It is the season.
No, not the season of holly and folly, Christmas trees and presents. Not that anything is wrong with buying gifts, though it's better if that same love has been shown all year.
But, the season I am talking about is the one in which the Lord is calling all of those who profess to love, follow and obey him to show themselves strong. To work toward building his Kingdom in a real way, not just through lip service. I truly believe that this is a "put up or shut up" season of the Lord.
Some of us, as God's disciples, have wasted way too much time "desiring this and desiring that" and not being willing to use the skills and abilities he gave us to the fullest extent. Often, we have used our energy waiting for God to send someone to pay this bill, buy this item or do something else for us, instead of plotting out a course of action under God's direction to get these things for ourselves.
God has planted both gifts and talents in us that we have failed to nurture; instead choosing to wait on him to perform some miracle to get us the things that we want and need. Not that he can't and hasn't performed miracles time after time. But we should not live our lives in a slovenly manner, wasting the talents and gifts he has given us because we are afraid of new territory, new experiences or even new successes. I believe God fully expects us to consult him, and then to nurture the talents and gifts, eventually using them for the benefit of our fellow human beings.
Throughout scripture God speaks of the glory and benefit of hard work, so there should be no confusion about his expectations.
Let's make a commitment this year to work as if we are working for God in everything that we do; whether it be for pay or as volunteers. Let's make a promise to work hard, and dedicate our time to building up some entity that is truly serving God's people, whether it be your church, an organization or an effort at your current place of employment. Let's ask God to allow his anointing to fall fresh each day so that every minute of our lives we can operate as the loving servants he called us to be. Let's do these things for unselfish reasons; just because God asked us to and we are being obedient. Let's leave our comfort zones and trust God completely; moving out into new territory and knowing that if we step out into the water like Peter, God will never let us drown, even if we lose our faith for a moment.
Let's truly begin to act like disciples of God; going where He sends us, saying what He tells us to say, seeing what He shows us, being what He calls us to be, and sowing where He says to sow. Each of our efforts truly can change the world; especially if we learn to operate in the spiritual gifts and talents that God has imbued us with.
Scriptures for further reading: Working
Proverbs 12:11
He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.
Proverbs 14:23
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 21:25
The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.
Matthew 9:37
Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
Hebrews 6:10
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
Exodus 35:35
He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Endurance and the Strength to Press On
Most of us who are truly striving to live our lives directed by God are soldiers. We know to stay on the lookout for the attacks of an enemy who would deter our progress in the things of God. We know that there are many whom we meet daily, who gladly denounce us, the God that we serve, and any proof of God's actuation and presence in our lives. We are use to these naysayers, and we often are prepared through praise, meditation and prayer, to keep moving forward in our faith in spite of them. Actually, their attempts to belittle our efforts can often propel us to love God even more deeply, serve him with even more loyality, and to strive even harder to be transformed by His Spirit residing in us.
We can usually handle to attack of the identified and expected adversary.
But what happens when the adversary is in our camp; our primary source of spiritual support? Or what about when the enemy is in our own mind? Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish between these two, and sometimes God clearly identifies one or the other. In both cases though, allowing situations to make you take your eyes off of God can paralyze you, humiliate your efforts to serve God and render you less effective at exercising your gifts as prophet, exhorter, apostle, teacher, or any of the other gifts God so graciously bestows upon us.
If you are trying to understand why those who proclaim to love you and have your best interest at heart can sometimes hurt you the most, STOP RIGHT NOW. If you keep wondering why it seems that those you trust to guide and direct you are slighting you or diminishing the spiritual gifts that God allows you to bring to the table, STOP RIGHT NOW. If you are trying to understand if the arrows thrown at you are actually from those within your spiritual camp, or a plot by the enemy to divide and conquer, STOP RIGHT NOW.
It doesn't matter what the source of your frustration and emotional hurt is. It doesn't matter if a brother or sister in your supposedly tight knit, Christian group is treating you with anything less than the love they proclaim, while you daily serve them, pray for them and love on them. It doesn't even matter if your pastor seems out to humiliate you, purposely undermine you or even negate your work, despite your attempts to identify any relationship issues or prove how much you appreciate them. Ultimately, it also doesn't matter if the enemy is at fault and is distracting you so that you won't complete whatever task God has for you to complete.
The only thing that matters is God. If you are not sure what is going on and your emotional state makes it difficult to get clear guidance from God on when and how to respond, just stop. You can't battle an unknown enemy now can you?
Stay focused. Stay humble. Stay in communication with Him. Pray, Worship and Mediate on those things that are pleasing in His sight. Get out of bed each and every morning thanking God and asking Him for instructions for that day, and retire each night thanking Him for the grace that sustained you during the day. Don't get caught up expecting perfection from individuals who are not perfect. Don't worry about whether you can trust them or not because many times you can't. But you can trust the God in them. Most importantly though, you can trust God and if He sent you there and has not released you yet, trust that He can and is making perfect those things which concern you. Know that God allows all things, even the tricks of your adversaries, to work together for the good of those who are called to serve Him.
Serve Him. Serve Him. Serve Him. Don't get distracted by the junk. You only end up wasting tears and wasting precious time. Know what he whispers in your ear is true, despite everything and everybody, and walk in that power every day, every hour and every minute. God's promises to you are yours and no human being, no matter what position they hold within your life, can take that away.
God's word to me several days ago from a prophet and friend was Endurance. How timely and how fitting. We can all abide in that one word alone and I receive it for all of you. Amen.
Scriptures for Endurance and further study
Romans 5:3-4
Romans 8:28
Romans 12:12
James 1:12-18
James 1:14Hebrews 10:36
Colossians 1:11
Hebrews 12:1-3
John 16:33
We can usually handle to attack of the identified and expected adversary.
But what happens when the adversary is in our camp; our primary source of spiritual support? Or what about when the enemy is in our own mind? Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish between these two, and sometimes God clearly identifies one or the other. In both cases though, allowing situations to make you take your eyes off of God can paralyze you, humiliate your efforts to serve God and render you less effective at exercising your gifts as prophet, exhorter, apostle, teacher, or any of the other gifts God so graciously bestows upon us.
If you are trying to understand why those who proclaim to love you and have your best interest at heart can sometimes hurt you the most, STOP RIGHT NOW. If you keep wondering why it seems that those you trust to guide and direct you are slighting you or diminishing the spiritual gifts that God allows you to bring to the table, STOP RIGHT NOW. If you are trying to understand if the arrows thrown at you are actually from those within your spiritual camp, or a plot by the enemy to divide and conquer, STOP RIGHT NOW.
It doesn't matter what the source of your frustration and emotional hurt is. It doesn't matter if a brother or sister in your supposedly tight knit, Christian group is treating you with anything less than the love they proclaim, while you daily serve them, pray for them and love on them. It doesn't even matter if your pastor seems out to humiliate you, purposely undermine you or even negate your work, despite your attempts to identify any relationship issues or prove how much you appreciate them. Ultimately, it also doesn't matter if the enemy is at fault and is distracting you so that you won't complete whatever task God has for you to complete.
The only thing that matters is God. If you are not sure what is going on and your emotional state makes it difficult to get clear guidance from God on when and how to respond, just stop. You can't battle an unknown enemy now can you?
Stay focused. Stay humble. Stay in communication with Him. Pray, Worship and Mediate on those things that are pleasing in His sight. Get out of bed each and every morning thanking God and asking Him for instructions for that day, and retire each night thanking Him for the grace that sustained you during the day. Don't get caught up expecting perfection from individuals who are not perfect. Don't worry about whether you can trust them or not because many times you can't. But you can trust the God in them. Most importantly though, you can trust God and if He sent you there and has not released you yet, trust that He can and is making perfect those things which concern you. Know that God allows all things, even the tricks of your adversaries, to work together for the good of those who are called to serve Him.
Serve Him. Serve Him. Serve Him. Don't get distracted by the junk. You only end up wasting tears and wasting precious time. Know what he whispers in your ear is true, despite everything and everybody, and walk in that power every day, every hour and every minute. God's promises to you are yours and no human being, no matter what position they hold within your life, can take that away.
God's word to me several days ago from a prophet and friend was Endurance. How timely and how fitting. We can all abide in that one word alone and I receive it for all of you. Amen.
Scriptures for Endurance and further study
Romans 5:3-4
Romans 8:28
Romans 12:12
James 1:12-18
James 1:14Hebrews 10:36
Colossians 1:11
Hebrews 12:1-3
John 16:33
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
I know it's been a minute since I posted, but life has gotten a little busier or at least, it has stepped back up to it's usual pace. Let me explain.
I believe that for every challenge accomplished, every endeavor completed, there is another one just sitting in wait. God has given us so much skill and talent that I always feel compelled to do something more, or something in addition to just those things that pay the bills. Some of our most enriching experiences and greatest spiritual lessons have come from doing things outside the norm, and outside of our 9 to 5. Without the stress of our primary work, we can focus more strongly; paying attention while God moves and takes us to meet our full potential in His glory.
I have learned to do that; pay attention that is, and last week was not exception. God presented me with an opportunity to do something that I love to do, work as a tutor while I was actually looking for opportunities for another person.
Now the first thought that I had when I got the job was how tired I was going to be. I love tutoring, but I like staying at home more, especially during the winter. So, at first I pained over the long drive to the college campus as opposed to how easy it would have been to go to the one right where I live. Then I thought about the drive time, the hours that I would have to spend sitting waiting on students and the time that would be taken away from my schedule because I have a million things that I think I need to do.
After about 10 minutes of that, I happily moved back into my default mode; thanking God for the opportunity and anticipating what he would teach me or allow me to learn from others. And therein lies my testimony for this posting. Opportunity.
Oftentimes, we think of work as drudgery. We moan. We groan. We complain. We do everything, but get excited about what God is doing. And don't even mention how we feel about doing anything in addition to our primary work.
A dear friend of mine sent me an email that I thought was wonderful. "Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps. if you are not willing to move your feet." Amen to that.
I chose to MOVE and because of that, he is doing some wonderful things with me, the college students, and even the adults in the lab. They are revealing themselves to me, I am revealing myself to them, and we have uplifting conversations about life and God; we encourage each other and whether you know it or not, encouragement is a valuable commodity.
Most importantly, together we are bridging the divide that often exists between generations. That alone was worth making the trip to the campus.
So, while I could talk about all of the magnificent college students for the rest of the blog, and probably will once I get their permission, the point that I really want to make today is that we should always look forward to what God is going to reveal when he sends us somewhere. Our hearts should always be open to receive his direction and to be obedient to it, by walking through the door that he opens.
Opportunities abound to grow, learn, share, prosper and love, but we have to listen and then move. Most of all we must be OBEDIENT to His voice. Amen.
Scriptures for further study on Obedience:
Matthew 7:24
I believe that for every challenge accomplished, every endeavor completed, there is another one just sitting in wait. God has given us so much skill and talent that I always feel compelled to do something more, or something in addition to just those things that pay the bills. Some of our most enriching experiences and greatest spiritual lessons have come from doing things outside the norm, and outside of our 9 to 5. Without the stress of our primary work, we can focus more strongly; paying attention while God moves and takes us to meet our full potential in His glory.
I have learned to do that; pay attention that is, and last week was not exception. God presented me with an opportunity to do something that I love to do, work as a tutor while I was actually looking for opportunities for another person.
Now the first thought that I had when I got the job was how tired I was going to be. I love tutoring, but I like staying at home more, especially during the winter. So, at first I pained over the long drive to the college campus as opposed to how easy it would have been to go to the one right where I live. Then I thought about the drive time, the hours that I would have to spend sitting waiting on students and the time that would be taken away from my schedule because I have a million things that I think I need to do.
After about 10 minutes of that, I happily moved back into my default mode; thanking God for the opportunity and anticipating what he would teach me or allow me to learn from others. And therein lies my testimony for this posting. Opportunity.
Oftentimes, we think of work as drudgery. We moan. We groan. We complain. We do everything, but get excited about what God is doing. And don't even mention how we feel about doing anything in addition to our primary work.
A dear friend of mine sent me an email that I thought was wonderful. "Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps. if you are not willing to move your feet." Amen to that.
I chose to MOVE and because of that, he is doing some wonderful things with me, the college students, and even the adults in the lab. They are revealing themselves to me, I am revealing myself to them, and we have uplifting conversations about life and God; we encourage each other and whether you know it or not, encouragement is a valuable commodity.
Most importantly, together we are bridging the divide that often exists between generations. That alone was worth making the trip to the campus.
So, while I could talk about all of the magnificent college students for the rest of the blog, and probably will once I get their permission, the point that I really want to make today is that we should always look forward to what God is going to reveal when he sends us somewhere. Our hearts should always be open to receive his direction and to be obedient to it, by walking through the door that he opens.
Opportunities abound to grow, learn, share, prosper and love, but we have to listen and then move. Most of all we must be OBEDIENT to His voice. Amen.
Scriptures for further study on Obedience:
Deuteronomy 28:1-14
Deuteronomy 30:1-10 Matthew 7:24
Job 36:11
Romans 8:28
Friday, November 5, 2010
Rest in the Lord
People told me what God could do. They gave me example after example of how God came through for them either by providing direction, financial sustenance or simply encouragement when it was needed most.They even gave me scriptures like:
Psalms 34:17 (King James)
The righteous cry and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. (Living Bible) Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to Him for help, and saves him out of all his troubles.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Living Bible) Trust the Lord completely; don't ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.
But I was still focused on what Nina could make happen and I didn't get it. I acknowledged God, but I really didn't understand how to accept his guidance and direction.
But I'm not there anymore and the latest proof is this morning.
An emergency came up any my pastors had to leave town. On Thursday morning my Pastor called me and asked if I could step in to teach his class about the Gift of Teaching. A lot of the leaders had been stepping in to teach and lead to keep the facility running.
Now let me stop to tell you that my response to this was definitely not what it would have been about a year ago. I would have started freaking out. Gotten angry that he asked me "at the last minute" and became so stressed I couldn't sleep or eat until it was over and done with. Most importantly, I would have looked straight to Nina, and any other human being she could find, to be the source of all of the information that I believed I needed in order to be successful.
But, because of God and the people he has placed in my life to teach me, I've grown tremendously so my response was a strong and clear, "of course I can do that pastor, no problem," and I meant exactly that. I wasn't too worried about failure, though a little nervousness is a good thing. I researched the topic, found relevant scripture to support the things that I thought I wanted to say and then most importantly, I prayed and asked God what he wanted me to do and say to get the point across.
At 6 a.m. Friday he responded.
He gave me direction about how he wanted me to teach this class. Not vague just tell them this kind of stuff, but scriptural references, information on how to present, and even examples in the Bible that would support what he wanted me to say.
Wow. A clear and present help in time of need, INDEED.
I don't take moments like that lightly anymore. I got out of my bed, turned on my light, and wrote down everything God said to me. I thanked him, praised him and went even further this time to actually get up and write this blog.
So if you don't get anything else about God and his love for you, know that HE does provide what you need when you ask for it, look for it, and do what you need to do on your end to prepare whether that is research or getting out of the bed at 6 a.m to write it down. When you do that, the outcome is ALWAYS that people are affected, people are given a new understanding and people are empowered. Amen.
Scripture References for further study
Isaiah 41:10
Psalms 40:1-3 - King James1 Peter 5:7
Isaiah 40:31
Deuteronomy 31:6
Psalms 37:7
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
One Team
It's really quite interesting how we draw a line between good God-ly folks and bad folks, or sinners and saints. You do this, you are a saint. You do that, you are a sinner. What's even more sad are the standards that we apply to identify the traits of individuals who fit into either of these categories. If you attend church regularly, pray sometimes and own a Bible, you get to carry the good saint label. But, if you don't ever attend or can't quote scripture, then of course you are a heathen to be prayed for. Based on what you say, do or think at any given moment, or what people see you do, hear you say, or think you think, you could end up in either category.
How crazy is that? Here we are. supposedly all brothers and sisters in Christ for real, for real, and we sound like Republicans, Democrats or Tea Party candidates. Who are we to judge each other? Who said you have a better position with God than I do? How do you know what God says to me when we are alone? Don't you know your junk and your trash smell just as bad as my junk and my trash, no matter what church covering you might have.
Well, it's time out for that junk. There is too much at stake to be divisive and judgmental. There is to much mess out here eating the souls and spirits of all of God's children for us to be sitting around gazing at heaven and thanking God for how anointed, appointed and just plain Christian we are.
With this blog, I challenge everyone to see God in the everyday, every moment and every second, and to share those sightings. In this blog we won't chastise you for not knowing the appropriate scriptural reference. Or call you out because you were at the club drunk last night and posting about God's goodness today. We won't drag your name down because you were under the anointing on Sunday and under Tyrone, Bobby, James, Moesha, Pam (or whatever that person's name was) on Monday.
Nope. We won't do any of that. The only thing we will do is celebrate God and make note of his movement in our lives. I want to talk about how God helped your dirty butt out when he should have kicked you to the curb. Or how he sent you the rent money through someone you had just said some really nasty stuff about. (And besides you went shopping with your rent money). Or how he cleaned you up and helped you get over the shame and disgust at some of the stuff you did last year, last month or last week.
In this blog I want to celebrate God and I want you to help me do that. Share, share, share with no judgment and no correction and for the purpose of lifting up God.
John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.(I didn't say you couldn't use scripture just that you didn't have to. Hey, we might all learn something accidentally)
So hit me up and help me magnify. Praise God.
P.S. Oh yeah, a big thanks to and a shout to Pastor Jolinda Wade. Don't forget, when God commands you to do something, get your butt up (well she didn't quite say that), forget about your feelings, lack, attitude, beliefs, clothes, boyfriend, girlfriend, sister, brother, mother, baby's daddy, baby's momma, employment, unemployment - all of your issues and garbage that keeps you from obeying God and do it ANYHOW.
P.S.S. And another thing. You hear from God. You just don't know it sometimes. So don't go there.
All Love.
How crazy is that? Here we are. supposedly all brothers and sisters in Christ for real, for real, and we sound like Republicans, Democrats or Tea Party candidates. Who are we to judge each other? Who said you have a better position with God than I do? How do you know what God says to me when we are alone? Don't you know your junk and your trash smell just as bad as my junk and my trash, no matter what church covering you might have.
Well, it's time out for that junk. There is too much at stake to be divisive and judgmental. There is to much mess out here eating the souls and spirits of all of God's children for us to be sitting around gazing at heaven and thanking God for how anointed, appointed and just plain Christian we are.
With this blog, I challenge everyone to see God in the everyday, every moment and every second, and to share those sightings. In this blog we won't chastise you for not knowing the appropriate scriptural reference. Or call you out because you were at the club drunk last night and posting about God's goodness today. We won't drag your name down because you were under the anointing on Sunday and under Tyrone, Bobby, James, Moesha, Pam (or whatever that person's name was) on Monday.
Nope. We won't do any of that. The only thing we will do is celebrate God and make note of his movement in our lives. I want to talk about how God helped your dirty butt out when he should have kicked you to the curb. Or how he sent you the rent money through someone you had just said some really nasty stuff about. (And besides you went shopping with your rent money). Or how he cleaned you up and helped you get over the shame and disgust at some of the stuff you did last year, last month or last week.
In this blog I want to celebrate God and I want you to help me do that. Share, share, share with no judgment and no correction and for the purpose of lifting up God.
John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.(I didn't say you couldn't use scripture just that you didn't have to. Hey, we might all learn something accidentally)
So hit me up and help me magnify. Praise God.
P.S. Oh yeah, a big thanks to and a shout to Pastor Jolinda Wade. Don't forget, when God commands you to do something, get your butt up (well she didn't quite say that), forget about your feelings, lack, attitude, beliefs, clothes, boyfriend, girlfriend, sister, brother, mother, baby's daddy, baby's momma, employment, unemployment - all of your issues and garbage that keeps you from obeying God and do it ANYHOW.
P.S.S. And another thing. You hear from God. You just don't know it sometimes. So don't go there.
All Love.
Nightcap:
Find your passion and you will have discovered your God-ordained purpose. Knowing and understanding your purpose can be the difference between living a God-centered life and productive life, and living a self-centered, meaningless life. God first...
Thoughts....have you found your purpose or are your even sure what that journey looks like?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)