✗ My Faith, My Victory | Brian Houston ✗

✗ What Happens When You Start Saying ‘No' | Amelia Olson ✗

I was on a date and it wasn’t going well. The guy, aself-proclaimed “revolutionary,” was rude to our waiter, didn’t ask me anything about myself and only referred to me as “doll.”

About an hour in I’d had enough. I immediately started brainstorming excuses as to why I would need to leave. I could say I didn’t feel good, or that my friend just texted me and was really upset and needed me. or I could just start profusely crying. My ideas got crazier and crazier, and then it dawned on me: I don’t owe this guy a reason. I feel disrespected, uncomfortable, and I just want to go home and watch Forensic Files, and that is just as valid of a reason as any. So I handed him $20 and thanked him for showing me a new part of town and walked home. I never heard from him again and I no longer go on dates with people who call me “doll.”

As women, we are often judged for saying no to things. There is a societal pressure to be accommodating and agreeable, or at the very least, not profoundly offended by extremely offensive things. And it isn’t just about things like sexual consent, it’s in the way we have conversations, the way we act at work and how we have friendships.

Learning to say no to things that make us uncomfortable is an extremely important part of forming our identity and laying the basic ground-rules for how we want to be treated. Really, learning to say no has plenty of rewards. Here’s what happens when you stop dreading, and start embracing, that one little word.

1. You start being more honest in your relationships

By letting people close to you know how you are really feeling, you are giving your relationship an honest chance to be healthy and happy. When our friends or partners think we might not say something that is on our minds, assumptions start to creep up and the next thing you know, we’re all arguing and listening to Alanis Morissette alone in our bedrooms. Be calm and confident, and speak up when you’re not comfortable with something. Wouldn’t you want the same from them?

2. Your time becomes more meaningful

If you feel obligated to say yes to too many things, your time begins to feel hazy and stressful. You become cranky over small things and you lose sight of the things that make being a human on planet Earth really freaking cool and magical. Being able to politely decline certain invitations will make you much more engaged and excited about the invitations you do accept.

3. You stomp out passive-aggression

While I universally love people and think we are all composed of impossible miracles, I also lose my mind over passive-aggression. It’s just a crooked social and emotional mess. Be brave and create an environment that encourages honesty and respect. Don’t waste your time playing the passive-aggressive game, it only distances you from the people you love and the things you truly want.

✗ Trust & it's goodies... ✗

✗ Breaking out... ✗

"The first place we lose the battle is in our own thinking. You need to see everything that is holding you back as only temporary. It did not come to stay, but it came to pass. The moment you accept it, it takes root to reality. 

If you break out in your own thinking, you will see the area of your life improve. Your greatest victories are in front of you. God is limited in our own thinking. When wrong thoughts come, dismiss them. Don't give them a time or day."

Joel Osteen

✗ Overwhelmed but not lost... ✗

✗ The 19 Realest Things Lauren Conrad Said On “The Hills” That Are Still Relevant Today | Koty Neelis ✗

As soon as you stop thinking about them, they’ll send you a text message or they’ll call you, because they know you just stopped thinking about them. It’s like radar.

You’ve got to believe that there are people who really want the best for you.

The only time I miss having a boyfriend is when I have to put something together, when I have to pick something like a TV out or do car stuff, or when I have a lot of groceries. I can’t lift them all.

Sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better.

I don’t think it’s about trusting people, it’s about knowing who to trust.

Until you treat me like a friend, I’m not going to talk to you like one.

Sometimes you have people in your life who you just can’t be friends with.

Sometimes when you love people, you want to believe they’re good.

Love is not a maybe thing. You know when you love someone.

Like everyone, trust nobody.

I think it’s more like purses actually. You’re always gonna have that one boy that you’re always comfortable with, and you always kinda like, right? That’s your purse that you wear everywhere, right? Then you have a gorgeous bag that you want everyone to see you with.

I used to care a lot about what people thought about me, then I learned I definitely can’t please everyone. Some people will like you, some people will hate you, but I really don’t care either way. I’m not losing sleep over it.

I’d rather have a few true friends than a lot of fake crappy ones.

Sometimes there are just some people that you never get over.

You can never make the same mistake twice. The second time you make it, it’s no longer a mistake; it’s a choice.

If others are jealous, you’re doing something right.

When you are looking to meet someone, you are looking to settle. Because you are not looking for someone, you are looking for anyone.

The only way to belong is act like you belong, or not give a shit whether you belong or not.

Sometimes we sacrifice friendship for the one we love.

✗ Eyes fixed, His that is ✗

"The gospel is radical and ridiculous in the most marvelous of ways, and I never want to forget that. The truth of 2 Chronicles 16:9a is audacious if you think about it. "The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth ..." Wow.

We live wrapped in the warmth of God's gaze.
We are watched by the King of Glory.
We are strengthened by the Author of Life.

Even when we fail to fix our sight on Him, God's eyes are fixed on us. And remembering that truth could change everything.

If God sees us, then we're not invisible.
If God sees us, then we're not invaluable.
If God sees us, then we're not unknown.

Those eyes aren't waiting to see us stumble. Those eyes are scanning this swiveling globe because the Creator of the galaxies wants to create something new in you and in me.”

✗ Your spirit, Your responsibility | Brian Houston ✗

• Proverbs 25:28 - "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit, is like a city broken down without walls..." (Defenseless and vulnerable)
• If we don't look after our own spirit, we are like a city whose walls are broken down - Open to every kind of attack: Poor choices, Lack of wisdom, Being an emotional roller coaster, Holding on to bitterness and unforgiveness
• You got to take responsibility for your own spirit, because your spirit makes a way for you
• Daniel 6:3 
• Daniel's way forward in life was brought through an excellent spirit
• Psalm 51:10
• What rules your spirit? 
• We can if we are not careful, find justification in our lives no longer going forward because of what has holding out spirit hasn't sunken down
• If you look after your own spirit, keep it free from offence, free from becoming jaded or cynical because prayers didn't get answered, if you allow it to take hold of you it will stop you where you are at now
• Sometimes we have something to pin out mediocrity to because of what's going on in our own spirit
• If you look after your owns spirit, that it will open doors for you that otherwise that may stay closed
• It is amazing how we leak our spirit - It is contagious, good or bad
• 1 Cor 14:4
• When someone has a poor or bad spirit, it comes out from their gift whatever it is 
• Whatever station you are in life, your spirit will come out 
• We leak our spirit
• There is something in your spirit that gets on people
• What God wants to do in your life is far too important to be sabotaged by a poor spirit


1. A right spirit and obedience


• Obedience is better than sacrifice
• The big question is, can you be told what to do?
• You cannot teach an arrogant, know it all, defensive, proud spirit
• A humble spirit cannot be unteachable
• The condition of our spirit is critical
• Who do you give permission to speak into your life?
• You don't want to listen to every opinion because it will send you crazy/confused
• A good spirit is humble enough to remain teachable
• Who do you allow, who love you enough, to look into the eye, and tell you what you need to hear and not want to hear
• How teachable is your spirit?
• Exodus 18:24
• We can allow ourselves to try to interpret things to suit ourselves
• All of us need people who can save us from ourselves and speak into our lives 

2. A right spirit and position

• Psalm 75 - Promotion comes from the Lord...
• Trusting God means we keep the kind of spirit that we believe God will open doors for us
• 2 Cor 10:12 - We dare not class ourselves...
• Class yourself: Start living about what you deserve
• Comparison is a deadly game that you never win 
• You always come second when you compare yourself
• Don't get all your esteem out of title
• If God's given authority and credibility no matter what you are titled
• We honor because of us but don't get your esteem of that as it will always leave you flat

3. A right spirit and failure


• Failure is apart of life
• The person who never made a mistake, never made anything
• Sometimes we win, sometimes we learn
• Every mistake and failure is a chance to grow and learn, then you never lose 
• You either win or learn, and both are worthwhile
• If you can't afford to lose it, you shouldn't lend it
• You are better of to give and be generous
• Live your life where you take accountability
• Is one thing making mistakes, but another of making it over and over again without learning


4. A right spirit and success

• When blessing comes someone's life, is not that is changed them, but it brings out something that is already in them
• Success represents blessings which shows what's really in you
• Joshua 1:8
• Bad success is when someone takes short cuts and it always will not be blessed in the end - You can get by what is not right as you will reap what you sow
• When it comes to authenticity, being real, those are the areas that you don't want to change
• God always get the glory and you don't change and become arrogant
• You don't forget from once you came

5. A right spirit and partnership

• There are people we're called to do life with 
• Sometimes there's people God put in our world where we are better together
• Membership is not signing a form, but a heart and spirit which is equal contribution
• God puts us with people with His kingdom purpose and we'll always be better together
• Everyone looks better than they are really are
• It is not so much about you as you thought that is was
• "The work to which I have called THEM..."
• Who are your them?
• 2 Cor 6:14
• The right spirit towards partnership is that we are all in this together

6. A right spirit and sabotage

• Your spirit can be sabotage if you allow someone else negative and offense
• Don't allow your spirit to be ruled and robbed
• Psalm 101:3 - "I hate the works of those who fall away, it shall not cling to me"
• If you don't guard your spirit, stuff will cling to you
• Psalm 101:4 "A perverse heart will not get to me"
• You look through the lens of someone's offense and cynicism, suddenly it starts to become your spirit
• Sometimes love makes tough decisions
• 2 Thess 3 
• You got to look after your own spirit
• What God has you ahead, is far too important

7. A right spirit and opposition

• Opposition is apart of life - Come from people/spiritual
• Whichever way it comes, don't make it about people
• Don't try to fight things here when the battle is about the heavenlies
• Refuse to be ruled someone else in a negative way
• Who is ruling your spirit? Who's taking far too much time in your 
• No matured Christian, who is seasoned in the word, to live life offended
• In this world you will have tribulation, but I have overcomed the world
• If Jesus gives us a spirit as an overcomer, we should not live our lives as victims
• Rule your spirit well
• God has so many good things for you
• Your future is dependent on your spirit

✗ The best leader for you, is you ✗

"If you want to be a great worship leader, put in a great amount of time leading yourself in worship."

- Jeremy Riddle

✗ Hope not destroyed, nor Joy taken ✗

"A true believers hope can never be destroyed nor their joy taken."

Lecrae

✗ It's all about perspective... ✗

✗ Words of breakthrough and not just theories... ✗

✗ Grace in, Grace out ✗

pouring out grace comes from a right believe system as JP states. i say, true, story. one may be sitting under such a powerful message, but not chewing on it and living on it's greatness. it is waste masking behind a warmed seat on any given sunday and midweek. i don't want grace to just get me by, but wear it on my spirit, mind, soul and body with the grace gift of breath and life everyday. think we should start letting our walking do the talking, and not the other way around.

grace does not need a platform to holla, but a simple broken vessel like us to be like Him -- heart, hands, feet and everything on this earth for His sake, purpose and mission that is ongoing. He did not miss a beat, neither should we. xxx

✗ Power of Praise ✗

"Praise is the best protection for your heart and mind. The enemy can’t find your heart when it’s hidden in heavenly places! When you dwell in the secret place of the Most High, you can find rest for your soul!"

Victoria Osteen

✗ Bow down for Who? ✗

"Don't give in to the pressure to fit in when fitting in means bowing down and raging against the person God called you to be."

- Pastor Josh Kimes

(Hillsong NYC)

✗ An Overcoming Spirit (Pt. 2) | Brian Houston ✗

✗ An Overcoming Spirit (Pt. 1) | Brian Houston ✗

✗ Emotions (Mariah Carey) | Ariana Grande ✗

✗ On Their Marks | Robert Madu ✗

✗ Worthship... (Pt. 5) ✗

it is no longer just worship... but the worth that we are beholding.. that is so valuable and beyond logic... that our hearts cannot simply contain... our minds cannot make it up... the greatness, the grace, the vastness, the majestic, the glory, the hope, the love, the peace, the joy, of our Father... that we can go on and on and on in wonder... i can stay here for forever... in the lifestyle of worthship that transcends above the notes, beats, lyrics and instruments... stripping away all that is us... and adding on what is His...

selah... xxx

✗ Our God is Greater (Live) | Chris Tomlin ✗

✗ Defeating the Bullies of Life | Nicole Reyes ✗

• We got to reach of a breaking point when it comes to bullying of our souls - Taking a stand
• 2 Kings 18:13-16 (NIV)
• In life sometimes it is a lot easier to tolerate than to stand against them - We rather not deal with the conflict
• The things that we tolerate, will eventually seek to overtake us
• You will never defeat a bully by giving into it
• The more that we try to appease the bullying situations of our lives, the more and more we will get in a situation where eventually the situation will try to own us and define us
• If sometimes we aren't giving the bullies to the soul that was intended to bully His house and glory His name
• What time, resources, talents, abilities, relationships, piece of mind, energy that we giving to our fear, shame, insecurities, health, finances to the confusion of our lives that is actually going to lift His name high
• What are we giving to our bullies that is actually meant to be used for God's glory?
• 2 Kings 18:18-20, 22
• Our ultimate bully would love to get us to start to believe that all of our prayers and believe are nothing more than empty words
• Jesus does not drop our calls, He has perfect reception 
• Our prayers are never empty words because they are heard by a powerful God
• James 5:16 (Amp)
• We can pray loud prayers, confident that our God hears us
• If the enemy of our soul can't get us to question the power of our prayers, than perhaps he can get us to question the position we take in our prayers
• 2 Kings 18:25
• They make the claim that it is God's will for God's people to be defeated, destroyed, getting all wrong
• The only way we know lies are lies is by knowing the truth
• Even though the enemy try to tempt Jesus but Jesus begin to overcome and defeat the temptation of the enemy by simply knowing how to use the word of God in His life
• When the truth sets you free, you are able to pray with boldness and courage defeats every fear and doubt in your life
• Within these pages are words of life, freedom, Godly advice, comfort for you
• 2 Kings 18:36
• 2 Kings 19:1-4
• In the face of situation, I don't want you to beg, plead or converse with them, but turn it to God and pray
• That when hope seems deem, when life seems uncertain, when we are face with insurmountable odds, our first response ought to be to pray
• 1 Timonthy 2:1 (NIV) - "First of all..."
• Our first line of defense is to pray
• The pressure exposes when has been going on inside of us
• Character is not improved upon in crisis, it is revealed
• 2 Kings 18:5-7 (NIV)
• God can do things, that we can't just do 
• God is not limit in our set of limitations
• He is free to do something that surprises the 
• To say we believe in miracles, always look out for the new thing, and expecting to be atonishes
• There is no human procedure or strategy to create a miracle
• A gathering does not change your life, Jesus does
• Jesus is the one who sets us free, intervenes, He is the miracle maker
• We can't make a miracle happen but we do have access to the One who can
• We can't rely on the ability to fix things but we can trust in the One who is taking care of us
• God accepts all of us exactly where we are
• Regardless where you are today, we can cultivate a lifestyle of prayer, constantly seeking to be surprises by the miracle maker in our lives
• 2 Kings 19:35 (Msg)
• They went to sleep facing the enemy, they woke up to victory, all because they prayed
• While he was resting in the promise, God is on the move
• I wonder the victory we are constantly chasing for what if the victory is not our doing, but resting in the promise of God, and seeing God intervene
• Victory is not about our work but resting in His provision
• Peace is found through prayer that we come to a realization that God is working in our behalf
• Before there were any external change, there is an internal one
• God is for me, and this will end well, God will take care of me, He is the source of my victory
• I didn't worry about the promises of God anymore, but just resting in His peace
• Even while the war is still raging, you can say it is well with my soul, that we can arrive at a place of peace
• We are all up against something and today can be the day, that we can stand up against the bullies of our souls, and begin to pray loud clear prayers, and experience the peace of God, and trust that God will bring the victory
• Our God is greater than the army surrounding us

✗ Faith stands on your problems... ✗

that's what faith can do.

and so if problems are our level up,

our faith response likewise, going higher each time there's a situation.

✗ Let's be lifters! ✗

✗ Coachella | Brooke Fraser ✗

✗ The mask has got to go | Carl Lentz ✗

• When you meet Jesus you have the right to meet Him face to face so the mask in your life has got to go
• Even though we met Jesus, there is a lot of people who still put up the mask
• You have the right to know real freedom
• The moment you get saved, you have the right to drop who you were and pick up who He is - Real freedom, real security, real transparency, real calling, real purpose, real passion
• How can we leave a church setting and hit the streets and tell people to be real if you can't be real in church
• God is going to create a type of church atmosphere, where you are going to come as you are, you can be you, mask off, face to face in the living God
• Genesis 3:8-10
• You can do away all the old labels
• If God ever ask you a question, it is not cause He doesn't know
• People are fearful of exposing who they're really are
• When you get scared, you put on the mask
• 2 Corinthians 3:18
• "When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed... And where the spirit of the Lord there is freedom..."
• God can't work with your mask 
• Are you going to let God minister to you or your mask because there is no mask ministry in heaven
• You get behavior modification but God is about soul transformation and it can only happen when the masks comes off
• Multi masking is soul texting - It is hard work to be somebody who you are not suppose to be
• The mask came in and the peace went out
• You might be tired, but God is going to get you through it
• It is just not fun being somebody who they are not called to be
• It is so good to be free
• You have to resist the urge to reach in and pull out the mask (Eg. Strength mask - You are not the rock, Jesus is the rock, Happy mask, Sex appeal mask)
• Only in the real Jesus can you find the real you and if they see the real you they see the real Jesus
• Let the mask go, and then we get to see God move in supernatural power
• The masks exist because it covers up the need
• We need Jesus - Our relationship is on need
• Don't pretend that it is anything but Jesus
• When the heat is on, the truth comes out
• Don't get caught in the fight and find out you are a fake
• You can fake Christianity for awhile
• We go to church out of the love of Jesus
• Better than it comes out now
• Find out right now what is in you because God gotta need the real you
• The issues that you face tonight is not even about you but is about somebody who needs you
• To hold on to that masks is the most selfish thing you can do
• You get over your issue, and maybe you can help somebody else get over their issue - This is Jesus following
• The heat is on, and it should always be on - Get use to the confrontation
• He does not put on the mask of compromise ever
• Mask 1: Unnecessary complexity for the freedom of supernatural simplicity
• Mask 2. Drop the mask of selfish solo (me), and feel the freedom (Jesus) of supernatural yofo 
• After Jesus, life is all about the give - It feels good when you live for others
• Mark 1:40-45
• Jesus did not want to get the message get caught in the miracle - He was still consumed with other people
• I only live once, how can I bless somebody?
• There is still more to come - As much as He's done in your life, have a feeling that there is more
• Enjoy God's blessing but don't forget the burden for the lost
• If you have a collection, you better have a really good reason for it, because if you can't take it to heaven, why are you treating it like you can?
• James 4:13-14
• The masks of selfishness can be painful to peel off, but the result is too good to pass up
• Our God owns the world, He is above it all
• The question is not if but how much and if you are going to handle it well
• We can't have extra, when people have nothing
• You got to get over it, and people would need what God has put in your end
• Before you can do anything about it, your spirit leaps towards selfishness and that is why we would need Jesus to break that cycle
• I pray that you get to heaven with empty pockets
• What if what somebody needs in Jesus, you have?
• What you have in your hand it is more powerful that you think it is
• But you also don't know what other people have on them
• There is so much more to come in your life, there is more in your hands, more opportunity, more ability to reach people than you think there is, so Jesus gave it all so you can give it away - People need Jesus now
• The only collection that you want are the names of people that you gave money to that you never met, and you giving towards dreams that you see flourish

✗ So much you gotta give it away... ✗

✗ More praise, Less whinging... ✗

"The problem is how I see the world.

Because when I put myself at the center of existence, everything that isn’t tailor-made to my desires becomes something I can complain about.

How we respond to our own lives matters to God, because it is the only life we can live.

I’m not the sun that everything else is circling around.

1 Corinthians 4:7 asks the question: “What do you have that you did not receive?”
And to that question, I must reply: nothing.

My husband who works late for his job? Both the man and his job are gifts from God, who has given me a spouse and has provided for our family through that job. The car that needs repairing? That car is a gift from God: it transports us to where we need to go, safely and quickly. The washing machine that holds smelly laundry? That is a gift from God that enables us to wash our clothes easily and effectively. The job that keeps me glued to my desk? That is a gift from God that allows me to use my talents in ways that help others.

All of it, a gift. And when I see from this perspective, I have no room for complaint. Yes, there are many difficult days in this life we live, but everything we have—even the lemon of a car or the job that keeps us up late—all of these things are gifts from a generous God.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17)

So when the traffic slows or the weather freezes or the dishes pile up, I have a choice. I can see myself at the center of the world and grouse about everything that doesn’t make my life easier. Or I can acknowledge the truth that I am not on any throne, but that the King who is has given me everything I have—even my heart beating in my chest—as a gift.

And so here is what I can offer instead of complaint: thankfulness. Gratefulness. Praise."

- Ann Swindell

✗ Simplicity is more... ✗

"This simplicity that we’re called to should stem from an authentic inward desire to be like Jesus that is reflected as an outward lifestyle and reality.

There are two big steps to simplifying your life:
1) Identifying what’s most important to you
2) Eliminating as much of everything else as you can

Simplicity isn’t just about less mindless and needless stuff; it’s also about spending that time and money in ways that will enrich your life and the lives of those around you.

Living with less allows us to do more to help those in need. And that should be one of the goals of simplicity."

- Kim Hunt

✗ An adverse sentence | Judah Smith ✗

• Whatever you are in journey with Jesus, you belong here – you got a family in here that loves you no matter what 
• Romans 8:1-3 
• “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Jesus…” 
• Condemnation, guilt, shame should play no part in your relationship with your God 
• “God destroyed sin’s control over us by giving His son as a sacrifice for our sins…”
• Condemnation means an adverse sentence 
• A lot of Jesus followers live like in any moment, if there don’t do enough, pray enough, worship enough, read enough, give enough, their status can change without notice, suddenly you are no longer gained access and that is a tough way to live 
• Your status with God is permanent, it is unchanging, the verdict has been given, the jury has been dismissed, we don’t need a judge anymore, it is done, it is established, it is finished (Satisfied/Fulfilled) 
• Had He had sin, He could not help us with our own sin 
• Jesus was the only one capable and able of dealing with your own sin 
• He steps in, takes our place, and holds up the end of the deal which we could not and right before He passes, He declares it is finished 
• Sin is sneaky though because sin will preach to you if you let it – “See your sentence has changed” 
• All kinds of emotions, complexities, anxieties starts to set in and there is spiritually paralysis and frustration, waking up in a deficit mentality (always trying to make up your inability to fulfill and do everything that God wants you to do, so you constantly try harder in doing more, straining and striving) 
• He’s come introduce a whole new world order, a new way to be human, a new way to be alive 
• Because of Jesus, we can relate to God via trust – simply leaning in, letting Him to be our sufficiency 
• Your sentence cannot change 
• One of our challenge is we tend to like condemnation 
• When you do something bad, and you feel bad for it, it kindda feels good because that makes sense 
• If I did something bad, I oughta feel bad 
• We have misinterpreted Godly sorrow – it is not pity, shame, guilt but a sorrow that goes Godward, not inward 
• Feeling bad never helps me to get good – But our human nature trends towards that because that is logical 
• Human relationship is both sides holding up the end of the deal (mutual agreement) 
• We super impose on God in what we believe in relationships and believe that He is human 
• Because of Jesus, God knew we could not hold up our end of the relationships, so He sent His son to do what we cannot do with God 
• Jesus steps in, and we are in permanent relationship with God so no longer God in heaven goes “really?” 
• God is fully satisfied in His relationship with Him 
• Is God unpleased with Jesus? 
• We are in with Jesus now, and we are completely, entirely, unconditionally pleasing, righteous and accepted 
• We would sin less, that in the moment we sin, we turn our entire attention to enjoying God immediately 
• The moment you sin, instead of feeling bad and trying to make up for a deficit that is already made up for, but focus on Him, I suppose we would sin less 
• I wonder if I would discover the ability to sin less? - Typically we need space, but instead we go right to Him 
• Peter realized it was not normal walking on water and this was not supposed to happen and starts sinking 
• Matt 14:32 
• Peter is a little shook up emotionally, just did what was impossible and sank, can Peter can a breather/break? Peter needs time to process, no? 
• Sometimes the bible says a whole lot without saying anything 
• Peter was soaking wet and facilitating a line up so people can come to touch Jesus Jacket – Can Peter at least dry off? 
• Don’t you come to church wet, the residue of your sinkingness or lift your hands soaking wet? We don’t do wet in here. 
• No one cared that Peter almost died, and they were enamored with Jesus, even Peter – Peter just does not miss a beat 
• I wonder there lies in the power to sink less 
• You have to learn to come to church wet, I am who I am by the grace of God

✗ Psychosocial | Brooke Fraser ✗

✗ Passion plus impact... ✗

"Passion without impact is just hype."

Preston 

Hillsong Capetown

✗ LOVE that's not blind... ✗

Let's love each other like children do.... Blind of color or circumstance! 

- Alicia Keys

✗ I'm right here... ✗

"Dear friends, the precious gift of your presence cannot be shared on social media. It may help you connect with a multitude of people, but when you're in a conversation and your attention drifts away to your phone, and your eyes turn shifty, you have begun to be robbed of the human ability to be fully present for people.

Intimacy cannot be replaced with tagging friends, sharing statuses or beautiful pictures. A personality cannot be truly founded on cool hastags, witty tweets or typographical quotes. You are more than these things. You are real. You are present in a place.

I'm sure you can still remember enjoying being present at a place with a person, with a group, with a loved one. Like your parents or guardians, who have grey lines in their hair and wrinkles on their face but you have not seen it because your eyes have been staring at glass-cold phone screens. Leave the devices aside in your pocket, away for awhile, and use your own senses to enjoy the people around you.

Listen again. See again. Hold each other.

I promise you, you'll feel more real, a lot less lonely and more present with the joyous reality of living with other people who might have their problems and quirks, who might be unbearable at times. But, once in a while, you'll find a genuine smile, a beautiful moment of laughter amongst friends, a look in the eye that says "I'm here with you. I'm right here." - moments where silence is not feared.

I'll see you around."

- Joseph Soo

✗ Connected & Vulnerable... ✗

value opens other doors.

and authenticity opens hearts.

xxx

✗ Always above... ✗

"When you are a giraffe and your receive criticism from turtles, they are reporting the view from the level they are on."

- TD Jakes

✗ Definite requests in everything... ✗

"Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.

 Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."

- Philippians 4:6-7 (Message)

✗ LOVE just gives... ✗

"Love doesn't remind you of what it's given. It doesn't wait to be acknowledged. Love just gives."

- Christine Caine

✗ Jesus bragging... ✗

“If you want to claim credit, claim it for God.” What you say about yourself means nothing in God’s work. It’s what God says about you that makes the difference."

- 2 Corinthians 2:17-18 (Message)

✗ Just a vessel... ✗

✗ Filling up with grace... ✗

"What you fill yourself with, will determine what comes out of you. Fill yourself with Jesus."

- Christine Caine

✗ Gaining Christ, Losing Self ✗

✗ Praise to Freedom ✗

"Praise is the password to freedom."

- Matthew Barnett

✗ Hitting the spot... ✗

"CHURCH: Where those who have labored to prepare God's Word, will bring a message in season that speaks directly to you!"

- Brian Houston

✗ Be the change you want to see in the world... ✗

"The right response to the problems in our world is... becoming part of the solution. Few people like crime, looting, and violence, but even fewer get their hands dirty in the rehabilitation process. Everyone makes choices but not everyone has examples in their life giving them guidance on the choices they make. Be the change you want see in the world."

Lecrae

✗ Reborn... ✗

reborn

riːˈbɔːn/

adjective

1. brought back to life or activity.

   "a reborn version of social democracy"

   • having experienced a complete spiritual change.

     "a reborn Catholic"

✗ Jesus is enough | Christine Caine ✗

✗ Let our King be lifted up... ✗

"Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah). "

Colossians 3:23-24 (AMP)

✗ He calls the unqualified... ✗

✗ LOVE that never stops... ✗

✗ Selfless Serving... ✗

"If we concentrate on being a blessing to other people, encouraging other people, giving to other people, then that automatically shuts selfishness out of our life."

- Joyce Meyer

✗ Worthship... (Pt. 4) ✗

"Worship songs can’t just be rooted in culture – they won’t be deep enough. They have to be rooted in Scripture."

- Matt Redman

✗ Not a single experience wasted! ✗

"Whenever you fall, pick something up. — Oswald Avery // God doesn’t waste a single one of our experiences!"

Christine Caine

✗ Matched strength for the win! ✗

"The Scripture says in Psalm 18:39, “You have armed me with strength for the battle.” The more difficult the battle, the more strength you’ll have. Your strength will always match what you’re up against."

- Joel Osteen

✗ Do it for Him, & He'll do it for you... ✗

"Even if no one else acknowledges your hard work and effort, remember, God sees it. He is the one who promotes; He is the one who exalts. Honor Him in all you do, and He will direct your path!"

- Victoria Osteen

✗ Braving it like a lioness... ✗

arise, shine. be brave. scared? do it anyway. when fear says hello, you face it right up in there. nothing can hold you now when you know the power of your roar. time to experience some supernatural strength. work those spiritual muscles. 

hercules hercules, the battle has been won. and it was not even a close one. xxx

✗ Time with D... GOLD ✗

after some quality hours of just chilling with D., i am blown by the truth that he has been such an inspiration to many, and especially me. so much wisdom and grace that overflows... truly his heart is set apart from the usual and i am heavenly proud to be under such anointing and love. to witness the vastness of giving and forgiving this man has and is walking out, baffles my own journey of challenges and lack. he never fails to point me back to the finished work, the living word and the amazing grace that are relentless readily available.

like i always say, there's jesus, and there's D. am undeservingly blessed to be called one of your own, and to hear your voice is like music to my soul. really. may i never, ever, take these moments and even in the everyday for granted. because you are the very reason i am who i am today. love you above and beyond D.

you are the legacy i desire to live out. true, story. xxx

✗ Always look up... ✗

"You - you alone will have the stars as no one else has them... In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night.. You - only you - will have stars that can laugh."

Antoine De Saint-Exupery

My Little Prince

✗ Setting up for the better... ✗

✗ Mind Detox... ✗

Cultivate a thankful heart. Detox your mind. 

What you think matters.  What you think affect you in every way.

Beni Johnson

✗ He knows what He's doing... ✗

✗ #Anomaly // Broken... ✗

✗ The Unexpected Blessings of Disappointment and Rejection | Steven Furtick ✗

✗ He equips the called... ✗

✗ #RIP Robin Williams ✗

✗ #DeathToSelfie // Rejected to Exalted... ✗

✗ Same in & out... ✗

"My youth leader was the one who made Jesus real for me. The way he acted and spoke in church and out of church was the the same. He's my role model."

- David

Hillsong Church, London

✗ No fools zone... ✗

✗ Life In The Melting Pot (Pt. 1) | Brian Houston ✗

✗ Tests to Testimonies... ✗

"Here's the good news:

Problems are not meant to defeat you, depress you, or discourage you. God meant them to develop you. Problems are not tools to tear you down, but tests to build you up. 

One mark of a successful person is the ability to see."

- Unknown

✗ #DeathToSelfie // Fruits on both sides... ✗

✗ His Favor is all you need... ✗

"Don’t let the negative thoughts keep playing in your mind. Because of the favor of God, what you couldn’t fix in your own ability, He will make happen for you."

Joel Osteen

✗ #Unstoppable // Is okay, Grace is coming for you! ✗

✗ Hurting but not down... ✗

"It's not what happens to you that hurts, it's who does it!

You are resilient to the disappointment of their betrayal.
Rise above the emotional manipulation of those who despitefully use you."

TD. Jakes

it is quite alarming to see the extent of how the human hearts operate. indeed that is the best of the flesh which reveals what one truly believes instead of all talk and self righteous actions. but the shock rate increases as the source gets closer to home. makes me think, one's wrong living is blinded by their own teaching of grace no matter how long they have been exposed to the right one. no point fighting with an ugly person (internally that is), as they've got nothing to lose. right on RW. xxx

✗ #Unstoppable // We all have opportunities... ✗

"God sent a murderer to lead His people (Moses), a shepherd boy to kill a giant (David), a virgin to bear a savior (Mary), and a common fisherman to lead His church (Peter). God uses the weak to display His Glory; we have the opportunity to be a trophy of grace. We have the opportunity to be unstoppable."

Christine Caine

✗ "There is No Other Name" (Pt. 2) | Brian Houston ✗

✗ "There is No Other Name" (Pt. 1) | Brian Houston ✗

• In life sometimes, we try to live according to the limitations of our own name, rather than understanding the hope, victory, power, promise that we have is in an entirely different name that operates in an entirely different level. It is the name of Jesus. That is the highest authority, the highest name that there is.
• Hebrews 6:13, 16
• He made an oath in His own name because there is no higher name
• It is all on His name
• Hebrews 1:2-4, 9
• There is no other name that stands above the name of Jesus
• Ephesians 1:21
• Phillipians 2:9-11
• If we live according to our power, we will always have limitations
• Ephesians 1:13-14
• You and I by inheritance have the right to live and operate under that great name
• We face things we don't have answers for, get so close nor get any access into the promise that He wants, that is where His name is so wonderful
• Acts 3
• Our name represents humanity, but there is a name which is higher and there is no one thing in your life (challenge, problem, heartache) over which you cannot speak that name Jesus
• We live lives according to the strongest and most incredible name, that cause us to go where we've never gone, and do what we've never done, to see what we've never seen. A name equally powerful as personal, so exclusive yet inclusive, that is able to do create and build things into our lives which bust out in our limitation and bust into all that God has got for us.

✗ "Partition" | Beyoncé ✗

✗ "Good to You" | 2ne1 ✗

✗ Miracles, the real stuff ✗

"In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles."

David Ben Gurion 

First Prime Minister of Israel

✗ #Anomaly... (Pt. 3) ✗

✗ He always has a good plan... ✗

can so vouch for this. cause even in the most impossible and being stuck in the waiting room, He never fails to come around just when we least expect yet need the very most. Grace is always on time and not a second later. my soul finds rest knowing that even if there is nothing quite going on at the front, there's something at the back end that He's got prepped and waiting to surprise me. 

He always has a good plan. xxx

✗ "The Cause and Cure for Worry" | Joyce Meyer ✗

Worry, feeling uneasy or troubled, seems to plague multitudes of people in our world today. It's human nature to be concerned about the bad situations in our world and in our personal lives, but if we're not careful, the devil will cause us to worry beyond what's reasonable.

Worry is like a rocking chair—it's always in motion but it never gets you anywhere. So why do we struggle with it? And what good does it do? Worry is the opposite of faith, and it steals our peace, physically wears us out, and can even make us sick. When we worry, we torment ourselves—we're doing the devil's job for him! Worry is caused by not trusting God to take care of the various situations in our lives. Too often we trust our own abilities, believing that we can figure out how to take care of our own problems. Yet sometimes, after all our worry and effort to go it alone, we come up short, unable to bring about suitable solutions.

At a young age, I discovered firsthand that people hurt people, so I didn't trust others. I tried to take care of myself, deciding not to depend on anyone who would hurt or disappoint me. Too often our experiences in the world teach us this, and even after we become Christians, it takes a long time to overcome it. It's difficult to learn how to trust God, but we eventually must learn that trying to take care of everything ourselves is too big a task. 

Cast Your Cares on the One Who Cares for You

First Peter 5:6-7 says, Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. Since Jesus invites us to cast all of our care and worry on Him, why do so many of us refuse to let go? Apparently, we're not yet fed up with being miserable.

The only way to have victory in our lives is to play by God's rules, and He says we must quit worrying if we want to have peace. So when things come our way that cause us to be concerned, we need God's help. How do we get it? First Peter 5:6-7 lists two important steps: 1) humble yourselves, and 2) cast your care on Him.

That seems pretty clear and simple, yet some continue struggling because they're too bullheaded to ask for help. But the humble get the help. So if your way isn't working, why not try God's way? All of us would be better off if we'd learn to lean on God and ask for His help. But as long as we try to do everything ourselves, God will let us. He won't take care of our problems and worries—our cares—until we turn loose of them and give them to Him. Either we're going to do it or God's going to do it, but both of us aren't going to. Now, casting your care doesn't mean you can be irresponsible. God won't do for you what you can do yourself. You must do what you can do, and then trust God to do what you can't. When we humble ourselves and ask for His help, then He's able to release His power in our situations. It's only then that we can really enjoy life.

So the cure for worry is humbling ourselves before God, casting our cares on Him, and trusting Him. Instead of making ourselves miserable trying to figure everything out on our own, God wants us to place our trust in Him and enter into His rest, totally abandoning ourselves to His care. I know that when we are able to believe and say, "God, I trust You," it will literally change our lives. Psalm 37:3 says, Trust…in the Lord and do good.... God didn't create us to worry about helping ourselves all the time. He wants us to sow good seed by reaching out to help others. When we simply trust God and get busy doing the good things we know to do, then He'll bring a harvest of blessings into our lives and meet our needs.

Develop an Attitude of Faith and Prayer
I've learned that my attitude has a lot to do with living a worry-free life. There will always be situations that cause us concern, but with God's help, we can live above all of it and enjoy life. Cast your care on the Lord and say, "God, I trust You, and I'm going to enjoy the life You have given me." When you give your problems to God, you must also decide to be satisfied with His answers. Trusting God to do what's best for us involves dying to self. Paul said, ...it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20). You can trust God to do what's best for you, so you don't have to worry about it. When you have a positive attitude and keep your faith in God, you can't be defeated.

We must stop trying to make things happen the way we want and get to the place where we desire to please God more than ourselves. The Christ in us has to supercede what we want. Faith and the Word of God will help you overcome worry. Worrying involves negative thoughts, but speaking positive things out of your mouth will interrupt those negative thought patterns. When we are full of the Word of God, we can speak it out of our mouths in faith. Faith is stronger than doubt, negativism and unbelief. Faith has a positive attitude that can overcome our past and lead us into a great future. Faith is a powerful force that cannot be conquered. Another powerful force is prayer. When you're under pressure, it's always best to pray about it instead of talk about it. Prayer is the blueprint for a successful life. During His time on earth, Jesus prayed. He entrusted everything to God—even His reputation and life. We can do the same. We don't have to explain all the problems to Him; we can just give them to Him and ask Him to take care of everything. Don't complicate prayer. Just have confidence in simple, believing prayer.

Look at Paul's instructions in Philippians 4:6-7: Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. If you're a Christian who goes around burdened or weighed down all the time, something is wrong. You may have had faith in Christ for salvation, but you haven't moved into walking in faith daily for the life that God has given you. The Bible tells us that God is faithful—that's one of His major characteristics. He can be counted on to come through for us, so we should trust Him totally and completely. When we do, we'll be ready for anything that may come our way. 

Allow God to Give You Peace and Rest

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Jesus wants to ease our burdens and give us rest. The Message Bible says it this way: Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly (Matthew 11:28-30).

That sounds good, doesn't it? I've had enough heavy stuff in my life, and I want to be free. It's nice to know that we don't have to figure everything out. We need to get comfortable with saying, "I don't have a clue, but I'm not going to worry about it because God's in control. I'm going to live free and light!" When we're overloaded with the cares of this life—struggling, laboring and worrying—we need some help. Our minds need to rest from worrying about how to take care of problems, our emotions need to rest from being upset all the time, and our wills need a rest from stubbornness and rebellion. So we need to be humble enough to call out to God and say, "I need help!" Your beginning doesn't have to dictate your ending. Get God involved in every area of your life and allow Him to lead you into rest.

Worry or Worship?
Worry and worship are exact opposites, and we'd all be much happier if we learned to become worshippers instead of worriers. Worry opens the door for the devil, but worship is reverence and adoration for God that leads us into His presence. God created us to worship Him, and I don't believe we can walk in victory if we don't become worshippers. Sometimes when we don't have what we need or want, the enemy tries to discourage us and keep us from worshipping God. But when we know that God has our best interests at heart, we can worship Him regardless of our circumstances. Remember, God is good even when our circumstances are not! God doesn't always give us our heart's desire right away. He wants us to develop a deep, personal relationship with Him and an outrageous love for Him so much so that we can't live without it. This kind of relationship and love brings the worshipful attitude that God wants us to have.

To worship means "to reverence," or "to defer to." We are to have reverential fear and awe of God. We are to respect and honor Him, and defer to Him by submitting to and obeying Him, and adapt ourselves to His will. We must realize that Christ, living in us, has come to lead and guide us into a special lifestyle of worship and victorious living. When Satan throws worry on you, I challenge you to stop what you're doing, get down on your knees before God, and begin praising Him. Worship is a spiritual weapon, a warhead or bomb you can use against the enemy. Your prayers and worship will get you heavenly help, and you won't have to fight your own battles. God's grace and power can make things happen with ease that you can't bring about no matter how much you struggle.

So stop worrying about everything, give it to God, and live in grace. Grace isn't just divine favor—it's power! Don't waste another day of your life worrying. Determine what your responsibility is and what it is not.When we do what we can do, God steps in and does what we can't. So give yourself and your worries to God and begin enjoying the abundant life He has planned for you. 

✗ Speaking with purpose ✗

"Just because you’re talking, doesn’t mean you’re communicating."

Lecrae

✗ Looking + Becoming ✗

"You reproduce what you behold."

Bill Johnson

✗ All things count... ✗

"There's no such thing as a small work for God. It's all big when it comes from a servants heart." 

Matthew Barnett

✗ Called to LOVE, & only that ✗

✗ Broken Vessels... (Pt. 2) ✗

"God can take the broken pieces, the mistakes, the injustices, and make something good come out of it."

Joel Osteen

✗ Not happy about everything, but grateful in everything | Victoria Osteen ✗

The other day I was meditating on 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

A lot of people think about all the challenges they face and wonder, “How can I be thankful for this? How can I be thankful for losing my job? How can I be thankful for this sickness? How can I be thankful for this unexpected bill?” 

But this verse isn’t saying to be thankful for everything, it says be thankful in everything. 

That means if you lose your job, you have the attitude that says, “Thank you, Lord, for something better that’s coming my way!” If you’re sick in your body, your attitude is, “Father, thank You that by the stripes of Jesus, I am healed!” If you have an unexpected bill, “Thank You, God that You are my Provider, and because I am in covenant with You, You will supply all of my needs according to Your riches in glory!” 

Life is going to be challenging at times. Scriptures warns us that in this world, we will have trials and tribulations. There will be things we are tempted to complain about, but the key is to find something bigger than that thing to focus on. And there’s nothing bigger than our God. When we focus on Him, the things of the world seem very small in comparison.

Did you know studies actually show that people who practice gratefulness are happier people? You practice something when you need to get good at it. It’s not always natural to be grateful. In fact, it’s never natural to be grateful; it’s something we all have to work on. But when you practice gratefulness, it’s not so foreign, and you become a happier person!

Today I encourage you to be deliberate about being grateful. Practically speaking, write down three things to be grateful for every day. You’d be surprised at how much your perspective changes when you start thinking about the things you are grateful for. Remember, you may not be happy about everything, but you can be grateful in everything!

✗ "Like A Fool" | Keira Knightley ✗

✗ "Lost Stars" | Adam Levine ✗

✗ "When God's Promise Seems Unfulfilled" | Judah Smith ✗

✗ Taking Off... ✗

"What wings are to a bird, and sails to a ship, so is prayer to the soul."

―Corrie ten Boom

✗ Moissainte x Gold ✗

anything from the red box would be acceptable, but the sight of this has created major competition. didn't know recycled gold can look this good. xxx

✗ Worthship... (Pt. 3) ✗

love that came down to be raised up again in songs of praise and thanksgiving. who knew. how much we worship, is how much we know we're loved. 

ps. "your love is relentless." xxx

✗ Divine Happenings... ✗

"God wants you to know that He is your God of divine happenings. He will place you at the right place, at the right time, where you will meet the right people and do the right things! Whatever you need, God knows where you can get it, and who you can get it from."

- Naeem Callaway

✗ The Greatest Love Story Ever Told | Bobbie Houston ✗

"Life can sometimes press things into the pressure zone. But it is often in the pressure zones that the most beautiful emerges. Our trust is always in Jesus and He never fails to help us when we find ourselves in that territory.

The core mandate of COLOUR, is that of "placing value upon womanhood" -- and let's face it, there are still multitudes in this world who need to hear that Someone (capital "S") loves and believes in them.

Let's sow some seeds of hope."