Bits & Pieces
Season
Calming The Mind
Calmingthevoiceinsidetakes practice,aswellasknowingwho youare.Thenyoucanchoosewhat tocastdownbecauseofthe knowledgeofyouinChrist.Oneof thefirststepstocalmingthevoice isknowingthevoiceisthere.
Isn’titcrazyhowthenegative thingsstandoutandsticktothe mindmorethanthegood?Doyou everask,“Whydonegative thoughtshavesuchanimpacton theheartandmind?Becomingthe biggestdistraction,tyingthemind upandplacingitinaloop.WhenI wentthroughwarfareIhadnoclue ofwhatwashappeningandno understanding.Iremainedstuck becauseIwantedtokeeptellingthe storytoanyonewhowouldlisten andunderstand.
Butnoonehadtheanswersexcept thattheanswerswerewithinme. AsIbegantodigintothescriptures andwasguidedtowardsdifferent booksandcontent,theLordbegan toshowmehowmyfocusonthings Ididn’twantkeptbringingittome, aswellaslookingfortheanswers inthewrongplaces,outsideof myselfinsteadofwithin.Icould onlyfocusonwhatIdidn’thaveand howIwouldgetwhatIdidn’thave.
Ittooktimeformymindtorelease allthathappenedinsuchashort time. Godalsoledmetostudymany thingsonebeingthebones.BecauseI begantohaveproblemswithmy teeth,Icouldfeelashiftinmybones. Ilearnedhowthebitternessofall thathadhappened,sadness,and angerwasgettingdowninmybones andaffectingmybonesandhealth. Alltheemotionswerebeatingmy bodydown.Godleadmetopray Ezekiel37:1-14andIcouldliterally feelthewindcomeintheroomand inmybonesandmusclesfromthe fourcornersoftheearth.Filling themwithnewlifeandstrength.
IkepttellingmyselfIhavegotto comeoutofthis,notknowingthatit wasamindsetchangeanddoingthe willofGod,whichis1Thessalonians 5:16-18.Rejoiceevermore.Pray withoutceasing.Ineverythinggive thanks:forthisisthewillofGodin ChristJesusconcerningyou.
ThemoreIsoughtGod,themore understandingIhadandthemore mymindchanged,andthemore peaceIhad.Andthattooktime becauseIwasstudyingtryingtofind awayoutofthesituationbutthe wordkepttakingmein,withinme thatis,sothatIcouldberenewed fromwithinoutward.Completely changingthewayIthink,move,and speak.
CanYouStandthe Rain
byMinisterCecilyA.Gray,PhD,MPA,CHES®
October24,2024
WhenIreceivedtheinvitationtowritethisarticle,IknewGodplacedmeon Myra’sheartforaspecificpurpose.AndIknowHealwayshastheneedsofthe peopleonHismind.So,IponderedaroundwhatHewouldhavemetosayfora fewdays.AsIwaspondering,IheardtheLordsay,“Bemadewhole,thereis lifeafterthestorm.”Icontemplatedwhatthatstatementmeant.AndIlivein theSoutheast,soIthoughtofhowHurricaneHelenesweptthroughandeven devastatedcertainareas.ThenIthoughtaboutthestormsandchallenges facedbythosewhomayreadthisarticle.IalsothoughtaboutthestormIam nowstandingin.Itisafactoflifethatstormswillcome.EvenasIamwriting thisarticle,Ihearthemelodyofapopularloveballad 1singing“Canyoustand therain”inmyspirit.
Whileponderingovertheaforementionedsong,Ipicturedthedownpouringof heavyrainsandwaterrising.ThenIthoughtaboutafamiliarBiblicalscenario, NoahandtheArk2.Beforesendingtheflood,theLordgaveNoahspecific instructionstobuildalifesaver—TheArk.ThentheLordsaidtoNoah,“Iwill establishMycovenantwithyou,andyoushallgointotheark.”Whenthefloods came,theArkwasarefugeandashelterforNoah,hisfamily,andeverything connectedtohim.TheArkwasabletowithstandthewatersandpreserveall thosewhoinhabitedit.Iperceivesomeofyouarefeelingoverwhelmedbya storm.Itisasiftheenemywantstofloodyouout,constantlytestingandtrying yourfaith.Someofyouarewonderingifyouwillevermakeitbacktosafety.
1JamesHarrisIIIandTerryLewis,“CanYouStandtheRain,”onN.E.HeartBreak;JohnnyGill,Ralph Tresvant,RickyBell,andMichaelBivins,1988,MCA,CD.2
Genesis6:13-22
ButIsaiah59:19says,“Whentheenemycomeslikeaflood,theSpiritofthe Lordwillliftupastandardagainsthim.”Thestormandthefloodisnomatch forGod.JustasNoahenteredtheArk,Godiscallingyoutoenterandtake refugeinHispresence 3 .Infact,whilegoingthroughthestorm,makeHis presenceyourhabitation.AndwhileinHispresence,Hewillprotectyou, provideinstructionsandguideyoubacktosolidground.WhileHeisguiding youtosolidground,watchyourenemiesbepermanentlycrushedintheflood 4
.Justremember,thebattlenotyours 5 andneitherisitagainstfleshandblood6
.Fornow,takecomfortinknowingthestormisnotallowedtodestroyyou.He allowedthestormtocomeandpurifyyouforthenextlevelinHim.Fromthis dayforward,letthepeaceofGodexceedyourunderstanding 7 andrestinHis finishedwork8.Isaiah30:15says,“inreturningandrestyoushallbesaved.”
KnowHisplansforyouarepeace,notevilandtobringyoutoanexpectedend
9 .Godisgoingtomakeyouwhole10.andeverythingtheenemystolefromyou willberestored11
3Psalms91:2
4Exodus14:15-23
52Chronicles20:17
6Ephesians6:12
7Philippians4:7
8Hebrews4:3
9Jeremiah29:11
10Luke8:48
11Provers6:31
byMinisterCecilyA.Gray,PhD,MPA,CHES® October24,2024
JourneytoEnough: Embracing Gratitude
~Written by Daveda Janine, Creator and host of the radio podcast, The Journey Tip, which Airs every Sunday at 4 pm EST. on WABB 105.1 FM, 1390 AM Spirit Radio, and online at, https://spirit1051.com
I stepped on to my porch one crisp October morning, I felt excitement as the autumn’s cool breeze greeted me. The sight of the colorful trees and falling leaves made me giddy but then I thought about the upcoming holiday season. There was a time when thoughts of the holiday season brought excitement and anticipation. Now it’s replaced with anxiety and concern as I question will I have enough this holiday season? Will I have enough to cover the cost of preparing Thanksgiving dinner? Will I have enough to buy gifts and meet our basic needs? Will I have enough? I no longer felt the autumn breeze. The beauty of the trees and sounds of autumn faded as I became frustrated with the thought of not having enough again this holiday season.
Standing on my porch, I realized my joy had faded as my responsibilities grew. Inspired by a quote from one of my favorite books, Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts: “Gratitude turns what we have into enough,” I vowed to reject the pressure of commercialized holidays and embrace gratitude so I could enjoy my favorite time of year once again.
Our life’s journey is ever-changing. Practicing gratitude for what we have instead of chasing what we don’t reveals that we already have enough. Intentionality and perspective are key. Gratitude helps us find joy in small, ordinary moments, which often surpass those we pay for, consciously or unconsciously.
There’s nothing wrong with giving gifts, but spending beyond our means can lead to debt, quickly stealing our joy and creating anxiety. For example, the Thanksgiving turkey might make the table look pictureperfect, but many people, including myself, don’t even like turkey. We buy it out of tradition, missing out on genuine joy and true gratification. All of the gifts under the Christmas tree look beautiful and show our children how special they are to us for a few days. A week later, as parents, we left wondering where the joy and thankfulness our children expressed on Christmas day went, as we find those same gifts carelessly scattered around the house.
Traditions are wonderful, but sometimes we need new ones when they become obligations rather than sources of joy.
By practicing gratitude while creating new traditions, we stay mindful of what truly serves our purpose and highlight moments we may have previously taken for granted.
Do you feel the pressure of the holidays each year, like I do? Does it stop you from enjoying priceless moments like time with family, nature's beauty, laughter, short lines at the grocery store, that perfect cup of coffee or tea, or a kind gesture in traffic? If you can relate, find encouragement in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” When tempted to complain about not having enough, re-evaluate your definition of “enough.” Is it defined by the world” standards or by our creator, God?
Staying prayerful aligns our thoughts with God’s, increasing our sensitivity to true gratitude. Thankfulness acknowledges the gifts given to us, regardless of size or cost, while gratitude keeps us consistently aware and appreciative of what we have. This enables us to adopt a “glass is half full” mentality, revealing that half full is indeed enough.
. Even during difficult times, continue giving thanks through praise and worship to God. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus assures us that God knows our needs before we ask and will provide for us. He tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all our needs will be met. Essentially, Jesus is saying to put God first, trust and obey Him, and let His love lead you. He handles the rest.
In “One Thousand Gifts,” the author found that the more she gave thanks for the little things, the less she complained and worried. Her goal was to write down one thousand gifts small blessings and moments of grace. By doing the same, we’ll find truth in another one of the book’s quotes: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
TheSeasonof Thanksgiving
This season is often seen as a time for thanksgiving and coming together with family. However, if we could all take a moment to recognize that every day is a gift, it would make a difference. Waking up every morning is a blessing; having a job is a blessing. All our needs are provided for, and these are gifts from God through Christ Jesus, who is always giving.
Thanksgiving is not just a once-a-year event; it's a daily practice that helps us cultivate a spirit of gratitude. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we begin to see the world in a new light. Simple moments a warm meal, a comforting word, or the love of friends and family become profound reminders of the abundance in our lives.
This is why we should give thanks in everything, as it is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. We should enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, giving thanks to Him and blessing His name.
Moreover, embracing a heart of thanksgiving allows us to experience joy and peace, even amidst challenges. After experiencing hardships, I have come to realize that everything I have comes from Him and not from my own efforts. Recognizing His hand in my life encourages me to share that gratitude with others, reminding them that we’re all part of a larger story of grace and generosity. Let every day be an opportunity to reflect, rejoice, and give thanks for the many blessings we’ve been given.
GiveyourlifetoJesus
GeteternallifewithGod.ConfessyoursinsandinvitetheLordintobeyour savior.
● Romans10:9,10,13 thatifthoushaltconfesswiththymouththeLordJesus, andshaltbelieveinthineheartthatGodhathraisedhimfromthedead,thou shaltbesaved10Forwiththeheartmanbelievethuntorighteousness;and withthemouth,confessionismadeuntosalvation.Romans10:13For whosoevershallcalluponthenameoftheLordshallbesaved
● SinnersPrayer–LordJesus,IknowIamasinner.IbelieveYoudiedformy sins.Rightnow,Iturnfrommysinsandopenthedoorofmyheartandlife.I repentofeachandeveryoneofmysins.Havemercyonme,ohLord,andsave me.IconfessYouasmypersonalLordandSavior.Washandcleansemewith yourblood.AndfillmewithyourHolySpiritinthenameofJesusIprayAmen.
Gen3:1 Nowtheserpentwas moresubtilthananybeastof thefieldwhichtheLORDGod hadmade.Andhesaiduntothe woman,Yea,hathGodsaid,Ye shallnoteatofeverytreeofthe garden?
Gen3:2 Andthewomansaid untotheserpent,Wemayeatof thefruitofthetreesofthe garden:
Gen3:3 Butofthefruitofthe treewhichisinthemidstofthe garden,Godhathsaid,Yeshall noteatofit,neithershallye touchit,lestyedie.
Gen3:4 Andtheserpentsaid untothewoman,Yeshallnot surelydie:
Gen3:5 ForGoddothknowthat inthedayyeeatthereof,then youreyesshallbeopened,and yeshallbeasgods,knowing goodandevil.
Gen3:6 Andwhenthewoman sawthatthetreewasgoodfor food,andthatitwaspleasantto theeyes,andatreetobe desiredtomakeonewise,she tookofthefruitthereof,anddid eat,andgavealsountoher husbandwithher;andhedid eat.
Gen3:7 Andtheeyesofthem bothwereopened,andthey knewthattheywerenaked;and theysewedfigleavestogether, andmadethemselvesaprons.
Gen3:8 Andtheyheardthe voiceoftheLORDGodwalking inthegardeninthecoolofthe day:andAdamandhiswifehid themselvesfromthepresenceof theLORDGodamongstthetrees ofthegarden.
Genesis 3
Gen3:9 AndtheLORDGodcalled untoAdam,andsaiduntohim, Whereartthou?
Gen3:10 Andhesaid,Iheardthy voiceinthegarden,andIwas afraid,becauseIwasnaked;andI hidmyself.
Gen3:11 Andhesaid,Whotold theethatthouwastnaked?Hast thoueatenofthetree,whereofI commandedtheethatthou shouldestnoteat?
Gen3:12 Andthemansaid,The womanwhomthougavesttobe withme,shegavemeofthetree, andIdideat.
Gen3:13 AndtheLORDGodsaid untothewoman,Whatisthisthat thouhastdone?Andthewoman said,Theserpentbeguiledme, andIdideat.
Gen3:14 AndtheLORDGodsaid untotheserpent,Becausethou hastdonethis,thouartcursed aboveallcattle,andaboveevery beastofthefield;uponthybelly shaltthougo,anddustshaltthou eatallthedaysofthylife:
Gen3:15 AndIwillputenmity betweentheeandthewoman, andbetweenthyseedandher seed;itshallbruisethyhead,and thoushaltbruisehisheel.
Gen3:16 Untothewomanhe said,Iwillgreatlymultiplythy sorrowandthyconception;in sorrowthoushaltbringforth children;andthydesireshallbe tothyhusband,andheshallrule overthee.
Gen3:17 AnduntoAdamhesaid, Becausethouhasthearkened untothevoiceofthywife,and hasteatenofthetree,ofwhichI commandedthee,saying,Thou shaltnoteatofit:cursedisthe groundforthysake;insorrow shaltthoueatofitallthedaysof thylife;
Gen3:18 Thornsalsoandthistles shallitbringforthtothee;and thoushalteattheherbofthe field;
Gen3:17 AnduntoAdamhesaid, Becausethouhasthearkened untothevoiceofthywife,and hasteatenofthetree,ofwhichI commandedthee,saying,Thou shaltnoteatofit:cursedisthe groundforthysake;insorrow shaltthoueatofitallthedaysof thylife;
Gen3:18 Thornsalsoandthistles shallitbringforthtothee;and thoushalteattheherbofthe field;
Gen3:19 Inthesweatofthyface shaltthoueatbread,tillthou returnuntotheground;foroutof itwastthoutaken:fordustthou art,anduntodustshaltthou return.
Gen3:20 AndAdamcalledhis wife'snameEve;becauseshewas themotherofallliving.
Gen3:21 UntoAdamalsoandto hiswifedidtheLORDGodmake coatsofskins,andclothedthem.
Gen3:22 AndtheLORDGodsaid, Behold,themanisbecomeasone ofus,toknowgoodandevil:and now,lestheputforthhishand, andtakealsoofthetreeoflife, andeat,andliveforever:
Gen3:23 ThereforetheLORD Godsenthimforthfromthe gardenofEden,totilltheground fromwhencehewastaken.
Gen3:24 Sohedroveoutthe man;andheplacedattheeastof thegardenofEdenCherubims, andaflamingswordwhich turnedeveryway,tokeepthe wayofthetreeoflife.
