E.T.Q.W INT'L NETWORK INC

Many times we allow what we are going through to have its control over us.  Instead of us trusting in God and holding fast to what the Word says over us.  We give in to the peer pressure, the attacks of the enemy, the lusts, the depression, the suicidal thoughts and the hiccups in life to conform our thinking. Instead of us renewing our mind and transforming our ways to be more like Him.  Through this isolation time God has given us an opportunity to be transparent, repent, and confess about secret sins and deceitful ways that have kept us living in bondage which keeps us captive.  How can we see a brighter day when we are still holding on to negative thoughts from our past, humiliation and shame?  That is not the prosperous life!  It is a life of bondage.  God wants you FREE!  It is not easy to deviate from your past but it is necessary.  It is going to cost some relationships, some sacrifices, some isolation and recalculations.  But it will be well worth it when you get Free.  Christ has come to set you free but you must make up in your mind and believe that You are truly Free and deserve to walk in Freedom.  

There's so much going on in the world today that it is imperative to be in the right place. We don't want  to miss what God has set up for us.  So, make sure that you are tuning out any voices that are contrary to the voice of God.  You may ask, "How do I know that it is the voice of God?"  When it lines up with His Word.  God desires for us to be lenders and not borrowers, the head and not the tail,  above and not beneath.  There are more promises that are stored for us if we obey Him.  But many times we move to quickly and are misled by our own lusts.  This can open the door to many other things that take us away from that which God has made us stewards of such as our family, ministries and purpose.  When we are led astray it causes so much pain and unneeded stress that was never intended for us to go through.  So let's eliminate the stress and grow closer to God while reading His word to distinguish God's voice from the rest.  Let's make sure to listen closely and take the time to weigh the cost of what you're doing in this season.   So that you don't cause any pain or strain on your family.  Also that you can reap the benefits of things when they are opened because of your willingness to wait on God and obey.  

It is imperative during these times that we do not forget to stay positive. But that we stay hopeful and in expectation of what God wants to do in our life.  In order to do so we have to wake up with thanksgiving in our heart to God.  We have to make up in our mind to not place more thought on what is going wrong than what is happening right.  I understand it is in our human nature to think on all the things that are going wrong-joblessness, businesses closing, schools on digital learning, bills piling up, and COVID19.  Yes, these things are real but they shouldn't be our focus.  We have to put these things in perspective.  We pray first -ask God, then if married discuss with spouse and create a plan.  We can not dwell on those negative things.  But, admit that they are there and then give them over to God.  We shouldn't dwell on and or blame yourself or one another in a marriage or to dwell on how it happened and what you did not do or did do.  Ask for forgiveness from God or your spouse and yourself.  But don't magnify those issues but to magnify the positive.  Start celebrating those great things in your life in a big way and use them to help you deal with those negative issues or concerns that are stalking you to get your attention.  I am not saying to deal with them. But what I am saying is to put them in their place, don't let them steal all the shine in your life. Magnify the Positive to Alleviate the Negative in your life!  Then watch how your health, relationships, and finances will change and get better over time. 

Many times in life we get upset about the tragedy that is facing us or the tribulation that we are going through.  But all the while it is preparing us for the position that God has preordained before the foundations of the world.  If God was to tell us everything, we would not do it.  We would therefore abandon the assignment that God has set for us to accomplish in the Earth.  So it is imperative that we learn how to trust God and believe that His Will will be done in our lives. We have to remember that it is not to hurt us but to shape us.  It is all for His Purpose and for His Good.  Let Him have His perfect work in you in Jesus Name.  

Where is God? What is going on? Why is this happening? Today is not a time to question God but to seek Him. This did not surprise Him nor throw Him off schedule. He framed the world and spoke everything into existence. He is not sleeping but still working miracles even now in the midst. Yet we have to choose to see, hear and believe. We have to understand that in the world we will have trouble yet God is still with us. So be encouraged today, and know He's not sleep but alive. He is covering you and hiding others. He is still awake and His remnant is still on the wall praying and fasting.  Therefore the earth will not be overtaken.So have rest in Him and know that His Word still works. God never sleeps nor slumbers. Arise and don't give up! Keep the Faith and keep walking in wisdom and just believe. 

Who are you reaching back to help pull up? It is so important that we realize that life doesn't last forever.  But we need to consider what we would like people to remember about us.  Especially those who are close to us.  We need to ensure that they have something that they can build on to and embrace to continue the family's  name,that families may become stronger.  So this is a question that we need to ask ourselves-why we are doing what we're doing?  Also what is the purpose of it and how is it going to help other people.  This can set the tone to ensuring that your legacy continues .  Therefore giving those who are carrying your legacy confidence and a great foundation to ensure that success is passed down for generations.  It's all about making sure the next generation does not fail and quits in life but has something to start on.  Let's make sure as the leaders and parents for our children and  those coming behind us to share and spread the wisdom and knowledge on how to carry and further expand the vision so it can continue to grow and prosper in it.   Let's make sure that while you are still alive to reach back and pull them forward to see how you do what you do and make what you're doing work as teachable moments.  They need us and we them so our names will not end with us but carry on with them and their kids that they may be set up and set back.  So, let's keep reaching back and pull our future generation forward to help them to learn and grow with us that our nation may continue to thrive and not just survive.

What are you looking at?  Why are you stuck?  Where are you going?  Many times we forget that we are going somewhere.  We forget that we have to stop allowing what we see to get the best of us and get us off focused for what God has predestined for us.  We are looking at the wrong things instead of keeping our eyes on God. There are so many distractions today that can misguide us into the path that God has set out for us.  It is so important that we don't allow those distractions to carry us away from the purpose that God has placed in our hearts.  We must take a moment to eliminate the clutter and remove the scales and fix our eyes on our maker, the Lord God who made everything.  He never fails and will never leave us alone.  He is capable and able to pull us through every storm.  Therefore I am reminded of the story of Peter, when Jesus told him to come.  He began to walk but then began to sink because he took his eyes off of Him.  We must not get sidetracked in this way.  But remember the promises of His Word how He never fails and will never turn away from us.  He loves us so much and we must remember He is not out to get us but to help us to overcome.  

As I think about this statement, I think of the many opportunities that God has brought before us that we miss out on because of fear,grief, worry, stress and or the past.  We allow those things to speak louder than the power that is within us.  God first has redeemed us from the law of sin and death through Jesus.  When Jesus left then we were given the Holy Spirit as our comforter, strength, helper, guide to enable us to walk out the task that God sets before us.  Therefore if He allowed anything to occur in our lives, it is apart of the divine plan of God for our lives that either taught us something or blessed us with something.  So we can conclude that failing is off the table because we turn to the scripture, Romans 8:28-All things work together for the good of them that love God.  When we trust God and allow Him to be Lord and repent of our sins those failures turn into learning experiences and stepping stones that lead to victories.  God always uses our past to mount us up and use it for our good.  But we must abide in Him and allow Him to change our story.  When we turn to God and test His Word then we can not Fail.  We are forever Victorious!

What are you doing?  Why are you doing it?  Where are you going? How are you going to get through it?   These are questions that we all are facing in one way or another.  You are not alone.  There is an adversary that is lurking to and fro trying to kill, steal and destroy.  But God says He came that we may have life and that much more abundantly.  The devil can not do anything to us when we realize we have authority and speak the Word of God.  We have to remember that God has given us power through the Holy Spirit to withstand against the enemy.  We have to stop and realize that greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world.  Therefore we do not worry, fear, get depressed or cave in and quit.  Instead we count it all joy because we know that in the end we win.  The ultimate prices has been paid.  Jesus bore it all on the cross.  So we are no longer bound by the cares of this world but are free.  We just have to seize hold of our Freedom and rest in the fact that the Fight is fixed.  

Yes, I can but there are many of our sisters and brothers' lives that were taken and lost too soon. What does this phrase mean today? Everything. We have people suffering of COVID-19 and another black man dead in the street held down by a white officer's knee.  It was just last week that a similar crime took place before our eyes.  When is enough, enough?  When do we come together as a nation and fight for one another.  I could imagine how our black men feel and our sons are hurting.  They are angry and tormented with fear on how to live in this place called America -home of the free and home of the brave. So they are crying out and are filled with such rage that they can't stay silent but need to react and show how they feel.  Are they right in reacting, looting, and setting flames? No but how they feel-yes. I am reminded that the Word of God says to be angry but sin not.  How do we help our young people face the pain and deal with the strain of living Black in America today. We have an obligation to cover them in prayer and ask the Lord to convict and turn the hearts of those who are filled with hatred over  to God. Most of all let us educacte our sons and daughters to understand that everyone is not kind, loving and tenderhearted.  We have to train them on how to deal with hatred, and love anyway yet fight peacefully by joining grassroots organizations that are willing to go in the community to ensure that the voices of people are heard and aware of their rights as US citizens.Let us take the breath that we have to continue to server and ensure that all people are treated equally.

There are so many changes taking place right now.  But do not get overwhelmed, this is all for our safety and awareness of the things that happened in this world.  Although, it may appear that everything is back to normal, do not forget the seriousness of that which we have come out of and the lives that were lost.  
During this transition, it reminds me of times after funerals where we  separate afterwards and go back home.  We go back into our reality while there are others who are suffering.  During this time as we get back into our routines let us not forget the many families that are still grieving.  This pandemic swept through our land so quickly.  But made us see the importance of family and time.  So I know it may be frustrating in this  "New Normal"  but it is all for caution and safety of mankind.  This is all working together for our good.  It taught us how to be more considerate of spending, saving, investing, and equality.  In this pandemic everyone was hurting and losing at times.  We all could relate in some way, shape or form.  We felt a sense of togetherness.  It was sad yet reassuring to know that my neighbor could understand and hold no grudge.  It was beautiful in a way-the togetherness and love being shown.  So let us hold on to those memories and cherish this New Normal as a transition into a better world for all people.  Let us not forget the poor, the abused and the grieving.  But embrace them and keep them in our hearts and minds as we are all entering this New Normal way of living.

During these times, you may feel consumed and overwhelmed with all the pandemic news.  At times your mind is racing and worried whether or not you were susceptible to the disease.  You are worried whether or not you will go back to work or if your business will survive or thrive during this time.  When do you find the time to Breathe?  When do you realize that it's time to withdraw from the news and the chaos of the whole pandemic?  Do you wait until you are emotionally bankrupt and can't give to those who are closest to you?  Do you wait until have a nervous breakdown?  No, please JUST BREATHE!  Please do not wait until those moments.  It is important that you refrain from consuming an overhaul of the news and learn how to walk away and Trust God.  I am reminded that after you done all you can do, then you have to stand.  What are you standing on?  I am glad you asked.  Stand on the Word of God that says, "Greater is He that is in You than He that is in the world.", the Word that says, " No plague shall come nigh your dwelling". It is time to use your weapon found in the Word of God and JUST BREATHE.  We have a guarantee found in the Word of God that reminds us that we don't have to fear, worry or doubt.  God will not fail and His Word will not return empty.  He promised never to leave us nor forsake us.  JUST BREATHE!  Go ahead try it again, inhale and exhale and repeat.  Then pray:
Lord thank you for your Word that is my guarantee that nothing is going to happen to me.  Lord I thank you that you are with me.  I thank  you for covering my mind and my body.  I thank you for covering my family.  I thank you that "No Weapon formed against me shall prosper in Jesus Name.