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“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) “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV) There is so much going on in our world right now, it is hard not to be anxious and fearful of what will happen tomorrow or thereafter. With what we are seeing going on in the world at large, in our country, in our communities, and even within our own families. However, God does not want us to have a spirit of fear. So, how does one live in the present and enjoy today, despite all that is going on around us? How are we to live in this world, and to have some sense of sanity, safety, and confidence about the future; when it seems everything around appears to be crumbling? I, by no means, have all the answers, but what I have learned I will share. In order to effectively combat feelings of fear and anxiousness, a person really needs to lock their life in Jesus Christ. To read God’s word, and to actually follow His precepts. That may sound simple, but in this world, which is very contrary to His precepts, it can be challenging. There will be various people you come in contact with, (even within families) that will give you worldly advice, that is contrary to what God says. However, in listening and choosing to go against God’s word, most people in life never find true happiness and peace; especially when the “storms of life” come. In a prior post, I shared about a painter’s idea of what peace looks like. He painted a little bird sleeping, tucked away in the crevice of a rock when all around was a dark fierce storm. We like that little bird need to be sure and confident in God. That despite all the craziness that is going on, we can rest and be at peace that God will handle and calm the “storms” of our lives. I encourage you to continuously seek God through the study of the bible and prayer. To allow the bible, to be your guide to life. Will you always know the answers to life’s questions after reading/studying the bible? No. Not always. But when you allow your faith and trust in God to flourish, you will be just like the little bird asleep, in the midst of the violent storm. Blessings, Angélique ~ To contact: angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com #faith #Fear #Future

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Proverbs 10:9 (ESV) Recently someone shared with me a surprising revelation. I am currently in charge of conducting a group meeting, and in the course of everyone introducing themselves, one lady said, “I have something to say to you, Angelique”. She went on to say that prior to joining our group, she wanted to find out more about the person conducting the meetings. So, she began asking around about me. She stated: “When I asked about you, I was told really good things. The person shared kind words and stated I would be safe in joining your group. And because of this I joined”. I was very thankful for her words. But even more than this, I found what she shared, to be powerful. And why? Because I had no idea, she asked about me prior to the meeting. Nor did I know who said those kind words to her, about to me. The point I am making is this, what will be the feedback others get about you? If someone wanted to find out what type of person you are, if they wanted to know how you conduct yourself on a daily basis, what would they discover? Who you are, your integrity, trustworthiness, the way you conduct yourself in this world, really matters to those around you. Even more so when you do not think you are being watched. No matter if it is in your home, at work, church, school, running errands, etc. You want to always conduct yourself in such a way that when people inquire about you, others will have nothing but good things to say. I encourage you to allow the Spirit of God to work in your life and in your heart. Be the son and daughter of God, so that when people mention your name, there will be nothing but positive feedback. Blessings to All Angelique~

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) One day I was asked to organize a program for the church. Initially, I was very excited and had a wealth of ideas for the project. However, due to Covid-19, and other unforeseen delays and setbacks, my initial enthusiasm waned considerably; to the point where I no longer wanted to be in charge. In actuality, I wanted to see if I could get someone else to take over. But because I had given my word, I proceeded with the planning. No one else knew of these feelings except a close friend. She encouraged me, and basically said I could do it. So, I set out to begin again. By proceeding forward with God’s leading (despite my feelings), I began to feel lighter and no longer dreading this task. I began to get excited, all over again. I began to feel a lightness in my spirit and feeling that I was doing what God would have me do. In sharing this story, I want to encourage all to stick to it if God has placed it before you; no matter how you may “feel” at the moment. There will be times when you are bogged down with the cares of life, and you will not want to move forward. I am not only speaking of a project but, this can be applied to many areas in life. It can be applied to relationships, work, school, etc. You may want to give up because you do not “feel” like continuing. Your heart is not in it any longer. We all have been there. But despite what you “feel”, move forward, and continue, as God would expect you to do. He did not tell us that it will always be happy/carefree times. He never said every program, project, and relationship will always be fun and easy to do and/or maintain. As Christians, we are instructed to be faithful and to continue. When we do this, eventually we will work our way through all the problems and doubts. In sticking to it, we will get to the other side and will be glad we did not quit. Now I need to make a point here and state there are unhealthy times/situations where you will need to walk away. I am not addressing those in this post. I will talk about this, at another time. However, when the action and/or commitment is safe, it’s just that we don’t “feel” like continuing; let me encourage you to keep fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12), and doing what it is God will have you do. In due time, you will feel the joy in your soul and the fulfillment of having stuck it out. The joy of having completed, the tasks He has set before you. Blessings to All, Angélique~ To contact: angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33:4 (ESV) Have you ever broken down how many seconds of life, that you have each day? In a 24-hour period, we have 86,400 seconds of life. Now that you know ask yourself this, what are you doing with this precious gift that God has given you? If you and I are blessed to wake up and read this message, we were given another chance at 86,400 seconds of life. What are you going to do? How are you going to live? What positive impact are you going to make on God’s world? What positive impact in another person’s life, as God’s Ambassador, are you going to undertake? So many times, we use our seconds for our own selfish reasons and personal gains. God allows us to do this however, He also gives us free choice, to make a difference in this world, for Him. Some may say I don’t know what to do or I don’t know how to use my talents. But if we look around, we can definitely see where help is needed. Look first to the needs of your own family members, church, or church members; to see where you can be of assistance. Then there are programs for feeding and clothing the homeless. There are reading and teaching programs for all ages. Orphanages may need assistance with funds, clothes, or fun activities for the children. Programs for helping with the elderly. The elderly would love someone to come by and visit with them, read to them, or sing/play the piano. There are programs for helping single parents in your community. The list can go on and on, of things that can be done as God’s disciples. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…” Luke 10:2 (ESV) So today is a new day. What are you going to do with your 86,400 seconds of life? Blessings to All, Angélique~ To contact: angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com #Helping #Life

Be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; He’ll promote you at the right time. 1 Peter 5:6 (MSG) Many times people feel they have to put on various disguises/airs or play a role in order to be liked, accepted, or popular. They at times go to great lengths to fabricate or make up this other person, who is nothing like their true selves. I’m not talking superficially, regarding clothes, hairstyles, etc. I’m talking deeper. Having a wish to be someone God never intended. It brings to mind the bible story involving David and Goliath, wherein David agreed to fight Goliath. King Saul invited David to put on his armor, in order to go out and fight the giant. After trying them on, David felt Saul’s armor was foreign to him. He wasn’t used to it, and he knew this was not for him. Therefore, he removed them and went on to win the battle; by being himself, and using what gifts/talents God had given him. He knew he had to behave as he did as a shepherd boy; and he knew ultimately, the battle was not his, but God’s. This is such a powerful lesson for us all. It is no good putting on someone else’s “armor”. There is great power in the authenticity of you! Rise up and be the man, woman, boy, or girl that God has called you to be. Know that you are most effective when you are being yourself. Author Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken!” Another saying by author Catherine of Siena states: “Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.” So, by faith look to be God’s faithful servant, and move forward using the gifts and talents YOU were given, in service to Him. Prayer Thought: “God, help your sons and daughters to live and be their authentic selves.” Blessings to All, Angélique~ To contact: angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2 (ESV) We as human beings truly like to judge others. We look at the outward appearance and form an opinion on that person’s character, where they are from, basically their entire life. Some may say, “I don’t pre-judge people”. But perhaps you do, or have done, and don’t even realize it. Here are some examples: Their ethnic and/or religious background…we judge them The color of their skin…we judge them Their hair: whether they have toupees, wigs, weaves, braids, color/highlights buzz cut, mohawk, permed, straight, natural hair textures, too long, too short, on and on…we judge them Their clothes: whether too tight, too short, too loose, choice of colors, textures, and on and on…we judge them Also depending on the type of clothes they wear, we try and place where they are from, and base their characters, from clothes!!! We judge them!! If they wear jewelry or if they do not. The type of jewelry they wear. Where on the body they wear their jewelry, and on and on…we judge them If they speak with an accent or dialect from a certain area…we judge them If a man and woman decide to marry outside of their race/religious background, we make up our own reasons why…we judge them From the top of their head to their toes, we judge them. We formulate so many different conclusions and opinions based on what we see. But do we really know them? Do we take the time to see where they are in their life’s journey? Do you know their heart, their mind, their intent? No other person really knows a person, only God (1 Samuel 16:7). However, we still like to conclude based on what we see of them. Like to sum up who they are, and where they are going in life; based solely on what we see and hear in front of us. For whatever reason, we like to think we have the authority and right to place judgment on others. We at times like to feel superior to them, based on our own ideas of superiority. God never gave any of us this right nor power. Actually, He says just the opposite (James 4:12). My Brother & Sister in Christ, stop judging. Stop trying to pigeonhole people, putting them into categories, based on what you see, hear, and feel. Blessings, Angélique~ Feel to reach me at: angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 (ESV) I did not intend to do a part two.  But due to the “second pandemic”(racial injustice, as it’s being called), I felt I must. I had conversations recently with non-black friends who state: “but don’t all lives matter?”  To which I state, of course, they do!!  But unfortunately, the other races and ethnic groups do not get, nor see the constant police brutality/death, the constant hostility/threats, the hangings, the inequality in salaries despite having more education/experience, etc. Anyone can research and see the levels of the documented events (and there are thousands more that are undocumented), which is dramatically out of proportion to the other races.  Do the other races have some of the above problems, absolutely!! Just not even near, the same magnitude of all incidents reported.  And to note here, there are a lot of incidents where no wrong was being done, and no crimes were being committed; yet the unfortunate outcome. Some say stop the peaceful protesting. However, what is to be expected if it stops? Go back to “business as usual”? No, no, no. Enough is definitely enough. I read a recent article of an African American gentleman who wears dreads and works as an inspector, in Minnesota.  On his schedule, he needed to go into a trailer park in order to complete his inspections for that day.  Prior to beginning, he called the local police department, to let them know where he was and what he would be doing.  One of the police officers who talked with him said, he was sad that this gentleman felt he had to call, to tell them.  Eventually, this officer came out there at the request of this gentleman, and they walked the area and talked.  It ended up they had a friend in common and they hit it off, really well. Now some may say, oh he really didn’t need to call the police prior, he would have been fine. But looking at what’s happening currently in our country (not to mention the rest of the world), there is a good chance the authorities would have been called.   We would like to believe that everything would have been fine with this large/tall African American man who happens to wear dreads.  Some may also say, he should cut his hair and dress/style in a more Eurocentric fashion.  That would have been enough to stop people from calling the police.  But do you really think so?   And a question here, why should he “have” to dress/style this way? I guess we will never really know what the outcome would have been. I’m personally glad he had the foresight to call into the police department, just in case. I would have hated to see this married father of two, end up as a police brutality statistic. All because of how God made him. In the previous post, I had asked if those who do not feel comfortable stepping outside of their sphere of influence, to hold race conversations within your own sphere.  But now based on everything that has transpired up to this point, I’m asking those same individuals to reach out to others who are not of the same racial persuasion as yourself.  Look to make friends, to get to know neighbors, coworkers, people in your church, people you go to school with, cashiers at your local grocery store, post office, etc.  Get to know people from another race, and really see who they are. Not what you were told or brought up to think.  Or even what you may see in the news media, the movies, or any other marketing platform. Learn that they are just like you in so many ways.  They are human beings that experience hurt/healing, joy/sorrow, and laughter/pain. God is watching all of us, and how we are interacting with each other. How we are treating one another, as well as how we’re treating the world He created. And at this moment, I can imagine His heart is breaking.   However, being His children we can go out and make a difference. We can begin to understand and love each other, as true Brothers and Sisters. Begin the conversation. Begin the growth…together. Begin the healing. Blessings, Angélique~ Feel to reach me at: angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God! Psalm 68:35(ESV) As I awoke one morning, I thanked God for a good night’s rest and for waking up to a new day. But then I thought to myself, do I still thank Him, when I did not rest well? When my days/nights, had not been good at all, but very dark? So my question is this; do you thank God based on your feelings at the moment? Or do you thank Him because He is good at all times; and deserves our praise, despite circumstances? While we’re living in this sinful world, we must remember this is not our final home.  At times when things are not going well in our lives, we look to blame others, or circumstances that surround us. Some will go so far as to blame Adam and Eve, for the fall of humanity.  However, we need not look to others, as we’ve all made sinful choices, of our own.  And there will be times when situations we find ourselves in, may not be our doing, but maybe the result of living in this fallen world. But despite all of this, we must have the assurance and hope, that God is good, and will work all things out.  As His children, we need to make the decision to trust and believe despite feelings and circumstances, beyond our control. To know in our hearts that life on Earth is not the end and not our final destination. Our final goal is to be with God, to live in Heaven for all eternity. I encourage you to make the choice to give your heart and life to Jesus.  You & I will have troubles in this world, whether you believe in God or not.  Whether you believe in eternal life or not. But I find knowing God and knowing His truth, makes it that much sweeter to endure any trials and tribulations that occur in this life.  The hope and assurance of knowing there will be better days ahead, make it easier to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. Despite feelings (that can betray you. One minute you’re feelings are up the next minute they’re down), make an intellectual decision that no matter what comes your way, God will ultimately triumph in all areas and in all aspects of life. God is Awesome!! Know it and believe it!!! Blessings, Angélique~

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4 (ESV) “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 (ESV) “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) This is a post I should not have to write. A topic that should not have to be addressed. Unfortunately, it is one that still needs to be brought to the forefront of society today. As I listened to the song titled, “Bleed The Same” by Mandisa, featuring TobyMac & Kirk Franklin (link to the song is below), the lyrics struck home, in light of the current events: the death of George Floyd and the ensuing protests and riots. In one of the lyrics, she sings this: “Tell me who are we to judge someone by the kind of clothes they’re wearing, or the color of their skin. Are you black? Are you white? Aren’t we all the same inside? Father open our eyes to see, we all bleed the same.” The anger that has boiled over has crossed all color lines. It is not just black people, Hispanic people, and Asian people who are protesting, but also white people. There are peaceful protests all over this world as the anger, the hurt, and the pain is deep. Unfortunately, there is rioting as well. Let’s be clear, no rioting or damage to other persons or property is okay. But due to the continued injustice and inequality, there is still a need for peaceful protests. The purpose of this article is to highlight the fact that we are all God’s children. He created all of us. He didn’t just create a people of one race who relate to only one cultural identity. He did not create one set of people that behave the same, wear the same clothes, listen to the same music, who walk and talk the same. He created diversity. He created this earth, and each and every unique individual. We truly do all bleed the same. In order to see lasting and effective change, I encourage all of us to begin (if not already) to be proactive in stamping out inequality, injustice, and racism. If you’re not someone who will actively get involved outside of your family and/or circle of influence; I pray you will stand up within your sphere of influence, and speak the language of inclusion and of Godly love. I pray you will stand up for right and call out bigotry and racism. You will teach family members, young and old, that we are all God’s children. No matter the color of our skin, the texture of our hair, or the clothes that we wear. He placed us all here for a reason and purpose. And that reason and purpose is not to tear each other apart nor to break each other down. As God’s children, we are here to show His love to the rest of this dying world. My charge to all God’s Kids; love and protect each other, now and always. Blessings, Angelique~ Email: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com **https://youtu.be/HVKuA1s5I3o?t=49 #Inclusion

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) – Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. All will be well. This phrase spoke to me during my morning devotion. There will be times when things are not well in this wicked, sinful world that we live in. But take heart, all WILL be made new. All WILL be well. I am writing this as I sit in the ER waiting room for news of my Mom. In this very turbulent time, I have no idea what is happening and how things will turn out. But I have a strong faith in God. I have gone through so much in my past. And through all the hurt, heartache, pain, and tears, He’s been right there to hold me up. Even when I didn’t “feel” Him near, He was always there. And in time, all was made well. I don’t know where you are in your life’s journey. However, I want to encourage you to keep your faith. To trust and believe in God, even if you can’t see your way through. Have a strong trust and belief that no matter what, you will hold tight to your faith in God. Hold onto the belief and knowledge, that all WILL be made well, in time. Blessings, Angelique~

1 Samuel 1:18 18 And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. (NKJV) Hannah prayed from deep within her for a child.  She cried out to the Lord from the inner depths of her despair and pain, for her barren womb.  Earlier in the chapter the temple priest Eli, mistook her for a drunken woman, due to her lips moving but no sound coming out.  When she told him she was pouring her heart out to God, he told her to go in peace, and may God grant her petition.  She then arose and went out of the temple, no longer sad but with gladness in her heart.   We can imagine her from that point on; happy, eating, and content. However, after her prayer, there was no immediate answer from God.  At the time, she had no knowledge of what the future might be.  We know from reading the story that God did indeed grant her request.  However, what if He had not?  What if the child Samuel was to be born to another? The point I want to share is this:  if God does not answer your prayers or grant your request, will you continue with your life, and be content?    There will be times when we do not have answers to our prayers granted the way we would like it to be. After having prayed and poured our hearts out to God, we too need to get up and change our countenance from worry and distress to gladness. Even if we do not know the future outcome, in faith we trust God will move in the direction that is His will.  That direction may not be known to us at the time or even in our lifetime.  However, we know and believe He is in total control of our lives, at all times. After having petitioned our Father, may we rise up and smile, partaking in the life our Creator has given us.  Let us, love, trust, and be obedient to Him, now and always. Blessings, Angelique~ #faith #Prayer

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV) As we begin life, we learn how to talk, walk, and eventually run. We go to school and learn our various curriculums moving through grade schools on to college and sometimes achieving doctoral degrees. As we pass each milestone, we think to ourselves, we are almost done, we’re almost complete as an adult! But in the Christian walk we have to ask ourselves, are we truly done? Are we truly finished learning and growing? The answer is, absolutely not! Whether a new beginner in your Christian walk or someone who has been walking with God for a long time, we are still undone. None of us have finished or “graduated” as a Christian believer. So long as we draw breath, we still have a lot of learning and growing to do. Learning to trust God always and to develop unshakable faith. Learning to adhere to His truths and to apply them to our everyday life. So, the next time you might feel you’ve made it in this life, stop and ask yourself, are you really done? Have you really learned all God has to teach? And remember, even though we may not be totally “done”, God can still use us if we allow Him. To those who might be new to their Christian walk, do not feel you cannot be His witness. You too can be a powerful witness to those around you that you encounter. For those who are more “seasoned” in their Christian walk, continue to “refresh” your walk and remind yourselves, you too are still undone. And with even more passion and zeal, continue sharing God’s truths and His love to this world. So whatever stage you find yourself in this life, continue to grow in Christ. Continue to share His love and message to those you encounter. And remember, you’re not done yet!! Blessings, Angelique~