Until vs Forever

Glowing Bible in cave

We all hope for the following, and sometimes it’s happened unbeknownst to us.


Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.


Most of the time we have chosen Until compared to God. We’re mesmerized with the charismatic, fun, and joyful personalities. Well, at least until there’s destruction, pain, shock, and disbelief. Then we’re left in a dark room on our knees asking, “How did this happen to me?” Well, “Until” is intelligent; full of wisdom and knowledge. “Until” knows you better than you know yourself— better than your closest friend or family member. Also, “Until” never keeps its promises and most of the time those promises are a facade. “Until” knows the scripture backward and forwards. You can only suffer the consequences if you’re unaware. However, “Forever” protects you from the roaring lion just seeking to plan, plot, and destroy. You were born to create and for a purpose that’s unique to you. The heart, the mind, and body want what they want. Don’t settle for “Until,” lean on “Forever” and not your understanding.

So, while you’re enjoying your time with this incredible person, remember he or she is only the most incredible person you’ve ever met until they’re not. Don’t be fooled and ignore the intuition speaking to you; choose wisely and always remember: test the spirit.


1 John 4:1 – 3
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit. But test the spirits to see if they are from God for there are many false preachers in the world. 2 You can tell if the spirit is from God in this way: Every spirit that says Jesus Christ has come in a human body is from God. 3 And every spirit that does not say Jesus has come in a human body is not from God.

Jeremiah 29: 11 – 14
For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will look for Me and find Me when you look for Me with all your heart. 14 You will find me,’ says the Lord.


 

How Can I

 

Shelter in the storm

 

God, How Can I when there are those who don’t want me to? Some individuals get mad when you believe.


Psalm 73:26 New Life Version (NLV)
My body and my heart may grow weak, but God is the strength of my heart and all I need forever.


 

How can I? Maybe I should just join them, and my life will be more comfortable? But how can I when I follow You?


Acts 20:32
“And now, my brothers, I give you over to God and to the word of His love. It is able to make you strong and to give you what you are to have, along with all those who are set apart for God.”


 

How can I deal with the constant judgment? I’m only living the life and utilizing the gifts you planted into my soul.


Acts 18:10
“I am with you. No one will hurt you. I have many people in this city who belong to Me.”


How can I focus on You and ignore the conflicts that tear my soul apart?


Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. The peace of God is beyond what the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.


How can I walk the road alone?


John 14:18
“I will not leave you without help as children without parents. I will come to you.


How can I love when it’s hard to love?


Psalms 146:8
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord raises up those who are brought down. The Lord loves those who are right and good.


How can I be okay with the person You created me to be, even though others are not okay with the person You have created me to be.

How can I love you, love the world, and supportive?


Colossians 3:12 – 13
God has chosen you. You are holy and loved by Him. Because of this, your new life should be full of loving pity. You should be kind to others and have no pride. Be gentle and be willing to wait for others. Try to understand other people. Forgive each other. If you have something against someone, forgive him. That is the way the Lord forgave you.


How can I when I have no idea what to do? I’m entirely and utterly lost.


Psalm 25:4
Show me Your ways, O Lord. Teach me Your paths.

Proverbs 16:9
The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord shows him what to do.


How can I? It’s simple. I place all my trust, heart and soul in the One and Only. Whenever you drift to a low of doubting God, read God’s response to Job from The Bible Project. The link is copied below. The answer will align your perspective and understanding.

The Bible Project has a unique way to articulate the content of God’s Word.
https://thebibleproject.com/blog/gods-gives-job-tour-wise-world/

Verses are from the following:
https://www.biblegateway.com

#affirmation #belief #calm #challenges #encouragement #faith #fiction #novel #guidance #insight #intuition #kindness #life #love #mistakes #motivation #patience #spirituality #strength #TheLight #wisdom #selenacobbflowers.com

https://selenacobbflowers.com

 

 

 

 

Distractions: Good For You?

 

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Are distractions palatable? Are they right for you? If you resort to prayer for all things, distractions are most helpful. Redirect your energy negating the urge to meddle with God’s work. After you convey your thoughts and perspective, He’s quite capable of handling the situation. However, our impatience manifests. Our sound, thoughtful intentions compound and weigh us down.

Eventually, we derail or alter God’s work. Sure, He can fix it! Yet, He has blessed you with gifts and talents to help you succeed and grow, not to impede your progress.

Distractions can present themselves in any form. For example, you love music. As a child, you engaged in piano lessons. You attended classes on and off for years. You even purchased a piano. Convinced you’ll play again. Instead of meddling and helping God, why not redirect your energy into playing? Restore your mind, utilizing a distraction that’s healthy for you. And eliminate the concern feeding your impatience. God’s gifts are healthy distractions, allowing us to love life and help others in the process.

You always wanted to try painting, why not paint? If you’re a social butterfly, which is a gift; why not volunteer? Bless others with your beautiful heart. Dancing is good for the soul. Exercising and yoga are good for the mind and body. If you’re a creator – create. If you love to help others in a specific area – do that. Enhancing your innate, gifted ability is all apart of a master plan unique to you.

So you talked to God on Monday, and now you’re reminding Him that’s it’s Thursday! I think He knows that already!

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7.”

From my experience, choose healthy distractions. Pray and Live.

Blessings,
Selena Cobb-Flowers

Reflection: The Greatest Commandment – Love

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What is Love? How do we define it? Is love an enabler, supporter, disciplinarian, listener, provider, counselor, trusted advisor, or teacher? What is it? Or is it, depending on the circumstances, any of the above or all?

The most significant commandment is not just a word – LOVE. Sometimes, we use this word too freely without processing the complete understanding of the word. And sometimes this word is used to manipulate and deceive others into shame and guilt. Therefore, I’ll keep my understanding of The Greatest Commandment, because it’s complicated, very simple; however, the work to fully understand it will require loads of effort and focus.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ‘This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Love God with all your heart, soul and mind. What is the root of this meaning? The phrase means everything, which includes despair, disappointment, happiness, joy, struggle, challenges, etc. – continue to seek and love Him. If you do this, in my opinion and my experience, all the pieces will eventually fall into place. You have to trust Him.

You may lose those toxic relationships and gain loving and supportive relationships. When you study, and exude effort, opportunities may just fall into your lap effortlessly. Addictions will dissipate. The reason is that your focus is loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And this is not a Monday-through-Friday deal, where you take the weekend off. Once you try, the fog clears, and you drift into self-awareness. You gain the true understanding of yourself, not from what someone else has conveyed to you. Remember, we’re all unique. What works for one person, may not work for another.

Also, if you will allow, process the second commandment.

“‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

If you don’t love yourself, then how can you love others? At the core of all this, we must revert to the first commandment until the second commandment is feasible. This is the reason why these commandments are essential and will lead to the understanding of all the other commandments with compassion and wisdom.

You were created for a unique purpose. I offer you a refection for 2018 on your Understanding of The Greatest Commandment, which is Love.

During this time, we’re exposing manipulation and deceitfulness. Take this time to explore several verses I’ll post later this month. We all need guidance, protection, kindness, and compassion. Maybe they will be helpful to you at some point in your future endeavors.

Let God Lead and Guide You,

Selena Cobb-Flowers

Merry Christmas: The Gift of Forever

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I always search for answers. I’m definitely a how, when, and why person. However, sometimes, especially when it comes to God, it just is and nothing else.

The Three Wise men from one of the many Christmas Bible Stories is a lesson in guidance and belief. Disobeying the direction of God could have had dire consequences and listening presented them with safety and the most treasured Gift, Jesus Christ. The Gift that keeps on giving Forever.

He’s your guide which lights your path, counselor, protector, teacher, cheerleader, best friend, and healer – I could go on and on because His presence in your life results in endless possibilities. His Love can’t be compared to any other. As we celebrate this time with friends, family, and acquaintances lets reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the most Blessed Gift of all.

Matthew 2: 1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5”In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6’But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel’.”

7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you have found him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Merry Christmas and May God Continue to Guide and Bless Your Life,

Selena F.

 

 

 

 

Keep Your Faith – He Will Keep You

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Be mindful and aware of false prophets and their existence.

Philadelphia – Christ called this Church, “The Church of the Faithful.” It’s the only church of the seven listed in Revelations, where He didn’t find fault.

The message is simple, study His word for yourself. Discern how it applies to your life, the life of your children, and family. We’re all uniquely made.

 

Philadelphia

The Voice – Do You Hear It?

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There is a voice that longs to have a relationship with you, and it’s unique to you.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27.

Listen very carefully when there is something that keeps nagging and pulling at you.  God is seeking to speak with you.

In our earthly state, we think, “Where is God? I don’t see Him.” Let me call a friend, talk to my parents, siblings, spouse, an acquaintance. Hmmm, well, should I?  I don’t feel comfortable speaking to them.  The bartender appears friendly; maybe he or she will have some insightful words of encouragement. Desperation manifests.

Trust me; if God is speaking to you, don’t stress. There’s no need to exert any energy finding someone. He’ll deliver the message directly to you in His way; via the vessel in which He chooses to convey it.  Then again, when blessings flow, and God knows your heart, you’ve done the work by faith, and He’ll deliver it directly to you. When that happens, your life changes, and you realize nothing else matters but that relationship. Some relationships you deemed worthy, dissipate. God knows their heart as well.

Harnessing this gift to hear His call, His voice, requires patience, understanding, knowledge, and willpower to believe what you can’t see.

Isaiah 30:21 You will hear a word spoken behind you, saying, “This is the correct way; walk in it,” whether you are heading to the right or the left.

James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you

When you step outside, and you feel the most wondrous wind. And you know the wind feels different. You notice the leaves gracefully falling to the ground. The moment is the deepest, heartfelt experience. The moment is serene and treasured. When you awake in the morning disturbed and lost, glaring at the floor; then you notice a trail of light in rainbow colors leading directly to your pillow — God is speaking to you. Don’t worry child, I’m here when no one is and all has forsaken you, but Me. Trust me.

When you feel, everyone is against you, that’s God drawing you near because He knows something you don’t. He sees what you can’t see. All of your experiences mean, you’re still walking with the path He wants you to walk.  Don’t forsake that path because you feel the need or want to please others that are not following what God wants them to do. In your soul, you know He’s speaking to you. Great things are about to happen.

When you don’t answer the call according to God’s direction because you feel you have all the answers, you know better. Or this person has all the answers because he or she is intelligent and astute. Then you trust their opinion. Please ensure you’re prepared for a very unpleasant experience. A moment so painful that you’ll regret the decision, but a lesson learned and one to remember. A painful situation with God and a painful decision as a result of ignoring His voice are entirely two different situations. With God, you can survive if you listen to His voice. The other painful scenario leads to suffering and anger.

pexels-photo-531321Also, say you did make a dreadful decision. The remarkable thing about God, He already knew your choice; even though, He continued to persuade you otherwise. And another excellent thing, if you stay the course this time, your issue has been resolved, and comforting words are awaiting you. He’s not upset or angry; He’s patiently waiting for you to return so you can both pick up where you left off. His voice is the only voice that matters and everything else will fall into place if you hone the gift to hear.

DROP THE BAGS

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Imagine a life without our worries, stress, anxiety, procrastination, etc. Whatever causes the heaviness in your life, what if you could let it all go? What would that feel like? Close your eyes and just imagine that experience for one moment. It is wonderful, right?

 

What if you could have those small spurts of moments throughout your day? What if you could have them for an hour, a few hours a day? What if this could be your life often, where you replace the things that drain you with moments of fulfillment, exploration, and happiness?

 

This journey is possible. It’s not easy, but it is possible. Also, as with anything else, you have to use your willpower to progress. The more effort and time you place into improving and infusing this thought into action, the more results you’ll see. At first, you may notice subtle changes – some quite faint, others observed as very strong. It depends on the circumstances occurring within your life. Self-awareness creeps in and drives you to see. Your conscience reminds you more often. Your intuition speaks – listen to it.

 

Imagine all the weight you feel with the stressors listed above and possibly any of the following: desire, anger, delusion, greed, envy, sloth, judgment, and many others. It’s hard to carry this around with you every day, all day.  Also, it can be traumatizing to be on the receiving end. Imagine toting this around in bags. Sometimes, when we are carrying large bags, they’re so heavy that we drop them. The difference here is that we don’t perceive these things as a source of negative energy. The common perception is that these stressors are our best friends. The substance has been with you through thick and thin. The tension has comforted you when no one else was around. This darkness has enabled your behavior and supported you. And most of this desire understands you—it’s there for you. Even though it’s dragging you down, you’re comfortable with it. It’s the stimulus you know. You can always depend on it being around.

 

I seek God and turn this habit over to him because it’s out of my control. He takes over now, and I’m lighter and more productive. Train your brain to recognize the unpleasant stressors in your life, and drop the bags.shutterstock_412154389

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