Apr 17, 2016

Apr 14, 2016

Pastor Jamil Gilleylen- Woodlawn Campus- Church of the Highlands

This Post BLESSED My Life! 
Please take some time to read below. 

Before you possess your biggest promise, you will often encounter your toughest challenge. Many times, we have great expectations for what God is going to do and for what He has promised, but as we wait for His promise to be fulfilled, all we can see are the challenges we are currently facing. 

The Israelites found themselves in this very situation, facing a long, difficult 40 years of wandering in the wilderness while knowing God had promised they would live in the Promised Land. Moses gave the Israelites great instruction that we all can learn from when preparing to overcome life’s toughest challenges in pursuit of God’s promises. 

He said in Deuteronomy 11:22, “…to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him and to hold fast to Him.” The three keys that will keep us moving through our problems and allow us to see the fulfillment of the promises of God are Loving, Walking and Holding

I want to encourage you that no matter what challenge you are facing today, growing in your love for God and choosing to Love those around you, even those who may be difficult to love, will strengthen you and help you persevere. Additionally, you need the support and encouragement of others in the midst of trial, so be sure to Walk through your difficulty in community. 

The Israelites made it through their toughest challenges together. This is why I love our small groups here at Highlands - they provide you with a place to connect with others who will pray for you and encourage you as you progress through your problems and into God’s promises. 

Lastly, Hold on to the promise. Remind yourself that no promise from God will ever fail. The Word says: blessed are those who believe that the Lord will fulfill His promises to them! 

What promises are you believing for God to fulfill?

Which people are you surrounding yourself with who will help you endure until you see that promise fulfilled?

Apr 12, 2016

Pause

Sometimes we all need this pause moment. 

Prayer Goes A Lonnnggg Way! 
BNspired to add more "Pause/Pray" moments into your daily life.

Apr 11, 2016

Testimony- Life Is So Much Better When You Put Him First


I can't express how faithful God has been to me. Whenever you're faced with disappointments, frustrations, or worries, think back to the times God came through for you. If you can just think back and remember how good and faithful he was to you in the past, it will definitely help you get through whatever situation you're facing. I just had this happen to me a week or so ago. It's so easy to get upset or worry about things when something doesn't go according to OUR plans. The lesson I learned was to continue to trust him and remember his faithfulness before. I also learned that true worship will give you a new sense of hope like never before. I recently faced some adversity in my life where I became super frustrated and worried about my future. I was thinking so much into the details of what was to come. 
One morning while I was reading my devotion, I came across the story where Jesus went to visit Mary and Martha. 
38As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

41But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."
This was definitely a true encounter with God for me. I could see myself in the story. I was so worried about all the details, just like Martha. I quickly changed my thoughts from worrying to worshipping. I felt a true sense of peace afterwards. Long story short, God worked everything out for my good. He showed up for me in a major way and I'm forever grateful for his faithfulness. That encounter with him changed so much for me. I'm so thankful for how my relationship with him is continuously growing! 
Key Words: Remember, Faithful, Worship 
BNspired

Proverbs 12-14

How often do you affirm yourself? How often do you "Speak Life" into your situations? Be Encouraged Today. Proverbs 12:14 says "People can get many things by the words they say; the work of their hands also gives many benefits. Words are powerful. BNspired to affirm yourself and speak life daily and watch how your life changes for the better! Here are some of my morning affirmations I say aloud everyday along with many others. 
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Jesus


The resurrection of Jesus gives you the power to close the gap between the life you are living and the life you could live. 
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Facebook Inspiration

Came Across this post last week and wanted to share it with you guys. Build Someone up today and most importantly BNspired to build yourself up as well!!


Mar 13, 2016

Uncommon Communication- Notes

This Uncommon Series on Relationships have been such a blessing to my life! Here are my notes to part 3, Uncommon Communication. Here is the link to view this message. 
BNspired!!!

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/uncommon-communication

1st Wednesday- Expand Your Capacity by Craig Groeschel

I attended 1st Wednesday this month and it was amazing. Please if you have time, click on the link and watch the video below. Check out my notes below as well. 
https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/expand-your-capacity


Best Decision!

March 6, 2016, I decided to get water baptized. If any of you are like me, you probably got baptized in your early childhood years. I was around 8 years old when I got baptized. "Why did you decide to do it again?" That's a great question. I simply wanted a fresh start and felt God tugging at my heart to do it. I've been attending Church of the Highlands for about 6 months or so and I've always had a feeling that I needed to get baptized and truly give my all to God. I've also fallen in love with this Church. I've been a true believer for awhile, but never have truly given him my all. I now desire to go deeper. I desire to pursue my relationship with Him more than ever. While walking up to the church, doubts began to fill my entire being because of the water tub sitting outside in front. I thought to myself, "I have to do this in front of everyone?" I was super nervous and even thought about not doing it. I said a prayer to myself once I got in the building and asked God to give me the courage I needed to go through with the baptism. He did just that and then some. My best friend who was there, decided to get baptized as well. She was only going to stay for the support, but felt she needed to do it as well. It was amazing. I'm so thankful for the example Jesus set for us & I'm even more thankful that he gives us a fresh start. 
BNspired

Feb 23, 2016

Instagram Inspiration

Seen this the other day and it really spoke to me! 
"What is meant for you will not pass you, and what misses you was never meant for you." 
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Uncommon Commitment

Here are my notes from Pt. 2 of Church of The Highlands UN/Common Series!
Check them out below and also please go watch the service at https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/uncommon-commitment
This series is really blessing my life! 
BNspired

Feb 21, 2016

TGIM | WINNERS WIN & LOSERS LOSE

I've been listening to this over and over the past view days. BNspired to check it out! ET always come with a ton of inspiration.
 Share this video with someone!!
BNspired


LEAVE FEEDBACK

UNcommon Love Pt. 1 Notes!

Here are my notes from Part. 1 of the UNcommon series that's going on at Church of The Highlands! I pray they bless your life as much as they have mine!
BNspired

CHRIS HODGES : FEBRUARY 14, 2016


Uncommon
(Romans 12:1-2 MSG) So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

The 3:16 Principle
(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Choosing to believe and accept Jesus and inviting him to live in our heart gives us access to Gods Love! Jesus Christ is everything we need to get access to love of another kind!

God’s love is Unconditional .
It's steadfast and unfailing. His love is what can heal the broken wounds in our lives.

God’s love is Sacrificial .
He gave his son! He committed love towards us through sacrifice! We have to be willing to sacrifice.

God’s love is Personable! .
Jesus came to earth in human form to show us God's Love!

✓ God’s love is Accessible .
We need to look to him for what the definition is. He is love!
It's not reserved for anyone. It's for all of us who believe! John 3:16

God’s love is Acceptable! .
(1 John 4:9-12, 16, 19) This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. We love because he first loved us.

*The secret of love is being Loved by God.
Our 1st step towards Love is not towards them but towards HIM!

(1 Corinthians 13:4-8) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

*The secret of love is showing God's love to others.

Showing God’s Uncommon Love
1. Say it.
*Tell people You Love Them! "I Love You" also tell them you forgive them. *"I forgive You" 
*If you love greatly, you'll have to forgive greatly as well!
*People need to hear "I Love You" 
*Say It A lot

2. Write it.
It's power in writing things! Letters, deep text messages, Write out how much you love someone!

"Hey man, thought about you today..Love you"

3. Give it.
Small gifts go a long way! They say.. you are so important I stopped my day to think about you.

These things can save your life, relationships, marriage, etc.

4. Forgive it.
We are never more like Jesus than when we forgive!

5. Live it.
God, Help me to love everyone that you put in my path and in front of me.

(Romans 12:15 AMP) Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others' joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others' grief].
(1 Corinthians 13:13) And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.



Dec 4, 2015

December Goals

I decided to make some changes to end this year strong. It sucks when we stray away from God but it's so great knowing he's always still going to be there for us. How great is it to know that no matter what we do or how far away we fall off in our relationship with Jesus, he is still there with us. He still loves us. He still cares greatly for us. He is still there to protect and provide for us. The first thing I know I needed to do is change my focus and mind. Have you fallen off in your relationship with God? Do you know you need to work on your personal relationship with Him? It's okay if you answered these questions with a Yes. It doesn't take huge actions to get back on track with him. He's just looking for us to come to him. Small acts and efforts make a big difference. Pray, read his word, spend sometime in worship with him, talk to him throughout your day. These are some of my goals for this month. 
BNspired

Dec 2, 2015

Verses of The Day!!!

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 NLT

Jesus is our wonderful counselor- he's always here for us and wants our fellowship. He wants our conversation. He wants to counsel us but 1st we have to talk to him and spend time with him. We have to be willing to bring our issues, problems, fears, and concerns to him so he can counsel us.

Jesus is our Mighty God. He's powerful! There is nothing he can't do for us. We have to rely on him for strength and power! 

Jesus is our Everlasting Father! He's always going to be here for us. He's always going to be our provider and protector. He really cares for us. He's our Father who will always be here to care and provide for all of our needs! 

Jesus is our Prince Of Peace. Whenever our life is troubled we can always rely on him for peace. Whenever we're filled with fears, struggles, anxieties, frustrations, etc.. we need to rely on him for peace. We should always look toward Jesus for peace through worship music, praying, reading the bible, listening to a sermon, or even just talking to Him. 


“No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8 NLT

“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what GOD is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously— take God seriously.”
Micah 6:8 MSG




Jul 30, 2015

Encouragement Goes A Long Way..

This is one of my favorite quotes. Never underestimate the power of encouraging someone/lifting someone else up. You really never know what someone may be going through on the inside.
 The smallest things usually make the biggest difference in people lives. 
BNspired everyday to "lift someone up" & never take these moments for granted. 

Proverbs 16:24Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Before Anything Great Is Really Achieved

"Before anything great is really achieved, your comfort zone must be disturbed!" 
–Ray Lewis 

I really enjoyed this video below, so hopefully you all will as well.
BNspired 


"Before anything great is really achieved, your comfort zone must be disturbed!" –Ray Lewis WATCH Rebroadcast at tdjakes.org/watchnow
Posted by T.D. Jakes Ministries on Wednesday, July 29, 2015

He Cares!

Ever found yourself in a slump? Last week, I found myself in a big one. Sometimes it can become so easy to allow negative thoughts to consume your mind. It's also easy to find yourself thinking about the past to much as well as the future. Being in a slump when your thoughts (mostly negative) are dominating your days can cause so many other problems such as stress, loss of appetite, bad moods, etc. During these times, it's also very easy to become stuck on YOURself & how you feel. I found myself experiencing all of these things and really couldn't shake it, even though I told myself repeatedly "Shift Your Focus" "Stop" .....
How did I get out of the slump?
I came across this verse! 
Assurance from Him is literally the best. How wonderful it is to know that we can cast all of our thoughts, worries, struggles, weaknesses & anxieties on Him. How wonderful is it to know He truly cares about us. It's freeing to say the least. I thank God for this. 
BNspired to know that you can bring your worries to him. BNspired to know that He will Always Care for you!!
Bnspired to plant this verse deep in your heart like I am.
"Cast All Your Cares On Him, The Lord Will Free Your Mind"- William Murphy

Jul 13, 2015

William Murphy- Praying For You

"When I Pray...Things Will Change"
Give This A Listen... I promise you won't regret it!

Manifesting Grace Through Gratitude 21 Day Meditation

Have you ever really sat down and meditated on something? Do you even know what it really means to meditate? When you meditate you think deeply or focus your mind for a period time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation. 
Last year, I stumbled across an email from Oprah & Deepak about a 21 day meditation experience. I decided to give it a try and really enjoyed the experience. Yesterday my church experience was so refreshing, it really challenged & inspired me to get my mind, body, & spirit all on one accord. I decided why not include meditation in this as well. I went to the website & was very glad to see a new 21 day meditation series was starting today. 
Talk about right on time. 
BNspired to join me on this 21 Day Meditation Experience on Manifesting Grace through Gratitude. This experience is totally free and you'd be surprised how it really affects your life in so many positive ways including strengthening your mind. Sign up and start today by visiting https://chopracentermeditation.com
BNspired

Jul 12, 2015

Eden by Rob Hill Sr.

Was able to give this album a very honest listen tonight and I'm truly blown away. There's so much power and truth in the words Rob Hill is saying on each track. This is not a music album, its simply words.  
BNspired to skip listening to some music and give this a listen all the way through. 
If yo have spotify search Rob Hill Sr. & click on Eden
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Notes From Church Of The Highlands! What Are You Seeing?

I've been wanting to visit Church of The Highlands for awhile now & had the pleasure of going for the 1st time today. I really enjoyed the message from Pastor Chris Hodges. I even re-dedicated my life today. Glory To God! 
They're 5 points listed below that really inspired & challenged me. Withdraw, Wait, Read God's Word, Write, Review! These 5 things really have me fired up to pursue a deeper relationship with God. Take the time to read through all these scriptures, I promise it will bless your life. 
BNspired
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Today Sermon Notes From The Rock Church!

Are You In Any Of These Grey Areas??
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Jun 19, 2015

William Murphy- Already Getting Better

Was Fortunate Enough To Come Across This Video On Facebook & It Blew Me Away!! BNspired

Atlanta Casting and Talent is so blessed! What an anointed young soul: giving praise and worship unto The Lord. 8 year-old mime Saniya Sanders

Posted by Michele Williams on Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Jun 11, 2015

"Now FAITH"

This was one of my devotions I read this morning. Definitely wanted to share it with you all. 
BNspired
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May 31, 2015

Better

Anybody has a desire to be BETTER? To Change some bad habits? To Change some bad attitudes? To change & be better for the Lord?
Take a listen to this song & BNspired. 
This spoke directly to me tonight!
BNspired

May 20, 2015

Inspiration from Joel Osteen

I receive these daily email from Joel Osteen and normally forward them to family members & close friends. This is something I've been doing for awhile and the first person I normally would send them to is my Mom. 
Well last year, she decided to subscribe and receive the emails herself. I was very happy when she told me she subscribed. Eventually, I stopped forwarding her the emails. 
My mom is an early bird so this morning she checked her emails and read this and forwarded to me. I just wanted to share with you all because it's very inspiring. 
The message is definitely inspiring to me because I've recently "Stepped Out the Boat" and took on a new job, totally trusting God. Having my mom forward me this is inspiring as well because I know she's still reading these daily emails and pursuing her relationship with God. 
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BNspired 

May 13, 2015

Be You!

Maya Angelou is the true definition of inspiration
This is one of my favorite quotes by her(I have several lol). BNspired to BE YOU!!
I dare you to google Maya Angelou quotes or poems. BNspired

Habits

What Kind Of Habits Do You Have?


Daily Inspiration

Daily Inspiration from Pastor AD! Here are two of my favorites that I screenshot and saved the past couple weeks. 


BNspired


BETTER

Heard this AWESOME song on the radio today and wanted to share!
Check it out below
The Showers- Better
BNspired

You Set The Limits!!!

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I read this email this morning and truly felt the need to share with you all. It hit home for me in so many ways. Have you ever felt you needed other people to validate you? I definitely have. This post reminded me that all I need is God. If I listen to HIS voice 1st, he'll order my steps. BNspired today to discontinue wavering on what you should do or what you shouldn't. Talk to him and trust him. Other people shouldn't set the limits on your life. You set your limits and trust in God and watch the doors he begin to open. I personally have gone through this recently which is why it really hit home with me today.
BNspired

Apr 13, 2015

"Empty Me"~ William Murphy

Somehow I came across this song last night while trying to find a completely different one. I'm so thankful I came across this one. Take a moment to listen and worship! You won't regret it.
BNspired 
Holy Fire
Burn away
My desire for that thing
That is not of you
And is of me
I want more of you
And less of me yeah
Empty me

Mar 26, 2015

"I Will Wait For You"----------- "I Waited For You"

"I Will Wait For You"

I've posted this first spoken word piece before on here but I wanted to post it again. This is one of my favorite poems by Janette Ikz. The 2nd spoken word piece is what she cited as her wedding vowels. It's beautiful! God is so faithful. I hope you all love these poems as much as I do. 
Take A Look & BNspired!

"I Waited For You" 

James Fortune & FIYA "The Greatest"

Awesome Worship Song! 
BNspired

Looking For A Good Read???


If you're in search of a good book to read or if you really want to Bnspired & challenged, please read Burn Your Goals by Joshua Medcalf & Jamie Gilbert. This book was amazing. It was very interesting to me because I'm someone who constantly write out goals for myself. This book challenged me in so many different ways. I really hope you will take some time to read it. It's definitely a page turner!
BNspired 

Pastor AD Daily Inspiration

I received this text yesterday and definitely wanted to share it with you all. Do you actually speak life over yourself? Do you speak life into certain situations? Do you know what speaking life over yourself is? Check out the song below! Every morning I speak life over my day. I try to positively affirm myself. It does make a huge difference. Things I was speaking life over months ago are finally coming to pass. For example, here is what I say out loud when I get to the office everyday.

"Today is an incredible day! Success, prosperity, and abundance in many different forms have naturally found their way into my life today. I gratefully enjoy their manifestations throughout my day and happily share these blessing of abundance with many others in order to bring happiness to their day as well, I declare:  I am Blessed, I am happy, I am healthy, I am secure, etc..." 
I AM is powerful!

Speak Life by Toby Mac

Instagram Inspiration


So I came across this very OLD post on IG from a good friend of mine. I felt so much conviction when I seen this picture that I had to share it with you all. Have you ever been like the man in the top picture? I can honestly say that I have many times. At certain points in my life, I would find myself constantly asking & pleading for God to talk to me, give me a sign, SOMETHING, etc.. Looking at the picture below forced me to come to grips with the fact that I wasn't constantly seeking him through his word. Reading the bible isn't something that's entirely easy to do but it's definitely something we have to be more conscious about doing. I'm really talking to myself in this moment. BNspired to start this new journey of faithfully reading your bible daily. He speaks to us in many different ways but one way for sure is through his word!! 
BNspired

Feb 21, 2015

Happy by Tasha Cobbs

This song has been in my spirit all week. 
Hope you guys enjoy it!!

Patience

Here is one of my nightly devotions from the other day. Definitely much needed. We all get a little impatient at times. 
BNspired

As children it is very difficult to sit for 15 minutes because it feel like forever. Yet, with age comes the rapid speed of passing time. When it comes to waiting on the Lord why does it feel like we are children all over again? Then, when the waiting is over, God produces an unexpected and undeserved outcome and the waiting becomes insignificant. If you find yourself in a period of waiting for the Lord, gather your patience & know that He is working FOR you. 

GRATEFUL MUCH?

grate·ful
ˈɡrātfəl/
adjective
  1. feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful

I seen this post on Instagram this morning and really felt the need to share it.
 Everyone talks about being GREAT. "I Want To Be Great", "I'm Just Trying To Be Great", "Would You Let Me Be Great"... We all hear and say these things all the time right? When you wake up with a GRATEFUL mindset and attitude, it will set the tone for your day. BNspired to wake up with that spirit. Be Grateful for everything you have and get to do. Think about this.... Complaining is easy. Going through the motions is easy. Having a bad attitude is easy. Being impatient is easy. Worrying is easy. Stressing is easy. Nothing GREAT will ever come easy. Take this first step to being GREAT by being G R A T E F U L for everything! Every person in your life, every interaction with someone, every situation, EVERYTHING! 

BNspired to Be Grateful!  


Feb 9, 2015

It's Working- William Murphy

This song has literally been in my spirit for a week straight! BNspired to declare this over your life! 
It's Working- William Murphy 


This is my season for grace for favor
This is my season to reap what I have sown

This is my season for grace for favor... yeah
This is my season to reap what I have sown

See....I haven't been perfect, but I sure been faithful
See....God's got a purpose yes and I know He's able

I've got a seed in the ground, that He's blessing no more stressing
I've got a seed in the ground, now I'm knowing and it's showing
This is my season for grace for favor
This is my season to reap what I have sown



Jan 29, 2015

Proverbs!!

This Proverbs challenge is still blessing my life. This verse from chapter 24 really inspired me. 
BNspired 

Enjoy Your Journey

This really blessed my life. It's always good to remember we are all on a journey. Despite it being super hard to have patience at times, it should be promising to know that God always has our best in mind. Each day is just another step on your journey. Each day is a process. ENJOY IT. EMBRACE IT. The Good and The Bad. 
BNspired 
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