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He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 (ESV) We’re living in a time that seems unprecedented. The Covid-19 global pandemic has continued for the last two years and, it seems as if there’s no end anytime soon. This pandemic has taken a toll on countless individuals, families, communities, and countries around the world. In addition to the pandemic, racial tensions and racism seem to be on the rise and prevalent in the United States, as well as the rest of the world. There are groups of people who feel they are superior due to the color of their skin, their money/portfolios, their education, their religion, and the list can go on and on. Racial tensions/racism is not a new concept. It seems to have existed since the early days of humans dwelling together on this planet. Its tentacles seem to run deep across multiple generations and throughout all societies around the world. To add to the above-mentioned problems, societies around the world are also facing economic downturns, caused primarily by the pandemic. This pandemic has effectively caused the shutdown and collapse, of various societal systems around the world. It seems that all the above-mentioned conditions, and many others not listed, have led to some individuals, adults as well as young people, acting totally out of the norm of their characters. And unfortunately, some have even resorted to taking their own lives. I felt compelled by God to share this post as a reminder that we all need to check in with one another. When checking in with family and friends, really ask them how they are doing and how they are coping with all that is happening in the world and in their life, right now. Sometimes we may not have words of wisdom to impart however, just being attentive and empathizing with them, can make a world of difference. In addition, we also need to check in on ourselves. Sometimes we get busy in our daily lives and in helping others. However, we need to take time for self-care and make sure, we too are in a good emotional and mental state. We want to make sure that in handling our lives and those around us, we do so in a healthy and responsible way, in order to continue to move forward in this life. Now, there may be times we perceive someone may need to speak with a professional. If that is the case, do not hesitate to suggest and encourage others to seek out help. Let them know there is no shame in seeking someone professional to help them at this stage of their life. Not only do we suggest for others to seek help, but this also goes for us as well, when practicing self-care. For anyone reading this post and feeling you cannot go on, I pray and implore you to seek professional help. To begin the process of healing and restoring, the joy and happiness that is there waiting for you. May we all remember that we are God’s precious children that He has placed on His beautiful Earth. Yes, there are challenges and problems in life but, there are also times of peace, happiness, and joy as well. I’m checking in with you today. I pray for God’s blessings and peace in your lives now and forever. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1 (ESV) The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3 (ESV) Many are under the misconception that having a relationship with God requires keeping rules and laws. They feel by keeping these regulations only, they will be granted a closer relationship with Him. This thinking is so very far from the truth. God has always desired above all else, to have a loving relationship with us, His children. And having established a relationship with Him, our desire would then be to follow His teachings, as set forth in the Bible. God’s Holy Bible should be viewed as life’s instruction manual, a guide showing us how to live our best life. The Bible is there to both navigate and encourage us on our life’s journey; always seeking to point us in the right direction. Also, it is there to guide us on how to have a constant, loving, and personal relationship with God. There are those who feel all they need is a vast intellectual understanding of the Bible, and with this knowledge alone, they will develop a close relationship with God. However, it does not matter how much intellectual understanding and knowledge one may possess. If a person has not humbled themselves and submitted their will to God’s will, they may never develop a close relationship with Him. First and foremost, we should learn to be humble and obedient, as we seek a loving relationship with God. And then, we need to be willing to learn, understand, and apply what God has to say, in His Holy Word. Jesus Christ came to live on this earth and show us how to worship and honor God. Jesus was constantly showing us how to have a closer, personal relationship with God, as we go about our everyday lives. God inspired me to write this blog to help people realize that even in the 21st century, having a personal relationship with Him is still vital and very relevant. As we live in this ever-changing world, we can still be filled with His Spirit, and make a positive impact on our lives, and the lives of those around us. A positive impact on this world is possible if we continue to keep our connection to the power source, God. There will be so many things, situations, and people, that will try to pull us away from God, and His way of thinking. However, seek to be diligent in learning about God and applying what you have learned to your everyday life. Of all the relationships we formulate during our lifetime, the most relevant and the most impactful one is the one we have with God. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Psalm 139: 13-15 (ESV) Have you ever heard this saying by author Mark Twain: “the two greatest days of your life is the day you were born and the day you find out why”? What a true statement!! As we go through life, some may question why they are here or why they were born. I would like to encourage us all to realize, it was not by accident or fleeting circumstance, as to why we were born. All who have come before us, those a part of our current generation, and those who will come after us, were chosen and ordained by God to walk this earth. So, no matter how hard life may be at times remember, you and I were chosen to be here. Starting from adolescence and sometimes even well into our middle age years, some still have not figured out why they are here. Truth be told, some have not taken the time to really reflect on their life’s purpose. Finding your gifts and your strengths, is one of the most important factors in knowing why God created you. When looking to access those positive strengths and attributes, we should seek to learn how they can be used to uplift God’s children, and His world. When looking at your strengths, do not look longingly at others, wishing you had their gift. Occasionally I know we all may look at someone who sings or preaches and think, “oh if I could be like that”! It’s nice to have those types of wishes occasionally and lightheartedly. The problem comes in when you’re constantly dwelling on what others have, to the point where jealousy may seep in or, we may begin comparing our talent with another person. We all have been equipped with various gifts, and if we exercise and hone those skills, we will have a better understanding as to why God has placed us here on earth. Usually your gift/s/ come naturally to you and, more than likely, will be something you enjoy. When I first started writing this blog, I had no clue what I was doing. I knew how to write but, writing a weekly blog seemed so foreign to me. But as God spoke to me, I began to move out by faith, and started this blog site. Truth be told, I had no idea I would still be writing every week for over two years. I figured it would last for a few weeks or months, and then I would have moved on. But, by the grace of God, this ministry continues. I continually allow Him to pour into me and sustain me to keep moving forward. Now the question is what has God gifted you to do? Every human being has some gift or talent given to them, to be a blessing to others. As stated before, the most important days in a person’s life is when they were born and when they discover why. Take the time to truly discover you. Discover your strengths and weaknesses. Most importantly, know you are God’s son or daughter, His beloved child. May we all go out and use our gifts to bless our world. Always remember, you may never know the positive life changing impact on another, when you spread encouragement and God’s love. Why are you here? Why am I here? We have been placed on this earth to be a tremendous blessing to God’s people and, to His world. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 This past week’s post called attention to aligning our lives with God’s word and precepts, and not with the world’s. In continuing this thought pattern, I would like to encourage us to have our house (whether physical bodies, physical home, and/or our spiritual state), be ready and willing to always praise and honor the Lord. I would like to encourage us to follow God completely and passionately, just as Joshua and Caleb did in the Old Testament, Numbers 32:12. As stated in Numbers 32:12, they both wholeheartedly continued following God’s direction, even when others turned their backs to follow their own way. We all know it is not easy to follow God in our crazy, sin-laden world. There are so many temptations, opportunities, as well as encouragement, for us to turn against God and His word. In the world, people are celebrated for doing their own thing and seeking pleasures, even if it goes against Godly principles. When one makes the bold declaration “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”, God is extremely happy. This statement in essence says, despite what others may do or say, despite what’s trending and/or popular, we will serve and listen to God. It boldly declares we will choose to live our lives as God would ordain. Of course, there will be situations and teachings in the world that are God-centered however, in today’s culture most of God’s teachings are considered countercultural to the norms of society. For example, within romantic relationships, there are a lot of ideas that are celebrated and encouraged, that go against what God says in His Holy Word. The world encourages causal relationships and “hook-ups” stating, if it makes you feel good, it’s okay, enjoy yourself. However, this is totally opposite on how one should approach romantic relationships, from God’s perspective. Not to say a biblical relationship is not pleasurable; of course, it is as well. It just fits within the pattern God ordains. May we seek to have an attitude that no matter what, we will always serve the Lord and abide by His precepts. Remember, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent… Psalm 27:3-5 When King David faced hardship after hardship, instead of questioning God, he wrote and sang psalms (like the one in the verses of today) in order to lift up, praise, and extol God’s goodness. We live in a world that can be very crazy and hard to navigate at times. A world where many are in agreement with the sinful ideals, that are so prevalent in our society. And for those who stand for God’s principles, they are perhaps laughed at or shamed, to the point where they just remain silent. For some, in order to get along and/or to fit in, they find themselves going along with these wrong ideas, in order to not be singled out and ridiculed. Godly standards are being questioned in all areas: financial, health, relationships, and many more. Problems will come up from time to time and when they do, some will be tempted to obtain worldly advice as opposed to looking to God and/or Godly people. It is so true what the Bible says in the first part of Isaiah 5:20…” Woe to those who call evil good and good evil…”. We are living in a time where Godly advice and sound doctrine are not upheld by worldly standards. When one reads current headlines and watches various media outlets, one can see the alternative vices and thought processes people call “normal and good”. Looking at a society that does not uphold good and morally correct ideals, highlights how imperative it is, to have a Godly center and focus on our lives. The majority of worldly and popular ideals will pull us away from God and will tease us about how “fun and free” you can be by doing what you want, and whatever makes you “feel good”. However, it will always be surface/in the moment fun, and short-lived. It will ultimately lead to a dark future full of anguish and pain. It is not enough to just read the Bible and go to church. We should also seek to surround ourselves with good Christian music, Bible-centered teaching/preaching, books, seminars, etc. Filling yourself up with these things, will keep you Godly centered and focused. They will help to equip you to handle this sin-enticing world. We all will have to come to a point where we must ask ourselves, am I living to please people/society and their customs? Or am I living to please God? Do I want my life to reflect Godly principles and characteristics? Or do I want to go with the fickle whims of the world, that are constantly moving the moral marker of life? Let us all seek to choose the light of God, over the darkness, and wrong ideas of this world. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV) 2021 was a difficult year for many. People experienced a lot of sadness, pain, sickness, frustration, fatigue, and the list can go on and on. However, there were also times of celebration, joy, and happiness felt by many as well. But isn’t that life? At times there will be mountain top highs as well as our valley lows. However, through it all, it is comforting to know God is with us every step of the way. As we begin the new year of 2022, may we understand that despite the inevitable problems or circumstances we will encounter as His children, He will give us the ability to rise above the situation. Whether it is spiritually, mentally, emotionally, or even at times physically, if we continue to keep our strong connection and relationship with God, He will bring us through the most challenging difficulties. The verses for today happen to be one of my favorites. They describe how we as God’s children handle life. There will be times when we are weak and burdened down with the cares of this world. But as stated in verse 31, “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Through His Holy word, God speaks renewed life and strength into our feeble, weak, minds and bodies. He replenishes us and lets us know that we too can rise above our circumstances and situations, just like eagles. May we enter 2022 with renewed confidence and hope. May we make a commitment to work on all aspects of our lives. Make a commitment to allow God to work in and through us so that we can be a light in our part of the world. May we commit to being a light always, every day, and in every way. May we commit to living a life where we strive to make a positive impact on this world; no matter if it is great or small. May we develop and maintain a strong relationship and connection to God. Life can and will be challenging at times and in order to navigate those difficult moments, we desperately need a connection with God. He will give us His peace that will sustain us through any difficulties we may face. Not only do we need a relationship with God for ourselves, but in order to bless others as well. There will be times our family and friends will need to be reassured and comforted. And during those times, we will be able to be there for them when we are filled with God’s love, goodness, grace, and mercy. When those times come, we will then be able to pour into them, what we have allowed God has poured into us. May God’s Blessings and Peace rest upon each and every one in 2022 and beyond! Happy New Year!! Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (ESV) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (ESV) As Christians, we are constantly growing as we abide by God’s word and His teachings. So many times, I’ve encountered various people who are critical of Christian people, their walk, and their decision to abide by God’s Holy Word. Somehow in society at large, people have it twisted regarding what being a Christian or, being Christlike, really means. Many people think Christians should be perfect human beings that never make a mistake. However, in living the Christian life, we understand we are not perfect and, we know in order to live this life, it is definitely a lifelong journey of highs and lows. We know and understand the church is a spiritual hospital, made up of sinners seeking a savior. And most importantly, we know the savior for all humanity is Jesus Christ. Around the world, many will be celebrating Christmas on December 25th. Christians celebrate December 25th as a memorial to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Bible scholars have stated they believe Christ was most likely born sometime in the spring, as opposed to the winter month of December in Bethlehem. However, over time, the celebration of Christ’s birth has remained on December 25th. As Christians, we celebrate that Jesus came to live on earth to teach us, and to bring the Bible and God’s word to life. And as Christians, we acknowledge and honor that He came in order to die, as a sacrifice for our sins. During this Christmas season, I hope and pray that we will not stray from the true meaning of the celebration. With all the festivities and gift-giving, some may become so caught up, they forget the true reason of the season. However, may we not forget to celebrate Christ and why He came to earth. May we seek to become true Christians or Christlike in our behavior and our attitudes toward ourselves and one another. To seek to help one another as we all navigate life here on Earth. The greatest gift to give to our Creator and our Savior Jesus Christ is for us to grow in love and to care for ourselves and for each other. As you enjoy your Christmas holiday, I pray it will be one of reflection of the past, gratitude for the present, and looking with faith and hope to the future. I pray we all focus on being more Christlike in our character and we seek to daily do God’s will, now and forever. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (ESV) When I saw this sign on a church’s billboard, the truthfulness of this statement stood out. As His children, we will encounter problems due to our choices, problems created by others or, due to the fallen state of the world in which we inhabit. However, we should be comforted to know, God does not have problems, He has plans. His original plan for all of humanity and the world He created, was not supposed to encounter death and decay. However, due to our choices, God makes plans to counter the bad decisions of His children and to seek to ultimately bring all things back to order. Some may feel that God is distant and that He is not concerned about what is happening in the world. But that thought is so very far from the truth. Not only is God concerned, He is also heartbroken over how His children continue to behave. However, despite our shortcomings, God is constantly seeking to rectify the situations we all seem to constantly create. Knowing God is constantly working out plans for the ultimate benefit of everyone, should give us all comfort in knowing He loves and cares for His children. And as stated before, sometimes we, or our loved ones, find ourselves in the middle of circumstances, that we did not create. Even if we do not understand these situations nor the end results, know that God cares and is seeking to work things out. We may not see in this life the unfolding of events as we would like, however, we must trust and believe that God sees and knows all. He is working out the final plans, that will benefit His children. May we seek to live our lives in such a way that we will make Godly choices as we move forward in life. May we look to make decisions/choices that will not create problems in the present or future, for our lives, the lives of others, or God’s creation on Earth. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.[d] 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up. Daniel 3:17-18 When reading the story of Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the fiery furnace in Daniel 3:18, we all marvel at this wonderful story and the awesome outcome. But, I would like to focus on what they said at the beginning when talking to King Nebuchadnezzar. The part when they essentially said, our God has the ability to rescue us from this fiery furnace. However, if He does not, we will not bow down to the image you set up. In making this declaration, they were essentially saying no matter what happens to us, we will trust and obey God. Going back to the title of today’s thought, can we say with confidence, that we truly trust Him? Can we be like the three Hebrew boys (as they are often referred to) and declare that even if it costs us our life, we will obey and trust God? I believe we all have struggled from time to time with our faith and trust in God when it is truly being tested. As I write this, there have been recent deaths in my church of individuals who were very much loved. However, it is not only our church that has experienced loss and grief. There are countless other families, church families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and many others, who are dealing with the pain of loss and grief. And when we speak of loss, it is not only referring to the loss of life. There can also be loss due to fractured relationships, financial instability, health, mental/emotional crisis, and the list can go on and on. The question for all of us remains, will we still trust God no matter what? In the story above when Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego were about to be thrown into the fiery furnace, they did not know the future. However, they held fast and trusted God and His plans, no matter what happened to them. In order for them to have that level of faith and trust in God, they had to have developed a consistent prayer life and study of His teachings. By spending time with God, they developed the strength to hold onto their beliefs and convictions, allowing God’s ultimate plan to unfold in their lives. We all need to remember Earth is not our final home. There will be happy times as we live out our lives and there will also be devastating situations from time to time. We need to continually seek and maintain a strong spiritual connection with God so that when our trials come, we will be able to stand firm and trust God. We must remember when those trials do come, they are there to help build up and strengthen our faith. Just like soldiers training in the military, they must go through various tests and difficulties, to strengthen their resolve and build up their bodies. Therefore, when we face difficulties, we will get upset and possibly cry out but ultimately, we will withstand and move forward in God’s name. Trust and believe God knows the hurt and pain we all feel and, He shares in that pain as well. The sin and disobedience that is prevalent here on Earth, is responsible for all the evil, sickness, and destruction that we go through. God never intended any of His children to suffer. However be encouraged, eventually, when He returns, loss, pain, and suffering will all be over. In the meantime, I pray for us all to develop and/or continue our relationship with Him. And when the time comes, we can have a strong, unwavering trust in God for our lives, and for the lives of those around us. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37 (ESV) If you were asked the question, is God first in your life, what would be your response? In all honesty, can we say that God is always first in our lives? It sounds good to say yes-absolutely, God is always first in my life. But in truth, is that really an accurate statement? I know for a fact I strive every day to try and have God always be first in my life. Does this always occur? There are times I’m sorry to say no, it does not. Should He always be? Absolutely! To clarify the phrase, “first in our lives”, we need to understand what this means. It means every day, in every situation, interaction, and thought we have, whether big or small, we are constantly seeking to put God first. Now that may seem hard to do for human beings that are carnal in nature however, it is not impossible. I’m not saying most of us do not place God as the ultimate authority of our lives. But what I am saying, is that on a constant basis, we all at times will fall short. However, despite our human shortcomings, we still should daily strive to put God and His teachings, first in all areas of our lives. This would mean in our everyday life of work, relationship interactions, church work, social functions, finances, our dietary needs, and the list can go on and on. Basically, in all areas of our lives, we should diligently strive to put God and His teachings first and, abide by His word. In Galatians 5:24 Paul states we need to die to fleshly lusts and desires that are from the world, and contrary to God. We need to seek to have our worldly desires be subject to God’s will and purpose for our lives. As humans, we need to resist our sinful nature, in order to listen and be attentive to God’s voice and direction. If we all allowed God to live through us, guiding our interactions and behaviors, what a different world this would be. I encourage us all to daily seek God’s teachings, to be utmost in our daily thoughts and interactions. I pray we all have the will to be true to God’s word, despite what others and the world may say in contradiction. I pray we all stand firm and not be swayed. Let us strive to have God first in our lives, now and always. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 1 Timothy 2:1 (ESV) Here in the United States as well as all over the world people have endured pain and suffering due to the global pandemic of Covid-19, loss of loved ones for various reasons, various illnesses, contending with ongoing racial/social injustices, and the list can go on and on. Yesterday here in the United States, we celebrated Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time where most can gather with loved ones, whether it be family, friends, church family, etc., and give thanks for what God has provided. For some, it may seem difficult to feel thankful or to give thanks due to their current situation. However, I hope to encourage all of us to look around and see the goodness and mercies of God, despite our circumstances. We all can find various aspects of our lives, where we can show appreciation to God. For those who are suffering and dealing with hardships, I along with many others will lift you up in prayer. I pray for your strength as you seek to move on and move forward, despite various burdens you have had to carry. May you stay close as possible to God during this time and always know, He is there to bear your burdens (see Matthew 11:28). May we all seek to express thanks and gratitude to God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit for our lives. May we celebrate and give thanks also for the lives of our brothers and sisters, who represent God’s creation. I pray we continue to lift in prayer our world, each other, and to daily give thanks, no matter the situation. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 1 Peter 1:14-15 (ESV) Not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 1 Thessalonians 4:5 (ESV) For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:6 (ESV) Do you allow your emotions to make your decisions? Do you allow your lust or passions to make your decisions? When seeking to make important decisions in our lives, we should not base our choices on our fickle and fleeting emotions and passions. As we grow and move through life, there will be important decisions we all will have to make. And at times those choices or decisions will impact others around us as well. So, prior to moving forward with our decisions, we must allow time (when possible) for our emotions to have calmed down, and for our feelings/passions to have settled. We need to allow time to pray as well as consult God’s Holy Word. Then, once we are calm and rational, we can seek to confidently move forward with our choices. Now, will there be situations that come up where we do not have the luxury of time to make decisions? Absolutely! However, we still can learn to quiet our emotions and pray, prior to moving forward with making major life choices. Sometimes quieting our emotions is not easy during the storms of life. But, while we are in times of peace, this would be a good time to begin a practice of seeking God, by developing a prayer life, as well as reading His Holy Word. There have been many problems people have created, by making major life-changing decisions, based on their emotions and/or impulses. They impatiently move forward, not allowing a situation to settle down, not praying, nor seeking Godly counsel, prior to proceeding. Instead, they seek to charge full speed ahead based on how it makes them feel in the heat of the moment, never fully weighing the consequences of their actions. I pray that we all seek to learn to gain control of our thoughts, emotions, and our passions. May we not make major decisions, while we are in the heat of our emotions. As we go forward in life from now on, may we only make decisions after we have prayed and sought God’s Holy Word. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com