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It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV) Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3 (ESV) We all make them. Big plans, medium size plans, and small ones. We make plans on where we’ll go to college, if we want to go to college or join the workforce right after graduating high school. We make plans to date, who we’ll date, whether to marry, to have kids, various financial decisions, where to live and the list can go on and on. Here is the question…do you place your plans before God and seek out His blessing? Or, do you forge ahead with your thoughts and ideas without ever once thinking to ask God for His blessing? In this fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to just forge ahead with our life plans without asking God for His guidance and blessing. And all of us are guilty of this from time to time. However, I would like issue a challenge that as we move forward in life, we’ll begin to ask God what He would have us do with the plans we’ve made. May we begin to ask Him to be involved in blessing and directing our plans, our thoughts and our actions, as we move forward with our lives. One may then ask, how exactly do we go about doing this? Many people have said they do not hear God’s voice audibly, telling them to do this or that. Some will not hear His voice audibly however, there are those of us who have heard it but not always. But if one prays and asks God to bless the plans, thoughts and their actions, doors and opportunities will open up that were before impossible; if it’s within His will. You will know God is blessing when you feel and believe the path you are on is ordained and sanctified by God. However, we all must remember that these plans and ideas we form, cannot be contrary to His word and precepts. Therefore, do not ask God to bless plans that you know are illegal or immoral. Let us remember that every detail of our future is already known to God. As the verse above says, “It is the Lord who goes before you..”. So, make your plans, map out your strategy, and then commit it all to God. And with faith, confidence, and belief it is within His will, God having gone before you, will prepare the way. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise. Luke 8:54 (NKJV) In the Bible, the story of Jairus and his daughter shows how Jesus had to put the doubters away from what He needed to do. This leader of the synagogue came to Jesus asking Him to come to his home and heal his daughter (Luke 8:40-56). By the time they made it to his house, the mourners stated she was dead. Jesus told them to not weep as she was only sleeping and they laughed and mocked Him. It is then He put them all out except the child’s parents and three of His disciples. After this was done, Jesus healed and brought Jairus’s daughter back to life. How many times have you come across people who are doubters/mockers that cause you to doubt your belief and faith in God? Now, to be clear, all of us have had situations where we asked God for miraculous signs and it was not granted. I believe we all know there will be times when God may not grant all of our petitions. But today’s focus is on individuals who ridicule our faith, belief and trust in God, seeking to plant seeds of doubt in our lives. Many times life can be hard for all of us and the last thing anyone needs during difficult times is to be surrounded by doubters and mockers. If we come across these individuals, we must adopt the same approach as Jesus did; kindly but firmly move them away or, seek to move away from their negative talk and behavior. Granted, in these uncertain times in our world today, it is understandable many will become doubters and even mockers. However, if possible and they are willing and open to listen, this would be a great time to witness to them about God and His ultimate plan for all of humanity. However, if they refuse to listen and continue with their mockery, then it is time to move on. At that moment, all one can do is pray and hope for the best for them. From time to time there will be people who will offend and criticize God and your faith and belief in Him. However, when you are facing a crisis or a depressed time in your life, seek to surround yourself with people who will pray and stand with you on God’s word. Look to those who will help reinforce your belief in Him for the answers. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV) Living in today’s world can be a scary place. One can fear for the safety of our loved ones and friends, have fear over economic as well as health challenges, and the list can go on and on. Currently, in various societies around the world, there is a lot of animosity, anger, and hatred that’s just boiling under the surface waiting to be unleashed or, it has been unleashed onto various unsuspecting individuals. And due to this animosity/hatred, it stands to reason that a few segments of the human population can and will have a greater fear than others. However, when we go to the Bible, what does it say about being afraid? During my study, I came across a devotion that reminds us that within the Bible, God‘s word declares 365 times to not be afraid. He has given us this reminder that we can read and say daily throughout the year. As I’ve written before, the Bible is God‘s instruction manual to His children on how to live their best life. So within that manual, God has given instructions 365 times for us to not fear. This is really significant and so important that our Father felt the need to have this phrase repeated over and over throughout the scriptures. God knew that His children will face many trials and testing while here on Earth and He knew they would need that daily dose of encouragement. Living day-to-day and with challenges on every side, sometimes we can lose sight and will at times be gripped with fear and anxiety which is understandable. But hopefully, this blog post will cause us to stop and think that we are His sons and daughters, and He has told us we will have ups and downs but, do not be afraid. So, our challenge as God’s children is to go out and live our lives according to God‘s will and share His word with the rest of the world. May we fully embrace and accept God’s commission to go and teach the good news to others, to be a blessing to all we meet, and to teach them to Not Be Afraid!! Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15 (ESV) Do you feel that God loves a certain class of people versus another class? Do you feel some are worthy to hear God’s messages and to be saved, and others are not? If so, you are exhibiting the same behavior and attitude Jonah had in the Bible. Last week we discussed using our gifts and talents to spread God’s messages throughout the world. This week we’re focusing on our willingness to spread God’s word to all people, not just the ones who look and act like we do. In various polarize societies around the world, racism, sexism, religious bigotry, etc will cause some to forget that every person on this planet was created by God. God chose their genders (male and female), He chose their different colors, shapes/sizes, the part of the world where they would be born, etc. When we look around at everything God created (animals, plants, oceans/rivers, the weather, etc.) it is not hard to see that the Creator of the Universe loves diversity. And when one reads God’s word, they understand and know He loves everyone and wants His messages shared with all. In the book of Jonah Chapter 4, God takes time to show and explain to Jonah that he has no right to pick and choose who he feels is worthy to receive God’s love and forgiveness. We are not to judge others by their current lifestyle or their past and decide who is worthy of God’s love. ALL of us are God’s children and ALL of us are loved and precious to Him. One can understand from God’s teaching to Jonah, that He wants His message of love and forgiveness to be spread throughout the world. So, the encouragement for us this week is to spread God’s message of hope, faith, love, forgiveness, and peace, to all we meet regardless of what we may think about them and their circumstances. As we go forth, let us remember the final departing words of Jesus as stated in Matt. 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me. Jonah 1:1-2 (ESV) Have you in the past or are you currently running away from what God has told you to do? In the book of Jonah, God told the Prophet Jonah to go and preach His message of repentance and forgiveness to the people of Nineveh. But Jonah took it upon himself, not to go because he felt the people were not worthy to receive God’s message of repentance, forgiveness, and love. Instead, he tried to run away from the duties God gave him. The point I would like to share is this: are you also running away or avoiding what God has directed you to do? When I started writing this weekly blog well over three years ago, I did not start it right away when God told me to (see the blog titled Introduction). I did not so much as “run away” as I ignored or dismissed the instructions from God. I thought at first that this random thought just popped into my head for some crazy reason and I ignored it. That of course is normal and can happen to anyone. But when God came back to me again and again, I knew it was not “random” and it was an assignment from God. And every week, by God’s Grace, I continue to write what He imparts for me to share. Now your turn. What gifts or talents has God given you to use in your ministry? Every human being is a child of God who has been assigned gifts to be used for the uplifting of His kingdom. There are many gifts given, for example, some are comforters and have the gift of encouragement. Some are writers, teachers, preachers/evangelists, helpers, and administrators. Some have the gift of hospitality and others are prayer warriors. Whatever gift you have been given, are you using it to share God’s messages with those around you? There will be some who feel they’re not qualified to share God’s word with others. Some feel due to their past, they cannot be a witness for God. But this notion is further from the truth. None of us have perfect qualifications in sharing God’s wisdom and messages with the world. It is only by the Grace of God, that we can undertake this mission of sharing the gospel. I’ve heard it said many times before, God doesn’t call the qualified but He qualifies the call. So, do not run away from your gift but, use it to share God’s words of love and hope with all the world. Also, do not feel you’re inadequate to carry out your ministry. Whether your ministry will be great or small, move out in faith and believe that He will be with you, will teach you, and sustain you, as you move forth doing His will. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (ESV) Do you remember the story of Hannah in the Bible? Hannah was married to Elkanah who had two wives. His first wife had multiple children but Hannah had none after years of marriage. During that time in history, it was imperative for women to marry and to give birth otherwise, due to social stigma, they would be looked down upon as being less than other women. In her grief, Hannah prayed and cried out to God for a child. She vowed to God that if He gave her a child, she would dedicate the child back to God to be raised as a priest. God answered her prayer and after some time she gave him to Eli, the head priest at that time, to be raised in service to the temple. The main thought of this story I wanted to bring out is how Hannah truly dedicated her son to the Lord and that as parents, we too need to do the very same. In today’s societies, for the most part, parents would not physically give their children away to be raised by another. But the same principle of dedicating our children to God should still apply. From Bible times to now, parents have been dedicating their children to God through baby blessings, baptisms, etc. Not only are they seeking to dedicate their children but, they are seeking to dedicate themselves by committing to raise them with Godly precepts and principles. As our children grow to adulthood and make their own choices, if we did our best in bestowing God’s truth during their formative years, we can feel confident of the Godly foundation we poured into them. We can feel truly blessed to know we were partners with God in raising His children. In addition, we can rest assured that whatever path/direction God chooses to use our children, it will be for the building up of His Kingdom. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 Whatever! This word, as it’s used in our modern-day era, can have a negative connotation attached to it. Many have used the “whatever” moniker to dismiss a situation or individuals as if what they are saying/doing is of no importance. Being used in this matter gives off a very condescending tone and many individuals have come to hate the word because of those negative undertones. However, as we see in God’s word from today’s passage, this word is not being used negatively nor is it being used to dismiss anyone. In the breaking down of this verse, let’s see what God is saying: Whatever is true…God is asking that our lives be one of truth. Where we seek it out and have truth be a part of our lives continuously. Whatever is honorable…Choosing to live a life of doing what is right for others, as well as in every situation. To seek a path that is not deceitful but one that shows high honor, always. Whatever is just… Live a life of being fair and honest in your everyday dealings with situations and others. Whatever is pure…Seek goodness and purity in life. Do not seek that which is impure and wicked. Whatever is lovely…Seek the good in life. In what you allow in your presence, especially what one may read, watch or listen to. Whatever is commendable…Seek to live a life where others will offer praise due to your consistent behavior and attitude toward life and others. Not that you are doing good to be praised but, you always seek to live a life of integrity that others will notice. God is looking for His children to lead a life that overall exhibits excellence in what we think, say, and do. One cannot control the negative connotation of the word ‘whatever’ as used by some but, we can strive to put into practice the ‘whatever’ God has outlined in His Holy Word. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

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) Mary the mother of Jesus was near the end of her pregnancy when her husband Joseph stated, they both had to travel to Bethlehem to register for the census. She like any other woman, who is preparing to give birth, would not choose to make such a journey at that stage of their pregnancy. Mary probably prayed earnestly asking God to have the trip delayed or for her not to have to go at all. But, she likely had the same attitude as she did when the angel gave her the news, that she would be the mother of the Son of God. Mary may have known about the prophecy regarding the birth of the Savior, that was to take place in Bethlehem however, she more than likely did not know of all plans that were set in motion and awaited their arrival. Some of the universe’s plans were: going to Bethlehem to register for the census, all the inns being full and they were given the stables as an alternative, the star in the sky shining brighter than ever before, the shepherds being told of the Savior’s birth, the Three Wise Men traveling to see this earthly marvel and who started their journeys (separately from their own countries) weeks before to arrive on time, Herod’s pride and jealousy, now at a high point where he would make the fateful decisions that he made. All of the above were plans set in place and were foretold many years before through the prophets. So, despite Mary’s prayers and desires, God’s plan to announce the birth of His son far exceeded her and Joseph’s temporary discomfort. As God’s children, we live life to the best of our abilities day by day. We have no way of knowing what the future holds for our lives or the lives of those around us. What we do know is that if we are connected and stay connected to God (the ultimate life source) no matter our future paths, all will work according to His timing and His purpose. I understand this notion can at times be painful to accept due to unforeseen loss. However, even if we do not understand fully now in our present life, we will understand in the eternal life yet to come with God. So, at times when we pray and feel the requests we make to God are small and of no consequence, pray and ask God anyway as He loves hearing from His children. And if/when those prayers are in His master plans, what you prayed for (and perhaps even more) will be granted to you. But, let us not fail to realize that God looks at the entire plan of life that we do not and cannot see. So if He does not grant our prayers, do not feel God does not hear nor care because He cares and loves us all very much. If we become disappointed or discouraged, may we remember the example of Jesus’s mother Mary, as well as many others throughout the Bible. “Dear Lord, may we pray to thank you for all you have provided, make our requests known, and ultimately state: may your will be done in our lives now, and always. Amen.” 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) Have you heard it said the Christian journey is not a sprint but a marathon? This statement is so true about life in general. I recently heard a sermon where the pastor preached that after we have gone through tough situations in life, we expect nothing but smooth sailing after having endured the hardships. We feel that once we’ve overcome, everything will be great and life will be good as we move forward. However, we fail to realize that sometimes our expectations, may not be in line with God’s plan. Many times in the Bible, various biblical characters had to overcome challenges and hardships, only to find more to come in the roads ahead. One must know the Bible is an account of God and His interactions with mankind after sin and its unfolding aftermath since creation. We need to realize there is a larger picture regarding life for all of mankind and that we cannot see nor fully understand it but, God does. And as His children, we need to adjust our wants/expectations to God’s ultimate will. We must realize that with the hardships we endure, God has strengthened us and will continue to do so as we forge ahead in this life. Of course, there will be times when we do have that blissful rest and great happiness after having overcome hard life situations. But, if we don’t have the rest we expect when we expected, we still must hold fast and know that God will bring us through. May we look at life with positive, expectant hope for our lives and our future. But with this outlook, may we ultimately trust in God’s plans and timing for our lives. If there seem to be trials that never end, I pray that you will just hold on and be able to endure. Be encouraged to keep moving forward and allowing God to strengthen you, as you forge ahead. May you be resilient and never give up and never lose faith/hope in God, and His ultimate plans. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) On your commute from your home to work, school, or running errands, have you ever stopped to thank God for your safe arrival? Many of us take for granted our goings and comings as we transverse this life. We take credit for our own safety and/or we give credit to other people, other objects, or environmental/structural designs of a place. But, have we ever stopped to think that our well-being and safety are not because of these individuals or things but, it is by the hand of God and His Holy Angels, who are continuously protecting and preventing calamity towards us? For instance, a quick trip to a store could have had so many detrimental obstacles that we did not even consider. For this “innocent/harmless” trip, Angels could have been working tirelessly to prevent harm that Satan and his angels have concocted for our destruction. And it is not just physical pitfalls they are preventing from occurring but, they also can prevent certain harmful people or situations to come and bring harm to our lives. Now, does this mean that we all can go through life and never experience harm in some form? No, it does not. I won’t attempt to debate why some go through really hard/difficult situations and others, seemingly not so much. However, one thing is certain, every human being on this planet will face hard/difficult times. Knowing this, we can take comfort in knowing God and His Angels will be with us every step of the way. I for one have a goal to make Heaven my permanent home. And when I get there, I intend to seek out Jesus and ask Him the hard questions that could not be answered here on Earth. Until then, may we seek to glorify and thank God always, for His continued protection from people and situations, seen and unseen. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

You keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) We live in a very chaotic, unstable world where it’s hard to find true contentment and peace on a consistent basis. Because we live in this sinful world, we all from time to time, will feel agitated and not in a state of true peace/contentment. So, one question people grapple with is this: ‘How does one function in life according to God‘s word, while trying to find peace when you don’t feel it? When you’re in an environment that does not promote a peaceful atmosphere?“ We all may have heard it said many times from those who are older and mature, that the kind of peace we seek, is only found in a relationship with God. It can be obtained by studying and applying His word to our lives, by attending a Bible-believing /teaching church, and, by having a consistent prayer life. For us to have true peace, it will be up to us to have faith to believe everything will eventually be okay, despite not seeing or feeling the contentment we seek. It is easier to have belief and faith in what we see and feel. However, it’s difficult to have true peace or faith, when you don’t feel it and you don’t see any change in the current situation. Do you recall the story of the little bird fast asleep in the clef of a rock while a fierce storm raged around him? This little bird did not waste energy fretting. He knew to just hold on and maintain trust in God, and eventually, the storm will cease. May we all seek to be like that little bird, trusting and having faith that God will be with us, and He’ll calm our storms, despite what may be occurring around us. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (ESV) For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. Psalm 18:28 (ESV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 (ESV) “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In this world, there’s a lot of darkness in the form of hatred of others due to the way they look, their religious beliefs, their sexual orientation, their wealth or poverty, their social standing in society, etc. There is also envy and covetousness of another person’s objects or of the people who are connected to them. Beyond what is listed here, there are numerous other people, places, things, and situations, we know are also connected to evil or the darkness of this world. Even though there is evil and darkness in this sinful world, God gave all of us a way of escape through His Holy Word, belief/faith in His Son Jesus Christ, and listening to His Holy Spirit, the Comforter. When we live every day according to God’s holy precepts, we are lighting a candle that will and can, dispel the darkness. There will be times we may not see the darkness dispel but trust and believe, our light of God’s truth and love is working. I believe we all know that one lone candle or source of light, can fight back the darkness and, light a room or a dark area. Light always can dispel darkness. And the light we can choose to have by being connected to God will be able to shed light on our life’s path as well as the path of those around us. As it states in the first part of Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world…” and continuing in verse 16 it says this: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.” May we seek to be the light this world so desperately needs. Let us light our candles of God’s promises of love, hope, peace, and kindness to all we meet. Every day as you live life, light your candle and keep it burning. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com #Candle