hey, sis!! let's chat -- add the 6th thing to our list today! What is one more thing we should leave behind in 2023 (i'm sure there's lotssss to choose from!!) so we can draw closer to God?! Let us know in the comments!!
In all honesty social media as a whole. (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, RUclips, TikTok, Snapchat, all of it) It’s been getting in the way of my walk. And probably a majority of people. This world want to distract you away from god. So I would say if you want to get closer to him then you need to take long breaks in between social media consumption. 😅👍 Which I’m also saying this to myself too.
My number 6 is hopelessness. Letting the devil steal our hope and joy is something that I am working on leaving behind in 2023. In life we will have moments in our waiting/wilderness season where we feel hopeless. We can feel it for a little while but anchor on to Jesus and tell him exactly how you feel He can handle it. Hold on tightly because it doesn’t last forever even though it may feel like it. Having a flourishing godly community around you will also do wonders.
Social media is definitely one and I have to not drink water. I have to eat more fruit since I have Lupus because the medication isn’t something I want to be dependent on. Pills make my stomach upset so I have to start drinking more water on my days off. I tend to not eat or drink water at work due to my overreactive bladder. I have one because they had to cut off half of my uterus because of cancerous cells and I had surgery on my bladder to a non cancerous growth. They cut it off and wanted to see what it was. So I’ve had issues with my bladder being overreactive especially with water and tea.
The distractions. The feeling of needing to scroll on my phone for no reason at all. I realize my desire to pray and read the word decreases when I do this constantly. Holy Spirit help us to desire more of you even in our “down time”!
As humans, we tend to worry almost about everything in our lives. We fear we might lose smthg if we give up control or we might not get it if we do not strive for it. Well, when you walk with the Lord, you rapidly learn that there's no losing. Don't be afraid to be rejected or miss out on things you think are important to you. The Lord has always the best for you. You just don't see it now.
I am so excited to walk into this next year with God. The 6th thing we should let go of is comparison! Everyone has a different journey. You never know what the next person is dealing with behind closed doors. We often only see one dimension of a person's life. Remind yourself that you are unique, special, and loved. Channel your energy into being inspired instead of comparing someone's Chapter 14 with your Chapter 1 or 2. Stay blessed everyone! Thank you Melody for this video!
2:17 [1. Distractions] 3:42 [2. Bad TV shows and movies] 6:42 [3. Self-sufficiency] 8:52 [4. Speaking poorly about ourselves] 10:47 [5. Impatience] 12:07 [Your turn! Choose what your #6 is gonna be. How can you draw closer to God?]
In my opinion: #6: Comparing - making comparisons between you and colleagues, family, friends, neighbors, strangers. God has OUR unique plan/journey laid out for us so there is no need to compare yourself to someone else. You are uniquely and beautifully made in God's image. 🙏🏽
For me personally, it's fear. I struggle with it, and it feels overwhelmingly shameful as a Christian. But, by His grace and His redemption, I am learning to lean on Jesus.
This was a much-needed video! 💫🙏🏽 My number 6 would be my lack of trust in God. I still struggle with fully trusting God, however, I understand now that trust is an important ingredient in building and maintaining a strong relationship, especially a relationship with God. I need to rest in knowing that God will always want what’s best for me, and even though I might not have the foresight, I should trust where he leads always! 🤍🌸
Pride: I struggle with pride but what has helped me is to remember humility isn't thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less because you are preoccupied with JESUS.
6) Resentment. This one has been really hard for me. My husband decided to walk away from our marriage after 20 yrs. I have been having a hard time speaking with him nicely. I keep praying that God softens my heart and that he teaches me to speak with love. Thank you Melody for this encouragement. God bless you.
Another to add would be .... Letting go of harmful friendships... Definitely not an easy one but with God's help it's possible! Thanks for sharing Melody 😊
6. Carrying the burdens and battles God already has covered. Like you, @Melody Alisa, I grew up SUPER independent. Having to help raise my brother and becoming an adult before my time, has naturally evolved in my life and relationships. That seed has harbored an independence in me that gets in God's way! I feel it AFTER I pause in my fussing, anger and frustration as to why things are happening or working out in the way I believed they should. This is a daily battle. I pray as I draw closer to God this mindset diminishes! Thank you for this word as always, Sis.
The Sixth thing that I'm leaving in 2023, is doubtfulness. The Lord is carrying me and my family through an uncomfortable journey and we've learned that it doesn't matter on the destination. The trust we have for Him is enough to know MY GOD WILL LEAVE NOR FORSAKE US !!! My God will provide for us and that's the spirit I'm carrying to the new year.
Appreciate you and this video. I've been single for months (previously widowed) and decided to maintain the same for 2024. Relationships are a distraction to my growth with God. 🙏
1. Distractions 2. Shows & Movies (you’re getting convicted on) 3. Self sufficiency 4. Speaking poorly about ourselves 5. Impatience 6. Not involving God with every detail of my life
Things i am giving up -Social media (gave up a long time ago just had tik tok but giving that up too) -Things i consume ( poor music, poor diet) - impatience -people/ places/ things don’t don’t align with the new me! Things i am adding -silence/non productiveness -daily prayer/ Bible reading -clean eating and exercise - working on my dreams aggressively - -
We need to cultivate the habit of prayer, worship and daily reminder through scriptures in the bible or a daily devotional focus on how to draw more closer to him because we can't do it on our own. And we need to keep track daily because i think consistency is the key. God bless you all...
This was such a blessing, one thing we should give up is projecting and comparison. Everyone journey with Christ is unique. God is in control and he knows what he is doing.
Thank you for sharing these tools🥰 No 3 reminds me of a quick story my Pastor told us this Sunday...There was a man driving to the grocery store. He was in a big hurry and frantically searching for a parking spot. After going up and down each aisle twice, he says "God, if you give me a parking spot, I will go to church on Sunday" and no sooner than those words coming out of his mouth, a car directly in front of him started to back out of a spot. Then the man says "Never mind God, I got it" lol
I impressed myself this year with how fiercely I chased God. I've always walked with God but this year, I took my pursuit for my Father to another level and i plan to continue ❤
@ayomideg8612 Hello Sis! Compliments of the season to you. Here are some of the things I did (in no particular order) 1. I made effort to fully commit to attending weekly Bible study (and Church services) and stop making excuses for missing attendance 2. I decided to set aside designated time to pray EVERYDAY rather than just waiting for a prayerful mood to hit me randomly...time to listen from God and worship. I found that secluded time like taking runs or jogs in nature was the best time for me to really connect with God uninterrupted by the beautiful chaos of my home 😅 3. I stopped waiting on the 'big' things in life to experience God's presence (nothing wrong with the big things btw) but instead I asked the Holy Spirit to intentionally show me daily little things I can find joy in and experience the goodness of God e.g gardening, watching a sunset, talking a walk and breathing in God's air etc 4. I spend a lot of time on youtube learning things daily and I purposely started curating what takes up more attention, and this was choosing more God-focused content than entertainment 5. I asked God to show me ways I can be a little more selfless and focus more on serving others than myself all the time. E.g, I started a personal tradition were every year on my birthday, I will choose a charitable organisation to go and donate to as a gift time myself. It felt amazing I could always come back n share more
God definitely is speaking to me through you. I've been convicted about all 5 (especially number 4 -my exact situation down to the years😮). #6 (similar to #3) is to fully trust in God even when His plans don't make sense.
I think you touched on it with the 3rd point. We need to leave behind our pride. Believing that we know better than God what our lives could and should look like and how we think as we can do things on our own, without His help and guidance. We need to stop being prodical daughters!
Jesus give me grace and endurance this Christmas. As a single mother my number one priority, are my sons. Both of them are autistic so they require a lot from me. God give me strength as I struggle to provide for them. My faith in you is still strong! Even as I struggle to pay rent every month and I struggle to buy groceries for my children, I KEEP FAITH in you LORD. Jesus hear my prayers I’m so overwhelmed and discouraged because I’m also battling lupus and have heart issues. Lord give me strength because I want to give up. 😢
Continue to call your body healed using the Word of God. Proverbs 17:22, Psalm 103, Hebrews 4:12, Mark 5:35. Remember we walk by faith and not by sight ❤️
I was only 5 minutes in and girl you were already all in my business lol! You know what the ironic thing is. I was distracted for about 30 minutes before I clicked on your channel and that was #1 on your list. But to be honest every single area you mentioned was me looking in a mirror. I need to reflect, reflect, reflect and start to remove those things from my life. Thank you so much for this sis. I can’t think of a #6 because I’m so blown away about the 5 you mentioned but I am to praying to seek God more in 2024.
Procrastination. The feeling of “I don’t want to”. Comparison. I found myself allowing the smallest thing throw off my spiritual energy. I felt without God and couldn’t shake it for anything. It still lingers this more.
Prayers please. I'm contesting to my professor about my grade and ai usage. It's regarding academic dishonesty. I wrote a lengthy paper to explain my thoughts. I'm praying that it works out well in my favor and that I managed to convince my professor well. Thank you
I think that asking God to change our heart posture. Making sure we're looking deep within ourselves and asking God for help to remove things that keep us out of his and will and presence. My pastor said in a sermon that we have to make sure our relationship with God is not transactional. We can't only come to God when we need things. We want to seek him wholeheartedly. Really want his will, not ours.
No hesitation!! Its kinda like what you said about conviction and what you watch, except when the lord put it on your heart to act or get rid of something… do it! Less hesitation more obedience!!😌
Be prayerful like setting time out just to go to him in prayer not just to ask for something but stay connected to his divine connection that we already have ..i struggles with this because i am not one who memorizes scripture as I need and the busy life i read the bible but I don't really always find my how it connects to me moments.
I need to drop doubt and have confidence that the Lord I serve is gracious and what he says will come to pass. Thank You Lord for Loving Me how I am to get to where YOU WANT ME TO BE❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏
My 6th thing would be comparison. I see others around me flourishing and feel like they are way ahead of me. But everyone has their own timing, my time will come and I will not have a need for comparison because I will be content. I just have to leave it with God. Let go and let God!
I need to give up in believe. As much as I have faith in God and in what He can do, I still have limiting beliefs in other things even when I speak positively about that thing. There’s still this tiny feeling somewhere down there that doubts. I really want to give it up. I want to speak Gods will for my life into existence without quantifying it or thinking it’s too big for me or not. I know for sure that the enemy’s plan is for us to compromise. And when we do we settle. God didn’t create me and keep me this far to settle. Settling doesn’t glorify God in my life. So I pray against every limiting belief in my life and heart and I detach my spirit from it. Ijn amen. My faith is sound!
Thank you for this video. I've been needing to watch it and I am happy that I did. The 6th thing that I would add is enjoy your now. I have been constantly desiring for a family of my own but I have been working alot these past two weeks. I was grateful to God that I am in the current single season because I get to enjoy me and Him time and He allows me to rest. So, yes! Enjoy the season, that you are in right now, constantly giving thanks to HIM.
SIS!!! God just answered my prayer through yours words in this video💖I can’t thank Him enough & using you as His vessel. God bless you, Melody! You speak His word so beautifully. This was extremely convicting -in the best way! Thank you!!!!!!
Kind to ourselves. Tell ourselves we can do better. Never be laced with shame or meanness. This is a blessing… ❤ Impatience is definitely one that I struggle with.
Hey Sis! The 6th thing I would add to the list is letting go of your plans. I tend to come up with a way I see God doing things in a situation and when I don’t see it happening that way I end up with unnecessary stress, anxiety and tears. I remind myself of Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 55:8-9 to encourage myself not in these times.
I am so thankful I found your channel. Feeling so convicted right now. I have been “busy” my whole life and I think this has been the thing preventing me from growing closer to God and finding true REST. Productivity can be an idol and that’s hard for me to accept. Keep me in your prayers yall ❤
I am so thankful I found your channel. Feeling so convicted right now. I have been “busy” my whole life and I think this has been the thing preventing me from growing closer to God and finding true REST.
I really struggle with number 4: Negative speaking poorly about myself and number 5: Being impatience. I am going to the Lord about this several times a day.
I truly appreciate you posting this video. I was figuring out where I fell off with God. So this video is proof that He’s so near to me, and pulling back to Him. Girl you came with this video on time for me today. Taking notes 📝 and will apply this moving forward with God
The one thing that I had to give up this year that PUSHED my relationship with God forward is the need to idolize the things he has blessed me with. So basically not putting my blessing in front of God but glorying his name because of them and because of WHO HE IS
”See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.“ 2 Corinthians 7:11 NIV This really speaks to the emotions we feel in repentance. If you look at enduring word, you get a better understanding of this. But I think it is so important in highlighting there is no shame in repentance and how walking with Him in this newness is surrounded by these. It really fits with your fourth point. Love your videos! ❤
Even during the turn of the 20th century, it was impossible for people to wait on God. So patience which is one of the gifts of the spirit, will definitely be an attribute/gift that will challenge many of us waiting on God to move for us in this AI driven society.
I feel frustrated and tired with my life. My husband filed for divorce last November. He immediately started dating, which broke my heart. I have been praying for supernatural strength to get through this. I need help. Can you please pray for my family and me? I need a miracle. I pray God shows me my purpose to my life.
The 6th thing I would say to give up is my need for man's approval, whether that be my family's or my coworkers or even strangers. Sometimes I forget that God's validation and truth is all that I need and even when nobody sees what I am doing, He does. This also helps to purify my intentions. To your point about giving tv shows and movies, I stopped watching shows on netflix, hulu etc. months ago. However, weeks ago when I had downtime, my roommate was watching a show on netflix that I used to watch and I sat and binged the rest of the season for that day and was convicted the entire time! I couldn't even watch in peace lol, and the Holy Spirit asked me whether this show was edifying to me. Short end of it, I found that I'm not missing much but I'm glad that was one of the points you listed because I found that it freed up a whole lot of my day to seek God and engage in other ways in which I can grow closer to Him! Thanks Melody for this video!
This is my favourite. Appreciate it Sis. May God bless you! I am single mother of a 10 year boy, been single for 3 years. Celibate. Dating is hard. I tend to worry about everything and want to do the right thing. I’m grateful that God send you to keep on reminding me about HIM and how amazing is HIM.
My #6 is to surrender myself and my aspirations completely to God. There's no better partner in life than Him. I need to just trust the process even though sometimes it's hard because I really want to walk and even write again. God knows this and with His perfect timing it'll be so.
It goes along with distractions, but EXCUSES! Someone said fear which is usually the source of my excuses, but I have to stop making the excuses and just do it.
Hello Sis! 6. People pleasing, and fear. You mentioned saying no and i feel that pleasing others, can stand in a way of growth, maturing in God... getting closer to God, because we worry about other people reaction or wanting to be liked or accepted by them, not realizing it holds no weight to already being accepted by God Himself, and also how our Father feel we have to work with the Lord in the things we are praying for and the things He has for us to do and not against His will and way. Worry is another one I've learned along with fear that is a big hinderance and a worship to the enemy, because those are tools he use to come against God's children.
First thing, thank you for your content. I truly love your channel it speaks to my heart, mind and soul every single time. Now, I would say to add giving up the need to be in “control “ or truthfully false sense of control. Our Father God will definitely remind you (me) 😊 who truly is in control.
My sister. I was just praying about what God wanted me to do to grow closer to him in the new year & then I was recommended your video. Thank you Jesus for the answered prayer. I subscribed. God bless you in 2024
I think vengeance and pride are what I am struggling to give up along with my own distractions. I still live at home and I keep feeling this push to go out on my own but that cannot be the voice of God because everytime I try to leave He causes me to falter and remain. I think I have been praying for this out of my own pride. Thank God for His will and not my own.
Your content is beautiful. The truth you are speaking is so inspiring. You are a woman that follows God and it's so inspiring. I'm new on my walk and pray he continues to sanctify me and create me to be the woman he has called me to be.
food (or other things)! this video did a great job of outlining things we need to permanently sacrifice. i would add that we need to give up moments of comfort periodically to fraw closer to God and this is done through fasting - whether it be fasting from food, social media fast, etc. loved this video! thank you melody
Thank you Melody... 🙏🏾 The last 3 points were for me: I need to get rid of “Self-sufficiency, speaking poorly about myself and impatience” and leave it to God.
Thank you for your videos and you free download on How to Spend Time with God Consistently. The Lord has been telling me to spend more time with him but I was struggling with "How". He lead me to your videos. THANK YOU!!
Thank you for this. I felt like a failure because I guess forget to take it to God first. I think that I should be able to handle it all on my own. But surrender is a habit. Something we do time and again in fellowship with the Lord.
I personally would say I need to give up all idols.. whether it be online influencers who seem to live the perfect life or celebrities that have the things i want ( financial freedom, beauty etc ) I just need a new mindset entirely. But i agree with your point to be kinder to ourselves and its surely something I need to work on
When praying by yourself, listen to God. Sit in silence, or even in worship music that particularly sing ABOUT GOD, eg His beauty, worth. Even if you hear nothing, He will deposit something in your spirit eg during the day. Lets not be distracted by the need to always ask,talk about our problems to Him.
I think 6th is thing should be our connection with people because when we connect ourselves to much with people we tend to make them our idols something I struggled this year
Intentional Mood Swings: some of us allow our emotions to lead too much which causes anger, frustration, and may even create our own lonlinessand depressive states. Letting go of this and finding self-control and discipline will draw us closer to God as we rely on Him, vent to Him, and let Him guide our reactions and responses.This will also help us to be in the constant state of peace/peace-maker. We would become UNSTOPPABLE,be our best selves and allow us to hold on to our joy and victory longer. 1 Corinthians 15:58
For me, my 6th thing would be anxiousness. I really do suffer from anxiety especially the "what will people say" syndrome. This has personally hindered me from doing a lot of things in life which I regret. Also causes me to overthink things, especially when I'm alone then I find myself crying and getting overwhelmed (why you ask, I have no idea). I want to do better starting now and enter the new year with a better outlook on life. I just need to place more trust in God and allow him to lead me, fully.
This is confirmation for me as I'm drawing closer to Him. I've given up social media platforms, and I am slowly but surely giving up watching tv and/or certain tv shows. Pray for me, y'all! Also, saying no. I realize I don't have to be a part of everything right now, especially since I'm at a place where I believe God just wants it to be Him and I in this season. Overall, everything you've discussed God has revealed to me in some way. Thank you for your obedience! ❤👏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽
@PeaceBeStill24 I recognized that what I was putting in was coming out as well as I wasn't gaining anything from it. Once I equated scrolling with time I could use to study the Word of God, worship, etc., that helped me stop. Also, prayer. It's not easy to give something up we do all the time. I pray that scrolling and any other distractions/ hindrances will cease in the name of Jesus, so that you will draw closer to God as He draws closer to you. In the name of Jesus, yes and amen!
Oh my!! A few days ago, I was being so hard on myself and started speaking negatively about myself. I was calling myself names and was in a very bad place. One of my Christian sisters reminded me about my heavenly father and his goodness in my life. I am glad about this video. It came right on time🙏🏾🙏🏾
Comparison (Covet) to one other and just remembering that we are all in different seasons at different times. Where you are us exaclty where God wants you to be . Trst the process there is greatness ahead Amen ❤
hey, sis!! let's chat -- add the 6th thing to our list today! What is one more thing we should leave behind in 2023 (i'm sure there's lotssss to choose from!!) so we can draw closer to God?! Let us know in the comments!!
In all honesty social media as a whole. (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, RUclips, TikTok, Snapchat, all of it) It’s been getting in the way of my walk. And probably a majority of people. This world want to distract you away from god. So I would say if you want to get closer to him then you need to take long breaks in between social media consumption. 😅👍 Which I’m also saying this to myself too.
6. Comparison.
My number 6 is hopelessness. Letting the devil steal our hope and joy is something that I am working on leaving behind in 2023. In life we will have moments in our waiting/wilderness season where we feel hopeless. We can feel it for a little while but anchor on to Jesus and tell him exactly how you feel He can handle it. Hold on tightly because it doesn’t last forever even though it may feel like it. Having a flourishing godly community around you will also do wonders.
Social media is definitely one and I have to not drink water. I have to eat more fruit since I have Lupus because the medication isn’t something I want to be dependent on. Pills make my stomach upset so I have to start drinking more water on my days off. I tend to not eat or drink water at work due to my overreactive bladder. I have one because they had to cut off half of my uterus because of cancerous cells and I had surgery on my bladder to a non cancerous growth. They cut it off and wanted to see what it was. So I’ve had issues with my bladder being overreactive especially with water and tea.
I would say hopelessness as well.
My Mom just died yesterday from cancer... I sent this to her when she was going through intense pain! She was an angel through it all
My condolences 💐
My condolences hunny. I lost my mommy this year too. 😢❤ stay strong in Christ.
My condolences. May her memory be a blessing.
My condolences ❤️
My condolences ❤
The distractions. The feeling of needing to scroll on my phone for no reason at all. I realize my desire to pray and read the word decreases when I do this constantly. Holy Spirit help us to desire more of you even in our “down time”!
yuppp ! me too 🫠
Amen!!!
Amen
As humans, we tend to worry almost about everything in our lives. We fear we might lose smthg if we give up control or we might not get it if we do not strive for it.
Well, when you walk with the Lord, you rapidly learn that there's no losing. Don't be afraid to be rejected or miss out on things you think are important to you. The Lord has always the best for you. You just don't see it now.
AMEN that's so true
Amen
Amen
6th: Holding grudges (Unforgiving hearts)
Be blessed, Melody
I am so excited to walk into this next year with God. The 6th thing we should let go of is comparison! Everyone has a different journey. You never know what the next person is dealing with behind closed doors. We often only see one dimension of a person's life. Remind yourself that you are unique, special, and loved. Channel your energy into being inspired instead of comparing someone's Chapter 14 with your Chapter 1 or 2. Stay blessed everyone! Thank you Melody for this video!
This‼️‼️ God has definitely being working on me in this area
Thanks for sharing sis
No problem lovely! ❤@@Kiesha-rq4bf
Amen
That’s good!!
2:17 [1. Distractions]
3:42 [2. Bad TV shows and movies]
6:42 [3. Self-sufficiency]
8:52 [4. Speaking poorly about ourselves]
10:47 [5. Impatience]
12:07 [Your turn! Choose what your #6 is gonna be. How can you draw closer to God?]
THank you. ❤
In my opinion:
#6: Comparing - making comparisons between you and colleagues, family, friends, neighbors, strangers. God has OUR unique plan/journey laid out for us so there is no need to compare yourself to someone else. You are uniquely and beautifully made in God's image. 🙏🏽
For me personally, it's fear. I struggle with it, and it feels overwhelmingly shameful as a Christian. But, by His grace and His redemption, I am learning to lean on Jesus.
I feel the same.. health worries and general worries and fears..
This was a much-needed video! 💫🙏🏽
My number 6 would be my lack of trust in God. I still struggle with fully trusting God, however, I understand now that trust is an important ingredient in building and maintaining a strong relationship, especially a relationship with God. I need to rest in knowing that God will always want what’s best for me, and even though I might not have the foresight, I should trust where he leads always! 🤍🌸
Me too
Pride: I struggle with pride but what has helped me is to remember humility isn't thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less because you are preoccupied with JESUS.
6) Resentment. This one has been really hard for me. My husband decided to walk away from our marriage after 20 yrs. I have been having a hard time speaking with him nicely. I keep praying that God softens my heart and that he teaches me to speak with love. Thank you Melody for this encouragement. God bless you.
Another to add would be .... Letting go of harmful friendships... Definitely not an easy one but with God's help it's possible!
Thanks for sharing Melody 😊
10:46 “He has made everything beautiful in its time” - Ecclesiastes 3:11
Amen, God is good.
I needed this one thank you
6. Carrying the burdens and battles God already has covered.
Like you, @Melody Alisa, I grew up SUPER independent. Having to help raise my brother and becoming an adult before my time, has naturally evolved in my life and relationships. That seed has harbored an independence in me that gets in God's way! I feel it AFTER I pause in my fussing, anger and frustration as to why things are happening or working out in the way I believed they should.
This is a daily battle. I pray as I draw closer to God this mindset diminishes!
Thank you for this word as always, Sis.
The Sixth thing that I'm leaving in 2023, is doubtfulness. The Lord is carrying me and my family through an uncomfortable journey and we've learned that it doesn't matter on the destination. The trust we have for Him is enough to know MY GOD WILL LEAVE NOR FORSAKE US !!! My God will provide for us and that's the spirit I'm carrying to the new year.
Appreciate you and this video. I've been single for months (previously widowed) and decided to maintain the same for 2024. Relationships are a distraction to my growth with God. 🙏
I needed to see this comment! I am now single after being previously widowed and this last relationship was a huge distraction from God.
The 6th thing I think we should all work on in 2024 is to be more grateful for everything. Our health, our mind, our home, children, etc. ❤
1. Distractions
2. Shows & Movies (you’re getting convicted on)
3. Self sufficiency
4. Speaking poorly about ourselves
5. Impatience
6. Not involving God with every detail of my life
Things i am giving up
-Social media (gave up a long time ago just had tik tok but giving that up too)
-Things i consume ( poor music, poor diet)
- impatience
-people/ places/ things don’t don’t align with the new me!
Things i am adding
-silence/non productiveness
-daily prayer/ Bible reading
-clean eating and exercise
- working on my dreams aggressively
-
-
We need to cultivate the habit of prayer, worship and daily reminder through scriptures in the bible or a daily devotional focus on how to draw more closer to him because we can't do it on our own. And we need to keep track daily because i think consistency is the key. God bless you all...
This was such a blessing, one thing we should give up is projecting and comparison. Everyone journey with Christ is unique. God is in control and he knows what he is doing.
Sleep rising up earlier to work God around our schedule
Thank you for sharing these tools🥰 No 3 reminds me of a quick story my Pastor told us this Sunday...There was a man driving to the grocery store. He was in a big hurry and frantically searching for a parking spot. After going up and down each aisle twice, he says "God, if you give me a parking spot, I will go to church on Sunday" and no sooner than those words coming out of his mouth, a car directly in front of him started to back out of a spot. Then the man says "Never mind God, I got it" lol
Lol
😭
I impressed myself this year with how fiercely I chased God. I've always walked with God but this year, I took my pursuit for my Father to another level and i plan to continue ❤
any tips?🥺
@ayomideg8612 Hello Sis! Compliments of the season to you. Here are some of the things I did (in no particular order)
1. I made effort to fully commit to attending weekly Bible study (and Church services) and stop making excuses for missing attendance
2. I decided to set aside designated time to pray EVERYDAY rather than just waiting for a prayerful mood to hit me randomly...time to listen from God and worship. I found that secluded time like taking runs or jogs in nature was the best time for me to really connect with God uninterrupted by the beautiful chaos of my home 😅
3. I stopped waiting on the 'big' things in life to experience God's presence (nothing wrong with the big things btw) but instead I asked the Holy Spirit to intentionally show me daily little things I can find joy in and experience the goodness of God e.g gardening, watching a sunset, talking a walk and breathing in God's air etc
4. I spend a lot of time on youtube learning things daily and I purposely started curating what takes up more attention, and this was choosing more God-focused content than entertainment
5. I asked God to show me ways I can be a little more selfless and focus more on serving others than myself all the time. E.g, I started a personal tradition were every year on my birthday, I will choose a charitable organisation to go and donate to as a gift time myself. It felt amazing
I could always come back n share more
Giving up other individuals who don’t align with our walk with God
God definitely is speaking to me through you. I've been convicted about all 5 (especially number 4 -my exact situation down to the years😮). #6 (similar to #3) is to fully trust in God even when His plans don't make sense.
I think you touched on it with the 3rd point. We need to leave behind our pride. Believing that we know better than God what our lives could and should look like and how we think as we can do things on our own, without His help and guidance. We need to stop being prodical daughters!
amen, sis!! so beautifully said
Jesus give me grace and endurance this Christmas. As a single mother my number one priority, are my sons. Both of them are autistic so they require a lot from me. God give me strength as I struggle to provide for them. My faith in you is still strong! Even as I struggle to pay rent every month and I struggle to buy groceries for my children, I KEEP FAITH in you LORD. Jesus hear my prayers I’m so overwhelmed and discouraged because I’m also battling lupus and have heart issues. Lord give me strength because I want to give up. 😢
Continue to call your body healed using the Word of God. Proverbs 17:22, Psalm 103, Hebrews 4:12, Mark 5:35. Remember we walk by faith and not by sight ❤️
I was only 5 minutes in and girl you were already all in my business lol! You know what the ironic thing is. I was distracted for about 30 minutes before I clicked on your channel and that was #1 on your list. But to be honest every single area you mentioned was me looking in a mirror. I need to reflect, reflect, reflect and start to remove those things from my life. Thank you so much for this sis. I can’t think of a #6 because I’m so blown away about the 5 you mentioned but I am to praying to seek God more in 2024.
Same she nailed everything.. God knows what we need❤
Procrastination. The feeling of “I don’t want to”. Comparison. I found myself allowing the smallest thing throw off my spiritual energy. I felt without God and couldn’t shake it for anything. It still lingers this more.
Prayers please. I'm contesting to my professor about my grade and ai usage. It's regarding academic dishonesty. I wrote a lengthy paper to explain my thoughts. I'm praying that it works out well in my favor and that I managed to convince my professor well. Thank you
Being right… whew this is hard! I’m a MaryKay consultant and one of her pearls of wisdom was, “Even if you win the argument your still don’t win”
I think that asking God to change our heart posture. Making sure we're looking deep within ourselves and asking God for help to remove things that keep us out of his and will and presence. My pastor said in a sermon that we have to make sure our relationship with God is not transactional. We can't only come to God when we need things. We want to seek him wholeheartedly. Really want his will, not ours.
Hey sis! I gave up all social media To draw closer to him and trust him in my business venture and depend on him to do what he said he would do!
I would say food for myself and fast more
Me too
Me too.
No hesitation!! Its kinda like what you said about conviction and what you watch, except when the lord put it on your heart to act or get rid of something… do it! Less hesitation more obedience!!😌
Be prayerful like setting time out just to go to him in prayer not just to ask for something but stay connected to his divine connection that we already have ..i struggles with this because i am not one who memorizes scripture as I need and the busy life i read the bible but I don't really always find my how it connects to me moments.
Be consistent with prayer as well❤
Harbouring resentment towards those who have hurt me/ speak ill of me.
I need to drop doubt and have confidence that the Lord I serve is gracious and what he says will come to pass. Thank You Lord for Loving Me how I am to get to where YOU WANT ME TO BE❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏
My 6th thing would be comparison. I see others around me flourishing and feel like they are way ahead of me. But everyone has their own timing, my time will come and I will not have a need for comparison because I will be content. I just have to leave it with God. Let go and let God!
I need to give up in believe. As much as I have faith in God and in what He can do, I still have limiting beliefs in other things even when I speak positively about that thing. There’s still this tiny feeling somewhere down there that doubts. I really want to give it up. I want to speak Gods will for my life into existence without quantifying it or thinking it’s too big for me or not. I know for sure that the enemy’s plan is for us to compromise. And when we do we settle. God didn’t create me and keep me this far to settle. Settling doesn’t glorify God in my life. So I pray against every limiting belief in my life and heart and I detach my spirit from it. Ijn amen. My faith is sound!
Thank you for this video. I've been needing to watch it and I am happy that I did. The 6th thing that I would add is enjoy your now. I have been constantly desiring for a family of my own but I have been working alot these past two weeks. I was grateful to God that I am in the current single season because I get to enjoy me and Him time and He allows me to rest. So, yes! Enjoy the season, that you are in right now, constantly giving thanks to HIM.
SIS!!! God just answered my prayer through yours words in this video💖I can’t thank Him enough & using you as His vessel. God bless you, Melody! You speak His word so beautifully. This was extremely convicting -in the best way! Thank you!!!!!!
Kind to ourselves. Tell ourselves we can do better. Never be laced with shame or meanness. This is a blessing… ❤ Impatience is definitely one that I struggle with.
Hey Sis! The 6th thing I would add to the list is letting go of your plans. I tend to come up with a way I see God doing things in a situation and when I don’t see it happening that way I end up with unnecessary stress, anxiety and tears. I remind myself of Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 55:8-9 to encourage myself not in these times.
Something that I personally need to let go of is comparing myself with other believers!
Me too. I will pray for you.
@@dalpaengi Likewise! 🫶🏽
The 6th thine we need to give up is guilt and shame of our past
Here 12:30 in the middle of the year in 2024 and I find this so helpful🎉
Notification gang checking in all the way from South Africa❤
I am so thankful I found your channel. Feeling so convicted right now. I have been “busy” my whole life and I think this has been the thing preventing me from growing closer to God and finding true REST. Productivity can be an idol and that’s hard for me to accept. Keep me in your prayers yall ❤
CONTROL! I suffer with that a lot, but it is a headache! I don’t know what’s best for me, but God does! So I’m giving up control.
I am so thankful I found your channel. Feeling so convicted right now. I have been “busy” my whole life and I think this has been the thing preventing me from growing closer to God and finding true REST.
I needed this so far I’ve gotten closer but I just want to get closer and closer with God and live my life in love and peace living for God
I really struggle with number 4: Negative speaking poorly about myself and number 5: Being impatience. I am going to the Lord about this several times a day.
My number 6 is my lukewarmness
2024 I want a consistent relationship with God
I truly appreciate you posting this video. I was figuring out where I fell off with God. So this video is proof that He’s so near to me, and pulling back to Him. Girl you came with this video on time for me today. Taking notes 📝 and will apply this moving forward with God
The 6th thing is defnitely limitations when it comes to the planning of my future and goals
The one thing that I had to give up this year that PUSHED my relationship with God forward is the need to idolize the things he has blessed me with. So basically not putting my blessing in front of God but glorying his name because of them and because of WHO HE IS
”See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.“
2 Corinthians 7:11 NIV
This really speaks to the emotions we feel in repentance. If you look at enduring word, you get a better understanding of this. But I think it is so important in highlighting there is no shame in repentance and how walking with Him in this newness is surrounded by these. It really fits with your fourth point. Love your videos! ❤
Even during the turn of the 20th century, it was impossible for people to wait on God. So patience which is one of the gifts of the spirit, will definitely be an attribute/gift that will challenge many of us waiting on God to move for us in this AI driven society.
I feel frustrated and tired with my life. My husband filed for divorce last November. He immediately started dating, which broke my heart. I have been praying for supernatural strength to get through this. I need help. Can you please pray for my family and me? I need a miracle. I pray God shows me my purpose to my life.
The 6th thing I would say to give up is my need for man's approval, whether that be my family's or my coworkers or even strangers. Sometimes I forget that God's validation and truth is all that I need and even when nobody sees what I am doing, He does. This also helps to purify my intentions.
To your point about giving tv shows and movies, I stopped watching shows on netflix, hulu etc. months ago. However, weeks ago when I had downtime, my roommate was watching a show on netflix that I used to watch and I sat and binged the rest of the season for that day and was convicted the entire time! I couldn't even watch in peace lol, and the Holy Spirit asked me whether this show was edifying to me. Short end of it, I found that I'm not missing much but I'm glad that was one of the points you listed because I found that it freed up a whole lot of my day to seek God and engage in other ways in which I can grow closer to Him! Thanks Melody for this video!
We need to lay down our idols. Our idols are our distractions.
This is my favourite. Appreciate it Sis. May God bless you! I am single mother of a 10 year boy, been single for 3 years. Celibate. Dating is hard. I tend to worry about everything and want to do the right thing. I’m grateful that God send you to keep on reminding me about HIM and how amazing is HIM.
My #6 is to surrender myself and my aspirations completely to God. There's no better partner in life than Him. I need to just trust the process even though sometimes it's hard because I really want to walk and even write again. God knows this and with His perfect timing it'll be so.
Definitely talking about others/gossip and praying for them instead.
It goes along with distractions, but EXCUSES! Someone said fear which is usually the source of my excuses, but I have to stop making the excuses and just do it.
In order to grow closer to God we need to give up the people that God told us to let go off
Hello Sis! 6. People pleasing, and fear. You mentioned saying no and i feel that pleasing others, can stand in a way of growth, maturing in God... getting closer to God, because we worry about other people reaction or wanting to be liked or accepted by them, not realizing it holds no weight to already being accepted by God Himself, and also how our Father feel we have to work with the Lord in the things we are praying for and the things He has for us to do and not against His will and way. Worry is another one I've learned along with fear that is a big hinderance and a worship to the enemy, because those are tools he use to come against God's children.
First thing, thank you for your content. I truly love your channel it speaks to my heart, mind and soul every single time. Now, I would say to add giving up the need to be in “control “ or truthfully false sense of control. Our Father God will definitely remind you (me) 😊 who truly is in control.
My sister. I was just praying about what God wanted me to do to grow closer to him in the new year & then I was recommended your video. Thank you Jesus for the answered prayer. I subscribed. God bless you in 2024
I think vengeance and pride are what I am struggling to give up along with my own distractions.
I still live at home and I keep feeling this push to go out on my own but that cannot be the voice of God because everytime I try to leave He causes me to falter and remain.
I think I have been praying for this out of my own pride. Thank God for His will and not my own.
Your content is beautiful. The truth you are speaking is so inspiring. You are a woman that follows God and it's so inspiring. I'm new on my walk and pray he continues to sanctify me and create me to be the woman he has called me to be.
God is the prize! 🏆 ❤
I feel the next big thing for me to add would be my fear of living in Joy with God.
#5 Whew! Thank you Melody for the reminder. Being more patient in all areas of my life is definitely one of my goals for 2024. God is NEVER late 💕
I don’t do negative self talk anymore but I do harp on mistakes I’ve made in the past even though I know God forgives me.
food (or other things)! this video did a great job of outlining things we need to permanently sacrifice. i would add that we need to give up moments of comfort periodically to fraw closer to God and this is done through fasting - whether it be fasting from food, social media fast, etc.
loved this video! thank you melody
Katt told the whole true i that interview and I am here for it 2024 is truly the age of Aquarius anf things are being exposed. ❤
My 6th thing would be to give up overspending/impulse purchasing.
Thank you Melody... 🙏🏾
The last 3 points were for me: I need to get rid of “Self-sufficiency, speaking poorly about myself and impatience” and leave it to God.
Thank you so much for this video! My 6th thing to give up is trying to do things in my own strength when God says to cast all cares on Him.
Thank you for your videos and you free download on How to Spend Time with God Consistently. The Lord has been telling me to spend more time with him but I was struggling with "How". He lead me to your videos. THANK YOU!!
Fighting every battle
I struggle so so much with negative self-talk. I really pray God gives me the strength to overcome it
Thank you for this. I felt like a failure because I guess forget to take it to God first. I think that I should be able to handle it all on my own. But surrender is a habit. Something we do time and again in fellowship with the Lord.
The urge to self-gratify especially in moments of weakness.
I wish the site to stream was available world wide
I personally would say I need to give up all idols.. whether it be online influencers who seem to live the perfect life or celebrities that have the things i want ( financial freedom, beauty etc ) I just need a new mindset entirely. But i agree with your point to be kinder to ourselves and its surely something I need to work on
This feeds into point 2 - giving up comforts and time.
When praying by yourself, listen to God. Sit in silence, or even in worship music that particularly sing ABOUT GOD, eg His beauty, worth. Even if you hear nothing, He will deposit something in your spirit eg during the day. Lets not be distracted by the need to always ask,talk about our problems to Him.
I think 6th is thing should be our connection with people because when we connect ourselves to much with people we tend to make them our idols something I struggled this year
Intentional Mood Swings: some of us allow our emotions to lead too much which causes anger, frustration, and may even create our own lonlinessand depressive states. Letting go of this and finding self-control and discipline will draw us closer to God as we rely on Him, vent to Him, and let Him guide our reactions and responses.This will also help us to be in the constant state of peace/peace-maker. We would become UNSTOPPABLE,be our best selves and allow us to hold on to our joy and victory longer. 1 Corinthians 15:58
For me, my 6th thing would be anxiousness. I really do suffer from anxiety especially the "what will people say" syndrome. This has personally hindered me from doing a lot of things in life which I regret. Also causes me to overthink things, especially when I'm alone then I find myself crying and getting overwhelmed (why you ask, I have no idea). I want to do better starting now and enter the new year with a better outlook on life. I just need to place more trust in God and allow him to lead me, fully.
This is confirmation for me as I'm drawing closer to Him. I've given up social media platforms, and I am slowly but surely giving up watching tv and/or certain tv shows. Pray for me, y'all!
Also, saying no. I realize I don't have to be a part of everything right now, especially since I'm at a place where I believe God just wants it to be Him and I in this season. Overall, everything you've discussed God has revealed to me in some way.
Thank you for your obedience! ❤👏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽
How did you give them up? I keep scrolling so much
@PeaceBeStill24 I recognized that what I was putting in was coming out as well as I wasn't gaining anything from it. Once I equated scrolling with time I could use to study the Word of God, worship, etc., that helped me stop. Also, prayer. It's not easy to give something up we do all the time. I pray that scrolling and any other distractions/ hindrances will cease in the name of Jesus, so that you will draw closer to God as He draws closer to you. In the name of Jesus, yes and amen!
The self sufficiency one hit me because that definitely be me but I’m trying to come out of that and just depend on him all the time !.
6️⃣- casting down wrong imaginations
Oh my!! A few days ago, I was being so hard on myself and started speaking negatively about myself. I was calling myself names and was in a very bad place. One of my Christian sisters reminded me about my heavenly father and his goodness in my life. I am glad about this video. It came right on time🙏🏾🙏🏾
Comparison (Covet) to one other and just remembering that we are all in different seasons at different times. Where you are us exaclty where God wants you to be . Trst the process there is greatness ahead Amen ❤