The power of God is amazing. With God anything – anything is possible. Life always seems to give everyone a story. Everyone has a message as they go through their own personal journey of life. I believe that all the things we go through and come out of in life is for one reason and one reason alone – so that we can help others and comfort them as they go through the same things we have victoriously come through. We all have a God-given mission in life if we would accept our mission; we all have a mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our won unique way. But it all starts with believing in the God of the impossible.
If you are dealing with any trials right now, understand that they are not going to last. But the work of God that we have been called to engage in is eternal. Understand that I am talking from the point of view of someone who grew up in a Christian home, in the church and have had the privilege of a wonderful marriage. I am coming to you as someone who has seen the amazing power of God. I am someone who has been brought back from the brink of death over and over again. I am a walking and talking testimony of the power of Jesus Christ. I am happy for those who have lived a life close to perfection but I have nothing in common with that kind of life. My life has been different – perfectly orchestrated by the God who has something very important for me to do.
As I wait for certain things to be revealed and in the meantime possess absolute faith regarding these things that are yet to be revealed, I glorify the Lord of the Impossible and I bless His Holy Name.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Your Time Has Surely Come!
Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” - Exodus 4:2
In all my 36 years on the planet, I’ve never seen anyone get something for nothing. Good and lasting blessings never come easy. If you want to have happiness, you must pursue it. If you want lasting earthly wealth, you must be prepared to work hard for it and if you want good relationships with others, you must be willing to work at it. But regardless of what your heart’s desire is, you will need to start somewhere. Consider an apple seed – you will need to plant the seed and nurture the plant in order for it to become an apple tree and produce the apples you want. Every harvest starts with a seed. What seed are you holding in your hand? If you carefully examine the seed in your hand right now, can you have enough faith to see a forest – in your spirit?
We so underestimate ourselves and our potential. Sometimes it’s because we have given the wrong people access to our lives for too long a time and as such our dreams have been either crushed or paralyzed. Or it maybe that we are unmotivated to do the work needed to achieve our dreams. But a New Year is approaching – it’s time to move all obstacles to the side. Understand that no-one can stop you but you. Release all limitations whether real or perceived and start to use what you have in your hand.
If you are fed up with where you are right now and want a shift in your position, the time has come. If you are a woman trying desperately to be something God has really not created you to be, your time is now. If you are fed up trying desperately to fit in and to be accepted by everyone, there’s not time like now to start anew. Don’t settle for what the world expects another day. It really doesn’t matter what they expect, think or say. Accept that folks will always have something to say regardless so why not make it easier for them! It’s time to do you; time to be you; time to start sowing the seed God has placed in your hand.
The scripture above really encourages me to work hard and never give up. It allows me to see that what I have in my hand is really all that I need to begin. Every keystroke that I type gets me closer to my dream – every single one of them.
In all my 36 years on the planet, I’ve never seen anyone get something for nothing. Good and lasting blessings never come easy. If you want to have happiness, you must pursue it. If you want lasting earthly wealth, you must be prepared to work hard for it and if you want good relationships with others, you must be willing to work at it. But regardless of what your heart’s desire is, you will need to start somewhere. Consider an apple seed – you will need to plant the seed and nurture the plant in order for it to become an apple tree and produce the apples you want. Every harvest starts with a seed. What seed are you holding in your hand? If you carefully examine the seed in your hand right now, can you have enough faith to see a forest – in your spirit?
We so underestimate ourselves and our potential. Sometimes it’s because we have given the wrong people access to our lives for too long a time and as such our dreams have been either crushed or paralyzed. Or it maybe that we are unmotivated to do the work needed to achieve our dreams. But a New Year is approaching – it’s time to move all obstacles to the side. Understand that no-one can stop you but you. Release all limitations whether real or perceived and start to use what you have in your hand.
If you are fed up with where you are right now and want a shift in your position, the time has come. If you are a woman trying desperately to be something God has really not created you to be, your time is now. If you are fed up trying desperately to fit in and to be accepted by everyone, there’s not time like now to start anew. Don’t settle for what the world expects another day. It really doesn’t matter what they expect, think or say. Accept that folks will always have something to say regardless so why not make it easier for them! It’s time to do you; time to be you; time to start sowing the seed God has placed in your hand.
The scripture above really encourages me to work hard and never give up. It allows me to see that what I have in my hand is really all that I need to begin. Every keystroke that I type gets me closer to my dream – every single one of them.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
You Will Get There
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light – Micah 7:8
We all face hard times. The common language we all understand is suffering. Rich people suffer and poor people suffer. We all make mistakes as none of us are perfect. In humility we must acknowledge when we are wrong and make amends to those we have crossed. Arrogance and disrespect has no place in the Word of God – even when we believe that we are in the right.
When we do things to make others suffer and gloat over their plight, we are sinning against God in two ways – one for making another person face hard times and two for gloating over the suffering of our fellow man. God is not happy when believers frustrate and antagonize one another. He is not impressed with blatant disobedience to his Holy Word.
God himself is the one who puts one man down and promotes another. By gloating over the suffering of others, we are assuming that we will never be in the same position we are in. We are playing God who knows the end of the beginning which we don’t. I was put in a very difficult situation last July, the man I married, divorced and had two children for decided to skip town and go and live in another continent, abandoning his part in the physical responsibility and care of his children. Now here I am suffering day to day trying to raise my beautiful daughters on my own and at the same time wondering how another human being with any light from the Spirit of God can do that to another. But I rest in the comfort that I am still here, breathing and with God by my side and soon my daughters (11 and 4) will be grown and will find their way in this world. I concentrate on teaching them what God will have them do and run away from any choices that will make them stray from his word.
1 Samuel 12:16 says “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes! If you are having a hard time today and people think that you are dead and will never live again, rest in the assurance that it is God who has the last word on your life not man. Believe that every suffering, shame, ridicule and disgrace that you go through is for a purpose and when the time is right all will be revealed. The Lord is indeed doing a great thing in your life; it’s a shame that the world cannot perceive it.
We all face hard times. The common language we all understand is suffering. Rich people suffer and poor people suffer. We all make mistakes as none of us are perfect. In humility we must acknowledge when we are wrong and make amends to those we have crossed. Arrogance and disrespect has no place in the Word of God – even when we believe that we are in the right.
When we do things to make others suffer and gloat over their plight, we are sinning against God in two ways – one for making another person face hard times and two for gloating over the suffering of our fellow man. God is not happy when believers frustrate and antagonize one another. He is not impressed with blatant disobedience to his Holy Word.
God himself is the one who puts one man down and promotes another. By gloating over the suffering of others, we are assuming that we will never be in the same position we are in. We are playing God who knows the end of the beginning which we don’t. I was put in a very difficult situation last July, the man I married, divorced and had two children for decided to skip town and go and live in another continent, abandoning his part in the physical responsibility and care of his children. Now here I am suffering day to day trying to raise my beautiful daughters on my own and at the same time wondering how another human being with any light from the Spirit of God can do that to another. But I rest in the comfort that I am still here, breathing and with God by my side and soon my daughters (11 and 4) will be grown and will find their way in this world. I concentrate on teaching them what God will have them do and run away from any choices that will make them stray from his word.
1 Samuel 12:16 says “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes! If you are having a hard time today and people think that you are dead and will never live again, rest in the assurance that it is God who has the last word on your life not man. Believe that every suffering, shame, ridicule and disgrace that you go through is for a purpose and when the time is right all will be revealed. The Lord is indeed doing a great thing in your life; it’s a shame that the world cannot perceive it.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Not All Ears Will Hear
Be ever hearing but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving. Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. – Isaiah 6:9-10
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is quite simple so that everyone will be able to comprehend. There is nothing complicated about it. That is why faith has absolutely nothing to do with intellect such that no-one can say I went to hell because I did not understand. God has a supernatural way of meeting every being he created at his or her level. God means different things to many people – He is so omniscient, He can be whatever you want him to be. He’s a Healer, a Provider, a Husband, a Friend that sticks closer than a brother, a Strong Refuge, a Deliverer, a Loving Father, a Wonderful Counselor, a Great Comforter – the list is endless. Whatever you need God can be but that is if only you will hear and heed his word.
When we come in contact with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we really hear our lives change and our decisions change. We start to see the world in a whole different and new light. All the immaterial things that used to concern and bother us before no longer matter to us. We are renewed creatures, eager to dedicate and live our lives for God. All these wonderful changes happen only when we really hear. When we fail to hear and heed the Word of God, we say all the right words but do all the wrong things. We “amen” everything the preacher says knowing in our hearts that we do not plan to change our ways. We go from church to church trying to find wholeness that only God can bring. Our words are that of a believer but our attitude and behavior speaks contrary to the Word of God. When our hearts are dulled and calloused, we are beyond conviction.
As the scripture above clearly says – it is only when we make a decision to change and open up our hearts to receive and be sensitive to the teachings of Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit that dwells in each and every believer can we be truly healed.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is quite simple so that everyone will be able to comprehend. There is nothing complicated about it. That is why faith has absolutely nothing to do with intellect such that no-one can say I went to hell because I did not understand. God has a supernatural way of meeting every being he created at his or her level. God means different things to many people – He is so omniscient, He can be whatever you want him to be. He’s a Healer, a Provider, a Husband, a Friend that sticks closer than a brother, a Strong Refuge, a Deliverer, a Loving Father, a Wonderful Counselor, a Great Comforter – the list is endless. Whatever you need God can be but that is if only you will hear and heed his word.
When we come in contact with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we really hear our lives change and our decisions change. We start to see the world in a whole different and new light. All the immaterial things that used to concern and bother us before no longer matter to us. We are renewed creatures, eager to dedicate and live our lives for God. All these wonderful changes happen only when we really hear. When we fail to hear and heed the Word of God, we say all the right words but do all the wrong things. We “amen” everything the preacher says knowing in our hearts that we do not plan to change our ways. We go from church to church trying to find wholeness that only God can bring. Our words are that of a believer but our attitude and behavior speaks contrary to the Word of God. When our hearts are dulled and calloused, we are beyond conviction.
As the scripture above clearly says – it is only when we make a decision to change and open up our hearts to receive and be sensitive to the teachings of Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit that dwells in each and every believer can we be truly healed.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Brokenness Causes Praises
So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” – Job 2:7-10
It is so easy to praise God when everything is going great but how many will praise God even when things aren’t all that good. It is important to make our praises to God consistent regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Job’s wife could not see the sense in her husband holding onto any kind integrity. As far as she was concerned, he really needed to call it a day.
We all fall into the trap of sulking when we don’t get our way. I remember praying about an issue for years and God brought no relieve in that area. I was disappointed that God did not do exactly what I wanted. For a minute, I thought maybe God didn’t even love me. I stopped praying and it showed! As I studied the scriptures and walked with God, I learnt that God said No for a reason. He was trying to save me from an inevitable calamity that was to come that I could not see. He wanted to save me greater heartache down the line. Based on where I am now with my peace and my joy, I am glad I did not get my will and I have learnt to praise God even when things are bad. I have learned to go back to God and let him hold my hand through the difficult times.
If you read the above scripture verses carefully, you will find comfort in knowing that Satan needed God’s permission to afflict Job. The enemy cannot do anything to us that God does not allow. God sees the end from the beginning and He never gives us more than we can bear. So when we are broken and in the valley, we must praise God just as vehemently as we do when we are on the mountain enjoying the blessings that only God can bring.
It is so easy to praise God when everything is going great but how many will praise God even when things aren’t all that good. It is important to make our praises to God consistent regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Job’s wife could not see the sense in her husband holding onto any kind integrity. As far as she was concerned, he really needed to call it a day.
We all fall into the trap of sulking when we don’t get our way. I remember praying about an issue for years and God brought no relieve in that area. I was disappointed that God did not do exactly what I wanted. For a minute, I thought maybe God didn’t even love me. I stopped praying and it showed! As I studied the scriptures and walked with God, I learnt that God said No for a reason. He was trying to save me from an inevitable calamity that was to come that I could not see. He wanted to save me greater heartache down the line. Based on where I am now with my peace and my joy, I am glad I did not get my will and I have learnt to praise God even when things are bad. I have learned to go back to God and let him hold my hand through the difficult times.
If you read the above scripture verses carefully, you will find comfort in knowing that Satan needed God’s permission to afflict Job. The enemy cannot do anything to us that God does not allow. God sees the end from the beginning and He never gives us more than we can bear. So when we are broken and in the valley, we must praise God just as vehemently as we do when we are on the mountain enjoying the blessings that only God can bring.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Guard the Truth
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.” – Matthew 13:3
Whether a seasoned believer or new to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, guarding the truth that we now know in our hearts is very crucial. A lot of us learn the truth but the roots of what has been learnt never get the opportunity to travel deeps in our hearts and very soon after we fall back into our old ways. The Word of God is like precious seeds that need nurturing to grow. If you are not careful, the enemy will come and steal those seeds so that the glory of God does not come to fruition in your life.
Be vigilant now that you have been introduced to the truth. Refuse to fall prey to the attractions of this world that will more than likely lead to nothing. Spend your time studying the Word of God so that His truth will never be far from your hearts. If you need to make new friends do so; if you need to find a better environment to work in, find another job. Do whatever it takes to ensure that you do not fall by the wayside and miss your turn. Being careless with what you know can send you back to where you once were or even worse.
The more you guard the truth you have learnt, the more the Lord will reveal to you. Holding on to the truth can be the difference between achieving your destiny and missing out completely on the purpose God has for your life.
Whether a seasoned believer or new to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, guarding the truth that we now know in our hearts is very crucial. A lot of us learn the truth but the roots of what has been learnt never get the opportunity to travel deeps in our hearts and very soon after we fall back into our old ways. The Word of God is like precious seeds that need nurturing to grow. If you are not careful, the enemy will come and steal those seeds so that the glory of God does not come to fruition in your life.
Be vigilant now that you have been introduced to the truth. Refuse to fall prey to the attractions of this world that will more than likely lead to nothing. Spend your time studying the Word of God so that His truth will never be far from your hearts. If you need to make new friends do so; if you need to find a better environment to work in, find another job. Do whatever it takes to ensure that you do not fall by the wayside and miss your turn. Being careless with what you know can send you back to where you once were or even worse.
The more you guard the truth you have learnt, the more the Lord will reveal to you. Holding on to the truth can be the difference between achieving your destiny and missing out completely on the purpose God has for your life.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
The Real Reason for the Season
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
The last few days preceding the birth of Jesus Christ has been hectic – for most. Not for me though. I don’t have a whole lot of money to spend on “one-time” things. But I watched as people hustled back and forth, as cars lined up in front of stores, men and women, young and old, pushed shopping baskets filled to the brim. I watched buildings shinning with bright lights and shops that cannot use the phrase “Merry Christmas” had Christmas trees in every corner.
This is the season where a lot of people run around, spend more than they can afford but very few know the real reason why they hustle. I hear the phrase “Happy Holidays” and I reflect on how things have changed in a world that tries so hard to be politically correct and accepting of every thing that moves. When we refuse to accept the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we cook up all sorts of man-made stuff to explain the simple truth away. God’s light is shinning bright today as it did that fateful day in Bethlehem. His light shines in the lives of many of his followers because they believe in the God that brings light into otherwise dark situations.
As people celebrate today, I hope that they get a chance to hear the real message behind this Christmas celebration so that they might believe in the real reason for this Christmas Season.
The last few days preceding the birth of Jesus Christ has been hectic – for most. Not for me though. I don’t have a whole lot of money to spend on “one-time” things. But I watched as people hustled back and forth, as cars lined up in front of stores, men and women, young and old, pushed shopping baskets filled to the brim. I watched buildings shinning with bright lights and shops that cannot use the phrase “Merry Christmas” had Christmas trees in every corner.
This is the season where a lot of people run around, spend more than they can afford but very few know the real reason why they hustle. I hear the phrase “Happy Holidays” and I reflect on how things have changed in a world that tries so hard to be politically correct and accepting of every thing that moves. When we refuse to accept the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we cook up all sorts of man-made stuff to explain the simple truth away. God’s light is shinning bright today as it did that fateful day in Bethlehem. His light shines in the lives of many of his followers because they believe in the God that brings light into otherwise dark situations.
As people celebrate today, I hope that they get a chance to hear the real message behind this Christmas celebration so that they might believe in the real reason for this Christmas Season.
Monday, December 24, 2007
A Pattern for Living
“Vision – It reaches beyond the thing that is, into the conception of what can be. Imagination gives you the picture. Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own.”
How do you live your life now? Do you have a pattern you are building with or are you the “pay-as-you-go” type? One who really aims for nothing and achieves relatively nothing. Do you have a clear picture in your mind for your life, the lives of your children and your grandchildren? When you leave this realm forever, how do you want your descendants to remember you (if at all you want to be remembered)?
I envy people who have been successful at building a legacy for generations to come. When I think of legacies, my mind goes to the likes of C.S. Lewis, Charles Spurgeon and Max Lucado. Men, who studied the Word of God, thought about the Word of God and wrote about the Word of God. They must have had a pattern in their minds, against which the developed and built their lives. I am positive they were not stumbling in the dark, leaving their lives to fate and where it would take them.
They each must have had a vision for their lives; how they wanted to live each day God had given them. After all how can one emulate what one has never seen? They must have seen each day as a gift not to be wasted on mindless ventures but to be maximized to its fullest potential. I am learning to see things as I want them to be, not as they presently are. What picture do you see when you look at your future? How are you building towards the picture that you see?
If you have not begun to form a pattern for how you want your life to be, depending on how old you are right now, you may not have much time left. Start afresh. Don’t wait another minute.
How do you live your life now? Do you have a pattern you are building with or are you the “pay-as-you-go” type? One who really aims for nothing and achieves relatively nothing. Do you have a clear picture in your mind for your life, the lives of your children and your grandchildren? When you leave this realm forever, how do you want your descendants to remember you (if at all you want to be remembered)?
I envy people who have been successful at building a legacy for generations to come. When I think of legacies, my mind goes to the likes of C.S. Lewis, Charles Spurgeon and Max Lucado. Men, who studied the Word of God, thought about the Word of God and wrote about the Word of God. They must have had a pattern in their minds, against which the developed and built their lives. I am positive they were not stumbling in the dark, leaving their lives to fate and where it would take them.
They each must have had a vision for their lives; how they wanted to live each day God had given them. After all how can one emulate what one has never seen? They must have seen each day as a gift not to be wasted on mindless ventures but to be maximized to its fullest potential. I am learning to see things as I want them to be, not as they presently are. What picture do you see when you look at your future? How are you building towards the picture that you see?
If you have not begun to form a pattern for how you want your life to be, depending on how old you are right now, you may not have much time left. Start afresh. Don’t wait another minute.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
When Trouble Comes - Look Up
I’ve been challenged recently by a few things – choices and decisions though painful that I must make in order to be focused on the task that God would want me to do. The desire to be right with God drives the decisions that I make today and my number one priority is to do what God has called me to do. If I do it with no-one around me, I will be blessed rather than trying to “fix” everything that surrounds me and then missing my earthly mission. I was in emotional trouble inside because I was torn between making space in my heart for people that did not have my best interest at heart and forging ahead alone on the road to my destiny.
When we get into trouble, we often do one of two things – look for help from people around us or sit around in self-pity. The first instinct is not often to get down on our knees and seek help where true help really lies. This is not to say that friends cannot help us through difficult situations. Sadly, depending on the degree of trouble most of the folks we call friends will either disappear or lead us downstream into deeper waters of despair. Ideally the first place we ought to go when we are in a tight spot is to God. God can then send the right people to us to aid us if that is his will. Sometimes God will connect us with the tools that we’ve always had but never plugged into such that we get out of trouble with no human intervention.
It is important that God orders our footsteps as believers. Whatever happens to us, good or bad, God has his loving arms around us and his hands upon our lives. Challenges that we often face may bring moments of unhappiness but joy is still ours in the midst of it all. When trials come, we must make looking up to God the first thing that we do at all times. He has a way of making all crooked places straight.
When we get into trouble, we often do one of two things – look for help from people around us or sit around in self-pity. The first instinct is not often to get down on our knees and seek help where true help really lies. This is not to say that friends cannot help us through difficult situations. Sadly, depending on the degree of trouble most of the folks we call friends will either disappear or lead us downstream into deeper waters of despair. Ideally the first place we ought to go when we are in a tight spot is to God. God can then send the right people to us to aid us if that is his will. Sometimes God will connect us with the tools that we’ve always had but never plugged into such that we get out of trouble with no human intervention.
It is important that God orders our footsteps as believers. Whatever happens to us, good or bad, God has his loving arms around us and his hands upon our lives. Challenges that we often face may bring moments of unhappiness but joy is still ours in the midst of it all. When trials come, we must make looking up to God the first thing that we do at all times. He has a way of making all crooked places straight.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
God’s Will is the Best Will
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:1-2
There is the perfect will of God as well as the permissive will. I don’t know about you but I want his perfect will. With his permissive will, it’s simply what is allowed but not what is perfect – the ultimate. But before we can obtain the perfect will of God, we must be willing to present ourselves as a living sacrifice. God will not reveal his will to us if we are living in rebellion to his Holy Word. We need to surrender ourselves first then he will reveal his will. We must do our part in walking with God. We must study his word so that our minds can be renewed. If our minds are transformed, our choices become in line with God’s will for our lives. That is when we start to live the best life.
Not all that glitters is gold. It does not matter how much we are convinced that what we are doing is right, if it is contrary to God’s word, it is not his will. We should never be misled by appearances and outward adornment. The best will for our lives will always be God’s will – even if it does not look glamorous or problem free. It will definitely turn out to be the best for us in the long run.
There is the perfect will of God as well as the permissive will. I don’t know about you but I want his perfect will. With his permissive will, it’s simply what is allowed but not what is perfect – the ultimate. But before we can obtain the perfect will of God, we must be willing to present ourselves as a living sacrifice. God will not reveal his will to us if we are living in rebellion to his Holy Word. We need to surrender ourselves first then he will reveal his will. We must do our part in walking with God. We must study his word so that our minds can be renewed. If our minds are transformed, our choices become in line with God’s will for our lives. That is when we start to live the best life.
Not all that glitters is gold. It does not matter how much we are convinced that what we are doing is right, if it is contrary to God’s word, it is not his will. We should never be misled by appearances and outward adornment. The best will for our lives will always be God’s will – even if it does not look glamorous or problem free. It will definitely turn out to be the best for us in the long run.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Let Setbacks Become Setups
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus – Philippians 3:14
It took a while for me to learn that the only person that can stop me from achieving God’s plan for my life is me. As I continue to walk with God, he will reveal more and more of himself and what he would like me to pursue to me. As sure as no-one can stop the sun from shinning; no one can stop you from shinning. God’s purpose for your life will surely come to pass regardless of what you go through. But as you travel on the road to actualizing his will, you will have some setbacks. Whether these setbacks simply manifest as a bumps in the road or a complete roadblocks is up to you.
Paul is encouraging us here to continue to press on despite any setbacks that we might encounter. The definition of the word press indicates that some effort will be required. It gives the idea that it won’t be an easy thing to do. Pressing forward will require pressing past and jumping over oppositions and obstacles that may stand in our way. In order for our setbacks to become our setups, we must see every problem as an opportunity for a comeback. When life challenges us, we appear like we are dead sometimes, people never expect that we will ever return but God never buries his children in problems, he may plant them so that they can hibernate and gather strength. Unfortunately being buried and being planted look identical but the difference is when God plants us, we come back stronger and better than we’ve ever been.
If you are dealing with setbacks today, take your strength from the fact that there is always tomorrow and things can and will change for the better – provided you don’t give up or give in. Take your setback and turn it into a comeback. Remain in the fight; God will show up and show out for you.
It took a while for me to learn that the only person that can stop me from achieving God’s plan for my life is me. As I continue to walk with God, he will reveal more and more of himself and what he would like me to pursue to me. As sure as no-one can stop the sun from shinning; no one can stop you from shinning. God’s purpose for your life will surely come to pass regardless of what you go through. But as you travel on the road to actualizing his will, you will have some setbacks. Whether these setbacks simply manifest as a bumps in the road or a complete roadblocks is up to you.
Paul is encouraging us here to continue to press on despite any setbacks that we might encounter. The definition of the word press indicates that some effort will be required. It gives the idea that it won’t be an easy thing to do. Pressing forward will require pressing past and jumping over oppositions and obstacles that may stand in our way. In order for our setbacks to become our setups, we must see every problem as an opportunity for a comeback. When life challenges us, we appear like we are dead sometimes, people never expect that we will ever return but God never buries his children in problems, he may plant them so that they can hibernate and gather strength. Unfortunately being buried and being planted look identical but the difference is when God plants us, we come back stronger and better than we’ve ever been.
If you are dealing with setbacks today, take your strength from the fact that there is always tomorrow and things can and will change for the better – provided you don’t give up or give in. Take your setback and turn it into a comeback. Remain in the fight; God will show up and show out for you.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Sometimes Less is More
I don’t know about you but the approaching season of Christmas and the New Year causes some serious evaluations. I evaluate my walk with God and wonder if I am spending enough quality time with God. Whether I am thanking him more than I’m making prayer requests and since there is always room for improvement in this area, I start to think of practical ways to do this. I evaluate my children as they grow and look for signs for spiritual as well as emotional growth and healing. I think about my career and ponder upon the fact that I continue to delay on important steps I know I must take. I look at my finances and my health and think of ways to do much better. I take a long hard look at the people I associate with and wonder if some acquaintances are indeed necessary for my emotional well-being.
As I think about these things, I think about Gideon in the Bible and how he started with 32,000 men and God scaled them down to 300. 22,000 were scared and another 9,700 were busy on the ground with their face to the stream. They did not care to drink and keep an eye out at the same time. Gideon was probably worried - he probably wondered how in the world victory could be his with only a few men. The 300 men went on to win a battle against tens of thousands because they had God on their side. Sometimes God will reduce us in order to increase us. He will separate us from certain people simply because they do not have the back-bone to endure where God is taking us. Some will cause us more harm than good in the long run so they cannot ascend to the next level with us. I can testify that often when we fight the biggest fight of our lives is when we have the least amount of support.
Less can be so much more. The bible says in 1 John 2:19 that “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” So if you are thinking of re-evaluating this season and scaling down for whatever reason, pray to God and ask him to show you where you need to reduce and where you need to increase.
As I think about these things, I think about Gideon in the Bible and how he started with 32,000 men and God scaled them down to 300. 22,000 were scared and another 9,700 were busy on the ground with their face to the stream. They did not care to drink and keep an eye out at the same time. Gideon was probably worried - he probably wondered how in the world victory could be his with only a few men. The 300 men went on to win a battle against tens of thousands because they had God on their side. Sometimes God will reduce us in order to increase us. He will separate us from certain people simply because they do not have the back-bone to endure where God is taking us. Some will cause us more harm than good in the long run so they cannot ascend to the next level with us. I can testify that often when we fight the biggest fight of our lives is when we have the least amount of support.
Less can be so much more. The bible says in 1 John 2:19 that “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” So if you are thinking of re-evaluating this season and scaling down for whatever reason, pray to God and ask him to show you where you need to reduce and where you need to increase.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Our God of Great Comfort
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
I can testify to the great comfort that God brings. Life can be crushing sometimes. Even when you are walking with God, trials still come and they can be devastating. I have vivid recollections of times when I could not even get out of bed. When I showed up at work and didn’t remember the drive or cried so hard all the way that I had to turn right back around and go home. God got my attention. I was alone with no family and without a single friend. God is the only one that held my hand through it all. One by one so-called friends dropped out of the equation and I never felt so alone in my entire life.
Looking back now, I am so glad I went through what I went through. I am sad that my children went through some of the experiences that they have had but I pray that God uses these unfortunate incidents for their good. I pray that they will learn from my mistakes and not repeat the same errors I did as a young lady – how I disrespected myself over and over again and how I settled and refused to do things God’s way and took matters into my own hands. Through it all, I have learned that God’s way is the only way. I have no need for anything else – but to honor God through my writing and teaching and to raise my daughters in an environment that frees them from further emotional pain.
God comforted me when the world left me to die. Now I love to share the comfort of God with others and show them that there is another, better way. If you need comfort today, cling to God. He provides the kind of comfort that no-one else can give. He helps you to hold you head up high when you are bowed down on the inside. He gives you the courage to keep going while keeping your eyes focused on the prize. And as you receive comfort from God, do the same to people around you who need it. Don’t turn away with the notion that the suffering of others is not your concern. Don’t turn your nose up in judgment even if what they are going through is entirely their own doing. Show compassion and empathy toward the suffering of others. Be a comforter. Extend your arms like the comforting arms of God.
I can testify to the great comfort that God brings. Life can be crushing sometimes. Even when you are walking with God, trials still come and they can be devastating. I have vivid recollections of times when I could not even get out of bed. When I showed up at work and didn’t remember the drive or cried so hard all the way that I had to turn right back around and go home. God got my attention. I was alone with no family and without a single friend. God is the only one that held my hand through it all. One by one so-called friends dropped out of the equation and I never felt so alone in my entire life.
Looking back now, I am so glad I went through what I went through. I am sad that my children went through some of the experiences that they have had but I pray that God uses these unfortunate incidents for their good. I pray that they will learn from my mistakes and not repeat the same errors I did as a young lady – how I disrespected myself over and over again and how I settled and refused to do things God’s way and took matters into my own hands. Through it all, I have learned that God’s way is the only way. I have no need for anything else – but to honor God through my writing and teaching and to raise my daughters in an environment that frees them from further emotional pain.
God comforted me when the world left me to die. Now I love to share the comfort of God with others and show them that there is another, better way. If you need comfort today, cling to God. He provides the kind of comfort that no-one else can give. He helps you to hold you head up high when you are bowed down on the inside. He gives you the courage to keep going while keeping your eyes focused on the prize. And as you receive comfort from God, do the same to people around you who need it. Don’t turn away with the notion that the suffering of others is not your concern. Don’t turn your nose up in judgment even if what they are going through is entirely their own doing. Show compassion and empathy toward the suffering of others. Be a comforter. Extend your arms like the comforting arms of God.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
You Will Survive
No weapon formed against you shall prevail and you will refute every tongue that accuses you – Isaiah 54:17
When people are mean and treat you unfairly, rest in the knowledge that what they do may hurt your feelings but it will never destroy you. Life is often not fair but God never promised that it will be. He did give us his word however that he will be just. As a believer this is how and where I get my strength. No matter what happens God will always be there.
I remember how cruel people were as I went through my divorce. It was as if I had contracted a strange and contagious disease. People will look at me funny at stores while I shopped with my children. I actually attended a wedding and was seated outside in the courtyard with my children while everyone that was family was seated inside. I was humiliated time and time again and to be honest, I felt like giving up a few times. After a couple of near nervous breakdowns, God picked me up, dusted me off and gave me a chance to start over.
When we come to Jesus Christ and we put our complete trust in him, we must never be in fear of what another might do to us or what anyone might say about us. God has said everything there is to say about whom we are and it is all good. As we walk with God, we must keep our eyes on him and all that he has promised to those that are his and believe in him. We must never be deterred or distracted from our course by ideal gossip and threats because he has promised that no weapon fashioned against us shall ever prosper. God has a plan for our lives and life is like an obstacle course. Circumstances and trials will always come our way but we can win if we don’t quit.
When people are mean and treat you unfairly, rest in the knowledge that what they do may hurt your feelings but it will never destroy you. Life is often not fair but God never promised that it will be. He did give us his word however that he will be just. As a believer this is how and where I get my strength. No matter what happens God will always be there.
I remember how cruel people were as I went through my divorce. It was as if I had contracted a strange and contagious disease. People will look at me funny at stores while I shopped with my children. I actually attended a wedding and was seated outside in the courtyard with my children while everyone that was family was seated inside. I was humiliated time and time again and to be honest, I felt like giving up a few times. After a couple of near nervous breakdowns, God picked me up, dusted me off and gave me a chance to start over.
When we come to Jesus Christ and we put our complete trust in him, we must never be in fear of what another might do to us or what anyone might say about us. God has said everything there is to say about whom we are and it is all good. As we walk with God, we must keep our eyes on him and all that he has promised to those that are his and believe in him. We must never be deterred or distracted from our course by ideal gossip and threats because he has promised that no weapon fashioned against us shall ever prosper. God has a plan for our lives and life is like an obstacle course. Circumstances and trials will always come our way but we can win if we don’t quit.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentarily troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Even when the waves of troubles rise and dreams fade away, it is important that we do not give in. We may be stooping low on the outside but it is important that we stand tall on the inside. Trials bring growth and renewal. It allows God to take his place in our lives. When things are going great, the glory of God is sometimes overshadowed by a sense of self-achievement. It is when situations arise that no human effort can deliver us out of that God love for us shines through. When everyone around us gives up on us and we are not expected to survive. When friends who swore they will be around through thick and thin suddenly realize that they have problems of their own and we are left alone to pick up the pieces of our lives. When the time comes that we are fighting the biggest fight of our lives with the least amount of support.
As we fight through our trials and hold on to the love of God by faith, our spirit is being continually renewed. Our faith rises up a few notches as we understand that whatever setback we suffer is a set-up for God to move us into the next dimension of our lives. The power of God gives us the gift of tenacity and relentlessness such that we never quit, we may slow down for a moment but our eyes are firmly on the mark.
Even when the waves of troubles rise and dreams fade away, it is important that we do not give in. We may be stooping low on the outside but it is important that we stand tall on the inside. Trials bring growth and renewal. It allows God to take his place in our lives. When things are going great, the glory of God is sometimes overshadowed by a sense of self-achievement. It is when situations arise that no human effort can deliver us out of that God love for us shines through. When everyone around us gives up on us and we are not expected to survive. When friends who swore they will be around through thick and thin suddenly realize that they have problems of their own and we are left alone to pick up the pieces of our lives. When the time comes that we are fighting the biggest fight of our lives with the least amount of support.
As we fight through our trials and hold on to the love of God by faith, our spirit is being continually renewed. Our faith rises up a few notches as we understand that whatever setback we suffer is a set-up for God to move us into the next dimension of our lives. The power of God gives us the gift of tenacity and relentlessness such that we never quit, we may slow down for a moment but our eyes are firmly on the mark.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
The Confidence Only The Holy Spirit Brings
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4: 13
Confidence is an essential ingredient to life. Without confidence we will attempt and achieve nothing. Confidence is what allows us to stretch ourselves and reach new heights. For some, their confidence lies in their careers, marriages and things they have acquired and for others, simply Jesus Christ. I am proud to be a member of the “others” group. I can do nothing – absolutely nothing without Christ. Even when I hang on the life by a string, He gives me the confidence to go on.
God desires that every believer place total confidence in His work at the Cross of Calvary. That is the only source of true confidence; any other foundation upon which confidence is built is sinking sand. When we truly place our confidence in the Lord, we will go through trials and difficulties and we will survive. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says that “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. It is the confidence that the Holy Spirit brings that allows us to come through and be better than we ever were before. Glory be to the Wonderful Name of the Lord!
Confidence is an essential ingredient to life. Without confidence we will attempt and achieve nothing. Confidence is what allows us to stretch ourselves and reach new heights. For some, their confidence lies in their careers, marriages and things they have acquired and for others, simply Jesus Christ. I am proud to be a member of the “others” group. I can do nothing – absolutely nothing without Christ. Even when I hang on the life by a string, He gives me the confidence to go on.
God desires that every believer place total confidence in His work at the Cross of Calvary. That is the only source of true confidence; any other foundation upon which confidence is built is sinking sand. When we truly place our confidence in the Lord, we will go through trials and difficulties and we will survive. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says that “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. It is the confidence that the Holy Spirit brings that allows us to come through and be better than we ever were before. Glory be to the Wonderful Name of the Lord!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
We Must Continue With Hope
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him, He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” – Jeremiah 17:7-8
Anytime the enemy attacks us, he is after our hope. Hope is the one of the important gifts given to us by the Father and losing hope often means losing everything. Hope is that essential ingredient to life that keeps us moving forward in spite of the tough times that we may encounter. Hope allows us to see a future ahead – a light at the end of the tunnel.
In times of failure, hope is the only thing that allows us to press on. When we have tried and tried and failure seems to be the only thing that we are successful at, hope allows us to stay afloat rather than drown in the sea of depression and despair. It is that spark that lets us know that we can never give up and we must never quit. It quietly whispers in our ear the important word – “you can win if you don’t quit”.
Suffering is a common language known to all – poor people suffer and the rich also suffer what keeps us going in times of suffering is this same gift called hope. Hope brings the magic that allows us to rejoice even in times of great suffering. It allows us to rest our lives on the eternal inheritance that God has promised us and not focus on the temporary place we call home.
Jesus Christ is our Living Hope. We have this precious living hope through his resurrection from the dead. So regardless of what we might be going through, we must place our hope and trust in our Heavenly Father. When we do this, we are free from fear. The outside world may be chaotic but we have the peace and rest of God in our hearts.
Anytime the enemy attacks us, he is after our hope. Hope is the one of the important gifts given to us by the Father and losing hope often means losing everything. Hope is that essential ingredient to life that keeps us moving forward in spite of the tough times that we may encounter. Hope allows us to see a future ahead – a light at the end of the tunnel.
In times of failure, hope is the only thing that allows us to press on. When we have tried and tried and failure seems to be the only thing that we are successful at, hope allows us to stay afloat rather than drown in the sea of depression and despair. It is that spark that lets us know that we can never give up and we must never quit. It quietly whispers in our ear the important word – “you can win if you don’t quit”.
Suffering is a common language known to all – poor people suffer and the rich also suffer what keeps us going in times of suffering is this same gift called hope. Hope brings the magic that allows us to rejoice even in times of great suffering. It allows us to rest our lives on the eternal inheritance that God has promised us and not focus on the temporary place we call home.
Jesus Christ is our Living Hope. We have this precious living hope through his resurrection from the dead. So regardless of what we might be going through, we must place our hope and trust in our Heavenly Father. When we do this, we are free from fear. The outside world may be chaotic but we have the peace and rest of God in our hearts.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Life without Standards
My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. – Hosea 4:6
It is so important that we have standards that we live by. Without rules and regulations, there is bound to be chaos. We are indeed saved by grace and grace alone but the bible provides clear guidelines as to how believers in Jesus Christ are to live.
How do we know what standards to live by? The world’s standards today are very questionable. Having children and taking care of them is now optional. It is ok to have kids and let someone raise them. Having an open marriage is fine and acceptable and real marriage has become obsolete. Refusing to hold down a job and take care of day-to-day responsibilities is now considered as normal. The only place to find true standards is in the Word of God – nowhere else! Any standard or life style that we have adopted that is contrary to the scriptures should be discarded. All our decisions must stand up against the Word of God. When we live according to the Word, we give the Holy Spirit true reign over our lives.
By faith we accept the word of God and gain knowledge from it. Isaiah 7:9b says that if you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. When we have no godly standards to live by, we have no sense of purpose in our lives. We wander from place to place and from country to country looking for the next fix. We keep looking for that new thing; the new job or the new environment that will finally make all our dreams come true. There is no moral compass to guide us so we make decisions and live anyway and anyhow so long as we get short term satisfaction.
When we do not live by the standards God has set for our lives, our priorities are misaligned and we lose a grip on what really counts. We act selfishly and lose perspective on how the Lord will really have us live our lives. Lack of true standards means a lack of maturity. I remember someone I met who smoked and was adamant that his teenage kids should not smoke. I had to laugh at the level of arrogance and hypocrisy that was being displayed – I am sure his children looked at him as being ridiculous. He totally expected them to adhere to a standard even he couldn’t adhere to!
Living according to the Word of God can be challenging at times but it pays off in the long run. Our destiny is tied to the Word. We must do everything to get the Word. We should never let anyone or anything get in the way of us getting the Word. This Word helps us set the right standards for our lives.
It is so important that we have standards that we live by. Without rules and regulations, there is bound to be chaos. We are indeed saved by grace and grace alone but the bible provides clear guidelines as to how believers in Jesus Christ are to live.
How do we know what standards to live by? The world’s standards today are very questionable. Having children and taking care of them is now optional. It is ok to have kids and let someone raise them. Having an open marriage is fine and acceptable and real marriage has become obsolete. Refusing to hold down a job and take care of day-to-day responsibilities is now considered as normal. The only place to find true standards is in the Word of God – nowhere else! Any standard or life style that we have adopted that is contrary to the scriptures should be discarded. All our decisions must stand up against the Word of God. When we live according to the Word, we give the Holy Spirit true reign over our lives.
By faith we accept the word of God and gain knowledge from it. Isaiah 7:9b says that if you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. When we have no godly standards to live by, we have no sense of purpose in our lives. We wander from place to place and from country to country looking for the next fix. We keep looking for that new thing; the new job or the new environment that will finally make all our dreams come true. There is no moral compass to guide us so we make decisions and live anyway and anyhow so long as we get short term satisfaction.
When we do not live by the standards God has set for our lives, our priorities are misaligned and we lose a grip on what really counts. We act selfishly and lose perspective on how the Lord will really have us live our lives. Lack of true standards means a lack of maturity. I remember someone I met who smoked and was adamant that his teenage kids should not smoke. I had to laugh at the level of arrogance and hypocrisy that was being displayed – I am sure his children looked at him as being ridiculous. He totally expected them to adhere to a standard even he couldn’t adhere to!
Living according to the Word of God can be challenging at times but it pays off in the long run. Our destiny is tied to the Word. We must do everything to get the Word. We should never let anyone or anything get in the way of us getting the Word. This Word helps us set the right standards for our lives.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that – 1Timothy 6:6-8
I was talking about wish lists today and it suddenly dawned on me, I have no wants – except maybe that my mortgage is paid off so I get to spend more time writing and teaching about the love of God and spending more quality time with my daughters. I was shocked to realize that I cared for nothing material – nothing! It was so unlike me but the Word and teachings of Our Heavenly Father brings about wonderful changes in our lives. It allows us to learn as well as focus on eternal things; the things that really matter.
It is so easy to get caught up in the wants and desires of this world; easy to fall prey to a world that makes you focus on all the things you don’t have rather than working with what you do have. I have trained my daughters to understand the motto of the marketing world – which is principally to make you dissatisfied with everything you have. All the advertisements on television are designed to make you give away that money that you have in your wallet. The world is mainly concerned about money and the sad truth is money may provide all the riches in the world but the real materials of substance such as peace and joy – no amount of money in the world can buy.
Being discontent with the life one has is often accompanied by selfishness and unrealistic expectations. And this is not to say that striving to improve one’s life is a bad thing. Quite contrary – I think it’s a great thing! There is a difference between being negative and positive discontentment. When we are miserable and unhappy with where we are such that we are upset with life and refuse to rejoice and enjoy the work that God has already done, there is negative. On the other hand when we are grateful, living with joy and content with where God has us right now while we work hard to improve ourselves at the same time, mighty things happen.
It is important that we focus on the most important thing which is to believe in God by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ and allow God to take care of things. We must keep forging ahead, applying ourselves with excellence and be happy and grateful right where we are.
I was talking about wish lists today and it suddenly dawned on me, I have no wants – except maybe that my mortgage is paid off so I get to spend more time writing and teaching about the love of God and spending more quality time with my daughters. I was shocked to realize that I cared for nothing material – nothing! It was so unlike me but the Word and teachings of Our Heavenly Father brings about wonderful changes in our lives. It allows us to learn as well as focus on eternal things; the things that really matter.
It is so easy to get caught up in the wants and desires of this world; easy to fall prey to a world that makes you focus on all the things you don’t have rather than working with what you do have. I have trained my daughters to understand the motto of the marketing world – which is principally to make you dissatisfied with everything you have. All the advertisements on television are designed to make you give away that money that you have in your wallet. The world is mainly concerned about money and the sad truth is money may provide all the riches in the world but the real materials of substance such as peace and joy – no amount of money in the world can buy.
Being discontent with the life one has is often accompanied by selfishness and unrealistic expectations. And this is not to say that striving to improve one’s life is a bad thing. Quite contrary – I think it’s a great thing! There is a difference between being negative and positive discontentment. When we are miserable and unhappy with where we are such that we are upset with life and refuse to rejoice and enjoy the work that God has already done, there is negative. On the other hand when we are grateful, living with joy and content with where God has us right now while we work hard to improve ourselves at the same time, mighty things happen.
It is important that we focus on the most important thing which is to believe in God by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ and allow God to take care of things. We must keep forging ahead, applying ourselves with excellence and be happy and grateful right where we are.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Justifying Wrongdoing
We all do it – the difference is some of us do it and are convicted immediately whilst others do it and are completely beyond conviction. Change is not easy and I have learnt no-one can make another person change. It’s God who causes change but even God is not in the business of changing human will. He had no intention of creating robots that is why he gave each of us free will to choose – life or death!
The sad reality is that some will consciously choose death instead of life. Some will choose the easier broader road that will lead only to self destruction. There will multitudes of people along the way trying to warn them to take the next available exit, but they will be too drunk on selfish desires to care. The crowds will be pointing out how wrong they are, trying desperately to make them see reason; to help them make a change before it becomes horribly late. But the chants of the crowds are drowned out by the fruits of the flesh – the carnal self screaming and justifying - “wrongdoing feels good and besides there are a lot of people doing the same thing. If I perish at least I’d be in good company.”
The world can see you as wrong but until you see yourself as wrong, change will continue to elude you. You will have to get to a point where you tell yourself “enough is enough”. You will need to get extremely sick and tired of living a lie; when you get fed up with going against the word of God. You will loose the desire to continue to cook up lies to explain your dysfunctional life to people around you. You will start to see that there is a great big world outside of yourself.
The sad reality is that some will consciously choose death instead of life. Some will choose the easier broader road that will lead only to self destruction. There will multitudes of people along the way trying to warn them to take the next available exit, but they will be too drunk on selfish desires to care. The crowds will be pointing out how wrong they are, trying desperately to make them see reason; to help them make a change before it becomes horribly late. But the chants of the crowds are drowned out by the fruits of the flesh – the carnal self screaming and justifying - “wrongdoing feels good and besides there are a lot of people doing the same thing. If I perish at least I’d be in good company.”
The world can see you as wrong but until you see yourself as wrong, change will continue to elude you. You will have to get to a point where you tell yourself “enough is enough”. You will need to get extremely sick and tired of living a lie; when you get fed up with going against the word of God. You will loose the desire to continue to cook up lies to explain your dysfunctional life to people around you. You will start to see that there is a great big world outside of yourself.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Celebrate the Differences
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. – 1 Corinthians 12:27
We are all created different – each fingerprint unique. No two people on the planet have the same fingerprint; not even identical twins who may share the same DNA depending on whether they were identical or fraternal. Our differences should serve to paint a beautiful picture of the glory of God but instead we fight one another each of us thinking how we are is how the world is meant to be. We should never be the yard stick by which we measure one another. The word of God is the ultimate yard stick. Living according to the word of God should be our prayer for one another.
Our value system should be built on the foundation of the word of God and nothing else – not culture and not tradition. In my experience, culture and tradition does more separation than unifying. Only the truth in the word of God brings people together – differences and all. Only God’s truth allows us to appreciate our differences and see them as what makes us unique. We all have something special to bring to God’s Kingdom – different gifts, talents and abilities. We need to be secure enough in who we are and allow others to be who God created them to be.
We are all created different – each fingerprint unique. No two people on the planet have the same fingerprint; not even identical twins who may share the same DNA depending on whether they were identical or fraternal. Our differences should serve to paint a beautiful picture of the glory of God but instead we fight one another each of us thinking how we are is how the world is meant to be. We should never be the yard stick by which we measure one another. The word of God is the ultimate yard stick. Living according to the word of God should be our prayer for one another.
Our value system should be built on the foundation of the word of God and nothing else – not culture and not tradition. In my experience, culture and tradition does more separation than unifying. Only the truth in the word of God brings people together – differences and all. Only God’s truth allows us to appreciate our differences and see them as what makes us unique. We all have something special to bring to God’s Kingdom – different gifts, talents and abilities. We need to be secure enough in who we are and allow others to be who God created them to be.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Be Prepared
Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. – Luke 12:35-36
Do you keep your house in order or do you wait for guests to show up at the door and start throwing toys into the closet? Can your husband, wife or children bring guests home unannounced or do you need notice? I have worked into some homes and find bizarre articles of clothing in the front room? Ok let’s skip talking about the house and move onto important financial planning like retirement? Are you preparing for retirement? Do you have plans for what you would do when you get along in years and want to spend more time doing the things you love rather than working for a living? If like me you have dreams to travel when you retire, do you have any idea where the money to fund those dreams would come from or are you counting on the retirement fairy?
Even most important is spiritual readiness – are you ready spiritually for where you would like God to take you? There is a certain level of faith that is required for whatever plans and dreams that you have. What is your faith account looking like? You can’t have faith for what you do not know. Examine yourself right now to see how are you doing with depositing regularly into your knowledge account?
God wants believers to be ready. We should be serving God each day as if it will be our last chance to do so. There isn’t anything more secure than a walk and future with God. If God comes back today, would you be found ready or will your life be in total disarray? Will you be found walking in faith and obedience to his calling upon your life or will you be caught living your life in blatant and conscious disregard for the word of God?
Do you keep your house in order or do you wait for guests to show up at the door and start throwing toys into the closet? Can your husband, wife or children bring guests home unannounced or do you need notice? I have worked into some homes and find bizarre articles of clothing in the front room? Ok let’s skip talking about the house and move onto important financial planning like retirement? Are you preparing for retirement? Do you have plans for what you would do when you get along in years and want to spend more time doing the things you love rather than working for a living? If like me you have dreams to travel when you retire, do you have any idea where the money to fund those dreams would come from or are you counting on the retirement fairy?
Even most important is spiritual readiness – are you ready spiritually for where you would like God to take you? There is a certain level of faith that is required for whatever plans and dreams that you have. What is your faith account looking like? You can’t have faith for what you do not know. Examine yourself right now to see how are you doing with depositing regularly into your knowledge account?
God wants believers to be ready. We should be serving God each day as if it will be our last chance to do so. There isn’t anything more secure than a walk and future with God. If God comes back today, would you be found ready or will your life be in total disarray? Will you be found walking in faith and obedience to his calling upon your life or will you be caught living your life in blatant and conscious disregard for the word of God?
Sunday, December 9, 2007
The Great Commission
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20
Everyone is called to one ministry or another. Hopefully the ministry that you are involved has a goal of going and making disciples of all nations. We are all under an obligation to spread the word – choosing to be fed by going to church every Sunday but not feeding anyone else with what you have gained is not God’s calling on a believers life. This Great Commission is not only for Bishops and Preachers; it’s for all of us.
As I sat in church today, I watched as the Pastor bared his soul and talked about the perils of living life on the broad road. He openly discussed his own family hoping that someone sitting hopelessly in the pews would accept the gift that only Jesus Christ can bring during this important holiday season. He opened up himself and his heart so that people could come and accept the real reason for the season.
Never think that you are too young in the faith or that the life you have had in the past dictates who you are in the present. Don’t go in thinking that your words change anything. Understand that it is the spirit and move of God that brings about change in people’s lives. If we take a good look around, God places people in our path everyday that we can share the knowledge of Christ with, we just need to listen for the prompting of the Holy Spirit and takes his lead. People closest to us may often be the hardest to reach because they knew how we once were and that is ok. We do not have the power to change anybody; God is the only one who changes lives and I am glad he changed mine! Before people will change, they will often need to hit rock bottom and accept that they are tired and want their lives turned around – until then change for them might be wishful thinking.
So reach out today, touch somebody with the healing words of God. Trust God to do the rest.
Everyone is called to one ministry or another. Hopefully the ministry that you are involved has a goal of going and making disciples of all nations. We are all under an obligation to spread the word – choosing to be fed by going to church every Sunday but not feeding anyone else with what you have gained is not God’s calling on a believers life. This Great Commission is not only for Bishops and Preachers; it’s for all of us.
As I sat in church today, I watched as the Pastor bared his soul and talked about the perils of living life on the broad road. He openly discussed his own family hoping that someone sitting hopelessly in the pews would accept the gift that only Jesus Christ can bring during this important holiday season. He opened up himself and his heart so that people could come and accept the real reason for the season.
Never think that you are too young in the faith or that the life you have had in the past dictates who you are in the present. Don’t go in thinking that your words change anything. Understand that it is the spirit and move of God that brings about change in people’s lives. If we take a good look around, God places people in our path everyday that we can share the knowledge of Christ with, we just need to listen for the prompting of the Holy Spirit and takes his lead. People closest to us may often be the hardest to reach because they knew how we once were and that is ok. We do not have the power to change anybody; God is the only one who changes lives and I am glad he changed mine! Before people will change, they will often need to hit rock bottom and accept that they are tired and want their lives turned around – until then change for them might be wishful thinking.
So reach out today, touch somebody with the healing words of God. Trust God to do the rest.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
God’s Purpose Always Prevails
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. – Proverbs 19:21
We all plan what we want to do today, tomorrow, in the next month, next year and even the next 10 years. I am a strong believer in documenting ideas that God has placed in the heart – without documentation and a plan; most desires are merely wishful thinking. I believe that is why a lot of people who have good ideas never achieve anything – they simply think but they don’t write!
But truth be told, even if you are like me, slightly OCD and diligent at crossing all your T’s and dotting your I’s, God’s plan for us will always prevail. That is why it is always important to take our ideas to God for validation. We must let God in on whatever we desire to do and ask him to open doors for us if our wishes are indeed in his will for our lives. When we refuse to make room for God, we end up spending years going down the wrong road.
Whether we like it or not God’s will and purpose will always prevail! We can choose to monkey around and waster our precious time that we could have invested in the right way had we given God free reign and control doing all the wrong things in all the wrong places. Whatever God says it is, it is. Man does not control anything even though we may think that we do. Whatever we are running will ultimately come down.
We all plan what we want to do today, tomorrow, in the next month, next year and even the next 10 years. I am a strong believer in documenting ideas that God has placed in the heart – without documentation and a plan; most desires are merely wishful thinking. I believe that is why a lot of people who have good ideas never achieve anything – they simply think but they don’t write!
But truth be told, even if you are like me, slightly OCD and diligent at crossing all your T’s and dotting your I’s, God’s plan for us will always prevail. That is why it is always important to take our ideas to God for validation. We must let God in on whatever we desire to do and ask him to open doors for us if our wishes are indeed in his will for our lives. When we refuse to make room for God, we end up spending years going down the wrong road.
Whether we like it or not God’s will and purpose will always prevail! We can choose to monkey around and waster our precious time that we could have invested in the right way had we given God free reign and control doing all the wrong things in all the wrong places. Whatever God says it is, it is. Man does not control anything even though we may think that we do. Whatever we are running will ultimately come down.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Always Keep the Future in Mind
Until a few years ago, I had no idea what long-term generation thinking meant. I had no idea that I needed to prepare a better life for my daughters. If I paid for their education, my job was done or so I thought! When we fail to keep the future in mind, we tend to live recklessly. We are selfish and we think only of ourselves and our bodies. We tend to say a lot but physically we do very little. We live with the impression that once we die, it’s over. But God’s wisdom taught me that it’s not that simple. I discovered that even when I die, I wanted to be remembered for my work in promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I wanted to leave a spiritual legacy behind for my children. I wanted a legacy so strong that my children can leave it to their children.
Keeping the future in the forefront of your kind will greatly minimize bad decision making. You will find yourself thinking more about the effect a bad decision can have on your children and their children. When the time comes to decide whether to invest in a piece of real estate or a Cadillac Escalade, the property wins without contest. When the time comes to make a choice as to whether to pay the electric bill or buy the latest Gucci pocket book, the electric bill takes precedence. Or when it’s time to pick the latest iphone or invest in a 529 plan for your child, the 529 plan is the option that you pick. Most importantly when it is time to decide whether to spend time watching endless meaningless shows on the television or talk to our children about God and what He expects from them, instilling a legacy of faith must always win hands down.
As believers we are called to have faith. We are called to see the things that are not yet in the physical as though they were. We cannot adopt the living only for today strategy neither can we focus on a tomorrow that may never come. The challenge is making the most of today while keeping a keen eye on the future. The bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow as today has enough troubles of its own but it does not tell us not to prepare for it. Preparation and worry is not the same thing. When we habitually worry it shows a lack of trust in God. But when we prepare, it is because we trust God enough to believe that better opportunities are coming our way. We all know the popular saying “Preparation + Opportunity = Success”. When we fail to prepare and get ready, when opportunities come, they catch us unaware.
Keeping the future in the forefront of your kind will greatly minimize bad decision making. You will find yourself thinking more about the effect a bad decision can have on your children and their children. When the time comes to decide whether to invest in a piece of real estate or a Cadillac Escalade, the property wins without contest. When the time comes to make a choice as to whether to pay the electric bill or buy the latest Gucci pocket book, the electric bill takes precedence. Or when it’s time to pick the latest iphone or invest in a 529 plan for your child, the 529 plan is the option that you pick. Most importantly when it is time to decide whether to spend time watching endless meaningless shows on the television or talk to our children about God and what He expects from them, instilling a legacy of faith must always win hands down.
As believers we are called to have faith. We are called to see the things that are not yet in the physical as though they were. We cannot adopt the living only for today strategy neither can we focus on a tomorrow that may never come. The challenge is making the most of today while keeping a keen eye on the future. The bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow as today has enough troubles of its own but it does not tell us not to prepare for it. Preparation and worry is not the same thing. When we habitually worry it shows a lack of trust in God. But when we prepare, it is because we trust God enough to believe that better opportunities are coming our way. We all know the popular saying “Preparation + Opportunity = Success”. When we fail to prepare and get ready, when opportunities come, they catch us unaware.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Lose Your Lot!
The Lord said to Abram after Lot had departed from him, “Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. Go; walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you. – Genesis 13:14-17
We all want to make progress in our lives. When we are believers, we especially want to get to the promise land that God has spoken of to us through his Word. If there is anything or anyone that may be hindering our progress, we sure want to know what or who it is. But at the same time, many of us hang on the very things or very people that drag us down. In this scripture, God wanted to do some things in the life of Abram but with Lot hanging around, some important experiences would probably not have happened.
Who or what is/are the Lot(s) in your life? Are they friends that edge you on when you are making decisions that to a blind man will lead you nowhere? All the while they secretly laugh and smirk at the mess that you are making of your life behind your back. Or friends that are not honest enough to be real friends? Those who entice you into doing all the wrong things and going to all the wrong places? Or is it the temporary pleasure that comes from drugs and alcohol? Are your Lots family members that have done nothing but continually lead you astray? Those who wrongly belief they have more to gain if they give you bad advise than if they helped you find you way – God’s way? Maybe your Lot is more discreet in the form of lying and deceiving? Telling people what they want to hear rather than the truth that can set them free?
Whatever may be keeping you from reaching your full potential must be released from your life. Failure to let go means giving complete control to stronghold(s). It means taking a backseat while something else is in the driver’s seat of your life. Even though God’s covenant with Abram was not conditional, the departure of Lot is significant in this passage. There are some folks we really need to leave alone because failure to do so means that we will get judged along with them. There are some places we need to stop going and people we need to stop seeing. Fortunately enough most of us know the Lot(s) in our lives, we may choose to live in denial but we are in some way aware of things we need to let go of. We need to stop rationalizing why we must continue to hold on to Lot.
We all want to make progress in our lives. When we are believers, we especially want to get to the promise land that God has spoken of to us through his Word. If there is anything or anyone that may be hindering our progress, we sure want to know what or who it is. But at the same time, many of us hang on the very things or very people that drag us down. In this scripture, God wanted to do some things in the life of Abram but with Lot hanging around, some important experiences would probably not have happened.
Who or what is/are the Lot(s) in your life? Are they friends that edge you on when you are making decisions that to a blind man will lead you nowhere? All the while they secretly laugh and smirk at the mess that you are making of your life behind your back. Or friends that are not honest enough to be real friends? Those who entice you into doing all the wrong things and going to all the wrong places? Or is it the temporary pleasure that comes from drugs and alcohol? Are your Lots family members that have done nothing but continually lead you astray? Those who wrongly belief they have more to gain if they give you bad advise than if they helped you find you way – God’s way? Maybe your Lot is more discreet in the form of lying and deceiving? Telling people what they want to hear rather than the truth that can set them free?
Whatever may be keeping you from reaching your full potential must be released from your life. Failure to let go means giving complete control to stronghold(s). It means taking a backseat while something else is in the driver’s seat of your life. Even though God’s covenant with Abram was not conditional, the departure of Lot is significant in this passage. There are some folks we really need to leave alone because failure to do so means that we will get judged along with them. There are some places we need to stop going and people we need to stop seeing. Fortunately enough most of us know the Lot(s) in our lives, we may choose to live in denial but we are in some way aware of things we need to let go of. We need to stop rationalizing why we must continue to hold on to Lot.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Discerning God’s Will
I remember deciding on December 31st of 2006 to begin to share my writings in a different kind of way. I had been writing for a quarterly magazine for a few years but I had never thought of actually committing myself to sharing the wonderful news of Jesus Christ until New Year’s Eve. I started by sending emails every day until my brother advised me to start a BLOG – then www.herfaithonline.blogspot.com started.
I was concerned about a few things. The first and foremost was that I was divorced. I was worried about what people will think and say. I wanted to know if the decision to start sharing was in line with what God will want for me. Learning God’s will is not a walk in the park. Most of us learn what his will really is by finding out the hard way what it isn’t. We get knee deep in stuff we never speak to God about before we begin and then we ask God to make it his will in the middle of it all. As if God takes instructions from us!
There are simple keys that we can use to discern Gods will:
A) Understand the importance of God’s Word: Read the word, sleep the word and eat the word. Surround yourself with the Word. God has clear instructions for daily living in the Bible. There is absolutely nothing that we are going through that the Bible does not have a reference for. Wisdom is indeed power – the only way to learn the wisdom of God is to be in his Word. The more we study and hear his Word, the easier decision making and walking in his will becomes.
B) Pray before you pay very dearly: The earlier you learn that you don’t have the power to change your circumstance, the better off you’ll be! God is in control of every situation and every circumstance you may find yourself in. He has the whole world in his hands. What you do and what you pray really changes nothing. It is the move of God that brings about change in our lives. So understand that even though you need to pray at the crossroads of life’s decisions, all you’re really doing is bringing God into the equation – acknowledging that you need his intervention. God is an all knowing God so he already knows that you are at a crossroad whether you tell him or not! Invite God into your choices through prayer – before you make them. Listen to his prompting in your heart and in your mind.
C) Look out for God’s Open Doors: As we pray and listen for God’s prompting, doors of opportunity may begin to open for us. I have learnt not to dwell on closed doors because I know that if it is God’ will, it will be so. When God opens a door no-one can shut it. But we cannot walk through all the doors that become open to us. We must use God’s word to sift through these various open doors. Any open door that does not line up with the Word of God must be ignored. God’s divine open doors will never contradict his Holy Word. Any open door that does not require us to walk in faith is not of God. Be very weary when an opportunity requires absolutely no faith. Any opportunity must live room for the glory of God to be displayed. Nothing we do should ever be to our glory or the glory of any fellow man. Any open door (if it is really of God) must bring us closer in our walk with him. No opportunity should ever take us away from God and from his perfect will for our lives. When God really opens a way, it’s a great way, a safe way and a creative way that allows us to reach our full potential.
I was concerned about a few things. The first and foremost was that I was divorced. I was worried about what people will think and say. I wanted to know if the decision to start sharing was in line with what God will want for me. Learning God’s will is not a walk in the park. Most of us learn what his will really is by finding out the hard way what it isn’t. We get knee deep in stuff we never speak to God about before we begin and then we ask God to make it his will in the middle of it all. As if God takes instructions from us!
There are simple keys that we can use to discern Gods will:
A) Understand the importance of God’s Word: Read the word, sleep the word and eat the word. Surround yourself with the Word. God has clear instructions for daily living in the Bible. There is absolutely nothing that we are going through that the Bible does not have a reference for. Wisdom is indeed power – the only way to learn the wisdom of God is to be in his Word. The more we study and hear his Word, the easier decision making and walking in his will becomes.
B) Pray before you pay very dearly: The earlier you learn that you don’t have the power to change your circumstance, the better off you’ll be! God is in control of every situation and every circumstance you may find yourself in. He has the whole world in his hands. What you do and what you pray really changes nothing. It is the move of God that brings about change in our lives. So understand that even though you need to pray at the crossroads of life’s decisions, all you’re really doing is bringing God into the equation – acknowledging that you need his intervention. God is an all knowing God so he already knows that you are at a crossroad whether you tell him or not! Invite God into your choices through prayer – before you make them. Listen to his prompting in your heart and in your mind.
C) Look out for God’s Open Doors: As we pray and listen for God’s prompting, doors of opportunity may begin to open for us. I have learnt not to dwell on closed doors because I know that if it is God’ will, it will be so. When God opens a door no-one can shut it. But we cannot walk through all the doors that become open to us. We must use God’s word to sift through these various open doors. Any open door that does not line up with the Word of God must be ignored. God’s divine open doors will never contradict his Holy Word. Any open door that does not require us to walk in faith is not of God. Be very weary when an opportunity requires absolutely no faith. Any opportunity must live room for the glory of God to be displayed. Nothing we do should ever be to our glory or the glory of any fellow man. Any open door (if it is really of God) must bring us closer in our walk with him. No opportunity should ever take us away from God and from his perfect will for our lives. When God really opens a way, it’s a great way, a safe way and a creative way that allows us to reach our full potential.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Find Your Unique Assignment
God has something special for each and every one of us to do. No assignment is more important than another – all come together to show a beautiful picture of the glory of God. Your assignment is not mine and neither is mine your own. My walk and experiences may be drastically different from yours but the ultimate goal is the same. But often the business of life prevents us from doing what God has called us to do. We have bills to pay and we have a job where hopefully we are adding real value. For some of us, there are wonderful gifts from God called children that must be factored into the equation. So how do we make sure that we do not miss the assignment God has in store for us? How do we make sure that we are really functioning in the area that God wants us to be in? It’s important that we know because there is nothing worse than being in a different place than where God will rather have us be. It’s a horrible feeling – believe me because I know that feeling!
In the past, I found myself worrying about God’s will and I spent time frantically seeking and searching but was relieved to learn that discovering the will of God for our lives is not something that we need to get anxious or frazzled about. All that God requires is that we spend time with Him, listening to his Word so our desires and choices are re-directed supernaturally such that like a navigational system, we are tuned to follow his directions and as such we are moving in the right direction and towards the right goals. I also learned that some things we do not need to pray and fast about in terms of what God will have us do – it’s just common sense. Going on a mission on another continent when you have young children at home makes no sense. Taking a new job in Japan when you have a 13 year old, an 11 year old and a 5 year old at home who need guidance is not what God will architect for anyone. Some things God has given us free-will over and expects us to make the right choices based on what we know about him. Rather than concentrate on what we wear, what car we drive and what kind of house we will live in, we need God to talk us through directional changes in our lives so that we do not spend time wandering through a wilderness we were never meant to be in the first place.
When we operate in the will of God for our lives, we have peace and contentment. We excel as our natural given gifts and talents shine and display the glory of God. People look at our lives and want what we have. As we start to do what we have been called to do, God can begin to restore the years that we have lost doing all the wrong things.
Find your assignment. Refuse to waste another day going against God’s will for your life. The aggravation and pain that comes along with the decision to blatantly go against God just isn’t worth it.
In the past, I found myself worrying about God’s will and I spent time frantically seeking and searching but was relieved to learn that discovering the will of God for our lives is not something that we need to get anxious or frazzled about. All that God requires is that we spend time with Him, listening to his Word so our desires and choices are re-directed supernaturally such that like a navigational system, we are tuned to follow his directions and as such we are moving in the right direction and towards the right goals. I also learned that some things we do not need to pray and fast about in terms of what God will have us do – it’s just common sense. Going on a mission on another continent when you have young children at home makes no sense. Taking a new job in Japan when you have a 13 year old, an 11 year old and a 5 year old at home who need guidance is not what God will architect for anyone. Some things God has given us free-will over and expects us to make the right choices based on what we know about him. Rather than concentrate on what we wear, what car we drive and what kind of house we will live in, we need God to talk us through directional changes in our lives so that we do not spend time wandering through a wilderness we were never meant to be in the first place.
When we operate in the will of God for our lives, we have peace and contentment. We excel as our natural given gifts and talents shine and display the glory of God. People look at our lives and want what we have. As we start to do what we have been called to do, God can begin to restore the years that we have lost doing all the wrong things.
Find your assignment. Refuse to waste another day going against God’s will for your life. The aggravation and pain that comes along with the decision to blatantly go against God just isn’t worth it.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin
God made each of us unique. Even identical twins have different finger prints. We have all been wired differently. No-one has your DNA or your fingerprints. You do not have a duplicate on this planet. You are one a kind. We all have different talents and gifts but we spend a lot of time comparing our gifts. Sometimes we are not happy to be who God created us to be, we will rather wander around trying to be what we are not. There is something in you that only you can bring to this world in the way that you will provide it. Just like no two hamburgers taste the same, no two humans were created with exactly the same gifts and talents.
Mary J. Blige has the song called “Take me as I am or have nothing at all”; I couldn’t agree with her more! In order to bring to the world what the world needs, you must first and foremost be comfortable in your own skin. I really believe that it’s time for us to start loving ourselves as God created us and stop trying to be what other people would like us to be. I remember when I was married; I was constantly badgered by what I was not. Constantly reminded about how I wasn’t humble enough, how I wasn’t cultural enough and how I was not friendly and welcoming enough. Those were tough times! I did try to change and tried to be different. I spent over a decade trying to fit into a spot that was not designed for me. I felt like a square peg trying desperately to fit into a round hole. But I found out I was going against what God had in mind for me. Truth be told and tough to swallow but I can only be me; the best me that I could be!
Unfortunately a lot of us will never come out of the trap of spending our lives trying to be somebody else. Sometimes it we go on this fruitless journey of trying to recreate what God has already made because we want to maintain a certain relationship or maybe in your case, you are trying to run somebody else’s race, measuring yourself against what the next man is doing. Whatever the reason, you will only end up frustrated. God has given you specific talents, skills and gifts and assigned you a unique and specific race. Focus on being comfortable with who you are and stop comparing yourself with other people.
I remember someone at my job asking me why I never applied for a supervisory position. I was happy to let him know that I am content with shinning at a low level than being dull at a higher level - as a wise person once said it’s better to be a great Sergeant than a poor General. I am grateful for where God has me now. I am happy and I am secure. I will gladly rejoice with those who are at a higher level. They are running their own race and I am running mine. I am sure that God has blessed me with some gifts that they don’t have. And when God says it’s time to move on to other things, I pray that I don’t miss my turn.
Being comfortable in your own skin is crucial – without contentment in this area, you will continually be searching for what is not lost. God has put in you everything you need. If you are comparing apples and oranges, wandering out of the vision of God for your life, you are looking for something that God never gave you; you are wasting your time trying to draw from an account you do not have. When you walk in the vision God has for you, your gifts and talents kick in and success is yours.
Mary J. Blige has the song called “Take me as I am or have nothing at all”; I couldn’t agree with her more! In order to bring to the world what the world needs, you must first and foremost be comfortable in your own skin. I really believe that it’s time for us to start loving ourselves as God created us and stop trying to be what other people would like us to be. I remember when I was married; I was constantly badgered by what I was not. Constantly reminded about how I wasn’t humble enough, how I wasn’t cultural enough and how I was not friendly and welcoming enough. Those were tough times! I did try to change and tried to be different. I spent over a decade trying to fit into a spot that was not designed for me. I felt like a square peg trying desperately to fit into a round hole. But I found out I was going against what God had in mind for me. Truth be told and tough to swallow but I can only be me; the best me that I could be!
Unfortunately a lot of us will never come out of the trap of spending our lives trying to be somebody else. Sometimes it we go on this fruitless journey of trying to recreate what God has already made because we want to maintain a certain relationship or maybe in your case, you are trying to run somebody else’s race, measuring yourself against what the next man is doing. Whatever the reason, you will only end up frustrated. God has given you specific talents, skills and gifts and assigned you a unique and specific race. Focus on being comfortable with who you are and stop comparing yourself with other people.
I remember someone at my job asking me why I never applied for a supervisory position. I was happy to let him know that I am content with shinning at a low level than being dull at a higher level - as a wise person once said it’s better to be a great Sergeant than a poor General. I am grateful for where God has me now. I am happy and I am secure. I will gladly rejoice with those who are at a higher level. They are running their own race and I am running mine. I am sure that God has blessed me with some gifts that they don’t have. And when God says it’s time to move on to other things, I pray that I don’t miss my turn.
Being comfortable in your own skin is crucial – without contentment in this area, you will continually be searching for what is not lost. God has put in you everything you need. If you are comparing apples and oranges, wandering out of the vision of God for your life, you are looking for something that God never gave you; you are wasting your time trying to draw from an account you do not have. When you walk in the vision God has for you, your gifts and talents kick in and success is yours.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
What Motivates You?
For Christ’s love compels us because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
I will be upfront when I talk about love. I have only known unconditional love in two ways – from Almighty God who died that I might live again and my daughters. Jesus Christ invested his blood and sweat in us and it is his desire that we walk in his ways and live our lives for him. Similarly on a lighter and different scale, I have poured and continue to poor blood and sweat into my daughters and where your investment lies, your heart will surely be. Love motivates me everyday – love for God and an eagerness to walk in his will and love for my daughters. I rise early and I sleep late doing what I believe is most important. What motivates you and what do you spend your time doing?
God loves us and He is always there for us – through thick and thin. I personally get a little irritated by people who talk a lot about love but can’t give any – even to the ones they have been called to serve. When we are motivated by the right things making selfish decisions become a thing of the past. Full understanding of the biblical principle of sowing and reaping comes full circle. If we really love others like we ought to, we are there for them to see them develop; to see them change. We desire to be a part of their lives. We long to be as close to them as we possibly can. Talk is easy because it is so unbelievably cheap.
To love like we ought to is not one we can achieve in our own strength, we need God to help us love in the right way. Love is like a garden, it must be taken care of everyday. I once heard one of my favorite preachers talk about a man who was determined to end his marriage. As he approached their house to meet with them, the man walked out to meet him. They spent a few minutes talking about the lawn. It was beautiful, each blade facing south; all the same length. The pastor asked him how he was able to get his lawn looking so good. The man was quick to say it takes him a few hours everyday tendering the lawn. The pastor smiled and told him to spend the same amount of time everyday loving his wife and his children. If he took the time and energy he spent on the lawn on his relationships and hired a gardener to tend to the lawn, he could probably save his family.
I will be upfront when I talk about love. I have only known unconditional love in two ways – from Almighty God who died that I might live again and my daughters. Jesus Christ invested his blood and sweat in us and it is his desire that we walk in his ways and live our lives for him. Similarly on a lighter and different scale, I have poured and continue to poor blood and sweat into my daughters and where your investment lies, your heart will surely be. Love motivates me everyday – love for God and an eagerness to walk in his will and love for my daughters. I rise early and I sleep late doing what I believe is most important. What motivates you and what do you spend your time doing?
God loves us and He is always there for us – through thick and thin. I personally get a little irritated by people who talk a lot about love but can’t give any – even to the ones they have been called to serve. When we are motivated by the right things making selfish decisions become a thing of the past. Full understanding of the biblical principle of sowing and reaping comes full circle. If we really love others like we ought to, we are there for them to see them develop; to see them change. We desire to be a part of their lives. We long to be as close to them as we possibly can. Talk is easy because it is so unbelievably cheap.
To love like we ought to is not one we can achieve in our own strength, we need God to help us love in the right way. Love is like a garden, it must be taken care of everyday. I once heard one of my favorite preachers talk about a man who was determined to end his marriage. As he approached their house to meet with them, the man walked out to meet him. They spent a few minutes talking about the lawn. It was beautiful, each blade facing south; all the same length. The pastor asked him how he was able to get his lawn looking so good. The man was quick to say it takes him a few hours everyday tendering the lawn. The pastor smiled and told him to spend the same amount of time everyday loving his wife and his children. If he took the time and energy he spent on the lawn on his relationships and hired a gardener to tend to the lawn, he could probably save his family.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Grow Up; Accept Responsibility for Your Life
I see myself as relatively patient. I definitely can improve in this crucial area and I’m working on it. The one thing I however have absolutely no patience for is people who never take responsibilities for their actions. At some level, I can sympathize with them because taking responsibility is not a natural thing to have. It is mostly in part taught but can also be caught.
Unfortunately a lot of parents fail in teaching their children how to take responsibility. What ultimately results in this lack of important training is grown men and women who take responsibility for nothing. Everything that has gone wrong in their lives is always somebody else’s fault. They make a choice to screw up for selfish reasons and they point the finger at somebody else. “It’s your fault I’m like this – if you didn’t fuss at me all the time, I could have been a better parent to our children.” It’s your fault I went to work today and got fired. I yelled at my boss because of the argument we had this morning. It’s your fault.”
The sad reality is that one can never change anything one does not take responsibility for. We never get better if we refuse to simply say that “I was wrong and I am going to change things”. If we keep looking around, blaming everyone else, our lives will forever feel like a continuous toothache. You can never change what you don’t acknowledge. Taking responsibility requires a great deal of maturity that some unfortunately will never attain. God is waiting for some of us to grow up so he can bless us. Blessings do not often follow those who are irresponsible and if per chance it does, it never lasts for long.
Tragically some of us throw the things that God has given us away when we refuse to buckle down and accept responsibility for our lives. We wander from place to place looking for the next fix and living under the illusion that newer is better. We spend our God given time explaining our precarious situation to all and sundry in an effort to deflect blame from ourselves onto others. People secretly smirk and laugh as they understand that we are always the common denominator in every unfortunate situation in our lives.
It’s time to grow up – it’s time to own up to the things we have done wrong and accept responsibility for the things that have gone wrong in our lives so that the grace of God can be known to us and He can exchange our ashes for great beauty.
Unfortunately a lot of parents fail in teaching their children how to take responsibility. What ultimately results in this lack of important training is grown men and women who take responsibility for nothing. Everything that has gone wrong in their lives is always somebody else’s fault. They make a choice to screw up for selfish reasons and they point the finger at somebody else. “It’s your fault I’m like this – if you didn’t fuss at me all the time, I could have been a better parent to our children.” It’s your fault I went to work today and got fired. I yelled at my boss because of the argument we had this morning. It’s your fault.”
The sad reality is that one can never change anything one does not take responsibility for. We never get better if we refuse to simply say that “I was wrong and I am going to change things”. If we keep looking around, blaming everyone else, our lives will forever feel like a continuous toothache. You can never change what you don’t acknowledge. Taking responsibility requires a great deal of maturity that some unfortunately will never attain. God is waiting for some of us to grow up so he can bless us. Blessings do not often follow those who are irresponsible and if per chance it does, it never lasts for long.
Tragically some of us throw the things that God has given us away when we refuse to buckle down and accept responsibility for our lives. We wander from place to place looking for the next fix and living under the illusion that newer is better. We spend our God given time explaining our precarious situation to all and sundry in an effort to deflect blame from ourselves onto others. People secretly smirk and laugh as they understand that we are always the common denominator in every unfortunate situation in our lives.
It’s time to grow up – it’s time to own up to the things we have done wrong and accept responsibility for the things that have gone wrong in our lives so that the grace of God can be known to us and He can exchange our ashes for great beauty.
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