Category Archives: Uncategorized

by

Endure for the sake of Purpose

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”   James 1:4 KJV

          For many years, things were working for my good, even when I couldn’t recognize it. I was complaining a little bit because things were right; I felt that I could endure the light afflictions.  When challenging times arise, we tend to retreat because we’re overwhelmed, or at least I did.  I kicked, screamed (silently), and even blamed others instead of embracing what was before me and being willing to endure the process like a good soldier.

The Word lets us know that as God has begun a good work in each of us, we must be willing to endure the process for His sake.  If you’re one who likes to bake, you know that to get the item you desire, you must have the proper ingredients, follow the recipe, and wait for it to bake under the right heat. That process reminds me of how we must endure as good soldiers.

God has placed on the inside of each of us all that we need to succeed; we must activate it with guidance from the Holy Spirit and endure until the end.  You have what it takes, stop discounting yourself.  Be emPOWERed by the Word today and make a difference.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”     Philippians 1:6

from “emPOWERed By the Word”  by Valerie Burrell

by

Let’s Forgive

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 NIV

As a child, I can recall that if I had an issue with someone, or they had an issue with me, it was dealt with in a manner that we could still be amicable after the discussion.  Today, it’s a bit different.  When individuals, families or organizations have issues with an opposing mindset or belief system, rage is ignited.

Our prayer today has been, “Father, we desire to be one, operating in the bonds of love and forgiveness.”  When we consider that God has forgiven us, and some of us had MUCH to be forgiven, how then are we unable to forgive one who just doesn’t believe as you believe?  Today, I want to EMPOWER you with this thought  – Let’s Forgive!

Prayer:

Father, I come to you in the Name of Jesus, asking that you would create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit within me, that I am able to forgive others as you’ve forgiven me.  Father, I thank you.  Amen

 

by

The Word Gives Life

“63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”   John 6:63 KJV

     Words have power, and words have life! That’s not just my opinion, the Word tells us in Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (NKJV) I’m excited to see growth in my life from positive seeds (words) that have been spoken, and grateful that those words spoken to me with the intent to harm me, did not.   We must understand that like all things, the word of God – like seeds in the ground, take time to come forth.

When you are moved by the spirit of God, keep your flesh under subjection as the work of the flesh will not profit you.  When you understand the doctrine of God’s word and His Kingdom, you will be emPOWERed to live a full life. Along with the Word, you must also rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you in truth and bring back to your remembrance every Word spoken concerning your life and future.

The Word gives life, so as you’re reading these pages, hear what the Spirit of God is speaking, say what the Spirit of God is speaking, and see the manifestation of His power in your life!

Father, I ask that you aid me in bridling my tongue, that my words be words of life, that my flesh profits nothing but your spirit be my guide.  Thank you in Jesus’ Name.  Amen

Taken from emPOWERed by the Word Devotional written by Valerie Burrell

by

When Pain Is In The Next Room

As a counselor, I deal with a significant number of individuals who deal with depression.  Most of it is generally stemming from the loss of a loved one or the lack of a significant person in their lives. Whatever the cause, I’ve been able to navigate through these emotions with them successfully at a high rate.  I’m not boasting at the accomplishment, for it is the love of God that does the work, I’m just the vessel being used.

I’m grateful for the positive outcomes I have in my counseling practice, but I’m also challenged.  How do I deal with the pain that’s coming from the next room in my home? I understand the power of the mind, as we’re taught in the scriptures to let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ, but the reality is that society doesn’t function that way.  I deal with pain in the next room tenderly at times, but at other times with little or no empathy.  I wonder how it is that I’m so tender with outsiders but don’t extend that same measure of care in my home.

I can only attribute that behavior to the fact that I know that I’ve given those in my home truth about who Christ is, and stand on His word for change.  Silly me!  I’ve learned that being the wife, mother, or grandmother, or sibling to a hurting family member requires the same if not greater compassion and love.  We must love beyond the barrier and embrace them with the same love we offer to everyone else.  Let me modify that – I must – as I pray that other counselors are doing a better job at navigating family than I have.

What I’ve gleaned from this scenario is simple, when pain is in the next room, don’t ignore it, address it as if it came through the door of your office and give them the same love and attention you give everyone else.

Valerie

counselor

by

The Gift Is Within

…for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.

Romans 11:29

What is the undercurrent that runs within you? Have you identified your gifts? Have you begun to cultivate the gifts within after identifying them? It’s a lot to think about, I know, but it’s necessary that we discover the gifts within us that God wants us to use for His glory in the earth.

On one occasion during the holidays, I received a gift, and instead of opening it immediately, I placed it in my office with my “stuff.” Several months went by before I realized that I’d never opened the gift and when I did, I was saddened that I’d missed a wonderful opportunity – not opening that gift cost me. Not recognizing the value in the gift given to you by the Father is also costly. When the Holy Spirit speaks to you, revealing your truth – your gifts, are you able to receive it? Too many times, we negate what we hear because we lack the confidence needed to move forward. Honey, His gifts, and his call are irrevocable. No one can deny you, defy you, silence you, stop you if God has gifted you – but you! I hear your thoughts, “I don’t want what I see, it’s too much!”, I tried that, and it didn’t work. You like hiding behind the scene, I get it, I used to enjoy that life too, but my gifts made room for me and opened doors to places I’d never imagine, and God wants to do the same thing for you.

Do yourself a favor; stop asking other people what your gifts are. They will offer you an answer, but most of the time the ones that you’re asking don’t know the truth about themselves. Daddy always reveals our truth to us, still! If your gift(s) has/have not been made clear to you, continue to seek the Father in prayer and fasting for the answer. There is a gift within you that wants to come forth! Believe in yourself, tap into what has been given to you by God and make a difference.

An exert from My Reality Revealed by Valerie Burrell