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
so that none of us can boast.
Not long ago, I heard someone speak about humility. Humility is very important and as I grown to realize the full importance of humility, I think of the things that humble me.
In the city that I used to live in there stands a tall hill in one of the city parks. After work, I would change into work-out attire and drive to the park and climb the hill, over and over again. Standing on the highest point of the hill did not allow me to see very much of the city at all really. But, looking out at what I could see still made me feel small and insignificant.
Image Source: wikipedia.org
As I moved to the Atlanta area, I drove through the mountains and valleys of Tennessee. As I traveled, the views of my drive allow me to put a few things into perspective as well.
I already know, but these things remind me that I am nothing and no one.
Sometimes, going out the ocean makes me feel the same way …
A wise man once said, ‘The ocean is the king of 100 rivers because it is humble.’
Another familiar adage states, ‘the gentle outlast the strong’.
As I view the beauty of the land and thank God for all of His creation, I am humbled that He also took the time to create me. I pray that I am always making Him pleased that He has.
#Humbled
One of TV’s most popular talent shows today is ‘The Voice’.
I’ve seen it a time or two, it seems very interesting… With their backs facing the contestant, after listening to the sound of someone’s voice, successful musicians and artists decide if they want to turn their chair around and fight for a chance to coach an (amateur) artist to success!
(Logo property of and cited on: http://www.nbc.com/the-voice)
I wish that I could say that every time I heard the voice of the Lord I quickly turned my chair in excitement to be coached by Him. Sometimes what He has to say is cumbersome or boring. At other times, it’s just too much to bear.
… The disciples agree: Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? (John 6:60)
Ok, so that’s true, but when we really think of it, it is clear that there no alternatives. There is no other voice more significant or powerful. We have no other choice but to follow His voice. He loves us and He cares for us! He has all power and authority in His hand.
All things considered, it should not be difficult. We should too, turn our chairs and our faces to Him in amazement, ready to be led by still waters. Ready for our table, prepared in the presence of our enemies.
He is the most important voice I will ever hear, therefore, I am resolved to get this right!
I can more clearly decipher His voice and follow His guidance than I did yesterday, and I am determined to learning and grow, day by day.
#TheVoice
I remember growing up, one of my mom’s friends frequently sung a song called ‘Jesus cares for me’.
I remember that it wasn’t one of them songs that was ‘jumping’ so to speak. Honestly, as a kid I might have even considered it boring or bland.
… but as an adult I sure am glad that the Lord cares for me.
I know with certainty that He really, really cares.
He pays attention to little things.
He supplies my needs and wants.
He is my provider.
He orchestrates things that I could never, would never do, even if I tried!
… and for that I am grateful!
He moves heaven and earth on my behalf.
How peaceful is life now that I know this and have an understanding of it!?!?
I don’t have to worry or fret.
He cares for me.
I don’t have to be anxious.
He cares for me.
I dont have to figure it out.
He cares for me.
He is my health care provider.
He cares for me.
He stands by my bedside.
He cares for me.
He makes every crooked path straight.
He cares for me.
He lowers every mountain.
He cares for me.
He raises every valley.
He cares for me.
He makes the darkness light before me.
He cares for me.
For the word says ‘Cast your cares on Jesus’: Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.(Psalm 55:22).
Knowing this humbles me and energizes me to do more, be more, love more, and to use more of the resources He lends me to further His work. I almost feel like I can’t do enough. I can’t give enough. But I sure will try!
I dare you to tap into this.
#JesusCares
-Thank You, Sis Nora!
Sometimes, we get frustrated because the obstacles in our path seem so insurmountable.
Why do they seem sooooo big? … Because we are closer to the obstacle that we are to God.
Tell your problem: ‘Back up, give me 50 feet!!’
1. Pull out your phone and message yourself 10 things you are grateful for
2. Google ‘what the bible says about trust’ … or a word to describe your issue, whatever the issue
3. Go to Youtube.com and pull up some music and sings praises unto the Lord
4. Go to your ‘Holy Bible App’ and read some scriptures on encouragement
5. Encourage yourself by remembering things that the Lord has brought you through so far
6. Read a scripture, close your app and then just meditate on it, for 10 minutes
7. Periodically stop and think about different scriptures that you’ve read over the course of your life … It doesn’t matter if you just say, ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want!’ (Psalm 23) Say that…
8. Intentionally overthrow the issue at hand and purposely think about other things: whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philllipians 4:8)
9. Verbally say, “Get behind me, satan”. Leave me alone! You no longer have permission to speak to me.
10. Go into all-out, no holds barred, prayer, praise and worship! Worries and stressors cannot stand where the presence of the Lord dwells.
#HisGoodnessAndMercies
#TwentyFourSevenNightAndDay
#AlwaysMeditateOnTheWordofGod
Since I can remember, I have liked chocolate. I mean, really, really, liked chocolate. It has really been a problem for me. It is commonly known that I can eat an entire 12-inch, 3-layer triple chocolate cake all my myself. When I consume it, it’s delicious, and it seems that I am never satisfied. Moreover, the bible says, the eyes of man are never satisfied (Proverbs 27:20).
Image Source: http://historycooperative.org/liquid-gold-the-history-of-chocolate/
Because I never seemed to get satisfied, I have had to intentionally stop eating so much chocolate and purposely eat what I want to crave because I know that eventually I will
Eat what I crave
Because I’ll crave what I’ll eat!
… Similarly, I have not always liked to sing, usher, dance, or serve. I do it, and have noticed that I crave it when I am not singing, ushering, dancing, or serving.
The more I worship, the more my heart desires to do so!
The more I take things unto the Lord, the more my heart desires to do so!
The more I praise, the more my heart desires to do so!
The more I pray, the more my heart desires to do so!
The more I spend time with the Lord, the more my heart desires to do so!
The more I listen to praises, the more my heart desires to do so!
The more I read the Word, the more my heart desires to do so!
The more I study the Word, the more my heart desires to do so!
The more I am around the people of God, the more my heart desires to do so!
The more I fellowship with them, the more my heart desires to do so!
The more I serve all people, the more my heart desires to do so!
The more I give and share, the more my heart desires to do so!
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
Growing up, I bet I’ve heard that expression a thousand times, lol.
As I noted on yesterday, in my line of work, I interface with many people with titles.
Medical Doctors, Doctors of Philosophy, Psychiatrists, Ophthalmologists, Doctors of Pharmacy, others…
I also interface with Apostles, Preachers, Ministers, Teachers…
For the life of me, I just can’t understand:
1. With all of these ‘smart people’ the world has not made further advances. Not in science, health, or medicine, but in social and relational constructs.
2. If people are so ‘smart’ or have so many titles, why can we do we not have the ability to (or why do we simply refuse to) find a way to relate to all people.
– Are we so excited that we have arrived at being a ‘Dr’ or ‘Pastor’ or ‘Minister’ , etc. that we have forgotten that we are supposed to help people?
-Are we so intelligent and intellectual that we have forgotten our roots? Have we forgotten that once we did not know how to read or multiply? Have we forgotten that we were once in sin?
– Have we gotten so excited that we have ‘arrived’ that we forgot:
-Where we came from?
-Where we are supposed to be going?
The title of Doctor is supposed to be a means to an end, not a stopping point. Ministerial titles are likewise.
When you have earned this credential or title, you have not arrived. What many consider as a ‘finish line’ is a mere starting line for the next phase of your life. The type of behavior that I witness makes me question our motives as a collective body, are we chasing status or our desire to help people?
Why can’t we have a conversation with people without talking down to them?
Why can’t you find a few laymen’s terms to communicate what you trying are saying?
#SquareOne
#LordHelpUs
#BackToTheBasics
As noted earlier, the Lord has been dealing with me about three constructs: Love, Fear, and Courage. Now, I guess my question is, ‘What do these three words have to do with one another?’ This is what I believe that the Lord is saying:
– If we love the Lord, we need to show it. For the word exclaims, “If you love me, feed my sheep” (John 21:17).
– Perfect love casts our fear (I John 4:18). Your love for me will overthrow any fear of people, things, fear of occurrence, or missing out on this or that. You love for me will overthrow fear and propel you into obedient action.
– When the Lord spoke to Mary, Joseph, Moses and others, saying “Do Not Be Afraid” he was telling them, Listen, I know that you love me. I’ve got something that I need you to do for me. You’re going to have to be brave. You’re going to have to be focused. Muster up courage. Do this for me. I’ll be with you, as usual. 🙂
– Moses, I know that you cannot speak well. Trust that I love you and that I have your best interest in mind, Trust that I know what I am doing and that I will help you do what I want you to do. Speak for my people. Support, defend, and love them. Give them the words that I give you.
– Mary, I know that you are young and that you and Joseph have not known each other. Be a good mother to my flesh and love him.Trust that I love you and have your best interest in mind. Your sacrifice will help all of man kind. Trust that I know what I am doing and that I will help you.
– Joseph, I know that Mary and you have not known each other. The easiest thing for you to do in today’s society is exploit Mary. Don’t do that! Trust that she has not been with a man. Know that I love you and have your best interest in mind. Trust that I know what I am doing and that I will help you. Support her and love her. With Mary, take care of me as I am your flesh and I will help you.
There are many accounts of humans being told to not ‘be afraid’ by angels or other representations of Jesus Christ. In just these three, I hope that you get my drift. These three were obedient and chose to move as directed. They were courageous, allowed their love for God to overthrow fear.
As a result, their lives influenced the lives of all people who lived, forever!
#Love
#Fear
#Courage
#FoodForThought
#MovingRightAlongInChrist
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
As you may have already noticed, the Lord has also been dealing with me about love. As this has been going on, I’ve made it a point to quickly run to the written Word of God to see examples of and instruction related to love in days of old. It’s obvious that God wants us to love one another and love Him.
John 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John 14:23
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
John 14:31
But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
John 15:9
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
John 15:10
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
John 15:12
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:17
These things I command you, that ye love one another.
John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
John 21:16
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
John 21:17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Titus 2:4
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
#Love
#LoveIsCrucial
Single Ladies and Gentlemen:
As the old saying goes, love is in the air. This is true. So is lust and deceit.
As this time, be careful to not get interconnected with someone who does not have the same beliefs as you. Chances are that you won’t be able to convince him or her to love God if they don’t already.
When you know that the Lord deals with you every morning at 3:00am, or that He gives you random downloads all throughout the day, be sure to make sure that you don’t yoke up with someone who dislikes or makes snide remarks about your relationship with Christ.
#CanIGetAnAmen
#Amen
#AmenLights
#NoUnhealthySoulTies
#AintNobodyGotTimeForThat
I resolve to:
be fearless.
live a life replete of fearful people.
be of good courage.
cast out fear with love.
Unfortunately, my personal resolution does not enable me to stop encountering fear-full situations and fear-full people. It is also unfortunate that when many people are afraid to
-try new things,
-break bad habits,
-reach higher heights,
-get outside of their comfort zones,
… they try to plant seeds of fear in you.
Because they are intimidated by their own pasts, fear of success, fear of failure, current situations, their own failures, the failures of others, their own deficiencies, worries, lack of faith, lack of integrity, or even the amount of work that they have to put in to achieve a goal, they try to spread their disbelief onto you. They try to contaminate your thinking. They try to contaminate your thinking.
I call it Cross Intimidation. Before I reached the point where I am today, I faced these types of situations repeatedly. Over time, I decided to be prepared.
I needed to prepare myself for:
1. what I would think about as they tried to plant doubt,
2. what I would say to them as they talked,
3. what I would think about after they left.
4. what I would do after they left.
When I interface with them, like clock-work, I do and say what I have prepared. Like a press conference, my words are ready.
If you don’t want to buy into their life style and their level of thinking. I invite you to commit to:
– love and not fear
– push yourself outside of your your belief system
– accomplish goals against popular thought
– accomplish more than your though accomplishable
– prepare your mind to respond (not react) to naysayers
– prepare a statement for your ‘press release’ or ‘press conference’
When I was growing up, my dad and granddad used to grow water melons. As kids, we would set outside and go to town with a big, thick slice of watermelon. Eating the yellow or red flesh, we would spit out the seeds …
When people say their opinions, try the spirit by the spirit whether it be of God.
Eat what is of God, spit out everything else!
By the authority that is invested in me, I spit out every seed of fear, doubt, or other similar spirit that people have tried to plant in my life. Cast them back into the pit of hell, where they came from, in the name of Jesus!
I am not afraid!
I am not afraid of success!
I am not afraid of failure!
I am going try my best!
I don’t care if others think it’s too hard!
I’ll either win or learn. Either way, I win!
#GoAllIn
#CantStop
#WontStop
#AllIDoIsWin
#AllIDoIsWinWinWin
#PressTowardTheMarkInChristJesus
Lately, the Lord has been dealing with me about fear also. As He was, I quickly ran to the written Word of God to see examples of this in days of old. It’s obvious that God does not want us to be in fear.
Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Genesis 21:17
And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
Genesis 26:24
And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake.
Genesis 35:17
And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.
Genesis 43:23
And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.
Genesis 46:3
And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:
Genesis 50:19
And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
Exodus 20:20
And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
Deuteronomy 1:21 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 20:3
And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deuteronomy 31:8
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Joshua 8:1
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:
Joshua 10:25
And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.
Judges 4:18
And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle.
Judges 6:10
And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
Judges 6:23
And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.
Ruth 3:11
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
1 Samuel 4:20
And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it.
1 Samuel 12:20
And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;
1 Samuel 22:23
Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.
1 Samuel 23:17
And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
2 Samuel 9:7
And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
2 Samuel 13:28
Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
1 Kings 17:13
And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
2 Kings 6:16
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
2 Kings 17:34
Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;
2 Kings 25:24
And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.
1 Chronicles 28:20
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 20:17
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
Psalms 55:19
God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
Psalms 64:4
That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
Isaiah 7:4
And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
Isaiah 35:4
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
Isaiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Isaiah 41:14
Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 43:1
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Isaiah 43:5
Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
Isaiah 44:2
Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.
Isaiah 54:4
Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.
Jeremiah 40:9
And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.
Jeremiah 46:27
But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.
Lamentations 3:57
Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not.
Daniel 10:12
Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
Daniel 10:19
And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Joel 2:21
Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
Zechariah 8:13
And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.
Malachi 3:5
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
Matthew 1:20
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.
Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 28:5
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
Luke 1:13
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Luke 1:30
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Luke 2:10
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 5:10
And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
Luke 8:50
But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
Luke 12:7
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 18:4
And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
John 12:15
Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
Acts 27:24
Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
Revelation 1:17
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
In addition to fear and love, the Lord has also been dealing with me about courage. As He was, again, I quickly ran to the writen Word of God to see examples of and instruction related to courage in days of old. It’s obvious that God wants us to stay away from fear, love one another and love him and be encouraged.
2 Samuel 10:12
Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.
1 Chronicles 19:13
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.
Ezra 10:4
Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.
Psalms 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalms 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Isaiah 41:6
They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.
Matthew 9:2
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Matthew 9:22
But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
Matthew 14:27
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
Mark 6:50 t
For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
Mark 10:49
And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
Luke 8:48
And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Acts 23:11
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
Acts 27:22
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.
Acts 27:25
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
For many years, I have been taking various supplements- especially when I am on the go.
Recently, over breakfast, I mentioned a particular supplement to a dear friend. I shared my experiences with the supplement with her and invited her to try it for herself. I allowed her to look at the bottle and see its ingredients. I told her where I purchased it.
After I left the restaurant, I was curious to know what she saw on the back of the bottle.
I grabbed my purse, searched for the bottle, and quickly read the back of the label. The manufactures proudly wrote that the product was free of gluten, yeast, wheat, milk, milk derivatives, lactose, sugar, preservatives, artificial flavor, sodium.
Wow!
I remember listening to some advertisements and commercials for medication on television and online. As the commercial comes to an end, the voice-over mentions a laundry list of side effects that may occur as a result of using the product.
I remember after I was in an accident, my Dr prescribed me a pain medication and one of the many side effects was seizures. I refused to take it. The pain that I was in was not severe enough to risk having a seizure. The medication should have been free of side effects, but that’s another story… Back to love.
Yes, love is free.
When we do things for people, it needs to be out of love.
Not so that you can have one-up on the person.
Not so that you can remind them of how you helped them do this or that.
Love is free of manipulation, guilt trips, reminders, hesitation, weights, and bragging rights…
If there is a hint of manipulation, if the ‘giver’ has the tendency to guilt trip or talk about how they helped this person do this or that, refuse to take it.
Love is free- not containing allergens like nuts, soy, gluten, or dairy … manipulation, guilt trips, and reminders.
Love is free- free from side effects as well sniffling, sneezing, or seizures … trapping, pup-petering, exploitation.
When someone does something for you, try the spirit by the spirit, whether it be of God.
Ask God what’s going on. Listen and obey.
#AndIAintGotTimeForNothingElse
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.
After reading the word as it relates to commanding the day countless times, I now know that God has given me the power to Command the Day. Last night, in a conference call, I was reminded to Command the Day! I want to share my commands with you!
Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years (Leviticus 25:21 KJV).
The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee (Deuteronomy 28:8 KJV).
Because of my new understanding, I have sought the Lord and now command the morning!
I hunger and thirst after righteousness
I am meek
I am good
I am organized
I am lively
I am confident in Christ
I am gentle
I am well coordinated
I am full of positive ideas and energy
I am pure in heart
I am holy
I am bold
I am agile
I am full of joy
I am kind
I am only persecuted for righteousness sake
I am rich
I am meriful
I am humble
I am mentally acute
I am a pacemaker
I am loving
I am manifester of temperance
I am marked by my ability to think quickly
I am wealthy
I am healthy
I am faithful
I am beautiful
I am loving
I am generous
I am helpful
I am a contributor
I am submissive and obedient to the Lord
I am aware
I am a kingdom seeker
I am patient
I allow the spirit of the Lord to control my body, mind, and spirit.
I bind any spirit that would try to counteract the will of the father in my life, and the execution of the Lord’s perfect will in my life.
I cast them back to the pit of hell, forever, in Jesus name!
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?
Sometimes, our experiences can lead us to feel sad or confused. Sometimes, individuals fall into depression because they are ‘too close to the mirror’. Because we stand so close, we cannot see the picture. There is a familiar adage that about those who “can’t see the forest for the trees.”
We must remember that God loves us (Romans 8:37) and He cares; He is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5). He said that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8 & Hebrews 13:5) . We are important to Him. He knows the end and the beginning (Isaiah 46:10 & Revelation 22:13) and is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 2:12).
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thessalonians 5:18).
My brethren, count it all joy, when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:2-4).
In the accounting world, we have the prerogative of serving the best interest of the company board. In this case the accounting team reasons together to determine which number goes into which column. The accountant makes a decision to which area they will count a given dollar amount.
I dare say that as Christians we have more authority to do this that other groups. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (James 1:2). We have the prerogative and obligation to count everything that happens to us as part of God’s divine plan for our lives.
In the moment, we may characterize something as ‘good or bad’, what ever you think, proactively use it to be closer to Christ.
#HappyHappyJoyJoy
#CountItAllJoy
#Winans
#Closer
Discipline is the process of training that is used to develop obedience (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/obedience?s=t, rev.). As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I must discipline myself to obey His will and word. There are times when I have asked Him for the desire to be disciplined (wow!). I honestly did not want to! I have to purposely:
1. Proactively seek after ways to please the Lord.
2. Stay out of perpetual sin.
3. Rid myself of weights, distractions, frustrations…
4. In regular intervals, separate myself from food, drink, and seek Him all the more.
5. Encourage others to do 1-4, above.
I have noticed that the more I push away from flesh and carnality, the more power I have to do His work.
He gives me more peace, joy, grace, strategy, power, wisdom, humility …
He teaches me warfare.
His teaches me His will for my life.
#Grateful
#Discipline
In some earlier posts, I discussed how the Lord is a Great Prepare-er.
I thank God for preparing me for His work. I am grateful for this journey that we are on together: I am also, very glad that He has brought me to the place where I have these types of thoughts about Him.
As a single woman, I long for companionship. Sometimes, more than other times. Lol, sometimes, not at all! But generally speaking, I do. In prayer and meditation about this recently, I heard the Lord say that He has invested far too much time in me for me to get on the first train smoking. Lol…
I had to share this!!
Ladies and gentlemen, be honest your journey with the Lord. Take the time to remember what He has brought you through and be grateful. Smile and know that just as He has taken so much time and effort to prepare you, He has taken the same amount, if not more, to prepare your partner for life.
Make sure that you are not settling, but rather that you are truly waiting for the Lord to give you the man or woman that HE has destined for you to be with. (For the most part, these are my preferences, but you get the drift.) I whole heartedly believe that He who God has for me is the type of person:
Who is full of the Holy Spirit
Who admires what I pour my heart into, not the person who dreads what I love
Who is proactive and a hard worker
Who understands my personality and likes it
Who is patient, kind
Who expects to live a long life
Who makes healthy food choices
Who ‘gets me’
Who is strong and confident, but willing to let me help him
Who is a natural-born provider
Whose line of work compliments mine; He never competes with me
Who always has something positive to say or add
Who is a healthy lover
Who thinks what I do is important
Who is proud to know me
Who speaks life over me
Who is not physically or emotionally or financially, etc… yoked with another woman
Who is never sarcastic or rude
Who has a long-standing relationship with Christ
Who loves the Word of God
Who thinks that Kingdom work is important
Who never shares our conversations with others
Who is in love with me, not the idea of me
Who never exploits people and is not manipulative or vindictive
Who thinks that my pet peeves are important
Who is kind, without thinking of himself
Who never gossips or backbites; only edifies people
Who loves to read and write
Who is cool-tempered, passionate
Who likes the finer things in life.
Who loves to take mission trips, give, share, and do
Who is physically attractive and is physically attracted to me
Who is cheerful and friendly, never meets a stranger
Who does not drink or smoke and it’s perfectly ok with him- is a ‘non-issue’
Who I don’t have to convince to pay his tithe, cheerfully give an offering
Who understands the importance of gainful income
Who is well kept, combs his hair, takes showers (had to throw this one in there, lol)
Who understands the importance of setting up a retirement fund, establishing a funeral account, finishing his degree program, etc
Who is always thinking of and planning for the future
Is completely against pre-maritial sex
Who is a savvy business man
Who values the time that we spend together, instead of thinking that other things are more important
—
As people of God, we need to make sure that we don’t settle and catch the wrong bus.
“Have a little talk with Jesus” and ask Jesus what you need to want in a life partner.
Write the vision and make it plain!
The person who we yoke up for life with is too important to leave to chance, or to make a decision about while intoxicated by sex, drugs, or alcohol. Be prayerful, sober and diligent.
On this journey called life, don’t get on the wrong bus! Get on the bus that God has prepared for you.
#BeBlessed
#DontMissTheBus
#AndThatIsSomethingIWillNeverDoAgain
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.
Sometimes in life, we hear something from God and place the info into one particular silo.
A silo (from the Greek σιρός – siros, “pit for holding grain”) is a structure for storing bulk materials. Silos are used in agriculture to store grain or fermented feed known as silage. Silos are more commonly used for bulk storage of grain, coal, cement, carbon black, woodchips, food products and sawdust. Three types of silos are in widespread use today: tower silos, bunker silos, and bag silos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silo).
Commonly, we use silos because we have learned that everything has its place:
This goes over here, and that goes over there.
Let’s put everything in its place.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the word of God, we bring this concept in also: “The bible says, Love thy neighbor as thyself. My neighbors are those people who live next door. Those are the only people I love!”
“I trust the Lord with my family, my job, my education, but my money … well, that’s for me.”
I pray, O Lord, teach us to think outside of the silos that we have set up. Teach us to, when we hear your word, to never assume that we know what you are saying. Teach us to go to You for clarification, for it is unlikely that we understand every angle of what You bring to us, for is says in your word:
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33).
As I noted in an earlier blog post, we need to think about where our thinking has brought us and live under the direction of Jesus Christ. Silos may be great for storing corn or wheat, but certainly let the Word spillover into every area of our lives. Let Him rest, rule and abide.
#AskHim
#TrustHim
#WalkInHim
#NoMoreSilos
#GreatSpillover
#YouWillNotFail
As we spy on the land and year before us, the giants move about and our personal fears seem unsurmountable … what shall we say?
This is too much for us to subdue?
or
Let’s go, we have talked to the Lord and know that He is with us!
#AskHim
#Courage
#TrustHim
#WalkInHim
#YouWillNotFail
In probability theory, the law of large numbers (LLN) is a theorem that describes the result of performing the same experiment a large number of times. According to the law, the average of the results obtained from a large number of trials should be close to the expected value, and will tend to become closer as more trials are performed (wikipedia.org/lawoflargenumbers). The law is commonly expressed in these terms:
Further, in simpler terms, in order to get a desired value over time, one has to start off with a large number. Over time, the number will dwindle. In the end, the large number shrinks to the desired value.
What does God’s Holy Word say about this scientific tendency?
– Gideon’s army was shrunk from 22,000 to 10,000 to 300 (Judges 6-8).
– Scholars estimate that Sodom and Gomorrah had 200,000 inhabitants. But during the departure from the city only Lot, his wife, and two daughters left the city. Biblical accounts indicate that Lot’s wife was changed into a pillar of salt because she looked back. In the end, only Lot and his two daughters were saved (Genesis 19).
– Statisticians and economists agree that at this time in history, approximately 2 Trillion people were born, are living or have lived on earth. Yet, the bible states, Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Luke 7:13-14).
– Many are called, few are chosen (Matthew 22:14).
– Many people may plant seeds in your life. Many may water the seeds. Only God gives the increase (I Corinthians 3:6-7).
– Through the ministry of our Lord, as He lived here on earth, many people were healed- there were so many people healed that there could have been more written. More specifically, the bible states, And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written (John 1:25)! However, only 4 sympathetic people were at the food of the cross (John 19).
– Again, throughout the ministry of Jesus Christ, he fed 5,000, (Matthew 14:31-21) then 4,000 (Mark 8:1-10). But only between 120 to 3000 were in the upper room or temple receiving the Holy Spirit.
The bible is always right, for it is divinely inspired. Why is it that, in the spiritual and in the natural, these numbers dwindle so? I am not sure, but pray that come what may, I am always counted amongst those who are following God. This is my prayer:
O Lord, I pray that you purge my heart. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness, line me up with your will, teach me to obey, let me be obedient, and even as the numbers dwindle, let me be counted among your righteous. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
#GladToBeInTheNumber
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!
Pay it Forward.
Popular thought has emphasized giving finances. Yes, it is important to do that, but as a person who has been in academia 28 years, I realize that some times you just don’t have money … therefore, NO, it is not necessary that everything that is ‘paid forward’ is paid with cash, credit, or debit cards.
If you have money, yes, you should pay your tithes and give an offering.
Give other tangibles like food, or possessions when you know it’s your last.
Show genuine kindness and love to people you know hate your guts.
Smile when you know you wanna cry.
Volunteer your ‘much-needed’ time to serve a Godly cause.
Have a cheerful attitude in a difficult circumstance.
Shut up when you know you could have the last word.
Give, pay it forward, for God loves a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7
There are some people who walk into your life and immediately add value.
You find yourself wanting to be stronger,
You feel better,
You think clearer,
You do better,
You become stronger.
Every good quality about you seems to be enhanced.
When you’re around them alot, you seem to feel better.
You encourage the people around you to be better …
And the people that you encourage encourage their peers to do the same.
… it spreads like a wildfire.
Unfortunately, there are others who do the opposite.
Are you a lifter, or do you pull people down?
Are you a sustainer or a drainer?
Are you a contributor or do you look to be a beneficiary?
O Lord, please make me the type of person who genuinely adds value to the lives of others.
Take away every toxic perspective or attitude that I carry and give me a heart like yours!
In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
#PressingOn
#PressingIn
As controversial as this may be, I dare to post it. There has been an influx of divorce, separation, and shared custody. Perhaps many of the reasons why many broken families are broken is because the adults and children don’t know how to treat one another.
Broken love, broken care, broken time together… has seemed to have changed their tempers, attitudes, and abilities to suffer long. This inability to fellowship and commune renders families to now not be able to see one another on a regular basis and to resolve to treat each other with kindness and respect.
Idk, maybe all of the turmoil of separation and divorce has changed us …
Did it ‘take all of that’ for you be able to spoil your kids with attention and love?
Did it ‘take all of that’ to stop complaining and giving him or her a piece of your mind?
No one every told me this, but life taught me: Death is like divorce.
Ever notice how people are so nice at a funeral? Enemies hug and suck up the small stuff.
Ever notice how people who are not close get close at the time of death or hurricane or similar calamity.
I hope that it does not always ‘take all of that’ for us to get our love in check- to get our peace in check.
To finally get it together and talk to people like they are just that people.
Lord, forgive me for the instances when I did not know how to treat people that I love. Forgive me for being my fickle self. Cleanse me. Purge me with hyssop, that I may be white as snow. And, Lord, before our relationships and families break in separation, divorce,or death let us be knitted together. When we are together, let us be together in love, joy, and peace. Let us cherish our time together, for flesh is grass. Let this happen so that we also desire to give love and care and especially spend time together in your presence. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
There is a familiar adage that states, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
Imagine the difference between wearing braces on your teeth as a 2nd grader verses wearing them as an adult.
Imagine the difference between wearing braces your feet/legs as a 5th grader verses wearing them as an adult.
The bible makes mentions of adult men being circumcised. Oh, the pain of that experience!
I cannot fathom living in sin or living for years in some manner, sincerely wrong before learning the right way. My heart now understands what Paul endured. After a life of thinking he was serving the Lord, he was serving satan, killing Christians.
I pray, Lord cut back our evil, our sin, and weights before we get used to the weight, before we get entrenched in ungodly structures. After a life time of serving myself, I was afforded the opportunity to get it right. Now, I finally take on the opportunity to serve Christ through serving others.
Lord, always lead me down the paths to serve you. I need to please you. Let my heart never wax cold. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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
As I prepared to gather with co-workers for the holidays, I see a text message appear on my phone that stated, “Don’t Judge Me.” Minutes later, I get another message from someone else who will be in attendance of this gathering, with the same three words, “Don’t Judge Me.”
My first thought was about whether or not they would be late (as I usually am- yes, I am working on this), what they were wearing, who they invited…
Like a ton of bricks, a long while later, it came to me that they were talking about drinking alcohol and being drunk (and also possibly smoking weed and getting high).
Later, I thought… maybe they know the word. maybe they know what is right and what is wrong by what they know or have heard is in the Word.
Here are a few of my thoughts about this:
Here are a few points from the Word:
The bible proclaims, His ways are not like ours (Isaiah 55:8).
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out (Romans 11:33).
I do not think that the Lord would allow us to make bad judgments without calling us out or getting us back in alignment with His will and His thoughts. As we learn and grow, what we ‘judge’ will be a mirror of what is in the Word.
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?
Sometimes, I can be very creative. I love to paint, write…
I have a drawer with two shoe boxes of pens, markers, and other writing utensils. I’ve been writing a lot lately and I’ve noticed that I have a favorite pen. This pen, as compared to probably 300 other writing tools, is very reliable.
It works when ever I need it.
It’s easy to grip and hold.
I take it where ever I go. You’ll find it in my car console, my purse, my gym bag …
I don’t have to scribble here and there to test to see if it works before I use it.
It’s bold enough to write what I need it to write.
It’s the right shade of blue; It does not bleed through.
I was thinking… if the Lord was looking for a utensil- a tool to use one that would write or say what He wanted it to say- a tool that was the right shade, the right level of boldness, easy to hold and went every where He went, would he consider me? I dare not look up and defiantly ask the Lord why He is doing this or that unto me. Lord, help me to be as the pen of the ready writer, patiently and obediently waiting to do as you instruct.
#Closer
#IAmButAVessle
A couple weeks ago, I saw a Facebook post where a religious leader was ‘going off’ because someone used some of ‘her words’ in their own post. She seemed to be upset because they were using her idea or the foundation of her message without crediting her as a source.
I was taken aback by her commentary for a few reasons, I’ve placed my notes below.
– God is pouring HIS Spirit out upon all flesh (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17). He is synchronizing HIS people to do HIS work. Many times, He is telling more than one person the same thing at the same time. When we are not ashamed (Romans 1:16), not confused, and not afraid, we share what He is saying. We need to remember this and be glad that He thought enough to share it with us, rather than blast people because they ‘say the same thing’ that you said.
– I don’t know what the original message was (what is was claimed to be- a testimony or a ‘Word from the Lord’ …) but the Gospel of Jesus Christ is NOT ours.
– I feel honored when the Lord shares revelation with me. It lets me know that He loves me and He cares. I don’t think that what He is saying to me is ‘mine’. On the contrary, it is His, He is directing me to take on what He said, and then share it with others for them to take on and then share and so on…
– We overcome by the blood of the lamb and by the word of our testimony (Rev 12:11). We must share. This being true: How else can we live right and work to overcome the whiles of the enemies of God? We must share our testimony, less we will not overcome. Perhaps this is why many people are not overcoming- because we are not properly testifying.
– The gospel is hid from those who are lost (II Corinthians 4:3). Ok… so someone wrote something that you wrote… You’re upset about that. In a conversation with the disciples, Jesus stated, ‘If you love me, feed my sheep’. I feel compelled to question your motive. Are you ministering to people to help them- to set captives free, to help people establish and maintain a relationship with Christ, or are you writing to satisfy your own vanities?
Instead of being upset, realize that it’s great that someone’s ‘getting it’!! The shameful events is when people aren’t understanding the underlying message.
I propose that we should be glad that we are getting together ‘on one accord, in one place’ in God (Acts 2:1-2) and that now, ‘… nothing will be restrained from them, which have imagined to do. (Genesis 11:6); for when we are together in obedience, that is when He blesses us (Matthew 14:15, Matthew 15:32).
We need to pray that those who do not understand get an understanding- that they fall in love with Jesus for themselves…
– What if Moses, Paul, Peter, or another leader of old felt this way and intimated their subordinates or others who read their writings? Would the Bible have ever been written? What if they felt this way and decided that they did not want to publish what the Lord had given them? Where would we be?
It is wrong to think in this vein, and there is something especially wrong with expressing this line of thinking publicly. Moreover, selfishness are vanity present.
– In general terms, the transference discussed here is similar to the spiritual transference of testimonies, relations, and prophetic releases. In the Bible days, stories were transferred by word of mouth many years before they were written into and compiled into what we know of as the Bible Collection of Books. These collections of divine words have been recited and are in the hearts of many people who believe in Jesus Christ. As a matter of fact, the WORD promotes the spread of its contents:
I will say to the north, Give up; to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons and daughters form the ends of the earth; Even everyone that is called by my name: For I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him (Isaiah 43:6-7).
Wherefore, comfort one another with these words (I Thessalonians 4:18).
Go, ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, an of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19).
Then I said, I will not make mention of Him, not speak any more in his name. But His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not say (Jeremiah 20:9). Moreover, Jesus specifically told some one not to share the instance of a miracle and they did anyway…
Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children and another generation (Joel 1:3).
This being true, the Word, Jesus Christ warns of those who might preaching contrary lessons. For if he that cometh preachest another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receiveth another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him (II Corinthians 11:4).
Furthermore, the Bible foretells of what they may try to say. Beware, lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ (Colossians 2:8) – we should rather be, Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving (Colossians 2:7).
– We should be emphatic about building the Kingdom of God- like the Dukes of Hazard (Acts 15:26) overcoming His enemies that we are not stuck in ‘who said what (first)’.
The biblically-recorded Apostles of Jesus Christ went through great lengths to deliver the message of salvation and good tidings. They insisted on preaching and teaching on the name Jesus. The pressed their way through to their destiny in Christ, despite threat of imprisonment, beatings, imprisonment, others being murdered, they still exclaimed that they will believe God, rather than men (Acts 5:12-42). Despite these and other antagonisms, floggings, and the prospect of losing their lives, many followers never failed to follow Christ because they recognized that God did not give them the spirit of fear, but rather of power, and of love and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7). These individuals had heard of the message of Jesus Christ, and chose to follow His voice rather than their own, or the voice of mere men, or spiritual enemies of Christ. Moreover, generational after generation, the stories of old- the Bible and the personal life histories with testimonies are shared to glorify the name of Jesus!
– I assert that if you get upset when in a similar situation there are two options:
Either what you’re talking about is NOT from GOD- merely from your mind alone,
or
Your words are from God but you do not understand the mind of God.
It seems that if leaders continue to hold tight to this ideology they may be inhibiting the legacy of Christ. I cry, Lord, what ever you are doing in this season, don’t do it without me! Rude, immature, statements about how somebody’s ‘copying what you said’ are intimidation tactics and are not the spirit of Jesus Christ.
True followers, YOU are the word of God manifested in flesh, don’t you dare return what He truly said unto Him void- share it and don’t expect a citation.
#UseMeLOrd #IamButAVessle #DontDoItWithoutMe
I was at the public library some time ago…
When I was there, there was an adult woman there, sitting at a table with a young male child- I’m guessing that he was like 6 or 7. After viewing them interact, I concluded that she was his mother, I am not sure. What is important is what I saw.
The kid was frustrated. It seemed that he was attempting to complete some homework. The woman started to yell and him at degrade him for his lack of understanding. She was speaking to him as if he were an adult- her body language, facial expressions, words and tone were all completely inappropriate. It seemed that she was upset that he did not understand, but I also think that she was embarrassed that she did not understand how to explain it to him herself.
I looked at them quickly pack their things and leave their table. They walked out at a brisk pace.
I wish I could re-lived those moments, or if I could have caught on to what was happening in time to interject and help. I could have looked at his book or his notes and try to explain it … maybe I could have agreed to be his tutor or find someone who could.
I wanted to say, “Excuse me mam, you don’t understand this and you have the audacity to be mad at him when you don’t know how explain it yourself! Don’t talk to him like that!”
Sitting in silence, forgetting the reason for my visit to the library, I remembered her harsh words for some time after they left. I thought of the familiar adage that ‘people don’t remember what you say, but they remember how you made them feel’. I am not sure who I should quote for saying that, but I have heard that time and time again.
Instead of degrading him in front of people (or at all) she could have been honest and said, “I don’t know how to do this… let me see if I can find you some help.” She could have changed that whole situation with a little love.
… Years later, he will not remember what story it was that he did not understand type of math it was that he did not understand, but he would remember how she made him feel.
Love listens in a manner in which I cannot explain.I wish that she could have demonstrated love to him. But maybe be that meant that there is no love or care between them so, how could it be demonstrated?
Parents, love your children.
Pastors, love your followers.
Men and women, love your sisters, wives, brothers, every one.
Kill wickedness and evil with kindness.
Be kind to people, in all situations.
And when you can say a kind word, simply be quiet.
Love works and usually yields a positive response.
Overthrow the temptation to be evil, unkind, or sarcastic, and give love.
We have all been through ups and downs. As we recall our past experiences, we should be able to assess what is ‘familiar ground’.
-With our favorite foods, there is a salivary reflex that comes when we know we are about to consume the tasty treat!
-In relationships, our hearts may begin to beat fast or our palms may begin to sweat…
On the one hand, there are those times we pay pucker our lips as we prepare for a gentle kiss from the one that we love.
On the other hand, there are those times when we disagree and words get crossed.
In either case, if we are wise we can see these places as familiar ground. Small clues can be gathered to indicate that we do not or we do need to move in this direction.
If, when dating, you find that your mate is jealous, envious, controlling, full of strife, has the tendency to backbite or be negative, make hateful comments, sabotage the lives other folks, oppress or otherwise make others feel guilty for this or that, verbally abuse others, or use his mouth as a weapon to hurt people …
Get out!!
It is better to stop while you are ahead. Stop before you like him, and certainly before you love him.
It is also important to stop before you invest a significant amount of your time and energy in the individual or into your relationship. Doing this early on makes life easier. The quicker you get out, get up, and get going, the quicker you will find some one who does not display those character traits.
It’s not a matter of whether or not you think that what it is that they are doing is right or wrong or if those actions are a ‘sin’. If you don’t want to be around those things, you simply do not. And that’s OK.
Scientific research has indicated that humans can only think of one idea at a time. In this vein, every negative thought was traded for a positive thought. Proactively overthrow those types of things – valuable thoughts, time, and energy and trade them for positive thoughts. Think about it, if you had a choice between two thoughts:
a thought that is jealous about another person
OR
a thought about chapter 8 of your new book
which would you choose?
In yesterday’s post, I wrote about purpose. My final remark reflects on my advice about making sure that you know your purpose. 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 have any of those traits that I described earlier.
Further, the best relationships are those where both 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- that should be your familiar ground.
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.
Lately, my prevalent thoughts have been concerning Belief. This post- which is my first post on this blog- will contain some of the points that I made in a previous blog posting.
When you believe something, there is some degree of action in your life that runs alongside your belief.
If I am a middle school student who wants to be the star player of my high school team, no matter the weather, I need to be out shooting field goals, 3-pointers, or free throws as much as possible.
If I am a H.S. student who believes that I will be a Master Surgeon, I need to study biology and chemistry and prepare to get in to college and study more of these types of science. I need to get educated on what the requirements are to be who I believe I am and then move forward in those beliefs.
If I am a woman who of God is destined to do great things but has been through many ups and downs, I need to remain more focused on the things I will do than the things that I have been through.
No matter what you believe you shall be, it is necessary to lay before the Lord and ask him for direction.
Is what I am thinking in alignment with your will for my life?
What do I need to do first? Second? Next? …
Whatever it is that I ‘believe’ I need to be moving forward to achieve those goals.
Qs: What do you see your self doing or being? What visible action(s) are you manifesting externally to demonstrate your internal belief?
… to be continued.
The song says we’re getting closer and closer to that ‘Great Gett’n up Morning!’
The question at hand is, “Is my blog properly named?”
Well, I dunno, is it? I’m probably confusing some folks, but…
In Him is where I live, move and have my being.
I know that I am walking with Him- certainly not before Him.
I lean on Him for strengths and for His wisdom to make decisions.
I stand on Him, for His Word is my foundation.
As I walk this path called life, moving closer to Him.
As I listen to His voice, my thoughts are closer to His.
Closer 