We live in the press…

This past Sunday I was not at all in the mood to do anything, include going to church. My clothes were everywhere!! I had tried on my entire closet, and nothing still wouldn’t meet my satisfactory, or motivated me to press onto morning service. Have you ever had one of those days to where you feel everything is out of order? Well Sunday I definitely had one of those days!! Having clothes everywhere I sat down on my couch and turned on the TV, hoping that the answer to why I felt this way was in a switch of a button. You know it’s so wonderful to have a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit because He then spoke to me and said “You’re living in the press.” When the word was spoken to me, I was immediately changed.

Breakthrough occurs when the voice behind the word of God is release to you which is called Rhema word; Rhema refers to a word that is spoken and means “an utterance.”  A rhema is a verse of Scripture that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention with application to a current situation or need for direction (click here for more insight http://rhemacounseling.com ). The Rhema word that proceeded out of the mouth of the Holy Spirit, gave me the break through that I needed. Living in the press reminded me of the scripture written by Paul in Philippians 3:13-16:

  13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule,[b] let us be of the same mind.

Each day is a new day to press through Saints!!! Grace and Mercy is renewed every day!! Strength and power is provided to you from the Throne room each day to give you the ability to press your way through!! So I threw on a pair of jeans and a cute top, did my makeup, and pressed my way to church. I made it just in time for communion (which is done in the beginning of service). I hurried my way to the front, took my piece of bread dipped it in the grape juice, and I made it back to my usual seat. Before I proceeded to take the communion I ask the Lord to forgive me of feeling the way I did and proceeded to eat…Before the bread touched my lips God spoke to my heart and said “It’s A New Day.” Tears began to well up in my eyes, while at first it was a battle to receive the word of the Lord, because it did not feel like “A New Day,” but an old one. I continued to replay the words of the Lord in my Spirit over and over and over again and pressed my way to a new day, until change began to manifest itself in me.

Saints!! No matter how we feel we must continue to forget those things that are behind us, and press our way toward the goal which is Christ Jesus. No, you cannot deny how you are feeling right now, but you can make a sound decision to not let your emotions cripple you from getting ALL that God has for you. So press saints!!! Press!!!

**Though it may hurt and you may be disappointed about the situation…Press your way through and know that the Lord has good things in store for you. Be Bless!  

-PureEnlightenment

Turn the Microwave off and Preheat the Oven!!

Last night I had a dream to where I was sitting around a broad room table of about five to six people including me waiting on a presentation of some kind. In walks a middle age woman dress in a jet-black suit with an out dated bob cut, and dark shades which covered her eyes (Men in Black type look). In her hand she carried individual packets of the presentation; No good morning no nothing (just rude)…She proceeded to pass the book size packets out and began the presentation. While presenting, she begins to sell this idea of a wealth method to us; it seems as if the only person she was NOT convincing was me. The more she talk the more it became clearer to me; in order to succeed in this program, you must first drown yourself in debt and then you will eventually overtime become wealthy…As my sister would say “what a bunch of Tom foolery.”

I remember in the dream that I was the only one who asked several questions; while the other people were sold on the idea of indulging in debt to gain wealth. As she concluded her presentation, she left the room with a devilish smile on her face, giving us time to think about joining the “drown yourself in debt to become wealthy scheme”….And then… all of sudden… I rose up…. like Peter during Pentecost day when all the saints were on one accord and the Holy Spirit filled the room. I spoke boldly to the people and said “Listen the only way you will obtain your wealth is through the Lord. God has given you all specific talents, get in the field of your talents, and then you will become wealthy in the area of your talents.” I begin to plead with them to not get involved with this insane program!! I was preaching to people who had already had an “I’m already sold to a lie look on their faces,” and I woke up from the dream…and here I am writing you this morning.  

Testimony Time: I too was once caught up in a get rich quick scheme. It became an idle in my life, to where I was no longer talking about Jesus Christ, but I was talking about a temporary product to sell you to make a quick buck; yet dying on the inside from the lack of God’s word being produced in my life. I was given a mentor who had the form of godliness, but lacks the power there of (2Tim.3:5). His job was to recreate my mindset to focus on the product and deliver the message…I remember on a conference call one night he said that “we carry the message to the people, and if they don’t except the message then dust your feet off and keep moving.” WAIT A MINUTE!!! PUMP THE BREAKS!!! You would think I would have waked up than, but my Spirit man was being sucked dry from ALL of the nonsense!!! I was feeding on nonsense, instead of living water; THE BIBLE.

READERS LISTEN!! There is only ONE Gospel, and it’s the message of repentance of sin; heaven is near…Jesus Christ died, and if they do not accept you, than you wipe the dust off of your feet and move on. Matthew 10 says it best:  5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,[c] cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.

11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city! (Also read Luke 9:5).

My friend that’s the Gospel of Jesus Christ!!! We were not created to be zombies, and do the same thing!!! That’s a lie from the pits of hell!! Yes there may be several different actors or motivational speakers, but the beauty of it all is we all possess a difference that is so unique the enemy cannot tap into the treasure(s) that God Himself has placed in us. My friend you must tap into your treasure, and allow God to form you in such a way that the world will not be able to take credit for your success!!! Matthew 5:16 is one of my favorite scriptures (16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven). I love this passage of scripture because it is telling us to not seclude yourself from the world, but live in this world; don’t allow the world to live in you. Be seen through your good works; talents that the Lord has bless you with, to where the world will give credit to God for the marvelous light that is shown through you.

We are all called to different kingdoms of this world; Business, Education, Arts and Entertainment, Family, Government, etc. We must take a stand and go into the enemy’s camp and take back our kingdoms that are rightfully ours. The Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violence takes it back by force!! (Matthew11:12). We must take it back by force saints!!! We must believe and tap into the power of the Holy Spirit!! GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE!!! I need to say that again!!! GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE!!! So get up out of the rut that you are in…It’s a NEW DAY!! Old things have passed away, and behold ALL things are new through Christ Jesus (2Corinthians 5:17). So my beloved reader we do not know everything, but one thing we can rely on is: “forgetting those things which are behind us and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14). Bishop TD Jakes said it best “We are in the press of life.” So press saints!!! Press on through the distractions of life, and keep your eyes focus on Jesus Christ who will sustain you through it all. Let us pray:

Father in the name of Jesus we thank you for your word that was spoken on this day! Lord we ask you right now to wipe the scales from our eyes so that we may see you clearly, and the plans that you have for each one of us. We know that in your word your thoughts toward us are peaceful thoughts, and that we have an expected end waiting for us (Jeremiah 29:11).

 Lord we bind the spirit of reasoning over our lives right now!! And we lose the Power of the word of God over our lives this day!!! Lord use your people in such a MIGHTY way, that the world may see the glory on us and glorify You in heaven.

We decree and declare that this a NEW DAY and that a garment of praise have been release to the ones who are spiritually heavy. Lord we thank you for your mercy and grace; to see for us, when we ourselves do not see Your plan for our lives. I thank you that we are FREE from the bondage of sin through atonement of Jesus Christ, and now we are ready to be release to our destiny!! The TIME IS NOW!  We call these things done in Jesus name!! Amen.

Prayer of Repentance: Lord Jesus I come to you just as I am, a sinner. Lord your word says in Romans 10:9 that I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in my heart that God has raised Him from the dead, than I am SAVED. So please come into my heart and deliver my soul. Wash me whiter than snow through your blood that was shed for me on the cross. Today is a new day!! In Jesus name Amen.

**If you have prayed that prayer and believed it with all your heart, WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!!! :D Your destiny has just begun!! Find a bible base church home and begin to renew your mind with God’s word; read Romans 8 and 12 for starters. If you do not own a bible, there are plenty of resources on the internet; http://biblegateway.com is one of my favorite and much more. Also there are thousands of free bible apps to download to your phone; email me @ Mechelle.stokes@gmail.com if you need more help. Well my friend!!! Embrace the newness of Christ and welcome again to the body of Christ!! God Bless

-PureEnlightenment

FIGHT BACK!!!

Lately I’ve been having attacks in my mind regarding doubt and fear. The enemy was working overtime to create an atmosphere of fear and unbelief with tactics of distractions of all kind. It was time to send the enemy packing with his pink slip that he so rightfully deserved; I fought back!! The enemy is like a nagging net at a barbecue; he is like a broken record that will consistently repeat the same annoying song!! And quite frankly “I’m tired of his mess!!”  Its time to stand strong believers and FIGHT BACK!!

Growing up (before I was save) I was involved in a lot of street fights; yes I know…you’ve been saved all of your life, but Mechelle wasn’t. In fights I would never start them, but always finish them; you post street fighters know what I am talking about. So when I became save I change my strategy from fighting flesh and blood to principalities of darkness (Eph.6:12). In the mist of an attack it is so easy to go off on the person who’s being used by the enemy to get you off course; stop fighting people and start fighting the enemy!!

Back in the day I would always have a keen sense of when a fight would take place (gifts come without repentance Rom.11:29), so I would always come prepared with my weapons and battle clothes on. In the same way you must come prepared to fight the devils that are sent your way to distract you on a daily bases by putting on the whole armor of God:

 ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
¹⁴ Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph.6)

Are you showing up to the battlefield naked? Yes you may have on clothes today, but do you have your spiritual warfare gear on? Its time out for showing up to war with nothing on; step into the ring with the full armor of God on, and fight back!! Stop allowing the enemy to plant seeds of destruction into your heart, but guard your heart by counteracting the negative seeds for God’s seeds which is the word of God(see Proverbs 4:23).

 A common example would be the enemy attacking you where your health is concern; “You will never get better,” “You should just give up and die.” “Who cares about you anyway?” Those thoughts are some of the famous words of the enemy. So in counteracting that negative thought you would find bible base scriptures in regards to healing. You must do your part by believing and confessing those scriptures over your life consistently and watch the power of change take effect in your life. On the other hand you can allow the enemy to plant negative seeds into your heart. With that the worries begin to increase, you begin to confess your worries, and by your confession your condition worsens. As my sister Real Talk with Nikki D would say: “the enemy wants your words” So watch what you say!! Speak life or death; it’s totally up to you. My friends never show up to a battle unprepared, but show up equip with the full armor of God… The Holy Spirit just spoke to me saying: “I never call the equip, I equip the called by armoring My people with the word of God.” So get armed with His word and watch the great manifestations happen in your life!! I love you all and continue to fight the good fight of faith!!  Be bless J

-PureEnlightenment 

Pull Up A Chair Let’s Talk!!

 Ok, so just last night I came across my vision broad from a year ago. In case you’re wondering what a vision broad is, it’s when you create a collage of words and images that helps you visualize your goals and dreams; you should try it with scripture Habakkuk 2:2 in mind.  To my surprise I was able to check some of the minor goals off; cutting my hair for example. Good news, Sunday was my last day on the 30 day Daniel Fast. I was so excited about me completing the fast!!! Now I’m in transition in incorporating meat back into my diet again; yay for Meatloaf!!  

So the reason I ask you to pull up a chair and lend me your ear, is to let you in on what’s been going on with me within the past week “post Fast.” So here goes, I am not a vivid dreamer, but each night for the past week I’ve had vivid dreams of me performing and acting. Acting was a desire of mind years ago, life got in the way, and my passion for acting was place on the back burner. 

Growing up my family and I loved watching movies, and still do even now!! When the latest VHS tape or DVD hit the stores, my mother was on it!!  It was so serious that our den had rows of VHS tapes wall to wall, with books of DVDs holders full; I believed we had more movies than family pictures (lol). My desire recently has been redirected to a long buried passion of mine; to become an actress!! I remember recently sitting on my couch and saying to God/myself: “Lord if I could just travel the world and act for You...” Then silence filled the room.

Have you ever been in a place to where a long buried desire(s) have resurfaced and intensified to the point where you can no longer deny that desire(s)?  Well my friend this is the battle happening inside of me as I write; I want to accomplish so many things!!! Have you ever been in a place to where you wanted to accomplish so many things all at once? For Example: become an actress, a photographer, a food critic, a blogger (wait I’ve done that alreadyJ), Singer (in need of a vocal coach), fashion designer (I have the name and a few sketched work), own a day Spa (I have the name and that’s it), the list can go on and on.

I absolutely love the Holy Spirit’s gentleness; He continues to remind me of the scripture Mark 9:23 “Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” So I prayed and ask the Lord what’s the next step(s) for me? So that I may seek out Your plan for my life (read Ask, Seek, Knock blog entry; it will help you seek out God's plan for your life). The Lord spoke to me with a gentle voice and said “Just use the resources around you.” The light bulb was immediately turned on!! Why didn’t I think of that? (Lol) So immediately I hopped on the internet and became Google smart of the resources surrounding me. My wheels begin to turn in my head as my fingers became one with the keyboard; I was on a safari hunt to my destiny.

 I hope your getting this!! “Use the resources around you!!” Whatever desire that the Lord has set a flame, start by using the resources around you. I finally came across a theater located in the heart of Tallahassee name; Tallahassee Little Theatre (http://tallahasseelittletheatre.org ). I did my research and found the volunteer coordinator and sent her an email. The very next day after work I took an early lunch and went down to tour the theatre; it was so exciting!! The journey has just begun; I will definitely update you on how it’s going with that. Now to photography!! I’ve been on the search for a cost effective beginner’s camera; what’s a photographer without a camera?  Please! Please! Help me! I need suggestions on a user friendly camera to start my journey on capturing the beauty around me. Shoot me an email at Mechelle.stokes@gmail.com or leave a comment with some tips. Thank you in advance J

Thank you all for your ears and suggestions!! I hope that the Lord in a way has spoken to your hearts concerning the desire(s) He has placed in you. Keep in mind that the world MUST see your talents. God Bless.

-PureEnlightenment

Monday Lunch Break Chat!!

ASK, SEEK, KNOCK

During my time of studying God’s word I received enlightenment on a scripture that we may all have heard of, or may know very well. Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Reading this passage of scripture several times, the Holy Spirit begins to reveal to me the process in which manifestation is released; Ask, Seek, Knock. Ask, and the plan will be given unto you; Seek the plan out and then you will find the door; Knock on the door of opportunity, and it will lead you to the manifestation of the plan. Some of you readers may have already received a plan(s) from God, but have yet to take His plan to the next level; which is seeking out His plan with action, and then your door of opportunity will appear!! OK, let’s recap: You have your God-given plan, and you sought out the tools and the cost of the plan, now the door of opportunity appears and stares you right in the face.

 “So what do you do next?” Here you are standing still with your book sack full of ideas and business plans, and you are allowing fear (false, evidence, appearing, real) to keep you from knocking on the door of opportunity. Wake up!! Tap into your Faith and strength to continue on by knocking on the door of your future. God sent me here to encourage you to not beat yourself up about not seeing any manifestation happening yet, just simply go to the next stage of God’s plan; Ask, Seek, Knock.  Ask for a plan, seek the wisdom and understanding as to how to carry out His plan, and make it to the finish line by knocking on the door of opportunity. And remember if the enemy tries to discourage you on not finishing strong, kindly skip down to verse 8 where it says: “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

Prayer: Father I pray for the readers who have taken heed to the words of you Lord. I thank you that they may be enlightened through your word; as they ask You for a plan, and seek You for wisdom and understanding. I pray that You will provide them with the door(s) of opportunity. I thank you Lord that you are faithful to reveal your perfect will in their lives this day. Through the blood of Jesus Christ I bind the spirit of fear over their lives, and release the power of Faith. I thank you Lord for the many testimonies that will spring forth from your revealed word, and I call it done in Jesus name Amen!!!

-PureEnlightenment