I’m so so happy this weather is breaking, and that we are beginning to feel that spring is actually upon us. My calendar was saying one thing, but dealing with all the snow and ice was sure saying something else, not to mention those frigid temperatures was making me feel another. Moving from winter to spring is a welcomed transition for most of us I’m sure. I’ve decided to make a slight transition in the name of my blog – I’m now officially calling the blog Saintly Style. Still my personal church flow will be noted, but I’ll also be featuring the style of other folks whether fashion or their lifestyles. So take a look at this beautiful saint below, Sister Felicia Matthews at Evangel Cathedral. Her colors were a refreshing burst of spring, I love the pop of pink on her lips contrasted with the kelly green color she was wearing. I think I'm a little biased though, my sorority colors are pink & green! In any case, such nice compliments on Felicia and an even nicer transition into spring, especially compared to my wintery, somber black and grey, LOL!
She credited her Jacket and Jumper from Nordstrom and her Shoes DSW.
Transitioning right along, you guys can probably tell I love T-shirts (#TeeParty), for those of you that aren’t aware, I recently launched a T-shirt collection passionately called, “Wardrobe Hustle” (click link to view) inspired by what I do and how I do it, as a professional wardrobe stylist. Although the tee I’m wearing isn’t one from my collection, I especially love it because it speaks volumes to who I am. Sunday’s message delivered by Elder Kevin Matthews titled, “We Have a Guaranteed Contract” also spoke volumes to that Spiritual Gangster in me.
My #WardrobeHustle Suit Jacket & Pants: BBCG Max Azria, Tee: Spiritual Gangster, Faux Fur Jacket: Mossimo, Shoes: Truth Or Dare
Purse: Tory Burch
He began by referencing the lucrative sports contracts held by some well-known athletes, specifically Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer and basketball superstar Lebron James. In essence, regardless of whether they get hurt, sit on the bench or whatever, it doesn’t make a difference, they’ll still get paid because they have guaranteed contracts. He said after he sat back and thought about the huge dollar amounts of these players’ contracts that are just given, Elder Kevin was like, “Man.” He went on to say that God spoke to him that he too has a guaranteed contract, and He wanted him to remind His people that we likewise have a guaranteed contract (written or expressed agreement and commitment made in the form of a promise). If you’re in Christ, then you’re Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. The promise was not only for Abraham but the Gentiles as well – hello somebody – Gal 3:14! Note: the Abrahamic Covenant is distinctly a covenant of blessing. Although the enemy would try to deceive us into doubting and thinking that mistakes, missing the mark or life’s circumstances forfeits the promises of the contract (synonymous with covenant) - Gal 3:15-18. Nope, not the case. The covenant or contract that we have has been sealed through the blood of Jesus, who is our advocate with the Father. So if we fall short, we can confess our sins and He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin. The bottom line, God made for provision in the contract for our shortcomings. This was once a major stronghold for me, until I learned to fully acknowledge God’s grace and embrace it for my life. And I also began to realize that the Holy Spirit is not offended by weaknesses, as I release them to Him and trust that His grace is sufficient for me and that in my weakness, His strength is made perfect.
So when the adversary (whether internal or external) tries to come against us, attack us or hinder us in various areas of our lives, we have to remind the enemy and ourselves that we have a guaranteed contract. We need to pull out the contract and bring God in remembrance of it, letting Him know that this is the deal HE made with us as believers in Christ. When God makes a contract, He confirms it with an oath. We know an oath is a solid affirmation of one’s word, binding them to that word. Since He made an oath it is therefore irrevocable and God cannot lie. Because God confirmed the oath by Himself, it cannot be altered, neither can it be cancelled- Heb 6:13-18. Moreover, when you feel and know that you've been doing everything according to His will by His grace and nothing seems to be going right, don’t feel like God has forgotten you or feel like your prayers are going unheard. God is not unjust, He has not forgotten us, neither our righteousness, nor our faithfulness to Him and others - Heb 6:10. Once God makes a covenant or promise, He doesn’t forget, negate or neglect it. He will always follow through – Deut 7:9. The God we serve is a covenant making, covenant keeping and covenant enabling God.
Within the covenant there are articles that specify the terms & agreements and how the benefits are going to be laid out for us - Gen 12:2-3. We have to remind God and ourselves that the blessings of Abraham is on our lives, because once again, we are the seed of Abraham and heirs according to the promise, by faith - Gal 3:14. And as the seed of Abraham we are not only entitled to new covenant blessings but to those that are of the Law in the old as well, because we're in Christ - Deut 28: 1-14. Put it in the atmosphere, how blessed you are because of whose we are. When we start saying the right things, the right things will happen. Where the focus goes, the power flows – don’t give any power to the wrong things! Not only do we have to be vigilant with the enemy and put him on notice, but we have to be bold and vocal with God. Bring everything He’s promised, in our contract, back to Him. After all HE’s the one that gave the contract, it’s HIS promise and since He can’t lie, it’s a done deal. Be aggressive and pull that Word out and commence to reminding God about a few things. God has people looking out for us that we’re not even aware of and not to mention the angelic host on assignment for us. In the words of Dr. Medina Pullings, "All of Heaven is on your side!" There is more with us, than there are with them - 2 Kings 6:16, HALLUEJUAH!!!
DO NOT keep silent saints, give God no rest – Is 62:6-7 (read in AMP & NJV). Remember, this earth wasn’t formed until God began to SPEAK. Put the demand on God vocally. SPEAK, “I got a contract.” SPEAK it into existence. Dare Him. God instructed us in Isaiah 62 to not get quiet and to give Him no rest, but to hold Him to what He promised and until He establishes us. The Kingdom of God suffers violence and the violet must take it by force. Get Gangster peeps. We got to be Spiritual Gangsters, demanding and expecting what’s rightfully ours because in Christ we became Abraham’s seed and if we’re his seed, that contract and all its benefits, is GURANTEED! It’s like money in the bank and it’s even better than Lebron’s. Don't get me wrong cuz I'm not saying that God is some big slot machine in the sky, but I want mine saints! No hype, all biblical truth! Read, see and claim for yourself. Now that’s some Gangster #SaintlyStyle for you!
Stay Tuned New Blog Series Coming - Transforming Style From the Inside Out: Women of Faith & Style