I WANT TO REMEMBER GOD AT EVERY MOMENT!!!

That’s the mission of 2023, baby! KNOWING that I have the Presence of God Himself with me as I tackle life. The goal is to PAUSE and look at everything from a God perspective in every decision, every relationship, every circumstance asking, ‘God, what is Your perspective on this, and how may I enter into it to glorify you.’

CASE IN POINT: After looking for hubby to talk a little sweet talk with him, I got fussed over some work-related issues (tough working with a hubby boss!). I went to God feeling all hurt and sad, and I felt Him saying to listen to one of Ceri’s old messages. I landed on one from eight months ago that was the perfect one where Ceri spoke about Joshua 1:9:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Ceri said this was a command from God repeated four times in that chapter. I caught myself and said, ‘Nik, did you hear that? You’re commanded by God to be strong and courageous. Stop this silliness of getting blown away by hubby’s criticisms all the time. If there are amends you need to make, make them. GOD ALONE CAN JUDGE YOU!!! Hubby’s judgments go up and down based on his mood and things going on with him, don’t let them get the best of you! BE STRONG!’

Going to God at that moment, I was reminded to stay on the high road with Him and get back to being the best wife to the better-than-best husband, not allowing his harsh comments to upset me. And this is where I want us all day, every day. Going to God moment by moment for His guidance! I love this message from Joel Osteen:

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. – 1 Peter 3:9, NLT

How You Handle the Blessing

Nikki, God’s favor on your life means that He will release greater blessings, greater influence, and greater resources. But you have to realize that as others see you succeed, some smallminded people will get jealous and start criticizing, finding fault, trying to make you look bad. You have to be able to handle the negative that comes with the blessing. If you’re going to be offended and upset, if you allow it to bring you into conflict with people, then the blessing won’t be a blessing.

You don’t have to respond to the negative comments and people who don’t like or understand you. Keep your heart pure and don’t try to repay them. Be good to those who aren’t good to you. Overlook what they say or do. The sooner you quit giving the negative your time and attention, the better off you’re going to be. You have the grace to rise above it, the grace to ignore it, the grace to not let it bother you. Step into that grace and move forward to greater blessing.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for giving me the grace to rise above the negative comments and people who are not for me. Help me to bless those who have done me wrong, to leave them in Your hands, and to believe that You are taking me to new levels. I look forward to even greater blessings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”