That’s what Christmas means to me
Written by First Lady Shanan C. Burress
Posted December 19, 2024
December is full of traditions. Everything from baking special cookies and treats, to holiday shopping, and spending time with family, friends and loved ones. Stevie Wonder described in a song what Christmas meant to him by singing these words:
“Candles burnin’ low
Lots of mistletoe
Lots of snow and ice
Everywhere we go
Choirs singin’ carols
Right outside my door
All these things and more (all these things and more)
Whoa, that’s what Christmas means to me my love
(That’s what Christmas means to me, my love)”
All of those things are nice, and they sound great but let’s be clear that Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season! Without Jesus, there is no Christmas.
Think about Jesus for a moment. Better yet, think about who Jesus is to you. Even the name of Jesus has meaning and power. Philippians chapter 2, verse 10 says: : “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” Philippians 2:10 (KJV)
There is no other name, no other power, no other source, no other person that can do what Jesus can do! I personally have seen Jesus do amazing things. The reason that I know that it was Jesus who did amazing things is because when situations seemed impossible, and Jesus was called upon, the impossible became possible. Just at the mention of the name Jesus, healing, restoration and joy took place.
I believe even now as you are reading this blog, you too are experiencing the power that is associated with the name of Jesus. While the power of Jesus is activating, I encourage you to recite these Jesus-Affirmations aloud:
- Jesus is my hope!
- Jesus is my healer!
- Jesus is my peace!
- Jesus is my joy!
- Jesus is my refuge!
- Jesus is my salvation!
- Jesus is my restorer!
- Jesus is my rewarder!
- Jesus is the lifter of my head!
- Jesus is my sanity!
- Jesus is my way through any tough situation!
- Jesus is my keeper!
That’s what Jesus means to me, my love!
As we enjoy another Christmas season, please don’t get so caught up in the traditions that you forget what Jesus means and more importantly who Jesus is. My prayer is that we will acknowledge Jesus for being the reason for the season of restoration, strength, joy, confidence, peace and so much more.
Have a Jesus-filled Christmas season!
THANKSGIVING!
Written by First Lady Shanan C. Burress
Restoration Temple C.O.G.I.C.
Posted: November 18, 2024
What are you thankful
for? Go beyond the surface and really think of your answer. What are you REALLY
thankful for? As we enter the holiday season, think of your list of things that
you are thankful for. Not just a list of a bunch of material things, but what
has God done for you that no one else could have done that you are truly
thankful for?
If you had to list out
all the things you’re thankful for, how long would your list be? How many
things would you mention? Could you even create a list that includes all that
you are thankful for? Would your list include God? Would your list only include
the things that God has done in your favor? What about the things that God did
for you that you didn’t even ask Him for? Would you include those things too?
Are you thankful for
those difficult times that didn’t break you? Are you thankful for the stressful
situations that did not leave you destroyed? Are you thankful that God kept His
promise to never leave or forsake you? My answer is YES, I’m thankful not only
for what God has given me, allowed me to have and kept me from, but I’m
thankful for who God is in my life. I’m thankful that God has given me grace
and mercy everyday of my life. There have been so many times I’ve fallen short
of what I should be and didn’t deserve better but God still graced me with the
best.
When I think of all that
God has done for me, and all that I can remember that I’m grateful for, the
list seems infinite. Psalms 136:1 says
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.”
I’m thankful for the
mercy of God that lasts forever. I’m thankful to be a believer in Jesus Christ.
I’m thankful that I trust the will of God even when things don’t go according
to my own plan. I’m thankful that I didn’t give up. Toward the end of 2023, I
had this weird thought that I may not live to see the year 2024. I can remember
when the clock struck midnight on New Years Eve, I embraced my husband and
children with tears in my eyes because I had made it into a new year! I am
thankful for that moment of pure gratefulness to God for preserving my life!
This Thanksgiving season,
take a moment with God and begin to thank Him for EVERYTHING!
I Thessalonians 5:18 – “In everything, give thanks; for this
is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Happy Anniversary
Written by First Lady Shanan C. Burress
Posted October 20, 2024
It was an unusually warm and sunny day in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Saturday October 20, 2007. Aside from the beautiful fall weather, there was also a beautiful young couple preparing to show their commitment to each other in front of God, their family and close friends. Of course, the couple I am referring to is none other than Pastor Burress and I (although back in those days, we were referred to as Billy & Shanan).
God’s faithfulness, and mercy was present on that day as it had been everyday leading up to the celebration of that joyful occasion. Not only did God answer our main prayer of a debt free wedding, He also provided so many other blessings that we could not have imagined or even asked for. The day was great, and full of love and happiness. But that was 17 years ago, so let’s fast forward to present day. As of today, I am happy to report we are still basking in the joy of God’s goodness, His favor and mercy, plus His love and happiness! Yes, yall we are still happily married!
Psalms 84:11 explains it perfectly, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: The LORD will give grace and glory: No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” God has truly given grace and glory over these 17 years and for that I am thankful!
I’m not going to sugar coat it, because marriage is not always easy. No one (not even God) promised that it was going to be easy. What God did promise, however is that “the blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).
Although God’s blessings have not made us financially rich, we have experienced richness in compassion, grace, mercy and love. There is no sorrow in what He’s blessed us with. As I look back over my life and think things over; I can say that God has blessed me and I feel no sorrow in the things that He’s allowed me to have and be a part of; including being married to this wonderful man! God’s favor is life!
Sure, we’ve had struggles in our marriage. Sure, we’ve had disagreements. Sure, we’ve irritated each other to the point of wanting to walk away but still God’s blessings add no sorrow. We’ve experienced the loss of a child through a miscarriage, the loss of parents, financial hardships, paycheck garnishments, mental and physical health issues with ourselves and our children and the list goes on. Yet in still, our marriage has not added any sorrow which tells me that God has kept His promise once again.
As we enter into year 17 of our marriage, we are still not considering ourselves to be marriage experts. As a matter of fact, many days we are both unsure of a lot of things. One thing for certain is that we must love God and submit to His will together regardless of how we feel. One piece of marital advice that I received before the wedding was to keep other people out of your married business. And that’s been a game changer for us. What I mean is, don’t overshare things concerning your spouse with your friends or family or whomever. For example, if you’re upset or frustrated with something that your spouse said or did, don’t bash them to a friend in the name of venting. Trust me, friends and family never forget things and you’d hate for them to bring this up later after you and your spouse have reconciled or attempted to move past whatever was going on.
Pastor and I have kept our private struggles private from outsiders which allowed us to open up to each other, which allowed us to hear from God more clearly. In many ways, it’s probably appeared that we have the perfect marriage and relationship. But how could that be possible when neither of us are perfect? The only perfection that exists in our marriage is Jesus Christ who we have made the center of everything we do. By submitting to our perfect creator, God has taught us to love patiently and kindly.
Do we always get it right?
Absolutely not!
Do we always love the way we should?
Absolutely not!
But has God been faithful?
Yes!
Has God ever broken a promise?
Absolutely not!
My childhood life goals never included marriage but God had another plan and He has not added any sorrow to this blessing. I realize that not everyone will experience marriage. The goal is to live a life pleasing to God, to live for Jesus Christ and to be delivered from sin and evil and to walk in God’s restoring power. Let those be your life goals and God’s plan will never add sorrow to you. Today, submit your life and your will to Christ and watch Him not withhold any good thing(s) from you!
Also, if you see us today, congratulate us on 17 years of God’s blessings! You can even leave a message below of love and encouragement.
And of course I have to say, Happy Anniversary, Billy!
Cursing the Blessing
Written by First Lady Shanan C. Burress
Restoration Temple C.O.G.I.C.
Posted: September 19, 2024
Have you ever said something and almost immediately as it came out of your mouth, you regretted saying it aloud? Or maybe you said something and later thought “why did I say that?” Unfortunately I have done this more times than I care to admit. Once you speak something out of your mouth, there’s no taking it back, and no cancelling it. I urge you (and myself) to watch your words!
“I hate it here! I hate this for me!” These were statements that I mumbled not too long ago. I know you’re probably thinking, “I wonder if she was even saved at the time she uttered those words.” The answer is yes, I was (and am) a believer in Jesus Christ. Yes I believe that my words have power and yes I still found myself so frustrated with the situation & place I was in that I proclaimed that I hated to be there.
Have you ever been in a situation that felt so frustrating that it made you feel afflicted and miserable? Have you ever prayed for your situation to change but the change that took place actually seemed worse than the original way things were? Have you ever felt any of these feelings while being confident that you were in God’s will? How then could one possibly feel afflicted and miserable in the will of God?
Isaiah 55:8 says “for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” Regardless of what we “think” a situation to be or how we “want” a thing to work out, God is in control of every single detail of our lives. There is a way that seems right to man but Proverbs 14:12 says that it doesn’t end well. In fact, the scripture says that it ends in death. We know that all things work together for good of them that love God and are called according to His purpose and that God has a special purpose and plan of good for each of our lives.
I want to encourage you to seek God’s will for your life today. Sincerely pray and ask God for guidance in everything you do. Do not move until you are sure that God has affirmed the move. God has allowed you to be here for a reason. And regardless of what has led you to the place you are right now, God is aware and has allowed you in that place for a specific purpose. Often the purpose is not the obvious one either. For example, in a job situation, the obvious reason you’d be there is to make more money or to be in a better financial position but maybe it’s to give someone hope or to pray for someone that you would not have otherwise encountered. My sister shared with me that she was at a medical appointment one day and saw a member of the staff wearing a pin that said how can I pray for you? That staff member was not just there to work, but God led them to wear this pin and then intentionally pray for people as God led them. Now, that is an amazing purpose!
Your purpose is bigger than you think! God’s will and His impact is always bigger than you! And the reward for your obedience is greater than you can imagine or think. As I am adding finishing notes to this blog post, I have even found myself, asking “what’s the point of taking the time and effort with this blog that only a couple people read?” But I won’t curse what God has blessed me to be a part of or minimize His impact. At the end of the day, God will get the glory out of it all. In the meantime, my prayer is, “Lord, help me to not curse my blessing(s)!”
So the next time you want to curse something that God has blessed you to be a part of, instead rejoice in hope thanking God for allowing His purpose to prevail (Proverbs 19:21 NLT – “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”)
My prayer for you is to examine yourself, pray & seek God for restoration so that you don’t curse your blessing(s).
Lost but locatable
Written by First Lady Shanan C. Burress
Restoration Temple C.O.G.I.C.
Posted: August 19, 2024
Can you think of a time in your life when you didn’t feel that God was near you or close enough to you? Honestly, I have felt that way several times over the course of my life. But it’s at those times, that I use Psalms 139:7 – “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” as a reminder that I can never escape the presence of God!
I want you to think of what that scripture means to you while I share a brief story of the time when my 13-year old son lost his cell phone on a rollercoaster that races into a massive 190-foot tall barrel turn at speeds up to 95 mph.
This past June, our family visited Carowinds Amusement Park in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s cool that this park occupies both North and South Carolina and has a wide variety of rollercoasters for all ages including a water park. When I was a teen, I used to love to ride the biggest and most thrilling rollercoasters, but at this point and age of my life, it’s just not my thing anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy a thrilling ride and rode a handful at Carowinds, I opted out of the Fury 325 which is marketed as the world’s tallest and fastest giga rollercoaster. And before you ask, the answer is yes, this is the ride where my son lost his phone.
As the Fury 325 experience ended, my son realized that his phone was no longer in his pocket. He and my husband quickly reported the lost phone to the Carowinds staff, at which time they instructed them to complete an online incident report. The report included all details of what the phone looked like, the color, style, model/brand, the case color, and if there was any type of location tracking turned on the phone. All of this information was so that the park staff could clearly identify it as ours. The process for reporting a lost cell phone was very detailed, and the staff commented that they have 100’s of complaints of lost items daily.
Regardless of the process, it was frustrating for us to be able to see the location of the phone from the “find my location” app, however not be close enough to see or physically retrieve the phone. Can you imagine dropping a phone or any breakable object from over 100 feet in the air and having no idea where it landed? Can you imagine being able to track the location of a lost item but not being close enough to access it yourself? This situation reminded me of how it can feel when we feel far from the presence of God. Imagine, knowing that God is always with you, but yet in challenging situations feeling as though God is so far away that you cannot even reach Him.
Although we know that God promised to never leave or forsake us, life can sometimes happen in a way that causes us to feel away from the center of God’s will and His never-ending love. Like the phone being locatable on the app, but lost in the physical sense, we know where God is, and we know where to find God, however when we look for God in everyday life, it almost seems impossible that God is close enough for us to access.
I want to remind you that God is here with me right now as I write this blog at my kitchen table. God is also there with you as you read this blog from the comfort of whereever you are. That’s what’s so awesome about the Spirit and Presence of God, He is everywhere. As Proverbs 15:3 says, “The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.” Regardless of the situation you are facing today, God is there. No matter how far away from God’s will you have positioned yourself, God still sees you and knows your exact location and can easily reach you!
The reality of life is that sometimes life’s circumstances contribute to us feeling lost or away from the presence of God. Your feelings are not always a fact though. Instead of standing on how you feel, how about you stand on the Bible that tells us that God knows you and cares for you? In spite of how you feel, God knows your downsitting, God knows what you’re going to say, God knows what you’re thinking and God knows ultimately what you will do (Psalms 139:2).
You may feel lost, but you are still locatable by God! The enemy tries to trick us into feeling far away from God, but God promised He would be with us to the ends of the earth.
The amazing part of the lost phone at Carowinds story is that not only were we were reunited with the phone the next day, but would you also believe that upon the phone being returned to us, it was in near identical condition as when we first lost it? This cell phone that had fallen from over 100 feet to the ground was still protected and usable. The case was a little bruised and the screen protector was cracked, but the phone itself was in the same condition as before. It doesn’t matter what bumps and bruises or falls you have experienced in life, God is a restorer and even though you may be troubled on every side, you are not distressed. You may be cast down but you are not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). God knows exactly where you are!
You may feel lost, but you are still locatable by God!
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop
Written by First Lady Shanan C. Burress
Posted July 19, 2024
Is there anything that you can’t stop and/or won’t stop? Think about it for a moment. What in your life is so valuable that it could cause you to never want to stop doing it?
Luke 18:1 commands us to always pray and never give up & I Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to pray without ceasing or never stop praying. It doesn’t matter that you’ve prayed a prayer once or twice, keep praying. There are some prayers that I have prayed daily. God has answered several and yet there are still some that have gone unanswered. However, I can’t stop nor will I stop going to God in prayer.
I can’t stop praying because God is my source of hope and strength. If I don’t trust in Him, what else is there?
I won’t stop praying because God has shown me that He is faithful and able to do more than I could ever imagine. Therefore, I will continue to trust that God will grant my requests according to His will. I can’t stop, and I won’t stop praying!
I don’t know about you, but praying without ceasing can sometimes feel repetitive and cause you to wonder if God is listening. I’ve even gone as far as to question if God’s promises have failed or if He has flat out forgotten about me.
Psalms 77:7-9 describes so perfectly some of the questions I’ve asked in my moments of repetitive prayers:
7 Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?
8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?
9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?
The answer is no, but if I’m being honest, there have been more than a couple moments in which I’ve identified with these verses and wondered where God was. I love verses 10-12 though, because they serve as a reminder of who God is.
Psalms 77:10-12 says:
10 And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
11 I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
This is the part of the scripture where my strength and intuition kick in and remind me that God is good all the time and all the time, God is good. As I start to remember the healing, the peace, and the restoration that God has blessed me with in the past, I feel encouraged.
These verses remind me that God never sleeps or gets tired and that what I have prayed repetitively for today, God has heard and is sending an answer according to His will. God also reminds me that He has a perfect plan for my life and just because He has not granted my prayer right now, doesn’t mean that He will not do it. I choose to pray without ceasing because I want to show God my faith. I want to show God that I trust Him even though the situation that I’m praying about has not changed, Lord, I still trust you.
We are strengthened by the sacrifice of Jesus and when we share our testimonies. For that reason, I’ll be transparent here and share a prayer that I’m trusting God for. Right now, I am praying for supernatural healing for my 13 year old son, William. He has experienced alopecia for the last 2-1/2 years now. During this time, he has lost over 80% of his hair out of the nowhere. As a baby who had hair long enough for me to wash and blow-dry into a big afro, it was discouraging to say the least when he began to lose his hair.
However, as the hair loss began, I prayed and trusted God.
As we struggled with determining the cause of his low white cell count, I prayed and trusted God.
As doctors were baffled that he wasn’t prone to sickness or infection due to the low white cells, I prayed and trusted God.
As we struggled to get a treatment plan, I prayed and trusted God.
And now as we are faced with changes to his treatment plan, I again will pray and trust God.
I can’t stop, and I won’t stop praying!
I remember how God has done the supernatural before and I am praying and trusting that He will do it again for William! I have no choice but to trust God. I thank God for hope in Him!
Regardless of what you are up against, draw your strength and hope from God. I pray that you make up in your mind and declare that you can’t stop and you won’t stop praying and trusting God!
Check-In
Written by First Lady Shanan C. Burress
Posted June 20, 2024
How are you doing?
Yes, you! How are YOU doing?
Now, REALLY, how are you doing?
This is often the flow of how a check-in conversation can go. The person asks how are you doing a couple times to emphasize that they care about and are in fact talking to you. Then after you answer, they reinforce the truthfulness of your answer by asking again, “really, how are you?” It’s so easy to give a surface level answer in an attempt to go on with your day. But as we are now at the halfway mark of the year, it’s important for each of us to check in with God in truth, honesty and genuineness about how we are doing.
As of today, we are more than halfway through the year and I want you to consider how you are REALLY doing. Although it’s not necessary to respond here, it is very important that you slow down and reflect on how you are feeling about what God has done in your life so far this year? Better yet, how are you feeling about what you have done for God with your life so far this year?
I don’t have a long blog to share this month. In fact, this blog is short enough to give you more time to ponder on your relationship with God. I want you to take the next few minutes to check in with God, your Heavenly Father. 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT) reminds us “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. Examine yourself; your thoughts, your heart, your spirit, and even your actions. If they are not in line with the will and purpose of God, repent and ask for forgiveness and pray that God will lead you into His purpose and His will for your life.
Regardless how you are feeling at this mid-year mark; whether you have anxieties or things you are concerned about or questioning, tell God. I Peter 5:7 says to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. So regardless if you decide to be honest with the person who randomly asks you how you are doing or not, be honest with God as you cast your cares on Him knowing that He cares specifically for you!
The Pool
Written by First Lady Shanan C. Burress
Restoration Temple C.O.G.I.C.
Posted: May 19, 2024
“Mom, Laila’s at the bottom of the pool!” I will never forget the feeling I felt when I heard Laila’s friend yell those terrifying words to her mom during a visit to their house in the Summer of 2017. The other mom and I both ran out of the kitchen where we sat chatting, swiftly arrived onto the deck and then along the side of the pool. You must realize that upon arriving outside, I could see Laila in the distance, face down at the bottom of the pool. This was not a kiddie pool, but it was an 8-foot in ground pool and Laila was not a swimmer. In that moment, I felt the most scared than I’ve ever felt in my entire life. My first instinct was to jump in to at least attempt to save her (which is crazy to think of, because I cannot swim either), but out of nowhere, Laila’s friend’s dad ran outside and without hesitation jumped into the pool to swoop Laila’s life-less body out and onto the side of the pool where we stood panicked. My heart was racing, my mind was afraid, but my outside demeanor was unusually calm. How in the world will I tell Billy that our daughter has died, was my first thought after she was removed from the pool. That’s such a morbid first thought but I honestly in that moment, I can remember clearly thinking that my sweet daughter was dead. Laila’s body was limp, she was not responsive, her face was pale and her entire body was gray.
Although I had not verbally spoken a word, my mind thought, How could this have happened? When did she get into the pool? Why were we not watching them? As we all crowded around Laila, my mouth finally formed a single word and that word was JESUS! I only said it one time but I said it boldly yet quietly yet with confidence – realizing that the only way this situation can be resolved was through the power of Jesus.
Over the years of attending church and growing in my relationship with Christ, I often heard the importance about speaking the right words and have a positive speech no matter the circumstance. Furthermore, I learned a long time ago to call upon the name of the Lord in difficulty and trust that He would show up. Proverbs 18:10 (KJV) even says: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” It’s amazing to think that a name would carry so much power. There is truly no other name above the name of Jesus, even so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. I believe it was my spiritual intuition that kicked in that moment at the pool because I had said the name Jesus with such confidence and such necessity in spite of still feeling afraid.
I want to encourage someone today to call upon the name of the Lord. Regardless of how scary the situation may be, regardless of how bleak the outcome appears to be, regardless of the words that others around you are speaking, YOU make up in your mind to call upon Jesus. Psalms 18:6 reminds us, “In my distress, I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”
Even after I said “JESUS”, there was still a short time (that felt like an eternity, although it was only about a minute) that we waited for the ambulance to arrive and for Laila to wake up. Jesus didn’t instantly revive her. I believe He wanted to see my faith in that moment. I called upon the name of the Lord, but without truly trusting that He could change the situation, calling upon Him would have been in vain. Laila was still unconscious and I still was sick to my stomach about what was happening but yet I called upon the only name I knew that could help. And while I waited on the Lord to revive my sweet daughter, I prayed within myself. And by the 4th or 5th set of chest compressions, Laila popped up and began to cough up water. My God! My baby is alive! Thank you Jesus! These were my thoughts as I dropped on top of Laila and hugged her with every ounce of strength I had. I will forever be grateful for that miracle at the pool and I encourage you to call upon the name of the Lord, who is worthy to be praised!
2:36 PM
AI (Abundant Intimacy)
Written by First Lady Shanan C. Burress
Restoration Temple C.O.G.I.C.
Posted: April 19, 2024
Recently I attended a healthcare symposium and one of the hot topics being discussed in the healthcare world today is technology. This is not surprising as there have been many iterations of technology over the last several decades. The part that I did find surprising however was the lengthy discussions about AI (artificial intelligence).
Artificial intelligence in its simplest form is the science of making computers that can think like human beings. These computers can do things that are considered “smart”. Most companies (and people in general) are looking for innovative ways to save time, add value and cut costs and artificial intelligence can help with that. Everything from creating emails, gathering data for research or even serving food to customers, AI is a valuable way to automate processes for organizations.
While I recognize the advantages of AI, I do not believe that anything can replace having an actual personal relationship with Jesus Christ. AI may have insight and knowledge and even understanding of the concept of God, however, it cannot grant us the peace that Jesus promised or the comfort and strength we receive from Him. True the world gives temporary peace and false hope but Jesus, the one and only true living God give us a peace at all times and in every situation:
2 Thessalonians 3:16 tells us: “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.“
Now, let’s segue into where my mind went as the conversations around AI continued. Selfishly, I began to think of the effects that AI could have in my day-to-day life. Blogging immediately came to mind because what if, AI could somehow write a better or more interesting blog than me? What if, AI took all the data that’s out there and created a more sharpened blog piece about God, faith & religion? I mean computers are VERY smart and with access to all of the data in the world, AI may provide a much more engaging view on a relationship with God than I could.
Let’s be clear though; AI can’t stop me from writing. I love writing and know that God has purposed me to write, so who can truly stop me from writing? The impact of my writing about the benefits of seeking a relationship with God could never become irrelevant because the need for hope and encouragement through the word of God will always be necessary. Remember, if you’re doing what you’re doing for the glory of God, then it is NECESSARY!
AI can replace a lot of things, but it cannot replace godliness and the victory that comes from having a relationship with Jesus Christ as your personal lord and savior. Nothing can compare, or replace that.
I have an advantage over artificial intelligence because my knowledge of God and the experience I’ve had with God is REAL and has been validated over the years. AI can translate as many blogs as possible but it cannot speak to MY experience with God. And the best person to testify about the goodness of God in your life is YOU! For that reason, we should all testify about how God has kept our minds in perfect peace, how God has healed our bodies, how God has loved us unconditionally.
I ask you to think about a personal experience you have had with God. What happened? How has your life been impacted by God? Use that experience to encourage someone else that may be looking for hope and strength in their life.
Nothing can replace the goodness of God and no one or no thing can praise God for the things He’s done in my life! I want to encourage you as technology continues to evolve and the world continues to change, that nothing can replace God! Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) so while everything around us may change, technology, relationships, and even the way we write blogs, the one constant that we can rely on NOT changing is Jesus and His love for us.
Compliment Accepted
Written by First Lady Shanan C. Burress
Restoration Temple C.O.G.I.C.
Posted: March19, 2024
Have you ever received an unexpected compliment? Over the years, I have heard compliments from people whom I admired and thought, “how in the world could THEY be complimenting ME?” That negative thought process was attributed to my low self-esteem. Unfortunately, the lens in which I viewed myself was far different from the way that others saw me. I am not sure where my negative self-image came from but for many years I thought I wasn’t good enough.
As I’ve grown closer to God in my adult years, however, I have learned to accept the compliment and gift of God’s grace on my life. Reading God’s word has encouraged me and given me confidence to believe that I was in fact made in the image and likeness of God. Regardless if I accept the compliments of other people or not, God still believes that I was wonderfully made and that makes ME good enough!
Speaking of compliments, about a month ago, I was in the office about to do my daily walk and I was met with two very random compliments. As I turned the corner where two women were standing, I greeted them both with a smile and said “good morning.” The first woman said, “Hey! I like your jeans!” Before I could say thank you, the 2nd woman said, “and I like your shoes.” My jeans, I quickly thought? But instead of giving that response, I just said, “thank you! You guys are just full of compliments!” I chuckled but honestly it made me feel good to have my compliment bucket filled.
Have you ever heard a promise from God and thought “this couldn’t apply to me”? Our faith allows us to believe what God has said about our lives. Our faith allows us to believe that God will never lie to us. Our faith allows us to believe that even though we’ve made mistakes, God still loves us!
Before we were even born, God spoke blessings and victory over our lives. Regardless if we receive that as true today or not, He still spoke it and it we should therefore expect it to come to pass.
Romans 15:2 says, “we should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” So I ask you whose compliment bucket have you filled today? How have you encouraged someone today? Who have you loved on today? Who have you inspired or supported today?
To be complimented, encouraged and or even supported feels good. The ultimate compliment to our lives is the love of God. Everyday He compliments our lives with small reminders of His grace, mercy and favor. Our reliance on His love and our relationship with Him affirms who we are and also fills our compliment bucket.
Today I encourage you to fill someone else today and make them feel special. Remind them that God loves them. Tell them that they can do all things through Christ which strengthens them. Encourage someone through Gods word today. Your words will not only fill their compliment bucket but it may also strengthen them to not give up. It may bless them to pay it forward and show love to someone else.
Real Love
Written by First Lady Shanan C. Burress
Restoration Temple C.O.G.I.C.
Posted: February 14, 2024
“Real love. I’m searching for a real love; someone to set my heart free.” These are song lyrics to the 1992 classic by Mary J. Blige entitled “Real Love” from her debut album, “What’s the 411?” I want to mention that this was the first cassette tape I ever owned! And although I’ve always enjoyed Mary J. Blige’s music, I became an even bigger fan when I found out that we share the same birthday (January 11)!
Real love is an appropriate topic this month because many refer to February as “Love Month”. While that is fitting because of Valentine’s Day, let’s not be distracted and forget that the true highlight of February is Black History Month!
In any case, this “love month” has me thinking about the true meaning of love and even more what is real love? The best place to start our journey to identifying the true meaning of love is from the Word of God. I Corinthians chapter 13 verses 4-7 in the New Living Translation reads as such:
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
These scriptures are a great characterization of love. The word love is used intentionally to describe how love should be demonstrated. We can also use these scriptures as a filter to validate the way in which we love others and how we are loved.
The bible talks about love in the context of how strong God’s love is for us. The love of God is pure. The love of God is genuine. The love of God is authentic. Most of all, the love of God is everlasting. Now that’s real love. As we search for God, He will reveal this real love to us. As we receive the real love of God, He will set our hearts free so that we can experience His complete restoring power!
I want you to say that to yourself, “God is my real love”! As a matter of fact, say it again, “God is my real love”! Say it out loud this time, “God is my real love”!
There is power in speaking God’s love over your life. The love of God is specific to your needs and will never fail you.
Thank God for His REAL LOVE!
Here are a few more scriptures to help guide you in your search for the REAL LOVE of God:
- Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength (Mark 12:30)
- But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)
· Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39)
· Love is of God (I John 4:7)
· We love because He first loved us (I John 4:19)
· Loves covers a multitude of sin (I Peter 4:8)
Expectation
Written by First Lady Shanan C. Burress
Restoration Temple C.O.G.I.C.
Posted: January 20, 2024
Welcome to January 2024! A new year brings a sense of renewal, refresh & a spiritual restoration for many people. A new year often also provides a high level of expectation that things will get better. Understand that daily God loads His people with benefits (Psalms 68:19) and that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). Those are daily promises from God, but as the new year begins, expectations are usually at an all-time high.
Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Since God has good thoughts toward you, what are your thoughts of and toward yourself? Do you share God’s thoughts of peace? Do you share God’s thoughts of hope and of a happy ending? God’s word always accomplishes everything it sets out to do and Isaiah 55:11 reminds us: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” So whatever God’s word promised, it WILL happen! We must believe it. We must expect it.
So, I ask you to consider the question, “What are your expectations?” More specifically, what are you expecting from God? Anything we are expecting and believing God for must be based on the word of God. So, what promises from God are you believing? What scriptures are you basing this belief on? What are you doing to exhibit your level of expectation?
Think about these things this year as you go forth in the truth that God is faithful. God is love. God is alive. Our true and living God who is abundant in love and mercy is ready to perform His word in your life.
Again, I ask, what are your expectations? Instead of waiting for you to answer, this time I’ll give you the answer, expect greatness this year! Expect overflow of God’s grace and mercy! Expect God to be with you! Expect that the joy of the Lord will be your strength! Expect great things all year! Expect great things for the rest of your life!