HEART OF THE MATTER

Author: sherrellwalton

  • TRUSTING GOD IN TRIALS

    TRUSTING GOD IN TRIALS

    Disappointment will occur in all our lives at some point in time. It will leave us with sadness and feelings of rejection that causes us to feel we are not good enough for whatever it is that we are pursuing. It will have us second guessing our ability to do something that we believed that we could handle. This emotion will cause many of us to give up before we get up. Disappointment doesn’t mean denied but there will be delay. Maybe we are not ready for the challenge that lies ahead as we may think that we are. It can be that God is requiring more growth in us and preparing something greater for us. “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return. And when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” (Luke 12:48). Disappointment can cause discouragement if we are not careful how we perceive situations that arise in our lives. God is not a lair but withholding his promise is beneficial for the one he has made the promise to. Many of us become so eager to see the promise of God come to past in our lives. Yes, we may have received a glimpse into the future, but we do not know what the path entails of getting there. And the middle holds all the greater details. It is the development along the way that makes the difference. God wants you to obtain what he has for you but trusting Him in the process is the greater gift he will give. Because then we will know the Lord. “Trust the Lord with all of your heart, mind, and soul.”  Let God finish building you before blessing you so that whatever comes along won’t break you. “And I am certain that God, who began a good work within you, will continue his work until it is finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6 NLV).

    Joseph had a dream that his family would bow down to him. But before that promise came to pass, he saw the pit and the prison before the palace and the promise. He did not get those details in the glimpse of his future, but it became part of his process. He knew that God had made him a promise and although he had to endure the events. God was with him. His trust in God was great because he didn’t let the in between break him or his faith fade out. He kept on trusting and believing with the right attitude. The favor of God on his life was still flourishing, and he continued to show himself friendly. When his dream came to past, he said to his brothers that threw him into the pit to kill him. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20).

    In this world we will have times where things do not go as we expected them to. And there will be trials that seem to be too hard for us, but God is bigger. We can put our trust in him to see the better outcome. God will not always take us out of the storm, but he will show us how to overcome it with him. “I have told you these things that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Disappointment is not a denial it is an appointed time with God to see the desires of the heart. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

  • GUARDING YOUR HEART

    GUARDING YOUR HEART

                    In the scope of our lives, there are things that has and will take precedence in our heart. As we go through life, we get attached to some of the things we experience and people we encounter. We have begin to develop a natural response to these things because they excite us or provide us with something that we desperately need. These things cause us to have a good emotional arousal, and we gravitate towards the things that makes us happy. These are things that may or may not be good for us, but they feed our flesh and captivate our hearts. Sometimes we seek things to fulfill us in the areas of depravity that keeps us bingeing on what it offers. When we allow things to settle in our heart, we begin to live from that desire or live for that desire. It is important to always examine the heart to see where you are.  David said, “search me God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24). The heart is the place where we store things, if we have evil things stored in our hearts it will be shown in our actions and therefore, we are judged according to our deeds. Jesus said, “out of the mouth the heart speaks.” (Matthew 12:34-40). Whatever has your heart has power over you. Those things that we love with a deep desire cause us to either fail or excel in life. The heart is the place God sees when he seeks. David was chosen because of his heart for God. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1st Samuel 16:7). David desired to keep a right heart before God. Even when he sinned with Bethsheba, he was quick to acknowledge and repent before God because he knew that a pure heart before God brings you into eternal rest. When we allow people to have our heart, they will possess a power over us that will make us feel defenseless towards them. People may or may not have good intentions when it comes to us and so we are vulnerable to the distractions and the disappointments in our lives.

                    God says to love him with all our mind, heart, and soul. When we love God with every being of our lives, the enemy has no weapon to use against us. Because even when we do right, it doesn’t mean that the other person or people have good intentions. A moment of weakness on their part could cause us a lifetime of pain when your heart is not with and for God. Power is produced when a person has a position of authority in your life. When Jesus was handed over to Pilate to be killed, Pilate said I have power to determine if you live or die. Jesus said, “you have no power over me, only what my Father has given to you.” (John 19:10-11).If you don’t bow down to God, you will bow to man.

                    Many of us want to be brave but find ourselves in battles that we desire to overcome. It’s a struggle because we have not learned to possess the power over that person or that position. We have developed a need for what they feed, and it causes us to have to bow or belittle ourselves just to have it. Your heart stores the matters of life so whoever or whatever has your heart has power over you. “Guard your heart because out of it flows the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).

  • WOMEN OF GOD

    WOMEN OF GOD

    She doesn’t fear in times of trouble and she’s not double-minded in times of struggle because she knows the God she serves will bring her over.

    She will overcome so let his will be done, let his Kingdom come.

    She knows that life and death lies in the power of her tongue and that her battles are already won.

    She gives life and light to those she encounters and her faith as tiny as a mustard seed can move mountains.

    See, she drinks from a different fountain.

    The fountain of everlasting water that only comes from the Father.

    When she walks in the room, she consumes the attention because of the light of the Lord that is within her.

    She’s a teacher. And anything that is unlike the Lord is beneath her, but you can still reach her.

    She is caring, supportive and always loving.

    Sharing God with others is her true devotion.

    You can find her at the feet of Jesus because she understands how much she needs him.

    She’s soft-spoken, gentle and meek. She’s quick to listen and slow to speak. She’s not weak. She’s unique.

    And her Father’s face is who she seeks, on repeat.

    She laughs in the face of the enemy because she knows who’s in control. She’s bold.

    Behold. Her beauty isn’t only in her looks; it’s in her attitude, she represents God in the way she moves.

    Beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.

    A woman who fears the Lord is worthy of praise and she is blessed in all of her ways.

    She is you, and she is me, and we are mighty WOMEN OF GOD.

  • The Power of Prayer: Aligning with God’s Will

    The Power of Prayer: Aligning with God’s Will

    Some may think that nothing is happening when we pray and cry out to God. God hears the prayers of the righteous, and they availeth much, according to James 5:16 in the Bible. We are not just talking into empty air space. We are speaking into God’s ear, into the heavenly realm. We are aligning ourselves with heaven to see God’s kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. When the righteous pray, we begin to destroy darkness in and around us by releasing a sound that causes heaven and creation to respond. Praying the word of God brings us into focus with force to fight the good fight of faith. Prayer is essential for producing fruit in every purpose for every believer. Prayer creates an intimate relationship with the Father that leads you into the freedom that Christ paid for on the cross. The one-on-one engagement with the Father helps us to become closer, grow bolder, and live out loud for Christ. He has given us a helper who will help us navigate and operate in the fullness of what we have been called into. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” (John 15:16). Having a consistent prayer life will build a foundation on Christ and increase your faith. Faith is the only way to please God because it shows that you believe and trust God. Praying puts us in a position for God’s provision. It is where we begin to humble ourselves, not my will but your will be done.

    Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane took this position and prayed, “Father, if it be your will, then take this cup from me, but nevertheless not my will be your will be done.” Jesus knew his mission would be tough. He knew what he had to endure.  He had already faced betrayal of someone close to him; he was about to be humiliated, disgraced, and killed for a wicked world. It wasn’t an easy task or an easy death. IT WAS A DEATH ON A CROSS, and it came with a cost that we could not pay. None was found worthy. “For we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 8:23) But God, in his mercy, made us fit for his Kingdom. But Jesus desire and delight were to please the Father, and that’s when prayer becomes a pastime and not past time. Prayer works because of the one you are speaking to. There is no one greater to heal, to hold, to help than the Almighty God. Praying is not a calling; it’s a call out, which means anyone can do it.  We are called to pray without ceasing because it helps us to become confident in our confidant and counselor, Jesus Christ.

    When we pray, we do not speak into the atmosphere where our words do not reach heaven. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2nd Chronicles 7:14). Praying to God is inviting him into your situation with his power, authority, and presence, and when he comes on the scene, he changes things. Praying aligns us with what God is doing in our lives at the time or helps us to endure what we will overcome. “Father, nevertheless, not my will but your will be done.”

    PRAY TODAY.

  • THOSE THAT BELIEVE

    THOSE THAT BELIEVE

    In this world, our sight leads our direction. It is often said that where you focus, you will follow. We make what we see shape our reality. I am not saying that what we see is not real, but our perception as believers has to be different. As believers in a greater Kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven, we have to look deeper, watch more closely, and pray continually.  Stay alert and sober-minded. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around looking for someone to devour. (1st Peter 5:8). This is a real thing in the lives of all people. God calls his people to walk by faith and not by sight. To believe without seeing and to trust him without knowing the next move. To believe something means to accept something as true, or to have confidence in someone. When we believe something is obtainable without a doubt, we bring it to manifestation. We will receive what we truly believe.

                One of the disciples, named Thomas, did not believe the other disciples who told him that Jesus had risen from the dead. He stated, “I will not believe until I see the holes in his hands.” When Jesus appeared to him, he said, now I believe.” Jesus said to him, ” You only believe because you saw, but more blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. (John 20:29). Jesus called those who believe more blessed because it speaks of a trust in God that is far greater than we can imagine. Many believers walked and fought in this kind of belief. A belief that is not just spoken, but is a position in the heart. A resolve in the heart that says What comes, what may, Lord, I believe what you say, and I will obey. “And we know that faith is the only way to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6). And as true believers of the faith, our purpose is to please God. When we believe, we take off the old mindsets and habits and BECOME transformed by the renewing of our minds according to Romans 12:2. It is a process that allows the Holy Spirit to complete a work in our thought patterns and our lives as we read and respond to God’s words.  This invitation allows us the grace to grow and the freedom to walk in what Jesus Christ paid for us all.  “Who the Son sets free is free indeed. (John 8:36).

    Jesus has given us power and authority as he has called us to carry out the great commission. This is not just for pastors or leaders. This mandate is for those who believe. “In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (Mark 16:17-18). This is a promise that is made to all who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. If we dwell in the place of belief in what God has spoken in his word, then we can do what Jesus has instructed us to do. “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.”( John 14:12)

    I asked the Lord, “Why did you make the ability to believe as small as a mustard seed?” He said, “Because I knew it would be hard for many to believe so, I made it as small as possible.” If we had faith as tiny as a mustard seed, we could command a mountain to move. And it will obey us.  And the many other signs and wonders that will follow those who believe.

  • BE THE ONE.

    BE THE ONE.

    I remembered that I wanted to be a part of the world. I made it my business to fit in with what my family and friends were doing so I wouldn’t stand out. It looked like fun, and they said it was fun, so I wanted in. I wanted to be one in the crowds, because even if they were heading down a dead-end road, at least I wasn’t by myself. The wild parties, the clubs, the talk, and the walk fit perfectly in the life of those heading for destruction. The only defense I would’ve had on the Day of Judgment was that at least I ain’t the only one. I made the choices, and I suffered the consequences that followed until I cried out to God for something different. I wanted to change the way I walked and talked, and I prayed to God to give me the insight to live right. And he answered. I don’t hold grudges or harbor unforgiveness because I asked God to set me straight, even if I was the only one. And he has removed and is still removing all those things in my life that are unlike him.

    In the beginning, I walked alone. Many didn’t understand the transformation I was going through, and neither did I. It hurt to lose family and friends that I loved, but I had to bear my cross to follow him. I felt the loneliness of being left out until the Lord spoke to me and said, “They are heading for destruction, and if you follow, so will you.” Those tears dried up quickly. I had to remember what I asked God for, and he answered the prayer that I earnestly and honestly prayed. He made what many of us have stated was hard or impossible, possible. God set a standard, and I chose to live by it. There were, and still are, times when I am ridiculed for doing the right thing, which used to bother me, but no more. I realize that now I make people uncomfortable in their sin, the sin that I used to partake in. We can always justify our wrongs with those who are a part of it. I am a light in the darkness, and I intend for my light to shine. I choose to be that one.

    I recall the story in Genesis 18:16-33 when Abraham pleaded with God not to destroy the city of Sodom for the sake of the righteous. God said, “I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just.” Abraham started with a request of fifty righteous people, “Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city, will you sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes?”  Abraham made the same request again and again, lowering it all the way down to ten. God agreed not to destroy the city if there were only ten righteous people. But ultimately, only one was saved, Lot, Abraham’s nephew, because of Abraham’s right standing with God. Lot and his two daughters lived. Lot did what was right in the Lord’s sight and was spared.

    God calls us into a closer walk with him to save us. Abraham was called righteous because of his faith in God. God is proud to look around and say I have one who is willing to love me with all their heart, soul, and mind. The children of God are no longer slaves of the enemy. We have the Holy Spirit living inside us that has freed us from the enemy’s captivity. Now, when I walk into a room filled with people entangled in sin, I don’t feel the need to fit in. I have been set apart, even if I am the only one. God only needs one to save many. I am proud to be the one. Glory to God for the turnaround.

  • The Power of Jesus’ Name: Authority in Heaven and Earth

    The Power of Jesus’ Name: Authority in Heaven and Earth

    The name of Jesus is unlike any other; it is the most powerful name both in heaven and on earth. This name carries immense weight and authority, recognized by both humans and demons. Demons tremble at the name of Jesus. It is the name that compels every knee to bow and every tongue to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. God declares, “This is my beloved Son, whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) Creation and heaven bow before Him, and they exalt the name of Jesus.

    Unfortunately, we have grown too familiar with this name, often treating it as common and forgetting the power it holds. Jesus said, “If you ask for anything in my name, it shall be given unto you.” This name, above all others, carries significance because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. He paid for the sins of the world, and it is only through Him that we can enter into eternity. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” In His name, we receive salvation and find rest.

    The name of Jesus is powerful. Lame men were healed, blind eyes were opened, hearts were transformed, and the dead were raised through the power that dwells in His name. Today, many misuse this name and take for granted the authority that Jesus has given to those who believe. There is no other name greater or more glorious. When we acknowledge Jesus, God acknowledges us. Jesus warned, “If you are ashamed of me, then I will also be ashamed of you before my Father.”

    Peter and John encountered a beggar at the Beautiful Gate as they were on their way to the Temple. The man, unable to walk, sat there begging for money. When he saw Peter and John, he asked them for help. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, “Silver and gold have I none; but what I do have, I give to you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And the man did just that. (Acts 3: 1-10) Many others were also made whole in the name of Jesus. We are more than conquerors; we are victorious when we place our hope and trust in His name.

    The name of Jesus serves as a weapon in the midst of battle. Heaven recognizes and supports those who believe in the power of His name. When His name is called, even demons pay attention and respond. The disciples rejoiced when they returned, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Jesus replied, “Do not rejoice that spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17).

    When we abide in Jesus and He in us, we can achieve all things. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. The name of Jesus should be on the lips of every believer, every day, in every circumstance. It empowers us to cast out demons, heal the sick, and raise the dead. It is not by our name, but in the name of Jesus, that God receives glory, and His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. We are participants in bringing about God’s kingdom. The name of Jesus offers hope to the hopeless, healing to the sick, and life to the lifeless. Let us not treat it as common, but instead revere the great name of Jesus.

  • DON’T PANIC, PRAY

    DON’T PANIC, PRAY

    God told me to control my emotions. I heard it several times in prayer and through the prayers of other believers. Our emotions are what feed our attitude towards others daily. If we are happy, then others around us engage in that happiness. When we are sad, others also engage in our sadness.  This is an area in my life that I struggle to conquer. I have prayed many times about how to overcome this stronghold. I told myself that I can overcome this area. Then I can move to the next level in God. I am slowly progressing. I have learned that I should not be moved by the circumstances around me. My full focus should be on God. I know this, and yet, I struggle. I don’t shoot off the way I used to. Although the blast still ignites inside of me. It disturbs my spirit. Every day, I am reminded that this is an ongoing battle, and I am determined to defeat it.  I have learned from the best teacher ever, the Holy Spirit. My choices in life are not based on how I feel. They are based on doing what is right in the eyes of God. Many times, we entangle ourselves. We try to justify what is right and what is wrong based on how we feel in that moment. The Word of God has given me the knowledge I needed to overcome. Still, somewhere I lacked understanding. I am gifted to grow. God reminded me on several encounters that I need to have a quiet and gentle spirit. I longed to do so because I wanted to be pleasing in His sight. People are no longer my audience; God is. At the end of the day, when I lie down, it feels good. I know that I am a child of God. My help comes from the Lord!

    The Holy Spirit reminded me of an event in the Bible. It was when Jesus and the disciples were in the boat. Then the storm came. The disciples panicked from the whistling winds and the turbulence of their current situation while Jesus lay calmly asleep. Mark 4: 35-41. I can imagine that their emotions were all out of place. They felt overwhelmed as the boat filled with water. They asked, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are going to drown?” And I can imagine Jesus’ state when he was awakened while calmly lying on the cushion. His disciples stood in front of him, breathing heavily and flooded with emotions, waiting for his reaction. “Jesus rebuked the winds and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’’ and then questioned the disciples, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” I smiled as I wrote this part because Revelation just cured me. Lord, increase my faith because “without it, it is impossible to please God.” When your faith is in God, then there is no reason to be flooded with emotions. God is in control. He got this! Oftentimes, our emotions are triggered by our expectations of others, and the expectations of ourselves. Neither one is beneficial to our health or wealth. We only need to have expectations of God to do his will. God gives and God heals. God did. God can. God will.

                God informed me that the joy of the Lord is my strength! God has been and will always be good to us. It is not because he blesses us. It is because he loves us. He loves us even while he’s teaching us how to be transformed into the likeness of his Son. Don’t panic, PRAY.

  • BE TRANSFORMED BY KNOWING GOD

    BE TRANSFORMED BY KNOWING GOD

    I remember when I was busy in this world, trying to fit in. I was trying to find myself, but I was losing pieces of my being along the way. I spent time with people. I interacted in their daily activities to feel included. I hung out with people who I believed knew the direction I should go. Today, I don’t know where half of them are. It is needed that I say they were just as lost as I was. I effortlessly tried to find myself in a lost world where even the wisest worldly person had no clue. I grew weary of the same routines day after day. I stopped looking for positions in people and started looking for purpose. I began to look in a new direction, one that would lead me to God, the one true, living God. It was my choice. No one made me search for someone that the human eye had not seen. It’s safe to say I knew there was a God, but where was he? I had to believe enough to know if he does exist, then I want to know him for myself. I set out to find Jesus. I discovered him quickly because there was a hunger, a need to know him. He had already been knocking on the door of my heart. I had finally decided to answer. It was the perfect Lionel Richie moment, “Hello, is it me you’re looking for?” I finally answered his call. Many seem to think that God wants to hurt us, but in all honesty, he wants to help. He helped me. He helped me change the way I thought about things, people, and responsibility. He helped me with the small and great decisions of life that God has entrusted to me. He helped me discover who I was in Him and for him. He helped me to love and be loved. Right now, he is helping me with my emotions. Something happened to me, and I accused God of the pain I was experiencing. God said to me, “The Holy Spirit doesn’t come to hurt you. Instead, he comes to help you where the enemy tries to deceive you.” Yes, it hurt, but God chose to expose on that day. God will perfect everything that concerns you,(Psalm 138:8) even if it means exposing those around you. And although it will hurt, it works to know the dirt that they will try to bury you with. With God, you will not live a lie. (Luke 8:17) ‘We do not wrestle with flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. ‘(Ephesians 6:12). I had many encounters with God. I couldn’t go back to unbelief if I wanted to. To deny would be a lie. God has helped me with so many aspects of my life. Today, I am thankful and grateful.

     Where you are looking will decide where you go. I found purpose for my life when I looked for Jesus. I found out that I am a writer, and I am a writer for God. I found out that I am loved, cherished, and valued. I found out that I am a child of God. I discovered that it is possible to have a relationship with the Creator of heaven and earth. I discovered that no one will love me more than He who created me. So my question to you is: Who are you? Maybe you don’t know, but you can. God says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.(Jeremiah 29:13)

  • THE BETTER ONE

    THE BETTER ONE

    I prayed to God one morning, something I had committed myself to doing since I resigned from my job. ] My only vehicle was totaled, and I was crying out God about some financial hardships that I was facing. I emptied the contents of my heart to the only one who would help me. As I lay in bed, my face was wet from tears. I asked God to hear my cry for a job. In that moment, He spoke to me. He reminded me of the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42.His presence is never bizarre and always pleasurable.

     The story is about one sister named Martha. She was distracted and worried about preparing dinner for her guest. She was also worried about many other things. The other sister, Mary, quietly sat at Jesus’s feet, taking in the peace of his presence.  Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her with everything she had to do. Jesus replied, “There is only one thing to be concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

    God said to me, “You have chosen the better one, and it will not be taken away.” Spending time with God should be a priority in the life of a believer. He reminds us so often to pray without ceasing. Our Father in heaven knows all things and will supply our needs. We become distracted by the many things that go on in this world. God is often placed on the back-burner or omitted altogether. We can find many things to do, but time with God is rarely on the list. We become weighed down with the cares and worries of this world. This often leads us away from the Father. It leaves us farther from Him.

    God desires for us to spend time with Him. He wants us to get to know Him. He also wants us to come into an understanding of who we are in Him. God is a good Father who deeply cares for his children. After the revelation, God gave me an image of a child that had been missing for a long time. The parents’ yearning and longing for that child’s return are unbearable. But when that child finally returns home, the parent is ecstatic. They don’t want the child out of their sight. They want to be with with the child always. They want to spend as much time with the child as they can, maybe every waking moment.

    This is how God sees us. We have been apart from him for so long. He just wants to be with us. He wants to spend time with us when we return. We, as His children, have a special place in God’s heart, we are in the center of it. God has been growing me and showing me what it means to be a follower of Christ. I have learned that believers of Jesus Christ must condition themselves to the submission of the Word. They do not give in to the flesh of the world.

    Spending time with God helps us make the right decisions, helps us be peaceful, and remove stress. God is in charge and loves us. He works everything for the good of those that loves him who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) When we know him, it helps you rest better. We can rest in the peace that God provides( John 14:27) God got this! Many things cause us to become distracted, and wander off from God. Let’s be mindful to choose the better one.