Better not Bitter 😊

Heyyyy good people and others. Hope all is well your way. It's pretty good my way so no complaints.

One of the things I admire about David is that in all of Saul's attempts to destroy him; David didn't get bitter…. He got better. David truly loved and respected Saul despite his hatred for David. There were many times that David could've easily taken his life. Yet, all he did was show him, that his grace was sufficient. 😄

Can you imagine the person you hating walking up on your blindspot and them not taking your life? 👀 Talk about restraint under pressure. David showed Saul this grace multiple times! Yet, Saul still lacked understanding.

Understanding is something that the word tells us to get (Ephesians).

Yet, Saul's hatred blinded him from accepting what God continued to show him through David. Saul might have caused David to run to the wilderness. But, David eventually established community there. David may have been separated from his family. But eventually he was able to be with them again.

Nothing Saul did interrupted the growth or strength that David needed on his journey of becoming King. Everything he meant for his bad, was used for his good. (…..) Every negative situation he was put in. He was able to make something out of nothing.

Saul's bitterness cost him the exact “everything” he desired to take from David; including his life. David's potential revealed Saul's wickedness 🫠. Dried up Saul's “good fruit”. Saul was so invested in his selfish ambition to set a trap for David he never realized the trap he set for himself.

It doesn't pay to be bitter. It does pay to be better.

Don't make the bad things, the slander, the hate, the group tactics and schemes of the enemy convince you that being blindly bitter is better. Do better by staying true to who you are. Just as David did.

Be easy. Love ya. Later.

Kashya Dunlap (the one and ONLY)

Does Delilah operate within YOU?!

Ain't no hey. Just what's up! Don't even want to know how y'all doing. Just listen with your eyes 😁. This is a raw message today.

Y'all know about Samson and Delilah right?! If not you can find their story in Judges. However, I had the pleasure of reading their story again this week and I just realized something. Delilah is operating in a lot of people.

Everybody is always talking about Jezebel. Like Delilah didn't serve a sinister purpose as well. That chic stayed nagging. Getting on Samson nerves until she finally got him to give in and tell his secret.

Breathe. Now look in the mirror 🪞. Do you see Delilah?! 🧐

If you didn't it's because maybe you're in denial that you have been used by the Philistines. The people who worshipped the fish headed God. They were so happy when Delilah finally got Samson to tell the truth. They were praising their God and cracking jokes. Dancing around like people do 👀.

When the persistent nagging spirit in Delilah was what got him to crack.

Men today STILL can't stand a nagging woman 🥴😂. Don't ask that man the same thing 5011 times. Let him chill and leave him be. But what's interesting is how Delilah is showing up today.

People are so pressed on being “in the group” of folks used by wickedness to get someone else to break. We're going to nagg every thing they're doing just because we have access. Some people are the most talking thru the movie kinda folks it's ridiculous!

Then they'll be like “you have to deal with it because you're at a higher level.” 😁🧐 😂 Who?! smacks teeth

You will talk to me nicely or I'll talk to you accordingly. You can see all these details about someone else but cant see yourself?! Guess we don't train people to look inwardly enough. Too busy trying to nagg someone else off their post.

Someone will say they want peace and here comes Delilah she heard “problems”. Now there's a monkey riding your back named Delilah. A flying monkey at that. Wizard of Oz type thing. And everybody who deems themselves as more mature will tell you “don't swat the monkey down”.

🗣️It's a war going on outside. Take the monkey out !! Bring it down!! 🤨 Shoot your arrows into its camp.

Idky people look at anointed people and think they always show up in one way. That's the biggest farce EVER. Samson was used and brought up dedicated to God JUST to stir up trouble in the Philistines camp. He was fashioned from birth for godly trouble! And was STILL ANOINTED AND USED BY GOD!

But guess what brought him down. His appetite for women outside his camp. Ain't that something. This man was anointed by God. Strength on indestructible and the thing that took him out was his appetite for a beautiful woman from the enemies camp.

God set it up all on purpose for his plans. Anointings show up in all types of uses. God puts together all kinds of scenarios and people are like “blah, blah, blah, blah,blah , blah” like God doesn't know what he's doing. Samson mom told him to choose a woman from their clan. Yet, Samson knew what he wanted. And he knew because it was God's design for his life!

Had he listened to his mom trying to convince him to do what she thought was best God would’ve had to restrategize his plans. Of course we know he's able to do so. I'm just saying.

Your nagging trying to tear someone down is because Delilah is within you. Samsons appetite that cost him his life but gave God the victory was counted in the cost of his anointing. There is NO one way for an anointing to present in a person's life.

I'm sure if Samson would've just told that girl to shut the heck up! He could've avoided all of that. Yet, she was used in the grand scheme of it all.

Things don't have to make sense. They have to produce results that God wants. (This will surely be used by a narcissist because narcs are just cruel decepticons! And NO this is NOT about a desire for a freaking relationship 🙄) But those with eyes to see and ears to hear innerstand what I mean. I don't expect things to be easy. Don't expect for the truth of your reflection to always be easy either 🤷🏿‍♀️‼️

And yep. It's still love ya later.

Samson didn't not love Delilah because she was getting on his nerves. It's STILL all love.

Shya

Beauty is Dangerous 🌹

Heeeey good people and the rest of y'all 😆. Let me stop. Heyyyy others. How y'all doing? I hope you're doing fabulous 💅🏿. Me, I'm chilling, doing and feeling stupendous. (Had to give y'all a different word since it seems like y'all enjoyed “amazing” 😁.) Anywho, what's goodie? I wanted to come and talk about beauty today.

Not vanity. Just beauty. Simply looking good.

In the Bible when you read about the people God favors they are typically described as being beautiful. Attractive. Appealing to the eye. Yet, in Proverbs 16 the word also talks about how God hates those who are conceited. The most interesting stories about beauty that I find in the Bible deal with the wives of the prophets. The story of Abram and Sarai or Isaac and Rebekah.

In both relationships the men were faced with situations where they had to brace themselves when entering into new territory to be possibly killed because of how the Kings would view or desire their wife. In Genesis 12:12-13 & 26:6, both men feared for their life because of how beautiful they were. They both went into new territory portraying themselves as the brother instead of the husband of their wife. All of this was to avoid death behind the beauty of a woman.

Talk about being a prize 🏆.

Beauty is dangerous. There are many different stories in history where beautiful women were the catalyst for some type of destruction. The Bible also reiterating this. There are consequences that follow when you touch those that God favors. Destruction of some sort is usually the cost a person pays. In the story of Abram and Sarai the Egyptians were struck with horrible diseases because of Sarai (Gen 12:17). In the story of Isaac and Rebekah, when Abimelech discovered who Rebekah truly was to Isaac, he warned everyone not to touch either of them or face death. Abimelech knew the consequences he could've suffered had anyone slept with Rebekah (Gen 26:8-11).

There are many different variations of beauty in the world. Yet, there are some people you can't touch because of who they are connected to. Had Sarai and Rebekah been the wives of any other person outside of the prophets that God was using the consequences would've still been there just on a different level. God seems to appreciate beauty in his creations. He just doesn't want us to become conceited in our ways.

Both examples of beauty in the Bible also remind us that covenant is everything.

Did you do that?! 🤓

Heyyyyy y'all. How are you doing?! Smooth I hope. Me, I'm well rested and amused 😌. The Bible is pretty funny in some instances I tell you. Atleast the way I perceive it, it is.

I was reading in Genesis about when God punished Adam and Eve and the snake for convincing Eve to eat from the forbidden tree. Something that I read stood out to me this time and I had a good little internal chuckle. I'm not sure the enemy and his club members would find it funny but I surely did. Especially, once they realize they had options and still chose wrong smh.

In Genesis 3, we get the break down of the punishment for the first sin committed. Eating from the tree of knowledge. Eve (the woman) will suffer terribly in childbirth, Adam (the man) will struggle for a living due to the ground being cursed and the snake will have to crawl on the ground and eat dirt (Gen 3:14-19). These are the curses or consequences from eating the forbidden fruit.

In Genesis 2:9, it talks about how one tree gives life and the other the power to know right from wrong. These were the options the snake and Adam and Eve had to choose from. Yet, in the beginning of chapter 3 of Genesis Eve describes eating from the tree of knowledge as being similar to death. In other words, they had the option to choose between life or death in the garden of Eden. Isn't that something?!

What tickled me is knowing that in society today there are some dark individuals who would love to be able to live forever. They don't want to “go back” ( to hell I'm assuming), they don't want to die, they just want to live their life and travel or chase their dreams. Life really could've been so simple had the snake been just a little wiser. In the CEV of the Bible we see that after Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge God wanted to ensure that they never ate from the tree of life (Gen 3:19). Isn't that something?!

The enemy tricked Eve to eat from the “death” tree, ended up being cursed because of it and has now been running, well crawling for his life 🙃, trying to figure out how to live forever. 🫠😮‍💨😆 Am I the only one that finds that amusing?! Like come on, the tree of life was right there and you convinced God's creation to choose death and ended up being cursed with a deadline for death on your life. If that's not a Steve Urkel type situation idk what is 😆. (You've seen Family Matters right? 👀 Come on now don't ruin this joke for me 🧐)

Sometimes, we desire more than we need to chew. That's exactly what jammed up Adam and Eve. Eating the wrong thing. Desiring knowledge when they were living in a state of bliss. Abundantly at that. God loved them so much he had provided everything they needed. All they had to do was trust his provision and tell him thank you. Yet, Eve allowed herself to get entangled with that snake. She had the wrong influence in her ear. When she should have been listening to her husband.

Maybe this season, we don't need to be outside. It's cold out there anyways. 😆 But if you outside make sure you stay on the serpents neck. He not telling you nothing good anyways. It's your life he's after when you're already living. Choose life. Don't let the enemy trip you up.

Y'all be easy. Stay vigilant. Prayed up.

Love ya. Later,

Shya

Hidden in Plain Sight

What's goodie beautiful people and others?! How have you been? What have you been up to? Hopefully, you've been well despite the trying times and circumstances of today. I hope you can still find a reason to be grateful to stand firm. Me, I've been doing amazing. Getting tried daily but pushing thru regardless.

Listen. What we're about to discuss in this blog is going to blow your mind. Blow your mind in a way that has you sitting with yourself for a brief moment. Questioning 🤔, “what if”?

There are many things going on in the world today. Many of us are actively living out the days of the decline of America. There is increased tension in Nigeria towards Christians and rumors and whispers of war. As believers we have all wondered about the “mark of the beast”. What and how it would come to pass. Yet, have any of us ever given thought to it not being a physical mark at all?! 👀🤔 What if it wasn't?! What if the mark was really in how we acted, behaved or celebrated?

Stay with the message.

In Exodus 13:9-16, in the CEV Bible, it highlights how the celebration of Passover serves the same purpose as a sign on your hand or on your forehead to tell how the Lord's mighty power rescued us from Egypt. 👀 The celebration in itself was a mark for believers. The celebration was a sign. What if the mark of the beast is in what we celebrate?! What if the mark is not a mark at all?! But a “celebration” of some sort?!

I know, I know, it's holiday season 😩🙃. Even more reason for us to truly consider and take stock of what we choose to participate in. Mind you this is the first ever “Thanksgiving” I've made my first macaroni 😩. Bittersweet revelation right? On the one end I'm ecstatic about my macaroni and the other I'm thinking “dang, are these holidays cursed?” I know many may read this and believe it's confirmation to you that I'm crazy 🫠😅. Truly, I'm not. Truly 😁. I'm just saying.

What if the mark of the beast is hidden in plain sight?

Revelations gives many scriptures that talk about the mark of the beast. Revelation 20:4 highlights that it would be in the hand or on the forehead similar to what Exodus 13:9 & 16 mentions concerning the celebration of Passover. When believers celebrate Passover it is a form of worship to God. What does the beast also want from man? 👀 Worship! What if, this really isn't that far fetched being that the enemy works in deception?

Something to think about right?! We know that God deserves all our praise and all our worship. Yet, do we know the spirits involved in everything that we celebrate?! We do know that life is spiritual. Are we marked as believers or marked as children of the beast?!

Y'all be easy. As easy as you can be considering the current world circumstances. God is still in control even when he's hard to see.

Love ya. Stay vigilant. Stay connected in prayer.

Later,

Shya

From Deep Wells to Dead Streams

What's goodie beautiful people and others ? How are y'all doing today? I hope you're doing fabulous and that you found a reason to give God some praise. Me, I'm doing fabulous. You know pressure makes us oily. So I'm shining just a bit if I do say so myself. 😆 All praises to the most high God.

Listen, there are some things going on in this earth and I don't want us to lose focus or miss the promises that God has for us. So in this blog I want to encourage us to stay the course despite the opposition. We got this and there isn't an enemy that can make us believe different. We know who we serve. We know that ain't nobody messing with our God ‼️

As I was studying the word on a different topic I was diving down the rabbit hole of the word and received this message and reminder. In this time it is dangerous for us to believe that just because we are children of God and may be prospering that we are free from God's wrath. Free from death and the grave. Or that God won't give and takeaway. (Hos13:14-15)

Joseph was a righteous servant. A righteous man. Whom God blessed with precious water from deep wells and dew from the sky. Monthly ripened fruit and a rich harvest from ancient hills. The best the land could produce and a princely crown (Deu 33:13-16). His blessings were expansive (Psalms 80:10). Yet, despite how much they prospered over the other tribes; God's punishment for them turning against him was to wipe them out and dry up their streams of water (Hos 13:15).

Their fate was to be destroyed in war. Because of their sins and turning against God Samaria was destroyed (Hos 13:16).

God is calling us to turn back to him! (Hos 14:1)

He wants us to remember that he was there for our people in the wilderness in Egypt and he will be there for us as well. The Israelites never received the promise because during their wilderness they complained more than they praised. They complained about Moses and they complained about God. That doesn't have to be our final verdict! We can praise God, build and STILL overcome this current time in the world. We are qualified to endure until the end.

Don't forget the God that you serve. Don't forget to tell him thank you even in the midst of the trials. We cry out to God in prayer. We build despite the opposition. We fight when necessary. Hold the line! Our praise confuses the enemy.

Love y'all later. Stay prayed up. Stay vigilant. We got this! And God has US!

Don't you forget it.

-Shya

Shielded in Faithfulness

What uppppp good people and others?! It's been a little minute since I've written a blog but here we are ready to share some love with one another. How have you been? How are you maintaining in these interesting times in the world? Hopefully you're standing strong despite the hardships currently taking place.

I'm not sure about you, but I read the word in relationship. Sounds strange I know. However, in my gaining of understanding, I see the Bible as a love story. 💕 A history of God's love and desires for his people. His love and forgiveness concerning his bride. A father's love and hope that his children would come back home. A God with an open heart for those who are not of his tribe but welcomes them to pasture as well. That's relationship.

In Psalms 91:4, there is a piece of scripture in the ESV Bible that says “His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall.”

In the context of relationship…..how often has infidelity made space for the ruin of your union? Infidelity (Adultery) is also the one thing God permits as a reason for divorce in marriage, in covenant (Mat 5:32). Yet, his faithfulness is a shield 🛡️, a protection, for the relationship we have with Christ.

God had me speak on the book of Nehemiah a little while ago. In my studies of Nehemiah being charged to build the wall 🧱 I discovered that a “broken wall” is a reproach to a city (Nehemiah 1:3). Is it not the same for our physical relationships?! 👀 When infidelity enters the chat (😆) or enters the relationship there is an instant “reproach” in that union. The relationship wall has been breached or broken & now it is up to the individuals to decide whether they are going to part ways or spend time repairing or rebuilding the wall that faithfulness once provided them.

Isn't that something?! 🤯

In God's call for us to “Build the wall” he is calling for us to reestablish faithfulness to him. 😆 Yet, in one of the most powerful Psalms we are reminded just how powerful faithfulness is! The full verse for Psalms 91:4 states “He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall.”

How often are people in search of security?! Whether it is in regards to their finances, relationship, career, or community groups?! Everyone wants security. Yet, some of us struggle with the key that will provide it ; faithfulness. How many times can you look back (reflect) on your life and see that God has secured you in some form or fashion even in the midst of your unfaithfulness?!

Yet, God's covering “his wings” has faithfully secured us in the midst of our mess. In the midst of our infidelity. Love conquers so many things! Yet, love without faithfulness leaves holes in our shields. Leaves holes in the walls that faithfulness has established around our city.

We can look throughout the Earth and see what hate has done. Hate brings destruction, jealousy and envy. All which bring about murder. Yet, love with faithfulness, brings about a strong fortress. A strong wall.

When unfaithfulness ruins a thing, it takes time to rebuild the wall. Doesn't always mean it's not worth rebuilding just means that it's going to take time, patience and a solid defense to rebuild it. There are people in this world who don't always desire to see a good thing reestablished. But when the love is strong enough it's worth fighting for to rebuild. Just like the example in the book of Nehemiah.

God's love for us is faithful and despite our infidelity with him, he has shown us countless times that we are worth fighting for. How much more can we show him the same thing?! God desires for us to come home. Will you come?! Will you help rebuild the wall? Will you fight to reestablish a “good thing”?

Y'all be easy. Love ya. Later.

Stay vigilant. Stay prayed up.

-Shya

We take his Love for granted 😞

Kinda bittersweet acknowledgement. So no typical greeting today. Just somber truths and hard pills to swallow. I do hope you're well but let's get into this message.

We take God's love for granted ❤️‍🩹.

We want to be loved without loving God in his love language. We want him to accept us as we are, in our mess, but don't want to change to strengthen the relationship. We change ourselves daily for worldly acceptance, jobs, and community. Yet, we fight with God when it comes to changing our nature.

We want his love without giving love in return 🫠. Then we turn around and wonder why the relationship keeps failing. Why the person we truly love won't love us back. We want to love him how we want to without taking heed to how he desires to be loved.

Of course it won't work like that. We have to be open to change. To sacrifice. To grow deeper in connection. To be vulnerable with our scars. To fight to make things last. To maintain fresh oil in the relationship.

But a lot of people today STILL just want the image of something good without actually being good. His requirements for relationship with us are simple. “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) And the simplest way to keep them is by loving your neighbor. Yet, we feed and fan drama instead of exalting examples of love.

Thankfully, the solution is simple….turn back to God he's been calling us home.

God wants us faithful like anybody would in a relationship. The book of Nehemiah 1:8-9 states it this way “Remember the promise you made to Moses. You told him that if we were unfaithful, you would scatter us among foreign nations. But you also said that no matter how far away we were, we could turn to you and start obeying your laws. Then you would bring us back to the place where you have chosen to be worshipped.”

Have you stepped out on your relationship with God?! Thankfully, he's a loving and forgiving partner. He just wants you to come home. You can work out all the kinks when you get there. His grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)!

Return back to the Father. Repent of your sins. Let him love you. Love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5).

Love ya. Later.

Shya

God "Chose" Me First 🥇

Hey, Hey, Hey, beautiful people. It's the first day of Fall 🍂 🍁 and I'm super stoked! My reasons might be a little biased though honestly. What's one of the seasons you enjoy?! Hope all is well with you of course. If not I hope something shakes soon that shifts your situation. 🙏🏿

Listen, ion know if any of you have been hearing all this “chosen” chit chat. But let's get to the bottom of it today. Let's let this fall where it belongs. For good.

There are some people in the world who like to use the topic of being chosen as a feel good dynamic, some who try to use it to trigger others, some who want to use it to feel superior to others and others who use it as a term for community. However, did you know none of those things really hold weight compared to being chosen by God?! 👀 I mean none of it. God choosing us is the ultimate pick we could ever experience in our life.

The word tells us “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:4 This scripture highlights that God “wanted” us before we even desired to be wanted by anyone else. He chose us before the creation of the world. Do you know how important and loved you are because of that?!

God loved and desired us so much that he knew before he established us that he wanted to provide a place for us where we could flourish. He decided that we would be created then went to work on establishing a home for us to rest. The world. Earth.

When we look at John 15:16 it states that “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go forth and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so whatever you ask of me in my name the Father will give you.” We think we “choose” , yet God chose us. God loves us so much that he knew we would make mistakes, stray from the path but he also knew and had faith that those that he chose would return home.

Talk about an intentional loving father!

God's love is sufficient for us. It's everlasting. Being picked by man (male/female) is a small thing when the alpha and omega hand picks you. When you love yourself……flaws and all…..being picked concerning a relationship isn't going to make or break you. Man will try to make you feel small and fail when you're able to stand on the fact that God chose you before the creation of the Earth. What man can top that?!

God chose you first 🥇 don't get so caught up on people wanting you to feel small because you're confident in that fact. Being able to love yourself and others is a beautiful thing. When you innerstand God's love for you being chosen by the right partner is just a bonus to being chosen by the Father.

Now we can finally let all this “chosen” talk lay to rest. We're now well aware that God chose us and who is topping that?! 🥰😍😘

Love ya. Later.

Shya D

The Pressure is Imminent But So is the Victory!

Heeeeyyyy good people & others. How are you doing?! I'm doing pretty good & I hope you can say so as well. Let's get into it. You see the title right 👀; but do you believe the title? If not, I hope by the end of this blog you have an increase in belief 😌.

I was reading briefly in Isaiah 54 today and there were a few scriptures that stuck out to me. Isaiah 54:15 says “Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.” After I read this scripture I paused and kind of smiled. I have had industries, ministries, saints, and aint’s alike all gather against me. Yet, standing still, I am. 🙌🏿 Hallelujah !

See, God knew that on this walk with him that people would gather against us. There was no question about it. Yet, his word also ensures that they shall fall for thy sake. Meaning even though the pressure would be applied our victory would be supplied. 💃🏿

As I proceeded to move forward in the word Isaiah 54:16 really gave me a good laugh. It states “Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.” You're probably wondering why this scripture gave me a good laugh. Our father truly has a sense of humor. The other day I was in the word reading about how Paul had ticked off the silversmiths because he was speaking against the idol that they made and worshipped (Acts 19:23-41). They “gathered together” against Paul. 😆

Look at what a silversmith does in Isaiah 54:16, it says they “bloweth the coals in the fire”. The use of fire in the work of a silversmith is to shape or refine the metal. 🤯 When you blow coals in a fire typically there is smoke. 😁 I have a previous blog that deals with the smoke …… See even in the smoke that's being blown there's purpose. There's intention. The smoke is shaping and refining us. Might be uncomfortable, might struggle to breathe for a little bit but overcome you shall.

The pressure we experience is fuel to the fire God has lit within us. The pressure is not for us to crumble it’s to shape & refine us for the work ahead.

Even the waster who was created to destroy has purpose. Destruction is also part of the process. There are many ways destruction can hit us; which, we might need to discuss in a different blog.

Isaiah 54:17 says “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”

In society today, we can see that the weapons have formed. For some it might appear as if they are prospering but God can not lie. Do not allow the formation of the weapons in the world to rattle you. Victory is still our portion!! The smoke is just fuel to the fire 🔥! Make sure you keep your fire burning! God is faithful. Remember to stand. Fight the good fight!

Love ya. Later.

Shya

Stability in Truth

Heeeeyyyy Good People and Others! How are y'all doing? I hope well of course. I mean fall is almost officially here and I'm kinda excited about it. Not the cold part 😩 just the fall part 🍁🍂. (I'm just being honest.)

I was reading thru the word and ran across something I wanted to share my little two cents on. Don't worry I'ma share some Bible so you can look into it yourself if you'd like. Matter of fact some of you might not even need your word ; pretty sure most people know this scripture. Which scripture came to mind immediately for you 👀? Drop it down below in the comments.

If you guessed Psalms 91 you would be correct.

In Psalms 91:4 it states “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust : his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

When I read this verse I paused and began to ask myself how God's truth is our shield? I also wondered on what a buckler was 😅. I definitely did not know. So I pulled out my handy dandy Strongs Concordance and began to dig. I was pleasantly surprised at what I discovered.

The word “truth” in Strongs is Emeth which actually means “stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness”. God's truth provides us stability. Gives us certainty and trustworthiness when we apply it to our lives. The word “shield” is tsinnah which is “a hook or large prickly shield”. Which means not only does God's truth give us “stability” it also “shields us” with a sharp defense system (the prickliness of the hook). The word “buckler” is cochereth which is also “a shield or something that surrounds a person”. Meaning God's truth gives us stability that sharply shields us and surrounds us completely. 🤯

I love the details. God is so intentional with his design for us.

When we think about “truth” in the world today and how so many people have seen or are seeing their lives being torn upside down because of the lies they have lived. It makes you appreciate living boldly in your truth. Whatever that may be for you. Truth gives us freedom; living in God's truth gives us stability & protection. When we are outside of God's truth we have the appearance of stability we can't fully trust and a faulty protection system.

Ruth 2:12 tells us “The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” When we take refuge under God's wings we are greatly rewarded for the work we do. There are benefits to staying close to God. Many have become accustomed to getting microwaved benefits. Having no patience. Some things God gives us requires us to have patience to receive them much like some of the “fathers or mothers” that came before us. Like Abraham, Sara, Noah, Moses, and etc.

Takeaway : Let God's truth provide you with the stability we all so desperately desire in these times and throughout life.

Love ya. Later.

Shya

Where there is Oppression, there is Wickedness ‼️

What up everybody? I hope that you are well in your mind and heart during the current climate of the world. Lot of changes taking place. Quite a few things that might cause some to worry. Yet, as hard as that may be to not do; try your best to cast your cares on God.

What we are seeing today has been what it has always been. There has always been the wicked oppressing God’s people Israel since the time God has appointed leaders (2 Sam 7:10-11). Some took heed to the warnings, some did not. Yet, there is nothing new under the sun.

What we now have to do is be mindful of where we stand. How we stand. And trust that God is sovereign.

There are so many planned distractions taking place. So much propaganda! So many people hyped up and competing and comparing instead of focusing on God. Within the church, outside the church and it's all a big mess of distraction. Where God is our focus needs to be.

Some people have loyalties to the very people who have a hand in their oppression. The word tells us that the wicked people oppress. Where is your oppression coming from?! And are you loyal to your oppressors? Do you stand on the side of the wicked?!

God desires to give us rest from our enemies (2 Sam 7:11). We just have to endure well. Keep the faith. Fight the good fight.

Love ya, later.

Shya

Elevation Requires a “NO”

What’s goodie Good People and others?! We have made it to the second half of the year & I’m grateful for it. I know it’s been a while since you’ve heard from me. I happen to take little mini sabbaticals. Don’t charge it to my heart. However, it is a cost you have to pay sometimes when you want to stay oily. Let me further explain using a parable from the word.

When we look at Matthew 25:1-13, we see how there are 10 virgins waiting for the return of the bridegroom. 5 of them were considered foolish and the other 5 were considered wise. The 5 foolish virgins were the ones who had lamps but lacked oil for the lamps. The 5 wise virgins were the ones who had their lamps and oil ready for them. When the bridegroom returns the 5 foolish virgins request oil from the 5 wise virgins. Can you imagine the response that was given to the 5 foolish virgins? (Good thing is you don’t have to.)

In verse 9 of Matthew 25, the 5 wise virgins respond with “No, they replied, there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.”

Did you catch the “No”?

See, there are people out in the world today who will know you have the oil and think that just because you have it that they are entitled to your oil! Requesting of you to give what you have causing a possible deficit for you. It cost to carry oil. What I love about the response that the 5 wise virgins gave is that it is simple, firm and states a clear boundary. Could you imagine if the 5 wise virgins shared their oil with the foolish ones and the bridegroom in turn rejected their entrance to the wedding banquet?

As believers of Christ who desire to go higher, we have to protect our oil. Yes, sometimes it is good to help, but it’s better to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. The 5 foolish virgins had to run to the market to buy oil because they were not fully prepared when the bridegroom returned & they missed their opportunity to enter the wedding banquet (vs 10). All because they were not fully prepared for his return. We as believers need to know when the time has come for us to keep the oil to ourselves, so we don’t miss our opportunity to attend the banquet. This parable is a prime example of how you have to be willing and able to tell others “NO” so you won’t miss your opportunity.

For me, that was once a hard thing to do. It has gotten easier to do because I have learned the importance of NO. I have learned the hard way that people will milk you until you are dry and empty if you let them all because they don’t want to pay the price to obtain their own oil. The oil cost. It can’t be produced from thin air you have to spend something on it. You have to give to get and if you desire to go higher you have to give out No’s to protect your oil. Sometimes that could look like taking a moment to yourself. In the word we see often where Jesus would give a word to the crowds that followed him and then he would retreat off for a few days to himself. He had to ensure that he could replenish the oil that he carried. Others can be draining.

I’m not saying that we as believers are not called to help others. What I am saying is sometimes the season might require you to direct someone where they can purchase their own oil while guarding the oil that you have. Making sure we have an intimate relationship with the father individually is one of the best things we can do to stay oily. If you want to know one way to stay oily check out my YouTube video “Will Jesus find you Oily on His Return?

Elevation requires a “No”. Know when to use it.

Love ya,

Later.

Are you Prepared for the Famine?!

What's going on good people & others ‼️ It's been a good little minute since I've graced the blog. I hope all has been well your way.

I've found myself exploring and honestly a little stocked up on the wrong things. Let me make it plain. Distractions 😫. I'm grateful that my father, our father (if you're believer and all), is wonderful at getting our attention when we have found ourselves a little too far from him.

Our word does tell us he's a loving Father 😁.

Let me share with you what our father highlighted to me.

I was reading thru the book of Amos the other day. In the book of Amos, it talks about a famine that will hit the earth. Where God highlights that the famine will not be one of food or thirst for water but for the word of God. (Amos 8:11) Many people have taken note of the changing times happening throughout our nations. In the United States, some people have prepared for years for a possible disaster, while others have just began stock piling due to the increasing prices of basic needs.

Yet, how many of us have prepared our spirits, hearts and minds with the word of God?! It's easy to hear the word famine and naturally run into survival mode looking for natural things. Food, water, emergency supplies and etc. , and forget that we also need to prepare our spirits to endure the trying times that a natural famine brings. The world wants us so distracted with struggling to survive that we don't live for God as he intended us to.

Our fight as believers is not with the flesh but with powers of darkness, spiritual forces of evil and principalities. (Ephesians 6:12) In trying times due to the stress that comes with it. Many will be naturally prepared to war with the flesh of others. However, by preparing our spirits as well as our pantries, we can be fully equipped to deal with what's to come. While having patience with our neighbors and the wisdom and understanding to navigate trying times.

Have you been filling your storehouse with the word of God? Or can you admit that maybe you've been a little distracted as well?! Good thing is, now that our father has gotten our attention, we can do our best to be intentional about filling our spiritual storehouses as well.

Be blessed, prepared and vigilant! I'll catch you next time.

Love ya, later!

Shya

More and Mightier than “THEM”

Hello, Bonjour, Que Pasa! How’s it going good people and others?

Have you ever noticed that your oppressors always use the same tactics to keep you in bondage and fear? Whew! Could I dive into some personal experiences on this topic but I’m going to keep it Bible for you today. I’ll share some personal L’s on this subject at a later time; maybe. Gone head and grab your bibles and turn to the book of Exodus. Let’s dive in!

In the book of Exodus 1:7-11, we see the story of Israel in Egypt told. Jacob and his generation had passed, and the children of Israel had grown numerously; taking over the entirety of the region. Eventually a new king comes on the scene in Egypt and is intimidated by the size of Israel. He begins to converse with his people (the Egyptians) and informs them that there needs to be something done about the Israelites. He begins to plot how they can wisely “contain” and '“get rid” of the Israelites.

Quick question: Do you know your enemies have sized you up? My apologies, I stated I had a quick question, but truthfully, I have a few. Do you realize that the size of your community intimidates your oppressors? Do you know your oppressor is currently plotting to take you out and to intentionally afflict you with burdens just to keep you in line? Do you know your oppressor is concerned that you will realize the magnitude of power that you possess as a community to upset their kingdom?

I’m sure some of you do. Yet, there are others who have yet to truly see that the power is truly in the hands of the Israelites. The 12 tribes standing together on business for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

See the new king knew that the plans he conspired against the Israelites had to be implemented wisely. He knew that strategy was the best way to control his chances on keeping the Israelites in line. When we look at verse 10 it states, “Come on, let us deal wisely with them.” Your oppressor knows that you are intelligent. So much so that they know to deal with you wisely. The rest of verse 10 goes on to state “lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out the land.”

In verse 10 the new king was concerned about a few things. Let’s highlight them.

1. Awareness. He knew he needed strategy to keep the Israelites distracted from the truth.

2. The size. He knew that the Israelites outnumbered them.

3. War/Wakeup. He feared the Israelites waking up to turn on them during a time of war.

4. Removing the Israelites from the land.

When we look at the world today…is there much unity in the land amongst the Israelites? Or has there been a strategy put in place against us to keep us burdened down and distracted? Let me make some of the burdens and distractions clear to you below:

1. Celebrity drama

2. Financial stressors

3. Political drama

4. Overworked and Underpaid

5. Lack of Rest

Could you imagine a world where you were absent of these things and able to live out the fullness of life that God has intended for us? In the land he has intended for us. See the Egyptians didn’t want the Israelites to necessarily leave the land. They wanted to control the Israelites within the land. They wanted to keep the Israelites blind, def and dumb to the plays that were being executed to their detriment. In Exodus 1:9 it states, “And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we.” Your enemy knows you are mightier! Your enemy knows that if you ever wake up to the schemes, they have concocted to keep you burdened and in bondage that you will rise to leave Egypt.

The oppressors’ (the enemy) tactics haven’t changed. They want to distract you with burdens. To control where you put your focus. To never realize your true power against them. To afflict you. To stay within their control.

Children of Israel. Children of Jesus Christ. We are more and mightier than them!

Love ya later.