“His Hands Will Handle It!”

“…I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, EVER. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. AND ONCE THAT PERSON IS WITH ME, I HOLD ON AND DON’T LET GO…” (John 6:35-38 MSG). 

The events of September 11, 2001, changed a lot of things, including our definition of the word “hero.” Because we saw, up close and personal, what REAL Heroes actually look like – and they look like those police and firefighters, medical personnel and even volunteers, who went into those burning towers, knowing full well that they might not come out alive, yet willingly entered in regardless, for no other reason than the fact that there were people in desperate need of a rescue!  

Immediately, professional football and baseball players began to speak out, telling the world they aren’t the real heroes! The people who risk their lives every day to save others are!  

By that definition, the rescue swimmers of the United States Coast Guard more than qualify! We saw them in action after Hurricane Katrina submerged much of New Orleans! They were the men dangling from those helicopters, scooping desperate people off rooftops! Now, believe it or not, that was easy compared to some of their rescues, like plunging from a hovering chopper into an angry sea to save a life! A movie told the story of these heroes and portrayed how they lived out their motto: “So others may live.” A seasoned veteran training a class of rookies shows them the depth of a rescuer’s life-saving commitment. It’s all about grabbing the hand of a person about to die and making this promise: “I won’t let go.” And They Don’t!

Those four words touch a nerve in my heart and I pray they will do the same for yours! Four small words that make a big promise: “I Won’t Let Go.” If we dared to be completely transparent, that’s what we all want: someone that really means business when they say I will never let you go! But unfortunately, our lives are littered with many who shouldn’t have let go, But Did! Promised Not to Let Go, But Did! Vowed to Not Let Go, But Did! Parents who didn’t hold on like you needed them to, spouses who cut their commitment date short, friends you thought would always be there who aren’t anymore, family that became foes, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, or old college pal you thought you’d share fond memories with for a lifetime, co-workers you thought you’d celebrate retirement with or a ministry you thought would support you through it all. It seems as if no one is able to always be there to hold on when we’re going down, even a great husband or wife far too often fall short of fulfilling the vow to never let go. And there are numerous reasons as to why people let go: People change. People leave. People are human. People die. And the list goes on and on.

However, Thanks be to God, HE IS NOT LIKE MAN!

Years ago, there was a movie with a title that stuck with me: “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.” In truth, our hearts are hunting for an anchor person; that one person who will grab our hand and never let go. No matter what changes, no matter how we look or act or evolve down through the years, and especially when the storm is about to sink us! 

In fact, Millions of people have grabbed that ONE hand that will NEVER let go, and HE NEVER HAS! After all, He’s the One who made the Promise: “‘…NEVER will I leave you; NEVER will I forsake you….‘ 

I love God’s use of the word ‘NEVER’, because it means: ‘not ever; not at all; definitely or surely not; at no time in the past, present or future; not under any circumstance or condition; not to any level or degree.’ 

Now that’s what you call an iron-clad-guarantee! Completely unbreakable! 

This is His promise to you and God always keeps His promises! 

“…the words that come out of My mouth will not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them.” (Isaiah 55:11 MSG). 

“Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus…” (2 Corinthians 1:20 MSG). 

“God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19 AMPC)

“That’s right,” the Lord replied, “and I always rise early to keep a promise.” (Jeremiah 1:12 CEV)

That’s why you can say with Complete Confidence no matter what you’re dealing with: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Psalm 27:1) A few other translations read like this:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life – Who shall I dread?” (AMP)

“The Lord is my Light and my salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (AMPC)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything?” (CEB)

“You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears.” (CEV)

“Lord, you are my Light and my Savior, so why should I be afraid of anyone? The Lord is where my life is safe, so I will be afraid of no one!” (ERV)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The Lord protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.” (GNT)

“…So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.” (MSG)

The God that holds your hand, is your HELPER, LIGHT, SALVATION, REFUGE, FORTRESS, STRONGHOLD, PROTECTOR OF YOUR LIFE, AND KEEPS YOU SAFE FROM ALL DANGERS! Therefore, you have no need to be afraid, fearful, dreading, frightened of anything or anyone! Your God who has promised to keep His hand on you, and to keep you in the palm of His hand, will never let you go, no matter what attaches itself to you! That you can take comfort in!

That promise is from Jesus Christ Himself- the One who loved you enough to actually die in your place to pay for the sins that have always put God out of your reach.

Listen to how Scripture says it:

“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.” (John 3:16 AMP). 

“…God put the wrong on Him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 MSG). 

“But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.” (Romans 5:8 AMP). 

That’s how much you mean to God! He allowed His Son’s Hands to be Nailed in Excruciating Pain just so those Same Hands could Hold You and Never Let You Go! That’s shouting material right there! Not even nails could make Him let you go!

A lot of people may have failed to hang on. But remember this: JESUS WILL NEVER FAIL YOU! AND HE MOST CERTAINLY WILL NEVER LET GO OF YOU! He says of those who come to Him, “…I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, EVER. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. AND ONCE THAT PERSON IS WITH ME, I HOLD ON AND DON’T LET GO…” (John 6:35-38 MSG). 

LISTEN: If He was ever going to turn His back on you, it would have been when He was enduring YOUR punishment on the cross! But He stayed there so you could live with Him forever! He will not abandon the one He paid for with His blood and life! When He died for you, He proved He’s got love for you that won’t ever let you go!

When He walked out of His grave He proved He’s got the power to hold onto you through everything life and even death can throw at you! Which means the government shutdown can’t release His hand; the foreclosure can’t release His hand; the diagnosis and disease can’t release His hand; the bankruptcy can’t release His hand; the divorce can’t release His hand; the layoff can’t release His hand; the addiction can’t release His hand; the bad habits can’t release His hand; the temptation can’t release His hand! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AND NO ONE, NOT EVEN YOU, CAN RELEASE THE HOLD OF THE HAND OF GOD ON YOUR LIFE!

So, stop crying; stop fretting; stop walking in fear; stop panicking; stop pacing the floor; stop losing sleep; stop pulling out your hair; stop trying to come up with a back up plan for God; stop hoping for human hands to fix it; stop reading the horoscopes; stop stalking the Prophets! JUST STOP!

And then START praising God; worshiping God; walking by faith and not by sight; trust God for favor; live in peace; kneel in prayer; rest in God’s faithfulness; remember that He has numbered every strand of hair on your head and hasn’t lost count of one, nor will He ever lose sight of you! Trust the plan, power and purpose of God; fulfill the will of God; seek Him, not them; read the Word of God; and get somewhere and be still and quiet and remember that He is still God, the same God that has been holding you all this time and will not ever let you go!

Yes, I know it’s too much for you to handle, but thanks be to God that you don’t have to handle it! You serve a God with Hands bigger and stronger than yours, and He’s got it and you right in the palm of them. You are safe; you are good; you are well; you are healed; you are delivered, you are whole; you are peaceful; you are joyful; you are confident; you are reassured; you are now walking into a new level of trusting God with everything and all things!

SO REMEMBER TODAY, THAT NO MATTER WHAT’S GOT A HOLD OF YOU…HE WILL NEVER LET YOUR HANDS GO! USE PRAYER TO RELEASE IT FROM YOUR HANDS INTO HIS AND THEN DON’T ATTEMPT TO TAKE IT BACK OR CHECK UP ON IT OR SEE HOW GOD’S DOING WITH ALL YOUR STUFF! PUT IT IN HIS HANDS BECAUSE HE CAN HANDLE IT! THEN REST WELL TONIGHT KNOWING WITH UNSHAKEABLE CONFIDENCE, THAT IT IS HANDLED!

“for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]  So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6 AMP) 

Isaiah 41:13, “For I the Lord your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.” (AMP) 

Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation]’” (AMP) 

Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.” (AMP) 

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (AMP) 

Psalm 16:8, “I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (AMP) 

1 Peter 5:6-7, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,  casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” (AMP) 

Hebrews 10:12, “whereas Christ, having offered the one sacrifice [the all-sufficient sacrifice of Himself] for sins for all time, sat down [signifying the completion of atonement for sin] at the right hand of God [the position of honor],” (AMP) 

Job 27:11, “I will teach you regarding the hand (power) of God; I will not conceal what is with the Almighty [God’s actual treatment of the wicked].” (AMP) 

1 Peter 3:22, “who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God [that is, the place of honor and authority], with [all] angels and authorities and powers made subservient to Him.” (AMP) 

Isaiah 49:16, “Indeed, I have inscribed [a picture of] you on the palms of My hands; Your city walls [Zion] are continually before Me.” (AMP) 

John 10:28, “And I give them eternal life, and they will never, ever [by any means] perish; and no one will ever snatch them out of My hand.” (AMP)

“When we put our problems in God’s hands, He puts His peace in our hearts.” (Author Unknown)

“Be silent, only the hand of God can remove the burdens of your heart.” (Rumi)

“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” (Mother Teresa)

“Nothing can shake those who are secure in God’s hands.” (Author Unknown)

“God has you in the palm of His hand today. He does not make any mistakes. He only makes masterpieces.” (Victoria Osteen)

“My unknown future is in the hands of the all-knowing God.” (Author Unknown)

“The mighty hand of God is upon me. I shall not be shaken.” (Lailah Gifty Akita)

“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” (Martin Luther)

“A broken life in the hands of God is ripe for a blessing.” (Joni Eareckson Tada)

“Don’t worry. Relax, your problems are in My hands now. Love, God.” (Author Unknown)

“I feel the healing hands of God touch my heart and kiss my soul.” (Harley King)

“Place yourself as an instrument in the hands of God, who does His own work in His own way.” (Swami Ramdas)

“It takes the hand of God to deliver the plan and purpose of God, but it takes faith to move the hand of God. Prayer is impotent without faith.” (E.A. Adeboye)

“Those who leave everything in God’s hand will eventually see God’s hand in everything.” (Author Unknown)

“Sometimes prayer moves the hand of God, and sometimes prayer changes the heart of the person who is praying.” (Mark Driscoll)

“If we want to know the Glory of God; if we want to experience the Beauty of God; and if we want to be Used by the Hand of God, then we must LIVE in the Word of God.” (David Platt)

“Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where there are treasured the boundless resources of the Omnipotent One.” (Ellen G. White)

“When God wants us to surrender one dream, it’s because He wants to hand us a bigger and better one.” (Mandy Hale)

“Surrender the thing you fear into the hands of God. Turn it right over to God and ask Him to solve it with you. Fear is keeping things in your own hands; faith is turning them over into the hands of God.” (E. Stanley Jones)

“Become willing to see the hand of God and accept it as a friend’s offer to help you with what you are doing.” (Julia Cameron)

“The strong hands of God twisted the crown of thorns into a crown of glory; and in such hands we are safe.” (Charles Williams)

“It is in those times of hopeless chaos when the sovereign hand of God is most likely to be seen.” (Thomas Chalmers)

“Your past can never dictate your future when you put it in the hands of God.” (Author Unknown)

“If GOD could close the mouth of the lions for Daniel; part the red sea for Moses; make the sun stand still for Joshua; open the prison for Peter; put a baby in the arms of Sarah; and raise Lazarus from the dead; then He can certainly take care of you! Nothing you are facing today is too hard for His Hands to Handle!” (Author Unknown)

“Hope is faith reaching out in the darkness knowing the hand of God is reaching back.” (John Hagee)

“You are created by the hand of God, on purpose. You are an unrepeatable miracle.” (Author Unknown)

Much Love, Dr. Shermaine #EnjoyTheRead #BeInspired #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged #ShareTheWordFeel free to also join us at: http://www.selfcarewithdrshermaine.blogspot.com “15 Surprisingly Healthy Foods”

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“Turning a MESS Into a MASTERPIECE”

“Then I [Jeremiah] went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? Saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” (Jeremiah 18:3-6)

If you’re asking today, “Why am I going through all that I’m going through?” the answer is, you’re “IN THE HAND OF THE POTTER!”  

Knowing that alone helps, especially when you’re on the wheel and everything in your life seems to be spinning and spiraling completely out of control! I use the word “seems”, because in Actuality, your life is not spinning and spiraling completely out of control. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS LOOK UNDER THE TABLE AND SEE WHOSE FOOT IS ON THE WHEEL! “…behold, HE (THE POTTER) wrought a work ON THE WHEELS” Many of us have seen wheels spin on bikes, motorcycles, cars, trains and the like, and when those wheels get to spinning, if you stare at them long enough it can make you dizzy! The speed is swift as it goes around and around in circles! And sometimes, as believers, that’s how our lives feel when God has His foot on the potter’s wheel! Everything feels like it’s spinning completely out of control, but the potter has been doing this far too long to not know how to control the speed of the spin! And God likewise, has not loss control of your life even when the marriage, kids, family, job, finances, health, business and church all seem to be spinning at 200 MPH in all different directions at the exact same time! But be encouraged, the Potter’s foot knows how to handle the speed of the wheel!

“…behold, HE (THE POTTER) WROUGHT a work on the wheels.” Now the word “Wrought” means “Beaten Out Or Shaped By Hammering.” This may hurt you, but it will eventually help you, listen, the pain you THINK is the devil, is REALLY JUST THE POTTER RESHAPING YOU! Think about it, IF THE ENEMY HAD BEEN IN CONTROL OF YOUR SITUATION, HE’D HAVE THROWN YOU OFF THE WHEEL A LONG TIME AGO! BUT HE CAN’T, BECAUSE THE POTTER CONTROLS THE PROCESS, THE WHEELS AND THE WROUGHT! And all this time you’ve been giving the devil credit for a work he didn’t do! The devil wants to steal, kill and destroy you, not work on you for the better! Yes, the hammering hurts, it’s painful, it’s difficult, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s God’s process! And most important, the Hammer is in the Hand of God! Which should serve as great encouragement to you that no hurt, harm or hindrance will come of it. He’s simply shaping you to become the masterpiece He already designed you to be! Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].” (AMP) That’s what all the hammering is about! It’s transforming us, renewing us, and making us ready to be used by God for good works as His workmanship, His own Master Work, His own Work of Art! And you really thought the devil was behind all of that goodness?! Absolutely not! Stop adding skills to the devil’s resume for work he couldn’t and didn’t do!

But listen to what the devil would have you focus on: “… And the vessel that he made of clay was MARRED in the hand of the potter…” The devil doesn’t want you to focus on the Masterpiece God is creating you to be, he wants you to focus on the fact that you’ve become Marred in the Potter’s Hand! But what he doesn’t know however, is that God is Monitoring Your Every Move! Now, I know how messed up you think you are because you’ve been “Marred”, but understand that when something is “Marred” it’s defined as “to Harm the Appearance or Quality of.” And let’s be honest, the devil isn’t trying to simply HARM YOU, OR HARM YOUR APPEARANCE, OR HARM YOUR QUALITY, he’s trying to DESTROY YOU! Which is why the Bible forewarns us: “THE THIEF’S PURPOSE IS TO STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY…” (John 10:10 TLB). THEREFORE, IF IT WAS THE DEVIL’S FOOT ON THE WHEEL, YOU WOULD BE DEAD BY NOW! But since he can’t kill you, he tries to distract you by getting you to focus on stuff that matters to you, but doesn’t matter to God, stuff like your marring, your mess up, your mistakes, and especially your past! But beloved, before you go and lose heart, know this, you’re simply “Marred” and Fortunately, God is Not Intimated By Your “Marring”. He’s not intimidated by the clay regardless of where He finds it or how flawed and out of shape it is. Truth is: WE SERIOUSLY GIVE OUR PAST WAY TOO MUCH POWER, BECAUSE GOD IS NOT AT ALL INTIMIDATED BY IT OR WHAT IT HAS CAUSED US TO LOOK LIKE! He’s not intimidated by our past promiscuity, addictions, mess-ups, screw-ups, or mistakes. He’s not intimidated by our ex friends, lovers or spouses. He’s committed to working on us until we become what He wants or better yet, “As Seemed Good to the Potter…”  

Listen: I don’t care what you’ve done, who you did it with, how long you did it or where, no man has the right or authority to hold you captive by your past, neither the devil, not even you! Your “Marring” did not mess you up for all eternity! There is no accidental mistake, or deliberate bad decision that you’ve ever made (or will make) that the Potter cannot make over into what seems Good to Him! You still have use, you still have value, you still have worth, you still have purpose! So let nothing and no one (not even YOU) allow your past to make you believe that you have no future! The Word of God still holds true for you, regardless to your past: “This is God’s Word on the subject…I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the FUTURE you hope for.” (Jeremiah 29:10-11 MSG). In the words of my pastor, you need to start saying daily to yourself: “I SEE MYSELF IN THE FUTURE AND THINGS LOOK SO MUCH BETTER. I’M EXPECTING A MIRACLE, AND MY MIRACLE IS EXPECTING ME!” (Bishop James R. Chambers). So you see, if God Himself is not hindered by your Past, why should you be? “He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west.” (Psalm 103:12 TLB). Therefore, marred vessels, keep moving forward, “Marred” and all! God can still make you the light of the world, no matter how dark your past was! God Still Uses Cracked Pots!

Listen: A water bearer in India had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole, which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it. While the other pot was perfect, and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the mistress’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to her master’s house. The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream: “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.” Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?” “I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your mistress’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said. The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in her compassion she said, “As we return to the mistress’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure. The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? “That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. “For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my mistress’s table. Without you being just the way you are, she would not have this beauty to grace her house.”

Moral of the story: Just as the water bearer knew of the flaw in the cracked pot, God knows about our flaws too. The water bearer continued to use the cracked pot, knowing full well of its flaws, and God uses us just the same, even with full knowledge of our every flaw! It’s US who focus on our flaws more than we focus on fulfilling our purpose in God.

For example, Benjamin felt small; Gideon felt insignificant; Moses felt his speech hindered him from being God’s mouthpiece, and yet God used each of them in a big way, flaws and all, and He’s using you the same way! God never asks for our perfection, just our availability. The question is, are we willing to give God our flaws that He may use them to bring Himself Glory?

Think about the above story, the perfect pot delivered a pail full of water. And that’s what it was designed to do. But the cracked pot was designed to deliver water, AND purposed to water the seeds that the water bearer would sow along the journey. So the mistresses house received from the cracked pot, water and flowers for her home. God can do more with your imperfections than He can with your false views and attempts of perfection. Just ask God to use you, available, cracked you. I promise you’ll be amazed by the harvest that’s produced in the lives of others because you gave God your cracked water pot to use!

To take it further, bear in mind: John 1:12 “As many as received him, to them gave he power TO BECOME the sons of God.” ALWAYS REMEMBER: THE BATTLE IS OVER WHO AND WHAT YOU’RE BECOMING! Regardless of what you’ve been up until now, GOD SEES IN YOU THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME! And what are you to become? “…a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21). Listen: When you see a can’t in yourself, GOD SEES A “CAN”. When you see a won’t in yourself, GOD SEES A “WILL”. When you see a don’t in yourself, GOD SEES A “DO” When you see a shouldn’t in yourself, GOD SEES A “SHOULD”.

GOD WILL ALWAYS PUT YOUR POTENTIAL ON A PEDESTAL!

IN OTHER WORDS, HE WILL ALWAYS LIFT UP WHAT YOU WILL BE, NOT WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN!

Cracks and all, you are still becoming “…a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

Highlight for yourself from John 1:12, “to them gave He Power TO BECOME…” That’s what the devil is after to destroy, WHAT YOU WILL BECOME! Don’t let him do it! Don’t let the devil distract or discourage you! Stay focused on what God Said no matter what the devil would want you to See! You are Becoming a wonderful, useful, cracked vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for your Master’s use, for He is preparing you for every good work! Do not lose sight of the big picture, stay focused on what you are becoming! 

In a Nutshell: The devil’s not intimidated by your Caterpillar stage, because you’re on the ground, low, at his level, defeated, and struggling to crawl by. But what intimidates him is your Butterfly stage, because you then Possess the Ability to Fly, to Soar, to Excel, and to Reach Altitudes He Can’t Reach! You see, some snakes can sliver through trees, but when it reaches a certain height, it can reach no further. But the Butterfly Isn’t Limited to Where the Tree Top Stops! And Neither Are You! That’s why you can’t get distracted from what you’re becoming! Children of God, it’s time for you to soar, but if you keep allowing your past, the devil, discouragement, and low self-worth to hinder you, you’ll remain in a cocoon with undeveloped wings that were designed and destined to soar! You were never meant to stay on this level! The cocoon is only for a time period, then you break out of it fully developed and soar to new heights!

“The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hind’s feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!…” (Habakkuk 3:19 AMP)

You were made for high places, so stop settling for low positions!

Notice also, that even though the vessel was “Marred”, It Was Still In The Potter’s Hand! God Never Throws Us Away, Nor Is His Plan For Us Thwarted Because We Have a Flaw of Struggle in Certain Areas! Understand that whether you’re being lifted from the mud, turned on the wheel or made over again, At All Times You Are In His Hand, And Always Will Be! “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall Never Perish, Neither Shall Any Man Pluck Them Out of My Hand.” (John 10:28) SO, BE ENCOURAGED: YOU ARE IN THE POTTER’S HANDS, AND HIS HANDS NEVER STOP WORKING!” “But Jesus said, “MY FATHER HAS NEVER STOPPED WORKING…” (John 5:17 CEV) Therefore, even if you continue to mar in the master’s hand, which you will as long as you are still flesh and blood, but the good news is, that can’t hinder the Hand of God on your life! From birth to death and everything in between, God never stops working on you and your life! So even when you make more mistakes, and even deliberate sinful choices, God never stops working on you! Don’t let the devil, your past, or yourself make you believe anything different! There is nothing about you or your life or your past that is powerful enough to Hinder the Hand of God’s Work!

I found yet another little nugget too! Did you know the word “Smith” in “Silversmith” comes from the Old English word “Smite”? Well, in case you didn’t know, Silversmiths are very Accomplished Smiters! AND SO IS GOD! You see, the word “Smite” is defined as “Striking a Firm Blow”. In other words, God Knows the Weight of the Hammer and the Force of the Blow Required to Produce In You Christ-Like Character! And absolutely no one yanks the hammer out of His hand and says, “Go easy on that silver; you’ve pounded it enough!” No, He Buffets the Metal Until He’s Finished With It! And when you “Buffet” something, it means you “Strike It Repeatedly and Violently”. In other words, there is a Determination on the part of the Silversmith to Beat the Silver Into the Design He Envisioned It To Be! And He Will Beat It Until It Conforms to What He has Constructed in His Mind! He Will Beat it Until the Blueprint Comes Off the Pages and Stands Before Him Fully Erected! He Will Beat it Until He Sees With His Eyes What He Saw in His Thoughts! And the Same Goes For You!  

Too often we forget He’s Our Heavenly FATHER! And unlike today, Daddies of old didn’t spare the rod, nor spoil the child! So, keep in mind: He’s Your God, but He’s Also Your FATHER! “But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; A FATHER’S DELIGHT IS BEHIND ALL OF THIS.” (Proverbs 3:12 MSG); “For the Lord corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart and cherishes.” (Hebrews 12:6 AMP)

Please Understand that Your God Will Bless You, But Never Forget, Your Father Will Buffet You Too!

In the end, God Alone Knows Exactly What You’re to Look Like. He Was the One that Gathered All Your Materials BEFORE Time! “BEFORE I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. BEFORE you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—THAT’S WHAT I HAD IN MIND FOR YOU” (Jeremiah 1:5 MSG). BEFORE YOU BEGAN, HE ALREADY KNEW HOW YOU’D END! SO STOP FRETTING! HE ALREADY KNOWS HOW FABULOUS YOUR FINISHED PRODUCT LOOKS!

I know the Blows come Fast and Hard, and it seems like they’ll never end, but you have to Trust that God Knows What He’s Doing! 

However, sadly enough, I wish I could tell you that after the Hammering and Buffeting is Done You’re Finished, BUT…then there has to be POLISHING!  And when you “Polish” something you “Make It Smooth and Shiny By Continuously Rubbing It!” And the Best of Silversmiths will tell you that they Keep Polishing UNTIL THEY CAN SEE THEIR FACE IN THE FINISHED PRODUCT! So, When Will God Stop Polishing You? When He Sees His Nature and His Likeness Reflected In You! In other words, when He looks at you, He ought to see, Integrity, Faithfulness, Dedication, Power, Consecration, Diligence, Obedience, Honor, Loyalty, Leadership, Commitment and the like. He ought to see “…the Fruit of the Spirit…Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23). 

Simply put, He’s Done When He Looks At You And Sees Himself! 

And if we’re all to be Real Honest, God Is No-Where Near Finished Smiting, Buffeting or Polishing Any Of Us! Jesus said, “My Father Never Stops Working.” Therefore, you need to understand that: The Pounding You Feel Doesn’t Suggest God’s Distance, It Proves His Nearness! So Stop Attributing Everything to the Devil! 

Lastly, after a lifetime of walking with God, Joshua said, “Not a Word Failed of Any Good Thing Which the Lord Had Spoken…All Came to Pass.” (Joshua 21:45 NKJV). 

Understand that Whatever God Has Spoken Over Your Life, He’s Not Stopping Until He Sees It “All Come to Pass”! And If That Takes Smiting, Buffeting and Polishing…He’s Committed To Doing Whatever It Takes, For However Long It Takes and No Matter How Painful It Will Be…”Not A Word Failed Of Any Good Thing Which The Lord Had Spoken…All Came To Pass!” He’s Still Working On You Because All That He Has Spoken Has Yet To Manifest In Your Life! And He Has To Keep His Word! So Endure The Wheel, the Spinning, the Hammering, the Smiting, the Buffeting and the Polishing! In The End It Will Be Worth It To Possess All God Has Promised You! God is the Greatest of Silversmiths. Trust Him as you imagine what you’re going to look like When He’s All Done…In the meantime, Remember: The Potters Hands Are Not Finished Molding You Yet! So, Don’t Be Discouraged In The Process, You Will Produce Something Great After This Is All Over!  

People of God, you are becoming a vessel of honor in the Master’s Hand and for the Master’s use, cracks, flaws, imperfections and all. So, don’t hate the process, because you’re going to love the end product!

As Painful as This is, Be Encouraged My Friend You May Have Been Marred, but Now You’re Being Molded and Made Into a Masterpiece Cracked Vessel of Honor for the Master’s Use and Glory!

Much Love, Dr. Shermaine #EnjoyTheRead #BeInspired #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged #ShareTheWordFeel free to also join us at: http://www.selfcarewithdrshermaine.blogspot.com Today’s Lesson: “Blood Sugar Basics: Terms You Should Know”

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“His Hands Will Handle It!”

“…I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, EVER. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. AND ONCE THAT PERSON IS WITH ME, I HOLD ON AND DON’T LET GO…” (John 6:35-38 MSG). 

The events of September 11, 2001, changed a lot of things, including our definition of the word “hero.” Because we saw, up close and personal, what REAL Heroes actually look like – and they look like those police and firefighters, medical personnel and even volunteers, who went into those burning towers, knowing full well that they might not come out alive, yet willingly entered in regardless, for no other reason than the fact that there were people in desperate need of a rescue!  

Immediately, professional football and baseball players began to speak out, telling the world they aren’t the real heroes! The people who risk their lives every day to save others are!  

By that definition, the rescue swimmers of the United States Coast Guard more than qualify! We saw them in action after Hurricane Katrina submerged much of New Orleans! They were the men dangling from those helicopters, scooping desperate people off rooftops! Now, believe it or not, that was easy compared to some of their rescues, like plunging from a hovering chopper into an angry sea to save a life! A movie told the story of these heroes and portrayed how they lived out their motto: “So others may live.” A seasoned veteran training a class of rookies shows them the depth of a rescuer’s life-saving commitment. It’s all about grabbing the hand of a person about to die and making this promise: “I won’t let go.” And They Don’t!

Those four words touch a nerve in my heart and I pray they will do the same for yours! Four small words that make a big promise: “I Won’t Let Go.” If we dared to be completely transparent, that’s what we all want: someone that really means business when they say I will never let you go! But unfortunately, our lives are littered with many who shouldn’t have let go, But Did! Promised Not to Let Go, But Did! Vowed to Not Let Go, But Did! Parents who didn’t hold on like you needed them to, spouses who cut their commitment date short, friends you thought would always be there who aren’t anymore, family that became foes, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, or old college pal you thought you’d share fond memories with for a lifetime, co-workers you thought you’d celebrate retirement with or a ministry you thought would support you through it all. It seems as if no one is able to always be there to hold on when we’re going down, even a great husband or wife far too often fall short of fulfilling the vow to never let go. And there are numerous reasons as to why people let go: People change. People leave. People are human. People die. And the list goes on and on.

However, Thanks be to God, HE IS NOT LIKE MAN!

Years ago, there was a movie with a title that stuck with me: “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.” In truth, our hearts are hunting for an anchor person; that one person who will grab our hand and never let go. No matter what changes, no matter how we look or act or evolve down through the years, and especially when the storm is about to sink us! 

In fact, Millions of people have grabbed that ONE hand that will NEVER let go, and HE NEVER HAS! After all, He’s the One who made the Promise: “‘…NEVER will I leave you; NEVER will I forsake you….‘ 

I love God’s use of the word ‘NEVER’, because it means: ‘not ever; not at all; definitely or surely not; at no time in the past, present or future; not under any circumstance or condition; not to any level or degree.’ 

Now that’s what you call an iron-clad-guarantee! Completely unbreakable! 

This is His promise to you and God always keeps His promises! 

“…the words that come out of My mouth will not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them.” (Isaiah 55:11 MSG). 

“Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus…” (2 Corinthians 1:20 MSG). 

“God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19 AMPC)

“That’s right,” the Lord replied, “and I always rise early to keep a promise.” (Jeremiah 1:12 CEV)

That’s why you can say with Complete Confidence no matter what you’re dealing with: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Psalm 27:1) A few other translations read like this:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life – Who shall I dread?” (AMP)

“The Lord is my Light and my salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (AMPC)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything?” (CEB)

“You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears.” (CEV)

“Lord, you are my Light and my Savior, so why should I be afraid of anyone? The Lord is where my life is safe, so I will be afraid of no one!” (ERV)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The Lord protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.” (GNT)

“…So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.” (MSG)

The God that holds your hand, is your HELPER, LIGHT, SALVATION, REFUGE, FORTRESS, STRONGHOLD, PROTECTOR OF YOUR LIFE, AND KEEPS YOU SAFE FROM ALL DANGERS! Therefore, you have no need to be afraid, fearful, dreading, frightened of anything or anyone! Your God who has promised to keep His hand on you, and to keep you in the palm of His hand, will never let you go, no matter what attaches itself to you! That you can take comfort in!

That promise is from Jesus Christ Himself- the One who loved you enough to actually die in your place to pay for the sins that have always put God out of your reach.

Listen to how Scripture says it:

“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.” (John 3:16 AMP). 

“…God put the wrong on Him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 MSG). 

“But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.” (Romans 5:8 AMP). 

That’s how much you mean to God! He allowed His Son’s Hands to be Nailed in Excruciating Pain just so those Same Hands could Hold You and Never Let You Go! That’s shouting material right there! Not even nails could make Him let you go!

A lot of people may have failed to hang on. But remember this: JESUS WILL NEVER FAIL YOU! AND HE MOST CERTAINLY WILL NEVER LET GO OF YOU! He says of those who come to Him, “…I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, EVER. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. AND ONCE THAT PERSON IS WITH ME, I HOLD ON AND DON’T LET GO…” (John 6:35-38 MSG). 

LISTEN: If He was ever going to turn His back on you, it would have been when He was enduring YOUR punishment on the cross! But He stayed there so you could live with Him forever! He will not abandon the one He paid for with His blood and life! When He died for you, He proved He’s got love for you that won’t ever let you go!

When He walked out of His grave He proved He’s got the power to hold onto you through everything life and even death can throw at you! Which means the government shutdown can’t release His hand; the foreclosure can’t release His hand; the diagnosis and disease can’t release His hand; the bankruptcy can’t release His hand; the divorce can’t release His hand; the layoff can’t release His hand; the addiction can’t release His hand; the bad habits can’t release His hand; the temptation can’t release His hand! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AND NO ONE, NOT EVEN YOU, CAN RELEASE THE HOLD OF THE HAND OF GOD ON YOUR LIFE!

So, stop crying; stop fretting; stop walking in fear; stop panicking; stop pacing the floor; stop losing sleep; stop pulling out your hair; stop trying to come up with a back up plan for God; stop hoping for human hands to fix it; stop reading the horoscopes; stop stalking the Prophets! JUST STOP!

And then START praising God; worshiping God; walking by faith and not by sight; trust God for favor; live in peace; kneel in prayer; rest in God’s faithfulness; remember that He has numbered every strand of hair on your head and hasn’t lost count of one, nor will He ever lose sight of you! Trust the plan, power and purpose of God; fulfill the will of God; seek Him, not them; read the Word of God; and get somewhere and be still and quiet and remember that He is still God, the same God that has been holding you all this time and will not ever let you go!

Yes, I know it’s too much for you to handle, but thanks be to God that you don’t have to handle it! You serve a God with Hands bigger and stronger than yours, and He’s got it and you right in the palm of them. You are safe; you are good; you are well; you are healed; you are delivered, you are whole; you are peaceful; you are joyful; you are confident; you are reassured; you are now walking into a new level of trusting God with everything and all things!

SO REMEMBER TODAY, THAT NO MATTER WHAT’S GOT A HOLD OF YOU…HE WILL NEVER LET YOUR HANDS GO! USE PRAYER TO RELEASE IT FROM YOUR HANDS INTO HIS AND THEN DON’T ATTEMPT TO TAKE IT BACK OR CHECK UP ON IT OR SEE HOW GOD’S DOING WITH ALL YOUR STUFF! PUT IT IN HIS HANDS BECAUSE HE CAN HANDLE IT! THEN REST WELL TONIGHT KNOWING WITH UNSHAKEABLE CONFIDENCE, THAT IT IS HANDLED!

“for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]  So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6 AMP) 

Isaiah 41:13, “For I the Lord your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.” (AMP) 

Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation]’” (AMP) 

Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.” (AMP) 

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (AMP) 

Psalm 16:8, “I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (AMP) 

1 Peter 5:6-7, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,  casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” (AMP) 

Hebrews 10:12, “whereas Christ, having offered the one sacrifice [the all-sufficient sacrifice of Himself] for sins for all time, sat down [signifying the completion of atonement for sin] at the right hand of God [the position of honor],” (AMP) 

Job 27:11, “I will teach you regarding the hand (power) of God; I will not conceal what is with the Almighty [God’s actual treatment of the wicked].” (AMP) 

1 Peter 3:22, “who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God [that is, the place of honor and authority], with [all] angels and authorities and powers made subservient to Him.” (AMP) 

Isaiah 49:16, “Indeed, I have inscribed [a picture of] you on the palms of My hands; Your city walls [Zion] are continually before Me.” (AMP) 

John 10:28, “And I give them eternal life, and they will never, ever [by any means] perish; and no one will ever snatch them out of My hand.” (AMP)

“When we put our problems in God’s hands, He puts His peace in our hearts.” (Author Unknown)

“Be silent, only the hand of God can remove the burdens of your heart.” (Rumi)

“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” (Mother Teresa)

“Nothing can shake those who are secure in God’s hands.” (Author Unknown)

“God has you in the palm of His hand today. He does not make any mistakes. He only makes masterpieces.” (Victoria Osteen)

“My unknown future is in the hands of the all-knowing God.” (Author Unknown)

“The mighty hand of God is upon me. I shall not be shaken.” (Lailah Gifty Akita)

“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” (Martin Luther)

“A broken life in the hands of God is ripe for a blessing.” (Joni Eareckson Tada)

“Don’t worry. Relax, your problems are in My hands now. Love, God.” (Author Unknown)

“I feel the healing hands of God touch my heart and kiss my soul.” (Harley King)

“Place yourself as an instrument in the hands of God, who does His own work in His own way.” (Swami Ramdas)

“It takes the hand of God to deliver the plan and purpose of God, but it takes faith to move the hand of God. Prayer is impotent without faith.” (E.A. Adeboye)

“Those who leave everything in God’s hand will eventually see God’s hand in everything.” (Author Unknown)

“Sometimes prayer moves the hand of God, and sometimes prayer changes the heart of the person who is praying.” (Mark Driscoll)

“If we want to know the Glory of God; if we want to experience the Beauty of God; and if we want to be Used by the Hand of God, then we must LIVE in the Word of God.” (David Platt)

“Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where there are treasured the boundless resources of the Omnipotent One.” (Ellen G. White)

“When God wants us to surrender one dream, it’s because He wants to hand us a bigger and better one.” (Mandy Hale)

“Surrender the thing you fear into the hands of God. Turn it right over to God and ask Him to solve it with you. Fear is keeping things in your own hands; faith is turning them over into the hands of God.” (E. Stanley Jones)

“Become willing to see the hand of God and accept it as a friend’s offer to help you with what you are doing.” (Julia Cameron)

“The strong hands of God twisted the crown of thorns into a crown of glory; and in such hands we are safe.” (Charles Williams)

“It is in those times of hopeless chaos when the sovereign hand of God is most likely to be seen.” (Thomas Chalmers)

“Your past can never dictate your future when you put it in the hands of God.” (Author Unknown)

“If GOD could close the mouth of the lions for Daniel; part the red sea for Moses; make the sun stand still for Joshua; open the prison for Peter; put a baby in the arms of Sarah; and raise Lazarus from the dead; then He can certainly take care of you! Nothing you are facing today is too hard for His Hands to Handle!” (Author Unknown)

“Hope is faith reaching out in the darkness knowing the hand of God is reaching back.” (John Hagee)

“You are created by the hand of God, on purpose. You are an unrepeatable miracle.” (Author Unknown)

Much Love, Dr. Shermaine #EnjoyTheRead #BeInspired #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged #ShareTheWord

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“Turning a Mess Into a Masterpiece!”

“Then I [Jeremiah] went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? Saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” (Jeremiah 18:3-6)

If you’re asking today, “Why am I going through all that I’m going through?” the answer is, you’re “IN THE HAND OF THE POTTER!”  

Knowing that alone helps, especially when you’re on the wheel and everything in your life seems to be spinning and spiraling completely out of control! I use the word “seems”, because in Actuality, your life is not spinning and spiraling completely out of control. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS LOOK UNDER THE TABLE AND SEE WHOSE FOOT IS ON THE WHEEL! “…behold, HE (THE POTTER) wrought a work ON THE WHEELS” Many of us have seen wheels spin on bikes, motorcycles, cars, trains and the like, and when those wheels get to spinning, if you stare at them long enough it can make you dizzy! The speed is swift as it goes around and around in circles! And sometimes, as believers, that’s how our lives feel when God has His foot on the potter’s wheel! Everything feels like it’s spinning completely out of control, but the potter has been doing this far too long to not know how to control the speed of the spin! And God likewise, has not loss control of your life even when the marriage, kids, family, job, finances, health, business and church all seem to be spinning at 200 MPH in all different directions at the exact same time! But be encouraged, the Potter’s foot knows how to handle the speed of the wheel!

“…behold, HE (THE POTTER) WROUGHT a work on the wheels” Now the word “Wrought” means “Beaten Out Or Shaped By Hammering.” This may hurt you, but it will eventually help you, listen, the pain you THINK is the devil, is REALLY JUST THE POTTER RESHAPING YOU! Think about it, IF THE ENEMY HAD BEEN IN CONTROL OF YOUR SITUATION, HE’D HAVE THROWN YOU OFF THE WHEEL A LONG TIME AGO! BUT HE CAN’T, BECAUSE THE POTTER CONTROLS THE PROCESS, THE WHEELS AND THE WROUGHT! And all this time you’ve been giving the devil credit for a work he didn’t do! The devil wants to steal, kill and destroy you, not work on you for the better! Yes, the hammering hurts, it’s painful, it’s difficult, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s God’s process! And most important, the Hammer is in the Hand of God! Which should serve as great encouragement to you that no hurt, harm or hindrance will come of it. He’s simply shaping you to become the masterpiece He already designed you to be! Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].” (AMP) That’s what all the hammering is about! It’s transforming us, renewing us, and making us ready to be used by God for good works as His workmanship, His own Master Work, His own Work of Art! And you really thought the devil was behind all of that goodness?! Absolutely not! Stop adding skills to the devil’s resume for work he couldn’t and didn’t do!

But listen to what the devil would have you focus on: “… And the vessel that he made of clay was MARRED in the hand of the potter…” The devil doesn’t want you to focus on the Masterpiece God is creating you to be, he wants you to focus on the fact that you’ve become Marred in the Potter’s Hand! But what he doesn’t know however, is that God is Monitoring Your Every Move! Now, I know how messed up you think you are because you’ve been “Marred”, but understand that when something is “Marred” it’s defined as “to Harm the Appearance or Quality of.” And let’s be honest, the devil isn’t trying to simply HARM YOU, OR HARM YOUR APPEARANCE, OR HARM YOUR QUALITY, he’s trying to DESTROY YOU! Which is why the Bible forewarns us: “THE THIEF’S PURPOSE IS TO STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY…” (John 10:10 TLB). THEREFORE, IF IT WAS THE DEVIL’S FOOT ON THE WHEEL, YOU WOULD BE DEAD BY NOW! But since he can’t kill you, he tries to distract you by getting you to focus on stuff that matters to you, but doesn’t matter to God, stuff like your marring, your mess up, your mistakes, and especially your past! But beloved, before you go and lose heart, know this, you’re simply “Marred” and Fortunately, God is Not Intimated By Your “Marring”. He’s not intimidated by the clay regardless of where He finds it or how flawed and out of shape it is. Truth is: WE SERIOUSLY GIVE OUR PAST WAY TOO MUCH POWER, BECAUSE GOD IS NOT AT ALL INTIMIDATED BY IT OR WHAT IT HAS CAUSED US TO LOOK LIKE! He’s not intimidated by our past promiscuity, addictions, mess-ups, screw-ups, or mistakes. He’s not intimidated by our ex friends, lovers or spouses. He’s committed to working on us until we become what He wants or better yet, “As Seemed Good to the Potter…”  

Listen: I don’t care what you’ve done, who you did it with, how long you did it or where, no man has the right or authority to hold you captive by your past, neither the devil, not even you! Your “Marring” did not mess you up for all eternity! There is no accidental mistake, or deliberate bad decision that you’ve ever made (or will make) that the Potter cannot make over into what seems Good to Him! You still have use, you still have value, you still have worth, you still have purpose! So let nothing and no one (not even YOU) allow your past to make you believe that you have no future! The Word of God still holds true for you, regardless to your past: “This is God’s Word on the subject…I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the FUTURE you hope for.” (Jeremiah 29:10-11 MSG). In the words of my pastor, you need to start saying daily to yourself: “I SEE MYSELF IN THE FUTURE AND THINGS LOOK SO MUCH BETTER. I’M EXPECTING A MIRACLE, AND MY MIRACLE IS EXPECTING ME!” (Bishop James R. Chambers). So you see, if God Himself is not hindered by your Past, why should you be? “He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west.” (Psalm 103:12 TLB). Therefore, marred vessels, keep moving forward, “Marred” and all! God can still make you the light of the world, no matter how dark your past was! God Still Uses Cracked Pots!

Listen: A water bearer in India had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole, which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it. While the other pot was perfect, and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the mistress’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to her master’s house. The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream: “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.” Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?” “I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your mistress’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said. The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in her compassion she said, “As we return to the mistress’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure. The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? “That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. “For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my mistress’s table. Without you being just the way you are, she would not have this beauty to grace her house.”

Moral of the story: Just as the water bearer knew of the flaw in the cracked pot, God knows about our flaws too. The water bearer continued to use the cracked pot, knowing full well of its flaws, and God uses us just the same, even with full knowledge of our every flaw! It’s US who focus on our flaws more than we focus on fulfilling our purpose in God.

For example, Benjamin felt small; Gideon felt insignificant; Moses felt his speech hindered him from being God’s mouthpiece, and yet God used each of them in a big way, flaws and all, and He’s using you the same way! God never asks for our perfection, just our availability. The question is, are we willing to give God our flaws that He may use them to bring Himself Glory?

Think about the above story, the perfect pot delivered a pail full of water. And that’s what it was designed to do. But the cracked pot was designed to deliver water, AND purposed to water the seeds that the water bearer would sow along the journey. So the mistresses house received from the cracked pot, water and flowers for her home. God can do more with your imperfections than He can with your false views and attempts of perfection. Just ask God to use you, available, cracked you. I promise you’ll be amazed by the harvest that’s produced in the lives of others because you gave God your cracked water pot to use!

To take it further, bear in mind: John 1:12 “As many as received him, to them gave he power TO BECOME the sons of God.” ALWAYS REMEMBER: THE BATTLE IS OVER WHO AND WHAT YOU’RE BECOMING! Regardless of what you’ve been up until now, GOD SEES IN YOU THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME! And what are you to become? “…a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21). Listen: When you see a can’t in yourself, GOD SEES A “CAN”. When you see a won’t in yourself, GOD SEES A “WILL”. When you see a don’t in yourself, GOD SEES A “DO” When you see a shouldn’t in yourself, GOD SEES A “SHOULD”.

GOD WILL ALWAYS PUT YOUR POTENTIAL ON A PEDESTAL!

IN OTHER WORDS, HE WILL ALWAYS LIFT UP WHAT YOU WILL BE, NOT WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN!

Cracks and all, you are still becoming “…a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

Highlight for yourself from John 1:12, “to them gave He Power TO BECOME…” That’s what the devil is after to destroy, WHAT YOU WILL BECOME! Don’t let him do it! Don’t let the devil distract or discourage you! Stay focused on what God Said no matter what the devil would want you to See! You are Becoming a wonderful, useful, cracked vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for your Master’s use, for He is preparing you for every good work! Do not lose sight of the big picture, stay focused on what you are becoming! 

In a Nutshell: The devil’s not intimidated by your Caterpillar stage, because you’re on the ground, low, at his level, defeated, and struggling to crawl by. But what intimidates him is your Butterfly stage, because you then Possess the Ability to Fly, to Soar, to Excel, and to Reach Altitudes He Can’t Reach! You see, some snakes can sliver through trees, but when it reaches a certain height, it can reach no further. But the Butterfly Isn’t Limited to Where the Tree Top Stops! And Neither Are You! That’s why you can’t get distracted from what you’re becoming! Children of God, it’s time for you to soar, but if you keep allowing your past, the devil, discouragement, and low self-worth to hinder you, you’ll remain in a cocoon with undeveloped wings that were designed and destined to soar! You were never meant to stay on this level! The cocoon is only for a time period, then you break out of it fully developed and soar to new heights!

“The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hind’s feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!…” (Habakkuk 3:19 AMP)

You were made for high places, so stop settling for low positions!

Notice also, that even though the vessel was “Marred”, It Was Still In The Potter’s Hand! God Never Throws Us Away, Nor Is His Plan For Us Thwarted Because We Have a Flaw of Struggle in Certain Areas! Understand that whether you’re being lifted from the mud, turned on the wheel or made over again, At All Times You Are In His Hand, And Always Will Be! “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall Never Perish, Neither Shall Any Man Pluck Them Out of My Hand.” (John 10:28) SO, BE ENCOURAGED: YOU ARE IN THE POTTER’S HANDS, AND HIS HANDS NEVER STOP WORKING!” “But Jesus said, “MY FATHER HAS NEVER STOPPED WORKING…” (John 5:17 CEV) Therefore, even if you continue to mar in the master’s hand, which you will as long as you are still flesh and blood, but the good news is, that can’t hinder the Hand of God on your life! From birth to death and everything in between, God never stops working on you and your life! So even when you make more mistakes, and even deliberate sinful choices, God never stops working on you! Don’t let the devil, your past, or yourself make you believe anything different! There is nothing about you or your life or your past that is powerful enough to Hinder the Hand of God’s Work!

I found yet another little nugget too! Did you know the word “Smith” in “Silversmith” comes from the Old English word “Smite”? Well, in case you didn’t know, Silversmiths are very Accomplished Smiters! AND SO IS GOD! You see, the word “Smite” is defined as “Striking a Firm Blow”. In other words, God Knows the Weight of the Hammer and the Force of the Blow Required to Produce In You Christ-Like Character! And absolutely no one yanks the hammer out of His hand and says, “Go easy on that silver; you’ve pounded it enough!” No, He Buffets the Metal Until He’s Finished With It! And when you “Buffet” something, it means you “Strike It Repeatedly and Violently”. In other words, there is a Determination on the part of the Silversmith to Beat the Silver Into the Design He Envisioned It To Be! And He Will Beat It Until It Conforms to What He has Constructed in His Mind! He Will Beat it Until the Blueprint Comes Off the Pages and Stands Before Him Fully Erected! He Will Beat it Until He Sees With His Eyes What He Saw in His Thoughts! And the Same Goes For You!  

Too often we forget He’s Our Heavenly FATHER! And unlike today, Daddies of old didn’t spare the rod, nor spoil the child! So, keep in mind: He’s Your God, but He’s Also Your FATHER! “But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; A FATHER’S DELIGHT IS BEHIND ALL OF THIS.” (Proverbs 3:12 MSG); “For the Lord corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart and cherishes.” (Hebrews 12:6 AMP)

Please Understand that Your God Will Bless You, But Never Forget, Your Father Will Buffet You Too!

In the end, God Alone Knows Exactly What You’re to Look Like. He Was the One that Gathered All Your Materials BEFORE Time! “BEFORE I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. BEFORE you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—THAT’S WHAT I HAD IN MIND FOR YOU” (Jeremiah 1:5 MSG). BEFORE YOU BEGAN, HE ALREADY KNEW HOW YOU’D END! SO STOP FRETTING! HE ALREADY KNOWS HOW FABULOUS YOUR FINISHED PRODUCT LOOKS!

I know the Blows come Fast and Hard, and it seems like they’ll never end, but you have to Trust that God Knows What He’s Doing! 

However, sadly enough, I wish I could tell you that after the Hammering and Buffeting is Done You’re Finished, BUT…then there has to be POLISHING!  And when you “Polish” something you “Make It Smooth and Shiny By Continuously Rubbing It!” And the Best of Silversmiths will tell you that they Keep Polishing UNTIL THEY CAN SEE THEIR FACE IN THE FINISHED PRODUCT! So, When Will God Stop Polishing You? When He Sees His Nature and His Likeness Reflected In You! In other words, when He looks at you, He ought to see, Integrity, Faithfulness, Dedication, Power, Consecration, Diligence, Obedience, Honor, Loyalty, Leadership, Commitment and the like. He ought to see “…the Fruit of the Spirit…Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23). 

Simply put, He’s Done When He Looks At You And Sees Himself! 

And if we’re all to be Real Honest, God Is No-Where Near Finished Smiting, Buffeting or Polishing Any Of Us! Jesus said, “My Father Never Stops Working.” Therefore, you need to understand that: The Pounding You Feel Doesn’t Suggest God’s Distance, It Proves His Nearness! So Stop Attributing Everything to the Devil! 

Lastly, after a lifetime of walking with God, Joshua said, “Not a Word Failed of Any Good Thing Which the Lord Had Spoken…All Came to Pass.” (Joshua 21:45 NKJV). 

Understand that Whatever God Has Spoken Over Your Life, He’s Not Stopping Until He Sees It “All Come to Pass”! And If That Takes Smiting, Buffeting and Polishing…He’s Committed To Doing Whatever It Takes, For However Long It Takes and No Matter How Painful It Will Be…”Not A Word Failed Of Any Good Thing Which The Lord Had Spoken…All Came To Pass!” He’s Still Working On You Because All That He Has Spoken Has Yet To Manifest In Your Life! And He Has To Keep His Word! So Endure The Wheel, the Spinning, the Hammering, the Smiting, the Buffeting and the Polishing! In The End It Will Be Worth It To Possess All God Has Promised You! God is the Greatest of Silversmiths. Trust Him as you imagine what you’re going to look like When He’s All Done…In the meantime, Remember: The Potters Hands Are Not Finished Molding You Yet! So, Don’t Be Discouraged In The Process, You Will Produce Something Great After This Is All Over!  

People of God, you are becoming a vessel of honor in the Master’s Hand and for the Master’s use, cracks, flaws, imperfections and all. So, don’t hate the process, because you’re going to love the end product!

As Painful as This is, Be Encouraged My Friend You May Have Been Marred, but Now You’re Being Molded and Made Into a Masterpiece Cracked Vessel of Honor for the Master’s Use and Glory!

Much Love, Dr. Shermaine #EnjoyTheRead #BeInspired #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged #ShareTheWord

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“His Hands Will Handle It!”

“…I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, EVER. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. AND ONCE THAT PERSON IS WITH ME, I HOLD ON AND DON’T LET GO…” (John 6:35-38 MSG). 

The events of September 11, 2001, changed a lot of things, including our definition of the word “hero.” Because we saw, up close and personal, what REAL Heroes actually look like – and they look like those police and firefighters, medical personnel and even volunteers, who went into those burning towers, knowing full well that they might not come out alive, yet willingly entered in regardless, for no other reason than the fact that there were people in desperate need of a rescue!  

Immediately, professional football and baseball players began to speak out, telling the world they aren’t the real heroes! The people who risk their lives every day to save others are!  

By that definition, the rescue swimmers of the United States Coast Guard more than qualify! We saw them in action after Hurricane Katrina submerged much of New Orleans! They were the men dangling from those helicopters, scooping desperate people off rooftops! Now, believe it or not, that was easy compared to some of their rescues, like plunging from a hovering chopper into an angry sea to save a life! A movie told the story of these heroes and portrayed how they lived out their motto: “So others may live.” A seasoned veteran training a class of rookies shows them the depth of a rescuer’s life-saving commitment. It’s all about grabbing the hand of a person about to die and making this promise: “I won’t let go.” And They Don’t!

Those four words touch a nerve in my heart and I pray they will do the same for yours! Four small words that make a big promise: “I Won’t Let Go.” If we dared to be completely transparent, that’s what we all want: someone that really means business when they say I will never let you go! But unfortunately, our lives are littered with many who shouldn’t have let go, But Did! Promised Not to Let Go, But Did! Vowed to Not Let Go, But Did! Parents who didn’t hold on like you needed them to, spouses who cut their commitment date short, friends you thought would always be there who aren’t anymore, family that became foes, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, or old college pal you thought you’d share fond memories with for a lifetime, co-workers you thought you’d celebrate retirement with or a ministry you thought would support you through it all. It seems as if no one is able to always be there to hold on when we’re going down, even a great husband or wife far too often fall short of fulfilling the vow to never let go. And there are numerous reasons as to why people let go: People change. People leave. People are human. People die. And the list goes on and on.

However, Thanks be to God, HE IS NOT LIKE MAN!

Years ago, there was a movie with a title that stuck with me: “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.” In truth, our hearts are hunting for an anchor person; that one person who will grab our hand and never let go. No matter what changes, no matter how we look or act or evolve down through the years, and especially when the storm is about to sink us! 

In fact, Millions of people have grabbed that ONE hand that will NEVER let go, and HE NEVER HAS! After all, He’s the One who made the Promise: “‘…NEVER will I leave you; NEVER will I forsake you….‘ 

I love God’s use of the word ‘NEVER’, because it means: ‘not ever; not at all; definitely or surely not; at no time in the past, present or future; not under any circumstance or condition; not to any level or degree.’ 

Now that’s what you call an iron-clad-guarantee! Completely unbreakable! 

This is His promise to you and God always keeps His promises! 

“…the words that come out of My mouth will not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them.” (Isaiah 55:11 MSG). 

“Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus…” (2 Corinthians 1:20 MSG). 

“God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19 AMPC)

“That’s right,” the Lord replied, “and I always rise early to keep a promise.” (Jeremiah 1:12 CEV)

That’s why you can say with Complete Confidence no matter what you’re dealing with: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Psalm 27:1) A few other translations read like this:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life – Who shall I dread?” (AMP)

“The Lord is my Light and my salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (AMPC)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything?” (CEB)

“You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears.” (CEV)

“Lord, you are my Light and my Savior, so why should I be afraid of anyone? The Lord is where my life is safe, so I will be afraid of no one!” (ERV)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The Lord protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.” (GNT)

“…So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.” (MSG)

The God that holds your hand, is your HELPER, LIGHT, SALVATION, REFUGE, FORTRESS, STRONGHOLD, PROTECTOR OF YOUR LIFE, AND KEEPS YOU SAFE FROM ALL DANGERS! Therefore, you have no need to be afraid, fearful, dreading, frightened of anything or anyone! Your God who has promised to keep His hand on you, and to keep you in the palm of His hand, will never let you go, no matter what attaches itself to you! That you can take comfort in!

That promise is from Jesus Christ Himself- the One who loved you enough to actually die in your place to pay for the sins that have always put God out of your reach.

Listen to how Scripture says it:

“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.” (John 3:16 AMP). 

“…God put the wrong on Him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 MSG). 

“But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.” (Romans 5:8 AMP). 

That’s how much you mean to God! He allowed His Son’s Hands to be Nailed in Excruciating Pain just so those Same Hands could Hold You and Never Let You Go! That’s shouting material right there! Not even nails could make Him let you go!

A lot of people may have failed to hang on. But remember this: JESUS WILL NEVER FAIL YOU! AND HE MOST CERTAINLY WILL NEVER LET GO OF YOU! He says of those who come to Him, “…I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, EVER. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. AND ONCE THAT PERSON IS WITH ME, I HOLD ON AND DON’T LET GO…” (John 6:35-38 MSG). 

LISTEN: If He was ever going to turn His back on you, it would have been when He was enduring YOUR punishment on the cross! But He stayed there so you could live with Him forever! He will not abandon the one He paid for with His blood and life! When He died for you, He proved He’s got love for you that won’t ever let you go!

When He walked out of His grave He proved He’s got the power to hold onto you through everything life and even death can throw at you! Which means the government shutdown can’t release His hand; the foreclosure can’t release His hand; the diagnosis and disease can’t release His hand; the bankruptcy can’t release His hand; the divorce can’t release His hand; the layoff can’t release His hand; the addiction can’t release His hand; the bad habits can’t release His hand; the temptation can’t release His hand! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AND NO ONE, NOT EVEN YOU, CAN RELEASE THE HOLD OF THE HAND OF GOD ON YOUR LIFE!

So, stop crying; stop fretting; stop walking in fear; stop panicking; stop pacing the floor; stop losing sleep; stop pulling out your hair; stop trying to come up with a back up plan for God; stop hoping for human hands to fix it; stop reading the horoscopes; stop stalking the Prophets! JUST STOP!

And then START praising God; worshiping God; walking by faith and not by sight; trust God for favor; live in peace; kneel in prayer; rest in God’s faithfulness; remember that He has numbered every strand of hair on your head and hasn’t lost count of one, nor will He ever lose sight of you! Trust the plan, power and purpose of God; fulfill the will of God; seek Him, not them; read the Word of God; and get somewhere and be still and quiet and remember that He is still God, the same God that has been holding you all this time and will not ever let you go!

Yes, I know it’s too much for you to handle, but thanks be to God that you don’t have to handle it! You serve a God with Hands bigger and stronger than yours, and He’s got it and you right in the palm of them. You are safe; you are good; you are well; you are healed; you are delivered, you are whole; you are peaceful; you are joyful; you are confident; you are reassured; you are now walking into a new level of trusting God with everything and all things!
SO REMEMBER TODAY, THAT NO MATTER WHAT’S GOT A HOLD OF YOU…HE WILL NEVER LET YOUR HANDS GO! USE PRAYER TO RELEASE IT FROM YOUR HANDS INTO HIS AND THEN DON’T ATTEMPT TO TAKE IT BACK OR CHECK UP ON IT OR SEE HOW GOD’S DOING WITH ALL YOUR STUFF! PUT IT IN HIS HANDS BECAUSE HE CAN HANDLE IT! THEN REST WELL TONIGHT KNOWING WITH UNSHAKEABLE CONFIDENCE, THAT IT IS HANDLED!

“for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]  So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6 AMP) 

Isaiah 41:13, “For I the Lord your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.” (AMP) 

Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation]’” (AMP) 

Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.” (AMP) 

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (AMP) 

Psalm 16:8, “I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (AMP) 

1 Peter 5:6-7, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,  casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” (AMP) 

Hebrews 10:12, “whereas Christ, having offered the one sacrifice [the all-sufficient sacrifice of Himself] for sins for all time, sat down [signifying the completion of atonement for sin] at the right hand of God [the position of honor],” (AMP) 

Job 27:11, “I will teach you regarding the hand (power) of God; I will not conceal what is with the Almighty [God’s actual treatment of the wicked].” (AMP) 

1 Peter 3:22, “who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God [that is, the place of honor and authority], with [all] angels and authorities and powers made subservient to Him.” (AMP) 

Isaiah 49:16, “Indeed, I have inscribed [a picture of] you on the palms of My hands; Your city walls [Zion] are continually before Me.” (AMP) 

John 10:28, “And I give them eternal life, and they will never, ever [by any means] perish; and no one will ever snatch them out of My hand.” (AMP)

“When we put our problems in God’s hands, He puts His peace in our hearts.” (Author Unknown)

“Be silent, only the hand of God can remove the burdens of your heart.” (Rumi)

“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” (Mother Teresa)

“Nothing can shake those who are secure in God’s hands.” (Author Unknown)

“God has you in the palm of His hand today. He does not make any mistakes. He only makes masterpieces.” (Victoria Osteen)

“My unknown future is in the hands of the all-knowing God.” (Author Unknown)

“The mighty hand of God is upon me. I shall not be shaken.” (Lailah Gifty Akita)

“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” (Martin Luther)

“A broken life in the hands of God is ripe for a blessing.” (Joni Eareckson Tada)

“Don’t worry. Relax, your problems are in My hands now. Love, God.” (Author Unknown)

“I feel the healing hands of God touch my heart and kiss my soul.” (Harley King)

“Place yourself as an instrument in the hands of God, who does His own work in His own way.” (Swami Ramdas)

“It takes the hand of God to deliver the plan and purpose of God, but it takes faith to move the hand of God. Prayer is impotent without faith.” (E.A. Adeboye)

“Those who leave everything in God’s hand will eventually see God’s hand in everything.” (Author Unknown)

“Sometimes prayer moves the hand of God, and sometimes prayer changes the heart of the person who is praying.” (Mark Driscoll)

“If we want to know the Glory of God; if we want to experience the Beauty of God; and if we want to be Used by the Hand of God, then we must LIVE in the Word of God.” (David Platt)

“Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where there are treasured the boundless resources of the Omnipotent One.” (Ellen G. White)

“When God wants us to surrender one dream, it’s because He wants to hand us a bigger and better one.” (Mandy Hale)

“Surrender the thing you fear into the hands of God. Turn it right over to God and ask Him to solve it with you. Fear is keeping things in your own hands; faith is turning them over into the hands of God.” (E. Stanley Jones)

“Become willing to see the hand of God and accept it as a friend’s offer to help you with what you are doing.” (Julia Cameron)

“The strong hands of God twisted the crown of thorns into a crown of glory; and in such hands we are safe.” (Charles Williams)

“It is in those times of hopeless chaos when the sovereign hand of God is most likely to be seen.” (Thomas Chalmers)

“Your past can never dictate your future when you put it in the hands of God.” (Author Unknown)

“If GOD could close the mouth of the lions for Daniel; part the red sea for Moses; make the sun stand still for Joshua; open the prison for Peter; put a baby in the arms of Sarah; and raise Lazarus from the dead; then He can certainly take care of you! Nothing you are facing today is too hard for His Hands to Handle!” (Author Unknown)

“Hope is faith reaching out in the darkness knowing the hand of God is reaching back.” (John Hagee)

“You are created by the hand of God, on purpose. You are an unrepeatable miracle.” (Author Unknown)

Much Love, Dr. Shermaine #EnjoyTheRead #BeInspired #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged
Feel free to also join us at: http://www.selfcarewithdrshermaine.blogspot.com Today’s Lesson: “Health Benefits of Ginger!”

 

 

 

“Marred, Molded, and Made Into a Masterpiece!”

“Then I [Jeremiah] went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? Saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” (Jeremiah 18:3-6)

If you’re asking today, “Why am I going through all that I’m going through?” the answer is, you’re “IN THE HAND OF THE POTTER!”  

Knowing that alone helps, especially when you’re on the wheel and everything in your life seems to be spinning and spiraling completely out of control! I use the word “seems”, because in Actuality, your life is not spinning and spiraling completely out of control. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS LOOK UNDER THE TABLE AND SEE WHOSE FOOT IS ON THE WHEEL! “…behold, HE (THE POTTER) wrought a work ON THE WHEELS” Many of us have seen wheels spin on bikes, motorcycles, cars, trains and the like, and when those wheels get to spinning, if you stare at them long enough it can make you dizzy! The speed is swift as it goes around and around in circles! And sometimes, as believers, that’s how our lives feel when God has His foot on the potter’s wheel! Everything feels like it’s spinning completely out of control, but the potter has been doing this far too long to not know how to control the speed of the spin! And God likewise, has not loss control of your life even when the marriage, kids, family, job, finances, health, business and church all seem to be spinning at 200 MPH in all different directions at the exact same time! But be encouraged, the Potter’s foot knows how to handle the speed of the wheel!

“…behold, HE (THE POTTER) WROUGHT a work on the wheels” Now the word “Wrought” means “Beaten Out Or Shaped By Hammering.” This may hurt you, but it will eventually help you, listen, the pain you THINK is the devil, is REALLY JUST THE POTTER RESHAPING YOU! Think about it, IF THE ENEMY HAD BEEN IN CONTROL OF YOUR SITUATION, HE’D HAVE THROWN YOU OFF THE WHEEL A LONG TIME AGO! BUT HE CAN’T, BECAUSE THE POTTER CONTROLS THE PROCESS, THE WHEELS AND THE WROUGHT! And all this time you’ve been giving the devil credit for a work he didn’t do! The devil wants to steal, kill and destroy you, not work on you for the better! Yes, the hammering hurts, it’s painful, it’s difficult, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s God’s process! And most important, the Hammer is in the Hand of God! Which should serve as great encouragement to you that no hurt, harm or hindrance will come of it. He’s simply shaping you to become the masterpiece He already designed you to be! Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].” (AMP) That’s what all the hammering is about! It’s transforming us, renewing us, and making us ready to be used by God for good works as His workmanship, His own Master Work, His own Work of Art! And you really thought the devil was behind all of that goodness?! Absolutely not! Stop adding skills to the devil’s resume for work he couldn’t and didn’t do!

But listen to what the devil would have you focus on: “… And the vessel that he made of clay was MARRED in the hand of the potter…” The devil doesn’t want you to focus on the Masterpiece God is creating you to be, he wants you to focus on the fact that you’ve become Marred in the Potter’s Hand! But what he doesn’t know however, is that God is Monitoring Your Every Move! Now, I know how messed up you think you are because you’ve been “Marred”, but understand that when something is “Marred” it’s defined as “to Harm the Appearance or Quality of.” And let’s be honest, the devil isn’t trying to simply HARM YOU, OR HARM YOUR APPEARANCE, OR HARM YOUR QUALITY, he’s trying to DESTROY YOU! Which is why the Bible forewarns us: “THE THIEF’S PURPOSE IS TO STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY…” (John 10:10 TLB). THEREFORE, IF IT WAS THE DEVIL’S FOOT ON THE WHEEL, YOU WOULD BE DEAD BY NOW! But since he can’t kill you, he tries to distract you by getting you to focus on stuff that matters to you, but doesn’t matter to God, stuff like your marring, your mess up, your mistakes, and especially your past! But beloved, before you go and lose heart, know this, you’re simply “Marred” and Fortunately, God is Not Intimated By Your “Marring”. He’s not intimidated by the clay regardless of where He finds it or how flawed and out of shape it is. Truth is: WE SERIOUSLY GIVE OUR PAST WAY TOO MUCH POWER, BECAUSE GOD IS NOT AT ALL INTIMIDATED BY IT OR WHAT IT HAS CAUSED US TO LOOK LIKE! He’s not intimidated by our past promiscuity, addictions, mess-ups, screw-ups, or mistakes. He’s not intimidated by our ex friends, lovers or spouses. He’s committed to working on us until we become what He wants or better yet, “As Seemed Good to the Potter…”  

Listen: I don’t care what you’ve done, who you did it with, how long you did it or where, no man has the right or authority to hold you captive by your past, neither the devil, not even you! Your “Marring” did not mess you up for all eternity! There is no accidental mistake, or deliberate bad decision that you’ve ever made (or will make) that the Potter cannot make over into what seems Good to Him! You still have use, you still have value, you still have worth, you still have purpose! So let nothing and no one (not even YOU) allow your past to make you believe that you have no future! The Word of God still holds true for you, regardless to your past: “This is God’s Word on the subject…I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the FUTURE you hope for.” (Jeremiah 29:10-11 MSG). In the words of my pastor, you need to start saying daily to yourself: “I SEE MYSELF IN THE FUTURE AND THINGS LOOK SO MUCH BETTER. I’M EXPECTING A MIRACLE, AND MY MIRACLE IS EXPECTING ME!” (Bishop James R. Chambers). So you see, if God Himself is not hindered by your Past, why should you be? “He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west.” (Psalm 103:12 TLB). Therefore, marred vessels, keep moving forward, “Marred” and all! God can still make you the light of the world, no matter how dark your past was! God Still Uses Cracked Pots!

Listen: A water bearer in India had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole, which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it. While the other pot was perfect, and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the mistress’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to her master’s house. The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream: “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.” Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?” “I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your mistress’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said. The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in her compassion she said, “As we return to the mistress’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure. The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? “That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. “For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my mistress’s table. Without you being just the way you are, she would not have this beauty to grace her house.” Moral of the story: Just as the water bearer knew of the flaw in the cracked pot, God knows about our flaws too. The water bearer continued to use the cracked pot, knowing full well of its flaws, and God uses us just the same, even with full knowledge of our every flaw! It’s US who focus on our flaws more than we focus on fulfilling our purpose in God. For example, Benjamin felt small; Gideon felt insignificant; Moses felt his speech hindered him from being God’s mouthpiece, and yet God used each them in a big way, flaws and all, and He’s using you the same way! God never asks for our perfection, just our availability. The question is, are we willing to give God our flaws that He may use them to bring Himself Glory? Think about the above story, the perfect pot delivered a pail full of water. And that’s what it was designed to do. But the cracked pot was designed to deliver water, AND purposed to water the seeds that the water bearer would sow along the journey. So the mistresses house received from the cracked pot, water and flowers for her home. God can do more with your imperfections than He can with your false views and attempts of perfection. Just ask God to use you, available, cracked you. I promise you’ll be amazed by the harvest that’s produced in the lives of others because you gave God your cracked water pot to use!

To take it further, bear in mind: John 1:12 “As many as received him, to them gave he power TO BECOME the sons of God.” ALWAYS REMEMBER: THE BATTLE IS OVER WHO AND WHAT YOU’RE BECOMING! Regardless of what you’ve been up until now, GOD SEES IN YOU THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME! And what are you to become? “…a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21). Listen: When you see a can’t in yourself, GOD SEES A “CAN”. When you see a won’t in yourself, GOD SEES A “WILL”. When you see a don’t in yourself, GOD SEES A “DO” When you see a shouldn’t in yourself, GOD SEES A “SHOULD”. GOD WILL ALWAYS PUT YOUR POTENTIAL ON A PEDESTAL! IN OTHER WORDS, HE WILL ALWAYS LIFT UP WHAT YOU WILL BE, NOT WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN! Cracks and all, you are still becoming “…a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” Highlight for yourself from John 1:12, “to them gave He Power TO BECOME…” That’s what the devil is after to destroy, WHAT YOU WILL BECOME! Don’t let him do it! Don’t let the devil distract or discourage you! Stay focused on what God Said no matter what the devil would want you to See! You are Becoming a wonderful, useful, cracked vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for your Master’s use, for He is preparing you for every good work! Do not lose sight of the big picture, stay focused on what you are becoming! 

In a Nutshell: The devil’s not intimidated by your Caterpillar stage, because you’re on the ground, low, at his level, defeated, and struggling to crawl by. But what intimidates him is your Butterfly stage, because you then Possess the Ability to Fly, to Soar, to Excel, and to Reach Altitudes He Can’t Reach! You see, some snakes can sliver through trees, but when it reaches a certain height, it can reach no further. But the Butterfly Isn’t Limited to Where the Tree Top Stops! And Neither Are You! That’s why you can’t get distracted from what you’re becoming! Children of God, it’s time for you to soar, but if you keep allowing your past, the devil, discouragement, and low self-worth to hinder you, you’ll remain in a cocoon with undeveloped wings that were designed and destined to soar! You were never meant to stay on this level! The cocoon is only for a time period, then you break out of it fully developed and soar to new heights! “The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hind’s feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!…” (Hababkkuk 3:19 AMP) You were made for high places, so stop settling for low positions!

Notice also, that even though the vessel was “Marred”, It Was Still In The Potter’s Hand! God Never Throws Us Away, Nor Is His Plan For Us Thwarted Because We Have a Flaw of Struggle in Certain Areas! Understand that whether you’re being lifted from the mud, turned on the wheel or made over again, At All Times You Are In His Hand, And Always Will Be! “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall Never Perish, Neither Shall Any Man Pluck Them Out of My Hand.” (John 10:28) SO, BE ENCOURAGED: YOU ARE IN THE POTTER’S HANDS, AND HIS HANDS NEVER STOP WORKING!” “But Jesus said, “MY FATHER HAS NEVER STOPPED WORKING…” (John 5:17 CEV) Therefore, even if you continue to mar in the master’s hand, which you will as long as you are still flesh and blood, but the good news is, that can’t hinder the Hand of God on your life! From birth to death and everything in between, God never stops working on you and your life! So even when you make more mistakes, and even deliberate sinful choices, God never stops working on you! Don’t let the devil, your past, or yourself make you believe anything different! There is nothing about you or your life or your past that is powerful enough to Hinder the Hand of God’s Work!

I found yet another little nugget too! Did you know the word “Smith” in “Silversmith” comes from the Old English word “Smite”? Well, in case you didn’t know, Silversmiths are very Accomplished Smiters! AND SO IS GOD! You see, the word “Smite” is defined as “Striking a Firm Blow”. In other words, God Knows the Weight of the Hammer and the Force of the Blow Required to Produce In You Christ-Like Character! And absolutely no one yanks the hammer out of His hand and says, “Go easy on that silver; you’ve pounded it enough!” No, He Buffets the Metal Until He’s Finished With It! And when you “Buffet” something, it means you “Strike It Repeatedly and Violently”. In other words, there is a Determination on the part of the Silversmith to Beat the Silver Into the Design He Envisioned It To Be! And He Will Beat It Until It Conforms to What He has Constructed in His Mind! He Will Beat it Until the Blueprint Comes Off the Pages and Stands Before Him Fully Erected! He Will Beat it Until He Sees With His Eyes What He Saw in His Thoughts! And the Same Goes For You!  

Too often we forget He’s Our Heavenly FATHER! And unlike today, Daddies of old didn’t spare the rod, nor spoil the child! So, keep in mind: He’s Your God, but He’s Also Your FATHER! “But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; A FATHER’S DELIGHT IS BEHIND ALL OF THIS.” (Proverbs 3:12 MSG); “For the Lord corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart and cherishes.” (Hebrews 12:6 AMP)

Please Understand that Your God Will Bless You, But Never Forget, Your Father Will Buffet You Too!

In the end, God Alone Knows Exactly What You’re to Look Like. He Was the One that Gathered All Your Materials BEFORE Time! “BEFORE I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. BEFORE you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—THAT’S WHAT I HAD IN MIND FOR YOU” (Jeremiah 1:5 MSG). BEFORE YOU BEGAN, HE ALREADY KNEW HOW YOU’D END! SO STOP FRETTING! HE ALREADY KNOWS HOW FABULOUS YOUR FINISHED PRODUCT LOOKS!

I know the Blows come Fast and Hard, and it seems like they’ll never end, but you have to Trust that God Knows What He’s Doing! 

However, sadly enough, I wish I could tell you that after the Hammering and Buffetting is Done You’re Finished, BUT…then there has to be POLISHING!  And when you “Polish” something you “Make It Smooth and Shiny By Continuously Rubbing It!” And the Best of Silversmiths will tell you that they Keep Polishing UNTIL THEY CAN SEE THEIR FACE IN THE FINISHED PRODUCT! So, When Will God Stop Polishing You? When He Sees His Nature and His Likeness Reflected In You! In other words, when He looks at you, He ought to see, Integrity, Faithfulness, Dedication, Power, Consecration, Diligence, Obedience, Honor, Loyalty, Leadership, Commitment and the like. He ought to see “…the Fruit of the Spirit…Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23). Simply put, He’s Done When He Looks At You And Sees Himself! 

And if we’re all to be Real Honest, God Is No-Where Near Finished Smiting, Buffeting or Polishing Any Of Us! Jesus said, “My Father Never Stops Working.” Therefore, you need to understand that: The Pounding You Feel Doesn’t Suggest God’s Distance, It Proves His Nearness! So Stop Attributing Everything to the Devil! 

Lastly, after a lifetime of walking with God, Joshua said, “Not a Word Failed of Any Good Thing Which the Lord Had Spoken…All Came to Pass.” (Joshua 21:45 NKJV). 

Understand that Whatever God Has Spoken Over Your Life, He’s Not Stopping Until He Sees It “All Come to Pass”! And If That Takes Smiting, Buffeting and Polishing…He’s Committed To Doing Whatever It Takes, For However Long It Takes and No Matter How Painful It Will Be…”Not A Word Failed Of Any Good Thing Which The Lord Had Spoken…All Came To Pass!” He’s Still Working On You Because All That He Has Spoken Has Yet To Manifest In Your Life! And He Has To Keep His Word! So Endure The Wheel, the Spinning, the Hammering, the Smiting, the Buffeting and the Polishing! In The End It Will Be Worth It To Possess All God Has Promised You! God is the Greatest of Silversmiths. Trust Him as you imagine what you’re going to look like When He’s All Done…In the meantime, Remember: The Potters Hands Are Not Finished Molding You Yet! So, Don’t Be Discouraged In The Process, You Will Produce Something Great After This Is All Over!  

People of God, you are becoming a vessel of honor in the Master’s Hand and for the Master’s use, cracks, flaws, imperfections and all. So, don’t hate the process, because you’re going to love the end product!

As Painful as This is, Be Encouraged My Friend You May Have Been Marred, but Now You’re Being Molded and Made Into a Masterpiece Cracked Vessel of Honor for the Master’s Use and Glory!

Much Love, Dr. Shermaine #EnjoyTheRead #BeInspired #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged
Feel free to also join us at: http://www.selfcarewithdrshermaine.blogspot.com Today’s Lesson: “Be Encouraged, You’re Growing!”