formulate the right thinking. May we strive to have God’s thoughts and beliefs be an integral part of our lives always. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. 2 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV) For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (ESV) Do you at times find that you compare yourself to others? I believe we all are guilty of doing this from time to time. And in this digital age of constantly consuming vanity-driven images, it is a little hard not to. Even when we are not being bombarded with various media platforms, we will at times compare ourselves with those close to us; those who are in our concentric circles of life. For example, we may try to compare ourselves to a family member, a friend, a classmate (this is a given when in grade school), a co-worker, or strangers on social media and the list can go on and on. However, what we need to always remember is that we are God’s beautifully created children and, He does not want us to compare ourselves to one another. It is a waste of time and energy to do so. He created each of us to possess unique qualities and abilities that should not be compared. Now, some of us will share similar gifts and talents however, we are still a different and unique creation from one another. Now when dealing with comparisons it is safe to say that even if we do not compare ourselves to another, other people at times will. In school, the workplace, social circles, society, etc. What they are doing does not make it right and, their behavior can affect your emotional well-being. When this happens, you must always realize whose you are and who created you, the Awesome Creator of the universe!! Be strong during those times and not allow another’s misconceived ideals to dictate the beautiful person you were created to be. So as you go forth in life, seek to not compare yourself to one another and seek to be the beautiful child of God you were created to be. Go forth and spread God’s message of hope and love to the world, using the gifts and talents He has given to you use. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 (ESV) Life is not about your being comfortable, and happy, and successful, and pain-free. It’s about you becoming the man or woman God has called you to be…Charles Swindoll When I read the above quote in one of my morning devotions, I had to stop and contemplate this thought. This world is so geared toward promoting and advocating for us to strive for our pleasure and happiness; and at times, encouraging us to pursue those feelings, no matter the cost. A story comes to mind of a man who told his wife of many years, he was leaving to seek happiness. My friend shared how her husband sought this “happiness’ in the arms of another married woman. The two of them in this quest of seeking happiness destroyed two families, and the ripple effect reverberated to church members, as well as many family and friends. The shock and devastation felt by the two remaining spouses were tremendous. Another sad part of the story is that the two who engaged in the adulterous behavior ended up not staying together for very long and, have since moved on to several other individuals. And to add to this sad story, it is questionable if they will be staying in their current relationships. This destruction depicts the devastating cost of their behavior, in the search for happiness and pleasure. When people choose to go against God’s will and seek worldly lust, pleasure, and happiness, little do they realize they are being led down a destructive path in life. Perhaps they will escape physical harm but the emotional, psychological, and spiritual scars, as well as the hurt to those they wronged, will remain. Some also fail to realize if they continue willfully making wrong decisions, fueled with the idea of always pleasure-seeking, this could very well determine how they will spend eternity. I have read many articles and heard song lyrics that state happiness is usually always based on what’s happening to you, at that moment. It is not a long-lasting feeling that goes on, and on, and never goes away. It would be nice if that could be true but, in this sinful world, that is just not the case. Now does God want happiness and peace for His children, of course!! It was never His intention for there ever to be sin and destruction in the world He created. That choice was made by human beings, from our first parents and through time, by each of us. And those sinful choices have led to a lot of destruction since the world was created. God wants us to seek to follow Him and His instructions on how to live our best lives. He wants us to seek to be the best versions of ourselves, and to think, pray, and follow His word, before we make decisions. To try and do what Jesus would do in various life situations. When we seek to make the right choices that honor God, we will have His peace and joy, which is strong and deeply rooted. It will be there even when the surface of happy feelings eventually fades. So, always remember when you have God’s joy and peace, (as opposed to fleeting happiness) it will keep you steady, as you go through life’s ups and downs. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, Philippians 2:14 (ESV) I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 1Timothy 2:8 (ESV) Most of us pray and ask God to bless us with a mate/marriage, children, healthy family/friends, good jobs, a house/car, financial security, etc. And when God hears and answers our prayers, a lot of us go down the road of life where we complain about the very same people and situations that we prayed to have!! What we at times fail to realize, is that complaining sows seeds of dissension in our hearts that can spill over to our loved ones, our community, our work, our church, and so on. It causes us to pull away from God and His message, as well as from others. It does not bring togetherness and commitment but, creates division in all areas of our lives. For myself and others, we need to get rid of any complaining and bemoaning that exists in our lives. From time to time when we’re down, we all will have that momentary feeling of not being happy about our current situation. During those times it is inevitable most of us will complain and if so, this would be considered normal human behavior. But excessive/constant complaining is not normal, does not help, and is not a cure for any of life’s downturns. God calls for us to have the opposite attitude. To have the attitude of praising God despite our current circumstances. And when we seek to praise during this time, it does not mean we necessarily feel like lifting praises to God but, we make a choice to do so anyway. In addition to lifting praises to God, we also seek to lift and encourage others as well. Instead of complaining, we should seek opportunities to share our faith and, to let others know God is moving and working out our life situations. May we remind ourselves, as well as others, that God is not a magic genie with a magic wand who will make things go the way we want. God wants us to trust Him and be active participants in living our lives, according to His word. And once we have done everything we can do with our situations, then just stand and allow God to work all to His glory and benefit. As we go forward in life, we will complain about one thing or another. But the difference should be, not to live and operate in that mindset of constant complaining. We must not allow the object of our prayers, to become the source of our complaints. May we strive to rise above and do what we can with the situation but, ultimately we let go and give it all to God. We decide to follow Him and His teachings, and allow Him to work it out while keeping us close to Him throughout the process. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. Genesis 2:7 (ESV) We are all infused with the breath of God when we were created. I listened to a sermon recently when the pastor beautifully illustrated/described, what happened when God first breathed the breath of life into human beings…God’s Spark. I had never heard that term being used to describe the breath God breathed into every one of His children. What a beautiful and powerful description of God’s loving act toward us. When I stop to think about the “spark of God” being inside me, I am humbled and have the desire to serve Him by using the gifts and talents He has given to me. I have the desire to align my life with His will, and to encourage others to do the same. Let’s face it, we live in a crazy and dark world where sinful-worldly lifestyles/choices are celebrated and at times, greatly encouraged. A world that will laugh and/or snicker at anyone that desires their life to be in line with God’s morals and truths. They too have God’s spark however, they do not acknowledge it nor do they acknowledge God or His plans for a Christ-centered life. Despite this, God loves all His children and wants the best for us, just like any good parent. As you go about living your life, all the rushing to complete tasks in an attempt to achieve your goals, take a moment to stop and think about God’s Spark, the breath of life He has given you. Stop and thank Him for the beautiful person He created, you! Then, pray and ask Him how you can use your life, your gifts and talents, to spread His gospel message of love, to the rest of the world. Remember, you and I are infused, with God’s Spark! Now, go forth and be a blessing to others! Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (ESV) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 (ESV) How do you engage with the world? Our interactions with people in our sphere/our circle of influence matter! How we choose to show up in the world…matters!! It’s funny how some people feel they have the “right” to say and do, whatever they want to other individuals, even to ones they do not even know!! They dare to think that because they belong to a certain race or social economic class of people, the actions they take (benefiting themselves even if it hurts others) are all that matters. I recall an incident where I finished shopping and got into the checkout line to pay for my purchases. It was a busy time and the cashiers were doing their best but tensions were high, and customers were becoming impatient. A person ahead of me gave the cashier a hard time while checking out their purchases. When it came to me, I could see she was tired and upset. As she began ringing up my purchases, I thanked her for her hard work and for being there to serve us. I truly appreciated her. She then looked up and with tears in her eyes, she said, “Really? Thank you! I needed to hear that!” I told her I appreciated her and most importantly, God appreciated her even more! That small interaction, lifted her after the interaction before me, had cut her down. It did not take a lot on my part to let someone (whom I did not know and may never see again) understand they mattered. God calls for us to show kindness and respect, and to always be aware that our actions truly do matter. He calls for us to take responsibility and control our attitudes and our behavior toward others. As humans, we will have times when we are not at our best and our tempers may flare up. However, as responsible individuals, we need to continually work on ourselves so that we won’t lose control when those stressful times do occur. How do we engage with the world? By showing kindness, respect, and control of ourselves, as we interact with everyone we meet. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5 (ESV) Do you trust God at all times and in every aspect of your life? I am ashamed to say I do not always. From time to time I fight and wrestle with this notion when I allow my humanity to get in the way. There are times when I feel that I alone must take charge of my life, and be the only one responsible for my life’s outcomes. I know many others also share these thoughts and feelings from time to time as well. But of course, many of us also know and believe, we are God’s beloved children and, He is with us and knows our life’s direction. For this new year of 2023, let us make a conscious effort to trust God like never before, in every aspect of our life. To have the same type of trust we have every day in mundane things. Take for example turning on a water faucet. When you do this, you believe and do not doubt that water will come out. How about when you enter a room and flip on the light switch? You expect and trust that the light will come on. In addition, when you turn the key or press a button in your car, you fully expect it to start. We all have expectations and trust that objects will work when they are engaged. Why don’t we have that same level of confidence and belief in God? Why don’t we believe that God will operate in our lives and be there for us, just like we believe in the various gadgets we use daily? Why do we doubt His existence and/or, doubt His abilities to be there in our lives? In the Bible do you remember the story of the centurion and his servant who was ill? In Matthew 8:8-10, the centurion went to Jesus and asked for healing for his sick servant. So Jesus prepared to get up and go with him. However, he told Jesus not to do this as he was unworthy to have Him enter his home. He declared before Jesus and those listening that all he needed was for Jesus to say the word, and he believed his servant would be healed. He did not have to see Jesus physically come to his house, nor touch his servant. Jesus marveled at his level of trust, belief and faith. The Bible states at that very moment, his servant was healed. God calls us all to have that level of belief, faith, and trust that He will see us through any circumstances we face in our lives, as well as the lives of our friends and loved ones. There will be times we may not like the life situation before us but despite this, we will still trust and believe that God will see us through. So remember, whatever life expectations you must face, trust God!! Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 (ESV) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) I listened to a sermon where a pastor explained the phrase he used in a past sermon encouraging everyone “to have hope loosely”. He explained it’s not that we shouldn’t hold onto faith and hope but, we must allow God to move the way He sees fit in our lives, even if it’s not the outcome we had planned. Of course, we should plan and hold onto our ideals of how we want our lives to be. We should aspire to reach our dreams/goals and put the necessary plans in place. But, we need to always allow room for God to maneuver in our lives and be willing to follow His guidance, especially if those plans must change. In life, we all will face challenges that will be hard to endure. We will cry out to others and to God, praying for deliverance, peace, and strength to endure the journey. At times our prayers will be answered the way we would like, and at other times, the end result will be just the opposite of our desires. When this happens, we must not let go of our faith and hope in God. During those difficult times, we must cling to God all the more. By allowing God to work a situation out in our lives, our story/our testimony may produce a positive impact on the lives of others, of which we may never know. God can bless us and others in ways we may not understand, nor even conceive. But by “holding onto hope loosely”, we are allowing God to work salvation, miracles, and blessings in our lives and the lives of others. May we allow God to be God, and to move in ways He feels is more impactful and will serve the greater good of mankind. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60:3 (ESV) As 2022 comes to a close, and we are looking forward to 2023, may we seek to live our lives shining the light of God, into the world. When we allow God to manifest in our lives and magnify Him in all we do, His light will shine through us. As we shine a positive light onto others, we’re also allowing God to shine His light and blessings onto us. We don’t have to pursue and/or chase what God will bring to us if we are seeking to live our lives within His will. The beginning of Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”. Therefore, we don’t have to chase down God’s goodness, we just have to arise and shine! Also, we must remember, light does not need to strive, it doesn’t have to force itself to shine, it just does. In life, many times we’re guilty of trying to influence and/or force situations that might not be what God wants for us. We may try to manipulate a situation to make it happen however, if we are connected to God, we need not force the blessing or the light to come forth. If it is within His will, the blessings and light will simply shine. In 2023 and beyond, let’s seek to connect and stay connected to the true light source, God.  As we move forward may all we say and do be in God’s will, and may His light shine forth always, to everyone we meet! Have a safe and happy 2023! Happy New Year!! Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Jesus’s Hebrew name Yeshua means salvation. He was born into our world, as a gift to all mankind. No one truly knows the exact time of His birth. It is believed to be in the springtime and not during the winter months. However, December 25th has been popularized and is currently celebrated as the birth of the Savior of the world. During this time many are decorating their homes, and workplaces, attending holiday gatherings and shopping for gifts to give to one another. The birth of the Savior is truly a joyous occasion and is to be celebrated. But, have you ever stopped to think, how would Jesus like us to celebrate His birth? The commercialism of this holiday has moved far away from the “real reason for the season”. For example, if we were to celebrate a friend or a loved one, would we plan everything based on our wants/desires? Or, would we keep them in mind and celebrate the way they would desire? The same thought should be made when we seek to honor the birth of the Savior of the world. I imagine His desire would be for us to spread His message of love and hope through our words, followed up by our actions, to everyone we meet. He would desire no more fighting/wars, no bullying attitudes/behaviors; lifting ones-self up as if you’re better than another because of race, religion, social/economic background, etc. He would want us to learn to live in harmony and acceptance of one another and, to take care of this beautiful planet He created. He would not want us to turn blind eyes towards the wrongs being done to another. As we gather together with family and friends this holiday season, may we focus individually and collectively, on giving the true gifts that Jesus would want us all to share. Let us give the gift of ourselves, to be used by God in spreading His message throughout the world. Happy and safe holidays to All! Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches; for its roots went down to abundant waters. Ezekiel 31:7 (ESV) Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7 (NLT) Botanists’ say plants grow the most not when it’s warm, gentle winds, and light rains but, when they encounter strong winds and furious storms. It is stated if time were slowed and you take a cross-section of the earth during a raging storm, one can actually see the roots move deeper and deeper into the soil. To navigate life and the world in which we live, we too must have deep roots that are locked and rooted in God the Father, through belief in His Son Jesus Christ. Similar to the plants, we will face challenges and rough times in our lives. No one wants pain or adversity in life. We all want a smooth, easy, happy life. However, that description is not always true, living in this fallen and sinful world. Jesus showed us how to live in this fallen world with the life He lived while here, and how He interacted with others. By reading the Bible (I like to refer to it as the blueprint on living our best life), praying, and asking the Holy Spirit to guide us, we can be in the position to always seek God’s way of handling life situations. Just like the plants, we can grow stronger and deeper roots when we face adversity. When things are smooth and happy, we usually tend to not grow a deeper/connected relationship with God. However, after one has gone through rough storms in life and they eventually come to that quiet calm, they’re usually appreciative and reflective on how God brought them through. In addition, we need to be aware when we encounter serious storms that God will not always take them away. However, He promises when we are in a storm, we can have complete trust and belief, that He will be there and He will lead us through. And afterwards, when we come out on the other side, we will be stronger and more resilient than ever before. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.  Romans12:16 (ESV) Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16:5 (ESV) And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 (ESV) Elitism: The attitude or behavior of a person or group who regard themselves as belonging to an elite. Let’s do a check-in with ourselves, shall we? Do you find yourself looking down on others because they’re not of your race/ethnic/political group, your religion, how they dress, or have a different sexual orientation? Anytime we think less of someone, because they’re not in the category we feel they should be and, we feel as if we are far superior, this is projecting an elitist attitude. God makes it clear in His Holy word that all of us are His sons and daughters. We have been made in His image, despite our physical attributes and our lifestyle choices. We all may not agree with the choices others have made regarding their lives and/or lifestyle however, that does not give anyone the right to look “down upon” or treat another with contempt, due to their choices. God made it clear in His word that we are not to judge. Judgment of another’s lifestyle choices (referring to non-criminal matters) is to be done by God, and not by another human being. As He stated in James 4:12: “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” If anyone suffers from an elitist mindset, seek to humble yourself and ask God to help you as you go about interacting with others. Remember, all of us on this planet are God’s children, and He expects us to treat one another as brothers and sisters. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com