Written & Published by Lolita Buck

So here's the deal we serve an absolutely amazing & awesome God! But he ain't no punk... He will take you down in a heartbeat if you start acting all high & mighty. He literally despises a haughty spirit.

Proverbs 16:18
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

Let me also say that he takes us down before promotion as well. I think the logic behind that, is that it keeps us from being arrogant once his blessings start flowing in our lives. We appreciate them much more because we've been in a dry place. Bottom line, there is no mountain top experience without a valley.
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God means well & he's certainly not going to put more on us than we can bear. He knows the exact capacity by which to take us down so that as we start to ascend into our greatness we'll stay grounded & level headed.

Unfortunately my friend that does mean that there is some pain involved in God's growing process. But NO PAIN, NO GAIN I suppose. I was always taught that anything worth having is worth going through the trouble to get it.

I hate that society has painted this picture of being on God's team as a walk on clouds. That's the furthest thing from the truth. Look at Christ's life for crying out loud, walking with God is no joke. Christ literally had to die before he could rise up. Going down is a prerequisite to going up in God's system. That's a fact! Anyone that tells you otherwise is not being forthcoming.
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Of course God wants us to live abundant lives. No doubt about it. But what we must realize is that our abundance shouldn't overshadow the basic principles of life & love. Human kindness & compassion towards one another are essential, they trump status believe it or not. So if our thing's or possessions become (mini) God's in our lives God has no problem taking us down to get us back on track. God doesn't mind us having things but he doesn't want the things to have control over us.
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John 10:10-12
"The thief cometh not, but to steal, kill and to destroy I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly."
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I'm so thankful that God has a check & balance system in place to keep us on point. Because I'll be the first to admit I can get beside myself at times. And God has a way of putting a sister in her place. And as painful as it may be I'm actually grateful for the "take down". I can't imagine how out of control my life would be if God didn't love me enough to check me. My attitude has no other choice but to take a back seat & I must humble myself before the Almighty One. Because he alone is worthy to be praised. I become less so that he becomes my everything! That's what the "take down" is all about.

As you go forward in your daily journey I extend love & peace to each of you. I pray that you find your "it" and that you OWN IT. That the chains of this world be broken off of you & that you walk in the light that God intended you to walk in.

​With dedication & servitude
-Lolita

Written & Published by Lolita Buck

God is in the transformation business for sure. No doubt about it. But it's really something else to watch him do his work. Trust me, it's usually nothing like you expect. I'm learning that more & more each day.

Generally speaking the process of change is usually gradual & often done behind the scene. Much like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. Only God knows the intricate details of what's taking place. Then out of nowhere you burst out of your cocoon & you're ready to spread your wings & fly.

Let me tell you, mindset & action are key to becoming "a new you." You think I'm kidding? Check out these two scriptures & then let me expound.

Romans 12:2
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

James 2:26
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

So bottom line, although God is well equipped to do his part. He needs our cooperation to carry out his divine plan.

The first line of business or top priority on your list should be your mind... This is the area that you need to work the most on in my opinion. You do realize that your mind is the gateway for both God & Satan to work their magic, right? Of course Satan changes us for evil & God changes us for good.

I think Satan knows that if he can deceive you, he's got you right where he wants you, in the palm of his hands. You do remember how he did Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden, right? You & I are no different my friend. He has one agenda & one agenda alone. Okay so here it is, just so you can be on the lookout...

John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
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But just like Satan has an agenda so does our Heavenly Father. He wants us to live an abundant life. Now I don't think he's referring to an abundance of material things per say. The abundant life he promises I think starts with the essence of who we are. Peace in our hearts, a sense of purpose & fulfillment within, I believe that is what he is referring to. And yeah, here & there he may throw in a few luxuries. But hear me LOUD & CLEAR he will never provide more for your pocket book than for your soul. He cares about you, your well being. Anything or anyone that says otherwise, is not of God.

The truth of the matter is that "a new you" does require some work my friend. But the really cool part is that you have a Heavenly Father who's got you fully covered from head to toe working tirelessly to give you the makeover of your life. Forget these "reality tv" makeovers they've got nothing on a God transformation.

Man oh man once God gets a hold of you, look out world. I just had to let you know however, that when God is preparing you for new heights it's definitely a process. Much like a butterfly: The egg, larva, pupa & then finally the butterfly. I'm so thankful for the "new you" that you are becoming each & everyday. I can't wait for you grace the world with your presence as you take flight in your greatness.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY
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As you go forward in your daily journey I extend love & peace to each of you. I pray that you find your "it" and that you OWN IT. That the chains of this world be broken off of you & that you walk in the light that God intended you to walk in.

​With dedication & servitude
-Lolita

Written & Published by Lolita Buck

Looking for peace & happiness I'd suggest you try my Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. He is the epitome of "good success." Now I can't assure you that doing success his way, that you won't endure trials & tribulations along the way. In fact, I can guarantee that you will. But he will be with you every step of the way & he won't lead you astray.

In fact, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. And if we stop leaning on our own understanding about life he promises to direct our path. Check out what the word of God says.

Proverbs 3: 5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path."

So where does morality come into play? Your morals & values speak about how you obtain success. Some people are outright ruthless & will do anything to get ahead. This could mean disowning someone or stepping all over someone to make it to the top. I've seen this happen all too often.

I'm reminded of a song that's out right now titled "All The Way Up" by Fat Joe & Remy Ma. The line that caught my attention was, "nothing can stop me". This kind of success is very dangerous because it's usually at the expense of your soul. But is it really worth it? I'd much rather obtain success God's way. Trust me there is absolutely no room for sellouts in the kingdom of God.

Mark 8:36
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul"

I know right now your soul probably doesn't really matter to you. Only fat pockets, comfort, & luxury. But the reality is that when your number is called you can't take any of this stuff with you. I don't know about you but i'd rather get my stuff the legit way on Earth & not forfeit my soul in the process. Just a little something for you to ponder. Morals & values matter a whole lot. This assures that you live a phenomenal life here on Earth & forevermore. So i have one last thought & scripture to leave you with.

Joshua 1:8 ​
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success".

By no means am i telling you not to be successful. I just want to make certain you're doing it properly. His word, his principles, his way. This is the only true road to riches in my opinion. Whether you're headed north, south, east, or west with God on your side you're bound to flourish.

As you go forward in your daily journey I extend love & peace to each of you. I pray that you find your "it" and that you OWN IT. That the chains of this world be broken off of you & that you walk in the light that God intended you to walk in.

​With dedication & servitude
-Lolita

Written & Published by Lolita Buck

This weeks post is inspired by the one & only queen of hip hop soul Mary J. Blige. Her hit song "Love No Limit" came across my mind this past week. I thought what the heck let's go with it. After all, my Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ's love has no limit! Now that's the 411...

I've probably mentioned a time or two that I'm a music lover. So every now & then an artist's lyrics may influence my writing. But let's get down to the nitty gritty & talk about this unconditional love.

Man what a way to demonstrate your love & then do it without boundaries by putting your one & only son on a cross. All for the freedom of mankind. Check out this scripture that talks about Christ being a ransom.

Mark 10:45
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

So when I think about a ransom I usually think about money being exchanged for a persons release. But now were talking about a persons life being given in exchange for salvation. I mean how cool is that? Our sins were abolished & we're pardoned because of his amazing sacrifice! You talk about a sacrificial lamb, well Christ was all of that & then some. Don't believe me, then let the word of God speak for itself.
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Isaiah 53:7
"He was oppressed and afflicted yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."

I'm amazed that he did not open his mouth. I'm perplexed by his restraint. Perhaps he knew of the greater good that would come from it all & he just did what he had to do. But you're talking about a very difficult assignment. I mean he literally sweat drops of blood the day before his crucifixion because he was praying so intensely in the Garden of Gethsamane.

You notice that he was praying, not giving lip service or complaining. He was asking God for strength to make it all the way through to the finish line. Although he did ask that the cup be removed from him he knew that ultimately his Heavenly Father's plan was most important. Thank God he had the strength to endure.

Luke 22: 41-44
And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.

There is no greater love than for a man to lay down his life for his fellow man. Jesus Christ is the epitome of "Love No Limit". This kind of love doesn't even begin to compare to the stuff we call ourselves demonstrating these days. He is the real deal. I don't know about you, but he will always be my first true love.

As you go forward in your daily journey I extend love & peace to each of you. I pray that you find your "it" and that you OWN IT. That the chains of this world be broken off of you & that you walk in the light that God intended you to walk in.

​With dedication & servitude
-Lolita