Category Archives: Faith

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God Is the Strength of My Heart

Today, I experienced some very typical behavior where an individual was more concerned with their flesh needs than fulfilling God’s assignment.  I understand that we are human, but the word declares that “our natural, earthly lives don’t in themselves lead us into the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor 15:50 MSG)  We should not be driven by our flesh and heart needs but constantly yielding to the Holy Spirit for guidance.

When an opportunity presents itself that may serve as a distraction, utilize these tools:

  • Keep your flesh under subjection – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want” (Galatians 5:16-17)
  • Resist the devil – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
  • Watch and Pray – “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”  (1 John 2:16)
  • Know who you are as a child of God – “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
    (Romans 8:13-14)
  • Accept that God is the Strength of your heart – “My flesh and my heart may fail,
        but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:6)

In this season, obedience to God must take precedence over any emotion or inclination to fulfill our flesh needs, as our flesh and heart may fail.  In this season, embrace the plan of God for your life and let Him be your strength and portion forever.

Be Empowered!

flesh will fail

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And the Journey Begins!

Hello, my name is Valerie Burrell, and I am your Life Coach. Typing that even felt a little funny, as I was speaking it out of my mouth as I was typing it.  This is a defining moment in my life!!!  For several years, I had struggled with understanding my purpose in the earth, expecting that who I am and what I was supposed to do looked just like Susie – yet I didn’t measure up.  I had been driven by the instructions of others based on thier need of me and was miserable.  I have a relationship with Christ yet I hadn’t made him Lord over my life, nor was I relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance.  I was just going with the flow, accepting most of what people shared with me concerning my life and was stagnant and unproducive.

Today, my husband and I are launching out, striking while it’s hot, moving forward in the work that has been assigned to us on the earth.  Today, we are the moving vessel called The Empowerment Place!  You might say to yourself, “Valerie, you’ve been doing this for a few years now – what’s defferent and defining about this moment?” Good question! For the past two years, I have been studying.  Studying the Word of God, completing my Master’s degree and  becoming a Certified Christian Counselor.  I have poured into myself according to what the Holy Spirit was speaking to prepare me for this moment.  I am fully engaged in my purpose – that’s the defining moment!  For many of us, we go through the motions, we claim that we know who we are and what we’re supposed to do, yet we make no movement towards fulfillment of purpose.

Today, would you be brave enough to put fear, guilt, shame, unforgiveness or whatever it is that has held you captive – and start your journey on PURPOSE?  I was reminded last week that life isn’t supposed to be hard, it gets that way when we try to navigate our situations instead of relying on the one that was sent to comfort and guide us.  Benny and I are strategically BECOMING all that God has intended we be and it begins today.  My friends, move forward in what God has called you to.  Fulfill your purpose!  Aim high!  Win!! Be Empowered!  #E2EO

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NECESSARY

So, the 2016 Presidential Election is over and the results have named Donald Trump as President-Elect of the United States of America.  This outcome has stirred all sorts of emotions from dread and fear to overjoy and peace.  I’ve been pretty quiet during this whole election, praying for guidance and understanding throughout the process and this morning the word I heard was – NECESSARY!  I admit, I chuckled at the sound of that initially – but God gave me clarity.

It’s several days later and I’m being strengthened in the midst of this election outcome and I will share with you why.  This election, as it has been revealed to me is a testimony of ones ability to succeed.  President-Elect Trump showed himself to be a rather obnoxious, racist, narcissistic, arrogant man. ( I was nice)  Yet, despite all of that, he communicated a message that intrigued and enticed many American people and was chosen as the next President of the United States.  So, what are you saying Valerie?  Glad you asked!

Have you ever been given instructions from God, whether it was starting something new or completing something old and you decided that because of who you are or what you’ve done in the past – you weren’t qualified?  I know I have. President- elect Trump had no experience, no political/legal knowledge, no character, no mental capacity, no real qualifications to be president of the United States, but he won!  An unqualified candidate in the eyes of many, overcame the odds and succeeded.

The necessity for this outcome was to show us that even with odds against you and you feeling unqualified, determination and support from the “right” people can get you to your place of purpose.  This election has fueled a fire in me to press into what God has called me to in a greater way.  No longer will I discredit myself! No longer will I allow the opinions of others to stifle my dreams!  No longer will I limit myself but I will embrace God has spoken concerning me and succeed! You get it? You can be what God has said you’d be.  You can do what God has asked you to do.  You are the world-changer that you are supposed to be! President-elect Trump was chosen by man and will have to face the conditions of man but what God does in and through you, as you trust Him for your destiny- no man can change!

I’m not a fan of the new president, but I will honor this process and continue to trust God in the midst of all things – as it clearly was a necessary  awakening for many of us. Today, be EMPOWERED; be REGENERATED by the renewing of your mind; and be ENCOURAGED to pursue what God has called you to.

Blessings!

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I’m Covered

On a typical day, I watch very little television and that entertainment is limited to one of three channels because I like happy endings!  The interruption occurs, a commercial, and its talking about car insurance.  The commercial suggests that you’ve chosen the wrong insurance company because your company is only going to give you enough money to pay for 1/3 of your totaled vehicle.  How tragic! You’ve been making an investment in a plan that you trusted to cover in the time of need and it doesn’t happen.  It is that same way when investing your time in relationships that don’t provide the needed dividend in times of need.

Good news! There is a relationship that you can invest in that covers any situation you may face. If you’ve received Jesus as Lord and savior there is coverage for you! Isaiah 54:17 reads, “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from me, declares the LORD.”  To know that whatever circumstance you may face, God has you covered and the enemy will not succeed.  Many are facing some trying times right now; emotional, financial, grief, or a health concern – just know that God has you covered. Today, God wants you EMPOWERED by His Word.  Today,  He wants your faith strengthened in the midst of your trouble – knowing that He’s got you COVERED!

Pray this prayer with me:

Father, I come before you in this moment, seeking solace in the time of turmoil and fear.  God, I need you like never before to re-align me on the path that you’ve established for me.  I am asking that you forgive me for the error of my ways and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  I trust you Father and I yield my will to yours.  Today, I believe that I Am Covered.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!