Even the chief cornerstone was rejected

November 8, 2022November 8, 2022 by nikicks ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Have you ever had those days where the small talk with certain people of everyday life brings about some anxiety? For we all know the questions that follow…

What career do you have?

What degree do you have?

What business do you work for?

Where do you live?

What are your accomplishments at work?

Then, some lose interest as your worldly gold star rating is less than (many of us have been here). They then may forget to ask your life’s story if your current achievements are not up to par.

So much is based on the great things we have accomplished in this short life we have here on this earth, that sometimes people are shocked that our calling may look different than the typical earthly things accomplished.

Some have a homemaker’s heart and care for their family. Some are stay at home moms. Some are trade school graduates and have a blue-collar job. Some went through a time of illness/sickness. Some are caregivers for a relative(s). Some work at a diner or a coffee shop, etc. and yet these people also have reached many who God has put on their hearts. Some are missionaries off in different countries…some are missionaries in their own neighborhood.

What it comes down to is that God needs a somebody somewhere and we shouldn’t base what life should look like by the one we’ve only been through. We are a body of Christ, and we all have different roles to play, different seasons we’re in and different lives we live.

Yes, God uses those with many accomplishments in the world just as he uses those who have a smaller worldly resume. It all comes down to a willing heart to act when He calls and to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)

I would just encourage and challenge myself as much as others, that if we ask these questions, may we get to know someone’s full story and, most of all, listen to God in the moment. He knows all our behind the scenes. He knows our story and what if we become a stumbling block to someone’s calling because it is different than ours?

Jesus had a role to play and many didn’t see it even when they were in the midst of His presence. He was the stone that the builders rejected yet ended-up being the chief cornerstone (see verse Acts 4:11).

Let me also add this challenging thought: when we go to heaven and stand before the throne, will God ask us the following:

What career did you have?
What degree did you have?
What business did you work for?
Where did you live?
What were your accomplishments at work?

Walking Amongst the Thorns

May 17, 2022May 17, 2022 by nikicks ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Last night, I was just finishing-up my animal chores and came back inside, then remembered one last chore I had to do.

Heading back outside, I realized I had forgotten my shoes and stopped at the edge of the lawn—gazing at the thorny expanse between me and my destination.

A slight whisper said, “Walk through it, you will not get any thorns–for I will protect you.”

At this moment, I knew God was going to give me an analogy…but should I trust Him? Could He just tell me the punch line–without my actually crossing the foot-aching path? Because, last week, I legit tried walking across it barefoot and got 4-5 thorns in my feet (these are the thorns that seem to attack in groups–after a well thought out plan). 😬🥴 #shescoming #attack

I sighed, and with a combination of laziness of not getting my shoes and a dash of faith, I set my eyes on my destination and walked regularly across the thorny weeds, did my chore, and walked back across…and you know what? I didn’t get a single thorn in my foot. 👀

God then said, “When you are in thorny–troublesome surroundings…I will be with you. I will not forsake you. Even when you don’t feel prepared–I will make a way for you.”

You see, if I was properly prepared, I would’ve brought my sandals. I don’t know about you, but I ALWAYS desire to be prepared. Especially with these last few years of absolute craziness, the stress of preparing for what may come–has, at times, been a burden…and there are moments when I am tired or may forget to “wear sandals” during a thorny path ahead.

End thought: It’s fine to prepare…but God’s got our back even if we aren’t. ♥️

Breaking before the Storm

November 28, 2021 by nikicks ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

One of the biggest strategies of Satan is not that he brings a storm into our lives…but that he wears us down right before the torrent comes. 🌊

He does this by disrupting our focus on God and putting it on ourselves and everything around us. Little things in everyday life that seem to force our attention elsewhere.

Soon, we may be at a point where we forgot to read the Bible in the morning or talk to God or even pray about our day or situation. 🙏

We then act and react on our own judgement, understanding and anxiety/stress as we miss God’s bigger picture.

Stress makes us react faster and demands an answer or solution ASAP. Then our own judgement fails because we are relying upon what we see and our other earthly senses.

Does God not give us peace in the storm? Does He not give us foresight about the “behind the scenes” and everyone’s hearts?

We must remind ourselves that the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy…and he tends to start with the smallest seemingly insignificant things that have a rippling effect that influences how we deal with bigger trials and tribulations.

I continually ask myself that if I’m having a tough day–did I start it with God? Did I pray that morning? Did I talk to Him?

By focusing on God in a day-to-day basis, we will be like the man who built his house upon the rock. The storm came but his was set upon a firm foundation–just like we are with God. (See Matthew 7:24-27) #OnChristthisSolidRockIStand #AllOtherGroundIsSinkingSand

God will Use It

November 24, 2021 by nikicks ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

✨Sometimes we keep doing the tasks of what we think is Godly and good instead of asking God himself.✨

It can be an overwhelming path of seeing the needs of the world and wanting to assist in them all. We can get burned out with trying to help everyone and everything and still miss God’s calling for us. ♥️

We each have a unique calling. Some might have the calling to be missionaries across borders—and others have been called to be missionaries in their own backyard.

Do you have a gift for taking care of others?
God will use it.

Do you have a gift with animals?
God will use it.

Do you like doing art?
God will use it.

Do you like helping with kids? Do you have a gift for speaking? Writing? Listening? Photography? Baking? Being a mom? Being a provider? Helping neighbors?

God. Will. Use. It.

P.S. God needs the everyday people in everyday lives to reach everyone…for that person that you just lent a hand to…

-that person you dropped off a meal for…
-that person you reached out to…
-that person you just babysat for…
-that dog or cat you rescued that led you to a new friendship with the new owner…
-that art piece you just finished that touched someone’s soul or made them smile…
-your kids you’ve been devoting your time to and loving them with a big piece of your heart…

You have been doing God’s work in an area that you were specifically called to. ♥️

Rebuking the Storm

August 16, 2021 by nikicks ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

With all that’s going on in our country and world and the depressing news media, I pray and keep receiving the same story imprinted on my heart about Jesus taking a nap in the storm.
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I don’t know about you, but there are nights where I haven’t been able to sleep due to worrying about the panic that is happening in seemingly high places. 😂💃 #IllCatchUpOnMySleepInHeaven
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But let’s imagine how the disciples feared for their lives about the storm and undulating lake. I bet some of them even heard stories of being sunk by such storms and I bet their “news media” of the day (aka gossip and word of mouth) told them all the possibilities of drowning and/or dying. Heck, they probably even had the story of Jonah being swallowed by a whale–in the back their minds (there probably weren’t whales in the lake–but fear does funny things to our imagination). 😅 I’m not going to lie–I would’ve been a basket case. I may have even tried shaking Jesus awake. #SonofGodWakeUp #DoYouSeeThis #TheresAStormBro #BeamUsUpToHeaven
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And yet….Jesus slept through it. Man, I wouldn’t even doubt if he snored.
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Was Jesus trusting on his own knowledge of boats and sea? Was he listening to the people’s past stories that invoked fear?
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No, He knew the power of God. He knew God would make a way for Him. He just needed to take a stand and rebuke the wind and waves.
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“23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27
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So, the beauty of this story is that storms will come…but God has a way for us. He has already given us the power through faith and through His Son’s holy name.
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God’s been telling me to work on my faith muscle instead of my worry one (which can probably bench press 500 lbs of news media). 😅🤣💪
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How do we build-up our faith?
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17
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Starting the day in the Word, listening to podcasts about the Word and ending the day with the Word.
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When that storm comes knocking, may we be filled so much with faith–that fear has no entry. 🧡💪💃 May we have the courage to rebuke the storm and have that smooth sailing of peace and calm.
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P.S. I like definitions so, I’m going to put this one here.
Rebuke: to reprimand : to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of authority

Our Country

July 9, 2019July 9, 2019 by nikicks ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Our Country
By: Nicole Renee Kent

What has our country come to be
Is it still the home the brave—the land of the free?

With basing laws and regulations on how we feel
Are we losing what is moral—what is real?

What is right—what is wrong
Division, strife—will we ever get along?

Debates turn to tearing one’s character to the ground
Not fighting with facts—cutting with lies that the media spreads around

Have we forgotten to listen to both sides
Using our own brain—thinking for ourselves—no longer letting the falsehoods abide?

We were meant to have two parts of government—showing different views
To see each other’s sides without the vision becoming askew

As iron sharpens iron—the two parts were meant to debate
Finally coming together in a compromise—not in an unrelenting hate

But has our government become engorged with wealth and status itself
Being bought beneath the table—turning their own views by being paid in stealth

Freedom of speech has been choked from what is viewed as wrong
But is that not what thinking for ourselves is—what makes our country strong?

Chasing Reflections

February 10, 2019February 10, 2019 by nikicks ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Chasing Reflections
by: Nicole Kent

Driving to work each and every week day
Beginning to memorize the same cars that weaved and swayed

I noticed a girl who seemed to sing with all her might
Not caring who saw her expressions…(which may have been a fright)

I got used to seeing her along my usual drive
Smiling at her contagious grin that seemed ever to thrive

No matter what day it was, she made best of it
Going to and from work, singing songs that never seemed to quit

But one day, I noticed tears in her eyes
Attempting to sing- but the sorrow wouldn’t be disguised

I waved at her and tried to make her smile as she once did for me
But her focus was on nothing, heartbreaking-urging her to flee

I followed and tried to signal her to stay
But she began to leave as if I chased her away

Soon losing track of her, I continued to drive on
When all-of-a-sudden, the sun made a revelation dawn

Looking at the lighted reflection in the window I began to see
That the girl was not someone else…but was me

I chased after the smiles and joys I once knew
Instead of focusing on the One who can heal and renew

I grasped for the happiness that was once there
But needed to look nowhere else but the One who can repair

I believe the One knew to light my way
Revealing that my reflection was here to stay

© Nicole Renee Kent and On the Cliff of Life [2013-current year] Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Renee Kent and On the Cliff of Life with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Tithe Lesson

June 19, 2018June 19, 2018 by nikicks ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Me: “Who do you want the rest of my tithe money to go to?”

God: “Wait, I will tell you at the right moment.”

Me: “ If I don’t give the money now, I might forget.”

God: “Wait.”

A few days later…

God: “I want you to keep that tithe money for yourself.”

Me thinks to self: *is this a deceiving spirit? Or is God wanting me to keep a part of my tithe money? This HAST to be a deceiving spirit.*

Me: “Are you sure? There are poor people and others who will need it more than me.”

God: “Yes, I am sure.”

Later on…

Me to self: *I cannot spend what God has given me, on myself. He has trusted me with it. I will help someone with what He has given me.*

God: “That is why I wanted you to keep it. I knew that with what I trusted you in little, you would give unto others of what I have given you. Now, this was a lesson. Have I not given you the greatest gift of all? Is my Son not greater than any amount of money? Do not forget to give as you have been given; share as has been shared unto you. Tell of the Greatest Gift. It is worth more than all the money in the world combined.”

Be More…

February 4, 2018February 4, 2018 by nikicks ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Be More.

This is not what you expected me to say, is it? In a world that pushes the “be yourself” and “you are great just the way you are” movement, this may sound like a shocker to you. Well, stay with me here…there is a deep meaning behind these two words…

For Instance:

++++++++++++++++

When someone you know stumbles in their walk of life.

Be More.

Encourage them to overcome that obstacle in their path.

Don’t push them down in an accusing tone. Help them. Encourage to be more, as you, yourself become more than the normal responses of everyday people in everyday life.

++++++++++++++++

When someone has great accomplishments in life, be more than the everyday human/fleshly/jealous response.

Be More.

Don’t search for their flaws and try to bring them down by bringing attention to their imperfections. Be more. Be happy for them. Congratulate them.

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When someone has a different personality than you. Love them, quirks and all, for we as the body of Christ, have been uniquely made.

Body of Christ.

A body is composed of different parts that have their own purpose. A hand cannot expect the foot to do exactly as it does, but it has a purpose in the body. Same way, everyone in the body of Christ has a different purpose but the same goal. This goal is to follow God and serve him in the unique way that He made them…that He made you.

Be More.

Ask God what part of the body your brother or sister in Christ is and how you can encourage them to be who God intended them to be…NOT how God intended YOU to be (*remember the hand and the foot*).

Be More.

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Here are some verses to remember in your “be more” movement (the mission, should you choose to accept it):

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NASB
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NIV
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life…” Proverbs 15:4 NIV
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NASB
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 NASB

*This message will NOT self-destruct in 10 seconds* 😉

Pure as Snow

January 2, 2018January 3, 2018 by nikicks ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Me: *Points to area on white shirt.*

Me: “But what about this spot?”

God: “I don’t see anything.”

Me: *Points to new area on shirt*

Me: “What about this dirty stain? This one has to be the worst yet.”

God: “I see you pure as snow. Why do you keep searching for old stains that aren’t there anymore?”

Me: “I remember them…are they always to haunt me?”

God: “Were you not forgiven? Was My Son’s sacrifice not enough for you?”

Me: “I know it should be, but the bullies of past…their words feel like words etched deeper than the shirt. Like I am always to see myself through their eyes.”

God: “You have put much in man’s opinion of you…find your identity in Me. Every time you remember the hurts & the pains, remember Me. Every time you remember the wrongs done unto you or even your own wrongdoings, remember Me…”

Me: *Stops searching for the marks of the past and focuses on God.*

God: “…every time you feel like searching your pure white shirt, remember that it was bestowed upon you. Remember that I have given you the greatest stain remover, an eternal one…lasting forever…remember Me.”