Greetings and Happy New Year! Time truly waits for no one. I am currently in the middle of a class and have only one more to go before I graduate. Pursuing a Master of Science Degree is no joke. Much is required and there has to be discipline and committment. In addition to these last two classes, I have a research paper due. My topic of research is The Impact of Urban Renewal and it has been very interesting.

I hope all is well with you. I apologize for not being able to take the time to leave written communication, but I promise I will resume on a regular basis after graduation in May. I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far. Out of the eleven classes, I have earned A (8) and B (3). To God be he glory!

In the midst of full-time work and full-time school, I have still taken on a few speaking engagements. My latest was during the Kwaanza celebration at the YMI and I am tentatively scheduled to speak at the Dianne Wortham Theatre on program with author, Mindy Fullilove, M.D. - book title Root Shock. The program is scheduled for Saturday, February 28...so keep me in prayer.

February truly adds more business to my schedule. My husband's birthday, my birthday, and our anniversary. In addtion, the trail of my 15 year old murded relative starts on February 16 - so please be in prayer with and for my family and me, as well as the 19 year old murderer. It is most appreciated.

Thank you so much for your time, prayers, and attention. May God continue to bless you and your family with his strength, power, authority, and love. Remember God loves you!

Maintaining a spiritual focus has allowed my strength to endure and overcome trails and tribulations. I invite you to meditate on the thought of the month provided by:

Rev. Wayne and Andrea Purcell
The Word Made Truth Ministry
76 Livingston Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801

(828) 279-8562

Rev. Wayne and Andrea Purcell also have a prison ministry. Please feel free to ask questions pertaining to the thought of the month.

This month we have the blessing of receiving our thought of the month by the son of Rev. Wayne and Minister Andreat Purdell - Kinglee O. Purcell

Four Steps to Letting God through the door of your Heart

Use S.O.A.P.

Scripture

Observation

Application

Prayer

God told Adam and Eve in the Garden not to eat of a particular tree. Instead, they chose to do it their way and placed their will ahead of God’s. And by taking control they fell short of God’s desire. We must ask ourselves is our will before His?

Here are four steps that can lead us closer to a purpose driven life:

1. Scripture is the bread of life to a Christian.

Our bodies need food for energy. A car needs fuel for energy. As Christians we need scriptures for our spiritual food each day, feeding our mind, body, and soul.

Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Take the time to set a personal connection with God by reading his word. Select a handful of verses and read it once, twice, and one more time for good measure. You will be amazed to find just how rich and deep a verse can be.

2. Observe what you are feeling.

No matter how busy we become, we must set aside that precious time where we can enter the presence of God. To enter the presence of God is simply to find that quiet place where we can observe and think about and chew on the read scripture. And most importantly, in that quiet place we can listen to his gentle whisper. God desires to give us clear direction today.

1 Kings 19: 11-13

“Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face.”

3. Apply the scripture.

Live the scripture. This is not always easy because often time we can be tested the minute we walk outside our home. I remember once feeling very centered and at peace after reading scripture. Then less than five minutes after leaving my home I find myself in a shouting argument with a car that had cut me off. Later, I felt kind of bad that I failed my first test.

God has gifted us scripture designed to make us better and stronger Christians. So, even when we fail the very first test, repent, and get back on the path!

Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light unto the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men.

4. Improve the time you spend with God in prayer.

Are you too busy to pray? If so, think about the time spent surfing the net, texting, listening to a song, watching the boob tube. Now what if you set your cell phone alarm for prayer? Or before you get out of your car for work thanking Him for allowing you to reach your destination? There is always time for prayer. It is simply a matter of being conscious as to when to pray. Be creative and make little reminders around you – prayer time. Change it up sometime and just offer a prayer of gratitude. Let’s spice up our prayer life!

Matthew 6:6

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your father who is in the secret place, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

IN CONCLUSION

Does God have the key to your heart? Or do you? If you are clutching that key turn it over to Him. After bacon and eggs, have a second helping of a spiritual breakfast. Use S.O.A.P. to cleanse your hands of the world and enter that quiet place and the presence of God. Let us challenge ourselves to live with scripture on the tip of our tongue and move in the direction of a person prayed up.

Prayer-

Thank you for this moment, father. Thank you for the scriptures I have read. I ask that you reveal to me its inner truth, and in doing so, help me apply it to my daily life. Put your hand upon me. Open up my heart that I may have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hands to feel. I smile knowing you are in my presence. Bless me and my family indeed this day. Thank you.

Amen.