Every Little Thing Is Gonna be Alright!

"Be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made unto God," Philippians 4:6

My pastor in New York, Richard Garner, referenced this passage for one of his Sunday services a few years back. He broke it down eliminating the jargon and sang to us, "don't worry about anything, pray about everything." He literally sang it and then had us sing it. We sang that passage for that least 20 minutes as a slow peaceful worship. I will never forget that service.

Over the years my pastor's voice would resonate during the day, "don't worry about anything, pray about everything," I'll hear him sing. It slows me down. Keeps me focused on the positive and not the negative. 

My aunt told me just the other day that we should always focus on the positive and not the negative. In other words don't worry. 

I sometimes get so caught up thinking of all the things that need to be accomplished during the day that I forget to be thankful. We all need to stop and take a deep breath, and think about how great things are compared to how they could be. I used to pride myself on only focusing on the things I want. Immediately starting a new project as soon as one is completed. I guess I felt like this was the only way to grow - keep moving! 

People used to say, but look at how much you've accomplished at such a young age. A lot of people your age are doing so much worse. I remember feeling like, ugh, why would I compare myself to people doing worse off than I am. {I know the attitude is terrible, but this is the truth and this is how we grow} I could have been thankful, it is important to have an even perspective. 

I was on twitter (twitter.com/sheepnotes), and @nicolemajka wrote, "Worry is a reverse prayer." I was so excited! Thank God for sending us little reminders just when we need them. This 140 character < message inspired me with its simple dose of inspiration. In so little words Nicole was tapping in on my faith and reminding me that God reigns supreme. Simply consulting him can eliminate all the trouble I cause myself by not being centered on peace.

Philippians 4:7

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

After we learn how to replace worry with prayer, we have to relax knowing that God will give us peace. What does peace mean to you? Does it mean you get what you want or Does it mean we know that whatever happens is the will of God and safe enough for you to be at ease with?

When you read Philippians 4:6-7 what message do you receive?

Rise up this mornin,
Smiled with the risin sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true



Don't worry about a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singing: don't worry about a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right!

Confidence in God

I went to an ex-boyfriend's birtday party last night and had a good time. At the end of the night my ego presented itself as a problem. I felt rejected becuase he didn't want to console me even though I made it a continuous priority to ease the pain I know I caused by initiating out break-up.

I went home and was unable to shake the feeling of rejection. I remember receiving a book from one of my mother's prayer partners on overcoming rejection and I tossed it to the side thinking it was irrelevant to my life. All things come full circle. I need to find that book!

I got home late last night and prayed that God would release me from the binding of rejection and competition. I am very clear and sure that I do not want to be in a relationship with this man but knowing he is "pulling on my heart strings" with no real intention on healing our wounds from the past or helping each other move forward is a blow to my ego that I am still learning to defeat.

God answers prayers, I opened my Bible and immediately landed in Ecclesiastes. I don't usually open the Bible to a page and immediately receive an answer but I know that this is something that God wanted to immediately handle.

Ecclesiastes 3:14
I know that whatever God does lasts froever. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. He does it so you know it's of Him (establishing fear of God).

This may not mean to you what it meant for me last night. But during our entire relationship I was concerned with whether or not this was the man I was to grow old with. I definitely wanted it to be but can clearly remember times when God was telling me to move on and I wouldn't. this passage in Ecclesiastes reminds me not to be anxious but to trust that the man that he has ordained for me will be for me explicitly and that bond will last forever. It will be a permanent bond of his will and glory.

I am eager to meet God at His destination for my life.

Relief

I am exhausted. I'm tired of fighting for what I believe in. I am tired of fighting my students to help them grow. I am tired of not growing the way I think I should grow and physically I am tired of not having the means to treat my body the way it needs to be taken care of it. I'm just tired.

Faith tells us to believe in all the good that God has promised not only us but also our fathers. We are heirs of the throne! Which means we are entitled to all the blessings they were promised and the blessings, they've received.

How do we apply this thought to everyday life? How does this affect my aching body, my sense of fear, and the cloud of doubt that plagues my every move and yearning to grow?

Matthew 11: 28-30 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

God wants us to depend on Him solely. To be so comfortable resting in His Word that nothing else matters. It seems impossible sometimes I know but this weekend I made it a point to relax and think differently about something that was really bothering me. I was trying to catch a 1:30 movie. I was excited about being able to sleep late, do a few chores and then head out to see this movie alone. (I really enjoy going to the movies alone). Well as soon as I stared to pull out of my community one of my neighbors pulls up and says, "you tire is really low." Ugh! I handle it and prepare to go out to the movie and get stuck in 45 minutes worth of traffic. It was already 1:00pm by the time I got downtown and the movie theater was 20 more minutes away. I wanted to scream. The next movie was scheduled to start at 5:30!

God always has a plan. I was able to have dessert and catch up on some well needed chit-chat with a dear friend, and meet another friend at the theater. It was a perfect day and I was appreciative of the chance to commune with my pals.

Sometimes God's plan is not on our schedule even though it needs to be. I know I've said this before but in times of strife (big or small) we need to take a deep breath and go the other route. Realizing that he is the author takes away from our burden and gives us the chance to spend more time getting to know His desire for our lives.

A few scriptures to meditate on for further study:
Exodus 1:12
Galatians 6:2
Luke 11:46
Psalm 145

Commitment

I have to get to a place where I am living out my dreams daily! How many of us are just making it by? Slothful with our desires. Never reaching inside of ourselves fully to be all that God chose for us to be. We are not here by accident. God has a purpose for us all.

As we may well know I am in want of a husband and family more than any other gift from God. I am reminded of my inability to succeed if God is not at the forefront of all my plans. Matthew 6:33 says, "seek ye FIRST the kingdon of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."

There is a reason He instructed us to seek him first. When I start to whine about the things I want that I do not have or can't see with faith, God reminds me to seek Him first. I am not here for me... this life is not about me. Until I can live my life as it belongs to God and focus all my abilities on His wants, and trust His instruction so much so that I follow his direction everyday - I don't deserve let alone need the things I ask for. This is what my spirit knows.

But my flesh wants to know why?
Q: Why Lord can't I have these things when others all around me have them?
God's Answer: Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Q: Will it ever happen for me?
GA: Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thine ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.

Q: I am not worthy of any of the gifts you've provided me with. I don't deserve to live, let alone to be trusted to lead your people. If you've given me these things of your mercy why can't I have the things I want?
GA: Mark 11:24, What things soever you desire, when you pray believe that you receive them and you shall have them. Philippians 4:6, Be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made unto God.

I have come to find that God gave us all the tools we need to be successful on this Earth. We have to practice using our tools until we become experts and we have to use them appropriately and not to hurt or mislead people. Other sources have led me to understand that,

"Until we are committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative and creation. There is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and endless plans, that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occured. A whole stream of events issues from decision, raising in ones favor all manner of unforseen incedents and meetings and material assistance, which no one could have dreamed would come their way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, BEGIN. Boldness has genius and power in it - Begin now!" - Johann Goethe
...
The next 37 days of my life are expected to be life altering. I am reading The Purpose Driven Life, Fasting fast foods and all liquids other than water from my system, turning off rap and hip-hop, and starting new members classes at my church (even though I joined 3 years ago). I am walking in to these next few days with an out-stretched neck and I'm expecting a very specific end. I will be posting my journey and more than any other time ask for your support and guidance and opinions.

I have to keep pushing everyday. With God at the forefront of my mind and the first one I go to with questions, or to talk to when I'm hurt from disbelief or from trusting someone who hurt me, or from fear of failure, etc. God loves me and once I can fully understand that He loves me I move on victoriously!

I love you!
Commit to God! He is committed to you!

Trust in God

How strange that today's message is all about trust when I've been finding myself straying from my path. I know it has a lot to do with trust. Are you the kind of person that has to see that things are good for you to believe that they are good? I've prayed to God for a loving husband more than anything else... don't judge me because of this fact.

While I know that I am and can be completely whole as a single woman, it is my deepest desire to be a family with an amazing man of God. I recently started dating someone who says he is what God said I can have but lately I've been faced with the fact that he may not be. He enjoys the type of lifestyle that I was led to believe was part of his past and when challenged with making faith based decisions - he has proven not to be a great leader in the Lord (as I believe a husband should be).

Am I rushing to make him the one that God promised me. I'm sure we've all heard this saying because it's a great one, "A woman should be so hidden in God's Word that a man has to seek him first to find her."

With that said, is he to blame? I need to take responsibility for myself. I have not come to terms with the fact that God loves me so much He gave his Son for me and if He's willing to give his Son's life as a sacrifice so that there is nothing that keeps us apart - how naive of me to not understand that I can have ALL things I ask for of my father in the name of Jesus!

Psalm 130:7 says "Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption."

Since God's love is unfailing I should know and want you to know that there is nothing he won't do for us! No question He won't answer. No door he won't open. No gift he will hold back. No thing that's impossible! So trust that God will give you the Holy things you've requested and can back in His Word. just like there is nothing you wouldn't give to your natural born children to see them happy or to make life easier - God our Father feels the same way. So instead of trying to make your own way take a stand on trusting God to provide for you!

Angered?

We all get angry!

It's true things will bother us and people will hurt us. But, we cannot control everyone or everthing. Many times the reason we get angry is because we can't control a situation. We want certain things to happen that don't happen and instead of accepting it we forget that maybe it's God keeping us from that thing and we get upset.

I'm sure that feeling is temporary, as it usually is but what are we supposed to do?
Proverbs 15:18-19 says, a hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

When you recognize that something is bothering you - stop - think about it (pray or meditate on it) and then decide what you should do.

I know it seems like this is unreasonable. Who really does that? Who thinks before they respond? Who takes the time out to pause and breathe and act?

The bible says we change our lives by renewing our minds. We have to learn how to think as Christians. As sinners we responded in anger and out of fear. But now that we are part of the Glory we can recognize the wrong behavior and the attempts of the devil and proactively respond according to the word.

When Jesus was tempted on the mountain he responded with confidence becasue he knew what God had in store for him. That's how we should be. If God told you, that you can have whatever you ask for don't get angry when something turns out to be less than that - it just means it wasn't sent from God.

When you are actively seeking God's approval on all your actions He will make clear to you what your next move should be. He can't order our steps if we don't give him authority to lead our lives. How do we give him authority? By listeing when he speaks and DOING WHAT HE SAYS. When He knows we will listen He will direct us more actively if He knows we will absolutely do what He told us to do!

So what's the secret to staying mild mannered? Open the communication door to constantly speak with God!
Amen

Don't follow me... Follow God, our Shepherd.

On twitter: www.twitter.com/sheepnotes

Be Wise

Psalm 111:10 says: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belong eternal praise.

When we consistently seek God and are careful to listen and act on His instruction he honors us with his Word.

I had such a hard time understanding this because I know that there is nothing we can do as believers to lose his love. We can't do anything to get it eaither. He loves us becuase He is love and there is nothing He won't do for us. But what I believe this scripture says is that when we actively practice His Word we form a deeper bond with him. We encounter covenants that were in place for the believers before us. Believing God will get you saved but listening and actively practicing his Word and what He divinely instructs puts us in his glory.

To fear the Lord is not to be scared of Him necessarily. When you "fear" God you are saying that you give him the authority to lead your life... you will follow as he leads!

When David defeated Goliath it was because he knew Goliath went against God's Word. David went to defend God's Word. Did you know David was a shepherd. He was a protector of sheep! And in an act to protect God's sheep David (the youngest of Jesse's sons who was never trained by Saul's army) killed Goliath with a slingshot!

When you are divinely guided by God no one can defeat you no matter the size or their army. In Bible study 2 weeks ago visiting Pastor, Mumba, spoke about being in God's circle. I like to call it the circle of trust. He can trust that we are going to follow his Word/ plan of action. No one can step into this covenant (circle of trust) no one can break it. They have to break God and get throught Jesus to touch you.

Be fearless of the whiles of the enemy knowing you have Heavenly wisdom that keeps you in God's circle.

Think about this as you come across situations that you may have perceived to be difficult, scarry or life threatneing! Speak unto your mountains. Profess the Word of God!

Dealing with Disappointment

5.01.09

I want to inspire you to look up with an out stretched neck expecting the blessings God has promised. Today I woke up and had to make myself focus on God. My mind automatically went straight to my lack of funds! Lord, why am I struggling?

Not having enough money to do what you need let alone what you want is truly enough to drive you crazy.

This is what I found & I hope it inspires you:

Psalm 73:3
For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Psalm 73: 5
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
Pslam 73: 7 - 8
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily
Psalm 73:23-26
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart failrth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.
Psalm 73:28
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

He is our shepherd & we are His sheep!

John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Hi! Welcome to Sheep Notes Daily!

My name is Jonique' Richardson founder of Sheep Notes (copyright 2008) and owner of Flock Group. A Christian based company that I believe is my purpose and God's vision for my life.

Sheep Notes daily is the web version of SheepNotes a daily and topical Biblical reference guide I created that travels anywhere you want to go! It's easy to carry because it's no bigger than the size of your palm! Amazing right?! I know!

Here on Sheep Notes daily I will present a daily scripture and we will meditate on it together. You can respond by clicking the title of the blog or sending me an email at sheepnotes@gmail.com.

God is our shepherd! Let's follow him!