Surrendering the past…Inviting the future

Happy New Year!
December 31, 2019

Here we are. The last day of 2019 and the decade. I believe this time of the year has so much potency and meaning to it.

King Solomon, the wisest man who’s ever lived (other than Jesus, who is Wisdom Himself) summed it up like this: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;” – Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

Wherever your heart is in these last few hours of 2019, one thing is certain: each of us have been given the currency of TIME in this life. Each day and each new year is another opportunity for us to begin again with God’s new mercies and to surrender the regrets, fear and doubt about the past and all that transpired in it and instead, choose to sow love, peace, forgiveness, life giving words and actions into our own hearts and into the relationships around us.

Recognize those things that have kept you stuck in a cycle. Write them down and be specific about it. Ask Holy Spirit to counsel and teach you how to feast on LIFE and live in abundance, in your soul. It’s a daily walk of trust and believing in the Father’s goodness.

TWO KEY THOUGHTS FOR 2020

In praying. reflecting and preparing for the new year and decade, I received two key thoughts for this new season: OIL and ROARING 20s.

OIL – ANOINTED & PREPARED

1. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.” – Psalms 23:5 NASB

If you watched “The Crown” and saw the episode of Queen Elizabeth being coronated, then you’ll remember the beautiful and sacred ritual of how she was anointed with oil during that historical ceremony.

You and I as followers of Christ, have also been anointed with the oil of His Spirit. The Psalmist David reminds his own heart of this truth: “You have anointed my head with oil…”

To live from an overflowing cup in 2020, requires anointed heads. Let’s take every day in this next year as a fresh opportunity to renew our minds with the powerful Word of God and from a place of relationship and communion, receive fresh oil and grace from His Spirit.

2. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.” – Acts 10:38 

Christ means ‘Anointed One.’ The above scripture says, Jesus went about doing GOOD and HEALING ALL that were oppressed of the devil (oppressed can be defined as: the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety…). We don’t have to look far to see the oppression in our world. All around us, people are hurting and crippled with anxiety, fear and mental anguish. You and I carry the life giving and healing oil of Jesus. When our hearts are anchored to Him, He will empower us to do good works and bring healing to our families, marriages, children, co-workers and communities. If Jesus was anointed, how much more you and I are to be!

3. “Your oils have a pleasing fragrance, Your name is like purified oil; Therefore the maidens love you.” – Song of Solomon 1:3 NASB

Traditional olive oil is produced by crushing the olives into a paste, and the purpose of the crushing is to facilitate the release of the oil.

With certain flowers, there is an aromatic fragrant oil that is expelled, when they’re crushed. The crushing pressure and circumstances of life, purify and produce the sweet, rich and fragrant oil in our lives.

In the above passage those words were written about the bridegroom who symbolizes Jesus. In Isaiah 53:5 it says, He was crushed for our sins. Out of His crushing suffering, we’ve been given the rich and fragrant oil of His Presence that brings healing and soothing peace to every trauma, disappointment and fear we may be battling with. His oil causes Heaven’s fragrance and favor to rest upon our lives.

4. Matthew 25: 1- 13 “1 At the time my coming draws near, heaven’s kingdom realm can be compared to ten maidens who took their oil lamps and went outside to meet the bridegroom and his bride. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. (nasb version) 2–4 Five of them were foolish and ill-prepared, for they took no extra oil for their lamps. Five of them were wise and sensible, for they took flasks of olive oil with their lamps. 5 When the bridegroom didn’t come when they expected, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. 6 Then suddenly, in the middle of the night, they were awakened by the shout ‘Get up! The bridegroom is here! Come out and have an encounter with him!’ 7 So all the girls got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 But the foolish ones were running out of oil, so they said to the five wise ones, ‘Share your oil with us, because our lamps are going out!’ 9 “‘We can’t,’ they replied. ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. You’ll have to go and buy some for yourselves!’ 10 “While the five girls were out buying oil, the bridegroom appeared. Those who were ready and waiting were escorted inside with him and the wedding party to enjoy the feast. And then the door was locked. 11 Later, the five foolish girls came running up to the door and pleaded, ‘Lord, Lord, let us come in!’ 12 “But he called back, ‘Go away! Do I know you? I can assure you, I don’t even know you!’ 13 “That is the reason you should always stay awake and be alert, because you don’t know the day or hour when the Bridegroom will appear.

Jesus, our magnificent Bridegroom is coming. He’s coming for His Bride, who He’s been longing for. He’s also coming in ways we may not have expected or predicted. In the times we’re living in where there is so much turmoil around our world, it will require of us to keep our lamps trimmed and be prepared with extra oil as the five PRUDENT ones. (PRUDENT is defined as ‘acting with or showing care and thought for the future!!) 

Matthew 25 is a phenomenal chapter! I encourage you to read Matthew 24 and 25, to get the context of what Jesus is saying.

How are we to prepare ourselves for Jesus, our Bridegroom? What does Jesus mean by being prepared with OIL? There’s so much that can be said about that, but I believe it all boils down to: RELATIONSHIP, communion and fellowship with HIM. That’s what He’s after.

Not more activity, but more intimacy.

Intimacy, communion and relationship with Jesus births the OIL of His Presence.

Our very lives, relationships, words we speak, songs we sing, businesses we lead, schools we teach – whatever we do – are to carry HIS oil and we are to be prepared and ready for His coming, with an abundance of His oil flowing in our lives, all from relationship with Him.

ROARING20s

As I was putting down my thoughts on my phone about 2020, I heard this phrase in my spirit: ROARING 20s. It kind of caught me by surprise as I hadn’t thought of that connection before, with the upcoming year and decade. But as I thought about it more…I knew Holy Spirit was giving me clues and inviting me in on something prophetic.

When reading a bit about the “roaring 20s” decade, despite the great depression and a lot of turmoil, it was also a decade of economic prosperity, cultural and creative innovation (“Jazz Age”) and technological advancements.

What is the Lord about to do among the nations in 2020 and in the next 10 years? Where is He moving? What is He shining His light on? What is He saying?

Amos 1:2 says, “The LORD roars from Zion and raises His voice from Jerusalem..” I believe in this next decade we are about to see and hear the Lord roaring His purposes, His heart and His justice in ways we haven’t seen before.

Aslan, also known as The Great Lion, is symbolic of Jesus Christ in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. In “The Magician’s Nephew,” chapter 9 he write, “The Lion opened his mouth…then there came a swift flash of fire…and the deepest, wildest voice they ever heard was saying: ‘Narnia, Narnia, Narnia, Awake.  Love.  Think.  Speak.” 

Do you hear the roar? The roar to love, show mercy, walk in courage and live in truth? Let this next year and decade be one of us roaring His roar. All from a place of being in proximity to Aslan, The Great Lion! Happy 2020! #roaring20s #wearecomingforyou

Ten Affirmations For Children

How we think affects how we believe, which affects the decisions we make. If we want to change an outcome, it all starts with our thoughts and beliefs.

From the beginning of time God created the sun, moon, stars, oceans, animals, plants, breath in man by speaking it into existence. Ten times we read in Genesis 1, “God said.” If God spoke and it was, then His Word is potent with creative power AND you and I can build our lives on His sustainable, unchanging, life giving Word for our lives and for our children.

With so many things vying and competing for our child’s attention and with all that they have access to in our modern tik-tok 24/7 tech connected culture, it’s crucial we train and disciple our children to speak life giving affirmations from God’s unchanging Word that has creative power to sustain and prosper them!

Use it with them while in the car on the way to running errands, or in your morning devotions with your child, or for your older ones, print it out and keep a copy visible in their room as a reminder to speak out these daily affirmations regarding their worth and identity, from God’s perspective.

Click here to access this resource and use it as a helpful guide to teach your child to see themselves as God sees him/her, no matter what age they may be!

Mama Bears’ Prayer Club

Hi Friends…Stacy Marson and I began this initiative to actively do something to stand and fight for our own kiddos and all children and their destinies!

Grace is not a bad word!

Long post warning, so grab a cup of your fav drink and dive into these words! ☺️

Loved, Accepted & Valued

There are over 7 billion people on the planet today and each of us carry an inherent, priceless worth because we are made in the image of God.

As humans jostling and scurrying around in this complex and beautiful life it’s so easy to judge far more quickly than it is to love, accept and value individuals for who they are, not for who we think they should be.

I’ve noticed it’s easier to judge and gossip about a person’s weaknesses, (yep I’ve done it🙋🏽‍♀️ and it absolutely grieved my heart. I take it very seriously when I even attempt to cross that line – we ought to have zero tolerance when it comes to gossip and slander!) instead of fervently praying for their hearts and choosing to be vulnerable, broken, honest and transparent about our own weakness.

Rather than being quick to judge what is wrong, or lacking, let’s practice patience, gentleness, kindness and with our actions, point them to Christ – the One who is perfect and blameless.

Be Grace

I want to be the Gospel of Grace (Galatians 1:6-9) and let Holy Spirit reveal, convict and change the person in the same way He changes me. I once heard a preacher say: “Stop playing the Holy Spirit when you can’t even play yourself!”  🤨😂 #Truth

Stop trying to control people and manipulate short term behavioral outcomes. Only the Spirit can truly do a deep, whole and effective work in the core of our inner man.

Let’s be mindful that each of us are walking out our healing and growing and learning at various paces and dealing with different life experiences and traumas.

When we judge, it’s an indication of an unhealed area in our own hearts!

If God Himself didn’t send His Son to judge the world, then why are we so hell -bent on judging others?

John‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”

Of course there are situations, where we can offer counsel and truth because we see destructive cycles, in that case the individual is given chances to change and rebuild on the foundation of Truth, and we as the Body of Christ get to walk with them in their restoration – but that’s another post.

This post is about being like the Good Samaritan and stopping long enough to really check on each other, wash the wounds and carry the hurting, letting them know they are in a safe, judgement free place and truly loving like Jesus did, as we see in the Gospels.

Why is this so rare in our churches?

In the Gospel of John 1:17, Jesus came in GRACE and TRUTH. But we often preach truth and barely mention grace, out of fear that people won’t realize the severity of sin, if we talk about grace!

How completely misinformed we are, to reduce the fullness of who Jesus is, to fit our inaccurate partial theology, that only shows our unhealed selves and reeks of self righteousness!

Shift The Focus

Years ago when I struggled with depression, and was tormented by shame and regret because of my sins, faults and inadequacies, it was the radical grace and truth of Jesus that set me free and brought such a lasting and powerful restoration that you would never know I walked through what I did.

To that extent I’ve been healed and completely set free and restored.

To this day and because of His undeserving grace, I’m living in the freedom, peace, joy and stability He firmly grounded in me.

Yes I have moments lol but I’m no longer defined and bound by cycles of sin and defeat…it’s His life that gives me hope and the power to change and overcome any issue/weakness.

It may not happen over night, but that’s why I get to renew my mind daily in HIS Truth and choose to think and meditate on HIS thoughts.

During that intense period of darkness I went through years ago, I sensed the nearness of Jesus as He sat with me and wept with me.

His Spirit taught me, counseled and led me and helped me to be aware of my true identity in Christ and the powerful revelation of His finished work on the Cross and what that means and looks like practically in my thought life, my emotions, my actions, my relationships, how I guard my tongue and steward finances, choose forgiveness and how He could give me wisdom and direction in every facet of walking in this temporal world!

When we are continually aware of what’s wrong with us (or when we’re only preached at, about what’s wrong with us) we are focused on us, our lack or on others’ lack/faults/sins.

After walking with God for decades here’s one of the key principles I’ve learned and continue to learn:

The more I see Jesus, the more I’m free.

Galatians 2: 20 says “…it’s no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.”

Then why are we so focused on “us” and our “dead” junk? Lol!

Focus on what’s right about Jesus and lock your eyes on Him and receive His LIFE, by meditating on His Word that is pulsating with His life, by worshipping Him and being fascinated by His flawless beauty and strength, for as we become captivated by HIM and what’s right about Him – whatever is wrong about you/me – will have no other option than to be transformed!

I’m living proof (as are so many of you reading this!) that the greatest Teacher, who lives in me is highly capable of changing, correcting and encouraging me to be more like Him.

Drop the Stones

In my past, even in my weakest state when I wasn’t “ministry material” and in my most “unholy/unspiritual” moments, it was the radical kindness of God, through His whispers of compassion and mercy, that brought me to my knees in repentance.

Jesus took my blame, He took all my sins, lack and accusations on the Cross and gave me the gift of His righteousness – which is being in right standing with God and approaching His Holy Presence – not because of my good works, but all because of Jesus and His perfection.

Let’s start manifesting authentic, Spirit empowered grace and truth, in our words, and actions and love and accept people for who they are and where they are.

Acceptance doesn’t mean you agree, it means we let the individual know they are genuinely seen, loved and known and they are considered valuable. Isn’t that what God did for you and me? Then it’s no different for anyone else.

Let’s drop the stones and open our arms. 

#PreachChrist #

SCRIPTURES

John‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”

Psalms 139:5 “You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness You follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With Your hand of love upon my life, You impart a blessing to me.”

Galatians 2: 19-20  19 For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 

Acts 17:28  ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’

Ephesians 1:6 “to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”‭

Matthew‬ ‭6:26 “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

A Love like this…

It takes receiving Love Himself, to be empowered to love like this. Today, take time to be still and meditate on how much He loves you (Zephaniah 3:17) and is relentless in the way He cares for you. From that overflow of His deep, authentic love, we love ourselves and others.

“Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail].

Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].”
– ‭‭1 CORINTHIANS‬ ‭13:4-7‬ ‭

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
– ZEPHANIAH 3:17

Freedom!

When you’re walking with Jesus, there will be moments that may not look like peace and joy, they look more like frustration and disappointment but that’s real and He is right there in the real messy moments.

He doesn’t turn away but is so present and with you. His love is always working powerfully even when we can’t “see”.

In fully surrendering to Him daily, we will witness how He can brilliantly bring FAR more beauty than the ashes we see, that slip through our fingers.

His peace and joy is not moved or defined by feelings, opinions, or life circumstances. It’s unshakable and that’s YOUR foundation! You’re in capable Hands. Trust Him.

A powerful key to overcoming depression, cycles of negativity and fear, is to set our minds on the eternal (being in relationship and friendship with Jesus, pursuing His Presence, His Voice, Meditating on His Word). When we give more time to social media, the evening news or to other people’s opinions, or our own mental wanderings,  we are surrounding our minds with ‘earthly’ temporal matters, which is a shaky, uncertain place to anchor ourselves with. Instead as we keep seeking the things above – where Christ is – our perspective and our lives will be positioned from our true reality! Wisdom, grace, joy, peace and favor will flow into our earthly realm because of Christ’s eternal (supernatural) power living in us.

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
‭‭- Colossians‬ ‭3:1-2‬ ‭

Be sure to comment and let us know how we can pray for you and encourage you further in your walk of freedom!

Joy!

“You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
– Psalms 16:11
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Did you know that one third of God’s Kingdom is filled with joy? (Romans 14:17) That’s how intentional He is about living from an overflowing abundance of joy. What that tells me is that it’s normal stuff in Heaven to lol! 😑 (i couldn’t resist haha!) My nephew categorizes family members to those who are laughers and those who are smilers. I picture Jesus being a laugher. 😂 (and of course a smiler too!)
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He said in John 15:11, “My purpose for telling you these things is so that the joy that I experience will fill your hearts with overflowing gladness!” We may mistakenly think Jesus wants us to be stoic, unhappy, lemon face holier-than-thous! 😁 Far from it friend. True Holiness happens as a by product of encountering the Person He is and living in His joy daily!
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Some of the happiest people I’ve met around the world are those who were persecuted for the sake of the Gospel and who didn’t have much, but lived in an awareness of the immense fulfillment that Jesus brings. The temporal sufferings and stuff of life pale in comparison to HIM. Fame, money, approval and status are all fleeting and the dopamine they offer is a mirage.
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You may not *feel* joy today, but joy is more than a feeling. Joy is a Person and in His Presence there’s a deep, abiding satisfaction and peace regardless of the circumstances. He doesn’t want us to avoid and deny the sorrow or grief we may be carrying but sits with us IN it and walks with us THROUGH it and empowers and strengthens our souls with His supernatural joy!
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I’m a living display of that and so are my sisters I’m laughing with…call us the real #sisteract 😄 [cue: Lauryn Hill singing “Joyful, Joyful we adore Thee!” 😁😍]

Hello world!

Welcome to “The Presence Collective” blogosphere! We can’t wait for you to dive in and read, meditate and get equipped with foundational tools, life lessons, and practical spiritual wisdom to empower you in your walk with Christ. You know what friend? It’s 2019 and our world is ever evolving, but what a deep, abiding confidence we have in God’s unchanging heart toward us and in His unwavering promises that He is FOR us! No matter what you’re facing today, you can anchor your heart to God’s unshakable foundation and depend on His love for you. This is why we created “TPC” online, so we can encourage one another and cheer each other in this life adventure we’re all on! We’re so thrilled you found us, so take a spin around our site, get comfortable and grab your cup of coffee or tea (or Kombucha lol!) and let’s pursue Jesus and His life giving Presence! You’re not alone…we’re in this together!

Much Love,

~ TPC team