New Year | G I V E A W A Y

Happy New Year, everyone! I've been m.i.a. from the blog, but I wanted to come share something with you all. I'm doing my first giveaway & I'm really excited to share this with you all!

 

 

This devotional book is up for grabs! Here's how to win:

1. Female between the ages of 16-21
2. LIKE Be His Girl
3. SHARE this picture & state in 1-2 sentences what you think it means to "be His girl" or why this book would be beneficial to your journey with God. Make sure you include #behisgirl

Submissions end February 1st & the winner will be announced February 2nd!

Can't wait to share some new stuff with you all! Until then, grace & peace!

 

No Need to be Searchin'

"I'm done looking for my future someone. Cause when the time is right you'll be here..."

I have heard Dear No One by Tori Kelly a thousand times before, but for some particular reason, the song really hit me this day. At the end she said, "No need to be searchin'".

No need to be searchin'.

That one line pierced my heart. In that moment, I told God that I wouldn’t search for my future husband, but that I would trust the process. I haven't always trusted the process. There's been times where I've been lonely. Times where its like, "Okay God, why isn't any guy approaching me yet", and instead of waiting on Him, I took matters in my own hands. The enemy really had me believing that there was something wrong with me and waiting was just not worth it anymore! By not waiting, I faced a lot of hurt & pain that could have easily been avoided.

We have to be careful. Just because you're single does not mean there is something wrong with you. It simply means that God is saving you for His best & His best is worth waiting for! We have to know who we are & whose we are. Never settle or compromise because it seems like everyone around you is in a "happy" relationship. Never settle or compromise because you feel the urge to have sex. The enemy will dress up things & have you thinking that it's from God.

Newsflash: if it's not bringing you closer to God, it's not from Him!

The Bible says in Proverbs 18:22, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord". He who finds a wife. HE who finds a wife. Why are we searching in the first place, when the Word of God specifically tells us that it is not our place as women to search for our future spouse? What you looking for?! A lot of times we're so busy searching that we aren't preparing ourselves to be found. We're jumping from guy to guy hoping to find happiness, but end up finding bitterness and pain.

We have to be patient & allow God to be enough for us. The Lord is showing me that He knows exactly what I need, & in this season, He's just that. Ladies, we don't need a man, we need deeper fellowship with Christ. We don't need to be worried about if a guy loves us or not, we need to know & rely on the love of Christ.

One of my favorite scriptures from the Apostle Paul says, "An unmarried woman is concerned about the Lord's affairs: her aim is to be devoted to God in both body and spirit" (1 Corinthians 7:34).

Heart check: As single Christian women, are we concerned about the Lord's affairs, or are we just seeking after God to be married?

Are we really devoted to God, or are we more caught up in the idea of being married? I challenge us to stop worrying about when our husband is coming & really be concerned about the Lord's affairs. I believe that God desires to do amazing things for so many of us, but we can't see it because we're too busy searching for "Boaz". We have to diligently search for God the way we are searching for our future husband. Seek ye first the kingdom of God! If it is in God's will, your husband will come when the time is right, but for now, be devoted to the one who loves you the most.

So, I encourage us to stop focusing & searching for our future spouses. May we be embrace our singleness & use this time to glorify God. May be trust that He knows what's best for us & His ways are better than ours.

Grace & Peace,

The Importance of Friends.

We are the generation of "no friends" & we are quick to say, "I can do bad all by myself". Every time I get on social media, there's someone screaming about how they can't trust anyone or how they just stick to themselves because people aren't loyal everyone & blah blah blah. Yes, these things can be true, but if you plan to fully live for Christ, let me drop something on you....

YOU CANNOT DO IT ALONE!

You absolutely cannot do this alone. You might say, "Well, Jesus is with me Jamilya & He's all that I need!" Yes, Jesus is the key person that you need in your life, but even He recognized the importance of community while on this earth. Now when I say community, I'm not necessarily talking about the place where you live because as young people, we don't really have a say in that. What I mean is a group of people that hold each other accountable to reach a common or individual goals, a.k.a. your friends.  

As a young follower of Christ, it is important that you surround yourself with people whose main goal is to glorify God with their lives. If you are living for Him, but the folks in your community curse, party, have premarital sex, fight, etc., then you will struggle! Eventually you will conform to your surroundings when Jesus calls us to be not conformed (Romans 12:2). You must surround yourself with people that love God & that are serious about their relationship with Him. 

Some times it may seem a little difficult to find other young people that are souled out for Christ. I mean, at many times I felt like I was alone. That's what the enemy wants you to think. He wants you to think that no one is living for Christ, so that you can just go back to living for him. Yeah, he's crazy & he is a liar. You have to know that there are so many of us who love God & want to see Him glorified, but we have to be bold about it (Romans 1:16)! We were designed to help one another.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

In the Bible, Jesus had alone time with God, but many times we see Him with His disciples. When He ascended into Heaven, His disciples always traveled in pairs or groups. Why? Because there is strength in numbers! Whenever you feel weak or feel as though you don't have the strength to endure, those around you should be there to pray & hold you accountable. We have to change our mindset & know that we need each other. We need accountability. We need people that are going to push us closer to God. 

I challenge you to break out of your comfort zone & begin to ask God to surround you with people that are after His heart. Stop separating yourself thinking that you can hold yourself accountable! It doesn't work that way my friend. We all need somebody to lean on. I promise that if you ask, God will send you accountable, loyal & reliable friends that will push you closer to Him.

"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." (Proverbs 27:17)

If you need prayer or have any inquiries, send me an email at be_his_girl@yahoo.com or send a Facebook Message! 

You are NOT alone!

 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

I feel this so heavy in my spirit today. There are so many of you reading this who feel that you are alone. You feel as though no one cares. You're battling things such as depression and suicidal thoughts. I came to let you know that you don't have to stay where you are! God wants you to know that He loves & He is with you.
 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) 

He's calling you. Come! The same God that healed the sick & raised people from the dead thousands of years ago still has the power! He desires to heal you! He desires to free you from any heavy burden & any feelings of guilt & shame. Will you come? 

Lord, I thank you that You are God. I thank You that you care for & love Your children. I thank You that in You we have freedom. I come against the spirit of heaviness. I thank You that Your word promises us that if we cast our cares on You, You will care for us. Whatever it is that may be holding us bound, whether it is the opinion of others, the way we've been treated, whatever it is, God I pray that we hand it over to You! I come against the spirit of suicide in Jesus' name. I thank You that You are silencing the voice & lies of the enemy right now! I thank you that You have purpose for us on this earth. I thank You that the plans that You have for us will prosper us & not harm us. Lord, I thank You that our tomorrow doesn't look like today. Lord, You make all things better! I come against the spirit of depression. I thank You that brighter days are ahead. No longer will we sit in guilt & pain. God, I thank You that in Your presence in liberty. We are free in Jesus' name! Touch everyone that may be reading & dealing with these things. God, I know how they are feeling, but I thank You that Your love saved my life. I know that if You healed & delivered me, that You will do the same for my sisters & brothers. I thank you that from this day forward, we will cast our cares on You. I thank You that from this day forward, we will walk in the newness of Christ. I bless You, God & I seal this in Jesus' name, Amen.

I love you all dearly! If you have any prayer request, feel free to send them to be_his_girl@yahoo.com or send a message on Facebook. 

 

The Struggle with Sexual Immorality.

Sexual Immorality 

   It's something that many of us battle with on a day to day basis, but we rarely talk about it. Many of us are ashamed of what goes on in our minds or what we do when no one is around. We feel guilty and convicted when we watch pornography or when we are lusting after some one we just met. Some of us can even feel God watching, but the sin has such a grip on us that we don't know how to stop.

We lack self control.

   You desire to be free, but the enemy keeps convincing you that this is something that won't change. With tears streaming down your face you sing "Withholding Nothing" in church, but once the doors close, you still struggle. I know exactly how you feel, & I would like to share with you some things that has helped me overcome this very struggle.

1. Have Accountability

The enemy's desire is to make you feel embarrassed about your struggle, so you'll keep it to yourself. I know that from personal experience, but what I also know is that having someone who can hold you accountable helps. You shouldn't just talk to some random person about this. Pray & ask God to show you who to talk to. This person could be your youth pastor(s), a minister in your church, a friend who has a relationship with Christ, or a mentor. This person should check on you periodically, or that can monitor your phone/computer activity, and push you closer to Christ.

2. Daily Heart Checks

The Bible says in Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart in all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life". You have to guard your heart. You do this by monitoring what you watch, what you listen to and say. You can't expect to be freed from sexual immorality if you keep watching movies that are filled with sex. It doesn't work that way! You have to be careful in what you allow in your heart. Replace those movies with the Word of God. When you feel the urge to go back to your old habit(s), pray & start reading the Bible. This leads to my next point...

3. Stay in the Presence of God 

Stay at His feet! Everything that you need is in Jesus. Make spending time alone time with God a priority. Pray, fast & read the Bible. Don't stop pursing God because in His presence is freedom! During this time, pray & ask God to cleanse your heart and to fill you with His Holy Spirit. David cried in Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me". He prayed this to the Lord right after he had sexual relations with another man's wife. Even David, the man after God's own heart, struggled with sexual immorality! In his story we learn that he constantly sought God because he realized that he lacked self control. 

   God has so much more for you & He desires for you to walk to total freedom. Have faith & activate it by believing that you are free in Jesus name! Cling to the Lord & allow Holy Spirit to reside in your heart. Now, this might not be an overnight process & some days you will feel like giving up, but don't! Stay in the fight & know that it gets better. The more I keep my eyes on Jesus, the more that my desires become His. As long as I am seeking Him, I am able to say no to the enemy & walk right. You are not alone & this isn't something that you will have to deal with forever. God sees your heart & will help you. Be willing.

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

If you have any prayer requests, feel free to email them to be_his_girl@yahoo.com

 

Break the Silence | Time with GOD

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation." (Psalm 95:1)

  

I felt the Lord leading me to read Psalm 95 during Quiet Time, but something just didn't feel right. I read this so many times before & I felt like it was a mistake. I had such a hard time focusing & I just wanted to just give up. I began to pray, "Lord, why is this so hard? Why am I struggling to focus?" I sat silently hoping to hear from Him. He then said, "Open your mouth". I took a deep breath and started exalting Him.

"Lord, you are the King of Kings. You are Holy..." 

As I started saying these things, I couldn't stop & my mind was instantly focused on the Lord. All I had to do was open my mouth. Once I finished, He began to direct me back to verse one and two of Psalm 95.

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms." (Psalm 95:2)

He began to tell me that was what He wanted all along. He just wanted to hear from me. He didn't want just a quick prayer, or for me to just sit in silence, but He wanted me to come before His presence with thanksgiving. He desires that of you as well! When you come before the Lord, acknowledge His presence by sending a praise from your lips. It doesn't necessarily have to be a song, but you can just proclaim His goodness through words. When you declare who He is, you're letting your problems & the enemy know who is in control.

The devil tries so hard to keep us silent. He hates when we offer praise unto the Lord! Some of us have been letting the enemy keep us silent when the Lord has been waiting to hear from us. The devil knows that there is power in your tongue! He knows that if you keep calling on Jesus things will change in your life!

I know in Psalm 95:1 says "sing", and some of you may not feel that God doesn't want to hear you because you don't sound like Tasha Cobbs or William McDowell, but that's a lie from the enemy! God does not care how you sound, just as long as it is from a sincere & pure heart.

So, the next time you go to spend time with God, open your mouth & give Him praise! He loves when you talk to Him. Don't allow the enemy to keep you silent & from the presence of God. There is power in your praise & the enemy knows that! Break the silence & release your praise. In your praise, there is life. In your praise, there is breakthrough. In your praise, there is healing. God is waiting to hear from you. Will you break the silence?

 

Memorizing Scripture | My Journey + Tips!

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (Psalm 119:11)

   Hey everyone! Back in May, I felt the Lord pressing upon my heart to memorize His word. I would read His word daily during quiet time & use the S.O.A.P. method (Scripture, observations, application & prayer), but I needed more. 

   So, I decided to memorize a verse a day. I realized that two days later I had a hard time remembering that verse. I then decided to focus on a verse for two days & then move on to a new one. I started out strong, but I had my days where I didn't memorize anything. I've picked back up though & really desire to stay consistent through June & for the rest of the year. 

I'm striving to be more disciplined in my walk with Christ. 

   I've realized that as believers, some of us don't really know what we believe in. We have the basics down, but do we know the rest? Do we know what God thinks of profanity/cursing (Ephesians 4:29, James 3:9-12)? Do we know who are considered to be children of God (Romans 8:14-19)?  

"...and if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it." (1 Peter 3:15)

   I know some might say "But it's so boring" or "I don't understand it". Those excuses are no longer valid. Use a NLT or NIV Bible that will help you understand it more. Find creative ways to help you read/study the Word on Pinterest. Use your resources & definitely ask God to help you find joy in reading His word! It may be tough at first, but if you keep reading it, you'll find yourself in love with God's word. I'm learning that daily!

   As promised, here are a few ways that can help you with scripture memorization:

1) Write it on your hand 

I found this way on Instagram from one of my favorites, Ayanna @ayannazariya (follow her!). This way works best for me! I've had a lot of people look at me like I was crazy lol, but it really works. I write the first letter of each word along with the book, chapter & verse. I find this one most effective for me because I'm constantly using my hands.

2) Write it down

Along with writing it on my hand, I'll write the verse down on my dry erase board in my room. If you don't have a dry erase board, write it on a piece of paper & post it on a wall in your room. If you're constantly reading & seeing it, you will most likely remember it.

3) Read, Speak & Write It

I found this technique on Pinterest! Read the verse(s) 10 times, speak it 10 times & then write it 2 times. 

4) Use a Scripture Memorization App

I started using an app once & it worked for a bit. If you are a phone junkie, this is for you. I have an Android, so I used Bible Memory: Scripture Typer, which is available in the App Store iPhone users. It's free also, but you can purchase the premium version if you'd like.

5) Use Note/Index cards

Index cards are very light & easy to carry around. You could use the hand technique above or write out the full scripture & read it whenever you have free time. Index cards are inexpensive also! You can get them 2/$1 at Dollar General or for $1 at Walmart!

I hope that you all find these helpful! I believe that God desires for us to know more about His word & what it says concerning us, even as teens & young adults. If you have any other tips, feel free to share them with us in the comments! 

Grace & Peace,