Taylor W.

Today, Taylor speaks to us about seeking God, the walk of faith and verses to encourage you along the way.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I’m from Grand Rapids, MI, and I grew up in the church. I loved learning about the Bible and Jesus! My mother and grandmother had a lot of faith, and they encouraged me in the way! I had a beautiful childhood surrounded by my friends, family and Jesus. I had lots of adventures growing up. As a family, we would go “up north,” which is Midwest talk for going to the lake in the summer! We would camp in Mackinaw State Park, on the beach, with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. Growing up in Michigan, the summers were ideal with lots of camping, riding bicycles and plenty of adventures. Life was bliss, easy and very-loving.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment:

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.” 1 John 14:18 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Faith. Faith is the basis of my life. I put God first in everything I do — in all aspects of my life. It is a journey of thanksgiving, praising God for joy and abundant love, and praising God through the trials of life. In the storms of sorrow, despair, and fear – God is still faithful. His steadfast love endures forever. God is a constant source of comfort in my life, and I pray continually!

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Profession/Mission: To glorify the Lord in all that I do! I like to say, “I’m just here to glorify the Lord, and then, I’m going home.” My goal is to encourage believers to first seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything will be added unto you as well. Matthew 6:33 is my rally cry. I encourage people to seek the Glory of God rather than the glory of man. To seek His face in all that we do! God promised, through His word, [that] those who love Him, when [they] seek the Lord with all of [their] hearts WILL find Him! (Jeremiah 29:13) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

“I encourage people to seek the Glory of God rather than the glory of man.”

My desire is for others to know the life-giving relationship that Jesus offers each and every one of us. Jesus is the living water! His word is what sanctifies us, and I encourage every single person to develop a hunger for the truth and to read the Word!! You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. Jesus gave up his life for the sins of the whole world, and rose again on the third day conquering death and forever defeating satan, death, and sin for all those who believe and put their faith in Jesus Christ. For us believers, and through us, advances His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. I want to see the Kingdom of Heaven established on earth and for believers to be walking in their authority through Christ. 

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:15-23 

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? That’s a great question! I would have to pray about it and see what God brings to mind! Maybe “Set Free by Grace” ? I am not sure! For now I would point people to Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” That’s my story, my testimony is written in the Word of God.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I remember hearing the name “I AM” while in church, and it moved my spirit. This encounter happened when I was pretty young, but I distinctly remember that something within me was moved by the awe of God simply from hearing His name “I AM.” God captured me by His wonder, His awe and His majesty. I have been a worshipper of the Most High God for as long as I can remember.

“God captured me by His wonder, His awe and His majesty.”

How would you describe Jesus? The love of my life, my whole heart, my every heart beat, the song of my soul, the beat of my drum, the light of my life, my whole being- I love Jesus with all that I am. He alone is worthy of the praise and deserves all of my love and then some. Jesus is truly the light of the World, everything I do- I do with Him. I love and He loves me. I want to share the love of Jesus with everyone that I meet, and it has been an honor and privilege to share Jesus with everyone that I encounter.

“I want to share the love of Jesus with everyone that I meet, and it has been an honor and privilege to share Jesus with everyone that I encounter.”

How has your relationship with Him changed you? What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? He has given me new life. I was dead, and now, I am alive in Christ Jesus. Before Jesus, I was at rock bottom, hurt, alone, broken, dying – spiritually. You can feel it when you are living in the world and following after sin; it wreaks havoc on your soul, and the pain was too much to bear. I cried out to Jesus, and he set me free. He broke every chain, silenced every voice of the accuser, trampled upon the snakes and scorpions, and lifted me out of the pit of despair. He put a new song in my mouth and gave me his Love! Jesus is my strength, my provider and my redeemer. (Psalm 23, Psalm 91, Luke 10:19). “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Trusting in the Lord with all of my heart and not leaning on my own understanding. Keeping my eyes on Jesus and abiding in His word! John 15!!

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): Philippians – how Paul despite his circumstances in prison continued to praise God and have hope! That’s the power of the Holy Spirit that no matter what happens to you on earth, God is always good, always faithful, and always working out everything for our good and His glory!

“That’s the power of the Holy Spirit that no matter what happens to you on earth, God is always good, always faithful, and always working out everything for our good and His glory!”

Top three essentials: God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit.

How did God speak to you recently? Through the storm of life, I have truly never been alone! 

Hobby: Reading the Bible, worship, spending time with Jesus, hanging out with my cat.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Pray, ask the Holy Spirit for help, worship in Spirit and in truth!

Favorite person in scripture? JESUS! THE LAMB OF GOD! 

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? He loves you.

How do you engage with your community? I work with my local church. I work with The Send! Check out their website here; it’s an amazing movement! I want to see revival across the whole U.S. and the nations!

Favorite holiday? Christmas, of course.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I am going to be so excited and rejoice with the Lamb forever!

What does your morning routine consist of? It depends on the day, honestly! It’s summertime, so I like to sleep in and start the day thanking God and pray/praise God for a new day.  

What is on your nightstand? Water bottles! Always have multiple water bottles on my nightstand. I like to stay hydrated! Along with my Bible and lamp!

Define Christianity in a sentence: New life found in Jesus Christ! “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are made new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

For more Taylor:

The Send https://thesend.org/

My Portfolio https://taylorelle.myportfolio.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/taylorellew/

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX