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When Suffering Meets Healing

Suddenly, a woman came from behind Jesus and touched the tassel of his prayer shawl for healing. She had been suffering from continual bleeding for twelve years, but had faith that Jesus could heal her. For she kept saying to herself, “If I could only touch his prayer shawl I would be healed.”

Just then Jesus turned around and looked at her and said, “My daughter, be encouraged. Your faith has healed you.” And instantly she was healed! 

Matthew 9:20-22, TPT 

Devotional 

Many can relate to the story of the woman with the issue of blood. She had a bleeding disorder that baffled doctors. Hence, none could figure out exactly how to treat her. So, the woman went through countless procedures to no avail. As a result, she was getting worse and not better.  

She had grown tired of multiple appointments with one specialist after another. And still, there was no cure in sight. After many years without answers and numerous dollars spent—she was at her wits end. The money had run out, and there wasn’t any medical insurance available.  

Undoubtedly, she needed a miracle. Because, she wanted a normal life, free from illness, and the stress it caused. Suddenly, her moment had come—Jesus is near!  The town’s people whispered of the healings that took place in his presence. Indeed, her heart must have raced at the hearing of the Man named Jesus coming through town.

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Mental Health Awareness – S1E7

Mental Health—no longer a taboo subject 

For many years mental health was considered a taboo subject. Even though, in 1949 the month of May was designated Mental Health Month by Mental Health America. Also, October 10th, 1992, was chosen as World Mental Health Day to bring awareness to mental health issues around the world. Indeed, mental health awareness is at the forefront now more than before. 

In fact, we have been witnessing the result of untreated mental illness in the headlines. And sadly, it has been the cause of horrific loss of life through shootings in schools, churches, workplaces, malls, theaters, and nightclubs.  

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Rest in the Secret Place of GOD

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says GOD, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life; give you a long drink of salvation!”

Psalm 91:14-16, MSG

Devotional

Do you recall the days of your youth when you played a game called—hide and seek? It was a fun game, but at some point, your hiding place was no longer a secret. With God, however, your hiding place is always a secret. When you take up residence in the secret place of God, there is a safety that is like none other.

The secret place of God is a place of trusting Him in EVERYTHING that concerns you. In this marvelous place, one can talk to God about anything and everything—good or bad, big or small. And the great thing about Him is that you are loved unconditionally no matter what you disclose!  Don’t worry; God can handle the heavy stuff! He already knows anyway because nothing is hidden from God.

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Trusting Beyond What You Think or See

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.  

Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT 

Devotional 

We go through phases in life where trust is required to move forward. However, trusting can be difficult. Imagine that someone is asking you to jump out of a plane for the first time. And, you don’t know if the parachute will come out or where you will land.

It can be a pressing task trying to trust when you aren’t certain of what is ahead. Unquestionably, if we knew the future it would be great, however, knowing it doesn’t require faith.   

God requires us to take a leap of faith! When we trust God, we are saying to HIM that we have faith in HIS plan, not ours. It’s not always clear what that plan is but the Word of God tells us, 

“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11, MSG

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Mental Health: Cyberbullying, Depression, and Suicide – S1E6

What are people thinking? 

The frequency of suicide and murder-suicides have been in the headlines now more than ever. For that reason, it makes you pose the question, ‘What are people thinking?’ Let’s keep in mind, our thoughts are important to our everyday living.

Whatever we meditate on, most often affects our movement through life. In other words, we shouldn’t allow negative thinking to take over our lives. Because continual negative thoughts can lead to negative behaviors. 

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Wisdom for Today and Tomorrow

Your progress will have no limits when you come along with me, and you will never stumble as you walk along the way. 

Proverbs 4:12, TPT 

Devotional 

When you walk—it matters who takes the journey with you. When walking in the Wisdom of God, you avoid certain pitfalls that would otherwise entrap you.  

For further evaluation, in reading 1 Kings 3 & 4, Solomon realized that Wisdom was so essential to achieving success in every God-given assignment. Solomon had a vast number of people to lead and could not do it without God’s help. Therefore, he asked God for a God-listening heart (1 Kings 3:9, MSG). 

He asked and received because—Solomon believed God!  He became famously known as the wisest king of his day. Therefore, his walk with God mattered!  

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Wisdom – A God-listening Heart – S1E5

What is wisdom and why is it important? 

Wisdom is the state of being wise. It is knowledge of what is right coupled with good judgment and discernment or insight. And a God-listening heart will assure wise decisions. When we use wisdom, it helps us avoid reckless decisions. Lady V and I believe everyone needs wisdom to live skillfully. And a God-listening heart will greatly help one in that process.

So, let’s look at why wisdom is important to our lives as a whole. For instance, the Word of God [The Holy Bible] is filled with wisdom. Therefore, when we read the Word of God, we learn golden nuggets. More specifically, those golden nuggets will light the way and keep us on the right path. 

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Set Free for a New Start

I waited and waited and waited some more, patiently, knowing God would come through for me. Then, at last, he bent down and listened to my cry. He stooped down to lift me out of danger from the desolate pit I was in, out of the muddy mess I had fallen into. Now he’s lifted me up into a firm, secure place and steadied me while I walk along his ascending path. A new song for a new day rises up in me every time I think about how he breaks through for me! Ecstatic praise pours out of my mouth until everyone hears how God has set me free. Many will see his miracles; they’ll stand in awe of God and fall in love with him!

Psalm 40:1-3, TPT 

Devotional 

Do you feel like your life is in shambles? Ever wanted a new start? It would be so easy just to hit the reset button and begin again. However, it takes more than just the push of a button to start life over.  

Our life is like unto a storybook. In essence, God is the author of our story, but he places the pen and paper in our hands. He allows us to make decisions whether right or wrong, and is there to pick us back up again when we make mistakes which turn into utter chaos.  

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Human Trafficking—The Need for Recovery Pt. 2-S1E4

Forced Labor and Sex Trafficking 

In episode 3 part 1 we obtained a better understanding of ‘human trafficking.’ For instance, we learned the definition of ‘human trafficking,’ with clarity from The State.gov Policy Issues for Human Trafficking. In other words, modern-day slavery and trafficking in persons are common terms the International Labor Organization, activists, and independent researchers use when referring to both forced labor and sex trafficking. 

Sex Trafficking and the Adult Entertainment Industry

Human traffickers often force young women to work in strip clubs.
Strip club 
Photo by Mateuhsz Turbinski on Pexels 

Presently most people just aren’t aware of the clear meaning of ‘human trafficking.’ So they have not connected the dots between it and the sex industry. As a result, the misconception is that all adult entertainment workers [in pornographic content, strip clubs, and brothels] are willing participants. The most common belief is that all of the people in porn videos, brothels, and strip clubs are consenting adults who actually choose to work in the sex industry. 

In fact, traffickers use tactics such as coercion, force, or threats of physical violence towards sex workers or their families just to make a profit. The traffickers also use current victims to recruit new unsuspecting targets.

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JESUS is the Faithful Love

I stand silently to listen for the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for the Lord to rescue me. For God alone has become my Savior. He alone is my safe place; his wrap-around presence always protects me. For he is my champion defender; there’s no risk of failure with God. So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? 

Psalms 62: 1-2, TPT

Devotional  

Imagine… you find the love of your life after waiting patiently for years for this to happen. It seems almost too good to be true, but it isn’t. You ask yourself, “Will he want me as I am—flawed and broken?” And, you find out the answer to your question. The answer is—YES! 

Joy erupts inside like a never-ending celebration. Now, you realize that you can trust this love with all your heart and you’ll never have to wonder whether or not the love is real. His thoughts of you are always—love. Your relationship is on a firm foundation, and you know this love will never fall apart. He protects, He provides, and He professes His love for you. His love will never fade! Glory to God! 

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