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Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Psalm 37:3 (ESV) And all the people shall hear and fear and not act presumptuously again. Deuteronomy 17:3 (ESV) How well do you trust people? The people you are getting to know, and even those who you have casually known for some time? When you decide to begin trusting another, you must look to gain clarity and verification of this person, prior to divulging a lot about yourself. Determine who they are as a person. Meaning are they always honest and walk with integrity? Or do they joke around often (even on serious matters) and tell “little lies” on a regular basis? How do they interact with others who are in their presence? And then, what do they say about this other person when they are no longer in their presence? Are they genuine and kind both times? It is essential to determine what this person stands for and, where they are coming from with what they say, and the choices they make. Prior to giving so much of yourself to this person, try and learn who they really are and what their lifestyle entails. This is especially important when you’re entering into a new relationship with someone, and you are trying to get to know them. Prior to divulging intimate details, determine if they are genuine. You can sometimes find out a lot about a person, depending on the friends and associates they are constantly around. As you continue to get to know them, look to verify as much as you can, and then begin to trust as you move forward. Along this journey, you needed to have already worked on yourself emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, using God’s Holy word as your guide and blueprint. So, when you begin entering into romantic and business relationships, in addition to friendships, you will be able to determine if this is a person you wish to continue a close relationship. Now, we must keep in mind all of us are human and we are all sinners saved by the grace of God. That being said, from time to time we all make mistakes. So don’t immediately feel a person is not one to be trusted over a mistake. However, if one sees a negative pattern emerge with this individual, then you must proceed with caution or, do not proceed at all. In moving forward in any serious relationship, seek to verify and then trust at every stage of your journey. Making sure they and you, are in step and in line with God’s principles, as you move forward on your life’s path. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 1Peter 3:4 (ESV) So, you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. Matthew 23:28 (ESV) Most of us spend a lot of time with our outward looks and beauty. We go to the gym or other places in order to work out and hopefully achieve the beautiful bodies we are working towards. I want to stress a point here, working out and being in the best shape is not a bad thing. However, it can be problematic if we make it an obsession. In addition, we spend a lot of time and money on clothes-shopping and getting the right outfits to accent our body shape. We spend time and money on hair, make-up, and other various skin and beauty/body treatments. Again, when having all of these things done, in moderation, can be extremely important and can play a vital role in our mental and emotional health. However, have you ever stopped to think about the amount of time and money, spent on working on our outward appearance? In contrast, have you ever considered how much time, if any, is spent on developing our inward beauty? Inward beauty in the form of spiritual health and wellness? What would happen, if we decided to put the same amount of time, money, and effort, into developing our inward characteristics of humility, honesty, and integrity? Focusing on improving the inner self, we would not have hypocrisy and lawlessness, as is referenced in Matthew 23:28. Spending time developing your inward beauty is just as important, if not even more so, than working on the outward. If we all sought to apply concerted effort in being a better person internally, this world would be a very different place. If we took the time to really work on getting closer to God and work on aligning our principles with His, this world would have less strife, chaos, and destruction. So, as you go about living your life, look to incorporate a diligent effort in strengthening your inner beauty in the form of Godly characteristics. Look to become a more patient, loving, humble, and kind person, wherever you go and in all circumstances. It will not always be easy. Life’s struggles and various people will push your limits, from time to time. But if we make a concerted effort to work on strengthening and improving our inner beauty, as much as we do our outward appearance, what a beautiful change would occur in our lives, as well as the lives around us. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein…Psalm 24:1 (ESV) The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:8 (ESV) For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. Psalm 50:10-11 (ESV) In my devotion the other day, the devotional thought began with this statement by Evangelist Billy Graham: “We come into life with empty hands -and it is with empty hands that we leave it.” When we look at our lives now, the possessions, the money, the people, and our positions in society, we may feel we “own” it all. At times we’ll have the feeling we are in total control and have total and complete ownership, of everything and everyone that “belongs” to us. However, when we stop and really think about it, we own nothing and no one. Our Father God is the one who owns it all. He is the everlasting creator and sustainer. Everything and everyone we have in our lives belongs to Him, and Him only. We must remember all that we have, is on loan to us as we live out our time here on His Earth. In truth our very lives, and the time we are here on earth, are on God’s timetable. So, if you ever find yourself becoming upset and fighting with others over possessions or even, over people, stop and remember who owns it all, and who is truly in control. God is the one who loans and shares with us all. When we put that thought into perspective, we realize we are called to make Godly choices, do the best we can, with whom we can, for as long as we can. Make a point daily to connect with God and to live the life that He’s given you, with purpose. May we all continue to thank God for all He has given to us, on loan, every day. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) During a morning prayer devotion not too long ago, Pastor Rupert Bushner of Patmos Chapel had emphasized the first part of today’s verse. At the beginning of the verse, it states, “no weapons formed against you shall prosper”. Most of us when reading this verse focus on the weapons will not prosper part of the verse. But during devotion he pointed out, it did not say there will be no weapons, it stated: “they will not prosper”. The point being is this: we all will have “weapons” or rather, trials and tribulations in this life. These trials and tribulations can, and will at times, come from the actions of others. These hurtful actions are the “weapons” God is referring to in this verse. There may be times when a person or persons do not treat you as they should. There may be situations that you cannot control that may hurt you and/or your family deeply. Despite the pain and set back that may occur as a result, if we cling to God and His promises, those “weapons that were formed against us” will not ultimately win out; ultimately, they will not succeed. By staying connected to God, in time you will grow and succeed in living the life He has planned for you. So, when others seek to do harm to you and/or your loved ones, do not allow the thought and feeling to creep into your heart and mind, that they will succeed in their evil plans. Know and trust God’s word when He says He will not leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8) during this time and, remember when He says, no weapon formed against you will prosper! Blessings, Angélique~ To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. John 10:3-4 (ESV) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 (ESV) The world is filled with a lot of opinions or a lot of “voices” that can leave us frustrated and confused about which way to turn or which “voice” to follow. There are times when it may not even be a major decision or problem we are facing. Sometimes we may have doubts or negative thoughts about ourselves, swirling around in our heads. During those times, we need to learn to self-parent and self-govern those negative and doubting voices. This is when we need to have God’s word in our minds and hearts. So, when those difficult moments come, we can step back and compare our thoughts or the “voices”, against God’s word and His promises. The question may be asked, how do you know God’s voice? How do you know which way to go or how to follow the right path in life? It begins by studying God’s holy word and prayer. When we get to know God through studying the Bible and understanding His commandments and precepts, we will know God’s true character and voice. The various rules God shares in His word, are there to help govern and bring order to our lives and to our world. Just like a loving parent tells a child not to do this or that, in order to protect them, the same goes for us with our Heavenly Father. God’s rules are there to help spare us from the inevitable hurt and pain, due to disobedience. This world can be confusing and full of corruption, sin, and darkness. But there is light, and that light is only from God. You and I can discern God’s voice versus the world, when we compare our thoughts and decisions, against His truth, and His integrity. When you weigh decisions in this manner, you will know what is from God, and what is not. A practical way to really allow yourself to hear from God is to spend time with Him in quiet stillness and in prayer. It may not come easy at first, but if you keep seeking to spend that alone time with Him, you will hear the “right voice” as you navigate life. There is a lot of “noise” in this world pulling our attention one way or another. Seek to quiet your mind, your heart, and your thoughts, by pulling your attention away from the “noise” and finding that quiet solitude every day with God. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV) I read in one of my devotionals this comment: “You are made on purpose for a purpose; handcrafted by the Creator of the universe.” How many reading that quote above believe that it is true? I pray that everyone reading it does believe this awesome truth for themselves. Unfortunately, there are those who doubt they were wonderfully made. They doubt they were made for a Godly purpose in this world. I encourage all of us born on this earth to know we were not happenstance. Without getting into too many details, I would like to share some facts of our conception. When we were conceived, there were millions of sperm wanting the chance to fertilize the waiting female egg. It is estimated 100 million sperm are released and wanting the chance to fertilize, but only one makes it. And that one is you, and that one is me. In looking at John 15:16, the first part of the verse states: “You didn’t choose me remember, I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit…” Knowing this, trust and believe you were fashioned and created by God and placed on this earth for a higher calling and purpose. And do not think your calling has to be something great and seen by many. From the least to the greatest, we all have a divine role to play in God’s world. There are those who may have handicaps, illnesses, and infirmities, and feel how can they be wonderfully made. But one has only to look at others who have the same conditions and sometimes worse; and yet they still bring joy to the people they meet. So, despite the handicaps, some may suffer, know that God loves all of us and we were created to be a blessing to His world. And then there may be those who were born into an environment that was not healthy and as they grew into adulthood, it was very challenging. Know this, that despite all, you too were still wonderfully made. Despite the past, you can become an awesome child of God now, and for the future. Sometimes those who have endured much in their past can be an even greater blessing to many in their future. There will be times when doubts come as to why we are here and do we really serve a purpose. We may ask ourselves, what truly do we contribute to this world? Know this, everyone has spiritual gifts/talents. Seek to find out yours and then look to use your gifts and talents, to bless God’s world. Once before I wrote about spiritual gifts and talents and shared a link to a spiritual gift test. I will leave the same link below. Click and take the free test to see your spiritual gifts. Trust and believe you & I are fearfully and wonderfully made. Now, go out in humility and love, and let the world know they too were wonderfully created, on purpose, by God. Blessings, Angélique~ Spiritual-Gift-TestDownload To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but, rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV) The saying goes: “We are to love people and use things, and not use people and love things”. This is a very true saying and, so appropriate as we deal with the materialism and consumerism, of the 21st Century. It is so easy at times to get caught up in acquiring status, money, and material possessions. I am writing this from the United States where most children are raised to think about making money and having possessions as one of the main goals in order to obtain, “the good life”. They’re taught to go to school, get good grades, get a good job, buy houses, land, cars, go on expensive trips, etc. Looking to better oneself in life is not a bad concept, nor does it go against Godly principles. Problems come into play when we value money, possessions, status, and fame, more than we value Godly and human connections. When we’re so consumed with getting, there are often times we neglect and/or use/manipulate other people, in order for us to get what we want. Make no mistake, God is not pleased with this type of behavior. A life of disregarding others or God’s principles, in order to achieve your own material gain. The Bible mentions how pride can be your downfall, when you become so into your beauty, ambition, talent, etc. It teaches that everything eventually comes to an end. The only thing that lasts is God and your relationship with Him. So, seek to fix your heart and mind on the real prize, God, and Him only. When you align your character and principles with God’s word, more than likely all your dreams and ambitions will come (as God wills) to you honestly and with integrity. You will not look at people as objects for your use, in order to get what you want. You will look upon them as you should, as children of God. Blessings, Angélique

But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 ESV Question. Do we treat God as the Fixer? Many times, when we find ourselves in trouble, we will begin to fast and pray to God, expecting afterward He will “fix” our situation. We expect and want Him to fix the situation immediately, and to our liking. Whether we consciously think so or not, I believe all of us at times have treated God as if He’s our handy fixer when we need Him. There are times in our life, we look to do what we want to do, and live the way we choose, even if it’s contrary to His word. Then when problems arise, we turn to Him as if on cue, to “fix” it all, so that everything will be right again. And then afterward, we go on doing what we want to do, all over again. And, if God doesn’t fix our problems, to our liking or satisfaction, we sometimes get upset and disappointed at God and His teachings. What we all need to realize, is that God walks alongside us in life as a Father, a Teacher, and a Guide. In life, there are times when He does carry us through various dark trials and situations. But He will put us down again, so that we can continue alongside Him, during our life’s journey. He knows what’s coming up ahead in life, and depending on each individual person, He allows us to exercise our faith, and to use the skills He has given us, to get through our trials. It’s not that He doesn’t love or care, He loves and cares deeply, more than any human ever could. But just like a loving parent, He’s wanting us to learn on our own, how to navigate and overcome various situations. When a parent has a child just learning to walk and talk, that parent cannot do it for them. That parent cannot just “fix” their child. They can, however, coach, guide, and love that child through their challenges and mistakes; but they can’t overcome the obstacles for them. The same goes for all of us when we look to our Heavenly Father. Now there are miraculous times God will answer prayer and fix things in our life. When this happens, we usually shout for joy over God’s provision and blessing. However, there will be times when the answer is slow in coming or may not be, what we expect. I would like to interject this thought as well. We need to be careful when looking at the answered prayers of another and compare them to our own. Because God answered another person’s prayer, do not think He should have done the same for you. You and I do not know that person’s full story or what they have overcome in their lives. God can choose to bless them at that moment in their lives, just like He has done for you and me. Everyone’s life is individualized, and it’s up to God to determine who and how He wants to give out blessings and answers to prayers. So, when we look to pray, (which should truly be viewed as a conversation with God), do not look at God as just the “fixer” of your problems. Still have faith and trust that He will work things out in your life but in the meantime; you must continue to move forward and live the life He would have you to live. Do not sit and wallow, waiting for His “fixing”. But move forward and be a blessing to those around you. God is much more than our “Fixer” of life. He is our Sustainer, our Creator, our wonderful Heavenly Father. Blessings, Angélique

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV) As Christians, we have heard it said and read in the Bible, to take our problems to God in prayer. And this is a very, very, true fact. We know God will protect His children and look to answer their prayers, according to His will. However, there may be times when people need human connections as well. They need a “safe space” where they can share their problems, concerns, and fears, without feeling judged or put down in some way. Because you are a Christian, go to church and pray faithfully; do not feel you cannot reach out to someone else, in order to get help with your problem or situation. I have met individuals who say they feel guilty or, their faith in God will be questioned if they seek help other than prayer and fasting. I have shared with them and will share with you this is not true. Do not allow anyone to prevent you from seeking the spiritual help and guidance you might need for your particular concern. We all should continue to fast and pray to God during this time but, there are times we may need to be a part of a counseling session or group. This human connection, along with continued prayer, will help one to understand, heal, and grow, as they look to move forward in life. If you are wanting to seek counseling, I do however encourage you to look for a Christian counselor or spiritual group, that is geared toward addressing, your particular situation. Your church or pastor may offer services or, perhaps going to another Christian church’s counseling program, would be beneficial. During this time seek to continually fast and pray. Continue to have your daily conversations with God. You may not see it right away but, know that God is working out your situation. Always remember He will be with you the entire time, as you walk your life’s journey. Blessings, Angélique

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