Tag: hope

Focus

3 Ways to Enhance Your Focus

Posted on by Evangeline

Have you heard the  saying, “What you focus on grows”?

Focus is defined in the Webster’s dictionary as a central point of concentration. What you focus on–what you concentrate on and put your attention to–grows in its importance and impact in your life.

Scripture encourages us to focus on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 AMP instructs us on this:

“Looking away from all that will distract us and focusing our eyes on Jesus.“

We focus by looking away from the things that distract us in the natural realm and then fixing our gaze on Jesus, keeping our eyes on His love for us. He gave us a great example of how to focus during the closing days of His life here on earth. As our Savior, he paid no attention to the shame of the cross– He looked away from it. He fixed His gaze on the joy he was destined to experience. The joy grew as He remained focused on it!

An important thing to remember: DISTRACTIONS are the enemy of focus.

Consider your focus as if it was a camera lens that zooms in on one particular item.  You get to see that item very clearly. But, if you spread your camera’s “attention” over multiple items (distractions), you don’t get to see that one thing clearly.

3 Ways to Enhance Your Focus

  1. EXPECT HEALING – Instead of focusing on the symptoms, put your attention on God’s healing Word. Find Scriptures that are specifically related to healing and begin consistently speak them over your life. This will help you to expect healing.
  2. DEAL WITH FEAR – Make a decision to not be distracted by and dominated by fear. Recognize that fear activates the devil’s power. Know who you are in Christ and put on His armor. Be courageous and speak the Word to the “mountain” (Mark 11:23).
  3. EXERCISE YOUR FAITH – Be truth-minded, focused on what God has said about your situation. Take actions that align with the specific scriptures that apply to the circumstances that need to change. Have an active faith!

When we get our heart in line with the Word and put our attention on the Word’s power, we are able to more fully concentrate on the positive instead of the negative.

And as we focus on the positive, life gets better! 🙂

Make a decision to not be distracted by and dominated by fear. Click To Tweet

 

 

hope or hopelessness

Seeking Hope – Where Are You Looking For It?

Posted on by Evangeline

When life challenges you and your circumstances make you feel like the situation is hopeless, where do you find yourself seeking hope?

When I went through dealing with health challenges, whether my own or those of a loved one, I found it harder to get through when I sought hope from sources other than the Lord. But, when I addressed the spiritual aspect of the challenge, it was very helpful to seek hope through focusing on God’s healing Word. Even now, as I’m pressured by external sources, looking to Jesus becomes easier when I concentrate on His promises of goodness and health. For instance, an affirmation of Psalm 107:2,20 reassures me:

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so; He has redeemed me from the hand of the enemy. He sent his word, and healed me, and delivered me from my destructions. (emphasis mine)

Feeling Hopeless?

If you find that you’re feeling hopeless about something today, remember that you are not alone. Abraham felt a deep sense of hopelessness about having the child that God had promised him. However, instead of giving in to that hopelessness, he held on to the Promise. Romans 4:18 TPT gives us insight about that:

Against all odds, when it looked hopeless, Abraham believed the promise and expected God to fulfill it. He took God at his word…

I find that scripture so encouraging!

No matter what you’re facing, choose to find and believe God’s promise about it.  God always keeps His promises so expect it to be fulfilled because.

As we enter into the holiday season, a time when hopelessness can begin to raise its ugly head, I encourage you to be seeking and finding HOPE in God’s Word. It’s the best Source of hope that I know!

My friend, where have you been seeking hope apart from Him?

 

David and Goliath

David and Goliath from a 2020 Perspective

Posted on by Evangeline

It’s a privilege to share a blog post from Cecil Brown, Jr., my cousin. He was telling me about some insights he had unexpectedly gotten from a Biblical story that he had heard many times since he was a child. His experience was so relatable in how we pick up new points from old stories. I hope it will encourage you to remain open to receiving new insights and more confidence as you read, study, and meditate on God’s Word.

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Have you ever re-read a book or re-watched a movie you hadn’t experienced in 5, 10, 20 years only to have a completely new experience with it?  That’s what happened when my spiritual coach suggested I re-read David and Goliath. It is one of the earliest stories I remember from Sunday School. Little guy beats much larger opponent. It’s likely the foundation underdog story in western culture and is unconsciously retold through countless TV shows, movies, songs, and novels. However, it’s also one of those stories that we often gloss over because “I know this already.” I had some surprising takeaways reading this as an adult. A few observations are laid out below.  My observations are by no means original, but I was surprised by how much of the story I had missed all those many years ago.

David didn’t come to fight, he came to bring lunch.

We often find ourselves called to complete small tasks. We may even find ourselves resenting the small tasks, “How did this end up on my plate?” But being faithful to his assigned duties allowed David to be in the right place at the right time. He was able to take on a much larger challenge. The same can be applied to us.

While soldiers responded fearfully, David (a shepherd) was curious.

“What could be in it for me?” There’s a boldness to this way of thinking that could benefit us in everyday life. Thankfully, in modern times there are no 9-foot brutes for us to dispense with. But life is full of tasks that seem insurmountable that with the proper reframing could be seen as opportunities.

Your biggest opposition can come from those closest to you.

In this case, the opposition came from his older brother, Eliab. When attempting something grand (or even mundane), expect that people (perhaps even someone dear to you) will take issue with the goal you’ve set. You may be shining a light on their inability or unwillingness to take on the task themselves. We should learn to accept objections and criticisms as normal and be undeterred by them.

He had a reference point from prior successes.

The heroic actions undertaken were not those of a complete novice. David had honed his skills over many years, having killed both a lion and a bear in the course of his shepherd duties. However, Goliath presented a challenge far greater than any previously faced. David had developed skills and honed his craft but skill development would only take him so far. By giving honor and praise to God for prior victories, he was infused with confidence that God would deliver him through this as well. It was his faith in God’s ability to move through him, that allowed courage to take him over rather than fear.

My challenge to the reader is to revisit what you already think you know about God’s wisdom. There may be some hidden treasure in it for you.

-Cecil Brown, Jr.

Give Your Body a Pep Talk CONSISTENTLY!

Posted on by Evangeline

No matter how long you’ve dealt with infertility or some other condition, you can use God’s Word as a tool of transformation by consistently speaking it aloud. When is the last time you spoke to your body? What did you say to it? If you’re like most people it was a put-down, not a pep talk.

Most people will say things to and about their body that are negative—how they don’t like their hips, thighs, hair, chin, skin, muscle tone, etc.

If you are a child of God, it’s important that you speak to your body as if you’re giving it a pep talk. Speak to  it

Positively…

Gently yet with authority…

Intentionally…

Consistently…

and Scripturally.

Pep Talk

The best things you can say to your body come from what God has said in Scripture; after all, He loves you just the way you are because He made you in His image.

So here’s a short reminder of what to do with your words when you give your body a pep talk:

Speak what you seek until you see what God said.

My Gift to You for Your Pep Talk

To help you with that, I’ve created something that will help you develop/enlarge this habit — it’s a Guide, filled with God’s promises.  Click the button below to download your guide. Speak them as a means of whispering to the Fear that’s trying to invade some part of your life. Use them to thank God for His Presence, His grace and peace, and His willingness to bring good things you.

REQUEST YOUR GUIDE HERE

It’s important to remember Proverbs 18:21–The power of death and life are in the tongue (your words). What YOU say about you matters! So, develop this healthy habit of giving your body a pep talk.

Will you say what God said about being healthy until you see what God said?

Give your body a pep talk! Speak what you seek until you see what God said. Click To Tweet

 

 

SEE: God’s Promises are Always Good AND He’s a Faithful Promise-Keeper

Posted on by Evangeline

This is something I shared recently at our GRACE event. Hopefully, this will encourage you to firmly believe and see that

God’s Promises are Always Good AND He’s a Faithful Promise-Keeper!

Sometimes it’s difficult to see what God has in store for us. But, when we remember that He has a plan for us and that it’s a good plan, it helps us see and experience the manifestation. As a means of living in faith, I believe there are some basic yet vital essentials to see the manifestation of God’s promises. You can easily remember them using the acrostic “S.E.E.”:

S – Speak God’s Word – Find What God has promised in His Word — the Bible– that addresses your circumstances. Consistently say the same thing God has said; let your everyday words align with His.

E – Envision the  Promise – In your mind’s eye, envision what God has promised as if He said it directly to you. There’s so much that He has said about every aspect of life. Write out the promise that applies to your circumstances and then let your thoughts “see” what it’s like to possess what God has promised.

E – Expect the blessing – Sometimes we get so hung up in the problem that we lose sight of the promise. Then it becomes easier to forget to look for the blessing to happen. Live with a higher level of expectancy about experiencing the promised blessing. We need to regard the blessing as likely to happen simply because God promised it.

Hold on tightly to the hope of seeing Gods’ promises manifested in your life!

So now we must cling tightly to the hope that lives within us, knowing that God always keeps his promises!
~ Hebrews 10:23 TPT

 

Print this infographic
and keep it as reminder of how to see the manifestation of all that God has promised!

S.E.E.

 

Be an Optimist – 5 Benefits of Daily Optimism

Posted on by Evangeline

There is increasing evidence that being optimistic about life has measurable benefits, not just for your mental health, but your physical well-being too. Scientific studies have shown that as you become more optimistic, your life will improve in all sorts of ways. You’re even likely to have a longer life, just from being more hopeful and positive.

God’s Word encourages us to be hopeful/optimistic:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13

Here are some of the many benefits of being optimistic:

Optimists are healthier

Optimists not only rate their own health and wellbeing as better, but studies have also shown that optimists have better mental and physical health than pessimists. In a study of the effects of positive psychological well-being, optimism was found to be the biggest predictor of improved heart health. Optimists also have lower blood pressure and cholesterol and a lower risk of developing heart disease.

Optimists live longer

A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that of the 100,000 women studied over eight years, optimists were less likely to die from any cause than women with a more pessimistic outlook.  That was confirmed by a later Harvard study that showed the women who had a positive outlook had a much lower risk (nearly 30% less) of dying from serious illnesses.

Optimists are happier

It might seem obvious that an optimist would be happier than a pessimist. But, it has been shown that optimists are not just sunnier in their dispositions, but they are measurably happier in their relationships, jobs, and life in general. They deal better with stress, are more resilient in bad times, and produce less cortisol, the stress hormone that leads to inflammation and a lowered immune system.

Optimists have smoother career paths

Researchers from Duke University found that the optimistic MBA graduates they studied were more likely to find a job, earn a higher starting salary, and have more frequent promotions than the pessimists in the group. Optimists also deal better with negative feedback, seeing it as an opportunity to improve and increase their chance of promotion in the future.

Optimists roll with the punches

Life’s adversities do not crush an optimist; they remain hopeful about the future. Optimism helps you deal with whatever limiting beliefs you have developed and shows you a way out. Being positive about life’s possibilities means you focus on what you can do. It boosts your confidence and makes you more likely to look for constructive solutions. It stops you feeling stuck or at the mercy of other people. If you’re optimistic, you know you can do it!

 

Exciting News!! Listen and Watch to Get the Update

Posted on by Evangeline

I’m thrilled to share this exciting news with you because I know that you can greatly benefit from it!

Pregnancy Journal

The most recent book I’ve written is a pregnancy journal. WHY? Because when you become pregnant after a fertility struggle, fear creeps in to color how you view and experience your pregnancy. This weekly journal, Conceived by Grace Pregnancy Journal, will help you stay faith-filled so that you enjoy the pregnancy journey.

My co-author, Maria Mwangi, and I decided to share all the pertinent info via a video chat.

Click here to watch the video


Maria and Evangeline

 

AND, here’s more exciting news–

Join us on Saturday, August 22nd, at our virtual fertility event as mighty women and men of God share how they became victorious over infertility/miscarriage. You’ll also be encouraged by God’s promises for your path to motherhood.

 

CBG Event Flyer

 

 

You’ll find more information at www.ConceivedByGrace.com

Conceived by Grace Pregnancy Journal

Don’t Give Up on God’s Promises

Posted on by Evangeline

Are you feeling like you want to give up on God’s promises of fertility? You’ve got to find ways to hold tightly to them so that you don’t give up.

In the Bible, the fourth chapter of Romans tells us how Abraham believed God’s words. God had promised him an heir through his wife Sarah. This divine promise was fulfilled through grace because Abraham had faith in what God had promised. Abraham is a great example of believing what God said. Here’s what the Romans 4:18 TPT says:

Against all odds, when it looked hopeless, Abraham believed the promise and expected God to fulfill it. He took God at his word, and as a result he became the father of many nations. God’s declaration over him came to pass.

If you are feeling discouraged about your fertility, I’ve got good news! I’m planning an event that will bless you. It will encourage you to maintain hope that you will conceive by grace.

When the world shouts, “Give up!”, hope whispers, “Try one more time.”

This online event will be on Saturday, August 22, 2020. No matter where you live in the world, you can view this as long as you have internet capability. So take a moment right now and pencil me in on your calendar. We’re busy creating lots of things that will provide hope if you have experienced infertility, miscarriage, or infant loss. It’s all centered around holding tightly to God’s promises so that you expect victory!

I’ll share more details soon!

Will God Fail to Fulfill His Promises?

Posted on by Evangeline

Has God failed to fulfill his promises? This question is asked and answered by Paul in Romans 9:6-9 to drive home a very important point—that God has NOT failed to fulfill His promises.

“Well then, has God failed to fulfill his promise to Israel? No, for not all who are born into the nation of Israel are truly members of God’s people!  Being descendants of Abraham doesn’t make them truly Abraham’s children. For the Scriptures say, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted,” though Abraham had other children, too.  This means that Abraham’s physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children.  For God had promised, “I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

It doesn’t matter whether it’s God’s promises of fertility, of good health, of prosperity, or of protection. He always keeps all of His promises.

Have you questioned that point? I have from time to time. But I always remind myself that He is indeed a promise keeper! In my laundry room, I’m reminded  of what a good promise keeper He is by a poster I made many years ago…

 

Believe His Promises

 

Promises

So what promise have you pinpointed in God’s Word that you’re waiting on Him to fulfill? Make a decision to remind yourself that His promises have a zero failure rate. That’s right, none of God’s promises have failed. Scripture assures us of this in 1 Kings 8:56 and other passages as well (like Isaiah 45:19).

 

Promise Keeper

 

How will you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises so that, no matter what, you have confidence in them and hold on tightly to them?

Make a decision to remind yourself that God's promises have a zero failure rate. That's right, NONE of His promises have failed! Click To Tweet
giving up

When You Feel Like Giving Up

Posted on by Evangeline

The enemy would like nothing better than for us to give up on our God-given desires and goals.

When we feel like God is not following through on His promises…

When we don’t see the results we anticipated…

We need a plan. A plan that we can count on to pull us through the tears, the fears, and the dread that comes when we experience delay. I think the best plan for maintaining hope and for changing any circumstance in our lives always needs to include the power of God’s Word. The Word is what helps us remember that the God of the universe loves us without fail and is always on our side. The Bible makes it clear that God loves us with a no-matter-what love. Incorporating His promises into our plan makes it an effective battle plan so that we maintain hope and strongly resist giving up.

The Alternative to Giving Up

David encouraged himself when he was on the verge of giving up (1 Samuel 30:6).  You could do the same, couldn’t you?

Here are 4 examples from Scripture that you can use as a part of your battle plan to ultimately live as the victor God created you to be. Use them to keep yourself encouraged about experiencing what God has promised:

  • “But as for you, be strong and do not give up.” – 2 Chronicles 15:7
  • “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial.” – James 1:12
  • “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” – Mark 10:27

  • “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then.” – Ephesians 6:12-14

What other scriptures would you add to this list? Please share one in the comments! 🙂 

The Word is what helps us remember that the God of the universe is on our side and loves us with a no-matter-what love. It makes our plan into an effective battle plan so that we maintain hope and strongly resist giving up. Click To Tweet