I feel prompted by God to write a devotional some day with many reflections and devotions written for many verses.  I enjoy being creative, encouraging, and sharing my love of God.  I believe that God will use that in a devotional that I write.  In the meantime, I hope to share some of the first drafts of devotions/reflections God has prompted me to write.
     Today's devotion comes from 1 Peter 2:15.  And, in an unsettled world of division, riots, pandemics, questions, violence, God's words in 1 Peter 2:15 are needed.  Here are my thoughts.  What are your thoughts?  Please, leave me a comment.  (And...kindness counts.  LOL!)

“For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:”
                                                                                  1 Peter 2:15 (KJV)
 
     Sometimes, God’s will doesn’t seem clear to me.  I wonder if it is my will, God’s will, or the devil’s will when I think I am to do something.  I find it easier when God spells it out for me and tells me His will directly.  How much clearer can we get when the verse starts out by saying, “For so is the will of God…” Yep!  It is very clear.  That means I need to listen and to do this.
     There are always going to be controversial issues and questions about what we should believe or do.  The answers are often confusing and unclear.  Yet, sometimes God makes His will very clear.  He gives us the answers.
     In the verses just prior to this one, we are called to not only follow God’s law, but to follow man’s law as well for God’s sake.”  (1 Peter 2:13-14) Okay, I know what you are probably thinking.  Why are we being called to submit to man’s law as well as God’s law?  What if they are different?  And, why would it be for God’s sake that we do it?  What does this all mean? 
     I think the short answer to all these questions is that God doesn’t want people to think that His people are rebels, violent people, troublemakers, bullies, or anything of the sort.  So, for His sake, follow the laws of the land as well as His laws.  God uses “good” rulers as well as “bad” rulers to get His point across. 
     Also, if you are doing what is right, following the law, following God’s will, it will make it clearer for those who are uncertain to know which side God is on and what they should do.  Your good actions will be like a beacon to those who are not sure what to do.  They will see the peace, the obedience, the love, the kindness, the faith, the direction… that you have and they will know what to do.  The goodness that you are doing for God and the goodness that God is doing through you and through your obedience, will overpower those who are rebelling and rioting against the laws of man and God.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
                                                                                      1 John 4:4 (KJV)
 
     Have you ever heard it said, “We are the Smiths and the Smith family doesn’t give up” or something like that?  I have seen it in movies.  There is something empowering about knowing and appreciating your roots.  Maybe this is why the Bible is big on showing lineage, even though the names are so difficult to pronounce and the people lived long, long ago.  It is reassuring to know where you come from and know where you belong.
     The first four words of this verse are powerful; “Ye are of God.”  Yes, God thought you up, formed you, and created you, giving you life.  It wasn’t the tooth fairy or the Easter bunny, Santa Claus, or even your parents who gave you life.  It was God! God created you with all your unique qualities. 
     However, the deeper meaning in the verse comes later; “…because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”  We are not only of God, but also in the family of Christian believers.  We seek and listen to the Holy Spirit who lives within us. 
     This whole verse is meant as encouragement.  We are children of God!  Yay!  We don’t have stickers on us saying we were made in this country or that country.  God, himself, made us from heaven.  He made us uniquely with our special talents, features, body, spirit, skills, strengths, weaknesses, and outlooks on life.  We may or may not understand why we are made the way we are, but suffice it to say that it is all for God’s glory and he loves us.
     God knew there would be days when we would be frightened, worried, overwhelmed, discouraged, and depressed.  This verse is meant to reassure us that no matter what Satan is doing in the world, no matter what the antichrist is trying to tell you, no matter how many negative people around your or negative thoughts in your mind try to bring you down, the voice of the Holy Spirit within you is stronger than any voice you may hear in your mind or in the world around you.  So…. let’s all say, “Praise God!”
      

     Hi everyone!  It has been a while.  Recently, I started writing devotions again.  I thought I would share with you my latest devotion.  Please, feel free to let me know what you think.  I do appreciate any and all feedback.  Thank you.  God bless!  <3



  “Be not overcome of evil, but               overcome evil with good.”
                                              Romans 12:21 (KJV)
 
     There is so much evil and unkindness in the world today.  It is tempting to push back when someone pushes you, hurt back when someone hurts you.  Sometimes our emotions get the better of us and that is exactly what we do.  We strike back.  Or, if we have been hurt time and time again, we might try playing the bully and hurting others before they get a chance to hurt us.
     However, we are called to replace that hurt with kindness.  We are called to remember our ultimate role model, Jesus, and treat people the way he did.  Jesus never struck anyone. He always showed kindness to others, even as others were not kind to him.  Jesus, the Son of God, in the form of man, taught us how to treat others and how to overcome evil.
     There may be many reasons for this request.  First of all, who wants more violence or evil in the world?  If we can replace evil or overcome it with good, that is wonderful.  The world will be a better place.  Yet, it goes beyond that.  We want to be saved.  We want to spend everlasting life with God.  We want to honor and thank God for saving us, so we want to be as like Jesus as we possibly can.  This is one way to show it.  Although, I think it even goes further than that.  I think we are called to overcome evil with good, so that others can see Jesus’ example and God within us, so that they can desire to do the same.
     I think it is important to realize that what we do, say, and believe have a rippling effect to many others.  We might not even know all those that an action or inaction may effect.  We are called to send out a rippling of prayer, encouragement, kindness, understanding, and love to others.
 
Heavenly Father,
     Thank you for showing me how to act, feel, pray, give, serve, and love through the example of your Son, Jesus.  Help me to follow his holy example and overcome evil with good.  Help me to turn the other cheek on the evil that is done to me and to others.  Give me the courage and knowledge to be a role model of your love and your word in all that I do.  I ask you this through your Son, Jesus.  Amen.

Hi, everyone,
 
     Let me tell you something wonderful!  God gave me an “Ah-ha moment” and a wonderful message through a Jennifer Allwood.  I can’t say how blessed I feel with this message!  So, you will notice a shift in DUO Inspirations; how it is promoted, how it is framed, and how it is measured. 
 
DUO Inspirations is still…
     DUO Inspirations will still have the same God-inspired products and services.  No, I am not saying religious.  I am saying that God has inspired me to create, sell, or offer products and services based upon my talents and interests, as well as your needs and wants.  How wonderful!  Win/win!!!
 
Changes in DUO Inspirations…
     So, what is this “Ah-ha moment” and message with which God blessed me?  Here it is:  DUO Inspirations is not just another business.  It isn’t about getting likes on Facebook, it isn’t about selling products and services, it isn’t about numbers, and it isn’t just some cold, calculating way to build a following.   DUO Inspirations is more about building a community, to serve that community and to serve Him!  Why?  DUO Inspirations is a business about serving people and serving God, because I am called to serve people and serve God.  Even if there was no DUO Inspirations, I would still be called to serve people and serve God.
 
I have a good heart, but I was going about building DUO Inspirations all wrong.
     I used to think that if I just show people my products and send them to my website, they will buy.  I made the products with love.  I provided my services with love.  I truly care about people and want to help.  However, that wasn’t the way I was promoting DUO Inspirations.  I thought that if I have more likes to my page, more people would see and like what I have to offer.  Nope, one doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the other. 
 
Am I building a community just to get more business?
     No, I am not building a community just to get more business.  I genuinely care about people.  I used to hate promoting.  Why?  I used to think that I am tooting my own horn or always saying… “Come see what I did.  Look at this.”  That was never me.  I can get excited about gathering a group of people and creating a community.  I like to inspire and be inspired, I like to encourage and be encouraged, I like to help and be helped, I like to educate and to learn, I like to share my faith, and I like to glorify God by using the talents and interests that He gave me!  Now, I enjoy telling people about DUO Inspirations and what God has called me to do!  I will continue to create products and services that are God-inspired.  If you are interested, wonderful!  If not, you are still valued.  You can still be a part of the DUO Family!
 
What are your thoughts?
     I am happy to hear your thoughts!  Please, leave me a comment below or feel free to contact me.  And, if you want to become part of the DUO Inspirations community, click like or follow on the DUO Inspirations’ Facebook page.  Thank you.  God bless!

Hi Everyone!
 
Happy New Year to all of you!  2019 is going to be a great year!  I am so excited!  Can you tell?  LOL!
 
For me, 2019 will be a year of reaching outside of my comfort zone and of success.  I believe God has been preparing me to move up to the next level.  The more I trust in Him, the more I seem to flourish.
 
Even though I know that it is good to do, I sometimes find it difficult to trust in God and to move outside of my comfort zone.  I have the negative thoughts telling me that I can’t do something or that I will waste something or ruin it if I try.  It is not that I don’t want to trust in God, but more that it just doesn’t seem that easy.
 
In 2018, some of my outside of my comfort zone moments included doing a Facebook Live, painting for the first time, and wood burning a sign for someone as a gift.  (This hummingbird painting is my very first painting.)  There were others as well.
 
Now, I am more determined than ever to put my trust in God and move outside of my comfort zone more often.  I am really looking forward to trying new things, doing more things, and being thankful for all of it. 
 
There are so many new things happening with DUO Inspirations.  There will be new products, new services, DUO Parties, and probably some things I haven’t even thought of yet. 
 
God has been gracious with me.  I thank Him and praise Him for the blessings He shares with me.  I also thank all of you for your support and kindness. I welcome you to join me.
 
May you trust in God and let him bless you this year!

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What have you done or been wanting to do outside of your comfort zone lately?  Feel free to comment below.  I would enjoy hearing your thoughts.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

                                                                       Galatians 6:9-10 (KJV)

     Have you ever had those times when you do good, and do good, and do good, and feel like you aren’t making any progress?  You are nice to other people, but nobody seems nice to you.  Other people are “getting ahead,” but you are going nowhere.  And, you wonder if the old saying of “the good guys finish last” is true?  Then, you wonder if you shouldn’t bend your values and your kindness a little, so you can get ahead too.
     I think many people have been to this spot.  Should we bend our values, give up, or keep going and hope?  God answers our question in Galatians 6:9-10.   Keep going!  Do well and don’t give up.  If you don’t get tired, if you don’t stop, if you don’t give up, if you don’t bend your values, then you will be rewarded. 
     It is this message that led me to keep going with my business, DUO Inspirations.    I was frustrated that I wasn’t getting the amount of sales I wanted or the exposure and following I wanted.  I was thinking about giving up or taking short cuts that I didn’t believe in to get more views and more likes.  However, God gave me this message and I held it close to my heart. 
     This year is already looking more exciting than previous years.  I can’t wait to see the rest of the year, not only in business, but in other areas of my life as well.     

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
                                              Romans 5:2-5 (KJV)

 
                                                                                                        

     God has been prompting me to take my tribulations with grace lately.  LOL.  Hmmm.  He must be telling me that I complain and worry too much.  So, I have obediently been trying to take my troubles with grace and trying not to worry or complain with each obstacle or disappointment in life. 
     I put on my happy face and things are going well for the first obstacle, and the second, and the third.  So far they are only little things.  I may normally get a little annoyed or discouraged with these things, but so far I am able to keep my happy face.   I am feeling really good.  I am thinking to myself, “Hmmm.  Yes, taking tribulations with grace really helps.  God has something here with this attitude.”
     Then, my back starts to hurt.  I am good at first.  I smile and know that it will get better soon.  Other small tribulations come up and I try to smile.  At this point, I am thinking, “Hmmm.  Okay God, I know you said to take tribulations with grace, but after a while, it doesn’t get so easy. “  I joke about it with a friend and say, “Maybe God is trying to give me a lot of practice.  LOL.”
     My back still hurts.  It is starting to weigh on me physically and emotionally.  It is difficult to do things with a sore back and not being able to do things isn’t very fun.  I am not able to help my husband, as I want at the moment.  I am not able to be as productive with my business as I would like to be at the moment.  This is starting to bring negative thoughts and questions.  I have been complaining some.  It isn’t easy.
     Thankfully, spiritually I am doing okay, because I know that God will give me what I need at the time I need it.  I know that God will overpower even my negative thoughts and my complaining at some point. 
     I have been thinking about the elderly and other people who suffer with chronic pain and how they must feel.  I am sure it is a thousand times worse than what I am experiencing.  I think that maybe the back pain might be a lesson that helps me care for others better and feel more compassion.  It could be a result of me not treating my body well and it is a lesson to teach me to treat my body better. 
     So, what is the message?  You got it!  “Take tribulations with grace.”  I am thankfully God is merciful, because I still need practice with that one.  But… I will try.  LOL.


P.S.- Please pray for healing in my back and my attitude, so that I can "take tribulations with grace."  Thank you.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
                                                            Colossians 3:15-17 (KJV)

     Reading this passage, I think of it as a formula for a happy life.  And, no, it doesn’t talk about being rich or being able to go buy anything you would like.  After all, as the saying goes, “money can’t buy happiness.”  It does speak of things much more important than riches:  peace, wisdom, singing, grace, fellowship, friendship, and giving thanks to God.   Do you know of a better recipe for a happy life?
     So, what are we called to do?  What is this key to happiness?  Well, we can read the words.  But, how often do we ponder the meaning behind the words, in the words, through the words?  What is God’s message to us?
     In verse 15, it talks about God’s peace, and all being called, and being thankful.  How can we have God’s peace?  How do you feel a peace with being with a loved one verses a stranger?  For me, the more I know someone and the more I trust someone, the more at ease or at peace I feel with him or her.  It is the same with God.  So, how do we feel the peace of God?  We get to know Him through prayer, reading the Bible, meditation, any number of things that focuses on God.  The more time we spend focused on God, praying to Him, reading His word, getting to know Him, the more we will trust Him and feel at peace with Him.  And, after we realize that we can feel God’s peace and that it is only because of who God is and His willingness to share that peace, we are called to be polite and thank Him.  Hopefully, our hearts will feel so peaceful and so happy, that we will want to thank Him and show our appreciation for it.  (Think of it like wanting to know a new acquaintance better.  It is all well and good if you want to get to know the other person, but if they don’t want to get to know you and ignore you, you won’t get anywhere.  God gives us that friendship, that love, that closeness freely, if we seek it.)
     In verse 16, we are called to help each other through this think called life.  We are to encourage each other, call each other out when we are misguided, and to help each other get back on the right path.  Sounds good to me.  I like surrounding myself with friendly, helpful people.  And, how are we supposed to do that?  Do we yell at someone if they do something wrong and ignore them or outcast them?  No.  We are called to gently help them back to the right path and to be encouraging.  It says, “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  I don’t know if we would literally go around singing our thoughts, words, and encouragement.  However, I think if we take the spirit of the words, it is that we shall do it light-heartedly with encouragement and kindness.
     Finally in verse 17, it calls us to be thankful and to realize that whatever we do or say it is for God, because of God, and with God’s help.  We can’t do it without Him.  He made us.  He is our parent.  He is our strength.  He gave us life and love.  We should be thankful.
 

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
                                     2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
 
     I have felt a change in myself lately.  I have been in a kind of a rut, a plodding through life without much direction or a hope, but no clear direction and validation.  However, recently, I have felt a warm, comforting feeling.  It feels so good at times, that I want to thank God from the top of my lungs for the whole world to feel.
     So, what has changed?  Am I all of a sudden rich, worry free, or without issues?  No.  That isn’t it.  I still have the same financial issues and daily problems as I have in the past.  Yet, they don’t worry me nearly as much at the moment.
     The thing that has changed is that I have been spending more time focused on God.  I have been praying about what I want to do and how I should do it.  I have been finding ways that support my end goals and doing them, instead of just talking about them.  I have been reaching out more and trying to meet new people.  I have been reading the Bible more and praying more.  I have been trying to be more thankful and trying to give God the credit.
     I like these changes.  I do feel like a “new creature.”  I feel like I have a bunch of things to work on, but I feel God is with me.  I don’t feel the need to worry about it too much.  And, for the first time in a while, I feel like I have a direction and validation for what I want to do.
     It is always surprising when I feel good while focusing on God more in my life and wonder why I haven’t been doing it all along.  Why would I not?  Why would I not want this good feeling I have right now?  But, even more importantly, why would I want to be away from God for even a second?  I like this feeling. 
     I am finding that the second part of this verse is also ringing true, not that I would doubt God’s word.  Not only am I being transformed, but also old feelings, old ways, old thoughts, old hurts, also seem to be falling away.  I feel so thankful!
 
     So, what do you need to “pass away” for fall away?  In which way do you need for feel like a new creature?  How can you get closer to Christ, to focus on Him more in your life?

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 (KJV)
 
     Recently, in anticipation of the new year, I have been thinking about how this year has been and what I hope for in the new year.  I have been thinking about goals, plans, and dreams. 
     I have thought about it and have come up with a list of personal goals and a list of business goals for DUO Inspirations for the coming year.  I have great desires, big dreams, and precious thoughts about how I would like my life to go. 
     Yet, I know that it isn’t my plans and my goals that are important, but the plans of my Heavenly Father.  So, I consulted my Holy Bible and Googled “KJV verses about God’s plan” and came up with Jeremiah 29:11-14 as my guiding quote for making plans.
     The words in Jeremiah 29:11-14 comfort me.  It is so nice to know and feel that God wants what is best for me.  I knew it before, but we do need reminding at times.  What is more, God doesn’t dictate what we want to do as long as it follows a path to Him.  We are called to have our own thoughts and to turn to God for help and wisdom, and He will direct us.  God doesn’t leave us alone to figure it out and do it all ourselves.  He is with us!  (Doesn’t that sound like the parent, friend, teacher, mentor, and minister… we all hope for?  Good news!  We have it in God all day every day!)
    
*     Please feel free to share your goals for the new year and/or the verses which you use as a guide when you are making plans.