Outpour

Thou therefore endure hardship, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Tim. 2:3 KJV)

Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (2 Tim. 2:10 KJV)

Daily we are faced with so many seemingly unbearable situations. Often, it seems that there is no way out. There are even times we feel like giving up. But then we have to remember, this spiritual walk is not something we can just lay down. We can’t just cast it to the side when things aren’t going the way we think they should. This is a daily struggle, and it’s one that’s worth fighting for.

Everything is depending on our ability to hang in there. So many lives that are attached to ours. So many loved ones that won’t make it if we can’t continue to press. Hey, no one said this was going to be easy. But, we got to hold on. We have to be mindful of the precious gift that we possess. Everything that is attached to us will be affected by our attitude, our love and compassion, our choices. We can’t just quit.

Look behind you. Look at all the souls that you have influenced along this journey. Look at all the lives that have been changed for the better. Now, look in the mirror. Look at your life and how much God has done for you. Where would you be without Him? For many of us, He brought us from nothing and He made us into something so special. We can’t give up on this. There’s just too much riding on it.

Be blessed!

Shatina Archer-Williams

Give us this day our daily bread. (Matt. 6:11 KJV)

Daily we ask God to “Give, Give, Give.” We never seem satisfied with what we have. We just keep wanting more. If we are always asking for more, when do we take the time to appreciate what we already have? When do we stop and say, “Lord, thank you for your provisions; Lord, thank you for supplying my needs thus far; I know you have more for me, but I’m so grateful for what I have right now?”

The bible tells us to be content with what we have. But contentment seems to be the furthest thing from our minds. We’re constantly chasing after things, not understanding that God can give us things. Our focus should just be on Him.

Remember the murmurs and complaints of the children of Israel in the book of Exodus? How they said they would have rather stayed in bondage than die of hunger in the wilderness. God heard their murmurs and provided them with daily bread (manna). This is the same God that we serve today. He will give you exactly what you need, when you need it.

In the meantime, celebrate where you are and look forward to what’s ahead.

Lord, I thank you for my “Daily Bread”.

Be Blessed Always,

Shatina Archer- Williams

This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.(Luke 22:19)

I know a lot people think that remembering can be painful. They’d rather forget the past than think on it. But for me remembering is often a good thing. It reminds me of where I’ve been and how far I’ve come. It also has the potential of being the key to my future.

I don’t know about you but there are times where I feel, stuck. I want to move forward but my indecisiveness keeps me right where I am. I don’t want to make the wrong choice. So, I wait; for some kind of sign that will show me that what I’m thinking is the right thing to do. Needless to say, that sign never shows up. Or does it? It’s in those moments that I begin to ask God for direction and think back on past events. Often I realize that the answer was right there all along. Hmm, isn’t that something? I took a moment to remember where I’d been, conversations I’d had, prayers I’d prayed, lessons I’d learned, and what do you know, therein lied the answer to my current situation.

From my memories I’m able to press on. I realize that even in the painful memories, here I am still standing, which means I made it through. I may have a few scars, but I’m here with the opportunity to help someone else heal. I must use the gifts that I have been given to help someone else’s memories be the strength of their future.

Take a moment to remember what God has done for you. How he delivered you out of some tough situations. How in spite of all the poor choices you made, He still forgave you and loves you all the more. Think on what He could have done, but what He did instead. Let all the choices that you make from here on out be done in remembrance of Him and his immeasurable goodness.

To God be the Glory for all he has done.

Be Blessed Always,

Shatina Archer-Williams

I always feel consumed. There are so many things going on in my life and there just doesn’t seem to be enough of me to go around. I find myself overwhelmed more often than not. I just can’t seem to push pass this wall of demand. And because of this who suffers? What suffers? I’ll tell you, me and my relationship with Christ.

I am a mother, a wife, a Town employee, and the list goes on and on. All of these titles have their own set of demands. I often struggle to juggle it all and it leaves me exhausted. What do I do first? With all these areas pining for my attention and energy, I tend to forget that God tells me in His word that He comes first. Duh, Well I knew that. Unfortunately, there is a difference in knowing and truly knowing. If I truly knew, I’d apply. Why can’t I delve into His word as if my life depended on it? Because it does. Why can’t I retain and hold fast to what I’m reading? Why do I constantly feel like I am falling short and God is disappointed in me? Is he?

My dilemma? The answer to all of these questions lies within His word, in which I am struggling to grasp. All the other demands are consuming me. I’m giving God the leftovers and He would never do that to me. He would give me His best. So why I can’t I do the same? We serve a jealous God(Exodus 34:14), and I dare not risk everything because I’m just giving Him anything.

I hope this encourages someone who may be just a bit overwhelmed themselves. Know that you are not alone. It happens to the best of us. But there is a God in whom we can call on, and He will be there. (Deut. 31:6-8)

As Always be Blessed and Pray my Strength!

Shatina Archer-Williams

: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am , therewith to be content. Phil 4:11 (KJV)

Most of the time, as the New Year approaches, people begin planning their New Year’s Resolutions. We go on these strict diet plans that we can never seem to stick to for the long haul. We have good intentions, but sometimes it’s just so hard to resist that cheesy slice of pizza, that dessert, or that nice, cold Mountain Dew. LOL! So I told myself, “I’m not even going through this cycle anymore.” I just want to be content where I am and allow God the space and opportunity to do what He wants to do.

I have asked God to help me with so many things. But the truth is they are things that I don’t need to worry about. If I could just focus on Him; seeking Him, studying His word daily, praying without ceasing, etc., He will handle all those other “things” I keep thinking on. The Bible lets us know that He knows what we have need of before we even ask (Matt. 6:8). So why keep asking for these natural things when I should be spending more time doing spiritual things. God will take care of the rest. Besides, half of the things that we ask for, we don’t even need.

So Lord, I just want to be content with what I have and where I am. I want to focus more on being the woman of God that I have been called to be. This will take sacrifice, prayer, reading, seeking, surrendering, humbling, and so much more. But the end reward will be so worth it. Better than any pizza, cake, or soda will ever be. I just want God to be able to do, in me and for me, what He’s been wanting to do all my life.

Sometimes, God is just waiting on us. Be Blessed!

Shatina Archer-Williams

I know it’s Thanksgiving and with that everyone is saying how they are thankful/grateful for one thing or another. But I just want to say that I am so grateful each and every day. Life is a blessing and should not be taken lightly. Think about it. Basically, the Lord decided that he wanted me to wake up this morning. And for that reason, my eyes opened and there was breath in my lungs. I sat up and I got out of bed to begin my day. I softly sang a song of praise (“I Owe You the Praise”) to Him to let him know that I love him. He has brought me through some tough times and blessed me beyond measure. He has been and always will be such an amazing God. And I’m just so grateful that daily He chooses life for me. I can never repay Him for all that he has done, so I have to make the most out of each and every day. With every kind act, every encouraging word, every prayer, every song, every thoughtful gesture that I can perform. I have to let Him know how much I appreciate Him.

I pray you all have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving! May God continue to bless and keep you always.

Shatina Archer-Williams

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…. and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.. Philippians 2:10-11 (KJV)

I don’t know about you guys, but I just have to say that there is truly something about the name of Jesus. When I think on His name I become overwhelmed with emotion. To think that someone loves me so unconditionally, in spite of me. All my flaws, all my mistakes, all my failures, and yet he still loves me. Daily he wants what’s best for me. Daily he encourages me. Daily he thinks of me and my well-being. Imagine that for a minute. Someone on your side all the time; fighting for you, loving you, holding you up, and pushing you to be the best version of you. He’s not smiling in your face and talking about you behind your back. He is real, the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is Jesus. Oh, how I love that name. That sweet, precious name, Jesus. The one who suffered and died for me so that I would not have to suffer, so that I could have life more abundantly. Jesus! Wherever He is that’s where I want to be. In his presence, where there is a fullness of joy.

Won’t you call on His name? Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! There’s something about that name.

Be Blessed Always,

Shatina Archer-Williams

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord… (Ps. 121:1-2 KJV)

As I opened the front door to walk my daughter to the bus stop this morning, we were greeted by one of the neighborhood cats. My daughter immediately froze up and was afraid to walk off the porch. I told her to go ahead I was right there with her. The cat ventured on and my daughter slowly tiptoed down the steps. She picked up her pace and left me behind. I had to quickly stop her from getting to the road before I did. I asked her, “If you’re so scared, why are you leaving the one that can help you?” (pause) I immediately looked up to the sky and said, “I see what you did there!” 🙂

Funny thing, my prayer this morning was for help. I simply asked the Lord to help me in the different areas of my life where I feel lost, uncertain, or fearful. So, as I asked my daughter that question I quickly realized that God is asking me the same thing. Why do I keep leaving Him behind if I know He is my help? Hmmm, good question.

So, my thought for today is to keep God with you. Put Him first and stop leaving Him behind. He is your help and your strength. And quite frankly, All you’ll ever need.

Be Blessed and Pray my strength!

Shatina Williams

Where are the warriors? Bold and strong, mighty in battle, defeating all wrong.

On your knees praying, on one accord. Waiting for the movement of the Lord.

Where are the warriors, we are suppose to be? Tearing down strongholds, claiming victory.

Casting out devils, healing disease, guiding our loved ones, so they can be free.

Attention all warriors. God’s calling you. He needs His army to bring others through.

Calling all warriors. Will you be one? Will you fight to the end, till the battle is won?

Stand up all warriors. This is the final call. The day is upon us. So let’s stand tall.

Take up your armor and prepare for war. The enemy is raging. Let’s settle the score.

Written by: Shatina Archer-Williams

:but this one thing I do, Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (Philippians 3:13 KJV)

The past has a way of holding us back. It keeps us rooted and grounded in one place, unable to take the next step. Often, painful memories leave us frozen in time. Over the years there have been failures and disappointments that continue to hover over us. We are constantly reminded of our mistakes. Thinking on the things we should’ve, could’ve, would’ve done if things were this or that way.

But why dwell on the things that have already happened? What good does that do? We can’t change the past, but we can determine what can happen today. Why should our past hold so much power? It shouldn’t. Therefore, we must leave the past where it belongs… behind us. And we must reach toward a future that is limitless. One that is full of the blessings and promises of God, if we trust him. A future that has been set aside just for YOU!

I dare you to REACH!

Be Blessed Always,

Shatina Williams