No I have not, and have no desire to.☺️😁
Author: youngpl24
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Pressure Is Never Wasted
Pressure, though painful, is a divine tool in the hand of God. It may feel like it’s breaking you, but in truth, God is using it to build you, shape you, and strengthen your spirit. As Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17, our light afflictions are producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond comparison. God never wastes a tear, a trial, or a test, everything is working together for your good when you are surrendered to Him.
Just as coal under pressure becomes a diamond, your trials are birthing a refined version of you, one prepared for purpose.
Yet it’s often in these moments of pressure that the enemy intensifies his attack. He doesn’t fight where there’s no threat; he fights hardest when he’s losing ground in your life, when you’re drawing closer to God, stepping into your identity, or approaching breakthrough.
David’s life shows us this vividly. In 1 Samuel 30, just before stepping into kingship, David faced one of his darkest moments. Ziklag was burned, his family taken, and his own men turned against him. The enemy launched a final blow, hoping to crush him. But David encouraged himself in the Lord, rose up in strength, pursued, and recovered all. Not long after, Saul fell, and David’s elevation began.
So, when the pressure mounts and resistance feels unbearable, don’t give up, you’re likely standing at the edge of breakthrough. Pressure is preparation, and resistance is often a sign of impending victory. In God’s hands, every moment of pain is purposeful. And when the enemy fights hardest, it’s because he knows what God is about to do next.
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Love is Serving Others
When do you feel most productive?
When I feel the most productive, it’s usually when I’m operating in a few key areas of my life.
I feel most alive and productive when I’m helping others, especially through outreach and ministry work like Lazarus Restoration Ministries. Serving others by providing food, clothing, transitional housing, and support toward self-sufficiency gives me a deep sense of fulfillment.
I’m also at my most productive when I’m spiritually focused. Times of fasting, daily Communion, devotionals, and simply being intentional about my relationship with God help anchor everything else I do. My work flows best when it’s rooted in spiritual growth and obedience to what God is calling me to.
Another place where I feel especially productive is when I’m encouraging and teaching my family and others. Whether it’s writing prayers, creating challenges to build boldness, or ministering to women, even in challenging places like jails, I come alive when I’m helping others step into their God-given identity.
Finally, I’m learning that even when it’s uncomfortable, I feel productive when I’m moving forward with personal callings. Embracing my assignment as a Psalmist and overcoming the fear of public speaking have been stretching, but I know that pushing past those fears is tied to fulfilling my purpose.
In short, I am most productive when I am serving, growing spiritually, encouraging others, and faithfully stepping into what God has assigned to me, even when it requires courage.
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The Trinity
If you know me, you know I love to talk about the Holy Spirit, His power, His gentleness, His presence that refreshes, purifies, leads, heals, and brings peace. But my heart doesn’t stop there, I love talking about the fullness of who God is: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Father, who created us in love and calls us His own.
The Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life so we could be redeemed and walk in freedom.
And the Holy Spirit, who lives within us to guide, empower, and comfort us every day.
They are not three gods, but One, perfectly united, perfectly loving, perfectly working together for our salvation and joy.
I know not everyone will believe. And that’s okay, because God, in His perfect love, gives every person a choice. Love never forces itself. The Holy Spirit comes where He is welcomed. And even when He is rejected, the Father’s arms remain open, the Son’s sacrifice still stands, and the Spirit’s invitation remains.
God will continue to love every heart, no matter what, longing for each one to turn and experience His fullness.
That’s the beauty of His love: it never gives up, it never fails, and it always waits with open arms.
And so I keep talking.
I keep sharing.Because once you’ve encountered the Father’s love, the Son’s grace, and the Spirit’s power, you can never be the same.
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Heart to Heart Intimacy
Find a quiet space and imagine with me a moment. Take a deep breath and slowly let it out. Gently close your eyes. Imagine Jesus standing before you, radiant, loving, holding a key in His hand. He looks into your eyes with deep affection. Then He speaks…
“I know you. I see every moment you’ve chosen to stay faithful, even when your strength felt small. I’ve watched you hold on, press through, and not deny My name. I’ve placed before you an open door, custom fit for your life, your calling, your healing, and no one, not even the enemy, can shut it.”
Feel His presence near you now…
“You are Mine. I am your Keeper, your Defender, your Peace. And I’m coming soon. Until then, hold on to what I’ve given you, your crown of endurance, your hope, your promise. You are not forgotten. You are marked by My love.”
Jesus,
You see me. You know every battle, every tear, every moment I’ve wanted to give up, but didn’t.
Thank You for opening a door in my life that no one can shut. Thank You for calling me Yours. I receive Your words as truth and life. Write Your name upon me, on my heart, my identity, my future.Make me a pillar in Your presence, strong, steady, unmoved by the storms around me. Help me stay ready. Keep my heart awake and my spirit anchored in hope.
I wait for You, my King, my Bridegroom, my Friend.
And until You come, I will remain faithful with all my love for You and my neighbor, in Your precious name. Amen.Our strength, our endurance, and our future rest not in us, but entirely in the power and faithfulness of God.
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Keep Your Eyes On Jesus!
Keep Your Eyes on the Finish Line
Life is a race we each must run, and Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to “lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us and run with endurance the race that is set before us.” There are moments when we feel like we’re running full speed ahead, focused, strong, and steady. But then, distractions come. We look down on our own limitations, to the side of others’ opinions, or behind us at past failures. Our pace slows. Doubt creeps in. Fatigue settles on our shoulders like a heavy cloak.
But then, oh, then, we lift our eyes and see the finish line. We see Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, standing there with arms wide open. That sight alone gives us new strength. A second wind. Hope restored! Because our endurance doesn’t come from within us, but from the One who already overcame.
So, dear friends, never give up. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Don’t let fear, comparison, or regret distract you. Don’t look down. Don’t look around. Look up. The goal is ahead. Heaven is ahead. Victory is ahead. And with each step, you are not alone! Because He is running with us!!! You were made to finish. You were made to win. Keep going.
Gracious God,
We thank You for the unique race You’ve set before each of us. Some of us are running strong, others are barely holding on, but no matter our pace, You are with us. You have called us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the One who began this good work in us and who promises to finish it.Lord, help us not to be distracted by the struggles beneath our feet, or the noise around us, or the past behind us. Help us to look up, to keep our eyes on You. When the road gets long and our strength begins to fade, renew us. Remind us that we are not running alone. You are our strength, our guide, and our prize.
May we encourage one another along the way. May we carry those who stumble. And may we each press forward toward the finish line, knowing that a crown of life and the joy of Your presence await.
We will not quit. We will not be moved. With You before us, we will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not faint.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen. -
Bold Request Kingdom Purpose
The times we live in are marked by uncertainty, confusion, and spiritual distraction. Yet in the midst of it all, God calls His people to rise with clarity, confidence, and boldness, not in our strength, but in the assurance that when we align with His will, heaven responds.
We’re not left to guess God’s will. It’s clear in His Word: souls saved, truth proclaimed, the Church purified, the Bride made ready. Our prayers are not meant to be timid wishes but bold declarations of what God already desires.
When we pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done,” we are inviting Heaven’s agenda to invade the earth through our faith and obedience. We are also surrendering our own ideas and timelines to the perfect strategy of our King.
Now is the time to ask boldly, for revival, for workers in the harvest, for clarity of purpose, and for hearts to be turned back to the Father.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that we, as Your children, can approach You with boldness and confidence. Today, we come together in agreement, aligning our hearts with Your will. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in us, among us, and through us.Strengthen us as one Body to stand firm in faith and united in purpose. Give us clarity of vision and courage to walk in obedience. Stir Your Church to awaken, pray, and speak truth in love. Fill us with compassion for those still wandering, and grant us opportunities to share Your Gospel with power and humility.
Use our voices, our gifts, and our testimonies to shine the light of Christ in this dark world. Let hearts be drawn to You before Your return. And may we, together, be faithful in carrying the message of salvation to every soul You place in our path.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and King.
Amen. -
Matters of My Heart
What makes you nervous?
There are things I know God has called me to do, like speaking, singing, and ministering His truth, but I’ll be honest, sometimes I get nervous. The thought of standing in front of people makes me feel vulnerable. It’s not that I don’t want to do it, I do. It’s just that sometimes, I feel like I’m not enough.
There’s this battle between what I know God has placed inside of me and the old fears that whisper, “You’re not ready,” or “Who’s really going to listen?” I’ve spent time hiding, writing prayers, teaching in quiet places, because it felt safer. But I’m realizing that playing it safe is not what I was created for.
I want to trust God with my whole heart, not just in the quiet places, but out in the open too. I’m learning to surrender, to let go of needing to understand everything, and to lean on His strength instead of my own. I know He’s faithful. I know He’s with me. And I’m choosing to believe that He’s preparing me, equipping me, and calling me out, so I can walk boldly into everything He’s promised.
Even when I feel nervous, I’m not going to let that stop me. Because I believe His perfect love is casting out every fear. -
A Heart of Worship
Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a heart that longs to rest in Your perfect peace. You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Yet Lord, there are moments when fear whispers louder than faith, when uncertainty clouds my vision, and when doubt seeks to settle in my soul. In those moments, remind me of who You are.You are faithful in all Your ways. You are good, even when life feels hard. You hold tomorrow in Your hands, and not a single moment escapes Your care. So today, I surrender my worries, my plans, and my fears to You. Teach me to trust You not just with my words, but with my whole heart.
Help me to lean not on my own understanding but to acknowledge You in all I do, knowing You will direct my path. Let my trust in You grow deeper with every trial, stronger with every delay, and more secure with every promise fulfilled.
Lord, anchor my soul in Your truth. Breathe Your peace over my anxious thoughts. And when I don’t understand the “why,” help me hold onto the “Who”—You, my faithful God.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen. -
I Will Fight For You!
“My Beloved Children,”
“Why are you afraid? Why do you let the winds of the world trouble your heart? I have told you many times in My Word: ‘Do not fear.’ I am still on the throne. I am not shaken by the schemes of men, nor am I surprised by the rise and fall of kingdoms. The nations are but a drop in the bucket to Me (Isaiah 40:15). I raise up leaders, and I bring them down, all according to My sovereign plan (Daniel 2:21). You are not of this world, you belong to My Kingdom, and My Kingdom cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).”
“When you hear of wars, rumors, and division, do not be alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is not yet (Matthew 24:6). Fix your eyes on Me. Keep your heart anchored in truth, not in the headlines. For I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). You walk in My authority, under My covering, and with My peace.”
“Let your light shine brighter in these times. Speak truth, walk in love, and pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Your prayers move Heaven. Your faith in Me declares to the world that I am still God. I have not abandoned you, and I never will. Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:10).”
“So rise up, My child. Do not let fear silence you. Do not let chaos distract you. You were born for such a time as this. Stand firm. I am with you, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).”
“With everlasting love,
Your Father”
Returning to Intimacy 