Shake Off The Dust

January 15th, 2023 Monday Motivator

I began last week sharing a 3-point concept of awakening, being shaken, and loosening.

I anticipate encountering all three of these aspects frequently this year. Last week, while discussing awakening, I emphasized how God will awaken more of His people to His power in the coming year.

Moreover, I anticipate a considerable amount of shaking occurring in people’s lives.

While the term “shaking” often brings to mind the world being shaken, I want to draw attention to a verse in Isaiah.

Isaiah 52:2 says, “Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive.”

This is the year to rise and cast off all the dust you’ve been living under.

That dust might be a long-held belief in a lie, a defeat, challenging circumstances, rumors, or a wrong done to you. These things have kept you down in the dirt, feeling as if a chain has been hanging around your neck.

Just like the prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “Shake it off!”

It’s no longer time to play the blame game but take action ourselves by rising up.

2024 doesn’t have to mirror the past. You can live in the freedom and peace that God designed for you.

Imagine a dog stumbling upon a ditch full of water. Do you know the first thing that a dog does upon emerging from the water? It shakes off all the water weighing down its fur.

Better yet, think of a lion that sleeps on the ground all night. When it’s time to rise, it gets up and shakes off the dust.

It’s time for you to get up! It’s time for you to shake off the things that have been weighing you down. When something else comes trying to bring you back down, don’t let it settle; immediately shake it off!

Let “Shake it off” be your motto this year.

Awakening Spiritually

January 8th, 2024 Monday Motivator

Wow, can you believe it is 2024?! Such great and exciting things are ahead of us this year.

Today marks our first Monday Motivator of the year, and many more to come.

In this Monday Motivator, I wanted to talk about a scripture that has been on my heart.

Isaiah 53:1 says, “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?”

Those who believe the report of the Lord are the ones who will see the arm of the Lord. We get a picture of that in Isaiah 52 when he bears His arm before the nations of the world and shows His power.

What is the report?

Firstly, that Jesus is the Messiah. He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes, we are healed.

The list can keep going but we will end with this one:

That if you believe the report that the Lamb of God died on the cross for your sins, rose from the dead, and has poured out His Spirit for us to become overcomers empowered by God, then, oh man, imagine the authority and confidence you’ll begin to walk in this year of 2024.

Many of us have spiritually slumbered, disconnected from the truths of God. This year, I feel like God wants His children to awaken spiritually.

I believe if we do so, we will walk as the conquers God has destined us to be in 2024. Unstoppable, unshackled, because we are alert to the things of God and His current movements!

It’s time to wake up. Are you ready?

Don’t Forget This Christmas To…

December 18th, 2023 Monday Motivator

As the aroma of sugar cookies fills my home and loved ones gather, I’m reminded to share a simple yet profound message this Christmas: cultivate a grateful heart.

Despite external challenges like the lack of gifts or financial constraints, I encourage you to shift your focus.

Don’t dwell on what you couldn’t provide or who’s not present. Instead, cherish the love and timeless memories that money can’t buy.

This Christmas, turn your gaze to Jesus—reflect on the hope, redemption, light, and love He brought into the world from a humble manger.

The mere thought of His impact stirs gratitude in my heart, a reminder that we are never truly alone.

For those facing a tough or unconventional Christmas, remember you’re not alone; Jesus understands your feelings. Take a moment to thank God for His constant presence, regardless of your circumstances.

Let this Christmas be a celebration of gratitude, recognizing its power to transform the atmosphere. Giving and extending invitations, smiles, joy, thankfulness, and hugs.

Merry Christmas!

What Does Christmas Mean to You?

December 11th, 2023 Monday Motivator

What is Christmas to you?

We all know Christmas can be a VERY busy season. Between the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, and planning, it can easily become overwhelming.

Amid the busyness, we forget to pause and reflect on what Christmas really is and why we do everything we do.

Christmas, to me, is more than gifts under the tree.

It’s more than stockings full of goodies. It’s more than cooking everyone’s favorite sides that you only cook once a year.

It’s more than sitting around with loved ones, drinking hot chocolate, and watching Christmas movies.

While all those things are great and fun traditions, Christmas means even more to me.

It’s about celebrating the one true gift that made way for every tangible gift we get to enjoy in our lives: Jesus.

It’s about looking around at the smiles on your children’s and grandchildren’s faces and saying, “Thank you, Jesus, for gifting me with this family.”

It’s about the laughs you share and the memories you make with friends and family that day, saying, “Thank you, Jesus, for the joy you give.”

It’s about noticing that even if you didn’t have one thing under the tree, you still have all you need to celebrate Christmas, and that’s Jesus.

It’s recognizing that one day, because of a moment that happened years ago in history, you can now spend eternity with the Father. When Jesus was born, He was the gift God the Father gave for all to receive and experience the God kind of life filled with joy, peace, freedom, and purpose.

Why is this question so important to ask yourself? Because If we forget the true meaning of Christmas, the season will quickly become burdensome with all its traditions. It will become restless instead of peaceful. Dreadful instead of joyful.

But if we keep our hearts and eyes on the true meaning of Christmas, we can’t help but be filled with joy and peace.

As we approach December 25th, 2023, ask yourself: What is Christmas to you? I challenge you to see where your heart is really at. Hopefully, it’s on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus.

The Importance of A Good Reputation

December 4th, 2023 Monday Motivator

Can you believe it’s December? Where has the time gone?

Before we know it, Christmas will be here.

This morning, I want to share with you something from my devotional time.

Starting with the bible verse Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

Now I want to focus on that first part “A good name is more desirable than great riches.”

This is so big to me because after many years of ministry. A good name is something I’ve wanted to build and maintain in my life.

It’s something that every individual should desire, particularly as a Christian.

Why? Well, here are 5 ways having a good reputation contributes to our lives.

  1. Trustworthiness – A good name fosters trust, as people are more likely to rely on and believe in individuals or entities with a positive reputation.
  • Credibility – A good name enhances credibility, establishing a foundation of reliability and competence in personal and professional relationships.
  • Networking – A positive reputation opens doors and facilitates connections, as people are often drawn to those with a reputable and respected identity.
  • Opportunities – A good reputation attracts opportunities, as individuals or businesses with a solid reputation are more likely to be considered for collaborations, partnerships, or career advancements.
  • Legacy – A good name endures and contributes to a lasting legacy. It shapes how you are remembered and, the impact you leave on those around you.

Now knowing at least 5 ways having a good name can benefit us I hope it inspires you to desire that good reputation God calls us to have.

May the benefits that stem from it surpass the worldly riches offered in exchange for a good reputation.

Talking about how we should desire such a good name reminds me of the One who has the greatest Name, Jesus, the Name above all names. Whatever you may be facing this week whether bills, doubt, or health issues, just know there is a Name greater than all those names and it is Jesus. Speak His name over your situations this week.