Day 21: Faith, Family and Friends

• Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

• A family that prays together stays together.

• A friend sticketh closer than a brother.

Meditation:

As we conclude these twenty-one days of prayers and meditations, my desire for you Finishers was that you realized the importance of your faith, your family and your friends. I believe we need all three in order to survive in 2024.

Faith undergirds us. It’s what keeps many of us alive. The scripture said that I would have lost hope, given up and called it quits if I did not have faith that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. I have faith. Ilive because of my faith and I stand on faith when all else seems to fail. Thank God for the gift of faith. Receive it and activate it in 2024.

Like faith, our families and friends can also be our lifeline. When all hope seems to fade away, it’s our families that love us, encourage us, hype us up, and push us to run on and see what the end will be. We should never take them for granted and you reciprocate that behavior. Don’t you agree? Not all family members are blessings nor are all of your friends jewels. They are human with frailties and faults but so are you. So, be patient, long-suffering, kind and forgiving of them in 2024. Most importantly, pray for them. At the end of the day, this is what this 21-day journey was all about…..prayer.  Let us end this time in prayer.

Prayer:

God thank you so much for faith, family and friends. Increase my faith when it starts to dwindle. Take care of my family and friends like I know you will. I believe that 2024 will be an amazing year because of my faith, my family, and my friends. I’m praying for all three, all year long. Let’s go FinisHers!

Day 19: Cinderella was a Jumper

Guest Writer – FinisHer, Rebekah L. Pierce, Creative Transformation & Mindset Strategist

Scriptures:

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Devotion/Meditation:

We all know her story: the people closest to her felt that Cinderella was not good enough to be seen, let alone go to the royal ball and possibly attract the attention of a prince. We know what happens next: she gets the man and her “haters” are silenced forever. The end? No. Not hardly. In fact, that’s not even the moral of this fairytale as many of us have been taught to believe.

Cinderella is not about getting a man - literally. It is about using what you have to achieve a goal. It’s about determined “faith” in oneself and the job of the universe to give us our greatest good when we operate from the position of said faith. In short, Cinderella knew her worth. She refused to let others tell her what and who she was. She knew that with Christ she could do all things. Her clothes and an empty coffer did not define her. So, she called on “Faith” (Fairy Godmother) - her “best friend” - who then gave her the eyes to see that everything she needed to “become” was right there in front of her.

Cinderella did not leave her shoe on the palace steps on purpose. It wasn’t an “accident” or a “coincidence” that it fell off. The universe is not arbitrary. It is purposeful, meaning your destiny will always find you because your dreams don’t come to you; you come from them. God was with her and gave her both courage and strength. Therefore, like Cinderella, you/we must:

1) Know our worth;

2) Lean on our “best friend” named Faith;

3) Open our eyes to what is in front of us; and

4) Take action - JUMP!

Sis, let today be the day that you “become” a JUMPER! Trust me. Your best friend will be right there with you.

Prayer:

Father God, I come to you on behalf of my sister. Help her – US – to not be afraid to JUMP. To cover us in the blanket of courage that our faith might spread our wings and give us flight. That we – my sister and I – be the courageous lamplight that lights the pathway for others to boldly follow. That in all that we say, think, believe, and DO be the evidence of Your grace and mercy. You say that we are made in Your image, and if that be so, then let all that she does – that we do – be done boldly, courageously, and fearlessly in Your name. As we take this leap of faith this year, God, as we see ourselves in You, we magnify Your name, oh Lord! For You are worthy to be praised. Amen!

Day 18: I’m praying for you, FinisHers!

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16(NIV)

Meditation:

Prayer isa two-way conversation with God. Prayers should go forth every day. Prayer is not only you talking to God, but you also listening to the voice of God. I believe that prayer is the Christian’s most powerful and secret weapon! Daily prayer can strengthen one’s relationship with God. Persistent, fervent, faith-filled prayer can move God. Do you believe that? What is your prayer life like? Do you pray for yourself, your family, and others on a regular basis? Some pray in the morning before they get out of bed. Others pray over meals. Yet others pray only when there is a crisis or need. Some may go a whole, day, week or month and never whisper a word of prayer to God. If that’s you, I’m praying for you today, FinisHers!

Let’s go deeper. How many of you believe in prayer? No, really. How many of you believe that if you pray God will not only hear your prayers but will also answer your prayers. That answer might be yes. But the answer might also be no or wait. Spiritual maturity says I trust God regardless! Therefore, I will never cease from praying. God does hear and God does answer prayers. And yes, God is moved by your prayers! There are too many examples in the word of God and too many personal situations that will corroborate this notion. Just look at this scripture in James. Elijah prayed it would not rain and it did not rain (vs. 17).  Jarius prayed his daughter would be healed. The lame man prayed he would be healed. You prayed that God would save your soul. I prayed God would keep me and allow me to return to the US from Ghana and God did just that. That’s why I’m praying for you today, FinisHers!

Is anyone in trouble? Is anyone happy? Is anyone sick? I believe in the prayer of faith offered in the book James that made the sick person well. I believe sinners can be forgiven. I believe in the power and effectiveness of prayer. So, this morning I am praying for you, FinisHers and I ask you to pray for someone else. It may be well with you but your sisters, your brothers, and your family need you. Our city, our nation and our world need our prayers. Pray for them. Pray for the FinisHer who is ashamed to admit she is depressed. Pray for the FinisHer that is ready to give up just eighteen days into this new year. Pray for the FinisHer that needs clarity and direction. Pray for the FinisHers that are still dealing with grief and loss. Pray for them. Let us pray for one another.

Prayer:

Lord, Iam lifting up every FinisHer in this private space today. I am asking that you do for each of them whatever it is they may need done. I stand on the word of God this morning and I stand with them all day today. It is so. Whatever it is. It is done. I pray that they commit to pray for others and that they know their prayers are both powerful and effective. I am praying that you continue to grow them spiritually on this journey called life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Day 16: True Friends

Guest Writer – FinisHer, Karen Stanley, Huntsville, AL

”One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.“ Proverbs 18:24 NIV

Meditation:

In this day of social media posts, likes, and loves, the position of friend may be allocated to acquaintances, colleagues, constituents, or just plain old nosy people trying to see what you are posting. This brings about the need to qualify our friendships, by saying, “Girl, you are my TRUE friend” or “She is my BFF (best friend forever.)”

So then, when “friends” might fall anywhere on the spectrum from fake friends to BFF’s, we might need to ask ourselves who are our real friends, and what can we expect of them? Look no further than Proverbs 18:24 to answer the question. There can be unreliable friends, fair weather friends or fake friends, but the ones we treasure are the friends who stick closer than a brother (or a sister). They like you, they love you, and they are there for you no matter what. Real friends are cheering you on, helping you to lift a heavy load, offering a shoulder for leaning or crying, just being there and sticking with you in good or bad times. They are loyal, faithful, and devoted. I call them true friends.

Now FinisHers, even if our earthly friends might not be there every time we need them, or in every way needed, we each have a truly, really, amazing best friend, who laid down His life for us all. His name is Jesus. Do you know the man? Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater Love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.“  Thank you Jesus. And the hymn writer put it so beautifully! “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”

In this third week of our twenty-one-day journey together, praying our way through Faith, Family and Friends, let us remember that we can carry EVERYTHING to God in PRAYER. He is the perfect example of a true friend.

Let us pray:

Lord, we thank you for our earthly friends. Thank you for the casual friends, the besties, our girls, our circle, our tribe. We thank you for our FinisHers fellowship and on-line women’s ministry. We thank you for the Founder, Reverend Lou, who brought us together through a common bond of Christian love and sisterly support. We ask that you help us to be more like you. Help us to seek opportunities to be that treasured friend, in any weather, and not the friend who is unreliable. Most of all, we thank you for the ultimate friend who is Jesus, who gave His life so that we might have Eternal Life. Now that’s LOVE!

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 15: What Is That in Your Hand, FinisHers?

Guest Writer – FinisHer, Rev. Chantaye Elmore Knotts, Huntsville, AL

Scripture:

Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. Exodus 4:2

Meditation:

The power to overcome tough situations is usually a matter of perspective. Have you ever conceded defeat without a struggle because you were convinced that you didn’t have what it takes? It’s a common human tendency - ignoring what you have and focusing on what you lack. On and on, you recite the many reasons why you cannot rise to the challenge before you - I don’t have help. I don’t have the personality for it. I’m too old and too tired.  I don’t have the skill or experience. I don’t have the time, the money or the strength. I cannot, because I do not have what I need.

Sound familiar? God called Moses to lead the Israelite people out of Egypt. Moses would have to face Pharaoh. He would have to face the people. But first, Moses would have to face his own fears. He feared that the people wouldn’t believe him. He doubted that they would listen to him. He reminded God that he was tongue-tied and never good with words. After telling God about the many thing she lacked, Moses asked God to send somebody else (Ex. 4:13). But despite the height of the challenge, God had called Moses to it. God hadn’t made a mistake– He chose Moses to lead the exodus from Egypt. It would be the defining moment of his life – the climax of his life’s purpose. Whatever Moses had would be enough for God.

What is that in your hand, Moses? It was a shepherd’s staff – just a plain piece of wood. It didn’t seem like much, but it was what Moses had. It was what Moses knew. And it was what God intended for Moses to use. God never calls you to a crisis, without equipping you with whatever you need.

Look Again, It’s More Than You Think – Moses carried a staff through the deserts of Midian for many years. Anybody could get one - it was really just a stick. Nothing interesting nor incredible had ever happened because of it. But when Moses surrendered what he had for God’s use, everything changed. With that same staff, calamities were averted, and miracles happened - the Red Sea parted (Ex.14:), water came from a rock (Ex. 17:5), and enemy armies were defeated (Ex.17:9). Look again at the thing you like to overlook – it’s more than you realize.

Look Up, It’s More Than Enough – God uses human hands to accomplish His work in the earth – not perfect hands, human hands. Nothing would ever be accomplished if God waited to find perfect people. Everyone is flawed. Everyone has weaknesses. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has an off day. What God put in your hand is all you need. Look to God, His sufficiency makes up for everything you lack.

9bTherefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Co. 12:9b-10)

My sisters, this year, you will face giants. You will face battles. You will face difficulties. You will face dangers. You will face urgent needs. When you do, don’t be discouraged – check your hands. What has God given you? He gave Davida slingshot. He gave Samson a donkey’s jawbone. What is that in your hand? Time? Talent? Influence? Insight? Creativity? Personality? Whatever it is, put it in God’s hand and watch miracles happens!

Prayer:

My Sisters, my prayer for you this season is that you will use everything that God has given you to defeat every battle you may face in 2024. This is my sincerest plea. Amen.

Day 13: Extended Family Endorsed by the Blood of Jesus

Guest writer-FinisHer, Rev. Tammye Butler

Scriptures:

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happened to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11 (KJV)

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

Initially, this was going to just be my response to my FinisHer Sister, the published author, Dr. Delorice Johnson Price's, earlier post this week; but perhaps someone else needs to hear this word God gave me.

DISCLAIMER! "I'm the long-winded Guest Writer!

Meditation:

Right now, I'm in the midst of a Juvenile Court case pending for a 13-year-old young lady. She's actually the family member of my family's extended family. Her mother, father, older sister, and cousin were unable to care for her. Long story longer, after exhaustive efforts to care for her with little or no support from the aforementioned and others, I stepped in as the next "placement" for her essentially to keep her from going back into foster care, state custody, or perhaps even a group home. My extended family continues to be a part of her life and there is no judgment for their decisions or inability to provide that care.

Life happens and not always in the manner in which we expect it to. So, with this situation, I am simply, yet wonderfully, blessed to BE a blessing. I've said all of that to say this, my situation gives new meaning to the concept of "family" specifically “extended family.” You see, I have wrestled over the last few months as to whether or not this was the best decision for ME! Others offered that, with my recent years’ retirement, that it was time to live and genuinely ENJOY MY life! I agree. Some wondered why I would venture, into what will be, a five-year commitment, to such an endeavor. I felt that too! So. when I tell you that I've been on a perpetual rollercoaster ride since she landed in my home mid-October AND that I don't like riding rollercoasters...literally NOR figuratively! OOOH-WHEE! MANY times, have I had to call on the name of Jesus...AND repent for some other times when I didn't (just being the transparent me)!

I consulted some of the wise, and they also agreed, as I believe it to be so, THIS is my ministry right now. Like UNTO Ministry, this is my calling. It's a journey and while I've been on similar roads before, this is a challenge. Myson was adopted for ten years, I raised a cousin like a daughter, and I can count on both hands the souls that have been in my home for "respite" for lack of a better word.  But through it all, I consider them ALL... FAMILY – extended family.

Likethat rollercoaster ride; it's not a smooth one; NOR an easy one. There are extreme highs and delving below-expectation lows. There are dark tunnels, sharp curves, deep and shallow waters, and sudden stops. Sometimes we go backwards, but we start all over again. But I continue on the road as God enables me. Yes, admittedly it's an absolutely bumpy road with lots of potholes that you have to dodge (well, when I don't fall IN) and sometimes God sets up roadblocks for the purposes of detouring my steps and direction. Sometimes it's so winding, or narrow or dark, I cannot see the horizon, but that's faith. Yet still, I remain confident that God give us what sustains us. As I travel that road, there is joy, there is hope, there is promise and there is fulfillment in knowing that I am on the right path; the path God set before me. Ecclesiastes 9:11 tells us, “The race is not given to the swift, nor the battle to the strong…” This means that even if you are not the smartest, strongest, most knowledgeable, or best looking in the natural, Godman still gives you good success when you depend on His grace. So, I endure because I know, in the end, it will be all right, and if it's not all right ...it's not the end. It’s family for me-extended family Jesus sealed by his precious blood. Thank God for them ALL!

Prayer:

PRAY WITH ME. Dear loving and faithful God. Kind God. Glorious God. Merciful God. GRACIOUS GOD. THANK YOU! Thank you for the assignment(s) that you've entrusted me with to care for my family, especially my extended family. Oftentimes I struggle with your divine providence, but I trust in your divinity. Forgive me when I'm not who you want me to be, saying what you want me to say, acting how you want me to act, or going where you want me to go in order to BE all that I can be in your kingdom.

Despite it all, I am confident of this one thing God, because your Word declares it. YOU have begun a good work in ME and will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. YOU, oh Lord, have determined what family is, what family means, and most importantly WHO family is. So, I yield myself to YOU Lord in order to FINISH the work. Bless me and my family indeed! I AM A FinisHer! It IS so! Amen.

Day 12: War for your families.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8(NKJV)

Meditation:

Priscilla Shirer wrote and starred in a popular movie entitled War Room. In this film the little old lady Ms. Clara gets all in Elizabeth’s, played by Shirer, business as she encourages her to create a prayer war room and go to battle to fight for her failing marriage. In the end, you guessed it right, her marriage is salvaged because of her fervent prayer. Sometimes, no most times, we have to fight for God’s promises. Prayer is the only viable weapon, FinisHers.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, I was inspired to create aprayer war room that I know got me through one of the darkest times of my life. Every morning, I would climb those stairs, get in that bedroom closet and go to war, praying. I still use my war room, today. Why, because I know the adversary has one goal in life for me and that is to kill and destroy me and everything connected to me, including my family. What I’m not going to do in 2024 is turn my family over to the enemy. When one of us is in trouble, I’m not going to criticize, talk about, or judge them, I’m going to war. I’m praying. I’m fighting these battles in the spiritual realm. The Bible tells us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). So, I’m putting on the whole armor of God and I’m going to war. In my Pastor Charles Jenkins’ voice, I’m singing and declaring this morning; Devil you can’t have my family. You can’t still my joy. You can’t have my breakthrough. You can’t have my increase. Come for me and my family and know this means war!

FinisHers fight for your families in 2024. Grab your spiritual armor of faith, truth, righteousness, and salvation. Stand on the word of God and God’s promises that are all yes and amen. Get back in those war rooms. Get on your knees. Stay in the spirit and fight for your marriages, children, finances, health, and happiness. Let’s go to war. Now let us pray.

Prayer:

Precious Lord, let me be the one found standing in the gap praying, interceding, and warring for my family. I refuse to give up on any of them in 2024. I stand with them, and I stand on your promises for my family. Thank you for your strength, courage and wisdom to fight the devil. I am victorious, my family is victorious. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 11: Families Embody the Circle of Life

Guest writer - FinisHer, Karen Stanley

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12 (KJV)

There was a beautiful song from the movie “The Lion King” called the “Circle of Life.” The song mirrors the movie plot in which the initial generation of a Lion King gives way to the second generation, and at the end of the movie, the third generation was born. In the Old Testament, Joshua comes on the scene as the protégé of Moses, if you will, a second generational leader. Joshua and Caleb give the minority opinion of the twelve spies sent to preview the promised land that was to be conquered. While ten of the spies stirred up doubt and discontent, Joshua and Caleb enthusiastically declared that “if the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.” (Numbers14:8).

Because of their faith and inspirational vision, Joshua and Caleb became the new generation of leaders, anointed by God, and appointed by Moses to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. We often hear the phrase “The Joshua Generation,” referring to what might be called today the Gen Z, or their predecessors, the infamous Millennials. They are the young folk, bringing new ideas and new ways of doing things. That was true for Joshua at one point in his life, but eventually, at the age of 110 years, Joshua was an old man, and he died. That is the circle of life in our families; we start out young, and if we are blessed to grow to old age, we become the elders, and then we die. How can we live to old age? The Bible gives few commands with a promise, but this is one of them: Honour Thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord Thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12

This verse has a new meaning for me, at this stage of my life. When I was a young girl, I related to this verse as a parallel to Ephesians 6:1, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” But in recent years, I became a caregiver for my parents who were octogenarians. It was my way of honoring them. I had so many precious moments in the last 4 years before my mother passed away in 2021, and my Dad followed her in 2023. It was my honor to spend time with them, watching the news, sports, shoot-em-ups, but also, I went to doctor appointments, even the hospital, and I helped to plan their funerals.

We look to the elders in our families to provide wisdom; the sandwich generation keeps things going; while the young bring excitement, energy and strength. There is a role for everyone to play, regardless of their age and experience. It is all a part of God’s plan for us; it is the circle of life.

Let us pray.

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the circle of life. Help us to play our parts to the best of our ability, and to honor our parents, to follow your Word, and to train up our children in the way they should go.” Amen

Day 10: Don’t be an Enabler

Guest Writer- FinisHer, Janice Renee Wright

Scripture:

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy5:8 (KJV)

Mediation:

Helping family is a Godly deed. Helping can include financial help, counseling, spiritual guidance, and just showing love and concern for their wellbeing. However, God doesn't want us to be enablers. When you have provided support for a person and they continue to be irresponsible, we must cease.  We will continue as good Christian helpers to show love with kindness, but we must cut them off.

Prayer:

Father God thank you for family and the ability to help where and when needed. Thank you for the ability to cease and allow you to take control to prevent from being an enabler. I will not be an enabler in 2024. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen

Day 8: Family Ties

Children’s children are a crown to the aged and parents are the pride of their children. Honor your father and your mother that it may be well with you. A wise son brings joy to the father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against a family member. Let it go!

Meditation:

We are all tied to a mother and father. They are responsible for our existence. I know God formed you in your mother’s womb but if the truth be told, they made you happen, right? You are not the product or offspring of an immaculate conception. Amen. They are a gift. You probably have grandparents too, right? God gave them to you. They too are a gift. Some of us have siblings, cousins, aunties, and uncles. You know them because they are your biological, adopted, or spiritual peeps. You may not love them, like them, or even associate with them at the present time, but you have family ties. What responsibility, if any do you believe God requires of you when it comes to your family?

I believe that it is in order to ALWAYS honor your mother and father. In Ephesians 6:2, the Bible tells us to honor our father and mother which is the first commandment with promise. Also, as much as is possible, one should love your siblings, aunties, uncles, cousins, and grandparents because it will be well with you. I was taught this as a child. I cling to these very teachings today. It’s called family ties.

I have fond memories of my family. My maternal grandfather was my favorite, and I am my paternal grandmother’s namesake. Surely you knew LouEtta was intentional. My cousins were my first friends, and I can’t ever remember celebrating a holiday without them. I learned so much about life, listening to those elders sitting at the kitchen table doing what they did. You do know I was supposed to be asleep and not in grown folks’ business, but I heard it all!

My mother but mostly my aunt took me to church and introduced me to Christ. I spent more time with them at the church than I did with my own family. The church family offered hope, inspiration and all things Christ. Every chance I got; I went to church! When I couldn’t catch a ride to church, I walked to the neighborhood church. Thank God for the little churches on every corner in Memphis. Sunday School, Baptist Training Union, Morning worship, Afternoon worship and Evening worship were the order of the day every Sunday, I made it to the home church. From sunup to sundown, I went to church. Wednesday night Bible Study, Vacation Bible School and Zion District Association meetings and revivals galore were just part of life. Unbeknownst to me at the time, the Black church became my spiritual, adopted, second family. It was the spiritual ties for me that is the glue that sealed my salvation and girds my ministry today.

The Burkins-Wright clan was not the Huxtables by any stretch of the means and God was not preached daily but they are my family. Yes, my family is just that my family, God’s gift to me. For that I am grateful and will FORVER love, honor and pray for them, especially my mother who’s still with me as my father is gone to glory. This is non-negotiable and non-debatable, period. All the days of my life, I will continue to honor, respect, care and provide from them. No, I will not be used, nor will I become an enabler, but I will be there for them. Somebody needs to hear this as we kick off this week praying for our families. Somebody said it, I hear you. I’m cutting them off in 2024. They will not worry me this year. I hear you. I see you. I get that but I will never stop praying and interceding for my family’s salvation, well-being, and happiness. It’s the Christ-like thing to do and yes, I call myself a Christian and you do too. FinisHers, never give up on your families. Never cease to have love for them and to love on them. There is a difference. Do your part. Take the high road. Seek God’s wisdom and know that we are all blessed to be a blessing. In 2024, I’m praying more for my family. I’m loving them more. I’m serving them more. It’s the family ties for me!

Prayer:

Let us pray. Father thank you for my biological, adopted, and spiritual families. I believe that families are a gift from God. In as much as is in me, I will cling to the hope of their salvation and will forever love, pray and provide for them. Help me to honor them as I honor you. It’s scriptural. It’s Christ-like. It’s what we are all called to do. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Day 7: Faith like Bartemius

Guest writer - FinisHer, Dr. Delores Johnson Price

“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”  Mark 9:23 (KJV)

Meditation:

The Bible chapter of Mark 10 tells how Jesus went out of Jericho passing crowds of people and walked past a blind man who was begging.  When the blind man named Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out to Jesus to have mercy on him. The crowd of people around scolded Bartimaeus and warned him to be quiet and not to trouble the master.  This is so typical of life. When we have built up our faith to call for what we need, whether in our health, relationships, finances, or family; there will be hurdles to overcome for the obstacles in our way.

But the story does not end there.  Jesus stood still and commanded that he be brought to him. Then Bartimaeus did an amazing thing.  He cast off his garment and came to Jesus. Now, you might think, “What is amazing about casting off a garment? To answer this question, according to historians, the garment or coat that beggars wore was a kind of license to beg. The garment denoted their status in life. So, in throwing off his garment before he got to Jesus to request his eyesight; he was demonstrating undeniable faith and belief in Jesus’ ability to heal him. Having the faith that Jesus would heal him; he no longer needed his begging coat.

How many of us have this kind of faith like Bartimaeus, to believe before we receive? If we do not have the Bartimaeus kind of faith, now is the time to begin to develop it.  How do we do this? Romans 10:17 (NKJV) tells us how. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of the Lord.”  Joshua 1:8 (KJV) guides us.  It tells us “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that Thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then Thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” 

As we begin to develop the Bartimeaus kind of faith, we can approach it like running a race.   We find our own pace and rhythm. We do not need to be concerned about how fast others are moving and developing their faith. When we hear, read, and speak God’s word, we can be assured that we will develop the kind of faith that will make our way prosperous.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for providing a roadmap to teach us how to develop the faith to believe and receive and make our way prosperous. Help us to soar in the year 2024. Guide us in meeting the challenges of new beginnings, new experiences, and new obstacles, knowing that our faith in Jesus Christ is the answer to our success. Thank you for healing and good health. Thank you for victory in any storm. Thank you for our families and thank you for this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 6: Mustard Seed Faith

Guest Writer - Rev. Tammye Butler

I had no "title" per se to this writing when I began it. While the Holy Spirit awakened me with the meditation for Thursday, unbeknownst to me, our FinisHer Founder had "selected" the subject of Faith. Faith is, on a human level, tricky. Not Faith itself mind you, but our activation of it. Hebrews speaks to WHAT it is. We hope and wait, right? Yet, while we SAY we walk by it, if we're honest, many times we go by what we SEE. But let's twist that a little and delve into the measure of Faith that God Himself is all that we need...A Mustard worth. In one of Jesus' many parables, specifically in Matthew 13, He attributed heaven to a planted mustard seed. Why? Jesus continues His story that while it is the tiniest of all seeds, it grows to be one of the largest plants and eventually a tree..." So, you see "Mustard Seed Faith" (Ah ha! Lightbulb) is Phenomenal Faith. It is Miraculous Faith. It is Supernatural Faith. Yes, those parts, because God's SUPER literally collides with our NATURAL (Thank you Rev. Sister/Soror Angela Cooley) and Mountains Move, Demons are cast out, the sick are healed, things thought dead, Live... all because of one little, tiny seed. Funny thing though about a mustard seed. In the time that Jesus spoke this parable: the Mustard seed produced a bush and thusly was a weed. But weeds grow wild, and they go where they want with seemingly no rhyme or reason and eventually overtake. Now to some, that may conjure something negative, but to me it's just the spark needed for what I call Crazy Faith.  Faith that's beyond what seems reasonable. Next, a mustard seed, or the product of one is an irritant.  My God! Shouldn't you be amazed and standing in awe of what you've been waiting for? You prayed and cried, prayed and cried, prayed and cried. Waiting, hoping, wishing... praying, and nothing. THEN! (Remember that?). Lastly, keep in mind that farmers did not traditionally sow mustard because the mustard seed germinates, sprouts and grows, mustard plants emerge as an unpredictable and invasive presence in the land. But keep in mind, BEFORE all of this happens, it's growth to full bloom, the seed is NOT SEEN and what IS seen doesn't seem at all that it came from that little, tiny seed. So, Beloved EVERYTHING that you know, all that you've been taught, everyone of your life experiences can be wrapped up in that little, tiny seed and planted in the Promises of God. Oh, and the harvest? HUGE, EXCITING, GIGANTIC, MIND-BLOWING, ENORMOUS, LIFE ALERTING... ALL because of Mustard Seed Faith. TGBTG

Pray with Me...

Father God, the Creator of Life. We give you thanks and praise you once more for being the author and finisher of our faith. In between time as we know it, while we exist Lord in the "dash", keep us mindful that you said in your word that IF we have Faith the size of a Mustard Seed THEN we can command mountains to move! Wetrust in and stand on your Word God that our Mustard Seed Faith will be magnified and multiplied so that you alone God will be glorified. Though we may sometimes falter, we stand individually and collectively as women who will remain steadfast while we wait of the Harvest of seeds planted. We bless your Holy name for entrusting us as FinisHers of the work. In your Son, Jesus precious name. Amen

Day 5: Faith that waits on God!

Scriptures:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 KJV

Through faith Sara herself also received strength to conceive seed and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who promised. Hebrews 11: 11 KJV

Meditation:

Have you ever asked God for something, and you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God said yes, but that thing seemed to not come to pass? You asked again and received the same reassurance, but the manifestation was not there. So, the third time you asked but took matters in your own hand, because you thought maybe, just maybe I’m not exercising my faith with works. In the process you made a mess out a situation that really just required you to wait on God. Sara, the wife of Abraham the father of faith, had a similar experience. She took matters in her own hands when she initially doubted the promises of God that she would conceive and bear a son for her husband. She gave her maidservant Hagar to her husband and Ishmael was born, potentially making a mess out of a situation that simply required her to wait in faith on God. Luckily for Sara, God forgave her for her disbelief, impatience and lack of faith and trust in the promises of God and God delivered when Sara successfully conceived, well past her age. How many know that sometimes we have to have faith that waits on God. If God said it, God will do it. Don’t be like Sara this morning. Don’t put the cart before the wheel. Wait on God. When Sara finally judged and found the strength to believe that God was faithful to fulfill God’s promises to her, it happened for her. FinisHers, God is a faithful God. God’s timing may not be your timing. But if He said it, He will perform it. Wait on the Lord. Let your testimony in 2024 be: I have faith that waits on God! Be encouraged and be blessed.

Prayer:

God thank you for your promises that you gave me in your word and sealed them in my heart. I will wait on you. I will trust you. I am a FinisHer with faith that waits on God. I speak it over my life. In Jesus name, I pray this morning, Amen.

Day Three: Where is your Faith in God?

Scripture:

Even so faith if it hath not works is dead. James 2:17 KJV

Meditation:

Noted gospel singer, James Cleveland had an extremely popular song in the early 80’s. The lyrics included some of these memorable words. Say you have a problem? Tellme about it. Say you’ve been sick? And you think you can’t get well. Tell me about it. Where is your faith? Where is your faith in God? FinisHers, as I hummed that tune this morning, I want to encourage you. Faith in God along with a hint of prayer, an unwavering deep-rooted belief that God can do it, and a humbling following of the direction and guidance of God, will dispel all those unhealthy thoughts and actions regarding faith. If I’m sick, I’m believing God is going to heal my body. If my heart is broken, I believe intime I will be healed. If I need a miracle of any kind, I’m going to be thatgirl that believes that God is still a miracle worker. I’m not going to be the one that first response is fear, doubt, pity, and hopelessness. No FinisHers, I will be telling you all about the faith that I have. I will not only tell you about it, but I will also show you in works and deeds. I will be taking my meds, following the doctor’s orders, and building my spirit woman with positive affirmations, prayers,and songs every single day. FinisHers, you got a problem this morning. Tell God about it. You have the faith in God. You are that girl. You are a FinisHer! Believe! Believe that. No get busy and do the work. God will do the rest.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for reassuring me that any problem that I might encounter today can be solved. I have the faith. I put in the work. I watch you do what you do. I am a FinisHer and I am a faith believer. I believe this with my whole heart. Where is my faith? It’s in God. Amen.

Day One: I have the Faith!

Scripture:

I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. Mark 11:24 NLT

Meditation:

Happy New Year FinisHers! It’s out with the old and in with the new because 2024 has made its arrival and I am excited about it! I’m not fearful. I’m not anxious. I’m not sad. I’m not in planning mode. I’m not operating with a strategizing spirit this morning. I’m grateful. I’m thankful and I’m blessed. FinisHers, I’m excited about what God did for me in 2023 but I am more excited about what God is going to do in 2024. Why? I have the faith!

The writer says we can have anything we pray for. That excites me. That’s faith. I believe this now more than ever. Many people claim they have this belief of faith, but they don’t live it out. They pray, then worry. They ask and they doubt it will happen. Not so for me. I stand with the writer this year. I can have anything. I have the faith! What about you? Vannessa Bell Armstrong sang it so eloquently and also sums up my sentiments as to why I’m so excited. Singer Armstrong says I have the faith to conquer anything! Did you hear what she said? She said anything. I don’t know what will happen in 2024, good or bad. But what I do know is that I decree and declare that I have the faith to conquer it all. I know with this public declaration; the devil is coming for me now. I don’t care. I speak over myself, my family, and my friends and yes, you FinisHers. God has given us the faith to receive anything we ask and to conquer any obstacle we will face. Get excited. Get ready. Let’s walk through 2024 with faith like never before. I have that faith.

Prayer:

Let us pray. Thank you, Lord, for the faith that you give us all. Help us to stand in that faith to receive all you have in store for us in 2024. Help us to know that the same faith will enable us to conquer any obstacle, trial or setback that may arise in 2024. We have the faith! We trust. We believe. We stand on your word today. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.