I hear the chains falling

Sunshine’s Reflections

 

 

Happy Thursday to you all!  God is good and worthy of all the praise!

 

TFTD: I hear the chains falling

 

Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)

⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I come this morning to speak into the lives of everyone reading this blog today.  There is power in the name of Jesus.  That power is so strong that at the name of Jesus EVERY knee will bow and tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  There is so much power in the name of Jesus that it can break every chain that is holding you in bondage right now.  I hear the chains falling.  Yeah Yeah Yeah!  

In the spiritual realm, God is breaking your chains as we speak.  The chains of sexual promiscuity are broken.  The chains of depression are broken. The chains of hate are broken.  The chains of low self-esteem, jealousy, back-biting, envy, malice and murder are broken.  I hear the chains falling!  The chains of lying-BROKEN!  The chains of unforgiveness-BROKEN!  The chains of obesity-BROKEN!  The chains of fear-BROKEN!  The chains of ALL addictions-BROKEN!  The chains of divorce-BROKEN!  The chains of failure-BROKEN!  The chains of disease-BROKEN!  I hear the chains falling!

I dare you to call on the name of Jesus.  I dare you to trust that He can break the chains and set you free.  I dare you to call His name.  JESUS!!! JESUS!!! JESUS!!!  Jesus is about to set you free from the bondage that man has placed on you.  Jesus is going to release you from the bondage that YOU placed on yourself.  Your mind is about to be clearer.  A sound mind is in your future.  Jesus is about to release you from the bondage the enemy tried to place around you. 

I HEAR THE CHAINS FALLING!!! 

There is power in the name of Jesus.  I know what you see in the physical doesn’t seem promising, but in the spiritual realm God is about to release you of somethings.  *insert praise break* 

I HEAR THE CHAINS FALLING!!!!

Allow God to set you free from the chains that are holding you back.  Trust Him enough to break the chains in your life! 

Have a blessed day.  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 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

We need Christ more than ever

 Sunshine’s Reflections

 

 

Good morning!  Happy Monday Morning Glory to you all!

 

TFTD: We need Christ more than ever…

 

On Friday, December 14, 2012, tragedy struck a small town in Connecticut.  The lives of innocent teachers and children were robbed at the hands of a young man who apparently suffered from mental illness.  It’s evident we need Christ more than ever.

 

In July, a man took the lives of innocent people at a movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado, then last week there were two tragedies; a shooting at a mall in Portland, Oregon and the horrific killings at the elementary school of Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut.  Some people may be wondering where was God in these recent tragedies or in any tragedy for that matter.  Well that is a good question.  Clearly God wasn’t in the hearts and minds of these people who committed these crimes.  Another indication that we need Christ more than ever. 

 

As a nation, we take prayer and Bibles out of school, we don’t go to church, we don’t share the gospel with the lost, we don’t teach our children about Christ, but when terrible things happen we get angry with God.  We have to live a consistent life serving Christ and not a convenient life.  I know people are angry and want answers, but we have to put Christ in His place and that’s at the center of our lives and not at the end of them.   

 

Everyday people take Christ out of their daily lives, but when tragedy strikes they want Him.  They need Him.  They search for Him.  But it doesn’t last too long.  The pledge of allegiance says, “one nation under God…” But the nation doesn’t operate like one Under God.  We have to keep praying and spreading the Word of God because His Word tells us that our days are short and filled with trouble. (Job 14:1  (NKJV) “Man who is born of woman, Is of few days and full of trouble.)

 

So where was God in this tragedy?  How could He allow something like this to happen.  Well God gives free will.  A better question is why do people commit evil?  Why do people choose to sin versus serving The Lord?

 

The bible says in

John 10:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

The enemy comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  That is his agenda.  He wants to cause confusion.  He wants to cause destruction.  He wants to annihilate kingdom citizens.   Now is the time to get angry with satan.  He is evil and is destroying the minds of people everyday.  We need to get so angry with satan that we live a life that’s pleasing to God.  It’s time for us to rise up and spread the Word of God.  Salvation is available to all who will believe. 

 

(Romans 10:9 (NKJV) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.)

 

Try Christ!  Each day we have to live a life that’s pleasing to Christ. It doesn’t mean we are exempt from tragedy, it means that when we are called home we will have a heavenly home to go to.  My prayers go out to these families who have been affected by these senseless crimes and I pray that people will turn to God.  We need Christ more than ever!

2 Chronicles 7:14

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

 

Don’t just cover your kids in prayer but teach them how to cover themselves and others in prayer.  Choose to live a consistent life for Christ.  Don’t delay.  Choose Christ today!  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 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Lord I thank you for the journey…

Sunshine’s Reflections

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NIV)

² Then the Lord replied:

“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald^[a] may run with it. ³ For the revelation awaits an appointed time;  it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it^[b] will certainly come and will not delay.

Mark 11:24 (NKJV)

²⁴ Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

 

Good morning!  I posted this on Facebook the other day and I wanted to share it with my blog family:

Lord, I thank you for the journey.  You placed the desire on my heart to go back to get my masters degree years ago.  I was even denied acceptance into a masters program over 5 years ago!  BUT YOU SHOWED ME DELAYED does not mean DENIED!  (though the vision tarries, wait for it-Insert Praise Break) Lord, You had a better plan for me and on January 2011, I started the MBA program at Hampton University and here 6 semesters later; a “gazillion” papers, a million cases, a thousand projects, and a trillion exams (okay so it felt like that many…giggling) I have reached this place-this awesome time in my life where in December 2012, I have completed my requirements for my MBA degree.  I submitted my last assignment and I’m waiting for grades to be posted.  And although the final grades are not posted I know I will pass with flying colors.  December 17, 2012 all grades are to be submitted by the professors and on December 18, 2012 I will be entered into the system as a graduate of the MBA program (Insert cart-wheel).

You brought me a mighty long way and even through financial test You showed yourself to be a provider.  Even through a busy lifestyle you showed me favor by excelling with HONORS (I’m a Member of the Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society for Business, Management and Administration). You saw me and selected me to compete in the KeyBank Foundation Minority Case Competition where I won best presenter.  LORD, I owe everything to you. I am merely a willing vessel who was used by you.  Less of me, More of Thee.  And this is not the end, but only the beginning of something great.  I am grateful for the example you have allowed me to be for my children and for others.  I value the struggle because it was real and you built character in me through the process, I look forward to the doors you will open in my career, I bless you in advance for furthering my academic desires (Dr. Ellis sounds nice, hmm).

LORD YOU ARE WORTHY OF ALL THE PRAISE AND I COULD NOT HAVE DONE ANY OF THIS WITHOUT YOU!!!

<INSERT UNDIGNIFIED THROW YOUR HEAD BACK RUN AROUND PRAISE>

To everyone out here with a dream, please write your vision down and make it plan like it says in Habakkuk 2:2-3.  Wait for it.  I’m a witness that though it tarries, God will make it come to pass.  And stand on Mark 11:24.  You have to know that anything you ask Jesus in prayer, believing you WILL receive.  I’m a witness the more I follow Christ, the more my desires become His desires for me and when I ask for something He is faithful to bless me.  I dare you to work on your love relationship with Christ and write your vision down and then ask Him for it.  You will be blessed beyond measure when you follow Christ.  God totally exceeded my expectations and I know He has more in store for me and my family.  God is great and greatly to be praised. 

Don’t give up on your dreams.  God has not forgotten you.

 

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 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Let Christ Lead You…

Sunshine’s Reflections

Light

Good morning!  Happy Tuesday to you all! 

TFTD: Let Christ Lead You & Trust Him Enough to Follow

John 8:12 (NKJV)

¹² Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

This morning I was out doing my 5a.m. jog with my awesome running buddies when my stomach began bothering me.  My mind was all set on running 3 miles, but I was only able to run 2 miles and walk the last mile.  What at first glance seemed like a detour in my plan became a ministry moment for God to speak to me.  God slowed me down long enough to see His revelation and now I want to share it with you. 

At 5a.m. it’s dark outside and the only thing illuminating the path are street lights, porch lights and of course the cars.  Some houses are decorated beautifully with Christmas lights and that makes the run pleasant.  Sometimes on the route I come across spots that are a litter darker than others.  Today, as God slowed me down for the last mile I noticed this house.  It was extremely dark in front of this house, but I kept on walking.  My goal was getting back to my car.  The closer I approached the front of the house a dim light slowly came on until it was a bright light illuminating my path.  This house had a motion detector  in the drive-way. 

Now what did the Lord show me, I’m glad you asked.  I was reminded that Jesus is the light of the world.  There are times in my life when I can’t see where I’m going and it will seem dark and even scary, but I have to trust Him enough to follow Him.  When I put my trust in the Lord I will not walk in darkness.  The same way the motion detection light came on when I was walking is the same way Jesus shines His light for me.  I have goals that I want to reach and at times I don’t know how I’m going to get there because the path looks dark, but when I trust Christ and put one foot in front of the other, He will light my path.  God reminded me that in order to follow Him it requires belief and action; faith and works.  I couldn’t get to my car if I just sat there waiting for the light to come on.  I had to keep walking, trusting I would get to my destination.  <Insert praise break> I don’t know about you, but this blessed me this morning. 

As believers, we have to let Christ lead us and then we must trust Him enough to follow.  I know you may not be able to see the road in front of you, but if you trust Him, He will be a light in your world.  You don’t have to walk in darkness.  Christ is with you if you believe. 

I pray you have a blessed day.  I encourage you to step out on faith and put one foot in front of the other and watch God light your path.  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 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Don’t Cheat Yourself

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good afternoon! 

The other day my 14-year old daughter said something to me that is resonating with my spirit.  It hit me like WOW when she said it on Tuesday, but every day after I’ve been astounded by the power that rest on her tongue.  I don’t even think she realizes the impact her words are having on me.  I absolutely love how God takes something in the physical and translates it to the spiritual. 

So what did she say?  I’m glad you asked.  I started a 28-day workout challenge and I’m in the 2nd week.  On Tuesday, my Minnie Me came in and watched me and asked me what I was doing.  As I panted heavily I explained the workout regime I was instructed to do.  As she sat and watched me I got to a challenging part and instead of giving up, I closed my eyes and pushed it out until I was finished.  And my daughter said, “At least you didn’t cheat yourself, and you look smaller too.”  So what did this do to my spirit? 

1. It reminded me that someone is always watching me.
2. It provided affirmation that hard work does pay off.
3. It reminded me of the importance of never cheating on myself. 

She saw me putting in work and recognized that I was giving my all.  Anything worth doing, is worth putting your heart into it.  We all know the following scripture;

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

¹³ I can do all things through Christ^[a] who strengthens me.

How many of you really believe you can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you?  You may say it with your mouth, but does your actions reflect what you believe in your heart?  If you believe in Philippians 4:13 then I challenge you to not CHEAT ON YOURSELF!  Don’t CHEAT Yourself out of the blessings God has for you.  Faith is great, but faith without works is dead and if you want God to manifest blessings in your life you need to give Him your all. 

There is something you have been longing to do, places you have desired to go, goals and aspirations that are floating in your heart and the only person stopping you is YOU.  It’s not money, because God will provide.  It’s not lack of time, because God will make room for your gift.  It’s not about your inability to carry out the task, because God will equip you when He calls you to the more.  So stop making excuses and get to the root of the problem that’s holding you back; YOU!  DON’T CHEAT YOURSELF!!!

Remember someone is watching you and when they see you push forward, you give them hope to push forward.  Also, after the hard work comes beautiful results.  So keep pressing.  And finally, remember to never cheat on yourself.  God wants to take you to higher heights and He needs you to put in the work.  Give it your all.  Give God your all.  Give yourself, your all! 

Have a blessed day and remember DON’T CHEAT YOURSELF out of your blessings!

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 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Lifestyle Change: Spiritual Journey to Physical Weight Loss

Sunshine’s Reflections

Morning y’all! 

This is the day the Lord has made, I choose to rejoice and be glad in it. 

I wanted to take this time to share a glimpse of my journey to better spiritual and physical health.  As a multi-tasking woman of God,  I use to be so busy that I forgot to take care of myself.  I was everything to everyone else, but nothing for myself.  My weight was spiraling out of control and no one was there to help me.  I realized weight was and is such a sensitive subject that is plaguing the lives of so many people and I was tired of hanging in the shadows of my tight size 18’s.  I WANTED A CHANGE!  I knew how to lose weight; I just never knew how to keep it off.  What was wrong with me?  Why couldn’t I get it together?  Then a sweet voice whispered, “You are trying to do it by yourself.”

Ding, ding, ding!  I tried to do something without consulting God and I failed time and time again.  But this time would be different.  In July 2008, I got married and decided this will be the year I lose weight.  A few months later my Nana died.  I turned to food to comfort me.  Then I found out I was pregnant a month later.  “Lord, how can I lose weight while I’m pregnant” I screamed!  Nothing was working the way I wanted to.  (Notice, I said the way “I” wanted)  Although, it didn’t seem like things were working, God had a plan for my life.  During my pregnancy I gained about 10 lbs thanks to the guidance of my mid-wife.  After my pregnancy, I nursed my son and lost weight.  The scale was moving in the opposite direction I was used to it moving.  YEAH!!!!  I’m getting smaller.  Then life hit and I was yo-yoing up and down again.  What in the world was wrong?  I would lose and gain and gain and lose.  Was I missing something? *shrugs shoulders*  

On December 2010, I went in for my physical and the doctor said my blood pressure was border line high and my cholesterol was border line high.  WHAT IN THE WORLD!!!  I’ve always had great physicals!  I mean I know I was thick, but I was healthy, right?  ENOUGH ALREADY!  This was what I needed to hear.  THIS WAS MY WAKE UP CALL!  After that appointment I went to God and said,

“Lord, forgive me.  I suffer with emotional eating.  Forgive me for not trusting you with my problems.  Forgive me for turning to food to comfort my wounds.  Forgive me!  I need your help.  I need you to help me!”

This confession to God was the key I needed to unlock my chains of “weight bondage”.  I stopped trying to do it on my own and started seeking God.  I was instructed to fast in January 2011 and I did.  By the end of my fast, I was introduced to Weight Watchers and I joined.  I was instructed to rise early for devotions and I did.  I spent more time at God’s feet that I began seeing Him for who He is.  He is my strength, my provider, my friend, my Savior, my rescuer, my EVERYTHING!  I ended my emotional affair with my food and began a spiritual faith-walk with Jesus.  God began releasing the spiritual weights from my life that kept me bound emotionally and physically.  In January 2012, I was instructed to fast and I did.  My faith was tested and I passed the test.  I saw God in a new light.  The more I focused on getting my spirit in shape, the more weight I lost in the physical.  Fast-forward to today, I’m 60 lbs.  lighter and I’m on fire for God.  Yes, when God speaks I listen.  My way doesn’t work.  God’s way is the only way to make it!

The below scriptures bless me daily. 1. I’m a new creature in Christ and all of my old habits and behaviors have to pass away. 2. The world can’t overcome me because I believe in God.  Therefore I will be victorious! 

2 Corinthians 5:17(NKJV)

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

1 John 5:5 (NKJV)

⁵ Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Be blessed and know that your life can change!  Take care of your spirit man and watch your physical man submit to the will of God!

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 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.