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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) As May is mental health awareness month, I thought I should share this thought regarding controlling people. All of us in our lifetime will encounter people who are very domineering and controlling, who may play different roles in our life. Meaning they could be part of our family construct while growing up, our friends, significant others, perhaps our children, work/school colleagues, etc. Depending on the circumstances, these controlling individuals will take it upon themselves to have others do what they say and what they want. And most of the time in order to keep the peace and to get along, non-controlling people will allow the domineering people to have their way. What we must remember, however, is not just the controlling ones in this dynamic but the non-controlling ones as well. The non-domineering people are playing their role and allowing them to get away with their domineering/ controlling behavior. This should not be. God’s word in today’s verse is clear: “Are we seeking the approval of man or of God?” In this one life, we all have, we cannot put any other human being in front of God or God’s choices for our lives. We cannot allow their controlling/ domineering behavior to rule our lives. To force us to live lives they want us to live that is sometimes, contrary to God’s word. No other human being should be before God, His Word, and before your relationship with God. Make Godly choices in your life now that you will not regret. Do not allow people to have such control over you that you do not move out and live the life that God would have you to live, and to do what He would have you do. Paul’s message in the last part of today’s verse is to seek to be a servant of God and to please Him. Not saying we should not be kind to others and try to help and be a blessing to God’s people whenever we can. But I am saying to not allow manipulative, controlling, and domineering people to steer your life in a direction that is contrary to what God would have, and contrary to what you want to do. To be healthy emotionally and mentally, don’t seek to constantly please or appease other people. First, seek the Kingdom of God and what His word says for your life. Keep in mind you cannot please everyone. People have their own lives to live and not all are looking to live God-centered lives. We must keep in mind they have their own crosses to bear and, emotional and mental processes of their own they must handle. Depending on the situation, you can try to help them get the help they require. But ultimately, you have to look out for yourself and your mental/emotional well-being. Seek to be the man and woman of God that He has created you to be. Seek to live the Godly life He has for you. Blessings, Angélique

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV) There are many times in life when we become caught up in this world. We put God to the side, sometimes unintentionally, and put our trust and faith in our spouses, our kids, our jobs, our possessions, or even our positions in society. Take for instance people-pleasing. Some of us from time to time, have made choices and decisions, in order to please individuals. And in the end, this does not satisfy us nor them. Just like in Jeremiah’s time as well as ours, people are trusting in the world around them as opposed to trusting in God the Father. In so doing, they are not moving forward in spiritual as well as mental strength and wholeness as they should. They are seeking to put trust in this temporary and unstable world, as opposed to an unchanging and unmovable God. Oh, how many times have we all fallen into this category? Where we feel our life experiences, and that of our family and friends, will bring us through various trials? We look to trust in things and people of this world, as opposed to trusting and believing that God is the center of life. I believe we all can say from time to time, we did not have the trust and faith that we should have had, in God. I encourage us all to really seek God through prayer and the study of His word. Begin making a choice to trust in Him, even if you are still unsure. Begin believing that God will make things right eventually, in this world. We must keep in mind this world is dying. Whether it is loved ones we have lost, plants, animals, financial systems, ecosystems, etc. Everything is decaying and it will not sustain forever. And when we place all our trust in this world and/or its people, and things do not turn out as we had hoped, our worlds seem to come crashing down. Instead, look to put your total and complete faith/trust in God, and Him only. Of course, still seek to participate in your life and the lives of those around you. Look to continue to do your part to make this world a better place. Just do not put your trust in this world or people, as opposed to God. And remember from time to time in life, things may not go the way we expect. But God has a bigger picture and plan for us all. He sits high and looks low. He sees different areas in our lives and the lives of those around us that we can never see, nor understand. Despite any of the ups and downs of life, put your total and complete trust in God, always. Where are you putting your complete trust? Blessings, Angélique

Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14 Reading the above verses made me wonder, are we living out the purpose that God has for our lives? Initially, Esther did not want to go to the King because it could mean her death (see the preceding verses). But her cousin Mordecai, reminded her as well as us, that who are we to say no when God calls us? As we live out our time here on this Earth, let us seek to do what it is He would have us do, in utilizing our gifts and talents. Let us listen for God to call us; it may be a great and noble calling or, it may be small and seemingly insignificant. But no matter what He calls us to do, let’s listen, obey, and use our gifts and talents to save His world. It is so powerful when we realize we are all placed on this Earth for a reason and a purpose. I pray for myself as well as others reading this, that we will align our lives with God and fulfill the destiny that He has for each of us. Esther had a choice as we all do. She could have chosen not to be the deliverance of the Jews as her cousin Mordecai said, and God would have brought about change via another avenue. Had Esther not listened, it seems almost certain there would not be a book in the Holy Bible, dedicated to her. In answering God’s call, do not look for glory, high- praise, and honor from man. But instead look to lift God, His love, and His message up always, to this world. Also continuously pray for courage to step out on faith and do what it is He would have you to do. Just as Esther fasted and prayed, you and I can also continually fast and pray for courage to move out for God. He will never let us down and will be with us when we need Him. So, as you step up to do God’s bidding remember this, for who knows whether you were born into this world for such a time as now… Blessings, Angélique

But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 (ESV) What are you willing to do, to see God? In my devotion, I listened to a sermon that focused on Zacchaeus and his determination to see Jesus who was passing through his town (Luke 19:1-10). In unpacking this story, we see that Zacchaeus was a tax collector, a job in Bible times that was not respected, and if anything, he was very much hated by his own Jewish people. Tax collectors were considered, the lowest of the low in society. Even though he knew he was hated by all, inside he must have felt he wanted to change. He must have heard the stories and reports of Jesus changing individuals’ lives and healing them. So, despite the shame and the ridicule he would have suffered in the midst of the general population, he was willing to do what he must, in order to see Jesus. The verses state he was a short man, that could not see over the crowd however, he thought of a solution to see Jesus. As a grown man, he swallowed his pride and climbed a tree in order to see Jesus, pass by. As you continue the story, Jesus stopped, looked up, and called to him. Jesus knew Zacchaeus was willing to do what he must, to get close to Him. It is here we need to ask ourselves, what are you willing to do, to get close to God? Are you willing to humble yourself, climb a tree if need be, in order to be close to Him? To be in His presence? Many of us have had obstacles in our lives, where we feel we’re not worthy to come into God’s presence. But just like Jesus looked up to see Zacchaeus, He will also look up to see you and me, when we seek Him. My prayer is for all of us to focus on wanting to change our lives for the better. To seek God with everything we have, in order to live for Him. Zacchaeus’s example should encourage us all to not focus on the problems that we have or have had in this life but, to focus on the forgiveness and salvation that Jesus offers to us all. Be willing to “climb your tree” in order to seek a closer relationship with God. Blessings, Angélique

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23: 1-4 (ESV) One morning in my daily devotion there was a passage that spoke about the above verses. Many times, when we read this passage, we think of God (who represents the shepherd) as a protector and defender of all evil that comes against us. And we who are His children, do know this to be true. However, in looking at these verses, has it ever occurred to you God is more than just our defender and protector? In verses two and three, they highlight how God leads us to lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters. He restores our souls and leads us in the paths of righteousness. In life, if we read and listen to God’s word, He will guide us in the way we should live, just like a shepherd guides his sheep to safe and greener pastures. He will tell us what we should do in order to have a better life, and what we should not do. However, like sheep, we all have tended to “stray” from doing what is right, from time to time. During those times, God, the Good Shepard, seeks to lead us back to safety, if, we let Him. He does not do this to make life difficult or less enjoyable. On the contrary, He does this because He knows the best way to protect us, from unnecessary hurt and harm. As His sheep (His children), let us learn to listen for God’s voice, and seek to do what He says. There is a lot of “noise” in this world and sometimes it is difficult to hear the Great Shepherd. But if you consistently seek Him, through prayer and Bible study, you will be “tuned in” to His voice. You will hear Him call you, and you will turn to Him, and obey. Blessings, Angélique

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV) Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So, then each of us will give an account of himself to God.    Romans 14:10-12 (ESV) Have you ever thought, we are not getting anything past God? He knows everything we do in the open, as well as in secret. We may be able to fool different individuals with our charm and personality, but God knows the true heart and the true motives in the decisions and choices we make. The scriptures above remind us that we will face God in the end, in the final judgment. Those who chose to tell lies constantly as a way of life, those who consistently steal, cheat, manipulate, and do all other vices against others, will be called into account by God. I do want to stress we are not talking about occasionally transgressing God’s law. We are referencing, however, those who routinely engage in these behaviors and, they do not feel they are doing anything wrong. They have the attitude that everyone does this or that, and it’s okay, it’s just the way of life. We know this is the wrong attitude in accordance with God’s word but, they are set in their ways and have strong opinions regarding their choices and decisions. On the other hand, there are those who choose to follow God’s word and do what is right. They will not always do everything right. But in their hearts and in their minds, they consistently seek to improve and to be in line with God’s word. God knows we are sinful in nature and we are living in a sinful world. But if we earnestly seek to do what is right on a consistent basis, this is God’s desire for us all. We must remember we only get one life. Many would like to just push through life and not think of the end time standing before God. But every day when we awake, we should pray and ask God’s blessing for that day and, be fully aware of our choices and actions before we make them. Seek to have your first thought be, that one day you will stand before God, going over your life’s choices. Having this thought in the forefront of our minds and not buried in the background, should help us all to make smarter decisions for our lives. So, what choices will you make today? May we all make wise, Godly decisions now, so that when we stand before God He will say, well done, my good and faith servant! Blessings, Angélique

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8Still other seeds fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” Luke 8:5-8 (NIV) Having a good foundation in this life and, allowing God’s word to permeate all aspects of that life, is what every person should strive for. Let’s break down the parable of today’s verse. The seed in this parable signifies the word of God. And God’s word when given to some on the path of life, the devil comes and takes the word away from their thoughts and their hearts. For those on rocky ground, they hear and receive the word with joy but, they have no root. When trials and testing come, they soon fall away. Then the ones where the word fell on “thorns” are those that hear and believe God’s word. However, when the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life come, they are “choked” or lead away, and do not mature. But those who receive the word with noble and good hearts, are those that will keep the word of God and look to spread it to all the world. Some may think the ones who have “good soil” have no cares or troubles in this life. However, nothing can be farther from the truth. Those with good soil have just as much (and sometimes more) cares and burdens from life. They also face various temptations to stray from His Holy word. The difference is they hear, believe, and look to follow God’s word always. Despite problems and sinful temptations that always seem to come, they choose to trust God and put into practice what His word says. So, do not think you have to be a “perfect” person in order to have the good soil the parable is describing. All God asks from each of us is to open our hearts and our minds to Him. To be willing to trust and obey what He has set forth in His word, despite any of the world’s obstacles. Those with good soil know and believe that God will see them through, whatever the circumstance. May you allow God’s word to permeate the “good soil” of your life and look to spread this good news to others. Blessings, Angélique

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) For me, this past week was extremely stressful. So much so it began to manifest itself in physical ways in my body. I distinctly remember the slow but steady tightening of my jaw on the left side of my face. From time to time most of us have all been under extreme stress, and we felt it emotionally, mentally, or physically. I like to share if this is happening or has happened to you or a loved one, I encourage everyone to not try to “toughen up” and stay in a stressful situation. Please step away and engage in a de-stressing activity. I am sure many people who stayed in the stressful situation ended up having strokes, heart attacks, or some other form of health issues, related to ongoing stress. Various medical articles state that stress over a period of time is usually the underlying cause of many current diseases and injuries. Just like a construction worker knows how much stress a building can take in certain areas, we too need to realize our body can only take so much stress as well. And as a builder reinforces weaker stress areas of a building so that it will not destabilize, we too need to do what we can to minimize our stress and, have de-stressor activities ready for us to engage in. As for me, I logged off my computer, pushed away from my desk, and left my office. I had a nice dinner and actually watched a couple of funny game shows as my choice for de-stressing. Within an hour after stepping away, the tightness left, and I felt like myself again. Let this be a wake-up call for anyone to not try and “tough it out” when you feel the physical manifestations of stress. We are all human and at times we may be given a warning as it did for me. My prayer for you is that you will have ideas of what you will do, or look to do continually, in order to avoid stress in your life. Below are just some helpful de-stressor suggestions… Laughter-watch a funny video clip, game show or movie. Play with a pet –if you have a pet, playing with them or cuddling them can be very soothing or relaxing. For those who do not have pets, you may enjoy watching a funny animal video, instead. Engage in focused breathing and/or progressive muscle relaxation Take a walk, do yoga, stretching or other forms of exercise Hug a loved one Light a candle or have aromatherapy diffusers Turn to a favorite hobby Go to a quiet place and read and/or write in a journal Make sure to eat a balanced diet Daily express gratitude to God for what He has already provided. As you journey through your life and encounter stress, pray to God to help you cope, and trust and believe that He will. Look to incorporate the de-stressors mentioned above or some not listed here. The ultimate prayer for all is that you manage your stress!! Blessings, Angélique

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11 In this life when we face various trials, struggles, and temptations, God states in Ephesians 6, we need to take up the whole armor of God. Let us understand the “armor” God is referring to in these verses. The full armor is His holy word and His precepts. I have shared before that God’s holy word, the Bible, is the blueprint for us living our best lives. In them you will find the following: Belt of truth or rather honesty & integrity. Choose to live your life on a consistent basis where you look to make honest and right choices; despite at times being tempted to go with what is popular. The breastplate of righteousness-meaning to internally seek to have an upright and honest heart. Again, always seeking to do what is right. Not trying to take advantage or manipulating others. Strapping shoes to your feet, ready to share the gospel of peace-This is when you are to share God’s love and truth with others. Using God’s word and His truths to uplift others as well as yourself. With the Shield of faith– With complete faith and trust in God, you will be able to extinguish Satan’s attacks on your life. The cares and troubles of this life can weigh you down however, by having strong faith in God, we can overcome any obstacles. The helmet of Salvation is knowing we are saved by the grace of God and the blood of His Son Jesus. When you think of the helmet, think of allowing God’s thoughts and processes to be an intricate part of your true self. And combine all the above with the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. With His Word, we will be able to handle what comes our way in this life. So, if you are in need of encouragement or are looking to give encouragement to others, learn to daily put on the Armor of God, and go out into the world, ready for battle! Blessings, Angélique P.S. Take time to read Ephesians 6: 10-18

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) Have you ever looked at your life and really prayed that God will change your surroundings and your circumstances? Prayed that His blessings would just change your life’s direction? But have you thought that sometimes when we pray that prayer, (I’m included), that we are praying amiss? Meaning we are missing the key factor of that prayer, which us! What God is trying to convey to all His children is that He is trying to get us to change, not so much the people or circumstances that surround us. In a sermon, I once heard Pastor TD Jakes say this, “how dare we ask God to change our circumstances and ignore Him when He’s trying to change us!” We need to get into a mindset of allowing God to change our hearts and minds and be willing to accept and receive His instructions for change. A lot of the times your circumstances, as well as mine, will change, because of a change that has taken place in us. When looking to change your current circumstances look around you, at the circle of influence that surrounds you. If the individuals, groups, and/or activities you are involved in, are holding you back and not pushing you towards God’s glory, then you need to look to change that circle of influence. When we allow ourselves to be changed by God, we will become strengthened and able to withstand any circumstance that surrounds us. I am not saying it will always be easy to allow changes in our lives. Not saying life will always be happy times even if we do allow God to change us. However once changed from within, when life seems to crumble and fall apart, we will be able to stand and not be destroyed from those outward circumstances. As God’s word says in Isaiah 40:31, “they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Let us allow God’s beautiful change to take place in our lives. Then as we step into our life’s path, let us soar! Blessings, Angélique

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14 Have you ever really read over the traditional marriage vows, promising what you will do for another person? Have you looked at the vows, in a healthy, loving way, and said them to yourself? Let’s look at some of the wording of a traditional marriage vow, in order to share this insight. In a section of the vows, the parties will usually say yes to the following: “Will you have this person to be your lawful wedded spouse, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, comfort, honor, and keep them in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?” Now take these same vows, turn them around slightly and from a healthy perspective, say them to yourself. For instance, ask yourself, am I true to myself under God’s Holy ordinance? Will I seek to care for, love and comfort myself? Will I seek to be honorable to myself and my Godly values? Will I forsake being with others, in a way that does not please God? Another section of the vows talks about being with the other for better or for worse, richer or poorer. Ask yourself this, do I have a good healthy outlook as a single person, and not beat myself up or put myself down over past mistakes? Prior to looking to marrying another person, one needs to really and truly marry oneself. You should be saying these vows to yourself and have them firmly established prior to you saying them to another individual. To become healed and whole as a single person, first seek God, then a healthy relationship with yourself, before you look to seek other people. Understand that when you vow to love you, it is not just mere words, but a deep knowing within, that you and you alone, are a great and awesome child of God. When you really get comfortable and happy in your company, and when the time is right (and if it is in His will), God will allow that new partner to come into your life. You will be able to recognize them because you will come from a place of wholeness and not from a place of longing and lack. Be true and faithful to you, your beliefs, your boundaries, your core being. For instance, do not look to date or seek a relationship when you are craving acceptance and approval from another person. It’s not fair to them and it’s definitely not fair to yourself, to deal with that type of pressure. You do not need to look to another person for approval. The only approval we should all seek is from God. Whether we are living our lives and interacting with others, in a way that pleases Him. As you look to move forward in any relationship ask yourself, am I being loving, true, and faithful to myself? It is a totally different approach to relationships when you’re already committed to yourself and your Godly principles. Gone is the fairy tale mentality of looking for another person to rescue you. After all, the only true rescuer is God through His Son Jesus Christ! Blessings, Angélique

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV) Have you tried to diet and exercise in order to get in shape, but then stopped? You gave up and stated I cannot lose weight, eat healthy foods or get in shape. With romance, have you been involved in relationships that you know do not honor God or His principles? Illicit affairs, casual sexual encounters, fornication, and other vices that you know, go against God’s word? And yet, you keep telling yourself you know it is wrong, but you cannot stop? There are those who look to harm their bodies by ingesting drugs or watching pornography. Then there are those who look to gossip and lie on others. Or make fun and put others down, for one reason or another. All listed above (and others not listed), will take a toll on your mind, your emotions, and your body. Your body, which was purchased by the blood of Jesus, and is to be the temple of God. Now, there will be those who say, I can’t lose weight, I have no willpower. I can’t say no to this illicit relationship. I’m not gossiping, I’m just talking to friends. Or I just can’t stop watching pornography and/or ingesting this substance. However, have you stopped to think everyone (for the most part) has the ability to make a decision on what they will or will not do? For instance, if I said I will give a million dollars to lose weight, to stop engaging in illicit behaviors, to stop gossiping/lying, or to stop ingesting drugs or pornography, would you stop? Would you truly seek out the help you needed, in order to stop? I guarantee, almost everyone would make up their mind to really try, in order to get the money. They would look to do it with no questions and no excuses. So, if for a million dollars you would choose to stop, why not choose to stop because you are worth so much more? The verse today states our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our bodies are to be holy and set aside for God. You and I are worth far more than money. Our Savior Jesus Christ died for us, so that we may have the right to eternal life. However, while we are alive and functioning on this Earth, God wants us to have abundant and healthy lives. Now, I am not saying everything is our choice. There are things that happen, that may not be based on our choices. But there are many things that are the direct consequences of our choices. The next time you think I can’t do this or that, realize you are choosing to do what you want to do. I pray however, you will seek God and choose His way of thinking and His way of living. That you will make the choice to honor Him, and the beautiful body He has given to you. So, in doing what you want to do, look to choose the Godly way of life, always. Blessings, Angélique