Lost and Found

On By Tanisha TaylorIn Uncategorized, Victorious Living2 Comments

When my kids were young, they’d sometimes come home with less than I sent with them to school – especially in the winter. New jacket, coat, etc… “Where’s your…..?” I’m sure if you’re a parent, you’ve asked this question many times! And kids RARELY know where they left something. So the parent then tries to ‘help’ them remember: “Where was the last place you had it? Inside/Outside?” Finally, the child is told to look in the Lost and Found area when they return to school.

/ˌlɑːst.ənˈfaʊnd/ The term ‘Lost and found’ defined: an office in a public building or area where people can go to retrieve lost articles that may have been found by others; practically all will either sell, give away, or discard items after a certain period has passed to clear their storage.

Why are you telling us this TT, we know what Lost and found means.

I’m glad you asked! It’s important to know where you are; where life and its experiences have taken you. What course are you presently on and whether or not it lead you to your God ordained destiny? This year has thrown so many for a loop. Sickness, Death, family drama and family destruction, catastrophe, pandemic, repeat… and not all of us have landed in the right places. I literally got the downloaded reminder from God today that I was rescued from Lost and found! I’m no longer in that place! The cycle that previously sucked me in was no longer holding me. I was reminded that the curse was broken back on Calvary… I just had to return (or be returned in this case) to my proper place…. GOD FOUND ME!

Just like the shepherd in Luke 15, he left the 99 to search for the one (us) when we stepped out of place and got lost. Who else searched for you when you were lost? Who selflessly left everyone else to make sure you made it back safely and didn’t get thrown away by the world?

Let this be your reminder that you are recklessly loved by God; he made you in his image; nothing can separate you from his love, He cares about everything concerning you; he has promised you a secure future, he rejoices over you with singing; His love for you will never change or end; He sacrificed his ONLY son to secure your connection to him; He called you righteous. I could go on and on about how much he loves you and me!

Be encouraged my friend. When you feel like you’re no longer necessary, that life has chewed you up and spit you out, when you think you can no longer hold on, GOD IS LOOKING TO RESCUE YOU!!! You don’t have to remain lost. You don’t have to be strong; I love the way Paul puts it in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me” The Passion Translation.

Live in victory….

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wild thoughts

On By Tanisha TaylorIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

In DJ Khaled’s song ‘Wild Thoughts’ featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller, there’s an obvious attraction between two people. They both agree when they are around each other, all they get is Wild Thoughts.

Have you ever been there? In a season of life when focusing on what you knew you should be doing was hard? Even when getting confirmation that what you were doing was timely and on point, it was just hard to focus… Everything seems to be a distraction. Maybe it’s the past, a situation that still haunts you; the loss of a loved one; loss of income; a struggle you’re not sure you’ll be able to handle; a heart that seemingly wont heal… Your mind is everywhere, EXCEPT where it should be.

I feel like I’m in such season. I should be writing, but while researching, I’m looking at other things. While journaling, I’m venting more than being inspired. My dreams are sometimes chaotic, like someone changing channels on TV, when you’re really just trying to watch your favorite movie.

What’s going on with your thoughts today? How are you managing distractions? How we think directly affects our actions, how we feel about things, people and ourselves. And if our thoughts aren’t managed well, they can lead us into places we never should have gone. We can develop a reality that is not supportive of our destiny. The struggle is real.

Like everything else, God has a remedy for the wandering mind, the anxious, random, wild wild thoughts. Philippians 4:8 reminds us of what to think about when we’re in the above situations. I love the way the Amplified version says it: “Finally, [b]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].”

God, calm my thoughts… Bring my focus back to the unfinished, the things I should have started a LONG time ago; the things that align me to your plan for my life. God I pray for the person reading this, that they think on the great things described in your Word. I pray that anxiety, confusion and chaos not be a part of their everyday life and that they focus on you, our source, our guide and the one who loved us first. I pray our wild thoughts transform into ones that bring love, hope, peace, healing and wholeness. In Jesus’ mighty name, AMEN!

When God?? Even Now…

On By Tanisha TaylorIn Uncategorized, Waiting on GodLeave a comment

Have you ever asked God when he was going to move in a situation that seems to be going on and on and on?

You know, I’ve been so focused on the fact that God has not moved in my life like I’ve prayed for him to; so aware of the dead situations in my life that I’ve forgotten to LIVE. I failed to be attentive to the things I should be doing in the midst of the process. I’ve procrastinated, been unfocused, been slothful; have given my time and attention to the wrong things… and people. I’ve allowed myself to be drained by unnecessary hindrances.

AND MOST OF ALL…. I sometimes forget that God is not slack concerning his promises. And you shouldn’t either. Even though some situations seem hopeless, I’m reminded of the death of Lazarus and reactions of his sisters Mary and Martha when Jesus finally reached Bethany. They were quick to let Jesus know if he had been there, Lazarus would be alive.

But Jesus reminded them that if they believed, they would see the glory of God. The miracle served the purpose of showing the timing of God. Lazarus was allowed to die so that Jesus’ power over death could be made known.

‘With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. ‘

Matthew 19:26

Bottom line, God is there, Even in the midst of whatever you’re dealing with. Even though the prayer hasn’t been answered; even though you’re tired of wondering when ‘it’ will happen. (Trust me, I’m reminding myself as well.) We have a promise that we should chase, more than looking at the situation… that he will never leave us, nor forsake us. If we shift our focus to HIM, sudden miracles will have room to manifest!

What are you believing God for? What has he told you to do that you have yet to complete? What are you waiting for? Get to it!

Speak Life? Yeah, Really!

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One of the greatest take-aways  from Genesis 1 is that God didn’t wonder what could be possible; He spoke it into existence and it was. We see several instances where He or Jesus told someone to speak to something to get a specific result.

Manifest

 

Yesterday, I spoke to Hurricane Michael, to lights in the area, and truly believed that the power that works within me would produce. We didn’t lose power, but lights in our immediate area were restored shortly after the storm passed through. This morning, I spoke out loud while getting ready for work about having fruit with my breakfast. I stopped at Food Lion and brought said fruit but as I got off the elevator at the office, was told that ‘there is fruit in the kitchen’. Coincidental? Of course the naysayers will say it was. But the way my faith is set up…. Nah…

I said all that to say, our words have always had power. If you don’t believe it, start speaking life to your situation… Or look back at times where you have spoken death or negativity in your life and look at the pattern that produced…

IF you’re going to be bold enough to speak something into manifestation, believe that you will see it.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue AND they that love it (whichever you chose) shall eat the fruit thereof.” Prov 18:21

#seasonofmanifestation #SayItBeforeYouSeeIt #SpeakLife

So Conceited

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Recently, a friend of mine joked at a comment I made about a blemish on my face.. I said I wanted my skin to look perfect, we laughed and I was told “You’re so conceited”. Although the statement was made as a joke, it took me back to a time where I really WAS conceited.

DictionaryConceited

While I was growing up, I was super spoiled, the only girl and the youngest. My dad placed me up on a pedestal and set me up to believe I was very important, a princess, black royalty; all things that a father should do; until you think you’re better than everyone else and come to expect that treatment from everyone, all the time. I got away with a lot, until my mom got fed up. 🙄 I played sides and did what I had to do to get my way. But when I was a teen mom, feeling disgraced, the sting of shame (See a previous blog (Black Sheep); When I was in college in an abusive relationship, or when I’ve gone through some of my hardest challenges as an adult in recent years, I used conceit as a blanket to disguise pain, grief and fear. I fronted as if all was well.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that the mask started coming off. I was tired of cycles in my life. As with any deep issue, the symptoms show before the root of the issue is exposed. I asked God to reveal some things about myself to me… It was not cute. But it helped me to face the things that kept me hiding behind masks of who I thought I had to be. I wanted people to think I had it together and that I was ok. I wanted people to think the very best of me, and looked for affirmation from others. I didn’t even consider that I was dealing with other broken people and that they could never affirm me. I presented myself well, but as we all know, all that glitters isn’t gold. Makeup only conceals the top layer of our skin. .

So how do you come back down from your pedestal? The bible says in Romans 12:16 ‘Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend (to come down from, submit) to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.’ ESV. Pride is a major issue for so many of us. We think we are able to deal with whatever we’re going through, because we are selfishly dealing with things on our own terms. But pride and conceit, makes you forget that you have a perfect God who can deal with any issue you face. You ultimately have to change the way you think. If we are admonished to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds, It must be the key to every change that we need to make.

Trusting God, making him a priority and honoring him as number one in your life allows you to see things from His perspective. The Holy Spirit can open your eyes and help you get down from that high place.

Do you need to examine Pride in your life? Are you conceited?

Black Sheep

On By Tanisha TaylorIn Uncategorized6 Comments

Black Sheep

The worst thing in the world is to be a part of a family that you feel like you’ve failed. That’s exactly where I found myself 28 years ago when I finally had to fess up to being pregnant. I was 16, a junior in High School. I had a plan, dreams, goals and in just a few months, those would be altered. I tried everything to make all of it go away. I met with someone from The Children’s Home Society, I tried abortion – couldn’t, I was told I was too close to the 20 week mark… I was a baby having a baby. Everyday all I could see was the utter disgust and disappointment of my biggest fan club, my parents. When you’re the only girl and youngest of a family with 3 boys, you likely have had life handed to you, the spoilage was REAL. But this was something I wasn’t cute enough to get out of; something I couldn’t pout my way out of. I messed up bad. I was absolutely the Black Sheep of the family.

The shame of my pregnancy nearly crushed me, so for a long time, I hid it from whomever I could. I continued to march in the band, work at Walmart Snack Bar (Hey.. this was the early 90’s). I even thought I would still have my ‘coming out’ and participate in the Debutante Ball… Not a chance. This and the rejection of family, friends and church people that had known me all my life was like the nail in a coffin. I felt like life was over. The thing about being a Black Sheep, is that you kinda stand out without really trying. You are either someone that people run from, or someone that people tried to get close to… Somehow, I was neither. I just didn’t fit, period. I’ve ALWAYS struggled with rejection and this was a beginning point, the root of it all.

Fast forward to present day, our oldest, the son of my youth is an awesome 27 year old young man, who wows me everyday with his words of wisdom, his weekly new music drops (He’s a rapper y’all: Check Him Out.) I’m so proud of who he is becoming. My parents, though disappointed, supported me through college and just life in general and I’m so grateful for that. But because I never dealt with the rejection and self hate, those things continued to plague me as time went on.

The Spirit of Rejection has destroyed so many lives and hold so many people captive. Until we realize that our worth is not about the things we’ve done, the challenges we’ve endured, not what people think of us, but WHO GOD SAYS WE ARE, we will not be able to fulfill God’s plan for our lives. I didn’t have a healthy grasp of this growing up. So It took me years to forgive myself and allow God to change my perception of myself. My being set apart was preparation for what God is currently doing in my life. I still feel left out at times; not chosen, not invited, not mentioned, overlooked… BUT GOD. I know there’s someone reading this that feels the exact same way. Don’t despair; He’s kept us hidden for such a time as this.

Romans 8: 15-16 says “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God”  The Strongman of Rejection can no longer overpower us! We no longer have to succumb to that dark power. God has accepted us through the blood of Jesus and we are HIS! Join me in casting down the lies the Spirit of Rejection tells us by:

  • Renouncing rejection. Know your identity. Study the Word of God for the Truth of who you are.
  • Asking God to help you get over the need to be accepted by people.
  • Stop seeking revenge on the people who have rejected you. God is our vindicator and he allows some rejection to keep you away from things and people you don’t need in your life. Every NO isn’t rejection!

I pray all Black Sheep will rise and be the incredible people that God created you to be. Be encouraged: For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

When Nothing Else Matters

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I love that Jesus had a human side. It lets me know that it’s Alright to allow myself to feel what I am dealing with. In this season of celebrating Resurrection, I’ve thought about the life of Jesus, his unfailing love and relentless pursuit of saving the lost and his ultimate sacrifice . At what point do we even consider sacrificing anything for someone else?

I think about the thoughts that Jesus may have been thinking right before he was taken to stand before the court and later be crucified. One account of the story is in Matthew 26. As Jesus sat in the garden of Gethsemane, he mentions that his soul was full of sorrow, to the point of death. He was in agony over what was to come. He begged his father God 3 times to let this cup pass from him; Give him a way out of the vicious death of the cross, Let there be another way to make all this happen… but each time in the end, his desire was to fulfill the WILL OF GOD. He said “if this cup cannot pass from me, nevertheless, Not MY will, but THY WILL be done.

I had to put myself in this story and relate it to my present life. How many times have I wanted to do something my way, or wanted something to go a certain way, and it just wasn’t going to happen? Jesus knew that he had to go forward because if he didn’t, scriptures would not be fulfilled. WHAT IF we had the mentality of actually wanting God’s will for our lives, and knowing something else – someone’s deliverance, someone’s destiny or OUR destiny would not be fulfilled until we submitted to the Will of God? Until we, who profess to be Christians, actually submit to God, we will never know the fullness of what God has for us. Nothing else matters until we give our all to God.

I thought to myself, I feel Jesus on wanting out because I wouldn’t want to suffer and die for people who have picked on me, rejected me, talked about me, betrayed me or didn’t acknowledge me. Listen, I can keep it real. People will make you want to to stay right in the flesh and act a whole fool. BUT GOD! I realized that more often than not, I have found myself doing just that… dying daily and being subject to the will of God, whether I wanted to or not. Not because I was so excited to serve and appeal to man, but because there is pure joy in serving and submitting to an amazing God.

 

Think about this: What have you done lately that shows your commitment to God? How have you presented yourself a living sacrifice? What if Jesus was as rebellious as we are? What if he did what he wanted to do and not what was purposed for him to do?

I pray that you will press deeper into God. When we trust him fully, we’ll see great things occur in our lives. God’s track record is good, and the fact that Jesus is STILL alive gives us unending hope.

I Don’t Like Waiting!

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The Lord is not slack concerning his promises, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-wars, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

I’ve been looking back at several of my old journals; I do this frequently as they carry many prayer requests and just really me pouring my heart out on paper. What I noticed is that there are repeat seasons in my life, prayers that I seem to STILL be praying, things I still believe God for. And I won’t stop believing until the prayers are answered. I don’t know about you, but I HATE waiting.

Though I’ve gotten more patient is areas in my life, there are just some things that I admit I’m tired of praying for; A situation that just won’t get better, or isn’t my definition of better, family issues that seem to multiply, and on top of it all, being somewhat in the spotlight. UGHHH… I just get so frustrated.

But as I literally sit here and type this, listening to Worship Mob’s version of Good Good Father, I am reminded of how awesome God is. How amazing he is, even when we don’t feel as though he is moving in our lives. The verse that jumped out to me before I started typing was 2 Peter 3:9. God hasn’t forgotten what he promised us. God is not slow to answer prayer. His faithfulness is something we can’t fathom; he never lets us go, even though we stop wanting to hold on.

 

Listen, whatever you have prayed for, It’s on the way. Be encouraged and don’t let go. People have failed us, and we have been let down and full of frustration. BUT GOD!!!!! He is coming to heal you, He is coming to make a way out of no way, He is coming to comfort you, to provide for you. He’s coming to heal marriages, to bring your children home. He’s coming to provide jobs, to break strongholds, to destroy soul ties; He is coming to break up the fallow ground of your heart and replace it with a heart of stone! I decree those things and more over your life right now! Hold fast, believe it, and EXPECT IT!!!

 

What have you been waiting for God to do? I partner with you in prayer and believe God for your breakthrough!

 

Not So Merry Christmas

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Bad Christmas

 

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2: 6-7

Bah Humbug!

… A few more days until Christmas. Every area of the city and even the rural areas are packed with people racing to fulfill the wishes of kids and adults alike; chasing the mighty Christmas gift. To some, this season is the culmination of a long awaited item, a full calendar of events of services, gatherings and a break from work and school. Meanwhile to others, it’s considered the worst time of the year.

I am one of those that fit in between all of the above. I love what the season stands for; the birth of Christ Jesus, the spirit of giving and normally joy and celebration. But there are so many of us, who are waiting for Monday, December 25th to be over! If a few people reading this would be honest, they’d admit they get a touch of the Grinch as well.

When I read today’s key verse (above), what stuck out to me was the fact that after they left to go back to pay taxes in Bethlehem, they had absolutely no place to go. Jesus was not born in a comfy birthing center, with all the comforts of home. Mary and Joseph had to make the best out of what became a desperate situation. So many people today are faced with dire situations and the holiday season seems to make matters worse. Not always lack of a home, a physical place, but the lack of a sense of belonging. Families are broken, there’s been a loss of loved ones, financial strain, the stress of accommodating others and an over active spirit of heaviness.

So what do you do when you don’t feel like being bothered by people during the season that is supposed to be family-ish; all about love, joy and hope?

  • Refocus. Think about the real reason for the season. Jesus came. Joy Came, Healing Came, Hope Came. Salvation came! Although it’s hard at times, we have to remember the awesome gift that God gave us in Jesus.
  • Come out of isolation. This is something I struggle with because when I close myself up in my room, I feel safe. I don’t have to be vulnerable. But I also am not facing my issues and surrounding myself with the people who are important to me. Embrace how you feel this Christmas season, BUT DON’T STAY THERE!
  • Reminisce on great times with family throughout your life. Some things may not be going the way you planned, loved ones may be gone or a great distance away, but hold the great memories dear. Think of every good thing in your life, even if it seems like there aren’t many. A grateful heart will turn your thoughts away from grief and hopelessness.

 

God, I want to encourage myself and someone reading this that we can get through this season. Because Jesus lives, we can face any day and tomorrow. I pray they receive presents that is a balm for brokenness; something intangible; something money can’t buy, something that heals hearts. I pray they are surrounded by people who love them, people that can help them celebrate not just the birth of Baby Jesus, but the birth of our Savior and Lord. God, thank you for miracles this Christmas. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

 

Lies You Tell!

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10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11 Amp

I spent a good part of my life believing that my past, my failures and what people said or thought about me dictated who I was. I’ve even spent time defending my character to those who have or are trying to hold the past over my head. But something that was said in Sunday’s morning service shifted something in my thinking… My husband said to all the women in church, ‘You have power’… He has said this before, but that day, in that moment, I had to deliberately face those words. I had a choice to make: Believe what was true about me according to what GOD said or slide backwards and believe what the enemy tried to continuously plant in my mind for so many years.

See, the struggle has always been real for me…  Self esteem issues most of my life and it’s taken me all these years to realize that even the enemy believes in the principle of sowing and reaping; he starts early in the life of those who are hearing the word and can possibly choose a life serving God. He drops seeds of deception in the form of doubt, guilt, shame, self hate and whatever else he use against us to keep us from believing the truth of God’s word about us. Then when we are deceived, he escorts us further away from the plans God has for our life.

When you continually hear something about yourself, you believe it right? But what happens when you start to hear something that contradicts everything else you ever heard? What happens when the one who created the devil, the one who created you makes sure you hear another story? The manufacturer is the best source of information about something he created. Only the maker has naming rights; It’s time to reject every label that doesn’t agree with what God called you! The best way to do this is to focus on those things that mirror the truth of God’s word. It’s not only our daily instructions for living, but it helps our minds regenerate so we can have the mind of Christ, so we no longer buy into the lies the enemy continues to throw our way.

Tamar Lies We live in a time when deceit is at an all time high. I was so caught up in the lies of the enemy, it caused me to lie about some details of my life because of my own insecurities. It made my trust in God waver, and almost cost me my life, my marriage and so many other things. BUT GOD!!

As I reflect on the reminder in Ephesians 6, I arm myself daily to combat the lies of the enemy. If you take nothing else away, remember this:

  • The TRUTH of God’s word stops the lies of the enemy in his tracks. Jesus shut the enemy down in Matthew 4 with the Word.
  • Speaking the Truth aligns you with what God has said. Checking what you hear against His Word also ensures that you have the right information. A counterfeit can always be tested against what’s real and true.
  • Having faith and trusting in what God has said about us and about his promises for us is a weapon against the lies of the enemy.

Your failure did not negate the purpose God has for your life.

Being deceived and falling into sin did not make you ineligible to be used by God

Your wavering faith does not intimidate God! He is waiting for you to believe he Loves you, to submit to him, to submit to the process, and receive all that he has for you.

 

Maybe this isn’t your struggle; maybe you’ve never lied or fallen for a lie. But I encourage you to get into the Word of God; speak it over your life, speak it over your family and everything pertaining to you. When you change what you hear, you change what you believe!

 

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32