Righteousness, Relationships, and Recipes

A Homefirst message from the desk of Dr. Shenica

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

At HomeFirst, my message is always anchored in this truth: We are created to live authentically and wholly in the identity God established before the foundations of the world. Our sense of self cannot be separated from the Creator; He alone knows the intricacies of our design. As Yeshua said in Luke 12:7, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” That level of divine detail reveals how intimately God knows us—and how desperately we need to return to His original blueprint to understand who we are.

For a long time, I believed I knew myself because I could think, feel, and function. But I eventually realized that being created in the image of God doesn't mean we are self-sufficient. It means we are dependent on Him to unveil our identity. That revelation came not through comfort but through trials, isolation, grief, and countless humbling experiences. I lost my mother at 20, my stepfather in my early 30s, and my biological father not long after. The people who helped shape my worldview were gone, and I was left with the haunting question: Who am I now?

It was in the quiet, the wilderness seasons of my life, that I encountered the One who made me. And in that encounter, I learned this:

“Righteousness is the road home”- Dr. Shenica

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The Righteous Way

Righteousness is not a rigid rulebook but a relational reality. In Hebrew, the word for righteousness, "tsedeq," speaks of justice, uprightness, and right standing—but always within the context of covenant. It is not simply about doing what is "right" by human standards. It’s about living in alignment with the Father’s will.

Romans 10:10 reminds us, “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Notice the order, believing leads to right standing. This isn’t about performance; it’s about posture.

Psalm 106:3 declares, “Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times.” This is not about perfection but about consistent obedience that flows from love. When I began reading Scripture not as a list of dos and don’ts, but as a love letter from a Father who desired to protect me, everything shifted.

I once visited a country with no clear road rules—chaos ensued. That moment helped me realize that God's commandments are not restrictions; they are divine boundaries that preserve peace. Just like the Israelites, we can leave Egypt, but still carry the residue of slavery in our thinking. Freedom isn't found in simply leaving what oppresses you, but in learning how to live without it.

True deliverance is walking in the discipline of righteousness, even when it costs you familiarity and comfort.

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Kingdom Relationships: Intimacy Over Industry

We were never meant to live from works, but from relationship. Out of intimacy flows identity, and from identity flows power.

Our heavenly assignment is powered by proximity to the King. Jesus says in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from Me, you can do nothing.” Yet so often, we attempt to carry out Kingdom work without cultivating Kingdom intimacy.

I’ve witnessed modern miracles: stage 4 cancer reversed, lifelong addictions broken, deformities healed. I believe these are not anomalies, but accessible realities for those who walk closely with the Source. But let me be clear: the authority to heal, teach, lead, and live boldly doesn’t come from a platform. It comes from the secret place.

2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image… by the Spirit of the Lord.” We become what we behold. To carry His power, we must prioritize His presence.

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Sanctification is a Daily Pursuit

Sanctification is both positional and practical. We are made holy through Christ (Hebrews 10:10), but we are also called to pursue holiness daily (Hebrews 12:14). This requires a radical realignment of how we live.

We are heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)—not just in word, but in responsibility. As heirs, we are stewards of the Kingdom. That means our disciplines: prayer, fasting, worship, rest, service, are not rituals but relational connectors.

📖 Reflection Questions:

1. What did I inherit when Christ defeated death?

2. In what ways have I been living beneath my royal identity?

3. What practical steps can I take today to realign with my inheritance in Christ?

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Recipes for the Soul and the Table

Now, about those recipes.

Just as we nourish our spirit with the Bread of Life, we also nourish our bodies with the creativity God has given us. In this community, I occasionally share recipes—not just for your plate but for your rhythm of life. Eating and preparing food are sacred acts. It’s an act of worship, hospitality, and healing. Even Jesus cooked fish for His disciples after resurrection (John 21:9-13)—a holy breakfast, if you will!

This week’s feature: Berry Latte Smoothie

Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Unsplash

A blend of refreshment and renewal—perfect for moms, homemakers, and Kingdom women who need energy for their calling.

Berry Latte Smoothie Recipe:

• 1 cup Berry Blend (frozen)

• ½ cup leftover cooled coffee

• ½–1 cup water (adjust for consistency)

• 1–2 tsp agave or natural sweetener of your choice

✨ Blend. Sip. Breathe. Repeat.

Let this smoothie remind you that God desires to meet you in the everyday. Even in your kitchen, His Spirit is present.

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And Finally…

Sanctification is not a sprint, but a slow-cooked meal. It takes time, tenderness, and intentional ingredients. Here at HomeFirst, we are rebuilding the home from the inside out—spirit, soul, and body—guided by the Master Architect.

“As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭BSB‬‬

If this message encouraged you, I invite you to share it and comment below.

If you're a Kingdom Entrepreneur navigating a secular space, download the Bible & Business Devotional—designed for first-generation Christian entrepreneurs who are ready to do business God's way. The audio version is now in production and will be available soon.

Let’s pursue the righteousness that leads to rest.

Let’s build relationships that carry power.

And let’s break bread together—spiritually and literally.

Homefirst, Always