Tag: purpose

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“Who Did It?”

The Manna Chef

Anyone who knew my mother would respond, “God did it!”  That was her life mantra—a reminder that God will do the impossible for His children because He is in control of all things at all times.  She knew how to shift the environment and usher in praise and worship.  Our Father is beyond good to us, and He is always moving on our behalf.

As we approach the ending of another year, I want to encourage you to maintain an attitude of gratitude for all that the Lord has done for you.  He has provided everything you needed throughout the year, so why not take a moment to say, “Thank You, Lord!”?

Those of you who know me personally know that I no longer complete a list of New Year resolutions.  I used to have such an expansive to-do list, and it was ridiculous.  No one person could accomplish that list.  Interestingly, I did not consult the Lord before writing the list.  I just decided that I was going to accomplish everything on it.  Then, at the end of the following year, I would be discouraged because I could not complete the list that I created.  And then, God led me to Proverbs 19:21 (NLT):

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

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Keep on Producing

The Manna Chef

Sisters, I want to remind you to hold on to the promises of God.  I recently had to remind myself to do just that—hold on, no matter what.  I received a phone call from my doctor’s office that, for a moment, took my breath away.  I gave myself the grace and space to feel in that moment, and then I remembered what God promised me many years ago.  I had to recite it out loud over and over.  I reached out to my tribe and asked the ladies to pray, and that’s exactly what they did. 

Sisters, we are human, so it’s important for you to allow yourself to have “all the feels” but not be led by them.  I could have driven myself crazy with worry, allowing my mind to run rampant; instead, my response was 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV), “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

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Dream Again

The Manna Chef

Sisters, I need to ask you a few questions today.  Some of you may ask these questions to yourselves a lot, and others, maybe not so much.  But it’s weighing heavily on me today, so I have to ask.  What is your life’s dream?  What are the things that your heart longs for when you spend time with the Father?  What burns in your soul when you think about your purpose?  What makes your heart sing with joy? 

I want you to make your way to that creative space right now, you hear me?  Get to that space as quickly as you can, and breathe in the Spirit of the Living God so that you can truly dream again.  It’s time, Sister.  We need what you have!

You know, life has a way of causing us to imagine less and become discouraged and jaded more. We spend less time dreaming and more time worrying.  Trials and tribulations weigh us down, and we begin to settle for less than who we really are.  But guess what?  You were created in God’s own image and likeness (Genesis 1:27), and He placed the ability to create on the inside of you.  So, again, Sister, I ask, “What is your life’s dream?”

You were designed with purpose, and your life matters to God.  We, the body of Christ, are awaiting your arrival.  We need what only you can give!  I know that circumstances sometimes wear you down.  The raging of the storms of life can be deafening, but please take a moment to bask in the Presence of your Father so that He can renew and refresh you today.  You are more than your biggest challenge.  And what you carry is so much greater than any failure you have experienced.  Sister, we need you!

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A Beautiful Scar

The Manna Chef

I recently watched (virtually) a dear Manna Sister share a word from the Lord.  It was a deliciously refreshing word, the kind that picks up your spirit and empowers you.  Within her message, she shared a verse that resonated on the inside of me:

Look at [the marks in] My hands and My feet, [and see] that it is I Myself. Touch Me and see; a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.”  After saying this, He showed them His hands and His feet.  (Luke 24:39-40 AMP)

Jesus was speaking to His disciples after His Resurrection.  Isn’t it interesting that Jesus didn’t present Himself to them without the scars?  I, mean, He’s God, so He certainly could have.  Instead, He used those scars to show them that He was real. 

I sat there reading the Scripture over and over.  It made me take a moment to reflect on my own life.  I recently shared with many of you via Zoom about the miraculous healing I experienced, as God saved my life.  What I didn’t spend a whole lot of time on was the huge scar that the surgery left.  

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The Way You Move

The Manna Chef

Sisters, today I want you to tune in to your body’s natural rhythm—and not the one that kicks into high gear when you hear your favorite song.  I’m talking about that inner voice that directs your steps at the actual pace that comes naturally to you. You’re going to have to be very intentional in your listening, too.  You see, we tend to wear ourselves out when we are not listening to what our bodies really need (the Presence of God, love, acceptance, rest, inspiration, nutrition, peace, reassurance, exercise, etc.).  As women, we are wired to do many things well, and we tend to do them at a break-neck pace.  But it’s not wise to constantly overload yourself.  There is value to slowing down.  Take your time, Sister!

Stop for a moment.  Breathe.  Listen.  Your spirit will lead you.  And for you deep sisters, I’m not talking about being moved by your flesh and yielding in directions that you know are contrary to where God is leading you (and to what His Word says).  I’m talking about following your spirit because it desires to be intimately connected to your Father.  Jesus said, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38)   Your spirit knows how to line up with the Father even when your flesh wants to do its own thing, including causing you to take on more than what you were called to do.  When you choose to listen to God’s voice, your spirit will lead you in right direction. 

So, sisters, quit being so hard on yourself when you feel like you missed the mark.  Who set the bar—you or God?  We have a tendency to push ourselves before we even ask the Lord for guidance.  Then, when we are exhausted, overwhelmed, and frustrated, we turn to Jesus for help.  And He is so gracious that He picks us up and restores, replenishes, and revives us, even when we have not listened to Him at all.  The Lord is right there waiting for us to turn our hearts back to Him. 

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