Author: Ms. Rita's Minute

There are various ways God may communicate with us. Some of those ways: the Bible, another person, or inner promptings. The Bible tells us to be led by the Spirit of God which means we must accept His guidance. Of course, any way we may hear from God, must line up with scripture to be valid, yet I decided to share my experience in God’s leading, as today I went through an inconvenience of losing something, only to find it again with God’s supernatural help.

Being someone who has a place for everything whether it is in a color coordinated closet, a labeled bag, box, or shelf, I feel the need to know where everything is at any moment. (Don’t judge me.) This time, it was a white cloth bag labeled Beautiful Things that contained two pair of eyeglasses I had purchased on my latest visit to the optometrist. We all know how much glasses can cost, so I must say I was a bit frantic. I only had one other older pair I kept in my purse that at times I still find somewhat comfortable to wear. And then there are those readers I use with my contacts. Yet today, I really wanted to wear a pair of my newer glasses and could not find the bag.

I looked everywhere in every bag and drawer that existed, to no avail. I even checked my car. Then finally, again, I remembered to ask God, wondering why I didn’t do so sooner. “Lord, where are my glasses?”

Unfortunately, I tried to tell myself to recheck the black bag, or the bag by the kitchen. I tried too hard to hear the words God might form in my mind. Why hadn’t I learned from the past? This doesn’t work. Eventually, I sat on the bed and quietly prayed, “Lord, you always help me to find things I misplace. I’ve prayed about my possessions, and you are always faithful to answer. Within a minute I just got up, not hearing anything, pulled out a bag I had already checked and found the glasses in the bag. I had overlooked it twice.

I tell this story to say that sometimes, God will answer you without words etched in your thoughts. If His Spirit dwells in you, at times you will be led directly to what is needed, but you should ask for His help. Trying to do it on your own can just waste a lot of time. Sometimes, you may feel a strong urge to do something. But today, I’m remembering that sometimes you will hear and feel nothing, but you’ll just move to action with success. This happened to me two other times with a debit card.

After being out running errands, I came home to realize I didn’t have my debit card in my purse. I couldn’t imagine losing it. I take special precautions to make sure I don’t leave it with a cashier or drop it, yet I couldn’t find it anywhere. After spending about 20 minutes looking for it without success. I asked the Lord where it was. I heard nothing, but imagined he said something, still finding nothing. I felt defeated and worried. I just sat still and inquired of the Lord again. I calmed myself from worry and with a few minutes, I stood up and happened to look down and found my card in a very strange place that I couldn’t imagine I would even look. It was wedged in the corner under my bed with a slight peak of the card showing under the comforter. How in the world did that happen? I felt so foolish, yet so relieved to find it. “Thank you, Lord!” He’d come through for me again.

Sometimes, God will lead you without you even asking at the moment. I remember going to a pharmacy for my mother to purchase her medication. Upon making my purchase I was just about to leave through the store’s exit, and for no reason I could think of at the time, I just turned around and began to walk back to the pharmacy counter. I wasn’t even thinking of any specific thing. I glanced down and saw my mother’s debit card on the floor. I quickly snatched it up as this was unthinkable to me. I had never misplaced a debit card before. I felt disappointed at myself, but at the same time grateful. I walked out of that store knowing that I’d never forget this as long as I lived. I have no doubt God led me back to the rear of the store even though I wasn’t using my thoughts with reason to do so. I love Him so much for caring.

As I think further, there have been several other times when the Lord has come through for me as I asked for His help with a search. Like when He allowed me to find my favorite pearl earring, I was sure I had lost.

I feel so blessed in these occurrences though initially they may be scary. To know He cares even about the little practical things of life amazes me. I’m convinced this is just one of the many blessings of being His child with acknowledging Him and humbly asking Him for help when you need it.

James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” So don’t hesitate to ask the Lord for the help you need. Sometimes, pride may cause us to want to rely on ourselves, but often we find this won’t suffice.

I don’t want to forget the Lord’s promise in John 14:16-17, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, in 2022, the number of homeless people in one night in the United States was 582,462. Also, in 2022, 49 million people accessed food banks and community programs for food according to USDA reporting. So, clearly, there’s been no shortage of people in need in America.

An interesting observation of how Jesus sees our provision to those who are poor is illustrated in Matthew 25:35, when he stated, “…For I was hungry, and you gave Me food, I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger, and you took Me in…” and in Matthew 25:40, “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Here he has shown himself as the recipient of any blessings we provide the needy which elevates the importance of our action.

The Old Testament of the Bible mentions God’s thoughts on what our attitude should be toward helping the poor when He stated in Deuteronomy 15:7, “If there be among you a poor man, one of your brothers within any of your gates in your land which the Lord your God has given you, you must not harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother.” He also mentions in Deuteronomy 15:11 how one should give, “For the poor will never cease from being in the land. Therefore, I command you, saying, “You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and needy in your land.” This indicates a different view from giving of the occasional dollar or two when encountering someone in need.

We are also shown God’s chastisement of those who would take advantage of, or ignore, the poor in Proverbs 22:16, “He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he who gives to the rich, will surely come to want,” and “He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many a curse.” (Proverbs 28:27)

On the other hand, we may expect that there are some rewards for giving to the poor. We are told in Proverbs 19:17, “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay what he has given.” “Blessed are those who consider the poor; the Lord will deliver them in the day of trouble. (Psalm 41:1) “He who has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.”(Proverbs 22:9)

If one is not sure how and where one provides donations, there are many local churches who provide pantries and foodbanks as service to the poor, as well as donations and sponsorship of food distribution along with other organizations. A quick Google search or conversation with a familiar donor might be of assistance.

For those who may be skeptical of giving monetarily to organizations who help the poor, one may donate one’s time or food in participating in the feeding of the poor or choose organizations where their donations are publicly accounted for and shown on charity accountability websites like CharityWatch, Charity Navigators, or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

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Vowing to do life with someone until death is a noble promise. Therefore, before committing, serious self-reflection as well as assessment of the person one desires to marry should be considered. A careful plan that strategizes one’s route to marital success is necessary to avoid the pain and cost of a heart wrenching divorce.

One can choose a mate solely with the wisdom and knowledge they’ve gained on the topic from various sources such as observation of other married couples; Internet articles, videos and podcasts; or books, friends, and relatives. Or one can choose a mate seeking God’s will on the matter as to the biblical and comparable attributes the person should have, along with God’s preferred timing. This would happen via prayer, Bible study, and marriage counseling. Also, those personal elements of one’s attraction or preference, desired in a spouse, are considered.

Since God is all-knowing and sovereign, one can trust that He knows more about a person than they know themselves. He sees the future of both individuals, knows their motivations and personalities well, and the purposes they’ve been created to fulfill. Surely, He knows what’s best and is happy to counsel for success. We mustn’t forget that His Holy Spirit is also known as the Counselor. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16-17) The Greek word for advocate here is paraclete which is likened to a counselor or comforter.

Perhaps most important is that one’s choice should be fairly equal in spirituality among other things. “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? What communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14) Yet other things to take into account would be one’s liking regarding: interests, education, career, appearance, hobbies, childrearing, etc.

A rewarding experience rests in spending quality time with the Lord and one’s Bible, pen and paper to learn and record what He would say specifically to you about the spouse He desires for you and how you should best prepare. To do anything less would be unwise in making such an important decision. When we are sincere about acquiring godly wisdom, God is faithful to reveal to us those necessary truths in various ways.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 37:4 to “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” So, perhaps we should expect our desires to become His desires as we seek Him diligently. If we’re open to receive from Him, overtime we’d find ourselves learning much about what we should keep our eyes open for in choosing a mate.

Ultimately, we are left with the choice, but God will certainly assist us, if we allow Him to do so. To be successful in choosing, we have to be honest in relinquishing any wrong information we may have held as a standard for a spouse. Remember the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 3:19).

Ah, life! God has given it to us in His image! As a result, His glory should shine on our faces in gratitude. We have so much to be thankful for. Our existence in many colors, sizes and personalities make us masterfully arranged art pieces of great value. God knows well how He’s formed us and what He’s fashioned us to perform, and in knowing what He’s created, we should embrace His brilliance.

The bible says in Genesis 1:27, ” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them.” Yet why were we created? “…bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” (Isaiah 43:6-7) For His glory! Further, Ephesians 2:10 declares “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Isn’t that something to be thrilled about–the fact that we are God’s artistry or design? The reality that we have a purpose and godly destiny chosen uniquely for us, gives us confidence in the face of any insecurities or frustrations we may possess. Moreover, however we may lack in appearance or substance, we should never forget the truth of God’s word concerning us.

Have you ever allowed the enemy to make you feel anything other than grateful for how God has fashioned you? The fact that you are even alive is a blessing alone. In addition, all that God sees in us is maybe beyond our imagination or comprehension. Perhaps we should just confidently and joyfully embrace the fact that we are a marvelous work of our Great Creator.

On thinking about how trials and tribulations can affect one’s faith, I questioned the status of my own heart’s durability of remaining steadfast and continually receiving God’s word with confidence. I remembered Mark 4:3-8, 16 of the Bible where the Lord tells a great crowd a parable (a basic story used to demonstrate a spiritual or moral lesson) of a farmer sowing seed which fell in different places and its various effects on the plants. He mentions the seed falling on the pathway, rocky places, among thorns, and in good soil. However, I’m focusing specifically on the verses that reference the rocky places and its effect on the plants, also citing its account in Matthew 13:20-21.

Mark 4:5-6 tells us that some seed “…fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.”

Matthew 13:20-21 speaks of the same parable but explains “The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”

The root of a plant is its support where the plant attaches itself in the soil, the bottom part. The soil must be cultivated. It is where the plant gets its nutrients. A rocky place is not a good place for things to grow. However, some growth may occur in rocky places, but it doesn’t last very long. A plant’s roots can’t grow well in rocks. The rocks hinder growth and later any intense heat would cause the plant to die.

Soil can be filled with pebbles or rocks, lack moisture and nutrients, become compacted, and hard to dig or loosen. This causes the plant to absorb and drain water poorly. Poor drainage potentially causes flooding producing overly wet soil that will leach nutrients, and topsoil can wash away. Soil becomes contaminated from overuse of toxins or chemicals reducing the soil’s fertility.

Assessing our own hearts, we might ask ourselves if our faith would stand when tested by troubles or doubts. Do we keep God first regarding time and interest? Do we get excited about His word, but later pressure causes us to get discouraged toward unbelief? Does our faith have depth? Or are we fickle about the word of God in that we are excited one moment, then later we aren’t? Do we lack endurance? These are important questions for us to consider before facing the trouble and persecution of a Christian’s life. It’s better to be alert and ready ahead of time.

The soil of a plant can be likened to our hearts, with the implanting of the seed of God’s word being necessary to successfully maintain a strong walk of Christian faith. Nurturing this seed in our soil might look like consistent time in personal bible study, meditation on scripture, as well as growing in wisdom through doctrinally sound church sermons and Christian books. All of these aid in strengthening our roots for support that is strong and deep. However, if we allow too many negative stones access to our hearts like false doctrine, offenses toward others, and compromise toward the bible’s teachings, our soil will become shallow. We then risk becoming discouraged, frustrated, weary, and bitter, leading to unbelief.

Let’s remember to do occasional heart checks to ensure we are doing our part to maintain a strong, faith foundation for deep spiritual growth in our lives.

We should fully embrace 1 Corinthians 3:11, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Dependence upon this foundation will ensure that our roots are nourished, and our hearts remain healthy.

There’s an interesting satisfaction and flexibility in being content with one’s own life. Wherever we may find ourselves in terms of our relationships, finances, careers, health, etc., embracing being content in God’s care, we are able to experience freedom. This freedom can eliminate the pressure we may feel to perform by the standards of others and allows us room to relax and trust God’s will to manifest in our lives. Knowing and depending upon what God says to us in the Bible regarding this matter is of utmost importance and help.

I define being content as choosing to stay optimistic and hopeful in whatever circumstances we face. Whether trials and tribulations or joys and triumphs, we choose happiness and trusting God over self-pity or bitterness. We realize that as we offer our bodies as “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1), we can expect nothing less than God’s best for us.

In Philippians 4:11-13 the Apostle Paul shared that he’d learned that in whatever state he was, to be content:  “… I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He also reminds us in 1 Timothy 6:6 that “… godliness with contentment is great gain.” What’s key here for me is knowing our ability to endure, succeed, or accomplish anything comes from Christ who strengthens us. Isn’t it a blessing that we don’t have to do it alone?

So, when we’re face with the hard places of life or the ecstatic places of joy and abundance, we can rest in knowing that God favors and loves us as His own. We have the freedom of contentment because we have the promises of God for our lives. The Bible describes them as “exceedingly great and precious” in 2 Peter 1:4. Hence, why would we not embrace the freedom this affords us? When we’re faced with fear and doubt, we can remember Psalm 118:5, ““Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” Remember, the Lord is our Shepherd! It is good to be content.

What brings more joy than the laughter or smile of a child in their utmost delight? Have you ever experienced such joy? What brings joy to your heart today? Is it spending time with your children or spouse? Is it enjoying your favorite hobby in peace and solitude? Is it seeing someone you love that you haven’t seen in ages it seems? What brings this emotion or state of being to your heart?

Being defined in the Bible as fruit of the Holy Spirit, joy is one of life’s greatest emotions. In it we have the ability to experience great pleasure or gladness. Further, the Bible, assures us that God’s will for us is that we be full of it!

So, what will bring more joy to your life today, this hour, right now? In pondering all that I can remember that makes me happy, I’m confident that meditating on God’s promises to us inspires me with great joy. Knowing that He’s working all things together in my life for my good gives me a sense of elation and confidence. I can rest; my life is in His hands.

Take what he’s provided for you today so that your joy may be full. You don’t have to live another insecure, worried, overthought, existence again. Remind yourself of these truths as you go about your day:

John 15:11
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

John 17:13
But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 1:8
…whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory…

Acts 13:52
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 126:6

Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

John 16:22
Therefore, you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

Jude 1:24
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.



Today I thought about rejection and how devastating it is for many people. By nature, we all want to be loved and, in some way, needed, and sometimes find it hard to bounce back from being rejected. However, there is a way to never allow the negative effects of rejection to take ahold of our minds. Let’s discover the truth about what is factually ours as believers in Christ.

In Genesis 37:3-4 of the bible, we find the story of a young man by the name of Joseph who faced major rejection with harsh consequences from his brothers.

“Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.”

His brothers decided to sell him into slavery, though they had initially considered to do worse: kill him. Talk about being rejected; how worse could it get? However, thankfully, the bible says the Lord was with Joseph. His master saw it, as the Lord made all he did to prosper, and he was made overseer of his master’s house. He then spent some no-fault time in prison where he even received God’s favor there with a leadership position. Joseph was later placed by Pharaoh over all the land of Egypt and in the end, those same brothers found themselves bowing, during a great famine, before the very one they sold into slavery.

There are many situations where we might face rejection with varying degrees of sorrow. It may come through denial of a new job, relationship, or business transaction, among other things. Sometimes, we may be rejected by family members, job managers, or school and church associates. However, God has provided us with many precious promises regarding the rewards of love for, and obedience to, Him. No doubt these promises would quell the effects of rejection:

Psalm 19:8,11, “…The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes…Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.”

Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”.

Romans 10:11, “For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

So, if we are seeking God, and have these and more precious promises, why would we ever allow ourselves to stay sorrowful or dismayed over rejection, other than a lack of faith or impatience?

Let me encourage you to trust the fact that God knows you more than you know yourself. He knitted you together in your mother’s womb. He is sovereign and omnipotent, well able to supply the best that you need in all things. The question is, will you believe Him and submit these things to Him?

I’ve decided to believe Him. Life is so much easier to live placing all things, including the hard things like rejection into His hands to handle. Whatever you may have lost, in whatever way you feel alone or abandoned, He is big enough to replace or fulfill the void. “For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness. ” (Psalm 107:9)

Determine to stay free, hopeful and expectant to receive God’s blessings of fulfillment in the midst of any rejection. Whatever He has promised, along with what you are able to yield to Him, He is faithful to accomplish in your life.

Have you ever thought about the meaning of the part of the often prayed “Lord’s Prayer” that says “Your Kingdom come Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven?” Clearly, the Bible is referencing the heavenly kingdom Jesus spoke of while on earth, in which all of those who love Him would be included. As we exercise the Lord’s example of how to pray, one can’t help but wonder what this request of God’s kingdom on earth would look like today.

We know that his kingdom is one where His will is done. And the bible tells us His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). Therefore, we must learn the ways of God and seek to implement what pleases Him in our lives. We also know that a kingdom possesses a rulership and authority head as leadership, and in God’s kingdom, Jesus is the King and ruler over all of its inhabitants.

God has also made known to us that we as fellow believers have access to the keys of the Kingdom. “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19) Believing on Jesus, we have legal entrance, a way into this lavish kingdom. These keys have provided to us answers and solutions to life’s quandaries and we only need sincerely seek the wisdom necessary to walk in our overcomer status.

Further, we see Jesus’ intentions regarding making His kingdom known in the earth in Matthew 10:7: “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near’”; Luke 9:2: “and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick”; and Luke 10:11: “Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.”

According to the Bible, we’ve all been given the choice of eternal life or death. We are encouraged to choose a life without end, versus a life of eternal torment apart from God. Being a citizen of God’s kingdom is far greater than anything else we can imagine or hope for.

It has been said that it takes 21 days to form a habit. I found this to be true for me when I tested it with making my bed every morning. After 21 days it was a piece of cake! However, when I think about holiness, I think of my chief aim in life being to please God.

So, I’m training myself to be set apart from worldly ways of existing and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill me with Himself by yielding more to Him and His desires rather than those of myself or someone else’s. I don’t by any means claim to be without errors in this endeavor, but it is my daily goal that people would experience less of me and more of Him in our time together.

Thankfully, the Bible assures us “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.” (Acts 1:8)

The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:2-3 that “…we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

Further, in 2 Timothy 2:19-21 we are told that “…Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness. In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.  Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”

Salvation occurs when we first commit to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and turn from our old ways of living in sin. Yet, regarding holiness, as a result, we seek to establish new habits of a holy life, demonstrating our love for Christ, which help us and others to grow–namely, through prayer, Bible study, and worship.

It’s important to carve out a specific time daily, whether 15 minutes or an hour, to spend time alone with the Lord, talking to Him, listening to Him, thinking about Him and what He has spoken to us. We need special times in study of the Bible as this is how we come to know God and learn what actually pleases Him, as well as the history of others in His family.

The local church is a place where we can worship together and grow in those things that require our time together as a family of believers. As God has set us apart in our accepting what He’s done for us, as well as His authority as Lord in our lives, we can look forward to experiencing the abundant life He has promised us.

Therefore, “…let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25) Also, “since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)