A Word from Chelseia

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. (Job 23:10-11 NLT)

 Turbulence: a state or condition of confusion, movement, or agitation; disorder.

 Are you a fan of turbulence? I’d imagine no one is a fan of being shaken while on an aircraft. The only option is to secure your seat-belt. While being on a recent flight, the pilot was trying to ascend and the ride began to get bumpy. At that moment, the attendant announced, “No moving at this time, please fasten your seat-belt!”  That announcement was made several times during the flight.  At the moment of no control, I began to get anxious, and uncomfortable.  In a recent article, I read, “Turbulence is an aggravating nuisance for everybody, including the crew, but it’s also, for lack of a better term, normal”

When there are moments in your life that may seem rough, bumpy, uncertain, or shaky…it’s God’s way to TEST you, but to TRUST Him! It’s normal.  Again, it’s His way to TEST YOU, but YOU TRUST HIM. As I began to look out of my window, I could hear others around me complaining, fearful and babies crying.  At that moment I was reminded of His word….”Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart… and not to lean into MY own understanding.” It’s in your own understanding when there’s confusion and no clarity.  In the process of life, God will send turbulence your way to shake you to rid some things, but to also remind you of his sovereignty. It’s in the turbulence that the enemy will cause doubt and fear….but God will protect you from dangers seen and unseen. It’s a reminder that it’s bigger than you…He’s in control. If there was no shaking, you wouldn’t move. Be thankful that HE loves you so, and wants you to be BETTER.

God will take you to a place, and it’s in that moment, He will be the only one to sustain you!! Trusting isn’t always easy, but try it!! Can you trust in during the turbulence of life? Can you trust when you can’t see your way out? Can you trust when it doesn’t make sense? Is it possible that God is saying “No moving at this time?” Simply because He’s taking you to a new level? Are you in His way? Let “it” go.

If you can trust Him, I’d like to know if you’ll TRY Him?  You’ve been comfortable long enough. When you get to point where you don’t know what else to do, I’d like to suggest, lift your hands and say, “Lord, I trust you in the midst of turbulence in my life!”  When you TRUST HIM, He will prove Himself to you! Just hold on-you’re going to land safely to your victory! Fasten your seat-belt of Faith, and when you land……He will reveal…..His glory in YOU!!!!!! Hold on!!!!!! There’s purpose in you!!! He’s trying, but you must be willing. Here are few questions to ask yourself and apply to your daily life:

1. What in my life is causing turbulence?
2. What can I do today to change my “right now?”
3. What steps can I take to eliminate the confusion?

Remember to TRUST: if He has done it before, he can certainly do it again. When He shakes He will shift. In the midst of the shaking be sure to fasten your seat-belt, I’d like to call that “Faith” because at that point all you can do is “Hold on!”

HAVE A POWERFUL WEEK!

And suddenly, behold, there arose a violent storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered up by the waves; but He was sleeping. And they went and awakened Him, saying, Lord, rescue and preserve us! We are perishing!  And He said to them, Why are you timid and afraid, O you of little faith? Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great and wonderful calm (a perfect peaceableness). (Matthew 8:24-26)

 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth.”  (Pslam 46:10 NIV)

  Growing up, I recall spending time with my cousins at my grandmother house on some weekends.  We had fun majority of the time, however, didn’t favor the times of storms, or potential ones from the weather radio.  During the storms (lightening, thunder, etc), was an automatic decision for no playing, as children, our thoughts were….it’s only rain.  The thunder could slightly rumble, or one small flash of lightening and my grandmother would immediately turn-off televisions, and stop whatever she was doing…then tell us to HUSH/be quiet (her version).  Being young (busy bodies), we didn’t understand why we had to stop what we were doing….she’d mention, “God is working, so just be still, it won’t last long.”

 It’s safe to say, I thought it was quite, ‘stupid.’  Now I get it!  There will be storms, the type the meteorologist can’t predict nor understand.  If you haven’t experienced a storm, keep living there’s one on the way, perhaps you just made it through a storm (kudos to you).  Whether it’s a tsunami, tornado, t-storm, earthquake or hurricane, despite the magnitude of your storm, your safest evacuation is the word.  In the midst of the storm, you must remind God what He said He’ll do.  I’m sure you’re wondering, what’s your point?  My point, God will/can allow storms to those He love.   Some can be quite devastating, causing you to lose loved ones or all that you have.  Sometimes he’ll provide the type when He’ll prepare you, allowing you to experience uncomfortable situations, I’d like to compare that to flash-flood warnings, which means something is approaching.  He’s only allowing it to warn you to trust, seek, turn to Him, or simply try Him (test Him).  Then there’s the watch, which means to literally “watch out” for what the weather can, do, be ready to act.  The two are both life savers…He’s watching and warning us…so be quiet.  He gives signs through people and prayer…it’s powerful. He sends storms to refocus your FAITH!

 When the storm passes then sun will soon shine!  The s-o-n is waiting to shine on you, but are you willing to be quiet and have patience during the storm? It won’t last always! The storm(s) of life can be tragic, causing fear, anxiety, discomfort, anger, but from personal experience, God is right there! There’s a peace that only HE can give.   I’m not certain of your circumstance, however, you may not understand “why?” Know that He WILL.  Take time to stop and realize, He’s working and He can’t complete His task if we’re busy moving!  As humans we don’t realize if we’d trust Him instead of man so much, our lives could be less hectic. He’s not through with you!  Are you willing to be still?   In the process, don’t allow the enemy to steal your joy!

 We never favor our storms, but our storms (in the end) favor us! (think about it!) Make today meaningful!!! It’s a PROCESS created for a  PURPOSE!!! Don’t quit! Speak to your STORM!!! 

Vision: an experience in which a personage, thing, or event appears vividly or credibly to the mind, although not actually present, often under the influence of a divine or other agency

18Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]–blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he. Proverbs 29:18 (Amplified)

2-3And then God answered: “Write this.
Write what you see.
Write it out in big block letters
so that it can be read on the run.
This vision-message is a witness
pointing to what’s coming.
It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!
And it doesn’t lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait.
It’s on its way. It will come right on time. (Habakkuk 2:2 MSG)

When your vision is farsighted (ability to see at a distance clear), and your faith is nearsighted (causing distance to seem blurry) faith, you must remain steadfast in faith.

Do you have a vision? If yes, have you taken the initiative to write down your focus, goals, strategies and objectives? Do you find it easier to see the finished product versus getting started? Is your faith nearsighted? Perhaps, you could have a nearsighted vision and farsighted faith (vice versa). Sometimes what you need for your vision is near, but sometimes we’re so focused on the end, we loose sight– when God wants us to focus on what’s before us. Your vision is something God has equipped only for you—there will be pain, because it leads to purpose. Don’t allow your nearsighted faith cause you to suffer from vision loss, because that will lead to a loss of hope. God hasn’t given you the spirit of fear, but of a sound mind. If we’re completely honest with self, a lot of us are blind, because we don’t want to see what God is trying to show us. He has given you a vision; don’t allow the enemy to cataract your faith (cloudy or opaque area in the eye).

Today, I encourage you to create a vision board of what you see ahead. Keep that vision board nearby, and as often as possible take note of how you plan to reach your vision. In my opinion, a vision is an assignment that God has for you to carry out to His people. Don’t allow man to give you a fantasy-vision, but allow God to equip you with what you need—then wait on Him…and while you’re waiting remind God that He said, “Where there is no vision the people perish.” What do you see? (Habakkuk 2:2) Write it down, I pray that your vision is farsighted as well as your FAITH!!! Don’t allow your faith or vision to be nearsighted! What may appear to be blurry, God can make clear! It’s in you to be GREAT, see the impossible! Allow God to correct your vision, so that you can be a blessing to someone else!

Maximize your VISION—and watch it MANIFEST!!!

28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:28-31

 Predestined: To fix upon, decide, or decree in advance; foreordain.

 Justified: to defend or uphold as warranted or well-grounded

Glorified: to honor with praise, admiration, or worship; extol

 Have you ever pondered, wondered, or maybe worried how something so impossible could be possible? Have you at any point surrounded yourself among individuals that say they want you to succeed, but in the same breath they’re cursing you? What about those who want to give you an outline for your life (telling you what you should do)? 

 As humans, it’s easy to say what, when, and where..based on the carnal mind. Don’t allow people to speak life over you, when you haven’t allowed God to. We often WASTE so much time trying to figure out what God has already worked out? Have you ever thought, “Maybe things aren’t working because you’re doing too much?” Perhaps, what you’re trying to do isn’t aligning with what He wants, the reason your plans aren’t succeeding. Are you running from your purpose?  WAIT! I find humor that God will allow us time and time again to encounter obstacles, hardships, trials and tribulations until there’s a moment of surrendering. I want to encourage you not to lose your mind or faith, it’s only a test. Don’t allow people, material things, or money to take your sight off the one who’s your sole provider.  Things will work out for your good, if you hope for what you do not see and have patience. It’s a sure test of faith, if you can see it, it’s not faith!  Stop operating ahead of His scheduled plan for your life…if it’s for you, there will be no room for confusion, questioning…He prepares you before presenting His plan.  Are you ready?

 I’m sure you’re wondering, “Why patiently hope for something that I can’t see?” If you knew exactly what God has in store, you would not diligently seek Him. There has to be time to desire His presence for manifestation to take place, because everything that He has for you will come in due season, but are you ready?  The trials will only come to make you strong, and they will come. In the text, it’s stated, “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”  I love that verse, because He’s waiting on you, He’s calling…but are you going to answer? Don’t lose neither your faith nor your joy–remember, God’s in Control…not YOU, stop trying to control Him! There’s nothing that can compare to what God has predestined for you! ALL things are working for your good—He’s worked it out!!!! Don’t go through this season in disbelief, but believing, God is working it out! It can be whatever the enemy is trying retain from your reach, but take a few moments and position yourself to say, “As long as He’s in control, I know things will work out!” If you say it, you must believe it!!!!  HUMILITY, can you praise Him in spite of….

 This week, walk in the mentality of a BELIEVER…and repeatedly say, ALL things!!!!! Even during the midst of pain and suffering…ALL things…

*the reason ALL is highlighted, because when you think of the definition, (ALL:every, the whole of, greatest possible), I’m so elated to know that ALL things will work for the good of those who LOVE HIM!!! Nothing can compare to His glory inside of YOU!

Be inspired…and share with someone else…

In Atlanta, I’m constantly in traffic in the mornings, some noon-days and evenings.  There are times I wish I could have transportation like the Jetson’s (classic cartoon), to be free from traffic. They lived in a futuristic utopia, everything raised high above ground, no traffic.  Some days are a lot better than others…but when the traffic is a complete halt, it’s frustrating, then you can look at others cruising by. You can’t avoid it; it’s something you have to go through it.  Going through, I realize, had I rushed, there could have been an accident or a speeding ticket.

 Have you had a moment in life when you wanted to simply, “Give up?”  Two weeks ago, I felt that feeling…when your life feels like a traffic jam.  I’ve had moments of postponing, but never giving up in 29 years.  It’s easier to tell someone else, “Don’t give up…Don’t quit!”  I’ve said it a lot to others, but when it’s you…what do you do? My grandfather, (late, A. Sims), told me before going to be with the Lord, “Everything is gonna be alright!” The moment of becoming tired/weary of the halting, can be frustrating, but what happens when God flips your script? Your plan, perhaps what you thought was strategic, was just too simple, more like cruising through the traffic of life and there’s a detour. It will change your mind and cause you to think differently.

 My grandmother would always mention, “There’s no need to rush, wherever you’re going will be there, whatever you’re trying to do, if it’s His will, will come to past!”  In the midst of wanting to give up a whisper of a familiar passage came to me, Psalm 23. I’ve read Psalm 23 most of my life, but I have a new appreciation for the writer (David) of the passage. I realized I can’t give up, because I have to go through this season for several reasons:

  1.  He’s my shepard (guide, keeper, provider, preserver, watches over me)

   2.  I shall not want (I may not have all that I want, He’ll supply ALL of my needs)

   3.  He makes me lie down in green pastures (at times I’m so busy, but He’ll force rest, sometimes to be still to focus on Him

   4.  He’ll lead me beside the still waters (give direction and time to catch my breath, peace)

   5.  He restores my life (in the mist of feeling lost, He provides comfort…allows total restoration)

   6.  He guides me along the right paths, for his name’s sake (when I’m not certain of where to go…He will lead me to        wholeness)

   7.  Your rod and staff will comfort me (my protector/protection)

   8.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies (when there’s encountering forces of the enemy to give up, I’ll survive it, from preparation)

   9.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows (continual anointing of the Holy Spirit will be with me; comforter)

 10.  Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life (No exception from trials and tribulations, His mercy is eternal, favor in the midst of the storm, the best days are ahead…His angels are with me)

 Now, I realize, “I can’t give up!” When I think of His goodness towards me…..my soul truly cries out! In a place of pain, Psalm 23 can provide reassurance that this is only a process and through it….a purpose will be revealed…in the midst of my “RIGHT NOW!” Traffic will not last always…..it has to soon flow….If you haven’t gone through, just keep living, in this life, you’re either, just coming out of something, going through something or on your way to something, but don’t give up as difficult as it may seem!

 I solicit your prayers! Be inspired… 

My grandmother would make lemon meringue pies. Those pies were so delicious and EVERYONE loved HER pies. Even when she would give the recipe, people would tell her it still wasn’t the same. There was a process of making the pie. I’d always want to come in the kitchen to help/watch, but she’d allow me to crack the eggs and get the Watkins Vanilla Extract and sit it on the counter. Then she’d say, “Get out the kitchen, so my pie want fall.” I’d continuously come back to the kitchen and I felt like she had an auto-reply every time, because she’d say, “I told you, I’d let you know.” When the meringue was ready she’d call me to the kitchen and hold the bowl upside down to see it wasn’t going anywhere. After the pie cooled, I was able to eat!!!!

 I’ve noticed that sometimes it’s good to “Move out the way!” There are times when God will give us certain ingredients to add to our life (such as the pie) and for some reason we go back to question Him (in His way) and He’s still working. Instead of Him saying, “Get out the kitchen or I’ll let you know,” He’ll turn something’s around or maybe use reoccurring instances in your life to show you that He doesn’t need your “lip-service.” Only if you would just wait! Whatever, God is baking in your life, don’t get in the way and cause the pie to fall. Sometimes God will hold you up, like my grandmother would hold the bowl of meringue up to let you know, He’s not going anywhere. It’s alright to stand back, and while you’re doing that, go ahead and tell him, “Whenever/However you bless me I’ll be satisfied.”  Like I was instructed continuously to “Get out the kitchen,” God is telling you the same thing!!! BE PATIENT and MOVE out the WAY! He’s Purposing you for something greater than you can imagine! The message reminded me of this scripture: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” -Ecclesiastes 7:8

 Don’t focus on the on the beginning, but realized the latter shall be greater! It’s a process to endure, “Will you stand firm on the promise or fall?” Don’t respond to the enemy, yet give God a “right now” praise to confuse the enemy! This is just the beginning of a “new thing” in your life! Don’t give up…just “Move out of the Way” and watch the manifestations! Thank Him for for the “not yet,” and Praise Him for the “right now!” Boldly tell the enemy, “MOVE OUT OF MY WAY!” Declare and Decree it!

GIVE TODAY YOUR BEST AND MAKE TOMORROW BETTER!!!—-Chelseia

You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
   You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
      doing your best to find him.
   That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
      you walk straight along the road he set.
   You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
      now you expect us to live it.
   Oh, that my steps might be steady,
      keeping to the course you set;
   Then I’d never have any regrets
      in comparing my life with your counsel.
   I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
      I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
   I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
      don’t ever walk off and leave me.  (Psalm 119: 1-15 Message Version)

A few days ago while driving I noticed a tag that read, IAMKEPT.  In the same day at a stop light, I noticed a bumper sticker that read, “I’m driving, but not sure where I’m going.”

 Have you ever felt you’re going through the motions of life (driving) without direction?  Do you know that you’re kept?  Often times we live life confused like the bumper sticker.  They both (tag and sticker) were seen for a reason, it blessed me, because it caused me to think, “What if I wasn’t kept and was lost, oppose to being kept and lost?”  Do you realize when you’re kept; despite your sense of direction…God can give you a revelation to keep you even when you’re uncertain of your destination.  Being kept causes you to trust in God even when you’re not able to trace him!  You do not necessarily have to know everything, but that’s when you trust God and believe in Him, not what’s present.  The speed bumps you thought were rough will cause you to yield to your heavenly Father and His will can protect you, by going through a few detours.  His will isn’t to slow you down, but to keep you safe from all hurt, harm and danger.  That’s why I liked the bumper sticker, to me it says, “God, I’m trying (driving), I’m not sure what you’re doing, but I’ll go wherever you lead me.”  If He puts you to the test, He can certainly do the rest!  Throughout the day, you should take the time to thank Him for keeping you, especially when you consider the negative things throughout the world, oppose to where you could be—you’re kept!  Stay positive!!!!!

 Are you driving, but not sure where you’re going?  When in doubt, just acknowledge His presence and He’ll direct, while keeping you.  (In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.—Proverbs 3:6)

 Remember…. “The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you!”  In other words God will not steer you in the wrong direction, wherever he leads, he’ll guide and protect.  Trust and Believe, He’s a man of His word; He’s depending on you to read it!

Wishing you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Remember, in all things….give THANKS…always!!

Jonah 4:5-6

Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine.

What happens when you try to move from a state of comfortableness to discomfort?  Things began to change, unnecessarily and necessarily.  I began to think of us as people.  It’s hard to understand the how and why’s of God’s actions.  We’re reminded that there’s a Parakletos (Greek word for comforter) that surrounds us in the midst of discomfort. I began to think of Jonah, even though he didn’t want God’s compassion on the people, he went to speak to Nineveh after the second request, at that time they begin to fast, wearing sackcloth which symbolizes repentance, and they were requested to urgently call on God (3:8 NIV).   When God saw what they did, He turned them from their evil ways (3:10). 

Discomfort began to resurface, in chapter 1 Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh as God called; in Chapter 4 (last chapter) he was angry, because God found compassion in chapter 3. Jonah began to get like many of us, bitter when we should be happy.  Why is it so hard to be happy for someone, especially when you’ve seen God move in their life?  I noticed Jonah was fine as long as God was blessing him, but he became angry when Nineveh was spared.  Jonah was ready to die, so God provided a vine and allowed it to cover Jonah as a shade for his head to ease him from discomfort and he was happy.  Then God provided a worm to chew the vine and the next day he allowed a storm, which caused Jonah to become faint. How is it so easy to be more sensitive to our needs than those around us? I want you to know, God is concerned about you as well as the lost.  Life may seem to discomfort you, be mindful that John 14 (v 16-17) reminds us, And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever–The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.

The comforter (Parakletos) is with you at all times.  I began to wonder if Jonah remembered that the same God who kept the fish from swallowing him was the same God who had mercy/compassion on Nineveh, because they obeyed him.  The same God allowed the vine to comfort Jonah, and also allowed him to be in a state of discomfort.  This should be a great illustration that God answers those who calls upon His name and are willing to sacrifice.  He isn’t selective on blessings, but sometimes we’re selective on calling on His name! Allow him to be your comforter while you’re discomforted!! He’s there, just heed His word, then you can receive His mercy and not his punishment!  Be happy when God finds compassion on others, did you realize He found compassion on you? Remove the pride and extend thanks for all He has done and is currently doing!  He allowed you to have discomfort in comfortableness, so you’d realize you’re too complacent  in the current place and there must be a change!  Being uncomfortable will allow you to depend and trust God’s word! In the midst of your discomfort the comforter is there to provide, protect and purpose you!

Remember: When there’s Complacency there must be Change….allowing room for growth!