If you are worried about how your necessities will be met today, read Matt. 6:31-33.

Our Heavenly Father has promised to take care of our needs IF we seek His Kingdom first and His Righteousness. In other words, when we are about God’s business (which comes by being in close relationship with Him), He takes care of our business. Take His yoke (care and love others, enemies included) and He in returns takes our yoke (baggage, bills, brokenness, etc.).

So don’t worry, be happy in Jesus!

Much Luv 4 Ya,

Angela

For the past several weeks, on Facebook, I have been providing a Power Word for the day.  My hope is that it inspires, motivates and/or encourages someone to action.

So in keeping with that practice, the Power Word for today is, “SELF-CONTROL”. In other words, control yourself! Control what you eat, drink, think, how you act, where you go, who you hang with, who you date, and how others impact and influence your life.  No, You CAN’T control others but Yes, you CAN control, manage and reduce the negative impact other people’s drama, actions, decisions and thoughts/opinions can have on you. How? By believing in the promise that God will provide you with enough GRACE to help you practice SELF-CONTROL and NOT REACT to outside influences/pressures. And as a result, you will experience abundant living.  Just think about the many regrets you’ve experience due to a lack of SELF-CONTROL. Aren’t you tired of it and ready for change…change you can really believe in?

Well if your answer is “yes”, then you will agree with me that it is time to put away childish behavior and grow up in God. Ask Him to help you practice SELF-CONTROL in all areas of your life. Then stand back and watch the goodness of God manifest itself in your life and the lives of others around you!

So my challenge to you is to not only “Respect Yourself” but better yet “Control Yourself”.  Your quality of life depends on it!

Much Luv 4 Ya,

Angela

It has been my experience for most of my life to start each year with a strong intention to get it (life) right over the next 12-month period. The problem is I haven’t been successful none of the times! Ugh!

I thought by thinking harder, changing up my game plan and even changing my environment (relationships, jobs, homes, etc.) would do the trick.

Then one day as I was having a emotional breakdown and totally empty of ideas, I heard God tell me, “You got it all wrong because none of your plans include me.” I didn’t once consult with God about the plans He had for me even though I knew He had them (Jeremiah 29:11). Who better to help me with strategy about my life then my Creator–God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? No one!

So then I got it, right? Wrong! I did some consulting with God but on my terms. Needless to say, that was unsuccessful too.
See, I was praying, randomly selecting and reading scriptures but it was all too shallow so nothing took root. What I needed was to go deeper in my relationship with Christ. It was time to get past the introductory stage of our relationship and move to something more serious. In other words, it was time to get closer…more intimate…in a spiritual way. More time praying and listening for His voice. More time reading and studying His word. More time asking what His will is for my life. And less time looking for answers in myself and others.

So I get it now. Just like in any friendship worth having, Jesus wants me to realize and accept His Friendship AND Lordship. He loves me so much that He doesn’t want me to miss out on any blessings He has in store for me. For He knows the plans He has for me and the tasks I will complete. But none of that will happen if I don’t choose to go deeper with and in Him.

So the same goes for you. No sense of making a “to-do list” for 2012 if you have no intention to consult with God or grow deeper in your relationship.

So where is your scuba gear? It’s time to go diving!

A Servant of the King,

Angela

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

Is there anything wrong with doing absolutely nothing when there are things that should be done? I mean why can’t I just be a slouch today and start over tomorrow? So what the dog smells like death and needs a bath. And so what that the laundry needs to be folded and put away. And so what that I need to make some phone calls to followup on some leads for my nonprofit. SO WHAT! SO WHAT! SO WHAT! UGH!

Well like it or not, it does matter! It may not matter if the dog doesn’t get washed right now or that the clothes aren’t folded and put away (the family can do that themselves, if it comes down to it). BUT it does matter that I follow up with the business leads that could be a time sensitive opportunity for the advancement and/or the enhancement of my nonprofit that I am aggressively working to get off the ground.

So I guess what I am saying is that PRIORITIES and IMPACT determine what I CAN put off when I am in a funk and what I CAN’T afford to put off if I want to get ahead. In other words, if snoozin’ means losin’ then “So What?” needs to become “Do What?” and I need to get to DOing and handling my business. BUT there is always an exception to the rule. When you mentally need to regroup in order to avoid a mental meltdown, TAKE TIME FOR YOU! You will be more productive once your are mentally, physically and spiritually rejuvenated.

Each day when that annoying alarm clock goes off I want to turn back the hands of time for just a little while longer. But then as the dog starts prancing at my bedside needing to be let out to the bathroom, I realize that my family (and the dog) rely on me to take care of them…to get their day started right. Right?

Well, what does right look like?

Right off the back what comes to mind is time with God. I have learned that my day goes much more smoothly when I acknowledge Him first, bask in His love and then ask Him for wisdom, strength and guidance for the day. In other words, once I fill my cup with His anointing power, I am able to SERVE my family…to get there day off to a good start.

In addition, I see to it that my husband and daughter are rightfully equipped physically (balanced breakfast and appropriate clothing) and spiritually (morning worship and prayer) to face another day at work and school.

Once they are out the door and the house is all mine (the dog doesn’t count), I then turn my attention and energy to tackling my, what seems to be, inexhaustible “To Do List”. At first glance, I think I will never get to the end of it. But then I take a deep breath and beginning at the top, I focus on one item at a time. To my surprise (due to short-term memory:-), this method actually works! And before I know it, the list is complete and I am feeling large and in charge!

I guess my point is that things are only going to look and be “right” (our key word for today) as long as I set my eyes and heart on doing God’s will…seeking Him first and resting assure that EVERYTHING else will work out for my good. So that means no Jumping ahead or lagging behind Him. That will only lead to frustration and spiritual, emotional and physical fatigue. And God knows I don’t need anymore “F”s (frustration and fatigue, for those who are a little slow:-).

So I have decided to do things the right way…God’s way. And that means putting and keeping Him first!

From My Heart 2 Yours,

Angela

BTW, I want to clarify something. When I mentioned on Facebook that the BET Awards glorifies the father of this world (Satan) I wasn’t saying it just to be critical or judgmental but to get the attention of the BELIEVERS. That while the world is doing what they set out to do, where are we and what are we doing to fulfill God’s plan…the Plan of Salvation? I really can’t fault the world for glorifying and uplifting their achievements for they have done an outstanding job getting their messages out and selling, influencing and expanding their market. But WE (including myself) the BELIEVER have to step it up. Our fruit has got to be obvious of who we serve and who (Holy Spirit) is planted within us.

I sometimes find myself hating on and in awe of artists like Beyonce’ who have sold (committed everything) all the way out for their career success, but then I have to ask myself “Have I sold all the way out for God’s success?” and ashamedly, the answer is “no”. So now it is time for me to put aside ALL things that hinder me from selling out! And I know that requires prayer, fasting, and more prayer as well as letting go of people, places and things that do not glorify God. But I am motivated and determined by the power and Grace of Jesus Christ to finish this race STRONG God’s way!

So please pray for this sister and all the rest of the Body of Christ who are called and required to carry the gospel to all the world with out compromise. God bless!

Angela

At time in earth’s history when the leaders of the church should be guiding God’s people including the singing evangelist and musicians, they are busy rubbing elbows with the Devil’s advocates disguised in sheep’s clothing. It is a shame that God’s shepherd and their flock have been led astray by money, fame and power resulting in the blind leading the blind.

But I am encouraged! Not all have sold out for money, power and fame. The music that God has given me and other devoted artists to write and sing is just that…HIS MUSIC and LYRICS! And we are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ that we feel the need to dilute it or cover it with a worldly garment.

Furthermore, I am so humbled and at the same time proud that the music He has given me to share with others is simple but spiritually tasteful and able to feed the souls of God’s people ( for He created us all) both in and out of the church.

So what’s our next step as Christian artists? Our next step is to make a public stand and go to the highways and the byways, including the churches, with our anointed music and remind the people of who God is by sanitizing the minds of the church and the world one undiluted, uncompromised, sacred song at a time.

Who’s with me?

Angela

Maybe it’s time to revisit the meaning of to “just stand”.

My definition of what it means to “just stand” is to be firm, committed, immovable and non-wavering in ones beliefs, decisions and position in life. Of course this works well only if one is rooted firmly in Christ. In fact, one must commit to “just stand” on the principles and promises of God’s word if one expects to “just stand” successfully against the storm winds of life.

Look at that! I just re-realized that the reason for my “weak in the knees” struggle with standing, committing, and being firm in my walk with Christ is due to the lack of spiritual nutrients that can only be found in the bread of life…the Holy Bible!

So the next time I feel weak to “just stand” I will not panic and call 911…LOL! Instead I will pause, pray, pick up the word of God and get my eat on!! For I know then and only then will I regain my strength to “JUST STAND”!

Your Sister In Christ,

Angela

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

As I quickly come up for air from all that life (ministry, work, family and other) has submerged me in, I am reminded that I must stop to smell the roses.

As a wife, mother, daughter, friend and man servant, it is all too easy to get caught up and swept away in the tides of life.

I know that I am not alone.

So as we enter into a new season, let’s remember to enjoy the season we are currently in. There are experiences God wants us to know, enjoy and/or grow from. After all, they are His way of making us like Him… They are His way of helping us to enjoy life to the fullest!

God Bless!

Angela

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

But then there’s the off the chain Monday thru Friday job (that I am thankful for because it finances the ministry that I love) that has my head spinning with its overall political drama. YIKES!

So what’s a girl to do?!!

Here’s what I’m doing. When life gets out of control and downright maddening with all of its uncertainties and woes, I keep a state of mind that is at peace…peace because Jesus has already taken care of my needs and has offered His lighter yoke for my extremely heavy yoke. For that I am thankful!

So as you continue your life’s journey, remember to pause within the madness of your situation(s) and make sure you have exchanged your yoke (madness) for Jesus’ and then…

ENJOY the Journey!

Angela

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.