Don’t Settle Until You See It

Receiving the promises of God can sometimes be contingent upon carrying out God’s instructions all the way through. Abram had received a promise of becoming the “Father of Many Nations”, but he had to move away from his home in order for the promise to come to pass.

Along his departure, Abram passed through Sichem, which sits in a valley—an in between place. Going further south, he found himself at Bethel. Bethel is known as a place of Transformation.  Abram progressed on, certain of God’s leading, eventually arrived at the final destination.

God’s going to bless you, but not in a place of you being in between; in between decisions or not knowing how to get out. Therefore, you can’t settle in Sichem. On your way to the promise, you will experience transformation. The enemy will confront you in an attempt to get you to believe that you’re lost or you’ve missed God to the point where you become hopeless and discouraged on your journey and believe that you are on some wild goose chase. Despite what he does, the promise was already predestined or predetermined – You have just got keep moving and don’t settle.

When everything around you is showing you the exact opposite of what God has promised you, are you going to keep going a little further? When it may feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, are you going to keep going a little further? When you look crazy to other people are you going to keep going? Don’t let anything separate you from what God has promised you! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and he shall direct your paths! Don’t settle until you see it!

Dr. Amichia 

He Never Take Breaks on You

Have you ever been asked to join a team or perhaps go out to eat or to a movie with a group of friends? What about the time when you joined a small exercise group? Did you found yourself responding with a “No thanks, I’ll sit this one out?" In those moments that we overcommit ourselves or are reluctant about involving ourselves in group activities, we sometimes feel the need to pull away and just take a break. These short breaks that we tend to take, for the sole purpose of regrouping, can sometimes result in growing longer than what we anticipated.

 I found myself just recently in that place saying, “You know what? I need a break. I think that I’ll just take some time off.” Well, it wasn’t a couple days or so after the start of my so-called break that I kept hearing a quiet whisper reminding me that I needed to get back work and bring my break to an end. I’m sure you’ve had those nice, little hints too, right? You ever looked over at that stack of files sitting neatly on a shelf in your office and said, “I don’t want to work on you today”. Hey, it happens to us all! Yeah, those breaks away from work, away from group activities…or just those breaks alone from anything can really, really make a person feel good and glad about the fact of not having to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! 

While breaks are enjoyable and good to have every now and then, God never take breaks on you. From day in and day out, there is not one time that He has put your pile of requests to the side, reared back in his plush executive seat and said, “You know what? Not today!” Now I know that’s a good place to chuckle because you can imagine him with his arms folded and fingers clasped together behind his head. However, God never relinquishes his attention from you nor is he slack concerning his promises. This is what I soo love about him. From the time that we all entered into this world, He has never taken his mind off of us. Those things that are important; those victories (small and great); those insurmountable challenges; those not so-feel good moments…you and I are ALWAYS on the mind of God! Isn’t that great and encouraging to know? I’m reminded of Ps. 34:15 which says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.” Another scripture that jumps out at me is I Chronicles 16:9 AMP which says, “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth so that He may support those whose heart is completely His…”

Partner with Holy Spirit and allow him to get involved in every facet of your daily activities. He offers guidance in letting you know what tasks to take on and what task not to take on. Even in those times when you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, he empowers you with the might and ability to get things accomplished. It is through our connection with the Father above that we engage and consult him for wisdom on managing what we have and eliminating the unnecessary things we have. He who never slumbers or sleep, is constantly on watch and making intercession to make sure that things work out for your good. Even if you think for a second that he’s nowhere to be found, quickly cancel that thought because He has your best interest at heart and is a present help in the time of trouble. “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (I Thess. 5:24). So, as you come back from your mini- vacay, fully rested and ready to go, just remember God never takes a break on you! 

Dr. Amichia

Letting Go in Order to Move On!

What does it mean to forgive and why is forgiveness so important? Forgiveness is about you and I not holding grudges or feelings such as bitterness or anger towards another when we’ve been wronged. It’s important for many reasons. The most important reason of all is remaining in a position of being forgiven by Christ.  The Scripture Matthew 6:14-15 tells us, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” When we forgive, it brings healing to the heart and restores within us an overwhelming amount peace. Additionally, forgiveness prevents one from experiencing health concerns and if nothing else, it’s just a healthy way to move forward in the most fruitful way possible!

Do you recall ever hearing someone say, “Oh just forget about it!” While at times it may not be as easy to do as it sounds, the truth of the matter is that God really does want us to “Just forget about it!” It’s important that you forget about those past upsets and disappointments…those unfaithful and bad dealings! Although you can’t change what was done, you can change its ability of being able to affect you. As long as you continue to dwell over in yesterday land, rehearsing what was done, you are only empowering the enemy to have control over you. The enemy would rather you remain emotionally upset, develop stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. These things are no good because they potentially contribute to weight gain/loss, blood pressure issues and depression, to name a few.

I am thinking of the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16, when they were in jail. Instead of the both of them harboring unforgiveness towards those who arrested them, they chose forgive and spend that time worshipping and praising God. As a result of their ability to worship in a place that was meant to keep them bound, they became free and those that were around them were recipients of freedom as well!

God has too much in store for you to be stuck on what happened or who let you down. Truthfully speaking, you were never designed to harbor feelings of remorse, hurt and the likes thereof because they ultimately destroy you and God CANNOT get any glory from this. You and I were created to give forth praise! We were designed as vessels of honor- called and chosen- purposefully mandated to demonstrate the works of the Lord! Refuse to be a victim of unforgiveness and break free from the pit of depression or sorrow and LIVE! Let the mind of Christ be in you that was also in Him. Greater is He that is in you and I than he that is trying his best to keep us  bound and shatter any ability of walking in love. Let go of yesterday so that you can embrace today and move forward in the great things that await you tomorrow!

Dr. Amichia

Push Through To Victory!

There are times in our life that we will be met with uncomfortable situations. These situations will oftentimes show up unannounced, purposing to leave us in a traumatic state where we are no longer thriving or just barely coping. If one undergoing the challenge does not have a support system to help them endure and overcome, chances are they will end up fighting an uphill battle alone.

I wish that it were possible that we did not have to experience the stings of pain, weariness, and stress that journey alongside uncomfortable times. I often wish that we can learn the take-a-ways and the lessons each experience brings us quickly without ever having to deal with the anxieties of the ordeal. It would be easier to think that with just a blink of an eye, the difficulty would be over and everything would be back to normal. But, it doesn’t work that way.

Psalms 23 implores us that when we find ourselves walking through dark valleys, we are not to fear. In fact, we are to know that we are never walking through them alone. For we have an accompaniment of ministering angels and warfare angels that are contending for us daily. Most importantly, we have presence of the Almighty guiding and protecting us each and every minute.   

So, what is our responsibility while trying to hold up under the hard time? We are to push through to victory! Yep, that’s it! If we’re going to come out on top, we’ve got to keep our eyes on God. We must remain confident, be patient and trust that in hard and unbearable times, deliverance is coming. I would like to offer you a word of encouragement in the truth that no matter the difficulty, pressure, or the seemingly, never-ending countless nights of crying, joy is on the way.  We must endure or bear up BRAVELY under this uncomfortable place. This is the place where we come to experience God’s strength, in our moments of weakness. It’s also in this place where we are vulnerable to God—expressing all of the not so feel good emotions that we are experiencing.  The name of the Lord is a strong tower and the one who runs to the strong tower will be safe. The one who is dwelling in the secret place of the Almighty has refuge.

 Push through by laying your hands on your head and declaring that you have the mind of Christ, when depressive thoughts come! Push through and declare that the Lord is a very present help in the time of trouble, when you feel surrounded by negativity.  YOU WILL NOT FAINT! Tell yourself every minute, every hour, and every moment of each day that you will not die, but LIVE and declare the works of the Lord! The moment you stop fighting, becomes the day that you quit. And this is exactly what the enemy is counting on. But once again, PUSH THROUGH! Not only do you have a host of heaven cheering you on towards victory, but you have the greater one living on the inside of you. Don’t give up. See yourself winning. See yourself coming out victoriously. 

With God All Things Are Possible So….Take The Limits OFF!

What makes the unthinkable or the impossible doable? Or maybe I should pose the question to you this way—what has God placed in your heart to do that’s bigger than you? Are you sitting on a BIG IDEA and have become overwhelmed with thoughts of second guessing and doubt? I have been there and as a matter of fact, we all have been there. Therefore, I want to tell you that God can make the very thing that seems unthinkable, possible. Yes, he really can! You just have to purpose within yourself to know this and become fully confident that HE is capable!

The Lord really does desire to bless you and see you live a prosperous and fulfilling life. In fact, I’m reminded of 3 John 1:2, where it says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”  When you consider the word prosper, it means to excel or go to the highest placed desired! Now that’s worth a shout right there! Yes, I am telling you that wherever you are in your career or phase of life, there is a set place, or rather, a HIGH place waiting for you! Thank you Jesus!

Now the way to get there requires you to stay in faith, take the limits off and most importantly….refrain from getting over into self-effort.  We see the introduction of self-effort over in Gen. 3:17-23, following Adam’s fall and the ground becoming cursed. Self- effort causes you to toil (work hard) to earn something by your own labor. Toiling brings about fatigue, mentally and physically, and it can lead a person into frustration, spinning their wheels, and producing temporary fruit. Do you remember when Peter told Jesus that he and the other shipmates had been toiling for fish all night? My friend, when God gives you something that is FAR BIGGER or unthinkable to do, he never meant for you to do this in your own strength. He never intended for you to toil or struggle trying to make some things happen for yourself.

What He does want you to do is rely completely on the BLESSING! The blessing comes from the Lord and not out of your own effort. You’ve got the Father dwelling on the inside of you and therefore, He is going to be the one working through you. So leave that place of doubt and feeling that it’s far fetched for you to purchase that new home, excel in your career or land that contract. Don’t entertain for another moment, thoughts of “This is just way too impossible” or “I can’t even imagine myself doing this!”  The Father is able to do the unthinkable and the unimaginable and is waiting on you to become FULLY PERSUADED about this! Don’t draw back in your faith and reduce him to this earthly, limited system. He’s a limitless God, so let him BE GOD! I look forward to hearing about the great things you’re going to achieve in the days to come!

~ Dr. Amichia

He Already Know What He’s Going To Do

It is interesting how we sometimes plan the course of our days, schedule vacations and mini get-a-ways…and don’t forget about those pretty, important birthdays of the ones we love! Yet, it still remains that we don’t plan for those unexpected events. Big or small, they somehow seem to slightly throw a perfectly planned day off! Have you ever experienced yourself having an “Oh No!” or an “I totally forgot!” moment?  Yep, me too.

It happens to the best of us! While, we may have been caught off guard or hadn’t planned for the unexpected event, I’m reminded of the time when Jesus was teaching the 5000 folks that had gathered together.  As the day progressed, this multitude of people had become so engulfed and captivated by the Supernatural workings of God and revelation that was going forth, that no one, I mean no one left! Oh how I love those moments when the presence of God becomes soo overwhelming that no one can leave, nor desire to leave. Well, the moment had been soo right and soo breathtaking that time had just escaped the large crowd. The teaching was just too good to pull away from.

I can almost imagine that moment was like when you’re watching a good movie or reading a good book that its soo hard to put it down or take a break! The disciples themselves were just overtaken by Jesus’ teaching, they had absolutely no idea about what was about to happen next. As time had grown late, the disciples summoned Jesus that he should tell the people to leave so they could return to their homes and eat.  Taken aback and caught off guard, the disciples NEVER expected or probably would have imagined the response that was on the cuff of their statement---- Jesus telling them to feed the people. Jesus observing the massive following of people turned to Philip and unexpectedly asked him, “Where will we buy bread for these people to eat?”  John chapter 6:6 tells us that, Jesus was testing Philip, “because He knew what He was about to do.” 

Even when we experience road blocks and unexpected turns in our lives, the Father already know what He’s going to do! It’s in those times where we must remain at ease, undisturbed, and completely rely on our confidence in God’s ability to come to our rescue!  In such a fatherly and comforting manner, he reminds us that He will never leave or forsake us and that He is with until the end of the world.  In fact, it’s in times like these where our Father expects us to gives these kinds of situations to him…for him to demonstrate his MIRACULOUS POWER! 

Are you willing to believe the report of the Lord that He is able to create a way, when it appears that no other ways are possible? Are you willing to trust that the Father can add to what you have in the bank to pay that bill? Can you see him reversing negative scenarios that are currently playing out, and working the entire ordeal for your good? You’ve got to know and be fully persuaded, contrary to what you may see or have heard that the Father already knows and he can NEVER BE TAKEN BY SURPRISE! Your faith is being tested, but as long as you stand on what you know--- TRUTH OF GOD”S WORD---There is no situation, bad circumstance, crisis, or unexpected event that God cannot overturn! Hang in there, rest in him and know that God has your best interest at heart. I am praying for you and believing that you are well on your way to a victorious outcome! Why? Because, the Father already knows what He is going to do for you!

 Dr. Amichia

 Are you getting in the way of God's plans?

How often do you think about the plan of God for your life?  Do you know exactly what you are supposed to be doing in this season of your life as it relates to the things of God?  We often hear and quote the scripture of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts (and plans) that I think toward you thoughts of peace and not of evil, (plans to prosper you) to give you an expected end.” And with a celebrant burst of excitement, we conclude that we have it all figured out and know exactly how God is going to use us and what He’s going to do.

On the other side of this, how often do we sometimes interfere with God's plans? I was prompted earlier this morning to meditate this scripture and decided that I would venture over into transparency land and share my heart with you. For the last two and a half weeks, I had been looking into a particular program of study that had peaked my interest. This program of study would definitely give me the extra letters behind my name,  it will give me extra credentials to support my professional career and it could do things such as put me into a higher environment with other powerhouses or influential people. Here I am, just rambling on and on in my mind about the possibilities of what could potentially become. “With a little bit of sacrifice and dedication over the incoming year, I could be well on my way. After all, I deserve it, I’ve put some personal goals on the reserve shelf years back to attend to important matters in my life, why certainly this is a good time for me now!” You know how we sometimes do, justifying and rationalizing thoughts to make what we want to do work out.

 Nevertheless, I was kindly and ever so quietly jolted by the Spirit of God. He is so precious at how he does things to get our attention. His soft, non-chastising nudge just left me profound as he said to me, “Is this something that could interfere with the plans that I have for you?” B-O-O-M!!!!!

 I want to leave that same question with you today!  Could it be that there are interests and desires and goals that we tend to look into or perhaps want to pursue but yet have completely nothing to do….. I mean absolutely nothing to do with God's plan? You see, some of us have already spent or exhausted a lot of time and invested a lot of our energy and effort into things that have nothing to do with God's plan.  Have you asked God? Did you seek him first? In no means am I coming down on you… trust me, Holy Spirit dealt with ya girl first! If you go back and read my ponderings, it wouldn’t take you long to notice all of the ‘me’ and the ‘I’ phrases. Not for one moment did I consider God! This is exactly why I am soooo grateful for the Holy Ghost, because he will quickly check you in a kind and loving way to bring you back down into the truth of Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the Kingdom of God…..”

We can no longer afford to pursue after endeavors that benefit or appease our flesh, nor can we do another project that’s going to interfere with and delay the plans of God. We can’t, we just can’t.  One thing about this old flesh, it ALWAYS seeks to be gratified and you can never do enough to meet its desire. We have to draw back to the purpose of the Father. Our mission is to fulfill endeavors that God want us to do in this Earth, for his Kingdom. Sometimes we allow our personal desires and will to get in the way because we're trying to get something that will benefit us …but it doesn't necessarily benefit the Kingdom of God or God’s plan. By any means, I am not encouraging you to not have plans for yourself. What I am encouraging you to do however, is make sure that you ask God first.  Prov. 16:9 states, “ A man’s heart devises his way (plans): but the Lord directs his steps.” Ask yourself this: “Is God getting the glory out of this or am I getting the glory?”  As a reminder, we are no longer our own, but we have been brought with a price. Therefore, we must be intentional in our daily activities that we are not involved in, tied down to, or locked in to things that are interfering with God and what He want to do through you, in you , and for you. My conclusion to my ponderings is this- I have got to be in God’s will. If this is something that is not in his plan for me, then I cannot be a part of it. It’ just that simple. Period. I’ve wasted too much time, chasing after things that were never in his plans for me and I paid for it in the long run.

 So I just want to leave that thought with you to day--- God has a plan to prosper you and part of his plan is to bring you to an expected end. So let's get back in the place of seeking God for his plans and seeking God for the things that he desire for us to do.  I love you. I'm praying for you continually. Be encouraged and have a beautiful Thanksgiving holiday ~ Dr. Amichia