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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

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 (ESV) So, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gifts. Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV) All of God’s children have gifts and talents that He has given from above. The various gifts/talents are orchestrated by God to all work together, for the uplifting of His people. Some of these gifts and talents are considered exceptional and persons who possess them may receive constant praise from others. And instead of showing kindness and humility when they are showered with praises, they begin to show superiority and look down upon others. They look at others’ gifts/talents as not “important” and feel they can truly disregard those with seemingly lesser gifts. They put down others openly or in backhanded ways, in order to feel lifted up, important, or special. God is not pleased when these same boastful persons come to exhibit their gifts/talents before Him, knowing they have offended and wronged their fellow sisters and brothers. As the verse in Proverbs 21:3 says, God desires justice, not sacrifice. Meaning He wants us to present a humble and considerate disposition. To not ill-treat others with bad behavior, then look to come before Him showering “sacrificial” gifts and talents. He is not pleased. He states in Matthew 5:23-24, to go and first make it right with the one you have wronged, then come before Him with your gifts. We must always ask ourselves, have we wronged our brother or sister? And if we have, did we go and ask forgiveness? Or do we carry on, having not made it right, yet looking to present our gifts/talents before God? God says clearly in 1 Samuel 15:22, “to obey is better than sacrifice.” Meaning to listen and follow His teachings and, to treat others as we would want to be treated. Seek to live a life of humility, integrity, and kindness to all you meet. Of course, use the gifts and talents God has given you. And if you have wronged anyone in any way, make sure to go and ask for forgiveness, before coming before the Lord, bearing your gifts. May God be well pleased with you and I, as we seek to live out our best life. Blessings, Angélique

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. Matthew 7:21-23 I came across the above verses, in my recent daily devotion. I have read these verses many times before however what came to me at that time was this: “Who are the workers of lawlessness, that Jesus is referencing”? Is He referring to the people in the world, who do not know God? Or is He perhaps referring to the ones who go to church, and profess a relationship with God? Based on my studies, I believe God is speaking to those who profess to have a relationship with Him. Upon reading these verses, you get the sense of stinging criticism from God to His followers. He is speaking to those who feel they are “Holy” because they go to church, feed the homeless, praise/worship Him, and partake in ministries within and outside of His church. All of these works are needed and are wonderful, but the problem is not in doing good works outwardly, the problem lies within. Some who partake in doing good works may still hold onto boastfulness, arrogance, rage, mean-spirited talk as well as evil thoughts towards others. Outwardly they appear pious and holy, but inwardly, they have not allowed God to penetrate their hearts and change them from within. One can easily get caught up in doing good deeds for others and the work of the church but, neglect the heart which is essentially our thoughts and our characters. As Psalm 51:10 states, “Create in me a clean heart oh God, and renew a right Spirit within me”. No one should think by doing good deeds, they are “securing” their spot in heaven. This is far from the truth if their heart and minds are not focused on being true disciples of God. Seek to continue to help the church and God’s people with your various gifts and talents. However, make sure you maintain a close relationship with God and His word. Seek to ask the Holy Spirit to come into your heart and mind daily. As you move forward in doing God’s work, it will not be just for show, but you will truly look to do His will, because of your love for Him, and His people. Blessings, Angélique

“….For, I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” John 12:47 (NIV) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,…Colossians 3:12 (ESV) When you notice a person dressed inappropriately or see a person who appears to be poor, not having this world’s material goods, what is your first reaction, honestly? Do you have compassion or judgment? I wrote an article last year that dealt mainly with judgment. Today I would like to focus on compassion. When we look at those around us, do we place on them our own ideas about who they are, how they should walk, talk, and behave? Even Jesus in John 12:47 states His main reason for coming to this world was to save it and not to judge. If Jesus, the Creator God, did not look to judge others but to show compassion in order to save them, who are we, to not do the same? It is not only in the world we sometimes do not show compassion but even in the church. We look at a person outwardly and feel we have the right to assess them based on what we see. Not knowing the individual or anything about their life story. We at times, look to condemn them, allowing judgment and not compassion to take over. As we go about our lives from here on out, let compassion rule in our thoughts and in our hearts always when looking to assess others. We must keep in mind we only see the surface we do not know their whole story. Seek to get into the habit of praying and asking God to be with them in their life’s journey. As the verse in Colossians 3:12 states, we are God’s chosen ones, we are His sons and daughters, holy and beloved. He wants us to have compassionate hearts, and to show kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, with all those we meet. Blessings, Angélique