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Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 (ESV) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 (ESV) Have you ever been betrayed and wanted revenge on the person who hurt you? You would begin plotting/planning, how you were going to go about exacting your revenge. As human beings, we all in varying degrees have probably felt this way. And truth be told, there are those who carried out their plans. In reading the verse for today we can intellectually understand and agree that vengeance is the Lord’s. However emotionally, we feel as if we want to be the ones exacting revenge and we want it to be swift. We also think if we were able to get revenge, it will heal all our pain. However, this rarely happens, and the hurt and pain would usually still exist. What we need to realize, by taking on revenge, one can easily turn into that person you despise. When seeking revenge, you will likely have to turn into a manipulative, dark, and perhaps evil person to exact the revenge you feel you’re owed. When you take on this role, you are not healing instead, you are keeping the pain, the hurt, and the wounds, fresh and open. One should not seek to focus their time on trying to get even. In doing this a person is investing a lot of their precious life force and energy, trying to get back at someone who hurt them. Instead, that time can be better used to promote one’s growth and healing due to the situation. By seeking help and restoration for your life, you are placing your needs first, such as your goals and priorities, as opposed to wasting precious time trying to get back at those who caused you pain and grief. As human beings, we all have wronged God by going against the principles He set forth for mankind. Every person on this planet has wronged Him and done things contrary to His will. But God does not take it out on us or exact revenge for our destructive behaviors. He still loves us and tries to bring us back to Him and seeks to guide us in our life’s path. So, when you want to seek revenge on someone, realize they are a son and daughter of God, and that He is their Creator, their Parent. Let Him deal with His wayward kids as He sees fit. As for us, may we overcome evil actions/thoughts with good works/deeds. May we allow God to work on our minds and hearts, to help us become who He created us to be. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. 2 Corinthians 8:21 (ESV) Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, Titus 2:7 (ESV) I read an article about a speaker who does an exercise with his participants, where he asks them to imagine, what would the obituary at their funeral say about them? Basically, he wanted them to imagine what will people truly say about them when they’re gone? The speaker went on to state that many people contacted him later and shared, that when they truly thought about his question, it changed the trajectory of their lives. In reading the article, this question resonated with me as well and inspired me to share this post. My hope is for us all to stop, think, and ask ourselves, “how do others, truly see me?” How am I living my life and, what will others say about me, in my absence? Would they feel I have made a positive impact (whether great or small) in their lives? Will they feel welcomed, cherished, respected, and even loved by me? Or, will they feel judged, belittled, and always on guard while in my presence? Of course, there will be many who feel they don’t care what people say after they’re gone. As a result, they will do and say whatever they think, regardless of the consequences to others. The way they see life, it’s all about their wants, needs, and desires; and everyone else plays a role in helping them get what they want. However, there are those who do care about others and how their lives can impact those around them. Granted, we cannot live our lives pleasing other people and doing what others expect us to do all the time. But we can choose to be the best version of ourselves, seeking to grow and mature, as God’s child. We can daily choose to live with integrity as well as having Godly principles. In so doing, people will see God’s light and love shining through, as it spreads out onto them, and the world around us. How do people see you? How would they describe you to others? Let’s pray that we all live our lives in such a way that others feel blessed, happy, and honored, that they had the privilege to cross our path of life. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV) “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 I saw a poster that read: “Don’t look back. You are not going that way” written by James Thurbur. This made me stop and ponder this statement and, became the inspiration for this week’s this post. It is true that some of us have experienced hurt and disappointment from other people and/or situations. And as much as we want to live in the past by going back and changing what has occurred, we cannot. God created us and has set up the order of life as it occurs on this planet. In this world, we all must live life moving forward and not traveling backward. For some who have lost loved ones, this is very difficult to accept, especially in the initial stages of grief. For others moving on from bad break-ups, despite the suffering from the recent pain, at times they may want to return to pleasant memories of a better time period in the past. Then there are others, who perhaps have had a very happy life and would love to be able to relive the past. Whatever reasons we may have, none of us can live our lives in the past. All of us live in the present and if it is God’s will, we look toward the future. If you are struggling with letting go of the past, it is okay and even encouraged to seek help from a Godly spiritual advisor or a professional counselor. They will walk with you spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, as you search for healing and understanding of your life struggles. May we embrace our lives now and seek to use our gifts and talents to help others in our world. May we remember our past, but not desire to live or dwell there. May we look forward to our future with faith and hope, trusting and believing God, no matter what. Remember the past, live in the present and look forward to the future. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) Let’s face it. We all have deficits and, we all have assets. But oftentimes, as part of our human nature, we tend to focus on our deficits instead of the beautiful assets God has given us. We will sometimes fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and what assets they have been given, furthering our doubts regarding the gifts God has bestowed upon us. While listening to a recent podcast, there was a discussion about how people will focus on the deficits that have been told to them by society, and/or handed down to them from friends and at times even family. They went on to state people will highlight as well as dwell/focus on the negatives or deficits of their life, as opposed to focusing on and developing their positive attributes. Now, we cannot deny the fact that certain groups of people have faced tremendous deficits due to their race/ethnicity, religion, gender, etc. There are numerous historical as well as current statistical facts that highlight these deficits. However, I would like to suggest that despite the deficits and setbacks we may face, may we begin to shift our attitude and energy, to focus on developing, as well as expanding our assets. In doing this, we will more than likely not only propel ourselves forward, but we will also help propel the lives of our loved ones. As we seek to use our gifts/talents/assets for noble and righteous causes, we will gain the strength to overcome any deficit that man has tried to create to shut us down. We will be able to overcome any objections and/or obstacles, that may try and block us from moving forward. We all have deficits but, we do not need them to hold us back or allow them to take over. May we learn/understand our deficits and seek to overcome them and/or use them to propel us to work on our assets. Where is your focus? On your deficits? Or on your assets? Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 (ESV) Imagine when you were younger and needed to cross a busy street. Someone older and wiser standing next to you took your hand, looked both ways to make sure the path was clear, and then you both walked across to the other side. In many ways, this is how we all should view God, as one who is full of wisdom and who will help us navigate the busy streets of life. If we listen to Him, He will help guide us across the difficult paths we will encounter. Life can be beautiful, fun, and very enjoyable. But there are times we all will have to face challenges in life, with some being harder than others. It is during those times that God’s assurances and His wisdom on how to navigate the difficult seasons of life are so very important. Now, there are unfortunate circumstances in life that can occur which are beyond our control. However, there are many times we will knowingly make decisions that are not the best choices for ourselves, as well as for our loved ones. And due to our decisions, we find ourselves at difficult intersections/crossroads of life, looking for a way out. Had we decided to follow God’s blueprint for life, His Holy Bible, we more than likely would not have encountered those difficulties. May we always seek God throughout every aspect of our lives. May we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. When we do this, we are taking God’s hand and having Him lead us in the choices we make and the direction our lives should take. May we grow in the knowledge of God and consistently choose not to “run ahead”, by choosing our own way and not listening to His instructions. As we go through life, may we keep our spiritual hand in God’s hand, and allow Him to lead us through the busy intersections of life. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24 (ESV) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… Colossians 3:12 (ESV) While I was recently jogging, I passed by neighbors who lived in my subdivision that I personally did not know. Some would smile and say “Good Morning” while others looked away or crossed to the other side of the street. Long ago I used to have ideas about them like: “Oh they’re probably not friendly or, I’m not going to speak to them unless they speak to me”. So as a result, I too would run/walk by, or turn away and not say a word.  However, as I grew in my Christian walk, I realized what it means to be God’s light in this world. What it means to be His mouth, His hands, and His feet.  I have decided that regardless of what others may or may not say back to me, God is calling me to be His light in this sometimes dark world. He is calling me to be His witness to everyone that comes across my path in life. Recently I had a discussion with family and friends, about how they felt when people did not treat them with kindness or were cold and rude. They too shared how they wanted to (and at times they did) acted rude and uncaring in return. They felt their actions would be justified based on how they were treated. When the question was posed, “How do you think God would want us to behave”? We all agreed He would want us to treat others with kind words and actions, despite their behavior toward us. We all must realize God is not expecting us to only give kind greetings to those who would do the same toward us.  Now, depending on how we were treated, it may be hard at times to respond with kindness. But one thing we all need to consider is this: we really do not know what is going on with others at the time we encounter them.  They could be shouldering a heavy burden and at that moment, do not know how to unpack or deal with their situation.  So, instead of jumping to our own conclusions, we can just continue to treat them with love and kindness, as well as say a prayer for them. We may never know what positive impact our kind words and actions, can have on their lives. God calls us all to be His witnesses of light and love in the world; by speaking words of affirmation, and showing kindness to everyone we encounter. So, remember today and always, to share a kind word with everyone we meet. Whether or not they respond in the same manner, we are called to be God’s representatives in this dying world. Blessings, Angélique

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) What temptations trigger you to go against God’s ideal plan for righteous living? All of us, every human being that inhabits this planet, have triggers that when enabled, will tempt us to sin. All of us face temptations that come from various sources. What may tempt me, may not be a problem for you, and vice versa, what temps you, may not be a problem for me. Facing temptations in life is inevitable for us all. It can be something as simple as certain foods to serious matters that leads to pain and dire consequences such as lying, cheating, sexual sins, and the list can go on and on. Even though we all will face temptations, it does not mean we have to give in to them, as God will provide a way of escape every time. He will always show us the right way to live and the choices we should make. However, we all have free will and can choose the path that goes against God, and leads us into temptation and sin. From infancy up to our present age, Satan and his angels have watched us and know the various triggers that could lead us into temptation. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, there is a part where we ask God to “lead us not into temptation.” The reason Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer was because He knew while living on this planet, we will be tempted just like Him. Some may think because Jesus is the Son of God, He had special powers to not give into sin however, this is incorrect. He is the Son of God but, He laid down His divinity and put on humanity while He was here. So, He was fully human and being tempted by Satan, just as you and I however, He did not give into sin. We all must realize we need to overcome various temptations otherwise, we may see them again, as we move along life’s journey. An example could be a cheating spouse/significant other, who moves on to their next relationship. After a while, the same feelings/triggers that occurred in the previous relationship, show up in this new one. And now this individual again has a choice to make. To repeat the same bad decision, discarding this relationship and moving on, or to remain and work things out, turning away from temptation and sin. Everyone must really know themselves and, what triggers will cause them to fall into sinful behaviors. We must be aware of who we are and be honest with ourselves. We must work to create healthy boundaries, strengthening our resolve now and always, against any weaknesses and tempting desires. By consistently reaching out to God and praying for strength, He will reveal to us the various temptation traps that are ready and waiting. I encourage us all to live our lives connected to God and to be careful not to allow ourselves to get into situations, where we know we will fall into sinful temptation. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Let your conversation be always full of grace season with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6 Talking. It’s something most of us do every day and nearly all the time. Whether it’s with family, friends, at school, or at work, we are constantly using our voices to express a thought, a feeling, a position. But have you ever stopped and wondered, what God would think of the conversations we are having? Reading the Bible verse for today puts into perspective how we should be aware of our conversations with other individuals. Now truth be told, it will be hard to have our conversations be “always full of grace”. It would be hard to always have beautiful, caring conversations, that we can always be proud of. As human beings, most of us have and will continue to have, struggles in this area from time to time. However, that should not stop any of us from really striving to have conversations that are seasoned and full of grace. The reference to having your conversation be “with salt” can have different interpretations. Salt back in Paul’s time was a very valuable commodity. It was used as a preservative and a seasoning for food. It was so valuable, that people at times would use it as payment for various goods and services. The reference here can suggest, that we are encouraged to preserve the integrity of our grace-filled conversations. Meaning we should seek to have honorable conversations befitting a child of God. As His children, God expects us to preserve our integrity and be gracious with the words we speak to one another. So whatever conversation you seek to have with anyone: whether young or old, family or friends, co-workers, or classmates, strive to have it be full of integrity, thoughtfulness, and kindness. Seek to have a conversation that would please our Heavenly Father. We should all strive to have meaningful and respectful conversations as the standard way of communicating, as children of the Creator of the Universe. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20 (ESV) Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV) In this 21st Century in which we all live, whose influence is paramount in your life? Having influence and being a part of the “in crowd” or the “socially accepted”, has been a position some have strived to obtain. Our world seems so entrenched in the social media frenzy, that one has to ask this important question, who influences you? Who has an impact on your thoughts, your beliefs, your ideas? Being that we are children of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, it would make sense to say we are influenced by God, and the principles set forth in the Bible. However, most are influenced by family, friends, society, and the current state of the world we live in. However, all of these influences would be great, if they follow God’s principles for mankind. There are many who live life and make decisions based on what’s popular in culture and society. For example, in dating relationships years ago, certain aspects of the relationship would not occur until after the couple was married. However now, in the current state of the world, people are engaging in various aspects of the relationship immediately, even before the relationship is solid and/or a commitment has been made. Today’s society has definitely influenced how everyone should approach and/or behave in relationships. A person who chooses to approach relationships the way God would expect is considered odd or strange because they do not conform to today’s influential culture. I would like to point out I am not against social media. All forms of social media of course can be a beautiful tool if used properly. However, we must be careful not to be significantly influenced by social media, societal/worldly customs, or any person whose beliefs are contrary to God’s ways. Everyone should realize and understand, that a lot of popular beliefs and influences are contrary to the word of God. The acceptable “norms” of today’s society are very far from God’s ideal. And many are promoting these various ideologies as acceptable and, encourage everyone to believe, behave, and go along with various influential behaviors, even if it goes against God’s Holy Word. As we move forward in life, may we all stop and take a moment to reflect on the biggest influence in our lives. If it is not God, I urge you to allow God and His principles to become the most dominant influence. Studying God’s word, attending a Bible-based church as well as fasting and praying, are steps we can and should take, to have a closer relationship with Him. When we do this, we will see the difference between the world’s influence, and God’s. When we seek to become closer to God, the temptations of this world will begin to dim and fade. It is then we will long for Godly ideals and be able to control what influences our thoughts and actions. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2 (ESV) …”For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV) When the Bible references one’s heart, it is usually referring to the spiritual center of an individual that encompasses their mind, their thoughts, their will, and their focus. So, when asking the above question, I really want us to think about this: where and what is your mind and thoughts, focusing on? What are your true values/intentions in life, when faced with a situation or dealing with others? In this crazy world, we all inhabit, it is easy to lose focus and behave contrary to God’s Holy Word. Given the current state of events as of late with the various mass shootings here in the US, multiple wars being waged all around the world, and hatred and fighting that seems to never end; it is so important now more than ever, to check in with ourselves and determine our heart’s focus. And as we check in, I would like to encourage all of us to not use others or society as the standard, but to look to God’s Holy Word instead. God has written throughout His Holy Word how to guard our hearts, meaning our thoughts and our minds against dark and evil ideas. We must daily take conscious inventory of who we are as God’s children, and what our goals and purpose in life should be. When we focus on using the gifts and talents God has given us to impact His world for the better, we will be changing our lives and the lives of those around us. By being willing participants and following God’s lead, collectively we can create a positive impact that will be felt around the world. We all must realize that being God-centered and God-focused, does not come easy. We are sinful human beings by nature, and if we are not careful, we can fall into all types of temptations and evil vices that will lead us down a dark path. We need to daily practice having our hearts (meaning our minds, our wills) focused on being in line with God’s principles. While He was living on earth, Jesus Christ taught us how to seek God and to focus our hearts and minds on His Holy Word. The Bible teaches us to turn against any evil thoughts and actions. To live and constantly seek an opportunity to love, and to do good to others. As we go about our lives, may we constantly work on our spiritual heart. May we seek to control our thoughts and guide them so that they will always be subjected to God’s holy principles. As stated in 1 Samuel 16:7, the second part of the verse, God is basically saying He does not judge us based on our outer appearance, He judges our hearts. May we live our lives so that when our Father in Heaven looks at our hearts, He will be proud. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8 (ESV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Have you ever noticed the beauty of fragmented pieces of material coming together, to formulate beautiful artwork known as a mosaic? The material can be made from stones, tiles, or the most popular material, glass. Many mosaic pieces can be found in stained glass windows of a church, artwork in a museum, or even perhaps, the artwork found in a person’s home. The main beauty of mosaics is the fragmented pieces of material that come together. When you look at these broken pieces apart from one another, you would at first think it is just junk or trash. You would think it’s not worth keeping and that it should be thrown away. However, by cleaning the pieces and then using imagination, one can bring these fragmented pieces together to form a beautiful work of art. Many of us should look at the broken and fragmented pieces of our lives, the failures, disappointments, losses, etc., and see them as still being useful to God. Instead of becoming discouraged and despondent, may we take a step back and look at our lives through God’s eyes. May we then look to trust our Heavenly Father, the Master Creator, to craft our beautiful mosaic. God can take the broken and tarnished pieces of our lives and weave them into a beautiful mosaic to shine before others. Some may be quick to discard however, God sees the beauty of my brokenness and yours and begins to put the various fragments together with love. Then what comes forth is God’s magnificent work of art that is our lives, which will become our testimony. Our lives are God’s mosaics. We all have many imperfections, but God’s beauty will eventually come forth when we allow the Master Creator to shape and formulate our lives. And once God has artfully put together the fragmented pieces, let us share with others the love and care we received, from our Heavenly Father. May others see and believe how God has given us beauty for ashes. (Isa.61:3, KJV) As God’s children whose fragmented lives He formed into a beautiful mosaic, may we go forward in life shining for all the world to see. May we allow the world to witness, how God turned brokenness into beauty. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, Philippians 1:9 (ESV) Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV) When a person is contemplating a serious relationship that will lead to marriage, they must be careful about who they choose as a life partner. At times, a person’s actions and decisions can be influenced by the world, instead of God’s word, when seeking a mate for life. Many may panic when they see all their friends getting married and having children and they are still single. And since they do not want to be “left behind”, they will quickly enter a relationship and rush to get married before they have taken the time, to fully vet their potential life partner. They will rush into this permanent commitment not really knowing the other person’s true nature or true character, especially during stressful life events. God calls for each of us to be discerning when choosing a life partner. If we ask Him and follow His Holy word, He will gladly give us discerning wisdom to guide us throughout life, especially when choosing a mate. There are many great men and women in the Bible to choose from as role models however, for this post, I chose Joseph and Mary. Before Joseph ascended to his position as second in command behind Pharaoh in Egypt, he worked for many years as a high-ranking servant. As a manager of Potiphar’s entire household, he had ample opportunity to lie, cheat, steal, and commit adultery with Potiphar’s wife. However, even though he was constantly tempted, he held fast to his convictions and to God’s ways, and he resolved not to give in to sin. When reading Joseph’s story in the Bible, it is clear he sought to display Godly integrity throughout his lifetime. In choosing a Mary, (Mary the mother of Jesus) choose a woman who not only listens to God but truly desires to always follow His precepts. Mary was a young woman God chose to carry and give birth to the Son of God, Jesus. God would not just choose anyone to fulfill this very important duty of giving birth and raising Jesus to manhood. From the Bible, Mary displayed characteristics of a willing and obedient daughter of God, trusting and believing in Him, despite not knowing her future. When a man is choosing a wife, she may have an upbeat bubbly personality, or she may be quiet and shy. Whatever her personality, watch to see if she displays kindness, wisdom, and a Godly character. In choosing a life partner, seek someone with the qualities listed above. Seek someone you can trust explicitly and wholeheartedly. A life partner who when faced with temptations, will turn away, even run away, if need be, so they will not fall prey to sinful traps. Find a mate that will not just put on a performance in front of others, and then turn into someone totally different when you are alone without an audience. Take notice of their behaviors and personality. DO NOT IGNORE red flag warnings. When choosing a Godly life partner, get to know them by dating in a manner that will please God. Do not rush the relationship or engage in activities that are reserved only for marriage. Take your time to discover their true character and life goals. Find out their passions and ideas, about God and life. Take your time to find out what is truly most important to them. Seek a Joseph or seek a Mary. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com