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Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 (ESV) I did not intend to do a part two.  But due to the “second pandemic”(racial injustice, as it’s being called), I felt I must. I had conversations recently with non-black friends who state: “but don’t all lives matter?”  To which I state, of course, they do!!  But unfortunately, the other races and ethnic groups do not get, nor see the constant police brutality/death, the constant hostility/threats, the hangings, the inequality in salaries despite having more education/experience, etc. Anyone can research and see the levels of the documented events (and there are thousands more that are undocumented), which is dramatically out of proportion to the other races.  Do the other races have some of the above problems, absolutely!! Just not even near, the same magnitude of all incidents reported.  And to note here, there are a lot of incidents where no wrong was being done, and no crimes were being committed; yet the unfortunate outcome. Some say stop the peaceful protesting. However, what is to be expected if it stops? Go back to “business as usual”? No, no, no. Enough is definitely enough. I read a recent article of an African American gentleman who wears dreads and works as an inspector, in Minnesota.  On his schedule, he needed to go into a trailer park in order to complete his inspections for that day.  Prior to beginning, he called the local police department, to let them know where he was and what he would be doing.  One of the police officers who talked with him said, he was sad that this gentleman felt he had to call, to tell them.  Eventually, this officer came out there at the request of this gentleman, and they walked the area and talked.  It ended up they had a friend in common and they hit it off, really well. Now some may say, oh he really didn’t need to call the police prior, he would have been fine. But looking at what’s happening currently in our country (not to mention the rest of the world), there is a good chance the authorities would have been called.   We would like to believe that everything would have been fine with this large/tall African American man who happens to wear dreads.  Some may also say, he should cut his hair and dress/style in a more Eurocentric fashion.  That would have been enough to stop people from calling the police.  But do you really think so?   And a question here, why should he “have” to dress/style this way? I guess we will never really know what the outcome would have been. I’m personally glad he had the foresight to call into the police department, just in case. I would have hated to see this married father of two, end up as a police brutality statistic. All because of how God made him. In the previous post, I had asked if those who do not feel comfortable stepping outside of their sphere of influence, to hold race conversations within your own sphere.  But now based on everything that has transpired up to this point, I’m asking those same individuals to reach out to others who are not of the same racial persuasion as yourself.  Look to make friends, to get to know neighbors, coworkers, people in your church, people you go to school with, cashiers at your local grocery store, post office, etc.  Get to know people from another race, and really see who they are. Not what you were told or brought up to think.  Or even what you may see in the news media, the movies, or any other marketing platform. Learn that they are just like you in so many ways.  They are human beings that experience hurt/healing, joy/sorrow, and laughter/pain. God is watching all of us, and how we are interacting with each other. How we are treating one another, as well as how we’re treating the world He created. And at this moment, I can imagine His heart is breaking.   However, being His children we can go out and make a difference. We can begin to understand and love each other, as true Brothers and Sisters. Begin the conversation. Begin the growth…together. Begin the healing. Blessings, Angélique~ Feel to reach me at: angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God! Psalm 68:35(ESV) As I awoke one morning, I thanked God for a good night’s rest and for waking up to a new day. But then I thought to myself, do I still thank Him, when I did not rest well? When my days/nights, had not been good at all, but very dark? So my question is this; do you thank God based on your feelings at the moment? Or do you thank Him because He is good at all times; and deserves our praise, despite circumstances? While we’re living in this sinful world, we must remember this is not our final home.  At times when things are not going well in our lives, we look to blame others, or circumstances that surround us. Some will go so far as to blame Adam and Eve, for the fall of humanity.  However, we need not look to others, as we’ve all made sinful choices, of our own.  And there will be times when situations we find ourselves in, may not be our doing, but maybe the result of living in this fallen world. But despite all of this, we must have the assurance and hope, that God is good, and will work all things out.  As His children, we need to make the decision to trust and believe despite feelings and circumstances, beyond our control. To know in our hearts that life on Earth is not the end and not our final destination. Our final goal is to be with God, to live in Heaven for all eternity. I encourage you to make the choice to give your heart and life to Jesus.  You & I will have troubles in this world, whether you believe in God or not.  Whether you believe in eternal life or not. But I find knowing God and knowing His truth, makes it that much sweeter to endure any trials and tribulations that occur in this life.  The hope and assurance of knowing there will be better days ahead, make it easier to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. Despite feelings (that can betray you. One minute you’re feelings are up the next minute they’re down), make an intellectual decision that no matter what comes your way, God will ultimately triumph in all areas and in all aspects of life. God is Awesome!! Know it and believe it!!! Blessings, Angélique~

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4 (ESV) “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 (ESV) “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) This is a post I should not have to write. A topic that should not have to be addressed. Unfortunately, it is one that still needs to be brought to the forefront of society today. As I listened to the song titled, “Bleed The Same” by Mandisa, featuring TobyMac & Kirk Franklin (link to the song is below), the lyrics struck home, in light of the current events: the death of George Floyd and the ensuing protests and riots. In one of the lyrics, she sings this: “Tell me who are we to judge someone by the kind of clothes they’re wearing, or the color of their skin. Are you black? Are you white? Aren’t we all the same inside? Father open our eyes to see, we all bleed the same.” The anger that has boiled over has crossed all color lines. It is not just black people, Hispanic people, and Asian people who are protesting, but also white people. There are peaceful protests all over this world as the anger, the hurt, and the pain is deep. Unfortunately, there is rioting as well. Let’s be clear, no rioting or damage to other persons or property is okay. But due to the continued injustice and inequality, there is still a need for peaceful protests. The purpose of this article is to highlight the fact that we are all God’s children. He created all of us. He didn’t just create a people of one race who relate to only one cultural identity. He did not create one set of people that behave the same, wear the same clothes, listen to the same music, who walk and talk the same. He created diversity. He created this earth, and each and every unique individual. We truly do all bleed the same. In order to see lasting and effective change, I encourage all of us to begin (if not already) to be proactive in stamping out inequality, injustice, and racism. If you’re not someone who will actively get involved outside of your family and/or circle of influence; I pray you will stand up within your sphere of influence, and speak the language of inclusion and of Godly love. I pray you will stand up for right and call out bigotry and racism. You will teach family members, young and old, that we are all God’s children. No matter the color of our skin, the texture of our hair, or the clothes that we wear. He placed us all here for a reason and purpose. And that reason and purpose is not to tear each other apart nor to break each other down. As God’s children, we are here to show His love to the rest of this dying world. My charge to all God’s Kids; love and protect each other, now and always. Blessings, Angelique~ Email: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com **https://youtu.be/HVKuA1s5I3o?t=49 #Inclusion

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) – Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. All will be well. This phrase spoke to me during my morning devotion. There will be times when things are not well in this wicked, sinful world that we live in. But take heart, all WILL be made new. All WILL be well. I am writing this as I sit in the ER waiting room for news of my Mom. In this very turbulent time, I have no idea what is happening and how things will turn out. But I have a strong faith in God. I have gone through so much in my past. And through all the hurt, heartache, pain, and tears, He’s been right there to hold me up. Even when I didn’t “feel” Him near, He was always there. And in time, all was made well. I don’t know where you are in your life’s journey. However, I want to encourage you to keep your faith. To trust and believe in God, even if you can’t see your way through. Have a strong trust and belief that no matter what, you will hold tight to your faith in God. Hold onto the belief and knowledge, that all WILL be made well, in time. Blessings, Angelique~

1 Samuel 1:18 18 And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. (NKJV) Hannah prayed from deep within her for a child.  She cried out to the Lord from the inner depths of her despair and pain, for her barren womb.  Earlier in the chapter the temple priest Eli, mistook her for a drunken woman, due to her lips moving but no sound coming out.  When she told him she was pouring her heart out to God, he told her to go in peace, and may God grant her petition.  She then arose and went out of the temple, no longer sad but with gladness in her heart.   We can imagine her from that point on; happy, eating, and content. However, after her prayer, there was no immediate answer from God.  At the time, she had no knowledge of what the future might be.  We know from reading the story that God did indeed grant her request.  However, what if He had not?  What if the child Samuel was to be born to another? The point I want to share is this:  if God does not answer your prayers or grant your request, will you continue with your life, and be content?    There will be times when we do not have answers to our prayers granted the way we would like it to be. After having prayed and poured our hearts out to God, we too need to get up and change our countenance from worry and distress to gladness. Even if we do not know the future outcome, in faith we trust God will move in the direction that is His will.  That direction may not be known to us at the time or even in our lifetime.  However, we know and believe He is in total control of our lives, at all times. After having petitioned our Father, may we rise up and smile, partaking in the life our Creator has given us.  Let us, love, trust, and be obedient to Him, now and always. Blessings, Angelique~ #faith #Prayer

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV) As we begin life, we learn how to talk, walk, and eventually run. We go to school and learn our various curriculums moving through grade schools on to college and sometimes achieving doctoral degrees. As we pass each milestone, we think to ourselves, we are almost done, we’re almost complete as an adult! But in the Christian walk we have to ask ourselves, are we truly done? Are we truly finished learning and growing? The answer is, absolutely not! Whether a new beginner in your Christian walk or someone who has been walking with God for a long time, we are still undone. None of us have finished or “graduated” as a Christian believer. So long as we draw breath, we still have a lot of learning and growing to do. Learning to trust God always and to develop unshakable faith. Learning to adhere to His truths and to apply them to our everyday life. So, the next time you might feel you’ve made it in this life, stop and ask yourself, are you really done? Have you really learned all God has to teach? And remember, even though we may not be totally “done”, God can still use us if we allow Him. To those who might be new to their Christian walk, do not feel you cannot be His witness. You too can be a powerful witness to those around you that you encounter. For those who are more “seasoned” in their Christian walk, continue to “refresh” your walk and remind yourselves, you too are still undone. And with even more passion and zeal, continue sharing God’s truths and His love to this world. So whatever stage you find yourself in this life, continue to grow in Christ. Continue to share His love and message to those you encounter. And remember, you’re not done yet!! Blessings, Angelique~

2 Corinthians 4:7-9(NKJV) 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— A water-bearer in India had two large pots, both hung on the ends of a pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot always arrived half full. The poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water-bearer one day by the stream: ‘I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you. I have been able to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts.’ The bearer said to the pot, ‘Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.’ This folktale from India is a beautiful illustration for all of us that we are useful to the Kingdom of God. We have been through battles in this life and at times we’ve been bruised throughout the process. We may feel we are not worthy to carry God’s message to the world, due to our broken and damaged past. But as this story illustrates, God uses all of us, in all of our various forms. All that is asked is to be willing to be used by the Master to beautify this world. To share His gospel truths of love, just like the cracked pot. I encourage you to spread Christ wherever you go, to whomever you encounter. Go and spread the fragrance of Christ…Cracked pot and all!! Blessings, Angelique~

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4(ESV) Mountaintops inspire us, but valleys mature us. I read this in a devotional awhile back and felt inspired to share this viewpoint. I researched the internet and found that this quote I suspect, came from Winston Churchill who wrote, “Mountaintops inspire leaders, but valleys mature them.” When you read this quote in the light of God’s Bible and the Christian experience, you know it to be all too true. As human beings, we would all long to have continuous mountaintop experiences if we could. To always have enough. Enough love/relationships via family, friends, and acquaintances. Enough money, possessions, position and/or power. Great health: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Enough happiness and good clean fun in all the pleasures of life. If we are honest, we all would love to just stay on the mountain top. But that is not reality nor in the long run, will it mature and grow us for the earthly times still to be lived; and for our final home, Heaven. The verses above from Philippians 4:11-13 are one of my favorites. What Paul is saying to all of us here is very powerful. We need to learn to be content, whether we are on the mountain top and we have plenty, or if we are in the valley low and in need and want. We must trust and rely on God to bring us through all life’s experiences. To know He is there walking on the mountain top, as well as in the valley. In actuality, He walks with us throughout all life’s experiences! He is there while we’re in the valley ascending the mountain of life to the top. And He is still there with us as we begin life’s descent down, into the valley lows. He has said He will never leave us nor forsake us. So, we can take comfort in knowing that our Savior, is always there. So, do not shy away from your life -valley experiences. Being honest, none of us like to be in the valley. But it is there as the quote states, where we will grow and mature. Just as metal is refined and strengthened in the fire, so shall we be when we come out of our valley. If we allow God to mold us, we will become who He needs us to be here on Earth. Remember, we are all here for a reason and a purpose. Not just for our own ambitions and desires, but to impact this world for Christ. So, whether you are on the mountaintop or in the valley, be content to know that God is right there. Then turn around and help your fellow sister and brother with encouragement. Let them know that they too can continue to walk this journey with their head held high. Let them know they will be comforted. Let them know, they are loved…. Blessings, Angelique~

Luke 1:34 (NIV) 34 Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen since I am a virgin?” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. I recently read the familiar passages in the bible when Mary is visited by the Angel Gabriel and told she will have a son, and that He will be the Son of God. I like many have read this story so many times. This time I thought again (as I have done so many times before) what courage and strength she had, to endure what was to come. But also, what occurred to me, even more, was her faith. God could have sent His angel to her after she was married to Joseph. He could have sent the angel to both her and Joseph at the same time after they were married. If it had been that way, there would have been no fear of what lay ahead in telling Joseph, her family, and possibly the entire town. She would not have to fret over the possibility that Joseph would not marry her, and of potentially being stoned to death. Most of us would have been frightened and so unsure what the future would be, despite an angel coming to us. After the angel left and we were left alone, we all would probably think to ourselves, “Well, what to do now?” What occurred to me is that God allowed it to be this way for a reason. He allowed it to be this way not only for her faith, but for ours and many future generations to come. Mary did not have the privilege of knowing the future or the end of the story at the time she was visited. Despite not knowing her fate, she held fast and firm to her faith in God. Knowing that God spoke to her, she was willing to allow His will to be done in her life, no matter the cost. Moving forward in life, this is a testament to all of us on faith. To trust and believe God and His promises, despite what you see. Even if the outcome you hoped for, does not come to pass, you will still trust Him. We all need to trust God and have faith like Mary. A faith that says no matter what happens, you will move forward in His word and promises for the future. You will not doubt nor waiver, you will remain strong and steadfast. Even in the face of the unknown. Even in the face of fear… Blessings, Angelique~

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 ESV Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:15 ESV In my devotion this morning in one of the stories, the writer talked about moving on and the sadness of having to let go of their house and possessions. Due to unforeseen circumstances, they had to move on to a new chapter of life in a new city, and they were not looking forward to this change. Soon after I finished that devotion, the thought came to me: our attachments. As human beings, we all in some fashion, form various attachments to people, places, possessions, or our ideas of the future. We sometimes have it firmly planted in our minds, what we want out of life. And when things don’t go according to what we want or feel; that’s when disappointment, sadness, anger or even depression may take hold and settle in. During these times I would like to encourage all of us to cling to God even more and to delve deeper into His word. We have to keep in mind that this life we’re living here on Earth, is temporal. This is not our permanent home and everyone and everything will not always remain the same. God will return and set this world to right. In the meantime, we are to focus on His word and what He says of the future. Of course, in the real world, we still have to work, sleep, eat, love and care for ourselves as well as our families. However, we will, and should, have those times of looking toward the future. Of beginning our careers, a family, purchasing a new car or home. Taking vacations, buying various possessions and so on. There is nothing wrong with having dreams or aspirations and at times, achieving those goals. What can be a problem, however, is our total and complete attachments to those ideals. We need to always remember everything, and everyone, belong to God. And He wills and does according to His good pleasure. We really do not own or have control of our future. We need to learn to love God and totally surrender to His will for our lives. Let us all be encouraged to not become too attached to this world and all the goings-on. Instead, let us ultimately look forward to Heaven; where we’ll live forever and have no more sickness, disappointments or death. Blessings, Angelique~ #attachments

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (ESV) I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28(ESV) I listened to a sermon recently regarding true peace. Imagine if you will two paintings that depict peace. One painting is serene and calm with perhaps rolling meadows or the ocean, showcasing sunny, beautiful, clear skies. And the other is dark with tempestuous storm clouds. Very menacing and dark painting. However, in the corner of this painting, there is a little bird that was highlighted. Its head is tilted toward heaven and it’s singing his songs to God, while in the midst of that storm. As it is lifting up praises, God’s light is shone down from heaven. Thinking about the notion of true peace, initially, we all may identify with the first portrait of calm and serenity. Which is beautiful, and there’s nothing wrong with this notation. But actual biblical peace is when chaos is all around, and you are truly comforted, knowing God is in total control. Knowing that He will set everything right, in His time. In the meantime, you will anchor in, and focus on the work he would have you to do in this world. It’s easy for all of us to have peace when everything is going great and our life is good. But the real testing comes when everything is not so good. Do you have peace when a raging pandemic is causing sickness and death all around you? Do you have peace when due to the said pandemic, you’ve lost your job? Do you have peace when perhaps you’ve become sick and have been given a diagnosis, that is not so good? We all need to strive for the biblical peace that God speaks of in His word. The true Godly peace that surpasses all understanding. Not just some understanding. But ALL understanding. For those who don’t have a relationship with God, they may find it hard to understand how you can be like the bird, praising and worshiping God, when all around you is crumbling. I pray that you and I will have that biblical peace that surpasses all understanding. That despite all going on around us, we will remain anchored in God and His word. To understand that having biblical peace is not always a feeling but it’s a knowing, that God will make a way. With this knowledge, you will be able to continue to fight the good fight of faith. Because you know your God has you through it all. So, sing your songs children of God. Sing to your Master sweet songs of praise and adoration, in the midst of whatever challenges and storms you may go through. Because He has you in the palm of his hand. He has you, in the midst of the storm. Blessings, Angelique~ #pandemic #Peace #Storm

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 2 Peter 1:10 (NIV) “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.” I read a story about the Millennium Tower, a fifty-eight story residential building, built in 2008, in San Francisco. There is one major problem with this building; it is crooked and sinking. When it was built, the engineers failed to dig deep enough, in order to lay a solid foundation. Now builders are looking to retrofit the foundation in order to prevent it from collapsing. The problem is the cost of this retrofit. It will be more than the entire cost of the building when it was built. What is the lesson here? Foundations truly matter. With this global pandemic and the resultant fallout, now more than ever we see the need to have a firm foundation; a foundation built upon God and His Word. People are becoming sick and quite a growing number are dying. Others are losing jobs, businesses are coming to a halt, and economic systems are failing on a global scale. What makes it all worse, there seems to be no end in sight. This alone is enough to cause even the bravest among us to begin to lose hope, and to be fearful. However, it is then when we must look to God and His promises to sustain us. In order to look to Him, we have to build a relationship with Him through Bible study, prayer, and church attendance. Even if the church attendance is online, via Zoom or like my church, where we have a drive-in service. Whatever means necessary, we need to firm up our foundation in God and His word. We don’t know if this pandemic will lead to even greater crises or situations. Wherein life as we know it will no longer exist. Or if we will come through this time period and then enter a period of calm before yet another pandemic or crisis occurs. No one really knows for sure where we are in the timeline of Earth’s history, but one fact many Christians agree on: Christ will soon return. However, before He returns, there will be many times of great tribulation as He stated in His word. Knowing this, we all need to work on our foundations so that emotionally, mentally, physically and especially spiritually, we will be able to stand firm and committed to God. Things may get really crazy for just a while, or permanently. But either way, we need to make “our calling and election sure”. As His sons and daughters, we need to move forward in sharing His message to all the world. Life’s foundational shaking and chaos will come to us all. The question will be, “what is your foundation built upon?” Is it built upon people/loved ones? A job/career? Position in the community/world? Money/possessions? If so, we all must realize all of these will eventually be shaken or perhaps gone. What then? My Brothers & Sisters, we must look to diligently build our foundation on God and His promises. Period. God will be with us during this time and always. He loves us so much and wants to spend eternity with us. The events that are happening now, and in the future, must occur as His word says. But know He is there in the midst of it all. If we stay the course with Christ, we will be with Him in glory, and we will be able to say, it was worth it all! Blessings, Angelique~ #Foundation #pandemic