Where have all the good examples gone?

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good morning!  Happy Thursday.  I pray that your week has been blessed so far.

TFTD: Where have all the good examples gone?

Titus 2:1-8 (New International Version)

¹You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. ²Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.  ³Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
⁶ Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. ⁷In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Where have all the “good examples” gone?  The above text is qualities of a sound church.  I would take it a step further and say that these are qualities of a sound home, job, school, and life.  But I have to ask; where have all the “good examples” gone?  I look around at our mature and seasoned generation and I fear that in the body of Christ many have gotten away from the qualities of a sound church.

If our older men do not exercise respect, self-control, self-restraint; then what do we expect our young men to do?  If older women aren’t respectful in the way they live and not slanderers then how will they be able to teach the young women?  Where have all the “good examples” gone?  The word says, once the older men/women are taught how to live a certain way, then they will be able to train the younger women and younger men.  The problem I see today is that we have older men and women spreading their misguided views to a very impressionable generation.  People bring their past hurts, disappointments and failures into everything they say and do.  If something didn’t work for them they sell that failure to the next generation.

It’s a psychological cancer that spreading like wild-fire.  If college didn’t work for me, then I’m less likely to encourage the younger people to pursue higher education.  If my marriage failed, then I would less likely promote marriage to others.  If I was hurt while I was exercising self-control, respect, and kindness then I am more likely to encourage people to be mean because people will hurt you anyway.  If God didn’t answer my prayers, then I’m more likely to relay a message of doubt when it comes to having a relationship with Christ.

Think about the example you have been setting to others; are there things that you failed at or an area in your life in which you were hurt?  When people see you; what message are you sending them about that area in your life?  Sometimes you don’t have to say a word, but your facial expressions and body language will tell it all.

To my older men; what does your example tell the younger men who are watching you about respecting God, self, women, and the church?  To my older women; what does your example tell the younger women about caring for self, family, husband, being kind, self-controlled, and more?  Maybe it’s time to be re-taught.  This generation and the generations to come need good, strong godly examples to follows.  We have to become saturated with the Word of God so that we don’t allow the attitudes and behavior of the world to overtake us and the future generations.

Where have all the good examples gone?

*P.S. My first book of inspirational poetry is  scheduled to release soon.  Be one of my supporters contact me at niklellis@live.com if you are interested in committing to a copy or multiple copies of Reflections of the Son; a collection of Christian inspirational poetry.  God bless.

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Teach me Lord

Sunshine’s Reflections

Happy Wednesday to you all!

TFTD: Teach me Lord!

Psalm 143:8-10 (New King James Version)

⁸ Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.

⁹ Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies;
In You I take shelter.^[a]
10 Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.

There are a number of things in life that we must learn how to do and then there are things that we appear to be a natural at.  Think about yourself for a moment; is there something that you can do well, yet you did not have any formal training?  Are you able to see something done once and pick up on it immediately?  When you are good at things without any training people will call you a natural.

Some people are a natural at singing, playing the piano, dancing, drawing, speaking and the list goes on.  Then you have things in life that you must be taught how to do.  When we were little someone taught us how to talk, read, eat, tie our shoes, do our hair, get dressed and as we got older we had a lot more to learn.

The same is true for our spiritual walk; we must be taught how to do the Will of God.  Have you ever asked God to teach you to do His Will?  Being like Christ is something that we are not a natural at.  We were born into sin and our nature wants to rebel.  In order to be like Christ we have to go against our nature and be taught how to live like Him.  I’ve said this before, the more time you spend with God the more you will begin to resemble Him.  “You are the company you keep”.  The more time you spend in prayer, fasting, studying and reading God’s word, meditating on His word and in praise and worship then you will become exposed to God’s Will.  God does not hide from us.  He gives us directions on how to live a life that is pleasing to Him.  We make it difficult because after we hear His instructions we try to tweak them to fit our comfort level or ignore them all together.

If you sincerely want to learn the Will of God you have to be willing to adhere to His instructions.  I love the scriptures when it says “Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning,” There is something about rising early with God on your mind.  There is something powerful about allowing God to be the first voice you hear in a very noisy world.  Starting your day off with Christ sets the pace for your entire day.

Will you ask the Lord to teach you His will?

Have a blessed day.

*P.S. My first book of inspirational poetry is  scheduled to release soon.  Be one of my supporters contact me at niklellis@live.com if you are interested in committing to a copy or multiple copies of Reflections of the Son; a collection of Christian inspirational poetry.  God bless.

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Who will rise up against evil?

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good morning!  I am so grateful for this blog ministry.  I pray that you enjoy the inspirational thoughts each day.

TFTD: Who will rise up against evil?

Psalm 94:16-19 (New International Version)

¹⁶ Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
¹⁷ Unless the LORD had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
¹⁸ When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your love, O LORD, supported me.
¹⁹ When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul.

Psalm 94:16-19 (New King James Version)

¹⁶ Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?
Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
¹⁷ Unless the LORD had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence.
¹⁸ If I say, “My foot slips,”
Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up.
¹⁹ In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.

I cannot do anything without the Lord.  I’m so glad He is only a prayer away.  Every day I turn on the news I grow sad by the increased violence and how evil appears to be on a rampage.  Sometimes I wish I could just keep the kids in the house to avoid them from coming in contact with the evil that plagues this world.  Then I am reminded that fear is not a trait of the Lord and I should not live in fear.  So who will stand with me to rise against the evildoers?  Will it be you?

I’m taken back to my childhood when people wanted to rise up and fight.  Children often wanted to have a group along with them to see who would have their back if someone jumped in from the opposing side.  Some people were dependable and others would run scared.  In this spiritual battle that we are fighting day in and day out I cannot take a gamble on others to have my back.  I need to rely on the reliable.  Who will stand with me? Jesus Christ.  It is awesome that God is only a prayer away.  And even when I begin slipping in my spiritual walk I can just call out to Him and He will hold me up.  Now that’s love.  Nowadays, when you tell people who you have slipped or that you are slipping they begin looking at you with a judgmental eye.  They begin criticizing you and thinking less of you as a person.  That’s why it’s not wise to put all your hope in man.  Why?  Because WE, yes we will disappoint each other all the time.

I am thankful to God that His mercy is ever reaching and everlasting because the truth is we will slip.  It’s not a matter of if, but when.  It’s good to know that along the way to living your life for Christ that you can call out to Him and say Lord I’m slipping or I feel like I’m about to slip.  Do you know that God doesn’t want to see you fall and He will swoop down and save you from yourself?  Yes, I said save you from yourself.  We are our biggest enemies in this spiritual battle.

Do you also know that He is so merciful that when you fall He doesn’t beat you down with guilt?  Guilt is not of God in case you didn’t know.  So stop punishing yourself for that sin you committed 10 years ago and have already repented from.  God forgave you.  Don’t stay in bondage by the guilt of the past.  Focus on following the steps of the Lord and when you feel like the whole world is rising up against you; call on the Lord.

Don’t make excuses for sin or for the people who commit the sin.  Rise up and take a stand against the evildoers, rise up and take a stand against yourself.  Always recognize that your help is only a prayer away.  You will slip and sometimes you will fall, but find comfort in knowing that God will not write you off and that He will help you.  God will be there to pick you up and dust you off.  Take a stand for something in your life.  Take a stand against evil!

Food for thought: Will you rise up against evil or will you be the evil doer?

Have a blessed day.

*P.S. My first book of inspirational poetry is  scheduled to release soon.  Be one of my supporters contact me at niklellis@live.com if you are interested in committing to a copy or multiple copies of Reflections of the Son; a collection of Christian inspirational poetry.  God bless.

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Don’t compare yourself to yourself

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good morning!  Happy Monday to you all.  I pray that you had a blessed and safe weekend.

TFTD: Don’t Compare yourself to yourself

2 Corinthians 10:12-18 (New International Version)

¹²We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. ¹³We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you. ¹⁴We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. ¹⁵Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others.^[a] Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, ¹⁶so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man’s territory. ¹⁷But, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”^{[b] 18}For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Have you ever encountered a person who is so boastful of the accomplishments in their life?  They rant and rave about every little thing under the sun.  To themselves they appear perfect.  They are the best thing since sliced bread.  The bible says that when a person measures themselves by themselves, they are not wise.

We will all accomplish things in this life, but we should caution ourselves on getting “big headed”.  When we compare ourselves to ourselves we deceive ourselves.  You may not be the person you were yesterday, but is the person that you are today truly worth boasting about?  I would dare say that the person you should aspire to be in Christ is worth boasting about.  When you get to where God calls you to be, then you will not have to say a word because He will commend you.  What better recognition then to get the recognition and praise of the Lord.

I want to also caution you to stop comparing people to yourself.  Where you are in your spiritual walk and life may not be where your co-worker, family member, spouse, friends, neighbors and others may be.  Don’t criticize or judge them for not being where you are at.  NEWS FLASH: You are not the epitome of perfection so be careful about elevating your standards so high that you expect people to follow you. People will not want to follow you if you are conceited.  People will follow a humble spirit who is led by God.  Don’t be so quick to boast.

People should not strive to be like you, but strive to emulate the Christ that is within you.  When you grow in Christ you will not always be recognized but the work of the Lord will be recognized.  Don’t focus on boasting on yourself or comparing yourself to yourself.  Focus on doing God’s work and He will be sure to get the glory.

Have a blessed day!

*P.S. My first book of inspirational poetry is  scheduled to release soon.  Be one of my supporters contact me at niklellis@live.com if you are interested in committing to a copy or multiple copies of Reflections of the Son; a collection of Christian inspirational poetry.  God bless.

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Confidence

Sunshine’s Word of the Day

Good morning.  I pray that you have a blessed day and wonderful weekend.  Give God some glory because He is a good God. 

Hebrews 10:35-36 (New International Version) 

 
 ³⁵So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. ³⁶You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 

Today’s word is confidence  

Confidence means to have full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing, assurance.

The scripture says do not throw away your confidence.  We have to remain confident in the Word of God.  We have to remain confident in the Promises of God and about who we are in Him.  When a person has confidence in someone or in something there is a sense of peace that hangs over them.  They place a guarantee on the person carrying out their task.  Think about your life for a moment there are people you have confidence in that when something needs to get done you know it will get done.  You don’t have to go stalking them, you don’t have to remind them; all you have to do is give them a task and you know it will be completed. 

If we can place that type of confidence in other people, material things or even ourselves, then surely we should be able to have confidence in the only wise, unchanging, powerful never-failing God.  We need to remain confident in the things that God has called us to do.  Have full trust that God will see us through.   

I know you may have a lot on your plate right now and you don’t know which way is up or down, but I dare you to believe in the power of Jesus Christ and know that He will see you through.  I know it looks impossible to the naked eye, but we have assurance in God that it will get done.  Philippians 1:6 (one of my favorite scriptures) says,   

⁶ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

God’s word is true and we have to be confident that everything that God has for our lives He will complete it in us.  Do not throw away your confidence.  Continue to persevere so that you can continue to do the will of God.  There are promises from God that are waiting for you, but you must remain confident and finish what God has called you to do.  I know at times you may get discouraged and when doubt or fear enters in your mind ask yourself “Where is my confidence; is it resting in a deceiving changing world or in a trustworthy unchanging God?”

I pray that you remain confident and persevere in all that God has called you to do.

God bless!  Have a wonderful weekend!  

*P.S. My first book of inspirational poetry is  scheduled to release soon.  Be one of my supporters contact me at niklellis@live.com if you are interested in committing to a copy or multiple copies of Reflections of the Son; a collection of Christian inspirational poetry.  God bless.  

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis       

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.       

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.   

Let us glorify God together

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good morning blog family and friends,

I pray that you have a blessed and productive day in Jesus Name.

TFTD: Let us glorify God together

Romans 15:7 (New King James Version)  

7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us,[a] to the glory of God.

Let us glorify God together.  You may not like me, you may not care for me, you may not understand me, but in Christ I pray that you love me and receive me so that God will get the glory.  How many times do we see someone for the first time and judge them according to their appearance?  Be honest.  It can be at church or at your job.  A new person comes in and you begin checking them out, trying to figure what they are all about.  Sometimes we mistreat the new people we encounter out of fear that they will be better in the ministry then we are or better on the job then we are.  Sometimes we are jealous or envious of their ability to catch on quick.  And excuse me if I sit on your pew, but some of us get uncomfortable because the new person who is so efficient will cause us to come out of our comfort zone.

You know what I mean; they show up to church eager and ready to learn or they show up to their job full of knowledge and it lights a fire under you because you use to be the “top dog” in your ministry and on your job.  Now there is a new “kid” on the block.  When we determine how we are going to receive or treat a person based on how they look or act we are not lining up with the will of God.  The scripture says “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us,” it does not say therefore receive one another based on how you feel today or based on your reaction of a person.

We have to receive people as Christ received us.  Let me remind you how Christ received us just in case you forgot.  Romans 5:8 says 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

While we were still in our sin, filthy and dirty, God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us.  WHILE WE WERE STILL IN OUR SIN!  Christ received us with all the blemishes of our past.  We didn’t look right, talk right or act right.  We looked of death, spoke of death, and smelt of death. Sin was rotting our minds and decaying our souls, and while we were headed to a death beyond the grave, CHRIST received us in love.  I don’t know about you, but I am so glad that Christ loved me so much that He didn’t wait for me to get all cleaned up or get myself together.  If Christ waited on me before he would receive me then He still would be waiting.

So how should we (and I’m speaking to the choir on this one) receive others?  We should receive people where they are at, that while they are imperfect, making mistakes, hurting us, judging us, lying on us, stealing from us, talking about us and more, we should receive them in love.  Christ loved us on so much that we grew to change.  I believe that if we love on others like Christ loves on us then people will change.  They won’t change because of you, but they will change because of the love of Christ within you.  When we receive others in the manner that Christ received us then God will get the glory.  This is a way that we can glorify God together.

How will you receive your neighbors, co-workers, children, spouse, ministry leaders and more?  I pray that you receive them as Christ received you. 

Have a blessed day!

*P.S. My first book of inspirational poetry is  scheduled to release soon.  Be one of my supporters contact me at niklellis@live.com if you are interested in committing to a copy or multiple copies of Reflections of the Son; a collection of Christian inspirational poetry.  God bless.

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis    

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.    

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Examine yourself

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good afternoon.  Happy Tuesday to you all!

TFTD: Examine yourself

2 Corinthians 13:5-8 (New International Version)

 ⁵Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? ⁶And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. ⁷Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. ⁸For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.

2 Corinthians 13:5-8 (New King James Version)

⁵ Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. ⁶ But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.   ⁷ Now I^[a] pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified. ⁸ For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

Examine yourself.  Take a moment to evaluate whether or not you are a believer.  Take a moment to see if you are truly saved.  How many times as Christians do we question our salvation?  The scripture says, “Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?” (NKJV) When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior; he then dwells within us.  We become a living sacrifice for the Lord.  The reason why we doubt our salvation at times, has nothing to do with Christ, but has everything to do with how we perceive ourselves.

At times, and I like how the New King James Version says it, “unless indeed you are disqualified.”  There are times in our lives that we disqualify ourselves as Christians because of things in our past or because of things we think about or do now.  I know because I use to do this and I use to allow people to cause me to question my salvation, but I thank God for His word and His promises that He revealed to me a few years ago; I have His blessed assurance.  I have God’s guarantee that I am saved and no one can take my salvation away from me.  I can’t even take it from myself.  Hallelujah and thank God for His promises.  We have to stop disqualifying ourselves.  I know you are not perfect and there are some things that you are not proud of, but God forgives you and wants to use you for His glory.  Spend time in God’s word and study His promises and I pray like Paul prayed that you will know that WE are not disqualified.  We are the chosen and God qualified us by the blood of His only begotten Son.  The Lamb of God saved us and qualified us to do His will His way.

Now after you examine yourself and you realize that you are qualified then you have to apply the characteristics of Christ in your daily life.  Go out in your daily living and do well.  Do not do wrong.  And don’t do good deeds merely so that people around you will say, “Oh look at him or her they are so holy, they are so righteous, they are truly Christians.”  Don’t do good to receive accolades and praise by others, but do what is good because it is the honorable thing to do and it is what God has called us to do.  We are to represent Christ by living like Him.  Keep doing what’s right even if people around you discredit you.  Keep doing what is right even if you think in your subconscious mind that you don’t deserve where you are at.  YOU ARE QUALIFIED BY CHRIST AND YOU HAVE TO LIVE A LIFE THAT IS PLEASING TO HIM NOT TO MAN.

When you do things according to the will of God, then you are standing on the truth and there is nothing that you can do against the truth.  People may doubt you, challenge you, criticize you, judge you, and put you down and more. Keep putting your trust in the Lord and do His will and the truth will always be revealed.  Examine yourself.

What did you discover when you examined yourself today?

Have a blessed day examining yourself!

*P.S. My first book of inspirational poetry is  scheduled to release soon.  Be one of my supporters contact me at niklellis@live.com if you are interested in committing to a copy or multiple copies of Reflections of the Son; a collection of Christian inspirational poetry.  God bless.

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis    

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.    

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

My Greatest Weapon-Poetry Corner

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good morning!  Happy Monday to you all!  I pray that you had a blessed weekend.  Remember to keep everyone that you know and come in contact with in prayer.  You never know what someone may be going through, but you do know they could always use prayer.

Poetry Corner

Welcome to this new section of Sunshine’s Reflections Blog.  In this section you will find inspirational poetry that will also serve as a Thought for the day (TFTD).  Enjoy!

My Greatest Weapon

By: Nicole Ellis

 

You may have sarcasm

He may have a cold and violent stare

The weapons of the world are more popular

While the one I choose is becoming rather rare

My greatest weapon will not hurt you, but penetrate your soul

My greatest weapon helps the young and sustains the old

It is not the hurtful words that I can spew from my tongue

You may use a knife

He may use a gun

But my greatest weapon is my ability to fall on my knees

Fall to the floor and pray for thee

My greatest weapon is to serve as an intercede to the greatest Intercessor known to man

My greatest weapon will heal the sick and save a dying land

Prayer shifts mountains

Causes wars to seize

 My greatest will even makes your enemies be at peace

Peace I declare in your homes, on your jobs and in the streets

My greatest weapon works best when I am too weak to stand on my feet

It is then that my burdens are lifted and I am able to stand

My greatest weapon became “great” when God sent His Son in the form of a man.

 

© Nicole Ellis

 

 What is your greatest weapon?  We live in a world where hateful words and violence dictate the course of our day.  I dare you to fall to your knees and pray.  Make prayer your greatest weapon.  When you link up with Christ, my bible says in Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” It’s time to make our Greatest Weapon prayer.  It truly changes things.  Have a blessed day.

*P.S. My first book of inspirational poetry is  scheduled to release soon.  Be one of my supporters contact me at niklellis@live.com if you are interested in committing to a copy or multiple copies of Reflections of the Son; a collection of Christian inspirational poetry.  God bless.

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis    

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.    

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Reflections of the Son: Coming SOON!

 

“Nicole Ellis’ first collection of poems gives the reader an inside look at her day-to-day meditations with God. She has lifted the veil to reveal the intimate details of what a personal relationship with Jesus Christ looks like from the inside-out. She shares with us her joys and pains. As I read these private prayers, two things came to mind about the character it took her to write these poems and publish them for our benefit; few poets would be so faithful or so brave.”
 

– Nathan M. Richardson, Poet/Author Literary Consultant  

Nicole Ellis is an outstanding poetess who provides us with spiritual nourishment that will sustain us through the good and bad times.  In her poetry book, “Reflections of the Son” Nicole gives us the wisdom of an old soul that has graced this Earth centuries ago.  “Reflections of the Son” will delight you from the dawning of the day to the setting of the sun. Nicole’s book of poetry will convince you to obtain all that God has to offer his children.  Sit back, buckle up and get ready for a spiritual ride.  

 -Alfreada Brown-Kelly, Author, The Skin I Am In & Transformation of The Mind, Body & Soul 

Reserve your copy today!  $9.00 a book. 

*Autograph copies will be available. 

Contact me at niklellis@live.com

Follow me on Twitter @ sunshine_ellis

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Thank you for your prayers and support.  Spread the word, there’s a new AUTHOR in town! 

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis     

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.     

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Seek God First….

Sunshine’s Reflections

It’s Friday!!!  I pray that you have a blessed weekend. 

TFTD: Seek God first…

Matthew 6:33 (New King James Version)

³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

The last few days during devotion God has revealed a simple truth in my life; that when I seek God and His righteousness that everything that I desire according to His will and way will come to fruition.  I know I’ve been saved for a long time and I’ve read and heard Matthew 6:33 preached on many occasions, however God has a way of truly revealing His word to you in the appropriate time.

When I was younger I dreamt about some of the most amazing things and later saw some of my dreams manifest into reality.  As I grow older I still have many goals and dreams that I would love to pursue and know that I will pursue because I have faith in God that He will give me my heart’s desire because now my heart’s desire is lined up with His will.  I took the Lord’s advice in Habakkuk 2:2-3; I had a vision, wrote it down and made it plan.  I walked by faith that the vision would be manifested one day.  There are things that I thought would happen a long time ago and they didn’t.  But I know that they will come in their appointed time.  Why?  Because that is a promise from God and I believe it.

Now what is amazing about God is that I realized I don’t obsess about any of my goals and dreams.  I took them to God and then went on about the Lord’s busy.  God knows that I love Him and He showed me that since I love Him I had to get serious about learning about Him.  It wasn’t enough to go to church on Sunday.  I had to really devote time to nurturing my relationship with God.  My prayer life has changed drastically as I grow closer to God.  My study and devotion habits have completely changed.  My worship experience is on a new level; a level I didn’t know I could reach and I still have so much room to grow.  My faith has leaped mountains.  I say all this simply to say the last few years I didn’t place my goals and dreams at the number one spot, I placed my relationship with God as number one.  In keeping my eyes focused on Him, my goals and dreams began manifesting in ways that had to be by no one else but God.

You see, when your focus is on the ONE who sacrificed so much for you, along the way He will fulfill the desires of your heart in a seamless fashion.  Doors will be opened that normally wouldn’t have been opened to you.  Resources will be at your disposal that you would not have had knowledge about.  God’s timing is so perfect that it will appear that your process is effortless.  That comes from seeking God and ALL of His righteousness.

When you spend so much time obsessing over getting things accomplished it seems like nothing gets done.  You’re stressed out, overwhelmed, over worked, and unproductive.  I know because I use to do this.  Then without even thinking I gave it to God and began focusing on Him.  Not forgetting my goals and dreams, but knowing that I placed them in the safest place I knew; in His hands.  I am here to encourage someone to hold on to your dream.  I know you love that project, but maybe you aren’t getting far because your focus is on the wrong things.  Maybe you keep hitting road blocks because your trust is in your abilities when they should be on God’s abilities.  It’s time to shift your focus.  Write your vision down and make it plan and then give it to the Lord.  Make a commitment to seek Him DAILY and in its appointed time your vision will come to pass.

 

*P.S. My first book of inspirational poetry is  scheduled to release soon.  Be one of my supporters contact me at niklellis@live.com if you are interested in committing to a copy or multiple copies of Reflections of the Son; a collection of Christian inspirational poetry.  God bless.

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis    

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.    

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.