The Wrong Turn

Have you ever jumped out into the middle of an intersection to make a left turn while the light was still green awaiting the oncoming traffic to slow up so you can make that left turn? Most often, once you inch out into the intersection you will get a break in traffic to go...but sometimes you are caught in the middle of the intersection and there isn't a break in the traffic and the light turns red. What are you to do? Well, most of the time you feel forced to turn on red praying there are no cops around.

I have been dealing with a particular situation this week that I compare to being stuck in that intersection, and the light has turned red and I am forced to go through the light knowing it wasn't right for me. I believed I had received confirmation in my spirit to start a new business venture. I heard in my spirit "I don't care what you do, but do something". So, I stepped out in faith........well, nothing about this venture happened the way I had hoped. I knew from the beginning it wasn't my "playing field" nor where I'm gifted and talents lie. But, none the less I took a chance and proceeded through the intersection with the light turning red.  Not that I didn't hear God, but I was seeing through the eyes of my flesh.  I know the connection is a Divine connects, however, I just wasn't seeing clearly.

While having a little quiet time this morning, something I heard in my spirit earlier in the week came back to me. As I began to pray and go into an atmosphere of worship, it was all very clear within my heart ,which is where all revelation begins, I believe. I thought, "Lord, if this wasn't it, why did you let me go this far and what about the money we invested in it"? His response was, "it's not that it was wrong, you just made the wrong turn and the money....well, I gave the money to you and can give it back......pressed down shaken together and running over". Sometimes, I have to let you turn left in order for you to go right. Wow, I had been sensing all along that this was not the path for me, but my flesh was trying to make it right. Part of it felt right, because I love to drink coffee and I figured it would be an easy sell, but the selling part I know is not me. Why do we always try to make something fit! I know when God releases a blessing in your life, it comes without sorrow and trying to accomplish this thing from the very beginning was nothing but pure confusion...and our God is NOT a God of confusion.

Many of you who read this might say, wow she get's it wrong often and yes, that would be true. But, I will be the first one to admit it and share it in hopes that someone else will see it before it begins to form in your own lives and make the "right turn". My brother-in-law once told me....."Trice, God cares more about you trying to hear him (developing a relationship and desiring an ear to hear) than He does about you missing or misunderstanding what's being said". Well Brian, I believe you are right! I miss him often, but when I do finally get it right..........it's always on time.  And always more than what my little mind could ever comprehend!

Had I not made that wrong turn, knowing it didn't feel right, I would not have been in a position to continue to seek God for direction and revelation of what is right for me. So, by knowing what I'm not to do, it makes room for the things I know I am called to do and that is devoting my time to ministry and serving God's people. There is no quick fix in this walk. The bible says, "your gifts will make room for you and bring you before great people". I have to trust God to know that as I continue to pursue my purpose daily, it will lead me smack into my wealthy place.

Well, I choose to follow the path laid before me and I am going to stop trying to get in where I clearly don't fit in. I used the scripture, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", to try and make this venture work and it didn't. Not because the word of God isn't true, (because I do believe I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me) when I'm traveling in the right lane and doing what I'm called to do.

I pray this word will be a blessing to someone.

Also, Happy Mother's Day to all

Patrice Thompson

Overlooked and Missed Opportunities

Over the past few days, I have been receiving “fresh” revelation on grace and gratitude. As I continue on the search to “finding My Truth”, I have realized that:
1) I’m not living in the gift of my present state
2) I need to be more appreciative of what God has already blessed and graced me with
3) To live my life as an outward expression of gratefulness
4) The things going on within me is a direct reflection of what is seen on the outside
5) While seeking the “more” I’ve overlooked and have missed out on opportunities already before me to grow and prosper as stated in God’s word.

While watching Oprah Winfrey’s “life class” last night, the topic of discussion was gratitude. What I gleaned from the words of wisdom being shared by her panel, one being Bishop T.D. Jakes, (however all were great) is to accept and receive the gift given by God to live in and appreciate this present moment in time. Today I have been filling my precious moments of time thanking God for allowing me to be a participant in this “now” moment and repenting of all the times my focus was on the “more” and what I didn’t have.

As I was giving God thanks for giving me grace to live in this present time, I began to think about all of the blessings He has already afforded me; whether I saw them as blessings at the time or not. Every experience has molded and shaped me into the “Trice” I am today. I made it through them only because He had already predestined it in my life and given me the grace to get through it. As hard as it may have been to go through some of my life experiences, I realize that I never went through it alone (for he never leaves us nor forsakes us) and by his grace I made it through. Stronger and wiser than when I began. For that, I’m ever so grateful.

I have always been one who internalizes everything. It’s been a real struggle to express what I feel through words. In doing so, I made a prison within myself and the only way of release was through wrong actions and deeds. Since embarking upon this journey with God, this has been one of the hardest to overcome. Yet, here I am today sharing with you in word. He always will take what was intended for our demise and turn for our good and His glory. While I have not reached the level of grace to communicate verbally with others to express myself, He has given me this “window of opportunity” to share through my writings. For that I’m most grateful. So today, I want to begin to allow the joy, love and compassion that I’m feeling on the inside to flow as an expression of gratitude on the outside. I’m taking baby steps, but I’m stepping. I’ve given myself to the enemy on way too many occasions to allow my negative thoughts and feelings to be expressed outwardly. It’s now time to overcome that evil with good.

I just realized today that I have been on a journey searching for the opportunities God has given to me to bless and prosper me in ALL things and I have missed them or not taken full advantage of the one’s He has already placed before me. I’m not sure of what is next for me, but this one thing I do know today; I have been given the opportunity to be a daughter, sister, auntie, wife, daughter-in-law, mother and friend and I don’t know that I have taken full advantage of any. Maybe, just maybe my focus in this season should be on developing , growing and prospering in these opportunities already afforded me and not so much of the “what’s next” for me. All of the above are titles that I am very proud to wear. I must say, that in all, I’m more than qualified for the job. Each of these roles God has entrusted me with and in order to be and live up to their fullest potential, I still have need of much wisdom and grace. I didn’t even have to interview for the positions, my life has qualified me. I had to ask myself this morning. Have I been the best daughter, sister, auntie, wife, daughter-in-law, mother and friend I could be? If I must keep it real, as my sister Amber would say…….my honest answer would have to be No!

Sometimes our search for our truth, purpose and passion leads us right back to our own front door. The greatest job opportunities, w/the greatest benefits and pay are already before us. Bishop Jakes has often shared that your passion will lead you into your purpose. Well, as I meditate on what I have a passion for, I always come back to the roles I’m currently playing. How many people can say that they have been afforded the awesome opportunity to be a daughter, sister, auntie, wife, daughter-in-law, mother and friend all in one lifetime?

So today, I’m grateful for being able to participate in all the above roles of life and my prayer is to become the best that I can be by God’s grace to fulfill them all. So, my question to you is: are you overlooking and missing out on opportunities God has already blessed and equipped you for or are you still searching for something new (that will carry a great “worldly” title and monetary reward) that you may not be meant to experience in this season of your life? According to the word of God, promotion doesn’t come from man, but from God….and according to his order God doesn’t give promotion until we are able to pass the test and assignments He has already given us.
I pray you partake and chew on this “food for your Soul” and allow it to digest into your heart, soul and spirit.

God bless,
Trice

I am Persuaded

It's been awhile since I have blogged.  I was sensing in my spirit the need to be refreshed and renewed by  the Spirit of God.  As I have stated on several occasions, I never want to write out of my flesh.  If it’s not straight from the Spirit of God….I will not share it.

I logged on to watch Bishop Jakes service this past Sunday only to see he was not there.  My husband and I started to turn it off, but decided not to.  The visiting speaker was Pastor Sheryl Brady, who is an anointed preacher and woman of God.  As she began to deliver the word of God, I told my husband,” this word is just for us/me”.  It hit our/my spirit and soul like a led balloon.  The title of her message was “There’s a reward out for our Faith”!  Bishop generally leaves his Sunday messages up until Wednesday morning ….if you get a chance I recommend you watch it.

However, although the message was rahma for me (a now word), it was actually a song that she sung during alter call that has remained in my spirit.  I have been singing it since Sunday not even knowing all the words to the song.  What has stayed with me is “I’ am persuaded Lord to love you”.  I have been meditating on those words since then.  Yesterday, I started feeling a bit under the weather and thought “wow I was just bragging about not being sick” to my family.   For some reason when I do get sick, I know it’s generally a time to press into the presence of God.  It’s in the quiet time of my sickness that I’m still and I can hear Holy Spirit speak loud and clear.  Now this is just my experience, I Know God is not a God of sickness and disease, but He uses EVERYTHING for our good and His glory.

So, I went on Youtube and searched out the song.  I found it and began to listen and shared it on face book this morning….but, I still really couldn’t make out the lyrics.  The woman singing the song, Melanie Daniels, is so anointed in song that I continued to listen and worship.  Then I found the lyrics and artist..or so I believe it’s the original artist (Darwin Hobbs).  God has been doing a great work in my life, my marriage, my children and the ministry we are connected too.  I have seen Him turn circumstances and situations around in my life literally overnight!  As I began to meditate on what has taken place over the past few months….and all the word through reading, prophecy, and ministry…..I am persuaded now to love Him from a pure heart and in spirit and truth!  I believe through the words of this song, it is now time for me to begin sharing through “food for the soul devotional” again.  It is soooo mazing to me how God works and the things He will use to thrust us back into purpose when it’s time.

This song has really blessed me today in a way that I can’t even articulate.  God is speaking loudly and clearly in this season and we ALL must be attentive to His voice.  I pray the words of this song will bless you as well.

I Am Persuaded (http://youtu.be/kHf290BsbIM)

Precious Jesus now I love you, How I lift high my voice with your praise.  Holy Spirit, I implore thee drench my heart as my lips part your praise.  I am persuaded; Lord to love you I have been changed to bless your name.  I am constrained by this great gospel, forever to worship you!

This is my testimony today!  I am persuaded by this great gospel forever to worship and give my God praise.  I’m not sure how often I will be blogging……….but food for the soul is Back!

God bless you all.

Patrice

Equally Yoked – What is God’s ultimate plan and who are the key players?

Isn’t it a wonderful feeling when you realize what season you are in?  For my sister Patrice and I, if we know nothing else, we know that this is a season in which God is unveiling His purpose and plan for each of us and showing us how we are connected.  In this process, we have begun to look inwardly and uncover and acknowledge those areas in our lives that we need God’s healing touch to restore our broken spirits, wounded hearts and deliver us from our past that we may be free to walk into the call and destiny that is on our lives.

Last week, during my sister Patrice’s meditation time, she began to reflect on the wealth and gifting of our family members and what God’s intent may have been in blessing my mother with such a large “quiver” of children.  As she continued to thank God for her family collectively and each person individually, the Holy Spirit spoke to her one word, “Equally Yoked”.  Well, we all know from scripture what it means to be “unequally yoked”.  In studying this myself, I found that it does not only pertain to marriage but in relationships in general.

Question: "What does it mean to be unequally yoked?"
Answer: The phrase “unequally yoked” comes from 2 Corinthians 6:14 in the King James Version: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” The New American Standard Version is a little more forthright: “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership has righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” A yoke is a wooden bar that joins two oxen to each other and to the burden they pull. An “unequally yoked” team has one stronger ox and one weaker, or one taller and one shorter. The weaker or shorter ox would walk slower than the taller, stronger one, causing the load to go around in circles. When oxen are unequally yoked, they cannot perform the task set before them. Instead of working together, they are at odds with one another.

I have personally experienced the deep pain and suffering that comes from being unequally yoked. It was once told to me, “right things done out of order will bring disastrous results”.  In my former marriage, everything we attempted failed and I was ultimately distracted from my purpose.

As Patrice and I continue to flow in the Holy Spirit; to understand the will and purpose of God for our lives, we understand that we must first analyze existing connections/relationships for every person in our lives as should you.  Ask yourself, how does he/she fit into the overall plan/purpose for my life?  Just as you experience suffering and failure when you are unequally yoked, there is also power and blessing in being “equally yoked” with those God has assigned to your life.  Not everyone is capable of handling where God plans to take you.  So, as we begin the start of a new year, this is the perfect time to “clean house” and separate yourself from those connections that are not God ordained; that hold you back, drain you and delay you from stepping into the perfect will of God for his purposes to manifest for the Kingdom.

Although there is a wealth of untapped gifts and talents in our family as a whole, Patrice and I are sensing a drawing together; a spiritual alignment (based on childhood experiences and a painful past in general) of the two of us, our niece Kim and our eldest sister Carolyn to use our gifts and talents to minister to Abused Women and Children.  What the enemy meant for our harm, God will use for our good.  Although the full plan of God has not been revealed, we know that God is going to birth in us the capacity to establish a Women’s Center (Sista Katie’s House of Love); a home for teenage girls that have experienced sexual, physical and emotional abuse (“Auntie’s House of Hope”).  Other family members have expressed interest in owning Restaurants, (“Katie’s Kitchen”); Companion Care services for the elderly, “WeCare Companions” and who knows what else is to come.  There are books yet to be written, prophecies to be uttered, ministries to be birthed and a multitude of testimonies to be shared.

 So for us, we already see the benefit and the blessing that will come as a result of us submitting to God, following the leading of the Holy Spirit as He continues to bring us together (equally yoked), using the pains of our past and the gifts, talents and resources to bring spiritual wholeness to those in need.

The Smith Family is being molded, directed and positioned to fulfill the call of God in our lives to leave a rich legacy for the next generation.  We commit to “Knowing God” and we fully expect to experience His “Shekinah Glory” in our daily walk.

I hope you begin to reflect on the value of those in your life currently and seek God to show you who you are to be “equally yoked” with for this next season of your life.  God wants you to prosper and succeed in all He has ordained for you

God be with you always,

Freda

Walking In Your Truth & Living On Purpose

New American Standard Bible

II Corithians 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight
I have come to learn in order to walk out my truth, I must walk by faith in God to lead and guide me every step of the way.  I cannot allow what I see, hear or touch with my natural senses, to dictate my actions or reactions to life and all that it brings about.

Galatians 5:16 - But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
I purpose in my heart daily to walk by the Spirit of God and not follow after my flesh.  Even this week, during our 21 day Daniel fast, I found it to be hard to press in and seek God like I should.  It was hard at times to open my mouth and pray or give thanks.  Trying to read and study the word was feeling like such a burden to me.  But I continued to press in and push forward.  I had to talk to myself sometimes and acknowledge, remember, accept and embrace this scripture.  My flesh doesn't want to do anything that would please God, but I purposed in my heart to follow after the Spirit.

Philippians 1:6 - For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.I have to at all times remember, that everyday I remain in the earth, I'm a work in progress.  I will not say everything correctly, I will not do everything the right way, but I will continue to allow Christ through his Spirit to complete the work he has begun in me.

I think we put way too much pressure on ourselves.  If we could do the work that needs to be done within ourselves there would be no need for Christ.  Over the past few weeks, I've been following Bishop T.D. Jakes teaching, "Living on Purpose".  It has been such a powerful teaching and I have gleaned much revelation and understanding from it.  When I first heard preachers speaking and teaching on "finding your purpose", and realized I was created with a specific purpose in God's heart,  I set out with all force to find out what my purpose is.  But since I'm walking in my truth, I must admit what has always captured my attention is the part where it says: "when your walking in your purpose you will prosper".  So, if I must be honest and I must, I was more set on figuring it out so I could have the prosperity more than the purpose.  I don't think I'm the only one. In the beginning, most of us would admit, we sought after God's hand and not his heart.

Thank God I have grown over the years, and based on Bishop's teachings and my own personal journey as a child of God, seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, I'm living on purpose everyday!  This is what I have found:

1).  Your purpose and your past are intertwined.

2).  The very fact that I'm still living, means I'm living on purpose.  Because, based on my past I should have been taken out a long....time ago.  I recognize now it was the hand of God that has kept me all these years......to fulfill my purpose.

3).  Whatever you have a passion for is generally linked with your purpose.  Don't minimize your purpose based off of someone else.  Maybe you have a passion for feeding people, helping people in general to succeed at whatever they maybe doing.  Follow it, continue sowing into the lives of others.  There are many ways of fulfilling your purpose.  Some will seem greater than others, but none of less value to God.

4).  Your purpose will lead you into your destiny.

5).  Don't rush the fulfilling of your purpose.  Enjoy the journey because it's the lessons learned throughout the journey that I believe really count.

 

6).  Live one day at a time.  All days will not be the same; some may be good and some not so good.  But it's all relative.

 

Walk in your truth daily and live everyday on purpose!

 

Patrice

 

Living on purpose and walking out your truth to me means:  Living everyday acknowledging God as your Heavenly Creator; believing on Jesus Christ as the Son of God and relying on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you through every single day. 

Open Your Mouth and Speak

A declaration of my “truth” in Christ

Merriam-Webster definition of declaration: the act of declaring; announcement

I was surfing through the TV channels this morning and came across a preacher I have not seen in sometime.  He was teaching on being a New Creature in Christ and what it really means.  I immediately turned up the volume and began to listen and take study notes; I knew it was for me.  He was preaching from his teaching “God’s Voice Activated System” and how everything that has been created by the Creator has manifested through words.  God said, and it was so.  After listening quite intently, I heard in my spirit “open your mouth and speak”.  I said, speak what?  Speak a declaration of your truth, in Christ!

You see, I have come to realize, the devil cares nothing about our thoughts.  We can think about something day and night, but when we begin to speak out of our mouths what has been deposited within our spirits by the Holy Spirit, he begins to tremble.  As I think back, one of the greatest fears that many within our family struggle with is: SPEAKING ALOUD.  During the course of our lives, most of the things we have experienced have forced us into a place of guilt, shame, and silence.  If the enemy of your soul can silence you, than he’s got you.

It is what I believe Satan uses as part of his greatest arsenal. If he can inflict pain, guilt and shame on us, than he knows for the most part it will keep us quiet.  But God!  As a New Creature in Christ, I/we no longer have to adhere to his words, images or fears that would continue to keep us bound in silence.  When we received the Lord’s call to salvation, all of our past fears were nailed to that cross.  We have been resurrected into a newness of life that no one can take from us.  We can give it up, but no one can take it away.

Recognizing this, I have begun reading my bible aloud.  God says in Isaiah 43:26, put me in remembrance; let us argue our case together; state your cause, that you may be proved right.

We have to get to a place where we can speak God’s word back to Him and speak over our own lives, the truth as we know it in Christ.  God holds His word higher than His name.   So, as I have been commissioned this day, I will open my mouth and declare my truth in Christ!  I will declare daily who God says I am in Christ and not waiver.  

I began to write this blog earlier in the day and then decided I would not publish it until tomorrow.  However, while showering I asked Holy Spirit, should I send it today or tomorrow?  He said, “send it today”.  I believe within my heart there is someone out there that needs this word for today.  Maybe it’s not about self declaration, maybe there is something you are going through and you are unsure about your decision.  I don’t know, but what I’m sure of is you need to “open your mouth and speak”.

Below are the scriptures Holy Spirit brought back to my remembrance that I have started to speak over myself.  If God used His words to speak life into creation and we are made in His image, then maybe we have not, because we speak not.

Speak your end from your beginning!  In Jesus Name.

 I decree and declare:

And God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. Genesis 1:27

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5

                                                              

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.  Romans 8:17

I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.  Psalm 139:14

Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will make mention of the name of Jehovah our God. Psalms 20:7

They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.  John 17:16

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  Psalms 91:1

Delight thyself also in Jehovah; and he will give thee the desires of thy heart.  Psalms 37:4

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.  Psalms 37:5

God Bless Family.

Trice

Finding Your Truth - Step 1

Scripture to stand on: Proverb 3: 5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

In my journey to finding my truth this week, Holy Spirit revealed that the first thing I need to do is: acknowledge, accept, reflect and believe/embrace the "new creature" I am in Christ Jesus.

Acknowledge: - II Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.

Accept: Psalms 139:14
I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.

Reflect: Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Believe/Embrace: Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

As I began to meditate on these scriptures and allow myself to acknowledge, accept, reflect and believe that in fact, I am a new creature in Christ, the "Trice" that I use to be is now hidden in Jesus.  There is a new woman I must acknowledge and embrace to fulfill God’s purpose.  I am being washed and cleansed on a daily basis to become more like him.  I also have to accept that if I was fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, than all of me can’t be so bad. 

 

I think in this process, one of the hardest things for me to do is to free myself of my past.  I hold it more against myself than anyone else and definetly more than God.  I have to accept that,  everything I have gone through and experienced in my life is/was part of this journey.  I believe there is a scripture that says (paraphrased): when God created man, He created us with a whole in our heart that only He could fill.  From the time I was born until this day, God knew exactly what it would take for me to get to the place of realizing that everything I was searching for would be found inside that "void" only He could fill.  Even during the time of my life, when I was in search of it, He was revealing the "true" me.

 

Sometimes, we don't want to embrace those things about ourselves because we were not using those gifts and talents for his purpose.  Three things Holy Spirit revealed to me today...just today. (1).  They (my family) use to call me Rona Barrett, who is/was a news anchor for our local news back home.  Why?  Because I use to spread gossip like it was water.  It use to get me in trouble alot, but if anyone needed to find something out they would come to me, "Rona" and they knew they would get it exactly as I heard it.  Now, I'm not proud of it and as Christians we are not to gossip, and I have since been delivered from that spirit.  But, Holy Spirit said to "acknowledge it, and embrace it".  Because, what the devil meant for evil, will now be turned and used for God's good.  That ability to hear and repeat verbatim what is being shared with me is now being used to edify the Body of Christ, even through this blog.  It was something good; I just wasn't using it to glorify God.  (2). I use to be the "life" of the party......I would sing and dance until I literally passed out......smile.  Of course, I was always ten shades in the wind as some would say.  Yet, after I gave my life to Christ I thought that was apart of me that died along with the alcohol.  But, now I know it was a gift from God!  I love to praise and worship the Lord and when I do, I open myself up to give him my all.  And guess what?  By the time I’m finished… I'm literally ready to pass out.....smile.  Same gift, it's just being used the right way.  And (3).  My family all knows, I use to talk to myself as if someone was sitting in the room with me.  Whether I was playing school, speaking about a pretend life I use to desire  for myself, or playing church.  I know they all thought I was crazy and so did I.  But, God was in that too.  Many things that are happening in my life, are things I use to share with the "invisible" person in that room.  I didn't even realize at the time, the invisible person was "Jesus".  He shared with me some time ago, that I needed to get back to that place of talking with him openly, just as I did when I was a child….tears. I was speaking the desires of my heart and he was sitting right there listening........directing my path all along.  Isn't God good ya'll.

 

So, I encourage you all to "get to stepping", which was the title of Pastor Jomo’s sermon last week, and allow Holy Spirit to reveal the parts of you that he desires you to acknowledge, accept, reflect and embrace; because it's ALL intended to be used for God's purpose and our good.

 

Be blessed,

Trice                                       
 

 

"Finding Your Truth"

"Finding Your Truth"

These words came to me this morning while meditating and reflecting over the events of the past year.  I've come across many readings within the past few weeks as many have been sharing words and preparing for the upcoming New Year. Many will try to leave bad habits, unhealthy thoughts, negative actions and useless deeds in the past, in the hope of entering into 2012 with new hope, fresh fire and perseverance in expectation for what is to come.

The more I thought about this statement, I realized that I and probably many others are just beginning the process or still in the process of finding out who we really are in Christ. I believe the past few years of my journey, God has had me in a season of  "purging and purifying".   How can I hope for a future while still struggling with the weight of my past?  During our Christian journey I believe we do go from faith to faith and glory to glory in this desire to "Know God" and in finding out our purpose in Him. However, in order to know what and who we are, we must go through the process of finding out who and what we are NOT.

Over the past few weeks, I have been feeling unsettled, off balance and confused in all aspects; physically, mentally and spiritually.  Somewhat in a dump, almost as if everything that was in me has leaked out over a period of time....till there is nothing left. Could that be God's intent? Out with the old and in with the new. The bible tells us "you can't put new wine in old wine skins."  It's usually in these times/moments when I realize God is calling me to step up my game and seek Him like never before because it’s time to move forward and upward. For my next step of this journey, I must realize that what sustained me and others last year, will not be what will continue to sustain and grow us this year.  I have learned, you can't give out what you don't already have in you.

As I stated in my last "Food for the Soul" email, I will now be posting a weekly (or however often God desires) word via "BlogSpot". I'm very excited about this new season and direction in my journey.   I pray you will embark on this new journey with me and begin to share your thoughts, words of encouragement and testimonies through this new vehicle.  If I said I knew exactly what I'm doing, it would be a lie....cause I don't.....I'm just trusting God to lead me daily through and by His Spirit.

So, for the next few weeks or so, I'm going to dig into "Finding My Truth" and I would like to extend the invitation to you as well. What does that mean?  It means going deeper into the process of exploring and searching out the true plan and purpose for my life in Christ Jesus. Opening up myself completely to Holy Spirit and asking Him to show me "me" and all that it entails.  I started this journey some time ago and thought I was really where I needed to be, only to find out....I've just begun!

I've gone through the process of the "baptism by fire", but now I need to become familiar with what remains and how it is to be used within God's Kingdom.

So, this week I challenge and encourage you to reflect on this statement, “Who am I, and what is my true identity”?  Not what someone has told you......but who God has shown you to be. I will commit to praying for us all and for fresh and new revelation that will come from just simply asking God that question.

Scripture verse for the week: Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations”.

The first step in the process is to make sure you are in right relationship with Christ.  If you have not asked Him into your heart, this would be the first step you need to take to begin this journey. If you would like for me to pray with you, I would be more than happy to.  Send your information to: plthompson2@hotmail.com  and I will contact you or you can repeat this simple prayer:

Father, I believe that you sent your only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on Calvary's cross for me.  To become the only acceptable payment for my sins.  I believe he lived, died and rose again for me and is now seated at your right hand. I ask you Lord to come into my heart, cleanse me of all sin and unrighteousness.  Make me a new creature in Christ Jesus! Amen (Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.)

Your Sister In Christ,

Patrice