I heard someone say this and I wanted to make sure that I shared it here on my blog:
The message of the bible to us is about God.
The message of the bible to God is about us!
Image Source: Gapyear.com
#HeLovesUs #OhHowHeLovesUs #HeLoves
It’s important to remember that Jesus has feelings, too!
Image Source: http://www.pixshark.com
… remember, He made us in his image, right?
We have feelings, so does He!
1. He is not ignorant of our infirmities.
2. We bear this in mind so that we can truly realize just how faithful he is!
He always does what He says He will do, despite our evil, snide intentions. The sun rises and sets, everyday, without fail, without our blessing, and without being influenced by our stupid or ignorant behaviors.
He allows blessings to fall upon the just and the unjust.
He loves us despite the fact that we do not:
Thank Him,
Obey Him,
Trust Him,
Praise Him,
Worship Him.
As an aside, We cannot be ignorant of our brother’s infirmities, either. In addition, we cannot sin, that grace may abound- God forbid!
#GodHasFeelingsToo
Image Source: http://www.andybrewer.blogspot.com
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
How comforting is it to know that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is my Shepard!
He is looking over me.
He is looking after me.
He is my provider.
He is my all and all.
I am glad to know that it is not my job, or my credentials, or the favor that I have been extended from my boss, or my parents, or my siblings, no earthly being is responsible for protecting, loving, guiding, and providing for me.
#FeelingLoved
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple. 5For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.
And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.…
Proverbs 27:5-6
In the secret place of His tent He will hide me.
I am so glad that:
1. I have found that secret place.
2. I know how to retreat there when I need Him.
3. I can retreat to Him, any time or any place- for this place is not a physical location.
4. I can hear Him clearly when I am there, if I only go there.
#LearningAndGrowing
#InChrist
#TheSecret
#TheSecretPlace
Lol. That is one of those statements that we don’t want to say out loud.
…It seems very brash and rude so we don’t say it often, right??
Right.
Sometimes in the quietness of our hearts we have to remember…
Image Source : https://www.pinterest.com/ninamclean/jon-courson/
We are not doing the things that we do for ourselves.
We’re not doing the things that we do for other people
Rather, we are doing them for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Stand on the Word of God:
And whatsoever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by Him (Colossians 3:17).
A few years ago, someone jokingly said that I have a card ministry.
I dunno exactly why, bud since I was a little girl, I started writing letters and cards and have held on to that habit for years. I have been known to make my own envelopes as well. It’s a beautiful thing.
I like to send Thinking of You cards and thank you cards to people when they do nice things, I just do.
Image Source: http://www.shimelle.com
We have received a few love letters from God. They have been compiled with a few other stories and we call it the bible.
As if my husband was away from me, war in Afganistan.
… I remember the scent of his cologne.
… I sit and reminisce on what we talked about last.
… I am often caught reading His letter, over and over.
I remember the last silly thing we disagreed on.
I remember his touch.
When I reminisce, I feel encouraged
I don’t mind reading his words, over and over.
It’s ok to long for his return.
It’s ok to long for Sunday worship, when we all get together and praise and worship the Lord corporately.
When we truly miss him, this is what we do.
#BackToTheWord
#InLove
I cannot say that I understand exactly what God is doing right now, but I believe that the Lord is asking me to pray a specific type of prayer. A prayer of preparation.
Because of this, I am sharing this with you.
Image Source: six11wordpress.com
Lord,
I come to you this morning, thanking and praising you for allowing me to hear you voice, and desire to quickly take heed. Thank you for that.
Lord, in my life, go before me.
Make the darkness light, before me.
Prepare a table before me, even in the presence of my enemies.
Make every crooked path straight!
In the mighty name of Jesus!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say, “I tell you what, I ain’t breaking my neck doing that” … Smh.
-Next thing you know, a dire situation comes and we ask God to move heaven and earth on our behalf.
-We know we deserve punishment for things, but we ask Him for mercy.
-We contract some life threatening disease or are diagnosed with some other deadly ailment like cancer, and ask Him for healing.
Ok, so we know that He can do it.
He created the Heavens and the Earth
He is ever-present
He is all-knowing
He knows our heart good and bad and still has everything to do with us
He owns the cattle on 1,000 hills
He has the power to kill and make alive
He has the ability to:
*Protect us, defend us, change our perspective, send the right people to help us, eliminate debt, remove stressors, keep us from diseases and aliments; hurt and pain …
—
What if there was a direct relationship between your activity for God & His activity of your behalf in this life (and in eternity)?
What if, every time you said or thought:
“I ain’t breaking my neck being at church all day”
or
“I ain’t breaking my neck, helping people, I got needs too!”
or some similar statement that the Lord took note and was thinking, “Okay. Well, I’m not going to break mine” … ? Yes, He is merciful, but He has every right to say that!
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again (Matthew 7:2).
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (Matt 25:40).
I dare say, we need to break our necks:
In our service unto the Lord (Attentive and present. Give Him worship and praise.)
In the way we treat ourselves (healthy and able to do Kingdom work), in partaking only in food that are healthy foods (healthy, agile and able to do Kingdom work), being in healthy relationships (not distracted or abused, able to to Kingdom work), in keeping physically fit (healthy, agile, and able to do Kingdom work).
In the way we treat on another: we need to manifest the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.
So, when it’s time for Sunday School, or Sunrise Service, or that Evening Service, go ahead and do whatever you are asked for the cause of Christ.
This Valentine’s Season, make a commitment to Christ. Love Him, ‘break your neck’ for Him.
#Love
#BreakYourNeckForHim
#HeWillBreakHisNeckForYou
When the Lord says move, just do what He says.
Don’t bother pulling your anchor up out of the sea.
Don’t put that weight in your boat!
It’ll slow you down.
Simply cut your losses and move!
#Go
#WhenHeMoves
#IMoveJustLikeThat
What’s His Name?
Jesus?
Who is He who always makes away?
Who opened blinded eyes?
Who heals cancer and broken hearts?
Who gives us direction and tells us to trust Him?
Who for ashes, gives us beauty?
Who else but God?
Jesus is God!
And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you (Exodus 3:13-14).
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory (1 Timothy 3:16).
Men gave many different names to the Lord throughout the Old Testament:
EL, ELOAH: God “mighty, strong, prominent” (Genesis 7:1; Isaiah 9:6) – etymologically, El appears to mean “power,” as in “I have the power to harm you” (Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity (Numbers 23:19), jealousy (Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion (Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of might remains.
ELOHIM: God “Creator, Mighty and Strong” (Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) – the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible’s first sentence, the superlative nature of God’s power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence (Genesis 1:1).
EL SHADDAI: “God Almighty,” “The Mighty One of Jacob” (Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) – speaks to God’s ultimate power over all.
ADONAI: “Lord” (Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) – used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God’s dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.
YHWH / YAHWEH / JEHOVAH: “LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4; Daniel 9:14) – strictly speaking, the only proper name for God. Translated in English Bibles “LORD” (all capitals) to distinguish it from Adonai, “Lord.” The revelation of the name is first given to Moses “I Am who I Am” (Exodus 3:14). This name specifies an immediacy, a presence. Yahweh is present, accessible, near to those who call on Him for deliverance (Psalm 107:13), forgiveness (Psalm 25:11) and guidance (Psalm 31:3).
YAHWEH-JIREH: “The Lord Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14) – the name memorialized by Abraham when God provided the ram to be sacrificed in place of Isaac.
YAHWEH-RAPHA: “The Lord Who Heals” (Exodus 15:26) – “I am Jehovah who heals you” both in body and soul. In body, by preserving from and curing diseases, and in soul, by pardoning iniquities.
YAHWEH-NISSI: “The Lord Our Banner” (Exodus 17:15), where banner is understood to be a rallying place. This name commemorates the desert victory over the Amalekites in Exodus 17.
YAHWEH-M’KADDESH: “The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy” (Leviticus 20:8; Ezekiel 37:28) – God makes it clear that He alone, not the law, can cleanse His people and make them holy.
YAHWEH-SHALOM: “The Lord Our Peace” (Judges 6:24) – the name given by Gideon to the altar he built after the Angel of the Lord assured him he would not die as he thought he would after seeing Him.
YAHWEH-ELOHIM: “LORD God” (Genesis 2:4; Psalm 59:5) – a combination of God’s unique name YHWH and the generic “Lord,” signifying that He is the Lord of Lords.
YAHWEH-TSIDKENU: “The Lord Our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 33:16) – As with YHWH-M’Kaddesh, it is God alone who provides righteousness to man, ultimately in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, who became sin for us “that we might become the Righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
YAHWEH-ROHI: “The Lord Our Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1) – After David pondered his relationship as a shepherd to his sheep, he realized that was exactly the relationship God had with him, and so he declares, “Yahweh-Rohi is my Shepherd. I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
YAHWEH-SHAMMAH: “The Lord Is There” (Ezekiel 48:35) – the name ascribed to Jerusalem and the Temple there, indicating that the once-departed glory of the Lord (Ezekiel 8—11) had returned (Ezekiel 44:1-4).t
YAHWEH-SABAOTH: “The Lord of Hosts” (Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 46:7) – Hosts means “hordes,” both of angels and of men. He is Lord of the host of heaven and of the inhabitants of the earth, of Jews and Gentiles, of rich and poor, master and slave. The name is expressive of the majesty, power, and authority of God and shows that He is able to accomplish what He determines to do.
EL ELYON: “Most High” (Deuteronomy 26:19) – derived from the Hebrew root for “go up” or “ascend,” so the implication is of that which is the very highest. El Elyon denotes exaltation and speaks of absolute right to lordship.
EL ROI: “God of Seeing” (Genesis 16:13) – the name ascribed to God by Hagar, alone and desperate in the wilderness after being driven out by Sarah (Genesis 16:1-14). When Hagar met the Angel of the Lord, she realized she had seen God Himself in a theophany. She also realized that El Roi saw her in her distress and testified that He is a God who lives and sees all.
EL-OLAM: “Everlasting God” (Psalm 90:1-3) – God’s nature is without beginning or end, free from all constraints of time, and He contains within Himself the very cause of time itself. “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”
EL-GIBHOR: “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6) – the name describing the Messiah, Christ Jesus, in this prophetic portion of Isaiah. As a powerful and mighty warrior, the Messiah, the Mighty God, will accomplish the destruction of God’s enemies and rule with a rod of iron (Revelation 19:15).
Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/names-of-God.html#ixzz3QSTo1Mpu
The prophet Isaiah noted, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
The new testament scripture revealed His name:
1. The angel of the Lord (the Lord himself, manifested as an angel) came unto Joseph and gave us instruction as to what we should call him: Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
2. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
3. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins(Matthew 1:18-21).
Henceforth, we shall call His name Jesus, for the name Jesus name brings forth every attribute that is described in all of the Word!!
Yes, The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and are safe (Proverbs 8:10).
When I am sick or afraid, I call on the name of the Lord.
When I bless my food, I call on the name of the Lord.
As I live and move, I do what I do in the name of the Lord.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Through the name of Jesus alone will I be allowed into heaven.
We are saved through Christ and Him- ALONE. He stands at the door and knocks, open your heart to love and to be loved by He who created the heavens and the earth, but his lowly enough to come down and live as a man- He is not ignorant of our infirmities. He loves us, O how He loves!
Oh, How I love Jesus!
He is LORD,
He is Yahweh,
He is Love,
He is glorious and peaceful,
He is mighty, strong, and powerful,
He is my warrior, He is my strength, He is my power.
When I say the name Jesus, I say all of these attributes.
Oh How I love Jesus! I know who I love: JESUS!!!
#InLove
#RunTellThat
Last year, at a meeting for one of my businesses, one of my partners said that they encountered someone who had been exposed to our business but that the individual refused to hear any details about the business because they had ‘heard all that they needed to know’. A wealthy man in the business, my partner quickly said, well, you don’t know 5LINX!! Lol.
Far too often we make judgments about things prematurely.
Not many days ago, someone told me about a problem that they had been having for many years.
And then … they asked me what I thought. 🙂
I told them. Among my comments, I said, “OK, since you are admitting that you don’t know what to do, you must take this to Jesus. They explained that they already ‘took it to Jesus’ but that it was not getting better.
The bible clearly states:
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him (Proverbs 18:13).
Sometimes, taking a matter to Christ and hearing the conclusion of the matter is a long process. I have waited a few years to get answers or resolve. Sometimes His answer is to me is ‘Wait!’
So I wait.
He’s still sweet.
He is still precious to me.
He is not ignorant to our infirmities.
He loves us dearly.
He is sweeter than the honey on a honey comb!
The icing on the cake is that once you try Him, I mean, really, really try Him, you will know what I mean and you will never try an alternative. Until that day I say without apology, you don’t know Him.
#HearHimOut
#GetToKnowHim
#KnowHimForYourself
Jesus said, If you love me, feed my sheep (John 21:17).
If we love the Lord, our love should be accompanied by a series of actions that correspond with our love.
If we love the Lord, we should research or recall what he has required of us, and do that thing.
Ladies, if your man says he loves you, you want him to do something. Maybe you have never said it, but you would like for him to take action. Rather than sitting on the couch all day, reminiscing on the love you share, you want him to do the things that please you: help take care of the house, help take care of the kids, finish school, work, etc.
If we love the Lord, we need to get up off of the sideline of life and do what He has called us to do.
We care called to draw other sheep into the fold, and that is what we need to do, if we love Christ.
Father.
Possibly one of the most powerful relationships that we can have with another human being. Our father can be our provider. He can teach a man or woman what to accept from the person of the opposite gender.
I am writing a book on my relationship with my father and have summarized some of the first things that I have noticed about the relationship between folks and their fathers.
Those who do not have a relationship with their earthly father have difficulty relating with their spiritual father.
Those who rebel against their earthly father also rebel against their spiritual father.
Those who conspire to collude against their earthly father will also collude against other authority- at work, school, etc.
… These are just a few of my recent thoughts.
What are your thoughts?
Not long ago, I heard someone say that they don’t drive, don’t have a vehicle, don’t have lots of clothes, don’t have a job. They said, you see, ‘I live a humble life’.
Since that time, I have been praying about what they said. I have been praying about making sure that I have a good understanding of what humility is … And what it is not. The following is what I believe that the Lord is telling me on this wise.
Humility is not being broke.
Humility is not having one pair of shoes/one hand bag or only one outfit to wear.
Humility is knowing that whatever you have or have access to is not because of your own efforts.
If you have 1 cent or one million dollars, it’s because God’s mercies toward you.
If you have 1 pair of shoes or 100 pairs, it’s because God’s mercies toward you.
You have a roof over your head- in a shelter or in Martha’s Vineyard- you have that roof because of God’s mercies toward you.
Humility is knowing that it is not your intellect, job, family lineage, or anything that has to do with you that you have what you have.
Humility is knowing that God allowed you to:
go to high school
finish high school
enter into college, trade school, etc.
complete your program/graduate
get a job
wake up and go to work
stay long enough to earn a check
beat depression and get out of bed and go to work… etc.
Or simply inherit a silver spoon.
Only God. Not you. For the bible states: But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish His covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day (Deuteronomy 8:18).
When God chooses to bless your life, there is nothing that you can do. Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and cannot reverse it (Numbers 23:7).
If being humble is about not having possessions or having access to things, how can the blessed be humble? Always give God praise and honor for everything, acknowledging that it was His provisions, not yours.
I can understand how someone could think that a person who does not have many things is humble. But it is possible for the human element to be prideful having one item. Furthermore, one may develop self-righteousness with that one item, thinking or saying that they have it because their own efforts. When we know all that is good and perfect comes from God (James 1:7) and that elevation and promotion is from the Lord also (Psalm 75:6).
Lord,
Thank you for showing me that there is a difference between being humble and being broke or broken. Teach me to love you, honor you, love all people, and cherish my relationship with you when I have and when I do not have. Teach me to acknowledge your role as you move across my entire life. Take away every ounce of pride that I have. Let me be more humble in each passing day. Lead me to always be grateful for your many blessings. Teach me to give, wanting nothing in return. Help me to always know that you are the source of my help. Give me an abundance and I will share as you direct me. Then Lord, teach me to always be thankful for all that you do and never ashamed to give you glory. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
For quite some time now, the Lord has been waking me up in the wee hours of the morning, and startled, I’ve yelled: ‘Lord, let my life bring Glory to your name!’
I say, If you can use anything, Lord, you can use me.
You used a big fish – Jonah 1:7
You used a gourd – Jonah
You used a little fish – Matthew 24:27
You used the stars and moon – Genesis 1:4, Psalm 19:1, Isiah 13:10, Mark 13:25, Joel 3:15
You used an ass – Numbers 22:21-31
You used iron – II Kings 6:6
You used seas and bodies of water – Exodus 14:21, Amos:5:8, Psalm 136:13
You used trees, mountains, and hills – Isaiah 55:12
… just to name a few.
Lord Jesus, use me to bring Glory to your name, O Heavenly Father! I submit my will to yours. Not my will, Lord, but thine will be done- on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
I cry Abba, Father!
Jesus, you are my God. My father, my all.
All dominion and authority belongs to you.
I love you and praise your name, forever more!
Like a new born babe, I was slapped into my senses and cry out a noise unto you!
I made this proclamation in 2013, and proudly make it again today:
I love the Lord with my whole heart!
I am humbled to know that he loves me to the extent to let me want Him, so…
I’m not play’n w my salvation!
I’m not playing with the Lord’s Mercies or His grace!
I’m giving this my best shot!
I will walk in the spirit of the Lord, repent and forgive quickly!
I will live holy, for without holiness shall no man see the Lord!
I will spread His gospel with diligence.
I will love His people.
I will love His kingdom!
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. Mark 4:24
You give love, affection …
You have ‘smart’ comments to say to or about people …
You gossip or backbite about people …
You forgive people real quick …
You share even when you don’t know where you next meal is coming from …
Good or bad, You’re going to get what ever you are planting. God is not a man that He should lie.
Harvest time is not always so exciting, huh?
Lord, Teach Us Your Way!
I want, I want, I want!
Me, Me, Me.
My, My, My.
Watching Captain Hook say these things in annoyance of the kids…
I set and think: Many of us want things-
iphones, ipads, ideas,
To see the World,
World Peace,
To End Hunger,
While these things are desirable- right now I ask you, Lord- please change our preferences so that we may want more of you. I declare that I want:
…be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith (Philippians 3:9)
When we accept Christ as our Savior, take on His name and take in His spirit, His righteousness is placed upon us. It is not our own semblance of righteousness (which is as filthy rags) that clothes us, but Christ’s own perfection (which is as robes of white).
My Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for Your love that allows me to be clothed in Your righteousness! May I never take it for granted! May I be found wanting more of you. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
(adapted, blueletterbible.org)
The name of Jesus is emphatically significant.
His name is the most important name that you have ever heard or will ever hear.
If I were to write a check, the store and the bank both require than my name is on the check.
If I were to win a contest and was due to receive $1 million, the company would require than I show them some identification with my name printed on it.
If a family member were to pass away, the will would be required to have the names of the individuals who were due to receive goods- the will could not only say ‘my son’, ‘my father’, ‘my cousin’, ‘my worker’, ‘my aunt’, ‘my friend’. The drafter of the will would require the will to include the names of the individuals.
Why is His name so important?
His name is exhalted above all others (Philippians 2:9).
Above sickness, tiredness, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, sorrow, grief, depression, anxiety, headache, migraines, heartache, death, grief, cancer. Above ALL names!
Bless His holy name!
Bless your food in His name.
Pray in His name.
When you are in danger, call on His name – His name alone is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10).
His name is the only name under heaven, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Cover your entire life with His precious name by getting baptized by water and fire in his name!
#JesusName
#MakingTheNameOfJesusFamous
#ILoveTheLordAndIWontTakeItBack
In the movie Life Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence were in a scene when prisoners were lined up and asked if they were the father of a baby. This was a comical scene, but very important to the grandfather of the child. It is very important who we yoke up with, but that’s another story…
In the movie, someone stepped up and said ‘I Da Pappy’. Lol. It was evident that he was not.
This movie reminded me of a conversation that I had with a friend about her position teaching Pre-K at a public school. My friend said that some of the 2-3 year old kids use profanity. (She’s a very humble women and does not judge people.) She told me about how, during open house and other periods of visitation, she can easily match your parents with their children without and before being formally introduced. Using only…
common phrases and expressions
the use of profanity
she even chuckled that she can almost pair kids and parents by which words are used.
body language and gestures
other words that are not ‘cursing’, or ‘profanity’, but are simply unkind.
So the question is, people of God …
What indicators are there to indicate who our father is?
-Do you curse or use profanity or lie or deceive??
-Do we behave unseemly?
-Do we consistently manifest Jesus Christ in every way?
-Do we positively or negatively influence people?
-Do we always have something negative to say or add?
-Do we add value to the lives of the people who are in our circle of influence?
After viewing our lives, our thoughts, our behavior, would God claim us?
Or are we the child of another?
Chose Christ!
I challenge you to manifest His behavior in every arena.
I challenge Christians to spend more time with the Lord – to spend more time in His word.
And to do it so much so that we are His reflection. 🙂
#YouLookJustLikeYoDaddy
#IDaPappy
I am thankful that you have shown me that I need your help.
You and I both see my deficiencies and know that I need you.
I sing, Lord, Lord, I need you to help me!
Thank you for loving me, knowing that I have many:
faults,
weakness,
deficiencies,
hopeless situations,
threats,
setbacks,
insufficiencies,
instabilities …
Thank you for showing me that I need you despite my perception of my:
abilities,
opportunities,
strengths,
intelligence…
… to be continued …
I remember years ago, traveling into the city to celebrate my Aunt’s Birthday.
When we reached her, she smiled and hurried to the car. Her cheeks were lifted, demeanor was cheerful and friendly. When she got into the car, the car filled with upbeat conversation.
My aunt quickly asked, ‘Where are we going?’
We all quickly and cheerfully began to ask her questions and make comments:
Where do you wanna go? … Yeah, it’s your birthday, you decide … Just name it, any place! … Where do you wanna go? … What do you have a taste for? … What have you been craving? … Just tell us, we’ll go!
She named her first choice.
Someone said… ‘You wanna go where? No … Let’s go somewhere nice, I mean, it’s your birthday, let’s go set down at a nice restaurant!’
She said, ‘Oh, ok, ok!!’ Still grinning and busting with excitement. “Let’s go to… ” (some other place).
Someone quickly said, “I really don’t like’ (the restaurant) ‘Can we go somewhere on the other side of town, I mean, it is your birthday, we don’t wanna get robbed!!!’
She said, ‘Ok, let me think: Hum.’ How about… ”
I said, ‘Man, Tee, I was hoping thinking that we’d go some place where we could all find a healthy option.’
She said, ‘Oh, ok, ok. Ummmm .. anybody ever tried (some other place)?’
A couple people replied with some other comments about how they have never tried it because of some reason or another…
With a confused look on her face, she finally said, ‘Well, why don’t ya’ll decide, then … ” LOL.
Can you imagine experiencing this scenario on your birthday?
Looking on this with my sisters and mom, we laugh but surely we could have done better.
Can we ‘suck up’ our personal preferences when it’s their birthday and you are treating them to a meal to celebrate their birth and life? This is very sad actually.
This year, as we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, let us do what HE would have for us to do.
Seek His face, ask Him what He would have for you to do, today, and everyday!
Merry Christ-mas = More of Christ 😉
Amen!
Today, I am opting to check myself, and see if I’ve grown. I’ve pasted some of my public Christmas reflections, below.
December 25, 2012:
I searched and I found Him to be a mighty counselor-
More wise and viligent that I could ever be.
Away from the manger,
Waxed strong in spirit,
He has erected a tower-
Strong and mighty all round about me.
No, no, no
He is the tower, mighty in battle!!!
Jesus your name is a strong arm of protection.
My God
The author an finisher gives perfect counsel
And hath smeared a path-
Through the city and field
Hath made every crooked path straight
Lifted valleys and hath made mountains low.
I have found him to be a mighty counselor.
No need to trust in self,
For I am to be about His business.
I need to listen to The Mighty Counselor.
I have found Him to be my Mighty Counselor.
December 2013:
I am thankful that my Lord Jesus loved me so much that He came down from the heavens
In the form of a man to live as an example for me.
I am grateful that He knew he’d suffer greatly in life and in death,
But still chose to come here for me.
I am humbled as I ponder the sacrifice He made to come and live here for a season.
I am thankful to have had an opportunity to share this Christmas with my family to share the remebrance of His great sacrifice.
I am thankful that much of my family was able to be away from work and free to spend time together.
I am thankful for the time we spent in prayer, playing games, and sharing.
… And falling on the floor laughing.
When I remember His sacrifice, I am compelled to declare that:
Henceforth, everyday I will strive to have:
CHRIST MAS = More of Christ
In every area of my life, more of Christ.
Not more of who I want to be.
More of who He is.
Less of who He is not.
Merry Christ Mas 🙂
Preparing for Christmas, I’ve heard many Christmas Carols. As an adult, carols that I have been listening
to have much more meaning then iv’e imagined for years past.While listening to Joy to the World, I
noticed the part of the song that I sung “Let every heart purpose his room”
Oh Lord, empty me of me, that I may be filled with you.
Clear my calendar, that I may do what you would have for me to do.
In Jesus,name,
Amen
Sometimes in relationships, we show affection to our significant other just enough for them not to leave us
We may say I love you just enough for them to know that we love them
We may say or we may do certain things just enough for the relationship to remain intact
At your job, you may come in just enough for them to know that you still work there
With regard to your duties or responsibilities, you may do things that you supposed to do just enough that you can keep your job
Likewise, your employer may pay you just enough to keep you from looking for another job
You may come in late, or leave early but do it just enough times to avoid getting written up or fired
When unbelievers date saved folks, they often attend church/ pray/read their bible just enough to make the believer think that they love the Lord
… All of these things may be true,
but in our relationships with our significant others
and in your relationship with Christ, you can’t just do just enough.
You can’t go to church just enough to make yourself ‘feel good’ about your relationship with God
We can’t go to church and experience just enough of the presence of the Lord and then leave and return to our wicked ways …
We cannot do just enough to get into the kingdom of God!!
We cannot do just enough.
Simply, He has done far too much for us to give Him any minimal amount of any thing- praise, worship, time … nothing.
#HeIsMoreThanEnough
#GiveHimMoreMoreMore
#NinetyNineAndAHalfWontDo
#WorshipHimInSpiritAndInTruth
While serving as a supervisor for At&t, I rendered disciplinary action to one of my employees who consistently used this phraseology out of context, alongside a choice word, that begins with the letter F …
I’ve heard it used countless times, mostly inappropriately. I make a conscious decision to overthrow this trend and use it properly in my life.
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof! We are joint heirs with Christ!
… You may ask: Well, to be an heir, doesn’t someone have to die?
He is alive. Better yet, we we are alive also!
Yes, but because He died and rose again, and when we’ve truly died to ourselves, to our flesh, we enter into our portion of our inheritance.
In this vein, we continue His work, ‘On earth, as it is in heaven’.
In Jesus name:
I claim healing from cancer for Kingdom work
I claim healing from diabetes for Kingdom work
I claim freedom from all physical and mental illness, for kingdom work
I claim freedom and liberty from geographic spirits and all geographic ties for Kingdom work
I claim freedom from all demonic spirits for Kingdom work
I claim healing in my financial life for Kingdom work
I claim a new vehicle for Kingdom work
I claim space for people to live in my home for Kingdom work
I claim blessings to come from the north south east and west – let them over take me in the name of Jesus!
A few days ago, a friend said, “Married people got it made, it’s us single people who are suffering!” Well, as a woman who can say, ‘I once was married but now I’m single.’ It is not good and moreover difficult to be single and holy but also ‘good’ in the eyes of God, therefore very difficult to be married and holy.
Think of this simple example.
You have just been hired. You have a choice of one of two jobs:
Job 1: You are asked to pull all of the red squares off of a conveyor belt as pieces slide pass you from the left to the right at 10 miles/hour. One thousand balls will pass you in the course of a hour. It’s an even mixture of colors: red, orange, yellow, blue and green.
Job 2: You are asked to pull all of the red, yellow and orange squares off of a conveyor belt as pieces slide pass you from the left to the right at 10 miles/hour. One thousand balls will pass you in the course of a hour. It’s an even mixture of colors: red, orange, yellow, blue and green.
All else being equal, it would be significantly easier to work on the first job. With the first job, you will be allowed to focus on one thing your entire shift.
Why did I use this example? Keep reading! What does the bible say about this?
– The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him (Genesis 2:18).
My first point is that marriage is a male-female relationship that was ordained by God. The enemies of God still hate God, they do not care about us and hate anything, any relationship or organization that is ordained by God. Moreover, they proactively look to kill, steal and destroy things that He makes ordains and loves.
This point alone implies that it would be more difficult to properly stand in a relationship that God ordained to stand alone.
– When we are together, whether our intentions are good or bad, we accomplish whatever we want to accomplish. This is demonstrated through the building of the tower of babel (Genesis 11). Other accounts indicate that we are powerful when we work together also:
– Five can chase one hundred (Leviticus 26:8)
– Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, (saith the Lord) I will be in the midst (Matthew 18:20)
– A three-fold cord is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
– Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? (Ecclesiastes 4:11)
– One can chase one thousand two can put ten thousand to flight (Deuteronomy 32:20)
In the New Testament:
– And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled … (Acts 2:1-7).
It is apparent that when we work together we can really wreak havoc on the enemies of God. Moreover, the enemies of God hate it when we are together. Think about how much more they hate it when we are a part of a permanent and committed relationship like marriage.
—
When I was single I had instructions (and now again, since I am single, due to divorce) from the bible:
… He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32).
There are many things that we can do as singles, since we are not intimately tied up in the affairs of another human being, and we need to do them.
But we are instructed differently when married:
1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
2 Nevertheless to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence, and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
4 The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband; and likewise also the husband hath not power over his own body, but the wife.
5 Defraud ye not one the other, unless it be with consent for a time only, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not through your lack of self-restraint.
6 But I speak this by permission, and not by commandment.
7 For I would that all men were even as I myself am. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one in this manner and another in that.
8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I.
9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn (I Corinthians 7:1-9).
There are other scriptures that directs married couples: husbands, love your wives … etc.
Moreover, another important and beautiful part of being married is the prospect of having children together- for the bible proclaims that children are an heritage unto the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Further, children are important to Christ and should be important to both parents.
All of this is very interesting to me, especially as I reflect the hurry to get married.
To be continued.
Comments?
I noted in an earlier post that I remember when I worked in Teen Court, before we approached the judge, we had to say, ‘If it will please the court’ (judge). We would humbly approach the judge- this was his jurisdiction, his property. How dare we approach his presence any ‘kind of way’?
What if today was, as in days of olde, when kings had ultimate authority?
What if we allowed the Lord’s preferences be first and foremost in our lives?
I say that I am a child of the Most High King. The king with the capital ‘K’: King Jesus He who is Author and Finisher, Alpha and Omega. He who loves me and favors me. He who know the thoughts that He thinks toward me- thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give me an expected end.
I know that my life would have been far simpler if I had done this early on: I decree and I declare that in every decision I make, that I will make it, as it should please my Lord!
As you probably already know, one of the words that is in the air is purpose. Purpose is very important because when the Lord reveals yours to you, it explains your past, and can propel every part of your everyday life, and shape your future.
Purpose helps us understand why you are different from everyone else in general. Even why you are different from your twin. It helps us understand why the Lord did not simply create mindless robots, or why He simply just did not make us angels or just like angels- but that we are not invisible.
When you know your purpose, you attract people who know theirs (and repel those who do not know their own). Individuals who know their purpose will not be caught up in immaturity, jealousy, envy, or strife. We are to be enthralled in our purpose and pleasing our Lord so much so that we do not have time to behave unseemlingly or in whatever manner display any unfavorable personality traits.
Further, the best relationships- platonic or otherwise- are those where people know their purpose and as individuals, each party is working to accomplish their own goals- when they come together, they compliment, encourage and edify one another and then part ways, super-charged to do their best.
Being around a mate who knows his purpose, believes in and supports yours.
A couple years ago, I was speaking with one of my friends about being in a un-equally yoked relationship.
I said that it’s really nice when your partner knows your purpose, contributes with positive reinforcement, constructive criticisms and gives you ample space to grow and walk in what God wants you to do.
I think that in all the ways you can be unequally yoked that this is the most significant.
Comments?
Some time ago, a friend asked about what it meant to be the bride of Jesus Christ. I have opted to respond here.
I believe that being the Bride of Christ is more than simply being His fiancee. More than being His wife or wife to be.
… being the young Bride of Christ represents
a fondness
a love
a like of Jesus Christ.
It represents being somebody that possesses the characteristics of a person that He would consider marrying.
I imagine that such a Prince would have a laundry list of prerequisites. I simply do not do fit the bill.
Despite many, many, many reasons He should not love me at all, He loves me and loves me unconditionally.
Googly-eye’d I am. I must admit.
I am fond of Him.
I like Him.
I love Him. Let me just say I love…
I love everything about Him.
Who He represents.
Who He is in front of people.
Who He is behind closed doors.
Who He is when He is speaking.
Who He is when He is silent.
This fondness, love, and like moves towards me from Jesus Christ.
And from me to Him.
When I fall short, He is so patient and kind that He teaches me what I need to know.
He teaches me to love, give mercy, and repent. So together, we love mercy, forgive quick, and repent quicker.
Our relationship is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
It’s a freshness.
It’s a promise.
It’s a contract between He and I to be together forever.
… the promise to begin every single day with new mercies toward one another and others also.
There is newness, tenderness.
We cherish one another and we cherish one another’s feelings.
I only want to be with him.
I remain pure only for Him.
When we communicate with one another we remember that the other has feelings and speak with kindness to one another.
Because we know each other so well, we say things like, ‘Honey will you.. ‘
And quickly the other interrupts, ‘Yes, I sure will.’
Further, He has paid a price for me – His blood serves as the drowery.
When I think of the scenario of me being the bride of Jesus Christ, I picture myself as a young woman fully dressed to the T, sitting on a veranda with fresh made sun tea. I sit and wait on the front of this huge white home even on a hot summer day, patiently waiting for Teacake, my love.
… I am fond of Him.
… I like Him.
… I love Him.
He is my groom.
Filled to the brim with excitement, I can hardly wait to see His silhouette walking down the driveway toward me.
When I catch a glimpse of Him, I dare to run down the dusty path to meet Him and jump into His arms.
Until that day, I will keep my promises and patiently wait for my Love to return.
As many of you know, I used to write a blog. I have started a new blog about many of the challenges I’ve faced and solutions that have been developed as I pursue a closer walk with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Hence, the name ‘Closer’.
Look for many interesting posts in the moments and months to come.
Grace, Joy, and Peace!
Closer 