Put on Jesus Christ

Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and don't let yourself think about ways to indulge in your evil desires.   Rom 13:14 NLT

Sister, you know how we love to dress up every opportunity we get. I don't know about you but, I've even saved a dress or a jacket for a special occasion that I haven't even been invited to yet.  The thrill of color coordination and accessorizing is what some of us live for.  To walk out the house feeling confident in your freshly laundered apparel, Jimmy Choe shoes, Louis Vuitton bag and those shades you got on sale at Target makes you feel like you are walking on clouds. Oh! and especially if that was the week you got your hair done at the salon. You feel like a billion dollars! 

But what about the inside... your soul and your spirit? Ask yourself, "Did I take time dressing my attitude, washing my thoughts and clothing my spirit?" What did I do to the inside of me so that it looks better than the outfit I took so much time putting together? How much time did I spend with the Lord in prayer? What scriptures did I saturate myself with like that lotion I put on in the morning? 

 It is easy to get caught up in the things that are forever fading and forget about what's eternal. You would never continue to put on dirty clothes day after day; or ignore the stench coming from you for not bathing. So it is with God. He doesn't want us to walk around with dark deeds like dirty clothes as explained in Rom 13:12.  God would rather you clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ and not to make provisions to indulge in evil desires. The outfit your heart wears far outweighs the freshly laundered apparel we mentioned earlier. Verse 12 references putting on Jesus Christ as putting on the shining armor of right living.  Our time with God and Godly character will always permeate to the outside, leaving the Light of Jesus Christ as the center of attraction for anyone who turns to look at us. Let's put more intention on putting on the Lord Jesus Christ daily. So, when we do walk out of our homes we will feel even more confident in the woman God is creating us to be instead of the clothes we choose to wear.

Prayer Focus:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for who You are. Thank you for Your great love for me. You never leave me ignorant.  Thank you for showing me where I should place my confidence.  Help me to place all my confidence in You. May I be a reflection of the beautiful work you are doing in me... from the inside-out. To You be all the Glory

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Application Exercise

Sister, this is a very easy exercise for you to do. You might find it challenging but very liberating.  I want you to go to the store and intentionally don't put on earrings, lipgloss/ lipstick, don't fix your hair... not a hat or a headband.  Just walk out the door as plain as possible.  What I would like you to do is to pay attention to how you talk to people in the store. Are you fussing at the people in other cars while you are driving? Are you kind and considerate to the cashier? Pay attention to your character and what is coming from you. Then when you get home, think about which matters most?  Your character or your physical appearance? You decide. We will be praying for you Sister as you continue  to refine your character more and more until we all end up resembling Jesus Christ Our Lord.

The Team of Push Pause & Pray

Take it Off !!!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  Hebrews 12:1-2

Sister.... Have you ever gotten dressed to go somewhere special and before you could walk out the door, it started to rain. So, you had to turn to the closet next to the door and pull out your raincoat, umbrella and rainboots. You figured that you would change your shoes, stuff everything in a bag and check your things at the front once you get there. Hoping that it will stop raining and you'll meet up with your colleagues, you get there and there's nowhere close to park. You make a mad dash inside with all your rain gear on ruining your fashionable entrance to this grand affair and there is no coat check.  Your next stop is the ladies room where all the stalles are filled. You don't recognize a soul, so you slip into the corner to take off your protective gear and something is stuck. The boots are off, the umbrella is down but you can't get out of this raincoat. You are wrestling with the part in the back that's locked onto your gorgeous outfit. How awkward it feels to have on this amazing outfit but dragging around this wet shiny fuschia raincoat that's taking away from the beauty of your dress. That raincoat is going to weigh you down. You can't move around or socialize without the strange looks. You can imagine them saying "Why does she still have on that coat, it's not raining in here". It would and could be the biggest hindrance. What I once used as a temporary shield to protect my prize outfit has become the weight that I needed to take off if I was going  to function well, look great and take full advantage of this opportunity.

Sometimes our lives are just like that very situation. We have things that are hanging on to us... STUCk! Hindering our progress or stopping us from functioning well. Hebrews tells us to take it off along with the sin that is hindering our lives in Christ. At times those weights feel like they are stuck. Will we ever break free from them?  However, the Bible tells us to take them off, lay it to the side and get rid of it. If the Word of God tells us to do it then Christ has already provided a way to get rid of them. One crucial way is found in verse 2 of Hebrews. Looking to Jesus.... Sister, when you keep your focus on Jesus everything else seems insignificant. So as we strive to break loose from things that are sinful and prevent us from moving forward, let's keep our eyes on Jesus who initiated and finishes our Faith.

Prayer Focus:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that I can look to you when I am weighed down or in sin and you rescue me. Help me recognize the areas in my life that I need to take off so that my walk with You is not hindered. I want our relationship to grow fervently. Forgive me for my sins and make me anew.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Application Exercise

Sister, I want you to get a hanger, tie a jacket or sweater to the hanger. Make sure the item is dragging so that it is touching  the floor. Now, I want you to hook the hanger to the bottom of your top or from the top of your pants. The jacket should be dragging on the floor and you should hear it following you. Walk around with that attached to you for about an hour and see how that contraption hinders you from getting things done. For a moment, think of the entire contraption as sin or something that should not be present in your life. It's stopping your progress. Every time you allow something in your life that hinders your walk with the Lord I want you to think about how that jacket hindered your life.  With the help of Jesus, Sister, you can take it off. We will be praying for you. God's Grace.

The Team of Push Pause & Pray

Healing for Today

" Let all that I am Praise the LOrd, may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies." Psalm 103:2-5

Sister, Sister.... I know there's so many times you aren't feeling your best. You may be emotionally drained; psychologically confused and your body  feels like it's stalled on the side of the road. Do you wonder to yourself, "Why am I always going through something? First, my mind is being attacked  and then, this body throbs from my toes to my follicles. There has to be a breaking of the chains of my affliction." 

We hear of people being healed miraculously from cancer and other terminal illnesses often. Do you ever wonder if just a little of that could lean your way? Let's think. Many women in the scripture have faced similar issues from barrenness to diseases and even promiscuous lifestyles. All healed by the Hand of the Almighty God. Is that healing available to me today? If you are wondering if God can heal you physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually... The answer is YES! Our God is the same yesterday, today and for all eternity. The question is... will He? That is in His sovereign hand.  ..........However, we must ask ourselves, Do I trust Him to heal me? Do I trust the Power of God? the Love of God? and the plan of GOd?  Romans 10:11 says ...    "Anyone who trusts in God will never be disgraced." He will not turn His back on you or forsake His Word.  So when  we are surrounded by affliction, trials, tests or even temptation, we know that He is with us and in us. 

Sometimes our pursuit of healing and relief is selfishly motivated. You are probably saying... " What is wrong with wanting relief, healing and an easier life?" Do we ever consider how the healing, deliverance or the change will bring glory to Christ? Will you take the opportunity to testify to others about the mercy and grace of God so that others will believe in His power and Love?  Yes! Healing is for you today! As we look at the scripture above, David was Praising God and rejoicing in all of what God had done.One thing that you can see in that passage is David did not keep it to himself. Healing is not for you to rush through the process to get out of the pain and miss the providential care God has extended to you along the way!  He is in the midst and there is  always a greater purpose than our personal satisfaction when it comes to moments of trial. So, as we look for God to send healing our way, let's not forget to Praise Him for all He has done and look for a way to testify of His Grace. Yes Sister, there is healing for you as you place your trust in Jesus Christ. Dear Sister, Trust in God!

Prayer Focus:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank you and I praise you for all of who you are. Thank you for healing me spirit, soul and body. I trust in Your loving, sovereign Hand. Teach me how to trust You more. I agree with You and Your Word concerning my healing. Help me not to be anxious or to fear. 

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Application Exercise

Let's look at some of the women in scripture that have experienced healing. Find one or two and read their story. Ask the text some questions as you read. Who else was blessed as a result of their healing or deliverance? Now as you ponder on your own healing, think about how your healing can glorify God and help others. Think about all the benefits that come along with trusting the Lord along the way. We hope you find encouragement through the character studies and continue to trust in God.

The Team of Push Pause & Pray

Wait on the Lord

"Wait on the Lord: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."   Psalm 27:14 KJV

Sister, I know you are tempted to take matters into your own hands. Things don't seem to be working out as you anticipated.  The answers are delayed or look like they are apparently denied.  Now PAUSE...I need you to place your trust in the LOrd.  I know society tells you to trust the process. Well what process are they referring to? Certain things in life do follow steps, orders and organized procedures.  However, when it comes to the things God has set in motion He controls the process. So ultimately Sister, you're waiting on God. When things go backward instead of forward and the account goes negative before positive; or when you receive "No" after "No", you are still waiting upon the LOrd.  So it is truly Christ whom you must trust and depend on.  The world has so many philosophies and strong suggestions that we can find ourselves looking to lean on without real hope.  At times it appears quite easier to place value in following their subtle devices. That's the trap of the Adversary to get us to put trust in systems, people and theories over or more than God. Don't believe the HYPE.  Wait on the LOrd! The Bible tells us to wait patiently. If we look at it, patience is the real issue. How can I wait patiently for something when I have no idea when it's coming? You've probably seen or experienced being at a door looking out the window every 5 minutes expecting for an important delivery or a guest to arrive but it feels like each passing minute is really 10 minutes. By the time it shows up at your door you've bitten off all your nails; your hair is a mess from scratching it and you realize you have nothing done. This is not how the LOrd wants you to wait on Him.  It's important that while we wait on God we pray, stay in fellowship with Him and read His Word. He is the only One that can keep us steady during the storm and encourage our soul as we wait patiently for Him to move. Be encouraged Sister... you are not alone. 

Prayer Focus:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You  and praise You. You are the only God. You are above everything and I give you all of me. I surrender to your plan and I'm open to your timing. I have a way that is so opposite of You. Lord help me to walk in Your Way because You are the WAY. Help me Lord as I learn to wait patiently for Your Will to be done.  May I learn to depend on you as I journey through life knowing you will never lead me astray and you promised to be with me. Teach me how to look at you with hope and assurance because You are in control.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Application Exercise

Waiting isn't easy but in many cases necessary. We don't want a cake that's not fully baked or a companion that hasn't  matured. So to help us work on waiting patiently we are going to do two exercises.

The first entails us thinking back to a time in our lives when it seemed like God came through late but afterwards we saw that it was right on time. As you think about His impeccable timing, begin to give God praise  for how His is sustaining you through your current waiting time. 

The second exercise entails a little baking... yes baking. Stay with it and you'll have fun.  I want you to mix up a small batch of something delicious. Whatever you like to eat will work... Brownies, Cake, Mac and Cheese. Just make sure it's something you really enjoy.  After you mix your ingredients and place them in the oven, I don't want you to use a timer or your watch to measure how long it should bake. When you think it's ready, I want you to pull it out of the oven and test the inside. See if it's fully baked? Were you patient in the process of waiting for it to be completely done? How far off were you from the correct time? Was it undercooked or overcooked or just right? You can rest assured if you wait on God, unlike that dish it will be perfectly done and at the right time. Keep waiting on the LOrd and we'll be trusting God with you through the process.

The Team of Push Pause & Pray

Don't Get Tired

“So, let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Well Sister, it's been three months since we started the ups and downs of this new year. Some of our sisters started out the block jetting down their paved plan of goals and visions. While others of us hit the year running at the pace of a tortoise. Whatever pace you started and whatever position you find yourself in presently... stay on course with God. He knew you would be exactly where you are.  Whether standing in consistency or sitting in procrastination... Don't get tired!  Let me encourage you. Please don't get tired of turning the other cheek. Let's not get tired of speaking kindly when you don't feel like the other person deserves it. Let's not get tired of praying for someone when they clearly don't seem to care about their own situation. Let's not get tired of taking care of our temples even when it's not convenient. Let's not get tired of showing love to others that don't seem to send it back the same way it was given. Don't get tired of doing the right thing... or should I say the Godly thing. Look back over the last couple of months. Sis, you've been working to do the right thing; stayed on track and on course with Jesus. You just made an Eternal Investment.... you planted something that you can harvest later if you don't get tired and give up. Some of us want to plant and harvest at the same time. We get so impatient about the portion we invested that we don't realize that we invested a seed but we are patiently waiting for a harvest.  What you will receive in comparison to what you have sown is really nothing to compare. When we walk with people and sow the fruit or the seed of longsuffering, trust and believe when you are in need of longsuffering the Lord will send someone to walk with you. Pace yourself My Sister. This journey is about endurance. You are doing well, so keep striving.  There is a payout/reward all based on the eternal investment you made by doing good and not giving up.  The person you become tomorrow will thank you for not giving up today. We are praying for you Sister. You got this ! You can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens you. Philp 4:13 

Prayer Focus:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your love, Your Grace and Your Mercy. You are Lord and sovereign over all things. I bless You and honor You today. Thank You for Your care and provision. I would not be here without you. You are worthy of all praise. Lord Jesus, I come asking you to grant me the grace I need to endure this journey. Daily I'm running this race in pursuit of a crown that I can not obtain without you. Just as John 15:5 says... "without you I can do nothing."  I want to make an eternal impact by making an eternal investment with my life. Help Me to continue to do what you call good....whatever is righteous and honorable.  More than anything I want to please you. Help me Father to stay focused knowing that I will benefit eternally and here on earth if I don't give up. Father please keep me strong and steady in obeying your commands.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Application Exercise

Take a moment to write out all the good things ( the Godly things) you set out to do from  the beginning of the year. Put a check beside all the things you have been consistent with and you're moving in the correct direction.

Now, circle the ones that you may be struggling to start or continuing to pursue. The things that you circled will become our Object of Focus. I want you to create a pretty sheet of paper for you to write on. Whatever is eye-catching... bling, boarders or glitter. Just creatively express yourself on this Paper then write all of the things you circled on it. Find a place to hang it up so that you are able to see it.  These are the things we are going to keep in prayer daily until we see ourselves walking in them. When that day comes, we put a colored check beside it because we are NOW continuing in the good thing. Don't stress about anything.... Face it! Focus on it! and have Faith that you will not give up but reap the benefit of perseverance. 

The Team of Push Pause & Pray

Pressing Forward

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God through Christ Jesus, is calling us."  Philippians 3:13-14 NLT

Finally! Reaching this point was hard. I can't believe all the battles that I had to fight in my mind, the sacrifices that I had to make and the pressure I had to endure from people all around me. I think the sleepless nights were the worst. I'd fall asleep from pure exhaustion and then find myself up again 3 hours later... thoughts racing. It had to be the enemy trying to torment me.  My entire life seemed to be an uphill struggle with weights tied to my back. My past was pulling me backward while my current life situation was increasing the load. I'm thankful that I began to trust the Lord again with my life. After living a life apart from God and returning to Him... I thought my life would be smooth sailing by now.  The decisions of my past seem to be plaguing me even now. I used to wonder if I would ever come from under the demands of life and consequences of my past.  Now, I press forward .... I trust God to see me through each obstacle as my memories of what I've done try to nullify the Grace of God over my life. I'm grateful that I've learned to cast down thoughts that go against the Lord and His Word. I press forward... I'm extremely grateful that when discouragement hangs near, I experience the love of God that reminds me that yesterday was a distant moment never to return. I stopped wasting precious moments that I have yet to live. "Press ON!"comes to my mind in a loud voice. Then I pause and say "Thank You Lord." Moving forward and pressing on seems close to impossible at times but your Savior is with you to remind you to Press on toward a life in Christ that pleases God. Sister, if you're living and you are.... God is not through with you. 

Prayer Focus:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being such an Awesome Father.  You see all and you know all. You see me in all my weakness and You never turn me away. Please help me to continue to move forward in You and in my life. Thank You for forgiveness of every sin and freeing me from the guilt of my past. I know you nailed shame and guilt to the cross when You died and rose from the dead to rescue me. Father, help me to not concentrate on my past but to bring glory and honor to Your name by first trusting in You. When I'm tired and weak I ask You for strength.  When I'm discouraged I thank You for sending someone to encourage me with Your Word. I press forward in Your strength and power. Thank You Father for Your mercy and Your love.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Application Exercise

Let's practice the R- E -S- T Activity :)

Release -  Release your issues by laying them down at the Lord's feet. You can do this by  praying or writing them down in a prayer journal. Journaling your prayers help you to go back later to see how the Lord answered them... even if it's months and years  later.

Engage -   Begin to Praise the Lord and engage in His presence by singing... yes you sing not  the Playlist. You can even Hum, Wave your hands or dance before the Lord. Take your mind off the problem and look to Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of your Faith.

Still -  Be still; wrap your arms around yourself as tight as you can and rock. Imagine those  are the arms of Christ cradling you in His embrace.

Take a Nap - He gives His beloved rest. Psalms 127:2 assures us of that . Sleep will help you  reset and give your body, soul and spirit time to heal from stress. 

Please take the time out to practice R E S T as often as necessary.  We'll be praying for you on your journey.  God's Grace.

Casting All Your Cares

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you." 1Peter 5:7 NLT

Each day seems as if there are more things added to my already overly-filled plate of circumstances and responsibilities. I feel as if "Overwhelmed" should be my new name. There is never enough time or energy to address all of the duties that seem to call Me.  I'm drowning and I can't seem to get a handle on what to do and how to do it. BUT... One day as I was sitting  quietly in thought, trying to calm myself down from the pressures of life, I heard deep down in my soul-  " I will never leave you or Forsake you."  I almost looked around as if the voice was coming from outside of me.  Then as I sat for a moment I recognized the voice of my Heavenly Father speaking. Life can get so weighty and  so filled with discouraging circumstances that we can forget the promises of God (Who is at the same time your Heavenly Father). We forget that we have Someone greater than the circumstance that we can run to for safety, shelter, comfort and direction. And mostly, we forget the depth of love He has for us. Now!, My Sister, cast all of your concerns on your Heavenly Father because He cares for you!

Prayer Focus:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the Great I AM, Ruler, Redeemer and King I'm so thankful that I can come to You with my concerns and you never turn me away. Life has become so complex. I'm overwhelmed and I need Your Help! I'm bombarded with all the issues of life and I don't know what to do. Save me Lord. Just like you saved Peter when he was drowning... Save me Lord. Please show me what to do. Please give me wisdom and insight and discernment to make the correct decisions. Show me how to prioritize each situation. I surrender each area of frustration to You. I thank you for the courage to handle everything You have allowed to come my way. Help me to put You first. 

In Jesus' Name

Amen

Application Exercise

Take time to write down everything you have on your plate. You can even draw a circle representing a plate and divide them like a slice of pie. Talk to God about each one of them. Ask Him to help you determine  which ones need to be taken off. If they don't align with His Will for you or they go against His Word scratch it off by drawing a line through it. Next, ask the Lord to help you prioritize the things that are left. If the things that are left are things that He has allowed, then ask Him for the strength, wisdom and courage to complete each obstacle with Joy.  We'll be praying for you. God's Grace.